Citation
Stories from the Bible

Material Information

Title:
Stories from the Bible for home school, and Sunday-school ; most beautifully illustrated
Creator:
White, Annie Randall
Imperial Publishing Co. (Chicago, Ill.) ( Publisher )
Place of Publication:
Chicago ;
Philadelphia ;
Stockton Cal
Publisher:
Imperial Publishing Co.
Publication Date:
Language:
English
Physical Description:
220 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 26 cm.

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Bible stories, English -- Juvenile literature ( lcsh )
Christian life -- Juvenile literature ( lcsh )
Children -- Conduct of life -- Juvenile literature ( lcsh )
Conduct of life -- Juvenile literature ( lcsh )
Children's stories ( lcsh )
Children's poetry ( lcsh )
Children's stories -- 1892 ( lcsh )
Children's poetry -- 1892 ( lcsh )
Bldn -- 1892
Genre:
Children's stories
Children's poetry
Spatial Coverage:
United States -- Illinois -- Chicago
United States -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia
United States -- California -- Stockton
Target Audience:
juvenile ( marctarget )

Notes

General Note:
Contains prose and verse.
General Note:
Frontispiece printed in blue.
Statement of Responsibility:
by Mrs. Annie Randall White.

Record Information

Source Institution:
University of Florida
Holding Location:
University of Florida
Rights Management:
This item is presumed to be in the public domain. The University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries respect the intellectual property rights of others and do not claim any copyright interest in this item. Users of this work have responsibility for determining copyright status prior to reusing, publishing or reproducing this item for purposes other than what is allowed by fair use or other copyright exemptions. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions may require permission of the copyright holder. The Smathers Libraries would like to learn more about this item and invite individuals or organizations to contact The Department of Special and Area Studies Collections (special@uflib.ufl.edu) with any additional information they can provide.
Resource Identifier:
026666193 ( ALEPH )
ALG5514 ( NOTIS )
212375380 ( OCLC )

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THE HOPE THAT IS AN ANCHOR FOR THE SOUL.



‘STORIES FROM THE BIBLE

—FOR—

Home, School, »« Sunday-School
MOST BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED

BY
Mrs. ANNIE RANDALL Waire,,

Author of “ Bible Story-Land, Ye (Ola Testament’ Edition) ; “Polite Society, at Home
and Abroad, ” and Formerly Editor ne Young Folks’ Montbly,”

CHICAGO, PHILADELPHIA, AND STOCKTON, CAL,
IMPERIAL PUBLISHING CO,
1892,



oa



COPYRIGHT BY
CHARLES S. SUTPHEN,
1892.



INTRODUCTION.



In Bible Story Land, New Testament Edition, the author
has sought to clothe the events of the Bible in such simple
and plain language that no one can fail to receive the deep
lessons which a perusal of its pages will gee! to the young-
est mind.

The Bible is the grandest book which His ever been given
to man, and the child’s education has not been completed,
- until it has been made acquainted with the high moral lessons
- inculcated within its pages.

Believing this fully, it has been a Aaboe of love to place
before our young readers a brief recapitulation of its most
important events, and if it shall serve to awaken a love for that
best of books, which shall stimulate the young student to a
more extended acquaintance with its beauties and truths, the
author will feel amply rewarded for the efforts spent in their
~ behalf.
This volume comprehends the New Testament: in con-
junction with Bible Story Land, Old Testament edition, of
1891, the story of the Bible is complete.

Mrs. ANNIE RANDALL WHITE.



POEM.

CHAPTER
POEM.

CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER

POEM.
POEM.
- POEM.
POEM.
POEM.
POEM.

I.

II.

ITI,
IV.

Vv.

VI.
VII.
VIIL.
IX,

Xx.

XI,
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
XV.
XVI.
XVII.
XVIII.
XIX.
XX.
XXII.
XXII.
XXIII.
XXIV.
XXV.
XXXVI.
XXVIT.

XXVIIL

XXIX.
XXX.
XXXI.
XXXIL.

XXXIIL
XXXIV.

AXXV.

XXXVI.
XXXVI.
CHAPTER XXXVIIL

CONTENTS.

PAGE,
Look To JESUS.......2. 0.00000, ea@edeaeneseee% erie Io
- Tue PROMISE FULFILLED. 22.0.0... ccc ceeceeeeceeees II
WisH You MERRY CHRISTMAS.... Jo .eeeesececececeee 12
HERoD’s ANGER AND JEALOUSY.,. asuiaiiale SA rock oyaieera! éMehalgai Sele 17
| JoHN THE FORERUNNER—THE First MIRACLE. ...,.... 27
DRIVING OUT THE MONEY CHANGERS: ............... 36
THE WOMAN AT THE WELL........... ois vee ea wae 39
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT..........csccceccecceece 44.
Jesus Cast OUT OF NAZARETH. ....... cc cceeee cece 48
THe MiracuLous DRAUGHT OF FISHES.......... 000006 51
Curist’s LOVING DEEDS........... cece eee eee e cues 58
THe SowER—HUSHING THE STORM.........eee eee ce. 66
CHRIST WALKING ON THE WATER..........000000..., 71
THE SINFUL WOMAN.......... 0c cece ce euceaes sieatiates 75
THE TRANSFIGURATION. 1... cee cccceeecsecnecencecs 80
JESUSIN THE TEMPLE. coi. a cain da gets wie ews ou Dass 85
RatsinG LazaARUS FROM THE DEA cen ate se neeeee ae go
THE PRODIGAL SON 4....ccsesvaccy yess aguwaal eee aoe nd 96
BuinD BARTIMEUS BEGGING AT THE GATE...........-. 99
Mary REPROVED BY THE TRAITOR JUDAS............. 104
Jesus ENTERS JERUSALEM IN TRIUMPH........00.0 0008 109
PREPARING A PLACE FOR THE LAST SUPPER.......0000 117
Peter Denies His MASTER...... ccc cece ceeeceeeece: 127
Jesus BeyORE PILATE... ...ceeseccce tees cceaceceues + 130
THE REMORSE OF JUDAS..... fee ccec cece ccc vucea cous 135
CALVARY bi Gil p reg das wees ence eae Cee oetien sas Seexe 138
CHRIST APPEARS AGAIN: glace brig id eeanrcutune tes + 5%
CHoosinc 4 New AposTLE—Day or PENTECOST....... 155
PETER Hears a LAME MAN........ cc cece cece ceeeuece 158
~SAPPHIRA AND ANANIAS STRUCK DEAD....cceecceecees 162
_ STEPHEN Digs A MARTYR........ selbis elaeield giais Saleavactree 166
Puitip CONVERTS A RICH MAN...... ec ccc cece seen ees + 169
SAUL IS CONVERTED... 6... cece cess sececeecues oasis cand ee
PETER WoRKS MIRACLES... ccc. cecececvceut cece cuve 177
PETER 1S DELIVERED FROM PRISON.......ccceeeees.... 180
PAUL AND SILAS ARRESTED. .....ccecceeeceee cece eeee 186
PauL UTTERS His DEFENCE. ...... cc cece cece cesee cee 189
Festus Hears PAu’s STORY..... ccc cceceeecccceces 201
PAUL IS SENT TO ROME......... cece cececee eusiidherwdsey 204
PauL WRITES TO THE CHURCHES...... ccc ceeecccee 209
NOWING THE SEED. ess a, ws cuaieadie ead aduiean Gaus cue, 213
“Or SucH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD”... 0 cee eeeee seas 214
“THE CHILD JESUS”.......cccceceueeeees Siew wdrrbstavg 215
THE WIDOWS) MITE vo, a viee sanece v5 MeN ate ane’ 216
DENIAL BY PETER... ccc cceceeccaecce ae eiaik ee RG ee ace 218
HOuR OF DEATH...... 1.0. ceceeeee ne Cone ee eeeerenes



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.



PAGE,

FRONTISPIECE.—Tue Horr THAT Is AN
ANCHOR. FOR THE SOUL........... RR eeS
Wish You Merry CHRISTMAS. .... Sas



re .

Goop TIDINGS..... ev
SHEPHERD AND WIFE OF ANCIENT SHILOH. ee
THE. PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE........
NAZARETH,...
AN EASTERN SCHOOL.........
THE SAVIOUR IN THE TEMPLE ARGUING WITH

THE RABBIS..........
THE BoyHoop or CurisrT.
JOHN THE Baptist PREACHING..
THE CALL OF PETER AND ANDREW. ee baleia ce
Curist FASTING IN THE WILDERNESS... ecieers
THE BEGINNING oF CHRIST’s MINISTRY......
THE MARRIAGE AT CANA
In THE Portico oF THE TEMPLE..
Drivine Our THE Monzy CHANGERS........
JOHN THE BAPTIST IN PRISON. ....,..
Tut WoMAN OF SAMARIA AT THE WELL Bbaiats
CURING THE LAME.........
AN EASTERN SYNAGOGUE,
‘Let Us Love ONE ANOTHER.”.....,
““No PROPHET Is ACCEPTED IN HIS OWN

COUNTRY ”.......%
MIRACULOUS CAST OF FISHES..... .... 7...
“RENDER UNTO CASAR THE THINGS THAT

ARE CBSAR’S”,,. ‘
PHARISEE’S ENTERING THE TEMPLE.
THE WIpow’s MIDE Stati ead hoe eae eee
AN EASTERN WELL..... er
Curist Raises THE DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS ...
WELCOMED To Every House...,
SALOME DANCES BEFORE HEROD..... asthe oie
EXECUTION OF JOHN THE Baptist....
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER.... é
HEALING THE DEMONIAC IN THE CAVES..
CosTUMEs or WoMEN oF BETHLEHEM... es
CurisT MOURNING OVER JERUSALEM ......
WALKING ON THE WATER .......
CHRIST IN THE HOUSE OF THE Rico LEprEr..
Curist’s FEET WASHED BY THE REPENTANT

Pe meer meer cree man are ar rvane

Comme teens cease



see ce ees

Sees rere ee rewnn



See emer eae cerser

ee eee

weet ewe

eee eee wr tee





wees er eee

WoMAN..... me
Curist DRIVING THE SEVEN DEVILs out or
MARY MAGDALENE......... :
“Excerpt You BEcoME ONE oF ‘THESE,”
PHARISEES STONING
TLES....... on
“HE THAT IS WITHOUT SIN LET HIM CAST
THE First STONE” .........
A JewisH WEDDING CEREMONY......... ...
CHRIST AT MARY AND MaRTHA’S. .... somite
View INsIDE THE WALL OF JERUSALEM......
THE PRopicaL Son Leavine Homr..
“He Ran AND FELL on HIS N ECK AND
KissEp Him.” .....
HEALING THE BLIND BARTIMEUS......
ee SUFFER LITTLE CHILDERN TO Come Unto
»

MEL eee ee eee eseeereues

eee ewes oe
er



CHRIST AND HIS APOS--

Iol














PAGE,
ZACCH EUS IN THE TREE. ce sscecaeescccuses IZ
THE TEN VIRGINS........cseeecceese.., +++ 104
Mary ANOINTING CHRIST WITH PRECIOUS

OINTMENT ... ...-06 cee ee eee peer eeeeee 106
Jzsus ENTERS JERUSALEM IN TRIUMPH...... 10g
Pats BorNE BY THE CHILDREN iets . I10
FORETELLING THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEM-

PLE oe eee ee eee c cece et eeensccsssecee. II2
MOSQUE OF OMAR..... .ec.c ee ceeeeee see EE
Driving OuT Money LENDERS............ II4
PLOWING IN BIBLE TIMES..... sees reaeeees« LTO
“VERILY I Say Unto Vr, THAT ONE or YE

WILL BETRAY ME."..... 0.00 ccccceccecces IB
“ HE IT Is TO wHOM I SHALL GIVE A Sop.”.. 120
“Fe FELL ON His Facs.”...... sete ees eeee 122
Curist’s AGONY IN THE GARDEN.......... . 123
THE ARREST OF JESUS..........00ececceeee 124
JUDASUKISS 5.20 so Shade pepe Gevioseneedn. 125
AN EAsTERN Noonpay REST.......4....... 126
CurisT BEFORE THE HIGH PRIEST.......... 127
PETER DENIES HIS MASTER..........000..., 128
PILATE EXAMINES JESUS PRIVATELY.......... 131
THE SCOURGING OF CHRIST. ......00.00c005, 132
Jesus CROWNED WITH THORNS............. 133
CCE HOMO S wan ch woStueuah wets ceniad shes 134
JUDAS REPENTANT,..... 0.0. ececieeceee pax 236
ON THE ROAD TO CALVARY..........0. 20, 138
Curists’ FAITHFUL FRIENDS FROM GALILEE... 139
THE CRUCIFIXION .....cccccccecescececees I40
“Tris FINISHED.” ........000. eee esas ee TAZ
DESCENT FROM THE CROSS.......000-eeesces 143
BURIAL OF CHRIST..... eee ee eee eee +» 144
CHRIST APPEARS TO MARY......0..0.c0s000, 146
TEN OF THE DiscipLes SAT wire Doors

LOCKED pends: tone ste Ieavacio bates © heeosaniie 147
GOING TO EMMAUS.....eesccccvececene eos 148
DOUBTING THOMAS..... ceccccccccccucecee 149
Day or PENTECOST.........0... seeeeees 156
**T WILL TALK oF Tuy Dorncs” 160
THE BLESSING OF THE LORD.......... 163
THE MARTYRDOM OF St, STEPHEN........., 167
UNDERSTANDEST THOU WHAT THou READ-

EST ie acies S¥aie Sad a¥ soca segs ee ieebaateow I7r
THE ANGEL OF THE LORD...........c0cceee 175
BELIEVE ON THE LorD Jesus CHRIST....... 178
THE LIBERATION OF ST. PETER...........2. 18
WE THEN THAT ARE STRONG OUGHT TO BEAR

THE INFIRMITIES OF THE WEAK,.......... 184
THROUGH THE GRACE OF OuR Lorp Jzsus

CHRIST 3 fxlocs.cb eta Baia entree eer det ES
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, LOVE............ IQI
Sv. PAUL MADE PRISONER... ..ece.eeeeeeee 192
ST. PAUL PREACHING. ....cccccceeeeeeeeees 194
Let ALL THINGS BE Dong DECENTLY AND IN

ORDER Seiya hausig Ae sion shelorsingeiaie alert honed ete 197
BE YE DOERS OF THE WORD..... secesceees 198
WAILING WALL OF THE JEWS.............. 200
St. PauL’s ARRIVAL IN ROME.........2.+00. 206
‘KEEP THE SABBATH DAY To SANCTIFY IT.... 207
APOCALYPSE oe cece cece cesceesccectee seas 212



LOOK TO JESUS.

O, eyes that are weary,
And hearts that are sore!
Look off unto Jesus,
And sorrow no more.
The light of His countenance
Shineth so bright,
‘That on earth, as in heaven,
There need ‘be “no night.”

Looking off unto Jesus,
My eyes cannot see
The troubles and dangers
That throng about me;
They cannot be blinded.
With sorrowful tears,
They cannot be shadowed
With unbelief’s fears.

Looking off unto Jesus,
My spirit is blest;
In the world I have turmoil,
In Him I have rest.
The sea of my life .
-. All around me may roar,
When I look unto Jesus
I hear it no more.

Looking off unto Jesus,
I go not astray;

_ My eyes are upon Him,

He shows me the way.

The path may seem dark © -
_ As He leads me along,
But following Jesus ©

I cannot go wrong.

Looking off unto Jesus,
My heart cannot fear;

Its trembling is still,
When I see Jesus near;

~ | know that His presence

My safeguard will be,
For “ Why are ye troubled? ”
He saith unto me.

Looking off unto Jesus,
_ Oh, may I be found,

‘When the waters of Jordan

Encompass me round |
Let them bear me away
In His presence to be:

_ ’Tis but seeing Him nearer

Whom always I see. |

Then, then shall. 1 know
The full beauty and grace ~

Of Jesus, my Lord,

When I stand face to face;

[| shall know how His love

Went before me each day,
And wonder that ever
My eyes turned away.



CHAPTER I. |
«THE PROMISE FULFILLED.

You were told, dear children, in the Bible Story Land that a
Saviour was foretold who would come and make all hearts glad.

The prophets had been promised a king who should arise
from out of the House of David, to bring peace and joy to the
‘world forever.

That promise had been made many, many years: before, to
Abraham. And.it was fulfilled amply. For there came a time
when a beautiful and pure young girl was chosen as alone worthy
of this high honor—that of becoming the mother of this S gical
kg.

Mary was the daughter of Joachim 2d Anna, and both her
parents were of royal lineage. Thus our Lord was directly de-
scended from King David, and the prophecy was fulfilled.

In that same city where Mary was born, and where she yet
dwelt, an angel came to her, and as she was alone in her home —
one day, she saw a man standing before her. She looked at him

timidly, for his brightness overpowered her.

| But when he spoke to her in gentle tones, he said words of
cheer and comfort; and yet they sounded strange and myste-
rious to her, for he hailed her as among the most favored of
women. And he bade her be rejoiced, for she was chosen as
~ the mother of the future king, the Saviour of all mankind. And
he told her that she must call the babe whom God was about
to send her—‘ Jesus.”

Scarcely daring to ask a question, she hurried away to her





WISH YOU MERRY CHRISTMAS.

TELL me the story old‘and true, _
That each glad Christmas makes so new,
How Christ was born in Bethlehem,
And cradled in a manger;
One bright star, like a diadem,
Shone o’er the holy stranger.

Say, did the Christ-child light that star,
As he came down from Heaven afar?
The wise men followed where it led,
With costly myrrh, sweet-smelling;
And kneeling, gave him gifts and said,
“Our King, all kings excelling!”

On that, the first of Christmas days,
The angels sang a song of praise,
And on this happy Christmas, they
The same sweet song are singing,
“Good-will from God to men!” they say;
Set all the joy-bells ringing.









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THE PROMISE FULFILLED. Dee 13

cousin, Elizabeth, who, though much older than she, was a dear
friend, and together they rejoiced at the promised blessing.

But this grand event was already known to others, for there
were shepherds who tended their flocks at night in the open
fields, and an angel had also shown himself to them, and told

good tidings
of great joy,

LUKE ii, 10,



them of the birth of this wondrous babe, and they hastened to
find him, that they might carry their simple offerings of fruits
and doves.

‘These plain and honest men never doubted for an instant
that the angel had told them the truth. He had promised them
good tidings, and they received them into their hearts at once.



14 of THE PROMISE FULFILLED.

But there were still other men—men of wealth and learning,
who were made acquainted with the fulfilment of the promise.
They, like the shepherds, were led by a star which went before
them, and whose rays were a guide to them, and which shone
steadily down when they came to where the young child lay.

And these wise men (or Magi as they were called) were not
men who dealt. in magic, but were wise and learned princes of
far Eastern countries. And they were given to watching the
stars, for they were students of astronomy. When they saw .
the Star of Bethlehem they remembered the prophecy: “There
shall come a star out of Jacob, and a elas shall rise out of
Israel.”

So they rose at once when they saw that star, and journeyed
on to Jerusalem. Their way lay over rough mountains, and
deep. streams, but they did not hesitate. They knew they
should find that King who had been promised the whole world.

And when they reached that city they went on to Bethle-
hem, where they found the infant lying in a manger, and going
in to the place, they threw themselves down before Him, and
offered the rich gifts of frankincense and gold and bayer which
they had brought.

Mary was betrothed to econ a man of good repute, who,
when he was told by the angel that Mary was a pearl among
women, was rejoiced to accept the great destiny which lay be-
fore them both. In his soul he thanked God for this great
honor.

And when the wise men and the srohenteite journeyed to.
Bethlehem to lay their offerings‘before the new born babe, how
happy. Joseph and Mary, the father and mother, must have felt,



THE PROMISE FULFILLED. 15

to see that precious one already acknowledged as a king. They
felt God’s goodness to them was wondrous.

There were many others who were looking anxiously for a
Messiah who should come and deliver them from their oppres-
~ sors; but God had not revealed to them where His beloved Son
was. That was a mighty secret known only to the shepherds
_ and the wise men.

_ The people were very unhappy. Their rulers were hard and
cruel, and made them pay such heavy tribute (or taxes as we
would call it now) that they were almost unable to live. Herod
cared nothing for their sufferings, and they all were waiting anx-
iously for the coming of that Messiah whom the prophets had
so long before foretold. They knew He would make their bur-
dens lighter.















































































































































































































































































































































































SHEPHERD AND WIFE QF ANCIENT SHILOH,

16





CHAPTER IL.
HEROD’S ANGER AND JEALOUSY.

It would not be possible, we think, for so strange a thing as
the birth of a little child whose coming had led men to travel
so far to worship Him, to happen, without its being talked about.
So Herod, who was King of Judea, heard about Mary and
Joseph, and the young child Jesus, and he was very much
troubled. He called the Scribes and chief priests together, and .
asked them where Jesus was to be born. They, too, knew

what the prophets of old had said, and they made answer:
“In Bethlehem of Judea; for thus it is written by the
prophet.”

And they told him that though Bethlehem was a small place,
yet there should come out from it a governor who should rule
all Israel. |

This did not make Herod very much pleased, for he was
wicked and jealous, and he feared he should lose. his throne..
He heard about the wise men coming to Judea, and he sent for
them privately and asked them a great many questions about
the star—when it had first been seen, and he talked very fairly
to them, asking them to search for the babe, and when they
had found Him, he wished them to come back and tell him just
_ where He was, and he would go and worship Him also.

Don’t you think, children, that any one would be deceived
by such words as these? Even the wise men thought he was
sincere, and they promised him that they would come back, as
soonas they found Jesus, and tell him all they could. |

2 : 17



18 HEROD’S ANGER AND JEALOUSY.

When they left Herod, the star which had gone before them
all the way, went “and. stood over where the young child was.”
How they rejoiced when they saw it stop. They knew then
their long journey was ended, and they “rejoiced with exceed-
ing great joy.” :
~ When they promised the cruel King Herod that they would
come to his palace again, they meant to keep. their word, for
they thought he would be glad to worship the young child.

But God, who knows all hearts, saw the wicked feelings
Herod cherished, and He warned the wise men in a dream not
to return that way. So they left Bethlehem by another road,
~ and went back into their own country.

When the little one was eight days old, Mary and Joseph
went up to the temple to present their babe to the Lord.

And a devout man named Simeon was there, and when Mary
held the babe in her arms, he took it and blessed God that,
though he was so old he had been permitted to live to see the
glory of God’s people, Israel. |

- And the old man blessed them and prophesied that the
infant was a sign for all the world, but he warned Mary that her
heart should be pierced as with a sword. igs 2 Pella .

And Anna, a prophetess, entering at that moment, thanked
God that she too had seen the One who should bring redemp-
tion to all the world. . 7

An angel of the Lord also visited Joseph in a dream, and
warned him that Herod, the reigning king, sought the life of |
the young child. And he told him to go into Egypt and stay
there till it was God's will that he should come back.

Joseph obeyed at once. He took the little babe and its





HEROD’S ANGER AND JEALOUSY. 19

mother, and he left Bethlehem in the darkness of the night,
and fled away into Egypt, so that Herod could not know where
they had.gone, and could do no harm to the little child.



THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE.

But when Herod found that the wise men did not come
to talk with him, he was very angry. He had felt sure he
should discover where the babe was, and he had meant. to
take its life. Was he not wicked? He was a very old man,



20 HEROD’S ANGER AND JEALOUSY.

and had already been a king thirty-seven years, and yet he
could not endure the thought of giving up his throne to any
one. | : 3
He had done many wicked things during his reign. He
had murdered his own sons, and oppressed the poor, but now
his wrath was so terrible, for he considered that he had been .
mocked by the: wise men, that he planned a terrible deed—
and that was, the massacre of all the little boys in the city
of Bethlehem, and -all the coasts around, who were two: years
of age and under. |

What a terrible command that was! And how the hearts
of Joseph and Mary must have rejoiced to think their precious
babe was safe from his anger.

But when that awful edict was carried out, a gloom ane
have settled down over that unlucky cit y. There was mourn-
ing in nearly every house. Their dear children were all
sacrificed to the. jealousy and anger of a cruel tyrant, and
nothing could comfort them, their dear little ones were all
murdered.

Herod was punished severely, be God sent diseases and
pains that were so hard to bear that he tried to take his own
life. And when he at last died, we do not think any one
- mourned, not even his own family. 7

When he was dead, God sent an angel again to Joseph,
and told him to go into the land of Israel, for the one who
had sought the young child’s life was no longer alive.

Joseph was glad to know that he could go back with |
safety, but when he heard that a very wicked son of Herod's,
Archelaus by name, was the king in the place of his father,





































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































NAZARETH. : 21



22 HEROD’S ANGER AND JEALOUSY.

his heart was troubled. He knew that he ought to go back,
and yet he was afraid of the new king, so he went into Galilee,

to a town called Nazareth.
You see what a peaceful, pleasant town it was. And how

a
(|

Tae

— a





























AN EASTERN SCHOOL.

happy those loving parents of the child Jesus must have been
to dwell where everything was so lovely around.

Here he lived for many years. And here Jesus grew into
manhood. :

“And here He went to school with other boys of His age.



HEROD’S ANGER AND. JEALOUSY. 23

The Jews were very strict about teaching their children. And
It seems strange to think of the youthful Saviour studying as
did other youths of His time.

When Jesus was twelve years old, his parents took Him up
to Jerusalem to the Feast of the Passover.

Do you know, children, what this Feast meant, or why it
was observed? Many long years before, the Lord smote all the
first-born of Egypt, and the Israelites alone remained unharmed.
So Moses instituted this festival in Sor une mo auon of We: Lord’s
gracious mercy.

When the festival was first kept passover lambs were sacri-
ficed on the evening of the fourteenth of the first spring month,
and they were eaten the next night. All leaven was forbidden .
from the meals of that and the next seven days, and the first and
‘the seventh day were considered holy.

But since the final destruction of Jerusalem, the Jews have
celebrated this feast by eating unleavened bread for eight days,
and held. other ceremonies of a religious character.

Thus has the command of the Lord been obeyed, when He
said to the Israelites:

“And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye

Shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your veneration’:
ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever.”

When Jesus went up to this Feast, which had been kept so
‘many years, He was very happy to think He should see the
famous temple. Within its walls He spent all His time, earn-
estly arguing with the wise rabbis and doctors of law, who were
amazed at the learning He showed. There was no question they
asked Him which He could not answer at once, and correctly.



TST
NH aR tet
Ar

Mt Hu















THE SAVIO
UR IN T
HE TEMPLE ARGUING WITH T
THE RABBIS

24





HEROD’S ANGER AND JEALOUSY. 25

And they crowded around the boy with wondering looks;
for never had they seen so remarkable a child before.



THE BOYHOOD OF ‘CHRIST.

But when Joseph and Mary were ready to go home, they
missed their child, and with alarm they sought for Him among



26 "HEROD 'S ANGER AND JEALOUSY.

the young people. of his own age. Next they us of the
older people. . But no one had seen Him!
That mother’s heart was filled with sadness. Where could
He be? Oh, had He fallen into the hands of His enemies, and
was she never to see Him again, were the questions she asked
herself over and over again. |

But they must know the worst, so back they went to Jeru-
salem, and after searching three days, with sad and despairing —
hearts, they found Him in an outer court of the temple, talking
earnestly with the priests and learned men. |

How thankful His mother was to see Him safe, but she
could not help chiding Him a little, for the anxiety He had
caused her.

But He asked her if she did not Know He must do His
Father’s work. . /

What work do you think ‘He meant? Why, teaching and

calling sinners to repentance. |

But He. went home with Sosepti and Mary, although He
longed to stay in the temple, for that was His heavenly Father’ Ss
house.

For many years, eighteen, He lived here with His parents,
and toiled with His own.hands. Yes, our Lord worked at the
trade of a carpenter, and His mother was cheered by His com-
panionship, and had the proud happiness of seeing Him grow
to manhood. Still His foes had not found the dwelling-place |
of the future king of all the earth, although they had searched -
‘most diligently.

— Truly Mary was happy, aul Gat she feared continually lest
those who had sought His life would find Him and destroy Him.





~ CHAPTER IIL.
JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE.

When our Saviour was about thirty, a great prophet arose,
who preached in the wilderness of Judea, =

_ This prophet was called John the Baptist. He came crying
aloud, so that all the people heard: |

“Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

He was a strange looking man—thin and wasted, and he
wore a rough garment of camel’s hair, with a girdle to fasten it,
and ate locusts and wild honey. He lived a self-denying life.
He came to tell the people of the coming of the Saviour. It
was now the Lord’s time when Jesus should go forth and
preach, and John was His forerunner. |
_ Now John knew not the Saviour as such; even though
_ He was his cousin and had played with Him in childhood, yet
he did not know who He was—that Jesus, the son of J oseph
the carpenter, was the promised Messiah whom he had been
Sent to announce to all the people. For John himself was a
great preacher, and baptized many.

And Jesus came from Nazareth to the place where John
was, to be baptized. aoa ee
| John was asked by the priests and Levites from Jerusalem,

“Who art thour” — Dae , |

And he said at once, “I am not the Christ.’ For he knew ~
that they thought he was the promised One. |

Again they asked him if he were Elias? And again he an- —
swered that he was not. |

27



28 JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE.

They became impatient, and bade him tell them who he was,
that they might give an answer to those who sent them. And





































































































JOHN THE BAPTIST PREACHING.

he made reply that he was the voice of one crying in the wil-
derness, ‘‘ Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the
prophet Esaias.”



JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE. 29
















They asked him why he baptized people, “if: he were neither

Christ, nor Elias, nor that prophet 2” |

: But he said to them that he baptized with water only, but

- that the One who was coming to them, would baptize with the
Hoy Spirit. | : | |

“He it is,” said John, “who, coming after me, is preferred

before me, whose shoe’ S latchet I am not worthy to un-

~ loose.”

The next day John saw Jesus, itd at once the Spirit of God

~ made him recognize Him as the true King, and he cried out in

— his conviction:

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away ihe: sin of

the world!” :

John had been told by the Lord that when the real Messiah

~ came, he should know Him by seeing the spirit descending

_ from-heaven like a dove, and resting upon Him.

And when Jesus asked to be baptized by John the Baptist,

the latter felt he was not good enough to perform that office,

but Jesus said, “Suffer it to be so.’

And when John obeyed, then he knew n more iin ever that

Christ was indeed the Lord.

