But Jesus charged him not to tell The miracle abroad; But go straightway unto the priest, And offer gifts to God. Yet so much more His fame went forth, And multitudes came near, That He might heal their sicknesses, And they His words might hear. But He stayed in the desert drear While blazed abroad the news, Fearing they would proclaim Him King, And thus provoke the Jews. After some days He came again Into Capernaum; And it was quickly noised abroad The Master was at home. The Man Sick of the Palsy. AND many people gathered, till The house could hold no more; Grave doctors and proud Pharisees Thronged in and round the door. And Jesus preached, and taught them all The precious, Gospel Word; And healed the sick who recognized The power of the Lord. And now behold a kindly act: A bed is borne by four-- On which one sick of palsy lies-- Near to the crowded door. And when they cannot enter in, They to the roof ascend; And, breaking it, let down the bed On which is laid their friend. Thus to the sick man Jesus spake: "Thy sins are all forgiven." And then the scribes said in their hearts, "Who thus blasphemeth Heaven?" Immediately the Lord perceived Their thoughts, and answer gave, "Which is the easier, from sin Or from disease to save? "But that ye now may learn the fact, And know it from this hour, That to forgive all sin on earth The Son of man hath power;" He said unto the sick man: "Rise, Take up thy bed and bear It on thy shoulders hence away, And to thy house repair." Immediately the man arose, To perfect health restored; And taking up his bed, went home, And glorified the Lord. The Calling of Matthew. NOW, after this, as Jesus passed Where customs were received, He saw a man named Matthew sit And, knowing he believed, Said to him only: "Follow me," And Matthew, leaving all, Rose up and the disciples joined, At this most simple call. Then Matthew--sometimes Levi called-- Prepared a splendid feast, Inviting a great company, With Jesus, honored guest! But Matthew was a publican, On whom the Jews did frown, And so were many of his friends, Who at the feast sat down. And thus the scribes and Pharisees To the disciples said: "With publicans and sinners vile Why doth your Lord eat bread?" Then Jesus said: "Not to the well, But sick, are doctors sent; And I came, not to call the good, But sinners to repent. The Pool of Bethesda. SOON after this, again the feast Of passover came round, And Jesus, at Jerusalem, All worshipful was found. For, to fulfill all righteousness He taught the people all, And joined the service in God's house At every stated call.