is extremely common in the East from many causes. Blind beggars figure repeatedly in the New Testament ( Matthew 12:22 ) and "opening the eyes of the blind" is mentioned in prophecy as a peculiar attribute of the Messiah. ( Isaiah 29:18 ; 42:7 ) etc. The Jews were specially charged to treat the blind with compassion and care. ( Leviticus 19:14 ; 27:18 ) Blindness willfully inflicted for political or other purposes is alluded to in Scripture. ( 1 Samuel 11:2 ; Jeremiah 39:7 )