The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-07-14

RETURN.-This incident defeated the purpose
of the visit into those regions. Having wrought
one cure Jesus could not escape from the dis.
tressed people, who learning what had been
donc would gather quickly about Him. To re-
main would be to transfer His ministry from
Jews to Gentles, TO begin among the latter was
reserved for the apostles in later years Nlatt.
xviii: l9). Retiring, therefore, from the place
Jesus and His disciples travelled southcasterly
and came again to the Sea of Galilee (Verse 80.
They did not enter into any of the cities for
mery visited, but passed through Decapols
Ncrse 81, section of country inhabited chiefly
by heather, showing a purpose to avoid the
Jcwa, Ascending a hill and finding a retired
spot, He sat down, an attitude assumed by the
teacher (Matt. W y, gathered His disciples about
Him, and proceeded to instruct them. No rec
ord is left Of the lesson given that day in that
mountain school. Neither is one able to con.
lecture why the sacred pcnman passed the oc-
cason by in silence. 1t Of the pre-
cous seasons when great truths were unfolded to
dull hearers.
HEALING-The Great Teacher and His pupils
were not permitted TO remain long in their re-
trement. Their presence in the mountain be.
came known and many Of the people gathered
unto Him, bringing "the lame, the blind, the
manned, and Others" verse 32l, and cast them
down at Jesus feet. It was a motley company
Of the unfortunate Then, as now, men were
more concerned about their physical than their
spiritual needs, They scarcely knew that their
souls were in pitful state CRev. iii: III. And
Jesus, who came into this world to destroy sin
and promote righteousness Matt i: 2l), moved
TO compassion, put forth His power to heal. The
people were Jews, so there was no limit upon
His ministry. So numerous and great were Ills
cures that the people wondered CMatt. XIV: 3l).
It was a marvellous spectacle. The lame walked.
The blind could see. The dumb could speak.
Many voices broke forth in loud acclaim, giving
glory to the God of Israel for these miracles,
The mountain echoed and re-echoed with the
shouts OF the rejoicing of many hearts.
CONCLUSION,-Our lesson brings into special
prominence the humanitarian side OF Christ's
ministry. What lie taught in the house and
on the mountain is unrecordcd What He did
for the relief Of the little girl and of the multi
| tudse is a matter Of history, The lesson is q
promise Of the Gospels larger mission. The
| Syro,P ,Phenican woman is only the first in a great
| host in all the lands who shall cry for mercy
and who shall find it and be delivered from the
power of Satan. 1t is quite probable that Jesu,
1 made this trip at this time to instruct His dis
ciples on this point. His first word, II am
not sent" might be contrastcd with a later
word, aye are sent" They needed to know the
limits put upon Him to appreciate the large
ness Of their work. The lesson reveals the se
cret of all rghtful approach to Christ, the mode
of obtaining a blessing, the way OF release from
| sin and Satan. Faith is that one condition
| prescribed many times, without which man can
| not be acceptable to God (Heb. XII: O., with
| which he cannot fail. To him who truly be
lieyes comes the word, "Be it unto thee ever
as thou wilt"