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.