TheGospels

LightandTruth:BibleThoughtsandThemesII.byHoratiusBonar

CONTENTS

TABLEOFCONTENTS

CONTENTSI.VeryManII.JesusTheSeedOfTheWomanIII.JesusTheTroublerOfJerusalemIV.TheDesertVoiceV.JesusInSeasonAndOutOfSeasonVI.HisSunVII.HumanLeprosyAndItsDivineCureVIII.Man'sDislikeAndDreadOfChristIX.TheRestAndTheRest-GiverX.TheThreeExchangesXI.NinevehAndHerTestimonyXII.TheTwoSowersXIII.Herod'sBall-RoomXIV.Man'sWaysAndGod'sWaysXV.TheHelplessOneAndTheHelperXVI.TheGraciousWelcomeXVIII.TheSeekerAndSaviourOfTheLostXIX.TheStoneOfSalvationOXX.TheThingsTouchingTheKingXXI.TheChillOfLove.XXII.TrueVigilsXXIII.ReligionWithoutTheHolyGhostXXIV.TheGreatSeparationXXV.TheDenyingDisciple

XXVI.TheTrueConfessorAndTheFalseXXVII.RelationshipToChristXXVIII.TheGreatCalmXXIX.OnlyBelieveXXX.JesusWonderingAtMan'sUnbeliefXXXI.Christ'sTeachingTheWorld'sGreatNeedXXXII.JesusAndHisFullnessXXXIII.Christ'sRecognitionOfFaithXXXIV.TheFruitlessLifeXXXV.FaithInGod.XXXVI.WatchAndPray.XXXVII.TheMasterComethXXXVIII.TheComingOfTheSonOfManXXXIX.TheGraciousOneAndHisGraciousWordXL.HealthInJesusXLI.MuchForgiveness,MuchLoveXLII.HowMuchMoreXLIII.JesusWatchingForSinnersXLIV.God'sJoyOverTheReturningSinnerXLV.TheFather'sLoveXLVI.God'sFreeLoveXLVII.NoahDaysXLVIII.TheLowestAndHighestXLIX.ChristMustHavePraiseL.SignsOfTheTimesLI.DeliveranceInTheDayOfTheLordLII.TheNewWineOfTheKingdomLIII.TheHeavenlyFeastLIV.TheThreeCrosses

LV.TheDisciples'InvitationToTheMasterLVI.ReceptionOfChristOurIntroductionIntoSonshipLVII.TheWorld'sNeedOfSomethingMoreThanATeacherLVIII.LifeInLookingToJesusLIX.TheFillingUpOfJoyLX.TheFullnessOfTheSentOneLXI.TheLivingWaterGod'sFreeGiftLXII.BibleTestimonyToJesus,AndMan'sRefusalOfItLXIII.NightWithJesusLXIV.TheBreadOfImmortalityLXV.Christ'sFleshTheWorld'sLifeLXVI.ComeAndDrinkLXVII.JesusOurLightLXVIII.TruthAndLibertyLXIX.TheFatherHonouringTheSonLXX.TheHonourGivenToFaithLXXI.InquiringAfterJesusLXXII.TheGreatAttractionLXXIII.LightAndItsLittleWhileLXXIV.LightForTheWorld'sDarknessLXXV.TheJudgingWordLXXVI.TheRevelationOfTheFatherLXXVII.TheAbidingComforterLXXVIII.TheMightyComforterLXXIX.TheDivineLegacyOfPeaceLXXX.ChristInHeaven,TheChurchOnEarthLXXXI.Tribulation,Peace,AndVictoryLXXXII.TheDeclarationOfTheFather'sNameLXXXIII.RitualismAndTheCross

LXXXIV.TheGreaterSinLXXXV.Christ'sWorkInHeaven,AndOursOnEarthLXXXVI.TheTenderLoveOfTheRisenChristFootnotes

I.VeryMan

"The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son ofAbraham."—

Matthew1:1

This firstverseofMatthew'sGospelcontrasts strikinglywith the firstverseofJohn's;thishumanpedigreeoftheSonofGodreadsstrangelywhenplacedsidebysidewith,"InthebeginningwastheWord,andtheWordwaswithGod,andtheWordwasGod."YetitallthemoreexhibitsthetruePersonofHimwhowasthe"Wordmadeflesh,"—"Godmanifestinflesh,"—trueandveryman,yetalsotrueandveryGod.As we take Matthew's history literally, so do we take that of John. If weallegorizethefirstchapteroftheoneevangelist,wemustallegorizethefirstoftheother. If Johndoesnotmean thatChristwasveryGod,MatthewdoesnotmeanthatHewasveryman.ThedivinesideofChristianityisasstronglyshewnintheoneevangelistasthehumansideintheother.HewhomwecallLordandMaster,SaviourandRedeemer,isoneinwhosePersontheextremesofallbeingunite.AllGodheadandallcreaturehoodare inHim; thefullnessof thefinite,and the fullness of the infinite; all the excellence of the created and theuncreated.I.Heisaman.Heisnotinthischapterexpresslycalled"SonofAdam";butinLuke'sgenealogywefindthisdesignation;andapartfromthat,thewholeofthischapterisahistoricalexhibitionofhistrueandverymanhood.Heisofthesamestockasweare,—thesameancientroot,—thefirstmanAdam,whomGodcreated.Heisboneofourbone,andfleshofourflesh;"GodsenthisSoninthelikenessofsinfulflesh"(Romans8:3).IneverythingthatistrulyhumanHeis one of us.He "knewno sin";Hewas "that holy thing"; yetwasHe all themorehumanbecauseoftheabsenceofsin;forsinisnotanoriginalpartofournature.Asman,then,Hesympathizes;Hepities;Heloves.Asman,He"lovedhisneighborashimself"andso"fulfilledtheroyallawoflove."Asman,Hewas

born,Helived,He"grewinstature,andinwisdom,andinfavorwithGodandman"(Luke2:52).Hiswasthoroughlyahumanbodyandahumansoul;hiswasthoroughlyahumanlifeandahumandeath.Hiswashumanhungerandthirst,human sleep and waking, human weariness and rest. His words were humanwords, issuingfromhumanlips,andtheutteranceofahumanheart.Hislookswerehumanlooks,histoneswerehumantones,histearswerehumantears.Hewas man all over, yet sinless; man all over, living in man's world, yet notpartakerofthatworld'sevil;manalloverineverystepHetook,andeverywordHespoke;manalloverinhisdailyintercoursewithhisfellow-men,andinhisfellowshipwithhisFatherinheaven.II. HeisaJew.God'spurposesconcerningearthhavealwaysunfoldedthemselves by election and selection,—ofmen, of places, of nations. Church-history is the record andmanifestation of the electing and selectingwill of aSovereign God. There are elect nations and countries as well as elect souls.IsraelwasGod'selectnationofold,Canaanhiselect land,Jerusalemhiselectcity,andZionhiselecthill.Thisnationalelectionbeganwithindividualelection,—Abraham. From the day of his being chosen, God's purpose centered in anation,—thenationthatwastospringfromhim.TheJewwaschosentobethefirstofnations,—toriseabovethecivilizedGreekandthemightyRoman.TheJewwastobethecenterofGod'sworkingsandteachings.TheJewwastobetherace with which Godhead was to be connected. Messiah was to be son ofAbraham,—sonof thegreatbeliever.Anditwasso; theseedofAbrahamwasthatportionof the seedof thewoman fromwhichMessiahcame. JesuswasaJew;a sonofAbraham;a scionof that race towhomGodhadcommittedhisoraclesandhiscovenant;inconnectionwithwhomthetruehistoryofourraceisconnected:"ThebookofthegenerationofJesusChristtheSonofAbraham."III.HeisaKing.HeisofDavid'sroyalstock,—theGod-selectedfamily,forwhom Israel's crown was destined for ever. God first narrows the circle ofhumanitytoAbraham'srace;thenHelimitsthatcircletothetribeofJudah;thenheselectsfromthattribeDavid'sfamily.KingshipinIsraelwastobeconnectedwithDavidandhisline.MessiahcamenotonlyasthesonofJudah,butasthesonofDavid,—heirtoIsrael'scrown,—heirapparenttothethroneoftheworld.JesusofBethlehem,JesusofNazarethisourKing;sonofDavidaswellassonofAbraham.Thecrownof theworld,nay,of theuniverse, ison theheadofaJew,—asonofDavid,asonofAbraham.

Inallthis,however,wefindthatothersareinterestedbesidesIsrael.Angelsareinterested,foritisthroughGabrielthattheannouncementismade(Luke1:26),and "angels desire to look into these things"; the Gentiles are interested, forRahab and Ruth are among the Messiah's ancestors; the chief of sinners areinterested,forinhislinewefindsomeoftheworst;everythinginthisverseandchapterassuresusthatheavenandearthare,inalltheirregions,interestedinthiswondrousbirth.Thetidingsareforall;theyaretobepreached"toeverycreaturethatisunderheaven."But,further,welearnheresomethingconcerningGod'spurpose,—hispurposeofgraceandblessing,—towhichitwillbewelltogiveheed;forthatpurposebearsuponusandonourearthoneveryside.Itisapurposeoflove.Godhaslovedtheworld,andsenthisSon!

(1.)God'spurposeistoblessbyaman.Itisahumanchannelthatistobemadeuseofforblessingearth.Salvationcomesbyaman.TheSaviourisaman. Everything connected with blessing to the race or to earth comesthroughaman;thesonofDavid,sonofAbraham,sonofAdam,—childofMary!(2.)God'spurposeistoteachbyaman.Earthistohaveahuman,notanangelicprophet.Fromhumanlipsareallourlessonstocome.Hewhowasto teachhumanity,was tobeaman;Hewhowas tosay,"Learnofme,"wastobeoneofourselves.Itwasinamanthatallthetreasuresofwisdomandknowledgeweretobehiddenforus.(3.)God'spurposeistojudgebyaman.TheFatherdoesnotjudge,buthascommittedalljudgmenttotheSon.JudgmentisgiventoHimbecauseHeis theSonofman(John5:27). It isasSonofman thatHesitsupon thethroneofhisglory(Matthew25:31).(4.)God'spurposeistorulebyaman.TheKingbothofearthandheavenistobesonofDavidandsonofAbraham."ThemanChristJesus"isheirof the throneofDavidaswellaspossessorof the throneofheaven.Thecrownofalltheearthistobeplacedontheheadofaman.Humanhandsaretowieldthescepteroftheuniverse.

(5.)God'spurpose is to linkheavenandearth togetherbyaman.It is inthemanChristJesusthatthereconciliationtakesplacebetweenthem.Itisbythismanthatthenearnessistobemaintainedforever.Heisthebridge,theladder,thechain,thegoldenclaspthatistoknittogethertheheavenlyandearthlyregionsandraces.Roundthishumancentertheuniverseistorevolve.

Gladtidings!Thewoman'sseedhasatlengthcometoourrescuefromthehandsofourgreatenemy!Gladtidings!Untousachildisborn,untousaSonisgiven.Glad tidings! Jesus, the son ofMary, ofDavid, ofAbraham, ofAdam, is ourSaviour;ourprophet;ourpriest;ourking.Oh,hasnotGodlovedman?

II.JesusTheSeedOfTheWoman

"Mary,ofwhomwasbornJesus,whoiscalledChrist."—

Matthew1:16.

This is thegreateventor fact inearth'shistory;outofwhichareunfolded theeternal issuesof thisglobeand its inhabitants.This is the little fountainoutofwhichthegreatestofriversflows.Readingthisverseinconnectionwiththewholechapter,wemarksuchtruthsasthefollowing:—1. Jesus is theChrist. In JesusofNazareth, theSonof thecarpenter,himself a carpenter (Mark 6:3),we see theChrist ofGod.His name is Jesus,Jehovah theSaviour (or Joshua),becauseHe saveshispeople from their sins;and also Christ or Messiah, because He is the anointed One, filled with theSpirit,withoutmeasure.The expression, "calledChrist," like thewords, "thousayest,"meansthatHeiswhatHeiscalled:"theChristofGod,"—theMessiahpromisedtotheFathers.2.Hehasahumanancestry.Herewehave"thebookofthegenerationofJesusChrist."Hiswholeancestryisasthoroughlyhumanasourscanbe.Everylink of the chain is human; not angelic, not miraculous. It is a long chain,sometimes almost broken or worn through; but thus all the more thoroughlyhuman.Heistheseedofthewoman;themanChristJesus.Heisveryman,outoftheloinsofAbraham,andofthesubstanceoftheVirgin;sonofMaryandsonofAdam.3.HehasaJewishancestry.HeisoftheseedofAbraham.SalvationwastobeoftheJews,andHeisaJew;itwasintheseedofAbrahamthatallnationswere to be blessed, and He is a son of Abraham. He took not the nature ofangels,butHetooktheseedofAbraham.SuchwasGod'spurpose,andsuchwas

thefulfillmentofitinJesustheChrist.TheSaviouroftheworldwastobeaJew,TheKingofkingsnowsittingonthethroneofheavenisaJew.4.HehasaGentileancestry.Thatistosay,thereareGentilesamonghisforefathers,suchasRahabtheCanaanite,andRuththeMoabite,andBathshebathe Hittite. Though, strictly speaking, his ancestry was Jewish, yet Gentilesmingledwithit,toshewthatallnationswereinterestedinHim,andinhiswork.Faroffandnearareconnectedwith this Jesus,who iscalledChrist.Salvationbegins at Jerusalem, but does not end there. "God so loved theworld thatHegave his Son." In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, barbarian, Scythian,bondnorfree,butChristisallandinall.5.Hehasaroyalancestry.HeissonofDavidandSolomon,thelastofalonglineofkings.HeistherootandoffspringofDavid;therodfromthestemofJesse,thebranchfromhisroots.Allthatisregalinahumanpedigreeishere.Inonesense this isbutasmall thing;yet itwasbefittingHimwho isKingofkingstobethushonoured,andtohavehisdivineprerogativessymbolizedbyhishuman.6. Hehasalowlyancestry.Abraham,Isaac,andJacobarenotgreatormightymen;theyarebutshepherds,dwellingintents.SowasDavidashepherdboy, takenfromamong theflocks.SowasJoseph,andsowasMary,—poor inthisworld;acarpenterandhiswife.Thereisasingularmixtureofthehighandlow,oftherichandpoor.ForHeistheSaviourofrichandpoor.Hisgospelisequallyforboth.7.Hehasaholyancestry.ThelinethroughwhichHecomesistheChurch,the election of God, the believing men of Israel. In his pedigree, we haveAbraham, Isaac, Jacob, Boaz, Jesse, David, Solomon, Asa, Hezekiah, Josiah.ThusGodhashonouredHim;thusHehashonouredtheseholymen;thusHehasputhonouruponholiness.HeistheHolyOne;andHecomesofholymenandwomen.8. Hehasanimperfectancestry.Intwowaysisthisthecase.(1.)Eventheseholymenfromwhomhesprangwereveryimperfect,asweseeinthesinsofDavid and Solomon; (2.) Among his ancestors aremany open sinners andidolaters,kingsofJudahsuchasRehoboam,Ahaz,andJehoiakin,&c.,ofwhom

itissaidthattheydidevilinthesightoftheLord.Yes;hisgenealogyisaverymixed one; but all themore on that account indicative of that whichHe hadcometodo,andofthosewhomHehadcometosave,—theungodly,thechiefofsinners,thelost,theunrighteous.9.Hehasamortalancestry.Thesealldied.Theirconnectionwithhimdidnot make them immortal. Whether shepherds, or patriarchs, or kings, orcarpenters, theyweremortal.Foroutof themortalwas tocome the immortal;life out of death; the everlasting One out of those whose life is a vapor; theresurrectionand the lifeoutof thosewhoweredustandwhoreturned todust.ThusHeislinkedwithoursin,thoughHeissinless;withourcurse,thoughHeistheblessedOne.10.Hehasanimmortalancestry.Thisisonlyalludedtohere(inhisnamesJesusandChrist),notexpresslystated.ButasMatthewbringsoutthehumanandthemortal,sodoesJohntheimmortalandthedivine.HeistheonlybegottenoftheFather,theeternallybegotten.Thusthe"pedigreeoftheLordofthehill,"asBunyancallsit,iseternal.Itwas"theWord"whowasmadeflesh.ThusisJesusinallrespectsfittedforhismightyworkofredeeming.HeisverymanandveryGod.Heistheseedofthewoman,theseedofAbraham,theseedofDavid,thesonofMary,yetGodoverall,blessedforever.ThusHecanbearoursins;Hecansympathizewithoursorrows;Hecanfightourbattles;Hecanloveasaman,afellowman,boneofourbone,andfleshofourflesh.

III.JesusTheTroublerOfJerusalem

"WhenHerodthekinghadheardthesethings,hewastroubled,andallJerusalemwithhim."—

Matthew2:3.

So quietly had the Son of God stolen into our world, that his arrival wasunknown in Jerusalem till these wise men came from the East. Either theShepherds had not told their tale of the heavenly vision, or they had beenunheeded,perhapsridiculedasfanatics.Asthemorningstarriseswithoutnoise;astheseedshootsupandthefloweropensinsilence;sowasitwiththeChrist,theroseofSharon,thebrightandmorningstar.NothunderwokeupthehillsofPalestine;notrumpetpealwentthroughitscities;noheraldwentbeforehim,norroyalsalutegreetedhim.Hismother,andthefewofhercirclewhobelievedin"thechildthatwasborn,"madenoproclamationoftheheavenlywonder;theyreceivedallinsilenthappyfaith,andponderedthethingsintheirheart,leavingittoGodtobringthemforthinhisown timeandway.Theydidnotgetexcited; itwas toogreata thing toexcite, and theywere too calm and child-like in their faith to be fluttered, oragitated, or elated.They allowed thesegreat things that hadhappened in theirfamily circle to take their course, assured of their truth and magnitude, andthereforeconfidentthattheywoulderelonggrowtilltheycouldnotbehidden,butmustperforcemakethemselvesknown.SuchistheconfidencewhichfaithhasinthegreatthingsofGod!Amanwhohasgotholdofsomethingwhichisgreatandtrue,neednotbeafraidbutthatitwillspread.Lethimholditfast.Thesewisemencomewithatale,andavision,andamiracle.TheyarenotofIsrael, thoughmore readyof faith than Israel.They are not fromNazareth,orBethlehem,oranypartofPalestine.TheirtestimonyisindependentofIsrael's;itisaGentiletestimony;fromthelandofIsrael'senemies.Theyarerecognizedas"wisemen,"—magi,Chaldeans,perhaps;ormenfromthelandofBalaamorJob.

MenoftheEast,theseatofallhumanscience;thewiseandfar-seeingEast;thethoughtful and star•gazing East. They come, not with an uncertainty, or anopinion,orafable,oravisionofthenight,butwithactualandpersonaleyesight,—"Wehaveseen"!Yes,itiswith"wehaveseen"thattheycome,—awordlikethatofJohn's,"Webeheldhisglory,"—"Thatwhichoureyeshaveseen."TheycometoJerusalem!TheycomeseekingJerusalem'sKing; as if Jerusalemwere to them the center of hope; as if therewerenothingintheirownlandlikewhattheyexpectedtofindinJerusalem;nokingworthyof thename,or towhomtheycouldpayhomage,but theKingofJerusalem!ThisisGentilefaith,fixingitseyeuponthestarofJacob.ButJerusalemhasnotheardofHim,andisamazed;nay,herkingdoesnotknowwhereHeistobeborntillhehasconsultedthescribes.ThevisitanderrandoftheseEasternGentiles take Israelby surprise.Norare they roused to takeanyinterestinthematter,save,asweshallsee,thatofbeingtroubled.Hewasintheworld,yettheworldknewHimnot;wouldnotrecognizeHimwhenpointedout!Hecameuntohisown,andhisownreceivedhimnot!This is strange. Had the like happened elsewhere,—in Babylon, or Rome, orEgypt,—itwouldnothavesurprisedus.Orhadthesebeen"troubled,"itwouldhave been natural enough.But it is Jerusalem! She is troubled!Nay, it is "allJerusalem."TroubledatthenewsofherKing'sarrival!Notexcited,oragitated,but "troubled."Had it been said, "rejoiced,"we could have understood it, but"troubled,"—howstrange!LetusinquireintoJerusalem's troubleand itscauses.ThesimplevisiblecausewasthestatementofthewisementhatonehadbeenbornKingoftheJews.AndhowthiscouldtroubleJerusalemisnoteasytosee.For,—1. Itcontainednothingalarming.Itwasbutofababethatthewisemenspoke;onlythebirthofababe,—nomore.TheydidnotcometotellthatsomeEasternKinghadespousedthecauseofthisbabe,andwasonhisway,withanarmy, to secure a throne for him. Their question simply pertained to a babewhomtheydesiredtoworship.Itwasareligiousactentirelythattheyhadcometo perform. The name they gave the babe, "King of the Jews,"might troubleHerod;butsurelytherewasnothingtoalarmJerusalem.Herodwasatyrant,—aforeign tyrant,moreover,—only indirectly a Jew; hemight be troubled; but itought not to have awakened fear in any Jew, especially in any citizen of the

royalcity.2. Itwasgoodnews.AkingborntoJerusalem;thiswasagoodreport,evenhad itafterwards turnedoutuntrue.Thepeoplemighthavesaid, it is toogood news to be true; but the very mention of it ought to have called forthgladness,nottrouble.3.Itwasjustwhattheywereexpecting.Messiah,KingofIsrael,Redeemerof the nation, son ofDavid, heir ofDavid's throne,Hewas the great nationalhope;ahope thathadbeencherishedageafterage,andhadnotdiedout;nay,wasnowmorecherishedthaneverbecauseofpresentoppression,andbecausethe time foretoldwas fast runningout.Nowwisemencame from the farEasttellingthemtheyhadseenthestaroftheirnew-bornKing;nowtheGentilecametosaythathehadheardofthegloriousbirth.Shouldtheybetroubled?Shouldthey not rejoice? Should they not say like Jacob, "I have waited for thysalvation,"orlikeSimeon,"Nowletthyservantdepartinpeace,formineeyeshaveseenthysalvation."Buttheannouncementthattheirhopeisrealized,theirgreatnationalexpectationfulfilled,occasionsonlytrouble!Howisthis?Whyaretheytroubled?Somemightbetroubledbecausethetidingshadcomeupon themin thisstrangeandunlookedforway;othersmightbesobecause theydidnotknowwhatsuch tidings foreboded.But thechief trouble,andthatofthegreatestnumber,wouldarisefromtheconsciousnessoftheirnotbeingprepared.ThetidingswouldgothroughJerusalem,—poorandrich,Priest,Levite, citizen, Scribe and Pharisee,—the Messiah has come; and then thiswouldawakenwithin the immediatequestion, am I ready forhiscoming?ForeveryJewhad,moreor less,an ideaofMessiah,accordingto theprophets;sothatcarnalasmanyoftheirnotionswere,theyyetknewHewascomingonanerrandagainstevil,—onarighteousmission,—andtheycouldnothelpasking,insuchacase,amIreadyforHim?TheyknewHewastobegreat,glorious,just;—couldtheythenmeetHimfacetoface?Ah,yes, theyare troubled,because theyarenotready!Thenewswent to theirconsciences.Theymightdesirehisadventonsomeaccounts,butthethoughtsofittroubledthembecauseofothers.HewastobethemessengerofaholyGod.Hewas tobehimselfaholyone.Hewascoming todoholy thingsandspeakholywords.Thiscouldnotbutalarmthem.HatefulaswastheRomanyokeandHerod'styranny,thesewerebettertothemthanthescepterofaholyking.

Thenewsofhiscomingsearchedthem.Itawokewithinthemthoughtsandfearsthat had lain dormant. They expectedMessiah, theywished him to come; butthereweresomanythingsconnectedwithhischaracterandreignthatmadehispresenceundesirable,thattheycouldnothearofhisarrivalandnotbetroubled.Aman'sconscienceissometimesmoreenlightenedandbetterinstructedthanhismind;andwhenanappealismadetoitbysomesolemnizingpieceofnews,itimmediately responds. Some sudden stroke ofGod's hand upon aman, or hisfamily, or his nation, hits his conscience with special force; and conscienceassertshersupremacy.Aswhen theSareptanwidow'ssonwas takenfromher,immediatelyher conscience respondedwith, "OmanofGod art thou come tocallmysintoremembrance,andtoslaymyson?"AholymanofGodentersaworldlyman'shouse,orthehouseofaninconsistentChristian,andimmediatelythemanisuneasy.Hisconscienceisdisturbed.HeistroubledaswasJerusalemwhenthetidingscame,Heiscome!Yes; Christ came not to send peace, but a sword; and it was the flash of thissword that troubled Jerusalem. There is something in Christ that troubles,—alarms.WeknowthatitshallbesowhenHecomesthesecondtime.Theyshalllookonhimandmourn;allkindredsoftheearthshallwailbecauseofHim.Buthis firstadventhassomethingabout it to trouble, too. It isnotallpeace.Evenapartfromtheglory,andterror,andjudgmentofhissecond,thereissomethingintheannouncementofhisfirstthatstartlesthemanandrousestheconscience.Theverygrace that is in it isofanawfullysolemnizingkind;andnomancanhear of that gracewithout feeling that there is something in it fromwhich hemustofnecessityshrink,unlessheispreparedtosurrenderhimselfunreservedlyandbelievinglytoHimwhosegraceitis.He comes as an infant, yetHe comes as aKing.He comes, offering rest, andforgiveness, and life; yetHe, at the same time,makes a claimupon uswhichnonewillacceptsavehewhosehearthasbeentouchedbytheHolyGhost.Hespeakstousingrace,helooksatusingrace;yetindoingsoHepresentsuswithacrosswhichwemustbear,withayokewhichwemusttakeon.Heannounceshimselfas Jesus theSaviour,yet, indoingso,He letsusknow thatHe isasaSaviourfromsin,adelivererfromthispresentevilworld.ThereforeitisthatHeisnotalwayswelcomed;nay,sooftenrejected.Thereforeitisthathispresencein love and lowliness troubles the sonsofmen.Theyaredisarmed,—perhaps

attracted,by that loveand lowliness;but thedemandswhich thesemakeupontheirwholebeingand life, theirallegiance, theirobedience, theiraffection,aresuchastheywillnotsubmitto.Sotheyaretroubled,andbidHimdepartoutoftheircoasts.Thewisemenwere not "troubled."Theywere eager and earnest in pursuit ofIsrael'sKing.TheysawhisstarintheEast,andtheymadehastetoseekHimout.Theysawnothingtoalarmthem,fortheywerepreparedatoncetoownHimforwhatHewasrevealedtobenay,toworshipHim.Andbeingthusminded,whathadtheytofear?"Fearnotye;IknowthatyeseekJesus."BeingpreparedtotakeHim,atanycost,theyhadnothingtoshrinkfrom.Foritisonlytheywhoarenotdisposedtoadmithisentireclaimsthatcanbetroubledattheannouncementofhisadvent,—eitherhisfirstorhissecond.TakeHimforwhatHeis;takeHimforwhatHecontainsandoffers; takeHimforwhat theFather testifiesofHim,—takeHimentire,andyouhavenothingtofear.Itseemsstrangetosay,andyetitistrue,thatChristcomestotroubleus,—"Betroubledyecarelessones."WoetothosewhohaveneverbeentroubledbyHim;intowhoseheartsorconsciencesHehasneverlookedwithhissolemneye,asinthatdaywhenHetroubledJerusalem.ElijahofoldwascountedthetroublerofIsrael,soisChristthetroubleroftheworld.Hewillnotletmenalone.Heiseverandanonannouncinghimself,comingintothemidst of them, now here and now there, and troubling them.He came toCorinth,anditwastroubled.HecametoThessalonica,toPhilippi,toDerbe,toLystra, and they were "troubled." He did not come with fire, or sword, orsweepingjudgment,yettheywere"troubled."WhereverHecomes,Hetroubles.He came to Germany in the 16th century, to Switzerland, to Scotland, toEngland, and they were troubled. He comes to a town, a city, a village, or afamily,andtheyare"troubled."Hecomestoasoullyingasleepordead,anditis"troubled."What is at the bottom of all the persecutions of various ages? It is Christtroublingtheworld.IfHewouldletitalone,itwouldletHimalone.Whatmeanstheoutcry,andalarm,andmisrepresentation,andanger,indaysofrevival?ItisChrist troubling the world. What means the resistance to a fully preachedgospel?ItisChristtroublingtheworld.Afetteredgospel,acircuitousgospel,a

conditionalgospel,—agospelthatdoesnottrulyrepresentChrist,—troublesnoman;forinsuchcasesitisanotherChristthatisannounced,andnottheChrist,the King of the Jews, that troubled Jerusalem. But a large, free, happy,unconditional gospel, that fully represents Jesus and his grace, Jesus and hiscompleteness, does trouble men. It troubles all to whom it comes, in somemeasure. Some it troubles and then converts; some it only troubles. But itsannouncementdoes,moreorless,forallwhohearit,whatitdidforJerusaleminthedaysofHerod,—ittroubles.Theworld'sonlyhopeistobe"troubled"byChrist.IfHeletitalone,allisover.Christ'serrandjustnowis totroublemen,—toawakenthem,—tocall themtorepentance.AndthemorefullyHeispreached,themorearementroubled.Hasapreached Christ ever troubled you? Has the thought of his coming near youtroubledyoumore?AndhaveyoufoundthattheonlyquieterofsuchalarmsisreceivingHimasKingandSaviour?ButChristtroublesthechurches.AsHedidtoJerusalem,sodoesHeoftentohischurches.HetroubledEphesuswith,"Thouhastleftthyfirstlove."HetroubledSardis with, "Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead." He troubledLaodiceawith, "Thouartneithercoldnorhot."SodoesHeoftentimes troublehisbackslidingchurches.Hespeaks,Hecomes,Heacts;andtheyarealarmed.TheyfeeltheyarenotreadytomeetHim.Theyaretroubled.Yetallthistroublingisinlove.Hesoundshistrumpettoawakethesleepers.HecomestousingraceashecametoJerusalem.Whyshouldwebetroubled?Weneednot,ifwebewillingtoreceiveHimandtoworshipHim.Hedoesnotwishtoterrifyortorepel.Hisdesireistoattract:togetentranceforHimselfintoourhearts.Ofcourse,iftheworldbethere,andyouareunwillingtopartwithit,hiscomingwill trouble you, his knockwill alarm you. If your idols refuse to bedisplaced, if anotherking reignswithinand is resolved tokeephis throne, thecoming of Messiah must be the cause of unmingled trouble. It cannot beotherwise;forHedemandsyourwholemancompleteandwithoutreserve.Butif, throughgrace,youarewearyofyourpresentoccupants, andwould fainbedispossessedoftheworldandSatan,thenhereistheChrist,theSonofGod,—Hewantstocomeintoyourcity,yourhouse,yourheart.GiveHimfreewelcomeandgladentrance.LetHimcome inandsupwithyou.Lethisgraceconstrainyoutowillingobedience.HeisthyLord,worshipthouHim.

TheChristhascome!TheangelsannouncedHim,theshepherdssoughtHim,thewisemenworshippedHim.Untousachildisborn!Ogladtidingsofgreatjoy!Tidingsnotmeanttoterrifyoroverwhelm,buttogladdenandtocomfort.Andwecanaddtothis,theChristhasdied!Nay,Hehasrisen!Ah!thisisnotsorrow,thisisjoy.Itisthesilvertrumpetsoundingoutlove,—theloveofGod;not the iron trumpet,breathingvengeance in itsblast.Omenofearth, sonsofAdam,hear theproclamation.Seekhisfaceandlive.DealwithHiminsimpletrust;Hewaitstodealwithyouinfreeandboundlesslove.

IV.TheDesertVoice

"And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every treewhichbringethnotforthgoodfruitishewndown,andcastintothefire."—

Matthew3:10.

Thisisthevoiceofonecryinginthewilderness;thevoiceofasecondElijah;themanofthedesert;theburningandshininglight;theforerunnerofMessiah;theprophetofwarning.HespoketoIsrael;hespeakstous.Itisthevoiceofwarning;atrumpetvoice;preludetothelasttrumpet;heraldofcomingwrathandwoe.ItspokefirsttoIsrael;itspeakstothechurch;itspeakstoChristendom;itspeakstotheworld;itspeakstoeachofus.I.Theaxe.Thisisjudgment;destruction.Theaxeisnotforplanting,orpruning, or dressing, or propping, or protecting, but for cutting down. It isspoken of as used for trees (Deuteronomy 20:19); for the carvedwork of thetemple (Psalm 64:6); for towers (Ezekiel 26:9); for a whole forest (Jeremiah66:22, 23); for a battle-axe (Jeremiah 51.20). In all cases for overthrow, utteroverthrow.TheaxeagainstIsraelwastheRomanhost,andmanysuchaxeshasGodwielded,ageafterage.Everyjudgmentisanaxe;pestilenceisGod'saxe;famineGod's axe; adversityGod's axe.AtChrist's second comingwill be theupliftingof theaxeagainstantichrist,againstChristendom,againstevery falsechurch.There isagreatdifferencebetween theaxeand thepruningknife.YetsomeofGod'sjudgmentsarebothinone.Anaxetotheungodly;apruningknifetothesaint.ItisGod'saxe,notman's;itsedgeissharp;itisheavy;itwilldoitsworkwell.II. The forest.He is speaking,notof a tree,but trees; a forest.He islikeningIsraeltoaforest.Itmaybeanolivewoodorapalm-wood,theoaksofBashanor the cedars ofLebanon. Israel is the forest,God's forest, planted byGod,onGod'sownhillsandvalleys.Soalsoisthechurch;andeachmemberisa

tree in that forest. On that forest God has his eye; from its trees God comesseeking fruit. From the forest of Lebanon trees were once cut down for thetemple;butthisisfordestruction,notforbuildingnorornament,III. Thewarning.Theaxeliesattherootofthesetrees.Hewhoplaceditthereplaceditforawarning.Hesawhistreesnotprospering,notgrowing,notbearing fruit, and He resolved to proceed against them. He cannot toleratefruitlessness, for which there is no excuse. But He is patient; so He contentshimselfsimplywithlayingdowntheaxe,leavingittospeakitsownlesson,totell its own tale, a tale of coming judgment, which yet may be averted byfruitfulness. It is laid down and left to lie; not cast down, as if hastily or atrandom.It is laiddownat theroot,forit isnotagainst leavesorbranches,butagainsttherootthatthevengeanceistobedirected.IV. Theexecution.Theaxeliesidleforatime,itssharpedgeglitteringinthesun.Butitistobeliftedup.Theforestistobecutdown,notstrippedasbythe hurricane, nor blasted as by lightning, but cut down at the very root; laidupon the ground; no longer its waving branches and leavesmaking a goodlyshow,but"cutdown,"separatedfromthatsoiloutofwhichitwasextractingnofruitfulness."Cutitdown"isthecommand!Whydoesitpretendtobeafruitfultreewithitsleavesandbranches?Cutitdown;whydoesitthusimposeupontheeye?whycumberethittheground?V. Thedoom.Cast into thefire.Not left towither,butcastout tobeconsumed. It cumbered thegroundwhen living; itmustnotdo sowhendead.Letitbeburned!Nothingforitbutthefire.Itsendistobeburned.Andthefireiseverlasting;itshallnotbequenched;andyetthetreeshallneverbeconsumed.Awfuldoom.Neverquenched,neverconsumed!It'ssmokerisingupforeverandever.Nopossibilityofrestoration!Nohopeofthistree(asinthatofwhichJobspeaks,14:7);nowater tomake itbudagain.Nothingbut theever-consumingfire.VI.Thecause.Unfruitfulnessingood.Notextremewickedness,butsimpleunfruitfulness ingood!Howsearching this announcement.Oye that count onheavenbecauseyouhavedonenoharm, lookhere.Ifyouhavedonenogood,borne no good fruit, that is enough!And the sentence is as sweeping as it issearching,foritis"everytreethatbringethnotforthgoodfruit."Noexception,

nosparing,"Theyshallnotescape."This,then,istheprocessthatisnowgoingon; this is the nature of the present dispensation. If itwere to be depicted byemblem,itwouldbeanaxelyingattherootofatree!Christ,athisfirstcoming,laidtheaxethere;athissecondcomingHewillliftitupandsmite!TheaxewaslaiddownwhenIsraelleastthoughtofsuchathing;when they were boasting of privilege, and calling themselves children ofAbraham; so it shall be lifted up to smite, when men are saying "peace andsafety;" boasting of progress and reform, and deliverance from the bigotry ofnarrow-mindedmen.Nowistheageoftrial,ofprobation.Israel'sforestwasfoundbarren,andwascutdown.NowChristendom ison its trial.Shall itbecutdown? Ithasbeen longspared.Isitfruitful?Thou,Oman,artonthytrial!WhatistobetheissuewhentheLordcomes?

V.JesusInSeasonAndOutOfSeason

"AndJesuswentaboutallGalilee, teachingin theirsynagogues,andpreachingthegospelofthekingdom,andhealingallmannerofsickness,andallmannerofdisease,amongthepeople."—

Matthew4:23.

ItisChristhimselfthatcomesbeforeushere;Christinhislifeanddoingsherebelow;ChristastheGod-man,thesentofGod,therevealeroftheFather;Christasthesinner'sfriendandhelper.BylookingatHimasHewasonearth,welearnwhat He is now in heaven; our faith gets a soil in which to root it self; afoundation onwhich to rest.We seeHim on earth full of grace and truth; inheaventhesame;justsuchanoneasasinnercanapproach,andtrust,andlove;justsuchanoneaspossessesallthatasinnerneeds.Markthesethreethingshere(1.)Jesustheteacher;(2.)Jesusthepreacher;(3.)Jesusthehealer.I.JesustheTeacher.Heisthegreatgiverofinstructiontothesonsofmen;forHeisthewordandthewisdom;Heisthelessonaswellastheteacher."WhoteachethlikeHim"whosays,"Learnofme."TheywhocometoHimHecalls"disciples,"—menwho enter his school, and come toHim for instruction. Assuch He receives them and deals with them; for He has "compassion on theignorant."Notinonething,butinallthingsdoesHeteach.Heteachestheinnerman, forHehasaccess to the spiritsofmen.Hespeaks toear, andheart, andconscience.Thereisnoteachinglikehisforcompleteness,forefficacy,andforthemoldingofthewholeman.Hespeaks,andwehear.Wespeak,andHehears.He comes to us; we go toHim.And in this blessed interchange between thescholarandtheMaster,thegreatworkofenlightenment,renovation,expansion,consolation takesplace.Of all teachers,He is thewisest andmost learned, aswell as themost patient, loving, andpainstaking.Heopenethour ears tohearandoureyestosee.AsHedidinGalileeinthedaysofhisflesh,sodoesHenowoveralltheearth,thoughattheFather'srighthand.

II. ThePreacher.Thatis,Heistheherald,theproclaimerofnewsfromGod.Heisspeciallynotedhereastheheraldofonething,thatis,"thegospelofthekingdom,"—thegoodnewsaboutthekingdom.WhathadHetoproclaiminthisrespect?

(1.)Thattherewasakingdom.Notmerelyastateofblessednessorsafety;notmerelypardonandsalvation;butakingdom;withall its royalty,andglory,andgrandeur."Thereisakingdom"ishismessage.(2.)Thatthegateofthiskingdomisopen.Onceclosed,nowthrownwideopen;oncefencedwiththeflamingsword,nowunguardedandunfenced.(3.)ThatthisgatehasbeenthrownopenbyGod.Ithasnotbeenmanthathasaccomplishedit:Godhasdoneit,withhisownhandandpower,—andallinlove.(4.)ThatGodhasthrownitopeninrighteousness.Ithasnotbeenforcedopen,normerelyopenedbecauseof importunityorpity,but righteously.Righteousness closed it, righteousnesshasopened it.Righteous entranceforunrighteousmen!Thiswashismessage;thisisours.(5.) That the entrance is free. No payment of any kind. The poorest,neediest,unfittest,mostunqualifiedmayenteratonce.Itisforsuch!Notforthegood,butforthebad!(6.)Thatitisnigh.ThekingdomofGodhascomenighuntoyou,washismessage. Its gate is at our gate.There is but a step from the one to theother.

Thesewereglad tidings!And theycamefromHimwhoknewthemwell;whoknewthekingdom;whohadarighttospeakofit;forHewasitsKing.Hehascometoearthseekingtofillthatkingdomofhis;toobtainkingsforit;fellow-kingsalongwithhimself.Thisisourproclamationstill.Akingdom!Akingdom!Heavenly,holy,glorious,blessed!Anopengate!Messengerssentouttoentreatandcompelmentocomein!Ohenterin!Ohbecomekings;heirsofathrone!III. Jesus thehealer.Hehascome toanhospital, a cityof theplague, aworld

whereallaresickanddying;bothinsoulandbody.Heavenlyskill ishis;nay,divine.Medicineishis;lovetothesickisinhisheart,andthebalmofGileadinhishand.Hehealed"allmannerof sickness,andallmannerofdiseaseamongthepeople."Hedidsoinfulfillmentofhisdivineerrand.Hedidsotomanifesthisdivinefullnessandskill.Hedidsotoshewhispowerandwillingnesstohealworsediseases.Hedidso toattractand invite thespirituallysick,—theblind,the deaf, the lame, the leprous, the palsied,—all that are sick, whatever thenature of their disease. He is the great healer still! Andwe come toHim forhealth.Heis thetreeof life,bothin leafandfruit.Hebeckonsus tohisshadeandhealing.Wilt thouhemadewhole?ishisquestiontoeach.Hewantstobemadeuseofbyus.HeentreatsasafavorthatweemployHimasourphysician,and thatwe apply for hismedicines.We need not specify them,—indeed,wecannot,—Heknowswhat theyare,asHeknowswhatoursickness is.There isnotonesicksoulherethatHeisunwillingtoheal.Oh,apply;—applyatonce!

VI.HisSun

"Hemakethhissuntorise."—

Matthew5:45.

HereisthetruelinkbetweenGodand"nature"(asmencallit),andbetweenusandnature.Hereisthedivineclaimtoproprietorship,tolordshipover"nature."AllthingsareGod's.Nocreatedthingistheproprietorofitselforofanyothercreatedthing.Thereisbutoneproprietor,oneuniversalproprietor,onetowhomallthingsbelonginawayinwhichtheycannotbelongtoanyother,onewhoseproprietorshipcannotbedissolvedorsold;foritisaneverlastingproprietorshipresultingfromthegreattruththatGodisGod,andthatnocreatureisorcanbeGod.Hewhosays,"Allsoulsaremine"(Ezekiel18:4),saysalso,Allthingsaremine.Creaturehood isdivineproperty.Hence theshepherdcomesseekinghisownlostproperty(Luke15:4);thewomansearchesforherlostproperty(Luke15:8).HeavenandearthareGod'sproperty; theSun is "his sun"; farmorehisthanours.For,(1.)Hemadeit.MayHenotthenclaimitashisown?Isnotcreatorshipthebasisofthetruestproprietorship?Yes,Hemadethesun.Isitnotthenhis?Isnoteveryrayofit,—morn,andnoon,andeve,—allhis?(2.)Hekindledit.Itwouldappearthatitwasnotlightedup,oratleastforourearth,tillthefourthday.ThenHewhomadeit,kindledit,andbadeitshineforus.Isitnothissun?Hecommandedittoshine,anditshone.(3.)Hekeepsitburning.Itisnotallowedtoburnlowortogoout.Hesuppliesitwith all that is needful, and says to it,Burn on, burn on.He leads it up eachmorning,andoverthearchofnoon,anddownintothewest.Allthisrisingandsetting, thisdailyshiningandshading, thiscominganddeparting,arehis. It ishissunemphatically.WereitnotforHimitwouldgooutinobscuredarkness.

(4.)Hemakesitdohiswork.Ithasdonehisworkinagespast;ithasshoneinpast generations, and is shining still. The same sun that shone onAdam, antiNoah,andAbraham,andPaul,—nay,andonJesustheChristofGod,—shinesonus,doingitsworkforus.Yes;thesamesuninEuropeasinAsia,inPalestineasinScotland!LetusseehowitdoesGod'swork;howithasbeendoingthis,andisdoingsostill.Inthisworkwenotice,mercy,miracle,type,judgment.I.Mercy.Yes;Godsethissunintheheavenformercy;Hemakesittoariseontheevilandthegood,tospeakofhisfreelove,andleadmentorepentance.

(1.)Itenlightens.Whataworldwithoutthelightofthesun.Hereinislove.(2.)Itheals.Thereishealthinthesunbeamaswellasinthefreshair.Thesun'sraysarehealing.Lightismedicine.(3.) It gladdens. Sunshine is joy. It gladdens all earth, poor and rich. Itdiffusesjoyoverhillanddale;inthehailandthechamber,inthehutandthepalace.(4.)ItfructifiesItmakesalllivingthingstogrowandbringforthfruit.Nosunshine,nolife;nogrowth,nofruit.Formanandbeast,forherbandtree,forflowerandleaf,sunshinebringsgrowthandfruitfulness.SuchisGod'sloveinsunshine.Ah,yes,itishissun!Itdoeshiswork.

II. Miracle.Ithasbeenassociatedwithmiracleinpastages.Wecalltomind Joshua, Egypt, Hezekiah, the Crucifixiondarkness. God has used it formiracle;forthedisplayofhispower.Hekindlesorquenches,Hesendsitonitscourse, or arrests it, ormakes it turn backward, all according to his pleasure.That sun is to us the memorial of the mighty power of God,—his miracle-workinghand.Byit,andinit,Hedoethwonders(Psalms19:4,6).PraiseHimthenyesunandmoon,praiseHimallyestarsoflight(Psalms148:3).III.Type.Godhasmadeuseofhissunanditslightfortypesinmanyways.Itisthetypeoftheinnerlight;ofHimwhoisthelightoftheworld,oftheSunofrighteousness.ItdoesGod'sworkinservingasatypeforsuchthingsasthese.

Letitthusdohisworktous,andforuseachdaythatitshines.Typeofthetruelight,thelightofheaven,thelightofthesoul,thelightofChrist,howgloriousartthou,OSun!IV. Judgment.ItspokeofjudgmenttoEgyptwhenforthreedaysitwasblottedout.ItspakeofjudgmenttoJudeaandtoearth,whenforthreehoursitwas shrouded, when Jesus was dying. But it specially is connected withjudgmentinthebookofRevelation.Itbecameblackassackclothofhair(6:1-2);thethirdpartwassmitten(8:1-2);thefourthangel'svialwaspouredoutonthesun,andithadpowertoscorchmenwithfire(16:8);anangelstoodinthesuntosummon all beasts and fowls to the great banquet of slaughtered kings andcaptains.ThesearesomeofthewaysinwhichGodhasconnectedhissunwithjudgment.Yes,itishissun.Jesushastaughtustheexpression;letusnotloseit.Thatlittlewordmeansmuch.Itishissun;thenisitalsoours;oursbecausehis;madebyhimforus.Hissun; then itspeaks tousofHim.It isabrightandgolden linkbetweenHimandus.Hissun; then letusenjoy itassuch; for itshinesnotbychanceorbymerelawsofnature.Hewhomadeitbidsusenjoyit.Hissun;thenlet us learn his love; his love even in its radiance,muchmore in that light ofwhichitisthetype.His sun; then let us love asHe loves, and shine asHe shines.Let us love theunthankfulandtheevil,doinggoodtoall;andlikingtoblessandgladdenall.His sun; then it isHimselfwhomwebehold; it isHewho shines.We say, "itrains,"as ifchanceornothingwere theauthorof therain.Sowespeak tooofsunlight;forgettingthatitisGodhimselfthatisshiningineveryray.

VII.HumanLeprosyAndItsDivineCure

"Whenhewas comedown from themountain, greatmultitudes followedhim.And,behold,therecamealeper,andworshippedhim,saying,Lord,ifthouwilt,thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him,saying,Iwill,bethouclean.Andimmediatelyhisleprosywascleansed."—

Matthew8:1-3.

TheLord ends speaking andbeginsworking;He comes down from the pulpitand enters the hospital Such is hiswhole life: words and deeds intermingled;wordsofhealthanddeedsofhealth.Hislipsbreathefragrance,andinhishandisthebalmofGilead.Crowdsfollowhim;butitiswithoneonlythatwehaveheretodo.Letusmark,(1.)theleper;(2.)hishealer.I.The leper.He isoneof thevastmultitude;but there isadifferencebetweenhimandthem.TheyflocktoandfollowJesus;butnotasmenfullofwants;onlyto see and hear some new or curious things.But there is one exception,—theleper;onewhosewholeheadwassickandheartfaint;onewhonotmerelyneedsChrist,butknowsthatheneedsHim.

(1.)Hecomes.Allareneedy in somewayorother;heonly so feelshisneedastostepoutfromthecrowdanddrawmorecloselytotheLord.Itishisneed,hisdiseasethatpromptsandbringshim.Soisitstill.Crowds following Jesus, only a fewdealing personallywith him.Yetwhatelsewilldo?(2.)Heworships.HekneelsbeforetheLord.Whathehasheardhasgivenhimhigh thoughtsofChrist.SurelyHe is theSonofGod, theChrist ofGod.ItiswithhighthoughtsofHimthatwemustcome;poorthoughtsofourselves.

(3.)Hepleads.Hehassomethingtosay,andhesaysitbrieflyandwell.It

iswithnolabouredorsetspeechthathecomes.Hetellshisneed,anduttershis thoughts ofChrist: "Lord, if thouwilt, thou canstmakeme clean."Heknows that He can; and he casts himself upon his sovereign will for theexerciseof thispower inhiscase.The"if" isnotsomuchanexpressionofdoubtastohiswillingnessasanappealtohiswill.Itisnotunbeliefbutfaiththat speaks the "if." He wants to be made clean, and He casts himself onChristforthis.Heisthehyssop,thewater,theblood,theashes,thepriest,thephysician,allinone.Thuswestillcome,doubtingneitherthewillingnessnorthe power, yet casting ourselves on thewill of the Lord; not presuming todictate, yet appealing to his sovereign grace. As the needy, the sick, theunclean,wecome;forthewholeneednotaphysician,buttheythataresick.II.TheHealer.HeisJesusofNazareth;thephysicianofGilead,withthebalminhis hand;Hewho tells us, "Thewholeneednot a physician, but they that aresick";whoasks,"Wiltthoubemadewhole?"Hecarrieswithhimallthehealthandtheskillofheaven.Hewasknownassuchwhenhere;Heisknownassuchstill.Thehealeroftheworld!

(1.)Heputforthhishand.Hedoesnotshrinkfromnearnesstotheleper;he is not afraid of infection. He invites approach; and in token of hissympathyandkindness,Heputsforthhishand.Thathandnowwieldsthegolden scepter; it is the nail-pierced hand; and it is still put forth. Itcontainsasmuchofhealth,andpower,andblessing,aswhenhewashere.(2.) He touched him. Not nearness merely, but touch; the one mightindicatethewillingness,theotherbringsthecureitself.ItiscontactwiththeHealerthatweneed;nothingshortofthis!Wetouchhim,Hetouchesus!Thisisall.Atouchdrawsouttheheavenlyelectricity,andpervadesuswithitsdivineenergy.(3.)Hespoke.Voiceandhandgotogether."Iwill,bethouclean."Helets

him know that thewill in him is no obstacle. The leper suspected that thesovereigntymightbeabarrier.Jesusremovesthefear.No.Mywillisnotthehindrance.Yewillnot;notIwillnot.ThiswasneverfoundanobstaclewhenJesuswashere;norisitsonow.Toeachcomingonehislanguageisstill,"Iwill,bethouclean."Ourwillisthehindrance,nothis.

(a) Itisthevoiceoflove.Hepitiestheleper,andhastenstolethimknowthis.Hehascompassiononhim,anddoesnotkeephiminsuspense.Hehasnopleasureindelays.(b) Itisthevoiceofauthority.ItremindsusofGenesis1:2,3.Hespeaksasonewhoknewthathecouldcure.Nothesitatingly.Norare thewordsaprayer,butacommand.Hespeaks,anditisdone.(c) Itisthevoiceofpower.Hehasthepowertocarryhisauthorityintoeffect.Hespeaks,anditisdone.Hesaidonce,"Lettherebelight,andtherewaslight"Hespeaksnow,"Bewhole,"andtheleprosyiscleansed.Thus love, authority, and power are all conjoined. It is the voice ofOmnipotence.

HeisthesameChriststill;withthesamelove,andauthority,andpower.HeisstilltheHealer,andtheworstofdiseasesflyfromhistouchandvoice.LetusgotoHimwithallthatafflictsus.HecallandHewillhealusofall.Itishardtopersuadementhatthisisreallytilecase;thattheSonofGodhastodowithlepersstill;thatlieisthephysicianfortheworstofdiseases;andthatasHeasksnorewardforthecure,soHeasksnopreparationnorqualificationinthediseasedone.Withourwholeleprosywecome;Hetakesourcaseinhand;Hetouchesandheals.ThereisnocaseofeviltoohardforHim;nohumanleprosytooincurableforHisskill;nohumanlepersorepulsiveastomakeHimshrinkback. Jordan did not flee from the touch of the Syrian leper, but bade himwelcomewhen he came to itswaters; so Jesus turns not away from themostloathsomespecimenofdiseasedhumanitythateverpresenteditselftoHisgazeortouch.Hewants to heal!Wilt thou not,Oman, giveHim the opportunitywhichHeseeksofhealing thee?Thewholeheadmaybesick,and thewholeheart faint.Butwhatofthat?IsHenotabletohealtotheuttermost?Bepersuadedtopresentthyself toHim, justas thouart.GivethisdivineHealer thysimpleconfidence.TakeHimforwhatHeis,andHewilltaketheeforwhatthouart.Thusshaltthoumeet in love; thou tobehealed,andHe toheal; thou tohave the joyofbeinghealed,andHetohavethejoyofhealingthee,andtoannouncetoheaven,inthe

presenceoftheangelsofGod,thatanotherleperhasbeenhealed!

VIII.Man'sDislikeAndDreadOfChrist

"And,behold, thewholecitycameout tomeetJesus;andwhentheysawhim,theybesoughthimthathewoulddepartoutoftheircoasts."—

Matthew8:34.

IscarcelyknowaverseofScripturewherethere issuchamelancholycontrastbetweenthebeginningandtheclose.Thefirstpartissohopeful,thesecondsodisastrous.Thefirstseemstoliftustoheaven,thesecondtocastusdowntohell.The whole city flocks to Jesus; but its multitudes have scarcely reached himwhentheyaskHimtoquittheircoasts;nottheircitymerely,buttheirregion;asifthefartheroffthebetter.TheydonotturntheirbackonHim,butworse:theyaskHimtoturnhisbackonthem.YetthescenewasnotanuncommononeinourLord'shistory.ItwasmuchthesameasinthesynagogueofNazareth;andinCapernaum after the miracle of the loaves (John 6:24-66); and afterwards atJerusalemwhenonedaytheyshouted"hosanna,"thenext,"crucify."Alas,thatitshouldbestillthesameinourownday!Letusmark,—I.Thecoming;"ThewholecitycameouttomeetJesus."Notsome,—notthe city,—but the whole city! It was a universal movement; and a mostinterestingone.AwholecityflockingouttomeetJesus!Surelythiswouldmakeangelsglad.Itwasoneofthemostmarvelousandblessedsightsthathadbeenseen.Ah, how seldomhad such a thing been seen, or is seen now!They hadheardthatHehaddoneamiracle,thatHehadcastoutdevils,andtheyflockedto Him. The report of those who kept the swine had moved the city! Aswineherd's tale had made all the city turn out to meet Him! O wondrousspectacle!II.Theseeing;ItwouldappearthatJesuswasonhiswaytotheircity;—sotheysoonmetHim,—sawHim,—heardHim.Theydidnotremainafaroff,but

camenigh.SothattheirfeelingstowardsHim,andtreatmentofHim,werenotfoundedonmerereport.Theyheardwhatothershad tosay;but theyalsosawforthemselves.Anditisthisseeingthatsoaggravatestheirguilt.Whattheydidandsaid,theysaidanddidinthefullknowledgeofwhatHewas.III.Therefusing.TheybesoughtHimtodepartoutoftheircoasts.Anawfulrequest,inmanyways.Theyhadsickamongthem,didtheynotwantthemtobehealed?Theyhadothers,perhaps,possessedwithdevils,didtheynotwantthemto be delivered? The sick beseeching the physician not to visit them! Thefamishedcityentreatingthebenevolentstorekeepernottobringthembread!Thethirsty traveler filling up the onewell in the desert! The shipwrecked sailor'srequestingthelifeboattokeepawayfromthem!Wasthereeverarequestsosad,sofatal?Whywasthis?TherewassomethinginJesusthatdrewthem;buttherewasmore that they disliked.What they heard about the devils and the swinemade them afraid. If He came, He would drive out their herds of swine; Hewouldnotspare their sins.Theywould likeHimas thephysicianof thebody,butnotofthesoul.Hiscompanyseemeddangerousandterrible.Thedestructionofthatherdofswinewashisdoing,nodoubt;andHewhocouldsendthedevilsinto the swinecould send them into themselves. Itwas terrible tobenearonewhohadsuchpoweroverspirits.SotheybesoughtHimtodepart.AnditwouldappearthatHedeparted.Hetookshipimmediately,andsailedtotheotherside;andas theysawHimdeparting,and thewhitesailvanishingoutofsight, theywouldberelievedasbytheretreatofsomefearfulenemy.ThedepartureoftheSonofGodwasmatterofmutualcongratulationtotheseGadarenes!Thesceneis a fearful one; the lessons most impressive. Their "depart from us" is aforebodingofhis"departfromme"(Matthew15:41)

(1.)How near salvation theywere. Itwas on itsway to them. Itwouldsoon have entered their gates. They were going to meet it, and it wascomingtomeetthem.Howblessed!Wassalvationevernearer!Itseemednowasifnothingcouldhindertheirbeingblest.Yetitpassedaway;andtheywerethecause.Theywouldnothaveit.Thusnearissalvationtouseveryhour;yetweputitaway."Iwould,"and"yewouldnot"arestillthewordsofawfultruth.Nay,theythemselvesatfirstseemedbentonhavingit; a whole city bent on being saved,—rushing in one multitude to theSaviour! But it turned out to be not the kind of salvation which they

wanted;andHenotthekindofSaviourtheycaredfor.Sotheywouldhavenone of Him! Thus we neglect the great salvation though so near, anddespisetheSaviourthoughcomingtomeetus;nay,standingatourside!(2.) How they wronged the Saviour. "They were taken with great fear"(Luke8:37).WhathadHedonetoalarmthemortocreatedistrust?Hehadhealed their sick, cast out devils, restored the lunatic to his rightmind;ought these tohave raisedhard thoughtsofHim?Especially, shouldnotthe sightofHimhaveprovedattractive?Yet itwaswhen theysawHimthat they besoughtHim to depart.Orwas the destruction of their swineenough to outweigh these miracles of mercy? Yes; He smote theircovetousness, and reproved them for theirunlawfulgains.And this theycould not bear.But howgrievously did theywrongHim in this, puttingfalse constructions on His works of mercy and of righteousness. Theywronged his love, his interest in their welfare, his desire to break thepowerofhellamongthem.DowenotthuswrongHimconstantly?IsnotallunbeliefawrongingofChrist,arepetitionofthesinoftheGadarenes,andwithlessexcusethantheirs?(3.)Howtheywrongedthemselves.WhenbeseechingHimtodepartoutoftheir coasts, they were sending away their one friend and physician,quenchingtheirone light.Theword"besought" implies thathewasbenton remaining; and they desisted not in their entreaties till they hadconstrainedHimtodepart.Oawfulimportunityofsinandunbelief!Andisnotthisstilltheattitudeofunbelief?Doesitnotsay,Departfromme?Isnot itsmeaning just,—OJesus Ibeseech theedonotconvertme;donotsaveme, donot cast outSatan,—letme alone,—whathave I to dowiththeeorthouwithme?AndJesusyieldsatlength.Hesailsaway;andwithHimallheaven;withHimsalvation,andlife,andjoy.

