Editorial October 12, 1907 Issue

"WHOSOEVER HATH NOT"

John B. Willis

It was his last Sabbath in Jerusalem, a day crowded with most interesting experiences, and with the approach of the sunset hour his feet instinctively turned toward the slopes of the Mount of Olives. Passing through St. Stephen's Gate, he crossed the dry waterway of the Kedron and straightway entered upon the ascending path that was followed so frequently by the Master as he made his way to the dearly loved friends in Bethany. To walk in a path that Jesus trod, whether it be along the by-ways of Palestine or through the experience of a self-denying life, is to gain, in either event, a sweet sense of nearness to him, a sense that was peculiarly keen that evening as the wanderer passed the garden of Gethsemane, mounted to the summit of the hill, and looked up into the skies that "received him out of their sight."

Earth has many a noble height, but above them all has this been lifted up, that from its summit Christ Jesus might step into the glory of the "unseen heavens." Standing upon it, the Holy City, the scene of history's greatest tragedy and greatest triumph, lies at one's feet, while the plains of Ephraim, the hill-country of Bethlehem, the rough and desert wilds of the Dead Sea, the ruddy ledges of Nebo, and the far-away stretches of the Upper Jordan and the Hauran,—all beckon thought to fields of historic lore, supremely interesting to Israel's every son. So absorbing was the scene and place that the shadows were heavy in the valley of Jehosaphat ere he descended the hill and through the Needle's Eye reentered the city.

Just within the gate he came upon the crouching figure of a deformed woman who with uplifted hand and in piteous tone asked an alms. The experiences of the afternoon gave freedom to generous impulse, and he immediately dropped upon the pleading palm what to her was a surprisingly large coin. A light of joyous astonishment broke over the wan face as she realized her good fortune, and her multiplied benedictions upon her benefactor heightened his self-content that it had come to him this day of all to make one poor burdened heart so happy.

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