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and learn the way to Heaven. And | lose it.

LAZARUS.

If we humbly attend ty |

this is the best thing we can choose. | Jesus now, we shall be taken to liye
It is better than anything in the | with him for ever when we die,

world, because we can never, never

 

CCCVI.

LAZARUS.

  

PZIARTHA and Mary had a
| brother named Lazarus.
\'f| {| Lazarus was a very good
au 4nd} man, and he and his two
sisters loved and served
God together. Jesus loved Martha
and her sister, and, Lazarus. How
happy they must all have been!
But at last sorrow came into this
little peaceful family; for sorrow
must come sometimes into every
family in the world. Lazarus be-
came very ill; and his sisters sent
to tell Jesus, saying, “Lord, he
whom thou lovest is sick.” Martha

and Mary knew that Jesus was their.

dearest and best friend, and that he
only could give real comfort in times
of sorrow.

And did Jesus come directly and
heal Lazarus? No; when he heard
the message, He still stayed in the
same place where He was. Martha
and Mary looked for Him, and
waited for Him, and hoped He
would soon come to cure their poor
brother. But no; Jesus did not
come; and Lazarus grew worse
and worse, and at last he died;
and then he was carried to the
grave, and buried; but Jesus was
not there. Why was this? Did not
Jesus care for Lazarus and Martha
and Mary? Had he forgotten them?

No; Jesus loved them all still,
He only waited to try their faith,
and to show them His great power,
and to teach them to trust Him
more. So, at last, Jesus said to His
disciples; “We will go now into
Judea again. Our friend Lazarus
sleepeth; but I will go and awake
him out of sleep.” Jesus meant
that Lazarus was asleep in death;
but the disciples did not understand
this, so they said, “ Lord, if Lazarus
sleep he shall do well.” Then Jesus
explained to them what he meant.
He said, “ Lazarus is dead. And I
am glad that I was not at Bethany
when he died; because I wish you
to believe in me, and to glorify God.
Let us go now, and see Lazarus.”
So Jesus went to Bethany, and His
disciples went with Him. |
When Martha heard that Jesus
was coming, she ran to meet Him;
but Mary sat still in the house.
Martha looked very sad when she
saw Jesus, and she said to Hin,
“Tord, if thou hadst been here, my
brother would not have died.” Jesus
answered, “Thy brother shall ms¢
again.” Martha said, “ Yes, I know
he will rise again at the last day:
All will rise then.” Jesus meant
call Lazarus out of his grave vey
soon, without waiting till the last