IX.TheRestAndTheRest-Giver

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give yourest."—

Matthew11:28.

The Speaker here is the Son of God. It is not man speaking to man andsympathizingwithman,but it isGodhimselfcominguptousandutteringhisdivinecompassion.Heseesourcase.Heknowsexactlywhatweneed.Heisabletoblessustothefull.It isnothelplesslovegivingventtokindbutunavailingsympathy; it is the love, the pity, the tenderness ofOmnipotence. It is heaventhatispouringoutitscompassionateyearningsoverearth,andstretchingdownto it the helping hand of power. It is the great Creator drawing near to hisalienated but sorrowful creature, and presenting himwith rest.After the greatworkofCreationGod"rested";heinviteshiswearycreaturestosharehisrest.Rest inme and restwithme is his graciousmessage. It takes omnipotence togiveresttothewearysinner.II. ThepersonsspokentoaretheinhabitantsofGalilee.Thatregionwasreputedtheworstintheland;yetitwastothemthattheSonofGodspoke.Thecrowd that hewas speaking towas composed of the inhabitants of Chorazin,Bethsaida, and Capernaum,—the worst in Galilee. They were compared withTyre andSidon,Sodom andGomorrha, and declaredworse than these by ourLord himself. They had more advantages than others. They were the citieswhereinmostofhismightyworksweredone.Theyweretheleastdeservingoffavorofalltheinhabitantsoftheland;themostdeservingofwrath.III.Thecharacterunderwhichtheyarespokentoisthatoftoiling,burdenedones."Allyethatlabourandareheavyladen."Theyweresinners;butthatwasnotall; theyweresinners"toiling"and"bornedownwithheavyburdens."Theword"labour"isfrequentlyusedtodenotethetoilingprocessitself(Luke5:5),

ortheresultofitinweariness,aswhenitissaid,"Jesusbeingweariedwithhisjourney,"satdown,thuswearied,torestbythewell(John4:6).The"burdens"aresuchasthosewithwhichthePhariseesloadedtheirfollowers(Luke11:46).Itisnoparticularkindoflabourorburdenthatismeanthere;butanylabour,anyburdenwhatsoever.Itmaybeworldlytoil,andvexation,anddisappointment;itmaybethewretchedness,andweariness,andsorenessofspiritwhichsinbringsafter it; itmaybe the feelingof thosewhoare asking,Whowill shewus anygood?whatmattersit?It ishumanwretchednessandwearinessfromwhatevercause,— human thirst, human hunger, the emptiness of an aching heart thatwouldfainbehappy,butknowsnothoworwheretofindhappiness.Theywhoare spoken to are spending theirmoney for thatwhich is not bread, and theirlabourforthatwhichsatisfiethnot.Thewordsthenareverywide,wideasthewideearth.Theyarebroadandfull.Theyareunconditionalanduniversal.Theymeaneveryone.TheytakeineverywearysonofAdam.Thequestionisnot,"Isyour labour of the right kind?" or, "is your weariness a true and spiritualweariness?" but, "are you a weary sinner?" And who is not? Though indeedsomearemorewearythanothers.ButnowletusmarkthesubstanceoftheLord'sinvitation,asthusgivenouttotheworst andmostwearyof the sonsofmen.Thatwhich ispromisedhere isrest.Thisrestisfortheweary.Thisrestisagift.ThisgiftisfromChrist.ThisgiftisobtainedbygoingtothisChrist.(1.)Hereisrest.ItiswhatGodcallsrest;andthereforemustbetrulysuch.Itiswhatmanneeds;andwithoutwhichhemustdragonawearysorrowfullife.Youneed rest,Oman!Here it is for you.Never did youneed itmore than in thisrestless,noisy,bustling,pleasure-lovingage.Donotrejectit.Restfortheweary!Thisisourmessage.(2.)Thisrestisagift.Itcannotbeboughtwithmoney,norfoundbysearch,norobtainedbytravel.Itisagift.Freerest!Thisisourgospel.Resttoallwhoneedit.Resttoanyonewhowilltakeit.Ofreegiftofrest,howartthoudespisedbythesonsofmen!Theyareweary,andwouldbuyrestatanyprice;buttheywillnottakeitfree!(3.)ThisrestisChrist'sgift."Iwillgiveyourest."Iwillrefreshyou.Iwillbeasthedewunto,Israel,refreshingandreviving,aftertheheatoftheday.Fromthe

handofChristaloneitcomes.Hebroughtitwithhimfromheaven,andhegivesit to us. It is blood bought rest. It is love-given rest. Jesus stands with thispreciousblessinginhishand;orratherHegoesuptoeverywearychildofAdamandoffershimrest,—hisownrest,—therestoftheFatherandtheSon.(4.)Thisrestisfortheweary.Simplyforthosewhoneedit!ForallChrist'sgiftsare suitable. I am the resting-place, He says; weary sinner, sit down here; sitdown, just because you are weary. As the thirsty man drinks because he isthirsty,andthehungryeatsbecauseheishungry,sothewearyrest,becausetheyareweary!Hownearisresttous!HowsimpleisGod'swayofgivingit!(5.)ThisrestisgotbycomingtoChrist.ItisonlyfromHimthatwecangetit;and theremust be a direct dealingwithHimconcerning it.TheknowledgeofHimisrest!Hiswordsarerest!Hiscrossisrest!Allweknowconcerninghimisrest!Wetryotherresting-places;letustrythis.Wegotoothers;letusgotoHim.LetustransactwithHim.ItisthewearythatHewelcomes!ItiswiththewearythatHedelightstosharehisblessedrest!GotoHimforrest,Owearyone!Hewillnotdenyit.Heinvites.Comeuntome!Isnotthatenough?Doyouneedfurtherwarrant?Hebeckons. It isas ifhewerestretchingouthishands,—beckoningyou todrawnear!Hebeseeches.Hisareearnestwords,andHehimselfisinearnest,thoroughlyinearnest.Heentreatsyouto takehisrest;as if restwerenorest toHimtillyousharedit.Hecommands.Thewordsbeforeusareimperative.Hecommandsyoutocome.You cannot lose this rest, but bydeliberately disobeyinghis command!Couldrestbebroughtnearerthanthis?

X.TheThreeExchanges

"Takemyyokeuponyou,andlearnofme;forIammeekandlowlyinheart;andyeshallfindrestuntoyoursouls."—

Matthew11:29.

Thepreviousverse contains theLord's promiseof rest; free, large, immediate,universal.Thepresentverse isadded toshewtheway inwhichHecarriesoutthatpromise.Three thingsare impliedasproducing theunrestofman: thekindofyoke, thekindofburden,and thekindof teaching.Hehashadayokeofamostgallingkind, a burden intolerably heavy, and teaching which has made theseunspeakablyworse.FromthesethreesourcesofwearinesstheLordproposestodeliver. Not simply by loosing the yoke, and removing the burden, andcondemningthefalseteaching,butbysubstitutingothersintheirplace;ayokeofhisown,aburdenofhisown,teachingorhisown.Thefigureofthe"yoke"istakenfromtheagriculturalapparatusfastenedroundtheneckandshouldersoftheanimalsusedinplowing,which,intheeast,isverycumbersomeandpainful,subjectingthemtogreatrestraint,bendingthemdown,andpreventingtheireating,aswellastheirfreemotion,inanydirection.Easternharnessisbothclumsyandcruel.InLeviticus26:13itisusedforthebondageofEgypt,"Ihavebrokenthebandofyouryoke,andmadeyoutogoupright."InDeuteronomy28:48wehavereferencetotheRomanyoke,"Heshallputayokeof ironupon thyneck."Other allusionsof this kind are frequent, andwemaynotice thatGod, inspeakingofhis love to Israel, says,"Iwas to themas theythattakeofftheyokeontheirjaws,andIlaidmeatbeforethem."Inthepassagebeforeuswemaytakethe"yoke"asreferringtotheyokeofsin,andtheyokeofthe Pharisees, whichwasmore grievous to the spirit and conscience than theyokeofEgypt,orAssyria,orRome,wastothebodyortheoutwardestate.

Theword"burden"referssometimesto the loadupona"beastofburden,"andsometimestothefreightofaship,ortheweightupontheshouldersofacarrier.SeeIsaiah46:1wheretheinnumerableidolsofBabylonarepredictedasbeingcarried off by the conqueror; "Their idolswere upon the beasts and upon thecattle;yourcarriageswereheavyladen,theyareaburdentothewearybeast."Itwas with heavier burdens that the Pharisees loaded the shoulders of theirfollowers(Matthew23:4,Luke11:46).Theexpression,"Learnofme,"maymeaneither"takemeforyourteacher,"or"take me for your copy or model." In both these senses the teaching of thePhariseeswasfittedonlytoproduceunrest.Such thenare the threesourcesofasinner'sunrest.OurLordoffers toabolishthem.Yet not simply to abolish them, but to give something in exchange, farmoreblessed.Hehasasubstituteorexchangeforeachoftheserespectively,—asubstitute which will not merely remove the unrest arising from these threecauses,butwillgiveinexchangethreecorrespondingthingsfittedtoimpartrestateachofthepointswhenceformerlytheunresthadproceeded.I.Theexchangeofyokes."Takemyyokeuponyou."AsifHesaidItoohave a yoke, but very different from that which has hitherto galled yourshoulders;hereit isatyourside;takeit;putiton;it iseasyandpleasant:thusyoushallfindrestforyoursouls.Yokesareforthepurposeofconstrainingtheunwillingandresistinganimaltosubmittoitsowner'swill,anddoitsmaster'swork.Christ'syoke is certainly for thepurposeof fittingus fordoinghiswillandwork;butthenitdoesthisbymakingusthoroughlywilling,bymakingtheservice pleasant, by removing everything that galls or wounds. It is an "easyyoke," so easy that itmakes thework easy and delightful;wewould not partwith this yoke; it is pleasant to bear, and thework is pleasant to do.Wemayunderstanditthus.TheyokeisthatwhichHesaystousorbidsusdo;itisalsothewayinwhichHesaysthis,sotenderandgracious,itisthespiritHeinfuses,thespiritofloveandliberty.Itistheyokeofforgivenessandpeace.Didnothelay this yoke upon the sinningwomanwhenHe said, "Neither do I condemnthee;go,andsinnomore."DidHenotlayitonZaccheuswhenHesaid,"Comedown,forto-dayImustabideat thyhouse."DidHenotlayitonhisdiscipleswhenfirstHesaid,Followme,andwhenafterwardsHesaid,"AstheFatherhastlovedme, sohave I lovedyou; continueye inmy love." It isnot theyokeof

bondage, or gloom, or penance, or uncertainty, or terror, but the yoke of the"newcommandment,"which springs fromhis love tous, and leadsus to loveandserveinreturn.ThuswegetanewMaster,weenteronanewservice,withnew and blessed laws, ofwhich the beginning and the end is love.HearHimsaying,"Takemyyokeuponyou;formyyokeiseasy."II.Theexchangeofburdens."Myburdenislight."Yourpresentburdenishardandheavy, itweighsyoudown, itmakesyou faintunder it; youare likeIsraelundertheburdensofEgypt.Letmetakethatoff,andgiveyouoneofmyowninexchange.Youwillfindthedifference.Mineislight;itnotonlydoesnotpressyoudown,butitraisesyouup,itmakesyoulighterandmorebuoyantthanbefore.This"burden"ishiswholeserviceorthethingswhichhecallsustodoorsufferforHim.Forintakinghisyokewedonotbecomeidlers.Wework.Butall our work for Him is gladness; every new piece of work raises instead ofdepressingus.Suchisthepowerofhisloveshedabroadinourhearts,thelovethatcastsoutfear,thelovethatpassethknowledge.III. Theexchangeofteaching."Learnofme,forIammeekandlowlyinheart;"notinwordoroutwarddemeanorlikethePharisee,butinheart.Takemeforyourteacher;takemeforyourmodel;learnofonewhowillnotbeangryatyour ignorance and stupidity; imitate onewhowill shew youwhat it is to belowly.Learnofme,Hesaystoyou.Allotherteachingisunrest;thisisrestandpeace.Itistheteachingoflove;itspeaksofloveitofferslove;itexhibitslove;the loveofFather,Son,andHolyGhost.The receptionof this teacherandhisteaching is liberty, is rest, isdeliverance, isgladness. It is thiswhichheals thesoul,whichbindsupallitswounds,whichdispelsallitsclouds.Oman,letJesusteachyou.Giveupyourintellect,yourheart,yourwholesoultohisteaching.Heknowswhattoteachandhowtoteach.Histeachingisrest!Ofnootherteachingcanthisbesaid;allbesidesthisisunrestandweariness.Ofthisonlyitisnottrue,thatincreasingknowledgeincreasethsorrow.

XI.NinevehAndHerTestimony

"The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shallcondemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, agreaterthanJonasishere."—

Matthew12:41.

Itissometimesgoodtocomparethepresentwiththepast;tomarkthelikenessor contrast; the progress or the regress. We may thus get a warning, or anencouragement, or a stimulus. Let the past speak to the present. The day iscomingwhenthepresentshallspeaktothefuture.Eachday,eachyear,eachage,hasavoicetoitssuccessor,nay,toallitssuccessors.OurLordhere interprets thepast.Hebids it speak to thepresent.Hebids thepresentlisten.Here-animatespastscenes;hegiveslifetothedead.OutoftheirgravesHecallsupavoice.LetusheartheirmessagetoIsrael,andtheirmessagetous.I. Ninevehanditssin.—ItisofaheathencitythatHespeaks.Hedoesnot

overlook heathenism or heathendom. It is a city wholly given to idolatry;immersed in pleasure; elated by its greatness; ambitious of universaldominion;acityofpalacesandtemples;acityofchariotsandhorses;acityofprincesandwarriors;acityofpompandsplendor;acitythatknowsnotJehovah,thatscornshispeople,andabhorshiscityandhisland.Thecupofitsguiltwasdeepandfull(Nahum31-9.)Itscharacterresemblesthatofourcities.Itssinsareours.Pride,fullnessofbread,loveofpleasure,intoxication,covetousness, vanity, lust, gaiety,— thesemark us as they did themen ofNineveh.Oursinsaremultiplying.Ourcupisfastfilling.

II. Ninevehanditsrepentance.Itwasaheathencity,yetitrepented;aproudand lofty city, yet it repented,—king and people. It had no knowledge norwisdom, yet it repented. Jonah was its first prophet, yet it repented. Onesermondidthework.Onetrumpet-blastshookthecity.Itwasnotawordof

terror,yettheyrepentedlikethejailorattheearthquake.Itwas(1)immediaterepentance.(2)Itwastrue.(3)Itwasdeep.(4.)Itwasuniversal.(5)Itwasacceptable.Wasthelikeeverheard!Noahpreachedonehundredandtwentyyearsinvain,yetNinevehrepentedinaday.TwoangelswenttoSodominvain,yetNinevehrepentedunderonesermonofoneprophet;andthataveryfeeble and inconsistent one. How marvelous that such a city should haverepented under such a prophet! How marvelous that God should have sohonouredsuchaprophet.HowsovereignHeisinhisdealings;howunlikeusin his counsels; how unsearchable in his ways. God speaks to us, to ourcities,toourvillages,andsays,Repent!Yetwerepentnot!Withbiblesandministersbringingbeforeus theheavenlymessagesallour lives,werepentnot!Oheartsofstone!Harderthantherock!

III.Ninevehanditstestimony.Thatcityhastwotestimonies.

(1.)Apasttestimony.Itspeakstous,andsays,Repent.Itssackclothsays,Repent! Its fastingsays,Repent! Itscryformercysays,Repent!Arewebetter?Doweneednorepentance?HasNineveh'srepentancenovoiceforus?(2.)A future testimony. Its inhabitants shall rise againstus in thedayofjudgment.Itstestimonyisnotover.ItspoketoIsrael;itspeakstous;anditshallyetspeaktobothagainintheawfuldayofrecompense.NinevehwillcondemnIsraelandus;ifwerepentnotverilyweshallbeinexcusable.InthepresenceofthemenofNinevehweshallnotbeabletoutterawordofexcuseorextenuation.ForwehaveagreaterthanJonasforourprophet,—theSon ofGodhimself.WehaveMoses, and a greater thanMoses;wehaveElijah,andagreaterthanElijah.Yes;Jesusspeakstous;Hespokeonearth; he speaks from heaven!He says, Repent! Hemakes our land re-echowithRepent!Hemakesourchurches resoundwith the samevoice,Repent.Hespeaksdownthroughalltheages;hespeaksnow,andsaystous,Repent!

Thedayapproaches,whenthemenofNinevehshallriseupagainstthemenofIsrael,andwhenthemenofIsraelshallriseupagainstthemenofScotland.Thatrisingup shallbe for condemnation!Thegreater the light rejected, thegreaterthe condemnation incurred. Men of the nineteenth century, look back three

thousandyears,andseeNinevehonherkneesinsackclothbeforeGod,brokendownunderonesermonofoneprophet! Isnot thatasight tobreakyoudownandmake you cry formercy, while the Lord tarries, and ere the last trumpetsounds.OhseektheLordwhileHemaybefound!

XII.TheTwoSowers

"Butwhilemen slept,his enemycameand sowed taresamong thewheat, andwenthisway."—

Matthew13:25.

Therearetwosowersinthisparable,yetbutonefield;twokindsofseed,yetbutone field. The one field is this world, called in verse 41, "his kingdom;" thesowersare theSonofmanand thedevil; the two seedsare thewheat and thetares. The field belongs to the Son of man; the enemy had no part in itsproprietorship;hedoeshismischiefbystealthandcunning;heclimbsoverthewallinthenightwhilemensleep.HeistheenemyoftheSonofman;andhisdesireistwofold,(1)tochokethegoodseed,and(2)tofillthefieldwithtares.He is the same enemy that stole into Paradise, and wrought ruin there. Theparable exhibits him as full of (1) enmity, (2) cunning, (3) determination, (4)patience, (5) confidence. All these we find brought out in this simple andapparently very useless expression, "he went his way," or "left the placeάπήλθεν.Whydidhethusgohisway?I.Hedidnotwishtobeseen.Hecamebynight,andhewentbynight.Hecamewhilemen slept, and hewent ere they awoke.He did notwish it to beknownthathewasthere.Hedidnotcareforthefameofdoingthething;allhecared for was, that it should be done. How different from us!We care moreaboutthehonourofdoingathingthantheworkitself.Howsingle-eyedisSataninhisevil!Hedoeshisworkunknown.Hestealsquietlytohisworkandfromhiswork,withoutsoundof trumpet.Besides,hedoesnotwant toexcitemen'sfears,ortoalarmtheservantsoftheMasterbyhisvisiblepresence.Thatwoulddefeathisobject.Ah,itiswithaninvisibledevilthatwehavetodo;mighty,butunseen;therulerofthedarknessofthisworld,—himselflovingthedarkness,—dwelling andworking in it. Surelywe need towatch,whether in keeping ourownvineyardorthatofothers.

II. Hehaddonehiswork.Itmightbeonagreateroralargerscale,thatmatterednot.Hehaddonehiswork.Itdidnotrequirerepetitionorre-sowing.Thesowerhaddoneall that,asasower,hecoulddo.Sowing isnotaprocessrepeateddaily;itisdoneonce;hedidnotcomenightafternighttosowandre-sow.Heneededbutonesowing-time;andsohewenthisway.III.Hehadconfidenceintheseed.Heknewofwhatkinditwas,itsvitality;itsindestructibility.Itcouldlielonginthegroundbeforeitsprung.Itwouldnotfail.Itwasthetrueseedofhell.Itwassuretospring,soonerorlater.Sohewenthisway.Ah,whatconfidencedoesthisexhibitinthevigourandvitalityoferror.Havewelikeconfidenceinthelifeandpoweroftruth?Dowespeakitasthosewhotrustit?IV.Hehadconfidenceinthesoil.Thesoilhadnotbeenmeantforerror,butthe curse was on it, and its fruitfulness had become fruitfulness in evil. In acursedsoil,hisseedwassuretobenourishedandgrow.Theseedwasevil,andthesoilwasevil.Nooneknewthesethingsbetterthanthisenemy,thissowerofthetares.Itwasthen,withconfidenceinthesoil,that,havingdonehiswork,hewenthisway.Thesoilwouldnotfailhim;itwoulddoitswork.V.Hehadconfidenceintheatmosphere.Heistheprinceofthepoweroftheair;therulerofthedarknessofthisworld.Itisontheairasmuchasonthesoil that theharvestdepends.Heknows thepeculiar elementswithwhich thisatmosphere is filled; how it is charged with all that fosters evil; how it willnourish the tares, so that they shall growwithout fail, even though thewheatshoulddie.And,accordingly,havingdonehiswork,hegoeshisway;hetruststotheevilairandtheevilseedsuitingeachother.VI.Hehadotherworktodo.Heisnotomnipresentnoromniscient.Hegoesupanddownintheearth,walkingtoandfroinit,doinghisworkhereandthere.Hedoesnotabide inoneplace;hegoesabout todoworkelsewhere;hevisitsplaceafterplaceinsuccession;heneverfoldshishandsnorshutshiseyes;heknowsnonight,andheneedsnoslumber.Incessantwork,allroundandroundthe globe; in every kingdom, in every church, in every soul. He has alwayssomethingonhand;somenewerror;somenewdeparturefromthefaith;somenewsnare;somenewvanity;somenewdelusiontodeceive,ifitwerepossible,theveryelect!Sometimestheprinceofdarkness,sometimestheangeloflight;

alwaysthegodofthisworld,theprinceofthepoweroftheair.Hisfirstseedsownwasintheearandheartofourfirstparents,andwhatfruitofevil has it borne, what tares has it produced! Since that, he has been sowingconstantlythetareproducingseed.SowillhecontinuetodotilltheLordcomestobindhim.Oh,what an enemyhavewe to fightwith!What strength,what subtlety,whatwiles,whatperseveranceHowheworks!Howhesows!Erroruponerror;alittleseedatfirst,yetproducingavastharvestoferrorandsin;araceofevil-doers,evil-thinkers, evil-speakers, perverters of the truth, enemies of God; fields oftares;—solikethewheat,thatmancannotdiscernthedifference.Resistthedevil,workagainsthim,forwearenotignorantofhisdevices.

XIII.Herod'sBall-Room

"ButwhenHerod'sbirthdaywaskept,thedaughterofHerodiasdancedbeforethem,andpleasedHerod."—

Matthew19:6.

ThisbirthdayballofHerodwasheld,inalllikelihood,atMachaerus,afortressbeyond Jordan, not far from the Dead Sea. It was a high and royal festival.Pomp,splendor,luxury,andlustwereallgatheredthere.Inthemidstofthesong,andtheglitter,andthemirth,therewasonetroubledconscience,thatofHerod,—onetremblingman,Herod.Hissoulwasillatease,thoughsurroundedwithallthattheworldcouldgivetobanishcare.He,Herodias,andJohntheBaptist,maybesaidtobethechiefpersonagesbroughtbeforeusinthisscene.Butletustakeup the narrative in another form; (1.) before the ball; (2.) during the ball; (3.)aftertheball.I.Before the ball.The news ofChrist'smiracles had overspread the land, andreachedHerod.Hewasstartledandtroubled.WhoisthisJesus!CanhebeJohn?CanJohnberisen?ButwhythesefearsonthepartofHerod?Theanswercarriesusbacktothetimebeforetheball.JohnhadreprovedHerodforhiswickednessmorethanayearandahalfbefore;forHerodhadtakenhisbrother'swife,andJohnhadproclaimed theunlawfulness of thedeed.This had roused theking'sanger.Hewouldfainhaveslainhim,andwasonlykeptfromdoingsobyfearofthemultitude,whoreverencedJohn.Butheimprisonedhim,andkepthiminthecastleofMachaerusforeighteenmonths.Theguiltofanunlawfulmarriagewasonhisconscience,aswellastheguiltofimprisoningaholyman.Hiscourseofsinhadbeenbegunandperseveredin.Hewasbravingouthiscrimes;andlikeworldlymeninsuchcircumstances,herushesintogaietytodrownhistroublesandterrors.Thepleasuresofthefeastandtheball-room,thesongandthedance,—thesearewelcomedtoinduceforgetfulness,and"ministertoaminddiseased."Inhowmanycasesdomenflytotheball,thetheatre,thecardtable,thetavern,the riotous party, not simply for pleasure's sake, and to "taste life's glad

moments," but to drown care, to smother conscience, to efface convictions, tolaugh away the impressions of the last sermon, to soothe an uneasymind, torelievetheburdenorpluckoutthestingofconsciousguilt!Oslaughter-housesof souls! O shambles, reeking with blood! O "lasciviousness, lusts, excess ofwine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries"; how long shallmen"runoninthisexcessofriot"?Olustoftheflesh,lustoftheeye,andprideoflife,whenwillyeceasetointoxicate,andleadmencaptiveatyourwill?OGod-forgettinggaiety!Odazzlingworldliness!Oglitteringhallsofmidnight,where"YouthandpleasuremeetTochasetheglowinghourswithflyingfeet,"when,whenwillyeceasetoberesortedtobythesonsofmento"healthehurt"of the human soul, to still its throb and heartache, and to medicate theimmedicablewound?[1]II. Duringtheball.Itisagayscene.Thelustoftheflesh,thelustoftheeye,andtheprideoflifearethere.Allthatcanministertothesearethere.Herodis there, feeding on lust, drinking in pleasure, stupifying conscience. The fairdaughteristhere,inallthesplendorofgaywantonness.Andthevilemotheristhere,lasciviousandrevengeful.Andthecourtiersarethere,inpompandglitter.Musicandmirtharethere.Thedanceandthesongarethere.Nonoteofgloom,noindicationoftrouble.Whatasceneofmirthandrevelry!Butsomeareabsent,—conspicuouslyabsent,wemaysay.Johnisnotthere.Aprisonholdshim.Hisdisciplesarenot there.Theycanbutweepand lament.AndJesus isnot there,norhisdisciples.TheywereatthemarriagefestivalinCana;butthisball-roomisnotforthem.Itisnottheplaceforafollower,eitherofJesusorofJohn.Thebeauty of "thisworld" is one thing, and the beauty of "theworld to come" isquiteanother.Thesescenesofroyalvanityare instructive; for theypresent theworld in itsmost fascinating aspects.All that regal state, andprincelybeauty,andwealth,andgold,andsilver,andgems,andtapestry,andblazinglampscando,tomakethisworldfair,isinsuchscenesandhaunts.Theseballsarethemostseductivespecimensofpureworldlinessthatcanbefound.Surelythegodofthisworld knows how to enchant both ear and eye. In an assembly like this, thenaturalmanisathome.Heretheunregenerateheartgetsscopetothefull.ItisaplacewhereGod is not where the cross is not; where such things as sin and

holinessmustnotbenamed.Itisahallwherethekneeisnotbent,exceptinthevoluptuous waltz; where the music whose burden is the praise of Jesus isunheard;where thebookofGod,andthenameofGodwouldbeoutofplace;whereyoumayspeakof Jupiter,orVenus,orApollo,butnotof Jesus;whereyoumaysingofhumanlove,butnotofthelovethatpassethknowledge;whereyoumaycelebratecreature-beauty,butnotthebeautyofHimwhoisfairerthanthechildrenofmen.ItwasduringthatballthatthemurderofJohnwasplottedand consummated ("Lust hard by hat."—Milton); that a drunken, lustful king,urged on by two women, perpetrated that foul deed. Such are the haunts ofpleasure!Sucharethemasqueradesoftime.Lustisletloose;revengerisesup;murderrages;conscienceissmothered;theflooroftheball-roomisspottedwithblood;thedancersmaysliptheirfeetinit,butthedancegoeson.Suchwasthecoarseworldlinessofolddays;but is the refinedworldlinessofmodern timeslessfataltothesoul?Theballisfinished,andJohnliesdeadinprison.Whatapictureofgaiety!Whataspecimenofball-roomrevelry!And this ispleasure!This is theworld's joy! "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that thefriendshipoftheworldisenmitywithGod?"III.Aftertheball.Ofthechiefactorsinthisball-roommurder,nothingmoreissaid.Theypasstothejudgment-seat,theretoreceivesentenceforlust,rage,revenge, andmurder.They have sent John before them to the presence of hisJudge to receive his reward. They have got their revenge, and they leave hisbodytobedealtwithinanyway.Hislipsaresilenced;thatisalltheycarefor.Buthisdisciplesfindtheirwayintotheprison;theygatherroundtheirMaster'sbody;theyburyitinsilence.Theycandonomore.Thatballhasrobbedthemoftheirmaster. Ithasbeenacostlyfestival to them!ThentheygoandtellJesus,knowinghis sympathies, and feeling that theyhavenooneelse towhom theycanunbosomthemselvessoconfidingly.Jesushearsofthemurder,andissilent!Not a word escapes him. He had come to suffer both in himself and in hismembers; so he is dumb. This is the day of silent endurance and patientsuffering.Thedayofrecompenseiscoming.Ogaietiesofearth!Feasts,andrevellings,andbanquetings,howoftenhaveyeslain both body and soul! Men call you innocent amusements, harmlesspleasures;butcanyebeharmless,canyebe innocent,whenyestealaway thesoul fromGod,when ye nurse theworst lusts of humanity,when ye smotherconscience, when ye shut out Jesus, when the floors on which your votaries

danceofftheirimmortallongings,areredwiththebloodofsouls!

XIV.Man'sWaysAndGod'sWays

"Andwhen itwas evening, hisdisciples came tohim, saying,This is a desertplace,andthetimeisnowpast;sendthemultitudeaway,thattheymaygointothevillages,andbuythemselvesvictuals.ButJesussaiduntothem,Theyneednotdepart;giveyethemtoeat."—

Matthew19:15-16.

The scene of this great gathering was the desert of Bethsaida, the open anduninhabited regionon thenorth-eastof theSeaofGalilee,andevidentlycloseupon the sea, so that Jesus,whenHe fed themultitude,didnotneed tocreatewater for them, and also when He was done feeding them, he could at oncedispatchhisdisciplesbyaboat.The time is toward evening.All the day Jesus had been teaching and healing.The afternoon drew on; the sun was getting low; the people were weary andhungry;someofthemfarfromhome.Therewasstilltimeenoughtoprovidearepastforthembeforesendingthemforitwouldbeaboutthreeo'clock,butstillthedaywasfarspent.The persons in this transaction may be arranged into three classes,— themultitude,thedisciples,theLordhimself.Asforthemultitude,theyaremerelypresented to us (1) as the objects of his compassion; (2) as the objects of hisbounty. They come to hear and to be fed; to give Jesus an opportunity ofshewinghisloveandfullness;theycomenottominister,buttobeministeredto,by the Lord. As for the disciples, they were of little service here. The Lordwould have used them, but theywould not be used. They shew coldness, notcompassion;littlenessandnarrowness,notgenerosity.ItistheLordhimselfwhoisshewnhere,insolitaryandunapproachableloveandpity.Butitiswiththemodeormannerofblessingthatwehavespeciallytodohere.It

isthisthatbringsoutthegraceoftheLordJesusChrist,anddrawsustohimasthegreatproviderforourwants,thegreatfeederofsoulandbody;andasistheSon,soistheFather;andhethathasthusseenandknowntheSon,hathseenandknowntheFather.This mode of blessing will be best seen by contrasting the disciples with theMaster,theirproposalforsupplywithhis.Beforehedoesanythinghimself,hegoestothem,forwereadinJohn(6:5.)thatthefirstthingwashisquestiontoPhilip,"Whenceshaltwebuybreadthatthesemay eat"? Thus He gives them the opportunity of providing, before Heundertakes it himself. This only draws out their emptiness and inability to doanythinginthematter;forthewholetwelvenowcometoHimuponthesubject,and it is theirproposal thatmeetsus first in thisscene,"Send themaway, thattheymaygoandbuy."ItdidnotoccurtothemtoappealtotheMasterandhisbounty.Theywereslowofhearttobelieve.Haditbeenablindmanbroughtforcure, theywouldhavedonethis.But thefeedingoffivethousandwassuchanenormousmiracle,thattheyneverthoughtofthis;and,besides,theyhadnotyetexhaustedhumanhelp,theywerenotyetatanextremity,fortherewerevillagesafewmilesoff.TheydonotapplytoHimtill theycandonobetter;Heisthelast,notthefirst,towhomtheygo.Theirremedyisquitecharacteristic,quitelikeman:"sendthemawaythat theymaybuy."ButthisbringsouttheLordandhismodeofmeetinghumanwantsallthemorewonderfully."Theyneednotdepart;giveyethemtoeat."SuchisthecontrastbetweenthedisciplesandtheLord,betweenmanandGod,betweentheheart, the thoughts, thewaysofman, and thoseofGod. "My thoughts arenotyourthoughts,noryourwaysmyways,saiththeLord."Man'swayofrelievingman is, "Send them away that theymay buy." God's way is, "They need notdepart;giveyethemtoeat."Andthis,too,isourwayofrelievingourselves;wewouldgoandbuy,insteadofatonce,andonthespot,takingtheblessingatthehandsofJesus.LetusmarkthenthewayinwhichChristrelieves,inwhichGoddealswithus,astheGodofgrace.ThesupplyHegivesis—(1.)Immediate.It isgivenuponthespot; itcomestousjustasweare,hungry

andweary.Itdoesnotkeepuswaiting;itdoesnotsendusawaytobefed.Itisputintoourhands,ourlips,atonce.(2.)Free.Weneednomoney;alliswithoutprice.Godisthegreatgiver;wearebutreceivers.Weareonlyblessedwhenwelearnthis.Godhasrespectsimplytoour wants, not to our qualifications or ourmeans of purchase. He does oftenindeedmake use of others to impart his bounty, "give ye them"; butwhetherdirectlyorthroughamedium,allisfree.Thewaterthatflowstousthroughtheriver'schannels,isquiteasfreeasthatwhichdescendsinshowers.(3.)Suitable.Hegives thevery thingweneed.Hiseyeseesourwant, andHesuppliesitexactly.WearesurethatwhatwegetfromHimwillbesuitable.(4.) Abundant. He giveth liberally. His stores are plentiful. It does notmatterwhat the greatness of our need may be, or the number of the needy, He hasenough,andHepoursoutliberally.Hefillsus;thereisenough,andtospare.(5.)Fromhisownhand.Sometimesmoredirectlythanothers,butstillthesupplycomesfromhimself.TakeitaseitherfromtheFatherortheSon,itmattersnot.It is theDivine hand stretched out to give.We get all from himself, from hisfullness,fromhislove.ItiswithHimwearetodeal,andindealingletustrust,letourtransactionsbeeverthoseofsimplechild-likeconfidence.

XV.TheHelplessOneAndTheHelper

"Buttheshipwasnowinthemidstofthesea,tossedwithwaves:forthewindwas contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them,walkingon the sea.Andwhen thedisciples sawhimwalkingon the sea, theyweretroubled,saying,Itisaspirit;andtheycriedoutforfear.ButstraightwayJesusspakeuntothem,saying,Beofgoodcheer:itisI;benotafraid.AndPeteransweredhimandsaid,Lord,ifitbethou,bidmecomeuntotheeonthewater.Andhesaid,Come.AndwhenPeterwascomedownoutoftheship,hewalkedonthewater,togotoJesus.Butwhenhesawthewindboisterous,hewasafraid;and,beginningtosink,hecried,saying,Lord,saveme.AndimmediatelyJesusstretchedforthhishand,andcaughthim,andsaiduntohim,Othouoflittlefaith,whereforedidstthoudoubt?—

Matthew14:24-31.

Faith'shomeis in thefuture;so isherheritage.AtpresentshehasnothingbutGodhimselftoliveupon,—tofeedupon;allelseiswithintheveil.Itwillcomeindue season;butmeanwhile theonly real thing isGod.Himsheknows, shetrusts, she walks with, she converses with. But from the visible she isdisengaged,anddwells in the invisible,—presentand future. "Nowfaith is thesubstanceofthingshopedfor,theevidenceofthingsnotseen."Thuswelivebyfaith.Yet though thus livingby faith, in another atmosphere, and above the level ofthingsseen,wecannothelpbeingaffectedbymatter,andtime,andmotion,andchange, and pain, and death, and fear, and hunger, and thirst, and the variousconditions of the body. Sometimes there is brightness, sometimes there isdimness;sometimesweareliftedupandexpanded,sometimeswearedepressedandstraitened.Wearetoolikearevolvingbeacon-light,withitsalternateflashandgloom.Sometimes aword ofScripturewarms and brightenswonderfully;sometimesitseemscoldanddark.Sometimeswearebraveandfervent,readytoconfront any danger or trial, because of the peacewithin; sometimeswe turn

pale,andshrinkfromsorroworperil;sovariableisourpulse;souncertainourspirits;sofeebleourspiritualhealth;sosicklyourspiritualframe.Itwasnightupona stormysea.Theboatwasbut a fisherman's,unfit toweatherwindandwave. The night-blast was right against them. They toiled, but made littleprogress.Thenightwearson.Watchafterwatchpassesby.It isnowthefourth; thelast,justbeforethedawn;stilldark.Inthedarkness,aformisdimlyseen,theoutlineofahumanfigureinthegloom.Whatisit?Whoisit?Isitfrombeneathorfromabove? Is itmaterial or spiritual? The disciples are in terror; Peter, no doubt,amongtherest.Butitisnotwiththedisciplesthatthenarrativehaschieflytodo;itiswithPeter,—orratherwithPeterandtheLord.Thesetwostandourbeforeushere,invitingourattention.Orwemightsay,wehavefirstthedisciplesandthestorm;thenthedisciples are lost sight of, and we see only Peter and the Lord; then Peterdisappears,andwebeholdnoone"saveJesusonly."I.Christ'swordsofcheer.Hesawtheirterror,andHeknewitscause.Thestormandthedarknesshadalarmedthem;butmorethanthese,thefigureinthedistance.Itmightbeaspiritfrombeneathlet looseuponthem;itmightbetheprinceof thepowerof the air,—the rulerof theworld's darkness,—coming toincrease their danger, to accomplish their destruction. Christ corrects theirthoughts,andinsodoingremovestheirfears.Hiswordsofcheerarebrief,butfull of power. In our translation they are ten; in the original only five. "Beofgoodcheer:itisI;benotafraid."Thefirstoftheseclausesisbutoneword,anditisthekeynoteofthepassage."Beofgoodcheer,"orsimply,"Courage"!"Benot cast down or troubled." Right through the darkness, and over the storm,camethischeeringword.Butitwasnotthemerewordthatthussounded,itwasthewell-known voice, the tones ofwhich theywould at once recognize.Andthenitwasfollowedupwiththe"ItisI";—whichisagainfollowedupwith"benot afraid,"—"dismiss all your fears." The special cheer of these words was,however,the"ItisI,"andwithoutthisalltherestwouldhavebeenvain.Itistheannouncement of his presence that was the specially cheering thing; it wouldhavebeenenoughevenhadhenot(inhisloveandanxietytorelievetheirfears)added,"Beofgoodcheer:benotafraid."WhatwasthestormtoHim?Whatwasit to them, ifHewerewith them?Whatwere night, and storm, and darkness,

with all their perils, ifHewere there?Theyneedednomore to comfort themthan "It is I." It told themof power and lovemore than sufficient tomeet alldanger,andtodeliverfromallevil.II.Peter'sresponse."Ifitbethou,bidmecometotheeonthewater."Theotherdisciplesweresilent.Theirfearswerequieted,andthatsufficed.ButPetermusthavemore.HemusthavetheMasterwithhim;nay,hemustruntomeetHim,evenonthewater.TheredoesnotseemtobeanyuseinPeter'sgoingtomeethisMaster.Therequestwaspromptedsimplybyaffection,andadesiretobewhereHewas.ItlooksverylikeoneofPeter'shastyutterances,—"Itisgoodtobehere;""Shallwesmitewiththesword?"Butstillitisfaiththatisworking.Thedesiretogowas,nodoubt,affection,but thefeelingwhichoverlookedallthe difficulties of the way,—the impossibility of walking on the water,—wasfaith.SoboundlesswashisconfidenceinhisMaster'spowerandlove.Aword,heknew,wouldbeenough!OhforPeter'sfaithinJesus;—eveninlittlethings;thingswhichseemtohavenolargeobjectinview,butmerelytheexhibitionofaffectiontowardshim!Hereisfaiththatcouldremovemountains!Faiththatcandomiracles,—thatmakeslightofimpossibilities!PetersawJesusonly;darknessand stormwere nothing! Theremight be the desire to get out of this sinkingvessel,whichhad forhoursbeenbuffetingwith thewind;and the feeling thatwithJesushewassaferonthebarewaterthanintheshipwithoutHim.InPeter'sestimation, security was only at the side of Jesus! Anywhere, anywhere withHim;inthefieryfurnace,orintheragingsea.IsthisourestimateofJesus,andofallthings,orplaces,orperilsinconnectionwithHim?SafetywithHim;butnowhereelse,eveninthestateliestvesselorthestrongestfort.TheformofPeter'srequest isremarkable,"bid,"or"command"metocometotheeonthewater;not"permit."Inacase like this,merepermissionwouldnotdo.Haditbeenthehighwayor themountainside,permissionwouldhavebeenenough.Butitwasthesea.Toventurethere,hemusthaveacommand;andinobeying that command, he could count upon omnipotence being placed at hisdisposal.Jesuscommands;shallnotalltheelementsandpowersofnatureuniteinministeringtothefulfillmentofthecommand?Thereishere,also,thecontrastbetweenthePeterofyesterdayandthePeteroftoday;fitfulnessbothinfaithandfeeling.Onedayit is"Departfromme,forIamasinfulman,OLord;"anotheritis"Lord,bidmecometothee."OnedayheforsakeshisMaster; anotherhecastshimself into the sea toget atHim,ashe

stood on the shore. Yet fitful as these were, impulsive as Peter was, all hisfitfulness and impulsiveness centered in Jesus. The many currents of hiswaywardbeing,—sometimesrushingrightforward,sometimesgoingbackward,sometimes eddying round,—yet all took their motion from Jesus, and theirdirectionfromsomethingconnectedwithHim.Itmightbedifficult,attimes,toanalyzeorunderstandPeter'sfeelings;butvariousastheywereintheirupperortheir underflow, thiswas still uppermost, "Lord, thou knowest all things, thouknowestthatIlovethee."III. Christ'sresponsetoPeter."Come"!Oneword;nomore.ItwasallthatPeterwanted;andhegotit.Therequestwasaboldandagreatone;butitwasgrantedatonce.Itwasarequestmadewithoutanypreviouspromiseorwarrant;yettherewasnoreluctancenordelay.Peterknewtowhomhewasspeaking.Hehad seen Him do miracles for others,— strangers,—why not for himself, adisciple?[2] Thus he casts himself upon the Master, and the Master at onceresponded.Hehonouredhis disciple's confidence.Howcomfortablymust thatword"come"havesoundedinthemidstofthedarkness!Itwassogracious;andit was so exact an answer; an answer to an apparently useless request. Therequestsforhealingandthelikewereallforsomeneedfulpurpose;andwethelesswonderattheMaster'sgraceingrantingthem.Butthisseemssouseless,—themere utterance ofwarm impulse,— thatwe are struckwith themarvelousgrace of the Master, who, instead of keeping silence, or rebuking his hastydisciple,grantshisrequestforamiracle,—astupendousmiracle,—andbidshim"come."This is singular condescension, and fitted inmanyways to rebuke aswell as remove our unworthy suspicions of the Lord. He who so graciouslyrespondedtohisdisciple'srequestforaneedlessmiracle,willnotdenyuswhenpetitioningforwhatisneedful.Withwhatpowershouldthepromisecometous,"Ask,andyeshallreceive";andwhatanillustrationisthisofthetext,"Thisistheconfidencethatwehaveinhim,thatifweaskanythingaccordingtohiswillhehearethus."IV.Peter'sventure.Hecamedownoutoftheship,andwalkedonthewater.Icallitventure;andyetitwasnotventure,forthatimplieshazard,whereasheretherewasnorisk.Itwasratherleavingaleaking,sinkingboattogoonboardanobleship.Stilltohumaneyes,thoughnottoangels',itwasaventure.Frailasthevesselwas,itwastohumaneyessaferthanthesea.Outofthisvesselheletshimselfdowninto that ragingsea,andbeganhiswalk.Hewasnowwholly in

the arms of Jesus; nothing between him and the waves but these everlastingarms.Whathisfeelingswereinlettinggohisholdoftheshipwedonotknow;perhapsverypeculiar;butwiththatword"come"soundingoverthewaves,whyshouldhefear?Hiswastheventureoffaith;afaithwhichsheweditself,notinitspowertograspbuttoletgothevessel'sside,—thehumanstay.Yes,weoftenspeakoffaithastakinghold;buthereitisseeninlettinggo.And is not this oftentimes the very point of the difficulty we experience inbelieving?Weclingtothevisible,thepalpableprop,—thehumanropewhichweholdinourhand,—unwillingtoletgo.Wespeakofourinabilitytobelieve;butwhatisthissaveourtenacityinholdingontotheverythingswhichGodasksusto quit?We say that we "cannot lay hold"; should we not rather say that we"cannotletgo"?Wecomplainthatwehavenopowertoclingandgrasp;whereasitshouldbethatwehavenowilltoletgo.Howmuchpowerisneededtoletgoaropeortodropintothesea?NeverletusforgetthethoughtofPeterquittingthevessel and dropping into the sea; but let us treasure it as one of the bestexhibitionsoftruefaith.Howmany,thoughtheyheartheMaster'svoicesaying,"Come,"lingerinthevessel,clingtoit,lookoveritssides,asifresolvedtodropdown, and then shrink back into it, afraid to venture from the visible into theinvisible, from that which sense and touch can feel, to that which we knownothingofsavebythebarewordofGod.V. Peter'sfailure.Hehadbravelydroppedintothesea,andwaswalkingalong; but he soon began to be alarmed. The wind did not lull; it blew asviolentlyasever.Hisfearsawoke,andhisfaithshook.Hebegantosink;andinhis terror cried out, "Lord, saveme." The visible and sensible had reassumedtheir power; and under their evil influence, faith gaveway; the things unseenvanished; the power and presence of Christ seemed now as nothing whencomparedwiththepowerandpresenceofthestorm.Peterwas,infact,tryingtoresumehisholdofthethingshehadletgo;hewasclutchingorgropingafterthevisible.Thusunbeliefwasregainingitspower.HiseyeatfirstsawnothingbutJesus, now it sees the raging billows. His ear at first heard nothing but theMaster's"Come";nowithearstheroaroftheblast.Itwasthusthattheevilheartof unbelief was re-displaying itself; the storm was coming between him andChrist;terrorcamein,andhebegantosink.Jesuswasforthemomentlostsightof, andPeterwas indespair.TheMasterhadgrantedhis request;hadbidhimcome;andnowheknewnotwhat todo;perhapshe repentedhispetition,and

wished he had never left the vessel. But thus Jesus shews His disciple hisweakness, and takes this opportunity formagnifying his own power.What isPeter now, and where, if Jesus do not help? He is like a withered olive-leaftosseduponthefoam.WithoutJesushesinks,heperishes.Butthoughfaithhasgiven way, Jesus still remains; and even in spite of unbelief he succors andsaves.VI.Christ'sdeliveranceandrebuke.Itisnot,likeman,firstrebukeandthendeliverance;butfirstdeliveranceandthenrebuke.HowlikeHimwhocame,inlove,toblesstheunlovable, tosavethelost, tobringnighthosethatwereafaroff!Howlike thegoodShepherd,bentonlyonlayingholdofhisstrayedone!How like Himwho spoke the parable of the prodigal son, andwho in it hasshewn us how God receives back the very worst of his lost ones, withoutupbraiding,orcoldness,ordelay!

(1.)Jesusstretchedforthhishandimmediately.Instantaneousdeliverance!Hewouldnothavethefearsofhisdisciplelastamoment.Hesuccorsatonce. In thatoutstretchedhand themarksof thenailswerenotyet tobeseen. These were still to come. But the love was there; the power wasthere; the securitywas there. In our daywe have the same outstretchedhand; only the prints of the nails, themarks of love are now there. Theoutstretched and the pierced hand are one! To his sinking Peters hestretches the pierced hand. To each sinking, perishing son of Adam, hedoesthesame.Takehold,Oman,takehold!(2.)Jesuscaughthim.NothingissaidofPeter'slayingholdofJesus;itisJesuslayingholdofPeterthatwehavehere.Jesuscaughthim;whetherbythehandornot,wearenot told;nordoes itmatter. "Jesuscaughthim,"that is enough. How, like this to the apostle's words, "apprehended ofChrist"!Whatnowarewindsandwaves?Whatmattersitwhethertheboatisathandornot?Rageonyewinds!Riseupyewaters!Darkentheheavensyeclouds!Jesushascaughthim,—Jesusholdshim,isnotthatsufficient?Oman,sinkingintheworld'sstormysea,letJesuslayholdofyou, ashe ismostwilling todo, andall iswell!Forwhat is allsalvation but Jesus seizing hold of the sinner! "He sent from above, hetookme,hedrewmeoutofmanywaters."

(3.) Jesus spoke tohim.Hithertohehadheardbuthisownvoice, "Lordsaveme";nowhehearstheMaster'svoiceresponding.Hisowncrycouldnotallayhisfears;butthewordsofJesusdothisatonce.Hisfirstwordisrebuke(foritisbutonewordintheGreek),"Othouoflittlefaith";orasitshould simplybe, "O little-faith!"This is all.Hedoesnotdwellon this,norcontinuehisupbraiding.Whatgentlenessand tendernessarehere!Olittle-faith! Might he not say to us, "O no-faith"? And then he adds,"Whereforedidst thoudoubt?"or, "Forwhatpurposedost thoudoubt?""What is the use of thy doubting?" Perhaps the words involve suchquestionsasthese:(I.)Whencecomesthisdoubting?(2.)Whatmeansthisdoubting?(3.)Ofwhatservicewillthisdoubtingbe?

ThusspeaksJesusstill,"It isI,benotafraid."Byhis tonesandwords,nolessthanbyhisgestures(hisstretchingoutofthehand),hecheersus,hebeckonsus,he comforts us. Wherefore then do we doubt? What reason have we for sodoing?Whynotflingalldistrustaway?SuchistheattitudeofJesustohischurchinherdarkestandstormiestnights.Hecomestoheronthewater.Heplaceshimselfnear.Hewaitstosuccor.OchurchofGod,accepttheprofferedhand,andlistentothegraciousvoice.Suchishisattitudetowardsourworld."Allthedaylong(andallthenightlongtoo)haveIstretchedoutmyhands."Yes;hestretchesouthishands.Osinkingworlddost thounotheedhishandsandhisvoice?Dost thounotwelcomehisinterposition?OrwiltthourejectHimutterly?

XVI.TheGraciousWelcome

"Bringhimhithertome."—

Matthew17:17.

1.Whosewordsarethese?TheyareChrist'sown.Theyareauthoritativewords.Hecommands.Hehasjustcomedownfromthetransfigurationhill,andwhatacontrastbetweenthatmountaingloryandthisvaleoftearsanddisease;buthereturnstohisoldworkofhealingandblessing,justasbefore.ThegloryhasnotchangedHim.AndsowithHimnowinthemidstofthatglory.Ithasnotalteredhislove.HeisthesameSaviourstill;asreadytoreceivesinnersasinthedaysofhisflesh.2.Towhomaretheyspoken.Tohisunbelievingdisciples.Theirfaithwassmall indeed, and they are rebuked for it; they are called a "faithless andperversegeneration."YetHedoesnot,ontheiraccount,repelthepoorpossessedlunatic,nay,Hemakesthemtheinstrumentofbringingthesickmannigh.HoweasilycantheloveandpowerofJesusbreakthroughallbarriers,andfindtheirwaytothesinnerthroughawallofunbelief!3. Concerningwhomaretheyspoken?Apoorlunatic,possessedwithadevil.ItisoneoftheworstcasesthathascomebeforeHim,"Thiskindgoethnotoutbutbyprayerand fasting."Butbestorworst,whatmatters it toHimwhocreated the heavens and the earth; who is Lord of principalities and powers;masterofSatanandhisangels;whohasthekeysofhellanddeath.Othershadfailed;Hecouldnotfail.InthisconfidenceHespeaks.TheworstcaseisnothingtoHim.4.Whatdotheyteachus?Muchindeed.(1.)SomethingastoChrist;(2.)Somethingastoourselves.

(1.) Something as to Christ He is the great healer; the sinner's onephysician.Hiswords are health.His touch is health.His look is health.

Nay,hisverygarmentsarehealth;forasmanyastoucheitherHimorthemare made perfectly whole. Leprosy, lunacy, fever, blindness, death,possessionbySatan,arenothing toHim.InHimall fullnessdwells;andthat fullness is dispensed by love. Therewasmuch here to quench thatlove,muchtorepelHim,butHewillnotberepelled,andhislovecannotbe quenched, even by thewaters of unbelief. He is "mighty to save"—"abletosavetotheuttermost."Omnipotenceisinhistouch,hislook,hisword.Letusdojusticetohisfullnessandhisgrace,lestHehavetosayofus,Ofaithlessandperversegeneration.(2.)Somethingastoourselves.Hecomeslookingforfaith,butfindsonlyunbelief; looking for child-like simplicity, andHe finds only perversity.YetHeinvitesusstill.Heinvitesustocomeourselves,andHeinvitesustobringothers.WhatHedesiresispersonalcontactwithHimself.InonesensedistanceisnothingtoHim,butinanotheritis.HewantstohaveusnearHim. ForHe speaks and acts as veryman.And, besides,whatevermight be His power to heal or to pardon at a distance, He knows thatnearnesstoHimisourblessedness.ContactwithHimishealth,andlife,andwarmth.Creeds,doctrines,truths,words,areallgoodintheirway,buttheyarenot thelivingJesus,norcantheybesubstitutesforHimandforHislove.ButintothisclosecontactHeinvitesustobringothers,"Bringhimhithertome."Hedoesnotsay,"Come,"neitherdoesHesay,"Iwillgo tohim;"Hesays,"Bringhim."Andwasany"broughtone"eversentaway?Eachcomingonegetstheblessing,andeachbroughtonetoo.Inthepresentcasethisisthemoreremarkable,becausetherewaslittlefaith(ifany) inanyof thepartiesconcerned.YetJesusmustwarnandbless,notforoursake,butforHisown.InspiteofsinandunbeliefandperversityHemustbless!

SuchistheChristwithwhomwehavetodo,fullofgraceandtruth.Letusdrawnear;letuskeepnear;letusallowHimtopouroutHisloveonus;letusbringotherstoHimtobepartakersofthesameoverflowinglove.

XVII.ThePeerageOfTheKingdom.

"AtthesametimecamethedisciplesuntoJesus,saying,Whoisthegreatestinthekingdomofheaven?AndJesuscalledalittlechilduntohim,andsethiminthemidstofthem.Andsaid,VerilyIsayuntoyou,Exceptyebeconverted,andbecome as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.Whosoeverthereforeshallhumblehimselfasthislittlechild,thesameisgreatestinthekingdomofheaven."—

Matthew18:1-4.

Itwas for akingdom that Israelwas looking; a heavenlykingdom. In spite ofmany low views, they believed in "the kingdom of heaven"; "the kingdom ofGod";andin"thekingdomofMessiah,"asthesamewiththese.BeingpersuadedoftheirMaster'sMessiahship,hisdiscipleswantedtoknowfromhimsomethingabouthiskingdom.Theytookforgrantedthatitwastheirs;thattheyweresureofentrance;andtheywishedhimtotellthemwhowastohavethehighestplaceinit.Theyweretoosureofgettingin.Alas,howmanynowarenotsureatall.Letusmark(1)thequestion,(2)theanswer.Inthatquestionwefindsomethingright and something wrong. Let us look at it; and then see how exactly theanswermeetsit.I.Thequestion.Whoisthegreatestinthekingdom?Besidesthebeliefinacomingkingdom,therewasanappreciationofitsgloriesandhonours.Itwasnotwrongtowishforthekingdom;nortodesireahighplaceinit.Weoughtto"pressforward;"forifitisworthourwhiletogetinatall,itisasmuchsotogeta high place; for all that God gives is to be earnestly sought after by us; wecannotbe toogreedyof these."Covetearnestly thebestgifts."Thiswasright;butthewrongthingwasthespiritandthewayinwhichthequestionwasput.

