more than a trifling subscription or contribution, is common enough. But that self-sacrificing kindness of heart, which cares not what trouble is entailed, so long as good can be done, is a grace which is rarely met with. There are still thousands in trouble who can find no friend or helper; and there are still hundreds of "Priests and Levites" who see them, but "pass by on the other side." The longer we live the more clearly we shall see that few people care for others, except from interested motives, and that unselfish, disinterested, pure brotherly love, is as scarce as diamonds and rubies.

We are also taught, in these verses, who they are to whom we should show kindness, and whom we are to love as neighbours. The Samaritan, who was the only person who helped the wounded traveller, was one of a nation who had "no dealings" with the Jews. (John iv. 9.) He might have excused himself by saying that the road was through the Jewish territory, and that cases of distress ought to be cared for by the Jews. But he does nothing of the sort. He sees a man stripped of his raiment, and lying half dead; he asks no questions, but at once has compassion on him; he makes no difficulties, but at once gives aid. And our Lord says to us, "Go and do likewise." Now if these words mean anything, a Christian ought to be ready to show kindness and brotherly love to everyone that is in need. Our kindness must not merely extend to our families, and friends, and relations. We must love all men, and be kind to all, whenever occasion requires. We must beware of an excessive strictness

THE GOOD SAMARITAN.

275

in scrutinizing the past lives of those who need our aid. Are they in real trouble? Are they in real distress? Do they really want help? Then, according to the teaching of this parable, we ought to be ready to assist them. To be friendly to all men in this way, is to show something of the mind that was in Christ.

These verses also teach us to what extent we are to show kindness and love to others. The Samaritan's compassion was not confined to feelings and passive impressions. He took much trouble to give him help; he acted as well as felt; he spared no pains or expense in befriending him. It might be asked where this traveller got his oil and wine on a journey? In hot Eastern countries travellers made a point of carrying oil with them, that they might anoint and strengthen their limbs, wearied with continual heat.

The

The "two pence" mentioned in the thirty-fifth verse, was a sum in reality much larger than it appears at first sight to an English reader. It would probably purchase ten times as much food and the common necessaries of life as the same sum would now. lesson here is plain and unmistakable. The kindness of a Christian towards others should not be in word and in tongue only, but in deed and in truth. His love should be a practical love, which entails on him self-sacrifice and self-denial, both in money, and time, and trouble. The returns of gratitude which such love meets with may be few and small; but to show such brotherly love is to walk in the steps of Christ,

and to reduce to practice the parable of the Good

Samaritan,

Jesus, Lord, we look to Thee!

Let us in Thy name agree;

Each to each unite, endear:

Come, and spread Thy banner here.

Make us of one heart and mind,-
Courteous, pitiful, and kind,

Lowly, both in thought and word,
Altogether like our Lord.

Let us for each other care,
Each the other's burden bear;
To Thy Church the pattern give,
Show how true believers live.

Christ at the House of Martha and Mary.
One Thing Needful.

ST. LUKE X. 38-42.

38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not

care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

42 But one thing is needful : and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

THE little history which these verses contain is only recorded in the Gospel of St. Luke. So long as the world stands the story of Mary and Martha will furnish the Church with lessons of wisdom, which ought never to be forgotten. Taken together with the eleventh chapter of St. John's Gospel, it throws a most instructive light on the inner life of the family which Jesus loved.

Our Lord appears to have continued on His journey toward Jerusalem, and to have entered Bethany, which was on the eastern declivity of the Mount of Olives, about two miles distant. Its name means "house of dates," and was probably taken from the number of palm trees that grew around. Here Lazarus and his

sisters resided, and our Lord, when at Jerusalem, often went to lodge at Bethany, although this is the first mention of it made in the Gospels. The village still exists, but is now a very poor place, containing about twenty families.

We may observe here, how different the characters and temperaments of true Christians may be. The two sisters of whom we read in this passage were faithful disciples; both had believed, both had been converted, both had honoured Christ when few gave Him honour, both loved Jesus, and He loved both of them; yet they were evidently women of a very different turn of mind. Martha was active, stirring, and impulsive; feeling strongly, and speaking out all she felt. Mary was quiet, still, and contemplative; feeling deeply, but saying less than she felt. Martha, when Jesus came to her house, rejoiced to see Him, and busied herself with preparing a suitable entertainment. Mary also rejoiced to see Him, but her first thought was to sit at His feet and hear His word. Grace reigned in both hearts, but each showed the effect of grace at different times and in different ways. We have a lesson here. We must not expect all believers in Christ to be exactly like one another. All true servants of God agree in the principal things of religion; all are led by one Spirit, all feel their sins, and all trust in Christ; all repent, all believe, and all are holy. But in minor matters they often differ widely. Let not one despise another on this account. There will be Marthas and there will be Marys in the Church until the Lord comes again.