Jesus showed them that, even if their opinion of the publicans was quite correct, no fault could attach to him, because if he sought to do men good he must mix with them. They that are well,' said he, 'need not a physician; but they that are sick.'

While he was talking with the Pharisees, a ruler of the synagogue, named Jairus, came and earnestly begged of Jesus to go and restore his daughter who was lying at the point of death. Jesus went with him. As they were going some persons came from the ruler's house, and told him that his daughter was dead, and that he need not trouble the master; but Jesus desired him not to be afraid, only to believe, and she should be restored to him. When they came to the house they found the pipers and mourners, hired on such occasions, already there and making their customary loud noises and lamentations. He bade them cease, saying that the maiden was not dead but asleep. They laughed at him scornfully, not knowing both his power and will to raise her up again, and feeling assured that she was really dead. He made them all go out of the room where she was lying, suffered none to go in with him but her father and mother, with

Peter, James, and John, took her by the hand, and said, 'Maiden, arise.' And she arose, filling her parents' hearts with wonder and gladness.

As he was going to the ruler's house, he perceived that some one secretly approached him, seeking to be healed. He turned himself about, therefore, and said, 'Who touched me?' His disciples reminded him how the multitude was thronging and pressing around him, and that it was useless to inquire who had touched him. He told them that somebody in particular had touched him, not simply in eagerness to be near his person; but with an intent to be cured of some infirmity. Seeing that she could not be hid, a woman came trembling and cast herself at his feet, telling him that she had been afflicted for twelve years, that she had spent all she had upon physicians, who could give her no relief, that she had said within herself, 'If I may but touch the hem of his garment I shall be cured;' that she had touched, and was cured. He soon dispelled her fears, saying, Thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.'

He afterward gave two blind men their sight; and to a dumb man his speech.

CHAPTER XII.

THE CHOOSING OF THE APOSTLES.

JESUS knew that his own mission would soon be finished; that, though he had several times escaped from the malice of his enemies, they would shortly prevail against him, and crucify him; he saw that it was necessary to leave behind him some men who had been fully taught the gospel, and who were of the same mind as himself; he chose, therefore, twelve of the disciples as his apostles, that is, messengers, and imparted to them some of that power to work miracles which he himself possessed. Their names were Simon Peter, Andrew his brother, James and John, sons of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, son of Alpheus, Thaddeus, Simon Zelotes, or the Zealot, (a fanatical sect among the Jews were called Zealots, on account of their extravagant zeal against foreign domination,) and Judas Iscariot, who afterward betrayed him to the rulers of the Jews by night, when the people who followed him by day were all gone to their homes to sleep.

Soon after our Lord had chosen his twelve apostles he sent them forth, two by two, into the cities of Judea and Galilee, to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven, or gospel dispensation, drew nigh; and bade them depend for food and lodging on the kindness and hospitality of the people. He commanded them to be gentle, prudent, and full of trust in the good providence of God. He warned them that they would meet with persecution; but exhorted them to bear it patiently, not to be afraid of any injury which men could do to them, but to fear offending against God. In the course of his instructions he spoke some words which ought to be deeply engraven upon all our hearts. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? and not one of them is forgotten before God. Moreover, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.' They went and preached that all should repent, and healed many persons afflicted with various diseases.

Soon after sending forth the twelve apostles, Jesus chose seventy other disciples, and also sent them forth, two by two, into every city and place where he intended to go; that the

people might be ready to receive him and listen to him when he went. He gave them nearly the same powers and the same instructions as he had given to the apostles. The seventy soon returned to him again, rejoicing in the miracles which they had been able to work: but he told them that it was a greater cause of rejoicing if it were known to God and their own consciences that they were prepared to enjoy the happiness of heaven.

While the apostles were absent on their mission, many things occurred, and our Lord spoke many of his beautiful parables. Among the events was this. A Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him. He went. As he was reclining at dinner, on a wide couch, raised from the floor, but not quite so high as the table, his feet being stretched out behind, and his head near the table, a woman who had been a sinner came, bringing an alabaster vase of very rich perfume, and stood behind at his feet weeping, kissing his feet, wetting them with her tears, wiping them with her hair, and anointing them with the perfume. She did this because she bitterly repented of her sins, and was filled with gratitude and love to Jesus