(1.) It shewed ignorance. They had forgotten the words spoken toNicodemus,"exceptamanbebornagain,"&c.Theyweregoingtoofast,and overlooking the question of entrance. They were deficient in theirknowledge of the kingdom, and of the way of entrance, and of theprinciplesonwhichhonourswerebestowed.(2.) It shewed pride. It was a self-sufficient question; indicating highthoughtsofthemselvesandoftheirowntitletoitsprivileges."Wearethe

people."(3.)Itshewedselfishness.Herewasearthlyambitionworkingitswayintoheavenlythings;aspiritofselfishrivalry,eachonewantingtogetabovehisfellow,—topushuptothehighestseatandroom.

II.Theanswer.Itgoestotheveryrootofthematter;itdealsfirstofallwiththequestionwhichtheywereoverlooking,viz.,ofentrance.Thusitrebukes,itwarns,itinstructs;answeringnotmerelytheonequestionput,butmanyothersalong with it.Whenman puts a question to God, he does not see the wholebearingsofit.WhenGodanswers,hetakesupallthese,anddoesnotanswerafoolaccordingtohisfolly,butlovinglycondescendstotakeupthewholecasefromthebeginning.TheLordhereanswerspartly inasimilitudeandpartly inwords.Hetakesaninfant,andholdingitup,heasks,howisthisbabetogetin?Theybelieved thatbabesbelonged to thekingdom;Hehad told them that "ofsuchwasthekingdomofheaven."Well,howdidtheygetin?Hadtheysaidordoneanygood?None.Theygetinasmerenothings;asthosewhohavenogoodwordordeedtorecommendthem.OurLord'stwocasesofentranceare,thethiefonthecross,—amanwhohaddonenothingbutevilallhisdays,andaninfantwhohasdonenogood.Theseshewusthewayofentrance.Hencethepassagemeansnot, exceptyebecomehumble, teachable,meek,gentle,&c., as infants(they are not so); but except ye turn round, completely changeyourmind (beconverted), and humble yourselves (come down from your high thoughts), yeshallnotget inatall.Notonly,yeshallnothaveahighplace,—an"abundantentrance,"butnoentranceatall.Theway,then,ofbecominggreatistobecomelittle,—ofbeingthegreatest,istobecome the least.Thiswas theMaster'sway;he took the lowestplace,andhewasexaltedtothehighest.Hemadehimselfofnoreputation,thereforehegetsthe name above every name. Before honour is humility,—stooping to theconsciousnessofhavingdeservednothing.TheMasterwentfarbeyondushere,forwetrulydeservednothing,andthereforeought to takethelowestplace;hedeservedeverything,yetlivedandacted,asifhehaddeservedonlysorrow,andpain,andshame,andthedeathofthecross.Letusthenlearn,

(1.) The way of entrance. Go in as an infant, carried in by another,—withoutclaim,merit,goodness;owingalltothefreeloveofGod;ofHimwho spared not his own Son. Faith acknowledges this nothingness, andgoes in; unbelief refuses to do so, and is kept out. What keeps us indarknessordoubt,but thedesire tohavesomegoodnesseither in lifeorfeelingtosecureourentranceandrecommendustotheKing?(2.) The principle of recompense. Not merit; not personal worth andgreatness.Theacknowledgmentofunworthinesseventogetinatall.YetwemustworkforGod,—sufferforGod,denyourselvesforGod,—andallthese(eventhecupofcoldwater)willberememberedandrecompensed.Yetinthatrecompense(evenofthesewhosecrownshallbethebrightest)therewill be the distinct consciousness of undeservedness all thewhile."Lord,whensawwetheeanhungeredandfedthee."

How simple! how blessed! Ah surely God's thoughts and ways are not ourthoughtsandways.

XVIII.TheSeekerAndSaviourOfTheLost

"FortheSonofmaniscometosavethatwhichwaslost."—

Matthew18:2.

"Forthesonofmaniscometoseekandtosavethatwhichwaslost."—

Luke19:10

Many of our Lord'swordswere spoken twice over, if not oftener.He did notthink it beneath Him to repeat Himself; and the Holy Spirit did not think itunnecessaryorunbefittingtorecordtherepetition.Here it is in connectionwith little children that thewords occur, "TheSon ofman is come to save thatwhichwas lost." Elsewhere it is in connectionwithZaccheus, the publican. In the former case his errand is said simply to be "tosave,"as if"seeking"werenotneeded in thecaseof infantswhohavenotyetplunged into the labyrinthsand thicketsofearthlywickedness. In the latterhiserrandis,"toseekandtosave,"asifsearchwereneededinordertofindthelostobject.Averyparticularandpersonalmessagethistoourchildren!ThemissionoftheSon of God has a special bearing on them. The good Shepherd came veryspeciallyforthem.Hesinglesthemoutasmostprominentobjectsofhislove.Sofarfromtheirbeingoverlookedorgettingsalvationinsomesideway,hiserrandwas particularly to them.And doesHe not plainly tell us here that they needsalvation?Theycanonlygetintoheavenbybeingsaved.Theywereastrulylostasothers;andtheyneedsalvationastruly;andtheygetitasfully.But letusput the twopassages togetherand take themasembracingour race."TheFathersenttheSontobetheSaviouroftheworld.""Preachthegospeltoeverycreature."

I. TheSonofman.Thismeans, of course, onewhowas truly andthoroughlyman,—veryman.Adamwasman;buthewasnota"sonofman,"or"thesonofman."Thisnamebringsoutveryexpressivelyhistruehumanity.Itislike,andyetunlike, to theancientwordsof the firstpromise, "theseedof thewoman,"andtheexpressionofPaul,"madeofawoman."Itismorethanthese,for"sonofman"means"sonofhumanity;"sonbothofthemanandthewoman.Heisindeed"theLordfromheaven"(ICorinthians15:47);yetisHe"thesecondman,"the"lastAdam."TheremusthavebeensomethinginEzekielwhichmadehim in this respect resemble Messiah, for upwards of ninety times he isaddressedas"sonofman,"anditisinhispropheciesthattheexpressionoccurssooften.DanielusesitinreferencetoMessiah,andDavidusesitasexpressiveofcompleteandtruehumanity.HewhosenameisJesus,Emmanuel,Christ,theLord,istrulySonofman.II. TheSonofmancame.Hecame!FromthebeginningHehadbeenknownasthecomingone;nowHeistheonewhohascome.TheSonofGodhasbecometheSonofman.Hehasdescendedtoearth.HecametoBethlehemfirst,andafterwardsHemightbesaidtohavecometoallJudea.Foragesthecomingwas prospective; yet even as such it was replete with gladness; now it isaccomplished;Hehasarrived;howmuchmoreofgladnessiscontainedinthisfact!"WeknowthattheSonofGodiscome.""BlessedisHethatcomethinthenameoftheLord."III.Hecametoseek."Iwillsearchmysheep,andseekthemout,"saysHebyEzekiel(34:11).HewastheShepherdwhohadlosthissheep,andHemissedit,valuedit,lefttherest,wentafterit,soughtforit,alltheworldover.Hiswasaseekinglife,aseekingministry.Hiswereseekingwordsandseekingworks.Heisthegreatseeker,theheavenlyseeker.Hisdayswerespentinsearch.Hesoughtwhen He was here; He is seeking still. His is the same seeking attitude andearnestness now in heaven as formerly on earth.He seeks in love.Not as theofficerseeksoutthehidingcriminal;butasthemotherseeksherlostchild.Itisthesearchoflove,divineyethumanlove;lovethatwillnotwaittillthedesiredobjectofsearchshewssymptomsofconcernorwillingness to return,but lovethatpursuestheflying,theunwilling,theresisting.ManyaretheplacesinwhichHefindsandhasfoundhisstrayones:oneHefounduponacross,onebyawell,oneinaboat,oneinasycamoretree.Itmattersnot.

IV.Hecametosave.HisnameisSaviour;hiserrandissalvation.Nothinglessthanthis.Itissalvationthatmanneeds;itissalvationthatChristbrings.Heis"mightytosave."Heis"abletosavetotheuttermost."Hesays,lookuntomeandbeyesaved.Hecamenotsimplytomakemenmoral,andraisethemfromsavagecoarseness;togivewisdomorteachscience;to"elevatethemasses;"tomakemenregularchurch-goersorobedientcitizens.Hecame tosave;andhisgospel is the power ofGod unto salvation.TheFather sent the Son to be theSaviouroftheworld.He"comesinthenameoftheLordtosave."Salvationisawideandbigword,asusedbyGod.Inman's lips itmayandoftendoesmeanvery little. It means sometimes sacramental grace, or ritualistic drapery, orsuperciliouschurchmanship.But,accordingtothedivineusearidinterpretationoftheword,itmeansmuch,verymuch.ItmeanssomethingwhosegreatnesscanonlybemeasuredbythegreatnessofthePersonwhocame;bythegreatnessoftheworkwhichHeaccomplished;bythegreatnessofhistoilandsuffering;bythe greatness of the priceHepaid. It is somethingwhich apostolic successionand baptismal regeneration cannot give,—something far beyond the power ofchurch,orpriest,orsacraments,toconfer.V.Hecametosavethelost.Thelost!Andwhoarethey?Notsimplythosewhommandescribesaslosttoshame,losttodecency,losttoallhumanmotivesofright,butsuchasarelosttoGod;losttotheirgreatMakerandOwner;lostinthe sense inwhich the sheep is lost to the shepherd; thepieceof silver to thewoman;thesontothefather.TheyaretheywhomGodhaslost.ThegreatFatherhaslostason;manhaslostGod,andGodhaslostman.TheyarelostinrespectofseparationfromGod—distancefromGod.Theyarelostinregardtopresentfavor and future hope. They have lost everything; they are lost to everything.Shepherd,andwoman,andfather,havesustainedanawfulloss;butwhatisthistothelossofthosewhohavelostGod,andarelosttoGod.Tobelostistobedeadinsin;tobecondemnedandunderwrath;tobebanishedandshutout;tohaveunpardoned sinoverhanging them, and adeadlydiseasepreyingon theirwhole man. To have the heart empty of God, at war with the Spirit, and inalliancewith the evil one; to be reduced to such a state of unholiness that allspirituallife,orrelish,orlove,isgone;—thisistobelost;lostevennow:apartfromthewoesofthathellthatisathand.O man, thou art lost; and that word means something unutterably awful;

somethingwhichonlytheSpiritofGodcanrevealtoyou.ButtheSonofmanhascometoseekandsaveyou.Heisbentonthis.Itishiserrand,hismission.Nomatterhowlostyouare.Heisnotwillingthatyoushouldperish.Hehasnopleasureinyourdeath.Heseeksyourlife.Hedesirestosave.

XIX.TheStoneOfSalvationO

Destruction."Andwhosoevershallfallonthisstoneshallbebroken;butonwhomsoever itshallfall,itwillgrindhimtopowder."—

Matthew21:44.

Whatisthereaboutthe"stone"orthe"rock,"thatmakesGodsooftenpointtoit,when speaking ofHimself and of his Son?Many are the truthswhich clusterroundit,orarewrappedupinit.ItisoneoftheseminesoutofwhichonedigssomeofthemostpreciousthoughtsofGod,—thoughtsinwhichwesinnersofearthhavethechiefshare.Hegivesushisownnameasthe"RockofIsrael"(1Samuel23:3),andhisSon'sname, as the "Stone of Israel" (Genesis 59:24). He speaks of Himself as the"RockofAges"(Isaiah26:4),andofhisSonasthe"triedstone,"the"preciouscornerstone" (Isaiah 28:16). He calls Himself "the rock that begat us"(Deuteronomy32:18),andhisSon,"thelivingstone"(1Peter2:4).He taught Israel to say, "Their rock isnotasourRock" (Deuteronomy32:31);"neitheristhereanyrocklikeourGod"(1Samuel2:2).Hetaughthisbelievingones to take up this as their song: "Unto thee will I cry O Lord, my Rock"(Psalm28:1);"LeadmetotheRockthatishigherthanI"(Psalm60:2);"Bethoumy strongRock" (Psalm 31:2). "God is theRock ofmy heart" (Psalm 73:26,margin);"MakeajoyfulnoisetotheRockofoursalvation"(Psalm95:1).It is plain, then, thatGodhasmuch to say of this stone or rock, and it isHisdesirethatweshouldlearnthemeaningofwhatHehassaid,andenterintohisthoughtsrespectingit.Hepointsustothisstone,andbidsuslookatitthatwemayseeinitwhatHesees,andsomay,atonce,getthemanifoldbenefitswhichitcontains.Forsuchisthenatureofthatstone,andsuchitsvirtuesandbenefits,that to enter into themind ofGod concerning it, is tomake these virtues andbenefitsourown.

One special aspect under which God asks us to look at this stone, is as afoundation-stone;andweneedhardlysaythatitistohisonly•begottenSonthatheispointing,whenHesays,"BeholdIlayinZionachiefcornerstone(Isaiah28:16,IPeter2:6)."Onthisrock,"saidtheLord,"willIbuildmychurch,"pointingtoHimself;justasHesaidatanothertime,"Destroythistemple,andinthreedayswillIraiseitup."Oftenisthe"rock"or"stone"thusreferredtoinconnectionwithHimself.Thepassagebeforeusbringsoutfourthingsinconnectionwiththisstone,—fouraspectsorbearingsofit.Theseareasfollow:—I. It is the stoneof rejection.Probably therewas somestonewhichSolomon'sbuildersorarchitectssetasideatfirstasunfit,whichwasafterwardsfoundtobealtogethersuitable.ThisisusedasasymbolforMessiah'srejectionbyIsrael.Hewasmeant tobe thefoundation-stone, thecornerstone;but Israelwould have none of Him as such. He was not the stone of their choice orapproval.Hewas"disallowedofmen"(1Peter2:4).Heistherejectedstone;therejectedSaviour;therejectedking.Heisrejectedspeciallybythebuilders,notonly by the common workmen. Everything connected with Him has beenrejected;HecameuntoHisownandhisownreceivedHimnot;Hewasdespisedandrejectedofmen;Hewasoneinwhommensawnobeauty.ItisatthispointthatGodisstandingandpresentingChristtothesonsofmen.WhatthinkyeofChrist? Do you receive Him or reject Him?Decide. This stone is the test ortouchstone in the real character and standing of men. Man's estimate of thisstoneisthegroundofGod'sestimateofIsraelorofhumanity.Onthiseverythingismade to turn.What is this stone to you,Oman?What is its value in youreyes?Thisisaboutthelasttestthatmanthinksofindeterminingcharacter;butwithGoditisthefirst;orrather,itisboththefirstandthelast.HewhoacceptsGod'sestimateof thisstoneissaved;hewhorejects it,andprefershisown,—takes the estimate of the builders,—is lost. On our estimate of this stone oureternityturns.II. Thestoneofhonour.Godhasmade it theheadof thecorner.Godreversesman's estimate of this wonderful stone. He declares it worthy of thehighestandmosthonourableplace.Thisplacehehasassignedtoit.Thesignoremblem of man's rejection was the cross; the sign of God's acceptance and

honourwasthe throneof themajesty in theheavens.In theone,weseeman'scontempt,intheother,God'sadmirationandapproval.Itwasasatemple-stonethatitwasrejected;itwasasatemple-stonethatitwashonoured.Itwasthelastthingthatmanwouldhavethoughtofinbuildinghistemple;itisthefirstthingthatGodthinksof;hemakesitbothfoundationstoneandcornerstone.Itwasthestone thatmancoulddowithout inhis temple; itwas thatwithoutwhichGodcouldnotbuildhistemple;nay,withoutwhichtherecouldnotbeanytempleatall. "God hath highly exalted him and given him a name that is above everyname."This exaltation to thehighestpointof theuniverse,of thatwhichmanhadtriedtocastdowntothelowest,isthethingwhichshewsthispre-eminenceto be truly divine; altogether superhuman; something which God only couldaccomplish."This is theLord'sdoing,and it ismarvelous inoureyes."SurelythisisthemanwhomtheLorddelightethtohonour.III. The stoneof stumbling. It is calledby twopeculiar and somewhatsimilarnames;"astoneofstumbling,"orastoneagainstwhichpeoplestrikeandinjurethemselves(πζοσχόµατος);arockofoffence,orarockoverwhichpeopletrip(σχανδάλον).Thisstonehasbothofthesecharacteristics.Thesetwothingsare comprised in our Lord's expression, "shall be broken." These are the twowaysinwhichmenareaffectedbyitjustnow;forthesetwothingsreferplainlytothepresentdispensation,—thestateofthingssinceMessiahcame,whichistocontinuetillHecomesagain.Thesearethetwowaysinwhichunbeliefshewsitself;itstrikesagainst,oritstumblesoverthestone;itresistsandassailsittoitsowninjury;oritmakessuchmistakesconcerningit,thatitupsetstheman.Forallunbeliefeitherdeniesthecrossormakesitvoid.Itisthusthatthehumanrace(not Israelonly) isbrought intocontactwith this stone; thisMessiah; JesusofNazareth.Howmanyinthepresentdayaredashingthemselvesagainstit,andsoperishingbyboldrejection?HowmanyarerefusingtobelievesimplywhatGodhas told us about it,—either adding something of their own to it, or takingsomething from it?—andso,with thenameof Jesuson their lips,missing thepardon, and the life, and the glory which He came to bring. They are notsatisfiedwithJesusasHeis;withthecrossasitis;oratleasttheyimaginethatJesus cannot accept them as they are, and that the cross cannot avail them astheyare.Sotheywouldwait,andwork,andpray,andfeel,andrepent,andaddonethingtoanother,tomaketheSavioursufficient,andthebloodeffectual,forthem.They shrink from taking JesusasHe is; they shrink fromacceptingHisfullness as they are. Jesus, "the Son ofGod," the "Saviour of theworld," the

"receiver of sinners," the "seeker of the lost," is not to themwhat the FatherrepresentsHim.Thereisstill,ifnotagulf,atleastalinebetweenthemandHim;thereisstillsomethingneededtobedoneandfeltbythemtoeffectthejunctionbetweenthem,andtodrawoutHisriches.Inotherwords,"theystumbleatthisstumblingstone."Theywillnot,justastheyare,takeHimforjustwhatHeis.Itis this "stumbling" that is keeping multitudes from peace. God's testimonyconcerningJesusdoesnotsatisfythem.They,infact,wantanotherSaviour;fortheyinsistthattheymustbedifferentfromwhattheyarebeforetheycanexpectHimtosavethem.Alas!"Whohathbelievedourreport!"IV.Thestoneofdestruction.ThisiswhenHecomesthesecondtime.Justnowthefirstpartofhisstatementisfulfilling,"Whosofallethonthisstoneshallbebroken;"erelongthesecondpartshallbefulfilled,"Onwhomsoeveritshallfall,itwillgrindhimtopowder."ThisisthefallingofthemightystoneuponaChrist-rejecting world! This is the final ruin of unbelievers. This is the"everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and the glory of hispower."Hecomesnotonlytobreakhisrejectorsinpieces,likeapotter'svessel;but to grind these pieces into powder. That day of destruction cometh!Christendom is preparing for it. The vine of the earth is fast ripening for thetreadingoftheterriblevintage;—inthedayofthevengeanceoftheLord.

XX.TheThingsTouchingTheKing

"WhatthinkyeofChrist?—

Matthew22:42.

The Lord's question here was speciallymeant for Jews. They were expectingMessiah,theChrist;studyingScripturetoknowwhathadbeenwrittenofHim;andsoourLordasks,WhatisyouropinionoftheChrist?IsitaccordingtotheScriptures?Are you of onemindwithMoses, withDavid, with the prophets,withGodhimself,concerningHim?ThiswasChrist'squestiontotheJews;itishisquestiontousintheselastdays.WhatareyourviewsonthepointsconnectedwithJesusofNazareth?Aretheytrueorfalse?scripturalorunscriptural?1.Astohisperson.IsHeGodtoyou?Ishemantoyou?SonofGodandSonofman?—Immanuel?theWordmadeflesh?Godmanifestinflesh?2.Astohiswork.Isittoyoutheworkofasin-bearer?Isitfinished?Andare you enjoying it as finished or only half finished? His blood, hisrighteousness,hiscross,whataretheytoyou?3.Astohiskingdom.Isitarighteousyetalsoagloriouskingdomtoyou?Do you understand the mode and the terms of entrance? the new birth, andsimplefaithintheKing?Onthesethreegreatpointsareyourviewsrightorwrong?AreyouofonemindwithGodastoeachofthem?TobeofonemindwithGodisfaith;nottobeofonemind is unbelief. Naturallywe arewrong on these points. The Scripture,throughtheteachingoftheHolyGhost,setsusright.

1.Isthyunderstandingrightastothesethings?Dostthouknowthem?2.Isthyhearttightastothem?Dostthoufeelthem?Hastthounotonlygotholdofthem,buthavetheygotholdofthee?3. Isthyliferightastothem?Artthouabetter,truer,holier,andmoreearnest man because of them l Is thy whole life, thy whole being, outer andinner, molded by them? Or are there still other influences working morepowerfullythanthese?Ifthyunderstandingandhearthavereceivedthese,thenthylifewillshewthis.Therewillbefruituntoholiness.Thetruth, thejoy,thelightwillshinethroughthee,andshineoutfromthee,onallaround.WhatthenthinkyeofChrist?IsHesuchasyoucanloveandtrust?1.AsaSaviour.IsHetheSaviourthatsuitsthee?Anddostthouappreciatehisgreat salvation?Areyouglad tohaveHimforyourSaviour?OrhaveyouanyfaulttofindwithHimassuch?WouldsomechangeinhispersonorworkhavemadeHimmoresuitable?2.Asafriend.IsHethefriendyouneed?Ishisthefriendship,thekindoffriendship, that suits your circumstances, your feelings, your temperament? Ishis the kindof sympathy, and counsel, andwisdom,whichyou feel youneedfromafriend?3.Asanadvocate.Youneedintercession;onetopleadforyou.Doeshisadvocacysuityou?CanyoutrustHimwithyourcase?Canyouputeverythinginhishands, thatHemaymanageallyourconcernsforyou?DoyouseehowsuccessfulHehasbeenwitheverycaseHehasundertaken;notlosingone;andcanyoutrustHimwithyours;—hisskill,wisdom,love,argument,eloquence?IsJesusChristtherighteous,justthekindofadvocateyouneed?andareyoujusttheclientforsuchanadvocate?4.AsaKing.IsHejustsuchaKingasyoushouldlike,—assuitsyou,—assuits this earth,—as suits theuniverse?Andwhat sayyou toHimasa Judge?Youthatshallnevercomeintocondemnation,doyouenjoythethoughtofHimastheJudge?Youthatarestillundercondemnation,whatthinkyeofHimasaJudge?What do you say to his being your Judge?What think ye of standing

beforeHimandgivinginyouraccounttoHim?What think ye of Christ? Do you say, "I think Him the chief among tenthousand"?—It iswell.Doyou say, I knownotwhat to think?Ah, takeheed,thereissomethingwrongwithinyou,ifnotallwrongtogether.Doyougivenoanswer?Itmattersnot.Weshallsoonfinditout.Bythecompanyyoukeep;thebooksyouread;thewayinwhichyoulayoutyourtalentsandtimeandmoney;the way you transact business; your dealings in the market; your conduct athome;your lettersandcorrespondence;yourconversationwithneighbors;—bytheseweshallfindoutwhatyouthinkofHim.

XXI.TheChillOfLove.

"Becauseiniquityshallabound,theloveofmanyshallwaxcold."—

Matthew24:12.

Thisistobespeciallytrueofthelastdays,sothat,asourLordelsewheresaid,"WhentheSonofmancometh,shallhefindfaithontheearth?"herehemaybesupposedtobeaskingasimilarquestion,WhentheSonofmancometh,shallhefindloveontheearth?Butwhilethisistobefulfilledinthelastdays,itisnotconfinedtothese.Suchisthetendencyofeveryage,everychurch,everysaint.Inthispresentevilworldthetendenciesareallevil;downward,notupward.Increasingevilanddecreasinggood;thisisthegeneralstatement.ButourLord'swordsaremorespecial. It isofdecreasinglovethathespeaks:"Thouhast leftthy first love." Let us notice some of the things which decrease when sinincreases.1.Asiniquityincreases,faithdecreases.Unbeliefoverflowslikeadeluge.Onesinletslooseanother.Faithwithersdown;diesout,likeaflowerinadesert.2.Asiniquityincreases,truthdecreases.Forerrorissin,andsiniserror;sothattruthandsincannotco-exist.Sinexpelstruth,bothfromtheheartandfromthe world; from the individual saint, and from the church at large. Darknessdispossesseslight.3. As iniquity increases, righteousnessandholinessdecrease.Amancannotbebothholyandunholy;theencroachmentsofsincanleavenoroomforholinessatall.Inchbyinch,iniquitycreepsinandcreepsalong.4.Asiniquityincreases,religiondecreases.Sindrivesreligionoutofthe

heart,outof thechurch,outof theworld.Withabounding iniquityprayerdiesout,andpraise,andzeal.TheserviceofGodbecomesirksome;theformwithoutthepoweristhefirststageofthedeclension;andthesecondistheabandonmentofbothpowerandform.5.Asiniquityincreases,delightinthethingsofGoddecreases.SinsoonshutstheBible,andtakesawayallrelishorappetiteforit,exceptasabookofpoetryorantiquity.Pleasureinsincannotco-existwithpleasureintheWordofGod,orthedayofGod,oranyofthethingsofGod.But thespecial thingofwhichourLordpredicts thedecrease is love,—love toGod,lovetoHimselflovetooneanother.Theatmosphereofsinispoisonoustoeverything sacred; but the thing which it first especially acts upon is love. Itchokesthisimmediately.HencethefirstthingnoticedbyourLordinregardtoEphesus,washerleavingherfirstlove.Loveisthetenderestofalltheplantsofheaven, and themost easily affected by the deleterious or cold atmosphere ofearth.The first stepbackward anddownward is failure in love.A chill comesover us. Something intervenes between us and Christ, between us and ourfellow•saints.Webegintogrowcold,andthenwefreeze.Thisisspeciallytobethe case in the last days, but the tendency is the same throughout the wholedispensation,—increasing sin, decreasing love.TheGreekword for iniquity is"lawlessness" (η χνοµιά); regardlessness of that law of which love is thefulfilling;assimilationtothegreatAntichrist,whoisspeciallythelawlessone(όάνοµος);andasthecharacteristicofthislawlessoneishatredofChristandofhischurch,soiseverystepin"iniquity"anadvancetothisgreat imageofsin,thismodelofhell,Satan'struestrepresentative.TheevilpredictedbyourLordisthreefold.Itislove(1)frozenoutoftheworldbyaboundinginiquity;(2)frozenoutofthechurch;(3)frozenoutofthesaint.Aworldwithoutlove,achurchwithoutlove,asaintwithoutlove!Itisnotofafew,but of the multitude (the όι πολλοι), "the most," that this is affirmed.Coldheartednesswillbeallbutuniversal;andeventhosewhodolovewilllovebut little.Theirswill bebut cold love,—half aheartgiven toChrist; less thanhalfaheartgiventothesaints.Letuswatchagainstsin,—allsin; trembleat its increase.Cherish theflameoflove;for"ifanymanlovenottheLord

JesusChristheshallbeanathemamaranatha."

XXII.TrueVigils

"Watchtherefore;foryeknownotwhathouryourLorddothcome.Thereforebeyealsoready:forinsuchanhourasyethinknottheSonofmancometh."—

Matthew24:42,44.

Wetakethiswarningasmeantforus,astrulyasfortheearlychurch;wemightsaymoretruly,oratleast,moreforcibly;foreighteencenturieshavebroughtussomuch nearer the consummation. It is theMaster's ownwarning. It is veryexplicit;verypractical;verysearching.Letustakeitinthefollowingorder:—I. OurLordwillcome.(1.)HisnameisLord;Master;Ruler;theverywordappliedtoJehovah.(2.)Hisnameisour,oryour,Lord,—"YourLord."HeisthusconnectedwithusandwewithHim,asfriend,master,teacher,king.OurLordwillcome!This isoneof thegreatcertaintiesof theunknownfuture.Hemaytarry;butHewillcomeatlast.Manyobstaclesmayseemtoriseup,butHewillcome.MenmaynotdesireHimbutHewillcome.TheChurchmaybecold;butHewillcome.EarthmaythinkshehasnoneedofHim;butHewillcome!The scoffermay say,Where is thepromiseof his coming?butHewill come.Satanmaydohisutmost tooppose;butHewillcome.This is thegreat futurecertaintywhich Christ and his apostles have proclaimed to us. Our Lordwillcome!II.Weknownotatwhathour.TheFatherknows,butweknownot;nomannorangel;northechurch,noranysaint;nay,itissaid,"nottheSon."ThisisoneofthegreatsecretsofGod.Thatitshouldbemadesotomaniseasilyaccountedfor;whyitissotoangels,andwhyitwassototheSon,isnotforustosay.Itmust be an important one,when thus restricted to the Father himself. Itmusthave some peculiar purpose to serve.What that iswe know not now, butweshall know hereafter. The hour is, no doubt, fixed in God's purpose, but theknowledgeofthattimeiskeptfromus.Theydowrong,then,whotrytofixthehour,thusseekingtoextractasecretfromGod.Theydowrongwhoneglectthe

wholesubjectbecausethissecretisconnectedwithit.Theydowrongwhoscoffat thewholesubjectbecauseof therashattemptsorwretchedfailuresofsomepretended interpreters of prophecy.Thus, "we know," and "we knownot;"weknowthatHewillcome;weknownotwhen.III.Watch.Likethewatchmanonhistower;likethesoldierwiththeenemyinview;likethepilotwithrocksandstraitsoneveryside;likethehouseholderwiththedreadofthemidnightrobber,—"watch"!(1.)Donotfallasleep;(2.)donotgrowslothful;(3.)beeverontheoutlook.Thereasongiven,then,isthattheLordiscoming,andwedonotknowthehour.Heillustratesthewarningthus,—Ifahouseholderknewthatthethiefwascomingataparticularhour,hewouldhavewatched;muchmoreifHedidnotknowthehour,butsimplythatHewascomingsometime.Sowithus;thesimpleknowledgethattheLordistocome,istomakeuswatchful,—evenifweknewwhen;howmuchmorewhenwedonotknowwhen.Letusbewareofbeingthrownoffourguardbyself,ortheflesh,orSatan,ortheworld.Letusnotsleepasdoothers,butletuswatchandbesober!IV.Beready.Wemaywatchandyetnotbeready.OurLordinsistsonboth.Yearemydisciples,be ready!Yeare saints,be ready!What is the readiness?Thereis(1.)readinessofstanding,—"completeinHim,"—"bygraceyestand;"(2.)readinessofraiment,—wearetohaveonthefinelinen,cleanandwhite,—Christ's righteousness; (3.) readinessofheartandsoul.Wemust loveHimandlovehisappearing.OurlongingsmustbetowardsHim;wemusthavetheSpiritdwellinginusandsealingus.(4.)Readinessofspiritualstate,—oilnotonlyinour lamps, but in our vessels,—even the Holy Ghost himself. Be ready! TheMasterstillcries.Themessagehereisthusawarning,—

(1.)Totheslothfulsaint.Sleepnot.Awake!Bewareoffallingunderanyinfluences that would make you indifferent to the Lord's appearing.Beware of worldly arguments; beware of pretended spiritual arguments;beware of confounding death and Christ's coming; beware of the errorsandseductionsoftheage.(2.) To the undecided. You are anxious, but you are not decided. YouwouldfainbeaChristian,butnot justyet.Youwish tobea followerof

Jesus, but youwish to compromise,—or delay.Be not deceived;God isnot mocked. Be decided at once; lest the Lord come and end yourwavering.(3.)Tothecareless.Theworldatlargeisthoroughlycareless,—sleepingsound,—dreaming its dreams of vanity;—enjoying sin, vanity, luxury,pleasure, gaiety. Christ speaks: Awake; sleep no more! Awake, lest theMasterbeuponyou.Awake, lest the flashofhisavengingswordbe thefirstthingthatawakensyou!

XXIII.ReligionWithoutTheHolyGhost

"Theytooknooilwiththem."—

Matthew25.3

Thisparablehasmanysidesandaspects.Itisprophetical;itisalsopractical.Itsuits all ages, but especially the last days. It suits theworld, but specially thechurchofGod;"iftherighteousscarcelybesaved,whereshalltheungodlyandthe sinner appear." It is searching and sifting; it is also quickening andcomforting.Itsuitsuswellinthesedaysofprofessionandfashionablereligionandreligiousness.Itdivides thechurch into twoclasses,—thewiseand the foolishwise inGod'ssight,notman's;foolishinGod'ssight,notman's.Thusitisnotaparablefortheheathen,asiftheyonlywerefoolish;norfortheprofligate,asiftheyonlywerefoolish;norfor the infidels,as if theyonlywerefoolish.Butfor thechurch.ItcomesintotheinnercircleofChristianprofession,andsiftsit,dividesit.Letitsiftusandtestus.Bettertobeweighedandfoundwantingnowthanhereafter.Bettertobeundeceivednowthanwhenitistoolate.Letusnotice,I.Thepointsoflikenessbetweenthetwoclasses.(1.)Theygetthesamename,virgins; (2.) theywear thesamedress; (3.) theyareon thesameerrand;(4.)theyhavebothlamps;(5.)theyhavebothvessels;(6.)theybothslumberandsleep. They have thus many features in common.Man could not discern thedifference,atleastforthetime.TheperilofmereexternalismisthatwhichourLordpointsouthere.Nodoubttheremustbeexternalism.Religionmusthaveanoutsideaswellasaninside.Thelampmustnotonlyhaveoil,butitmustburn:theexternalmustindicatetheinternal.AndwemaysaythatourLordintimatedthe necessity of a thorough consistency and completeness in the outwardreligious life of a man, so that as a fair external is no excuse for internalunsoundness or incompleteness, so a sound internal is no excuse for aninconsistentlife.OurLord,then,heredepicts,(1.)acompleteexternalism;(2.)a

beautifulexternalism;(3.)adeceptiveexternalism;(4.)aprolongedexternalism;(5.)anunavailingexternalism.Uptoacertainpointinaman'slife,orcharacter,orreligion,externalismmayavail;butbeyondthatitgivesway;itbreaksdown;it exhibits itsunprofitableness.Thisexternalismmaynotalwaysbehypocrisy,butitisimitation.Itisnottheflowerinitsnaturalcolorandgrowth,butpainted,artificial.Letuswatchagainstanartificial life,andanartificial religion.Whatdoesitprofitnow?whatwillitprofitinthedayofwrath?Thename,thedress,the lamp, the outward show, will all go for nothing in that day of universaldiscoveryanddetection.II.Thepointsofunlikeness.Thoughinmostrespectstheywereallalike,yet therewasadifference. Itwaswithin; itwas imperceptiblefromwithout; itcould only be discovered when the bridegroom came. Up till then all werecompletelysimilar.Onlythenthewantcameoutinthefoolish.Therewasitseenwho were wise, and who were foolish. That day is the day of certain andunerringdetection.Itisthedayofweighinginthebalances!Itistheseparationofthefalsefromthetrue.The difference was confined to a single point,—the lack of oil. Some havesupposed that the foolish took oil in their lamps, but not in their vessels. Itappears, however, that they did neither. The lamps were not required to belightedtillthebridegroomcame;andsotheoilwasnotpouredin,northewickinsertedtillthen.Foritwasatmidnightthatthecrywasmade,andthenallthevirginsaroseandtrimmedtheirlamps,thatis,suppliedthemwiththewickandoil,and lighted them.Then itwas that the foolishdiscovered (1) theirneedofoil;(2)theirlackofit.Thentheywenttothewisetobegforasupply;thenthey(beingwiselyrefused)wenttobuy,andreturnedtoolate.Therewas"oilinthedwellingofthewise"(Proverbs21:20),butthefoolishwerewithoutit.TheoilistheHolySpirit.TooilHeislikenedthroughoutallScripture,thoughinsome places to fire, and to water, and to wind or air. There is the oil ofconsecration(Exodus30:25);ofdailyfood(1Kings17:12);offragrance(Esther2:12); of joy (Psalm 47, Isaiah 61:3); of healing (Luke 10:34); of light(Zechariah4:12).TheHolySpiritisallthese.Butitisasthelight-givingoilthatHeisspeciallyspokenofhere;andthelackofHimassuchmakesthedifferencebetweenthefoolishandthewise."HavingnottheSpirit"(Jude19).

ThusamanmaybeverylikeaChristian,andyetnotbeone.Hemaycomeverynearthekingdom,andyetnotenterin.HemayhavealltheoutwardfeaturesofaChristian,andyetbelackinginthemainone.Hemayhavethecompletedressofthesaint,andyetnotbeone.Hemayhaveagood life,a soundcreed,a strictprofession;hemaybeonewhosaysanddoesmanythingsexcellent;hemaybea subscriber to all the religious societies in the land, a member of all theircommittees,oraspeakeratalltheirmeetings,andsupporterofalltheirplans;hemay profess to be looking for Christ's coming, and going forth to meet thebridegroom,yetnotnecessarilyaChristian!Hemaylacktheoil,theHolySpirit.AreligionwithouttheHolyGhostprofitethnothing.Thereisthereligionoftheintellect,ofthesense,ofthefancy,oftheflesh,ofthecreed,oftheliturgy,ofthecatechism, of nature, of poetry, of sentiment, of mysticism, of humanity. Butwhatare thesewithout theSpirit?ChristianitywithoutChrist,whatwould thatbe?Worship without God, what would that be? So religion without the HolySpirit,whatwouldthatbe?Yet is there notmuch of this among us? Is there notmuch of dry formalism,lifelessdoctrine,saplessroutine?Idonotcallithypocrisy;Isimplycallitunrealreligion.Andwhatcanunrealreligiondoforaman?Willitnotproveirksomeandvain?Will itmakehimhappyandfree,or liberal,orzealous,orholy?No.Itcandononeofthesethings.Itisbondage,anddarkness,andweariness.YethereistheHolySpirit inthehandsofChristforyou.Gotothemthatsell,andbuyforyourselves.Nottomen,orchurches,orcreeds,orministers,buttoChrist.GotoHim.Heisexaltedtogiveit;andHewill.ApplytoHimereitbetoolate.

XXIV.TheGreatSeparation

"WhentheSonofmanshallcomeinhisglory,andalltheholyangelswithhim,thenshallhesituponthethroneofhisglory:andheshallsetthesheep'onhisrighthand,butthegoatsontheleft."—

Matthew25:31,33.

Let us enter at once into the practical teaching of this parable, leaving itsprophetical aspectsuntouched, aswell as its connectionwith the twopreviousparables.The name Christ takes here is the Son of man. This is always his name inconnectionwithjudgment.ItisDaniel'snameforHiminthisconnection;anditis as Son ofman thatHe is judge of all.We are to be judged by aman likeourselves.itisbeforeahumanjudgethatweshallstandandplead.Godtakesnoadvantageofus.I.Thecoming.(1.)TheSonofmanshallcome!Yes,Hethatshallcomewillcomeandwillnottarry!TheseheavensshallrendandHeshallappear.(2.)Heshallcomeinhisglory.Not inweakness,andpoverty,andshame;notasababe,oracarpenter,orabearerofthesinandcurse.(3.)Heshallcomewithallhisholyangels,Whataretinue!(a)Angels; (b)holyangels; (c)withHim!Ashis retinue, his attendants, his executioners; as in Daniel. Often have angelsvisitedearth,butneveronsoawfulanoccasion.II.Thesitting.Itisnotamomentaryappearance.Hecomesasthelightningflash,butdoesnot,likeit,depart.Hetakeshisseatonathrone,—thethroneofglory,notgracenow. it isagreatworkHecomes todo;aworknotdone inamoment.He took his seatwhenHewent up to the Father, and has been thussittingforages,fortheworkwasgreatandlong.SowhenHecomesagainHe"sits,"fortheworkisgreatandlong.Itwillbethorough,searching,sifting.

III.Thegathering.Whoshallgatherisnotheresaid.Inotherplacesangelsare mentioned. But the gathering shall be: (1.) It is a gathering of men, notdevils.(2.)Itisagatheringofnations;allnations;auniversalgathering.Itisagathering "before Him"; before his throne; before his face. No hiding, noescaping, no resisting, no refusing!However reluctant, they shall be gathered.Heshallseeitfullydone.Mountains,rocks,seas,cells,cannothidemenonthatawfulday.IV. Theseparating.Theycomeasonegreatmultitude,butsoontheyaredivided.(1.)Theyaredividedintotwoclasses,onlytwo;onegoodandoneevil;sheepandgoats.(2.)TheyaredividedbyHimself.HowHedoesitweknownot.ButHeshalldo itcompletely,effectually,withoutmistake,—onemistake.Theseparationshallbeperfectandfinal.(3.)Thesheeparesetontherighthand,theplace of honour, power, acquittal, favor; the goats on the left, for shame andcondemnation.V. Theconvicting.HegivesthereasonsforwhatHedoes,—reasonstobothclasses;theseareallsummedupinonegreatreason,viz.:Whattheydidordidnotdo forHim.The righteous are told thatwhat theydid forhisbrethrentheydidforHim;thewicked,thatwhattheydidnotdoforhisbrethrentheydidnot forHim.Thus the one class ismade to feel how truly all theirworks areaccepted,andtheotherleftwithoutexcuse,notbeingabletosay,Thouwertnothereforustodoanythingforthee."Ah,butmybrethrenwerehere.Yediditnottothem."Thisstopstheirmouth.VI. Thesentencing.ThisisfromtheJudge'sownlips.Angelsmaygatherthem,Hemustsentencethem,forHeisLordandJudgeofall.First,Heturnstothe right, and speaks to the sheep. (1.) Come, have done with all yourwanderings and tribulations; come, endyour pilgrimage. (2.)Yeblessed—Oh,precious name—the blessed, the "well spoken of"; among men perhaps onlycursed!(3.)BlessedofmyFather;notofman,norofmeonly,butofmyFather;belovedofGodandblessedofGod;thisisthebeginning,theforetasteofendlessblessedness. (4.) Inherit the kingdom; exile, oppression, weariness, end in akingdom;— they are kings and priests ;—an everlasting kingdom, long sinceprepared!This is therecompenseof toil,andwork,andwearinessforme,—ofeveryservice,howeverlittle,donetooneofmine.Secondly,Heturnstotheleft,andspeakstothegoats.

(1)Depart,comenotnearme,normykingdom.Ioncesaid,Cometome,andyewouldnot;Inowsay,Depart.(2)Yecursed;notblessed,butcursed;notmerelyunderthecurse,butwiththecursepoureddown.(3)Intoeverlastingfire,—fire,—everlasting,—preparedfor thedevilandhisangels.Why?Simplyyedidmenoservice!Notyeweredrunkards, thieves, liars,Sabbath-breakers;butyedidnothingtome!VII. The executing. These go away into everlasting punishment, but therighteous into life eternal. "Sohedroveout theman," is the first executionofjudgment."Theyenterinthroughthegatesintothecity"isthefulfillmentofthegraciousverdict.Godcarriesoutbothhisloveandhisvengeance.Hefaltersnot."Judgmentlingerethnot,damnationslumberethnot."ThedayofthecarryingoutofallGod'spurposesandsentenceswillcertainlyarrive.Whatshallbetheendofthemthatobeynotthegospel!Ohterribledoom!woe,woe,woe,everlasting!Whatshallbethejoyofthesaved!Joyunspeakable,thecrownofrighteousness.These are the twogreatmasses.They aremixed now; they shall be separatedsoon.Thedayofsiftingisathand.

XXV.TheDenyingDisciple

"Hedeniedbeforethemall,saying,Iknownotwhatthousayest."—

Matthew24:70.

Ittakesalmightinesstoliftupasoulfromdeath;anditneedsnolesstoholdupthesoul thathasbeen raised.Hence theneedofadivinequickener;hence thepreciousnessoftheblessedSpirit.Heonlycankeepusfromfalling.WereHetoletgo, inamomentwefall.InPeter'scaseweseeall this.ItwasanAlmightyvoicethatcalledtohim,"Followme;"anditwasanAlmightyhandthatdrewhimoutofhisboat, and fromhisnets. Itwas anAlmighty arm that sustainedhim.Andnowforamomentthatarmletshimgo,toprovehimandshewhimhisweakness. Inamomenthe falls.His fall isoneof the saddest andmost awfulthattheBiblerecords.HedeniedhisLord.HedeniedhimwhenheoughtmosttohaveconfessedHim.HedeniedHimwithoathsandcurses.Letusthrowthestatementoftheevangelist intothefollowingquestions:—(1.)Who?(2.)Whom?(3.)What?(4.)When?(5.)Where?(6.)How?I.Who?Judas?No.Nicodemus!No.Thomas,thedoubter?No.Philip,thequestioner?No.Peter?Yes;Peter.Simon,sonofJonas.Peter,therock!Peter,theconfessoroftheChristofGod.Peter,theferventproclaimerofhisfidelityandlove.Peter,whotooktheswordagainstMalchus.Peter,whohadbeenwiththeMaster on the transfiguration•hill, and in the garden of his agony. Yes; Peterdenies.Poorhumanheart!Lord,what isman!What isevenaconvertedman?Whatisadisciple?Lethimthatthinkethhestandeth,takeheedlesthefall.II.Whom?ItishisownMasterwhomheisthustreating;Jesus,whomhehad followed;whomhehadconfessed;andwhomheseemedso truly to love.JesusofNazareth!JesustheChrist,theSonofGod;theSonoftheblessed!Itisnotafellowdisciplewhomhethustreats;itishisblessedMaster!Oincrediblemysteryofhumanevil!Odesperatewickednessoftheheartofman!

III.What?HedeniesHim.ItisnotforsakingHimmerely.Theyhadalldonethat.ButitisdenyingHim.Inthishestandsalone.NoonebutPeterhadsaid,Iknownottheman;—hewhohadsolatelysaid,WeknowthatthouarttheChrist!Whatingratitude,whatfalsehood,whatinconsistency,whatcowardice,arehere!Butshouldwehavedoneanythingelsehadwebeenthere?IV. When?Immediatelyafterthesupperandthegardenscene;afterthosewondrouswordsrecordedbyJohnasspokenintheupperroom;afterlisteningtothe awful cries of Gethsemane! So soon after these! Does it not seemimpossible!Yetwithalltheseinremembrance,hedenieshisLord.V.Where?IntheHighPriest'shall;withinsightandhearingofhisLordhedoes it. In circumstances in which we should have expected him nobly toconfess Him. In the hour of danger. Surrounded with enemies. Forsaken byfriends.Yes,intheverypresenceofhisMasterhedeniesHim.Untouchedwithpityforhisdesolation,andsorrow,andtorture,hedeniesHim.VI. How?Hediditthreetimes.HediditafterbeingwarnedbytheLord.Hediditthroughfearofawoman.Hediditinthemostdecidedway.Hediditwith oaths and curses. Oh, what a denial! "Woman, I knowHim not!" Then,"Man,IknowHimnot."Then,"Man,Iknownotwhat thousayest."Andthentheoathsandcursesburstforth.Odreadfulandincrediblewickedness!TheoldfishermanofGalileehad,itwouldseem,beenaswearerbeforehisconversion.ThisswearingfishermanhadbeencalledbytheLordandbecomehisfollower.Three years' intercoursewithChrist haddonemuch for him.But the oldmanwasnotdead.Thetemptationwaspresented,andtheoldhabitreturned,theoldblasphemiesbrokeout.Theoldoathscameforthagain;aye,andtheycameforthtoclenchhisdenialofhisMaster."MayIbecursedforeverifIknowtheman,"hesays.Simon, sonof Jonas, is it thou? Is that thyvoice?Ah, ifyourMasterheard,whatwouldHesay?Heheard!Yes,Heheardthethreefolddenial,andthecurseswithwhichitwasenforced.Yetnoangercamefromeitherliporeye!Thecurse only drew out the love. Yes, at the sound of the last denial, invokingdamnation on himself if he knew the man, the Lord turned and looked. Helookedinlove,andtheloveconquered.Peterwentoutandwept.Itwashislastdenialandhislastoath.Satanhadsiftedhim;buttheLordstepsin.

XXVI.TheTrueConfessorAndTheFalse

"Ihavesinned."—

Matthew27:4.

Thisisconfession;sofaraswordsgo;weshallseewhatitamountsto.Godlaysgreatstressuponconfessioninhisdealingswithsinningman.ItisasaconfessorofsinthathedrawsneartoGod;anditisassuchthatGodreceiveshim.Thisistheonlyposition,theonlycharacterinwhichGodcandealwithhim.Coveringsinwilldonothingforus.Itdoublesthetransgression.ConfessionistheclosestandmostpersonalofallkindsofdealingwithGod.AspraiseisthetellingoutwhatweseeinGod,soconfessionisthetellingoutwhatweseeinourselves.Itspeciallycomprisesmatterswhichcanbespokeninnoearbut God's. There is, no doubt, public confession; but the largest part ofconfessionisprivate.Mancannotbetrustedwithit;manmustnotevenhearit.Hence,thewickednessofanymansettingupforaconfessor.Hencethesinofadishonest confession; and the necessity of dealing honestlywithGod and ourownconsciencesinamattersoentirelyprivateandconfidential.TheattempttodeceiveGod,ortohideanythingfromHim,isasdangerousasitiswickedandinexcusable.Therearetwokindsofconfession,afalseandatrue.Wehaveinstancesofbothof these inScripture.Theybothmakeuseof thesamewords,"Ihavesinned";yettheydonotmeanthesamething,norindicatethesamestateoffeeling.Letusnotesomeoftheinstancesofthefalse.There is (1) Pharaoh. Twice over he says, "I have sinned against the Lord(Exodus 9:27; 10:16). (2) Israel. After deliberate disobedience, and as adeclaration of farther disobedience, "We have sinned" (Numbers 14:40). (3)Balaam(Numbers22:34.)HesaidtotheangeloftheLord,"Ihavesinned."(4)Achan.(Joshua7:20),"Indeed,IhavesinnedagainsttheLordGodofIsrael."(5)

Saul. (1 Samuel 15:24), "Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned, for I havetransgressedthecommandmentoftheLord."(6)Judas.(Matthew27:4),"IhavesinnedinthatIhavebetrayedtheinnocentblood."Theseareexamplesoffalseconfession.Anditsfalsehoodconsistedinthis,—(1). It was constrained. It was extorted by terror and danger. It was notspontaneousornatural.Thesemenwouldrathernothavemadeit;buttheycouldnothelpthemselves.Itwasmerelythenaturalheartcryingoutintrouble.(2).Itwasselfish.ItwasnotthedishonourdonetoGod,northeinjurytoothers,thattheythoughtof;buttheconsequencestothemselves.Itwasnotsin,assin,thatwasconfessedandhated.(3).Itwassuperficial.Itwasnottheconscience,theinnerman,thatwasstirred;butthemereexternalpartofman'sbeing.Therealnatureofsinwasunfelt.Selfwasnotabasednorloathed.Therewasnobrokennorcontriteheart.(4). It was impulsive. Some judgment smote, or was to be averted; someafflictionoverwhelmedthem;somesermonrousedthem.Andundertheimpulseofsuchfeelingstheycriedout,"Ihavesinned."(5).Itwastemporary.Itdidnotlast.Itwasliketheearlycloud,itpassedaway.Thewordsofconfessionhadhardlypassedtheirlipswhenthefeelingwasgone.Let us beware of false confessions. Let us not cheat our souls, nor lull ourconsciences asleep, by uttering words of confession which are not theexpressions of contrition and broken-heartedness. Let us deal honestly,searchingly,solemnly,withGodandourownconsciences.Godlysorrowisonething,andthesorrowoftheworldisquiteanother."Benotdeceived;Godisnotmocked."Hewantsrealwords.Butwehavesomeexamplesofno-confession.WehaveAdamtryingtohidehissin; Cain refusing to confess; and Lamech glorying in his shame. They arespecimensoftheimmoveableandimpenetrable;shewingthelengthstowhichahumanheartcango.Butwehavemanynotable instances of true confession; proclaiming to us the

truthofthepromise,"Whosoconfessethandforsakethhissinsshallhavemercy"(Proverbs28:13);"Ifweconfessoursinsheisfaithfulandjusttoforgiveusoursins" (1 John 1:9). David said, "I have sinned," and his confession broughtforgiveness.Danielsaid,"wehavesinned,"andhefoundforgiveness.Yes,trueconfession brings certain pardon. We have but one Confessor and oneConfessional;andbothareheavenly,notearthly;weneednomore.Intrueconfessionwetakeourproperplace.WetaketheonlyplaceinwhichGodcandealwithus;theonlyplaceinwhichitwouldnotdishonourhimtopardonus,—thesinner'splace.AndhewhoiswillingtotakethisplaceissureoftheacceptancewhichtheforgivingGodpresents.TheSpirit'sworkinconvincingofsinistobringustoourtrueplacebeforeGod.Hewhotakesthisbutinpartgetsnopardon.Hewhotriestooccupyahigherorbetterplacemustberejected.HewhotriestodealwithGodasnotwhollyasinner,assomethingbetterthanameresinner,shutshimselfoutfromfavor.HewhogoestoGodsimplyasasinner,shallfindfavoratthehandsofhimwhoreceivethsinners,whocamenottocalltherighteousbutsinnerstorepentance.Everythingdependsonthis.IfhegoestoGodwithsomegoodnesstorecommendhim;somegoodfeeling;somesoftnessofheart;someexcellenceinhisownfaithorrepentancetorecommendhim,hecannotbereceived.Buthewhogoessimplyasasinner,willtastethattheLordisgracious.In trueconfessionwecome toseesinsomewhatasGodsees it; andourselvessomewhatasGodseesus.Isaysomewhat;becausewecannotherefullyenterintohismindregardingsinandthesinner;weseebutinpart,andfeelbutinpart.Itisbutafaintglimpsewegetofsinandofourselves.ButitiswiththisthatwegotoGod,havinglearnedsomething,thoughbutintheremotestdegreeofwhatsinisanddeserves,andofwhatHethinksofit.Wetakehisreportofwhatsinis,andofwhatweare,whetherwefeelitornot.WebelievewhatHehassaidaboutthesethings;andacceptingHistestimonytotheevilofsin,eveninspiteofourownwant of feeling,we confess it beforeHim, and receive at his hands thatforgivenesswhich,whileitpacifiestheconscience,makessinmoreodious,andourownheartsmoresensitiveandtender.We take theprodigal'swords,"Father, Ihavesinnedagainstheavenand in thysight."Weturnoureyeandourfeethomewards.Werememberthepast;welookroundusonthedesolationofthe"farcountry";welistentothegoodnewsofour

Father'sopendoorandlovingheart;weariseandgo.Andateverystep,aswedrawnear,ourviewofsinintensifies,ourself-abhorrenceincreases,oursenseofingratitude deepens; and yet the certain knowledge of our Father's profoundcompassionandunchangedaffectionsustainsus,cheersus;sothatwedrawnearwithatrueheart,infullassuranceoffaith;knowingthatifweconfessoursins,Heisfaithfulandjusttoforgiveusoursins.

XXVII.RelationshipToChrist

"ForwhosoevershalldothewillofGod,thesameismybrother,andmysister,andmother."—

Mark3:35.

Relationship toChrist is thespecial themeofourLord'sstatementhere. Itwasstartedbytheappearanceofhisearthlyrelationsontheoutsideofthecrowdthatwas listening to Him. His mother and his brothers (brothers in the commonsense)stoodwithout,andsenttocallhim.Thecrowdconveyedthemessage,andthat message drew out the scene and the words that followed. There waspresumptionintheconductofhismotherandbrothers;yetHedoesnotdirectlyrebukethisinterference,thoughindirectlyhedoes,asking,"Whoaremymotherandbrothers?"Astheanswertothisquestion,helooksatthecrowdclosearoundhim, not at the relatives standing without and calling; as if seeking for truerkindredamongtheformer;asifearthlykinsmanshipwerequiteaninferiorthing.Therelationshipsofbloodwere,afterall,externalandperishable;itisnotinhisownfamily,butamongthestrangermultitude,thatthedeeperandmoreenduringkinsmanshipis tobesought,—akinsmanshipofwhichallmaybepartakers,—fortheearthlyconnectioncouldofcoursebelongonlytoafew,theheavenlywascapableofillimitableextension.RelationshiptoJesusispresentedfreelytothesonsofmen.ThusourLorddisposesofthequestionofmerebloodrelationship,ofwhichmanhasmadesomuch.Itishuman,notdivine;earthly,notheavenly.Healsohimselfthusshakesofftheclaimswhichmereearthlytieswouldhavemadeuponhim.Hedoesnotdenythelowerbond,butheshewsthatitismergedinthefarhigherone, as taper-light is lost in sunlight.Thus farhe severs theonebond, that hemayknittheothermorecloselyandfirmly;shewinghimselfinafarhigheranddiviner association than men conceived, and thereby correcting the carnalmistakesintowhichunbeliefandselfrighteousnessandsuperstitionaresopronetofall.

