kill him. They thought that he
ought not to venture back again into the danger, even for the sake of
carrying comfort to the sorrowing Bethany household. Jesus answered
with a little parable about one's security while walking during the
day. The meaning of the parable was that he had not yet reached the
end of his day, and therefore could safely continue the work which had
been given him to do. Every man doing God's will is immortal till the
work is done. Jesus then announced to his disciples that Lazarus was
dead, and that he was going to waken him.

It is at this point that Thomas appears. He said to his
fellow-disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." He
looked only at the dark side. He took it for granted that if Jesus
returned to Judea he would be killed. He forgot for the time the
divine power of Jesus, and the divine protection which sheltered him
while he was doing the Father's will. He failed to understand the
words Jesus had just spoken about his security until the hours of his
day were finished. He remembered only the bitterness which the Jews
had shown toward Jesus, and their determination to destroy his life.
He had no hope that if Jesus returned they would not carry out their
wicked purpose. There was no blue in the sky for him. He saw only
darkness.

Thomas represents a class of good people who are found in every
community. They see only the sad side of life. No stars shine through
their cypress-trees. In the time of danger they forget that there are
divine refuges into which they may flee and be safe. They know the
promises, and often quote them to others; but when trouble comes upon
them, all these words of God fade out of their minds. In sorrow they
fail to receive any true and substantial comfort from the Scriptures.
Hope dies in their hearts when the shadows gather about them. They
yield to discouragement, and the darkness blots out every star in their
sky. Whatever the trouble may be that comes into their life, they see
the trouble only, and fail to perceive the bright light in the cloud.

This habit of mind adds much to life's hardness. Every burden is
heavier because of the sad heart that beats under it. Every pain is
keener because of the dispiriting which it brings with it. Every
sorrow is made darker by the hopelessness with which it is endured.
Every care is magnified, and the sweetness of every pleasure is
lessened, by this pessimistic tendency. The bea