Jerusalem Township

His Witnesses

So every mountain slope and peak Would bear us witness could they speak, Of great events in w^ord and deed Whereof in the Old Book we read. Man builds his monuments in vain; The hills of God steadfast remain.

A Local Scene

The stolid Arab rides the plain, Before the sullen camel train; Or grasps with steady stroke the oar, And guides his boat from shore to shore: He spreads his black tent on the mead, Where goats and sheep and camels feed; Unchanged the man and scene appears By all recorded lapse of years, Save where the ready rifle here Usurps the place of trusted spear, - The rifle on his saddle bow, The spear his weapon long ago.

The Ship Of The Desert

Genesis xxiv. The camel train - in days of yore Such carriage fair Rebecca bore - Rebecca, Isaac's trusting bride - Along this way - romantic ride.

Great crooked, awkward striding beast, That bears the commerce of the East; He takes his color from the sa,nd, His shape from broken, hilly land.

Old Scenes Renewed

THE silent sky smiles as of yore, The Jordan flows on as before; The sea reflects the sky the same As when the world's Redeemer came, And all the Father's love revealed: Still blooms the lily of the field; The tares still vex the growing grain, Where slopes of Hattin join the plain; The mustard seed, of seeds the least. Becomes a tree where birds may rest; And where the sower fain would sow, There choking thorns spring up and grow.

All, mountain, river, sky and sea - All Nature smiling joyously. Are tokens of that day when He Walked here in gracious ministry. I, looking on these scenes, would fain Of Him a closer vision gain; With Him a fellowship would claim With those who most revere His name.

The Light Of The World

John 1. Out there, upon the pebbled beach, He came, the way of life to teach; He taught, to learned schools unknown; In Him the light of wisdom shone. The world in moral aarkness lay; His was the shining light of day.

"The Light of Asia?" Not alone - The Light of every land and zone: In all things wise, no need had He To study man's philosophy; Confessed, "A Teacher come from God," He shed the light of life abroad.

A Homeless Man

A HOMELESS MAN. A homeless man was He who said, "He had not where to lay His head." To offer an enduring home To wanderers, had Jesus come. "For foxes, holes; for bird, its nest; For Son of man no place to rest."

His Invitation

Matt, xi: 29, 30. "A Man of Sorrows and of Grief," He offered burc'ened souls relief. "Come unto Me," His kind behest - "To Me - and I will give you rest." "Come unto me" - such words He spoke, "And take my Ight and easy yoke. Light is the burden that they bear Who learn of Me, and meekly wear The yoke of my authority; For I am meek and lowly, ye Shall find rest for your souls in Me."

John'S Testimony

To John, beyond the Jordan, went To learn His mission and intent, And question what His baptism meant; And John, as Jesus near him stood. Proclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God- The Lamb of God, upon whose head The sins of all the world are laid.

The Annunciation

Luke i: 2j-26. In mystery His life began - He, Son of God, and Son of Man. To Nazareth, of Gallilee, Went Gabriel the angel; he A message from his Lord conveyed To Mary, Judah's blameless maid. His glory made her sore afraid. "Hail Mary! Favored of the Lord!" Such was the angel's greeting word. 'Tear not, thou Mary, I bring here Glad news that shall all nations cheer."

Son Of The Highest

As Mary pondered - wondered What this might mean, the angel said, "Fear not, for thou shalt bear a son To sit, a king, on David's throne; The kingdom to restore again; And He forevermore shall reign. Son of the Highest He shall be - The most High shall o'ershadow thee. The Holy Spirit shall descend. To thee lifegiving Power extend, And pillowed on thy virgin breast The infant Son of God shall rest."

The Magnificat The Babe Of Bethlehem

Luke ii: 8. So long ago, so far away, A Babe was born on Christmas Day. In Bethlehem this little Child, In Mary's arms, her heart beguiled. No costly robe this Child awaits; No welcome within palace gates. Not even in the inn was room For Child and mother, far from home. A manger in a rocky cave To Child and mother shelter gave - A stable where the beast was fed That Mary rode and Joseph led. From Nazareth the twain had come To this their father David's home, Compeled by stern decree of Rome.

The Prophetess Anna

Phanuel's daughter Anna, she Whose life spans near a century, The prophetess who hopeful waits His coming to the temple gates, With holy impulse testifies, "In this Child our salvation lies." And oft with zeal she speaks of him To dwellers in Jerusalem.

Visit Of The Magi

Matt, ii: 1; Micah v: 2. To Bethlehem, led by His star, Came wise men, from the East afar; Rich treasures in their train they bore - iFrankincense, myrrh, and golden store, And laid them at the young Child's feet, And lowly bowed, in worship meet. They sought Him in Jerusalem, But Micah's words directed them - The prophet who, in days of old, His coming, and the place, foretold.

Flight To Egypt Murder Of The Innocents

The prophet heard, long years before, In mourning for her children dead. Refusing to be comforted. So early hate, and plot began Against the Christ, the Friend of man. The land whose ruler sought to slay The Hebrew babes in iMoses' day, Gives Jesus shelter from the fate Devised for Him by Herod's hate.

Matt. 11: 3; Luke iii. Far was their journey to the north. At iHerod's death, when going forth, They came to Nazareth to dwell, Till He was shown to Israel. To guardians obedient, His youthful years serene He spent, iBy Joseph's side; with saw and plane, A toiler's task did not disdain. He learned His nation's history In childhood at His mother's knee. From hills that Nazareth surround His vision sought the world's far bound - The nearby, wide, wide, western sea; And eastern lands of mystery: His thoughts with deep foreboding ran On all the tragic life of man.

In His Father'S House

The nation's temple, Jesus bows; He questions learned teachers, there. With youthful zest and thoughtful air; His spirit, and His answers wise. Fill all beholders with surprise.

His Father'S Work A Voice From The Desert

Matt, iii; Mark i. Mid northern hills, obscure, unknown, To man's estate has Jesus grown. "A Voice," in Judah's wilderness, Has called the nation to confess Their sins, repent, and learn Messiah's coming to discern. With waiting wearied - hope deferred, The people wondered, as they heard - "Was this Elijah, sent again. Rebuking kings and warning men?"

Jesus And The Baptizer

Matt, iii: 13; Luke iii: 21. Unstained by sin, naught to repent, To (His life mission Jesus went. Four days He journeyed, where His way Along the winding Jordan lay, Till at Bethabara He stood, Before the Messenger of God - The messenger, sent to declare His coming, and the way prepare.

The Desert Prophet

OF priestly birth, of courage rare, In vestments clothed, of camel's hair, The while a leather girdle, round His loins, secure his mantle bound. On locusts and wild honey fed. As one in desert places bred; With unshorn beard, and searching eyes That drew their strange light from the skies; John linked old covenant and new. And to the Jordan thousands drew, Baptizing all who came to hear. And yield themselves with heart sincere. But, when he saw his iLord draw near - "I've need to be baptized of Thee," He said. "And comest Thou to me?" "It doth become us" - Jesus says - "Thus to fulfill all righteousness; Then suffer it to be so now," And John must needs his Lord allow.

His Baptism

Endersheim: Life and Times of The Messiah. Book 2, Chap. xii. Geikel: Life of Christ. Chap. xxv. The parting waters, like a grave. Received His form; then back they gave Him - consecrate to die for men, - In emblem buried, raised again. He bowed in prayer, by Jordan's side - When, lo! the heavens opened wide; The Holy Spirit, like a dove,

Tempted Of The Devil

The Spirit sent henceforth to bless Now drives Him to the wilderness. He meets, in Judah's desert lone, And overcomes the wicked One. He waits before iHis Father's face In solemn fast for forty days; The wild beast, seeing Jesus there, Goes, peaceful, to his bloody lair.

By hunger weak, from fasting long, He met the foe, with spirit strong. The Wiley tempter came and said - "Command that these stones be made bread. Art Thou the Son of God indeed? Command, and satisfy Thy need."

But Jesus answered: "It is shown - In sacred writing is set down - Man shall not live by bread alone, But by the Word of God made known." Threefold assault the devil made; And thrice was bruised the serpent's head. His triumph waiting angels see. And joyful bring their ministry.

First Disciples

John i: 19-35. .Returning from the wilderness In all the Spirit's power and grace, His first disciples, taught by John, Hail Him as David's promised Son. These - Andrew, Simon, Philip, John - Behold His ministry begun, And Philip called Nathaniel - The guileless iSon of Israel.

Marriage At Cana

John ii: 1-11. With them at Cana, as a guest. Where lack would shame the marriage feast, He mingles in their social joys, And, barkening to His mother's voice. He turns the water into wine, And seals His mission as divine; He blesses with His presence there The union of the wedded pair.

Cleanses The Temple

John ii: 13-26. His heart consumed with holy zeal, He journeys to the sacred hill; The money changers turn and flee When Jesus, scourge in hand, they see; As they in wild confusion go, He has no need to strike a blow. He cleansed polluted temple courts. Where traders made profane resorts:

Night Scene With Nicodemus

By night, to Nicodemus showed, What grace the Father hath bestowed - That "God so loved the world He gave His only Son the lost to save, That whosoeer on Him believes Ry Him eternal life receives."

Teaches And Baptizes

Awhile, apart, in field and grove, He told them of the Father's love, Proclaimed the Gospel message clear - "The kingdom of your God is here."

