The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1912-03-12
moved evidence Of greatness in their
COnGuct
The Sick Man Richie

this paralytic. He must have been q
rare character. No whining. COM
planning, embittered chronic invalid
ne. Such friends as he possessed are
Won by another kind Of character. IN
them the MAJ was rich. lie might
nave no goods but the pallet or oniit
which constituted his bed. but he was
rich in loyal love and devotion Of at
least -four friends. Life has no great
er prize than friendship. The man
who has one true friend that Will
stand by him in adNersitN has made
d high and deep success Of life. It
Was really worth While to undergo
al the suffering which had been the
lot Of this poor paralHtic, for the sake
Of knowing that he possessed such
friends as these four.
And they. noble, loyal. resourceful.
have Won for themselves q place
among the immortal characters Of
history. Their loyalty and faithfUlnesS
have spurred friends to greater GeNo-
ton through all the centuries since.
The Will That Commands Success.
The scene is dramatic. Inside the
house the Teache is holding forth.
The crowd in and around the build
ing are so intent upon Him that they
give no heed to this one particular
group of which the paralytic is the
enter. These make their way to
the roof by the outside stair.
The company III the house sudden
~ hears a scraping and tearing
above their heads. The discourse is
interrupted-for pro ably even the
Greatest Of preachers could not hold
the attention Of His hearers in the
face OF a trivial interruption. Dust
begins to fall over all the people.
The conventional folk inside are hor-
riied al this breach of property and
prophecies. All are gazing in eN-
%pectancN upon the disturbance over
head.
Then through the opening appears
the form Of a man. let down by the
four corners Of the quilt that con
stituted his bed. The people look
in wOnderment and curiosity. They
do not see the questioning eyes Of
the Teacher Himself. who is per
haps the only person in the room APP
preciating the real significance Of
!, this extraordinary action. His feel
ings are stirred to their profound
depths. Nothing moves Him more
than faith and friendship. Little
He cares for the conrentionalities- lie
sees the great resolution to get in to
: Himself. and His heart is made glad
!. The Boon Granted.
Possibly uncertain of his welcome
: the patient was tenderly laid on the
! floor at the Masters feet: the star
ing crowd by this time having caugh1
:. somewhat Of the IIealer's interest iI
: the incident. Possibly the mar him
self was doubtful as TO the welcome
!, he would receive. The first wore
: that fell upon his ear treasured him
for it was the tender greeting. Son.
= Now, the sick man wanted health
but he needed forgiveness. Jesu'
! said. son, thy sins are forsivef
' thee He got health-plus. Coz
ALWAYS gives more than we seek. NJ
man asks him for little without re
ceiving much. Health for the bod.
was the boon this man craNed ant
a received: but with it went the ia
= richer prize Of health for his spirit
OF course the theological %Quibbler
;. were present. They did not lik'
this idea of the new Rabbi under
taking to say that he could forsiN
:, sins. With quiet dignity Jesus me
!, and silenced them by proving that II
to heal bodies. He babe the ma
talk up his bed and walk.
! He who had come in helpless sup
plication through a hole in the roo1
= went out in victory hrou"| the ope
= door. The crowds marvelled at hir
- and at the Master who d wrough
- the miracle. Then, as now. the It'd
~ lnSS ran Nldtiy thd' tiio "o9"o 20
> power to make men over INTO Tn
IS pO'
new.
le SEVEN SENTENCE SERMONS.
- There is more chance for Il cripDl
on the right road. than for a race
u on the WrOnc-D. l.. Moody.
m
The most powerful remedy again
sudden starts of impatiencc is
sweet and amiabIe Siience.-St. Fraf
q els Of Sales.
On
III No life
d Can he pure i. its purpose or stro'
Oh in its strife
We And all life not be purer and strong'
d thereby.
lis Owen Meredith.
or -
at Christian is one who does +,