Now others began to hail Him as the some King. Two

of John’s disciples were first to follow Him. These were Peter

and Andrew. He saw them mending their nets, se they were

fishermen. He simply said to them—

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

And they left their homes and their occupation, and became

at once His disciples.

‘Then Philip and Philip’s friend, Nathanael, joined the others.



/

30 | JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE.

They all were sure that He was the gracious Lord whom they
had been looking for so long.

































































THE CALL OF PETER AND ANDREW.

After Jesus was baptized, He began the work which His
Father had sent Him to do—to call sinners to repentance.
But first He went into the wilderness, and there He lived



JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE. 34

alone, save for the presence of His Father above, and He ate no
food for forty days, but prayed and fasted.









































































































































































































































































































































RE nae Be Ne a hE PRES OE ES teat





= a
_ 6Y DURAND.

CHRIST FASTING IN THE WILDERNESS,

Here temptation came to Him. Yes, dear children, even
the Saviour was tempted by a wicked spirit who knew He was
faint and weary with hunger. This spirit mocked Him, and



32 JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE.

bade Him turn the stones upon the mountain into bread.

-But Jesus told him bread alone would not sustain life, but
the love of God and al 1 g008 things must be present, else would
man_ perish. |

Then this same evil spirit carried Him up intoa high mount-
ain, and pointing out all the beautiful fields and woods and vil-
lages, promised Him all that He could see, if He would fall
down and worship Him.

Jesus’ answer was: “Get thee behind me, Satan. For it is
written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and pied only
shalt thou serve.”

The evil one was loth to give up his wicked attempt to con-
quer our Saviour. So once more he tried. He took Him to
the temple and placing Him on one of the highest pinnacles
he sneeringly. said to Him that if He were the ‘Son of God, he
could throw Himself down, and receive no harm, for the angels
would bear Him up, lest He should dash His foot against a
stone.

Then Jesus rose up, and with the majesty of a divine nature
ordered him to be gone, for He said,‘ ‘Thou shalt not tempt the
Lord thy God.” |

And the devil fled away, angry and defeated. |

Thus you see, that when you are sometimes. able to over-
come one temptation, others may come which are harder to |
withstand. So do not feel too strong. by yourselves, but
humbly ask your heavenly Father to be with you, and guard you.
against all temptations, the small as well as the great.

Jesus now began to work miracles. At Cana, in Gali lee, a
wedding was held, and when Jesus, who had come back to see



JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE. 33
His mother, found she had gone to this marriage feast, He went
to the town that He might meet her.






































































































































































































































































































































And He was bidden with
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THE BEGINNING.OF CHRIST’S MINISTRY.





hearty welcome to the’ house where the celebration was to be
held.

You must know how glad Mary was to see her dear Son
3



34 JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE.

once more. And how much she had to say to Him. But in
the course of the evening the wine which it was the custom to
have at all such gatherings, gave out. It had all been drank. :

It seemed to Mary, who knew that to Jesus all power was

er gp
cS, Gon : 4 a

Ml i"













THE MARRIAGE AT CANA. -

given, that now was a fitting time to have Him show that power.
So she told Him quietly that there was no more wine.

Why do you think she said that to Him? Because her lov-
ing heart was growing impatient to see Him do something that
should show to others who He really was. In those days mir-



mer aparece





JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE. 35;

acles were often worked by the prophets, and she knew that
Jesus was more than a prophet—that He was the Lord and
Saviour.

But Jesus was not quite ready to do anything strange and ~

‘miraculous. He waited His Father’s time, still, when He saw
_ that the guests were without wine, He ordered the servants

to fill six water pots that stood there with water, and bear the
liquid to the governor of the feast.

- They obeyed Him at once, and when the great man tasted
the water which had been turned into wine, he praised its flavor
loudly, and every one who drank was satisfied.

This was the first miracle that our Blessed Saviour
performed. |

And this miracle was done to give pleasure to a “festive
occasion.. Wine was not used in those days as it is now. No
feast or merry-making was complete without it, and it was
drank in moderation. It was deemed a deep disgrace to use so
much that it would make a man lose his sense of propriety and
self- Fespect



CHAPTER IV.

DRIVING OUT THE MONEY CHANGERS.

After Jesus had performed the miracle of turning water into
wine, He went up to Jerusalem, for the Feast of the Passover

was at hand.

on Taperye SURANES



IN THE PORTICO OF THE TEMPLE.
36





DRIVING OUT THE MONEY CHANGERS. 37

But here He found the temple profaned by the presence of
those who went there to buy and sell, and exchange money.
The sheep and oxen, and doves, which were to be sacrificed,
made such a noise that those who went there to worship were
greatly annoyed.



i Awsseals

° : DRIVING OUT THE MONEY CHANGERS.

Jesus. was angry at the desecration of the place, which
should -be kept. sacred, and He made a Scourge from small
cords, and drove these wicked, selfish people from the temple
and overturned the money changers’ tables. .



38 DRIVING OUT THE MONEY CHANGERS.

And to those who sold doves, He spoke more se y, but
still firmly:

“Take these things hence. Make not my Father’s house a -
house of merchandise.” :

From this time Jesus taught and worked miracles.





CHAPTER V.,

THE WOMAN AT THE WELL.

Herod was very wicked. This king was the son of Herod
the Great, who had put all the little boys to death, when our
Saviour was Himself a babe.

i T



i)

\













a ak a a is

























































































































































































































































































































JOHN THE BAPTIST IN PRISON.

He was as wicked as his father, and had thrown John the

Baptist into prison, because he had reproved him for his sinful

ways.
39



40 THE WOMAN AT THE WELL.

Our Saviour went to Galilee, and He passed through Sa-
maria, till He came to a city called Sychar. ae
_ Here He sat down to rest, for He was weary and faint. He
had walked nearly twenty miles, and neither He nor the disci-
ples had tasted food that day. While He sat by a well which
was known as Jacob’s well, a woman drew near to fill her jar.
with water.

Jesus asked her for some of that cool liquid. This woman
had not a tender heart, or she would not have answered Him
as she did. She'told Him that He was a Jew and she was from
Samaria, and that the Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with
each other. —

Our Lord spoke very kindly to her, and told her if she loved
God, and could know who was speaking to her, she would have
asked Him for a drink, and He would have given her living
water. :

Think of the wonderful goodness of our Saviour to speak
to her so gently, when He had the power to have punished her
for her selfish thoughts. Oh, children, those people who lived
when He was on earth, were indeed blessed, and they knew it
not.. But you can’ have Him with you always, in your hearts,
and it will make you grow more gentle and like Him, each day.

But when Jesus talked with her and told her about this liv-
— ing water, she grew more thoughtful and anxious to partake of
it, and she listened eagerly to His words. —

He sent her to bring her friends, that they too might hear
the word of God. He told her that she needed to have no partic-
ular place to worship the Messiah in, for He was a spirit, and
must be worshiped with the heart, and in truth! So you can



THE WOMAN AT THE WELL. 41

look up to Him everywhere, and reverence and love Him, at
home, in church, at your play, or at your daily tasks. You can





THE WOMAN OF SAMARIA AT THE WELL,

feel that His love and care are about you everywhere, if you
only ask His protection.

When the disciples came back, with the food which they



42 THE WOMAN AT THE WELL.

had been to buy, they were amazed to see their beloved Master
instructing this woman, for she belonged to a people who were
unfriendly and even savage to strangers.

















sanerbo FEU LANDs

CURING THE LAME,

She was so eager to have others hear Him, for He had made
her heart glad, that she left her water pot and went into the





THE WOMAN AT THE WELL. . 43

city and called many men to the well, saying that a man
who sat there had told her all the things she had ever done in
her life. | | pe

“Is not this the Christ?” she asked, for her people, too,
were looking for a Messiah who should come to rule over them
some day. | ete

When the men went back with her, and heard the glorious
words of our Lord, they were, many of them, convinced that
He was the Christ, and they begged Him to Stay among them
“and preach. ~ : |
_ He could only remain there two days, however, for His work ©
lay in Galilee. But many believed on Him.

Jesus worked many miracles. The blind, the lame, the
deaf, they who were born deformed and those whose minds
were gone, all were objects of compassion in His sight. No one
asked of Him help, and was ever rejected.

How He loved all His creatures—and does to-day, as much
_asthen. For did He not give His life that all who asked pardon
In His name, might receive it?



CHAPTER VI.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

bes and Phar

He taught the
And He taught

hated Jesus.

isees
and

i

the synagogues

The Scr



POY DURAND

SA







ace.







in every pl

?











In

.

people

AN EASTERN SYNAGOGUE.

44



-

a

-



“LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER.”

45



46 | THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT.

them that they must love their neighbors. He went up into a
high mountain, and when the multitude gathered around Him,
He talked to them so that all could understand.

He said to those who stood or sat around:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.” | |

He meant that all who were humble and loving, would find
a peace of mind that nothing else could give.

He promised blessings to those who mourn, for they should
be comforted. And the meek were to inherit the earth. He
said that those who were merciful should find mercy.

“ Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.”

And the peacemakers were to be called the children of God.
Is not that a beautiful promise; that those who love peace and
purity are to be the children of God? No earthly honors or .
ancestry can equal that.

He told all who followed His teachings and lived good lives,
that they were “the light of the world,” and their glory could
not be hid.

' He warned them not to hold anger against any one, but to
be reconciled at once.

Swearing is a very bad habit. Any boy who is guilty of that
sin soon loses his own respect, and the respect of others. Our
blessed Saviour said unto all:

“Swear not at all; neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne:

“Nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; neither by Jerusa-
lem, for it is the city of the great King;

“Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, ine: thou canst
not make one hair white or black.”





‘THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. 47

| Will you not remember that, when you are tempted to say
profane words? Shun those who use them. It is a sin which
you should never commit. _ |

The old law said, “Love your neighbor, and hate your
enemy.” But the law which the gentle Jesus taught, was that
of love for all. Jesus taught that we should love those who
hated us, and ask a blessing on those who say harsh and Spite-
ful things to us. He wishes us to pray for all such.

“That ye may be the children of your Father, which is in
heaven. For He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the
good, and sendeth rain on the’just and on the unjust.”

' That shows you how good and loving He is to those who
do not deserve His kindness, as well as to those who do. And
He asks you all to be as near perfect as you can.

It is very hard to say kind things to those who ill-use you.
But you can do so, if you only try, and ask God to give you a
patient disposition, and a loving heart. He knows how hard it |
is, but He is ever ready to help you. All you have to do, is to
ask Him. You will soon grow strong j in well- doing.



CHAPTER VII.
JESUS CAST OUT OF NAZARETH.

Jesus returned again to His old home, the peaceful city of
Nazareth, where His boyhood had been spent.

The old friends and neighbors were glad to see Him, and
they were proud of the fame He had won, though they did not
accept Him as their Lord. |

He went into the synagogue, aS was always His custom,
and the book of Isaiah was handed to Him to read from.

He read these cheering words from its pages:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He page
anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor.

“He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach
deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind;
to set at liberty them that are bruised.

“To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

_ Then closing the sacred volume, He sat down and began to
preach. It was the custom in those days for the preacher to
sit. All eyes were fastened upon Him. And they listened,
pleased at His gracious words and gentle manner.

But they began to question each other:

“Ts not this the son of Joseph, the carpenter P”

He told them that He was sent with the message of redemp-
tion to them.

“No Bou is accepted in his own country,” He said,
sadly.

He warned them that God would send His grace upon



JESUS CAST OUT OF NAZARETH. 43

others more deserving if they were not careful. He told them
of other peoples who listened and believed, and how they were
blessed.

He chided them for their indifference to His mission, and
as they heard Him, they began to grow very angry, and to ask
what right He had to preach at all, and how He dared to reprove
them.

How dared He, tHiey said, claim to be the coming Messiah—
He, the son of a carpenter, whom they had seen grow up in
their midst.





















































































=o 5 = PO
ZODEFROY PURAMD o "*

“NO PROPHET IS ACCEPTED IN HIS OWN COUNTRY.”



50 JESUS CAST OUT OF NAZARETH.

Their anger grew each moment more fierce, and from being
glad to hear His loving words, they rose in a body and thrust
Him from their midst.

Yes, these old friends and neighbors laid rough hands upon
the gentle Jesus, whose heart was filled with love and compas-_
sion for them. Seizing hold of Him, they cruelly dragged Him
out of the synagogue, and to the brow of a hill, where they
-would have hurled Him down, but He, passing through the
crowd of angry men, hid Himself from their sight, and they
could do Him no harm.

He never went back to Nazareth again.



CHAPTER VIII.
THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES.

When our Lord left Nazareth, He went down to the quiet
and beautiful Lake of Gennesareth.

Many people lived on the borders of this lake, who caught
fish, and sold them in the towns around.

Peter was still fishing here. Often he had bad luck. No
fish would come to his nets, and one day after Jesus had —
finished his sermon, He told His disciples to push the boat out
into deep water, and let down their nets.

They had toiled all night, and caught nothing. When Peter
obeyed him, the nets filled with fish so fast that their weight
tore them in many places. _ | .

Peter called John and James to help him; soon the boats
were full, too. How grateful Peter was. But the Lord told
him that henceforth he must give up fishing, and follow Him.

~.

\\l



MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES,
54



52 - THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES.

Near this lake Jesus worked faithfully in His Father’s cause,
calling sinners to repentance. People came to hear Him from
far and near, for His words were so full of tenderest love, and
His compassion for their sins was so great, that He touched
many a heart that had been given over to evil.

He often entered the synagogues and taught, and still the
people pressed around Him, until the house would hold: no
more. Then He went into the open air, where His voice could
be heard by all.

Here He healed a man whose hand was withered,

The Jews were watching Him closely, and they murmured
because He did good works upon the Sabbath day. He asked
them if it were lawful to do good upon that day, or rather to
do evil—to save life, or to kill? But theyecould not answer.

They determined to kill Him, and so they accused Him of
casting out devils by the help of the prince of devils, Beelze-
bub, but He again puzzled them by asking, if He were Satan,
how He could cast out Satan ? ,

Our Saviour loved to talk in parables. He often told His

hearers great truths under this guise. Thus He told them of

a certain man who planted a vineyard and set a wine vat therein,
and built a hedge all around it, and made it very beautiful for
any one to occupy. He then rented it out to husbandmen, and
when the fruits of the harvest were ready, he sent a servant
to them, expecting to receive some of the products.

These ungrateful men beat the owner’s messenger, and sent
him away empty handed. Again he sent another servant, and
he was treated worse than ilies other. The third man he sent
was killed.



THE MIRAC. ULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES. 53

Still he bore with them, and now he thought, “I will send
my only son, whom I love SO dearly. Surely they will rever-
ence him.”

What did those wicked husbandmen do? They reasoned
among themselves: “This is the heir; come, let us kill him,
and the inheritance will be ours.”

And they killed this young man, and cast his body {rom out
the vineyard.

Then the anger of the Masia of the vineyard was roused,
and he destroyed these men, and gave the vineyard to others.

The Pharisees who heard Him, knew that He read plainly
the wicked thoughts in their hearts. He knew they meant to —
destroy Him, and they went away humiliated and angry.

But they were never weary of trying to make Him utter
something which they could call treason, for they wanted the
law to seize Him and punish Him. So they sent some of their
learned men to Him, and asked Him if it were lawful to eNe
tribute unto Cesare

The tribute money or taxes, were very heavy upon the
people. They had to give tithes of money for each male citi-
zen, and they had to give of the first fruits of the harvest, and .
the first-born of all their domestic animals. Then they were
taxed for the poor, and taxed for their priests or ministers, as
they are called to-day. So that a man had to give a great deal
away in the course of a year.

They asked Him: “Is it lawful to give tribute to Cesar?
Shall we give, or shall we not give?”

He knew what hypocrites they were, and He bade them
bring him a penny.



54 THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES,

When He had looked at it He asked, “ Whose is this image,
and whose this superscription P”

And they said, “ Ceesar’s.”

7
/

Set Ae

ee

pei meg

LZ

‘ee





















“RENDER UNTO CAESAR THE THINGS THAT ARE C/ESAR’S.”

_ And Jesus answering, said: “ Render unto Cesar the things
that are Czsar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”



, THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES. 55

He meant that Cassar was an earthly king, and should re-
ceive earthly tribute. .But God, who is our heavenly King,
desired the purer tribute of an obedient and adoring soul.

Jesus sat in the temple, and saw the Pharisees coming in,
and He knew they all made great pretence of humility.













































































































































































































































































































= Sa=
—_ ~

FEN BURAN Pr



PHARISEES ENTERING THE TEMPLE,







56 THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES.

While He was watching the people passing in and out, and
saw them casting their coins into the treasury, He observed
that many of them, who were rich, gave largely.

iL i oh

a Osram He il fail a

ie D



.

THE WIDOW’S MITE.

“And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in
two mites, which make a farthing.



_ THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES. 57

“ And He called unto Him the disciples, and saith unto them,
Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in
than all they which have cast into the treasury. |

“For all they did cast in of their abundance, but she of her
want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”



CHAPTER IX.
CHRIST'S LOVING DEEDS.

Jesus came down from the mountain, and the people fol-
lowed Him in great crowds. His work was just begun, and
while many doubted, great numbers listened gladly to His
words, and believed that He was the King for whom the weary
people, weary with waiting, had looked so long.

A leper came to Him, and with perfect trust said:

“Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.”

His faith was rewarded, for the divine hand was put forth,
and the leper, whose* unclean body filled all with terror, was
touched, and lo, he became clean and fresh as a little
babe.

A centurion, who was a great man in those days, for he com-
manded many men, begged Jesus to come and see his servant, _
whom He was very much attached to, and who was home sick
with the palsy. This centurion, though rich and influential,
was very humble in his prayer, and asked the Saviour merely to
_ speak the word, and his servant would be a well man.

His humility so touched the heart of Jesus that He told
~ those who were near, that He had not seen such great faith, no,
not even in Israel. ;

He granted the officer’s petition, and healed the servant.

And He cured the mother of Peter’s wife; who lay ill with
a fever.

Thus you see, children, that all our Lord’s acts were acts of
mercy, all His teachings were those of love. Do you not think

58



9

- CHRIST’S LOVING DEEDS. 59

you would be very happy if you loved Him, and tried to be
gentle and kind as He was?

I will tell you a very beautiful story of a great ruler, who
had a daughter, an only child, who was very lovely. How he
must have loved that child, so fair and sweet she was!





AN EASTERN WELL.

But alas! she was taken sick, and her parents were so anx-
ious they knew not what to do. Then the father came unto
Jesus, and told Him how sick his little daughter was, begging
Him to come to her. Jesus went with him toward his home,
while crowds followed.



60 - CHRIST’S LOVING DEEDS.

But on their way, they met a messenger, who said they need
not come now, for the girl was dead!

How that father must have felt! All the joy must have gone
out from his heart at once. But Jesus looked tenderly on
him, and said:

“ Be not afraid, only believe.”

What did He mean ? | fa

They came to the house where the dead girl lay. Here the
mourners were screaming and crying, and tearing their clothes.
And Jesus said calmly to them: a

“Why make ye this ado, and.weep? The maiden is not »
dead, but sleepeth.” | | : |

And the mourners “laughed Him to scorn.” But He sent
them all away, and taking the parents into the death chamber,
and Peter, and James and John, He went to the couch where
she lay so still and cold, and taking her by the hand, He said:

“ Maiden, I say unto thee, arise.” |

~ And she rose up, as bright and well as she was before she |
was taken sick. And He told her father and mother to give
her something to eat. |

Now Jesus called unto Himself the twelve apostles, and sent
them away, two by two, and gave them power to do His work—
to cast out evil spirits, to heal the sick, and to preach salvation.
And everywhere the people were praising this great Teacher,
who was performing miracles, and teaching the people a new
doctrine—one of love to all men. |

When Herod heard of it, his conscience grew fearful. For
he thought that John the Baptist had risen from the dead, and
would upbraid him. |



CHRIST’S LOVING DEEDS. — 61

i, Zz





































aa

oa 4 i |

CHRIST RAISES THE DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS.

Herod had thrown John into prison, because he had
blamed him (the king) for his evil life. Herod had made his
brother’s wife queen, which was very wicked. And Herodias,
as this wicked woman was named, hated him. And one day
when Herod had a large number of nobles at his palace in honor



62 CHRIST'S LOVING DEEDS.
of his birthday, she sent in her daughter Salome, to help enter-

tain the king’s guests.
Salome danced very gracefully, and Herod was so pleased

ays)

ay PMP ue

SS) —— |,

aS ees =
eben ae = BS eae oerRaY DURAN SE
WELCOMED TO EVERY HOUSE.

with her that he made a vow that she should have whatever
she wished, even if it were half his kingdom. .





CHRIST’S LOVING DEEDS. 63

The young girl did not think of anything which she needed,
~ and so she ran and asked her mother what she should ask for,
and that wicked queen told her to demand the head of John
the Baptist.

_ The young girl was not frightened at her mother’s order,
but went at once to Herod, and asked that the head of the
prophet might be brought to her upon a charger. That was a
dish much in use, something like a platter.

The king was much troubled, but he had sworn an oath that
he would give her what she asked, and he dared not break it,













=m iy cv i Hil Th

3 oe | ie 2a m=
NSS 5 NU ; >] sla aX BS

\e A ZE - 4

i
A Cie NY



CXS hs s



SALOME DANCES BEFORE HEROD.



64 - CHRIST’S LOVING DEEDS.

so he sent an executioner secretly to the prison, and John was
beheaded, and the head was brought to Salome, who took it to
her mother, who was happy now that she had this good man slain.







































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































SS LODE FAO DURAND

EXECUTION OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.

And the disciples of John went to the prison, and sadly
took the body of their teacher and guide, and laid it away in the
tomb. |



“CHRIST'S LOVING DEEDS. . 65

No wonder that Herod was filled with terror when he thought

that the prophet whom he had murdered was risen from the
dead. But Jesus departed into a desert place without letting
any one save His disciples know where He was going.
- But He could not keep the people from following Him.
They ran ahead of Him, and they followed on behind, and His
loving heart would not let Him refuse to teach them, for He
saw they were as sheep without a shepherd, so He taught them
many things.

As the night drew near, the disciples wished Him to send
them away to their homes, and into the villages near by, for
they were hungry, and there was no food for them.

~ Jesus bade them feed them, but they told Him how little
they had, and He said: ©

“How many loaves have ye?”

When it was counted, they had but five small loaves, and
two fishes.

He commanded them to sit down upon the grass, in com- :

panies of hundreds and fifties, and taking the loaves and fishes
He looked up to heaven, and blessed the bread and broke it,
while His disciples went round among the people who sat upon
the grass, and gave it to them. And the two fishes were di-
vided in the same manner.

All ate heartily, and when the meal was over, the disciples
gathered up twelve baskets of fragments.
_ Think of the wonderful kindness of our blessed Lord. He
taught and filled their souls with the true food which would
fit them for a happy life after death, and yet this divine being
remembered that they were human, with earthly needs, and

He ministered unto them also.
5



CHAPTER X.

THE SOWER—HUSHING THE STORM.



ise ee 5 SPOLELAO, DURAME

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER.

A parable is a story with a hidden meaning, or rather one
which can be applied to certain truths. One which our blessed
Lord told was the parable of the sower.

The multitude was so great that the Saviour left the shore,
and went into a ship which was moored there, and then He

spoke about the man who went forth to sow seed.
66



THE SOWER—HUSHING THE STORM. 67

Some seed was scattered so carelessly that it fell by the side
of the road, and the birds picked it up.

Some fell on stony ground, where the earth was so shallow
that it sprang up at once. And as soon as the sun rose, it
scorched the young plants, because they had no good root, and
they withered away.

More seed fell among thorns, and the thorns choked them.

But some of the seed fell on good ground, and brought
forth plenty of good fruit. |

Children, which soil would you wish. youre darts to be—the
careless, unthrifty one where the good thoughts that Spring up
do not live because the selfish thorns choke them, or the
rich, good soil where pure deeds and kindly acts thrive and
grow, till they bear fruit that will nourish all around ?

[am sure you all would wish the good thoughts to live
forever.

The Saviour and His disciples were exhausted. For hours
He had been talking to the people, and worn and weary, He lay
down in the boat as it glided over the Lake or Sea of Galilee,
and fell fast asleep.

A terrible storm came up; one of those so common in that
country. The boat rocked to and fro, now dipping almost to
the water’s edge, and now riding. high upon a wave which
seemed ready to swallow it up.

The disciples were alarmed. They knew their Master was
tired, and yet they were so terrified that they almost began to
fear He did not care for them.

“ Master,” they cried, “ carest thou not for us!”
He heard their cry, and rising, He said to the angry waves:



68 THE SOWER—HUSHING THE S TORM.

“Peace, be still!” and at His command, the howling wind
died away, the waters became still, and all danger was over.
~The next morning they crossed the sea over into the country
of the Gadarenes.



HEALING THE DEMONIAC IN THE CAVES.

As they landed, a fearful looking being rushed angrily at
them. He was a lunatic, a man who had lost his reason. He ~
dwelt among the rocks and caves, and no man could calm him,
and no man knew where he found his food.

When he came running toward the Saviour, the disciples



THE SOWER—HUSHING THE STORM. 69

trembled. They saw he was a man of immense strength, and
what was their surprise to hear him say: |
_ “What have I to do with thee, O-Son of the Most High! ”
Jesus answered:
~ “Come out of this man, you unclean spirit!”

The spirit screamed fiercely, but it had to obey.

The Saviour inquired of the man his name.

“My name is Legion—for we are many.”

This meant that more than one spirit tormented this poor
man. They begged of Jesus that He would send them into a
herd of swine that were feeding a short distance away.

He said: ““ Go.”

As soon as the spirits entered the swine, the whole of them,
two thousand, ran down the’ steep bank into the : Sea, and were ©
drowned.

And the man who was cured, went to his friends and told
them what Jesus-had done for him.





























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































SSS SS























































































SSS







Tt SSS SS



































































































































































































































COSTUMES OF WOMEN OF BETHLEHEM,



CHAPTER XI.
CHRIST WALKING ON THE WATER.

How bitterly the Pharisees and Scribes hated our Saviour.
They were jealous of the hold he had upon the hearts of the
people, and they feared their old laws and customs would be
overthrown, if He were allowed to continue teaching.

They watched Him continually, ever finding fault with Him,
and trying to make Him say or do something that would be
breaking their laws, SO that they might seize Him and torment
Him.

They tempted’ Him to give them a sign from heaven, but
He sighed at their hardness of hearts, and told them they should
have no sign.

But from this time forth, Jesus teen to prepare His disci-
ples for the sad days which were coming, when. He should go
up to Jerusalem, and suffer many insults at the hands of the
elders and the people. He also told them He should be killed,
but He should be raised again on the third day.

~ He lamented over Jerusalem, that city which He loved so
dearly, and which was to be His place of suffering.

It grieved these faithful followers to hear Him talk of His
~ coming trial, and Peter in a sudden burst of grief, seized hold
of His garments as if to keep Him back, and cried out:

“Lord, this shall not be unto thee!” |

Jesus turned, and said sternly to Peter:

“Get thee behind me, Satan! Thou art not of the things that
are of God, but those that be of men.’
71



72 CHRIST WALKING ON THE WATER.



















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































|

——.
ea ASUAUPA ND.





















2 CHRIST MOURNING OVER JERUSALEM.

You see it was the will of His Father in heaven that these
things should happen, and Peter was unconsciously trying to
prevent their fulfillment.

After the hungry crowd had been filled by the wonderful
power of the Saviour’s bounty, He retired to a mountain side
to pray.

Though the night was dark and dreary, Jesus felt refreshed,
because He could pray to His Father without being molested.

The disciples had entered the boat, intending to sail to the
other shore. But the storm was so severe they were nearly



CHRIST WALKING ON THE WATER, 73

powerless ic guide the boat through the stormy waters.

They were beginning to fear that they should be wrecked,
when in the darkness of midnight they saw a man walking upon
the water as easily as they could tread the dry land.

Instead of feeling assured, they were alarmed, and cried out
in terror? es

“Tt isa spirit!”

_ Jesus’ reassuring voice was heard, and these were the words
He spoke:

“Be of good cheer. Itis |. Be not afraid.”

Peter could not have really believed it was his Master, ‘else
he would not have asked Him if it were truly Jesus, if He would

let Him come to Him on the water.
“Come!” said his Lord.
_ At once Peter went over into the water, and tried to walk,
But he sank, and earnestly he cried:

“Lord, save me!”’
Jesus asked Peter why he had so little faith. .And he could
not answer. But the disciples felt happy now that their beloved
~ Lord was in the boat with them again, and the storm died away,
and they landed in safety on the opposite shore.























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































CHRIST WALKING ON THE WATER































































































































































































































































































CHAPTER XI.
THE SINFUL WOMAN.

Christ’s life was no, longer safe in Jerusalem. Plots were

laid constantly to get possession of His body. |

He knew their evil designs, but it had no effect upon Him.
As ever, He labored to help all who would be helped into a better .
way. His work was a high and glorious one, and He regarded
not His own safety.

A rich Pharisee sent Him an invitation to come and dine
- with him. Now Simon was nota real enemy of the Saviour’s,
neither was he an open friend. He wished to hear what: Jesus
would talk about. So he asked several friends of his own sect
to come;.t0o. 2: aye | ae

How did Simon receive this guest whom he had asked to
his table? In the same manner as he did the others, with a
‘kiss of peace 2. And did he instruct his servants to wash His
feet, and anoint His head with oil? .

Oh, no, this haughty Pharisee would not pay this compli-
ment to a guest of such lowly estate. He perhaps felt he had
— paid Him attention sufficient by asking Him to his house.
The guests were many, and were all placed around the table,

reclining on couches, as was the custom in that country. Jesus

was among them, and many. questions were asked Him, you
_ may be sure. :
While they sat at the table, eating and talking, a woman came
in who was so wicked that the Pharisees drew back in disdain.
Going to the Saviour, she threw herself at His feet, and
'



76 THE SINFUL WOMAN,



while the tears of sorrow for her sin flowed freely down her
face, she took a box of costly ointment from her pocket, and
began to bathe His feet with her tears. She then wiped’ them
with her long hair, and poured the precious ointment upon
them. | ;



THE SINFUL WOMAN. 77

Simon was very indignant. “Surely,” he thought, “ if this
man were a prophet, He would know just who this woman was.”

The Pharisees had no pity for those they called sinners.
They thought they were so holy themselves that no one should
approach them who wag. wicked.









CHRIST’S FEET WASHED BY THE REPENTANT WOMAN.