And there by fountain, pool and brook, On sunny slope, in shaded nook, The hearers, gladened by the Light, 'Confessed in the baptismal rite. His early called disciples here The sacred rite administer.

At Jacob'S Well

John iv: 43. He sat by Jacob's well and taught That He Messiah's message brought; That He the Living Water bore, That one who drinks shall thirst no more: That God is Spirit - temple dim Man need not seek to worship Him. And she who heard Him, by the well, Made haste "the prophet's" word to tell; Her story, told in simple word. Brought many out to seek the Lord.

Nobleman'S Son Healed

John iv: 46. In iCana, where "the blushing wine" Became His first prophetic sign, Beseeching, came a nobleman - "Come heal my fever stricken son."

Two days - his home Capernaum - The father, for relief, had come; A plea of need his only cry - "O Sir, come down, ere my child die." And Jesus answered, "Go thy way; Thy son doth live." And from that day And hour they saw the son revived. And he, and all his house, believed.

Jesus Leaves Nazareth At The Pool Of Bethesda

Again He goes up to the temple, there The nation's sacred festival to share. Beside Bethesda's pool and sickly throng A palsied man has lain and lingered long - Has lingered long, with no friend near, With kindly word and needed help to cheer; For him of all the anxious waiting train 'The healing waters are disturbed in vain. 'Twas said an angel came and stirred the pool, And he who entered first was there made whole, Oft as the waters healing virtues show. He sees another in before him go,

"Wilt thou?" the Master questions, "be made whole?' (So often speaks He to a troubled soul.) Despairing is the sufferer's reply - "No one to help me, ,Sir, have I."

"Arise, take up thy bed and walk," Christ said. And straightway, leaping up, the man obeyed - Took up his couch and joyful went his way. Because all this was on their Sabbath day, The Jews, conspiring, sought the Lord to slay.

John Imprisoned

The second Herod seized upon The desert prophet, faithful John - That John who like Elijah came. In spirit and in power the same. iMacherus' walls frown gloomily iFrom cliffs above the bitter sea; A palace and a jail combined, There reveled king with wanton joined, While John in darkened prison pined.

When Ahab ruled in Israel, Elijah fled from Jezebel; Now Herod sat upon the throne - Herodias would murder John. The tripping of the dancer's feet Has toppled Justice from her seat. No more are heard the herald calls. Now stifled by deep dungeon walls. Quenched is the "burning shining light" That shone on Judah's troubled night: Stilled is the voice sent to make known The coming of the Promised One.

Preaches And Teaches

Now Jesus walked in Gallilee - Closed His Judean ministry. His call resounded through the land - "Repent - ^God's kingdom is at hand!" And, day by day, drawn by His fame. With longing hearts, the people came; For. bowed beneath the Roman sway. Their hope in a Great Leader lay.

First Sermon By The Sea

The night had passed in fruitless toil; The sea refused its wonted spoil: The idle boat the Teacher bore. The hearers gathered on the shore, Intent to hear His words, but more Intent to know His healing power. He told them of His reign of grace. His kingdom and its righteousness.

Fishes Caught And Men Called

Now, when the teaching hours were past At His command the nets were cast; The day in worship well begun, Before the setting of the sun Is crowned with bountiful increase, Drawn from the treasures of the seas. As Peter and his brethren reach, With teeming nets, the solid beach. Now, "iFollow Me," iHe said again, "I will make you fishers of men." iForsaking all for Him alone, Went Andrew, iSimon, James and John.

A Day Of Wonders

In synagogue He now appears. In answer to the hope of years. An unclean spirit cried aloud. And fain had Christ as Lord avowed. But Jesus bids him "Hold thy peace And leave the man; thy raving cease." The demon heard, released the man. And far the fame of Jesus ran.

Teaching Tour Of Villages Widow'S Son Raised

When men bore from his mother's home Her only son, robed for the tomb, He came and stood and touched the bier- "Young man, arise," He said, and here The widow at the gate of Nain Receives her dead, alive again.

Christ Forgives Sins

Mark viii. When wayworn, weary, Christ has come To shelter of a friendly home. Soon crowds, impetuous, fill the room; A sick man, palsied, borne of four. Is brought where throngs obstruct the door.

To give their earnest faith a proof, They raise him to the lowly roof; They break the roof and gently lower Their burden to the cottage floor. And Jesus, seeing their great faith - "Forgiven are thy sins," He saith. The Pharisees His power disown - Exclaim, in muttered undertone, "Who can forgive but God alone?"

Mockers Rebuked

Their covert malice Jesus sees. And thus rebukes his enemies: "Or easier is it to say. Forgiven are thy sins today. Or, Rise and bear thy bed away"?

"But that yourselves the truth may know, What power forgiveness to bestrow, The Son of Man hath here below" - He, turning to the palsied, said, "Arise, and carry forth thy bed."

Twelve Apostles Called

Matt, x; Mark v; Luke ix. Arising long before the dawn He went away and prayed alone, And when the morn its light displayed "All men are seeking Thee" - they said. They thronged Him in their villages, For healing of their maladies. Such grace and virtue Jesus had That demons from His presence fled: While little children at His knee Heard words of kindly sympathy -

First Andrew, Simon's brother, came, Then Simon - Peter now his name, And James and John - when first enrolled By Jesus "Sons of Thunder," called; These two were sons of Zebedee, The four dwelt by Lake Gallilee. And Philip and Bartholomew, And Thomas, questioning but true.

Sermon On The Mount

nIS sermon on the mountain side Now stirred the nation far and wide. There, drawn about the Teacher's seat, Were gathered thousands at His feet, To hear what blessings are bestowed On him who walks the narrow road - "The poor in spirit" - they are given The Kingdom glorious of heaven; And they that mourn; the Savior said "The mourners shall be comforted." "The meek" - men deem of little worth - Have for inheritance the earth: "Who hunger, thirst, for righteousness They shall be filled," the Teacher says. The merciful obtain mercy; The pure in heart their God shall see. The peacemakers, God's children are - Shall never lack the Father's care. And they whom wicked men distress. Because they stand for righteousness. In His own kingdom God will bless: And all who shall revilings take - False evil speech for Jesus' sake, "Salt of the earth," Christ said, "are ye." "If salt becomes unsavory. Men cast it out as worthless, when 'Tis trodden under foot of men." Light of the world ye are; so then "Let your light shine before all men: They, seeing your good works, thereby, Your heavenly Father glorify."

Law And Prophets

Think not the law or prophets, I Am come among you to destroy. Not to destroy I come, but will The prophets and the law fulfill; Nor shall one word or letter be Made void of law or prophesy.

The Law Interpreted

The righteousness of Pharisees Will not suffice your Lord to please: His eyes behold adulteries. In evil thoughts, and lustful eyes: In causeless anger murder lies. And condemnation waits on each Hard, railing word, and bitter speech.

Ye who your filial claim would prove. To God, your Father, throned above, Hate not your enemies, but love. On them bestow your care in need. If naked, clothe; if hungry, feed. So shall ye be God's sons indeed.

Concerning Prayer

Use not vain repetitions when ye pray, As do the heathen, for they think that they Shall be for their much speaking better heard, When bringing their petitions to their lord. What things ye need your Father knoweth well Before ye ask, or your desires can tell.

The Lord'S Prayer Have Trust In God

Consider, till this day has flown. The morrow's evil all its own. Wherefore if God so clothe the flower. That for but a day flourisheth. Shall not your Father much the more Clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Seek first the kingdom of your God - His kingdom and its righteousness. And all these things by Him bestowed, The pathway of your life shall bless.

Various Precepts

Swear not at all - an evil way, - Let all your speech be "Yea" and "Nay. If thy right eye or thy right hand - If these shall make thee to offend - Cut off the hand, pluck out the eye. That would thy hope of life destroy If thou refuse such surgery. Far better is it thou shouldst go Maimed into life, than dwell below. In burnings of the world of woe.

Judge Not

Judge not thy brother even in thy thought, Lest thou thyself be into judgment brought. What measure thou dost meet shall be The measure surely meeted out to thee. The beam from thine own eye remove, Ere thou thy brother's faults reprove. Give not thine alms before the eyes of men, With trumpet sound, their vain applause to gain: In secret do thy works of righteousness - Your Father sees, and openly will bless.

The Golden Rule

And ye in all things unto others do As ye yourselves would have them do to you. Herein is all the word of old complete. Herein the law and all the phophets meet. Do not thou let thy left hand know What alms thy right hand doth bestow.

Give not your holy things to dogs unclean; Nor cast your goodly pearls to swine obscene. Lest, trampling under feet your jewels rare. They turn on you again, and rend and tear.

The Broad And Narrow Ways

Wide is the gate, the way to death is broad, And there go many in that downward road; Because the way that leads to life is straight. And only entered by a narrow gate. With earnest striving seek that ye may gain An entrance here, where many seek in vain.

Wise And Foolish Hearers

With many added precepts He Taught men as with authority - "Who hears My precepts and obeys Is like a wise man, who would raise His house, deep founded on a rock, Secure against the tempest shock. The rains descended, and the wind With angry floods its force combined ; Against that house in vain they beat - Built on a rock, a safe retreat.

Leper Cleansed

Matt, viii: 2. He left the mountain for the plain. And tnousands followed in His train. A leper, falling on his knees. Craves cleansing from his foul disease, Wth healing touch and gracious mien. He says, "I will, and be thou clean." Straightway the man arose and stood. His flesh renewed and cleansed his bood.