Christstillspeaks,andspeakstous,concerningthismatter.Hestillstandswithoutstretchedhand,ashehasbeendoingthroughouttheages,saying,"Whoismymotherandmybrothers?"Hestill invites thecrowdsofearth, in thecenterofwhomheisstanding,topartakeoftheblessing,andtobecomehiskindred,hisown nearest relatives,—mother, brother, sister, all in one. Mark these threethings regarding this relationship (1), its importance; (2), its formation; (3), itsmanifestation.I.Itsimportance.Rankandrelationshipareamongmenreckonedthingsofmoment.They involve somuch, not only of privilege, but of affection andsympathy.Howimportantarethesehumanaffinitiesandalliances!Toberelatedtokings, tohave royalblood inourveins, this isoneofman'shighestboasts.HowmuchmoretoberelatedtotheKingofkings!Earthlyrelationshipsdolittlefor us, but thiswill do everything; andwhat it does is for evermore. It is aneverlastingrelationship.

(1.)It'deliversusfromwhatisearthlyandvain.Itisonlybytheformationofahigherkinsmanshipthatwecanbeseveredfromthedragofthecarnalandthecommon.Thuswearesetfreefromthebondage,andtheroutine,andthevanityofearth.Itbreaksthechainsofhell.(2.) It connectswith salvation and eternal life. It is the grafting into thelivingstemofthevine.Itnotonlyseversusfromdestruction,butitlinksustolifeandjoy.Hewhosekinsmenwebecome,quickensandsavesus.BecauseHelivesweshalllivealso.(3.) It connects us with honour and glory. All that our kinsman has,becomesours;hisrank,hisproperty,hisrights,hishonours,hisprospects.Ourinterestsarehenceforthboundupwithhisforevermore.Heisason,so do we become. He is an heir, so we become. He is a king, so webecome."WearemadepartakerswithChrist,"nay,"partakersofthedivinenature."

II. Its formation. This is given us in thesememorable words, bothpositivelyandnegatively,"Asmanyasreceivedhim,tothemgavehepowertobecome the sons ofGod, even to them that believe onHis name,whichwere

born,notofblood,norof thewill of the flesh,norof thewill ofman,butofGod"(John1:12).ThisisthefirstpointatwhichwecommencedoingthewillofGod.Thuswehavetheformationofthenewtiedeclaredtous.WebecomesonsofGod,andwedosobyouracceptanceoftheSonofGod;orwemaysaybyouracceptanceofJesusofNazareth,asbeingwhatGoddeclareshimtobe,thewordmadeflesh,theSonofGod."HethatbelieveththatJesusistheChrist,isborn of God." The internal process itself is the work of the Holy Ghost, theresultofasovereignpurpose,anewcreation.ButthevisibleorconsciouspartofitisourreceivingChrist.Notprayer,norreformation,norrepentance,butsimplyour reception of Christ; this is all. This introduces us at once into the newrelationship;thenewrank,thenewposition,thenewglory.ReceptionofJesusastheSonofGodistheonelinkthatbindsustoGod,andbringsusintothenewfamily, andmakesuspartakersof thehouseholdof faith inall theirprivilegesandhonours.AcceptanceofJesus!Dostthouknowthat,Oman?AcceptanceofJesusaccordingtotheFather'stestimony,thatisall!HastthoureceivedHimasGodmanifestinflesh,theLambofGod?Ifnot,thouartnothiskinsman.Thouartstillofthekindredofearth;nay,ofhell.III. Itsmanifestation.Alifeofservice,ofdoingtheFather'swill.Ourfirstactoffaithwasourfirstdoingofthatwill.Ourwholesubsequentlifeisadoingof it; and in doing it wemakemanifest whose we are, to whose kindred webelong,ofwhosefamilyorhouseholdwearemembers.Everyrealdoingofthisdivinewillisaproofandexhibitionofourrelationship;everynon-doingofthiswill,oroppositiontoit,isamanifestationofourearthlykindred.Here, then,we have the test of our Christianity, a life of divinewilldoing.WesaythatweareChristians,Christ'skinsmen;well,letustryourselves.ArewedoingthewillofourFatherinheaven,—hisFatherandourFather,—andsoopenlyidentifyingourselveswithhim?

(1.)AreourheartsdoingtheFather'swill?Isthatwillourwill?(2.) Are our intellects doing the Father's will? In the present dayman'sintellectisutterlyinrevoltagainstGod.Hasoursbeenbroughtintogladsubjection?(3.)Areourpurposesdoing theFather'swill?Eachday is fullofpurposes

andschemes.Whatarethese?Earthlyorheavenly?Holyorunholy?(4.)IsourlifedoingtheFather'swill?Life,beitshortorlong,ismadeupofmany parts.What is the nature of thesemyriad things thatmake upwhatwecallourdailylife?(5.) Isour family lifedoing theFather'swill?Andareweby theway inwhich we regulate it, shewing that we are kinsmen of the Lord JesusChrist?(6.) Isourbusiness lifedoing theFather'swill?Havewe takenGod intopartnershipwithus,andareallourtransactionsregulatedbyasenseofHispresence,andadesireforHisapproval?

Thus letus testourrelationship toChrist.Nothe thatsays,Lord,Lord,buthethatdoeththewillofourFatherinheaven;heisthekinsmanoftheSonofGod;heitistowhomJesuspointsandsays,"thesameismybrother,andsister,andmother."

XXVIII.TheGreatCalm

"Thewindceasedandtherewasagreatcalm."—

Mark4:39.

Itiswritten,"Hemakeththestormacalm"(Psalm117:29).Ofthisourtextgivesanotableinstance;evenmorenotablethaninthecaseofJonah.InthePsalmitisJehovah that does it; here it is Christ; identifying the calm-maker, thestormstiller;andshewingthatJehovahandJesusareone."Hemakeththestormacalm;"he,notman;norchance;northelawsofnature.Heraisedthewind;hestilledit;justastrulyasdidJesusontheseaofGalilee,whenHearoseand"rebukedthewindandthesea,andtherewasagreatcalm."Theone isasdirectlyhisdoingas theother.The"calm," then, is thevoiceofGod.Itisnotthefire,ortheearthquake,orthewhirlwind;butstillitisthedivinevoice; thestill smallvoicewhich, like thegoodnessofGod,ought tomeltourhardhearts,andleadustorepentance;torevive,andcomfort,andcheer,Itisthevoice,—(1.)Ofpower.Thecalmisastrulythemanifestationofpowerasthestorm.Whatpowertostillsuchstorms;tobindsuchwinds;tosmoothsuchwaves!ThinkofGod'spowerinthecalm.(2.)Of love.Hedoesnotdelight in thestormor itshavoc, in thewindand itsterror;hisdelightisinthecalm;forGodislove.ItwasthevoiceoflovethatonthelakeofTiberiasproducedthecalm;and,inthecalm,loveisspeakingstill.(3.)Ofpeace.Thecalmremindsusofpardon,andreconciliation,andfriendship."Peacebestill"are thewordsofgrace tous."Beofgoodcheer: it is I;benotafraid."Thecalmistrulythepeace-speakingvoiceofGod,—ofGod,willingtobeatpeacewithus,andaskingustobeatpeacewithHim.

(4.)Ofwarning.Noearthlycalmlasts.Itisoftenthepreludeofagreaterstorm.Thefourangelsheldinthefourwinds;butitwasonlyuntiltheservantsofGodwere sealed.Their very holding inwas thewarning.Theywere pent up for abriefseason,thattheymightbreakloosethemoreterribly.Therearemanystormsandcalmshere;ofallkinds,innerandouter;oftheinnerman,ofthechurch,ofthenation,oftheworld.Allofthemspeaktous.Letusadvert to twoof these,—thepresentcalm for the soul, and the futurecalm forearth.I. Theinnercalm.Therehasbeenastorm.Ineverysoultherehasbeenthis.Eveninman'scarelessstatethereisenoughoftempesttodisturbhisquiet.ButwhenarousedbytheSpirit,thenthegreatnessofthestormbegins.Itragesthroughtheman'swholebeing.Butthereisarulerandastillerofthisstorm;onewho gives rest; who calms every tumult within. Jesus is He whose wordproducesthegreatcalminthetempest-drivensouloftheawakenedsinner.Itisacalminthreeaspects,orthreepartsofman'sbeing.

(1.)Inhisconscience.Foritischieflyintheconsciencethatthestormrages.The sense of guilt, remorse, terror, wrath, the prospect of judgment andeternalwoe,—all thesework together to raise a storm such asman cannotquell.OnlytheSonofGodcanlaythesewindsandwaves.Hespeakspeacetotheconsciencethroughhiscrossandblood;hisgospelofrighteouspeace,meeting all these different points of conflict and commotion, calms theconscience.Itproduceswhattheapostlecallsnomoreconscienceofsin.(2.)A calm in his heart. That heartwas the seat of conflicting feelings;loves,fears,hopes,joys,sympathies,antipathies.Itwasmadetobefilled;itwantedtobefilled;andithadnonetofill it.Therewasastorminhisheart.But nowGodhas come in;Christ has come in; hehas somethingnow to love worthy of love; something to fill his heart; it is no longertossed to and fro with the uncertainties and changes of creature•love.Divinelovefillsit;andthatiscalmfortheheart;presentcalm;calmthatgrowsmorestableeveryday;theearnestoftheeverlastingcalm.(3.)A calm in his intellect.Hismindwas distracted.Hewas perplexed,puzzled,torninpiecesbydoubt.Whatistruth?heaskedhimself.Butno

answerwastobehad.Theever-rising,ever-shiftingopinionsoftheworldkepthiminperpetualmotion.Hismindwasnotatrest.Therewasstorminhis intellect; and all his powers seemed loosened, broken, unable to fixthemselves.ButtheSonofGodhascome!WithHimthetrueknowledgehas come; the knowledge of the Father and the Son; the knowledge ofGod's righteous love; the knowledge that satisfies,—that diffuses lightthroughtheintellect.Thereisagreatcalm.Jesusis teachinghim;andinthat teaching there is unutterable calm,—a true intellectual calm. Hismentaldistractionandwearinessareatanend.Eachwordfromthelipsofthe great prophet seems so true, so real, so certain, that his wholeintellectualbeingfindsrepose;itisthereposeofactivity,yettheactivityofrepose.Thereisagreatcalm.

II. Thefuturecalmforearth.Ineveryaspectoursisastormyworld.Ineverysense,materially,morally,spiritually, intellectually,externally, internally,—there is the earthquake, thevolcano, thewhirlwind, thebreeze, the tempest,thetide.Allisrestless.Forsinishere.AlienationfromGodishere.Thecurseliesstilloncreation,—thekingdomsofeartharestillhostiletoGod.Satanisstillrulerofthedarknessofthisworld.Butitsdayofcalmiscoming.Jesuswillyetspeaktoitandsay,Peacebestill;andthereshallbeagreatcalm,thecalmofthenewheavensandearthwhereindwellethrighteousness.Hecomes,—

(1.)Asaprophet;toimpartwisdomandknowledgetoitsinhabitants.Thatcalmshallbethecalmoftruewisdom,—thecalmoftheheavenlylight,—thecalmrealizedinthefulfillmentoftheword,"TheyshallbealltaughtofGod."(2.)Asapriest; toimpartuniversalpardonandcleansingtoearthanditsdwellers,throughhisonesacrifice.Itshallbepriestlycalm;calmdiffusedoverthistempestuousearthbythewordofthegreatHighPriest.(3.)Asaking;toimpartroyalcalm;thecalmofheaven;thecalmwhichHeonlycangivewhoistheKingofkings.ItisasakingthatHecomes;itis as aking thatHe shall say,Peacebe still; and then shall be thegreatcalmsuchasearthhasneverknown.

XXIX.OnlyBelieve

"AssoonasJesusheardthewordthatwasspoke;hesaithuntotherulerofthesynagogue,Benotafraid;onlybelieve."—

Mark5:36.

MostofChrist'smightyworkshadtodowithdiseaseandhealth,withdeathandlife.Notallofthem;forwehavethewaterturnedintowine,andthemultitudefed.Butmostofthemwereaswehavesaid.HereitisdeathwithwhichHeisbroughtintocontact;andHedealswithitasthePrinceoflife.Atthreedifferentstagesdoeshemeetwithandovercomedeath,andhimthathasthepowerofdeath.(1.)Thenewlydead,ashereinthecaseofJairus'daughter.(2.)Thedeadofaday,asinthesonofthewidowofNain.(3.)Thedeadoffourdays.Each timeHeencountersmoreofdeath,andhas togodowndeeper intothehorriblepit.Butinallthethree(andnodoubtthereweremanysuch)Heisthe conqueror,— the resurrection and the life. But let us look at the wholemiracle;itisoneofsicknessanddeath;andinconnectionwiththesethereisthepersuasionthatChristwastheonlydeliverer.Wesee(1.)faith;(2.)faithgivingway;(3.)faithstrengthenedandencouraged;(4.)faithvictorious;(5.)unbeliefrebuked.I.Faith.ThefaithofJairus;—ofbothfatherandmother;forbothseemtohave turned their eye to Jesus. He is probably a Pharisee; like Nicodemus, amasterinIsrael;therulerofthesynagogue,—awell-knownmaninCapernaum.ButhehasheardofJesus,—ofhiswonders,—howhecanovercomedisease;andashislittledaughterliesdying,heleavesherbedsidetogoinquestofJesus.Itisfaith that sendshimon this errand; faith in Jesus as thehealer; for at first hisfaithonlyreachedthusfar.ButJesusleadshimon;andthefaiththatbeganwithtrustingHimasthephysician,endswithrealizinginHimtheraiserofthedead.For faith often beginswith little, and ends inmuch; it beginswith a trickling

streamlet,andendswithafullbroadriver;itbeginswithafewstreaksoflight,andendswiththegloriousdawn,ormoregloriousnoon.II.Faithgivingway.Idonotsaythatthefather'sfaithgaveway,—thoughfrom thewordsof Jesus it seems to havewavered.But themother's faith haddone so; for she had sent the messenger with the desponding message, "Thydaughter is dead, why troublest thou the Master any further?" Her faith hadfound its limit (as in the case ofMartha andMary,—Lord, if thouhadst beenhere,mybrotherhadnotdied);ittookholdofJesusasthehealerofthesick,butitwentnofarther.SheknewsomethingofJesus;andthatsomethinghadledherto thinkofHim;but itwas little thatsheknew;andher faithsooncame toanend.Had she knownHim better, shewould have either sent nomessage, butcalmlywaitedhisarrival;oritwouldhaverunverydifferently,—"Thydaughterisdead,urgetheMastertocome."Ah,doesnotourfaithoftenthusfail,—justatthispoint?WecangotoHimforalittlething;wecannotgotoHimforagreatthing.Wecountitpresumptiontoexpectmuch.Insteadoffeelingthattheworsethecase,thegreatertheglorytohispowerandlove,westopshort,andceasetoexpectanythingfromHimatall.IneednottroubletheMaster,wesay,mycaseissodesperate;insteadofsaying,becausemycaseissodesperate,IwilltroubleHim, IwillgiveHim thisopportunityofmagnifyinghis skill andgrace.Thusfaithshewsitsfeebleness.Itgiveswaywhenanystrain isputuponit.WecantrustJesusforalittle,butnotformuch,notforall!Oweoflittlefaith!III.Faithstrengthened.Christspeaks."Fearnot;believeonlyandsheshallbemadewhole."Hesawhisfaithstaggering.Theintelligencewasablowtoit.HebelievedthatChristcouldhealher;butcanHebringherbackfromthedead?Thereisawidedifferencebetweenthesetwothings;theoneishuman,theothersuperhuman.Christ'swordsareforthestrengtheningofhisfaithinthatwhichissuperhuman.TheyareanintimationofthefargreaterfullnessinHimself.Theyhid the man believe in that fullness, and dismiss all the fears which the sadintelligence had awakened. They assure him that it was quite as easy for theMastertoraisethedeadastohealthesick.Fearnot;believeonly;andsheshallbemadewhole.ItisthusthatHeleadsfaithonandup,stepbystep;makinguseoffailureandeviltidingsforthisend.Astheroadgrowsdarkerthetorchblazesbrighter.IV.Faithvictorious.Thedeadchildisraised.Thyfaithhathsavedthychild.

Jesusand thebelieving fatherenter thehouse together,—go to thechamberofdeath. The father has taken Christ at his word; he has believed; he hasrecognized inChristnotmerely thehealerof thesick,but theresurrectionandthelife;andinresponsetohisfaithhischildisgivenbacktohim;thechamberofdeathbecomesthechamberoflife.Faithhaswonthevictory.ThatvictoryisresurrectionHethatbelievethonme,thoughheweredeadyetshallhelive.V.Unbeliefrebuked.Thefatherandmotherbelieve,andtheyareadmittedtoseethegreatsight,—theearnestofthatwhichshallbeseenoveralltheearthwhenthe trumpet shall sound.But it is anunbelievinghousehold; and themournersmakeknowntheirunbeliefinmockeryofChrist'sresurrectionwords.Theyareputout.Theyarenotallowed tosee thesight,—thegateofdeathunlockedbyHimwhohas itskeys;and theprisonerbrought forth.Theyonlysee the issueafterwards;but fromthegloriousspectacle itself theyareexcluded.Fromhowmanyblessed sightsdoesunbelief shutusout. Intowhat chambersof life andblessednessdoesfaithbringus!Onlybelieve!

XXX.JesusWonderingAtMan'sUnbelief

"Andhemarveledbecauseoftheirunbelief."—

Mark6:6.

I. Whomarveled?ItwastheSonofGod.Man'smarvelingmaynotbemuchworth;butChrist'shasadeepmeaning.Hisestimatewascorrect.Hedidnotmarvelamiss.ItisnotsaidthatHegrievedorwasangry;butHemarveled!Itwasasoredisappointment.Hecameseekingfruitandfoundnone.II.AtwhomdidHemarvel?AtthemenofGalilee.Hehadbeenbroughtupamongthem,andtheyknewHimwell.Hehaddonemostofhismiraclesthere;spokenmostofhisgraciouswordsthere.ButHecametohisown,andhisownreceivedHimnot.NowonderthatHemarveled.III. Atwhat didHemarvel?Not at their sins, their blasphemies, theirprofligacies; but at their unbelief. He did not marvel at the disease, but Hemarveledattheirrejectionofthephysicianandhismedicine;notattheirbeinglost,butattheirrefusaltobesaved.Butwhy at their unbelief? The unbelief of any poor sinnerwas a thing to bemarveledat,—howmuchmoretheirunbelief?Theirunbeliefofwhat?Hispowerandlove!Why?Because,

(1)Itwassounreasonable.Hehaddoneeverythingtoremoveorpreventit.Hehadgiventhemthefullestevidenceofhisdivineerrand,andofthetruth of his words. Their unbelief then, was truly without a cause,—withoutexcuseorpalliation,altogetherfoolish."IfIsaymetruth,whydoyenotbelieveme"?(2) Itwas sounkind.Hehadgoneout and in among them for somanyyears.Hehadspentandbeenspentforthem.Hehadlovedthem,yearned

over them, invited them;but theywouldnotbelieve.Hehadraised theirdead,healedtheirsick,givensighttotheirblind,fedtheirmultitudes;yettheywouldnotbelieve!Howunkind!(3) Itwassosinful.TorefusetheSonofGod!Totreathismiraclesasiftheyweretricks,andhiswordsasiftheywerelies,andHimselfasifHewereanimpostor!Unbeliefdoesallthis.Mustitnotbethesinofsins?(4)Itwassounprofitable.Theymadenothingbyit.Itdidthemnogood.ItwasauselessprovocationofGod,tosaytheleastofit.Itwaslikechildrenpreferringtoystogold.Ohthefollyofunbelief!Ohitsunprofitableness!(5)Itwassodangerous.Itputawaypresentpeaceandlove.Itmadethemmiserablehere.Butitalsotreasuredupwrathforthem.ItsetGodagainstthemforrejectinghisSon.Itwasthethrowingawayofeverlastinglife.Itwas the deliberate choice of hell for their portion. No wonder that hemarveled.(6) It was so willful. This sums up the whole. Their unbelief was adeliberaterejectionofChristandhisMessiahship. They did it freely, of their own will and choice, no onecompelling.NowonderthatJesusmarveledattheirunbelief!

1. Sinner,Jesusmarvelsatyourunbelief.HewondersthatyoushouldprefertheworldtoHim;deathtolife;helltoheaven!2.Anxioussoul,Jesusmarvelsatyourunbelief.Itisyourunbeliefthatiskeepingyou frompeace; andwhat reason canyougive for it? for refusing tobelieve the record? Jesus marvels at your darkness,—your doubts,—yourdistrust.3. Backslider, Jesusmarvelsatyourunbelief.Unbelief is the rootofbacksliding. It is theevilheartofunbelief risingupagain.Hesays,Returnyebackslidingchildren,forIammarrieduntoyou.

4.Believer,Jesusmarvelsatyourunbelief.Foristherenotmoreunbeliefthanfaithinyou?WithsuchaSaviourshouldyoueverdoubtatall?Oslowofheart to believe all that the Lord hath spoken.We believe but a little;we arecontentedwith that little.Whatdifferentmenshouldwebe ifwebelievedall!AllthethingsconcerningHim,hisfirstcomingandhissecond!

XXXI.Christ'sTeachingTheWorld'sGreatNeed

"Andthepeoplesawthemdeparting,andmanyknewhim,andrana-footthitherout of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.And Jesus,whenhecameon; sawmuchpeople,andwasmovedwithcompassion towardthem,becausetheywereassheepnothavingashepherd:andhebegantoteachthemmanythings."—

Mark6:33,34.

Wegethere, first,adescriptionof thepeople,andthenof theLordhimself, inHisdealingswiththem.Eachwordisdescriptiveandfull.I.ThePeople.

(1.)ThepeoplesawHim.Hewaswithdrawing toadesertplace,beyondtheseaofGalilee,forresttohimselfandhisdisciples;buthecouldnotbehid.Hemighthavehidhimselfwholly;buthedidnot;heallowedhimselftobeseen.(2.) They knewHim. They recognized Him. This is Jesus of Nazareth!Blessed recognition to them! Have our eyes seen him, and our heartsrecognizedhim?RecognitionofJesusbythesinner!Howmuchthereisinthat!Itmaybebutaglimpse,butitleadstomore.(3.)Theyrana-footthither.TheysawHimembarkingneartheheadofthelake.Theyhadnoboatorboatstofollowwith;buttheyranroundtheheadofthelaketogettotheotherside.Itwasquiteacrowd,morethanfivethousandmen,outofallthecities,flockingtoJesus.Blessedrunning;blessedeagerness,whenJesusisthegoal!(4.) They outran and reachedHim. Theywere first at the spot.As theyweregoingroundthelake, theycouldeasilysee thespotwhitherheand

hisdisciplesweregoing.Thithertheyranwithallmight,andreachedtheplacebeforehim.Blessedoutrunning!Thus they reachJesus,andcrowdaroundhim.Nordoeshewithdrawhimself.Heallowshimselftobeoutrunandreached;forsurelyhecouldeasilyhaveoutstrippedthem,ashiswastheshortestcourse,butheallowshimself tobeovertaken.Helingersforthem.Howwillingtobereached!Howaccessible!Howgracious!

II.TheLord.ItisHisgracethatwefindspeciallyhere.

(1.)Hecame.The"comingout"maybethecomingoutofthedesertplacetowhichhehadgoneforrest,orcomingoutoftheboatinwhichtheseahadbeencrossed.Itmatterslittlewhich,thoughprobablyitisthelatter,asitwouldseemasiftheyhadinterceptedhimonhiswaytothedesertplace.Hecameout!Hedidnothidehimself;heallowedthecrowdtomeethim.He turns not away fromanyone, normakes it a difficult thing to reachhim.(2.)Hesaw.Hiseyeslightedonthecrowdsthatweregatheringroundhim.Itwasnounwelcomesight,this"gatheringofthepeople,"—earnestofthegreatgatheringofthepeopleuntoShiloh.Hesaweverythingwithhumaneyes,exactlyastheywere;andtheymadeonhimimpressionssuchastheymake on us, for hewasman all over,with human eyes and ears, and ahuman'heartbeatingwithin.(3.)Hepitied.Hewasmovedwithcompassiontowardthem.Thesightofthethousandswastohimtouchingandaffecting.Hecouldnotbutfeel,forhesawthroughandthroughthem,understandingtheirtemporalandtheireternalwants;alltheirhungerandthirst,ofbodyandsoul.Hesawthemastheywere at themoment.He saw their eternal prospects.And he pitiedthem!Withalltheirsinsaboutthem,hepitiedthem.Thespecialthingatpresent which excited his pity, was their shepherdless condition. Theywerewandering sheep,with none to gather, none to feed them, none toguard them. It is a sinner's friendlessness, helplessness, forlornness, thatawakensthepityoftheSonofGod.Andthatpityissincere.Hefeelsforthewanderingsinner.Hestretchesouthishandstohim;hesays,"Iwouldhavegatheredyou."Ohthetrue,theprofoundpityoftheSonofGod!He,thegreatShepherd,istouchedwiththescattered,weary,forlorncondition

ofhiswanderingcreatures.Heis"verypitiful."His"compassionsfailnot."(4.)Hetaught."Hebegantoteachthemmanythings."Itwastothisthathispitypromptedhim.Hesawwhattheyneededsospecially.Theywereperishing for lackofknowledge.Heknewwhatwouldbless them,whatwould cure and comfort them,—teaching, divine teaching. This is thesoul'struecure.ThatwhichJesusspeaksisthecureofthesoul.Hiswords,histruths,areallweneed.Forinthemiscontainedthatwhichalonecanheal all our diseases, and fill all our emptiness,—the great love ofGod.Hencehesaid,"Learnofme;"forHehascompassionontheignorant,andonthemthatareoutoftheway.

Yes,itisteachingthatweneed;theteachingofJesus.Hehas"manythings"toteachthem;andallofthemcontaintheheavenlymedicine.Hiswordsarehealth,andrest,andfood,andjoy,andliberty.Thatteachingisallweneed.Havingit,we can dispense with self-teaching, or man•teaching, or church-teaching, orpriest-teaching,orbook-teaching.Who teacheth likehim?Letus resort tohimfortheheavenlyinstructionwhichalonecanprofit.Itiswithhimthatwehavetodoforinstruction,—"wholesomewords,"trueteaching.Heisnowinheaven,yetheteachesthemultitudesstill.Heisasaccessibleasever,ascompassionateandcondescending.Hisgraciouswordsarestill flowingdown tous, for thehealthandjoyoftheinnerman.Inthesedays,weneedtokeepthisinmindespecially.AmidtheBabelofhumanwords,andthecontradictionsofhumanteaching,letusresorttoHimfortheoneteachingwhichprofiteth.Thereisatpresentatendencytoturnawayfromhim,andlistentoothers.Otherteachingseemsmoreintellectual,morelearned,moreeloquent, more "abreast of the age." But what profits it? There is but oneteachingandoneteacherthatcanmakewiseforeternity.The strong delusion is abroad. There is no remedy for it but the teaching ofJesus.Theenticingwordsofman'swisdomaremisleadingmillions.Letusbeonourguard,lestwetoobeledawaybytheerrorofthewicked.Satanisworkingwith his snares and sophistries, to deceive, if possible, the very elect. Let uscloseourearsagainsthim,andlistentoJesusonly.Allotherteachingispoorandvain.Thisonlyfills,andgladdens,andleadsustoGod.

Theworldhasbutone teacherafterall. Jesus theSonofGod.Soalsohas thechurch. Only one teacher. He has wisdom; others have only folly. This oneteacheroffershimselftous.Allowhimtoteachyou,andhewill!Bewareoftheworld's folly coming under specious names,—the verifying faculty, the highercriticism,spiritual intuition,advancedliberalism,enlargedviews,emancipationfrombigotry.Trythespirits,whether theyareofGod;formanyfalseprophetsaregoneoutintotheworld.

XXXII.JesusAndHisFullness

"Andwhen they had passed over, they came into the landofGennesaret, anddrewtotheshore.Andwhentheywerecomeoutoftheship,straightwaytheyknewhim,and ran through thatwhole region roundabout, andbegan tocarryaboutinbedsthosethatweresick,wheretheyheardhewas.Andwithersoeverheentered,intovillages,orcities,orcountry,theylaidthesickinthestreets,andbesoughthimthattheymighttouchifitwerebuttheborderofhisgarment:andasmanastouchedhimweremadewhole."—

Mark6:53-56.

We may take up the topics of this passage in the following order: (1.) thelanding; (2.) the recognizing; (3.) the gathering; (4.) the touching; (5.) thehealing.I.Thelanding.TheyhadbeenontheeastoftheJordan,nearBethsaida;they had taken ship and crossed the lake; and now they draw to the shore ofGennesaret,whichwasawellwateredplainon thenorth•west sideof the lake,whereMagdala and other towns lay. It was no common landing this. Historyrecords many a landing,—of conquerors, liberators, benefactors, heralds ofpeace orwar.But here is a landingwhich surpasses all.Wherever theSon ofGod landed therewasblessing,peace, liberty,health.Hecarriedall thesewithHim; and wherever He landed He dispensed them.Wemay say that his firstgreat landingwasatBethlehem,whereHearrived fromheaven.After thatHehad many a lesser landing at other places; and wherever his heavenly vesseltouched, there He distributed its heavenly freight. He is still landing in ourdifferentcitiesandvillages,andstilldispensingliberallyhisrichstoresofhealth.WhereverthegoodnewsareproclaimedthereHeislanding;Heisseendrawingtotheshore;nay,Heisheardproclaiminghisgrace,andshewsHimselfas thedistributor of pardon, and life, and blessing. For all fullness is in Him; thefullnessofdivinelove,andhealth,andjoy.

II. Therecognizing."StraightwaytheyknewHim";Hecouldnotbehid;they recognized Him at once; Jesus of Nazareth, the healer of the sick. It isspeciallyassuchtheyrecognizeHimhereandnow.Itisnotastheteacherbutasthe healer, thatHe approaches the shore ofGennesaret. No doubtHe teachesalso;but speciallyHeheals.The first thingHedoes is toheal.Their first feltwantistheneedofhealing,andHedoesnotdespisethis,butownsit,respondstoit.ItwasthenasthehealerthattheyrecognizedHim,whenHecameonshore.TheyknewHim.Thisisthemanweneed!ThustheymetHim,—notasothers,prayingHim todepart out of their coasts, but as thosewhowere eager tobidHimwelcome."Ifthouknewest,"Heoncesaidtoanother;andsoHespeakstous.IfthouknewestHimandhisgifts,Osinner,wouldstnotthouhastentoHimandpartakeofhisfullness?Hecomestothee;wiltthounotgotoHim?III.Thegathering.Thenewsspread.Thehealeriscome!Theyrunthroughthewholeregionroundabout;theytellthetidings,theybringthesick.WhereverHe goes in this region,—country, cities, villages,—it is the same. He goes tothem;theycometoHim.Thewholeregionisstirred.Whatagathering;whatatimeofhealing;whatacastingoutofevilspirits;whataremovalofdiseasefromthe land. The center of the gathering is the Son of God. Here, as elsewhere,Christisall.Heisthegreatattractionforthesickandneedy.TheyhearofHim,andtheyflocktoHim,aswaswrittenofold,"ToHimshallthegatheringofthepeoplebe."Itwasthewantthatwasinthemselves,andthefullnessthatwasinHim, thatwas the reason for all this gathering.Hehadwhat they lacked; andthey came to Him for it. So round Him the publicans and sinners gathered,feelingthatHehadjustwhattheyneeded.ThussinnersgatheruntoJesusstill.Theyhearofhisgraceandtruth,ofhisloveandhisfullness;theylearnhowHehasbeeninthehabitofreceivingsinners;howmanymillionshave,inagespast,gonetoHimandbeenblessed.TheyhearthereportofwhatHeis,ofwhatHehasspoken,ofwhatHehasdone.TheygotoHim;theycrowdaroundHim;theysay,ThisistheBeingwhosuitsus,whomweneed,whohasallforus,whoiswilling to giveus all.Theymake thediscovery that distance fromHim is thecauseofalltheirwant,anddisease,andwretchedness.Sotheydrawnear.TheyformtheonegreatuniversalcircleofwhichJesusisthecenter!IV.Thetouching."TheybesoughtHimthattheymighttouchifitwerebuttheborderofhisgarment."ItwasnearnesstoHim,inanyway,inanyshape,—thattheysought.ContactwithHim,—nay,withhisgarment,—nay,evenwiththe

borderofhisgarment,—thiswaswhattheydesired.Hecouldhavehealedthematadistance,withouta touch,byaword;butHedidnot, thatHemight teachthemthatitisnearnesstoHimthatisthethingsoinfinitelydesirable;thattheremightbenomistakeastowherethehealingcamefrom.Therearemanywaysofcontact;Helooksonus,welookonHim;Hespeakstous,wespeaktoHim;Hetouchesus,we touchHim.Itmattersnotwhichof these itmaybe.Only theremust be contact or connection of some kind or other; communication openedbetweenusandHim.Thenallhisfullnessflowsout,andourwantdisappears.Itis not some meritorious act of touching; some laborious effort skillfully putforth.Itiscontactinanyway.TheywhotouchedHimandhisgarmentwerenotparticular as to themanner.To touchHimwas enough!Hedoes not standonceremonywith the sinner, saying,Touchme in thiswayor thatway, elseyoucannotbehealed.AllHewantsisthatyoudrawnearandapplytoHim.Youwillsoonexperiencehiswelcome,forHeislove;graceandtruthareinHim.V.Thehealing."AsmanyastouchedHim(orit)weremadewhole."Thecurewasimmediate,itwasfree,itwascomplete.Nouncertainty,nofailure.Allwhoappliedwerereceived;allwhotouchedwerehealed.Themedicinewasallefficacious;thephysicianwasall-skillfulandall•powerful.Disappointmenttherewasnone,andcouldbenone.Thekind,orthevirulence,ortheobstinacyofthedisease mattered not; the healing power was irresistible. How much morehealthymustJudeahavebeenduring theseyears!Whatanamountofsicknesstakenaway!Wehavethesamehealerstilltodealwith;allhisoldskill,andlove,and power. Time has not weakened Him, nor hardened his heart against ourdiseasesandoursorrows.Oursinshavenotproducedunwillingnessonhispart,norplacedusbeyondhispowerasincurables.Heisstillthesame.Hereceivethsinners.Hebidsuscome."Himthatcomethtome,Iwillinnowisecastout."Hedoesnotnowsaytoanyone,"Touchmenot,forIhavenotyetascended."Hesaysrather,"Touchme,forIhaveascended,"asiftheveryfactofhisascensionmadeHimmoreaccessible,moreeasytotouch.Touchme,looktome,hearme,followme,—these are some of his graciouswords. Shallwe remain afar off?Shallwecontinueunhealed,unsaved?Heisinearnest;shallwenotbeso?Heisdisappointed if we do not come.Hewants an opportunity of blessing us.WeneedHim,andHeneedethus.LetusgotoHimatonceasthesick,thesinful,theweary,thesad!

XXXIII.Christ'sRecognitionOfFaith

"And Jesus said unto him,Go thyway; thy faith hathmade theewhole.Andimmediatelyhereceivedhissight,andfollowedJesusintheway."—

Mark10:52.

TheLordisgoingaboutonhiserrandsofgrace,asonewhoseheartwasfulloflove, and his hands of blessing. He came, not to condemn, or to curse, or tosmite;buttopardon,tobless,toheal,tosave.Hehastodowithbodyandsoul;withthesoulspecially,butwiththebodyalso,bothforitsownsake,andalsotofurnishoutatypeofthatwhichisspiritual,bothinthesicknessandinthecure.Hecomesasthephysiciantothesick;notwiththebalmofGilead,ortheskillofitsphysicians,butwiththebalmofheaven,andtheskillofheaven.Letuslookatthissickonehere,andhiscure.Wemaylearnmuch.Thediseasesymbolizes something more terrible than itself; a deeper darkness; a sadderblindness; amore incurable deprivation.To be blind toman and thisworld issad;buttobeblindtoGodandtotheworldtocome,infinitelysadder.Manhasnoideaoftheterriblenessofsuchablindness;adiseasethatshutshimoutfromallthatisglorious,andbeautiful,anddivine.Oblindnessofthesoulhowterribleartthou!RenderingusincapableofseeingandknowingGod!With thee what would heaven be to us! Heaven without seeing God! Let usmark,—I.The application.Consciousof blindness, he longs for eyesight. Incapableofcuring himself, despairing of cure from his fellow-men, he betakes himselfelsewhere.Necessitybringshim.

(1.)Heappliesintherightquarter.Quittingman,hecomestoGod.HehasheardthefameofJesus;thecuresthatHehasdone;andheconcludes,thisis the healer forme.He is onewho can dowhat onlyGod can do.He

recognizes thenecessity for adivinehealer.Such is thehealerweneed;onewhoisdivine;whocandomightymiracles.(2.)Heappliesintherightspirit.Hehasnopromisetotrustin,butwhathehasheardcallsupfaith.Hecomesinfaith.Hecomesearnestly.Hecomesdefying opposition and hindrance. He casts away his garment in haste.Earnestness, coupled with confidence in Jesus,—these are the feelingswithwhich he comes. He knows exactlywhat hewants. He is in goodearnestaboutthematter;andhehasconfidenceinJesus.Hewilltakenodenial.HepresentswhatBunyancallshis"noteofnecessity."(3.)Heappliesattherighttime.WhenJesuswaspassingby.Iwouldnotsay that any time can be a wrong time; but there is truth in whatRutherfordsays,thatamanisconvertedjust"inthenickoftime."Thereisa tideofwhich itbehovesus to takeadvantage."SeekwhileHemaybefound;callwhileHeisnear."

II.Thereception.Itwasjustsuchasweshouldexpectcountupon.Itwas—

(1.)Most gracious. Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought;whenhecomesHereceiveshimlovingly,andgrantshisrequestatonce.He does not keep him waiting. It is truly the grace of Him who said,"Comeuntome."Hecamewithoutapromise;butthatmattersnot.(2.) Most satisfactory. He got the very thing he wanted. He got itimmediately.Hegotitwithoutpriceorgrudge.Itwasafullresponsetohisappeal.Hegotgoodmeasure,presseddown,andpouredintohisbosom.

Itwasthusthatthedivinephysiciandidhisworkonearth.Itisthushedoesitstill.Forhehascarriedupintoheavenallhis love,andskill,andaccessibility.He waits for the blind soul; He stands still; nay, He commands him to bebrought.We can use thewordswhich the bystanders did to the blindman ofJericho,—"Beofgoodcomfort,rise,hecalleththee."Poor,blindsinner,rise,—come!Makehaste, throwawayevery impediment,carryyourblindness to thisheavenly healer. Trust Him for the cure. You will meet with as gracious andsatisfactoryareceptionasdidtheblindmanhere.

III.Theeffectofthecure.HefollowedJesusinthewayuptoJerusalem.Hedidnotreturntohisownhouseorfriends,butatonceattachedhimselftoJesus.TheloveofChristconstrainedhim.Hecouldnotremainbehind;hemustfollow.Thus gifts from the hand of Jesus attach us to his person. They form a linkbetweenusandhim.Theyareasamagnettodrawus.HefollowedJesus;andsodoeseachonewhoseeyesHeopens.HefollowsHimintheway.Jesuswasonhisway to Jerusalem, andBartimeus followshim thither.And thuswe followHimtoo,—totheheavenlyJerusalem,—hishomeandours.Hedidnotsaytotheblindman,Followme;yethedidit;lovecompelledhim:hedidnotneedacommand.Unbiddenthehealedonefollows;sofollowwe.Heleadstheway;wefollow.Anywhere;itmattersnotwhere;enoughifJesusleadstheway,thoughitbetothewildernessortothecross.Howmuchmoreblessedwhenit is toJerusalemthatHeisgoing.ThitherwefollowHim;andthereweshallabidewithHim.HewasonhiswaytothecrosswhentheblindfollowedHim. It is not the cross now, but the throne and the glory. How eagerly anddelightedlyshouldwefollowHim.Hespeakstousandsays"Followme."

XXXIV.TheFruitlessLife

"Nothingbutleaves."—

Mark11:13.

ItwastheeyeoftheSonofGodthatsearchedthistree,andmadethisdiscovery.Itmusthavebeentruethattherewas"nothingbutleaves."Man'seyemightbedeceived;hiscouldnot.ThatwhichHefoundbarrenmusthavebeenreallyso.NofruitcouldbeconcealedfromHim.AndHewhosearchedthefigtreeisthesearcherofsouls,andthesearcherofchurches."Iknowthyworks."He found leaves, but nothingmore. Leaves are proper to the tree, but not themainthing.Theyaresomething,butnotall;nay,theyaretheleastpartofthatforwhichthetreeismade.Theyareornaments;theyareshade;theycoverthebarebranches; they protect the fruit from the sun. But they are not substitutes forfruit.Leavesandsomethingmorewouldhavebeenthething.Notfruitwithoutleaves, nor leaves without fruit. Leaves and fruit would have been the truecondition.Leavesarenecessary,butnotforsatisfyinghunger.It was the hunger of the Son of God that led to the discovery. He was "anhungered," forHewas trulyman.He thought that on this treeHewould findsomethingtosatisfyhishunger.Itpromisedwellatadistance;andhejudgedofitatfirstsimplyasamandoeswhoseesathingafaroff.Buttheverdictagainstthetreeis,"nothingbutleaves."(1.) It is a remarkable description. It is the least offensive way of describingbarrenness.Everythingisherebutfruit.Noexaggeration.ThisisChrist'ssimpledescription of a fruitless Christian. Nothing but leaves. Nothing to satisfy thehunger of the Son ofGod.Much that lookswell; but that is all. Nothing butwords!Nothingbutforms!Nothingbutprofession!(2.)Itisanexpressionofdisappointment.Itwasafigtree,notafirtree;itwas

not planted in thewilderness, but in a fruitful soil. There ought to have beenfruit, for the harvest had not yet been gathered.Leaves are promises.As theywave in the wind, or glisten in the sunshine, they say there is fruit here. AllChristianprofessionisapromise,—tomanandtoGod.Christcomestosatisfyhis hunger, and his verdict against the promising but fruitless professor is,"Nothingbut leaves."This is the languageofdisappointment;as in thecaseofGod'svineinIsaiah(v.4),orofthefigtreeplantedinthevineyard(Luke13:6).(3.) It is a declaration of uselessness. The purpose of the tree has not beenserved.Itwasmadeforfruit,andthereisnothingbutleaves!Itwasplantedinafruitful soil, in one of the pleasant Bethany hollows; but it bears no fruit.Nothingbutleaves!Then(1.)Nothingtodocredittoanyone;tothegardener,orthegarden,orthesoil,ortheowner,ortherootitself.(2.)Nothingtobeofanyuse to anyone; all a cheat, a sham, amockery; something for the eye,butnomore; a fair outside, but useless; not perhaps awhite sepulcher, but a uselessgrowth;awellwithoutwater;apretence,anunreality,afalsehood.(3.)NothingtosatisfythehungeroftheSonofGod;Hecravesfruit,notleaves.(4.) It is a sentence of doom. Or at least it is preliminary to it. Nothing butleaves! Then wither away! Leaves and branches perish! This is thecondemnationofthefruitlessprofessor.Thisfruitlessfigtreeisasymbol.ThougharealtreeontheBethanyroad,yetasymbol: of Jewish unfruitfulness; of Christian unfruitfulness; unfruitfulness inthe individual and in the church; words without deeds, or deeds that containneitherlifenorlove,andmakethedoerassoundingbrassoratinklingcymbal.It is simple unfruitfulness that is represented here, as in the fig tree of thevineyard. It isnotcorruptorpoisonous fruit; it isnot immoralityoreven totaldeath; nor the twice-dead tree; nor the cloud charged with fire; nor the starsheddingbalefulfire;northewhitedsepulcher;butsimplytheabsenceoffruit.Itisformwithsomeshowoflife;atreewithfoliage,withsufficientsaptoproduceleaves and verdure; a profession sufficiently fair to excite expectation; a fair-promisingChristianity,anexcellentexternalreligion.Theclassdescribedhereisnot that of the profligate, the scoffer, the drunkard, the theatre goer, the ballattender, the card-player, the turfhaunter, the Sabbath-breaker; but the briskreligious talker, the bustling planner, the church-frequenter, the man of the

committee and theplatform.Theprofessordepictedheremaybe foundat ourcommuniontable,amongourelders,orSabbath-schoolteachers,orvisitors,or,perhaps, our ministers. He goes far; he promises much; he raises highexpectations.Yet,afterall,thereisnothingbutleaves!Nothingbutleaves;then,I. Ourcreedisvain.Itmaybeexcellentandsound;withoutacrackorflaw;orthodox,ancient,evangelical;withChristasitsalphaandomega.Itmaybenobleandvenerable; thecreedof apostles; thecreedofprimitivedays; thecreedof the reformation; thecreedofallprotestantchurches; thecreedofourfathers, inwhichwehavebeen instructedfromchildhood;yet if itproducenofruit,itisvain.Wemaybemostintelligentinourapprehensionofit,—zealousinourappreciation,anddefense,andpropagationof it,—yet ifwearewithoutthatwhichGodcallsfruit,whichistheoffspringoflife,andlove,andfaith,wearebutassoundingbrassora tinklingcymbal.Amanmaysay,"Lord,Lord,"andyetbeshutoutfromthekingdom.II. Our religion is vain. By "religion" Imean thewhole of aman'stransactionswithGod;hiswholeworshipandservice;allthewaysinwhichhiscreed acts itself out. If there be nothing of what God calls fruit, his wholereligious life is vain; all his religious acts,whether of devotion, or service, orbenevolence,arevain.Inhimthewholeroutineofreligionmaybeperfectandunexceptionable,andtheremaybenopositive inconsistencytocontradict this,—noirreverence,noneglect,nocontempt,—yethisreligionmaybeunfruitful.Itmaylookwell,andpromisewell,yetafteralltheremaybe"nothingbutleaves."III.OurBibleisvain.Wemayreaditintelligently,reverently,andregularly,—wemayteachittoothers,inthefamily,theSabbathschool,theBibleclass,—yetitmayprofitnothing.Itmayberelishedbyussentimentallyorpoetically,yetfind no entrance into our conscience, no dwelling in our innerman.With ourBible inourhandsandonour lips theremaybeno life.TheBiblewithall itsgloriousgospelmaybeinvain.Thatgospelitselfmaybeinvain.IV.Ourchurchmanship isvain.Zeal fora truechurchwillnotservenorprofit; it

maysometimescoverlackofzealforChrist.LovetoachurchandlovetoChristareverydifferentthings.Churchmanshipisnotreligion;itisnotfruit,itisoftenmere"leaves."V. Ourfaithandhopearevain.Whatisfaithifitdoesnotshewitselfinfruit?Whatishopeifithavenoloving,living,practicalmanifestations?Letusseewhatisthenatureofourfaithandhope,lestafterallwehave"nothingbutleaves."VI. Ourwholelifeisvain.Notonepartofit,buteverypartofit.Allisunrealandhollow,beginning,middle,andend;thecivilandsocialaswellasthereligious.Itisonegreatunrealitythroughout;tobringforthnothing.Allwasted!Amereshow,orshadow,orpieceofacting.Howsadthatourwholelifeshouldbevain!Nothingbutleaves!Woe to the fruitless! They have had all advantages, yet they bear nothing butleaves!Woe to the fruitless?Thewholeendofbeing is frustrated!Woe to thefruitless!Theirwholecourseisapretence,afalsehood!Ifitbesofortime,—thenwhatforeternity?Thereisnopossibilityofimprovingthe tree hereafter. No transplantation, nor grafting, nor pruning, nor digginghereafter. It is felled and given to the fire! Or put it in this way,—eternalbarrenness!Howawful,howwretched!Eternalunreality!Evennowtheaxeislaidattheroot,intokenofcomingjudgment;itwillsoonbeliftedup;itwillsoonsmite.Sothat,whilepointingtothecross,wepointalsototheaxe;whiletellingofthehusbandman,planting,pruning,manuring,wemusttellalsoof thesamehusbandman,examining,condemning,cuttingdown.Yes,thecrossisyonder,buttheaxeishere.Ahyes!theseareawfulwords,Letnofruitgrowontheehenceforwardforever!Thecurseofeternalbarrenness!TobestrippedofourgreenfoliageasAdamofhisfigleaves;towitheraway!Ofruitlesssinner,bethinkyouofyourdoom.Bearfruitorperish!Fulfillyourpromiseorwitheraway.

XXXV.FaithInGod.

"AndJesusanswering,saithuntothem,HavefaithinGod."—

Mark11:22.

Twothingssuggestthemselveshere,inconnectionwiththesewordsoftheLord:first,thecommand;andsecondly,thereasonsforcompliancewithit.ThecommandbringsbeforeustheobligationunderwhichwelietogivetotheGodwhomadeus,ourentireandunreservedconfidenceineverything,greatorsmall,—inregardtoourownsalvation,andinregardtoeverymatterthatcomesbefore us, every duty that devolves on us, every plan that we form, everyperplexitythatovertakesus,everytrialwhichcomesdownonus.HavefaithinGod.ThisistheLord'scounsel;nay,hiscommand."HavefaithinGod."Notinself,notinman,notinchurches,notinprinces,notinintellect,notingold,notin the creature at all.Have faith inGod.Everything else is a broken reed, onwhich if a man lean it shall not only give way beneath him, but pierce himthroughwithmanysorrows.God'sdemandonushere,then,isforourcompleteand full trust, just as in the lawhis demand is for our absolute andundividedlove.This isChrist'sdemanduponus inbehalfof theFather.Hehadcome torevealtheFather.HehaddaybydaybeenrevealingHimandshewinghowtrulyhewas entitled to this confidence.Hehadhimself set the example of trustingHim,andthatinthemostadverseanduntowardcircumstancesinwhichasonofAdamwaseverplaced.Andspeaking tousasonewhohadfaith inGod,whohadaltogether trustedHim from the time thathewas "made tohopeuponhismother'sbreasts,"hemakesthissolemnbutmostblesseddemandintheFather'snameandintheFather'sbehalf,"HavefaithinGod."Itisnot,however,asifHewerebindingonusaburden;orissuinganewlaw,uponobedience towhich lifedepended. In thesewordsHe isproceedinguponthegreattruththatthelifehascome,—thatGodhasgiventouseternallife,andthatthislifeisinhisSon.Heisclaimingourconfidence,notforaGodwhois

yetwaiting tosee ifwewill fulfillcertainconditions,andcomplywithcertainterms,andobeyhiswholecodeoflaws(modifiedorunmodified);butforaGodwhowithoutwaiting foranything inus,hasofhisown infinitegrace,withoutonestipulationorcondition,senthisonlybegottenSonintotheworld,withthegiftofeverlastinglifeinhishandforthelostsonsofAdam.ItisinbehalforthisGodthatHeisspeaking;anditisbythedeclarationandexhibitionofwhatthisGodhasalreadydoneofhisownfreelove,unsoughtbyus,thatheseekstodrawbackouralienatedaffectionsfromotherobjects,andtowinourlostconfidencefrom the worthless creature, to the infinitely worthy Creator,—the God andFatherofourLordJesusChrist."HavefaithinGod."SuchisGod'sclaimuponyounowinhisownbehalf;suchistheSon'sclaimuponyouinthebehalfoftheFather.Theclaimismade in thevoiceofauthority,yetalsoof love. It is trulyboth. It is loving authority; and it is authoritative love. He asks it withoutreservation; and in awaywhich plainly indicates that the claim is onewhichadmitsofnorivalship.Itisonewhichcompletelysilencesandsweepsawayallcompetingclaims,howevervenerable,howeverattractivethesemayseemtobe.No divided heart! No divided obedience! No divided love! No dividedconfidence! There cannot be two Masters,—two Saviours, two Christ's, twoGods.IfthecreaturebeGod,letusgiveitourtrust;butifitbenot,thenwoetothemanwholeansonit.IfthechurchbeGod,thenletusgiveitourtrust,thatitmaysaveandblessus;but if itbenotGod, thenwoe,woe to themanwhosetrustishere.IftheworldbeGod,thenletustrustitassuch,andtrustitforourall;butifitbenot,thenwoe,woetothepoorsoulthatgivestoitthatconfidencewhichbelongstothelivingGodalone.In these days, when men are everywhere making or finding for themselvesobjectsoftrust,someinonethingandsomeinanother,letusholdfastthewordsof Christ, "Have faith in God." In these days, when men are forsaking thefountainoflivingwater,andhewingoutcisterns,brokencisternswhichcanholdnowater, letus takeour standbeside theone living, infinite, everlastingwell.Thereisnothingelsethatcanquenchourthirstforasinglehour,orkeepusfromthirstingagain."HavefaithinGod."Thisismeanttoapplytoeverything;forasthereisnothingtoosmallorcommonforGodtoguide,orkeep,orblessusin,sothereisnothingtoo small for us to trust Him in. In things religious, things common, thingsdomestic, thingspublic, thingsnational, thingspertaining to theworld,—letus

havefaithinGod.Thelessoffaiththatthereseemstobeintheworld,themorelettherebeinus.NationsdonottrustHim;letustrustHim(asitwere)forthem,andgocarrying theircase toHimonour faith,since theyrefuse tocarry itontheirown!StatesmenandpoliticiansdonottrustHim;letustrustHimforthem,andtaketheircares,theirburdens,theirperplexitiestoHim,sincetheywillnotdo it themselves. It was the friends of the sick man that had faith, and thatbroughthimtotheLord.Theirfaithprevailed,andhewashealed.Theworldhasno faith in God; few, very few, either rich or poor, have faith in God foranything;letusmakethisareasonforhavingstrongerfaith,thatwemaycarrytheworld'swants,andtheworld'ssins,andtheworld'ssoremaladiestoGod.Hewillnotoverlookanycase that isbrought toHimby thehandof faith,whosefaithsoeveritmaybe.Theworld'sgreatsinisnottrustingGod.Cursedisthemanthattrustethinman.Theworld'sgreatneedisfaithinGod.Letustakeuptheworld'scasewhilewetakeupourown.Butletusaskthereasonsforourcompliancewiththis.WhyarewethusurgedtohavefaithinGod~Whatshouldleadustothis?(1)ThereisChrist'scommanditself.Thisofitselfwouldsuffice.AstheFather'scommandmentisthatweshouldbelieveontheSon,sotheSon'scommandmentisthatweshouldbelieveontheFather.Christherelayshissolemncommandoneachoneofyouandsays,"HavefaithinGod."HemakesthisexplicitdemanduponyouonbehalfoftheFather.HeknewwhatitistohavefaithinGod.Itwasonegreatpartofhis lowestateonearth thatHe should liveby faithupon theFather. ThisHe had done in circumstancesmuchmore untoward,muchmorefitted to produce unbelief,much less calculated to cherish faith, than those inwhichyoucanpossiblybeplaced.HavingdonethisHimself,Heturnsroundonyou and lays His injunction on you, that you should do the same. Moreespeciallynow,whenHeisgoneuponhigh,shouldthiscommandweighwithus.Forwhoisthereonearthtocomplywithitnow,ifHisfollowersdonot.HetrustedinGodwhenHewashere,andHeexpects thatnow,whenHeisaway,weshoulddowhatHedid,andshewtoanunbelieving,untrustingworld,whatitistohavefaithinGod.Christ'scommandthen,enforcedbyHisexample,urgesonusthisduty.Sothatindecliningit,oratleastnotcomplyingwithit,wearerefusingtoobeyoneofthemostexplicitinjunctionseverlaidonman.Oftenwehearitsaidthatitwould

bepresumptiontotrustGodthusimplicitly,andthatwehavenowarranttodoso. No warrant! You have much more than a warrant, you have a commandwhichcannotbemistaken.Presumption!Howcan itbepresumption toobeyacommand?IsitpresumptioninyoutokeeptheSabbath,ortorefrainfromtakingGod'snameinvain?Itispresumptionnottotrust,nottohavefaithinGod,—itisthe worst of all presumptions, the presumption of refusing to obey a divinecommand,—apresumptionwhichnothinginoraboutyoucanpossiblyjustifyorextenuate.(2.)God'sowncharacterdemands this faith. It isnotenough tosay thatGod'scharacterwarrantsandencouragesusinthisfaith;wemustsaythatitdemandsit.ForlessthanthisisarefusaltorecognizeGod'scharacterasHehasmadeitknown to us; it is in having faith in Him that we make the true and properrecognitionofGodastheGodofallgrace.Towithholdthisfaithorconfidence,istosaythatGodisnotsuchabeingastheBiblere-presentsHimtobe;notsuchabeingaswarrantsourtrust,oraffordsusreasonforhavingfaithinHim.Now,we know thatGod has revealed to us his name and character. That revelationexhibits Him as altogether trustworthy; altogether such an one as invites thesinner's confidence. Nowhere in scripture is there any light cast upon God'scharacterwhichhasnotthistendency.NowherehasHedoneorspokenanythingwhichwouldrepelouradvancestoHim,orwouldinspiresuspicionordistrust.All his words bear one uniform testimony to his character as the graciousJehovah,-for-giving iniquity, transgression, and sin,thrusting none away, butsincerelyinvitingall;reprovingmenforstandingaloof,butupbraidingnonefordrawingnear;discouragingnone,butmostkindlyencouragingall;sendingoutmessages of welcome the most generous, and loving, and honest, that everproceededfromthemostlovingandlargeheartedofthechildrenofmen.ChristJesuswasHimselftheexhibitionandembodimentofthisgraciouscharacter.Hecouldsay,"Hethathathseenme,hathseentheFather."HethatsawthegraceoftheSon,sawthegraceoftheFather.HethatheardtheSonsay,Come,heardtheFather say, Come. He that saw the Son dealing with sinners, saw the Fatherdealingwith the sinners.And thus revealing theFatherand theFather'sgrace;pointing toHimself as the expression of the Father'smind and heart;makingknownineverywaybothbywordanddeedtheFather'smindoflove,Hecouldsay,withurgencyandwithauthority,"HavefaithinGod."(3.)God'sgiftsclaimandwarrantfaith.Thatwearestillonearth,notinhell,is

of itself suchapledgeofgraceas tobidus,even theungodliest,have faith inGod.Thesuspensionofthelaw'srighteoussentenceagainstus,evenforanhour,isamanifestationofmercyonthepartofGod,which,evenintheabsenceofallpositive gifts, is enough to shew us how thoroughly we may trust this God.When,however,Headdstothisthegiftswhicharethrownallaroundus,likethemannaroundthetentsofIsrael,Hegivesussomethingmoredirectandpositivetorestupon.Thatthisearthshouldbesogreenandtheseheavenssoblue;thattheseflowersshouldbesofairandthesestreamssoclear;thatthisbodyshouldbekept inhealth in spiteofdisease anddeath around; that there shouldbe somuch of comfort here, and somany intervals of ease and joy, even in such aworldofsorrow;andthatallthisshouldbevouchsafedtotheunthankfulandtheunworthy, to thosewhose rightful portionwas the everburning lake, surely allthisisanamountoffreegiftwhichinvitesourfullestconfidence.Thesegiftscanhavenomeaningatall,iftheydonotmeanthatGod'sdesireisthatweshouldthoroughlytrustHim.Hewhogivessomuchtosinnersunaskedandundeserved,is surely one who wishes us to trust Him, and who is well entitled to ourconfidence.Butaboveall theseothergifts, there isonewhich says tous, inawaythatcannotbemistaken,havefaithinGod.ItisthegiftofhisbelovedSon.Thatgifthasbutonemeaning.Itisnotcapableofbeinginterpretedsaveinoneway,andthatwayisonewhichleavesusinnodoubteitherastoGod'sdesireforourconfidence,oras toourduty in thismatter. Ifafterhearingof thisgiftwestillcontinuedoubtfulordistrust-ful,itisplainthatweeitheraltogetherquestionthefactofGod'shavinggivenhisSon,orwewillfullyputafalseconstructionuponthatdeed,makingourselvesbelievethatGoddidnotreallymeanthelovewhichthatgiftsogloriouslyreveals.(4.)ThewayinwhichwespeciallyhonourHimisbyhavingfaithinHim.AsthespecialrevelationwhichHeismakingofHimselfisthatofgrace,soitisbyourrecognitionofthisthatwehonourHim;anditisbyournon-recognitionofthisthatwedishonourHim.Faith inHimis just therecognitionofhischaracterastheLordGodmercifulandgracious,andwantoffaithisourrefusaltorecognizeHiminthischaracter.ItisthenbyfaiththatwehonourHim,anditisbyunbeliefthat we dishonour Him. He has sent forth his gospel for the very purpose ofcalling forth your faith, and so obtaining fromyou this honour. Shallwe thenwithholditunderanypretextwhatsoever!Surelynothingcanjustifyourrefusalofthishonour?ItisvaintospeakofitsbeingpresumptioninsuchasyoutotrustGodassuredly.YoumightaswellsayitispresumptioninyoutoloveHim,orto

honourHim,ortokeephiscommandments.ThegreatestandmostdaringofallpresumptionsintheworldisthatofrefusingHimthespecialhonourwhichHeso specially claims,.-thehonour of being trustedby the sinner.AndwhenyouthinkthatinthisworldtherearealmostnonetogiveHimthishonour,whenyouthinkthatthemillionsofeartharewithoneaccorddenyingittoHim,willyounotfeelyourselfunderirresistibleobligationstotestifyagainstsuchunbeliefandsuchdishonour,bygivingHimyourunreservedfaith,andsobringingtoHimthehonourwhichHesospeciallyandsoearnestlydesiresatyourhands?(5.) Unbelief profits nothing. There are some sins that profit the sinner for aseason,sothatbyreasonofthisprofitorpleasurehepersistsinindulgingthem.Covetous-nessprofitstheloverofgoldforaseason,bygivinghimearth'sriches.Gaietyprofitstheloverofpleasureforaseason,bymakinghimhappywhilethevanitylasts.Butwhatdoesunbeliefdoforus?Itdoesnotcomfortusormakeushappy.Itdoesnotsecureforusanyblessing,eitherearthlyorheavenly.Itdoesnot bring forgiveness or give us peace with God. It does nothing for us,absolutely nothing. It has it not in its power to do any-thing but make usmiserable.Themoreyouindulgeinit,orallowittohavethemasteryoveryou,themoreevilitdoesyou,themorewretcheditmakesyou.Ithasnothinginitselftorecommendit;andithasnothinginwhatitdoestoovercomeitsnatureandintrinsichateful-ness,ortomakeitseemdesirable,orexcellent,orprofit-ableinyoureyes.Itisevil,onlyevil;itisunprofitable,whollyunprofitable;itsfruitsareonly darkness and sorrow. It weakens, but does not strengthen the soul. Itwounds,butdoesnotbindup.Itpoisons,butdoesnotheal.Itsaddens,butdoesnotcomfort.Itdarkens,butbringsnolight.Andasisitssorrow,soisitssin.Itisthesinofsins;andallthewhileweareindulginginitwearenotonlymakingourselves uncomfortable, butwe are committing sin of the darkest colour andmalignity,-sinwhichistheveryrootandsourceofallothersins.(6.)Faithhasdonewondersintimepast,anditcandowondersstill.ThewholeBibleisarecordofthemarvelswhichhavebeenaccomplishedbyfaith;andtheeleventh chapterof the epistle to theHebrews is a summaryof thesemarvels.Godhastakengreatpainstoshewuswhatfaithcando;andourLordwhenonearthtaughtthesameblessedtruthwithoutceasing.Weseemtohearhisvoicesayingtous,notonce,butconstantly,HavefaithinGod;forwhatistherethatfaithcannotachieve.