Jesus knew what Simon was thinking. And so He said,
“Simon, I have something to say to you.”

The host nodded his head, and bade Jesus say on.

Then our Lord told him a story of a man who lent two other

te



78 THE SINFUL WOMAN. .

men some money. One man owed him a very large amount,
but the other one only owed him a little. When he found
neither could pay him back the money, he freely forgave them
both.

Now Jesus asked Simon which of those men would love
their creditor most P

Of course Simon made answer that the one who owed him
most would love him best. |

Jesus told him he was right.

So you see no one need be afraid to go to God, no matter
how deeply he may have sinned against Him, and ask His ©
forgiveness.

Then the Saviour turned toward the woman, and said:

“Simon, this woman came into your house, and washed my
feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
You gave me no water for my feet when I entered your door.
No oil was put upon my head, ae she’ has anointed my feet
with ointment.

“Her sins were many, but they are forgiven. She loved
much, but those to whom little is forgiven, love little.”

The guests who heard these words were amazed, and asked
who this man was who forgave sin.

And He said.to the sorrowing woman: “Go in peace.”

And as He went through the villages many women welcomed
Him, and ministered unto Him.

Among these women were Joanna and Susanna, and many
others. Some of those who were so kind to Him, and cared
for His needs, were those from whom He had driven unclean
_ Spirits.



THE SINFUL WOMAN. 79

Mary Magdalene was among them. Our Saviour had cast
out seven devils from her, and now she was a good and pious
woman.



CHRIST DRIVING THE SEVEN DEVILS OUT OF MARY MAGDALENE,



-~ CHAPTER XIII.
THE TRANSFIGURATION.

In six days from the time when Jesus had made His disci-
ples so sad by telling them of His coming death, and when Peter.
had been almost led into great sin by declaring that it should
not be, the Saviour took Peter, James and John, and together
they went up into a high mountain, apart from the rest of the
disciples.

This mountain was very high and hard to climb. The three
followers were very weary. They had preached and labored
hard all that day, but yet they were ready to follow Him wherever
He led the way.

When they reached the top of the Roun they were so
exhausted that while their dear Master went a little way off to
pray in silence, for still HC strength, these tired men fell
fast asleep.

They were suddenly awakened by what seemed a bright |
light, and they saw Jesus standing between two men, whom
they knew were Moses and’Elias. |

And the face of the Saviour shone like the sun. A light —
beamed from it which was so bright it almost dazzled them;
and His garments were white and shining. _

Peter’s heart was full of awe and reverence. He said to the
Saviour:

“Lord, it is good for us to be here.”
He wanted to build three tabernacles there, one for Jesus,

. one for Moses, and one for Elias.
80



THE TRANSFIGURA TION. 81

_Even while he was speaking, a luminous cloud appeared, and
a voice came from it, saying:
“This is my well-beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Hear ye Him.”

The disciples fell upon the ground, with their faces hid, for
they were afraid.

But they felt the gentle touch of Jesus, and heard His dear
voice bidding them to rise, and to have no fear.

And lifting up their eyes, they saw that their Master was
alone. The prophets had passed from their sight. Jesus
charged them to tell no one what they had seen until atter He
had risen from the dead.

And they spoke of it to no man.

The next day as they came down the mountain aan a man
pushed his way from among the crowd of people who met Him,
and hailing Him as Master, told Him about his young son who
was possessed by a spirit that tore him, and dashed him around,.
and made him foam at the mouth.

The man told Jesus his pitiful story as he knelt before Him,
beseeching Him to help the boy.

He told the Saviour how that he had asked the disciples to
cure his boy, but they could not do it.

Jesus bade him bring the boy to Him, and -rebuking the
evil spirit, it left him, and from that moment the child was well.

The disciples asked Jesus why they had failed to cure this
case, and He told them that they had not prayed or had faith
~ enough.

How ashamed they must have been to think their Lord had
to reprove them for their lack of earnestness. He had taught

6



82 THE TRANSFIGURA TION,

_ them and prepared them to take up His work of love and heal- |
ing, and yet they were wanting in faith! | |
Just after this reproof, which should: have wounded them
to the heart, He heard them disputing as they walked ahead of —
Him on their way to Caperneum.
Not a word did Jesus say about their quarreling until He _
reached the house where they. were to Stay and rest. Then
He asked them what they were saying? |
And again they had to confess what they should have been
ashamed of—that they were arguing which should be the
greatest when they should come into the kingdom of heaven!
For they knew their Lord would bea king, and they felt
Sure that they should be with Him in glory, and they each
thought that he himself should be the one to receive the great-
est honor. . Tee Se gro we oe
_ Jesus answered them thus: Calling a gentle little boy unto
Him, He pointed to the child, and said: a
“Except your hearts are changed, and you become as little
children; you cannot come into the kingdom of heaven.”
He told them further, that the one who was as humble and
unpretending as that child, would be the greatest in heaven.
~ Little children, are you always humble and gentle, thinking
more of the happiness of others, than of your own? That is
aS your precious Saviour would have you. Every child can be- |
come this, if he tries. It may be hard to conquer all selfishness,
but when you have succeeded, how happy you will feel. For
you will be sure that God loves you, and you will be filled
with joy. 7
Daily the labors of our blessed Lord grew greater. The



THE TRANSFIGURATION. 83











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_ world seemed full of sin and suffering; from all parts came the
Sick, asking that Jesus give them His healing touch; the sad
and sorrowing came to hear the precious words of comfort
that fell from His lips.

So He sent out seventy men to whom He gave power to do



84 THE TRANSFIGURATION.

the works which He did; to heal and instruct. And to them
He said: |

“The harvest is great, but there are few to labor in the
fields.” He told them to carry neither money, nor scrip, nor
shoes, and to spend no time idly talking by the way.

When they entered a house, they were to say: “Peace be
to this house.”

If they were not received Rindly, they were to leave the
place, and to shake off the very dust that was on their feet.
And they went forth on their errand, and returned joyfully, for —
they had done great works through the power of God’s holy —
‘name.

Christ likened Himself unto a shepherd, who careth for his
sheep.

How these words ring in the ears of all who ive Him:

“Tam the good Shepherd. The good eaerocs giveth his
life for*the sheep.”

Is not that a joyous thought that our Lord | loves us so that
we are to Him as sheep, whom He will gather into His fold?
That He will lead us and care for us, wherever we are? You
know David, the Psalmist, wrote a tender song when he said:

“The Lord is my shepherd; / shall not want.

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leader
me beside the still waters.”



CHAPTER XIV.
JESUS IN THE TEMPLE.

A feast held in. great honor was now drawing near.

This festival was held to commemorate the goodness of |
God in giving them abundant crops of fruits and grains.

Every one who could leave home journeyed up to the holy

city to partake of its enjoyments. From far and near they
* came,

Jesus refused to go with His inane when. eye invited
Him. They could not persuade aus to go with them, so they
started on without Him.

But after the town was nearly deserted, He followed on,
_ with His disciples.

This feast lasted eight days. On the fourth the Jews, who
had been anxiously asking for Him, were surprised to see Him
enter the Temple, and at once begin to Bie to all who were
. there.

Jesus sat ina porch in the temple, ca lled Solomon’s. As —
usual, the Jews, who hated Him so bitterly, gathered around
Him and urged Him to tell them truly if He weve the Christ.

They wanted Him to declare that He was, so that they could
find fault with Him, and also find an excuse for their own
hatred.

He told them that He had told them that He was, and they
would not believe Him. Neither would they heed His voice,
because they were not His sheep.

He also said to them that He gave them eternal life, as did

85 ;



86

JESUS IN THE TEMPLE.

His Father also, and that no one could take them from His
Father’s hand.
“T and my Father are one.” 2
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PHARISEES STONING CHRIST AND HIS APOSTLES,

Him. He asked them for which of His good works they stoned

Him.

They answered, for norie of His good acts that He had done,

but because He, bein
Himself a God.

g aman, blasphemed, and tried to make



JESUS IN THE TEMPLE. 87

Jesus repeated His words that He was the Son of God, and
that the Father and He were one.

Now their anger rose to a terrible point, and they seized
stones to kill Him. But He passed out of their sight. In a
moment He was gone, and they knew not where to find Him!

While He was in the Temple, among other things which
they did to torment Him, they brought a woman into His pres-
ence, whom they despised, for she had done some sin which,
by their law, was punishable with death.

They tried to make Jesus say what should be done with her.

Milita



“HE THAT IS WITHOUT SIN LET HIM CAST THE FIRST STONE.”



88 JESUS IN THE TEMPLE.

Again and again they put the question to Him, but He re-
mained silent.

Stooping, He began to trace letters upon the ground, as
though He heard them not. :

At last growing weary of their persistence, He raised Him--
Self to His full height, and looking sternly about Him upon the
cruel and pitiless men who gazed so angrily upon the shrinking
woman, he said: i

“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone
at her.”











































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A JEWISH WEDDING CEREMONY,



JESUS IN THE TEMPLE. — 89

Every man knew that he had sinned in some way quite as
deeply as this poor woman, and not a word did they answer,
but stole away, one by one, until only Jesus remained.

Turning to her, He said in gentlest tones:

“Who accuses thee? Has no man condemned thee 2?”

She said: “No man, Lord.”

His answer was: “Neither do I condemn thee. Go, and
sin no more.”



CHAPTER XV.

RAISING LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD.

About fifteen furlongs from Jerusalem was a beautiful little
_ town called Bethany. It was situated on the eastern slope of
the Mount of Olives. Its name had a very pretty meaning—
“Bethany, the house of song.” Although it was quite a good-
sized place so many hundreds of years ago, to-day it is nearly
desolate, for not more than twenty families live there.

In that village a small family consisting of two sisters and a
brother dwelt, whom Jesus loved very much. Whenever He
was near Bethany He always went to their home. The two :
sisters were never so happy as when He honored their house
with His presence, though they received Him ina very different
manner. . : | : !

Martha, the eldest, loved to show her respect. by putting
the house in order, and preparing Him nice meals, but Mary
would neglect to help Martha about these tasks, and chose to
sit at the feet of Jesus and hear Him talk. She thought most
of learning from Him how to live, and how to be ready to die.

Jesus loved them both, and they loved Him as their best
friend. | : 7
Lazarus, their brother, fell very ill, and they sent word at
once to Jesus, saying: | |

“Lord, he whom thou lovest, is sick.”

His answer was, that this sickness was not unto death, but
that God might be glorified. And although the sisters had
begged Him to come, for they felt that He could cure their

9



RAISING LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD. ee



CHRIST AT MARY AND MARTHA’S,

brother at once, He staid two days more where He then was

He then said to His disciples that they would go into Judea,
but they tried to persuade Him not to, for they remembered
that the Jews there had taken stones in their ‘hands to stone
Him. to death.



“92 = RAISING LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD.

He said that Lazarus, their friend, slept, but He must go and
awaken him. |
The disciples told Him that if Lazarus slept, he was getting
better. Jesus knew that they did not understand Him, and He :
spoke more plainly: . | |
“Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was
not there, for | want you to believe. But we will go to him.”
Thomas, sometimes called Didymus, felt very sad. He
feared his Lord would be killed, but He was anxious to be with
his beloved Master, and he said to the others: — |
“ Let us go, too, that we may die with Him,” o
So they all went with Jesus, and when He reached Bethany

_ He found that Lazarus had lain in the grave four days already.

Martha was the first to meet Him, and her greeting was a
Sort of reproach, for she knew how Jesus loved her brother,
and how able He was to heal, and she said, very mournfully:
“Lord, if you had only come, my brother. would not have
died.”

Jesus answered, “ Thy brother shall rise again.”

Martha said she knew that he would rise in the resurrection |
at the last day. a | |
_ Jesus said to her: “J am the resurrection and the life. He te
that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

Martha hurried back to the house and called Mary out very
_ quietly. The house was full of Jews who had come to stay
with the sisters a short time, so as to console them in their
sorrow, but Martha was careful to call Mary out secretly, lest
. they should know Jesus. was. there, and again attempt His life.

Mary rose up so suddenly, that the Jews thought she was



vote

RAISING LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD. 93

going to Lazarus’ grave to weep, and they followed her to give
her some words of comfort.

As soon as she came where Jesus was, she fell down at His
feet, crying as Martha had: “Lord, if you had been here, ny,
brother would not have died.”

You see what faith they both had in His wondrous power; the
same faith that all little children should have—that He is able
and willing to help to the uttermost.

It troubled the tender heart of the loving Saviour to see the
distress of Mary and Martha, and He asked them where they
had laid Lazarus.

And they said: “Come and see.”

Jesus wept.

The tears flowed down His own face, at thought of their
great sorrow. And some of the Jews who had followed Mary,
said: .
“ Behold, how He loved Him!” — |

Others said it was strange that a man who could open the.
eyes of the blind, could not have kept Lazarus from dying.

They all came to the sepulcher. It was in a cave, and a huge
stone was rolled over the opening. Jesus commanded some
of those who stood near, to remove this stone. But Martha
did not want to have her brother seen, for he had been dead
_ four days, and she was afraid he would be very much changed.

— Jesus chided her, asking her if He had not told her to be-
lieve and she should see the glory of God. So they took away
the stone, and Jesus, looking up to heaven, thanked His Father
that He had heard His prayer. Then ina loud voice, He called:

~ “Lazarus, come forth.” :



94 RAISING LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD.

And the man who had been dead, came forth, wrapped in
his grave clothes, with a napkin bound around his face. And —
Jesus Said: | , |

“Loose him and let him go.” :

- How grateful these sisters must have been, to have their
dear brother restored. Many Jews believed on J esus from that
hour. But some weit at once to the high priests and told of
this miraculous thing. : | |

And they gathered to themselves the Scribes and plotted to
know what they should do with a man who had such power as
that. For they thought ere long He would make all men be-
lieve on Him, and they would lose their place and nation. —



















































































































































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VIEW INSIDE THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM. 95



CHAPTER XVI.
THE PRODIGAL SON.

A great feast was made by a very wealthy Pharisee, and
Jesus was asked to share it with his other guests.

This rich man made a pretence of being hospitable to Jesus,
So that he might have a better chance to entrap Him, and give
Him over to those who were seeking His life.

They were ever hoping to find Him guilty of some great
sin, so they could arrest Him. But His life was blameless and
pure. All His acts were acts of kindness, and all His words
were words of love. i

He told them many beautiful stories at this feast.

One was about a very good man who had two sons. One
Son was obedient and industrious, the other was restless, and
hated work.

One day the younger son asked his father to give him his
portion of the goods, and let him go away into the woul and -
enjoy himself.

His father did not care for the possessions, but he did not
want his son to leave home.

He yielded, however, to the boy’s wishes and gave him his
Share, and the son gathered everything together, and started out
to see the world. He left his home, full of glee, but how the
father’s heart ached at parting with him!

Soon the money and goods were all gone. He had wasted
them in bad company, and he was poor and friendless now.
Besides, there was a famine in the land, and he did not know

how to. work.
96



THE PRODIGAL SON. 97









































































































































































































































THE PRODIGAL SON LEAVING HOME,

He feared he should starve soon. He hired himself to a
man to take care of his swine. He was now hungry so often
that he ate the coarse food which was meant for the pigs.

Often he murmured at his foolishness at leaving home.
How he wished he could see his father, and sit at his table
once more, where there was plenty and to spare.

Thinking of these things, he resolved to go at once to that
father, and confess his sin, and ask to be forgiven.

“And he arose, and came to his father, and when he was
yet a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and
ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”

And then this most forgiving father ordered a feast to show
his gladness at the return of his son.

> |



\

98 THE PRODIGAL SON.

CACLYS KF re
733

“HE RAN AND FELL ON HIS NECK, AND KISSED -HIM.”



“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost,
and is found.”

. How precious were that father’s pardon and welcome. And
so our dear Father in heaven is ever ready to say to us “Come!”
when we turn from our sins and selfishness. The welcome
home is ever ready for us.



CHAPTER XVII.
BLIND BARTIMEUS BEGGING AT THE GATE.

There was a secluded little town called Ephraim, near the
wilderness. Here He rested for a few weeks. The time had
come when He must go up to Jerusalem. -

_ He talked daily to His beloved disciples, preparing them for
the sad parting. But ever He promised them He should rise
on the third day.

They came near a town called Jericho. A man sat in the -
sun begging. He was blind, but when he heard the people who
were following Jesus going by, he asked what was happening.
Some one answered him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.
~ He called out: “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy
on me!” . | * |

Jesus called the man to His side. And when they led him
thither, He asked Bartimeus what he wished.

He answered: “Lord, give me my sight.”

And at once the Saviour rewarded his faith, and gave him
his sight. The man who was blind before, now saw Jesus, and
followed Him, praising and glorifying His name.

And all the people rejoiced.

Ever the Saviour exhorted His followers to be humble and
child-like. Long ago He had called the little ones about Him,
and when the disciples would have sent them away lest they
' annoyed their Lord, He had bade them be like these children.

He had said to them: “Suffer little children to come unto
me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”



400 BLIND BARTIMEUS BEGGING AT THE GATE.













































































































































































































































































SOPELAIY PURANDs

HEALING THE BLIND BARTIMENS.

“ti oe there lived a very bad man named Zaccheus.
This man was a publican, or tax-gatherer. He loved money
dearly, and used every means in his power to obtain it, so that
he might hoard it up and become very rich.

But in spite of his great wealth he had no influence or friends.



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THE HOPE THAT IS AN ANCHOR FOR THE SOUL.
‘STORIES FROM THE BIBLE

—FOR—

Home, School, »« Sunday-School
MOST BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED

BY
Mrs. ANNIE RANDALL Waire,,

Author of “ Bible Story-Land, Ye (Ola Testament’ Edition) ; “Polite Society, at Home
and Abroad, ” and Formerly Editor ne Young Folks’ Montbly,”

CHICAGO, PHILADELPHIA, AND STOCKTON, CAL,
IMPERIAL PUBLISHING CO,
1892,
oa



COPYRIGHT BY
CHARLES S. SUTPHEN,
1892.
INTRODUCTION.



In Bible Story Land, New Testament Edition, the author
has sought to clothe the events of the Bible in such simple
and plain language that no one can fail to receive the deep
lessons which a perusal of its pages will gee! to the young-
est mind.

The Bible is the grandest book which His ever been given
to man, and the child’s education has not been completed,
- until it has been made acquainted with the high moral lessons
- inculcated within its pages.

Believing this fully, it has been a Aaboe of love to place
before our young readers a brief recapitulation of its most
important events, and if it shall serve to awaken a love for that
best of books, which shall stimulate the young student to a
more extended acquaintance with its beauties and truths, the
author will feel amply rewarded for the efforts spent in their
~ behalf.
This volume comprehends the New Testament: in con-
junction with Bible Story Land, Old Testament edition, of
1891, the story of the Bible is complete.

Mrs. ANNIE RANDALL WHITE.
POEM.

CHAPTER
POEM.

CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
CHAPTER

POEM.
POEM.
- POEM.
POEM.
POEM.
POEM.

I.

II.

ITI,
IV.

Vv.

VI.
VII.
VIIL.
IX,

Xx.

XI,
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
XV.
XVI.
XVII.
XVIII.
XIX.
XX.
XXII.
XXII.
XXIII.
XXIV.
XXV.
XXXVI.
XXVIT.

XXVIIL

XXIX.
XXX.
XXXI.
XXXIL.

XXXIIL
XXXIV.

AXXV.

XXXVI.
XXXVI.
CHAPTER XXXVIIL

CONTENTS.

PAGE,
Look To JESUS.......2. 0.00000, ea@edeaeneseee% erie Io
- Tue PROMISE FULFILLED. 22.0.0... ccc ceeceeeeceeees II
WisH You MERRY CHRISTMAS.... Jo .eeeesececececeee 12
HERoD’s ANGER AND JEALOUSY.,. asuiaiiale SA rock oyaieera! éMehalgai Sele 17
| JoHN THE FORERUNNER—THE First MIRACLE. ...,.... 27
DRIVING OUT THE MONEY CHANGERS: ............... 36
THE WOMAN AT THE WELL........... ois vee ea wae 39
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT..........csccceccecceece 44.
Jesus Cast OUT OF NAZARETH. ....... cc cceeee cece 48
THe MiracuLous DRAUGHT OF FISHES.......... 000006 51
Curist’s LOVING DEEDS........... cece eee eee e cues 58
THe SowER—HUSHING THE STORM.........eee eee ce. 66
CHRIST WALKING ON THE WATER..........000000..., 71
THE SINFUL WOMAN.......... 0c cece ce euceaes sieatiates 75
THE TRANSFIGURATION. 1... cee cccceeecsecnecencecs 80
JESUSIN THE TEMPLE. coi. a cain da gets wie ews ou Dass 85
RatsinG LazaARUS FROM THE DEA cen ate se neeeee ae go
THE PRODIGAL SON 4....ccsesvaccy yess aguwaal eee aoe nd 96
BuinD BARTIMEUS BEGGING AT THE GATE...........-. 99
Mary REPROVED BY THE TRAITOR JUDAS............. 104
Jesus ENTERS JERUSALEM IN TRIUMPH........00.0 0008 109
PREPARING A PLACE FOR THE LAST SUPPER.......0000 117
Peter Denies His MASTER...... ccc cece ceeeceeeece: 127
Jesus BeyORE PILATE... ...ceeseccce tees cceaceceues + 130
THE REMORSE OF JUDAS..... fee ccec cece ccc vucea cous 135
CALVARY bi Gil p reg das wees ence eae Cee oetien sas Seexe 138
CHRIST APPEARS AGAIN: glace brig id eeanrcutune tes + 5%
CHoosinc 4 New AposTLE—Day or PENTECOST....... 155
PETER Hears a LAME MAN........ cc cece cece ceeeuece 158
~SAPPHIRA AND ANANIAS STRUCK DEAD....cceecceecees 162
_ STEPHEN Digs A MARTYR........ selbis elaeield giais Saleavactree 166
Puitip CONVERTS A RICH MAN...... ec ccc cece seen ees + 169
SAUL IS CONVERTED... 6... cece cess sececeecues oasis cand ee
PETER WoRKS MIRACLES... ccc. cecececvceut cece cuve 177
PETER 1S DELIVERED FROM PRISON.......ccceeeees.... 180
PAUL AND SILAS ARRESTED. .....ccecceeeceee cece eeee 186
PauL UTTERS His DEFENCE. ...... cc cece cece cesee cee 189
Festus Hears PAu’s STORY..... ccc cceceeecccceces 201
PAUL IS SENT TO ROME......... cece cececee eusiidherwdsey 204
PauL WRITES TO THE CHURCHES...... ccc ceeecccee 209
NOWING THE SEED. ess a, ws cuaieadie ead aduiean Gaus cue, 213
“Or SucH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD”... 0 cee eeeee seas 214
“THE CHILD JESUS”.......cccceceueeeees Siew wdrrbstavg 215
THE WIDOWS) MITE vo, a viee sanece v5 MeN ate ane’ 216
DENIAL BY PETER... ccc cceceeccaecce ae eiaik ee RG ee ace 218
HOuR OF DEATH...... 1.0. ceceeeee ne Cone ee eeeerenes
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.



PAGE,

FRONTISPIECE.—Tue Horr THAT Is AN
ANCHOR. FOR THE SOUL........... RR eeS
Wish You Merry CHRISTMAS. .... Sas



re .

Goop TIDINGS..... ev
SHEPHERD AND WIFE OF ANCIENT SHILOH. ee
THE. PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE........
NAZARETH,...
AN EASTERN SCHOOL.........
THE SAVIOUR IN THE TEMPLE ARGUING WITH

THE RABBIS..........
THE BoyHoop or CurisrT.
JOHN THE Baptist PREACHING..
THE CALL OF PETER AND ANDREW. ee baleia ce
Curist FASTING IN THE WILDERNESS... ecieers
THE BEGINNING oF CHRIST’s MINISTRY......
THE MARRIAGE AT CANA
In THE Portico oF THE TEMPLE..
Drivine Our THE Monzy CHANGERS........
JOHN THE BAPTIST IN PRISON. ....,..
Tut WoMAN OF SAMARIA AT THE WELL Bbaiats
CURING THE LAME.........
AN EASTERN SYNAGOGUE,
‘Let Us Love ONE ANOTHER.”.....,
““No PROPHET Is ACCEPTED IN HIS OWN

COUNTRY ”.......%
MIRACULOUS CAST OF FISHES..... .... 7...
“RENDER UNTO CASAR THE THINGS THAT

ARE CBSAR’S”,,. ‘
PHARISEE’S ENTERING THE TEMPLE.
THE WIpow’s MIDE Stati ead hoe eae eee
AN EASTERN WELL..... er
Curist Raises THE DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS ...
WELCOMED To Every House...,
SALOME DANCES BEFORE HEROD..... asthe oie
EXECUTION OF JOHN THE Baptist....
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER.... é
HEALING THE DEMONIAC IN THE CAVES..
CosTUMEs or WoMEN oF BETHLEHEM... es
CurisT MOURNING OVER JERUSALEM ......
WALKING ON THE WATER .......
CHRIST IN THE HOUSE OF THE Rico LEprEr..
Curist’s FEET WASHED BY THE REPENTANT

Pe meer meer cree man are ar rvane

Comme teens cease



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WoMAN..... me
Curist DRIVING THE SEVEN DEVILs out or
MARY MAGDALENE......... :
“Excerpt You BEcoME ONE oF ‘THESE,”
PHARISEES STONING
TLES....... on
“HE THAT IS WITHOUT SIN LET HIM CAST
THE First STONE” .........
A JewisH WEDDING CEREMONY......... ...
CHRIST AT MARY AND MaRTHA’S. .... somite
View INsIDE THE WALL OF JERUSALEM......
THE PRopicaL Son Leavine Homr..
“He Ran AND FELL on HIS N ECK AND
KissEp Him.” .....
HEALING THE BLIND BARTIMEUS......
ee SUFFER LITTLE CHILDERN TO Come Unto
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CHRIST AND HIS APOS--

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PAGE,
ZACCH EUS IN THE TREE. ce sscecaeescccuses IZ
THE TEN VIRGINS........cseeecceese.., +++ 104
Mary ANOINTING CHRIST WITH PRECIOUS

OINTMENT ... ...-06 cee ee eee peer eeeeee 106
Jzsus ENTERS JERUSALEM IN TRIUMPH...... 10g
Pats BorNE BY THE CHILDREN iets . I10
FORETELLING THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEM-

PLE oe eee ee eee c cece et eeensccsssecee. II2
MOSQUE OF OMAR..... .ec.c ee ceeeeee see EE
Driving OuT Money LENDERS............ II4
PLOWING IN BIBLE TIMES..... sees reaeeees« LTO
“VERILY I Say Unto Vr, THAT ONE or YE

WILL BETRAY ME."..... 0.00 ccccceccecces IB
“ HE IT Is TO wHOM I SHALL GIVE A Sop.”.. 120
“Fe FELL ON His Facs.”...... sete ees eeee 122
Curist’s AGONY IN THE GARDEN.......... . 123
THE ARREST OF JESUS..........00ececceeee 124
JUDASUKISS 5.20 so Shade pepe Gevioseneedn. 125
AN EAsTERN Noonpay REST.......4....... 126
CurisT BEFORE THE HIGH PRIEST.......... 127
PETER DENIES HIS MASTER..........000..., 128
PILATE EXAMINES JESUS PRIVATELY.......... 131
THE SCOURGING OF CHRIST. ......00.00c005, 132
Jesus CROWNED WITH THORNS............. 133
CCE HOMO S wan ch woStueuah wets ceniad shes 134
JUDAS REPENTANT,..... 0.0. ececieeceee pax 236
ON THE ROAD TO CALVARY..........0. 20, 138
Curists’ FAITHFUL FRIENDS FROM GALILEE... 139
THE CRUCIFIXION .....cccccccecescececees I40
“Tris FINISHED.” ........000. eee esas ee TAZ
DESCENT FROM THE CROSS.......000-eeesces 143
BURIAL OF CHRIST..... eee ee eee eee +» 144
CHRIST APPEARS TO MARY......0..0.c0s000, 146
TEN OF THE DiscipLes SAT wire Doors

LOCKED pends: tone ste Ieavacio bates © heeosaniie 147
GOING TO EMMAUS.....eesccccvececene eos 148
DOUBTING THOMAS..... ceccccccccccucecee 149
Day or PENTECOST.........0... seeeeees 156
**T WILL TALK oF Tuy Dorncs” 160
THE BLESSING OF THE LORD.......... 163
THE MARTYRDOM OF St, STEPHEN........., 167
UNDERSTANDEST THOU WHAT THou READ-

EST ie acies S¥aie Sad a¥ soca segs ee ieebaateow I7r
THE ANGEL OF THE LORD...........c0cceee 175
BELIEVE ON THE LorD Jesus CHRIST....... 178
THE LIBERATION OF ST. PETER...........2. 18
WE THEN THAT ARE STRONG OUGHT TO BEAR

THE INFIRMITIES OF THE WEAK,.......... 184
THROUGH THE GRACE OF OuR Lorp Jzsus

CHRIST 3 fxlocs.cb eta Baia entree eer det ES
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, LOVE............ IQI
Sv. PAUL MADE PRISONER... ..ece.eeeeeeee 192
ST. PAUL PREACHING. ....cccccceeeeeeeeees 194
Let ALL THINGS BE Dong DECENTLY AND IN

ORDER Seiya hausig Ae sion shelorsingeiaie alert honed ete 197
BE YE DOERS OF THE WORD..... secesceees 198
WAILING WALL OF THE JEWS.............. 200
St. PauL’s ARRIVAL IN ROME.........2.+00. 206
‘KEEP THE SABBATH DAY To SANCTIFY IT.... 207
APOCALYPSE oe cece cece cesceesccectee seas 212
LOOK TO JESUS.

O, eyes that are weary,
And hearts that are sore!
Look off unto Jesus,
And sorrow no more.
The light of His countenance
Shineth so bright,
‘That on earth, as in heaven,
There need ‘be “no night.”

Looking off unto Jesus,
My eyes cannot see
The troubles and dangers
That throng about me;
They cannot be blinded.
With sorrowful tears,
They cannot be shadowed
With unbelief’s fears.

Looking off unto Jesus,
My spirit is blest;
In the world I have turmoil,
In Him I have rest.
The sea of my life .
-. All around me may roar,
When I look unto Jesus
I hear it no more.

Looking off unto Jesus,
I go not astray;

_ My eyes are upon Him,

He shows me the way.

The path may seem dark © -
_ As He leads me along,
But following Jesus ©

I cannot go wrong.