Seaside Parables

NOW on the shore the thousands stood - An eager, thronging multitude. There, on the quiet sea, afloat, His pulpit was a fisher's boat; "The Word of God" His lofty theme, The psalmist's and the prophets' dream.

That day by many parables he taught - Surrounding scenes suggesting higher thought, Truths of His Father's kingdom, and His own, By daily life in house and field were shown; He would His hearers' heart and conscience reach By simple word and phrase of common speech.

As mustard seed becomes a tree, The kingdom in its growth shall be; Or, as men see the grain appear - "The blade, the stalk, and the full ear." The merchantman sells all and buys The goodly pearl at costly price; Another straightway buys the field. Where precious treasure is concealed.

The Sower

The sower, going forth to sow, Grood seed on every side will strow. Some seed falls by the wayside, where The fowls quick seize it for their fare. So Satan comes, with cunning art, And steals God's message from the heart.

Seed sown on hard and stony soil Will not reward the tiller's toil; Sprung up in haste, it withers soon, Before the scorching heat of noon. Men will with joy the Word receive, And willingly the Truth believe; But burnng persecutions rise. And all their faith within them dies.

Where "good and honest hearts receive And keep the word, the seed will thrive And garner, when the tale is told, A thirty to a hundred fold."

Stills The Tempest

The lessons of the day are o'er, They launch out for the farther shora Night falls, and with the night a storm; The sailors cry out with alarm. The waters their frail craft invade; In terror they implore His aid: Complaint is mingled with their prayer - "We perish, Master - dost not care?" They wake Him from His quiet sleep, And He rebukes the raging deep. The wind and waves obey His will When He commands them, "Peace, be still. "What man is this," the sailors say, "Whom even wind and sea obey?"

Demoniac Overcome

The morning dawns, the voyage o'er, They land upon Gerasa shore; Forth, howling, from his foul abode Among the tombs, a maniac strode; Distraught, and naked, night and day, So fierce no one might pass that way;

No iron chain or brass refined The demon man could safely bind, For oft in fetters bound had he The fetters broke and gone forth free. He haunts the gruesome caves at night; His wailings all the land affright; He cuts himself with knives and stones, And rivals the hyena's groans - Hyena's howls, that nightly raves With horrid laugh among the graves. "A legion" holds the man in thrall, His shrieks the passersby appall; But when the Son of God he sees, He falls in terror on his knees,

Demons' Prayer Heard

Unwilling to release their prey, They cry to Jesus for delay: "Thou Son of Grod, torment us not Before the time Thou didst allot; Nor cast us down to the abyss - Abode of beings in distress."

Along the hills and uplands green A herd of feeding swine is seen. Their fate the demons quick discern In Jesus' manner, grave and stern. They pray permission of the Lord To go into the unclean herd.

And He said, "GrO." And as He said The word, into the swine they fled. The herd ran madly down the steep, And perished, drowning in the deep.

The man, now clothed m his right mind. At Jesus' feet in peace reclined: But Jesus said, "Go, tell thy friends What mercy God to thee extends," Straightway for Christ he witnesses In cities of Decapolis. Rejected by swine loving men, Christ turns to Gallilee again.

A Motley Crowd

THE people all are wating for Him here. And with glad welcome His homecoming cheer; For only yesterday they heard Him teach And wondered at His grace of work and speech. By miany tongues His presence noised abroad, The needy go to Him by every path and road. With sightless eyes these grope their darkened way; Those halting come, to chronic plagues a prey; And others, helpless, borne on couches are; And all the idly curious are there. With longing looks the lepers stand afar. And cry "Unclean" - Hope striving with despair.

Here little groups that mourn for Judah bound. Confer, "Have we in Him the Leader found? - Messiah, promised long to come and dwell Among us and deliver Israel?"

And spies look on, sent from Jerusalem To aid the rulers in accusing Him - Alert to charge false teachings, evil deed - Already in their hearts His death decreed.

With measured step appear the Pharisees, In broidered robes, and broad phylacteries; The self appointed guardians are they Of all the rules tradition says obey. These watch with every growing jealousy

The Healing Touch Of Faith

Mat. ix; Mark v; Luke viii. Where all their wants upon the Master pressed, A feeble woman sought Him, sore distressed; Twelve weary years, forlorn and sad, has she Been bowed by grievous inward malady; For drugs, and doctors, all her living paid, - Nor drugs nor doctors the disease allayed.

But now had come the Healer to that shore, And hope within her heart revived once more. She mused, "This Rabbi's healing power is such, If but the border of His robe I touch, A healing current will flow out to me And cleanse me from this dire infirmity."

Jairus' Daughter Raised

That Death, remorseless, claimed a child so fair. Within that chamber Jesus, bidden, stands, Takes in His own the cold and lifeless hands; The father and the mother, weeping, gaze. Expectant, on the placid, palid face. The chosen three, attending on their Lord, Await the Master's life compelling word. He speaks: "Talithi cumi, maid, arise," And straightway Life unseals her lustrous eyes. The maiden wakens from her dreamless sleep, Sits up surprised, beholding those that weep. He speaks again His work divine complete - Commands that they provide that she may eat; And where was heard the mourner's doleful cry Resou^d the notes of chastened, tearful joy, That gladness follows sorrow's bitter hour. That death is vanquished by the Savior's power. That He has opened outward wide this day The gate that captive held the monster's prey.

Palsied Hand Healed

As wont, upon the Sabbath day, To synagogue He leads the way. Behold a man with withered hand - "Forth in the midst," Christ bids him stand; And now - "Stretch forth thy hand," He said. And healing came as he obeyed. With blinded eyes and hardened heart, The scowling leaders stand apart.

Pharisees Cavil The Unpardonable Sin

"So great the mercy shown of Heaven, All sins of men shall be forgiven But sin against the Holy Ghost. This sin marks one forever lost; Nor ended in this world his doom, Nor ended in the world to come."

The Woman And The Pharisee

With trembling- joy, His gracious word. One day, when Jesus sat at meat, A woman came and washed His feet With contrite tears - her sins were great; And Jesus was compassionate. Forgiven much, great was the love The penitent had come to prove. Her flowing tresses she applied Until the sacred feet were dried; Pressed kisses on the weary feet, - So meekly pardon would entreat; And costly ointment on them poured - A grateful tribute to the Lord. Within him said the pharisee, "This man cannot a prophet be; A prophet would have straightway seen Her touch is touch of the unclean." His thought the Master quick discerned. And eyes of pity on him turned. "Somewhat I have to say to thee." "Speak, Rabbi," said the pharisee.

"Two servants, hopeless, owed their lord, Who free forgiveness did accord. A hundred pence the one confessed; The other owned five hundred, just. With both forgiven, which will prove The most their gracious lord to love?" "This, I suppose," replied His host - "The one whom he forgave the most.'

"And thou hast rightly judged," replies The Lord. "Herein the meaning lies: No water for my feet you brought; No kiss you gave with friendly thought. With tears this woman bathed my feet, And kissed them, for her love was great; So great her love, who thus has striven. Her many sins are all forgiven. "Daughter," He said, with kindliness, "Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

John'S Message To Jesus

To John, in Herod's prison, rumor came That rulers all rejected Jesus' claim. John, calling two disciples, bade them, "GrO, Inquire of Jesus - tell Him John would know - 'Art thou He that should come, as we believe. Or look we yet another to receive?'"

And Jesus answered them, "Go and show John What things, before your eyes, are shown - The lepers cleansed, the blind their sight receive, The deaf are made to hear, the dead to live. And here are made to walk the halt and maimed. And to the poor glad tidings are proclaimed. And tell John, blessed every one shall be Who shall not find cause of offense in me."

The Woman'S Lost Coin

SIMILITUDES, in His discourse, And parables, the truth enforce; - With candle, and with urgent broom, A woman lights, and sweeps the room, Until the wayward coin is found. Then tells her joy to all around.

The Lost Sheep

Luke XV. The shepherd goes and seeks the lost By desert waste and mountains crossed; Secure the ninety and the nine, "The lamb astray," he says, "is mine." Unheeding darkness, storm and cold, With joy he brings it to the fold. So angels 'round the throne rejoice At one repentant sinner's voice.

The Prodigal Son

Luke XV. The prodigal has wandered far To alien lands; has wasted there His father's bounty, till, in need. He fain on husks with swine would feed. By hunger pressed, where prone he lies. Ashamed he says, "I will arise And go unto my father, where His servants eat, with bread to spare; Repentant will my sins confess And only ask a servant's place."

The father's ever watchful love Discerns him while a great way off; Compassionate, with willing feet, He runs the erring son to greet. Scarce has the son his sins confessed When, all the father's love expressed, The kiss, the ring, the robe, the feast, The shoes, his welcome home attest; Notes from the banquet hall resound - "The dead alive, the lost is found."

The Righteousness That Jesus Taught

The righteousness Christ taught began In love to God and love to man - A righteousness born from within; Not pious words and secret sin, Not formal rites and hearts unclean, Not prayers and alms in public seen. All outward washings are in vain To cleanse the man from inward stain.

Dives And Lazarus

Luke xvi: 19. Rich Dives lived in lordly state. In purple and fine linen sat; Fared sumptuously every day, While Lazarus, unheeded, lay. Diseased, in rags, before his gate, And in his misery he ate Crumbs fallen from the rich man's plate. Moreover, dogs came from the street And licked his sores - his hands and feet.

