U1e highest purpoae. His absence from Bethany served the interest of faith far better than his presence would have done. This implies: (1) That the death of Lazarus could scarcely take plar-B in the immediate presence of Jesus. This is implied in what Jesus said to his disciples, and in what the sisters said to Jesus. We have no account that death ever took place in his presence. Even at a distance the prayer of faith ~·as eufficiont to call forth his triumphant power against it. When he met the "king of terrors" on the highway with a lad, a stranger to Jesus, in his prison-van, he had to give him back to his mother at once: how much more would this be the case with regard to a sick friend I Death could hardly perform his work in the very presence of life. However, Jesus could hardly trust himself, and was glad that he was not there. (2) '!'hat the restoratioo of Lazarus from death was more beneficial, to faith than his preservatioo from it would have been. (3) 'fhat it was the highest aim of Christ to serve the interest of faith in the most efficient way. He did not expect it to live and thrive on nothing, but furnished it with the strongest proofs, and with the most nourishing diet. He not only produces faith, but supports it. His general aim was to produce faith where it was not, but especially to perfect it where it was. His aim was concentration of influence-the perfection of the few faithful ones, and through them the perfection of the many. "That ye may believe." 4. The =firmatioo of faith in the disciples produced in Jesus the greatest joy. (1) This was the Joy of a favoorable opportunity of doing the greatest good. Such opportunities a.re rare. Jesus availed himself of it with J.elight. Faith was struggling in the gloom of a. friend's <leath. But this furnished Jesus with a special opportunity to display his Divine power in the grand miracle of life. (2) The joy of foreseen success. He foresaw the success of his last great miracle, which involved the success of his life, and through the wail of grief rolled the sweetest strains of music to his soul. What joy is like that of the joy of BUccess in the chief aim of life? !II. WHAT PBODUOEB REGRET .A.ND BORROW IN US Oll'TEN PRODUCES GLAD:liESS IN JESUS. His absence caused sorrow to the sisters, but joy to him. The ea.me event producing different feelings in different persons, as illustrated in Jesus and the sisters, and why? 1. JesUB could see the intention of his absence; the sisters could not. 2. Jesus could see the ultimate result of Ms absence ; they could not. Jesus could see the restoration of his friend, the display of Divine power, the triumph of faith, and the glory of God. This produced in him gladness. The sisters could not see this, and they were sad. 3. Jesw could see the gain of faith 1Yy the death of Lazarus to be immeasurably greater than the loss of the family. They could not see this as yet. (1) Their loss was only persooal, limited to a few. The gain of faith was universal. (2) Their loss was only physical and social. The gain of faith was spiritual and Divine. Social feelings are nothing to the ecstasies of faith. (3) Their loss was only temporary, for a short time. The gain of faith was eternal. (4) Their loss was made up with interest; but the loss of faith for the want of the miracle, who could repair? He was the prepared object of the miracle, and the only one of the family not to begrudge the sacrifice. His death was the occasion of life to faith, and doubtless shared the joy of Jesus at its triumph, and was the willing sacrifice to its life. LESSONS. 1. When the claims of personal feelings come in collisioo with those of public good, the former are to give way at any cost, and giue way with joy. 2. In the strange dealings of Providence we should try to learn the Divine intention; that is our good. 3. This is difficult, if not impossible, often to realize. Therefore let us trust and wait. 4. In the light of results all will be plain and joyful. Jesus was glad in Peri.ea, while the sisters were sad in Bethany; but at the resurrection they could join with Jesus in the song of triumph and the anthem of life. ".All is well that endll well." -B.T.
Vcrs. 21-21.-Martha'sfaith. We have here- I. HER FAITH MANIFESTED. 1. In its strength. In her conversation with Jesus there are proofs of a genuine antl strong faith in him. (1) Faith in his personal preseuce as capable of preventing her brother's death. "If thou hadst been here," etc. She had , full confidence in the efficacy of his power and influence, and the sincerity and warmth of his friendship, to st,md between her brother and death bad he been present. (2) i Faith in his ever and all prevailing influence with Goa. "I know that eveu now: 118 THE GOSPEL AOOORDING TO ST. JOHN; [cu. x1. 1-57,