The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-04-21
THE sUNDAY-sCHoOL LESSON.
April %, 1900; Luke VII, 1-10-The
Centurion's Servant Healed.

There lay Capernaum. projecting into the blue
depths of Liberals. basalt-built houses stand
ing in relief against deep-green background,
its quays fringed with shipping. What hum
and trafici What greed Of power. gain
and pleasure! Religion? There is none save
that of phyIacteries and fringes-an ecclesias-
ticism fast losing its grip upon its own. and fail
ing in any considerable extent 20 command re-
spect of foreigners. But in this night OF
irreligion in this most unexpected place.
cereus of faith bursts in radiant bloom. In the
garrison. proverb OF dissipation: in the
mandant's quarters, characterized by imperial
hauteur, is found humane. humble. benevolent.
believing soul, the moral beauty OF which causes
an ejaculation of surprise and admiration from
Jesus lips. The pious spirit of the
tvrion is feeling after God II haply he may find
him. He is ready TO discard his own wornout
religion for better faith. He overcomes
that strongest of passions. the racial preju-
dice. He is ready to sit down with these hook
nosed, oily-sknned Jews. and scan their musty
scrolls. If only there he may find the way of life.
Increasing wealth has not made niggard OF
him. He builds these serfs OF his emperor
synagogue the chiseled marbles Of which. lately
uncovered. prove il one OF the most beautiful
and costly ever erected. Trained In the cruel
school OF war. yet he cannot see his slave suffer
without compunction. SO far is he above the
rather than "a He displays re-
markabe appreciation of the character Of Jesus.
He is not offended at his humble origin. He
makes no disparaging allusion to Nazareth. He
believes the Masters power may have an extra
Israelitish display: can be exercised even upon
a heathen's drudge. Overwhelmed with con-
sciousness of unworthiness. he prefers his re-
quest by proxy. not in person. Seeing the Mas
ter approach. he sends another deputation TO
~f. ha ahrevr- fHaaG of
ceremonial pollution. he will not expose the
rabbi TO such danger by asking him to enter
gentle home, especially there Is no need.
Jesus, too. is imperial commander. AT His
order disease will depart and health will come
No wonder Jesus panegyrizes such faith. He
hastens to embalm IL in His praise. He eulo-
giEes 1t. Considering its its degree its en-
vironment, 1t is unmatched by any descendant
of him who bore the of Father of the
THE TEACHERS LANTERN.
The centurion's heart good ground He
was above prejudice. Open to conviction evil
dence had full weight with him. So far he
knew, Jesus had never declined an application.
This encouraged him. though not of the favored
race to make his appeal. Would that the same
ingenious mind were in all! . There is no
reservoir of healing and cleansing power some
where In the universe. vaguely connected with
the will of God, on which may draw without
personal action on Gods part in response. The
power to help US is power held in the heart Of
God. and sent forth to alone as IL there were
none other in the universe at that instant
needing hep.-Packard. In the instance
of the centurion the worth faith is used for
the first time in the New Testament He is the
first heather admitted to the kingdom. Jesus
avails himself Of the opportunity TO enunciate
fundamental principle. In the kingdom con-
summated. in it's triumphant state. 1t is not
sacred lineage ceremonial Righteousness which
will give admission, but faith. BY this door
many from far east and far west shall enter and
sit down with the worthless of olden times at
the banquet Of redemption-a prophecy marvel
ously fulfilling in cur very day.
A Little Child Shall Lead Them.
We are aware that the little child is king or