Looking off unto Jesus,
My heart cannot fear;

Its trembling is still,
When I see Jesus near;

~ | know that His presence

My safeguard will be,
For “ Why are ye troubled? ”
He saith unto me.

Looking off unto Jesus,
_ Oh, may I be found,

‘When the waters of Jordan

Encompass me round |
Let them bear me away
In His presence to be:

_ ’Tis but seeing Him nearer

Whom always I see. |

Then, then shall. 1 know
The full beauty and grace ~

Of Jesus, my Lord,

When I stand face to face;

[| shall know how His love

Went before me each day,
And wonder that ever
My eyes turned away.
CHAPTER I. |
«THE PROMISE FULFILLED.

You were told, dear children, in the Bible Story Land that a
Saviour was foretold who would come and make all hearts glad.

The prophets had been promised a king who should arise
from out of the House of David, to bring peace and joy to the
‘world forever.

That promise had been made many, many years: before, to
Abraham. And.it was fulfilled amply. For there came a time
when a beautiful and pure young girl was chosen as alone worthy
of this high honor—that of becoming the mother of this S gical
kg.

Mary was the daughter of Joachim 2d Anna, and both her
parents were of royal lineage. Thus our Lord was directly de-
scended from King David, and the prophecy was fulfilled.

In that same city where Mary was born, and where she yet
dwelt, an angel came to her, and as she was alone in her home —
one day, she saw a man standing before her. She looked at him

timidly, for his brightness overpowered her.

| But when he spoke to her in gentle tones, he said words of
cheer and comfort; and yet they sounded strange and myste-
rious to her, for he hailed her as among the most favored of
women. And he bade her be rejoiced, for she was chosen as
~ the mother of the future king, the Saviour of all mankind. And
he told her that she must call the babe whom God was about
to send her—‘ Jesus.”

Scarcely daring to ask a question, she hurried away to her


WISH YOU MERRY CHRISTMAS.

TELL me the story old‘and true, _
That each glad Christmas makes so new,
How Christ was born in Bethlehem,
And cradled in a manger;
One bright star, like a diadem,
Shone o’er the holy stranger.

Say, did the Christ-child light that star,
As he came down from Heaven afar?
The wise men followed where it led,
With costly myrrh, sweet-smelling;
And kneeling, gave him gifts and said,
“Our King, all kings excelling!”

On that, the first of Christmas days,
The angels sang a song of praise,
And on this happy Christmas, they
The same sweet song are singing,
“Good-will from God to men!” they say;
Set all the joy-bells ringing.






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:

THE PROMISE FULFILLED. Dee 13

cousin, Elizabeth, who, though much older than she, was a dear
friend, and together they rejoiced at the promised blessing.

But this grand event was already known to others, for there
were shepherds who tended their flocks at night in the open
fields, and an angel had also shown himself to them, and told

good tidings
of great joy,

LUKE ii, 10,



them of the birth of this wondrous babe, and they hastened to
find him, that they might carry their simple offerings of fruits
and doves.

‘These plain and honest men never doubted for an instant
that the angel had told them the truth. He had promised them
good tidings, and they received them into their hearts at once.
14 of THE PROMISE FULFILLED.

But there were still other men—men of wealth and learning,
who were made acquainted with the fulfilment of the promise.
They, like the shepherds, were led by a star which went before
them, and whose rays were a guide to them, and which shone
steadily down when they came to where the young child lay.

And these wise men (or Magi as they were called) were not
men who dealt. in magic, but were wise and learned princes of
far Eastern countries. And they were given to watching the
stars, for they were students of astronomy. When they saw .
the Star of Bethlehem they remembered the prophecy: “There
shall come a star out of Jacob, and a elas shall rise out of
Israel.”

So they rose at once when they saw that star, and journeyed
on to Jerusalem. Their way lay over rough mountains, and
deep. streams, but they did not hesitate. They knew they
should find that King who had been promised the whole world.

And when they reached that city they went on to Bethle-
hem, where they found the infant lying in a manger, and going
in to the place, they threw themselves down before Him, and
offered the rich gifts of frankincense and gold and bayer which
they had brought.

Mary was betrothed to econ a man of good repute, who,
when he was told by the angel that Mary was a pearl among
women, was rejoiced to accept the great destiny which lay be-
fore them both. In his soul he thanked God for this great
honor.

And when the wise men and the srohenteite journeyed to.
Bethlehem to lay their offerings‘before the new born babe, how
happy. Joseph and Mary, the father and mother, must have felt,
THE PROMISE FULFILLED. 15

to see that precious one already acknowledged as a king. They
felt God’s goodness to them was wondrous.

There were many others who were looking anxiously for a
Messiah who should come and deliver them from their oppres-
~ sors; but God had not revealed to them where His beloved Son
was. That was a mighty secret known only to the shepherds
_ and the wise men.

_ The people were very unhappy. Their rulers were hard and
cruel, and made them pay such heavy tribute (or taxes as we
would call it now) that they were almost unable to live. Herod
cared nothing for their sufferings, and they all were waiting anx-
iously for the coming of that Messiah whom the prophets had
so long before foretold. They knew He would make their bur-
dens lighter.












































































































































































































































































































































































SHEPHERD AND WIFE QF ANCIENT SHILOH,

16


CHAPTER IL.
HEROD’S ANGER AND JEALOUSY.

It would not be possible, we think, for so strange a thing as
the birth of a little child whose coming had led men to travel
so far to worship Him, to happen, without its being talked about.
So Herod, who was King of Judea, heard about Mary and
Joseph, and the young child Jesus, and he was very much
troubled. He called the Scribes and chief priests together, and .
asked them where Jesus was to be born. They, too, knew

what the prophets of old had said, and they made answer:
“In Bethlehem of Judea; for thus it is written by the
prophet.”

And they told him that though Bethlehem was a small place,
yet there should come out from it a governor who should rule
all Israel. |

This did not make Herod very much pleased, for he was
wicked and jealous, and he feared he should lose. his throne..
He heard about the wise men coming to Judea, and he sent for
them privately and asked them a great many questions about
the star—when it had first been seen, and he talked very fairly
to them, asking them to search for the babe, and when they
had found Him, he wished them to come back and tell him just
_ where He was, and he would go and worship Him also.

Don’t you think, children, that any one would be deceived
by such words as these? Even the wise men thought he was
sincere, and they promised him that they would come back, as
soonas they found Jesus, and tell him all they could. |

2 : 17
18 HEROD’S ANGER AND JEALOUSY.

When they left Herod, the star which had gone before them
all the way, went “and. stood over where the young child was.”
How they rejoiced when they saw it stop. They knew then
their long journey was ended, and they “rejoiced with exceed-
ing great joy.” :
~ When they promised the cruel King Herod that they would
come to his palace again, they meant to keep. their word, for
they thought he would be glad to worship the young child.

But God, who knows all hearts, saw the wicked feelings
Herod cherished, and He warned the wise men in a dream not
to return that way. So they left Bethlehem by another road,
~ and went back into their own country.

When the little one was eight days old, Mary and Joseph
went up to the temple to present their babe to the Lord.

And a devout man named Simeon was there, and when Mary
held the babe in her arms, he took it and blessed God that,
though he was so old he had been permitted to live to see the
glory of God’s people, Israel. |

- And the old man blessed them and prophesied that the
infant was a sign for all the world, but he warned Mary that her
heart should be pierced as with a sword. igs 2 Pella .

And Anna, a prophetess, entering at that moment, thanked
God that she too had seen the One who should bring redemp-
tion to all the world. . 7

An angel of the Lord also visited Joseph in a dream, and
warned him that Herod, the reigning king, sought the life of |
the young child. And he told him to go into Egypt and stay
there till it was God's will that he should come back.

Joseph obeyed at once. He took the little babe and its


HEROD’S ANGER AND JEALOUSY. 19

mother, and he left Bethlehem in the darkness of the night,
and fled away into Egypt, so that Herod could not know where
they had.gone, and could do no harm to the little child.



THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE.

But when Herod found that the wise men did not come
to talk with him, he was very angry. He had felt sure he
should discover where the babe was, and he had meant. to
take its life. Was he not wicked? He was a very old man,
20 HEROD’S ANGER AND JEALOUSY.

and had already been a king thirty-seven years, and yet he
could not endure the thought of giving up his throne to any
one. | : 3
He had done many wicked things during his reign. He
had murdered his own sons, and oppressed the poor, but now
his wrath was so terrible, for he considered that he had been .
mocked by the: wise men, that he planned a terrible deed—
and that was, the massacre of all the little boys in the city
of Bethlehem, and -all the coasts around, who were two: years
of age and under. |

What a terrible command that was! And how the hearts
of Joseph and Mary must have rejoiced to think their precious
babe was safe from his anger.

But when that awful edict was carried out, a gloom ane
have settled down over that unlucky cit y. There was mourn-
ing in nearly every house. Their dear children were all
sacrificed to the. jealousy and anger of a cruel tyrant, and
nothing could comfort them, their dear little ones were all
murdered.

Herod was punished severely, be God sent diseases and
pains that were so hard to bear that he tried to take his own
life. And when he at last died, we do not think any one
- mourned, not even his own family. 7

When he was dead, God sent an angel again to Joseph,
and told him to go into the land of Israel, for the one who
had sought the young child’s life was no longer alive.

Joseph was glad to know that he could go back with |
safety, but when he heard that a very wicked son of Herod's,
Archelaus by name, was the king in the place of his father,


































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































NAZARETH. : 21
22 HEROD’S ANGER AND JEALOUSY.

his heart was troubled. He knew that he ought to go back,
and yet he was afraid of the new king, so he went into Galilee,

to a town called Nazareth.
You see what a peaceful, pleasant town it was. And how

a
(|

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— a





























AN EASTERN SCHOOL.

happy those loving parents of the child Jesus must have been
to dwell where everything was so lovely around.

Here he lived for many years. And here Jesus grew into
manhood. :

“And here He went to school with other boys of His age.
HEROD’S ANGER AND. JEALOUSY. 23

The Jews were very strict about teaching their children. And
It seems strange to think of the youthful Saviour studying as
did other youths of His time.

When Jesus was twelve years old, his parents took Him up
to Jerusalem to the Feast of the Passover.

Do you know, children, what this Feast meant, or why it
was observed? Many long years before, the Lord smote all the
first-born of Egypt, and the Israelites alone remained unharmed.
So Moses instituted this festival in Sor une mo auon of We: Lord’s
gracious mercy.

When the festival was first kept passover lambs were sacri-
ficed on the evening of the fourteenth of the first spring month,
and they were eaten the next night. All leaven was forbidden .
from the meals of that and the next seven days, and the first and
‘the seventh day were considered holy.

But since the final destruction of Jerusalem, the Jews have
celebrated this feast by eating unleavened bread for eight days,
and held. other ceremonies of a religious character.

Thus has the command of the Lord been obeyed, when He
said to the Israelites:

“And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye

Shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your veneration’:
ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever.”

When Jesus went up to this Feast, which had been kept so
‘many years, He was very happy to think He should see the
famous temple. Within its walls He spent all His time, earn-
estly arguing with the wise rabbis and doctors of law, who were
amazed at the learning He showed. There was no question they
asked Him which He could not answer at once, and correctly.
TST
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THE SAVIO
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HE TEMPLE ARGUING WITH T
THE RABBIS

24


HEROD’S ANGER AND JEALOUSY. 25

And they crowded around the boy with wondering looks;
for never had they seen so remarkable a child before.



THE BOYHOOD OF ‘CHRIST.

But when Joseph and Mary were ready to go home, they
missed their child, and with alarm they sought for Him among
26 "HEROD 'S ANGER AND JEALOUSY.

the young people. of his own age. Next they us of the
older people. . But no one had seen Him!
That mother’s heart was filled with sadness. Where could
He be? Oh, had He fallen into the hands of His enemies, and
was she never to see Him again, were the questions she asked
herself over and over again. |

But they must know the worst, so back they went to Jeru-
salem, and after searching three days, with sad and despairing —
hearts, they found Him in an outer court of the temple, talking
earnestly with the priests and learned men. |

How thankful His mother was to see Him safe, but she
could not help chiding Him a little, for the anxiety He had
caused her.

But He asked her if she did not Know He must do His
Father’s work. . /

What work do you think ‘He meant? Why, teaching and

calling sinners to repentance. |

But He. went home with Sosepti and Mary, although He
longed to stay in the temple, for that was His heavenly Father’ Ss
house.

For many years, eighteen, He lived here with His parents,
and toiled with His own.hands. Yes, our Lord worked at the
trade of a carpenter, and His mother was cheered by His com-
panionship, and had the proud happiness of seeing Him grow
to manhood. Still His foes had not found the dwelling-place |
of the future king of all the earth, although they had searched -
‘most diligently.

— Truly Mary was happy, aul Gat she feared continually lest
those who had sought His life would find Him and destroy Him.


~ CHAPTER IIL.
JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE.

When our Saviour was about thirty, a great prophet arose,
who preached in the wilderness of Judea, =

_ This prophet was called John the Baptist. He came crying
aloud, so that all the people heard: |

“Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

He was a strange looking man—thin and wasted, and he
wore a rough garment of camel’s hair, with a girdle to fasten it,
and ate locusts and wild honey. He lived a self-denying life.
He came to tell the people of the coming of the Saviour. It
was now the Lord’s time when Jesus should go forth and
preach, and John was His forerunner. |
_ Now John knew not the Saviour as such; even though
_ He was his cousin and had played with Him in childhood, yet
he did not know who He was—that Jesus, the son of J oseph
the carpenter, was the promised Messiah whom he had been
Sent to announce to all the people. For John himself was a
great preacher, and baptized many.

And Jesus came from Nazareth to the place where John
was, to be baptized. aoa ee
| John was asked by the priests and Levites from Jerusalem,

“Who art thour” — Dae , |

And he said at once, “I am not the Christ.’ For he knew ~
that they thought he was the promised One. |

Again they asked him if he were Elias? And again he an- —
swered that he was not. |

27
28 JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE.

They became impatient, and bade him tell them who he was,
that they might give an answer to those who sent them. And





































































































JOHN THE BAPTIST PREACHING.

he made reply that he was the voice of one crying in the wil-
derness, ‘‘ Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the
prophet Esaias.”
JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE. 29
















They asked him why he baptized people, “if: he were neither

Christ, nor Elias, nor that prophet 2” |

: But he said to them that he baptized with water only, but

- that the One who was coming to them, would baptize with the
Hoy Spirit. | : | |

“He it is,” said John, “who, coming after me, is preferred

before me, whose shoe’ S latchet I am not worthy to un-

~ loose.”

The next day John saw Jesus, itd at once the Spirit of God

~ made him recognize Him as the true King, and he cried out in

— his conviction:

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away ihe: sin of

the world!” :

John had been told by the Lord that when the real Messiah

~ came, he should know Him by seeing the spirit descending

_ from-heaven like a dove, and resting upon Him.

And when Jesus asked to be baptized by John the Baptist,

the latter felt he was not good enough to perform that office,

but Jesus said, “Suffer it to be so.’

And when John obeyed, then he knew n more iin ever that

Christ was indeed the Lord.

Now others began to hail Him as the some King. Two

of John’s disciples were first to follow Him. These were Peter

and Andrew. He saw them mending their nets, se they were

fishermen. He simply said to them—

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

And they left their homes and their occupation, and became

at once His disciples.

‘Then Philip and Philip’s friend, Nathanael, joined the others.
/

30 | JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE.

They all were sure that He was the gracious Lord whom they
had been looking for so long.

































































THE CALL OF PETER AND ANDREW.

After Jesus was baptized, He began the work which His
Father had sent Him to do—to call sinners to repentance.
But first He went into the wilderness, and there He lived
JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE. 34

alone, save for the presence of His Father above, and He ate no
food for forty days, but prayed and fasted.









































































































































































































































































































































RE nae Be Ne a hE PRES OE ES teat





= a
_ 6Y DURAND.

CHRIST FASTING IN THE WILDERNESS,

Here temptation came to Him. Yes, dear children, even
the Saviour was tempted by a wicked spirit who knew He was
faint and weary with hunger. This spirit mocked Him, and
32 JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE.

bade Him turn the stones upon the mountain into bread.

-But Jesus told him bread alone would not sustain life, but
the love of God and al 1 g008 things must be present, else would
man_ perish. |

Then this same evil spirit carried Him up intoa high mount-
ain, and pointing out all the beautiful fields and woods and vil-
lages, promised Him all that He could see, if He would fall
down and worship Him.

Jesus’ answer was: “Get thee behind me, Satan. For it is
written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and pied only
shalt thou serve.”

The evil one was loth to give up his wicked attempt to con-
quer our Saviour. So once more he tried. He took Him to
the temple and placing Him on one of the highest pinnacles
he sneeringly. said to Him that if He were the ‘Son of God, he
could throw Himself down, and receive no harm, for the angels
would bear Him up, lest He should dash His foot against a
stone.

Then Jesus rose up, and with the majesty of a divine nature
ordered him to be gone, for He said,‘ ‘Thou shalt not tempt the
Lord thy God.” |

And the devil fled away, angry and defeated. |

Thus you see, that when you are sometimes. able to over-
come one temptation, others may come which are harder to |
withstand. So do not feel too strong. by yourselves, but
humbly ask your heavenly Father to be with you, and guard you.
against all temptations, the small as well as the great.

Jesus now began to work miracles. At Cana, in Gali lee, a
wedding was held, and when Jesus, who had come back to see
JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE. 33
His mother, found she had gone to this marriage feast, He went
to the town that He might meet her.






































































































































































































































































































































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THE BEGINNING.OF CHRIST’S MINISTRY.





hearty welcome to the’ house where the celebration was to be
held.

You must know how glad Mary was to see her dear Son
3
34 JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE.

once more. And how much she had to say to Him. But in
the course of the evening the wine which it was the custom to
have at all such gatherings, gave out. It had all been drank. :

It seemed to Mary, who knew that to Jesus all power was

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THE MARRIAGE AT CANA. -

given, that now was a fitting time to have Him show that power.
So she told Him quietly that there was no more wine.

Why do you think she said that to Him? Because her lov-
ing heart was growing impatient to see Him do something that
should show to others who He really was. In those days mir-



mer aparece


JOHN THE FORERUNNER—THE FIRST MIRACLE. 35;

acles were often worked by the prophets, and she knew that
Jesus was more than a prophet—that He was the Lord and
Saviour.

But Jesus was not quite ready to do anything strange and ~

‘miraculous. He waited His Father’s time, still, when He saw
_ that the guests were without wine, He ordered the servants

to fill six water pots that stood there with water, and bear the
liquid to the governor of the feast.

- They obeyed Him at once, and when the great man tasted
the water which had been turned into wine, he praised its flavor
loudly, and every one who drank was satisfied.

This was the first miracle that our Blessed Saviour
performed. |

And this miracle was done to give pleasure to a “festive
occasion.. Wine was not used in those days as it is now. No
feast or merry-making was complete without it, and it was
drank in moderation. It was deemed a deep disgrace to use so
much that it would make a man lose his sense of propriety and
self- Fespect
CHAPTER IV.

DRIVING OUT THE MONEY CHANGERS.

After Jesus had performed the miracle of turning water into
wine, He went up to Jerusalem, for the Feast of the Passover

was at hand.

on Taperye SURANES



IN THE PORTICO OF THE TEMPLE.
36


DRIVING OUT THE MONEY CHANGERS. 37

But here He found the temple profaned by the presence of
those who went there to buy and sell, and exchange money.
The sheep and oxen, and doves, which were to be sacrificed,
made such a noise that those who went there to worship were
greatly annoyed.



i Awsseals

° : DRIVING OUT THE MONEY CHANGERS.

Jesus. was angry at the desecration of the place, which
should -be kept. sacred, and He made a Scourge from small
cords, and drove these wicked, selfish people from the temple
and overturned the money changers’ tables. .
38 DRIVING OUT THE MONEY CHANGERS.

And to those who sold doves, He spoke more se y, but
still firmly:

“Take these things hence. Make not my Father’s house a -
house of merchandise.” :

From this time Jesus taught and worked miracles.


CHAPTER V.,

THE WOMAN AT THE WELL.

Herod was very wicked. This king was the son of Herod
the Great, who had put all the little boys to death, when our
Saviour was Himself a babe.

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JOHN THE BAPTIST IN PRISON.

He was as wicked as his father, and had thrown John the

Baptist into prison, because he had reproved him for his sinful

ways.
39
40 THE WOMAN AT THE WELL.

Our Saviour went to Galilee, and He passed through Sa-
maria, till He came to a city called Sychar. ae
_ Here He sat down to rest, for He was weary and faint. He
had walked nearly twenty miles, and neither He nor the disci-
ples had tasted food that day. While He sat by a well which
was known as Jacob’s well, a woman drew near to fill her jar.
with water.

Jesus asked her for some of that cool liquid. This woman
had not a tender heart, or she would not have answered Him
as she did. She'told Him that He was a Jew and she was from
Samaria, and that the Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with
each other. —

Our Lord spoke very kindly to her, and told her if she loved
God, and could know who was speaking to her, she would have
asked Him for a drink, and He would have given her living
water. :

Think of the wonderful goodness of our Saviour to speak
to her so gently, when He had the power to have punished her
for her selfish thoughts. Oh, children, those people who lived
when He was on earth, were indeed blessed, and they knew it
not.. But you can’ have Him with you always, in your hearts,
and it will make you grow more gentle and like Him, each day.

But when Jesus talked with her and told her about this liv-
— ing water, she grew more thoughtful and anxious to partake of
it, and she listened eagerly to His words. —

He sent her to bring her friends, that they too might hear
the word of God. He told her that she needed to have no partic-
ular place to worship the Messiah in, for He was a spirit, and
must be worshiped with the heart, and in truth! So you can
THE WOMAN AT THE WELL. 41

look up to Him everywhere, and reverence and love Him, at
home, in church, at your play, or at your daily tasks. You can





THE WOMAN OF SAMARIA AT THE WELL,

feel that His love and care are about you everywhere, if you
only ask His protection.

When the disciples came back, with the food which they
42 THE WOMAN AT THE WELL.

had been to buy, they were amazed to see their beloved Master
instructing this woman, for she belonged to a people who were
unfriendly and even savage to strangers.

















sanerbo FEU LANDs

CURING THE LAME,

She was so eager to have others hear Him, for He had made
her heart glad, that she left her water pot and went into the


THE WOMAN AT THE WELL. . 43

city and called many men to the well, saying that a man
who sat there had told her all the things she had ever done in
her life. | | pe

“Is not this the Christ?” she asked, for her people, too,
were looking for a Messiah who should come to rule over them
some day. | ete

When the men went back with her, and heard the glorious
words of our Lord, they were, many of them, convinced that
He was the Christ, and they begged Him to Stay among them
“and preach. ~ : |
_ He could only remain there two days, however, for His work ©
lay in Galilee. But many believed on Him.

Jesus worked many miracles. The blind, the lame, the
deaf, they who were born deformed and those whose minds
were gone, all were objects of compassion in His sight. No one
asked of Him help, and was ever rejected.

How He loved all His creatures—and does to-day, as much
_asthen. For did He not give His life that all who asked pardon
In His name, might receive it?
CHAPTER VI.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

bes and Phar

He taught the
And He taught

hated Jesus.

isees
and

i

the synagogues

The Scr



POY DURAND

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in every pl

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In

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people

AN EASTERN SYNAGOGUE.

44
-

a

-



“LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER.”

45
46 | THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT.

them that they must love their neighbors. He went up into a
high mountain, and when the multitude gathered around Him,
He talked to them so that all could understand.

He said to those who stood or sat around:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.” | |

He meant that all who were humble and loving, would find
a peace of mind that nothing else could give.

He promised blessings to those who mourn, for they should
be comforted. And the meek were to inherit the earth. He
said that those who were merciful should find mercy.

“ Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.”

And the peacemakers were to be called the children of God.
Is not that a beautiful promise; that those who love peace and
purity are to be the children of God? No earthly honors or .
ancestry can equal that.

He told all who followed His teachings and lived good lives,
that they were “the light of the world,” and their glory could
not be hid.

' He warned them not to hold anger against any one, but to
be reconciled at once.

Swearing is a very bad habit. Any boy who is guilty of that
sin soon loses his own respect, and the respect of others. Our
blessed Saviour said unto all:

“Swear not at all; neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne:

“Nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; neither by Jerusa-
lem, for it is the city of the great King;

“Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, ine: thou canst
not make one hair white or black.”


‘THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. 47

| Will you not remember that, when you are tempted to say
profane words? Shun those who use them. It is a sin which
you should never commit. _ |

The old law said, “Love your neighbor, and hate your
enemy.” But the law which the gentle Jesus taught, was that
of love for all. Jesus taught that we should love those who
hated us, and ask a blessing on those who say harsh and Spite-
ful things to us. He wishes us to pray for all such.

“That ye may be the children of your Father, which is in
heaven. For He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the
good, and sendeth rain on the’just and on the unjust.”

' That shows you how good and loving He is to those who
do not deserve His kindness, as well as to those who do. And
He asks you all to be as near perfect as you can.

It is very hard to say kind things to those who ill-use you.
But you can do so, if you only try, and ask God to give you a
patient disposition, and a loving heart. He knows how hard it |
is, but He is ever ready to help you. All you have to do, is to
ask Him. You will soon grow strong j in well- doing.
CHAPTER VII.
JESUS CAST OUT OF NAZARETH.

Jesus returned again to His old home, the peaceful city of
Nazareth, where His boyhood had been spent.

The old friends and neighbors were glad to see Him, and
they were proud of the fame He had won, though they did not
accept Him as their Lord. |

He went into the synagogue, aS was always His custom,
and the book of Isaiah was handed to Him to read from.

He read these cheering words from its pages:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He page
anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor.

“He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach
deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind;
to set at liberty them that are bruised.

“To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

_ Then closing the sacred volume, He sat down and began to
preach. It was the custom in those days for the preacher to
sit. All eyes were fastened upon Him. And they listened,
pleased at His gracious words and gentle manner.

But they began to question each other:

“Ts not this the son of Joseph, the carpenter P”

He told them that He was sent with the message of redemp-
tion to them.

“No Bou is accepted in his own country,” He said,
sadly.

He warned them that God would send His grace upon
JESUS CAST OUT OF NAZARETH. 43

others more deserving if they were not careful. He told them
of other peoples who listened and believed, and how they were
blessed.

He chided them for their indifference to His mission, and
as they heard Him, they began to grow very angry, and to ask
what right He had to preach at all, and how He dared to reprove
them.

How dared He, tHiey said, claim to be the coming Messiah—
He, the son of a carpenter, whom they had seen grow up in
their midst.





















































































=o 5 = PO
ZODEFROY PURAMD o "*

“NO PROPHET IS ACCEPTED IN HIS OWN COUNTRY.”
50 JESUS CAST OUT OF NAZARETH.

Their anger grew each moment more fierce, and from being
glad to hear His loving words, they rose in a body and thrust
Him from their midst.

Yes, these old friends and neighbors laid rough hands upon
the gentle Jesus, whose heart was filled with love and compas-_
sion for them. Seizing hold of Him, they cruelly dragged Him
out of the synagogue, and to the brow of a hill, where they
-would have hurled Him down, but He, passing through the
crowd of angry men, hid Himself from their sight, and they
could do Him no harm.

He never went back to Nazareth again.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES.

When our Lord left Nazareth, He went down to the quiet
and beautiful Lake of Gennesareth.

Many people lived on the borders of this lake, who caught
fish, and sold them in the towns around.

Peter was still fishing here. Often he had bad luck. No
fish would come to his nets, and one day after Jesus had —
finished his sermon, He told His disciples to push the boat out
into deep water, and let down their nets.

They had toiled all night, and caught nothing. When Peter
obeyed him, the nets filled with fish so fast that their weight
tore them in many places. _ | .

Peter called John and James to help him; soon the boats
were full, too. How grateful Peter was. But the Lord told
him that henceforth he must give up fishing, and follow Him.

~.

\\l



MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES,
54
52 - THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES.

Near this lake Jesus worked faithfully in His Father’s cause,
calling sinners to repentance. People came to hear Him from
far and near, for His words were so full of tenderest love, and
His compassion for their sins was so great, that He touched
many a heart that had been given over to evil.

He often entered the synagogues and taught, and still the
people pressed around Him, until the house would hold: no
more. Then He went into the open air, where His voice could
be heard by all.

Here He healed a man whose hand was withered,

The Jews were watching Him closely, and they murmured
because He did good works upon the Sabbath day. He asked
them if it were lawful to do good upon that day, or rather to
do evil—to save life, or to kill? But theyecould not answer.

They determined to kill Him, and so they accused Him of
casting out devils by the help of the prince of devils, Beelze-
bub, but He again puzzled them by asking, if He were Satan,
how He could cast out Satan ? ,

Our Saviour loved to talk in parables. He often told His

hearers great truths under this guise. Thus He told them of

a certain man who planted a vineyard and set a wine vat therein,
and built a hedge all around it, and made it very beautiful for
any one to occupy. He then rented it out to husbandmen, and
when the fruits of the harvest were ready, he sent a servant
to them, expecting to receive some of the products.

These ungrateful men beat the owner’s messenger, and sent
him away empty handed. Again he sent another servant, and
he was treated worse than ilies other. The third man he sent
was killed.
THE MIRAC. ULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES. 53

Still he bore with them, and now he thought, “I will send
my only son, whom I love SO dearly. Surely they will rever-
ence him.”

What did those wicked husbandmen do? They reasoned
among themselves: “This is the heir; come, let us kill him,
and the inheritance will be ours.”

And they killed this young man, and cast his body {rom out
the vineyard.

Then the anger of the Masia of the vineyard was roused,
and he destroyed these men, and gave the vineyard to others.

The Pharisees who heard Him, knew that He read plainly
the wicked thoughts in their hearts. He knew they meant to —
destroy Him, and they went away humiliated and angry.

But they were never weary of trying to make Him utter
something which they could call treason, for they wanted the
law to seize Him and punish Him. So they sent some of their
learned men to Him, and asked Him if it were lawful to eNe
tribute unto Cesare

The tribute money or taxes, were very heavy upon the
people. They had to give tithes of money for each male citi-
zen, and they had to give of the first fruits of the harvest, and .
the first-born of all their domestic animals. Then they were
taxed for the poor, and taxed for their priests or ministers, as
they are called to-day. So that a man had to give a great deal
away in the course of a year.

They asked Him: “Is it lawful to give tribute to Cesar?
Shall we give, or shall we not give?”

