THE FAMILY ALTAR

October 1.

"Now, there is at Jerusalem by the sheep-market a pool, which

is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having- five porches.

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and

eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been

now a long time in that case, He saith unto him, Wilt thou be

made whole?" John 5:2, 5, 6.

Why does the Lord Jesus ask this poor invalid whether he

wants to get well ? Does not the question seem superfluous ? Xo ;

for our Lord in His omniscience knew how long the poor man had

suffered, — thirty-eight years, — and He knew also that the poor

stricken man had given up all hope of ever being cured, and with

dull, listless heart had resigned himself to his fate. But man's

extremity is God's opportunity ; and again we see what a merciful

and omnipotent Savior we have in Christ. With His kind question

He not only kindles new interest and hope in the poor invalid, but

with divine, saving power restores him to health. There are many

chronic invalids in our midst suffering year in and year out with

some incurable disease, and they often grow apathetic and indif-

ferent not only to their sickness, but, what is much worse, to the

fate of their immortal souls. To them the Lord Jesus would also

come in His saving, compassionate love and ask: Wilt thou be

made whole ? He may not restore them to bodily health as He did

this invalid, for reasons known to Him alone, but He surely can

and will give new courage and health to their mourning hearts

and glorify their sickbeds and gloomiest surroundings with His

saving presence. He has power to save all that come to God

through Him. No case of bodily or spiritual infirmity is of too

long standing or too hopeless a nature for Him to cure who says

to every invalid: "I am the Lord that healeth thee."

With tearful eyes I look around;

Life seems a dark and stormy sea;

Yet, 'mid the gloom, I hear a sound,

A heavenly whisper, "Come to Me."

It tells me of a place of rest;

It tells me where my soul may flee:

Oh, to the weary, faint, opprest,

How sweet the bidding, "Come to Me."

"Come, for all else must fail and die!

Earth is no resting-place for thee;

To heaven direct thy weeping eye,

I am thy portion, Come to Me."

O voice of mercy! voice of love!

In conflict, grief, and agony,

Support me, cheer me from above;

And gently whisper, "Come to Me."