Swift fell on him the answering voice: "Remember, son, thou hadst thy choice In thy life time of earthly joys. While Lazarus had evil things, - Such are the changes Justice brings. In comfort he, in torment thou. Have your appointed places now. Besides, there is a gulf that lies, Dividing Hell from Paradise. No one that deep, dark gulf can cross, From us to you, from you to us."

And Dives, moaning in his pain. Beseeches Abraham again: "Bid him to my five brothers go And warn them of this world of woe. That they of all my father's race Come not nto this dismal place."

"What Moses and the prophets wrote They have; if they believe them not, - Nor would they heed," the patriarch said, "Though one came to them from the dead."

Pharisee And Publican

The publican, who stood afar, Smote on his breast and made his prayer: With downcast eyes - for mercy prayed, And in his prayer confession made. "Be merciful to me, a sinner," cried To Grod, and he was heard and justified. And, going home, a light from Heaven, Shone in his heart of sins forgiven.

Christ Wearied

CHRIST spent His days with Want and Care, For haggard Want was everywhere; And often night winds bore His prayer Where mountains their great altars rear. Cold dews of night lay on His head As there for sinful man He prayed.

A Helpful Savior

For this shall men in later ages raise Great temples, dedicated to His praise; And daily shall resound the chiming bell. Melodious the organ anthem swell; And willing hands shall light the altar flame, Men chant in praises high to His dear name; From hearts devout incense of praise shall rise In grateful homage to the bending skies.

Death Of The Baptist

Matt, xiv: 3-12; Mark vi: 14. John goes courageous to a martyr's fate, A victim of Herodias' relentless hate; Before the bloody axe the seer lies down.

Five Thousand Fed

And Jesus, wearied with fresh grief and toil, "Come ye apart," He says, 'and rest awhile." They row their Ittle boat away by night And land beyond in early morning light; In rural scenes they seek a kind retreat. Where He in peace may rest His weary feet.

All tnese have come to Him in eager haste. Nor gave a thought to shelter, food or rest; When now draw near the closing hours of day, They must not hungry, fainting go away. And Jesus, with a tender shepherd's care. Bids His disciples food for all prepare. Five thousand men, and many families, Recline in ranks and goodly companies Upon the grassy carpet green. Their canopy the vernal sky serene. Five loaves He blessed, and fishes small, And broke, and gave, and fed them all. The gathered fragments from the meal - That none be lost - twelve baskets fill.

Would Make Him King

When crowds, around Him gathering, Would take by force and make Him King, He sent the twelve in haste away, And sought the mountain side to pray In shadows of departing day.

Jesus At Evening Prayer Christ Walks On The Sea

Matt, xvi: 23; Mark vi: 47; John vi: 19. The twelve apostles rowed their bark; A storm arose; the night was dark; Night and a storm on Gallilee, When Christ came walking on the see. Beneath the half-mooned clouded rays, He seemed a specter to their gaze; They cried aloud and were dismayed.

Peter'S Peril And Prayer

Matt, xiv: 28. "Bid me" - impulsive Peter cried, Before he saw the sea subside - "If it indeed, my Lord, be Thee, Bid me come, walking on the sea." And He said "Come." And at His word Went Peter down to meet his Lord.

Christ The Living Bread

John vi. With morning came the multitude; And when, for bread, they still pursued. He told them of the living food - Himself, the Bread sent down from Heaven, True Manna, for believers given.

Christ Deserted Fidelity Of The Twelve

"And will ye also go away?" He asked the twelve so tenderly. "To whom, O Rabbi, shall we go? Words of eternal life hast Thou," Was Peter's answer, "and we know Thou art the Christ, Thou art the Son Of God, Thou art the Promised One."

Heathen Borders Visited

Still yearning for sweet privacy, Christ wends His way through Gallilee To Tyre and Sidon's boundary; By Tabor and the Mount of Blessing, And Nazareth, and Cana, passing Familiar scenes of youth, until Beyond the bounds of Israel.

A Gentile Mother'S Prayer

Matt, xv: 21; Mark vli: 21. So far His fame was known they said Of Him that "He could not be hid," A gentile mother comes to plead Her demon stricken daughter's need. Great is her sorrow, brief her prayer - "Lord help me!" Will the Master hear? She will not ask the children's bread, But only from their table spread. Crumbs where the "little dogs" are fed.

Now, passing Sidon's boundaries. He preaches in Decapolis, Along the rugged eastern shore Where Jordan's waters outward pour: To eyes that never thrilled with light He brings the ecstasy of sight; He speaks "Be opened" to deaf ears. The healing words the sufferer hears; His touch awakes mute lip and tongue To move in praise, by speech and song.

Four Thousand Fed

Matt. XV : 22; Mark viii: 1. Though wild and desert is the place, The people throng Him for three days, Held by His love compelling grace. With fishes few, sev'n loaves of bread, Four thousand hungry men are fed; The gathered fragments from the meal. That none be lost, sev'n baskets fill.

Renewed Opposition

Mark viii: 10. Their little boat glides out once more. Across to Dalmanutha's shore - Far south, in His loved Gallilee. This region borders on the sea.

Their stubborn unbelief He knows; They seek not light, but to oppose. Three days and nights was Jonah held, In the sea monster's sides compelled. "So must the Son of Man," He said, "Three days and nights in earth be laid.

Peter'S Confession

BEYOND the Jordan and the sea, And Cesarea Philippi, A long and weary journey He Now makes to northern solitude, Where spies and foes will not intrude.

The Transfiguration

With countenance and raiment bright. He stands transfigured in their sight. While speaks the Father from His throne - "Hear Him, My well beloved Son." And with the voice, a shining cloud O'ershadowed them - supernal glowed. In awe the three disciples bowed: The splendor of the vision gone. These - Peter, James and loving John - Beheld no man, but Christ alone.

Though Peter long would linger here - Would fain three tabernacles rear. Not long the Master may abide, In glory, on the mountain side. A world of sin awaits below, And He returns to bear its woe.

"If Thou canst help," He hears a cry, "Oh, save my demon haunted boy; To Thy disciples I have brought Him, but they could not cast him out."

Demoniac Son Released

Matt xvii; Mark ix: 14; Luke ix: 37. The nine disciples, baffled, stood Before a gazing multitude; Their faith had failed them in an hour When most they needed all its power. The demon shrieked - a horrid sound - The youth lay writhing on the ground.

And, seeing all the father's grief, The Lord rebuked their unbelief: "O race perverse, O faithless race! How long ere My forbearance cease? Thou spirit dumb and deaf," He said, "Come out of him." The fiend obeyed - Sore rent, and left him as one dead; But Jesus raised him to his feet. Released, restored, his cure complete.

"Lord, why could we not cast him out?" They said. "This power cometh not," The Master, sighing, said, "But when with fasting men have prayed.

Luke xi: 53. Again in Gallilee He taught And miracles of healing wrought. The Pharisees again pursued With buffetings and sayings rude. To drive away the multitude. They pressed upon Him more and more; And meekly their assaults He bore.

Lord Of The Sabbath

Matt, xii; Luke vi: 1. While passing through the fertile fields. Where God for man the harvest yields. There Jesus' hungry followers Pluck for their food the ripened ears. And, rubbing in their hands the grain,

Their breakfast make. The Jews complain That rules, by their tradition spoken, For Sabbath conduct these have broken. ''Man was not for the Sabbath made; The Sabbath is for man," He said. "The Son of Man due homage pay, Lord even of the Sabbath day."

Ten Lepers Healed

Luke xvii: 11. Ten lepers see Him from afar, Their plaintive pleadings pierce the air; Compelled to shun abodes of men And cry aloud, "Unclean," unclean!"

And, straightway going to obey. The ten found healing in the way. The ten were healed, but only one (And he was a Samaritan) Returned to Jesus, glad to raise His voice in gratitude and praise.

Forgiveness Enjoined

NOW, as they journey, Peter speaks - Instruction from the Master seeks. "How often, Lord, dost Thou command, That I forgiveness must extend When one, my brother, shall offend? Shall seven times the limit be?"

"Not until seven times, I say to thee. Must he, repentant, be forgiven; But unto seventy times and seven." These words to Peter were addressed And by this parable impressed:

The Ungrateful Servant

"Let him be sold - all that he hath - And payment made," the master saith; "Wife, children, goods include." So spake his lord, with power endued.

Released, he meets, as forth he goes, A fellow servant, one who owes A hundred pence and cannot pay; And seizing him while in the way, "Pay that thou owest," he demands, And fierce before his debtor stands.

Feast Of Tabernacles Conspiracy Of The Rulers

John vii: 33. The magnates high in church and state Beheld with envy thousands wait Where Jesus taught - the loud acclaim When Jesus to the temple came. They called their council and conspired, Unheeding what their law required; Unheard His cause, vain all reply, They judged Him and condemned to die.

Nicodemus In The Council

John vii: 50. When honest Nicodemus tried To turn the threatened blow aside. They only answered to deride. "Doth our law judge a man unheard?" He said - a just and wise man's word. They answered only, "Search and see; No prophet comes from Gallilee."

