304 BOYS OF THE BIBLE.

home, and nursed on the same parental knee. The same
cradle has often rocked to slumber a Boanerges, son of
thunder, and a Bartholomew, son of consolation. In the
earlier pages of this book we noted a marvelous contrast in
those twin-brothers of the early days, Jacob and Esau. The
one was an intrepid hunter, the other a plain man, dwelling
in tents.

So in this cottage home in Bethany we have a diversity
of character, distinct, impressive and beautiful. It seems
almost certain that Martha was the head of the household.
She had that force of character, that energy, that demon-
 strative disposition that would be sure always to carry her
to the front. Martha received Jesus into “her house;” and
with that busy courtesy that sprang from the heart of genuine
hospitality she began to bestir herself for the comfort of her
sacred guest. Meantime, Mary sat still, listening with awe
and wonder to the words of her heavenly friend.

Those two women made up a beautiful, inseparable whole.
We need them both in the family and the church and in every
path of life to-day. It would bea sad thing for the thought
of the world if all the women were like Martha; and it would
be an equally sad thing for the work of the world if all the
women were like Mary.

We can well imagine what they would do if they were
living among us to-day. Mary would ponder very deeply
the question of woman’s true sphere in the world. Martha
would make a sphere for herself. Martha would be at the
head of the procession with a banner in her hand, but Mary
would beg to be excused. Martha would be on many com-
mittees, and would be busy all day long with Waif’s
Missions and Ragged Schools; Mary would sit at home and
write the poems that would touch the world’s sad heart just