II. =Death Vanquished= (38-44). _Scene of joy._ A Conqueror of death is there. See actions of the different people. _Christ_ commands removal of stone. _Martha_ remonstrates--the body begun to corrupt--four days dead (no coffin, only wrapped in linen). Showed unbelief, after Christ's words (ver. 23). _Mary_ watches in silence, trusting in Christ to do right. _Jews_, expectant, roll away the stone as bidden. Then Christ speaks; thanks God for hearing His prayer; cries aloud to Lazarus. The dead man comes forth, is released from grave-clothes, and restored to his home. Death is swallowed up in victory. _Result._ Many of the Jews believed. God's glory is manifested. =Lessons.= 1. _Christ a loving Friend._ Can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. 2. _Christ a living Saviour._ Taught Martha, comforted Mary, restored Lazarus. Gives eternal life. Faithful unto Death In the excavations made at the buried city of Pompeii, the remains of a Roman soldier were found at one of the gates. Embedded in the once molten lava which swept down upon the doomed city was found the skeleton of the soldier whose post of duty was at the gate, still grasping a sword in its bony fingers. When the panic came upon the city, and those who could made good their escape, he had remained faithful to his sense of duty, and with resolute courage faced a fearful death. The Christian soldier can face death with equal courage, for he has obtained victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ his Lord. APRIL 9TH.--The Anointing in Bethany. _To read--St. John xii. 1-11. Golden Text--St. Mark xiv. 8._ Christ again at Bethany, preparing for His sufferings and death. Chief priests and Pharisees took counsel to kill Him (xi. 53). His friends gather in numbers to give Him a public welcome. I. =Christ's Friends= (1-3, 7-9). _The feast._ Took place at Bethany, at house of Simon, once a leper. The family of Bethany all present--showed their regard for Christ in different ways. _Lazarus_, honoured guest, at the table with Him. _Martha_ giving of her skill in house-keeping (St. Luke x. 38). _Mary_ giving a costly present.