He knew what hypocrites they were, and He bade them
bring him a penny.
54 THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES,

When He had looked at it He asked, “ Whose is this image,
and whose this superscription P”

And they said, “ Ceesar’s.”

7
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“RENDER UNTO CAESAR THE THINGS THAT ARE C/ESAR’S.”

_ And Jesus answering, said: “ Render unto Cesar the things
that are Czsar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
, THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES. 55

He meant that Cassar was an earthly king, and should re-
ceive earthly tribute. .But God, who is our heavenly King,
desired the purer tribute of an obedient and adoring soul.

Jesus sat in the temple, and saw the Pharisees coming in,
and He knew they all made great pretence of humility.













































































































































































































































































































= Sa=
—_ ~

FEN BURAN Pr



PHARISEES ENTERING THE TEMPLE,




56 THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES.

While He was watching the people passing in and out, and
saw them casting their coins into the treasury, He observed
that many of them, who were rich, gave largely.

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a Osram He il fail a

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.

THE WIDOW’S MITE.

“And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in
two mites, which make a farthing.
_ THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES. 57

“ And He called unto Him the disciples, and saith unto them,
Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in
than all they which have cast into the treasury. |

“For all they did cast in of their abundance, but she of her
want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”
CHAPTER IX.
CHRIST'S LOVING DEEDS.

Jesus came down from the mountain, and the people fol-
lowed Him in great crowds. His work was just begun, and
while many doubted, great numbers listened gladly to His
words, and believed that He was the King for whom the weary
people, weary with waiting, had looked so long.

A leper came to Him, and with perfect trust said:

“Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.”

His faith was rewarded, for the divine hand was put forth,
and the leper, whose* unclean body filled all with terror, was
touched, and lo, he became clean and fresh as a little
babe.

A centurion, who was a great man in those days, for he com-
manded many men, begged Jesus to come and see his servant, _
whom He was very much attached to, and who was home sick
with the palsy. This centurion, though rich and influential,
was very humble in his prayer, and asked the Saviour merely to
_ speak the word, and his servant would be a well man.

His humility so touched the heart of Jesus that He told
~ those who were near, that He had not seen such great faith, no,
not even in Israel. ;

He granted the officer’s petition, and healed the servant.

And He cured the mother of Peter’s wife; who lay ill with
a fever.

Thus you see, children, that all our Lord’s acts were acts of
mercy, all His teachings were those of love. Do you not think

58
9

- CHRIST’S LOVING DEEDS. 59

you would be very happy if you loved Him, and tried to be
gentle and kind as He was?

I will tell you a very beautiful story of a great ruler, who
had a daughter, an only child, who was very lovely. How he
must have loved that child, so fair and sweet she was!





AN EASTERN WELL.

But alas! she was taken sick, and her parents were so anx-
ious they knew not what to do. Then the father came unto
Jesus, and told Him how sick his little daughter was, begging
Him to come to her. Jesus went with him toward his home,
while crowds followed.
60 - CHRIST’S LOVING DEEDS.

But on their way, they met a messenger, who said they need
not come now, for the girl was dead!

How that father must have felt! All the joy must have gone
out from his heart at once. But Jesus looked tenderly on
him, and said:

“ Be not afraid, only believe.”

What did He mean ? | fa

They came to the house where the dead girl lay. Here the
mourners were screaming and crying, and tearing their clothes.
And Jesus said calmly to them: a

“Why make ye this ado, and.weep? The maiden is not »
dead, but sleepeth.” | | : |

And the mourners “laughed Him to scorn.” But He sent
them all away, and taking the parents into the death chamber,
and Peter, and James and John, He went to the couch where
she lay so still and cold, and taking her by the hand, He said:

“ Maiden, I say unto thee, arise.” |

~ And she rose up, as bright and well as she was before she |
was taken sick. And He told her father and mother to give
her something to eat. |

Now Jesus called unto Himself the twelve apostles, and sent
them away, two by two, and gave them power to do His work—
to cast out evil spirits, to heal the sick, and to preach salvation.
And everywhere the people were praising this great Teacher,
who was performing miracles, and teaching the people a new
doctrine—one of love to all men. |

When Herod heard of it, his conscience grew fearful. For
he thought that John the Baptist had risen from the dead, and
would upbraid him. |
CHRIST’S LOVING DEEDS. — 61

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CHRIST RAISES THE DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS.

Herod had thrown John into prison, because he had
blamed him (the king) for his evil life. Herod had made his
brother’s wife queen, which was very wicked. And Herodias,
as this wicked woman was named, hated him. And one day
when Herod had a large number of nobles at his palace in honor
62 CHRIST'S LOVING DEEDS.
of his birthday, she sent in her daughter Salome, to help enter-

tain the king’s guests.
Salome danced very gracefully, and Herod was so pleased

ays)

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WELCOMED TO EVERY HOUSE.

with her that he made a vow that she should have whatever
she wished, even if it were half his kingdom. .


CHRIST’S LOVING DEEDS. 63

The young girl did not think of anything which she needed,
~ and so she ran and asked her mother what she should ask for,
and that wicked queen told her to demand the head of John
the Baptist.

_ The young girl was not frightened at her mother’s order,
but went at once to Herod, and asked that the head of the
prophet might be brought to her upon a charger. That was a
dish much in use, something like a platter.

The king was much troubled, but he had sworn an oath that
he would give her what she asked, and he dared not break it,













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SALOME DANCES BEFORE HEROD.
64 - CHRIST’S LOVING DEEDS.

so he sent an executioner secretly to the prison, and John was
beheaded, and the head was brought to Salome, who took it to
her mother, who was happy now that she had this good man slain.







































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































SS LODE FAO DURAND

EXECUTION OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.

And the disciples of John went to the prison, and sadly
took the body of their teacher and guide, and laid it away in the
tomb. |
“CHRIST'S LOVING DEEDS. . 65

No wonder that Herod was filled with terror when he thought

that the prophet whom he had murdered was risen from the
dead. But Jesus departed into a desert place without letting
any one save His disciples know where He was going.
- But He could not keep the people from following Him.
They ran ahead of Him, and they followed on behind, and His
loving heart would not let Him refuse to teach them, for He
saw they were as sheep without a shepherd, so He taught them
many things.

As the night drew near, the disciples wished Him to send
them away to their homes, and into the villages near by, for
they were hungry, and there was no food for them.

~ Jesus bade them feed them, but they told Him how little
they had, and He said: ©

“How many loaves have ye?”

When it was counted, they had but five small loaves, and
two fishes.

He commanded them to sit down upon the grass, in com- :

panies of hundreds and fifties, and taking the loaves and fishes
He looked up to heaven, and blessed the bread and broke it,
while His disciples went round among the people who sat upon
the grass, and gave it to them. And the two fishes were di-
vided in the same manner.

All ate heartily, and when the meal was over, the disciples
gathered up twelve baskets of fragments.
_ Think of the wonderful kindness of our blessed Lord. He
taught and filled their souls with the true food which would
fit them for a happy life after death, and yet this divine being
remembered that they were human, with earthly needs, and

He ministered unto them also.
5
CHAPTER X.

THE SOWER—HUSHING THE STORM.



ise ee 5 SPOLELAO, DURAME

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER.

A parable is a story with a hidden meaning, or rather one
which can be applied to certain truths. One which our blessed
Lord told was the parable of the sower.

The multitude was so great that the Saviour left the shore,
and went into a ship which was moored there, and then He

spoke about the man who went forth to sow seed.
66
THE SOWER—HUSHING THE STORM. 67

Some seed was scattered so carelessly that it fell by the side
of the road, and the birds picked it up.

Some fell on stony ground, where the earth was so shallow
that it sprang up at once. And as soon as the sun rose, it
scorched the young plants, because they had no good root, and
they withered away.

More seed fell among thorns, and the thorns choked them.

But some of the seed fell on good ground, and brought
forth plenty of good fruit. |

Children, which soil would you wish. youre darts to be—the
careless, unthrifty one where the good thoughts that Spring up
do not live because the selfish thorns choke them, or the
rich, good soil where pure deeds and kindly acts thrive and
grow, till they bear fruit that will nourish all around ?

[am sure you all would wish the good thoughts to live
forever.

The Saviour and His disciples were exhausted. For hours
He had been talking to the people, and worn and weary, He lay
down in the boat as it glided over the Lake or Sea of Galilee,
and fell fast asleep.

A terrible storm came up; one of those so common in that
country. The boat rocked to and fro, now dipping almost to
the water’s edge, and now riding. high upon a wave which
seemed ready to swallow it up.

The disciples were alarmed. They knew their Master was
tired, and yet they were so terrified that they almost began to
fear He did not care for them.

“ Master,” they cried, “ carest thou not for us!”
He heard their cry, and rising, He said to the angry waves:
68 THE SOWER—HUSHING THE S TORM.

“Peace, be still!” and at His command, the howling wind
died away, the waters became still, and all danger was over.
~The next morning they crossed the sea over into the country
of the Gadarenes.



HEALING THE DEMONIAC IN THE CAVES.

As they landed, a fearful looking being rushed angrily at
them. He was a lunatic, a man who had lost his reason. He ~
dwelt among the rocks and caves, and no man could calm him,
and no man knew where he found his food.

When he came running toward the Saviour, the disciples
THE SOWER—HUSHING THE STORM. 69

trembled. They saw he was a man of immense strength, and
what was their surprise to hear him say: |
_ “What have I to do with thee, O-Son of the Most High! ”
Jesus answered:
~ “Come out of this man, you unclean spirit!”

The spirit screamed fiercely, but it had to obey.

The Saviour inquired of the man his name.

“My name is Legion—for we are many.”

This meant that more than one spirit tormented this poor
man. They begged of Jesus that He would send them into a
herd of swine that were feeding a short distance away.

He said: ““ Go.”

As soon as the spirits entered the swine, the whole of them,
two thousand, ran down the’ steep bank into the : Sea, and were ©
drowned.

And the man who was cured, went to his friends and told
them what Jesus-had done for him.


























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































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COSTUMES OF WOMEN OF BETHLEHEM,
CHAPTER XI.
CHRIST WALKING ON THE WATER.

How bitterly the Pharisees and Scribes hated our Saviour.
They were jealous of the hold he had upon the hearts of the
people, and they feared their old laws and customs would be
overthrown, if He were allowed to continue teaching.

They watched Him continually, ever finding fault with Him,
and trying to make Him say or do something that would be
breaking their laws, SO that they might seize Him and torment
Him.

They tempted’ Him to give them a sign from heaven, but
He sighed at their hardness of hearts, and told them they should
have no sign.

But from this time forth, Jesus teen to prepare His disci-
ples for the sad days which were coming, when. He should go
up to Jerusalem, and suffer many insults at the hands of the
elders and the people. He also told them He should be killed,
but He should be raised again on the third day.

~ He lamented over Jerusalem, that city which He loved so
dearly, and which was to be His place of suffering.

It grieved these faithful followers to hear Him talk of His
~ coming trial, and Peter in a sudden burst of grief, seized hold
of His garments as if to keep Him back, and cried out:

“Lord, this shall not be unto thee!” |

Jesus turned, and said sternly to Peter:

“Get thee behind me, Satan! Thou art not of the things that
are of God, but those that be of men.’
71
72 CHRIST WALKING ON THE WATER.



















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































|

——.
ea ASUAUPA ND.





















2 CHRIST MOURNING OVER JERUSALEM.

You see it was the will of His Father in heaven that these
things should happen, and Peter was unconsciously trying to
prevent their fulfillment.

After the hungry crowd had been filled by the wonderful
power of the Saviour’s bounty, He retired to a mountain side
to pray.

Though the night was dark and dreary, Jesus felt refreshed,
because He could pray to His Father without being molested.

The disciples had entered the boat, intending to sail to the
other shore. But the storm was so severe they were nearly
CHRIST WALKING ON THE WATER, 73

powerless ic guide the boat through the stormy waters.

They were beginning to fear that they should be wrecked,
when in the darkness of midnight they saw a man walking upon
the water as easily as they could tread the dry land.

Instead of feeling assured, they were alarmed, and cried out
in terror? es

“Tt isa spirit!”

_ Jesus’ reassuring voice was heard, and these were the words
He spoke:

“Be of good cheer. Itis |. Be not afraid.”

Peter could not have really believed it was his Master, ‘else
he would not have asked Him if it were truly Jesus, if He would

let Him come to Him on the water.
“Come!” said his Lord.
_ At once Peter went over into the water, and tried to walk,
But he sank, and earnestly he cried:

“Lord, save me!”’
Jesus asked Peter why he had so little faith. .And he could
not answer. But the disciples felt happy now that their beloved
~ Lord was in the boat with them again, and the storm died away,
and they landed in safety on the opposite shore.




















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































CHRIST WALKING ON THE WATER




























































































































































































































































































CHAPTER XI.
THE SINFUL WOMAN.

Christ’s life was no, longer safe in Jerusalem. Plots were

laid constantly to get possession of His body. |

He knew their evil designs, but it had no effect upon Him.
As ever, He labored to help all who would be helped into a better .
way. His work was a high and glorious one, and He regarded
not His own safety.

A rich Pharisee sent Him an invitation to come and dine
- with him. Now Simon was nota real enemy of the Saviour’s,
neither was he an open friend. He wished to hear what: Jesus
would talk about. So he asked several friends of his own sect
to come;.t0o. 2: aye | ae

How did Simon receive this guest whom he had asked to
his table? In the same manner as he did the others, with a
‘kiss of peace 2. And did he instruct his servants to wash His
feet, and anoint His head with oil? .

Oh, no, this haughty Pharisee would not pay this compli-
ment to a guest of such lowly estate. He perhaps felt he had
— paid Him attention sufficient by asking Him to his house.
The guests were many, and were all placed around the table,

reclining on couches, as was the custom in that country. Jesus

was among them, and many. questions were asked Him, you
_ may be sure. :
While they sat at the table, eating and talking, a woman came
in who was so wicked that the Pharisees drew back in disdain.
Going to the Saviour, she threw herself at His feet, and
'
76 THE SINFUL WOMAN,



while the tears of sorrow for her sin flowed freely down her
face, she took a box of costly ointment from her pocket, and
began to bathe His feet with her tears. She then wiped’ them
with her long hair, and poured the precious ointment upon
them. | ;
THE SINFUL WOMAN. 77

Simon was very indignant. “Surely,” he thought, “ if this
man were a prophet, He would know just who this woman was.”

The Pharisees had no pity for those they called sinners.
They thought they were so holy themselves that no one should
approach them who wag. wicked.









CHRIST’S FEET WASHED BY THE REPENTANT WOMAN.

Jesus knew what Simon was thinking. And so He said,
“Simon, I have something to say to you.”

The host nodded his head, and bade Jesus say on.

Then our Lord told him a story of a man who lent two other

te
78 THE SINFUL WOMAN. .

men some money. One man owed him a very large amount,
but the other one only owed him a little. When he found
neither could pay him back the money, he freely forgave them
both.

Now Jesus asked Simon which of those men would love
their creditor most P

Of course Simon made answer that the one who owed him
most would love him best. |

Jesus told him he was right.

So you see no one need be afraid to go to God, no matter
how deeply he may have sinned against Him, and ask His ©
forgiveness.

Then the Saviour turned toward the woman, and said:

“Simon, this woman came into your house, and washed my
feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
You gave me no water for my feet when I entered your door.
No oil was put upon my head, ae she’ has anointed my feet
with ointment.

“Her sins were many, but they are forgiven. She loved
much, but those to whom little is forgiven, love little.”

The guests who heard these words were amazed, and asked
who this man was who forgave sin.

And He said.to the sorrowing woman: “Go in peace.”

And as He went through the villages many women welcomed
Him, and ministered unto Him.

Among these women were Joanna and Susanna, and many
others. Some of those who were so kind to Him, and cared
for His needs, were those from whom He had driven unclean
_ Spirits.
THE SINFUL WOMAN. 79

Mary Magdalene was among them. Our Saviour had cast
out seven devils from her, and now she was a good and pious
woman.



CHRIST DRIVING THE SEVEN DEVILS OUT OF MARY MAGDALENE,
-~ CHAPTER XIII.
THE TRANSFIGURATION.

In six days from the time when Jesus had made His disci-
ples so sad by telling them of His coming death, and when Peter.
had been almost led into great sin by declaring that it should
not be, the Saviour took Peter, James and John, and together
they went up into a high mountain, apart from the rest of the
disciples.

This mountain was very high and hard to climb. The three
followers were very weary. They had preached and labored
hard all that day, but yet they were ready to follow Him wherever
He led the way.

When they reached the top of the Roun they were so
exhausted that while their dear Master went a little way off to
pray in silence, for still HC strength, these tired men fell
fast asleep.

They were suddenly awakened by what seemed a bright |
light, and they saw Jesus standing between two men, whom
they knew were Moses and’Elias. |

And the face of the Saviour shone like the sun. A light —
beamed from it which was so bright it almost dazzled them;
and His garments were white and shining. _

Peter’s heart was full of awe and reverence. He said to the
Saviour:

“Lord, it is good for us to be here.”
He wanted to build three tabernacles there, one for Jesus,

. one for Moses, and one for Elias.
80
THE TRANSFIGURA TION. 81

_Even while he was speaking, a luminous cloud appeared, and
a voice came from it, saying:
“This is my well-beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Hear ye Him.”

The disciples fell upon the ground, with their faces hid, for
they were afraid.

But they felt the gentle touch of Jesus, and heard His dear
voice bidding them to rise, and to have no fear.

And lifting up their eyes, they saw that their Master was
alone. The prophets had passed from their sight. Jesus
charged them to tell no one what they had seen until atter He
had risen from the dead.

And they spoke of it to no man.

The next day as they came down the mountain aan a man
pushed his way from among the crowd of people who met Him,
and hailing Him as Master, told Him about his young son who
was possessed by a spirit that tore him, and dashed him around,.
and made him foam at the mouth.

The man told Jesus his pitiful story as he knelt before Him,
beseeching Him to help the boy.

He told the Saviour how that he had asked the disciples to
cure his boy, but they could not do it.

Jesus bade him bring the boy to Him, and -rebuking the
evil spirit, it left him, and from that moment the child was well.

The disciples asked Jesus why they had failed to cure this
case, and He told them that they had not prayed or had faith
~ enough.

How ashamed they must have been to think their Lord had
to reprove them for their lack of earnestness. He had taught

6
82 THE TRANSFIGURA TION,

_ them and prepared them to take up His work of love and heal- |
ing, and yet they were wanting in faith! | |
Just after this reproof, which should: have wounded them
to the heart, He heard them disputing as they walked ahead of —
Him on their way to Caperneum.
Not a word did Jesus say about their quarreling until He _
reached the house where they. were to Stay and rest. Then
He asked them what they were saying? |
And again they had to confess what they should have been
ashamed of—that they were arguing which should be the
greatest when they should come into the kingdom of heaven!
For they knew their Lord would bea king, and they felt
Sure that they should be with Him in glory, and they each
thought that he himself should be the one to receive the great-
est honor. . Tee Se gro we oe
_ Jesus answered them thus: Calling a gentle little boy unto
Him, He pointed to the child, and said: a
“Except your hearts are changed, and you become as little
children; you cannot come into the kingdom of heaven.”
He told them further, that the one who was as humble and
unpretending as that child, would be the greatest in heaven.
~ Little children, are you always humble and gentle, thinking
more of the happiness of others, than of your own? That is
aS your precious Saviour would have you. Every child can be- |
come this, if he tries. It may be hard to conquer all selfishness,
but when you have succeeded, how happy you will feel. For
you will be sure that God loves you, and you will be filled
with joy. 7
Daily the labors of our blessed Lord grew greater. The
THE TRANSFIGURATION. 83











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_ world seemed full of sin and suffering; from all parts came the
Sick, asking that Jesus give them His healing touch; the sad
and sorrowing came to hear the precious words of comfort
that fell from His lips.

So He sent out seventy men to whom He gave power to do
84 THE TRANSFIGURATION.

the works which He did; to heal and instruct. And to them
He said: |

“The harvest is great, but there are few to labor in the
fields.” He told them to carry neither money, nor scrip, nor
shoes, and to spend no time idly talking by the way.

When they entered a house, they were to say: “Peace be
to this house.”

If they were not received Rindly, they were to leave the
place, and to shake off the very dust that was on their feet.
And they went forth on their errand, and returned joyfully, for —
they had done great works through the power of God’s holy —
‘name.

Christ likened Himself unto a shepherd, who careth for his
sheep.

How these words ring in the ears of all who ive Him:

“Tam the good Shepherd. The good eaerocs giveth his
life for*the sheep.”

Is not that a joyous thought that our Lord | loves us so that
we are to Him as sheep, whom He will gather into His fold?
That He will lead us and care for us, wherever we are? You
know David, the Psalmist, wrote a tender song when he said:

“The Lord is my shepherd; / shall not want.

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leader
me beside the still waters.”
CHAPTER XIV.
JESUS IN THE TEMPLE.

A feast held in. great honor was now drawing near.

This festival was held to commemorate the goodness of |
God in giving them abundant crops of fruits and grains.

Every one who could leave home journeyed up to the holy

city to partake of its enjoyments. From far and near they
* came,

Jesus refused to go with His inane when. eye invited
Him. They could not persuade aus to go with them, so they
started on without Him.

But after the town was nearly deserted, He followed on,
_ with His disciples.

This feast lasted eight days. On the fourth the Jews, who
had been anxiously asking for Him, were surprised to see Him
enter the Temple, and at once begin to Bie to all who were
. there.

Jesus sat ina porch in the temple, ca lled Solomon’s. As —
usual, the Jews, who hated Him so bitterly, gathered around
Him and urged Him to tell them truly if He weve the Christ.

They wanted Him to declare that He was, so that they could
find fault with Him, and also find an excuse for their own
hatred.

He told them that He had told them that He was, and they
would not believe Him. Neither would they heed His voice,
because they were not His sheep.

He also said to them that He gave them eternal life, as did

85 ;
86

JESUS IN THE TEMPLE.

His Father also, and that no one could take them from His
Father’s hand.
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PHARISEES STONING CHRIST AND HIS APOSTLES,

Him. He asked them for which of His good works they stoned

Him.

They answered, for norie of His good acts that He had done,

but because He, bein
Himself a God.

g aman, blasphemed, and tried to make
JESUS IN THE TEMPLE. 87

Jesus repeated His words that He was the Son of God, and
that the Father and He were one.

Now their anger rose to a terrible point, and they seized
stones to kill Him. But He passed out of their sight. In a
moment He was gone, and they knew not where to find Him!

While He was in the Temple, among other things which
they did to torment Him, they brought a woman into His pres-
ence, whom they despised, for she had done some sin which,
by their law, was punishable with death.

They tried to make Jesus say what should be done with her.

Milita



“HE THAT IS WITHOUT SIN LET HIM CAST THE FIRST STONE.”
88 JESUS IN THE TEMPLE.

Again and again they put the question to Him, but He re-
mained silent.

Stooping, He began to trace letters upon the ground, as
though He heard them not. :

At last growing weary of their persistence, He raised Him--
Self to His full height, and looking sternly about Him upon the
cruel and pitiless men who gazed so angrily upon the shrinking
woman, he said: i

“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone
at her.”











































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A JEWISH WEDDING CEREMONY,
JESUS IN THE TEMPLE. — 89

Every man knew that he had sinned in some way quite as
deeply as this poor woman, and not a word did they answer,
but stole away, one by one, until only Jesus remained.

Turning to her, He said in gentlest tones:

“Who accuses thee? Has no man condemned thee 2?”

She said: “No man, Lord.”

His answer was: “Neither do I condemn thee. Go, and
sin no more.”
CHAPTER XV.

RAISING LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD.

About fifteen furlongs from Jerusalem was a beautiful little
_ town called Bethany. It was situated on the eastern slope of
the Mount of Olives. Its name had a very pretty meaning—
“Bethany, the house of song.” Although it was quite a good-
sized place so many hundreds of years ago, to-day it is nearly
desolate, for not more than twenty families live there.

In that village a small family consisting of two sisters and a
brother dwelt, whom Jesus loved very much. Whenever He
was near Bethany He always went to their home. The two :
sisters were never so happy as when He honored their house
with His presence, though they received Him ina very different
manner. . : | : !

Martha, the eldest, loved to show her respect. by putting
the house in order, and preparing Him nice meals, but Mary
would neglect to help Martha about these tasks, and chose to
sit at the feet of Jesus and hear Him talk. She thought most
of learning from Him how to live, and how to be ready to die.

Jesus loved them both, and they loved Him as their best
friend. | : 7
Lazarus, their brother, fell very ill, and they sent word at
once to Jesus, saying: | |

“Lord, he whom thou lovest, is sick.”

His answer was, that this sickness was not unto death, but
that God might be glorified. And although the sisters had
begged Him to come, for they felt that He could cure their

9
RAISING LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD. ee



CHRIST AT MARY AND MARTHA’S,

brother at once, He staid two days more where He then was

He then said to His disciples that they would go into Judea,
but they tried to persuade Him not to, for they remembered
that the Jews there had taken stones in their ‘hands to stone
Him. to death.
“92 = RAISING LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD.

He said that Lazarus, their friend, slept, but He must go and
awaken him. |
The disciples told Him that if Lazarus slept, he was getting
better. Jesus knew that they did not understand Him, and He :
spoke more plainly: . | |
“Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was
not there, for | want you to believe. But we will go to him.”
Thomas, sometimes called Didymus, felt very sad. He
feared his Lord would be killed, but He was anxious to be with
his beloved Master, and he said to the others: — |
“ Let us go, too, that we may die with Him,” o
So they all went with Jesus, and when He reached Bethany

_ He found that Lazarus had lain in the grave four days already.

Martha was the first to meet Him, and her greeting was a
Sort of reproach, for she knew how Jesus loved her brother,
and how able He was to heal, and she said, very mournfully:
“Lord, if you had only come, my brother. would not have
died.”

Jesus answered, “ Thy brother shall rise again.”

Martha said she knew that he would rise in the resurrection |
at the last day. a | |
_ Jesus said to her: “J am the resurrection and the life. He te
that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

Martha hurried back to the house and called Mary out very
_ quietly. The house was full of Jews who had come to stay
with the sisters a short time, so as to console them in their
sorrow, but Martha was careful to call Mary out secretly, lest
. they should know Jesus. was. there, and again attempt His life.

Mary rose up so suddenly, that the Jews thought she was
vote

RAISING LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD. 93

going to Lazarus’ grave to weep, and they followed her to give
her some words of comfort.

As soon as she came where Jesus was, she fell down at His
feet, crying as Martha had: “Lord, if you had been here, ny,
brother would not have died.”

You see what faith they both had in His wondrous power; the
same faith that all little children should have—that He is able
and willing to help to the uttermost.

It troubled the tender heart of the loving Saviour to see the
distress of Mary and Martha, and He asked them where they
had laid Lazarus.

And they said: “Come and see.”

Jesus wept.

The tears flowed down His own face, at thought of their
great sorrow. And some of the Jews who had followed Mary,
said: .
“ Behold, how He loved Him!” — |

Others said it was strange that a man who could open the.
eyes of the blind, could not have kept Lazarus from dying.

They all came to the sepulcher. It was in a cave, and a huge
stone was rolled over the opening. Jesus commanded some
of those who stood near, to remove this stone. But Martha
did not want to have her brother seen, for he had been dead
_ four days, and she was afraid he would be very much changed.

— Jesus chided her, asking her if He had not told her to be-
lieve and she should see the glory of God. So they took away
the stone, and Jesus, looking up to heaven, thanked His Father
that He had heard His prayer. Then ina loud voice, He called:

~ “Lazarus, come forth.” :
94 RAISING LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD.

And the man who had been dead, came forth, wrapped in
his grave clothes, with a napkin bound around his face. And —
Jesus Said: | , |

“Loose him and let him go.” :

- How grateful these sisters must have been, to have their
dear brother restored. Many Jews believed on J esus from that
hour. But some weit at once to the high priests and told of
this miraculous thing. : | |

And they gathered to themselves the Scribes and plotted to
know what they should do with a man who had such power as
that. For they thought ere long He would make all men be-
lieve on Him, and they would lose their place and nation. —
















































































































































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VIEW INSIDE THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM. 95
CHAPTER XVI.
THE PRODIGAL SON.

A great feast was made by a very wealthy Pharisee, and
Jesus was asked to share it with his other guests.

This rich man made a pretence of being hospitable to Jesus,
So that he might have a better chance to entrap Him, and give
Him over to those who were seeking His life.

They were ever hoping to find Him guilty of some great
sin, so they could arrest Him. But His life was blameless and
pure. All His acts were acts of kindness, and all His words
were words of love. i

He told them many beautiful stories at this feast.

One was about a very good man who had two sons. One
Son was obedient and industrious, the other was restless, and
hated work.

One day the younger son asked his father to give him his
portion of the goods, and let him go away into the woul and -
enjoy himself.

His father did not care for the possessions, but he did not
want his son to leave home.

He yielded, however, to the boy’s wishes and gave him his
Share, and the son gathered everything together, and started out
to see the world. He left his home, full of glee, but how the
father’s heart ached at parting with him!

Soon the money and goods were all gone. He had wasted
them in bad company, and he was poor and friendless now.
Besides, there was a famine in the land, and he did not know

how to. work.
96
THE PRODIGAL SON. 97









































































































































































































































THE PRODIGAL SON LEAVING HOME,

He feared he should starve soon. He hired himself to a
man to take care of his swine. He was now hungry so often
that he ate the coarse food which was meant for the pigs.

Often he murmured at his foolishness at leaving home.
How he wished he could see his father, and sit at his table
once more, where there was plenty and to spare.

Thinking of these things, he resolved to go at once to that
father, and confess his sin, and ask to be forgiven.

“And he arose, and came to his father, and when he was
yet a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and
ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”

And then this most forgiving father ordered a feast to show
his gladness at the return of his son.

> |
\

98 THE PRODIGAL SON.

CACLYS KF re
733

“HE RAN AND FELL ON HIS NECK, AND KISSED -HIM.”



“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost,
and is found.”

. How precious were that father’s pardon and welcome. And
so our dear Father in heaven is ever ready to say to us “Come!”
when we turn from our sins and selfishness. The welcome
home is ever ready for us.
CHAPTER XVII.
BLIND BARTIMEUS BEGGING AT THE GATE.

There was a secluded little town called Ephraim, near the
wilderness. Here He rested for a few weeks. The time had
come when He must go up to Jerusalem. -

_ He talked daily to His beloved disciples, preparing them for
the sad parting. But ever He promised them He should rise
on the third day.

