September 23

The Lord hath anointed me . . . to proclaim liberty to the captives. — ISAIAH lxi. 1.

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, to, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? — LUKE xiii. 16.

CHRIST healed this woman on the Sabbath day and in the synagogue. The ruler of the synagogue became indignant, as if Christ had committed some heinous sin. The miracle of Christ and his mercy to this poor woman were nothing to this Pharisee compared to a custom or ordinance. Christ appeals to a custom or common practice among the Jews, of watering their cattle upon the Sabbath day, and applies this act of mercy to the greater need of this woman.

She was "a daughter of Abraham," their sister, — a relation which they should recognize as not belonging to the cattle. Why not be as merciful to her as to a beast? It is so to-day. Cattle can rest on the Sabbath, but servants must work.

She was "bound by Satan;" hence this miracle was more than an act of mercy to the woman. It was piety toward God, as it broke the power of Satan. She had been in this deplorable condition for eighteen years: why delay a single day longer, and add to her misery? Now is the great opportunity.

Christ spent his Sabbaths in the synagogues, and thus gave his testimony to the duty and importance of public worship: and he healed on the Sabbath day, teaching us that acts of mercy and charity belong to the Sabbath and to the true worshipper.

C. P. Masden

And didst thou pity mortal woe,

And sight and health restore?

Then pity, Lord, and save my soul

Which needs thy pity more.

MRS. AMELIA WAKEFORD.