ItisfaiththatbringsusintoconnectionwithOmnipotence,anditisfaithwhichmakesuseofthatomnipotencecontinually.ByfaithweengageOmnipotenceonourbehalf.By faithwemakeuseof theOmnipotentarm, so thatby itweareenabledtodomightysignsandwonders;therebeingnothingtoomuchforustoexpect,evenasthereisnothingtoogreatforGodtodo.Itmaybeasdifficultastearingupthemountainbyitsroots,andcastingitintothesea,yetevenathingso difficult, amarvel so great as this, shall be done. Is anything too hard forGod?IsthereanythingwhichHeisunwillingtoperformforthosewhotrustinhisarm,andcastthemselvesuponhisgrace?IsittherevivalofGod'sworkinyourselforinyourlandthatyoudesire?HavefaithinGod.TellHimyourdesires,andtellHiminconfidence.Isittheconversionoffriendsthatyouarebenton?HavefaithinGod.Putyourcaseinhishandswholly,butdosobelievingly,notasonethinkingitimpossible,orsupposingthatHecanbeunwilling,butasoneperfectlyassuredofhisloveandpower.Isittheremovaloftemporaldifficultiesandperplexitiesthatyouareconcernedabout?HavefaithinGod.TrustHimwiththemall.Youcannotremovethebriarsandthornswithyourownhands,butHecan;andiffaithasksHim,Hewill.Isitthestateofthenationortheworldthattroublesyou?HavefaithinGod.Itishisworld,notyours,andhemustbefarmoreconcernedthatthingsgorightthanyoucanbe.OnlyHeexpectsthathisbelievingonesshouldbringallthesethingsbeforeHim.He iswaiting foryour faith, todogreat things foryour land,andgreat thingsforyourworld.Havefaith inGod.Hewillyetdogreat thingsforearth.Hewill smiteAntichrist;Hewill bindSatan;Hewill restore Israel;Hewillsweepofftheevil,andbringinthegood;Hewillmakeallthingsnew,andsetupthegloriouskingdomofHisSon.Lookbeyondthecloud,andthestorm,andthenight.TrustHimwith this earth's future, and trustHimwith its present.Live asmenwhobelievethattheLordGodomnipotentreigneth;thatHeistheKingofkingsandLordoflords.HavefaithinGod.

XXXVI.WatchAndPray.

"Takeyeheed,watchandpray:foryeknownotwhenthetimeis."—

Mark13:33.

There is a threefold exhortationhere in reference to the comingof theSonofMan;(1.)takeheed;(2.)watch;(3.)pray.I.Takeheed.Or"look;"—lookaboutyou;—haveyoureyesonthealert;mark every object,-persons and things; let nothing escape your notice. AChristianisnottoclosehiseyesandseenothinghere.Heisleftherethathemaybothseeandhear.Andoutofeverysightandsoundheistoextractsomethingthatwillprofit,quicken,stimulate,sanctify.Whatheseeseachhourashegoesoutandin;whathehearsinconversation,orreadsinbooksandnewspapers;allaretofurnishmaterialsforhisgrowth.Butperhapsthespecialreferenceintheexpression"takeheed,"istothepreviousdiscourseconcerningthesignsofhiscoming.Keepyoureyesopentothese.Understandwhatispassingdaybyday;interpretevents;connectthemwiththecomingoftheSonofMan.YouseefalseChrist's;youhearaBabelofopinions;youmark thenewformsof immoralityandinfidelity;youarestartledwiththeboldassaultsmadeonScripture,andonthe Christ of God, on his blood, and cross, and righteousness;— connect allthesewiththecomingoftheLord;interpretthemassignsofthelastdays;donottreat them as common things; do not close your eyes upon them; do not beindifferent to them; do not admire them as tokens of intellectual developmentandhumanprogress.UnderstandthemallaccordingtoGod'spurposeandmind.Examinetheminthelightofapostolicteachingsandwarnings.Benotdeceivedconcerningthem.Bewareofthestrongdelusion."Inunder-standingbemen."II.Watch.Keepawake.Benotlikethevirginswhoallslumberedandslept.Letusnotsleepasdoothers,butletuswatchandbesober.Howoftenwasthatword"watch"upontheLord'slips!Hisapostlestookitupintheirepistles;andintheApocalypsetheLordresumesit,—"Blessedishethatwatcheth."Thereis

a tendency toslumber.As thedisciples,bothon the transfigurationhill and inGethsemane,fellasleep,sodoweinthemostsolemncircumstancesandtimes.Thespiritmaybewilling,butthefleshisweak.Theatmosphereofearthseemsloaded with slumberous vapors. This present evil world exercises a soporificinfluence;Satan,itsgod,theprinceofthepoweroftheair,doesallhecantolullusasleep.Itisastruggletokeepawake.Hencethenecessityforthesolemnandstartlingwords"awake,""arise,""watch."Beeveronyourguard,assentinelsattheir post; as watchmen on the towers of some beleaguered fort; as seamennavigatingsomedifficultstreamwithwindings,andsandbanks,andrapids;orasservantssittingupatnighttowaitfortheirmaster'sreturn."WhatIsayuntoyou, I sayunto all,watch." "Bevigilant, for your adversary thedevilwalkethabout as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." In the midst of aheedlessworldandanunwatchful church,howneedful theperpetualwarning,"Watch."Andallthemoreasweseethedayapproaching.Themorethatweseeaworld "sleeping;" orwasting its hours in vanity, and pleasure, and lust, andgaiety,themoreletusfeelthenecessityforresistingthewide-spreadinfluenceandkeepingawake."Letusnotsleepasdoothers."III. Pray."Watchandtraythatyeenternot into temptation."Hespokeaparablethatmenoughtalwaystoprayandnottofaint."Theendofallthingsisathand,beyethereforesober,andwatchuntoprayer."Prayeristheattitudeofahelpless,needyman;whoseonlyrefugeisinGod.Nohelpwithin;nohelpfromman; only help in Jehovah's omnipotence;— that is the meaning of prayer.Prayerisalwaysneeded;mostindaysofevilandtrouble.Dowefeelourneedofprayer?Doweknowwhatitistopray?Dowedelightinprayer?Doweprayin faith? JohnWelch's kneeswere hardwith his constant prayer,—are ours indangerofbecomingso?"Praymuch,"saidAlexanderPeden;"it'sprayingfolkthatwillgetthroughthestorm."

(1.) Pray for our own needy selves. Nothing but prayer will keep ussteadfast,orenableustogrow,ormakeusmorethanconquerors.(2.)PrayfortheneedychurchofGod.Godhasachurch,andwillhaveachurch everywhere on earth; but in some ages that church is low andbarren; more earthly than heavenly; her light dim; her step feeble; herstrengthsmall.Itissonow.Pray,then,foraneedychurch,thatinalltheserespectsGodwouldvisither;raisingherup;revivingher;re•kindlingher

light;reinvigoratingherstrength,re-adorningherwithallgiftsandgraces;re-clothingherinapostolicraiment,andsendingherforthtodohisworkwiththeoldpowerandsuccessofprimitivedays.(3.)Prayforaneedyworld.Itisblind,andknowsitnot;poor,andthinksitselfrich;foolish,andthinksitselfwise.Itisdoublyneedy.Itisnotawareof the extent of its ruin, and alienation, and depravity; not alive to itsdanger and hopeless prospects; not anticipating its doom. There is ahardening,andsearing,andblindingprocessgoingoninconnectionwith"modernprogress."ThemenofearthnowareliketheAntediluviansinthedaysofNoah;likeSodom,onitslastdaybeforethejudgmentcame;likePompeii,erethevolcanopoureditstorrentsoffireuponit;likeBabylon,inthenightwhenCyrusseizedit;likeBabylonthegreat,inthedayofitspride.Oh, pray for a needyworld!Notmerely for its civilization, or itsreformation, or its intellectual and moral elevation; but for somethingdeeper andmore decided than these; somethingwithoutwhichmorality,and literature, and intellectwillprofit nothing; somethingwithoutwhichitsscience,itseloquence,itswisdom,itsmusic,itsproficiencyinthefinearts,willnotavail.

OurLord'sreasonforallthisissolemn,—"Yeknownotwhenthetimeis."The"time"isthatreferredtointhepreviousverse;theunknownanduntoldhourofhisarrival.Itisthisgreateventthatformstheurgentreasonfortakingheed,forwatching,forprayer.Heiscoming!Weknownotwhen.Heiscoming!Itmaybesoon.Thisisnotimeforcarelessness,orsleep,orprayerlessness.ChurchofthelivingGod!upfromthybedofsloth;tothyknees;watchandpray.ManofGod,enterintothycloset,—pleadwithallthymight.Oheedlesssinner!wiltthounotawake?Arise,calluponthyGod.Betakethyselftothegreatrefuge.

XXXVII.TheMasterCometh

"For theSonofman is as aman takinga far journey,who lefthishouse, andgaveauthority tohitservants,andtoeverymanhiswork,andcommandedtheporter towatch.Watch ye therefore: for ye know notwhen themaster of thehouse cometh, at even, or at mid-night, or at the cock-crowing, or in themorning;lest,comingsuddenly,hefindyousleeping.AndwhatIsayuntoyou,Isayuntoall,Watch."—

Mark13:34-37.

Work andwatch!Watch andwork! This is the substance of this parable. Themessage comes straight from Christ's lips; it comes to us; it seems speciallymeantforusintheselastdays.Letusarrangeitthus:I. Thehouse.Wemay,inonesense,callthistheearth,inanother,thevisible church on earth. The scene of the parable is evidently laid here, andconcernsmendwellinghere. Itwashere thatHehimself came to abide: "TheWordwasmadeflesh,anddweltamongus."Histabernaclewasthenwithmen.II.Thehouseholder.ItistheChrist,theSonofthelivingGod.Thisworldishisbycreationandbyinheritance.Heisproprietoroftheestate;possessorofthehouse.Hewasintheworld,andtheworldwasmadebyHim.Hecameuntohisown."ChristasaSonoverhisownhouse,"saysPaul.III.Thejourney.Hehasgonetoanotherland,likethenoblemanwhowenttothefarcountrytoreceivethekingdom.Heretheobjectofthejourneyisnotstated,fortheparableiscompletewithoutit.Hewishestoshewthestateofthehouse in his absence; and his regulations for the household when left tothemselves.For thecondition,order,behavior,&c.,ofservants in thepresenceofthemaster,isonething,andtheseinhisabsence,quiteanother.Thereisroomforeye-serviceintheonecase,butnotintheother.Thetimeofabsenceisoneoftesting.Faith,love,obedience,fidelityaretested.Thepresentdispensationisthe

testingtimeformen,—speciallyforthechurch.IV. Theservants.AllwhoareoccupiedwiththemanagementofChrist'saffairsarehisservants.TheyareexpectedtodotheMaster'swill,andtoworktheMaster's work. In one sense allmen are his servants. He created them toworkhiswork;andhenceHespeakstothemassuch.Hespeakstoallkingsandrulers throughout the earth as those from whom service is expected. Butspeciallyarethemembersofhischurchengagedforservice.FrequentlydoesHegive them this honorable name.He has called them to a kingdom, yet also toservice.Kings, priests, friends, brethren, and servants, are the names he givesthem.Serve theLord, is hismessage to eachmemberofhis church.For eachChristian is a servant of this household; and each one who calls himself aChristian says, "Christ is my Master, and his work will I do, for I am hisservant."V. Thecharge.Ourtranslation,"authority,"conveyslessthantheGreekimplies.Themastersummons theservants, tells themofhis intendedabsence,andgivesthemchargeofthehouse,—devolvesitsresponsibilitiesuponthem,sothattheyshallfeelthemaster'sabsenceevenmoreinfluentialthanhispresence.Theyweretoactforhim,torepresenthim,toconducttheaffairsofthehouseinhis name. How great the responsibility of the master's absence! Even moresolemn,moreurgentthanhispresence.Theservantisputuponhishonour,hisrightfeeling,hisconscientiousness.Insteadofbeingrenderedmorecarelessbytheabsence,heoughttobedoublydiligentandconscientious.VI.Theindividualwork.Toeachonehisseparatework.Aseachmemberofthebodyhas itsownoffice, sohaseach servantof thehouseholdhis separatework.Theeyecannotactfortheear,northefootforthehand;socannoservantdotheworkofanother.Thereisworkenoughforall,andeachhashisown.Itisfor our own that we are responsible, and for no more. This should checkambition,andenvy,anddisappointment.Eachservanthashisownwork,whichnoonecandoforhim.Lethimdoitwell.VII. Thecommandto theporter.Ashe leaves thehousehegivesspecialcommandtothegatekeeper,towatch.Theservantsareinside,theporteratthedoor.Hisspecialdutyistowatch.

1.Watchagainstthievesandrobbers.Thisisoneofthemainpurposesforwhichheisthere.Hefrightensawaytheenemy,andhewarnstheinmatesagainsthisapproach.2.Watchforthemaster.Bereadytoreceivehim;toopenthegatetohim;togivenoticetotheinmates;atwhateverhourhemaycome.Itistakenforgrantedthatitwillbesomenighthour;likethebridegroomatmidnight.

MinistersofChristarespeciallytheporters.Tothemthecommandis,Watch.Toall it is given; but specially to them. They watch for others as well as forthemselves. In the master's absence, enemies, thieves, robbers will come,—watch. "Be sober, be vigilant, for your adversary the devil walketh about."Watch, themastermaycomeatany time!Beready,onyourownaccounts;beready,forthesakeofothers.Sleepyservantsareevil;butsleepywatchmenareworse.Beholdhecometh!BeholdIcomeasathief!

XXXVIII.TheComingOfTheSonOfMan

"AndJesussaidIam:andyeshallseetheSonofmansittingontherighthandofpower,andcominginthecloudsofheaven."—

Mark14:62.

Thisisatonceaconfession,aprophecy,andawarning.ItisChrist'sconfession,Christ'sprophecy,Christ'swarning.I.Christ'sconfession.ArtthoutheChrist?askstheHighPriest."Iam,"Heanswers.ItisaconfessionofhisMessiahshipandSonship;a"goodconfession"(1 Timothy 6:13); it is a bold confession ; it is a public confession; it is aconfessionbeforeIsrael,beforeIsrael'sHighPriest.Itisthesummingupofallhismightydeeds andwords, and the true interpretationput upon them. "I amHe."EreIsraelrejectsHim,theyarefirsttohearhisopenanddirectavowalofMessiahship.HehasnotyetbornewitnessbeforetheGentiles.Thatistocome.Itisnowbefore"hisown";andtheyaretheforemosttocondemnHim.Theyarewaiting for Him; yet when He comes they will have none of Him. Is thisconfessionrespondedtobyyou?Doyousay,Amen,thouarttheChrist,theSonoftheBlessed?Ifso,blessedartthou,forfleshandbloodhathnotrevealedit;andhethatbelieveththatJesusis theChrist, isbornofGod.But ifnot,—howgreatthyguilt,howterriblethydoom!II.Christ'sprophecy.Itisapredictionofhissecondcoming.Itmusthaveseemed strange to the High Priest to hear Him in the hour of weakness andcondemnationproclaimhis coming andhis kingdom.Yetwhatmore suitable?Hehadjustbeforeannouncedthateventtohisdisciples;nowHedoessointhemidstofhisenemies.Behold,Icome!Icometojudge,Icometoreign.Letusmarkthepredictedcircumstancesofthisadvent.Theyarealloftheminkeepingwithhisname,SonofGod,andwithhischaracterandoffice,Messiah.

(1.)Itwillbearoyalcoming:HecomesasKing;Kingofkings,andLord

oflords.Throne,andcrown,andsceptershallthenbehis.(2.) It will be a judge's coming. He comes to judge,—to sit upon thesolemn seat of judgment,—acquitting and condemning; executingjudgmentonhisenemies.(3.) It will be a conqueror's coming. He comes from heaven with hismightyangels.Hecomesforvictoryandtriumph.HecomesfromEdom,withdyedgarmentsfromBozrah.(4.) Itwill be an avenger's coming.That shall be the day of vengeance;whenHe rises inhiswrath tobreakhis enemies inpieces likeapotter'svessel.(5.)Itwillbeapubliccoming.EveryeyeshallseeHim.Asthelightningshallitbe.Allkindredsoftheearthshallmourn.Inthecloudsofheaven.(6.)Itshallbeagloriouscoming.Ingreatpowerandgloryshallitbe.TheangelswithHim.His saintswithHim. Invested inglory.Glorious inhisperson,hisraiment,hisretinue.(7.)Itshallbeanunexpectedcoming.WhenmenarenotlookingforHim,—notwishingHim.Suddenasthethief.Withoutpreparation,itshallburstupon the world. "Behold, I come quickly." Yes, the Son of God shallcome!Nottobejudged,buttojudge!Nottohanguponacross,buttositupon a throne!Not to be smitten, but to smite!Arewe looking for thatday?

III.Thewarning.ChristevidentlyspeaksthesepropheticwordsasawarningtotheHigh Priest and his fellows; as awarning to his enemies,whether Jew orGentile. How terrible shall that day be to the unprepared! Like the flood ofwaters,likethefireandbrimstonefromheaven.Itshallbethedayofdarkness,anddeath,anddoom!Be warned! The time is short, and the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Bewarned,forthesignsofthatcomingaremultiplying.Oh,makesure;makesureof everything connected with eternity and the kingdom. Have you secured

salvation?HaveyoutakenrefugeinChrist?Orareyouhesitatingandhalting?Doyounotknowwhatyourhopeis,orwhetheryouhaveanyhopeatall?IftheLordcomebeforeyouareready,wherewillyoube?

XXXIX.TheGraciousOneAndHisGraciousWord

Luke4:16-31

Lookingatthisscenegenerally,wenoticethreeoutstandingpoints(1.)ThegraceofChrist;(2.)ThesovereigntyofGod;(3.)Theprideofman.Butinconnectionwiththesethereareseveralotherswhichfalltobenoticed.TheplaceisNazareth.ThesceneisaJewishsynagogue.Theactorsare(1)theSon of God and (2) the congregation of Jewish worshippers. Christ is not astranger here, they knowHimwell, forHe has been brought up among thosehills ofGalilee.HereHebeganhisministry; and itmight havebeen expectedthathisfirstsermoninaplacewhereHewassowellknownwouldhavebeenwelcomed.Thesceneconsistsoftwoparts,—thesermon,andtheremarksofthehearers,—andthenthestrangeeventsthatfollowedupthesermon.ThesermonisjustliketheonlybegottenoftheFather,fullofgraceandtruth.ThegraceofFather,Son,and Spirit is here. It is the gospel of the grace of God that comes from thespeaker'slips.Thehearerswonderatthegraciouswords.Thefirstimpressionisgood.But thewonderdies away; the admirationpasses into cavil: "Is not thisJoseph'sson?"Canwelistento thecarpenter, thesonof thecarpenter?This isthe sermon•scene. It bringsout thenarrownessof thehumanheart, and shewsthefollyofthosewhosaythatwerethegenuinetruthbutpresentedtoman,hewouldreceiveit.Herewasthebestdiscourseeverpreached,—noerroreitherinwordordoctrine,—fullofgrace,—theverygospel,—andthatfromperfectlips,—yetmanonlywonders,andcavils,andrejects.WhatproofofourneedoftheHolySpirit inorder thatwemaybelieve.ThatSpiritcouldhave takenout thestony heart from theseNazarenes, andmade them receive instead of rejectingChrist'ssermon;yethedidnotputforthhispower,eventhoughtheSonofGodwasthepreacher.Andwhy?EvensoFather,forsoitseemedgoodinthysight.But let us look at the after-sermon-scene,which brings out these pointsmore

fully.I.Man'sthoughtsastoChrist'swork.Mandoesnotindeedatfirstspeak.It is Christ that reads their thoughts and interprets their question, "Is not thisJoseph'sson?"Theunbelief that layat therootof itHebringsout.Theywereseekingasign.Theywantedmiracles.DoyourCapernaumwondershere!Healyourownfellow-townsmen!Thustheirunbeliefscoffed.Butmore.Theywantedto direct ormanageChrist'swork; to tellHimwhere and how towork!Theywould have Him take their advice. If He works at Capernaum, and not atNazareth,Heisactingunfairly;shewingpartiality;Heisrespectingpersonsandplaces! Vain, proud, selfish man! He would be God! He would control andmanageChrist!II. Christ's answer. (1.)Yewould not receiveme though I didworkmiracleshere.Mywholelifeamongyouhasbeenonelongmiracleofholinessand love, yet yedespise it, and ask formore!Yewouldnot honour a prophetwhowasoneof yourselves.Yewant someunknownworker ofmiracles fromafar!Suchisman'sheartasinterpretedbytheSonofGod.(2.)Godissovereign.Heselectspersonsandplacesaccordingtohisowngoodpleasure.HeselectedSarepta,andHechoseNaaman,passingthecitiesofIsraelandthethousandsofotherlepers.ForHedoeswhatHepleases.Hecuressome,andpassesbyothers;He does miracles at one city, and not another; He heals one leper, but notanother. Is He, therefore, a respecter of persons? This is the language ofinfidelityandblasphemy;ofmenwhosayGodhasnorighttoruleaccordingtohiswill.Hedoesnot indeed respect a richmanbecausehe is rich,nor akingbecause he is a king; butHe does choose one and pass by another.He choseIsrael,notEgypt;Jerusalem,notBabylon;isHethereforeanunjustrespecterofpersons?HechoseDavidashisking;HechoseaSidonianwidow;HechosetheSyriancaptain;isHearespecterofpersons?IsHenotentitledtodoasHeseesbest?ShallnottheJudgeofalltheearthdoright?III.Man'sanger.Theywerefilledwithwrath,androseuptoslayHim!TheirangerwaskindledbythissolemnassertionofGod'ssovereignty.Theythoughtthey had a right to blessing. The Lord denied this; and shewed them thatsovereignpleasureoftheinfiniteJehovahonwhichallcreationhangs.Hegivesortakes;killsormakesalive;woundsorheals;asitpleasesHim.ItisHewhomakesoneman,oronenation,oronecitytodifferfromanother.Britainhasthe

Bible,China has not. SoGod haswilled. Spain is in the darkness of Popery,ScotlandinthelightofProtestantism.EvensoFather,forsoitseemedgoodinthy sight. He doeth according to his will. Behold He breaketh down, and itcannotbebuilt again.Heopeneth, andnoman shutteth; shutteth, andnomanopeneth. The deniers of God's sovereignty cannot account for any of thedifferencesthatexistonearth.Theymustmaintaineitheruniversalperditionoruniversalsalvation.FewthingsmakemansoangryastheassertionofGod'ssovereignty.ItwassointhecaseofChrist.Why?Becauseitprostrateshim,andmakeshimfeelwhollyinGod'shands.

XL.HealthInJesus

"Andthewholemultitudesoughttotouchhim:fortherewentvirtueoutofhim,andhealedthemall."—

Luke6:19.

JesusisherethecenterofagreatcrowdfromallpartsofPalestine.Theyhaveheardofhim,andtheyflocktohim.Hiswordsanddeedsattractthem.Hehaswhattheywant;sotheygatherroundhim.Thesceneteachesussuchlessonsasthefollowing:I. ThereishealthinJesus.Hecamefromheavenwithallthehealthofheaven inhim;health, likesunshine, flowingout irrepressibly;healthofeverykind;healthwithoutmeasure;health inexhaustible.Thebalmof themountainsofGileadmightwitherdownanddieout; thisheavenlybalmcouldnot;itwasliketheleavesofthetreeoflife,neverfalling,evergrowingandevergreen.ThephysiciansofGileaddied, tillnonewas left; thisphysiciandiesnot.He is theeverlastingChrist,theSonofGod.Allhealth,andskill,andkindnessaretobefoundinhim;fornotonlyisHeperfectman,butveryGod;nay,andthefullnessofthehealingSpiritwithoutmeasuredwellsinhim.II.Thereissicknessinus.Wearesick,nighuntodeath;sickinbody,sickinsoul;thewholeheadsick,thewholeheartfaint;ourwoundincurablebyman;our hurt grievous. It is sickness pervading our whole system; sicknessaccompaniedwithpainandweakness;withsorrow,andsadness,andheavinessofspirit.Itprostratesthebodyandcloudsthemind.Wemaycoveritover,butitis still there.Wemay soothewith anodynes and administer sleepingdraughts,butthediseaseisunremoved.Wemaydeadenordrownthepaininworldliness,or business, or vanity, or lust, but themortalmalady is stillworking in everypart. O deadly disease of sin! what a world hast thou made here,—what anhospital,alazar-house,acityoftheplague!Opainsofearth,nottemporaryoroccasional,butconstantandabiding;forerunnersoftheeternalpain,theeternal

sickness,theeternalagonyandwoe.III. ContactwithJesusheals.Themedicinemustbetaken;thephysician'shandmusttouchus;wemustinsomewayorothercomewithinthecirclewherethe divine virtue is flowing out. It is indeed the Holy Spirit that applies theremedy;buthedoessobybringinguswithinthishealingcircle,bymakingustouchHimwhoisthedivinetreasurehouseofhealth.TherewasnohealingforIsraelwithoutlookingatthebrazenserpent;sothereisnohealingforuswithoutthelook,thetouchthatbringsusintocontactwithJesus.Itisnotaclaspingorembracing,butatouching;atouchingeventhehemofhisgarment;atouchinghis shadow, as in the case of Peter. Such is the resistless efficacy, theirrepressiblevirtuethatislodgedinHim.Andaswearehealedbytouching,soour health is continued by our continuing to touch. It is to be a constanttouching; a lifetime's contact; nay, an eternal contact. Thus is our new healthbegunandprolonged.Doesthisseemahardthing?AhardthingtobealwaysincommunicationwithJesus;tobealwaysundertheshadowofthetreeoflife;tobealwaysonthebrinkofthecrystalriveroftheNewJerusalem.Ifsomethinkithard,theyshewthatallisyetwrongwiththem;andthatitissheernecessityandforcethatisbringingthemtoentertainthethoughtofcontactwithJesusatall.Shouldwe call it a hard thing to bedaily obliged to breathe the fresh air andbaskintheglorioussunshine?Isitahardthingtobeobligedtoeatthatwemaybefed,ortosleepthatwemayberefreshed?Isitahardthingforthefriendtobein companywith the friend, or the parentwith the child? Is there not amongmultitudes who call Jesus, Saviour, a feeling that they would rather only useHimintimesofgreatnecessity,butatothertimeshavethefellowshipofeveryoneinpreferencetoHim?ButthediseasethatbringsustoHimkeepsusathisside.There isnohealthawayfromHim;neither is there joy.Wecomefor thecureofourpain,butwefindthisonlyasmallpartofwhatweobtainfromhim.WefindallinHim;andsoweholdHimfast,andwillnotletHimgo.Itisourverylife,ourveryjoytoremainincontactwithHim.IV.Thishealthandthiscontactarefreetous.ThereisnofencearoundHimto keep us off; no guard to forbid orwarn us away.Any one, every onemaycomeatoncetobehealed.Itisthesick,notthewhole,thatheinvites.Itistheleper,thepalsied,thefevered,theblind,thelame,thedeaf,thedevilpossessed,thathebidswelcometo.OneverysidewemayapproachHim.Atanytime,andin any way, we may come.Whatever be the length or the deadliness of our

disease,wemaycome.Thephysician isdivinelyskillful; themedicine is free,thecureiscertain.Health for sick humanity! Medicine for a diseased world! A Physician for adyingrace!Sucharethemessageswhichwebring.AllofthemoverflowingwithGod's great love to sinners; to sinners simply as such. The depths of divinecompassionareinfinite.Soareitsheights.God'spityinglovetakesintheworstsinnerthateverbreathedtheairofearth.Wideasearth;wideastheboundsofsin;wideastheevilofhumanheartswideasheaven;wideasHisowninfiniteheart;suchisthepityingloveofGod.

XLI.MuchForgiveness,MuchLove

Luke7:36-50.

ThisisafeastofworldlyhospitalityonthepartofSimon;probablylittlemore.Itdoesnotlooklikethetableofabelieving,lovingman;butofahospitableJew,who, puzzled, perhaps curious, about the character and claims of Jesus, isanxiousforanopportunityofcloserandfreerintercourse.Theexpressioninthethirty-ninthverse,"ifhewereaprophet,"seemsto indicatesomesuchstateofmind,—anoscillationbetweenfaithandunbelief.Simon,thoughinvitingChrist,hasnotbeenoverkindtohisguest."Thougavestmenowaterformyfeet."Hehasshrunk,too,fromallexpressionofintimacy,allacknowledgmenteitheroffriendshiporofdiscipleship."Thougavestmenokiss."Hewithholdsthetokenoffestalgladness."Mineheadwithoilthoudidstnotanoint."SimonisevidentlynotathomewiththeLord;nordoeshewishtobe thought athomewithHim.Whatevermightbehis anxiousquestioningsofsoul,heisstill"oneofthePharisees."Heisnodisciple.TheLordknewhisheartandunderstoodhisinvitation;yethewenttohishouseand satdownathis table.Forwhether itwerePhariseeorpublican,SimonorMatthew, that invited him, itmattered not.Hewentwherever hewas desired,like the physician in a city of pestilence, putting himself at the disposal ofsinners,andturninghisfootstepsinthedirectionoftheirvariedneeds.NordidHetakeoffenceat theincivilityofSimoninnotwashinghisfeet,oranointinghis head. He mentions these afterwards, to humble his pride; but He is notaffronted thereby; for he ever acts and speaks as one who "came not to beministeredunto,buttominister";'nottobeservedbyany,buttobetheservantofall.The four following things are brought out in this narrative: (1.) The sinner'sapproach to Christ. (2.) Christ's reception of the sinner. (3.) The Pharisee'sinterference.(4.)Christ'srebukeandjudgment.

I.Thesinner'sapproachtoChrist.Itisnotenoughthatsheknowsthataprophethasarisen,andthattheSonofGodhascome.Thereportofotherswillnotdo.Shemust see andhear for herself. Itwill not do for her to stand afar off; shemustdrawnear.

(1.) She comes earnestly. She must get at Him. She must encounterdifficulties;shemustbravescornandsneers,andtheriskofbeingthrustout;forsheis"asinner";andthehouseofaPhariseeisthelastplaceshewould thinkofgoing to.But she is inearnest.Shewillnotbehindered.Access to thiswondrousman,whomshehasheardof as the forgiverofsins,andthefriendofsinners,shemusthave;andwhatarethetauntsorjestsofScribeandPhariseetoher?Trueearnestnessbreaksthrougheverybarrier.(2.)Shecomesdirectly.Shemakesuseofnomediatorormessenger.Shebrings her own case in her ownhand, and approaches himdirectly. Shecomesjustaswhatsheis,andasnothingelse.Shedoesnotcomeaswhatshemaybe,orhopestobe,orismakingherselftobe.Shedoesnotcomewithexcusesonpalliations,butwithconfessionsonly;andHeisheroneconfessor, and this is hen one confessional. She deals directly withHimself;forthesinnerandtheSaviourmustmeeteachotherfacetoface;bothjustwhattheyare:theonethesinner,theothertheSaviour.(3.)Shecomestrustfully.ShemaynotyetknowHimfully;butsheknowssomethingofHim,andofhisgrace;andthatsomethingisenoughtocalluphertrust.She"trusts,andisnotafraid."Manmaylookcoldlyonher;Jesuswillnot.Manmaythrustherout;Jesuswillnot.Shehasfewelse,perhapsnone,totrust;butshehasHim,anditisenough.WhatsheknowsofHim,andofhislove,removesallmisgivings.Shebelieves;butitisnotinherfaith,butinJesusthatshetrusts.Sheweeps;butitisnotinhertearsthat she confides. She repents; but it is not on lien repentance that shebuilds.Sheloves,butitisnotonherlovethatsheleans.ShetrustsintheSon of God. She trusts Him for what He is. She has already learnedsomethingofthegraceoftheLordJesusChrist,who,thoughHewasrich,forhersakebecamepoor.

(4.) She comes thankfully. She comes to shew her love,—then gratefullove.Shebringsherpreciousointment;shebringshertears;shebringsherkisses; shebringsher reverence; shebringsher thanks,— thanksnot thelesstrueandwarmbecauseutterednotinwords,butindeeds.Hersin,andhis love to the sinningone;herunworthinessandhisoverflowinggrace;her outcast condition as far asman is concerned; her admissionwithoutupbraidingintothepresenceoftheSonofGod,—thesearethethingsthatcallupgratitude."ThanksbeuntoGodforhisunspeakablegift,"are thewordswhichweseemalmosttohearfromherlipsasshekneelsbehindhiscouch,kissingandanointinghisfeet.

Thusitisthatthesinnerdrawsnearwiththe"trueheart"totheSonofGod.HerknowledgeofHimisveryimperfectasyet;shehasnotyetrealizedallthegloryof his person, nor known his coming death and resurrection; but she knowsenough to give her confidence, for she sees his grace towards the sinner, andunderstandsthathecametoseekandtosavethatwhichwaslost.II.Christ'sreceptionofthesinner.Inthescenebeforeus,itishisreceptionofonewhoisinunqualifiedphrase,evenaccordingtoman'sjudgment,asinner,that is shewn us. She is not one of the best of sinners, but one of theworst;withoutgoodness,ormerit,or recommendation.Shehasnothing toprepareorqualifyher; nothing tomakeher less unworthy to standbefore theHolyOne.Justassheisshecomes!Andhowisshereceived?

(1.)Immediately.Sheisnotkeptwaitingforamoment.TheSonofGoddoesnotholdherinsuspense;doesnotbidhergoandcomeagain;doesnot send amessage telling her towait a little outside andmake herselfmore meet for a reception. He receives her immediately; yet in a waywhichdoesnotmake lightofherpastsin,or leadher to forgetwhoandwhatsheis.Ah,yes!ItwasimmediatereceptionwhichtheLordgaveher;and it is immediate reception which he still gives to each coming oneamongstourselves.Hedoesnotstandonceremonywithus,norrepelus,nor,eitherbywordordeed,giveonesignofreluctancetoreceiveus.AstheFathertheprodigal,soHereceiveshisreturningwandererswithwidearms,seeingusafaroffandrunning,andhavingcompassion,andfallingonourneckandkissingus.

(2.)Frankly."Whentheyhadnothingtopay,hefrankly(orfreely)forgavethemboth."The forgivenesswas the free gift of love; a lovewhich themanywatershadnotquenchednorthefloodsdrowned;alovewhichhadsurvivedyearsofsin,andungodliness,andlust,andvanity;alovewhich,nowmeetingitsobjectfacetoface,cannolongerrestrainitself;butlikeJosephontheneckofBenjamin,getsventtoitslongpent-upyearnings,inforgivenessesandblessings, as frank, and free, andgenerousas theyareunearned and undeserved.Man's love of man is according to merit, onexpectationofresponse;God'sloveofmanhasnoreferencetodeservingor to return.Man's love of man is contracted, exclusive, and grudging;God's love to man is as boundless as it is free. He forgives withoutcondition;Heloveswithoutreserve;Heblesseswithoutmeasureorend.(3.)Withoutupbraiding.Theremaybeimmediateandfrankreception;yetafterwards there may be reproof and upbraiding. Not so with the Lord.Man's forgivenesses may be compatible with upbraiding; but theforgivenessesofGodaretoolarge,toogenerous,toofree,toadmitofthis.As He "giveth," so he "forgiveth,"—"liberally, and upbraideth not." Hedoes not bring up the woman's past life to remembrance. He remindsSimonofhisunkindnesses;butHehasnosuchremindingsforthewoman;Hehasnotawordofupbraidingforher.HeshewsusinhercasewhatHemeanswhenHe says, "Iwill bemerciful to their unrighteousness, theirsinsandiniquitieswillIremembernomore."

III.ThePharisee'sinterference.Simondoesnotfeelcomfortableinthemidstof this scene. He does not like the sinner's free approach, or the Lord's freereception.He finds faultwith both.The root of his interference is his idea ofhowaprophetorreligiousmanoughttoact,andofhowasinneroughttoact.Inotherwords,itwasonreligiousprinciplesthathewouldthusobjecttowhatwasgoingon,andwouldstep inbetween theLordand thesinner.Thebasisofhisreligionwasman'sgoodness,notman'ssinfulness;andhisideaofreconciliationbetweenGodand the sinnerwas that of a compromiseonboth sides; the twoparties meeting each other half way; man improving himself in moral andreligious feeling, and so doing his part; God abating somewhat of his awfulrighteousness, and modifying the stern integrity of law, so as to give man achanceof reachingHimbya little exertionand strictnessof life.ThebasisofwhatGodcalls reconciliation is altogetherdifferent. It assumes thatGodmust

comethewholewaytomeetman,andthatthatmeetingmustbeastrulyoneofhighestrighteousnessasofdeepestloveonthepartofGod.Godtakesmanasheis, simplyasinner,"withoutstrength,"andwithoutgoodness.Hedoesnotaskman tomeethimhalfwaybetweenearth andheaven;Hecomesdownall theway to earth in the person of his incarnate Son. He does not resort to halfmeasures, nor is He content with half payment. He comes down to man inabsoluteandunconditional love;without termsorbargains;himselfpayingthewhole price, and thus leaving nothing for the sinner but to accept the frankforgivenesswhichhisboundlesslovehasbrought.Of these things thePhariseeunderstoodnothing.Wrapped roundwithhisownreligiousness, and merit, and goodness, his prayers, and fastings, and tithe-givings,hecouldnotenterintothemindofGod,norcomprehendthenatureofhislove,tosinners,hiswayofforgivingandreceivingtheguiltiest.Henceitisthat,inhisthoughtsatleast,ifnotinwords,hestepsinbetweenthesinnerandtheSaviour.Hewouldblameboth.

(1.) He blames the sinner. He thinks she ought to have been morerespectful,moredistant.Hedoesnotliketheideaofawell-knownsinnercoming into his house without invitation, and kissing the feet of Jesuswithout asking permission. He sees in this step, an undue andunwarrantableboldness; thetakingofa libertywiththisreputedprophet,suchassheshouldhavebeentheverylasttotake.HedoesnotunderstandhowasenseofneeddrawsthesinnerirrepressiblyintoimmediatecontactwiththeLord.Theywhohavenotknowntheirsin,norfelttheirneed,mayhesitate,orstandatarespectfuldistance;buthewhohasrealizedhisownsin and need cannot thus keep aloof.Hemust go at once to the Son ofGod.Letself-righteousnessforbidhim,andformalismfrownuponhim,hecannot stay away fromChrist anymore than can the prodigal from thearmsofhisfather.Menmaysaythisistoofree,toodirect,toosimple,tooeasy;andblamehimwho thusacts;but ifever theycome toknow theirownneed,theywillfeelthatnothingelsewoulddobutthis.(2.)HeblamestheLord.Hedemurstothismanneroftreatingthesinner.CanhewhodoesthisbetheSonofGod?Canhebeevenaprophet?Heeitherknowsordoesnotknowthatthewomanisasinner.Ifhedoesnotknow,heisnoprophet;andifheknows,heisactingmostinconsistently

withhischaracterandoffice.Heought tohavekeptheratadistance; tohaverefusedtoallowsuchliberties,andtohavereprovedherforbeingsobold. As the Scribes and Pharisees at another time did, so Simon doeshere.Hemurmurs.What!Besokindtoacommonsinner!

What! Allow a profligate to kiss his feet! This is trifling with sin, andcountenancing the sinner.ThusmanblamesGod for his love,—at least for itsfreeness.Wereitloveboughtordeserved,hewouldsaynothing;butitislovetotheundeserving,lovetotheguiltiest,thishecannotawaywith.Thisfrank,andfree,andimmediateforgivenessissomethingwhichhisreligionabhors.Butletman's religion turn away fromGod's free love to the sinner; still this isGod'sway. His thoughts are not our thoughts; his ways are not our ways. High asheavenisabovetheearth,sohigharehisthoughtsofgraceandblessingaboveallourthoughtsandways.IV.Christ'srebuketothePharisee.HedefendsHimself;Hedefendsthewoman;HereprovesSimon.AssumingSimon'sground, thathewasmuchlessasinnerthan thewoman,He still reasonswithhimaswithonewhoprofessed tohavereceivedforgivenesstosomeextent.Bothneededforgiveness;andthequestionwasthusoneofmoreorfewersins;notoneofsinandnosin.Lookthenatthefruits.Ontheonehandyouhavethefruitsofonewhoknewthatshehadsinnedmuch,andhadbeenforgivenmuch.Thesewereoverflowinglove,gratitude,andreverence.Ontheother,youhavethefruitsofonewhothoughthimselfamanoffarfewersins,andthereforeneedingfewerpardons.Theyaresoscantythattheycannotbenamed.Nowashingof thefeet,noanointingof thehead,nokissofaffection,—nomanifestationofloveatall;bareworldlycivilityandhospitality,—nomore.ItwasasifChristhadsaid,Lookatthefruitsofthewoman'spardon,and lookatyours!Howdifferent?Whatwarmth inher,whatcoldness inyou?Whatloveinher,whatindifferenceinyou!ToyouIamnothing;toherIamall.Youhavegivenmeyourtableandyourhouse;shehasgivenmeherheartandsoul.Simon'sreligionwasfoundedupontheideaofneedinglittleforgiveness;ofsomaking up for past sin by a strict life of ritualism, that when the day ofsettlementcamebetweenhimandGod, thebalanceagainsthimmightbeveryslight.Hejudgeshimselfbythis;andhejudgesthewomanbythis.Hehasfewarrearstopayoff;shehasafearfulamount.Shouldbothbetreatedinthesame

way?ShouldChristshewasmuchfavortotheoneastotheother?Christshewshimthefruitsofthisfalseidea,thisself-exaltingreligion;andbidshimjudgeofhimself and of his religion by these.Manmay think well of him, and of hisprayers, and alms, and sacrifices, bymeans ofwhich he hoped to pay off hisdebt;butwhatcouldGodthink?HowcouldGodlookuponareligionthatledtono love,nogratitude,no fondallegianceof the soul?Godcandowithoutoursacrificesandservices,buthecannotdowithoutourlove.Thereligionthatisfoundedupontheideaoffewsinsandasmallforgiveness,—atriflingdebt,andman'spowertopayitoffbyagoodlife,—mustleadtolittlelove;sobyitwearemademoredebtorstoselfthantoGod;nay,wearehardlydebtorstoGodatall.Thereligionfoundeduponthetruthofman'sutterevil,andhis need for infinite pardons,must lead tomuch love; for itmakes uswhollydebtorstoGod,andtohisfrank,forgivinglove.Whenpardonistobeboughtordeserved, there can be little love, if any; when it is wholly undeserved andunbought,comingstraighttothesinnerfromthefreeloveofGod,theremustbemuch love; love in return for love; the pardoned sinner's full•hearted love,respondingtothemighty,thestupendousloveofGod!Oh,ifwewouldlearntoloveGod,letusdofulljusticetotheloveofGod'tous.

XLII.HowMuchMore

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gjfts unto your children; howmuchmoreshallyourheavenlyFathergivetheHolySpirittothemthataskhim?"—

Luke11:13.

TheBibleisnotonlyarevelationfromGod,butit istherevelationofGod;ofhismind,hisheart,hiswholecharacter.Itisgivenusforthepurposeofleadingus to place our trust in Him, drawing us to Him, removing our suspicions,rootingout theevilheartofunbelief. "They thatknowthynamewillput theirtrust in thee";"howexcellent is thyloving•kindness, therefore thesonsofmenshallputtheirtrustintheshadowofthywings."Here the earthly parent and the heavenly parent are brought before us, for thepurposeofshewingustheconfidencewhichweoughttoplaceinthelatter.Theargument rests on the natural confidence which the child has in its father'sbountifulness; and runs thus, "If in spite of all the drawbacks arising from anaturallyevilbeing,anarrowheart,andlimitedlove,anearthlyfatheristrusted;howmuchmore shouldour heavenlyFather be trusted, inwhom there are nosuchdrawbacks?"Theargumentof thewholepassage turnson this.Ask, seek,knock!Youshallnot, cannot fail! If a son askbread,will his fathermockhimbygivinghimastone?Thatcannotbe.Ifafish,willhebesocruelastogiveaserpent?Farmoreimpossible! If an egg, will he present him with a scorpion? Much moreimpossibleandincredible.Noparent,howeverunnatural,woulddoanyofthese.Ifimpossiblewithmen,howmuchmoresowithGod?There is here both a comparison and a contrast; a likeness and an unlikenessbetweentheearthlyandtheheavenly;anditisonthisthattheargumentofourtextturns.

Thecomparisonisjust this:Ifanearthlyfatherwillgivehissonwhatheasks,howmuchmoreourheavenlyFather?ForourheavenlyFatheristrulywhathisnameindicates,"OurFatherinheaven."Thatnameisnofigurewhenappliedtohim.Thefigureisalltheotherway.ItisfarmorerealwhenusedinreferencetoHimthantoanyother.Inalltheothersitisafigure,inHimitisrealandliteral.HehasallaFather'sheartandfeelings;hemadethatheart,andknowswhatitis,andwhatisinit.Thathumanheartisformedafterthemodelofthedivine.Ourparental feelings telluswhathisare;ouryearningsshewuswhathisare.Andthen he knows, if one may say so, what are a father's responsibilities,—toprovideforhisown.Hemadeus,andwillHenotsupportus?willHenotblessus?Asafatheristhesourceofblessingtohischildren,soisGod.Butwehavespeciallytomarkthecontrastordifferencebetweentheearthlyandtheheavenlyparent.Forthepointofourtextturnsmoreespeciallyonthis.Itisfromthisthatwegettheforceofthe"howmuchmore."I.Earthlyparentsarefeeble,Heisalmighty.Hehasallafather'sability,andfarmore.Heisalwaysfull,—fulltotheuttermost;Hecanalwaysaffordtogive,and isalwaysable todoforus.His is thefullnessofomnipotence.Howirresistibletheargumentofourtext!II.Theyareignorant,Heiswise.Theydonotknowwhat,orwhen,orhowtogive.Hismodeofgivingiswise;hisskillisinfinite.Hecommitsnomistakesin giving. His is a wise giving; He knows our wants; He does not give atrandom.III.Theyareeasilyprovoked,Heislongsuffering.Afatherneedspatienceindealingwithhischildren;and love lendshimpatience.Buthispatience isnotinexhaustible. It wears out. He is at times provoked. Not so with God. Hispatienceisinfinite.Hecanputupwithaffronts,andbearcoldness;alwaysreadytogivewhenasked,whateverthepastprovocationbe.IV. Theyarechangeable,Hechangesnot.Eventheloveofearthlyfathersdoes not exempt them from frailty and caprice. They are fickle; giving andrefusing according to theirmood or temper.He changes not.His feelings, hismodeofactingandgivingremainthesame;withoutvariablenessorshadowof

turning.V. Theyareoftenperplexed,Heisneverataloss.Theirresourcesarelimited, and they sometimes know not what to do. He is not harassed ordistractedbythenumberofpetitionsandpetitioners;neverbewildered,neverataloss,becauseofthevarietyofthewantsofhisvastfamily.HecangivetoeachcaseasmuchattentionasifHehadnoothertocarefor.Hishand,hisheart,hismindarelargeenoughforall.VI. Theyarebut imperfectlyhappy,He is theblessedOne.Ourgivingdependsmuch on the state of ourminds at themoment.When depressed,wehavenopleasureingiving;weeitherrefuse,orwegivemerelytogetquitoftheapplicant. Darkness of mind shrivels us up, makes us selfish, neglectful ofothers.Whenfullof joy,givingseemsourelement,—ourjoyoverflowsin thisway;wecannothelpgiving;wedelightinapplications;weseekopportunitiesofgiving.SowiththeblessedGod.Beingaltogetherhappy,hisdelightistogive;hisperfectblessednessflowsoutingiving.Wecannevercomewronglytosuchan infinitelyhappybeing.He teachesusbyhisownexample, that it is "moreblessedtogivethantoreceive."VII. TheycannotbealwaysgivingHecan.Hisheartandhistreasureareinexhaustible.Theirpastgiftsarenopledgesforfutureones;hisare;allhisgifts;speciallyhisbelovedSon,Wecountuponthefuturebecauseofthepast.WhatwillHenotgive!We have but to open the mouth; to stretch out the hand. There is nounwillingness on his part. All is love. Asking is not unnecessary; it is theexpressionofdependence,theattitudeofcreaturehood.Buthelovestogive,—freely,—toall.Letuscomeboldlytothethroneofgrace.

XLIII.JesusWatchingForSinners

"Thismanreceivethsinners."—

Luke15:2.

SuchwastheconclusionofthePhariseesrespectingJesus,fromwhattheysawofhisdaily life.BetweenHimand them therewasmutual repulsion, as ifnotsuited for each other; between Him and the publicans there was mutualattraction,asifexactlysuitedforeachother.Itissinnersthatthismanreceiveth.Hedoesnotcarefortherighteous.Hepassesthemby.Were thesePharisees rightorwrong in their conclusion?Theywere right; andtheparableswhichfollowaremeantasbothanadmissionandavindicationofourLord'sproceedings.Heacceptstheirinterpretationofhislife,asthetrueone,the only true one; andHeproceeds to furnish the key, the divine key towhatappearedtosomanyunaccountable.HegivesthesolutiontothedifficultyraisedbythePharisees inhisdays,andcontinuallyresuscitatedandre-statedinotheragesbythedescendantsofthosePharisees,self-righteousmen.Thusthosemen,whohatedChrist,preachedhisgospel.Wemustcall this"thegospel according to thePharisees."Theymeant it not; yet they spoke the truegospelwhentheysaid,"Thismanreceivethsinners,andeatethwiththem."Theword"receiveth" is in theoriginalsingularlyexpressive. Itmeanswaiteth,watcheth, looks out for, lies in wait. It occurs fourteen times in the NewTestament; and in all other places it is translated in some suchway: asMark15:43, "who waited far the kingdom of God"; Luke 2:25, "waiting for theconsolationofIsrael";2:38,"lookedforredemptioninJerusalem";12:36,"menthatwaitfortheirLord,"Acts23:21,24:15,Titus2:13,Jude21.Jesusislookingoutforsinners!Paulwaitedtoreceiveallwhocametohim(Acts28);butJesusgoes out in search for them. He lies in wait for sinners; for Mary's, and

Matthews, andZaccheuses.Let us see (1)what this lying inwait implies; (2)howHeliesinwait.I.Whatitimplies.Manythings;allofthemfavorabletothesinners,forHedoesnotlieinwaitasthelionforhisprey,butastheShepherdforhisstraysheep.Itimpliesthen—

(1.)Love. Indeedotherwise ithasnomeaning.The threeparableswhichfollowindicatethis.Itislove,tender,compassionate,forgivinglove,thatisthemainspringofthiswaitingforsinners.(2.)Patience.Asthehuntsmanorthefisherwaitspatientlyhourafterhourtoseizehisobject,sodoesthiswaiting,watchingSaviour.Unweariedpatiencewiththeungodly,thewandering,thehard-hearted,theprofligate,markedhislifeonearth;andHeisstillthesamepatientoneinheaven."Hebathlongpatience."(3.) Earnestness. He is intent on his object; thoroughly in earnest. Hispatience is not indifference; his love is not mere good-naturedbenevolence.ItisallearnestnesswithHim.Itwassoonearth;itissoinheaven.(4.)Desire tobless.Hisdirectandhonestobject isblessing.Helongs tobless.Hehasnopleasure in thedeathof thewicked.He longs for theirlife."Ohthatthou,"arestillhiswordstothesinner."HowoftenwouldIhavegatheredyou,"Hesayswithprofoundsinceritytoeverylostone.

II.HowHedoesit.HislifeonearthisaspecimenofhowHedoesit.Hisdaysandnightswerespentinseekingthelost.BytheseaofGalilee,inthecoastsofTyreandSidon,onthehighwaysofJudea,inthesynagogue,inthetemple,inthevillage, in thecity,byJacob'swell,Hewasseeking the lost.HowdoesHedothisnow?HoworwhereisHelyinginwaitforsinners?

(1.)Intheword.OfthatwordHeis"thespirit,"theAlphaandOmega,andoutofthatwordHespeakstous.FromGenesistoRevelationwehearhis

voice. It is the voice of love. "Comeuntome" is the burden of theOldTestamentaswellasoftheNew.ItisnotmerelythateachchapterspeaksofJesus;butineachchapterJesusspeakstous.IneachverseHeislyinginwaitforus.(2.) Insermons.Forsermonsarenotdisquisitions,nordeclamations,nororations, but messages from Christ. In them we hear God and Christbeseechingmen to be reconciled;ministers, in speakingChrist's gospel,"pray men in Christ's stead." Thus each Sabbath He is looking out forsinners;stretchingouthishandsfromthepulpittothem.(3.)Inprovidences.WhatameaningthereisinthatwordprovidencewhenusednotasubstituteforGod,butasawordtodenotehisdoings!Ineachprovidence,greatorsmall,privateorpublic,personal,orfamily,orsocial,or national, or universal; in mercies or in judgments; in wars, famines,pestilences,shipwrecks,railwaydisasters;intheseasons,inthesunshine,inthestorm;inall,Christislyinginwaitforsinners;outofthemcomeshislovingvoice.

