The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1922-01-26
MAN WITH DISTORTED
VISION
Rev. Herbert l.. Nichols breaches on
Interesting Text. In the Churches

was the theme of Rev II. l.. Nichols
ut Centenary Methodist Episcopal
Church last Sunday morning. using
the words found in Mark 8:24 as the
text And he looked up and said, | see
men as trees walking"
The miracles and cures of Jesus
varied according to circumstances and
the nature OF the marvel to be per-
formed. Sometimes it was instantan-
cous. at other times gradual often di-
rectly, frequently using means to
accomplish his purpose.
The healing of the blind man of
Bethsaida seems to be a work of de-
grees. He spat upon his blinded eyes,
touched them with his gracious fin
ger, and then inquired. IF he saw
aught" The reply was, Il See men as
trees. walking" He had vision, but
1t was imperfect, partial. distorted
The second touch of the Omnipotent
finger completed the miracle and then
to his great Joy, che was restored. and
saw every man clearly"
This man with the imperfect vision
Is a type of many today, their eyes
are only partially OPEN they see but
their vision is imperfect and distorted.
This is seen IN THE ESTIMATE
PLACED ON THEIR FELLOWS. They
Judge by appearances, which many
times are altogether deceptive. Some
appear enormously rich, but call for
settlement, would reveal them as
bankrupts. Some appear on brief &C
quaintance as being very intellectual,
but longer acquaintance reveals Such
intelligence as extremely narrow and
superficial. Another man may have
every appearance of honor and integ
rity. but some deplorable fall into sin
or dishonesty, reveals the true inward
ness of his character. Thus the esti-
mates we place upon others may DE
wholly, erroneous, because we cannot
see as things really are.
We clearly see others imperfec-
tons, but see their excellences and
virtues only with distorted vision. We
question the motives and the sincerity
of our fellows and put them in false
light. because of the mote" or the
"beam' In our own eyes.
The second touch of the divine hand
will cause US to see clearly the yir-
tues of others. the faults OF our cher
ished friends, and most clearly OF all,
our own imperfections.
When we consider MEMS -OBLIGA-
TIONS TO OTHERS we find many with
impaired vision. They readily see any
advantage coming to them from 9TH
err, but have very imperfect oversight
when the opportunity or duty of doing
good unto others. is in question:. In
the Church fellowship, they get from
such fellowship all possible helps and
blessings They can clearly see tbs
obligations and Responsibilities OF, the
minister. the officials. and the breth-
zen. but appear stone blind, Or TIRE
mendourly far-sghted Rs'to their. oTn
religious obligations.
u In relation to PUBLIC MORALS
AND POLITICAL QUESTIONS, men
do not always see clearly conditions
confronting them. They do not care
to know the disagreeaRle things IN
the community. They do, not wish to
know all sides Of any particular ques7
tom Indifference to great moral Is
sues. or political prejudioes beelond
the vision of mind and heart, and they
"see men as trees, walking, -. +. :!
IN RELIGIOUS CONCEPTIONS AM
DUTIES many see with half opened
eyes. The benefits from Christanit8
pro received as matter OF fact. with
out any real appreciation of Its value
anu benefit to them. They read the
Bible with defective spiritual eye
sight, and interpret it's teachings to
agree with their own pre-conceiveo
opinions. The nature of God Is dis
torted by their perverted and short
sighted understanding. The divinity OF
Je.ts Christ seems unreal. II not an
impossibilty. to their defective eyes
dazzlcd by the brightness of his glory
Their own personal relations to Him
are bewildering, because the miracle
of grace has only had its beginning In
the soul. blinded by sin, doubt and
unbelief.
As In the case of the man of Beth
saila, Jesus can open the blinqes'
eyer. partially perhaps at first. so that
then can see men as trees. walking
then II there be the longing and in
slstanee of the man of the text. the
great Sight Oliver will touch again the
ewes of the souls vision. and the spir-
itual vision will become quick and
keen to see things, even as the Master
of us all sees them, in proper relations
to things temporal and things eternal.
METHODIST CHURCH NOTES
Forty-nine young people brayed the
severe windstorm of last Sunday eve
nirg to attend the Epworth League
service, and had most enjoyable and
profitable time discussing John Wes-
Icy Jrs Bringing Up a keen inter-
est In the mastery Of the book Is evil
denced by the asking and answering
If questions by the contesting sides.
-Four new names were voted to the
membership list. Next Sunday eve
ming the chapter on Campus Days
will claim the attention of the League
and promises additional interest and
zest to this novel Church activity.
A good beginning has been made
with the Junior Choir. and it is ex-
pected they will make their initial ap-
pearance next Sunday evening.
"Found Out" will be the subject OF
Rev. L. IL. Nichols sermon Sunday
morning at 1890. Music by the chorus
choir under the direction of Mrs. Rose
t1,,,,tlI CpnIuu uohnnI nj 10 O'Clock