Never Man So Spake

They sent their officers to take Him. Jesus in the temple spake. His dignity and kindliness. His winning words and worthiness Inspire the servants of the law With wonder, and restrain with awe. On Him, who only spake to bless, How could they bring death or distress? Not yet the powers of darkness gain Their cause; when won, won but in vain

The Living Water

When came the last great festal day, With shoutings near and far away, And waters from Siloam poured, And loud hosannahs to the Lord; Processions round the altar go Sev'n times, as erst at Jericho. Then Jesus stood and cried aloud, To all the vast and surging crowd -

"If any man thirst, come to Me And drink of living water free. And in his breast shall ever flow. Life giving fountains I bestow." When flaming torches lit the night. He saw, and said, "I am the Light: Because He hath the Light of Life, shall he Not walk in darkness who hath light in Me."

When fiercer contradiction grew. And they would stone Him, He withdrew; But thoughtful hearers pondered - "Might not this be the Christ indeed?"

Man Born Blind

A man born blind was led to wait Where Jesus passed the temple gate. His touch made clay a healing salve, He said, "Go, in Siloam lave." The man obeyed, received his sight - Day dawning after years of night. Returned, he boldly testifies That Jesus gave sight to his eyes.

The Pharisees, who still pursue With spiteful zeal, attack anew. Unmindful of sweet mercy's claim, His Sabbath ministry they blame; And, in their madness, even dare "The man's a sinner" to declare.

The touch that gave the blind man sight Has turned his spirit to the Light. He met their cold, unfeeling plea - "One thing I know, enough for me - I once was blind; I now can see; The man a prophet true must be." And ever so: The touch Divine Has been to hearts a potent sign That Jesus is the Son, with power To heal and save in every hour.

BESET by such malignant foes, Beyond the Jordan Jesus goes Where, buried in the watery grave, He, long ago, example gave, To those who would their faith profess "Thus to fulfill all righteousness." With words of healing saving power, There waits His fast approaching hour.

The Rich Young Ruler

Luke xviii: 15. A rich young ruler ran to Jesus, kneeling "Good Master," he said in low voice appealing, "Tell me - by what good deed - what act of merit, I may, assured, eternal life inherit?"

"All these have I kept, even from my youth" - The young man answered him with conscious truth. "And now what lack I yet?" With bowed head He spoke as humbly seeking to be led. The earnest seeker Jesus saw and loved; And deeply was the Master's spirit moved. "One thing thou lackest; wilt thou perfect be? Sell that thou hast and come and follow Me." "Sell that thou hast and give it to the poor; And thou shalt have in Heaven a treasure store."

Then sorrowful, the young man, when he heard. Arose, and went away, and left the Lord. For great possessions held his heart in thrall; And closed it to the Savior's gracious call.

Deformed Woman Healed

Luke xiii: 10-16. As oft, upon the Sabbath day. In synagogue Christ taught The Way; Gave lessons from their sacred lore. By prophets penned, long years before.

A woman listened all attent - Deformed she was, her frame low bent. The Master suffering could trace In furrowed cheek and withered face. He speaks with ready sympathy - "Thou'rt loosed of thine infirmity."

At once erect she fills the place With songs and shouts of greatful praise. While all around with her rejoice, Discordant is the ruler's voice:

"Six days," he says, "appointed are For labor and for every care; Six days, for work, in house and field; In them come hither, and be healed."

Silent Coming Of The Kingdom

While Jesus yet abode in Galilee, Came questionings from scribe and Pharisee, Who thought the kingdom must be drawing near - "God's kingdom - Rabbi, when will it appear?" "God's kingdom cometh not," the Master said, "With observation outward signs displayed: Within you He begins His gracious reign; For Him in outward sign, men look in vain."

Covetousness Condemned

Luke xii: 13-22, A young man seeking only gain, Once came to Jesus to complain: "Speak to my brother, Lord, that he Divide th' inheritance with me."

The Rich Fool

This lesson Jesus taught to all - Like judgment will the man befall Whose heart is on his wealth bestowed, Who therefore is not "rich toward God."

Dropsy Cured

Luke xiv: 1-6. Invited by a Pharisee To dine with him one Sabbath, he Sees in the waiting company A man, whose swollen limbs and frame, His ever quick compassion claim.

Humility Taught

Luke xiv: 7-11. And seeing with what eagerness Men to the higheset seats would press, Thus His disciples He addressed: "When thou art bidden to a feast G-o not to take the highest place; Lest thou, compelled thy steps retrace When Cometh a more honored guest And, yielding to thy host's request, Thou with confusion in thy face. Begin to take a lower place.

But would'st thou with true honor meet. Go thou and take a lowly seat. Be not too eager to aspire; 'Till he shall say, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then all who sit with thee shall see What honors are bestowed on thee. He that exalts himself shall be abased. The humble heart shall be to honor raised.

Whom To Invite To A Feast

Luke xiv: x2, 13. When thou a dinner or a supper dost prepare That others come and in thy bounty share, The rich, thy friends thy neighbor well bestowed Call not - Who will requite thee with like good.

Go call the poor, the lame, the maimed, the blind, Who can not give thee recompense in kind. The resurrection of the just shall be The certain recompense bestowed on thee.

Those went their way, then came a man, (And he was a Samaritan), Who saw the sufferer and ran And raised him up with gentleness; With oil and wine his wounds did dress, And caused him to the inn to ride. And walked supporting by his side; Provided him with needed care. And left him safely resting there." "Who is my neighbor?" - questioned - "Go thou and do likewise," Christ said.

Mary And Martha

TWO sisters dwelt in Bethany, With Lazarus, their brother: He, The Teacher, there found sympathy, There Martha served with housewife care. While Mary chose her portion where His voice in counsel she might hear. "Speak to my sister, Lord, that she Bear part in household toil with me," Thus Martha spoke in a complaining plea. "I know thy care for many things What trouble all thy labor brings. One thing is needful Mary's heart" - Said Jesus - "Chose that one good part."

A Sorrowful Summons

For He himself the Son of Man will share The ills that all the sons of men must bear. And He who often soothed another's woe Himself the weight of human grief must know.

Yet friendship waits; and Jesus for two days. The present work to finish, faithful stays: - Two days! and Lazarus He knows is dead. "I go to wake him out of sleep," he said.

Blind Bartimeus

Luke xix: 2-10. Through Jericho His pathway lies. To reach His place of sacrifice. Blind Bartimeus hears a cry - "Jesus of Nazareth goes by," "Thou Son of David, help," he cries; And Jesus gives sight to his eyes. Rejoicing in the heavenly ray He follows Jesus in the way.

Zacheus The Publican

ZACHEUS THE PUBLICAN. Luke xix: 12-26. The publican, Zacheus heard With joy His faith assuring word. In answer to his contrite vows, "Salvation cometh to this house." For he had said "Fourfold, Lord, I restore. And half my goods I give unto the poor."

Parable Of The Pounds

Which man will rule ten cities best. Who gained ten pounds, ten cities gained Who gained five pounds o'er five he reigned, Whose pound was in a napkin hid All that he had was forfeited.

Jericho To Bethany

The path was steep, and rough and long, And wound the desert hills among; From Jericho and Jordan plain, His place of sacrifice to gain. With spirit firm to suffer there, Upon a cross He first must bear; He went before, while followed near, The twelve oppressed with sudden fear.

At The Grave Of Lazarus

"Hadst Thou been here," the weeping sisters cried, "Rabbi, we know our brother had not died." "I am the Resurrection," He Replied, in words of mystery.

"In me the living never dies - By me the dead to life arise." Four days, in death's embrace had slept The friend He loved, and "Jesus wept." "Take ye away the stone," He said - The stone that on the tomb was laid, And willing hands at once obeyed. Then to His Father, God, He prayed - "I know Thou always hearest Me, Because of these I prayed to Thee."

Then, "Lazarus, come forth!" aloud He called before the wondering crowd. The dead revived, and, from the gloom, Came forth in habit of the tomb. Bound hand and foot (they buried so). "Loose him," said Christ, "and let him go."

Mary'S Annointing

And, Lazarus to life restored. Was there reclining by his Lord. And Martha served, and Mary brought A precious gift, with loving thought, Of ointment, that a prince might bring To coronation of a king.

She Hath Done What She Could

Offended, Judas cried in haste: "Behold and see how great this waste! This ointment, sold, had brought, I'm sure, Three hundred pence, to help the poor."

Her thought the Master understood, And said: "She hath done what she could; The poor are always with you, where With them your bounty you may share; But Me ye have not always here."

"Why trouble ye the woman? She Hath wrought a goodly work on Me - Annointed Me for burial. This shall be her memorial: In every land beneath the sun. Where e'er My gospel shall be known, Shall this be told that she hath done."

Judas Plans Treason Triumphant Entry

CHRIST had one day of triumph when He heard the shouts of fickle men, As on a lowly beast He rode, Where oft in dust His feet had trod. Behind, before, on either side - "Hosannah! David's Son!" they cried; And spread their garments in the way And hailed Him King for but a day.

With these, from far off Gallilee, A great and goodly company. From out the city portals came, And joined in praise and loud acclaim ; For far and near the word had spread Of Lazarus raised from the dead. These went before, and followed those. While loud and long the shouts arose.

And palms were waved and branches strewn As they would escort to a throne. "Rebuke them!" cry the Pharisees. "The stones would cry out, if but these," The Master said, "should hold their peace."

Unmoved by all their wild applause, He sees the shadow of the cross - That cross that shadowed all His way; With horrid arms to hold its prey: That cross whereon ere this week end His pierced body shall extend.