They came near a town called Jericho. A man sat in the -
sun begging. He was blind, but when he heard the people who
were following Jesus going by, he asked what was happening.
Some one answered him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.
~ He called out: “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy
on me!” . | * |

Jesus called the man to His side. And when they led him
thither, He asked Bartimeus what he wished.

He answered: “Lord, give me my sight.”

And at once the Saviour rewarded his faith, and gave him
his sight. The man who was blind before, now saw Jesus, and
followed Him, praising and glorifying His name.

And all the people rejoiced.

Ever the Saviour exhorted His followers to be humble and
child-like. Long ago He had called the little ones about Him,
and when the disciples would have sent them away lest they
' annoyed their Lord, He had bade them be like these children.

He had said to them: “Suffer little children to come unto
me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
400 BLIND BARTIMEUS BEGGING AT THE GATE.













































































































































































































































































SOPELAIY PURANDs

HEALING THE BLIND BARTIMENS.

“ti oe there lived a very bad man named Zaccheus.
This man was a publican, or tax-gatherer. He loved money
dearly, and used every means in his power to obtain it, so that
he might hoard it up and become very rich.

But in spite of his great wealth he had no influence or friends.
BLIND BARTIMEUS BEGGING AT THE GATE. 401

His heart was sordid and narrow, and no one liked him.
He was very anxious to see this great Prophet who was com-
ing by, but as he was a very short man he could not look over
the heads of the crowd. So he climbed into a sycamore tree,
and thus he could see this wonderful teacher, of whom every
one was talking.







_ bite iocan ne. aoee = AS - Zemihnia A
“SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME.”

He thought he was well hidden from sight. Judge of his
surprise when he heard a voice calling to him:

“ Come down quickly, for to-day I must stay at your house!”
The great Prophet was speaking, and to him who was so

a
402 BLIND BARTIMEUS BEGGING AT THE GATE.





























MILD P BLT



ZACCHAUS IN THE TREE,

great a sinner What did it mean? But he came down the
tree as quickly as possible, and ran to Jesus and told Him He
was welcome to his home. |

So our Saviour went to the publican’s house, and the people
standing around were vexed. |
BLIND BARTIMEUS BEGGING AT THE GATE. 103

“ He has gone,” they said, “to be the guest of a sinner.”

The condescension which Jesus showed in inviting Himself
to the house of a man who was so very wicked as was this one,
set Zaccheus to thinking of his evil acts, and he determined to
make amends. So he rose up from the table, and said: |

“Lord, I will give half | own to the poor. And if I have
robbed any man by overcharging him, | will restore fourfold.”

How rejoiced our Lord was to hear him say that. He knew
that it was the honest outpouring of a repentant man, and He
said:

“This day has salvation come to this house.”

So again were those words of the Saviour fulfilled: “I
came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
CHAPTER XVIII.
MARY REPROVED BY THE TRAITOR JUDAS.

The days were drawing near of which Jesus had warned
them. He told His disciples that many would come professing
to be Christ. Plagues and famines and earthquakes would
come upon the earth. Nations would go to war; and brothers
would fall out with each other. |

“ Watch, therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord
may come.” | :

He told them the kingdom of heaven was like the ten virgins
who took their lamps and went out to meet the bride-
groom. : :

Five of them were prepared to meet him, for they trimmed
their lamps, and saw that they were full of oil.



THE TEN VIRGINS. ‘
104
MARY REPROVED BY THE TRAITOR JUDAS. - 406

- The other five had forgotten to attend to their lamps, and
they were empty.

While they waited, they all fell asleep, but at the midnight
hour a loud cry was heard: :

“Behold, the bridegroom cometh!”

They sprang to their feet, and the wise ones looked . care-
fully after their lamps, but the others cried out that they had
no oll, and begged some of their sisters.- But they refused, and
told them to buy for themselves. While they were away on
this errand, the bridegroom came, and all who were ready went
in to the feast.

When the five careless virgins came back, they found the
door locked. In despair they called, “Lord, Lord, open the
door.”

Back came the terrible answer: “1 know you not!”

This parable is a warning lest we neglect to prepare for
death. If we live a good and holy life, our lamps will be found
brightly burning when the Son of Man cometh to call us to the
marriage feast.

But if we do not fill our days here with good deeds, and
‘keep our hearts filled with a clear and steadfast flame, we shall
Surely hear those terrible words spoken: “I ‘know you :
not !”’

Will you not remember this Bee and then wheh the

hour of death comes, you will hear the glad welcome of “ Well - |

done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Tt was now six days before the Feast of the Passover, and
Jesus went to the house of Simon the leper, where a feast
was made for Him. But Martha waited upon the table. Simon
MARY REPROVED BY THE TRAITOR JUDAS. 107

was very rich, and his eas was very large, and a great many
people sat down at the table. -

And while they ate, Mary, > loved her dear ena took an
alabaster box of very costly ointment and anointed His feet with
it. and wiped them with her hair. And the odor was so fragrant
that it filled the whole house. - .

Judas, one of the Twelve, pretended to be very angry at
what he considered an extravagance, and he asked why the oint-
ment was not sold, and the money given to the poor ?

Judas did not care at all for the poor, but he carried the
bag into which all the disciples put the money they had; and he
thought if this beautiful ointment was sold it would bring a good
deal of money, and he would have a chance to steal some, for
‘that was what he often did. You see this disciple was a thief
as well as a traitor.

But Jesus said unto him: “Let her alone. She has kept
this ointment against the day of my burying. The poor ye
have with ye always. But me ye have not always.”

: It is true that the poor are always with us. In one of the
books of the Old Testament we are told that “The poor shall
oe cease out of the land.” And we are there commanded |
“open wide our hand unto our brother, to the poor, and to
fe needy.”

So many people went to see Jesus after He had raised Laz-
arus from the dead, and believed on Him, that the chief priests
consulted together as to how they could put Him to death
quickly, and they even wanted to kill Lazarus, because it was
through him that the people followed Jesus.

Judas, grown more covetous, suddenly reasoned to himself:
108 : MARY REPROVED BY THE TRAITOR JUDAS.

“I will help them take Jesus. Perhaps they will pay mea large
sum.” What a terrible thought. Did he try to conquer it P
No. He hurried up to Jerusalem and made a bargain at once
that he would deliver the Saviour to them for thirty pieces of
silver—about twenty dollars. i

And they paid him the money, and from that hour he
watched for a chance to give his Master over to His foes.
CHAPTER XIX.
JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM IN TRIUMPH,

The Pharisees and Scribes were gathering wrath against
Jesus, and hated Him more bitterly each day. They watched
ceaselessly for a chance to find Him guilty of some act which
would be sufficient to doom Him to death.

Still He taught and healed, and did good works. And now
they were near Jerusalem, and he told his disciples to go into



TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM.
109
110 JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM IN TRIUMPH.

a village and they would find a colt tied near a door, on whoce
back never man had sat. He told them to bring it to Him.
They found the colt, and began to unloose him, and when
some who were standing near, asked them why they untied the
animal, they answered that the Lord had need of him. So they
made no further objection.

Ta



a attece®

aS ,

<= UDEFROY DURAND

PALMS BORNE BY THE CHILDREN,
JES US ENTERS JERUSALEM IN TRIUMPH. 411

- When they brought the colt to Jesus, they laid their gar-
ments upon its back, and placed Him thereon. And the people
followed Him, and spread green palms and grasses over the
way for Him to pass over, while they cut down the branches
from the palm trees and bore them aloft, women and men and —
even the little children, as they pressed on in the Saviour’s path,
making the air ring with their songs of praise: “Hosanna!
Blessed is the King of Israel, that cometh in the name of the
Lord.”

Thus in triumph our Lord voile into Jerusalem, and the
Pharisees were torn with jealousy. “For,” they said, “the
world is gone after Him.” fae

How soon these wicked men would have their way! But
the disciples, who could not believe that their Master was to
suffer a shameful death, were happy to see this honor paid to
Him, but He sadly talked to them of the days of sorrow that
‘were coming, and foretold how that proud city would be de-
stroyed. .

He wept as He foretold the destruction of the Temple.
He knew that Jerusalem would be robbed of its beauty. He
knew not one stone would be left upon another. He loved
Jerusalem, and would have gathered His children to Him, as a
hen broodeth her chickens. But they turned deaf ears to Him.
They heeded not His warnings, nor would they listen to His
pleadings.

And even as He prophesied, so has it come to pass. Jeru-
salem is but a shadow of its former self. Devastated and
lonely it sits, while its enemies, of another faith, have planted a
sign of their power and authority in its proud walls—the Mosque
\

442 JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM IN TRIUMPH.









































































































ee





FORETELLING THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE.

of Omar. [n 637 of the Christian era, Jerusalem was captured
by Mohammedan Arabs, under Kalif Omar.

He inquired at once for the “Sakhara” or sacred rock which
he claimed was there, and found it covered with all kinds of
vile things which, I am sorry to say, the Christians had thrown
there to show their dislike of the Jews. Here Kalif. Omar
erected a dome, which his successor, Abd-el-Melik removed
A. D. 688, and built the splendid mosque which all travelers to
that far Eastern land have seen. It has eight elegant gates
carved in Saracenic style. |



























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































114 JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM IN TRIUMPH.

Thus has the pride of the “Holy City” been humbled, and
it has been shorn of its beauty.

When Christ entered Jerusalem, He went into the nips
and His heart was again disturbed by the clamor of the oxen
and the cooing of the doves, and the voices of the money

_ changers who disturbed those who went there to pray and offer
up sacrifices. And once more, as He had done three years



























































































































































































mee as Se cE



DRIVING OUT MONEY LENDERS.

before, He cast them forth, and upset their tables, as He ex-
claimed in righteous anger:

“My house shall be called the house of prayer, but ye have
made it a den of thieves.”

“And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple,
and He healed them.”
JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM IN TRIUMPH. 115

Think, dear children, of His wondrous love. Nowhere can
you find a passage where our blessed Lord turned away the
sick or the miserable, no matter how great their sins. Always
the grand assurance comes: “He healed them.”

Can you not love a being so gentle, so forgiving, and yet
whose power is so vast that He can do as He wills with all of
us? And yet His will is to receive all who come to Him, with
open arms of love. So serve Him and love Him, dear children,
all the days of your life.

Remember, when the lawyer, who tried to make our Lord
say a foolish thing, asked Him: “ ‘Master, which is the greatest
commandment ?” Jesus answered:

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

“This is the first and great commandment.

“ And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neigh-
bor as thyself.” .

Will you think of this, and on what your heavenly
Father asks of you P






































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































PLOWING IN EASTERN LANDS.
116

=~
CHAPTER XX.
PREPARING A PLACE FOR THE LAST SUPPER.

_ The Feast of the Passover was near at hand, and the Saviour
wished to celebrate it with his beloved disciples. But how
could this ber If He went openly into the city, his enemies
were ready to seize Him. Judas had been to the Pharisees
and offered to ae Him to them for thirty miserable pieces
of silver.

The Saviour of the world had no place to hold that supper
which alas, was to be the last He would ever partake of with
those who loved Him so. |

He told them, when they asked Him where they should pre-
pare it, to go into the city, and they would see a man carrying
a pitcher of water, and they must follow him.

And when they reached the house he entered, they must
follow him closely, and go to the good man of the house and
ask him where the guest-chamber was,which they were to pre-
pare for the Master, that He might eat the passover with His
disciples.

This man would show them a large upper chamber, which
had no furniture in it save a long table and benches.

They did just as He told them to, and when they came to
the house ae greeted the master, and he led them to the
- room, which they prepared for the Supper which was to be held
at eventide.

And as they were eating, He said:

“Verily, | say unto you, that one of you shall il betray me.”
118 PREPARING A PLACE FOR THE LAST SUPPER.



“VERILY I SAY UNTO YE, THAT ONE OF YE WILL BETRAY ME.”

While He sat at supper, Jesus took bread and blessed it and
brake, giving it to His disciples, saying:

“Take, eat, this is my body.”

And He took the cup, and blessing it, He gave it to them
also, and they drank thereof.

He said to them:

“This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed
for many.” : |

They all sang a hymn, and went-out into the Mount of
Olives. | |
PREPARING A PLACE FOR THE LAST SUPPER. 119,

The disciples, even at this solemn hour, when Jesus was
with them for the last time before He was crucified, were so
full of pride and self-love that they contended amongst them- —
selves as to who should be the greatest.

Jesus rose from the table when the repast was ended, and
girding Himself with a towel, He poured water into a basin, and
began to wash the disciples’ feet. This was an office that was
always performed by servants. |

They were amazed, and protested against it. But when He
came to Peter, that plain-speaking man refused to let his Master

honor him so, and he said: ?
“Lord, thou shalt never wash my feet.”

And Jesus answered: “If L wash thee not, ‘thou hast no
part with me.’

Then Peter, dreading lest his beloved Master should cast him
off, said earnestly:

“Lord, not my feet only, but my hands and my head.”

He wanted to be made clean, body and soul, that he nigh
be pleasing in the sight of God.
| When Christ had set them this example of nalts He

told them that what He had done for them, they should do for
each other.

_ Then seating Himself again, He said to them, that one of
those who sat at the table would betray Him.

The disciples were shocked. Each felt that he was innocent
of such treachery, and they looked from one to the other, and
no one knew who was meant.

But John, the beloved disciple, spoke in low tones to the
Saviour, on whose bosom he leaned, and asked Him:
120. PREPARING A PLACE FOR THE LAST SUPPER,

“Lord, who is it?”
Jesus took a sop (a small piece of bread) ad answered:
“He it is to whom I shall give a sop when I shall have
dipped it.”

Thus saying, He dipped the bread and passed it to Judas
Iscariot.

Now the spirit of evil came into Judas with tenfold power,
and when Jesus, who knew the hour had come for the dreadful
deed, said to him: “That thou doest, do quickly,” Judas
hastened out and went straight to the Pharisees and chief



































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Rye
“ c Fe oa oe :

NUNN gear
i

a)



STL

“HE IT IS TO WHOM I SHALL GIVE A SOP.”
PREPARING A PLACE FOR THE LAST SUPPER. 424

priests, and demanded that they send a band of soldiers with
him to take Jesus.

After he had gone away on this cruel errand, Jesus talked
lovingly to the rest of the Twelve, and bade them love each
other, and be ready to glorify God. And He gave them a new
commandment:

“That ye love one another, as | have loved you.”

Oh, wondrous love, that led Him to lay down that precious
life, that through Him all men might be saved.

When He told them that but a little while He should be with
them, and that whither He went they could not follow Him at
that time, Peter again spoke up quite earnestly:

“Lord, why cannot [ follow Thee now? | will lay down
my ‘life for thy sake.” |

Jesus knew that Peter meant it, and He knew, too, the
weakness of human nature, and He said to him sadly:

“Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily I
say unto thee, the cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me
thrice.”

And then Jesus lifted up His eyes to Heaven, and prayed
for all His disciples, that they would be guarded and cared for,
and made strong to do the work for which He had fitted them.
And He prayed that they might be with Him when they should
be taken out of the world.

Then that band of sad and loving men joined their honored
_ Master in a hymn, which rang out upon the clear air in that plain
old room in Jerusalem so many hundreds of years ago. And
when its echoes died away, they went up into the Mount of Olives
to a garden or grove, a retired spot of about half an acre, near
122 PREPARING A PLACE FOR THE LAST SUPPER.

the brook of Kedron. This garden was called Gethsemane,
and while Jerusalem could be seen from its paths, yet it was
very quiet and still there, and was a favorite place with our
blessed Lord, who often went there to pray.

His disciples followed Him to this garden with heavy hearts,



“HE FELL ON HIS FACE.”





























































































































































































































































































































































rs)

124 PREPARING A PLACE FOR THE LAST SUPPER.

and He bade them rest, while He went a little ways off, to ask.
help and comfort of His heavenly Father. Bidding Peter, James
and John to go with Him, He fell on His face and prayed to God
that if it were His will the cup of pain and sorrow which He
was to drink might be taken away. But He prayed also, “ Not
my will, but thine be done.”



















THE ARREST OF JESUS.
PREPARING A PLACE FOR THE LAST SUPPER. 125

While He prayed, His anguish was so great, that the great
drops of sweat came out upon His forehead, and fell to the
ground, like drops of blood.

And an angel came to His side, and gave Him strength.

On His returning to Peter and the two others, He found
them sleeping. He sorrowfully asked them if they could not
watch with Him one hour?

Twice after that He found them sleeping, and the last time
He bade them sleep on and take their rest. »

Even as He spoke a crowd of evil-looking men, armed with

staves and swords, and carrying torches which flared angrily
upon their faces, came rushing into the garden which a few
moments before had been so peaceful.

Judas was with this rabble, and he went to the Saviour’s
side, and said: ‘Master master!” and kissed Him.



JUDAS’ KISS.
126 PREPARING A PLACE FOR THE LAS T SUPPER.

And Jesus, standing there, asked with quiet scorn:

“ Are ye come out as against a thief, with swords and staves
for to take me? | sat daily with you teaching in the temple,
and ye laid no hold upon me.”

‘Then, shame to relate it, but all those disciples whom He
loved so, and had taught and comforted, fled in terror, lest they,
too, were to be seized by the soldiers.

Only an hour before, Peter had declared he would lay
down his life for Him. Now He deserted Him in His hour 2
of bitter woe!











































‘
AN EASTERN NOONDAY REST,
CHAPTER XXI.
PETER DENIES HIS MASTER.

Now in the morning, these wicked soldiers carried their
meek victim to Pilate to be condemned. All night they had
tormented and mocked Him, but He, who could have con-
quered them with a word, bore it patiently, because it was His
Father’s will and plan that He should suffer for our sins.

When Peter fled from his Master the night before, his

\ wage |
iv a

ww



CHRIST BEPORE THE HIGH PRIEST.
127
128 PETER DENIES HIS MASTER.

conscience began to smite him. He remembered all the love
that Jesus had shown him, and his own ingratitude, and he



PETER DENIES HIS MASTER.

also had a longing to know where Jesus had been carried. So
‘he followed the crowd to the house of the high priest where
PETER DENIES HIS MASTER. 129

they had borne the Saviour, and he entered the hall and
Stood there, warming himself, for it was cold. .

The high priest was questioning the Saviour when Peter
went in, and when He answered gently that He ever taught
openly and that those who had listened to Him could tell
what He had said, an officer who stood near, struck Jesus
_ violently with the palm of his hand, demanding to know why
He made such an answer to the high priest. |

Peter stood near and never uttered a word in behalf of his
dear Master. A maid servant who saw Peter, knew him, and —
accused him of being with Jesus in the garden.

He said: “I know him not.”

Again, a few minutes later, another servant asked him if he
was not one of the disciples, and he again told a wicked false-
hood. He said, “I am not!” :

A servant of the high priest said to him, “Did | not see
thee in the garden with Him? ”

Peter said boldly—*Thou didst not!” ° And at that mo-
‘ment the cock crew loudly. <

Jesus turned and gave Peter a look so full of reproach and
Sorrow, that in a moment his heart grew penitent. What, had
he, who professed to love his Master so entirely, been cowardly
and untruthful ?

His conscience awoke, and he rushed from the house, and
going out into the darkness, he fell on his knees and wept
bitterly, | :
CHAPTER XXIL.
JESUS BEFORE PILATE.

_ Inthe morning they took Jesus to Pilate. It was neat the
Feast of the Passover, and Pilate could not partake of this feast
if he entered the Hall of Judgment, as He would be defiled, so
he went out, this great ruler, to the people, and asked them
what they would have. _

Pilate had looked upon the pure and serene face of Jesus,
and he knew in his heart He had done no wrong. He had_
questioned Him closely, and all His replies were such as a just
and holy man would give. This great ruler could not endure
the thought of giving up this sinless being to the rabble, and he ©
planned a way to avoid it. |

The chief priests were loudest in their accusations. But as.
Pilate could find no wrong in Him, and he did not like to con-
demn an innocent man to death, he offered to release Jesus.
It was the custom to set a prisoner free at this feast after
scourging him, and the one who was to have been pardoned at
this particular time was a very wicked man named Barabbas.
Pilate wished to let Jesus goin his place, and he told the rabble
so, but they would not hear to it. They called for Barabbas,
although he was a thief and a murderer; they preferred to have
this criminal liberated, rather than our beloved Lord, for they
hated Jesus, whom they were determined should die. |

Pilate wished to be rid of the blame of allowing Jesus to
die, and as soon as he found He was a Galileean, he sent Him
to Herod to be adjudged.
JESUS BEFORE PILATE. 434





















































































































































































































ea



























































































































































































































































































































































































Te Tims =
Ly Lae a:

ze ail i ey ite
a nee
i ne ii ; J
& re

PILATE EXAMINES JESUS PRIVATELY.

























































stl






Tw TOVARD ec. x = ae Nee a SODUAUV AURAL |

After Herod had questioned Him he, too, failed to find any
sin in Him, and he returned Him to Pilate, after insulting Him
by putting a gorgeous robe upon Him, as if he believed Him to
be an earthly king. |

Pilate was more troubled than ever, but he said to himself,
132 "JESUS BEFORE PILATE.

“] will have Him scourged, and give Him liberty. That surely.
"will satisfy the rabble.” | oe
So he ordered Him scourged, which was a dreadful punish-

















THE SCOURGING OF CHRIST.

ment. But he little knew the fierce rage that burned in their
hearts. i
JESUS BEFORE PILATE, 133

When he brought Jesus out to them, the soldiers and people
led Him away, and called together the whole band.

And they mocked Him, and struck Him, and spit upon Him,
and bending their knees, they pretended to worship Him. They

also put a robe of purple upon Him, and platted a crown of

thorns, and placed it upon His head, saluting Him thus: “ Hail,
King of the Jews!” i

Then He was led forth for the mob to see. They had be-
come weary of tormenting Him, and had placed His own clothes
upon Him again.















































































































































































OO =posenppr ag



See eee WITH THORNS.
134 JESUS BEFOKE PILATE.

As He stood there, no thought of all He had done for the
lame, the blind, the sin-sick, went forth from that crowd.

Pilate said, as He stood there in the sunlight, its rays light-
ing up His beauteous face: “Behold the man!”





























ECCE HOMO.

And a mad cry of hate went up from their throats, of “Cru-
cify Him! Away with Him! Crucify Him!”

Pilate said: “Take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault
in Him!”

And they led Him away, to be crucified.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE REMORSE OF JUDAS.

But what became of Judas? The shameful deed had. been
“accomplished. He had helped bring that being to a disgraceful
death, who had once been his loving friend and teacher.
| Do you think he was happy? Did the possession of the
money bring him peace of mind? —~ |

Alas, remorse seized upon him. He repented bitterly of
what he had done. Oh, that he might undo his work! Too
late, and now evermore must his conscience sting him, for no
repentance could ever bring the gentle Jesus to life again.

He had sold himself to Satan, and was now in the power of
ene who took delight in seeing the despair of those who had
given themselves to him.

But at least he would not keep the money. It was the price
of a life, and was hideous to him. He could not keep it. He
would go to those priests and confess his falsehood. He would
beg them to set Jesus free, ere it was too late.

How little he knew those wolves in human guise! They
knew that Jesus was innocent, even moré than he did, but they
had Him in their power, and would never release Him now.

- He went and told them that Jesus was innocent. He begged
them to spare Him. They listened to him with sneers and con-
tempt. They despised Judas for a traitor, but he had done
them a service, and they had paid him his price. That was all
they wished of him, and the matter was ended.

“Dashing the silver pieces down upon the floor of the temple,
135
THE REMORSE OF JUDAS.

136
he rushed out, and in the loneliness of a cave near, he thought

of his. terrible crime, and resolved to put an end to his life.
And at last, no longer able to bear his own thoughts, he pro-

yin
WAVY

pl



JUDAS REPENTANT,

cured a rope, and going to a lonely field, he founda tree, and
climbing into it, he threw one end of the rope around a branch
THE REMORSE OF JUDAS. 137

and the other end about his neck, and springing down, he
choked to death. | |
_ Thus perished the traitor. Too late now to ask God’s par-
don, He had gone where it could no longer reach him—to the
place prepared for all who sin past pardon.
And the priests dared not put the money Judas had returned
~ to them into the treasury, because it was the “price of blood.”
So they took the coins and bought a piece of ground near
Jerusalem, and devoted it to burying unknown people, paupers
and criminals. | .
- And they named it the “Field of Blood.” But to this day
it is called “ The Potter’s Field.” |
~ CHAPTER XXIV.
CALVARY.

When they led Jesus away to the place of execution, Cal-
vary, just beyond the city walls, He was faint and weary, worn
with grief and watching, and as He staggered under the weight
of the cross, they compelled a Strong man who had come in
from the country, Simon, the Cyrenian, to carry it for Him.

They led Him away to a place called Golgotha, and here

























































































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CALVARY. 139

they nailed the blessed Lord upon the cross, and left Him
to die.

Pilate knew He had done no sin, anid yet he permitted this
awful wickedness to be done. He wrote an inscription for the
cross, and when the priests asked him to change it, he refused.
It was the custom to place the name of the criminal upon the
cross on which he was executed, together with his crime. And
Pilate’s testimony to His innocence was thus made plain to all
who saw it, for he had it inscribed in three tongues—Hebrew,
Greek and Latin, and this is what it said:











































































































































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CHRIST’S FAITHFUL FRIENDS FROM GALILEE.
140 CALVARY.

“JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
Even in this hour of supreme misery, Jesus thought of
others His mother stood near the cross, and so did John, the

—=—

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THE CRUCIFIXION.



SOLELROY PORAND.

youngest disciple. Three other women were there also, their
tears and sobs rending the air. Jesus looked at his mother
CALVARY. . 144

with tender love, and then His eyes resting on John, He said:
“Woman, behold thy son!” and to John: “Behold thy
mother!” |

And John gladly accepted the trust, and as Mary gave the
dying Jesus a last look of farewell, he led her away from the

- foot of the cross, to his own home.

Three hours the Saviour hung on the cross. His throat was
parched, and one of the soldiers pitying Him, filled a sponge
with vinegar and passed it up to Him, that He might quench
His thirst. But others among the soldiers said: “Let Him be.
‘ Let us see if Elias will come and take Him down.”

The Saviour’s agony was terrible. He murmured in His
sufferings: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

This was at the ninth hour. |

The people were passing by in great crowds and mocking
Him, bidding Him come down from the cross, and save
himself. :

Two thieves were crucified with Him, one on the left, the
other on the right. And at the sixth hour a dense blackness
settled over the scene, so that all who saw it were terrified.
And it lasted three hours.

When Jesus had tasted of the vinegar He otied out with a

Joud voice: “It is finished!” And then He died.
At that instant the earth shook as with an earthquake, ie
the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom,
while the people rushed in all directions, wild with terror. The
centurion who had been set to mace Him, cried out with an
earnest voice: _

5 Truly this man was the Son of God!”

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“IT IS FINISHED.”

The next day was the Sabbath, and the Jews did not wish
to have Jesus and the two thieves left hanging upon the crosses
that day, so they besought Pilate to have them taken down. It
was usual for them to break the limbs of those who were cru-
cified, so that they might die quicker. The thieves were still
CALVARY. 143

living, so they hastened their deaths in this manner, but the
Saviour was quite dead, as the soldiers found; but one of them
pierced His side with a spear, and blood and water poured forth.
Thus was the Scriptures fulfilled, wherein it was written:
“A bone of Him shall not be broken.”
A rich man named Joseph of Arimathea, who had secretly
been a disciple of Jesus, came to Pilate and begged that he

At,



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DESCENT FROM THE CROSS.

might have His body, and the ruler willingly consented. So he
took away His precious body, and Nicodemus came to his house,
and brought a large quantity of myrrh and aloes, nearly a hun-
dred pound weight, with which to embalm Him. And they bore
Jesus to a cave or a tomb which he had made in his own gar-
den, and where no man had yet laid.
144 : CALVARY.

With loving hands and sorrowful hearts they wrapped Him
in fine linen and carried Him to this tomb. 4

Early the next morning, Mary, the mother of James, and
Salome, and Mary Magdalene went to the sepulcher with sweet
spices with which to anoint their Lord and Master. And they













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BURIAL OF CHRIST.

saw that the stone was rolled away, and on entering the tomb
they found that it was empty. Their Master had gone! But
two angels stood there in shining garments, and they comforted
them in this manner:
CALVARY. 145

“ Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here,
but is risen. Remember how He spake unto you when He was
in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the
hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise
again.”

So the women went away glad, and told the eleven and all
the rest.

Peter and John could not believe so wondrous a tale, and -
they ran quickly to the sepulcher, and though John stooped
down and looked in, and saw the grave clothes there in a corner,
he went not in. But Peter entered, and seeing that Jesus was
no longer there, he, too, believed, and they went away to their
own homes.

Mary Magdalene, however, couid not understand as yet, and
she stood outside the tomb, weeping bitterly. She thought thar
the Jews had’ stolen the body of her beloved Jesus who had
done so much for her; and she, too, looked in, and saw two
angels in white, one sitting at the head, and one at the
feet, where Jesus had lain. And they asked her why she
wept.
She was frightened, at being spoken to, but she answered:
“ Because they have taken my Lord away, and I know not where
they have laid Him.” 7 |

She turned away, still weeping bitterly, when she saw a form
Standing near, who asked her why she wept. Now Mary was
blinded by her tears, and she supposed it was the gardener who
had spoken, and she begged him to tell her if he had taken away
her Saviour’s body a..2 where he had laid it.

Jesus spoke the one word," Mary.”

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She turned, and saw who had called her name, and with
loving adoration she sprang toward Him, crying:

“ Master!”

But He gently drew His garments away, saying: “Touch
me not. I am not yet ascended to my Father. But go to

————
PODEFROY DURAND.»



TEN OF THE DISCIPLES SAT WITH DOORS LOCKED,

my brethren, and say unto them, | ascend unto my Father and
your Father, and to my God and to your God.”

That same evening, as ten of the disciples sat at supper with
the doors locked, for they feared the Jews’ anger, Jesus ap-
148 CALVARY.

peared in their midst, and said unto them: “Peace be unto you.”

He showed them His hands and side. How happy they
were to see their dear Lord once more. ,

Thomas, one of the eleven, was not there, and when the
other disciples told him of the blessed privilege they had enjoyed,
he would not believe them. He was like many we see, dear
children, who cannot believe by faith. They do not know what
a beautiful thing it is to trust completely, but even such as they
will be satisfied, if they search the Scriptures thoroughly.



























