My Dear Friends:

        We call upon you again to forget the busy affairs of life, and to join us in a few moments of reflection and meditation.  Since the only real source of spiritual enlightenment is the Bible, we appeal to its pages again today and that without apology.

        You may or may not have noticed the precision with which the Bible speaks:  Its laws anticipate every possible relationship and experience of humankind; the Bible record of historical events provides a keen insight into the lives and characters of its actors.  As we read, our minds are carried to many strange places; maybe into some ancient civilization, or perhaps into that land beyond the river where time shall be no more.

        Many of you I am sure will recall the story of the Magic Carpet as related in the tale of the Arabian Nights.  Although it was but six feet square it cost the enormous sum of forty purses of gold.  But, it had a very rare and extraordinary quality; when its owner sat upon it, it transported him wherever he might wish.  Your Bible is such a Magic Carpet.  Seated in your easy chair with Bible in hand, you cease to be a mere person limited by space and time.

        You ask to visit the tower of Babel.  Immediately you are back on the plain of Shinar, watching the workmen who strive in vain to understand each other.  Their language has been confused by an offended Deity.  With other guests you sit at the feast of Belshazzar, and watch a thousand of his lords and ladies in revelry and drunkenness.  With great wonder and amazement you gaze at the troubled face of the king as the fingers of a man's hand appear to write his doom upon the wall.  How gripping the scene--how real the picture--"In that night was Belshazzar the King of the Chaldeans slain."  (Daniel 5:30)

        On that Magic Carpet you circumnavigate the globe and peer daringly beyond the dark valley and shadow of death.  Ancient civilizations reveal their stories and great warriors parade in review.  I'm sure you would be interested in the unusual manner in which the Lord selected an army for Gideon; from all the thousands available, only those who lapped water like a dog, three hundred in number, were chosen to attack the enemy.  Thirteen times, you march with Israel around the city of Jericho.  You may wish to put your fingers in your ears at the mighty blast of the trumpets of ram's horns, or at the great shout of a united people.  But the walls crumble and you rush with Israel to victory.  If you wish, you may witness Caanan's conquest, the escapades of Samson the strong man; you may enjoy the wisdom of Solomon, or stand with aesthetic rapture in the "New Jerusalem by the side of the pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." (Rev. 22:1)  (The Magic Carpet illustration adopted from the writings of Dr. Samuel Purvis.)

        But for today, you are invited to visit far off Syria, to be introduced to a military captain of no mean reputation.  Naaman is his name, and here is the beginning of his captivating story:

        "Now Naaman, captain of the host of the King of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria:  He was also a might man in valour, but he was a leper.  And the Syrians had gone out by companies and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.  And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria!  for he would recover him of his leprosy."  (2 Kings 5:1-3)

        Every nation, great and small is proud of its military heritage and is rich in the tradition of its great and near-great.  Plackards, markers and monuments have been set to the memory of those who have achieved and innumerable biographies have been written.  More often the praise comes long after the hero is dead, but it appears that Naaman was an exception to the rule.  While still in active service he was showered with praise and expressions of real appreciation.  He had obtained the royal favor.  The king had very graciously elevated his name to the rank befitting his achievements.  He had the distinction of having saved his nation when it was in distress and danger of being overcome.  He must have had a real sense of proportion in judging matters of military strategy.  His strength of mind and sturdiness of will enabled him to face danger courageously, by reason of which he attained recognition as "a mighty man of valour".

        Seldom do you find a more laudatory statement than this brief, meaningful passage, yet like all true stories of human kind there was one danger that stood as a real threat to the health, happiness and life of this great man.  As the story begins it seems that the author intends merely to recount his virtues, but very adroitly he reverses his course and gives far more space to the description of his battle against the disease.

        There are some things that cannot be had for money and that cannot be obtain by influence.  One of them is health, another is freedom from the ravages of sin.  Regardless of the great accomplishments of Naaman, irrespective of how dearly he was loved by his family, or how ardent the admiration of his friends, "he was a leper".  Far more is contained in these few words than we can comprehend unless we know something of the terrible disease.  It meant but one thing:  unless a cure could be had, and that quickly, he was doomed to a horrible and untimely death.

        The almost casual manner in which this unpleasant fact is presented is somewhat startling.  The terrible revelation is couched in phrase, introduced by the simple conjunction "but", a word which marks opposition without emphasizing it.  As we read we are impressed with the greatness of the man, then all too suddenly the shocking truth is revealed and it counteracts every mark of distinction.  Naaman was captain of the host, "but"--.  He was a great man with his master, "but"--.  He was honourable, "but"--.  He had brought deliverance to his country, "but"--.  He was a mighty man in valour, "but"--HE WAS A LEPER.

        The method used here to disclose the disagreeable fact of Naaman's illness is often employed to spice our conversation with something newsy or exciting.  We can't get enough pleasure out of a story of worthy actions and commendable traits so when we make a complementary statement we very often destroy the whole affair by adding some derogatory remark introduced by the word "but".  For example, you many have heard something like this:  "She is a very attractive girl--but she wears such peculiar looking hats."  We like our new preacher quite well--but he never knows when to close a sermon.  The lady next door can certainly prepare a good dinner--but she talks too much.  Mr. Blank has a wonderful personality, you'd like him I know--but he lies incessantly.  So on and on we go.

        It seems rather unfair in telling a story to always destroy the good with a sprinkle of bad.  Come to think of it, it isn't very becoming to build up a fine statement of affairs and then just "but it all down".  Its best not to comment if you do it just to get an excuse to make a damaging statement.  Nevertheless there are times when there is no choice; sometimes we are compelled to disclose such unpleasant facts.  Especially is that true if as in the case of Naaman every act of life is influenced by an evil condition.

