The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-12-08

hcngnant conntcnancr cohtrsted slrikinglN Win
, the mingled hope and fear displayed in the face
ur the blind. and with the wounded depicted in
the gaze of the hcholdcrs. The silence was
broken by the question: what wilt thou liiat
! should do unto thec?" and the answer was
given with promptness: THAT | might perceive
my sight" There was no request for money OF
prcicrment. II only the lost sense could be rc.
stored that the outer world might again he
visible the desires would be met 1t WIS spe-
cifc good that was sought for the moment cN'
GLIDING or including all other good. The seeker
ought always To be definite. But why the qucs.
tion? Tile blind had not previously pre-
scntel his need, he had only cried Tor mercy
without SO much asking Ior what he sought
Assuming that Jesus knew his thoughts (Joln
i:.i). he yet desired the statement that the by
ISLANDERS might know, and that thus the real
purpose OF the interview might be disclosed
THE RESULT Nersc 52.)-'rhe statement by
| Bartimeus was followed by nine occurrences in
rapid succession. Four OF these are in the lesSoa
and five are given by Matthew and Luke. Ar
| ranged in order they are: First, Jesus moved
with compassion an effect produced in the heart
of the Savior; second, on account of this he
touched the sghtless eyes: third simultaneously
lie spoke, saying, receive thy sight; fourth
lie directed the beggar to go his way, dismiss
ing him to act his pleasure with his new'iound
him whole, that it il was the condition upon
which the cure was performed; sixth, immediate
~ the blind man saw; seventh, rs the process
sion moved on Bartimeus followed; eighth, like
the others he rejoiced, but more than they he
gorRed God, for he had greater reason than
they; ninth, and yet all the people joined TO
give praise unto God for His wonderful decd
Matt. v:l0). Here is an undoubted miracle
The man was really blind. The people knew it,
lie was restored by the word and touch OF Jesus
The people knew that also All who witnessed
the deed were convinced that supernatural power
had becn employed, and they gave utterance 10
their convictions in such way as 10 leave no
doubt in any mind
REFLEX TIONS.-Eyely deed Of Christ may be
viewed from various points, and new beauty will
appear from each separate consideration Noie
particularly here: First-The miracle proves the
deity Of Christ (John iii:3) Admit that the
related events are facts and the conclusion il
inevitable and irresistible. That they were facts
, no one can doubt who attaches any historic value
10 the writings OF three men, Matthew, Mark
and Luke, who We're competent witnesses Sec
ond-he cure of the blind through It's incidental
references may be taken to illustrate the work
OF grace in the hearts OF men. The parallel
must not be traced too closely or dogmulicay
some are disposed to do, through DISPOSE
! tion to spirituulize all scripture, thereby per-
yertmg it from its true purpose. Still the state
oi Blrimeus, his earnest cry, his glad response.
and the attention, word and deed OF Jesus are
like those acts by which sinners are saved
ihrd-'rhc highest use OF the passage is TO dis
play the compassion OF Jesus (Aatt. Xx:3D, For
that purpose probably il has place in the nara.
tive. As such is appropriately follows and cen
firms the statement OF verse As Jesus showed
those abont Him that He came not to receive
honor and ministratiom, hut To lo good, 10 live
an ideal life.