GOING TO EMMAUS.

Two men journeying to Emmaus, were walking along the
dusty road that day, when they meta stranger. These men
belonged to the Seventy whom Christ had sent forth to heal.

As they talked of the sad events that had taken place this
stranger asked them why they were sorrowful. And they told.
him all about Jesus, his death and burial, and how disappointed
they were, for they thought He was the Messiah.
CALVARY. 149

He told them they did not understand the Scriptures, and
He talked to them and explained so clearly that they were de-
lighted, and they asked Him to abide with them for the night.

When the supper was prepared, they gave Him the seat of
honor. And He blessed the bread, and broke it.





































































































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DOUBTING THOMAS. »

Their eyes were opened at once. They knew Him—He was
their dear Master!

And when they would have spoken further, He vanished
from their sight. |

Eight days later they were all together again, Thomas with
the rest; the doors were closed, when suddenly Jesus again
stood among them, and said:
150 CALVARY.

“Peace be unto you.”

And He bade Thomas reach forth his hand, and thrust it
into His side, and be not faithless, but believing.

Thomas could no longer doubt, but he exclaimed earnestly:
“My Lord and my God.” — a
CHAPTER XXV.
CHRIST APPEARS AGAIN.

Once more Christ showed Himself to His disciples, at the
- Sea of Tiberias.

They were fishing, but had been out all night with no suc-
cess. As the morning broke, and they were tired and weary,
they saw a man standing upon the shore, who called to them in
kind tones:

“Children, have you any fish?” And they said sadly, “No,
we have caught none.’

Then He said, “ Cast the net on the right side of the ship,
and ye shall find plenty.” They obeyed, and the net became so
full they could not draw it up.

John knew at once whose care was over them, and he said
joyfully:

| “Tt is the Lord!”

Peter was so rejoiced that he threw himself into the sea to
swim to shore. He could not wait for the overloaded boat to
reach there. And when the boat touched the land they saw a_
fire of coals, and fish and bread laid thereon.

And, better still, they found Jesus there. He invited them
to dine. Then after the meal was over, He said to Peter:
“Lovest thou me?” |

Peter replied fervently: “Yea, Lord, Thou knowest fal)
love Thee.”

Twice more he asked Péter if he loved Him, and that disciple
‘was much grieved, for he thought his Lord did not believe him.

154
152 CHRIST APPEARS AGAIN.

Each time he declared that he did,and then Jesus said to him:
“Feed my sheep.” He wished Peter to devote himself to the
great work which He had been carrying on—healing sinners, and.
bringing them to repentance. | Y |

Three times Peter denied his Master on that terrible night, .
when he had declared he knew Him not, and Jesus wished to .
remind him of that falsehood. So three times He led him to de-
clare that he loved Him. Peter never faltered again. He was
one of the most earnest among those whom the Saviour left to
do His will. |

Many great miracles he was allowed to perform, through
God’s power, and his epistles are full of thanks for the grace
given to him.

The time was growing very short when Jesus would no.
more be with them. Forty days only He dwelt among them
after He rose from the dead, but how much He taught them in
that time. Ever He was the same loving Saviour that He had
‘been, “is now, and ever will be.” : .

He taught them how to understand the Scriptures, and that
they must teach all men that they must repent of their sins,
and that pardon would be granted them through His precious —
name. He told them they were witnesses of all He had done,
and they must speak of those things to all people.

He had given His disciples, before His death, a promise,
and now He was ready to redeem it. It was, that He would
appear to them after He had risen from the dead, on a mountain,
where many could see and recognize Him.

This was joyful news, and hundreds flocked to that spot,
anxious, SO anxious to once more see the dear Lord who had
CHRIST APPEARS AGAIN, 453

been crucified by his enemies, but had risen triumphant.

Men, women, and even little children hurried up that steep
mountain side. And there they saw Him! In His own dear
form He stood before them, and spoke in such loud, clear tones
that every one of that vast number heard Him:

“ All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth ”

Remember that, my dear children—* all power Is given unto
Jesus.” Through Him alone can you find pardon and
peace. |

And He said also: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them as I have done, and teach them as I have taught
you.

“For lo, | am with you always, even unto the end of ‘the
world.” | |

This He said to the disciples, who were to go out upon mis-
sions to all mankind, to be the bearers of good tidings. .

He told them to begin at Jerusalem, that city which He had
loved so tenderly, but whose people had mocked and despised
Him, and tormented Him ere they crucified Him.

) Now He took His last walk with those disciples who had

dwelt with Him so long. He led them out as far as Bethany,
that beautiful little town on the Mount of Olives. And as He
walked He told them what they must do. They must begin
their preaching at Jerusalem, but they were to Spread the Gospel
everywhere.

On and on they walked, past the places where He had been
So often, out to a more lonely spot upon the hillside.

_ The eventful moment had come. He was about to leave
them alone, to do His work, and lifting up His pierced hands,
154 ; | CHRIS r APPEARS AGAIN.

which bore the cruel marks of the nails, He solemnly blessed
them.

A cloud came down and overshadowed them. He was -

caught up into this cloud, and surrounded by myriads'of shining
angels, He was hidden from their sight.

Two angels, with garments white as snow, stood near them,
as they eagerly strained their eyes to catch a last glimpse of
Jesus. They spoke thus to them:

“Why do you stand gazing up into heaven? Jesus, who ts
taken up from you, will come again some day in the same
manner.”

Then they went back to Jerusalem, praising God, happy and
content. They had been left without their Master’s daily com-
panionship, but He had poured out His holy spirit upon them,
and had commanded them to do a great work. How well they
obeyed Him, we shall tell you now.
CHAPTER XXVI.
CHOOSING A NEW APOSTLE—DAY OF PENTECOST.

When Jesus ascended into heaven, and had gone away from
those who had been with Him every day, and from the people,
some of whom had followed Him to listen and believe, while
others sneered and blasphemed, the disciples returned to Jeru-
salem to watch and pray, and Peter, who was the eldest, stood
up and said that as Judas was no longer among them, the say-
ings of Scripture must be fulfilled—his habitation must be des-
olate, and his place as a minister another must take.

So they prayed for help to know whom to choose. They
had thought of two, Joseph and Matthias.

When they had prayed, they cast lots, and the choice fell
upon Matthias, so he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The Day of Pentecost had come. This was one of the
three great feast days among the Jews, and fell on the fiftieth
~ day after the Feast of the Passover.

On that day, just ten after the ascension of Christ, the apos-
tles were all gathered together at one place, when on that crowd
of women, apostles, and men gathered there to the number of
120, “suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing,
mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were
sitting. -

“And there appeared unto them cee tongues like as of
_ fire, and it sat upon each of them.”

Was this not a wonderful thing, and did it not show that
God had kept His Ore and sent His Holy Spirit upon them?
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DAY OF PENTECOST.
156


CHOOSING A NEW APOSTLE—DAY OF PENTECOST. 157

_ The strangest part of this was, that though the apostles were
Galileans, they proclaimed the glory of God, and His wonderful
power in every language, so that every man who heard them
speak, listened to his own tongue. This was called “ the gift of
tongues,” and Peter, who heard the people murmuring as usual,
some admiring, and others making fun, spoke to them, and told
them that the apostles spoke by the power of the Holy Spirit.

~ He told them that the Jesus of Nazareth whom they had
wickedly slain, was raised from the dead, and sat on His throne
in heaven, and that He had promised them He would pour out
His Spirit upon them, and He had kept His promise that day.

He earnestly declared that the being whom they had all seen
and despised, was the Lord and Saviour, who alone could save
them.

The people began to grow alarmed. They knew they had
been wicked and unbelieving, and their hearts were troubled.
“What shall we do?” they asked Peter and the rest of the
- apostles. |

“Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ,” he
answered. .

They gladly heeded his advice. They repented truly, and
in that solemn hour they cast away their sins and became as
Jesus would have them, like little children.

Peter’s earnest preaching added about 3,000 souls to the
church, and they remained true to their promises to their
heavenly Father.
CHAPTER XXVII.
PETER HEALS A LAME MAN.

Peter and John went up into the temple when the hour of
_ prayer had come, and as they passed through a gate which was
called Beautiful, a lame man sat there begging. He had been
lame from his birth. As his eyes rested on the two apostles
he asked them for help. : |
Peter bade him look at John and himself. The man thought
they were going to give him some money. But Peter said -
solemnly: |
~ “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have | give unto
thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and
walk!” |
This man who had never walked without help before, leaped
to his feet, and went into the temple praising God, while all the
people marveled. |
Was not this gift of strength and healing far more to be de-
sired than mere gold or silver? The first act of this man was
_ to praise and thank God. He gave the first fruits of his grati-
tude to his Father in heaven. \ :

Those who saw him walk, were all amazed, and they ran
after the man who had been lame, talking about his restoration
and expressing their wonder. — ,

_ Peter again reproached them with their hardness of heart in
not accepting that Jesus whom they had been told so much
about. He assured them that neither John nor he had worked
this miracle, but the power had come through One whom they
had crucified.. :

158
PETER HEALS A LAME MAN. 159

His words fell heavily on their ears, for they knew they were
guilty of hardening their consciences. And many who heard
his voice believed from that hour. |
Bitter anger filled the souls of the rulers when they heard
these things, and they had Peter and John seized and brought
before them the next morning—for it was now eventide, and
too late to examine and question them.

And when the apostles were set before Annas, and Caiaphas
and John and Alexander, they questioned them by what power
or in whose name they had done that deed?

Peter was no longer the timid coward who denied his Mas-
ter three times, but, full of zeal and courage, he replied boldly:

“Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that
by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified,
whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man
stand here before you, whole.” —

You must feel glad, chil dren, to see he was no longer afraid
to speak for his Master.

The rulers and chief priests could make no answer. They
saw the man who had been healed standing there, and they
knew that Peter and John had been disciples of Christ when
He was on earth. So ordering them to go outside the council,
they planned to frighten and threaten them, so that they would
do no more miracles or teach the people any further. They
called the two apostles in, and gave them commands to this
effect.

3 They could not alarm Peter and John, for they were doing
the Lord’s work. Man’s threats had no power over them.
They both answered that they must speak what they saw and
160 han PETER HEALS A LAME MAN.

heard. The priests threatened what they would do, but they |
let Peter and John go, for they could find nothing for which to
punish them.

The two apostles went at once to the company of believers
and told what had been said to them, and they rejoiced
loudly, and prayed; and while they were praying, the place was

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shaken violently and they were all filled with the Spirit, and
spoke boldly the word of God.

They loved God with all their hearts, ind determined .0
share all they had with each other. Those who had lands or
houses sold them, and brought the money to the apostles, who
gave to every man as he had need.
PETER HEALS A LAME MAN. 161

Peter was ever ready to speak of the great mercies which
had been shown him; he would not be silenced, but was bold
in speaking of Christ and His goodness. In the words of the
Psalmist, he loved to invite the people to “come and talk of
Christ.”
CHAPTER XXVIII.
SAPPHIRA AND ANANIAS STRUCK DEAD.

Among these followers who were ready to give up every-
thing they owned'was a man named Ananias. He was covetous
and selfish, and could not loose what ‘he had accumulated, not —
even to the Lord. So he made a plan with his wife, Sapphira,
that they should sell his land, but he would keep part of the ©
money he got, and make Peter think he had given it all up.
But Peter knew better; he could detect the fraud at once. |

So he asked Ananias why he had let Satan put it into his
heart to try to cheat the Lord. He told him that he had lied to
his Maker who could not be deceived.

He spoke with such power and looked so angry, that Ananias :
was convicted at once, and he fell prostrate on the ground, at .
Peter’s feet, and died. oe

Alas, this poor man did not feel the force of the blessing
promised in Proverbs. He looked to earthly possessions for
happiness, and forgot that it was better to be poor in purse,
than poor in spirit, for indeed most truly “The Reale of the
Lord, it maketh rich.”

Then a great fear came upon those who saw this terrible
punishment. The young men arose, and wrapping the dead
man’s garments about him, and carrying aD) out, Me) laid him
in the grave.

His wife did not know what had beeaitie of her husband ass

she came into the house where the apostles were, about three

hours after. Peter wanted to see if she would tell the truth,
162 :
SAPPHIRA AND ANANIAS STRUCK DEAD. 163

Ghe blessing
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PROV. X. 22.


















































































































































































and so he asked her if she sold the land for so much, meaning
the amount which had been given him. |

She answered without any hesitation: ‘Yes, for so much.”

Then Peter was indignant, and he asked her how she dared
*o agree with her husband to defy the Lord.

“Behold,” he said, “the feet of them who have buried thy
nusband, are at the door, and shall carry thee out.”

She spoke not a word, but falling at his feet, she died, as did
her husband, and the same young men buried her by his side.

Was that nota dreadful judgment upon this man and his
wife? They should not have listened to the temptings of
Satan, but should have acted honestly and truthfully. They
could not deceive their Lord.
164 SAPPHIRA AND ANANIAS STRUCK DEAD. |

These things agitated the people, and they began to flock
in still greater numbers to hear the apostles, and to bring their
sick to be cured. And all who were brought were healed. /

The high priests were very indignant now. They saw that
these works of mercy were going on, in spite of their com-
mands, and they feared that soon all the people would believe
on the Christ whom they had slain.

They ordered the apostles thrown into prison with thet crim-_
inals and malefactors.

In the night an angel threw open the doors, and the apostles
- went out, while he said to them:

“Go and stand in the temple, and speak:the words of truth
to them.”

The next morning when the high priest called the Sane
together, they sent for the prisoners. The officers came back ~
and told them that the prison doors were locked, and the guards
were standing without, but when they opened the huge doors,
the prison was empty! |

Great was their surprise, and they did not know what would
come next. While they were talking about this wonderful
escape, a man came in and told them that the men who had
been put in prison were in the temple preaching.

The captain and other officers hurried to the temple, and
took them gently into custody. They knew if they used rough-
ness they would assuredly be stoned by the people, for they,
many of them, loved these teachers.

Again the high priest asked them why they still steachied
against his orders, but Peter fearlessly replied:

“We must obey God rather than men.”
SAPPHIRA AND ANANIAS STRUCK DEAD. 165

He said much more to these wicked rulers, and they grew
so fierce in their anger, that they resolved to kill the apostles.

One among them, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was a
doctor of law, and a man of some influence, stood up and advised
the others not to do so wicked an act. He wisely said:

“If this counsel or work be of men, it will come to
nothing.

“ But if it be of God, you cannot. overthrow it. Look out
- that you are not found fighting against God.”

The other chief priests listened to his well-chosen argu-
ments, and yet they were resolved to punish the apostles for
their disobedience, so iney ordered them beaten, and let them
depart.

They went their way, rejoicing that they were considereu
worthy to suffer for their beloved Jesus.

_ And still every day in the temple, and in all the houses near,
they taught and spoke to the people of Jesus.
CHAPTER XXIX.
STEPHEN DIES A MARTYR.

The disciples were growing in numbers, and yet thete were
not enough to instruct those who would listen. The people
began to murmur because the poorer ones were neglected. So
the Twelve called the other disciples to them, and appointed
several men or deacons, as we would call them, who took charge
of the alms and dealt them out to the needy.

One of these deacons, Stephen, was very earnest in doing |
good. He was full of faith and love, and he worked great mir-
acles among the poor.

Because he did these works, certain of the synagogue
hated him, and violently disputed with him. He spoke ‘with
such wisdom that they were silenced, but their hearts were very
wicked, and they hired men to say that they heard him talk im-
piously against Moses, and against God. |

- They made this a pretext to seize him and bring him before
the council. Every one who looked upon his face saw that it
was pure and holy like an angel’s.

When he was accused by these enemies, of blasphemy, he
answered for himself. He told them about Moses, and how he
delivered the children of Israel from bondage, and how Moses
had foretold the coming of Christ. And this good Stephen
stood there and defied the cruel men around him. He Said to
them:

“You stiff-necked people, you always turn against the Holy
Spirit. As your fathers did, SO. do ye.”
STEPHEN DIES A MARTYR. 167

He told them their fathers had always persecuted the
prophets, and those who told of the coming of Christ, whom
they had now betrayed and murdered. ;

How the council frowned on him, and gnashed their teeth

| —

Sep Tie















































THE MARTYRDOM OF ST. STEPHEN,

in rage. They could not bear to hear the truth,

Stephen, looking steadily up into heaven, said:

“| see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing
on the right hand of God.”

This was more than they could endure. They placed their
168 STEPHEN DIES A MARTYR.

hands over their ears, and rushed upon him with one accord,
and bore him out of the city. | |

They laid down his clothes at the feet of a young man
named Saul. ae:

What did Stephendo? Did he call down punishment upon
his murderers? No, while they beat him and stoned him, and
the cruel blows were rained upon him, he kept crying, “ Lord
receive my spirit.” Then he kneeled down and asked God not
to blame them for what they were doing; and with that loving
prayer upon his lips, “he fell asleep.”

Thus died the first martyr for the church of God: .
CHAPTER XXX.
PHILIP CONVERTS A RICH MAN.

From this time the good men who were trying to make
other people better, were treated very cruelly. The church
which they were trying to establish at Jerusalem was perse-
cuted continually, and those who believed, were scattered
everywhere.

Philip, a very good man, who had been made a deacon, went
down to Samaria, and there he told the people about that dear
Lord who had been crucified, and who was willing to receive
them.

He did many miracles, for God gave him the power. Wicked
Spirits came out of those who were possessed by them, and
the lame and the palsied came to be healed; and there was great
joy in all the places round.

A man named Simon, a great sorcerer, dwelt in the city of
Samaria. He had always been very much talked about because
he could do some very strange things, and he always pretended
that he was a very remarkable man and should be held in great
awe. Many thought he had this power from God. But he
had not. | :

Simon became curious to hear Philip, and when he saw the
great miracles he was doing, and that so many people were
being baptized, he went to him and told him he believed, and
wanted him to baptize him too. So Philip baptized him, but
Simon was only watching the apostle so as to learn how he did
those miracles. He could not understand that it was through

169
170 PHILIP CONVERTS A Rich MAN.

the spirit which God poured upon His followers that they were
worked out. He thought that it was an art that could oe taught
by man. |
He went to Peter one day, after that apostle had laid his
hands upon a sick man, and cured him, and said: |

“Give me also this power, that I, too, may do these
wonders.”

He also offered him money to teach him how to heal.

Peter answered him with sternness:

“Thy money perish with thee. Thou hast thought that the
gift of God can be bought with money.” |

He told him that his heart was wicked yet—it had not See |
made clean, and he must pray to God for OPE MENUS for the
wicked desires he cherished.

Simon was humbled, and ashamed.

He begged Peter to pray to the oid for him, that no evil
come upon him for his impious offer. He was more afraid of ©
the punishment, than he was of thinking wrong. |

Would it not have been far better to have said that tie had
done wrong, and asked God to forgive him, than to fear the
penalty, and not feel sorry for the sin |

Philip was a very earnest preacher, and he brongut: many
people to see the truth and follow it. |

One day an angel appeared to him and told him to go to the |
south part of the country. This was a desert, and Philip, though
he may have wondered in his heart what there was for him to
do there, went at once. And he soon learned what he was sent
there for. As he went along the road he met a man of great
authority, a man who had a very important position, for he had
PHILIP GONVERTS A RICH MAN, 174

charge of all the treasures belonging to Candace, Queen of the
Ethiopians. He had been to Jerusalem to worship, in the tem-
ple, and was now going home. |

When Philip met him he was sitting in his chariot reading
from Esaias, the prophet. And the spirit said to Philip:

“Go near his chariot.”



Cld Seeds

l thou what thou

veadest 2

ACTS viii. 30..



Philip went straight toward him, and asked him if he under-
stoodthe book he was reading.

The great man acknowledged that he did not, and he wished
some one would explain it to him, and he invited Philip to sit
in his chariot with him.

He was reading that passage which the prophet had written
172 PHILIP CONVERTS A RICH MAN,

so long before, in whichhesaid: “He was ledas a sheep to the
slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened
he not his mouth.”

“Tam sure the little children who have read this Book So far,
who was meant by this Lamb. But this man, who was so high
in power, could not understand it..

Philip took pity on him, for he saw that he really wished to
learn, and at once, when the Ethiopian asked him whether the
prophet spoke of himself or some other man, made answer that
it was Jesus of whom this had been foretold. He went on and
preached about him with such power that the rich man, by
whose side he sat, wanted to be baptized at once into this new
faith. He said:

“Here is a stream, what hinders my being Renz .

And Philip wishing to test him, said: “If thou believest
with all thy heart, thou mayest.” |
And he replied: “TI believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God.” | | :

He bade the chariot to halt, and Philip baptized him at once,
and as soon as they had come out of the water, Philip disap-
peared. The Spirit hid him from his companion’s sight, but the
man who had thus found Race in believing, went homeward
happy and content.

Philip was next found at Azotus; and he went into all the
cities, never growing weary of his mission, and at last he went
down to Cesarea. 3
CHAPTER XXXI.
SAUL IS CONVERTED.

You remember that Saul was one of those who consented
to the death of Stephen.. Saul was a Grecian Jew, so called
because he was born outside of Palestine, but he was a rigid
Pharisee. He hated the Christians, and he asked the Sanhe-
drim, the great religious body, for permission to search out all
who believed on Jesus, and bring them to punishment.

Think how cruel and wicked he was. He would not spare
~ even women, but brought them bound with chains to Jerusalem.

While he was going on this errand, he came near Damascus,
when suddenly a bright light shone all about him, and he was
so startled that he fell on the ground, when he heard a voice
saying: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me P”

He asked with trembling voice, “ Lord, who art thou?”
The same voice made answer—“!] am Jesus whom thou per-
secutest.”

He knew in a moment that he had been very wicked, and
he humbly asked the Lord what He would have him doe

He was told to go into the city, and there he would learn
what was required of him. He opened his eyes but he was
blind. He could see no one. The men that were with him,
heard the voice, but they could see no person.

So they took Saul by the hand, and led him into Damascus.
Three days he neither ate nor drank, nor could he see the light
of day, or face of man. There was a certain disciple who

lived at Damascus named Ananias. And he had a vision from
, 173
174 | SAUL IS CONVERTED.

the Lord, in which he was told to go to a certain street named
Straight, and ask for Saul of Tarsus. And when he found him,
he was to lay his hands upon him, and bring back his sight.

Ananias was a little astonished that he should be sent on
such an errand, and he said to the Lord, he had heard of Saul,
how wicked he was, and how much evil he had done to the
believers at Jerusalem.

The Lord told this disciple to do as he had said; for he had
chosen Saul to bear His name and sound His praises before the
Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel.

Ananias went as he was told, and when he entered the
house where he was, saluted him as “ Brother,” and he touched
his eyes, saying that the Lord Jesus had sent him. The dark-
ness fell at once from his eyes, and he saw and was baptized.

From that time he preached the beautiful truth that Jesus
was the Son of God, and many listened to him and believed.

Saul or Paul was the first missionary who labored outside
the Jewish people, for he taught that the Jews and Gentiles
were equal under the new -dispensation—the religion of
love.

He was ever after called Paul, though why he changed his
name we are not told, but it may have been because as. Saul
he had been so cruel that when he became a new man, he
-wished to take a new name.

But the holy book tells us that fe was called, henceforth,
Paul. The Jews were confounded when they saw this strange
miracle. Why, they had looked upon Paul as one of the most
_ bitter persecutors the disciples had, and now he had become a
disciple with them. That was more than they could submit too,
. SAUL IS CONVERTED. 175

so when he preached so boldly the faith he had embraced, they
lay in wait to kill him.

But as the thirty-fourth Psalm, seventh verse says:

“The angel of the Lord encampeth about them that fear
him, and delivereth them.”

So Paul put his trust in the Lord, protected by a higher

THE ANGEL OF THE |
Lorp Encayprte VY
ABOUT THEM THAT |

FEAR HIM, AND DE-
LIVERETH THEM.

PSALM xxxiv. 7.



[7

- power than man, and as they were about to seize him, and
were watching the gates of the city day and night, the disciples
waited until it was quite dark one night, and lowered him over
the walls of the city ina basket and he escaped their hatred,
and went to Jerusalem, where he joined the disciples, although
at first they were doubtful of fi for they could not believe
he had been truly converted.
176 SAUL IS CONVERTED.

But Barnabas went with him and proved to them how
- Sincere Paul was, and how well he had labored in the name
of Jesus, and they welcomed him then, asa brother. When
the Grecians tried to slay him, they sent him down to Tarsus,
his native city, to preach the word of God.

They would take the word of Barnabas as to Paul’s sincerity,
for he, although a Jew of the tribe of Levi, and born of
wealthy. parents, was one of the original seventy disciples.
His name was Joseph, and he had done much to rid the Chris-
tian faith of senseless Jewish forms, and had also done much
missionary work.
CHAPTER XXXII.
PETER WORKS MIRACLES.

Peter was busy, healing and teaching,. As he was journey-
ing from place to place, he found himself one day at Lydda.
There was a man there who had been eight years. lying ona
. bed, unable to rise. He was palsied.

Peter said to him, “Eneas, Jesus will make you whole.
Rise, and make thy bed.” The man rose and walked, a well
man,and a rejoicing one. Some who knew of this deed, “ turned
to the Lord.”

But the miracles which God gave Peter power to perform
were not ended. Near to Lydda was a small place called J oppa,
where a woman lived, who had led a very good life. She had -

always done all she could for the Lord, and had been very gen-
erous to the poor. |

She was taken sick, sad died, and after they had prepared
her for burial, they laid her in an upper shamber.

They sent two men to Peter, asking him to come to Joppa,
where Dorcas lay dead. Peter, always ready to do his Master’s
work, went with these men, and coming to the house, he was -
met by many poor women who were weeping bitterly, for
they had lost a kind friend.

Peter bidding them leave the room, knelt down in prayer.
Then turning toward the woman who lay dead, he said, “ Dor-
cas, arise.’

She opened her eyes, aa then seeing Peter, she sat up;
taking her by the hand, he called the women and showed them

their kind benefactor, Dorcas, alive.
12 177
178 PETER WORKS MIRACLES.

Great was the rejoicing among her friends, and the number
who came to the Lord, on hearing of this miracle, was very
great. .

The Gentiles were despised by nearly every one, and when
the disciples heard that Peter had eaten with some of these
people, they spoke to him about it, but he told them that he
had. been given a vision from heaven, in which he was com-
manded to eat with any one who believed, and was made clean.

“For,” said Peter, “God is no respecter of persons. But
He accepts all from any nation or people who feareth Him and
worketh good deeds.” |

All that is needed to secure that acceptance is to “Believe
on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”

Believe on the
Lerd Jesus Christ,
and thea shalt be
saved.

Acts xvi. 31.


PETER WORKS MIRACLES. 479

God loves best the humble and the meek, and those who
follow His ways. Wealth and position have no weight with
Him. He gives heed to those who love and honor Him, no
matter how poor or lowly they may be.

Ever since Stephen had perished at the hands of the Jews,
the disciples had been scattered abroad,-and had been in Phe-
nicia and Cyprus, and other distant countries, and had talked to
the Jews only. But now they came back to Antioch, and began
to preach to the Greeks, and the blessing of the Spirit followed
them, and hundreds were converted. The church at Jerusalem
sent Barnabas, who was a very good and devout. man, down
there, and bade him help the disciples, and he went first to
Tarsus, to find Paul. Together they journeyed to Antioch, and
there they spent a whole year, teaching the people. It was
here in Antioch, that they first began to be called Christians.
CHAPTER XXXIIL.
PETER IS DELIVERED FROM PRISON.

Herod Agrippa was the king at that time, and he was another
wicked man, as all the Herods had been before him. He hated
the Christians.and began to persecute them. And he seized
James, the brother of John, and had him cut:to death with a
sword."

You remember that these two brothers were Zebedee’s
children, and their mother had asked Jesus when He was on
earth to give her two sons places on His right and left hand.
He had promised her that they should drink out of His cup, |
and now His word was fulfilled—James had died for his Lord’s
glory.

This cruel deed pleased the Jews so much, that Herod
added another crime to his others. He had Peter seized and
' thrown into prison. He placed four quaternions of soldiers
to guard him by turns, and determined after the Easter had
passed, to give him up to the people: God ‘had other inten-
tions for Peter, and in the night, when the soldiers were sleep-
ing because they knew that Peter was bound with chains, the —
dark and gloomy prison was illumined with a light like day. An
angel stood there who touched him on the side and said, “ Arise
quickly.

The chains fell from his hands and rattled down upon the
hard stone floor, but the soldiers did not awaken. And he told
Peter to wrap his garments about him ‘and put on his sandals.
and follow him.

180
PETER IS DELIVERED FROM PRISON. - 184





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THE LIBERATION OF ST. PETER.

He moved quickly after the angel, and together they passed
through the wards of the prison, until they came to the heavy
gate, which was locked, when it flew open of its own accord.
The angel then disappeared, and Peter gave thanks to the Lord,
whom he knew had delivered him from the hands of those who
would have killed him.

Peter went at once to the home of the mother of Mark,
where he knew he would find friends.

The girl who came to the gate to admit him, when she heard
Peter speak, was SO glad to hear his voice, that she ran in and
182 : PETER IS DELIVERED FROM PRISON.

told the assembled guests who was just outside the door.’

They said to the girl, whose name was Rhoda—“ You have
_ lost your senses.” She said she had not, and Peter kept on
knocking. So some, bolder than the rest, opened the door,
and were astonished to see him, for they thought he was still
in prison, and they could not tell how he had escaped.

He motioned to them not to cry out aloud, and then he told
them how the angel sent by the. Lord had brought him out.
~ He knew his life would not be safe there, and so he went away
into another place.

As soon as it was day the soldiers deieed that he had
gone, and were very much alarmed because he could be found
nowhere in the prison. And cruel Herod was so angry, that he
had the two keepers put to death.

After arraying himself in rich garments and seating himself
upon his throne, he made a long speech to the people. And
they shouted that he spoke with the voice of a god, and not as -
a common man. He took their praise with great pleasure, and
did not deny that he was not worthy of it, and God smote him
sorely, “and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.”

This Herod, of whom | have been telling you, was a grand-
son of Herod the Great, who was king when the Saviour was
born.

After he had thus impiously allowed the people to worship
him as a divine being, the hand of God fell upon him and he
died this miserable death, after having reigned seven years.

