The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-12-08
BartimeuS Healed.
Mark. X, 46-52.

die or hunger because the regulated methods ri
relief must not be overlooked on regretted. :"
in This case. Some OF those VIII" formed the
escort of .IcSIs. who were probably most demon
,laliNc in their praises, rchuk"d the man anu
told him To be quiet. 10 them his outcry was
an unwarranted interruption. an offensive inilu
sion. 4 blind man crying Tor t,rlp by the way =
side Us with much rejoicing Mc|Snh is announced
ON Ills way TO the great city. What pres'lhp'
tio,! As well might some dcnizen in The lower
tcnement> present himself iur consideration when
the president rides along the avenue TO lie in
augmatrd at the capitol. But Bartimcn| dd
not heed the words that wrr" spoken 10 INN,
His case was desperate. His faith rose above all
opposition. lie put to silence those who Wo,ld
restrain him by CRYING all til" more loudly to
the Great Dclivcrcr His appeal was from heart
less men To the loving Christ
THE CALL Ncrsc i0).-Did ever Il needy soul
cry in vain ior Divine help? II is the glory oil
the infinite that stoopS 10 the finite, that lie
turns 10 those in distress. Jesus heard the earn
Isl pleading of Barimru>, heard it above all the
shouts OF applause, above all tlI" words spoken
to suppress it, and lie paused in His Journey,
causing all others to stand still. one prayer ut
least arrested attention. and changed ior the
lime the course OF the Lords action. lie stood
in the way and commanded those who were near,
pelhaps his apostles (who, presumably, had not
Joined in the restraining words, 10 call l5arti'
nieus. or, Us Luke says (chapter Nriii:4OI, 10
bring him. doubtless to lead him, aS otherwise
he would not lind the way. This instruction TO
Others to assist may have been preceded by
Cmist's own call Cati, NN:32), ii another
apostles testimony may be accepted. The SER
vice thus imposed WAS promptly and gruciously
rendered. reversing completely those harsh words
that had been delivered at first, BE OF good
cheer, they said, hoping to diSpel all fear and
anxiety and promote a spirit OF Joyful expect
ancy. That is the first message that God sends
TO every troubled heart tIohh NN:D, message
oi promised consolation,
TIE APPROACH Nerse jO),--'rhe invitation
was quickly aud gladly needed. Casting aside
his outer garment tMait. v:iD, which WAS worn
for comfort and protection Bartimeus stood up
advanced slowly while others led the way and
came TO Jesus That WAS an act OF obeiien iaith
in the loving and mighty Deliyerer II was
doubtless intended as test and disclosure, All
who saw him come knew he was blind and be-
lieyed that he believed Moreover, the approach
made more conspicuous all the parties who Were
interested in the transaction, the inviting Jesus
The invited beggar, the helpful apostles and the
prior guardians OF propriety The steps taken
from the place where he Was sitting to the place
where Jesus was standing, occupying but Il few
moments, marked the progress and change in
the thoughts of all present. II may not be alto
gether improper to suggest that herein symbol
lied in small degree what occurs spiritually when
the sin.sick soul finds Jesus. There are some
things which hc must 10, in response TO an nyi
tution Niatt x:2s) by which he makes Il pos
sble for Jesus to do what lie proposes.
TIE QUESTION Verse SILT was most
interesting scene when the suppliant stood before
the Savior. Around the two We're gathered the
multitude, who eagerly waited in silence to