Christ Weeps Over Jerusalem

The violated virgin's piercing shriek - Self-slain for shame, relief in death to seek; The plundered houses, gardens desolate - No pity for the poor, no ransom for the great; Where proudly Judah's kings were crowned Dark desolation sits enthroned.

And Jesus weeps - a patriot's tears. At vision of those dreadful years. In presence of the vision grim, - What all the loud applause to Him?

The Children'S Greeting

Their songs the jealous Jews displease - "Rabbi," they say, "dost Thou hear these?" And Jesus answered, pleased to hear The children His brief triumph cheer: "Have ye not read, in ancient lays, From mouth of babes God perfects praise?"

Second Cleansing Of The Temple

He cleansed the temple courts again, Drove out the greedy, trading men. Cast down the instruments profane That made God's house a place of gain.

Teaching In The Temple

WHAT time the sun, with vernal ray, Gives equal length to night and day, Oft as returns the springtime, when The paschal lamb was brought and slain, Christ came into the temple, where Did pious hands the lamb prepare.

And now had come the final week When, in the temple. He would speak. His teachings, ominous, portend A people hastening to the end. Bid His disciples watch, prepared. As servants, waiting for their Lord.

Triumph By The Cross Foretold

His parables He now resumed, And spake as to a nation doomed; His passion and His death foretold In speech direct and figure bold. When told of the inquiring Greeks, Serene and confident He speaks -

"We would see Jesus," - they have heard That mighty are His deeds and word. "A grain of wheat remains alone. Except it die - is fruitful grown. When in the earth men cast it down. If I, from earth, uplifted be, I will draw all men unto Me;"

Upon the Master's gentle spirit then Was cast the shadow of the cross again. "With troubled heart what shall I say - 'My Father, save Me from this hour,' pray? But for this very cause I came. My Father, glorify Thy name."

The Wicked Husbandman

His vineyard planted, wine press set. With walls and watch towers complete. The owner goes to lands afar And leaves his vineyard to the care Of husbandmen, the fruits to share.

"But they will reverence my son," He said, and sent him forth alone. "This is the heir," they, wicked, say - 111 treat, and cast him out, and slay.

Prophetic this symbolic word - The Jews reject and kill the Lord. Those murderers will God destroy; The vineyard others shall enjoy. "Rejected by the builders, One Becomes the chiefest cornerstone."

No Wedding Garment On

Matt, xxii: 1-14. A king had made a marriage feast In honor of his son; each guest. Invited, turned in scorn away. When told, on the appointed day, "Come, for all things I have prepared," No one for his rich bounty cared.

The king, with indignation moved, That these had all ungrateful proved. Sent forth his servants in new quest And gathered many a willing guest. Until they thronged the banquet hall With joy for such a royal call.

Cast Out The Sadducees Silenced

To Sadducees, who, vain, denied The resurrection. He replied - "The power of God ye do not know. Nor yet the Scriptures, what they show. They who accounted worthy are The resurrection life to share. Are not to be in marriage given, But are as angels are in Heaven."

"Sons of His resurrection power Are sons of God; they die no more. But that the dead are raised up see By Moses, at the burning tree. God called him there, and said, I am The Lord, the God of Abraham; God of the living, not the dead. By Him was this to Moses said."

Render To Caesar And To God

He grieved at their hypocrisy - "Ye hypocrites! Why tempt ye Me? The tribute money let me see." They bring a Roman coin impressed (Denarius) with Caesar's crest. "Whose image, superscription, here? Both Caesar's, ye say? Then, with care, To Caesar render Caesar's own; The things of God to God alone."

A Lawyer Answered

A lawyer questioned: 'Which command Is greatest? We would understand." "The Lord thy God - one God above - With all thy heart. Him shalt thou love. With all thy mind, and strength, and soul.

This first commandment leads the whole." So Jesus answered. "And besides, The second like to it abides - Thy neighbor as thyself shalt love. These law and prophets all approve." "Rabbi, well hast thou answered; These two are first," the lawyer said.

Enemies Silenced The Widow'S Mite

Beside the temple treasury Christ sat, the varied gifts to see. The rich, of their abundance cast; The widow's farthing was her last. "More than they all she gave," He said- "Gave all her living - all she had." And so in wise discourse was passed That day in temple courts His last.

Discourse Of Christ On Olivet

THAT evening, ere the sun was set, As wont, He sat on Olivet. Beyond the Kedron Valley rose. With walls defiant of all foes, Jerusalem, rebuilt, restored - He, David's Son, her rightful Lord. The rays of the declining sun Resplendent on the temple shone - Shone, bathing with a flood of light The city on its rocky height. "See, Rabbi, what great buildings!" cried The twelve with patriotic pride. "The lofty columned porch behold! The temple roofed with shining gold."

Jerusalem'S Fall Foretold

And Jesus, with prophetic ken, Revealed the future to them then; When hostile armies from the west The hill of Zion would invest; The twanging bow that winged the flight Of deadly arrows in the fight; The catapult, with stunning sound. Strong ramparts battered to the ground.

Dire pestilence, with darts unseen, Drives terror to the hearts of men; Gaunt famine prowling in the street, 'Till rapine makes the woe complete.

Vision Of The Last Judgment

The sun had set with ray serene; Tne vernal moon shone on the scene. Then Andrew, Simon, James and John, Communing with their Lord alone, Besought Him - "Rabbi, tell us when Shall be these conflicts among men; What sign thy coming shall attend. And when the present age shall end?"

And solemnly the Lord replied: "Let no man turn your steps aside. Before the coming of that day False teachers will lead men astray, And many coming in My name, 'I am the Christ' themselves proclaim. And many hearts they will deceive; For many will their words believe. My chosen ones - Mine own elect - They would deceive, but I protect.

"When they shall say, *Lo there! Lo here, Ye may behold the Christ appear; Lo, He is in the wilderness; Lo, He is in the secret place!' Believe them not; go not their way. Deceivers and deceived are they.

"False Christs and prophets false shall ris3, And signs and wonders mark the skies; The sun no more the earth shall light, The moon refuse to cheer the night. The stars shall from their places fall - These signs the sons of men appall. In divers lands the earth shall shake. And wars and desolations make The hearts of men to fear and quake.

"In patience, then, possess your souls; Your Father sees, and He controls. When all these signs men's hearts shall try, Lift up your head with holy joy; Know your salvation draweth nigh.

"As shines the lightning from the east And flashes forth unto the west. So, sudden, swift and seen of men, The Son of Man shall come again."

Parable Of Ten Virgins

An escort for the bridegroom, they Have come with light to cheer his way. The wise with oil are well supplied; The foolish ones no oil provide. The bridegroom tarries, and they sleep While watchmen their night vigils keep.

Christ Judging Men In His Kingdom

NOW, onward, still, the view extends To where the Son of Man descends. All holy angels, swift attend; By ranks and ranks their way they wend. The King, now seated on His throne, In glory, makes His judgment known, And holds the solemn grand assize On deeds of all the centuries.

And then shall answer, in dismay. The wicked, and, appealing, say: "Lord, when saw we Thee needing bread. Or thirsty, and refused Thee aid? When saw Thee naked, in distress, And did not shelter give nor dress? In sickness or in prison when And ministered not to Thee then?"

The King shall answer from His throne: "Not to My brethren have ye done These things; neglecting them, have ye Refused this ministry to Me. Those into life eternal go; The wicked to eternal woe."

Watchfulness Enjoined

"Watch, therefore, for ye know not when The Son of Man shall come again. At midnight, cockcrowing or morn, May be the time of His return. To you I say, and unto all, Watch and be ready for His call."

The sun has set, the gentle twilight gone; Above the Moab hills the paschal moon Full orbed shines with a chastened light, Brings solace to the early hours of night. Along the vale and up the steep The growing shadows silent creep. Here linger long in solitude The little group, with thought subdued.

Here oft at evening they had met - These hours, these words, cannot forget; These often will discourse inspire When men the solemn theme require.

Night Scene

Now, over in the temple - there. Throngs that had come from near and far To sacrifice, and evening prayer. Have scattered to their places, all. To wait the herald's morning call. And dream of wonders that befel The going forth of Israel;

When, innocent, the Lamb was slain, That Jacob's sons might safety gain;' When the destroying angel turned aside Where at the door he saw the blood applied. Azrael, dark plumed angel, winged his flight Past every Hebrew home that night.

The Upper Room

CHRIST loved His own, - a faithful friend, He loved them even to the end. His hour approaching near. He drew . Apart by night His chosen few. Together in a borrowed room. For Jesus had no earthly home.

Judas Detected And Dismissed

He laid His flowing robes aside. To humble their ambitious pride; And, washmg the disciples' feet. Taught them that he who serves is great. With them He ate the paschal feast, While dangers round His path increased. The traitor's hand is on the board. Of Judas, who has sold his Lord. Dishonored in his Master's sight, He left the room - "and it was night" - The darkness type and counterpart Of blackness in the traitor's heart.

The Lord'S Supper Instituted

That night in which Christ was betrayed. While yet the triple board was laid, Christ took the loaf and looked to Heaven For blessing on the portion given;

Then broke the bread and poured the wine And gave for a memorial sign: - "Take, eat ye all, and see," He said, "My broken body in this bread; All drink the bruised fruit of the vine - My flowing blood see in the wine, And keep in your remembrance true My life blood is poured out for you."

