Part 83 (1/2)

Jesus often told the people little stories when he was teaching them to be good. These little stories he called parables. Here is one of the parables:--

THE STORY OF THE SOWER

And Jesus said, ”Behold the sower went forth to sow; and, as he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured them: and others fell upon the rocky places, where they had not much earth; and straightway they sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth, and when the sun was risen, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And others fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked them: and others fell upon the good ground, and yielded fruit, some a hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty.”

{127}{128} [Ill.u.s.tration]

THREs.h.i.+NG IN THE LANDS OF THE BIBLE:

From a photograph taken by Mrs. Louise Seymour Houghton, and used by her kind permission.

What a strange company of animals we have here! A camel, two oxen, and a little white donkey! And is this not a hard way to thresh out the grain? This field, with its beasts at work, does not much resemble a great wheat field in the western states of America, with its wonderful machinery. It shows how little progress has been made in the East, to find the same methods employed now as in Bible times.

[End ill.u.s.tration]

{129}

Then Jesus explained the story to his disciples in this way. He said, ”When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the evil one, and s.n.a.t.c.heth away that which hath been sown in his heart. This is he that was sown by the wayside. And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth. And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. And he that was sown upon the good ground, this is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; who verily beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty.”

{130}

SOME THINGS WHICH JESUS TAUGHT THE PEOPLE

At one time Jesus went up the slopes of a mountain, and many people gathered about him and he taught them these words, which are called

THE BEAt.i.tUDES.

”Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

”Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

”Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

”Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

”Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

”Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see G.o.d.

”Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of G.o.d.

”Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

{131}

Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

{132}

THE BOY WHO CAME WHEN HE WAS CALLED

Wax To grow.