After his death, “the word grew and multiplied.” Earnestly —
the apostles labored, and the people everywhere flocked to hear
them.
PETER IS DELIVERED FROM PRISON. 183

The hatred and opposition which always followed the truth
was close upon them. After working many miracles, and bring-
ing many Jews and Gentiles to accept the truth, the persecu-
tions by the Jews became more open, and Paul and Barnabas
were driven out of the country, and they departed into
Iconium.

Here the unbelieving Jews one the people think they were
false teachers, and they grew so fierce against the two apostles,
that a plot was laid to stone them to death. Their time had not
come, however, to die. God had more work for them to per-
form. So He put it into their hearts to flee into Lystra, and
there they preached the gospel to the region that lay all around.
Here, as well as everywhere else, sickness and sorrow were to
be found. A man who had never walked a step in his life, was
sitting where he could hear Paul’s voice. This man had faith
in his heart—faith that he could he cured through Paul’s help.
The apostle looked upon him, and in a loud voice called to him
to stand on his feet. He sprang up, and walked with a firm
step away.

The people cried out that the gods were come down to
earth in the forms of men. You see they did not give the
credit to the one only and true God, but they believed that their
heathen gods had done this great miracle.

Wishing to honor Paul and his companion, Barnabas, they
called them Jupiter and Mercury. And the priests of Jupiter
brought oxen and flowers to the gates. and would have sacrificed
them to show their pleasure.

This displeased the two apostles. They knew that God
alone deserved the glory, and they tore their garments as a
184 PETER IS DELIVERED. FROM PRISON.

mark of sorrow, and went out among the people, and reproved

them sternly for their idolatry, telling them that they were but

men like themselves, and that they had come to preach unto

them the truths of the living God, who would have them turn .
from such vanities and worship only Him.

The people listened, not half understanding them, and still
they insisted on offering up these sacrifices.

Certain Jews came down to Lystra and Derbe about this
time, who inflamed the multitude. that had gathered there, and
they rushed upon Paul with stones, and beat him so that they
thought they had killed him, and they dragged him out of the
city, and left him. |

God's loving care was over him, and while the other disci-

m



We then that are |
strong eught to
bear the infirmt-
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PETER IS DELIVERED FROM PRISON, 185

ples stood over his: Seemingly lifeless body, lamenting and
- mourning, he rose up and returned to the city. The next day
he went with Barnabas to Jerusalem, and there they taught
many.
_ After visiting many places, and speaking to all who would
hear, they went to Antioch once more, and remained a long
time with the other disciples, ever doing the work of their
Master. cae fo . |
They always remembered to be gentle and forbearing with
those who sinned through weakness and ignorance, for they
practiced the grand doctrine that “ We that are strong ought to

bear with the infirmities of the weak.”
CHAPTER XXXIV.
PAUL AND SILAS ARRESTED.

Paul had now chosen Silas for an associate in his labors,
while Barnabas took John, and each had gone in different direc-
tions, to spread the gospel. Timothy was also chosen to ac-
company them; he was set apart to the ministry, and was a
very faithful disciple. A vision appeared to Paul, and he was
called in that vision to go to Macedonia. Thither he went and
preached to the women who went to the river side to hear
_ prayer.

A woman named Lydia, who dealt in merchandise, and
whose heart was open to instruction, drew near to the apostle,
and he baptized her and all her family. She offered freely, the
comforts of her home to all the disciples. She regarded it as
an honor to receive these ministers of the gospel in her house,
~ but she feared lest she should not be deemed worthy to enter-
tain them. .

A girl who had been a Sais: or teller of the future, “a
fortune-teller” as we would call them now, followed Paul and
Silas, and testified to their sincerity and power, and declared
she would no more make monev for her employers, in that
wicked manner.

This made them very angry, and they ae Paul and Silas,
and forced them to go before the rulers, where they complained -
of them that they taught the people customs which were not
lawful. .

They. were adjudged guilty, and were beaten with many
PAUL AND SILAS ARRESTED. 187

_stripes and afterward thrown into prison. The jailer was cau-
tioned to watch them very closely, so that they should not
escape. He carried them into an inner dungeon, and had their
feet fastened in the stocks, so that they could not run away.

This did not keep Paul and Silas from praising God with all
their strength. They sang hymns of joy and praise unto their
Creator, and their voices sounded through the prison, so that
all the prisoners heard them.

Suddenly, at midnight, a great earthquake shook the walls of
the prison; the doors flew open, and the ropes and chains fell
from the hands of all who were bound. The keeper sprang to
his feet in fright, for he had been in a deep sleep, and seeing
the doors standing open, he drew his sword and would have
killed himself in despair, for he thought the cepENES had all
escaped.

But Paul exclaimed: “Do thyself no harm! Weare all here.”

Then calling for a light, the jailer sprang into Paul’s dungeon,
-and falling down before the disciples, he entreated them to tell —
him what he should do to be saved.

Their answer was: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and
~ thou shalt be saved and all thy house.” |

How little is asked of us! Remember, dear children, that
“Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved,
even as they.”

His soul was made glad, and he pitied Paul and Silas, because
they had been scourged, and with his own hands he bathed the
cruel marks, and took them to his home, and set food before |
them. And .the keeper and all his house rejoiced in their new-

found hope.
188 , PAUL AND SILAS ARRESTED.



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’ ACTS xv. IL.

In the morning the magistrates sent word that they might
leave the prison, but Paul would not go‘away quietly, and with-
out being heard, so he refused to leave, saying that they had
been beaten in public without being guilty of any wrong, and
as they were Roman citizens, the magistrates must come them-
selves and give them their liberty.

The officials were much annoyed when they began to think ©
how they had condemned and punished two innocent men, and
they went at once to where they were, and begged them to
come out and leave the city. | .

Paul and Silas went at once to the house of Lydia, where
they found the rest of their friends, and after having assured
them that they were steadfast in the faith, and were well and
happy, they departed to other places.
CHAPTER XXXV.
PAUL UTTERS HIS DEFENCE. -

From one city to another Paul journeyed, teaching boldly -
the word of God, and never tiring. He wrote letters to the
churches to strengthen them. He was a zealous missionary,
_ and was the means of working special miracles.

He sailed from Philippi, and went to Troas. Upon the first
day of the week, when the disciples came together to celebrate
the Lord’s supper, he preached to them, and so earnest did he
grow, that he did not end his sermon until midnight. The large
upper chamber was lit up brightly, and many staid to hear him.

A young man named Eutychus, having been overcome with
sleep, fell from the window where he sat, down onto the ground,
and when they raised him up they’said he was dead.

Paul went down to where he had fallen, and throwing his
arms around him, he assured them that he was living. The
young man’s friends were very glad, and they brought him in
the house again, alive and well.

Paul would not go in the ship with the other disciples, who
were going to Miletus. He chose to walk hither, that he might
preach by the wayside. On reaching that city he called all the
elders of the many churches that were founded, and begged
them to guard well the flocks which were committed to their
care, and to shun disputes and temptations. He wanted them
to be steadfast and endure abuse and misunderstanding, for it
. would all work to the glory of God.

He reminded them how faithfully he had labored, and he
189 :
190 PAUL UTTERS HIS DEFENCE.

wanted them to do the same. He had not only worked to
_ spread the gospel, but he had toiled with his own hands to
maintain himself, that he should not use the means which the
cause of Christ needed. He said also, that he was going away,
and they would see his face no more.

“T have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye
ought to support the weak, and so remember the words of the
Lord Jesus, how He said, it was more blessed to give than to
receive.”

He also exhorted them, as he afterward did in his Epistle
to the Galatians, to take notice that “The fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
meekness, temperance. Against such there is no law.”

He then knelt down and prayed with them all. ~ And they
wept, and kissed Paul, for they loved him and wished to keep
him near them. But he entered the ship which was to take

- him away. The boat touched at several cities, where the disci-

ples found friends.

At last they came to Cesarea, and there they entered the
house of Philip, called the Evangelist. Paul was very anxious
to go to Jerusalem, but a prophet named Agabus, advised him |
not to go near that city, for he would be seized and given over
to the Gentiles. On hearing this, his friends entreated him not
to go, but he would not be persuaded, but answered:

“What. mean you—to break my heart? I am ready not
only to be bound, but to die there for the sake of the Lord
Jesus.”

They ceased urging him, saying, “ The’ Lord’s will be
done.”


















194
492 PAUL UTTERS HIS DEFENCE.

When he reached Jerusalem, he went into the temple after
the days of purification had passed, and the Jews who came
from Asia, began ‘to stir up a riot. They roused the other
Jews to anger, and bade them seize Paul, for he had taught
against the law and had brought Greeks into the holy temple,
thus making it unclean.

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ST. PAUL MADE PRISONER,
PAUL UTTERS HIS DEFENCE. 193

ing together in great knots, and at last they seized Paul and
dragged him out of the temple, and beat him cruelly,

There was such a terrible uproar that the captain of the
band of soldiers came to the spot to see what had caused it
and the people were afraid of the soldiers, and they gave Paul
up to them. The captain ordered him secured with chains,
and then he asked who he was and what he had done.’ Some
cried out one thing, and some another, and he, fi inding he could
not get at the truth, the noise and confusion being so great,
ordered Paul brought to the castle.

The crowd followed, clamoring as they had once not long
before, for his Master's life. And their cry was nearly the
same—* Away with him!” 3 :

Paul asked the captain if he might ane to them.

After asking him a few questions, the captain gave him per-
mission. And Paul stood on the steps, where the crowd could
both see and hear him, and beckoned to the multitude. Anda
great silence fell upon them, as he addressed them in the He-
brew tongue.

He stood there, in plain sight of all those people who wanted
to kill him, merely because he taught them how they were wor-

shiping false gods, and he told them all his history; how he was “=

born a Jew, and educated in the law of the fathers.

‘He said: “I persecuted unto the death, binding and deliv-
- ering into prisons, both men and women.”.

He narrated all that had befallen him. How on his way to
Damascus, the bright light shone from heaven upon him, and
he fell on the ground prostrate with fear, and when he asked

what the Lord would have him do, he was we to rise and go
13 .
194 PAUL UTTERS HIS DEFENCE.



mn SESE WS

Boe.



ST. PAUL PREACHING.

into Damascus. He went, led by the hands of his friends, for
he was blind and could not see, the light had dazzled him so.

But a devout man named Ananias, restored his sight to
him. He was then told that God had chosen him to be a wit-
ness for Him, and-he must be baptized and prepared for the
great work for which he was selected.

As he stood there, telling of all these things and much else,
the crowd that had been listening intently to his words, sud-
denly broke out in angry tones, and cried: |

“ Away with such a fellow from the earth; for it is not fit
that he should live.” :
_ PAUL UTTERS HIS DEFENCE, 195

| They tore their clothes and threw dust into the air, aS Signs |

of their rage. 7 |

The chief captain ordered him brought at once into the
castle, to be scourged.

As they bound him with thongs, he said to the centurion
standing near:

“Is it Iawful to scourge a Roman, who is uncondemned?”

The centurion hastened to the chief captain, and warned
him not to punish Paul, for he was a Roman.

The captain came to him and inquired if it were true, and
Paul told him he was, and that he was free born. .
Then the captain was alarmed to think he had bound a
Roman, and he did not have him scourged.
The next morning, he was brought before the council, and
, the chief priests, and told to speak. But when he declared
that he was innocent of having done anything wrong, Ananias,
the high priest, commanded one of the soldiers to strike him
in the face. | aot :

_ Then said Paul: “God shall smite thee, thou whited wall,
for thou pretendest to judge by the law, and thou strikest a
man whom the law has not yet made guilty.”

He cried out loudly that he was a Pharisee, and the son of
a Pharisee, for that sect believed that the dead rose again, thus
believing something which Paul taught. A great murmuring .
arose; the Pharisees and Sadducees, the two sects of Jews,
quarreled among themselves, and the scribes who belonged to
the Pharisees declared that they could find no evil in this man.

_ The chief captain, fearing that he would be pulled in’ pieces
between them, gave the word to the soldiers to take Paul by
196 PAUL UTTERS HIS DEFENCE.

force and carry him inside of the castle, where he would be safe. |

The Lord had not forsaken him, for in the migne Paul saw
him, and he bade him “ Be of good cheer.”

The Jews were not satisfied with having Paul taken from
them, and forty of their most determined men bound them-
selves by a solemn oath to neither eat nor drink until they had
killed him.

Going up to the council they made a plot that they should
insist upon his being brought before them the next day, as
though they would ask more about him and they would rush
upon him and murder him.

A young man heard this wicked scueme and he went to Paul
and told him of it.

The apostle sent word to the chief captain that a young
man wished to see him, and when the latter was brought into.
his presence he related all he had heard.

The chief captain charged him to tell no one else but him,
then calling two centurions he bade them gather together two
hundred foot soldiers, seventy mounted soldiers, and two hun- -
dred spearmen, and to start at the third hour of the night, with
Paul, and take him to Felix, the governor of that province. He
also wrote a letter to him, saying that he could find no sin
against Paul worthy of death, or even punishment.

He furthermore wrote that he had learned of the intended
attack against Paul’s life; he would send him at once to him to
be accused or set free, as he should deem best.

When Felix read the letter, he said he would hear his case
when his accusers should come to testify against him. He left
him in the care of soldiers, in Herod's UCE MEN hall.
PAUL UTTERS HIS DEFENCE. 497

Felix was slow to act, and cautious, but he wished all pro-
ceedings to be done according to law. His wish was that “all
things be done decently and in order.”
___ Five days passed away before Ananias, the high Brest with
the elders and an orator named Tertullus, appeared against Paul.



Let all things be
dene decently
and in arder.

1 Cor. xiv. go.






He openly accused him of stirring up the people, and profaning
the temple. |
Felix heard the words of the orator, and all the Jews as-
sented. He beckoned to Paul to speak, and again this faithful
apostle simply told the story of his conversion, and his labors
in behalf of those who would know the better way. He pro-
tested his innocence of any of the sins he was charged with.
198 PAUL UTTERS HIS DEFENCE.

Felix was perplexed. He could find no harm in anything
he had done, and he said he would wait till he could see Lysias,
the chief captain, before he would decide what to do.

He knew Paul was innocent, for he placed a centurion over
him, with permission to let his friends visit him and minister
unto him. He also allowed his own wife, who was a Jewess,
this great governor did, to listen to Paul’s teachings. But when
Paul reasoned of the sins which-people were committing, and
of the wrath which our heavenly Father felt against their evil
ways, then Felix trembled and could not bear to hear his de-
nunciations, and he promised to listen further at some more
convenient season.

He was willing to hear the word, but he could not decide to

[de ye doers

nol bearers only.

JAMES i. 22.


PAUL UTTERS HIS DEFENCE. 199

be as the apostle said, “ Doers of the word, and not hearers,
only.” |

Is that right, to put off doing what is right to a more con-
venient season? God has distinctly said, “ Now is.the accepted
time,” and so, little children, when you feel you have done
wrong, and want to make amends for it, don’t say—“ I will do
what is right some other time. | will just be naughty this once.’
No—rather say—‘“ will be good-now. This very moment |
will begin.”

Then the dear Father who loves you, will bless your efforts,
and reward them.

_ Felix kept Paul in prison many months, for he would not

boldiy say: He is innocent, though his conscience would not
permit him to punish him any more.


a a Ie

PIL) ARR TT Tl
el | SUT

re ta



WAILING WALL OF THE JEWS.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
FESTUS HEARS PAUL’S STORY.

The time had come for Felix to leave the office of governor.

Festus was to take his place. So Felix, to please the wicked
Jews, who had never ceased to ask for Paul’s life, left him in
prison. see :
As soon as the new governor came into the province, he
went up to Jerusalem, and here the high priests accused the
apostle of having done very wicked things. And they begged
Festus to send for him to be brought to Jerusalem, for they
still meant to lay in wait to kill him.

Alas, these wicked people were still unbelieving, and knew
not what was to fall upon that proud city. Her streets no
more echo with traffic; and the voices of the crowds who go up
to worship, but huge stones of the ancient wall which once en-
circled her still stand. In the western wall, 300 to 420 feet
from the southwestern angle, they are still to be seen; here
every Friday, Jews and pilgrims visit this desolate spot to
mourn the fallen city and temple, and pray for their restor-
ation. te

Festus would not hear to that. He must have Suspected
_ their intentions, for he told them he would keep Paul in Cesarea,
and whoever chose to go down with him when he returned
thither, might do so openly, that he could examine him and de-
cide as to his guilt.

Ten days after that he went to Cesarea, accompanied by
many Jews, and he had Paul brought into the judgment hall,

i 201
202 FESTUS HEARS PAUL’S STORY.

and those. who came from Jerusalem said many wicked things:
about him, which they could not prove.

Paul simply denied all, and declaring he had done no wrong
toward any one, he appealed to Cesar. i |

King Agrippa and Bernice came to. Cesarea to visit Fes-
tus. He told them the story of his captive—how that Felix.
had left him in prison, and how the Jews called him a bad
man, and how when he gave them permission to charge
Paul with the sins they said he was guilty of, they proved.
to be such simple things that he could find no cause for:
holding him.

Agrippa was very curious to hear Paul talk, and the next
day, he and Bernice, and Festus, together with the chief cap-
tains and all the great men, dressed themselves with splendor,
and went to the judgment hall, to hear his defence.

Paul once more told of his conversion, and the vision he:
had seen, and of the risen Christ. But Festus tried to silence
him, and cried out:

“Paul thou art not right in ihy mind. Much knowledge:
hath made thee crazy.”

Paul answered sternly: “{amnot mad. | Spear the words:
of truth and soberness.”

Agrippa listened with deep interest; and his testimony to:
Paul’s sincerity was: “Almost thou persuadest me to ee a
Christian.”

Paul’s devout reply was, “I would that thou, and all the rest:
who hear me this day, were not only ‘almost, but altogether,
such as I am, except being bound.”

He returned good for evil. Although the crowd who pressed:
FESTUS HEARS PAUL'S. STORY. 205

around, hated him ,yet he wished them all to be as he was—happy
and safe in the trust of his Lord,

The king, and the governor, and the rest who sat with them,
rose up and talked together in a low tone, and declared that he
might have been set at liberty, for aught he had. done wrong, if
he had not appealed to Cesar.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
PAUL IS SENT TO ROME.

It was now determined to send Paul to Rome, where he
would be decided innocent or guilty, and he, with many other
prisoners, was put in a vessel, under the care of a centurion of
- Cesar’s band, named Julius. st |

This man treated Paul very kindly and when he reached ‘
Sidon, he gave him permission to go on shore and visit some
of his friends. | |

They continued on their voyage, passing many places on
their route, and when they were near Crete, Paul warned ‘the
centurion that a terrible storm was coming up, which would
damage the boat, and cost them their lives.

Julius would not heed him—he did not think Paul could
know anything about sailing, and so they kept on. But a tem-
pest suddenly sprang up, and they threw out some of the cargo,

and did all they could to keep the boat from sinking.
| The storm lasted several days, and their hopes of being saved
grew very faint. Paul told them they should not have left Crete,
but he told them be hopeful, for an angel of God had come to him
and told him that every one should be brought safe to shore on
a certain island.

Then they began to feel comforted and they ate both bread
and meat for they had fasted for many days, their anxiety had
been so great.

They obeyed him, and ate with cheerfulness, and he blessed
the food.

204
PAUL IS SENT TO ROME. . 205

There were two hundred aad seventy-six souls in the ship,
and at daylight, they found themselves on a strange shore, and
they ran the ship aground.

The soldiers proposed to have all the prisoners killed, for
fear they might escape, but the centurion would not listen’ to
so wicked a suggestion. He told all who could swim, to cast
themselves into the sea and get to land. Those who could not
swim were to commit themselves to rafts and broken timbers.
So every one, those who could swim and those who could not,
reached the land in safety.

This island was called Melita, and the people who dwelt there
were savages. But their hearts were tender, and they kindled
fires to warm and dry those who were wet and cold.

Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire,
which was burning so brightly. A viper (a very venomous
snake), came out ofthe fire, driven forth by the heat, and fast-
ened itself upon his hand.

The savages thought at once that he was very wicked, and
that the viper was sent to punish him, but when Paul shook it
carelessly off into the fire, without being harmed, they changed
their minds, and called him a god. Of course this was wrong
—he was a man, and a very good man, but there was only one
God. But these barbarians had never heard of the true and
living God.

The head man of the island was named Publius. His father
lay very ill, and Paul visited him, and laying his hand upon him,
he prayed. ;

God answered his prayer, and the disease left the sick man.
Then others came to be healed, and none went away dis-
appointed.
206 PAUL IS SENT TO ROME.

After waiting three months, they left the island in a vessel,
and started once more on their journey to Rome.

When they arrived there, the centurion who had shown
such kindness to them all, delivered up the prisoners to the
captain of the guard.

Paul was treated with more courtesy than the rest. He was
allowed to dwell ina house by himself, with one soldier as a
guard.

After he had been in Rome three days, Paul called the chief

a gaa
y a ‘

















Ne
ay i 4
Yeo
y at



ST, PAUL'S ARRIVAL IN ROME,
PAUL IS SENT TO ROME. 207

‘men among the Jews, and demanded a hearing. He told them
he had been kept a prisoner, and they appointed a day in which
to hear his cause. |
Many came to him, and he taught them concerning Jesus,
both from the law of Moses and the prophets.
“And some believed the things which were spoken, and
‘some believed not.”

| Keep the Sabbath
bap fo sanctifp it;
as fhe Lord tip
God Kath rommand-

Pe thee, : DEUT. v. 12.



The Jews went away, much disturbed and divided among
‘themselves.

Paul was allowed to live in peace and quiet in a house which
he hired. He was allowed to preach, and was regarded as a
(prisoner .at large.
208 PAUL IS SENT TO ROME.

Here he received all who came to him, and preached con-
~ tinually those truths which related to his Lord and Master. And
no man forbade his doing so. .

And from Rome he wrote his epistles to the Philippians, to
_ Philemon, to the Colossians, and to the Ephesians.

Thus the apostles labored faithfully and continually, to carry
on the mission with which they were intrusted, by their beloved
Master. And at last when they laid down their lives in His
service, they heard the welcoming sound of “ Well done, thou
good and faithful servants.”
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
PAUL WRITES TO THE CHURCHES.

After St. Paul went to Rome, he wrote several letters to
the churches, in which he told them to be steadfast and o
the works which had been set for them to do.

These letters were full of thankfulness to God for His
help and praying that they would all be sustained.

He also bade them to be humble, diligent and cheerful.
God loves a cheerful heart—one that takes every thing that
comes, with patience and a willing, loving disposition.

False teachers he warned them against. There are many, alas,
to-day, who mislead and mock those who are trying to do right.

Remember children, you can try those teachers—the surest
test of their worth and honesty is the Bible. In that you can
find the help which will guide you as to forming a true
opinion of them. _

This beautiful verse from pallipeps will show you what
is asked of you. |

“ Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, what- .
~ soever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on
these things.”

Paul wrote in the same manner to Philemon, to the Colos-
sians, and to the Ephesians.

You see he was never weary of following the master he
had chosen, and doing his work in season and out of season.

3 209
210 PAUL WRITES TO THE CHURCHES.

About this time he was set at liberty. Nothing could be
brought against him and the rulers were willing to let him go
free.

He wrote to the Hebrews, and then went to the Isle of |
Crete, where he left Titus to set all things in order, and
ordain elders for ministers in all the cities round about.

In all his epistles he promised many beautiful things to all
who loved God, and obeyed Him. And these same gifts we
can all have to-day, just as surely as did those people of old,
if we do right. | |
What is it to do right? Why to love God and serve Him.
Does that not seem-very easy to do?

St. Paul wrote letters to Timothy I, to Titus and to Timothy
Il. The epistles of St. Peter, St. John and St. Jude, appeared
at this time.

John addressed the people to whom he wrote, as little
children because they must become as simple and innocent as_
little children befare they could receive the word. He said —
to them:

“ Beloved, let us love one another, for fave is of God; and
every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

“He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love.

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us,
because that God. sent His only begotten son into the world,
that we might live through him.

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one
another.”

The apostles were faithful laborers, and were willing and
ready to die for the Lord.
PAUL WRITES TO THE CHURCHES. | 211

‘Peter and Paul were seized and suffered martyrdom at
Rome toward the end of the cruel Nero’s reign.

Jerusalem, the holy city, over which Jesus wept, and which
he had prophesied would fall, was besieged, sacked and burned.
Its lovely streets and fine buildings were swept away by the
spirit of destruction. Over a million Jews perished, and nearly

one hundred thousand more were taken prisoners.
_ Many were filled with despair and took their own lives,
while still a greater number starved to death or died in exile.

Thus was fulfilled Christ’s sad prophecy—‘“ Behold your
house is left unto you desolate.” |

John was now made the object of Domitian’s hatred, and
was sent away into the Isle of Patmos. It was while he dwelt
here that he received the Revelation and wrote it, that all

might know how beautiful the glories of a better world are.
| And now, children, you have had given you the story of
the Bible, and you must love to study its pages. That grand
book was written for you and for all mankind. By it you can
learn how to live, and see how much.God loves each one
of you. — |

The divine command is—‘ Search the Scriptures.” And
the child who “remembers his creator in the days of his
youth ” will always have a sure and safe anchor to which he
can cling when old age comes on.


212
SOWING THE SEED.



In the vineyard of our Father
Daily work we find to do;
Scattered gleanings we may gather
Though we are but young and few.
Little clusters
Help to fill the garners too.

Toiling early in the morning,
Catching moments through the day,
Nothing small or lowly scorning
While we work, and watch, and pray.
Gathering gladly
Free-will offerings by the way.

Not for selfish praise or glory,
Not for objects nothing worth
But to send the blessed story
Of the Gospel o’er the earth,
Telling mortals
Of our Lord and Saviour’s birth.

Up and ever at our calling,
Till in death our lips are dumb,
Or till—sin’s dominion falling—
Christ shall in His kingdom come,
And His children
_ Reach their everlasting home.
213
Steadfast then in our endeavor,
Heavenly Father, may we be;
And forever, and forever,
We will give the praise to thee;
Hallelujah
Singing through eternity.

“OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD.”



I think when I read that sweet story of old,
When Jesus was hereamong men, ~~

How He called little children as lambs to His fold.
I should like to have been with them then.

| wish that his hands had been placed on my head,

That His arm had been thrown around me, |

That | might have seen His kind look when He said,
- “Let the little ones come unto me.”

Yet still to His footstool in prayer | may go.
And ask for a share in His love;

And if I thus earnestly seek Him below,
I shall see Him and hear Him above.

In that beautiful place He has gone to prepare
For all who are washed and forgiven, _
Many dear children shall be with Him there,

For “of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
214
_ “THE CHILD JESUS.”



Once in royal David’s city
Stood a lowly cattle shed
Where a mother laid her baby
‘Ina manger for his bed.
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little child.

He came down to earth from heaven
Who is God and Lord of all,
And his shelter was a stable,
And his cradle was a stall.
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
| Lived on earth our Saviour holy.

And through all his wondrous childhood
He would honor and obey
Love, and watch the lowly maiden
‘In whose gentle arms he lay:
Christian children all must be
Mild, obedient, good as he.

For he is our childhood’s pattern,
Day by day like us he grew.
He was little, weak, and helpless,
Tears and smiles like us he knew.
And he feeleth for our sadness, -
And he shareth in our gladness.
245
And our eyes at last shall see him
Through his own redeeming love,
For that child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in heaven above.
And he leads his children on.
To the place where he is gone.

‘Not in that poor lowly stable

With the oxen standing by,
We shall see him; but in heaven

Set at God’s right hand on high.
When like stars his children crowned
All in white shall wait around.

THE WIDOW’S MITE.

“The widow’s mite!” Who ever saw,
Since Jesus saw, that wondrous sight,
Fulfilling all the royal law
To God and man, “the widow’s mite”?

And who for fame, or who for love
To body, intellect, or soul,
To man below, or God above,
Has yielded, since that hour, the wholer

216
d

Not one! not one!—the Jewish age
Has only such example shown;

It stands, a marvel, on the page
Of eighteen hundred years, alone.

_ “She, of her penury, gave all,”
And shrank, in silence, from the crowd;
Thou canst thy gifts by hundreds call,
And set thy name amonz the proud.

Yet give, but on thy deed do not,

So often done, a falsehood write;
Nor to foul avarice add the blot

Of naming it “the widow’s mite.”

Nor deem the blazoned gift of gold,
Or paltry alms that fear the light,

For “ blest memorial” will be told,
Or thought of, as “ the widow’s mite.”

Wituam B. TAPPAN:

247
DENIAL BY PETER.



We look with scorn on Peter’s thrice told lie!
Boldly we say, “ Good brother, you nor I,

So near the sacred Lord, the Christ indeed,
Had dared his name and marvelous grace deny.”

O futile boast! O haughty lips, be dumb!
Unheralded by boisterous trump or drum,

How oft ’mid silent eves, and midnight chimes, |
Vainly to us our pleading Lord hath come.

Knocked at our hearts, striven to enter there;
But we poor slaves of mortal sin and care,

Sunk in deep sloth, or bound by spiritual sleep,
Heard not the voice divine, the tender prayer!

Ah! well for us if some late spring-tide hour

Faith still may bring, with blended shine and shower;
If through warm tears a late remorse may shed,

Our wakened souls put forth one heavenly flower!

Pau. H. Hayne. :

218
HOUR OF DEATH.



Leaves have their time to fall, —

And flowers to wither at the north wind’s breath,
And stars to set—but all,

Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death!

Day is for mortal care,
Eve for glad meetings round the joyous hearth,
Night for the dreams of sleep, the voice of
prayer,
But all for thee, thou mightiest of the earth.

The banquet hath its hour,
Its feverish hour of mirth, and song, and wine;
There comes a day for grief’s o’erwhelming
power,
A time of softer tears—but all are thine.

Youth and the opening rose
May look like things too glorious for decay,

And smile at thee; but thou art not of those
That wait the ripened bloom to seize their prey.

We know when moons shall wane,
When summer birds from far shall cross the sea,
When autumn’s hue shall tinge the golden grain;
But who shall teach us when to look for thee? _
219
Is it when Spring’s first gale
‘Comes forth to whisper where the violets lie?
Is it when roses in our paths grow pale?
They have one season—all are ours to die!

Thou art where billows foam,
Thou art where music melts upon the air;
Thou art around us in our peaceful home, »
And the world calls us-forthand thou art there.

Thou art where friend meets friend,
Beneath the shadow of the elm.to rest; ‘
Thou art where foe meets foe and trumpets
rend
The skies, and swords beat down the princely
crest.
Mrs. F. D. HEMANS. —


















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