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LUKE VII—THE CENTURION'S FAITH

5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth, and to another, Come, and he cometh: and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judea, and throughout all the region round about.

18 And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. 19¶ And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

21 And in the same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

24¶ And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to

The Head of John

BY PETER PAUL RUBENS, THE FLEMISH MASTER, DIED

1640.
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"And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.”—Matthew 14, 11.

B

EING promised anything she asked, Salome paused. She was shrewd and, like her mother Herodias, full of craft. Therefore she went to that mother to consult as to what she might best demand. Herodias answered swiftly and eagerly, "The head of John the Baptist." Perhaps Salome had herself cause for resentment against John, or perhaps it was in wanton wickedness that she enlarged upon her mother's words and demanded of the king not only that John should be beheaded, but that the severed head should be brought before her and her mother on a dish.

Herod would have refused the hideous request. He sought to save John. But Salome insisted; and, as the king was weak and foolish as well as wicked, she had at length her way. The king's executioners were sent to the cell of John and slew him; and presently, apparently at the same banquet, Salome received the head. She herself bore it upon its dish as a welcome tidbit to her savage

mother.

Then the disciples of John buried him; and when afterward the news of Jesus' doings reached Herod, the king declared that this was John come again, risen from the dead to punish him.