At Capernaum
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for grace was poured upon His lips, that He might convey to men in
the most attractive way the treasures of truth. He had tact to meet
the prejudiced minds, and surprise them with illustrations that won
their attention. Through the imagination He reached the heart. His
illustrations were taken from the things of daily life, and although they
were simple, they had in them a wonderful depth of meaning. The
birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the seed, the shepherd and the
sheep,—with these objects Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever
afterward, when His hearers chanced to see these things of nature,
they recalled His words. Christ’s illustrations constantly repeated His
lessons.
Christ never flattered men. He never spoke that which would exalt
their fancies and imaginations, nor did He praise them for their clever
inventions; but deep, unprejudiced thinkers received His teaching, and
found that it tested their wisdom. They marveled at the spiritual truth
expressed in the simplest language. The most highly educated were
charmed with His words, and the uneducated were always profited.
He had a message for the illiterate; and He made even the heathen to
understand that He had a message for them.
His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and
troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was
surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His counte-
nance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed
in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief.
Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every
look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations
that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked
His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired
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to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They
longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be
with them continually.
Jesus watched with deep earnestness the changing countenances of
His hearers. The faces that expressed interest and pleasure gave Him
great satisfaction. As the arrows of truth pierced to the soul, breaking
through the barriers of selfishness, and working contrition, and finally
gratitude, the Saviour was made glad. When His eye swept over the
throng of listeners, and He recognized among them the faces He had
before seen, His countenance lighted up with joy. He saw in them