Studies in the Christ-Life at Brother Eldred's by Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

Pacific Press Publishing Association

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 33, No. 31.

Studies in the Christ-Life at Brother Eldred's

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

Thirteenth Evening's Study.

It is quite needless to say that Mr. Allan was present the next Friday evening at Brother Eldred's, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Field and family. The truth was, Mr. Allan's heart was touched, and already he was under powerful conviction. Mr. Field was of an entirely different nature. He had so long cherished doubt and unbelief that to him it was hard to exercise saving faith. The subject of the evening was a study of the miracles of Christ.

"Beth, will you tell us something about the very first miracle which Jesus performed?"

"Yes, papa, I think I can, for Tillie read the whole story to me from the Bible. Mama said it was just a little while after Satan had tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Some one was going to be married in the little village of Cana. Jesus and His disciples were there, and so was Mary, Christ's mother. After a while Mary heard that the wine was all gone, and she told Jesus, and He asked the servants to fill some great water-pots with water, and they did."

Beth stopped to take breath for a moment.

"Don't forget to tell us where this story is found, little sister," interrupted Tom, "if you'll inform us, we'll look it up and see if you're telling it right."

"I forget, Tom, but Tillie knows, don't you, Tillie?"

"You'll find it in the first part of the second chapter of John," said Tillie, as she helped Florence to find the place.

"Blanche, suppose you continue this recital," suggested Brother Eldred.

"Well, after the vessels were filled with water, Jesus commanded that it be drawn out and taken to the man that had charge of the ceremonies, and, behold, instead of water, there was wine in the vessels."

Mr. Field looked up from his Bible and a quizzical expression came into his face:

"Don't you think, Mr. Eldred, that this story is rather hard on you temperance workers?"

"Not at all, Mr. Field; if we all had opportunity to drink of such wine as our Lord made, I assure you, we would be none the worse. Why am I sure of this?—Just turn to Prov. 20:1, and remember that Jesus Christ Himself inspired the writing of that sentiment. Mr. Field, please read."

"'Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.'"

"Now, please turn to Prov. 23:31, 32."

"'Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth its color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.'"

"So," continued Brother Eldred, "we are sure that the wine which Jesus made must have been pure, sweet, and healthful."

"Father," remarked Tillie, "do you know that Blanche Field has a little poem to recite on this subject?"

"I am very glad, indeed. Perhaps this is the best time to listen to it."

At once Blanche arose, and standing beside her father, repeated:

"There was a marriage feast in Galilee, The festal board was spread with viands rare; The joyous guests had met in commune sweet, And He—the Man of Nazareth—was there.

"Yes, He was there, that marriage, Eden-born, Might share the sanction of His presence sweet, That round this holy ritual He might throw A sacred halo, glorious and complete.

"'The wine has failed; the murmuring word is passed, And soon from lip to lip is borne to Him; Then sweeter far than music sounds His voice, 'Fill ye these water vessels to the brim!'

"'Tis done; wine, rare, purple, rich, and sweet, Th' astonished servants, smiling, bear away; The while methinks the wondering guests repeat, 'Ah, we have seen strange things—strange things to-day.'

"New, unfermented wine, the Master made, Not the mad wine that fills the drunkard's cup, But such as He, the Bridegroom, gives His guests Who at the marriage of the Lamb shall sup, And drink it new within the kingdom fair— His Father's glorious kingdom over there.

"E'en thus it is along life's rugged path; Ofttimes it seems the wine of life is spent, And we have nought to offer those we love But empty vessels, tears, and discontent.

"O let us fill these empty vessels full With flowing sap, fresh from the living Vine, And we shall find, before the feast is done, That He has turned life's water into wine.'"

"Very well done," said Brother Eldred; "now I think Jack will repeat a short poem on the Cleansing of the Temple, which, altho it has never been numbered among the miracles of Christ, still, in its wonderful results might almost be called one."

Jack had made careful preparation, and rendered the poem very well:

"Again the Paschal feast has come, And strangers throng the busy street; While in the temple's sacred courts The buyer and the seller meet, Shrill, babbling voices, wild and rude, The shouting of the multitude, The lowing cattle from the fold, The coo of doves, the clink of gold, The money-changer's greedy cry, Loud, eager voices, fierce and high, Discordant sounds from far and near Are borne upon the startled ear. 'Take these things hence!' above the din There sounds a voice of stern command; The while the awe-struck throng behold A Godlike Presence, firm and grand, With scourge of cords within His hand.

'Then, like a mighty torrent rushed The surging mass from pen and fold; The drivers with their cattle fled, The money-changers with their gold, The screaming throng, the bellowing herds The bleating sheep, the frightened birds— All, all, in one vast rushing tide, From that stern Presence flee to hide, In wild dismay they flee in fear, As tho the Avenger's sword were near.

'E'en thus 'twill be in that day when He comes to judge the sons of men; In robes of vengeance then He stands, The scales of justice in His hands. The crown of thorns upon His brow Gives place to regal glory now. The clamoring throng that mocking cried, Now bid the mountains 'fall and hide.' Yet still our Advocate He stands With pierced side and bleeding hands, And gently sweetly calls to thee, 'Ye heavy-laden, come to Me.'"