Thus Christ lies in wait for sinners: not merely waits in his house to receivethem,butwatchesforthem,looksoutforthem,goesoutinquestofthem.Theexpression is beautifully applicable to the three cases in the parables whichfollow.TheShepherdislookingoutandgoingoutforhissheep;thewomanwithherlightedcandleisgoingthrougheveryroom,turningoverallthelumber,andlookingintoeverynook,forherpieceofsilver;andthefatheriswatchingatthedoorforhiswanderingson.Ah,"thismanliethinwaitforsinners."Yes;inhisworkofsaving,Christisaggressiveandcompulsory.Hegoesoutinordertofindthem.Heiseverontheoutlook.Hedoesnotmerelysitaboveonhis throne, willing to receive the applications of those who come. He comesdownamongstus.Hegoestoandfrointheearth;Hewalksupanddowninit.Hisdaily,hourlyworkisgoinginquestofsinners.Hisdoingsonearthimplythis;hiswordsaswell.Itisthesameinheaven.HisdoingsfromPentecostonwardstothishourimplythis.Everysoulsavedshewsthis.HiswordsspokenafterHe leftearth intimate this."Behold, Istandat thedoorandknock,"impliesthis.

Thuswearecompassedaboutwithlove.Forthelost,thereisthecompassionatelove; for the saved, there is the complacent love. We cannot escape from itwhateverwebe.Itfollowsus,pursuesus,criesafterus,surroundsus!Whythelove of an almighty heart should ever be ineffectual is amystery beyond ourpowertosolve,Butforallthistheloveisthesame;sincereandtrue.

XLIV.God'sJoyOverTheReturningSinner

"Likewise,Isayuntoyou,ThereisjoyinthepresenceoftheangelsofGodoveronesinnerthatrepenteth."—

Luke15:10.

Let us not overlook thewordswithwhich this statement is introduced, "I sayuntothee."Hespeaksasthefaithfulwitness;testifyingofwhatheknows;whatHehasseenandheardinthatheavenwhenceHecame.Itisofasinnerthathespeaks,—asinnersuchasthosewhowerenowgatheredroundtheLord,—apublican,aprofligate,aharlot;notsomeworthiersinner,butone of the worst. He wishes the Pharisees to understand the feelings of Godabovetothesesinnersbelow;toseethatGod'sthoughtswerenottheirthoughts.Whateverearthmightdo,heaventookaninterestinthem.The"religious"onesofearthmightturnaway;theholyonesofheavendidnot.Itisofasinner'srepentancethatHespeaks;ofthatmightychangewherebyoldthingspassaway,andallthingsaremadenew.Itwastoproducethischange,—thischangeofthewholeinnerman,—thistotalrenovationofbeing,thattheSonofGodcame.Hecameto"callsinnerstorepentance."It isofonesinner thatHespeaks;notofmultitudes; so thatnoonemay thinkthatitisthenumberthatistheoccasionofhisstatement.Itisonesinner;oneofPoor publicans that He thus so graciously holds up to view; it is one poorfragmentof losthumanity,despisedbyallelse, thatHeheredeclares tobetheobjectofhisownandofthedivinecompassion.Sowasitalwaysinhislifehere;onewomanofSychar;onewomanofTyre;oneZaccheus;—thusHedeclareshisinterestinindividualsouls.Hecaresforeach.ButitisspeciallyofthejoywhichtheLordspeaksofthatIaskyoutothink.Itisnotsimplypityorlove,butjoy.

(1.)Itisjoyinheaven.Thereisalwaysjoythere,butsometimesitswellsupandoverflows.On the occasion of the event referred to, there is peculiar joy,—anout-burstofunrepressiblegladness in thatgladandgloriousheavenwhich thepresenceofGodfills.(2.)ItisthejoyofGod.ItisHehimselfwhoisthusrepresentedasrejoicing.Thejoy is inheaven; and it is the joyofGodhimself; the joyof theShepherdonfindingthelostsheep;thejoyofthewomanonfindingherlostsilver;thejoyofthefatheronfindinghislostson.(3.) It is joy in the presence of the angels of God. As the shepherd and thewomancalltogethertheirfriendsandneighbors,soGodcallshisheavenlyhosts.IntheirpresenceHeuttershisjoy;andHecallsonthemtorejoicewithHim.Heisfullofthisjoyoflove,thisjoyatrecoveringthelost,thatHemusthavethemtoshareitwithHim.Thereissomethinginthisrepresentationofthedivinejoythat brings it very close to us, as it makes it so like our own in its way ofmanifestation.Howlikeourselvesisthiswayofdealingwithhisjoyandgettingventtoit,andmakingotherspartakersofit.Isitnotastrangetruththis,thattheinfiniteJehovahshouldneed,andshouldaskfor,thecreature'ssympathyinhisjoys?Howlikethatinfiniteheartmustbetoours!HowneartousdoesthisbringtheEternalOne!Fromallthiswelearnmuch;chieflysuchtruthsasthefollowing:—(1.)Theknowledge inheavenofwhat isgoingonhereonearth.Howfar thisextendswecannotsay.Itrefershereonlytowhatconcernsthegreatredemption-scheme; and even as to that, the knowledge is only that which is directlycommunicatedbyGod,whenHehassomethingspecialtoannounce.Butheavenknowsthisatleast:thatthereissuchaplaceasearth;thatitisfullofGod'slostproperty;thatGodlovesit;thatitisnothell;thatsalvationisthere,andthatGodiseverydaygettingholdofsomelostonethere.Intelligenceisconstantlygoinguptotheheavenofheavens;andGodismakingknownsomuchofitassuitshispurposes of sovereignwisdom and grace. Probably, they do not know all; butcertainlytheyknowwhatisfittedtoaugmenttheirgladness,andcallforththeirsongs.

(2.)The delightwhichGodhas in saving.This ismanifest from the painsHetakes about this; the perseverance and longsuffering; the patient endurance ofrejectionandhatred;—andallthisinthedesiretorescuethecaptive,andtowinhimback,heartandsoul,tohimself.Heseeksandsaves"withhiswholeheartand soul" (Jeremiah 32:41). He loves to bless; andwhenHe has blessed, Herejoicesover thesinner towhomtheblessinghascome.Asthefatherreceivestheprodigal,sodoesthegreatFatherreceivehiswanderers;callingallheaventojoininhissongoverthem,"Thismysonwasdeadandisaliveagain,hewaslostandisfound."(3.)TheappealwhichHeisthussnakingtothesinner.NoappealcouldbemoreforciblethanthatwhichisthusmadebythegreatloveofGod,—theoverflowingjoyHehasinsaving.Wiltthoucontinueinsin,androbbothGodandtheangels,— yea, and thyself too,—of such a joy? All heaven would rejoice over thysalvation, and wilt thou not be saved? Wilt thou persist in wandering, inworldliness,inungodliness?ArtthoudeterminedtobelostwhenGodissobentonsavingthee?(4.) The encouragement thus held out to the returning sinner. Look at all thethreeparables!Isthereonewordofdiscouragement?Doesnoteachofthemsay,Come?IsGodnotbidding theewelcome,stretchingouthisarms?What joy itwould give God to pardon and to bless thee!What a songwould be sung inheavenover thyrepentanceandreturn!Shrinknotback; turnnotaway;benotafraid,thegateisopen,andthyGodstandsbeckoningtheein.WhatacommentisthisverseonChrist'stearsoverJerusalem!Hissorrowwassincereandtrue;soishisjoyinthedayofthesinner'sreturn.Histearswererealandgenuine;soarehissongs.Allisreal,boththesorrowandthejoy.Whataforcedoesthispassagethrowintosuchwordsasthese:Yewillnotcometome;himthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout;ifanymanthirst,lethimcomeuntomeanddrink;weprayyouinChrist'sstead,beyereconciledtoGod.Whatagreatthingmustsalvationbe!Andwhatanimportantandpreciousobjectmustasinnerbe!Somuchlove,somuchsorrow,somuchseeking,somuchjoyinconnectionwithhim!

XLV.TheFather'sLove

"Andhearose,andcametohisfather.Butwhenhewasyetagreatwayoff,hisfathersawhim,andhadcompassion,and ran,and fellonhisneck,andkissedhim."—

Luke15:20.

Itwashunger,notlove,thatdrewtheprodigalbacktohisfather.Therewasnohighnordisinterestedmotiveinhisreturn.Hestayedawayaslongashecould;heonlycamebackwhenhecouldnothelphimself.Itwasnotthethoughtofhisfather,butoftheplentyofhishouse,ascontrastedwithhisownwant,thatledhimoutofthefarcountrytoseekhisfather'sface.Sowiththesinner.Itiswant,misery,danger,notlovenoranynoblemotivethatleadhimtoseekthefaceofGod. How foolish the thought of those who would shrink back from GodbecausetheyhavenotcometoHimwithapureanddisinterestedmotive!Butitiswith theFather thatwehavenowspecially todo. (1.)Paternalwatchfulnessand far-sightedness; (2.) paternal haste; (3.) paternal compassion; (4.) paternaltenderness;(5.)paternalreconciliation.I.Paternalwatchfulnessandfar-sightedness."Whenyetagreatwayoff,hisfathersawhim."Hehaddoubtlessbeenwatching;"thismanlookethoutforsinners." How quicksighted is the paternal eye, made keen and clear by theyearningsof thepaternalheart.Thefigureseenthusfaroffwasnodoubtveryunlike his boy; it was one of rags, and filth, and disfigurement. Yet it isrecognized.Thereismysonatlast!Poorwanderer,God'seyeisonyouinyonfarlandoffamine.Hehasnotforgotten;Hehashisreasonsfornotcomingoutand takingyoubackby force, like the shepherd the sheep; forHewantsyourheart,andthatcannotbewonbyforceorgold,yetHeisontheoutlookforyou,howeverfaroffyoube.II.Paternalhaste."Heran."Thesonwascomingtohim,yetherantomeethim,eagertoshortenthedistance.Hedidnotkeepstateorceremony.Hedidnot

thinkofwhatmightcomportwithdignityorwithoffendedauthority;hedidnotwait nor move slowly towards him; he ran, as if every inch of distance ormoment of separationwere intolerable.What eagerness tomeet did that hasteimply!What heedlessness of all ceremony!No fear of seeming too eager, nothought of thus encouraging sin, or making the prodigal think lightly of hiswickedness.Hastewasthebestfortheprodigal,aswellasmostcongenialtohisownfeelings.Whatarebukedoesthatword"ran"furnishtothosewhothinkthatasinnercancometoChristtoosoon;canbereconciledtooquickly.Godruns,sinner,toyou,willyounotruntoGod?Hemakeshaste,ohmakeyouhaste.III.Paternalcompassion."Hehadcompassion."Itwouldseemasifthepitywerestirredbywhathesaw.Thenearerhecamethemorehehadcompassion.The rags and filth, instead of repelling him, only awoke still more his pity.Insteadof turningawayfromthe loathsomeness,hispaternalheartwasmovedby the sight of it. As we read that Jesus, when He saw the multitudes, wasmovedwithcompassion,sowasitwiththefatherhere.Poorwanderer,youneednotthentrytocoveryourrags,ortohideyourfilth,ortotrytomakeyourselfmorelikewhatyouwereinordertoattractyourfather.Itisjustthatwhichyouare which excites his compassion. Your wretchedness, ignorance, defilement,squalor,willbenoobstacle.Theyawakehispity.Gotohimthenjustasyouare,andseeifhiscompassionsarenotinfinite.Whoeverandwhateveryoumaybe,Hepitiesyou.ThetearsofJesusoverJerusalemaretheexpressionsofthatpity,—sincere,andtrue,anddeep.IV.Paternaltenderness."Hefellonhisneck."SowasitwhenJacobandEsaumet;JosephandBenjamin.Fallingonanother'sneckistheexpressionoftenderlove,—love that, for themoment,cannotexpress itself inwords,butburies its face(andwithit,pastgriefandpresentjoy)outofsightontheneckofthebelovedone.Ahthisistenderlove!Hefellonhisneck!ItisthetenderloveofGod.Yetall thesemanifestationsofhuman love, these tokensof familyendearment,arepoor to express his unutterably earnest yet tender grace. In listening toGod'sgospelwetoooftenfeelas if itwerethemereintimationofhisconsent tooursalvation, implyingbutacoldwillingness tosaveus fromhell.Howmuchwemistake. His is true parental fondness, pity, tenderness, yearning; his is theeagernesstoblessus,whichwordscannotexpress.Yes,Godisinearnestinhis

tenderlove.V.Paternalreconciliation."Hekissedhim."Thisisthecompletionofthewhole—theconsummatedandmanifestedreconciliation.Thereisthekissofaffection,—Jacob kissing Joseph's sons; the kiss of sorrow,—when the disciples fell onPaul's neck and kissed him; the kiss of reconciliation,—when Jacob andEsaukissed,andwhenrighteousnessandpeacearesaidtokisseachother.Howmuchisimpliedinthatpaternalkiss,—love,joy,pardon,pity,reconciliation.ThusGodcomesup to thesinnerwith the fullnessof reconciliation inhisheart.Hedoesnotstaytobeentreated,orpleadedwith,orpersuaded.Hehastensuptous,andembracesusinthefullnessofhisheart.Ah,thiskissisthesealofpardontotheprodigal;anditisthiskissthatHeislongingtoimprintnowonyourpollutedlips! He comes up to you with the reconciliation of the cross; for He isreconcilingtheworldtoHimself,notimputinguntothemtheirtrespasses.

XLVI.God'sFreeLove

"Butthefathersaidtohisservants,Bringforththebestrobe,andputitonhim;andputaringonhishand,andshoesonhisfeet."—

Luke15:22.

Thereisamongmanyasecretdreadofthegospelinitsfreeness.Theymaynotdenythatfreeness,buttheyshrinkfromitasdangerous,ifnotpernicious.Thereisamongothersnotsomuchadreadasadistrustofthatfreeness.Theyhesitate,fortheyarenotsurebutthatfreenessmaybeabused;andtheytakeprecautions,as they think, by a long anddeeppreliminary law-work to place the sinner incircumstancesinwhichhewillnotabusethegospel;asiftheyknewbetterthanGodwhatthesecircumstancesare,andasifanycircumstances,anyconvictions,any law-work could prevent the sinner from abusing the gospel; or as if thegospel itself did not contain within itself, in its own good news, the bestsafeguardsagainstabuse.Theydonotdenyit;buttheydonotgiveitfairplay;somodifying,circumscribing,cloggingit,guardingit,thatitceasestobegoodnews to the sinner ashe is, convincedorunconvinced,penitentor impenitent,sensibleorinsensible.Thesewordsoftheparablerebukeallsuchunworthyideasofthegospel;asifitcould be made more free; as if it could not guard itself; as if its sanctifyingpowerdidnotlieinthatveryelementoffreelovewhichitcontains,andwhichsomedreadasthedestructionofallholiness.ThedistrustofafreegospelisthereflectionoftheoldspiritofthePharisees;themodernargumentsagainst itsfreeness,areamerereproductionof theoldself-righteousmurmuringsoftheScribes.Andtheanswertoallthisiscontainedintheparable of the lost son.Nodoubt someof thosewhoheardChrist'swordscried out, How dangerous such statements, how prejudicial to the interests ofmorality, how fitted to encourage laxity, how certain to end in backsliding!NeverthelessthesearethewordsoftheholyOne,ofHimwhoistrueaswellas

holy, and who spoke these words for us as well as for the publicans and thePhariseesofold.Itwasmisery,poverty,hunger,straits,thatbroughtthesontothefather.Nohigh,pure, holymotive.He comes as hewas,with nothing about him but evil.Hespeaksfewwords;andthesearesimplythedeclarationofwhathewas.Yetheisreceived at once.Hehadno promise, nomessage, no encouragement.He hadnever heard of such a case as his before. But be ventures; he makes anexperiment.Notsowithus.Wemakenoexperiment.Weundertakenoventure.Wedonotcomeunbidden.Weareinvitedandbesought.Wehaveathousandpromisesofreceptionandproclamationsoffreelove.Wehaveheardof,andseenmultitudesgoinbeforeus.Whatagospelisthatwhichwehavetogoupon!Sofree;sofulloflove;sorichinpromises!I.Thereisherethedifferencebetweenman'sthoughtsandGod'sthoughts.Mandespises,Godpities;manhates,Godloves;manrepels,Godattracts;manrejects,God receives.God's thoughts are love, and longsuffering, andpaternalpatience, and pity. The Pharisee speaks outman'smind, Jesus speaks out themind ofGod.Andwhat a difference!As heaven is above earth, so areGod'sthoughtsaboveman's.II. Thedifferencebetweenman'swaysandGod'sways,betweenman'streatmentofthesinnerandGod's.Thisdifferencehasmanyaspects,andcomesoutatmanypoints.Butletustakethatofourtext:"Bringforththebestrobeandput it on him." Here is God's way, God's treatment of the sinner. It is thetreatmentoflove.Itassumesthatthesinnerisallinragsandfilth,—halfnaked;andthatGodmustdealatoncewiththiswretchedcondition.Itdoesnotassumeanypreviouspreparation,orpreliminarytreatment.Godmusttakehimasheis;dealwithhimasheis;notthatthesinnermustdealwithhimself,orfithimself,orwait,orwork,oramend;butthatGodmusttakeuphiscasejustasitstands.

(1.)Therobe.Hecameforfood,notthinkingofhisrags;hungermadehimforgetallelse.Butthefatherseeshisnakedness,andatonceremovesit.Clothehim,hesays.Thereisarobeforhim.Asknotwhetherheisworthyofit;heisinrags;lethimbeclothedatonce.

(2.) The best robe. There were different robes in the house: for theservants,forstrangers,fortheeldestson.Wouldthesenotdoforhim?Ifhemust be clothed, any robewill do for such awretch. Somanwouldhavesaid.NotsoGod.There ishardlyarobe in thehousegoodenoughforhim.Hemusthavethebest.Thebestrobeforthevilestson.Whatloveishere.Whatdelightinlovingandinblessing!Wepoorprodigalsmustbegloriouslyclad!Notsackcloth,norcast-offraiment,noraservant'sdress;notAdam'snoranangel'srighteousness;butsomethingbetterthanall,—therobeofJesus!(3.)Bringitforth.Hemusthaveitatonce.Heisnottogoinsearchofit.Itmust be brought out to him.On the spot; justwhere he is and as he is,bringitout,bringittohim.Outofthewardrobebringit;selectthebest,theverybest,beforehemovesanotherstep, thathemayenter thehouseevenbetterclothedthanwhenheleft.(4.)Putitonhim.Itisnot,"Giveittohim,andlethimputitonhimself";but, "Put it on." He has but to stand still and allow himself to be thusclothedandblessed.Hedoesnothing.Hedoesnotneed todo anything.Lovedoesitall.TheFatherdoesitall.Ah, herein is love! Free love! Love to the uttermost. Love withoutmeasure.Yes,such is the loveofGod to thesinner.He is rich inmercy,andabundantinlovingkindness.Thereisnothinglikeitinearthorheaven.

XLVII.NoahDays

"AndasitwasinthedaysofNoah,soshallitbealsointhedaysoftheSonofman.Theydideat,theydrank,theymarriedwives,theyweregiveninmarriage,untilthedaythatNoahenteredintotheark;andthefloodcame,anddestroyedthemall."—

Luke17:26:27.

OurLord'scomparisonbetweenthedaysprecedinghisowncomingandthedaysofNoahthrowsusbackonthesixthchapterofGenesis,fromwhichwelearn—(1.)The stateof theworld inNoah'sdays.Therewasungodliness, corruption,violence, lust, flesh-pleasing, vanity, pleasure, engrossment with business, sothattherewasnoroomforGodeitherinman'sthoughtsorman'sworld.Verses5and2.(2.)Gods inquiry. It is said thatHe sawand thatHe looked; as in the caseofSodom (Ch. 18:21), He "makes inquisition." He does not judge hastily or atrandom,butcalmlyanddeliberately.Hencehiscondemnationissuchasolemnthing,andhisvengeancesoawful.(3.)God'sfeelingsastoallthis.It"repentedtheLord,anditgrievedHimathisheart."ThoughHeisspeakingafterthemannerofman,yetthesewordsaretheutteranceofprofoundestfeeling.HeisnotindifferentastoourtreatmentofHim;Hespeakslikeabroken-heartedfather,disappointedinhisfondesthopes.(4.)Gods thoughts in consequence of this.Hemustwithdraw his Spirit. ThatSpirit must strive no more. God cannot allow Him to be thus grieved andquenched.Hemustretire.(5.)God'ssentence. (Verses7and13),"Iwilldestroy";"theendofall flesh iscomebeforeme."HemustnowdeclarehisjudgmentandindicatethecourseHe

meanstopursue.Inthissentencemanistoreadhisguilt,andGod'sabhorrenceofhiscrimes.(6.)God'slongsuffering.(Verse3,and1Peter3:20)Hepronouncesthesentenceon the spot, butHedelays its execution, forHehas longpatience,notwillingthatanyshouldperish.Hegivesmanonehundredandtwentyyearstoturnandlive.HowlongHebears!HowmuchHelovesandpities!Howdesiroustoblessandlove;howreluctanttocurseandtodestroy!(7.)God'ssovereigngrace.Theworldwouldnotbesaved,butGodwouldhavesome one whom He might deliver. His free love fixes on one man. Him itselects; him it laysholdof; him it carries through; and forhis sake thewholefamily.Suchisgrace."BythegraceofGodwearewhatweare."Itisgracethatmakes the exceptions in aworldof evil, and shews itself in some savedones,howeverfew.SuchisasketchofNoah'sdays.LetuscomparethesewiththedaysoftheSonofman.MarktheresemblancewhichourLordsuggests.I.Inthecharacteristicsofevil.AllthatmarkedNoah'sdaysistomarkthelastdays;onlyevilistobeyetmoredevelopedandpronouncedinallitsforms.Godallowssintoripenandunfolditself,thatitstruecharactermaybeseen,andthat the human heartmay be fully revealed in all its aspects of opposition toGod.Hehas sought to check it;Hehasgivenhis fiery law;Hehas raisedupprophets;Hehasinflictedjudgments;HehassenthisSon.Butallinvain.Manwill not turn toGod.Hewill not be restrained; andGod gives him over to areprobatemind.Thatwhich is born of the flesh is flesh; and the flesh is evershewingitself.Theseedoftheserpentisthesametothelast.Satanisthesamethroughout.Iniquityistoswell,anddeepen,andoverflow,andtossitswavesofdarkness,tillearthbecomesasuburbofhell.2Timothy3:1;2Peter3:10;Jude18.Nolaw,norestraint,noBible,noChrist,noGod,noreligion,noSabbath,noheaven,nohell,noeternity!Deathisasleep!Allevil, fromCain'sdownward,concentratedandexpandedinthedaysoftheSonofman!Itistothisthatwearehastening on! Nothing but self; self-will, self-pleasing, self-indulgence, flesh-pleasing,lust,pleasure•seeking.Letuseatanddrink.Ourlipsareourown;whoisLordoverus?Universalapostacy;rejectionofGodandofhisChrist,prophet,priest,andking.Allthisonanearthmarkedwithfrequentjudgment.InNoah's

daystherehadbeennopreviousjudgment;notsointhelast.Everythingintheworld'slonghistorytellswhatsinis,whatithasdone,howGodhatesit,howHewillavengeit,andhowHewillutterlysweepawaythetransgressor.Thewholehistoryofman,aswellasthewholeBible,givesthelietothefablethatsinisjustmen'smisfortune,andthatGodwillnotbeveryhardonthetransgressor;asfor eternal punishments, they are a libel on God's character! Such is modernprogress,—moderndevelopment!II. In the long-sufferingofGod. (2Peter3)Truly it is long-suffering.Noah'sdayswerenothingtothelastdays,asarevelationoflong•suffering.Agesof long-suffering! So many mercies, so many warnings! This long-sufferingcannot be measured. It passeth knowledge. It is infinite and divine. What agospel dowe preach to the world whenwe tell of ages of long-suffering! InNoah's days itwasonehundred and twentyyears; in ours it has been alreadythousands.Reckoningfromthecross,wecanpointtoeighteencenturiesoflong-suffering.Whatamessagetorebelliousman!Themessageofdivinecompassionandthegoodnewsofinfinitegraceandlove.III. Inthewarningsgiven.Noah'smessagewas,"Iwilldestroy";and"theend of all flesh is come before me"; He made the world ring with thesewarnings.Soourwarningsareyetmoreterribleandquiteasdefinite,"Theendofallthingsisathand.""BeholdtheLordcometh.""TheJudgestandethbefore thedoor."Vengeance,sword, fire, theblacknessofdarknessforever.ReadMatthew24:21,31;2Thessalonians.1:6-9;2Peter3:7-10;Revelation4:12,17;8:13;14:8-11;14:15-21.Terriblewarnings!And theyshallallcometopass.Carelessmanofearth,canyouhearthemunmoved!Isitnothingtoyouthatsuchinfinitewrathispreparingfortheworld?Ohfleefromthewrathtocome!IV. Inthehandfulofwitnesses.OnlyNoahandhisfamily.Heistheonepreacher of righteousness. He condemns the world! So shall it be in the lastdays.WhentheSonofmancomethshallHefindfaithontheearth?Satanshalldeceive,ifitwerepossible,theveryelect.Godshallsendstrongdelusion.Onlyafewshallbefoundfaithful. Iniquityshallabound,andthe loveofmanywaxcold. A few out ofmillions! A few even among professing Christians and inChristianchurches!"Fewthatbesaved";fewerattheclose!Letusholdfastour

testimonyinanageofunbelief.V. Inthedeliveranceofthesewitnesses.Thedelugecomes,butNoahissafe.Thefloodtoucheshimnot.Godhasprovidedanark.Sowiththesaintsinthe last days. They shall be delivered from the fiery deluge. Some tribulationtheymayhave to pass through, but the last and terrible one they shall escapefrom."Watchandprayalways thatyemaybecountedworthy toescape thesethings,andtostandbeforetheSonofman."VI.Inthesuddennessofthejudgment.Theyknewnotuntilthefloodcame!Soshall thecomingbe.Hecomesasa thief;asa snare;as the lightning.Onetakenandtheotherleft.Theworldmighthaveknown,buttheywouldnot.Theysaid,"peaceandsafety" to the last.Theninamoment the trumpetsounds; thefirecomes; theLordappears;ohbeready.In the lastdaysperilous timesshallcome.TheyshallendinthecomingoftheSonofman.Enterthearkandbesafeforever.

XLVIII.TheLowestAndHighest

Luke19:11-27

Thisparable isspoken tocorrectamistakeamonghis followers.They thoughtthatthekingdomofGodwasimmediatelytoappearorbe"manifested."Itdoesnot seem that their views of the nature of the kingdomwere incorrect. Thesewere not so carnal as we sometimes suppose. They believed in the promisedkingdom;andinJesusasthepromisedKing;andinJerusalemasthecenterormetropolis. Our Lord does not interpose to correct these beliefs; but assumesthemastrue.Buttheywerewrongastothetime.Theythoughtitimmediate.Hecorrects this in the followingparable.Heshews them thatHemust first suffermanythings,andberejectedofthisgeneration.Letusbringoutthemeaningoftheparableunderthefollowingheadsorpoints, thethreepersonsorclassesofpersons,thethreeevents,thethreetransactions.I.Thethreeclassesofpersons.

1. The nobleman. It is literally the "high-born man." This is Christ'sname;thenameofHimwhois theSonofGod, theonlybegottenof theFather. He is higher than the kings of the earth. His is a heavenlyparentage; and His relationships are all divine. In all senses He is anobleman;theheirofakingdom.2.Theservants.NotHisdisciplesonlyofthatday;nottheJewsonly;butallwhoenterHisservicebybelievinginHisnameandfollowinghim.AsHewastheFather'sservant,soarewehis.EachonewhocallshimselfaChristianundertakesthisservice.Theseservantsarenotallalikefaithful,or alike zealous; nor are they all alike gifted.But they all profess to bedoinghiswork.3. Thecitizens.NotthemenofJerusalemonlyorJudea,butthemenofthisearth.Theyaresubjectsofhiskingdom,insofarastheyaredwellers

onhisearth.Theyhearofhimandofhisclaimstorule;buttheyhateandreject him.These are theopen rejectors of theLord.Yet they are calledcitizens,"Hiscitizens."

II.Thethreeevents.

1.Thedeparture.Thisnoblemancomestotheregionwherehiskingdomis to be; but there is a hindrance as to his immediate occupancy of thethrone.Hemustleaveandgotosomefarcountrytoreceivethekingdomandtoreturn.SoChristcametoearth,theseatofhispromisedempire;butnotasmonarch,oratleastnottoexercisehissovereignty.Hemustdepart.HemustgototheFathertoreceivethekingdom.Hehasgone;andHeisinthatcountrynow.2. The absence. He is now absent. He is preparing for the day ofsovereignty.Heisreceivingthekingdom;andprovingtheservantsandthecitizens in his absence. He proves the servants, making this day of hisabsencethespecialdayofservice;andgivingtoeachoneworktodo,aswellasgiftstodoitwith.Itisinhisabsencethatwearespeciallycalledtoshewourservice,—tobefaithfulandzealous.3. The return.He isnot always to remain in this far country.He is toreturn when the fullness of the times has come. He comes back withhonourandglory toakingdom.Hisshameandsorrowaredone.Hehascometobeglorified, to reign.Thissamenobleman, thissameJesuswillcome,—Hewill not tarry.Such is theFather's purpose; such isHis ownpromise,"SurelyIcomequickly."

III.Thethreetransactions.

1. Thecommission.Hecallshisservants,andassignsthemtheirwork,apportioning their gifts and spheres.He dealswith them personally anddirectly.Hedoesnotsendthemtohisworkattheirownchargesorintheirownstrength.Itisnotacommissiontosomeservants,buttoall,toeach,—not toministers only, but to eachonewhonameshis name.Hegivesyouacommissionwhenhegivesyoupardon;Henotonlysays,"Iforgiveyouallyour iniquities,goandsinnomore";but, "I forgiveyou,goand

work for me." If we have had any personal dealing with Christ aboutsalvation,wehavereceivedthiscommission.2.Thejudgment.Hecomestojudgeaswellastoreign;andhisfirstactistoexaminehisservants.Haveyoudonemywork?Haveyoumadeuseofmygifts?Ileftyoutoyourselvesforawhile,butIamnowcometoaskanaccountofyourdoings.Whathaveyoutoshewin theshapeofworkdone forme?Each is examined according towhat he has received, andquestionedastowhathehasdone.Noneexactlyalike.Somemore,somelessfaithful;somewhollyunfaithfulandunprofitable.3. The recompense. All are not only judged, but recompensed; eachreceivingaccordingtohisdeeds.(1.)Thefaithful.TheyreceiveHis"welldone," and a glory proportioned to theirwork. (2.)Theunfaithful.Theyarestrippedofeverything,andcastintoouterdarkness(Matthew25).(3.)Thecitizens.Thesewereneverservants;alwaysrejectors,enemies,rebels.These are the multitude, who hear of Christ, but yield no obedience,choose anothermaster and another service,—the hosts ofAnti-Christ,—the men of the world, the mixed multitude in our churches. They aresummonedonly tobe "slain,"destroyedby thebreathofHismouthandthebrightnessofHiscoming.

XLIX.ChristMustHavePraise

"Iftheseshouldholdtheirpeace,thestoneswouldimmediatelycryout."—

Luke14:40.

The meaning of this passage is briefly this—"Christ must have praisesomewhere;ifnotatoneplaceandbyoneclass,thenassuredlysomewhereelseandbyanotherclass:ratherthanthatHeshouldnothavethis,amiraclewouldbewrought,andthestonesmadetocryout."Christmusthavepraise.Why?I.BecauseitisHisdue.ItisduetoHisperson.HeisSonofGod,andSonofman; thepossessorofallcreatedandalluncreatedexcellence; thecenterofeverydivineandeveryhumanperfection.Praiseishisdue,hisright,hislawfulandnecessaryclaim.ItisduetohimastheWordmadeflesh,asMessiah,astheKingthatcomethinthenameoftheLord.It isduetohisworkandoffice.Hecomes as the revealer of the Father and the Father's will; the executor of theFather'spurpose;theobjectoftheFather'slove;thedoerofthemightyworkinwhichtheFatherwastobeglorifiedandpeacemade,andlovecarriedouttothesinnerinarighteousway.II.BecauseitistheFather'spurpose.ThatpurposeisthatChristshouldbepraised, that He should receive honour, and glory, and blessing. The FatherpresentsHimtousasthegreatobjectofuniversalpraise.Hesays,"Letall theangels ofGodworshipHim ;" let allmenworshipHim; let creationworshipHim; let this earth worship Him, even its stones. For such a purpose (viz.,concentrating all praise on Jesus),Hemust have infinitelywise reasons, eventhoughwe did not see them. Butwhat has beenmade known concerning thepersonandworkofMessiah,shewshowinfinitelyreasonableandgloriousthatpurposeis.There are some who dislike this praise and this purpose. Such were the

Pharisees.Not the "publicans and sinners."Selfrighteousness, a self-justifying,self-exulting,religionisthemostopposedtothepraiseofChrist.Theprofessorsofithatesuchpraise.Theycannotbeartohearitfromothers,farlesstogiveitthemselves;thevoiceofpraisecallsforththeirenmity.Thereareotherswhoaresimplysilent.Theyareengrossedwithotherthings,orindifferent.Theydonottrouble themselves about thematter.Theyclose their lips and their ears.Doeseither of these classes describe any here? Are there some disregarding theFather'spurpose,andgivingnopraise toHimwhomHedelighteth tohonour?What!Neitherpraisenorlove!Neitherhomagenorobedience!Nowwhatwillthisrefusal,thissilence,thisangerdo?1.Itwillnotprofitthemselves,Itwillnotmakethemhappier.Itwillnotsecure any favor or honour for them. It will not forward their prospects foreternity.Itwillnotavailtheminthedayofwrath,orservethematthejudgment-seat.2. Itwillnot lessenChrist'shonour.Hewill stilldeserve thehonour,though they refuse togive it.Hewill still be the infinitely loveable, infinitelygloriousone,possessedofthenamethatisaboveeveryname.3.Itwillnotsilenceothers.HeavenwillstillpraiseHim,theredeemedwillstillpraiseHim.Hisenemiesmaybedumb,but thatwillnotsilenceangels. Itwillnotcloseonelip,norcauseonetonguetofalter.4. ItwillnothinderthefulfillmentoftheFather'spurpose.Thatpurposeshallstand,whoevermayresist.Ifthesebesilent,thestonesshallimmediatelycryout.IfonewillnotpraiseHim,anothershallHemusthavepraise;andthatpraiseshallneversinklowerthanacertainamount.Ifitshoulddoso,fromthesilenceofthosewhowereexpectedtopraiseHim,others—eventheunlikeliest—eventhedeadcreation,thestones,willcryout,—cryoutinpraise,andcryoutagainst the wretched men who have refused the honour. God's purposeconcerning Christ, and the praise due to Him, shall be carried out to theuttermost,both in timeandeternity,both inearthandheaven.Thatpurpose iseven now unfolding itself. Christ is glorified even here. There are some thatpraise Him, in every kingdom and out of every kindred, and every new soulgatheredinaddstothesongofpraise.AllearthshallyetpraiseHim.Creation's

universal songofpraise shall beginwhenHe returns inHisglory tomake allthingsnew.Allheavenpraises,andshallpraiseHim.EveryangelglorifiesHim.ThehostsofheavenascribeblessingtotheLamb.Nay,alltheuniverseshallyetpraiseHim.EverythingthathathbreathandbeingshallpraiseHim.Sun,moon,andstarsshallpraiseHim,throughoutthewidestspace!Are you praisingHim, brethren?By lip and life, byword and deed?Helpingothers to praiseHim; gathering in the unpraising ones of earth that theymaypraiseHim?WillyoupraiseHim,Omen?Youwhohavepraisedself,thecreature,theworld—"nature,"asyoucall it,—willyounowbegintopraiseHimwhoisinfinitelyworthyofallyourpraiseandlove?

L.SignsOfTheTimes

"Andwhen these things begin to come to pass, then lookup, and lift upyourheads;foryourredemptiondrawethnigh."—

Luke21:28.

Thethingsherereferredtoarethesignsofhiscoming;—thesuretokensgivenby himself that He is at the doors. When these are just beginning to unfoldthemselves,thenbeofgoodcheer;yourdeliveranceisathand(redemption,seeRomans8:23).Heusestworemarkablewordstoindicatetheeffectswhichoughttobeproducedbythesepremonitorysigns;—(1.) liftyourselvesup(άναχυφαι,stoopnomore,—liftupyourbodies);(2.)liftupyourheads;donotmerelystandwitherectbody,but turnyourheadandeyesupward.Thechurch'sposturehashithertobeenthatofoneboweddown(Psalm14,38:6,40:25)undertheheavyburdensofanevildayandanevilworld.Bothbodyandheadarebenttowardstheearthingrief.ButsosoonasshehearsthesignalofherLord'sapproach,sherises up from her stooping posture, she looks upwards to descry the comingdeliveranceandglory.Itisofgreatmoment,then,thatwereadthesignsaright;notonlyasgivenherebyourLord,butafterwardsbyhisapostles. It isof littleconsequence inwhatorderwetakethem.Theyarenumerous,andscatteredovertheNewTestament.Itakethemalphabeticallyforthesakeofmemory.I. Antichristianity. ImeannotPoperymerely,butall the forms, inwhich

oppositiontoChristshewsitself;whetherfalsedoctrineoractivehostilitytoChrist.AfalseChristianity;error regarding thepersonandworkofChrist;subversionofthecross,andblood,andrighteousnessofChrist;allthewaysinwhichChristisopposed,directlyorindirectly;inwhichmenareutteringthecry,"Wewillnothavethismantoreignoverus";letusbreaktheirbandsand cast away their cords (Luke 14:14; Psalm 2:3; Acts 4:27). There aremanyantichrists.

II. Disbelief of the advent.The advent ofChrist itself shall be oneof the

thingswhich scepticism shall assail. There are two classeswhich shall befound rejecting it,—theprofessingChristianwho says, "MyLorddelayethhis coming,"—the scoffing world that says, "Where is the promise of hiscoming?"

III. Error.Thefruitof thetreeofknowledgeisstillbeingeatenbyman,and

still infusing itspoison.Loveofknowledge is theprofessedstarting-point.But in thepursuitof this,God isnotacknowledgedas the teacher,nor theBibleastheinfallibletextbook.Speculationabounds;inspiredtrammelsareflungoff;prideofintellectoperates;manworshipshisownmind;everydaybrings forth some novel opinion; revelation is thrust down from its highposition; every form of error gets vent; till God gives men over to areprobatemind, and sends themstrongdelusion that they shouldbelievealie."Theywillnotenduresounddoctrine,"butare"carriedaboutwitheverywindofdoctrine."

IV.Energyofevil.Evilmenandseducersaretowaxworseandworse.Sinwill

unfolditselftotheuttermost.Thehumanheartwillspeakout.Itwillnotbedormant or inactive evil; it will be energetic to the utmost in seeking tocounteract thegood,—nay,todestroyitutterly.Insomeagesevilseemstosleep.Inthelastdaysitwillawaketofulllifeandactivity.Itwillseizeeveryinstrument,thepress,thepulpit,theplatform.Itwillenlisteveryscienceandart,—music, sculpture, painting, poetry, philosophy,—making them allsubservienttoitsdevelopment.Satan,bothastheprinceofdarkness,andasanangeloflight,willcomedown,havinggreatwrath,toputforthhiswiles,hispowers, to theutmost.Themultiplicationofcrimes, contemptof laws,blasphemies,thesearespecimensoftheenergyofevil.

V. Formalism.Theapostle,afterenumeratingthesinsofthelastdays,adds

this:"Havingaformofgodliness,butdenyingthepowerthereof."Thereistobetheappearanceofreligiontosuitthe"religious"partofman'snature;but this is to be coupled with all sin, and error, and ungodliness,—nay,infidelity.Whitedsepulchers;wellswithoutwater;treeswithoutfruit;lampswithoutoil;areligionwithouttheHolyGhost!

VI. Latitudinarianism.Indifferencetorevealedtruth,nay,toalltruth;makinglightoferror;holdingthatall religionsaresofarrightandacceptable,andthatthereareathousandwaystoheaven,iftherebeaheavenorahellatall.Laxity of opinion, and laxity of morals, will prevail. Immorality is tooverflow in every form, andwill not be condemned.A loose faith, and aloosepractice,aneasylaw,aneasygospel;alltheevilsdescribedinthethirdchapterofsecondTimothy,unfoldingthemselves,andnotdisapprovedof.

VII. Missions. Towards the close of the last days, we are to expect special

efforts in behalf of Jew and Gentile. The gospel is to be preached to allnations.TheJewistobesoughtout.TheBibleistogoovertheearth.ThemessengersofChristaretomaketheirerrandknown.Atnotimesincetheapostleshasthisbeenthecasesomuchasnow.

VIII. Political changer. European changes; the reconstruction of the ten

kingdoms;thebreakingupofoldlandmarks; theconfusionofallpoliticalprinciple;theplacingofgovernmentinthehandsofthelowest;thespeakingevilofdignities.

IX. Pride and self-will. The pride of power; the pride of knowledge and

intellect;self-reliance;beliefinselfregeneration,withoutthepowerofGod,ortheHolyGhost.Unwillingnesstobrookrestraints:"Ourlipsareourown;whoisLordoverus?"ThiswillfulnessorlawlessnessistocometoaheadinAntichrist; but it is tobemanifested everywhere, in the church and in theworld.Self-will!Thatistobethecharacteristicofthelastdays.

X. Restlessness.Many shall run to and fro.Thewholeworld shall be in

motion; fermentation everywhere; rushing hither and thither; unable to bestill.Asthemanpossessedbyadevilcouldnotrest,soourworldinthelastdays,possessedbythedevil,shallexhibittheveryrestlessnessofhell,—ofhimwhoisevergoingtoandfrointheearth,walkingupanddowninit.

XI.Satanicinfluences.Weseethisnotonlyintheerrorsandblasphemiesthat

are abroad,—infidelity and atheism. But we see it in the pretendedcommunications with the invisible world, the spirit•rapping, and spirit-consulting,whichisspreadingeverywhere;sothatmillionsareunderthesesubtleandpotentinfluences.

XII.Wars.Theworld'sgreatcrisisistheArmageddonbattle.Uptillthattimetherearetobewarsandrumorsofwars.XIII.Worldliness,Thispresentevilworldistobetheobjectofman'sidolatry.In

thiswaymaterialismwill shew itself.Religiousmaterialism, ecclesiasticalmaterialism,politicalmaterialism.Thismaterialworldinallitsaspectswillbe worshipped. Luxury, lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, &c., all mingletogethertomakeuptheintenseworldlinessofthelastdays.

LI.DeliveranceInTheDayOfTheLord

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy toescapeall these things that shall come topass, and to standbefore theSonofMan."—

Luke21:36

Thischapter,thoughrelatingatitscommencementtothedaysofourLord,runsonfarintothefuture,andcarriesusdowntohissecondcoming.The"lastdays"arethetimesmoreespeciallyreferredto;thedayswhichendwithhisarrivalasJudgeandKing.I.Thesedaysaredaysofcalamity.BothforIsraelandforthechurch;nay,for theworldalso, thesewere tobedaysofsorrow.Thesesorrowswere tobevarious,asifaupastcalamitiesweresummedupandgatheredtogetherinthese.Thenarethevialsofdivinewrathtobepouredout.Nothinginthepastcanequalthem.Judgments,terrors,persecutions;earthquakes,overturnings,darkeningsofsun andmoon and stars; these and such like are tomark that awful day. ThedestructionofJerusalemwasonlyashadowofthis.TheIndianhorrorsarebutpreludesofwhatiscoming.ThedayoftheLordwillbeadayofdarknessandgloominess.II.Thesecalamitiesaretobeverywidespread.Theyaretobeterribleasthedoom of Sodom and Gomorrah, but far more universal. They are not merejudgmentsonacityoraland,butonaworld!Theheavensandtheearth;theseaandtheland;IsraelandtheGentiles;JerusalemandBabylon;JudeaandIdumea;allaretosharethejudgments,forallhavesinned.God'sswordshallsmiteandnot spare; for it is the day of His vengeance; vengeance against sin, againstidolatry, against Anti-Christian rebellion, against Jewish unbelief, againstApostateChristianity;vengeancefordishonourdonetoHimself,toHisSon,toHisSpirit;toHisBible,toHisgospel,toHislaw.Likethedeluge,thevengeancewilloverflowtheearth.

III.Therewillbesomethatwillescape.Suchhasalwaysbeenthewayintheexecutionofjudgment.Thegreatmassoftheungodlyhaveperished,forGod'spurposewastoshewHishatredofsin;butafewhavebeenpreservedtodeclareHisgraceandsovereignpleasureinsavingwhomHewill.Thefloodswepttheworldaway;butNoahandhisfamilyweresaved.Thefireofheavenconsumedthe cities of the plain, yetLot and his two daughterswere preserved. Tens ofthousands perished in the overthrow of Jerusalem, but the Christians in itescaped. So is it to be in the last and most terrible of God's visitations. Aremnantshallbesaved.Balaamasks,WhoshalllivewhenGoddoeththis?Andcertainlyitwillbeatimeoftroublesuchasneverwasupontheearth,suchasseems to make escape impossible. But some Noahs, some Lots, shall bedelivered.GodwillshewhowHecanpreserveaswellasdestroy;howHecanraindownjudgmentonEgypt,andyetkeepIsraelinsafety.IV. ThisdeliveranceshallbebythedirecthandandpowerofGod.Thispassagedoesnot sayso.Butothers intimate thatGodwill interfere todeliver.Indeed,insuchaburstofuniversalvengeance,itseemsdifficulttoconceiveofanyescapingsavebymiracle;eitherbybeingcaughtawayfromthe judgmentjustbeforeitbegins,asinthecaseofEnoch,orbeingcarriedthroughthemidstinsafety,asinthecaseofNoah,orthethreechildreninthefurnace.Godspeaksof"chambers,"intowhichHecallsHispeopletoenteruntiltheindignationbeoverpast; and He speaks of the righteous being taken away from the evil tocome;and the91stPsalmwillbespecially fulfilled to thesepreservedones inthatdayoftrialanddestruction.V. Theywhoaresavedare theywhowatchandpray.Therearemanyallusionsintheprophetstoachosenfewoffaithfulworshipperswhoaretobedelivered. We commonly give these passages a mere general application, asreferringtoanytimeofcalamity;andnodoubttheyaresowrittenastobearthismeaning, and to afford comfort toGod's believingones in anydayof sorrow.Butlikemanyotherwordsoftheprophets,theyhaveafullermeaning,andpointto a prophetic application in the last days. Such is Psalm 91. Such is Isaiah24:13,14;33:14-16;Malachi3:16,17.Andinthesepassagesthecharactersofthedeliveredarefullydescribed.ButourLordinHisexhortationheresetsthembeforeusintwowords,Watchandpray;twowordswhichHeelsewhereused,andwhichtheApostlePeter,doubtlessrememberingtheMaster'swords,makes

useof,"Theendofall things isathand,beye thereforesoberandwatchuntoprayer."

(1.)Watch.Bewareofsleep.It isadrowsy'world;orrather it isaworldfastasleepinsin.Itistheworld'snight,andthisinducesdrowsiness.Itisto be specially the temptation of the church in the last days, "while thebridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept." Many things in thepresentday tend to lullusasleep;worldlyprosperity, theprogressof thearts,outwardcomforts,luxury,freedomfromdanger,wantofpersecution.Weareindangerofbeingovercomebytheseopiates, thesesoporificsoftheevilone.Thereforeletuswatch.Letusbeeveronourguardagainstthedrowsinessthat is constantly overtaking us.Let us beware of being led into this bypleasure,orcovetousness,orvanity,orloveofease.Letuswatch.Itisnotfor nothing that God has spoken to us during these late years in suchappalling judgments abroad, such afflictive disasters at home. He says,Awake,tothosethatareasleep.Hesays,Watch,tothosewhoaredrowsy.Letusnotsleepasdoothers.(2.) Pray.Whilewatching, let us pray. Let uswatch upon our knees.Awatchingtimeshouldbeaprayingtime.Itistomorethanmerelykeepingourselvesawake that theLordcallsus.Pray;prayalways;or literally, inalltimesandseasons;notyesterdayonly,buttoday;notindarknessonly,butinthelight;notinadversityonly,butinprosperity;notinthedayofbereavement, and terror, andweariness, but in the time of security, andcomfort,andpeace.Prayalways.Praywithoutceasing.

Itisthewatchersandtheprayersthatshallbesavedoutof,orcarriedthrough,thecomingstorm.Onlythey.Ifyoufearthedayoftroublethatisathand,watchandpray.Thatonlywillavail.HowGodistodeliverinthatday,Icannotsay;butHewill,thoughitshouldbebyafierychariot,orbyanark,orbyhisangelsentdownfromheaven.Hewilldeliver.VI.ThesedeliveredonesshallstandbeforetheSonofman.Thisstandinghasatwofoldreference:(1)Astandinginjudgment(Psalm1:5),i.e.beingacquittedinthedayoftheLord;(2.)astandinginthepresenceofthe

Lord,asinRevelation7:9,14:1,5,15:2,22:4.Thereisnotmerelydeliveranceinthatdayforthese,butgloryandtriumphinthepresenceoftheKing.Theyshallseehisface,andhisnameshallbeintheirforeheads.Theyshallstandbeforehimaspartofhisgloriousretinue,hishonouredones,hischosenones,hisblessedones.HavingsufferedwithHim,theyshallreignwithHim;havingbeenpartakersofhisshame,theyshallbesharersofhisglory.Watchandprayalways;andsomuch themoreasyesee thedayapproaching.Forthetimeisshort,andthecomingoftheLorddrawethnigh.Thisyearmayunfoldmuch;bereadyforwhatiscoming.WhetheritusherintheadventoftheLordornot,be ready.Watchandpray.Yourownspiritualprosperitydemandsthis.Yourexemptionfromimpendingjudgmentdemandsthis.Yourusefulnessintheworld, during theworld's brief remaining day, demands this. The glory ofyourLorddemandsthis;andtheLordhimselfexpectsitatyourhand.Watchyetherefore,andprayalways!

LII.TheNewWineOfTheKingdom

"ForIsayuntoyou,Iwillnotdrinkofthefruitofthevine,untilthekingdomofGodshallcome."—

Luke22:18.

Twofeastshad justbeencelebratedbyourLordandhisdisciples immediatelybeforethesewordswerespoken.ThefirstwasthePassover,andthesecondwastheSupper.Bothofthesewerefestivalsofrejoicing,theoneforIsraelaftertheflesh,theotherfortheIsraelofGod,thesavedandcalledonesofeverynation,andkindred,andtongue,andpeople.Itmightseemthentothedisciplesasifthiswerenowatlastthebeginningoftheirjoy,ajoynomoretobeovercrowdedorwithdrawn. It might seem as if this were the final cementing of their happyunion,aunionnomoretobebrokenup.NotwithstandingallthattheLordhadsaidabouthisapproachingsufferings, theywereso"slowofheart tobelieve,"that they might be even at this moment imagining that the time of theirtribulationwasnowabout tocloseandthehourof their triumphtobegin.Inaprospectsuchasthistheywouldbedisposedgreatlytorejoice,notfortheirownsakes only, but for the sake of aMaster whom they loved so well, and overwhoseunceasingsorrowtheirlovingheartshadoftenmourned.Perhaps itmight be then, to counteract some such rising feeling of exultation,thatourLordaddressedtothemthewordsofourtext:"ButIsayuntoyou,Iwillnotdrinkhenceforthofthisfruitofthevine,untilthatdaywhenIdrinkitnewwithyouinmyFather'skingdom."Theywererightintheiranticipationsofthecoming kingdom, with all its fullness of joy, but they had altogethermiscalculated the timeof itsapproach.Theystilloverlooked the suffering thatlay between.They refused to admit the idea ofMessiah's shame and death asbeingtheonlywaytohisfinalgloryandhonourintheeverlastingkingdom.IntheversebeforeusHemakesreferencetotheintervalthatstilllaybetweenHimandthekingdom.Hetellsthemthatthoughthereshouldcertainlycomeadayof

festal joy, inwhichHe arid they should rejoice together, yet that daywas notimmediatelyathand.Itwouldassuredlycome,butnotnow.Theymustprepareforseparation,notforunion;forsorrow,notforjoy;forfasting,notforfeasting;fortheBridegroom'sabsence,notHispresence.ThiswasHisfarewell-feastwithHisdisciplesuntilthedayoftheeternalmeetingintheheavenlyJerusalem.Andthewordsareevidentlysimilar,inreferenceandimport,tothoseoftheapostle:"Asoftenasyeeatthisbread,anddrinkthiscup,yedoshewtheLord'sdeathtillHecome."Itwasasifhehadsaidtohisdisciples,"Youmaythinkthisthebeginningofmyjoy and your joy, the dawning of a bright day of happy fellowship and unionwitheachother.Itisnotso.Itisthecommencementofmydeepestagony;itisthe last time that we shall thus feast together, till the kingdom shall come.Between thatperiodand this, there isa longanddreary interval toelapse.Butafterthesedarkdaysareover,thenshallIsitdownwithyouoncemoreinhappycommunion,anddrinkofthefruitofthevinenewwithyouatabettertable;notin this poor upper chamber of the earthly Jerusalem, but in one of the manymansions ofmy Father's house, prepared for us in theNew Jerusalem,whichcomethdownoutofheavenfromGod."There isacalmmelancholyin thesewordswhichatoncetouchesandsubduesus.Simpleastheyare,adeepsolemnitypervadesthem.BothHeandtheyweresad; yet it was expedient that He should go away. He would gladly haveremainedandfeastedwiththem,buthehadotherworktodo,bothinearthandheaven. He must go. (I say"; "verily I say";— thus he assures them of theunwelcometruthofhisdeparture.Hethusspeaks,I.OfatimewhenHediddrinkofthefruit(or"produce")ofthevine.ThisHehadbeendoingsincetheyhadcometogether,ateachfeast,eachpassover,attheir accustomedmeals, at Simon's house, at Cana in Galilee; partaking withthemoftheircommonfood,andinterchangingfellowship.Hehadexpressedhisdesiretodosooncemore:"WithdesirehaveIdesiredtoeatthispassoverwithyoubeforeIsuffer.Heisnowdoingso,—presentingtousthebreadofblessingandthecupofblessing.ThusJesusdelightedinhumanfellowship.Hecamenotonlytogivejoytous,buttoreceivejoyfromus.Hesoughtintercourseineveryway. His delights were with the sons of men. See the whole of the Song ofSolomon.LetusgiveHimthefellowshipHeseeks;Helongsforadmittanceto

ourhouseandboard,letusnotshutHimout.Hispromiseis,"Iwillcomeinandsupwithhim,andhewithme."II.OfatimewhenHewouldnotdrinkofthefruitofthevine."AfterthisIshallnottasteitagain."HeputsawayfromHimthatcup,whichwasexpressiveoffellowshipandjoy.Theperiodherealludedtoconsistsoftwoparts:(1.)theperiod of his agony onward to his resurrection; (2.) the period from hisresurrectiontohissecondcoming.

(1.) His agony and death. He had hardly uttered these words when hisenemiesseizedHim,ledbyadisciple.Therewashisbetrayal,desertion,denial, scourging, crucifying, the myrrh and gall, and crown of thorns.Trulythiswasanothercup;notthefruitofthevinewhichmakethglad,butbitterness, and trembling, and death.As if hewere now saying, "I haveanothercuptodrink,acupofgallandwrath,—todrinkalone;thiscupImustdrink thatyoumaynotdrink it. Imust foregoyour fellowshipandlove,forthepresenceofenemies;nowisthehourandpowerofdarkness."Whatdeepsadnessishere!Itisthelanguageofthemanofsorrows;ofonewhodelightedin the loveofhisdisciples,andwouldrather that thiscuphad passed fromHim, butwhowas yetwilling to drink it to the dregs.Whatdeeploveishere!Itislovewhichmanywaterscouldnotquench.(2.)Fromhisresurrectiontohiscomingandkingdom.Thepresentintervalisoneofabsence.Notthatthisisaperiodofsuffering;thatisallover.Butitisnottheperiodofhisfulljoy.Thatfullnessisstillfuture;hisgreatjoyisstillpostponed.Itisnotperfectedyet;solongasHeisabsentfromHischurchandHiskingdom;solongasHischosenonesarenotgathered;solongasthebrideisnotready,andthemarriagenotconsummated,andthebodies of his beloved are still lying in the grave. Thus he reserves orpostponeshisfulljoytillthegreatdayofresurrectionandreunion.