Christ'S Last Discourse

They linger while their Lord portrays What waits them in near coming days. "The hour is near that I depart. For this hath sadness filled your heart.

"Let not your heart be troubled; ye Believe in God; believe in Me. I go where many mansions are - My Father's house; I will prepare A place for you, that ye may be. On My return, at home with Me. And whither, and the way I go. Ye know the place, the way ye know."

"Where Thou art going. Rabbi? Nay, We know not. How, then, know the way?" Thus Thomas. Jesus makes reply: "The Way, the Truth, the Life am I; By Me men unto God draw nigh."

The Lord, "and thou not known Me all these days? He that hath seen Me hath the Father seen; In Me the Father Is revealed to men. The works I do, the words I speak - They are the Father's, whom ye seek."

"How is it, Lord, that Thou Thyself would show To us and not unto the world also?" Thaddeus Judas this inquiry makes; And, gazing fondly on him, Jesus speaks:

"If a man love Me, he will keep my word; Him will My Father love, and I, your Lord, Will with the Father come, and our abode Will make with Him - your Father and your God.'

The True Vine

"Have love for one another; so Shall all men My disciples know. My perfect peace with you I leave; Not as the world doth give, I give. The Comforter, a faithful Guide, Shall come to you - with you abide. And bring to your remembrance true All things I have commanded you."

Prayer For The Disciples In Gethsemane

nE leads taem to Gethsemane: Beneath the spreading olive tree His soul is bowed in agony. He meets the powers of darkness there, And on the chilling midnight air Is borne His thrice repeated prayer: "This bitter cup, My Father, spare."

Submission breathes in every tone. The bloody sweat drops falling down; He prays - "Thy will, not Mine, be done." There, in the moon-cast shadows dim. An angel comes and strengthens Him. The chosen three, a watch to keep - Not faithless, but too wearied - sleep.

Pilate'S Surrender

Matt, xvii: 24-26; Luke xxii: 25; John xix: 1-6; Mark xv: 14, 15. Base envy would put Christ to death; Detraction, joined with poisoned breath. Fanaticism led the way. And Avarice came to betray. Though Pilate, in the judgment hall, Could find in Him no fault at all. Injustice yielded to the cry And clamor shouting "Crucify!" When Pharisee and Sadducee, Impelled by blinding bigotry, Against Him gave their urgent voice - The thief Barabbas their vile choice.

Amid that clamor and the reckless strife Of men conspired against the Just One's life, A voice of mercy claims the ruler's ear - A woman's voice - would he but deign to hear. From Pilate's wife, the urgent message ran: "Have naught to do," it said, "With that just Man."

"For I have seen, in visions of this night, Such prophecies as did my soul affright. It seemed that He sat on the judgment seat, And thou and all His foes compelled to meet His frown, more terrible than that of Mars - So changed from that meek, lowly look he wears.

"And thou and they, with consternation, heard Death sentence from His lips as King and Lord. I saw His judgment seat become a lofty throne And Him their King and Lord did all the nations

The Fate Of Judas

Remorse drives Judas to despair, He has no plea for Mercy's ear. Will rather death and darkness dare The blinding bribe, the wage of sin, Is cast away, a thing unclean. Too late repenting, Hope has fled; And joy and all of faith are dead. Self hanged upon a treacherous bough. He falls a loathsome corpse below.

By conscience driven first he came - Where met the partners of his shame - "See I have sinned," - confession made "Blood innocent I have betrayed" - Before the priests and rulers cast The hated silver down in haste.

"And what is that to us," they said, "See thou to that" - as forth he fled. With this "The Potter's Field" they buy - The field where strangers - buried lie.

Seven Words Of Christ

Mat., xxvii: 46; Mark xv: 34; Luke xxiii: 34, 43, 46; John xix: 26, 27, 28, 30. Nailed to the cross. His dying prayer Goes up to God, the Father's ear His cruel enemies to spare - "Forgive them. Father, for they know Not, in their blindness, what they do!"

The thieves, that hang on either side. Turn, in their torment, to deride, - Against the Friend of Man allied The outcast and the men of pride.

The soldiers voice a rude disdain For One too gentle to complain, Yet strong their buffetings to bear; "And sitting down they watch Him there."

The Final Scene

Matt, xxvii: 45-55; Mark xv: 37-41; Luke xxiii: 41-49. The temple veil is rent in twain, Old Mount Moriah moans in pain; Still over all does darkness reign.

A prophecy of olden time, of Him had spoken. And said "A bone of Him shall not be broken," And these - the prophecy to them unknown Withheld from smiting Him whose life had flown. With crushing blows the robbers' legs they smite, And pass Him by with quick averted sight. Death did not stay the piercing spear That to His heart a rent did tear, And blood and water issued there - A healing fountain, flowing far.

The Entombment The Faithful Marys

The faithful Marys see the place With breaking hearts and tearful gaze. They, too, will tender tribute pay When ends the sacred Sabbath day.

A victory for wickedness, And Cruelty had won the day; And He who only spoke to bless And lived for others' happiness. Enshrouded, cold and silent lay.

The Days Of Darkness

Three days and nights good men in gloom Are left - their hope in Joseph's tomb; The Roman guard, the stone, the seal, To hold Him bound could not avail.

The Resurrection

WHEN dawned the third, the promised day, An angel rolled the stone away And sat upon it in celestial light, With glowing countenance and raiment bright. The conscious earth stirred in its depths profound. And frightened guards fell prostrate to the ground; And Jesus, Conqueror of Death, arose. Forever victor over all His foes.

Appearances After The Resurrection

Matt, xxviii: 9; Mark xvi; Luke xxiv; John xx; I Cor. xv. To Mary, in her blinding tears, Before the tomb He first appears And with a word dispels her fears.

Amazed, and glad, and swift they ran - Such tidings bore as never man Had heard since earth her course began. He meets with Simon Peter, who Henceforth will stand, rocklike and true.

As if to give their hearts relief - To disappointed hopes a prey; When Jesus joined them in the way. Such change the cross and tomb had made They knew Him not; but Jesus said, "What troubles you? What is the source Of this your sorrowful discourse?"

Again, with words of peace. He stands Before them; shows His side and hands; And doubting Thomas sees and hears, And Christ as "Lord and God" reveres, To James, one of the chosen three. Was granted an epiphany.

He meets the seven on that shore Where He had called them years before, And calling them back from the deep Bids Simon Peter "Feed My Sheep."

When to the mountain they repair, Lo! He, before, is waiting there. Five hundred, gathered in one place, Rejoice to see His well known face.

The Great Commission

Ere His ascent He gave command: "Go, teach, baptise, in every land; And teach them to observe and do All things I have commanded you. Far as your labors shall extend, Lo! I am with you, to the end."

The Ascension

When He would leave them finally, He leads them out to Bethany; And there, a parting blessing given. Is taken from them into heaven; From Olivet's oft trodden height A cloud receives Him from their sight.

His Return Foretold

While there they stand, in great amaze, And long and silent upward gaze, Two men, in raiment white, appear And speak in words of hope and cheer.

"Ye men of Gallilee, why stand Ye gazing toward the heavenly land? Know that the day is coming when This Jesus shall return again In manner as ye saw Him rise Above the cloud and earthly skies."

After Resurrection Appearances

Acts vii: 56; ix: 4; xviii: 9; xxii: 21; xxiii: 11; 1 Cor. xv: S. ISot seldom in those after years The Savior, glorified, appears. Ere Stephen won a martyr's crown The opened heaven to him was shown, And Jesus, standing by the throne And in compassion, looking down.

Vision Of John

To John, in Patmos Isle, was given A vision of his Lord in heaven, Where, seated on His Father's throne. He reigns as God's eternal Son. On every side a mighty throng - Ten thousand times ten thousand strong; From every land, of every tongue, Extol His name, in lofty song.

Messages And Pilgrimages

LONG since the men who saw His day- Have passed from earthly scenes away. Wide as the world His words have flown, With messages to every zone. And men, in all the centuries Have found in them the way of peace.

And pilgrims come, from lands afar, And bow in adoration here. And all His gracious words recall - His words of peace and life to all; Inspired by sea and shore and skies That greeted their Redeemer's eyes.

Invocation

Rabboni, Prophet, Lord Divine, When pilgrims come, as to a shrine, Here, where Thy glories forth did shine. Look on the scene with smile benign And still each heart, as stilled the sea When Thou didst walk on Gallilee; When wind and wave attentive heard The voice of Thy commanding word; When, by Thy gentle footsteps pressed. Rebellious seas retired to rest.

Thou who didst feed Thy little band, That drew their full nets to the land When they had toiled in vain all night. But saw Thee in the morning light;

Come, stand again upon this shore, And feed Thy children, as of yore; Grant each aspiring heart request. And answer, "I will give you rest."

And as each cloudlet, rock and tree Is mirrored in this placid sea, So may Thy life reflected be In every heart that turns to Thee, Till pilgrims all are gathered home And joy to see Thy Kingdom come.

A Prayer Fo Revery Day

COME Thou the Holy Spirit Heavenly Guest, Grant Thine abiding presence in my breast; So teach me that I make no vain request; But only ask what Thou dost teach is best.

Lord, Thou hast set Thy glory high above the Heaven, By Thee ordained the stars were all their courses given. Thou who so long hast kept mine eyes from tears, My feet from falling and from death my soul, Heart praise receive for all life's fruitful years. And gently lead me forward to life's goal.

