Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-02-05

But think of the
human kindness and simplicity of the
Redeemer here displayed 1t recalls
the marriage in Cana at which he was
a guest. That was at the beginning
of his ministry and this at its close
How better could he have demonstrat-
ed that he came into the world not to
disturb its social arrangements or mar
Its domestic joys, but to elevate them
to higher plane? Blessed be God,
we may have Jesus at our feasts and
festivals as well as at other times
and what heart, loving Jesus, would
attend a feast or festival where he
could not be a guest?
But there is a practical question
here Of another kind. When we re.
remember that Jesus knew he was to
die within week, and endure before
hand unprecedented contumely, and
desertion by his dearest friends, and
then look upon him at this friendly
board, receiving happiness from 9th
ers, and dispensing happiness to them,
must we not regard 1t as sublime
example of that confidence in God
which knoweth that he doeth all
things well? Death, sorrow, pain, de-
sertion are experiences continually
present. Some of us attempt to throw
off the thought of them with the sto-
les plea, What can't be cured must
be endured" Others seek to drown
1t in the hilarity and dissipation of
the world. But how different that
which Jesus knew, and which they
know who have received him, and to
whom he has given power to become
the sons of God? Who would not be
a Christian, a real Christian, If IL
were only for the sake of this legacy
of peace?
The Devoted Mary and the Avarlcous
Judas.
The central feature Of this supper
is the amounting of Jesus by the de-
voted Mary. The action was not un-
common in eastern lands, where the
heat is great and the feet exposed to
1t by sandals suffer from dryness and
,scorching. The motive of Mary was
her love for Jesusu. Love- not only
for what she had learned from him,
but for what he had done for her
brother Lazarus, whom he raised from
the dead. All of which comes out the
stronger In contrast with the fanati-
lcism and avarice of Judas, why was
mot this ointment sold for three hun
jdren pense, and given to the poor?"
A specimen this of the way worldly
people depreciate actions done for the
love of God only. and especially Civ
ing money for Christ's cause. Judas
said this, not because "he cared for
the poor" John says, "but because he
was thief and had the bag and bare
what was put therein" He was think
ing of himself and not the poor.
The truest friends OF the poor, the
people who do most for them, are
those who do most for Christ 1T
lis" says Bishop Ryle, "the successors
iof Mary of Bethany, and not of Judas
IIscariot, who really care for the poor"
AS another says, even If Judas had
said this from the heart 1t would have
the poor will not be benefited, because
the rich live according to their means.
Social Distinctions to Remain.
But how significant that remark of
Jesus, the poor always We have with
you" How clearly 1t teaches that
distinctions of class and rank will
never cease In the present age. 1t
was never intended that society should
become macadamized road where
all are on a level. The existence of
alone does not prove that
states are ill-goyerned, or churches
are not doing their duty. This separa-
ton between rich and poor which Je-
sus made was opposed to the spirit of
Christ, for in the true generation of
his name consists the most effectual
caring for the poor. 1t is important
to keep this in mind In this humanita.
rian age when the gospel Of good
works ESQ called) is so persistently
thrust into the foreground in opposi.
ton to the gospel Of faith. Poverty
is forever at our heels, but Christ in
the meanwhile may be vanishing
away How significant, "Me We have
not always" Oh, let us take it to
heart! Him we have no longer when
the wings of death suddenly over.
shadow us; or when our senses depart
under the influence OF disease, and the
message OF salvation no longer pene.
trates through the crowd OF unbridled
imaginations We have him no longer
when God gives US up to strong delu.
sions, and permits them to take their
permanent abode in our minds, be.
cause we have hardened ourselves
against his calls to repentance.