III.OfatimewhenHeshalldrinkagainofthefruitofthevinewiththem.Thatisthedayofhiscomingandkingdom;thedayofhiscrowningisthedayofthegladnessofhisheart(Song3:2).Itisthedayoffeasting(Isaiah25:6).Itisthedayofhisroyalglory.Itisthemarriageday;thedayoffullfellowshipwithhis own.He shall then drink thewine of the kingdom, and drink it newwiththem;notasinCana,theguest,buthimselfthebridegroom;thegovernorofthe

feastaswellastheproviderofthewine.Letusmarkhere,

(1.)Hisdeep sorrow.He is likeone surroundedwith friends,yethavingwithinhimagrieftoodeepforutterance.(2.)Thecalmresignation.As ifHesaid,"I leave thishappycompany tosuffer." He shrinks not, murmurs not, though foreseeing the cup he isabout to drink. He goes calmly, like a lamb to the slaughter. "The cupwhichmyFatherbathgivenme,shallInotdrinkit?"(3.)Thegentle love. It is love thatutters thesewords; lovewilling tobetornawayfromthebelovedobject,ifbythishecanbeofservicetoit.Hepleasednothimself.Itwasourhappinesshesought.(4)The joy inour fellowship. Interchangeof affection iswhathe seeks.Hisdesireisfornearnessandcommunion.(5.)Theanticipationoftheglory.Thereisglorytoberevealed;gloryforHimasforus;whenhereturnstohiskingdom.Forthishelongs."Icomequickly,"hesays.Letusanswer,Evensocome,LordJesus!Cometoraisethy saintsCome to themarriage supper!Come to thecrownand throne.Cometothejoyandglory.

LIII.TheHeavenlyFeast

"Andhetookbread,andgavethanks,andbrakeit,andgaveuntothem,saying,This is my body, which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.Likewisealsothecupaftersupper,saying,Thiscupisthenewtestamentinmyblood,whichisshedforyou."—

Luke22:19,20.

ThiswasPassover-night;theanniversaryof"thenightmuchtoberemembered,"when the Lord God of Israel led Israel out of Egypt. Jesus kept all thepassovers; and speciallyHe desired to keep this, the last of the long series ofmemorablenightsinwhichIsraelcommemoratedthegranddeliverance.The roasted lamb disappears, and in its place come the bread and wine; thesymbolsofthenewandbettercovenant.Itiswiththesethatwehavetodointheordinanceofthesupper.And,asofthepassover,soofthesupper,Jesusisall.I. Thetakingofthebread.Itisbreadthathetakes;oneofthepassovercakes;madeoftheproduceofthissoil,—earth'swheat,sown,watered,springingupandripeninghere.Forhetooknotthenatureofangels,butHetooktheseedofAbraham.HimselftheincarnateOne,theWordmadefleshHepresentstous.Heisveryman,ofthesubstanceofthevirgin,ofthefleshofman,trueseedofthewoman,trueSonofAdam;notangelic,buthuman,thoroughlyhumaninHisnature;manall over in everythingbut sin; for thatpassover cakewaswithoutleaven.II.Thethanksgiving.Theotherevangelistscallit"blessing."Themeaningisthesame.He"gavethanks"andHe"blessed;"notthebread,butGod;for"it"isnotintheoriginal.HepraisedGodinconnectionwiththisbread.Jesusgavethanksforthebread,andspeciallyforthatofwhichitwasthesymbol.Hegavethanks to the Father for his now almost completedwork, and for all that thatworkwastoaccomplish.

III. Thebreakingofthebread.Hebrokethethinpassovercakeinpieces,that thereby He might complete the symbol. For the breaking was a mostimportantpartofthefeast.Thebreadwastobefirstbrokenbeforeitwaseaten.NotaboneofHimwas tobebroken,andyethisbodywas tobebroken.The"bruisingoftheheel"andthe"breakingofthebody"werethetwoexpressionsusedtodenotehissufferingworkasthesubstituteorsacrificeforsin.It isnotincarnationmerelythatwehaveinthesupper,butdeath,—sacrificialdeath;thebodybrokenby theburdenof our guilt laid uponHim.Christ crucified is thealphaandomegaoftheLord'ssupper.Itishiscrossthatissetbeforeusthere;hiscrossastheplacewhereourguiltandourcursewereborne.IV. Thegiving. InmanywaysChristgavehimself tous;buthere it isspeciallyasthesin-bearerthatHedoesso.ItishisbrokenbodythatHepresentstous.Thisishisgifttous.Thatbrokenbody,withthesin•bearingworkwhichitaccomplished, He gives to us. It is the gift of his love; the love that passethknowledge.V.Thewordofexplanationandcommand.Theexplanationis,"Thisismybody,givenforyou."Thecommandis,"Thisdoinremembranceofme."Thus,welearnthesetwothings(1.)thatitisthebodyofChrist,—Christonthecross,—thatwehavesospeciallytodowithhere;"myfleshismeatindeed;"(2.)thatthe Lord's supper is a memorial of Christ himself; not a sacrifice, but thememorialofasacrifice.Thatbread is tobereceivedbyus in remembranceofChrist.ItfixesoureyeonJesusonly.Suchisthefirstpartofthesupper;thatconcerningthebreadorbodyoftheLord.Thesecondislikeuntoit;concerningthewineorbloodoftheLord.Theprocessisrepeated.Aswasdonewiththebread,soisitdonewiththewine.

(1.)Hetookthecup.Itwasthecupofblessing.Hetooktohimselfnotonlythefleshbutthebloodofman.(2.)Hegavethanks(Matthew26:27).ForthewineaswellasforthebreadHegivesthanks;—doublethanksgivingsinthisordinance.(3.)Hegavethecup.ThecupHemeantforthemasspeciallyasthebread.

Yes;Hegaveit;whothencantakeitaway?Canman,orpriest,orchurchtake the cup from us? Does not He who takes the cup from us provehimselftobeanAntichrist?(4.)Hebadethemdrink."Drinkyeallofit"(Matthew26:27).And"theyalldrankofit"(Mark14:23).Itisbyhiscommandthatwedrink.Hesaystous,"Drink";not,Gazeonit;but,Drinkofit.(5.)Heinterpretsthecup."Thiscupisthenewtestamentinmyblood."InMark (14:24) it is, "This is my blood of the new testament." In 1stCorinthians(10:16)itiscalled"thecupofblessing,"andthe"communionof the blood of Christ." Thus the cup connects us, (1.) with the newcovenant;(2.)withtheblood;(3.)withblessing;(4.)withcommunion.Inthatcupweseethecovenant,theblood,theblessing,thecommunion.Letusfullyunderstandit,andrealizeitscontents.

Ofthesesymbols,—ofthiswholeordinance,—wemaysaytruly,—(1.)Theloveof Christ is here. It is the feast of love. The symbols tell of love. Thewholesceneislove.Hisbanneroverusislove.(2.)ThejoyofChristishere.Itisnotthe man of sorrows that we hear in this feast. Joy and peace are here. "Mypeace;""myjoy."(3.)ThegloryofChristishere.Forthoughthesymbolstakeusbacktothecross,theybiduslookforwardtothecomingandtheglory.WeshewhisdeathtillHecome.

LIV.TheThreeCrosses

"And therewerealso twoothers,malefactors, ledwithhim tobeput todeath.And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, there theycrucifiedhim,and themalefactors;oneon therighthand,and theotheron theleft.ThensaidJesus,Father,forgivethem;fortheyknownotwhattheydo.Andtheypartedhisraiment,andcast lots.Andthepeoplestoodbeholding:andtherulersalsowiththemderidedhim,saying,Hesavedothers;lethimsavehimselfifhebeChrist,thechosenofGod.Andthesoldiersalsomockedhim,comingtohim,andofferinghimvinegar,andsaying,ifthoubethekingoftheJews,savethyself.AndasuperscriptionalsowaswrittenoverhiminlettersofGreek,andLatin, andHebrew, This is the icing of the Jews.And one of themalefactorswhichwerehangedrailedonhim,saying,ifthoubeChrist,savethyselfandus.But theother,answering, rebukedhim, saying,Dostnot thou fearGod, seeingthouartinthesamecondemnation?Andweindeedjustly;forwereceivetheduerewardof our deeds: but thismanhathdonenothing amiss.Andhe saiduntoJesus,Lord,remembermewhenthoucomestintothykingdom.AndJesussaiduntohim,VerilyIsayuntothee,Todayshaltthoubewithmeinparadise."—

Luke23:32-43.

Theplaceof this transaction is Jerusalem; theholy city; outside itswalls.Thesceneisthatofthreecrosses,threecriminals,soldiers,priests,aJewishcrowd,agreat execution, a few weeping women, and one or two afflicted men in thedistance.Ithasmuchtosaytous;mostofitnotuponthesurface,buthiddenandsilent; something of God, of the Saviour, of the sinner; something of sin, ofsalvation,ofdamnation;somethingofheaven,ofearth,ofhell;sinpardoned,sinunpardoned;asoulwon,asoullost:Christreceived,Christrejected.Letusselectafewlessons.I.Man'shatredofGod.Humanenmity,malice,envy,comeoutineverypart of the transaction. Pilate's hall; the scourging,mocking, spitting, smiting;

thecry,Crucify;thenailing,thewaggingthehead;thethief'srailing.TheveryideaofplacingHimbetweentwomalefactorsareproofofdesperatemalice;therefinementofhatred.Hereareman'sheart,hands,tongue,allcomingoutagainstGodandhisSon.Iftherewereasparkofloveinman,itwouldhavecomeout.Butonlyhatred!"HatersofGod"iswrittenoneachforeheadyonder;"enmitytoGod"breaksforthinwordanddeed.Itwasnotlove,itwasnotmereindifferencethat cameoutatCalvary,buthatred; thehatredof thehuman race to theGodwhowasyearningoveritinlove.II. God'slovetoman.Hereinislove!Lovetotheuttermost;unquenchedandunquenchablebyall thatmancando.Manpours floodsupon this love toquenchit,but itgrowsmoreintense.Whatpatiencewithman'sutmostmalice;what forbearancewith his sin! "Father forgive them; for they know not whatthey do." Was ever love like this? So large, so free, so overflowing. Sinabounding;gracemuchmoreabounding.Thetideofdivinelovemeetingthatofhumanhatred,andovercomingit.III. God'spurpose to finish thework.Hewill not sufferHimself tobeprovokedtoleavethepropitiationhalffinished, thesacrificehalfoffered.MandoeshisutmosttoprovokeGodtolethimalone,towithdrawthesalvationandtheSaviour.ButGod'spurposeshallstand.Everypartofitshallbecarriedout.ThewrathofmanshallpraiseHim.AlltheindignitiesheapedupontheholySonofGodshallnotcauseHimtodrawbackinhisworkofrighteousgrace.Itshallbefinished!Thealtarshallbebuilt,—builtbyman'senmity;thesacrificeshallbeslain,—slainbyman'senmity.TheworkshallbedoneIV.Thedivineinterpretationofthework.Thesavedthiefisaspecimenofwhatit isappointedtodo.Sinabounding,gracesuperabounding.Whatisyoucross erected for?To save souls!See, it saves oneof theworst; onewhohaddonenoughtbutevilallhisdays.Whatdoesthatbloodflowfor?Towashawaysin. See, it washes one of the blackest. What does yon sufferer die for? Topardon theguiltiest.Notmerely to save fromhell,but toopenParadise to thechief of sinners,— to open it at once; not after years of torment, but "today."Today"withme."Yes,Jesusgoesbacktoheavenwithasavedrobberathisside!What an efficacy in yon cross!What grace,what glory,what cleansing,whathealing,whatblessing,yonder!Even"inweakness"theSonofGodcandeliver,canpluckbrandsfromtheburning,candefyanddefeattheevilone.Suchisthe

meaning of the cross! Such is the interpretation which God puts upon it bysaving that wretched thief, whose hanging yonder proves that he is undercondemnation,—thefirstsavedbythecrossafterithadbeensetup;andChristHimselfgoesuptojoininthejoyoveronesinnerthatrepenteth.V.Howneartohellamanmaybe,andyetbesaved.Thatthief,washenotontheverybrinkoftheburninglake;onefootinhell;almostsetonfireofhell?Yetheispluckedout.Hehasdonenothingbutevilallhisdays,—downtotheverylasthourofhislife,—yetheissaved.Heisjustabouttostepintoperdition,whenthehandoftheSonofGodseizeshimandliftshimtoParadise!Ahwhatgrace ishere!Whatboundless love!Whatpower to save!Whoafter thisneeddespair?TrulyJesusismightytosave!VI.HownearamanmaybetoChrist,andyetnotbesaved.TheotherthiefisasneartheSaviourashisfellow,yetheperishes.FromtheverysideofChristhe goes down to hell. From the very side of his saved fellow, he passes intodamnation.We see the one going up to heaven from his cross, and the othergoingdowntohellfromit.InJudasweseeonewhohadbeenwithChristinHislife, godown tohell; in the lost thief, onewhowasbesideHim inHisdeath.This ismarvelous; and it is fearful!Ohwhata lesson,whata sermon ishere!Wasthereeversuchawarninggiventous!CananyofyoubenearertoChristthanthatthiefwas?LookingatHim,hearingHim,speakingtoHim!Hewaslostafterall!Ohmakesure.Notoutwardnearness;notreligion;notcontactwiththeWordofGod;noteatinganddrinkingthesymbolsofHisbodyandblood;notallthesecansave!YoumaybeverynearChrist,andyetnotbeinHim.Yournextneighbourmaybesaved,andyoulost;onetaken,theotherleft.Takeheed;makesure.Salvationistooprecioustobetrifledwith!

LV.TheDisciples'InvitationToTheMaster

"Abidewithus."—

Luke24:29

Here it is not theMaster to thedisciple, but thedisciple to theMaster, that issaying,Come.ItisnottheLordthatisstandingatthedoorandsaying,"Behold,Istandatthedoor,andknock:ifanymanhearmyvoice,andopenthedoor,Iwillcomeintohim,andsupwithhim,andhewithme";itisthedisciplethatissaying, "Come in thou blessed of the Lord." As of old, He said to Jacob atPeniel,"Letmegoforthedaybreaketh,"sohereitissaid,"HemadeasthoughHewouldhavegone further";but as Jacob said, "Iwillnot let theegoexceptthou bless me," so do the two disciples here, "they constrained Him, saying,Abidewithus";andasHeblestJacobereHepartedfromhim,sohereHedoesgo in and sit downwith them, andwhenHe quits themHe leaves a blessingbehindHim,forthehouseseemsfilledwiththeodoroftheointment,doubtlesstoretainitsfragranceformanyaday.The request seems tohavebeenmade for two reasons,—on theirownaccountandonhis.Theyhadenjoyedhisconverseandfellowshipbythewaysomuchthat theyareunwillingtopart;and,besides, theeveningiscomingon,andHemustnotexposeHimselftothedews,andcold,anddarknessofthenight.Thelatterof thesereasonswecannotusenowinthesenseinwhichtheywereusedbythedisciples.TherisenChristisnowfarbeyondthedaysandnightsoftime;beyondthemistsandcloudsofearth;farbeyondthechillsandthegloomofthisworld.HeneedsnoearthlyrooftoshelterHim,andnoearthlytabletositat.HeisnowinhisFather'shouse,andonhisFather'sthrone,compassedaboutwithlight,andmajesty,andglory,andhonour.But in his members He is now passing through the same hardships, andsufferings, and privations as whenHewas here. "Saul, Saul, why persecutest

thoume" is still his expostulation; and still He so identifiesHimselfwith hissaints that we may use the words which originally meant Him personally inreference toourselves asonewithHim.Without,however, confining it to thissense,letusmeditateasfollowsuponthesewords,"Abidewithus."1. Abidewithus, forpastdayshavebeensopleasant.Since firstweapprehendedThee, or rather sinceThoudidst apprehendus,—since thoudidstovertakeusontheway,wehavefoundsuchblessedness,thatwecannotbearthethoughtofparting.Thyfellowshiphasbeensosweetthatwemusthavemoreofit.Thelittlethatwetastedinthepast,makesuslongformore.Abidewithus.2.Abidewithus,fortheworldwouldbeablankwithoutthee.Lifewouldnotbelifeifthouwertgone.Weshouldbelikethedisciplesonthestormysea,—"Itwasnight,andJesushadnotcome to them."Nightand tempest,withoutmoon and stars, would be nothing to this world without thee. A house leftdesolatewithoutan inmate,withoutasound,oravoice,or footstep,wouldbenothingtothedrearinessofourearthandofourhomeswithoutthee.Allwouldbeblankandchilling.It isThouwhofillesthearts,andlightestuphomes,andgladdenestevenwildernesseswiththypresence.

AwildernessispopulousenoughSohadIbutthyheavenlycompany;Forwherethouart,thereistheworlditself,Witheveryseveralpleasureintheworld;Andwherethouartnot,desolation.Ohabidewithus.

3.Abidewithus,forweknownotwhatourfutureistobe.Weknowthepast, we know the present, but the future is hid. For that future and all itsuncertainties,weneedaguideandaprotector;onewhowill lightupourpath,whowillfightforus,whowilldeliverusandkeepustothelast,inallchanges,trials,sorrows,joys.Abidewithus.Leaveusnot,neitherforsakeus,OGodofoursalvation,Orestoftheweary,Olightofthedark,OSaviourofthelost,Ojoyof thesorrowful,Ohelperof thehelpless,—unchangingcompanion,friendandkinsman,withwhomthere isnovariablenessnorshadowof turning,—thesameyesterday, today,andforever!Leadusout, leadsus in, leadusalong theway,leadusbythestillwaters, leadusintothybanquettinghouse,andlet thybanneroverusbelove!

4. Abidewith us, for earth's night is at hand. Time's shadows arelengthening;itssunisgoingdownbehindthehillsofearth.Theendofallthingsis at hand; the day of the Lord hasteth greatly; the time of vengeance andjudgmentcometh;Satanisabouttodohisworst;Antichristwillrage;evilmenand seducers will wax worse and worse; perilous times will come; wars andrumoursofwarswilldisquietus;earthquakesshallbeindiverseplaces,theseaanditswavesroaring,men'sheartsfailingthemforfear,andforlookingafterthethingsthatarecomingontheearth.Ohabidewithus!Abidewithusinallthyloveandgrace;inallthystrengthandhelp;inallthyjoyandpeace.Abidewithusforevermore.

LVI.ReceptionOfChristOurIntroductionInto

Sonship

"But asmany as receivedhim, to themgavehepower tobecome theSonsofGod,eventothemthatbelieveonhisname:whichwereborn,notofblood,norofthewilloftheflesh,—norofthewillofman,butofGod."—

John1:12,13.

Of the Christ, the Christ coming into the world, yet rejected by the world;comingtoIsrael,yetrejectedbyIsrael,theevangelisthadbeenspeaking.Thenhe reminds us that the rejection was not universal. He was acknowledged bysome,howeverfew;andthesesomeweremadepartakersofnocommonhonour;yetweretheybynaturenobetterthantheirfellows;owingallthattheyreceivedtothesovereignGodalone.Thereishere(1.)thehonour;(2.)thegiverofit;(3.)thewayofattainment;(4.)thepersonalchangethroughwhichitisreached.I.Thehonour.Tobecome"sonsofGod"(τεχνα,notϋιοι);notmerelybyadoption, but by generation. It is the word used in Romans 8:16,— "bearethwitnessthatwearethechildrenofGod,andifchildren,thenheirs;"andin1stJohn3:10,—"Beholdwhatmannerof love theFatherbathbestoweduponus,thatweshouldbecalledsonsofGod!"Onourside there issonship,onGod'ssidefatherhood.Sonshipis(1.)higher;(2.)nearer;(3.)moreblessed;(4.)moreglorious,thancreaturehood.Thereissonshipintheangels,sonshipinunfallenman;but this isbeyondthese;restingonadifferentfoundation, introducingusinto more intimate intercourse; making us partakers of the divine nature;partakers ofChrist; one in nature, privilege, honour, dignitywithHimwho is"theSonofGod."ThisisthehonourtowhichGodiscallingus,—uswhowerechildrenofwrath,childrenoftheevilone!Heinvitesustothis.Hebeseechesusto receive the honour, the dignity, the blessedness; to accept his divine

fatherhood,toenteronthedivinesonship!Suchisthelove!II.Thegiverofit.ItisChristhimself.ElsewhereitistheFather;hereitistheSon.TheSonmakesussons!"Hegave!"—thesonshipisChrist'sfreegift.Forallgiftsareinhishands."Igiveuntothemeternallife;"Hegivesthelivingwater;Hegivesthebreadoflife,whichishisflesh.Soherehegivestherightorpowerofsonship.Itisnot,however;simplythesonshipitselfthatisspokenofhere; but the right to it,—the power. This right, or power, or title, He haspurchasedforus;—for thosewhohadnoright,norpower,nor title,Hehassoearned it, and so secured it, that it becomes a lawful and righteous title; andbeingso,it issecureandeternal.ThisHeholdsout,presentstous,ashisownandtheFather'sfreegift.BecomesonsofGodisthemessageofthegospel!Not,assomesay,yearesonsnow,actonthis,andbehappy.Butbecomesons!Taketheright,thetitle,sodearlybought,sofreelygiven.Itisnotmerely,Comeuntome,andIwillgiveyourest;but,Comeuntome,andIwillmakeyousons.III. Thewayofattainment.There isnobargain,noprice;no terms,noconditions; yet there is an appointedway; and hewhowill have the sonship,musthave it in thisoneway.Thiswayis"receivingHim;"and thisreceivinghimisexplainedas"believinginhisname."

(1.)ReceivingHim.DoingthereverseofwhatIsraelhaddone;acceptingHim as "theWord;" the "light;" the "life;" the "Son;" the "Christ;" theMessiah sent of God; accepting and owning Him for all that God hadannouncedHimtobe;confessingwithPeter,"ThouarttheChrist,theSonofthelivingGod;"withThomas,"MyLordandmyGod."(2.) Believing on His name. (1.) Believing, that is, receiving God'stestimonytoHim,andhisowntestimonytoHimself.(2.)Believingonhisname.WeneednotconfinethistohisactualnameJesus,buttoallthathasbeen revealed concerningHim; his person, and character, andwork.Weget to know Him through his name,—through that revelation of Himwhichwefindinthegospels.TherewefindHimselfandhisname.

ThusacceptingallthathasbeentestifiedconcerningHim;andjoiningwiththatthepromisegivenofsonshiptoeveryonewhothusaccepts,webecomesonsof

God.Faith inHimand inHisname identifiesuswithHimwho is theSonofGod;andasHeis,soareweintheworld.IV.Thepersonalchangethroughwhichthisisreached.Weare"born,"andsobybirthbecomesons.Wearehornintotheheavenlyfamily;begottenagainuntoalivelyhope.Thisismorethanadoption,itisbirth.Astothisbirth,theevangelistfirsttellsuswhatitisnot,beforehetellsuswhatitis.

(1.)Wearenotbornofblood.Notofnaturaldescent;notofcircumcision.Humanbloodhasnothingtodowithourdivinebirth.Wearenotsonsbynature.(2.)Notof thewillof the flesh.Notbynaturalgeneration.The flesh,oroldnature,hasnothingtodowiththenewbirth.Thatwhichisbornofthefleshisflesh.Thefleshneitherwillstomakeus,norcanmakeussons.(3.)Notofthewillofman.Notbyadoption.Noman,andnowillofman,whetherselforanother,canproduce thisnewbirth.Mancanonlyadoptchildrenlikehimself;childrenofwrath.

Thenheadds,"butofGod";outofHim;bymeansofHim;throughHiswill;Hispower.Healonecanmakeussons:canchoosethehonourforus,andusforthehonour. It isHewho begets sons; it isHewho calls them to this honourablename:"OfhisownwillHebegatuswiththewordoftruth(James1:18).Yetthisfactshouldhindernone.HiswillandHisgracedonotcontradicteachother.Goto Him for sonship. Receive His Son, and He will make you sons. "He thatbelieveththatJesusistheChrist,isbornofGod."

LVII.TheWorld'sNeedOfSomethingMoreThanA

Teacher

"WeknowthatthouartateachercomefromGod."—

John3:2.

We take Nicodemus as one of the best specimens of "religious humanity";educated,moral,ofhighpositionandculture;astrictobserverofreligiousrites,and seasons, andordinances; a "rulerof the Jews," a "masterof Israel,"andabelieverinIsrael'spromisedMessiah.HeoughttohaveknownfullyMessiah'serrand,andtohaverecognizedHimatoncewhenHe came.But evenNicodemus, thiswell•instructed religious rulerandmaster, one of the heads of the straitest sect, fails to understandHim.HeapproachesHimonlyasateacher.HeacceptsHimassuch,butasnothingmore.Liketherestofhisnationandrace,hewasinquestof"knowledge";andforsuchhewenttoJesus.Likeourfirstparents,hesawthat"thetreewasgoodforfood,andpleasanttotheeyes,andatreetobedesiredtomakeonewise";thiswasall.Hehadnodeeper senseofneed."Weknow that thouarta teachercomefromGod,"wastheintimationofhisstateofmind;itskewedhowlittlehisconsciencewasatwork;howsuperficial,aswellasself•righteous,werehisviewsastohisown spiritual condition. He knew not that he was poor, and wretched, andmiserable,andblind,andnaked.Thuswe have in him a specimen ofman,—educated,moral, religiousman,—unconsciousofhisowntrueneed,andblindtoGod'sprovisionforthatneed.I. Man'sunconsciousnessof his trueneed.Nicodemus,with all hisreligiousadvantages,hasnotfathomedthedepthofhisownspiritualwants.Heknowsthatheneedssomething;buthedoesnotknowhowmuch;nordoesheknowwhatistherealnatureofhisgreatneed.Hewantsateacher,—thatisall!

Hethinksthatwillsuffice.Butfartherthanthishegoesnot;deeperthanthishedescends not. He thinks there is but one empty chamber in his house;unconsciousthatallareempty,oriffilledatall,filledwiththatwhichmustbecastoutandcastaway.Hethinksthereisbutaslightbruiseinoneofhislimbs,whenthereispoisonineveryvein;whenthewholeheadissick,andthewholeheartfaint.Heneedspardon;yetheisunconsciousofcondemnation.Heneedsreconciliation;yetheisunconsciousofdistance,andwrath,anddoom.Heneedslife;yetheisunconsciousofthedeathinwhichhelies.Hedoesnotknowwhatsinis;whatenmitytoGodis;whatdistancefromGodis;whatit istobelost;whatitistobewithoutthefavorandloveofGod;whattheworldisinwhichhedwells,andofwhichheformsapart;whatSatanis,hisgreatadversary.Hehasnoideaoftheextentofhisruin,andthegreatnessofhisdanger.Hedoesnotseethat,apartfromhellandwrath,thesimpleabsenceofGodfromtheheartwouldbeunutterablewretchedness.Hedoesnotsee thatsimply tobe leftunchangedandunconvertedwouldbeofitselfhell.Butofalltheevilofsin,theevilofhisownheart,heisutterlyunconscious.Heisnotintheleastalivetohiswant,—eitherastoitsnatureoritsextent.Yes,humanityisunconsciousofitsruin!Thehumanheartknowsnot thevacuity thathasbeenmade in itby theabsenceofGod; it knows not the malignity of one single sin,—one single act ofdisobedience,onemoment'sinsubordinationofthewill,onemoment'sceasingtolove God with all the heart and soul. Unconsciousness of his own need;insensibilitytohisownsin;palsyoftheconscience,—thisisman'sgreatevil.Toremovethisunconsciousness,andtoimparttrueconsciousnessinregardtothesethings, is the first great work of the Holy Spirit in the soul. That thisunconsciousness is voluntary and deliberate we cannot doubt. This is theaggravationoftheevil;thisistheconsummationoftheguilt.Manshrinksfromknowingtheworstofhimself;nay,herefusestoknowit.Hewillfullyshutshiseyestothenatureandtotheextentofhisspiritualevil.Hetriestomakehimselfbelieve that his case is not sovery serious after all.He takespride inowninghimselfalittleinthewrong,needingsomehelp,somelight,someteaching;butbeyondthatherefusestogo.ThusfarNicodemuswentwhenhecametoJesus;butatthattimehewasnotpreparedtogofarther.ButtheLordledhimon.Hedidnotbreakthebruisedreed,norquenchthesmokingflax.II. Man's blindness to God's provision for his need. He to whomNicodemus camewasGod's provision forman's need. Itwas the provision oflove and bounty; "He spared not his Son." But man does not appreciate this

provision,becausehedoesnotapprehendhisownneed.Hewantsateacher,—that is all. Not a deliverer; not a priest; not a healer; not a cleanser; not arenewer;onlya teacher!Notadivine teacher;onlya teachercome fromGod.God's provision for our need assumes that that need is unspeakably great; sogreatasonlytobesuppliedbyonewhoisdivine;adivineteacher(orprophet),adivinepriest,adivineking.Manshutshiseyestothis.HerefusestointerprettheprovisionwhichGodhasmadeforhim,andinthatinfiniteprovision,toreadthenatureandextentofhisownneed.HeshrinksfromtheacceptanceofaSaviour,notwillingtoseethathereallyneedsone,oratleastonethatisdivine.Hethinkshecandowithlessthansalvation;hecannotthinkhimselfwhollylost.YetwhatisthemeaningofGodsendingHisownSon,iflessthansalvationwasintended;if less than incarnation will do, less than blood, less than death, less thanresurrection?OhletusunderstandthegreatnessofGod'sprovisionforus,andinthat greatness, read at once our death and our life, our condemnation and ourdeliverance. Jesus met Nicodemus at once with the necessity of being bornagain.Mereteachingwillnotdo;theremustbethenewbirth;notafewnewandgoodideas,butregeneration!Nothingless.HowthisastoundedthereligiousJewThoumustbebornagain.YetonethinginNicodemusispraiseworthy.HecamedirectlytoJesus,anddealtwithHimfacetoface.Sosaywetoeveryone.Gothouanddolikewise.

LVIII.LifeInLookingToJesus

"AndasMoseslifteduptheserpentinthewilderness,evensomusttheSonofman be lifted up thatwhosoever believeth in him should not perish, but haveeternallife."—

John3:14,15.

Letusherefirstreadthehistory,andthenmarkthesymbol.The narrative beginswith Israel's sin. It is the old sin ofmurmuring; distrust;dislikeofGod'sprovision;discontentwithhisdealings;preferenceofEgypt totheprospectofCanaan;disbelief ofGod's love, anddenial of his faithfulness.Andall thisat thecloseof their fortyyears'desert sojourn!Fortyyearsof themanna,of thewater,of thepillar•cloud,andofall the lovewhich these imply,hadleftthemstillthesame!ThenarrativeproceedswithIsrael'spunishment.Itwasdeath;deathfromthehandoftheLord;adeathofagony;adeathbypoisonandfire;deathbytheinstrumentalityofserpents,whichwouldnotfailtoremindthemoftheserpentofParadise,bywhichourfirstparentswerepoisoned.Thepunishmentwassoorderedastobethemeansofsymbolizingtheremedy.Outoftheir destroyers the symbol of health is constructed. The image of destructionbecomestheemblemofhealthanddeliverance.Theremedywassimple,complete,divine.Theimageoftheirdestroyersinbrass,lifteduponabanner-pole,soastobevisibletoall.Thussin,punishment,andremedywereallbroughtintoviewatonce.Theywereremindedoftheirsin;theyreadtheirpunishment;theyreceivedthecure.Theapplicationofthecurewasassimpleasthecureitself.Theyhadnohandinit;nothingtopayforit;nothingtodo;nodistancetowalk;noefforttoputforth.The curewaswholly ofGod; its powerwas resistless; no strength of diseasecould withstand it; however near death they might be, it mattered not. Theylookedandwerecured.

Letusnowmarkthesymbol."Allthesehappeneduntothemforensamples."Itisthisensample,ortype,oremblemthatourLordhereindicates;itisthisthatwearetoread.Thesininbothcasesismuchthesame;rebellionagainstGod;unbelief;distrust;makingGodaliar;refusaltobelieveHisword,ortoreceiveHislove.Ofthissinthepunishmentisdeath;deathbythehandofhimthathasthepowerofdeath,theoldserpent,thedevil;certain,agonizing,burningdeath;thefirethatisneverquenched; the everlasting burnings; our veins filled with deadly poison, andeverypartrackedwithpain.Thesinisnotthelesshatefulforbeingunfelt;thepunishmentnotthelessdeadly,becausewemaybeinsensibletoitsdeadliness.Letusnowmarkthemannerofthecure.I.Christmadesinforus.Thedeliverertakesthelikenessofthedestroyer.The Son of God not merely becomes the Son of man, but He assumes thelikenessofsinfulflesh.Notsinfulflesh,norasinfulnature;butstillflesh,—veryflesh; verymanhood,—manhood under the curse, in itsweakness, frailty, andmortality.Moseswasnotcommandedtotakeanactualserpent,adeadserpent,andhangitonthepole;thatwouldhaveimpliedthatChristwasactuallysinful;butheistodothenearestthingtothis,tomaketheimageofaserpent,formedout of brass,—such brass as the brazen altar and brazen layer weremade of.Thus, as Christ was represented by the emblem of a goat on the day ofatonement,—agoat,thefigureofthewickedontheleftoftheJudge,—soisHehererepresentedbyabrazenserpent;"madeacurse,""madesinforus."Thusonthecross,weseeatonceourcondemnationandourpardon,oursicknessandourcure,ourdestroyerandourdeliverer.WeseeChristcarryinguptothecrossoursin, our punishment, our enemy, and nailing them all to that cross alongwithHimself.GodinflictsdeathonHimasifHewerethesinner,asifHewereman'senemy,asifHewerethecursedone.II.Christliftedup.TheliftingupoftheserpentonapolewasnecessaryforIsrael'scure;sotheliftingupofChristonthecrosswasforours.Hewasliftedup,

(1.)Asasacrifice.Hewaslaidonthealtar.Thecrosswasthealtaronwhich

theLambofGodwasplaced.(2.)Asacriminal.Itwasacursedplace:"Cursediseveryonethathangethonatree."ThereHehungasamalefactor,theJustfortheunjust!(3.)Asanobjectvisibletoall.TheserpentwasliftedupthatIsraelmightseeit;soChristwasliftedupthatallmenmightseeHim;thatHemightbethemostvisibleobjectincreation.

III. Christgivinglife.Hehangsintheplaceofdeath,yetthenceHegiveslife.Hedeliversfromdeathbydying.Lifestreamsout,likeriversofwater,fromthatcenter,thecross.Thecross is the treeof life.ThereHehangs,—the life-givingOne; thehealingOne; theattractiveOne; the lovingOne."LookuntoMe," is thevoicecomingfrom Him there. We are healed, not by working, or praying, or striving, butlooking.Israel'sphysicianscoulddonothing;thelookattheserpentdiditall.Soitisinlookingthatthecurecomestous.Thereishealth,thereislifeatthecross.Wegetthemsimplyinlooking;allmaylook."Whosoever,"isthewidemessage,—"whosoeverbelieveth,"—hatheternallife.

LIX.TheFillingUpOfJoy

"Thismyjoythereforeisfulfilled."—

John3:29

Theseareamong"thelastwords"ofJohn;justasheisabouttostepintoHerod'sprison. His was a brief life and ministry, yet was he the greatest among theprophets.HislastwordscarryusbacktoJacob's(Genesis49),"Ihavewaitedforthysalvation";toMoses(Deuteronomy18:15),"AprophetshalltheLordraise";toDavid's(Psalm72:20),"TheprayersofDavidthesonofJesseareended";toSimeon's(Luke2:29),"Nowlettestthouthyservantdepartinpeace."Theyarethewordsofthemartyrabouttoentertheprison,andtolayhisneckunderthesword of the executioner. They are the lastwords of the shortest, but perhapsmostimportantministryonrecord.Theyareananswer to the jealousappealofhisowndisciples.Hithertohehadbeenthemanofthetime;allcrowdedtohim.NowthecrowdswereleavinghimforJesus.Thistriedthefaithofhisdisciples,androusedtheirjealousy."Allmencometohim"(verse26),werethewordsofdisappointmentandenvy.ButJohnhasnosuchfeeling;norhadeversaidaughttoproduceorfosterit(verse28).Inhisanswerhefirsttellswhoheisnot."IamnottheChrist."Whywonderatthecrowdsnowgoingpastme?"Iamnotthebridegroom,"thebridebelongsnottome;whywonder at the crowds flocking to theBridegroom? Isnot this justwhat you should expect and rejoice in?Next he tells uswhohe is.He is the,foresentone.This isallhecansayforhimself.Hishonourisnothisown,butcomes from Him whom he heralds. He is the friend of the Bridegroom; thegroomsman; like thevirgins inattendanceon thebride.As theforesentonehehasbeenlookingoutfortheChrist;shouldhenotthenrejoicethatHehascome?As the friend of theBridegroom, he iswatching for theBridegroom's arrival;shouldhenotrejoicewhenhehearsHisvoice?For thushiserrandterminates;hisgreatmissionisconsummated;hisjoyfulfilled;hislifenolongerneeded.

ButthefigurehereusedcarriesusbackverystrikinglytotheSongofSolomon;chapter 2:8, "The voice ofmy beloved"; 2:10, "My beloved spake, and said";2:14,"Letmehearthyvoice";5:1,"Eat,Ofriends";8:13,"Causemetohearit."Sowiththewords,bridegroomandfriend.TheyarefromtheSong;andJohntheBaptist,nodoubt,haditsfiguresbeforehiseye.John'sfeelingsarethereforejustwhatweshouldhaveexpectedofatrueman,atruefriend,atrueforerunnerinsuchcircumstances.Negatively,theyare—(1.) Not disappointment. His mission has not failed; he is not a disappointedman.Themeisnobitternessinhiswords.(2.) Not distrust. As if he knew not whereunto all this would grow; as if hedreadedtheresult.(3.)Notenvyorjealousy.Whateverjealousymightbeinhisdisciples,therewasnoneinhim.Heenviednot.(4.)Notpride.Itisnotwoundedpridethatspeaksinhim.HeistheforerunnerofthemeekandlowlyOne;andpridehasbeencastout.Self•loveandself-esteemhave ceased. Self has passed away in the presence of the Son of God. He iscontenttobenothing.But,positively,theyarethefeelingsofone—(1.)Whoadmiresand loves theBridegroom.Hisadmirationand loveare true.Hence that Bridegroom is ever uppermost in his thoughts. There is noattractivenesssaveinhim.(2.) Who has been eagerly looking for Him. In John we have the truepersonification of one "waiting for Christ," "looking for and hasting unto thecomingofthedayofGod."AndwhenHeforwhomheislookingcomes,hisjoyisfull.(3.)Whohasactuallyfoundhim."Ifoundhimwhommysoulloveth.""WehavefoundtheMessiah."Johnhasfoundhim,andrejoices.(4.)Whosedelightisinhisvoice.Helonglistened;itcameatlength;"thevoice

ofmybeloved"!Hestandsandlistenstotheconversationofthemarriageparty,—speciallyofthebridegroom.ItisHisvoicethathedelightsin.ItisconversewithHimthatishisjoy;"hestandethandlisteneth."(5.)WhosejoyisinHimalone.AllhisspringsareinHim.ApartfromHimjoyexistsnottohim;nay,isanimpossibility.Itisjoyunspeakableandfullofglory.(6.)Whoiscontenttobenothing."Hemustincrease;Imustdecrease."Thisisnohardship.Heisgladtovanishandgivewaytothegreaterandmoregloriousone.Thus, in thisanswerwehave thefullacknowledgmentofwhatJohn is,andofwhatheknowsJesustobe.Whatarewe?Wearefriendsofthebridegroom,ifbelieversinthenameofJesus.Friends!LikeJohn.LikethevirginswhowentforthtomeetHim.Bynaturewearefriendsoftheworld.Webreakwithit,andbecomefriendsoftheBridegroom.WehearagoodreportofthisBridegroom,hislove,hisloveableness,hisbeauty,hisglory,andsowebetakeourselvestoHim.WeaccepttheFather'stestimonytoHim;theHoly Spirit's testimony to his person and his work.We join ourselves to thenumberofhisfriends.Heatonceadmitsusassuch.If"friends"(asJesushimselfcallsus)thenthefollowingthingswillmarkusastheydidJohn.I. AdmirationforChristastheBridegroom.Forhimselfas"altogetherlovely";theperfectionofbeauty.WeadmireHisperson,Hislife,Hiswork;allthese separately, and all of them together.Wecount all thingsbut loss for theexcellencyoftheknowledgeofChrist.Weloveandadmire;weadmireandlove.Themoreweknow,themorewelove;theoftenerwegaze,themoreweadmire.WhatthinkyeofChrist?DoyouadmireHim?DoyouloveHim?WeloveHimbecauseHe first lovedus; yes, loves us to the end,with the love that passethknowledge.II.Delightinhisvoice.Johnstoodandlistenedasoneentranced.Heheard(aswellassaw)nomansaveJesusonly.TheTonesofhisvoicearesweet;butthewordsareunutterablyprecious;eachwordagem,a treasure,a joy.This is

my beloved Son, hear Him! Yes, hear Him in these days of uproar andconfusion;hearhisvoiceamidthechaosofhumanviews.SaytoHim,"Letmehearthyvoice."His"speechiscomely";"honeyandmilkareunderhistongue";hislips"dropsweetsmellingmyrrh";his"lipsdropasthehoneycomb";"intohislipsgraceispoured."III.Joyinhisglory.Hehasnow"increased";Heiscrownedwithgloryandhonour.This isour joy;yea, in thisour joyisfulfilled.Heisnowblessedandglorified.AndHewillyetbemoresowhenHecomesagain.WejoyinwhatHeis;wejoyinwhatHeshallbe.Hecomestobeglorifiedinhissaintsandadmiredinallthemthatbelieve.BeholdtheBridegroomcometh,letusgoforthtomeethim!

LX.TheFullnessOfTheSentOne

"ForhewhomGodhathsentspeakeththewordsofGod:forGodgivethnottheSpiritbymeasureuntohim.TheFatherloveththeSon,andhathgivenallthingsintohishand."—

John3:34,35.

John came as a witness to Jesus,—"to bear witness of the Light" (1:7, 8).Marvelousofficeandhonour!Aspark tobearwitnessof theSun!Hedoeshisworkwell,bearingtrue,full,blessedtestimonytotheSonofGod!Heborethistestimony, that allmen throughhimmightbelieve (1:7).Yetwhobelievedhisreport?"Nomanreceivethhistestimony."Theyhonouredhim,flockedtohim,spokewellofhim,butreceivednotHimofwhomhetestified.LetuslistentohistestimonyconcerningMessiah,theWordmadeflesh,thatwemayreceiveit,andreceiveHimofwhomhetestifies.I.HeisthesentofGod."TheFathersenttheSontobetheSaviouroftheworld."HecomestousonamissionfromtheFather;Hecomesnotofhimself,norspeaksofhimself. It iswith theFather'svoice thatHespeaks; theFather'serrand thatHedischarges.Whata link thatword"sent" formsbetweenusandGod,betweenearthandheaven,between the sinnerand the loveofGod.Godsends Him, and He comes; He comes to earth; He comes to us; messenger,ambassador,servant.Angelsare"ministeringspirits,sentforthtominister."ButinahigherandmorepeculiarsenseistheSonwhois"sent,"sentbytheFather.OlovingSender,andOblessedSentOne!Letusgladlyreceivethemessage,themessenger,andHimwhosends.II.HeisthespeakerofthewordsofGod.Hehascometo"speak";nottokeepsilence;tospeakwordswhichamancanunderstand;wordswithahumanvoice, and in human language. Yet the words are the words of God; and thespeakerisfromheaven;Heisdivine;andHisrevelationisdivine;andHiswordsaredivine,—divinethoughhuman.Letuslistentothisspeakerofthewordsof

God.He speaks thus: "Repent"; "Yemust be born again"; "God so loved theworld";"Iamthelightoftheworld";"Comeuntome."ThusHespokeonearth;andthusalsoHespeaksfromheaven:"BeholdIstand,"&c.ForinheavenHeisstillthespeakerofthewordsofGod."Hear,andyoursoulshalllive."ThewordsofGodareperfect;theyaregraceandtruth;filledwithloveandwisdom.Letuslistentothisgloriousspeaker,andweshallfindhealthandpeace.III.HeisthepossessoroftheHolySpirit.ThefullnessoftheSpiritiswithHim,andinHim;theSpirit"withoutmeasure"hasbeengiventoHim.TheWordmade flesh is theMessiah. The anointedOne. Through the eternal Spirit, Hespoke,andacted,andlived,anddied.TheSpiritwithoutmeasureisgivenHim.This fullnessHepossesses forus; forHischurch;He is thepossessorand thedispenseroftheHolyGhost.LetuswelcomeHim,anddealwithHimassuch.Itisforus that theFatherhasfilledHim.ThereisenoughinHisfullnessforus.WeneednotbeemptysolongasHeisfull,norpoorsolongasHeisrich.IV.HeistheobjectoftheFather'slove."TheFatherloveththeSon."Thislove of the Father to the Son is the greatest of all. There is none like it. It isperfect,infinite,eternal,divine,passingallknowledge.NeverbeforehadtherebeensuchanobjectfortheFathertolove;soglorious,soloveable;sofullofallcreated and uncreated excellencies. This love of the Father to the Son, is thefoundationofHistreatmentofus.Hedealswithusaccordingtothislove.ItisthegreatnessofthislovethatmakesHimsodesirousofblessingus;becauseinblessingus,HeishonouringthebelovedSon.ThusHegratifieshislovetotheSonbyblessingus.Whatsecurityforblessingdoesthisgiveus!ItisnotsimplyHislovetousthatmakesHimsolongtoblessus,buthislovetohisownSon.We might suspect His love to ourselves, and say, How can we count uponblessing?butwecannotsuspectHislovetohisSon,sothatwemayboldlysay,Wearesureofblessing,becausewearesurethattheFatherloveththeSon.Letthesewordssinkintoourhearts,"TheFatherloveththeSon."V. Heistheheirofallthings.TheFatherhathgivenallthingsintohishand.Heisheadoverall things;HeisLordofall;HeisKingofkings;Heisjudgeofall.HehathputallthingsunderHisfeet,andleftnothingthatisnotputunderHim.Heistheheadofprincipalitiesandpowers.ThisuniversalauthorityanddominionistheconsequenceoftheFather'slove.ItisthusthatGodhonoursHim,andshewsthatHeisthemanwhomHedelightstohonour.Allthingsare

givenintoHishand,becauseHeisthebelovedoftheFather.Nothinginheaven,orearth,orhellisbeyondHissway.HeistheblessedandonlyPotentate.Learnthen,

(1.) A sinner's refuge. Christ Jesus; the sent of God; the speaker of thewords of God's love; the possessor of all power. Go straight to him, Oman!ThereissafetyinHim,butinnoother.Heiswillingtobless;abletosavetotheuttermost.Hecandeliveryoufromeverysinandenemy.YouhaveallinHim.GotoHimnow;asyouare;withallyourworthlessnessandevil.(2.)Asaint'ssecurity.ThechurchofGod,andeachsaintofGod,isdailyexposed toperil.All thingsareagainstus.But inHimwhomtheFatherlovedwehaveastrongtower,arefugeinthetimeoftrouble.WhoshallprevailagainstthosewhomChristhasundertakentoprotect?

LXI.TheLivingWaterGod'sFreeGift

"Jesusansweredandsaiduntoher,IfthouknewestthegiftofGod,endwhoitisthat saith to thee,Giveme to drink, thouwouldst have asked of him, and hewouldhavegiventheelivingwater."—

John4:10

The three Persons of theGodhead are here. The expression "the gift ofGod"shewstheFather;thelivingwateristheHolyGhost(John7:36),andtheSonofGodisthespeaker.TheloveofGodshinesbrightlyinthisverse,—theloveofFather,Son,andHolyGhost,—love to the chief of sinners, love that seeks and saves the lost.Everyword here is love; love that many waters cannot quench; love that passethknowledge.Sinabounds,butgracesuperabounds.TheinterestwhichGodtakesinindividualsoulsisseenvividlyhere.Thethreethousand at Pentecost tell us something quite different from this. This isGodhead stooping down to visit and care for one solitary soul; it is the goodShepherdcastinghiseyeonastraysheepbythewayside,andstoopingtopickitupandcarryitoffonhisshoulders.ThewayinwhichGodmeetswiththesinnerisshewnushere.Goddealswithhimalone,andface to face;Godspeaks to thesinnerand thesinnerspeaks toGod. There must always be this close personal dealing, this individualtransaction of the soul's business for eternity, this settlement of the questionbetweenman andGod; not in a crowd, but alone; not through themediumorinterventionofanother,—friend,orpriest,orchurch,—butdirectlyandalone.Thetimeandplaceandcircumstancesofsuchameetingarebroughtbeforeus.Anyday,anyhour,willdo.Notthesethourofmorningoreveningsacrifice,butanytimewilldo.Andanyplacewilldo.Notthetemplemerely,orthecloset,but

awell-side,ashere,orasycamoretree(asZaccheus),atax-gatherer'soffice(asMatthew). Yes; any time, any place, will do for Jesus. His grace is notcircumscribed by temple walls, nor tied to ceremonies, nor limited to hours.Samaria,Jericho,Tyre,JerusalemarethesametoHim.Thetemple,thehighway,thehill-side, the sea-beach, the synagogue, thehouse, theboat, thegraveyard,areallaliketoHimandtohisgrace.Themeeting looksachanceone,but it isnotso. InGod'seternalpurpose thatplacehadbeenfixedupon,—thatwell.AndJesuscomestoitasthefulfilleroftheFather'swill,theaccomplisherofhispurposes,intheminutestjotandtitle.HewasseekingoneofthosewhomtheFatherhadgivenHim,whenHetraveledthat forenoon, and sat down at length, wearied, by the well. It was not thewomanseekingChrist,butChristseekingthewoman.Shecameforonething,Hegivesanother.Shecameinquestoftheearthly;Hegivestheheavenly.SheknewnotHimnorcaredforHim;Heknewandcaredforher.Inspiteofsin,andunbelief,andhardheartedness,Hedrawsneartoher,laysholdofher,winshertoHimself,andthen,afterallhisweariness,"restsInhislove."Yes;Christwasweary,anditisthusthatHerests.DowefindourrestwhereHefoundhis?Hewashungryandthirsty,andhereHefoundbothmeatanddrink.DowesatisfyourhungerandquenchourthirstwhereHedid?ThedoingoftheFather'swill, the gathering in of the lost one,was toHim rest, andmeat, anddrink.Isitthusthatwefindrefreshment?Isitthusthatweeatanddrink?When Jacobdug thiswell, how little he thought ofwhatwas to be transactedhere in after ages;whowas to sit here;what eternalwordswere tobe spokenhere; and that here a soulwas to be saved, and from this spot joywas to becausedinheaven.Inbuildingasanctuarywenaturallythinkofwhomaybebornhere;butwho,indiggingawell,wouldeverthinkofsuchathing,ordreamofinscribingonit,"thismanandthatmanwasbornhere."Butwehavehere(1)thegiftofGod;(2)thebringerofit;(3)man'signoranceofthese;(4)God'swayofbestowingit.I.ThegiftofGod.Godhasmoregiftsthanone.Christishisgift;theHolySpirit is his gift; eternal life is his gift. Sometimes two of these gifts areconjoined;This is the trueGodandeternal life"; "inHimwas life"; "Iam the

life." So that we may take the words here as having this reference, "If thouknewest God's gift of eternal life inme,—mewho now ask for water,—thouwouldsthaveaskedofme,andIwouldhavegiventheethatHolySpirit,whoisthelivingwater,andthroughwhomtheeternallifeispouredintothedeadsoul."Yes; thegiftofGod is eternal life throughJesusChristourLord! "This is therecord,thatGodbathgiventouseternallife;andthislifeisinhisSon"!II. TheBringerofit.Itis"Hewhosaithtotheegivemetodrink."Thisweary,hungry,thirstyJewistheBringerofthegloriousgift.InHimislife!AllfullnessoflifedwellsinHim.He,thisJesus,thismanlikeourselves,HehascomedownfromtheFatherfilledwiththiseternallifeforus.Coulditbebroughtnearer?placedmorewithinourreachthanthusitisinHim?III.Man'signoranceofit.ThewomandidnotknowthegiftnoritsBringer.Shehadnosenseof itsvalue,orofherneedofHim.The life thatnowissheknew,butnotthelifethatistocome.ThewaterofJacob'swellsheprized,butnot the water from the eternal well. Such is man everywhere! He knows notGod;northeloveofGod;northegiftofGod;northeSonofGod.IV. God'swayofbestowinghisgifts."Thouwouldesthaveasked;andHewould have given." This is all! How simple, how easy, how near, how free!Livingwater!ThisiswhattheSonofGodhastobestow.Livingwater!ThatistheHolySpirit(John7:39).ForblessingwemusthavetodowithJesus.ItisincommunicatingwithHim thatwe receivewhatweneed.Theremustbedirectapplication on our part; direct bestowal on his. But how close at hand is thisdivinelife!HowwelcomearewetohaveitfromthehandsoftheSonofGod.ThislivingwaterHewouldpourintousatonce,andwithoutupbraiding.Ask,andyeshallreceive."Iwillgivetohimthatisathirst."Thereissomethingintheexpression"ifthouknewest,"thatmakesthegraciousannouncement here yetmore gracious. It is the same as in Luke 19., "if thouhadstknown,"or"wouldthatthouhadstknown."ItistheSaviouryearningovertheneedyandthethirsty.Ohthatyouwouldcometomeforlivingwater!This isoneoutof themanymemorable textsoftenquotedandpreachedupon;such as, "God so loved theworld"; "Comeuntome"; "It is a faithful saying";"Behold,Istandatthedoorandknock."Anyofthesemightwellbeenoughto

winthehumanheart;howmuchmoreallofthemtogether.

LXII.BibleTestimonyToJesus,AndMan'sRefusal

OfIt

"Searchthescriptures;forinthemyethinkyehaveeternallife:andtheyaretheywhichtestifyofme.Andyewillnotcomtome,thatyemighthavelife."—

John5:39,40.

InoppositiontothedenialanddisbeliefoftheJews,theSonofGodproduceshis"witnesses."He hasmany, butHe calls only four,—John theBaptist, his ownmiracles, the Father, the Scriptures. These all testify ofHim beforemen, thattheymaybelieveandbesaved.Itisthelastofthesethatwehavetoconsider,ashere put by our Lord, tomeet the unbelief of Israel and to establish his ownclaims.I.TheScriptures.Godhas"spoken"("thussaiththeLord");andGodhas"written"("itiswritten").ThatwhichHehasspokenandwrittenmakeupwhatwe call "the Bible," or "the Book," which Paul calls "Scripture" (2 Timothy3:16), which our Lord here calls "the Scriptures," or the "Writings." He hasspokenbyhumanlipsandwrittenbyhumanpens,yetallthatis'thusgiventousisdivine,superhuman,supernatural.ThethoughtsarethethoughtsofGod,andthewordsarethewordsofGod.ThatourLordshouldrefertothemtoprovehisSonship and hisMessiahship, shews the stress whichHe laid upon them, thedivine accuracy which He ascribed to them. It is with confidence in theiraccuracythatHeappealstothem.Ifthewordsareinaccurateorunintelligible;ifthey are but the results of man's efforts to clothe divine thoughts in humanlanguage, then the demonstration goes for nothing, the proof fails; Jesusmaynot,afterall,bewhatthewordsimplythatHeis,—theSonoftheHighest.IfthewordsbenotofGod,thereisnosecurityforthethoughts;ifthewordsarenotcorrect, the thoughts extracted from thesewords are not to be relied upon asGod's; and if the words be incorrect, and the thoughts doubtful, we have no"Scripture,"no"Bible."Theonefragmentofthesupposedsuperhumanhasbeen

strippedofitsdivineglory.II.Thesearch.Theword"search"isthesameasisusedconcerningGodasthe searcher of hearts, and implies the thoroughness of the search. In ourtranslation this is a command,—"Search the Scriptures,"— bringing out anadmirablemeaning.Butitmaybe,"Yesearch";andthisaccordsbetterwiththeargumentofthespeaker,andwiththestateofthosetowhomhewasspeaking.TheJewsweregreatsearchersof theScriptures.TheyhadprofoundreverenceforthewordofGod.Theynevermadeanyquestionastoitsaccuracyorverbalinspiration. Theywere almost superstitious in theway they affixedmeanings,not towordsonly,but to letters.OurLordappeals to themassearchersof theword,— careful and reverential searchers of theword. They had, in truth, noother book to search. Their literature was almost wholly divine. We areoverwhelmedwithbooks;andhence in thematterof "searching"wecome farbehindoldIsrael. Itwouldbewell for us to study, to search, to reverence thebookofGod,—theonefragmentofthesupernaturalwhichexistsonearth,—therecordofdivineutterances,theexponentofthemindofGod.III.Thereasonofthesearch."Yearepersuadedthatinthemyehaveeternallife."ItwasnotinmerecuriositythatIsraelsearchedtheword,thoughtheydidsoinmuchignoranceandunbelief.Theyhadsomeideaofthehiddentreasurethatwasthere.Theyknew,orprofessedtoknow,thatnotonlywasknowledgethere,butlifewasthere;thatGodhadgiventhemhisbook,thatbyittheymightobtainlife.Yes;inthatbookislife;—eternallife.Itistherevelationoflife;—ofthelivingone;—ofHimwhosaidnotonly,Iamthewayandthetruth,buttheLife.Wesearchinthisbookforlife!Otherthings,nodoubt,arethere;thisbutespecially.For other thingswedig into thiswondrousmineof heavenlygold;butaboveallforthis,—thelifethatisdepositedthere.Itstruthsarelivingtruths;itswordsarelivingwords,—"ThewordsthatIspeakuntoyoutheyarespiritandtheyarelife."IV.Thedivinetestimony."Theyarethescriptureswhichtestifyofme."Noother writing contains a testimony to Messiah." There are books many, andspeakersmany;and in theirutteranceswehearofgodsmanyand lordsmany;but only one book contains a testimony to the Christ of God. We havephilosophers, poets, logicians, orators, but no witnesses for the Son of God.Augustine admiredCicero, but after his conversion he lost his relish, for the

nameofChristwasnotthere.Onlyofonebookcanitbesaid"ittestifiesofme."Yes; the testimonyof Jesus is theSpirit of prophecy andof allScripture.ThethemeofthebookisMessiah;theseedofthewoman;theseedofAbraham;thestar out of Jacob; the prophet like untoMoses; the righteousOne; the tenderplant; the righteous King. It is one unbroken testimony to the Christ and hissacrificialworkthatwegetinthisvolume.ThetestifieristheHolyGhost(John15:26).ItisHisvoicewehearthroughoutScripturespeakingofJesus.ItisHistestimonythatispresentedtousastherestingplaceforourfaith;forwhenGodbidsusbelieve,Hegivesthefullestandsurestevidenceforustorestourfaithupon.Wherever,then,weturninScripture,wefindJesus.ThereHeisallinall;thealphaand theomegaofeverybook. It is the lightof Jesus that isdiffusedthrougheverypage.ItisthegloryofJesusthatwefindinallitsrevelations.Heis everywhere in that volume; andHe is so in connectionwith eternal life; inconnectionwith the undoingof the sentence of death passed against our race.The firstAdam comes before us at the beginning; but he is the introducer ofdeath;withhisnameanddoingsonlydeathislinked.Buthesoonpassesaway,andinhisplacetherecomesthe"secondman,"the"lastAdam,"thegiveroflife,nay,thelife.AndoverallScripturethequickening,life-givingfragranceofHisnameisdiffused.Christandlife;lifeinChrist;Christourlife;—theseformtheveryessence,thesumandburden,oftheScriptures."Theyaretheythattestifyofme."V. Humanperversity."Yewillnotcometomethatyemighthavelife."HereisrejectionoftheChrist;refusalofthelife;deliberatestandingalooffromthefountainoflife;professingtoseekthelife,yetdisjoiningthatlifefromthelivingone;turningawayfromthatlivingone,whenintheformoftruehumanityhe stood before them presenting to them this life of God; pressing to theirparchedlipsthefullcupoflivingwaterfromGod'seternalfountain.

