The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Blind Beggar of Jericho, by Anonymous.

[Pg 2] 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 [Pg 3] 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? [Pg 4] 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 [Pg 5] 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 [Pg 6] 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 furniture in it, and very little food in the cupboard, but Jesus knows where you live, and he knows your name, and your father's name, and your mother's name, and he hears all you say. He would be much pleased to hear you praying to him, because he loves you, and he once died [Pg 7] upon the cross that you might not go to hell. If you go to heaven you will see the blind beggar there—I mean the beggar who once was blind. Then you will sing with him about the love of Jesus in saving your souls.

If you wish to read a full account of this blind man, you will find it in Mark x. 46 to end, and also in Luke xviii. 35 to end.

When Jesus Christ was here below,
And spread his works of love abroad,
If I had lived so long ago,
I think I should have loved the Lord.

Jesus, who was so very kind,
Who came to pardon sinful men,
Who heal'd the sick, and cur'd the blind:
Oh, must not I have loved him then?

[Pg 8] But where is Jesus? Is he dead?
Oh, no; he lives in heaven above:
"And blest are they," the Saviour said,
"Who, though they have not seen me, love."

He sees us from his throne on high
As well as when on earth he dwelt;
And when to him poor children cry,
He feels such love as then he felt.

And if the Lord will grant me grace,
Much I will love him and adore;
But when in heaven I see his face,
'Twill be my joy to love him more.

THE END.

Macintosh, Printer, Great New-street, London.

PRAYER.

O Father in Heaven,
Thou hast made all things;
The sun, moon, and stars, the land and sea.
Thou hast made me.
Thou hast taken care of me.
I thank Thee for all thy kindness.

Great God, Thou art in every place;
Thou seest in the dark,
As well as in the light;
Thou knowest all the naughty things
That I have done, and said, and thought.

O Merciful Lord, pardon my sins,
Because Jesus Christ, thy dear Son,
Died upon the cross for sinners.
Give me thy Holy Spirit,
That I may love Thee, and obey thy laws.
Keep me from minding Satan,
And save me from going to hell:
And whenever I die,
O take my soul to Heaven.

When Jesus comes with clouds,
And with the holy angels,
May I be glad to see Him.
May my dear parents, and brothers, and sisters,
Be happy with Thee for ever and ever.
May all people love Thee,
And speak of thy goodness.
Hear me for Christ's sake. Amen.

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