        It is of utmost importance that we understand something about leprosy inasmuch as in the Bible it is presented as the symbol of type of sin.  In order, therefore, that we better understand that which will destroy the soul, we shall recount some of the characteristics of this disease of the body.

        Like all agencies which might be said to represent the forces of the devil, leprosy makes its attack in a rather subtle manner.  Its first symptoms may be recognized in small spots which appear either in the palm of the hands or on the forehead.  There are, allegedly, two types of the disease.  The average life of the victim in one case is nine years, while in the other it is eighteen and one-half years.  This may account for the fact that Naaman retained his position even after he became affected.  The progress and spread of the disease is remarkably slow.  At first there is little or no discomfort, but the horror of the last months of life are beyond expression.

        As time passes the small white spots begin to spread over a sizeable portion of the affected member.  The flesh gradually decays and falls away until the bones of the fingers are laid bare.  If the attack is about the face, it is quite possible that the flesh will be eaten away until the teeth literally fall out and the jawbone becomes uncoupled.  Little wonder that the unhappy victim should cover his horrid face and bowing at a respectful distance cry out, "Unclean!  Unclean!"  thus in misery and wretchedness his life must be spent in the unbearable presence of others like himself, confined to a leper colony until death is received as a welcome visitor.

        The disease is incurable by man, however, medical science and students of sanitation have discovered that cleanliness is its strongest enemy and the most effective preventative.  Leprosy is not necessarily contagious, although carelessness and continued association with with the infection may result disastrously.  I should like to be able to make you shudder at this description, as only with such an impression will you appreciate the Bible doctrine that what leprosy will do to the body, sin will do to the soul.

        Maybe this picture will clause us to see sin differently.  Unless we, the victims, are able to recognize the danger we will be in a poor position to combat the evil and destruction which must follow.

        Now in order to further the comparison, let us observe that as one can associate with lepers without contracting the disease, so one does not necessarily partake of the sins of the people with whom he comes in contact.  Furthermore, as cleanliness of body and sanitation will protect against the one, so cleanliness of mind and spiritual development will prevent the other.  Constant vigilance is necessary, however, for most of us have seen a demonstration of the Bible principle that "evil companionship corrupts good morals."

        Did we not say that leprosy is incurable by man?  With the same emphasis we are informed of the fact that "no man on earth" can forgive or absolve sins.

        Sin, too, is very subtle in its approach.  We may suffer a slight uneasiness or discomfort of conscience but soon we laugh it away with "what's the harm anyway?"  But the forces of evil are continually exercising the greatest care to lead us along, gradually, until our conscience is seared to insensibility.  But the process of degeneration goes on until the victim cannot see himself as others see him.

        Until one is able to realize that he is a sinner there is little that can be done on his behalf.  If I could really convince you of the danger of your condition and truly persuade you to do exactly what the New Testament requires you could not lie down tonight without calling me or some other servant of the Lord who could assist you, as a penitent believer to be baptized into Christ.  I cannot assist you in consummating your obedience by remote control, but I should be most happy to discuss the matter with you personally and assist you in doing everything the Lord requires.

        Naaman was one who realized his condition.  He knew full well that something had to be done.  Under the sentence of death he clamored for life, and as a drowning man grabs for a straw, he was willing to receive advice even from a most humble source.  It was this attitude that prompted him to receive the suggestion of his wife's maid, which led him to the prophet who informed him of the necessary treatment.  No haughty, military attitude here, but humility and sincerity of purpose.

        So often, too, we fail to place the credit where it belongs.  It isn't always the celebrated evangelist or religious worker who deserves the credit, but it may be some unnamed servant who points unmistakably to the way of salvation.  It must  seem strange to modern society that this young lady is not even identified.  Today folks dedicate buildings, windows, books and various institutions to the memory of those whom they wish to honor, but God alone can call the roll of those whom he will honor in eternity.

        There are several strange facts incident to this story.  So many Christians make little effort to serve the Lord if it is a little inconvenient but this little girl, thought a captive in a strange land, remembered the God of her father and recommended him, without reserve, as the only source of help.  Though it would seem presumptuous and perhaps prove embarrassing for her to undertake to advise the husband of her mistress, yet she bravely acknowledged her faith in God and in the efficacy of the prescription to be suggested by His prophet.

        Her attitude is likewise commendable:  she was not abrupt about it; she didn't want to boast; she didn't wish to appear forward so she spoke almost wistfully to her mistress and said, "Would God, my lord here with the prophet that is in Samaria, for he would recover him of his leprosy."  How often, without pretense or show, may one by righteous living or kindly words cause others to come to a knowledge of the truth.  This servant of the Lord ranks well with Joseph in Egypt, or with Daniel in Babylon.

        Again why would she be willing to favor the man who had so ruthlessly carried her away from her home.  Herein may be seen the mark of a true servant of the Lord.  Christ put it thus:  "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven."

        But with all of her faith and courage it would have availed nothing without the willingness of Naaman to believe and observe her words.  So he made immediate preparations to depart.  Just like folks you have known may have hiked off to Florida, California or Arizona, so Naaman departed for Samaria in search of health.

        But here time fails me in the telling of my story.  If is is the Lord's will we shall be happy to complete the narrative and make further comparisons at out next meeting.  Until then may we say, "Naaman was healed, by the power and goodness of God, when he had done exactly what the prophet bade him do, in the manner prescribed and in view of the purpose announced."  You may have forgiveness of sins and peace which passeth understanding by observing the same principles.