Lord of all life and light and power divine, Help me in every motive to be Thine; Thine by the grace of Jesus, Son of God, By Him sweet pardon, peace and life bestowed. By Him made free from every stain of sin. His cleansing word to make me pure within, With appetites and passions of the soul Subdued and ever kept in calm control. That when temptations from without allure, They shall not find within allies impure; That small vexations of the daily round, Shall only make Thy grace in me abound; That I so guard the portals of my speech, The weak to strengthen and the seeker teach. That heart and outward life each day will praise Thy Being, wondrous works and grace.

Made Thine for chastening of earthly joys; With calm assurance that no doubt destroys. And Thine when clamors of the world resound; That they shall not disturb my peace profound; By Thee protected from all fear and harm; When dangers would the timid soul alarm.

Let no false teaching lead my heart astray. In hours when doubt and darkness dim the day. Be Thou to me The Light, The Truth, The Way. When trials come and hard the soul must strive, "The peace that passeth understanding" give - Made Thine in trusting spirit when I pray, And Thine in faithful service day by day.

Be mine to make Thy holy will my choice, And ever hear and heed "The still small voice" - In faith and hope and love and Thee rejoice. By Thee with needed daily food supplied, And solace when by sore affliction tried.

Our kindred all, and kindred spirits dear - Make them, O Lord, the objects of Thy care; That they with us may every blessing share. In our hearts written see the names they bear; Grant us when comes the Master's final word. To go and be forever with the Lord.

Thy cheering presence grant abundantly. To all who served in gospel ministry At home or in the lands beyond the sea, Till thine shall all the nations be, The continents and islands of the sea, Be joined in peace and lasting harmony.

In glory, majesty, dominion. Lord, Thy name to all the ages be adored. For Jesus 'sake alone this prayer accord. As Thou hast promised in Thy holy word.

Themes For Meditation

"Finally, my brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." - Phil, iv: 8.

The Land Where Jesus Taught

rAIR was that land where Jesus taught; There priest and prophet warned and wrought; There kings had reigned and armies fought: And distant rulers tribute brought. There mountain, desert, lake and sea Are found, and rivers flowing free.

In Hebron, through the centuries, The patriarchs have slept in peace; There Abraham had spread his tent; And there received God's covenant: To him Jehovah's angel spoke At Mamre, by the spreading oak.

Borne by the coward spies once were The heavy clustered grapes from there; The grapes from Eschol's spreading vine, Of fruitfulness and joy the sign. There Caleb had his promised share, When Joshua had ceased from war. There David over Judah reigned Till all of Israel he gained.

At Shiloh long the ark of God, Within the tabernacle stood, With altar, priest, and offering. Devoted men each day would bring. There Hannah brought young Samuel, Who ministered till Eli fell.

To Gilgal came the tribes when they In council met with Joshua And there memorial stones were placed To mark the Jordan safely passed; Of these no traces now remain:

To Shechem Abraham first went His altar built, and spread his tent. Near Moreh, where a pleasant shade The spreading oak at noontide made. And there, on Ebal, standing near. Did Joshua an altar rear; And Jacob's well and Joseph's tomb Are by the way men hither come.

Bold Carmel, by the western sea, Looks out afar, o'er tide and lea; That Carmel where Elijah stood And called from heaven the fire of God; And blood of Baal's prophets dyed The waters of the western tide, Where Kishon, foaming, dashing, goes To find in the Great Sea repose.

Ajalon vale lies in the west, Where once at Joshua's behest The moon upon her course did stay Till Israel had won the day; While o'er the hills of Gibeon, All day was held the waiting sun.

Where roses garland Sharon plain That stretches to the western main And southward by the ancient road. There Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashod Reared temples to Philistia's god; There Sampson fell, and falling slew Their lords and Baal's priestly crew.

There Herod, in his pomp and pride Of worms was eaten that he died. Agrippa and Bemice there With Festus heard a prisoner His message in His Master's name. Undaunted by their state, proclaim His message given, journeyed Paul In chains to Rome's great capital.

Still northward, standing by the sea, Was Tyre, oft warned in prophecy, Her ancient splendor made her fall A warning terrible to all. Her sister Sidon filled the seas With fleets, and sent forth colonies.

This land had fields of old renown That saw great captains overthrown. Where Gerizim and Ebal rise, Northward the plain Esdraelon lies - Old battle field of centuries - That nolds in dust uncounted dead. Eastward Gilboa rears his head - Blood stained Gilboa, where king Saul Went forth to battle and to fall.

To southern hills and western main. There Deborah beheld the fight Of Barak, and Sisera's flight. Midway of east and western line The Jordan winds through Palestine Two hundred miles the river's course Goes southward from its highland source; From Merom waters, in the north Down to the Dead Sea pouring forth, A thousand and three hundred feet Deep plunging the salt wave to meet. In sixty miles from north to south, A bird could fly from source to mouth; It widens, going toward the sea. And deepens in Lake Gallilee.

Eastern Palestine

Beyond the Jordan's rocky bed Were pasture lands of Gilead The Hauran, stretching far away. O'er plains, toward old Damascus lay. A hundred cities in that land. Deserted now and silent stand. Beyond the Dead Sea's southern shores Rose Bozrah's ancient walls and towers. Of cities built by Esau's race No other held so large a place. Its massive palaces and fanes Are marvelous in their remains.

Macherus' walls rose gloomily. On rocks beyond the bitter sea, - A palace and a prison joined To suit the despot Herod's mind. To please the king's resentful wife Was John the Baptist reft of life.

Peniel, Jabbok stream and ford. Are there, where Jacob met his Lord; The Jabbok, but a slender brook, Its way to Jordan westward took The Arnon, Reuben's western bound Its outlet in the Dead Sea found.

Elijah, prophet, "the Tishbite," In Gilead first saw the light. And there, with Jericho in sight, His fiery chariot took its flight. Where Cherith laves his stony bed, By ravens was Elijah fed.

The Romans, when to rule they came. Gave to each province a new name; The northern they called Gallilee, The southern was Judea, The middle land Samaria, Southward was Perea, Northeastward Trachonitis lay Where Herod Philip once bore sway.

Tribal Divisions

When Joshua was in command And held, in trust, the Holy Land, Twelve tribes, the Sons of Israel, Received by lot their place to dwell. Toward sunrise from the Jordan's bed On hills and plains of Gilead Were tribes of Reuben and of Gad,

Manasseh's sons their cattle fed, In Bashan, north of Gilead. From Jordan to the western sea, Where mountams, plains and valley be, There Judah held a southern zone; Still farther south was Simeon; The northern group claimed Zebulon, And Isachur, and Naphtali, To Dan and Ashur's boundary. Dan looked afar on the Great Sea, The central hills and vales between Held Ephraim and Benjamin - So close to Judah's northern line They come, their boundaries combine.

The Ancient Cities

Beyond this country's utmost bound Ten ancient cities ruled around - Eastward Damascus, Babylon, And Ninevah each held a throne. Far south Egyptian Thebes arose. And Memphis, home of the Pharaohs, And long was Alexandria Store-house and school of Africa.

Westward afar imperial Rome Had mistress of the world become. And Athens, called "the eye of Greece," Had won renown in war and peace. Far north, where Ephesus sat queen; Diana's fane held rites obscene - The temple, with its colonade. The world's third wonder, it was said. To celebrate a warrior's fame Rose Antioch and bears his name.

Walks And Works Of Jesus

His name and fame the people knew, For John had borne Him witness true. And He, baptized in Jordan's tide, Had seen the heavens opened wide, Had heard from God the Father's throne "This is my well beloved Son." Had met, in Judah's desert lone, And overcome the wicked one; Had turned the water into wine "And showed His glory forth" divine. Had cleansed polluted temple courts. Where traders made profane resorts,

My Confession An Evening Reverie

Thou didst walk on Galilee, When its billions bowed to Thee; Thy disciples Thou didst cheer; Toiling, rowing, filled with fear, Roused the storm or stilled the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

Written after the foregoing was in press and given here in the belief that with dramatic incidents they will be useful for Sunday School and other recitations.

Christ The Good Shepherd Judgment Of Evil Rulers

Matt, xxiii. CLXVIX. The Master's manly spirit saw with, pain And righteous indignation, not suppressed, Hypocrisy, extortion, greed of gain In priest, and ruler; wrongs go unredressed - On scribes and Pharisees his condemnation fell - "How can ye - brood of vipers - find escape from hell?' Strange, startling sentence to such woes express From lips that ever, elsewhere, spoke with grace. The answer of the culprits came in that wild cry. In Pilate's court - "Away with Him - and crucify!"

Men found Christ in the place of public prayer. To meet Him, friends and foes resorted there: These came to plot, to palter and provoke: Those sought Him for the gracious words He spoke. Self-satisfied these were, by envy stirred; Those oft found healing in His vital word - An earnest all of what mankind should see. Concerning Him, in every passing century: Men hear his words, gain only what they seek - Proud cavillers, or trusting souls, and meek. "Savior of life" to these; "of aeath" to those: So does the sacred oracle disclose.

A Prophetic Imprecation

Matt, xxvii. And Pilate washed his guilty hands in vain - Consenting that the Sinless One be slain. "On us and on our children be His blood - " Self sentence shouted they, nor understood They how their imprecation would - Alas! Fall on their race as generations pass.