No. 35

THE BLIND BEGGAR
OF JERICHO.

BY THE AUTHOR OF "PEEP OF DAY."

LONDON:

JOHN HATCHARD AND SON.

1848.

THE BLIND BEGGAR OF
JERICHO.

It is very common to see blind men begging in the streets. Do not you pity the blind? How sad it must be never to see the light of the sun, nor the green leaves in spring, nor the faces of our dearest friends!

A long while ago a blind man sat begging by the side of the road. As he sat he heard the noise of a great crowd walking along. He did not know why there was such a crowd, so he asked the people passing by why so many had come together. They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing that way. The blind man had heard before of Jesus. He had heard that he could do great wonders, and he felt sure in his heart that Jesus could make him see. But the blind man could not go to him—how could he dare to stir in such a crowd? He might have been pushed down and trodden upon and crushed to death. But he could speak. He cried out very loud, "Have mercy on me, O Lord." He did not cry out once or twice, he kept on crying out, hoping that Jesus would hear him. But the Lord took no notice of him, and a great many people came up to him and told him not to make such a noise. Yet the poor man would not be quiet; he knew that the Lord was passing by, and that he might soon be gone, and that he might never pass that way again, so he cried out more than ever, "Lord, have mercy on me!" And did the Lord take notice of him at last? Yes, he did; he stood still, and told the people to bring that blind man to him. How kind it was in Jesus to care for the blind beggar! Jesus is very kind, and cares for every poor creature in the world. At last the blind man heard some one speak kindly to him, and say, "Be of good comfort; rise, he calleth thee." How glad he was to hear that Jesus had sent for him! He got up very quickly, and went to Jesus, for now the people made room for him. No one now was rude to the poor beggar, for Jesus had called for him.

And what did Jesus say to him? He asked him this question, "What do you wish me to do for you?" The man replied, "Lord, that I may receive my sight." Jesus pitied him very much, and he touched his eyes, and said, "Receive thy sight." That moment he was able to see. How glad he now was that he had cried out, "Lord, have mercy on me," and that he had not left off when the people told him not to make a noise! He would not leave Jesus now he had found him, but went after him on the road, praising him, and thanking God for his goodness.

If all people would pray as this blind man did, Jesus would hear them all. The child who reads this book is not blind. If you were blind how could you read to father or to mother? But there is something which Jesus could do for you, that would make you happy for ever. What is it? Do you know? If he were to say, "What do you wish me to do for you?" what would you answer? I should like you to say, "Forgive me my sins, and give me thy Holy Spirit." My dear child, do make this little prayer every day. Jesus would hear you. Perhaps you live in a very poor place. Perhaps you live in a little room in town, up some dark and narrow stairs; perhaps there is very little