(1.)Thereislifeforthedead.TheBibleassumesthattheworldisdead;thatitneedslife;thatnothinglessthanlifewillmeetitscase.Itspeaksoflife;proclaimslife;revealsitsfullness.Odeadinsin,thereislifeforyou!(2.)ThislifeisinChrist.OnlyinHim.Noneanywhereelse.InHimislife,andthelifeisthelightofmen.Allelseisdeath."ThelastAdamwasmadeaquickeningspirit"(1Corinthians15:45).

(3.)LifeistobehadbycomingtoChrist.Comeandlive,Hesays,justasHesaid,Comeand rest. IntercoursewithHim is theonly sourceof life.Nothingmore is needed; nothing lesswill do.Arenotmen trying todowithsomething less than this?Something less thanconversion, less thantheSpirit'swork,lessthanthebloodandrighteousnessandsalvationoftheSonofGod!(4.)Want of life is the result of our own deliberate refusal to dealwithChrist.Weneednot try to throw the blameonGod's sovereignty or theneed of divine power.These do not alter our responsibility, normake itlesstruethatwehavedeliberatelyrejectedtheChristofGodandrefusedhisgiftoflife.

LXIII.NightWithJesus

"Andenteredintoaship,andwentavertheseatowardCapernaum:anditwasnowdark,andJesuswasnotcometothem."—

John6:17.

ManyadarknighthasrestedoverthisseaofTiberiasunrecorded.Manyastormhassweptit;manyanearthquakehasconvulsedit;manyawavehasrisenandfalleno'eritsblueexpanse;manyasceneandhourofdangeritssteephillshavewitnessed; all unrecorded; passing away in silence. But here is one night, ofwhichrecordhasbeenkept;oneblastwrittendowninhistory;onestormmadememorableforever.Atwhatexactpartofthatlaketheoccurrencetookplaceweknownot; itmust havebeen somewhere towards thenorth,whereCapernaumlay.Letusreadthisbriefrecord,andlearnitseverlastinglesson.1.Itwasnight.ThesunhadlongsetoverthewesternsteepsofTiberias.Darknesswasoverall.ThedistanttwinklingofthecitylightsinCapernaumorChorazinwasallthatbrokethegloom.Yes,itwasnight,andthediscipleswerealone.TheMasterwasaway.Jesushadnotcometothem.Thismadeitdoublenight.2. Itwasnightatsea.Notindeedaseabroadandwide,likethatwhichswept round Jonah, andwrecked Paul; but deep andwide enough for danger.Theyhad left thegreen slopes,where theyhadbeenalldaywith theirMaster(5:10).Toshortentheirjourney,bycuttingoffthenorth-easternbendofthelake,they had taken ship; but night had overtaken them ere they had gone far;midnighthadfallen,andtheymustrowthroughthethickgloomovertheeightorten miles that lay between them and the northern shore. Besides, they werealone. Jesus had not come! They had looked for his joining them ere theyembarked; and theywere looking forHim still, expectingHimby someotherboat;butHehadnotarrived.TobewithoutHimonland,andbyday,wassad;buttobewithoutHimatsea,andbynight,wassadderstill.

3.Itwasanightoftoil.Theyhadrowedsomethirtyfurlongs,—aboutfourmiles,—buttheyhadasmanymorebeforethem;anditwasseveretoilaftertheincessantbustleofsuchadayastheyhadspentinfeedingthemultitudes.Theywerealone.TheMaster'spresencewouldhavecheeredthem;and,nodoubt,asHehadoftendone,Hewouldhavetakentheoaralongwiththem,wearyasHemightbe.ButHewasnotwith them.Theywere toilingat theoar in thisdarknight,andJesushadnotcometothem.Thismadetheirlabourdoublyhard,theirwearinessdoublysore.4.Itwasanightofdanger."Theseaarosebyreasonofagreatwindthatblew."Thestormhadbrokenloose,andwasrushingdownfromthemountainsupon them; thewaveswere heaving round themanddashing over them.Perilencompassed them. Perhaps they were saying one to another, had theMasterbeenherethisstormwouldnothavearisen,asif theywouldreproachHimfordelay, forgetful that distance was nothing to Him. They were alone in thistempest.Jesushadnotcometothem.Thismadethestormseemmoreterrible.HadHe beenwith them, even thoughHewere asleep on the pillow, itwouldhavecalmedandcheeredthem.ButHehadnotcome!How much of trouble and despondency may have filled the hearts of thediscipleson that night,weknownot.Thewords certainly imply somethingofthese,—"itwasnowdark,andJesuswasnotcometothem."Hisdelaywasatrialoffaith. It lookedneglectfulandunkind.Theymightbereadytosay,"Master,carestthounotthatweperish."ButHelovestotry,nottobreak,theirfaith.Hewillnottryitbeyondwhattheycanbear.Hetriesitonlytostrengthenit.Letuslookatthesewordsintheirmoregeneralaspect,asrelatingtothehistoryofeachsaintandofthechurchatlarge.(1.)Night.(2.)NightwithoutJesus.(3.)NightwithJesus.(4.)DaywithJesus.1.Night.Allhavetheirnights.Thesinner'shistoryisallonelongstarlessnight.But the saint has his night too; his night of sorrow, of bereavement, ofpain. The Church, too, has her night. She is "not of the night"; but she has"nights." Darkness, tempest, danger, are around about. Persecution, poverty,desertion; "famine, and nakedness, and peril, and sword." She has had manysuchnights,andwillhavethemuntilherKingarrives.Thereshallbenonight

then.Butthereisnightnow.2.NightwithoutJesus.Thesinner'snightisaltogetherwithoutJesus;nay,this is theverygloomof its darkness.But the saint hasnights inwhich Jesusseems distant. "By night uponmy bed I soughtHimwhommy soul loveth. IsoughtHim,butIfoundHimnot."WithoutHimaltogetherhecannotbe;forthepromiseis,"Lo,Iamwithyoualways."Buttherearetimesofsorrow,weakness,suffering,whenHeisnotrealized.AndthoughtheissueoftheseistobringHimnearer,yetforatimeHeseemsabsent.Thebondisnotbroken,butthejoyisnottasted.TheChurch,too,hashernightsofwearinessandpersecutioninwhichHeseemstostandaloof.Itisdark,andHecomesnot.3.NightwithJesus.Hispresenceiseverything.Itcannotindeedmakeitnotnight;butitmakesthenighttoseemasday.WithHimthedarknessisasthelight.ForhavingHimwehave,(1.)Companionship;(2.)Protection;(3.)Safety;(4.)Comfort; (5.)Strength; (6.)Assuranceofcomingday.With thesemaywenotrejoiceinthenight?Itisthenightthatdrawsouttheseblessings;thatmakesJesusmoresuitable,morenecessary.BlessednightthatintroducesusmorefullyintothefellowshipofJesus.4.DaywithJesus.Hithertoithasbeennight;yetduringittheChurchhashadtheMaster'spresence;"Lo,Iamwithyoualways."Ithasbeengoodforher,indeed,tohaveHimwithherduringtheworld'sdarkness.ButHedoesnotleaveherwhenthedaybreaks.Hedoesnotsay,Letmego,forthedaybreaketh.MorethanevershallHebewithherduringthelongdayofglorywhichisathand."Soshall we ever be with the Lord"! He with us, and we with Him. And if hispresencemade night not only endurable but even pleasant,whatwill not thatpresencemakethecomingday!

LXIV.TheBreadOfImmortality

"Thisisthebreadwhichcomethdownfromheaven,thatamanmayeatthereof,andnotdie."—

John6:50.

TherearefourpointsherewhichformthesumofourLord'sstatement:(1.)thebread;(2.)thecomingdown;(3.)theeating;(4.)thenotdying.Butbeforetakingupthese,markinthewondrousgiftherereferredto,(1.)thegreatloveofGod;yes, "Herein is love"; (2.) the wisdom of God, providing the right food forhungry souls; (3.) the power of God, imparting to that food its nourishingproperties;orrather,givingeffecttothesepropertiesincausingthemtonourishus; making that bread omnipotent, so that no amount of human hunger canwithstandit.Wecannotthinkofthegiftwithoutcallingthesethingstomind;thegiftcarryingusbackanduptothelove,thewisdom,thepowerofthegiver;nay,embodying these in all their fullness. The giver of the bread is the God andFatherofourLordJesusChrist.I.Thebread.Breadisthatwhichfeedsthebody;nourishesit,strengthensit,makesitgrow.Withoutit,weaknesscomes,disease,anddeath.ItisofbreadforthesoulthattheLordherespeaks;ofsomethingthatwillsustainthelifeofthesoul;nay,makeitgrow.HeannouncesHimselfasthatthing.Notsometruthof doctrine, but Himself; theWordmade flesh; veryman and very God; Hiswhole and complete person; not the manhood without the Godhead, nor theGodheadwithout themanhood;butHisperson,Godman.Heis thebread;notmerelybread,butthebread;theonetruebread;withoutwhomthesoulcannotgrow,noritslifebesustained;foronlybygenerousdietcansuchsicklysoulsbenourished.Assuch(nolessthanasthesin-bearer),heisdespisedandrejectedofmen(oursoulloatheththislightfood):yetnonethelessisHenecessarytothesoul as its food, its bread. Out of Him; apart from His person, there is nonourishment, no sustenance.He feeds;He alone;He feeds us on himself.Allelseishusks,ormereairandvapor.Healoneisbread;He, theChristofGod;

He, the eternalWordandSon;He,Godmanifest in flesh;He, inHisgloriousperson,isourfood;Hisfleshismeatindeed.ThatwhichHispersonrevealstousofGodhead,—ofGod, and the love ofGod; ofGod, and thewisdom, power,righteousness,majesty,andgraceofGod,—isbread, thebreadof thesoul; thetrue bread and sustenance of creature hood; the hidden manna; better thanangels' food; "the corn of heaven" (Psalm78:24); the divine provision for theloveandnourishmentofhumanity.OurLordappliesvariousnames to it : (1.)"bread fromheaven"; (2.) "truebread"; (3.) "thebreadofGod"; (4.) "breadoflife"; (5.) "living bread." All these are names indicative of its excellence, itspower, its suitableness. It is theverybreadweneed; nootherwoulddo; onlyImmanuel'sperson;theSonofGodHimself.Thisisthetrueunleavenedbread;holyand incorruptible.Thecurse isnot in it,butonly theblessing.TheWordmadefleshisthesoul'seternalfood.II.Thecomingdown.Inoneaspectthisbreadcame"up"aswellas"camedown";thehumanpartcomingup,thedivinepartcomingdown.Butasitisthedivinepartthatgivesallitsvitalityandpowerofnourishmenttoit,soitissaid,as awhole, to comedown fromheaven.Theword is such as to refer to past,present, and future. (1.) It came down; (2.) it is coming down; (3.) it willcontinue to come down. In the first promise, it came down; in all subsequentones, itdid thesame. It speciallycamedownwhen theWordwasmade flesh.Thatwasthegreatdescentofthedivinebread;thelikeofwhichhadnotbeeninourworld,norcanbeinanyotherform.Itwasthebringingdownofthegranaryand storehouse of heaven to earth. That storehouse is inexhaustible; everaccessible;itscontentsmaybesaidtobeeitheralwaysopentoushereonearth,or to be always coming down. In either aspect we see a perpetual supply; anever-failing fullness; ever-present bread; like the manna, ready for us eachmorning; in double amount each Sabbath; in seven-fold amount eachcommunion.Letusopenourmouthwide.Alasforourwantofappetite!Thereisbreadenoughandtospare,butwehavenorelishforit;wedonothungerforit.Henceourleanness;thepovertyofourblood;thepalenessofcountenance;thefeebleness of our limbs. We do not feed on it sufficiently. What differentChristians shouldwe be didwe fully partake of it asGod presents it. Eat, Ofriends!Eat,andlive;eat,andbestrong;eat,andbeinhealth;eat,andgoforthtodo theworkofGod.Notonearthwillyoufind theeternalbread; thebreadwhichfeedstheimmortalspirit.OnlyinHimwhocamedownfromheaven,—theChristofGod.

III.Theeating.Faitheats,andfillsthesoul;unbeliefrefusestoeat,andsostarvesus.Weeatby,andinbelieving.WetakeintooursoulsthewordsoftheHoly Ghost concerning this bread; concerning Him who is the bread; and indoingso,wefeedonit;wefeedonHim.WereceiveHisbody,wetakeHisfleshinto our mouth, not in some carnal or mystical way, but in taking in thetestimony,instudyingandreceivingthetruth,—thedivinewordsarefood:"Thywordswerefound,andIdideatthem";butthespecialwordwhichweeat,andbywhichwearenourished,isthewordconcerningHimwhocamedownfromheaven, the Christ of God, the only begotten of the Father, full of grace andtruth.Godbidsuseat.Hedoesnotsay,"Lesttheyputforththehand,andtakeofthetree,andeat,andliveforever";Hecommandsustodothis;"putforththehand,take,eat,andliveforever."IV.Thenotdying.Allfoodisfortheproductionandsustainingoflife.Thetree of life indicated this. We are to eat that we may live. Immortality ismaintainedbytheprovisionwhichGodhasmadeforitsupholding.Thisimmortalitycorrespondstothefoodwhichproducesandnourishesit.Oursisadivineimmortality:"Iamcomethattheymighthavelife,andthattheymighthaveitmoreabundantly.Christ'sfleshislifetous.Itquickensus.Wecatit,andlive forever. It is the bread without leaven; without anything in it that canweaken or corrupt; but everything fitted to produce immortality, andincorruptibility. The expression, "and not die," refers specially to the death ofthose who did eat the desert manna. That manna could not keep them fromdying; but this hiddenmanna can.Wemay, however, connect thewords herewiththoseinGenesis,"Inthedaythoueatestthereofthoushaltsurelydie."ToeatofthattreeofParadisewasfatal.Deathmustfollow.Toeatofthisbettertree,thisheavenlybread, isnotfatal; isnotmortal;nay, it is life-giving.Toeat it isnot to die, but to live.Nay, there is no life, save in eating it. In the day thoueatestthereof,thoushaltnotdie,butlive.Eatandlive,isourmessagetoadeadworld.Theexpression,"thataman,"shouldratherbe,that"anyone,"mayeatthereof.Itis not a mere statement, but an invitation,—to all that this hungry, famishedworld contains. Israel only had themanna; to the world is offered this betterbread."Anyone,"isGod'smessage!"Whosoever";"everyone"!Godplacesthis

bread in the world, and bids all eat of it. Empty, starving world, come andpartake!"Breadenoughandtospare"(Luke15:17),isGod'smessage.Thereisenoughforallandeach.Itisfreetoeveryone."MyfleshIgiveforthelifeoftheworld."There isnorestriction,noexclusion.Anyone!Ahsurely,Oman, thattakestheein;asthouart,—apoorprodigal,starvingonhusks.Oh,eatandlive.

LXV.Christ'sFleshTheWorld'sLife

"Myflesh,whichIwillgiveforthelifeoftheworld."—

John6:51.

OftheWord,theeternalWordofGod,itissaid,"InHimwaslife"(John1:4).ItwasastheWord,orSon,thatHewasthelife.InHim,asthesecondPersonoftheGodhead,istheinfinitefountainheadoflife.But between Him and us there is a great gulf. This divine well of life isinaccessible to us so long as "theWord" remains simply "theWord." For thecommunication of the life, He must be something more than the Word. Thefountain is infinite; but it is unapproachable by us. We cannot climb to theheavenofheavens.Awellmustbedugonearthintowhichtheheavenlywatersmayflow,soas tobewithinourreach.Earthcannotascendtoheaven;heavenmustdescendtoearth,bringingwithitallitsrichesoflife."TheWordwasmadeflesh;"andthuslifewasbroughtdowntous.Aman,withfleshandbloodsuchaswehave,wasmadethedepositoryorstorehouseofthelife.As"theWord"hewasthelife;butonlyas"theWordmadeflesh"isHeourlife.AstheSonofGodheis"light;"butonlyastheGod-manishethe"lightoftheworld,"the"lightofmen."ItisastheWordmadefleshthatHespeakswhenHesays,"ThebreadthatIwillgiveismyflesh,whichIwillgiveasthelifeoftheworld;"andagain,whenHesays,"Myfleshismeatindeed;…exceptyeeatthefleshanddrinkthebloodoftheSonofMan,yehavenolifeinyou."But meat of itself does not produce or commence life; it only sustains andnourishes it. Dead men cannot eat; the dead body digests no food, howeverexcellent. But He who is the Word made flesh actively quickens, as well aspassively feeds. "The Son quickeneth whom He will." As the Creator of theuniverse,Hespeaksanditisdone;Hecreatesallthingsnew.Fromhimselfgoes

forth directly the quickening power bywhich souls are raised from the dead.Andhavingbeenmade alive from thedead, theybegin to feedonHim,—andfindinthismeattheirdailylife,andstrength,andgrowth.Thus He is "the life of the world." It is as "the world's life" that we havefellowshipwithHim. It is as "theworld's life" that faith recognizesHim andrejoicesinHim."Christourlife"!Thisisourwatchwordandexperience.TosaythatChristisourlifeisnotonlytosaythereislifeinChristforme,butthatlifeisflowingdownformeandintome.Itisjustsuchlifeasweneedinallrespects,recovering and refreshing the soul; not only rescuing it from the death ofcondemnation,butactingwithresurrection-powerinrestoringittorightspiritualfeelingandaction.Itislifewhich,whenitcomesin,fillsupthevoidwithinaswellascomesdownlikerainuponthemowngrass,andlikeshowersthatwatertheearth.Itislifemostfullandample;itislifeabidingandunbroken;itislifeundeservedandunpurchased;itislifewhichnopowerofdeathnorinfluenceofdiseasecanaffectorimpair.I.ItisconnectionwithChristthatbringsthelifeintous.Cutthewiresofthe electric telegraph, and all communication ceases between city and city.Restore them,andtheintercourse isresumed; thecurrentflowsagain.So, it isconnectionwithChrist our life that vitalizes, quickens us spiritually.He is inheaven, andwe are upon the earth; but the greatness of distancematters not,providedtherebeconnection,theconnection,asitwere,ofasinglewire.Thatsinglewireisfaith.Thisistheoneconnectingmedium.Notlove,norholiness,nor goodness, nor earnestness, but faith, simple faith.Ourbelief of thedivinetestimony concerning theChrist ofGod is the one thing that links us toHim.Otherthingsfollowuponthis;buttheyarenottheconnectingwire.Faith,astheonly grace which admits of being thoroughly insulated and separated fromearthly things, is the trueandonlyconductingwire.Unbelief is thegreatnon-conducting medium which arrests, in a moment, all communication betweenheaven and earth. Faith only restores this,— establishing the surest andmostblessed of all connections between Christ and the soul, between heaven andearth.II.ItisconnectionwithChristthatcontinuesthelife.Thelifeisnotlikeatreasureofgoldbroughttous,anddepositedwithus,toserveusforalifetime.Itisnotlikealakeorcisternofwaterformedwithinus,renderingusindependent

ofallwithoutus.Itissomethinglaidupforusinheaven,andtransmitteddowntoearth,hourbyhour, as light isdeposited in the sun, andat each successivemomentemittedfromhimtous.TheconnectionbetweenusandChristmustbekept up unbroken, else the life in us will fail. It is not said, he that "hathbelieved," but he "that believeth," hath everlasting life. There is a well nearJerusalem,calledbytheArabsBarEyub,andbytheJewsthewellofNehemiah,which is chiefly fed by the rain. When the showers fall abundantly, and theKedronflowslikeariver,thiswellisfilledandthecityrejoices.Butthisisonlyonceortwiceintheyear.Butthereisadeepwellunderneaththetemple,whichisfedbywaterfromthegreatpoolsofSolomon,nearBethlehem.Thisisalwaysfull, being fed from a perennial springwhosewaters fail not. Onlywhen theaqueductisbrokenwhichleadsthewateralong,mileaftermile,intoJerusalem,canthistemple-cisternfail.Suchistobethemannerofourlife.Itisnotliketheinconstantwellfedbyanintermittingstream;but like thegreat templecistern,ever full, because fed from a never failing spring. Faith is the aqueduct thatbringsthewaterfromthepoolsofourtrueSolomonintoushisspiritualtemples.Everymomentthisdivineaqueductshouldbedischargingthewatersoflifeintooursoulsfromtheunfailingfountainabove.Bydayandnight,incalmorstorm,through gardens or barren hillsides, that stream flows on, and shall flow onforever! Time has broken Solomon's aqueduct and interrupted thecommunication between the fountain and the temple•cistern, but no time canbreak the connection between us and the heavenly fountain; for who shallseparateusfromtheloveofChrist?"BecauseIlive,yeshalllivealso."Thusthesouliskeptalwaysfullandfresh.III.ConnectionwithChristintroducesusintotheeverlastinglifehereafter.Forthepresentisbuttheearnestofthecominglife.Itisintoagloriousflowerthat the present bud expands; and its future expansion it owes to that sameconnectionwhichquickeneditandnourishedithere.Forfaithis thesubstanceofthingshopedfor;anditisintothese"thingshopedfor"thatfaithintroducesusatlast.Thefullnessofthelifeisyettocome."WhenChrist,whoisourlife,shallappear, thenshallwealsoappearwithHiminglory."And it is foreternal lifeandglorythatourpresentcourseoffaithonearthisthepreparation."Itdothnotyet appearwhatwe shall be"; butwe know that the future life of vision, intowhich thepresent lifeof faith is leadingus,willbeasunutterablyblessedandgloriousasitisabidingandeverlasting.

Suchisthebeginning,themiddle,andtheend,oratleasttheconsummation,ofthis life. And this threefold blessing is linked with the one thing—faith. OurbeliefofthedivinetestimonyconcerningChrist,ourlife,istheoneconnectinglinkorlinebetweenthepast,thepresent,andthefutureofourbetterlife.HethatbelievethhathChrist forhis life,now,and forevermore.He thathath theSonhath the life; and he that hath the life, the adoption; and he that hath theadoption,haththekingdomandtheglory.ThisconnectionwiththelivingOne,withChristourlife,worksinmanyways.Havingbeenthusbroughttothelife,orratherthelifehavingbeenbroughtintous,everythingaboutuspartakesofthislife.Aseverypartoftheflowerortreegetsthesap,soeverypartofourbeinggetsthislifeoutofthedivinefullnessoflife deposited in the living One. Our religion becomes a living religion; ourprayerslivingprayers;ourpraiseslivingpraises;ourservicelivingservice;ourwordslivingwords;ourlabourlivinglabour:ourwholebeingisnowpervadedwithlife,spirituallife,divinelife.Howdifferenteverythingisnowtous!Foritislifethatloosesourbondageandbringsintheliberty.Itislifethatcastsoutthedarknessand fillsuswith light. It is life thatgivesuseyes to see, andears tohear,andfeettorunintheheavenlyway.ThecominginofChrist,ourlife,isthenewcreationoftheman!Andwhatistherethatthatnewcreationwillnotworkwithinus!This life is thatof theWordmadeflesh.It isanewanddivinelife;forweare"madepartakersofthedivinenature";weare"madepartakersofChrist."Anditisasifthesamebloodthatflowedthroughhisveinsflowedthroughours.It isnotarestorationtousofthefirstAdam'slife;itistheimpartationofafarhigherlifefromthesecondAdam;for thefirstAdamwasmadea livingsoul,but thelastAdamwasmadeaquickeningspirit.NorisitsimplythefleshorbodyofChristthatisourlife,butthatfleshorbodybroken. It is notmerely an incarnateChrist, but an incarnateChrist crucified!That flesh of the Son of man, in order to be the food of our souls, must bebruised!AndthatinwhichwefindourfoodandlifeisthebrokenbodyandshedbloodoftheLord.OnthisfleshandbloodwefeedwhenwereceivetheFather'switnessconcerningit,anddwelluponthetruthswhichthattestimonycontains.ThusChrist'sfleshismeatindeed,andhisbloodisdrinkindeed.

Considerthislifeunderthefollowingaspectsandbearing:

1. It is life from thedead.LikeLazarus,wearedeadandburied.ThelivingvoiceoftheWordmadefleshspeakstousandsays,Comeforth.Wehear it and obey.We arise from the dead at the call ofHimwho is theresurrection and the life. This is conversion. This is the new birth; aresurrectionfromthedead.2. Itislifeinthemidstofdeath.Fromthedayofconversionthelifeislikeasparkinthemidstofastormysea,orlikeourbodyexposedtothepolarfrost.Everythingisagainstitscontinuance;and,wereitnotdivine,itcouldnotremain.Butitisdivine;andmaintainsitsvigorinthemidstofaworldofdeath.3. Itislifeindeath.Onadeathbedthelifeshinesoutinitsbrightness;and when death seizes us, this life remains untouched. Over it the lastenemy has no power. Nor can the grave extinguish it. It is life whichsurvivesmortalityandcorruption; lifewhichdefies the tomb; lifewhichhe,whohasthepowerofdeath,cannotreach.4.Itisresurrectionlife.Forawhileitbecomesinvisible,whilesoulandbodyareparted.Butitsoonrekindles,orratherre-appears,likeareturningstar,assoonassoulandbodyarere-united.Itneverindeedleavesthesoul,evenwhenthebodycrumblesdown.But it remainsunseenbyus till theresurrection-day.Thenitriseslikeasun,—asuntoshineforever!WhenChrist,whoisourlife,shallappear,thenshallwealsoappearwithHiminglory.

Taketheselessons:

(1.)Despisenotthislife.Somehavetoolongslightedit.Triflenomorewithathingsoglorious.(2.)Receiveitnow.Forthiswemakeknownthedivinetestimony;foritiswithourreceptionofitthatthelifeisconnected.(3.)Cherish it evermore.Let it reignwithinyou, triumphingoverdeath;

andmakingyoufeel,andact,andspeakaslivingmen!(4.)Anticipatetheresurrectionday.Thenweshallknowthatlifeinawaysuch as we have never known it here. It will be infinitely fuller, moteblessed,andmoreglorious!

LXVI.ComeAndDrink

"Inthelastday,thatgreatdayoftilefeast,Jesusstoodandcried,saying,Ifanymanthirst,lethimcomeuntome,anddrink."—

John7:37.

Herewenote, (1.) the time; (2.) theplace; (3.) thegiver; (4.) thegift; (5.) thepersons;(6.)thelove.I. Thetime.Thelastandgreatdayof thefeastof tabernacles;whenIsrael's joywas fullest; at least in appearance and expression; just whenmenwouldhave thought therewas leastneedofanyother joy;andnopropriety indivertingtheirmindsfromthescenebeforethem;whenmanydaysofreligiousservicewouldhaveseemedquiteenoughtofillthem.Justthenthevoiceisheardand themessagestrikeson theirear,"Ifanyman thirst, lethimcomeuntomeanddrink."II. Theplace.Jerusalem,—thetemple.Whatneedofanythingelsethanwhatthattempleafforded.WasnotDavid'sexperiencestilltrue,"Howamiablearethytabernacles";"Iwasgladwhentheysaidtome."Besides,thetemplewasnowfilledwithcrowds;andascenewasenactinginitscourtsofstrikingaspect.TheLevitewasnowbringinginthewaterfromSiloaminthegoldenpitcher,orpouringitonthesacrifice;andIsraelwasabouttoburstforthinoneloudshoutofjoy.Imposingsceneandplace!III. Thegiver.ItistheSonofGodwhostandsupinthemidstofthesetenthousands; with something in his hand for them; something which he countsworthy of their acceptance. The giver is divine and heavenly; not merely aprophetorteachersentfromGod,buttheSonofGodhimself;whoknewwhattheyneeded,andwhatHehadtogive;whosawintotheirhearts;hadsoundedtheir depths of emptiness; had measured the intensity of their thirst. He ishimself God's gift; yet He is also giver; the dispenser of a fullness which is

absolutely infinite. To himself he turns their eye,—here as always elsewhere."Comeuntome."Theyweredealingwithotherthingsorpersons;hebidsthemdeal with himself. Feasts, altars, sacrifices, doctrines, ceremonies, were all invain;theymustdealwithhimself.IV.Thegift.Livingwater;somethingwherewithtoquenchtheirthirst;theHolySpirit.HereisagiftinChrist'shandsforthem;adivinegiftfromadivinegiver;agiftsufficienttofillthesouloftheemptiest,toquenchthethirstofthethirstiest;agiftnotonlygreatenoughtofillthem,buttooverflowuponothers;agift personal, infinite, free. There are two gifts ofGodwhich stand aloft andaloneintheirpricelessgreatness,—thegiftofhisSon,thegiftofhisSpirit;bothof thesepresented toman,presseduponhim"If thouknewest thegiftofGod,thouwouldsthaveaskedandhewouldhavegiventheelivingwater."V.ThePersons.Whoaretheywhoneedthislivingwater?Notheathens;notprofaneandirreligious;butJews;religiousJews;engagedintheworshipofGod,atoneoftheirmostjoyfulfeasts.Thisisremarkable.InthefourthchapteritistotheSamaritanthathepresentsthecupoflivingwater.InthebookoftheRevelation, it isofferedindiscriminatelytoall,JewandGentile.Soalsointhefifty-fifthofIsaiah.ButhereitistotheJew,thereligiousJew.Heisthethirstyone,heneeds livingwater.His rites,and feasts,andsacrificescannot fillhim,norquenchhisthirst.Hehasstilladeepvoidwithin,—anintensethirst,whichcalls for somethingmore spiritual and divine. It is not then to the idolatrouspagan that the Lord speaks; not merely to the lover of pleasure or lust; theheedless sinner. It is to the men who frequent the sanctuary,—who pray andpraiseoutwardly;whogototheLord'stable.ItistothemHespeaks.Perhapsthethirstiestofourracearetobefoundamongourso-calledreligiousmen,—andIdo not mean the hypocrite or Pharisee,—but those who, with devoutconscientiousness, attend to what are called religious duties in all their parts.Theygothroughthewholeroundandroutineofservice,buttheyarenothappy.They are still thirsty and weary. This external religiousness helps to pacifyconscience,butitdoesnotmakethemhappy.SabbathcomesafterSabbath,andfindsthemintheirplaceinthesanctuary,buttheyarenothappy.Itisaformoraperformance; an empty vessel. They are just where they were. There aremultitudes of such in our day; in our churches; at our communion tables, TothemJesus speaks, "Ifanyman thirst, lethimcome tomeanddrink."Duties,ceremonies, and performances cannotmake you happy.They are aweariness.

Theyleaveyouoftenmorethirstythanbefore.ButdealwithJesus,asGod'sgift,asthedispenserofGod'sgift,—youwillfindinHimthefountainoflivingwater.VI. Thelove.Itisalllove,fromfirsttolast.InloveJesusstandsupandspeaks.InloveHepresentsthefullvesseloflivingwater,andpressesittotheirparched lips. Here is the love that passeth knowledge; love yearning overunhappyman,andpityinghisunhappiness.Comeyetothewaters!Come,andquenchyourthirst.Come,andbefull!Come,andbehappyforevermore!

LXVII.JesusOurLight

"Andeverymanwentuntohisownhouse."—John7:53."Jesus went unto the mount of Olives…Then spake Jesus again unto them,saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk indarkness,butshallhavethelightoflife."—

John8:1,12.

Ifwe group together the scenes of this and the succeeding chapter,wemightheadthemthus,—adaywithJesus;inwhichwehavenotmerelyhisanswerstothedisputingJews,buthisproclamationoflove;anightwithJesusontheMountofOlives;dawnwithJesusinthetemple,listeningtohisearlyteaching;sunrisewithJesus,as,pointingtotheeast,Hesays,Iamthelightoftheworld.Let us follow, however, another division, which will, perhaps, bring out thetruthsofthepassagemorefully,inconnectionbothwithmanandtheLord;(1.)manathome,Jesusnotathome;(2.)manthelistener,Jesustheteacher;(3.)manthesinner,Jesus theforgiver; (4.)manthechildofdarkness,Jesus the lightoflife.I. Manathome,Jesusnotathome."Everymanwenttohisownhouse;JesuswentuntotheMountofOlives."ThecrowdwhichhadsurroundedHimallthedaygraduallydropsoff,onebyone,as theeveningdrawson,andJesus isleftalone.Eachonehasahometogoto,arooftoshelterhim,andretirestorestwithhis family; Jesushasnowhere to layhishead; theygooneway,Hegoesanother; they keep within the city walls, He goes without the gate to Olivet,theretospendthenightinprayer.Heisnotathome;eveninthetemple,whichishisFather'shouse,Hemustnotstay;itsgatesareclosing,andHeisshutout;thetempleshutsHimout,thecityshutsHimout.Hecanonlygototheplaceswhereman is not; to the solitudes where, outside of Jerusalem, outside even ofBethany,HecanmeetwithGod.ThishomelessnessoftheSonofGodwasforus.Hebecamehomeless thatwemighthaveahome,—ahome inhisFather's

house.Hewentwithout the gate thatwemight enter in.He became an exile,taking our place and life of banishment, that we might have an entranceministered tous into thecelestialcity, theParadiseofGod.Hast thou,Oman,availedthyselfofthisgreatwork,andreturnedtothyFather'shouse?OrartthoustillanexilefromGod,thoughathomeonearth?II. Manthelistener,Jesus theteacher.That towhichGodcallethus is"listening.""Hear,andyoursoulshall live;""faithcomethbyhearing."ChristcametousastheWord,—tospeaktous;hisverycomingwasGodsayingtous,"Nowlistentome."Seldomdowefindmaninthisattitude,andhencesolittlefaith;and,whenChristcomesthesecondtime,Hewillfindlittlefaith,becausefewlistening.Butherewehaveagroupoflisteners,andthatintheearlydawn,gatheredroundtheeternalWord.AndHeteaches!Howwilling to teach!Howgladtogetalistener,anopenear!HoweagerisHetopourinallhiswisdom;toteach the ignorant; tounteach them theevil anderror; to teach them thegoodandthetrue!Areourearseveropen?Areweeagerlisteners?AsreadytohearasHe is to speak? Oh how much we lose of happy wisdom, simply from notlistening! Jesus Himself knew what it was to hear the Father, "He wakenethmorningbymorning;Hewakenethmineeartohearasonewhoistaught."Andhavingthuslearned,Hecomestoteach.Learnofme,Hesays.TheLordmakeuswillinglearners!TheLordgiveusopenears!III.Manthesinner,Christtheforgiver.Inthemidstoftheteachingandthelisteningasceneoccurs;aninterruption,yetnottrulyso;aninterruptionwhichonlyillustratesthecharacteroftheteacher.Vilesinhasjustbeendiscovered,andtheculprit isbrought in.It isflagrant transgression.HowwillHedealwith it?WillHepalliateit,orwillHesay,Goandstoneher.IfHedoestheformer,whatbecomesofhisholinessandprofessedvenerationforthelaw?Ifthelatter,whatbecomesofhiskindnesstopublicansandsinners.Hedoesneither.AndyetHepardonstheguilty!Howmarvelousthegrace!HowwonderfullyHedealswithsinandthesinner!Hecondemns,—nay,Hemakeshishearerscondemnit,—andnotonly thewoman's,but theirown;yetHeforgives!Heshews themsin inaworse,awider,amoreuniversalaspectthantheydreamedof;yetHealsoshewsthatnothingcanobstructhisforgivinglove.Hisispardontotheuttermost.Hecametosavesinners!WhoistherethatHeisnotwillingandabletosave?IV.Manthechildofdarkness,Christthelightoftheworld.Theseareawful

words,"childrenofnight,"childrenofdarkness,—worseeven than theworld'sphrase, children of themist. Theworld is dark,—darkness itself. Each soul isdark.Man'sefforts toenlightenhimselfhasonly lefthimdarker.But the lighthascome;thetruelightnowshineth.TheChristhascome,andHeisthelightoftheworld,thelightofthesoul,thelightoflife.InthepresentcaseHeispointingto therisingsunandsaying,"I(notyonsun)amthe lightof theworld."Till Iappearall isnight.Then,all isday.C1iristastherevealeroftheFather,ofhisgrace and righteousness,—Christ as the possessor and dispenser of the HolyGhost,—isthelightoftheworld.

1.Lightcheersandgladdens.ThusJesusgivesjoyandpeace.2.Lightpurifies.Jesusrenews,sanctifies,assimilates.3.Lightquickens.Jesusremovesdeath;impartslife.4. Light heals. Jesus healswounds, diseases;He cures. 5. Light liberates.Jesussetsusfree.NobondagewhereJesusis.

Oh the difference between night and noon, darkness and sunshine! Have youmade the exchange?Will youmake it now?He that believeth inme shall notabideindarkness.

LXVIII.TruthAndLiberty

"Then said Jesus to those Jewswhich believed on him, If ye continue inmyword,thenareyemydisciplesindeed;andyeshallknowthetruth,andthetruthshallmakeyoufree."—

John8:31,32.

"Faithcomethbyhearing,andhearingbythewordofGod";accordinglywereadin verse thirtieth, "As he spake these words many believed on him." So Hetaught,andso theybelieved;as theapostleputs it"Sowepreached,andsoyebelieved."ItisalwaysinconnectionwiththewordoftruththattheHolySpiritworksinus.Christ'svoiceandtheSpirit'shandgotogether.Wefindthisinourtext;butwefindmorethanthis.I.ThereceptionofChrist'swordbeginsdiscipleship.Theremaybemanyananxiousthoughtbeforethis;manyatear;manyabittergroan.Theremaybealarm,anddisquietude,andinquiry.Butthesearenotdiscipleship.Theyarebutas so many gropings after teaching; so many inquiries after a school and ateacherwhichwillmeetthesoul'scapacitiesandlongings.Alltheworldis,initspoor, dark way, stretching out its hands after something which can only berealized in Christ. But this is not discipleship. All men are saying,Whowillshewusanygood;but this isnotdiscipleship.Thatbeginswith receivingHisword;notwithdoingsomegreatthing;butwithreceivingHisword;receivingitasthescholarreceivesthemaster'steaching.HeistheWord;andHespeakstheword. What is this word which He speaks? It is a word (1.) concerning theFather;(2.)concerningHimself.HecomesastherevealeroftheFather,andasthedeclarerofHimselfandHiswork.FromthemomentthatwereceivewhatHetells us concerning the Father and Himself, we become His disciples, Hisscholars. Thus we are taught, not of man, but of God. This is the true, theauthenticbeginningofdiscipleship.II. Continuance in thatword is the testof truediscipleship.OurLord

evidently lays great stress on this point, continuance in His word. It is notcontinuanceingeneraladherencetoHiscause,butcontinuanceinHisword,—inthatword,bythereceptionofwhichwebecamedisciples.Asitisbyholdingthebeginning of our confidence thatwe aremade partakers of Christ, so it is bycontinuingintheword,thatwemakegoodthegenuinenessofourdiscipleship."LetthewordofChristdwellinyourichly,"saysPaul;anditisthiswordthatcontainseverythingweneed.

(1.)Itisanexpansiveword;everwideningitsdimensions;growinguponus;neverold,evernew;inwhichwemakecontinualdiscoveries;thesametree,but everputting forthnewbranchesand leaves; the same river,butever swelling and widening; losing none of its old water, yet everreceivingaccessions.(2.) It is a quickeningword;maintainingold life, yet producingnew; "Thywordhathquickenedme."(3.)Itisastrengtheningword;nervingusandinvigoratingus;liftingusupwhen bowed down; imparting health, and courage, and resolution, andpersistency.(4.) It is a sanctifyingword. It purifies; it detects the evil, and purges it

away;itpoursinholinessintothesoul.Itworksablessedworkwithin.Letuscontinueinit;notwearyofit;notlosingrelishforit;butabidinginit.III. Knowledgeofthetruthistheresultofdiscipleship.Wehaveseenthepropertiesandvirtuesofthewordinitself;marktheimpartationofthesetothedisciple.Allthatenterthisschool,andthatputthemselvesundertheteachingofthis instructor, are taught ofGod; as it iswritten, "They shall be all taught ofGod."Heshallknowthetruth;notatruth,norpartofit,butthetruth,thewholeofit,—thetruth,andnoterror,—Himwhoisthetruth.Heshallbewise;wiseinChrist; in Him who is our wisdom. He shall know it; not guess at it, norspeculateonit;norgetaglimpseofit;butknowit;realizeit;makechoiceofit;appreciateit.ThetruthisChristhimself;theteacherofthetruthisChrist;Heisbothteacherandlesson.TheknowledgeofChrististheknowledgeofthetruth;ever growing, both in extent and in depth. Christ's promise to the disciple is,"Thoushaltknowthetruth."Blessedpromiseinadayofdoubtanderror.

IV. Thistruthisliberty.Alltruthis,sofar,liberty,andallerrorbondage;sometruthisgreaterliberty,andsomeerrorgreaterbondage.Blessedarethesewordsof theMaster:"The truthshallmakeyoufree."Bondage,withmany, issimply associated with tyranny, bad government,—civil or ecclesiasticaldespotism.Christ'swordsgofardeeper.Theygototherootoftheevil.Therealchains, the real prison, the real bondage, are within, not without; so the truelibertyiswithin,notwithout.ItspringsfromwhatamanknowsofGodandofhisChrist.Seldomdomen realize this.Error,bondage!Howcan thatbe, theysay,iftheerrorbetheman'sownvoluntarydoing;ifitbetheresultofhisownintellectualeffort; if itbenotconnectedwithprison-wallsor theoppressionofpower?Butthemasterisveryexplicit.Thetruthshallmakeyoufree!Thereisnootherfreedom,worthyofthename,ofwhichthisisnottheroot."Heisthefreemanwhomthetruthmakesfree;andallareslavesbesides."Be free, says the Son of God to the Sons of men! How? By becoming mydisciples;knowing the truthwhich I shall teach; and followingme, If theSonmakeyoufree,yeshallbefreeindeed!

LXIX.TheFatherHonouringTheSon

"ItismyFatherthathonourethme."—

John8:54.

Tohonouristodoortospeakthatofapersonwhichshallnotonlyshewhimourown esteem for him, but shall let others see that, andmake them esteem himlikewise. Thus God honoured Abel by openly accepting his sacrifice, andshewinghimtobethemanofhisloveandfavor.ThusHehonouredEnochbytranslatinghim;Noah,bysinglinghimouttobethesavedoneofhisgeneration;Abraham,byappearingtohimastheGodofglory,andcallinghimoutofUroftheChaldees;Joseph,bybringinghimoutofthepitofDothanandtheprisonofPharaohtothesecondrankinEgypt;Moses,bydrawinghimoutoftheNile,andmaking him king in Jeshurun; David, by calling him from the sheepfolds ofBethlehemtothethroneofIsrael;Solomon,bygivinghimwisdom,andpower,andriches,andapeacefulkingdom,andmakinghimsopre-eminentlythetypeofMessiahandhisgloriouskingdom.Suchishonour,andsuchisthewayinwhichweseeitconferred.BywhatGodsaidanddidto theseindividuals,Henotonlymanifestedhissovereignchoice,buthisloveforthem,hisappreciationoftheircharacter,hissenseoftheirfitnessforthehonourconferred.AllthisisspeciallyseenintheFather'sdealingswithhisSon.Weseehisloveandadmirationforhim,aswellashisdesiretomakehimthelovedandadmiredofothers.Weseehisdelightinhim,andhispurposetomakehimthedelightofallinearthandheaven.Weseehissenseofhisinfiniteexcellency,andbeauty,andperfection;hisfitnessfor,andworthinessofthehonourbestowedalreadyonhimsincethedaythatheascendedonhigh,andtobeyetmoreabundantlyconferredonhimathissecondcoming,whenhecomestobeglorifiedinhissaints,andadmiredofallthemthatbelieve.

Letusconsider,—I. Thebestowerofthehonour.ItistheFather.Thevalueofthehonourdependsgreatlyonhimwhobestowsit.Honourbestowedforaprice,orbyselforbyunworthyhands,orbyone incapableof judging, isworthless.Flatterershave honoured kings, as Tertullus did Felix, but that was no honour at all.Napoleonputthecrownuponhisownhead,butthatwasnohonour.TheFather,however,knowswhatHeisbestowing,andonwhomHeisconferringthegift.Heisfitjudgebothofthepersonandthehonour.WemaythenbewellassuredthatthehonourreceivedbyChristiswellbestowed.TheFatherloveththeSon;andthisassuresusthatHeisworthyofthelove;HehonoureththeSon,andthisassuresusthatHeisworthyofthehonour.II.Thereceiverofthehonour.ItistheSon,theChrist.Heitiswhomthekingdelightethtohonour.HeisonewhomtheFatherknowswell;andhasbeenacquaintedwithfromalleternity.HeisGod,veryGod.Heisman,veryman.HeisGod-man,thepersoninwhomthetwonaturesmeet,andthereforealtogetherpeculiar, a new thing on earth, and a new thing in heaven; one in whom allcreatedandalluncreatedperfectionmeets;one inwhomall that isglorious intheuniversecenters;oneinwhomallthatisexcellent,bothinheavenandearth,is displayed. He is the most marvelous revelation and incarnation of divinewisdom that canbe found throughout theuniverse.He is the infinitelyperfecthandiworkoftheinfinitelyperfectJehovah;theonlythingbroughtforthintimeand intowhosecompositioncreaturehoodenters, inwhich therecanbefoundnoflaw,andofwhichwecansaythereisnotthepossibilityoffallorfailureinalltheeternalfuture.III.Thenatureofthehonourbestowed.Asintheconstitutionofhispersonwe have something peculiar, so in the honour bestowed we have somethingcorresponding to this. it is divine honour; but it ismole. It is not only all thehonour which the Father receives and which the Spirit receives, but it issomethinginaddition,somethingwhichtheycannotreceive,somethingarisingoutofthesuperaddedhumanity;andhumanityinconnectionwithdivinity.Whatthis is we may not understand, but we know that it must be so. Again, it ishuman honour, honour in connectionwith his perfectmanhood; forHe is theonlytruespecimenofperfectmanhood,andassuchisentitledtoallthehonourwhichGod intended for our race.Naymore,He is entitled to honour such as

Adam could not receive,—the honour arising to his manhood from itsconnectionwiththeGodhead;honour,therefore,ofafarhigherkindthancouldpossiblybegiventoanycreaturenotconnectedwithGodhead,yet,stillhumanhonour.ThustheGodheadgetsanhonoursuchasitcouldnothavegotsaveinvirtueofitsconnectionwithcreaturehood;andthecreaturehoodgetsanhonoursuch as it could not have got save by reason of its connectionwithGodhead.Thereisinthiswayapeculiarhonourcreated,andapeculiarvesselpreparedforreceivingit;honoursuchascouldnothavebeenreceivedbyanyotherbeinginthe universe, save theChrist ofGod, the Incarnate Son. From this, too, theresprings, peculiar honour to the Father from this God•man,— honour at oncedivineandhuman;honoursuchasnooneinheavenorearthcangivebuthe.NoonecanhonourtheFatherastheChristofGodcan.IV. Thetimesandways inwhich thishonour isbestowed.Athisbirth,baptism,transfiguration,resurrection,ascension,stillmoreathissecondcoming.Everyday theFatherhonouredHimwhenhere.Dishonouredbyman,Hewashonoured by God. At present, in heaven, He receives glory and honour.Hereafter, inhiskingdom, the fullhonour is tobebestowed.WhenHecomesagain,He comes to be glorified. Thus the Father declares hisworthiness, andshewshisadmirationand loveof theSon;hispurpose to fillheavenandearthwithit,tospreaditoveralltimeandalleternity.V.Theresultsofthis.Thebearingsofthishonouronthewholeuniverseareimmeasurableandinconceivable.Thishonourisatoncethepledgeandthemeasureoftheblessingwhichtheuniversereceives,andshallreceiveforever.Theseresultsaresuchasthefollowing,—

1. TotheFather.It is throughthehonourconferredontheSonthat theFatherismorefullyunveiledandmanifested,aswellasmoreabundantlyglorified.ThehonourbestowedontheSoncomesbacktotheFather;forall that theSonreceives,andall thatHedoes, is to thegloryofGodtheFather.2.TotheHolySpirit.TheSpirit'sofficeistoglorifyChrist;itisthroughHimthatthehonourcomestotheSon.BymeansofthisshalltheSpiritbemadefullyknownandglorified;HisGodheaddeclaredandillustrated;Hiswisdomandpowerdisplayed.

3. To thewholeGodhead. The three-one Jehovah is glorified throughmeans of the honour bestowed upon the second Person, the IncarnateWord. Each Person is more fully manifested and more abundantlyglorified;and theOneJehovah,Father,Son,andSpirit receivesnewandeverlastinghonour.4.TotheChurch.Christ'shonourishers;forallthatHehasishers.SheismadepartakerofChrist,jointheirwithHim.TheBridegroom'sgloryisnotforhimselfalone.Hisbridesharesitwithhim.ShesharesHisriches,Hisinheritance, His kingdom, and His crown. This she does by faith evennow;shewilldosoinrealitywhenHereturnsasKingofkings,toplaceherbesidehimselfuponHisthrone.5.Toheaven.ThegreatnessoftheKing'shonouraddstothegloryofhispalace,hismetropolis,lightingupthegreatbridal-hallwithnewsplendor,and irradiating with new brightness, the heavenly Jerusalem, whosebrightness is already beyond that of the sun. Infinite is the addition ofglorytotheheavenofheavens,fromthegloryofHimwhoisitsKing.6. Toangels.He is theirhead, aswell as thechurch's,—thoughnot socloselyknit to themas tous.Principalitiesandpowersarehishosts,hisservants, his royal retinue, and in his honour they are honoured. EachangelshinesmorebrightlyfromthegloryputupontheIncarnateSon.7. Toearth.AtpresentwedonotseeanychangeThecurseisstillhere.Creation still groans. Shame is over all. But the curse is to pass away.Creation is to be delivered.Earth is to be clothed uponwith a new andimmortalrobe;mademorefairthanParadise.Allthisthroughthehonourput upon the Son. For earth is specially His country, His home,— thebirthplaceoftheManChristJesus.Hisbodyiscomposedofthedust;andherehefoundnotonlyhiscradle,buthisgrave.Aboveallotherplaces,ithasaclaimtosharehisglory.8. To the universe. Thewhole wide stretch of infinite space shall beirradiated with this glory. Every planet, every star, every fragment ofcreation,farandnear,shallreceivefreshlusterfromthisnew-lightedsun.

LetushonourHimnow.Hewillbehonouredhereafter.Wearesureofthat.Suchis the Father's purpose. But let us honour Him now, when He is getting nohonourfrommen.LetushonourHimherewherehegetsonlydishonour.Inthegreatday forwhichwearewaiting, thedayofHis secondcoming,hewillbeabundantlyglorified.Butletuswhoknowhimnotwaitforthis,butglorifyhiminthisdayandageofevilandunbelief.Sinner,honourChrist!Honourhimbycomingtohimandgettingsalvationathishands.ThehonourwhichtheFatherputsonHimasSaviour,isthesecurityforapresent pardon to you. Your pardon is Christ's honour. God glorifies Him inreceivingandblessingyou.KisstheSon!

LXX.TheHonourGivenToFaith

"Jesus saithuntoher,Said Inotunto thee, that, if thouwouldestbelieve, thoushouldestseethegloryofGod?"—

John11:40.

That which alone is worth the seeing; that which fills and gladdens the soul,when seen and known; that, without which we must remain unsatisfied andunblestforever;that,incomparisonwithwhichallothersightsareasnothing,—is"thegloryofGod."Thatwhichrighteousmenofolddesiredtosee,butsawonlyinglimpsesandatintervals; that, for the seeing of which Moses prayed, saying, "Shew me, Ibeseechthee,thyglory";thattowhichtheeyeofeverycreatureshouldturn,inlongingearnestness,—is"thegloryofGod."That which every thing in heaven and earth is intended to reveal, for the"heavens declare the glory ofGod," and the earth everywhere shews it forth;that,forthebeholdingofwhichoureyesweremade,andfortheappreciationofwhichourmindswereformed;that,fortheunfoldingofwhichsincamein,andisyettobeexpelledbyholiness,anddeathcameinthatitmayyetbesucceededbymoreblessedlife;that,fortherevelationofwhichtheSonofGodtookflesh,anddied,andwasburied,androseagain,—was"thegloryofGod."It is notGodHimself thatChrist here speaksofour seeing, though in anotherplaceHesays,"Blessedare thepure inheart, for theyshallseeGod." It ishis"glory,"ortherevelationofthatwhichisinHim,—somevisibledisplayoftheinvisible excellencies that are in Him. In one sense we "shall see God"; inanother,wecannotseeHim;fornomanhathseennorcanseeHim;onlytheSonofGod,whoisinthebosomoftheFather,canseeanddeclareHim.Butwithoutnoticingthispointfarther,weobservethatitisHis"glory"thatisspokenofhere

asthatwhichwearetosee.ThegloryofGodis thatwhichshewsHimtobethegloriousbeingthatHeis;and it is through the knowledge ofHis glory thatwe reach the knowledge ofHimself.ThisgloryisspreadoutbeforeusinallHisworks;itiswrittenoutatlength for us to read in the Scriptures of His truth; and it is centered andembodied in his incarnate Son, who is the brightness of His glory, and theexpressimageofHisperson.But the one special point of which our Lord here speaks, is His glory as thebringer of life out of death. It was this that the Son ofGod came so fully toreveal,anddidreveal,bothinHisownperson,asthedyingandrisingOne,andintheworksofhishands.ElsewhereHespeaksofthisglorybeingmanifestedinhisopeningtheeyesoftheblind,andsobringinglightoutofdarkness;hereHespeaksofshewingitintheraisingofLazarusfromthedead,andsobringinglifeoutofdeathandthegrave.Thatthiswasasignaldisplayofdivinegloryisevidentfromthegreatnessofthething itself, and from the stress which the Bible lays on resurrection and thepower needful to accomplish it. To remove the penalty of death; to undo thework which death had done; to conquer him that had the power of death; toswallowupdeathinvictory;—thesearethingsintheaccomplishmentofwhichman could have no share. They are altogether the doing of God; and theiraccomplishmentisthespecialmanifestationofhisglory.Resurrection,then,isthatwhichChristhastaughtustoregardasoneofthemostsignalrevelationsofthegloryofGod.Howitisso,Idonotnowask;ItakethestatementofScriptureastothefactitself.Andifintheresurrectionofonethatglorywastobesoconspicuouslyseen,howmuchmoresointheresurrectionofthemillionsofthesaintsinthedayoftheLord.TheglorythatGodistogetfromtheresurrectionofhissaints,is,nexttothatfromtheresurrectionofhisSon,thegreatest that He shall receive.Whatever wemay have seen or known of thisglorybeforethat,willbeasnothingwhencomparedwiththeabundanceandthebrightnessoftheglorytobemanifestedthen.OneLazarusraisedfromthedeadwastoshewHisglory,whatwillnotmyriadsdo?That which had blotted the work of God, which had marred that which God

pronouncedgood,whichhadseemedtobringdiscredituponGod,andtocallinquestion his power, his wisdom, his foresight, his goodness, was death. ItseemedtohavecomeinspiteofGod,andtopossess thepowerofundoingallthatGodhaddone;itseemedtointimatetheexistenceofabeingstrongerthanGod, andcapableof throwingdownall thatGodmightbuildup; it seemed totrackthefootstepsoftheCreator,sothatwhereverHewenttocreate,itfollowedto destroy. From thiswhat glory could accrue toGod?Did not death seem tomockOmnipotence, and bring his excellency to shame? It did; and hence thestress that is laid upon the undoing of death and the emptying of the grave.HencetheglorythatissaidtobebroughttoGodbyresurrection;andhencethenamewhich Christ takes to himself, "the Resurrection and the Life," and theworkwhichheisspeciallysaidtohaveaccomplished,viz.,tohavebrought"lifeandimmortalitytolight."Itisinlife,notindeath,thatthegloryofGodisseen;anditistoHimspeciallyasthebringeroflifeoutofdeaththatwearetolook,inordertobeholdhisglory.LetuslookmoreminutelyatthewordsoftheLordbeforeus.I. God'spurposetorevealhisglory.ToshewHimselfishisdesignincreation;stillmoresoinhisworkofresurrectionandredemption.Manmayhidehimself,becausehepossessesnothingofhisownatall;butGodcannotdoso;forthatwhichisinHimmustofnecessitycomeforth,seeingallhisfullnessishisown,borrowedfromnone,eitherinheavenorearth.Forhisownsake,andforthecreature'ssake,Hemustshewhimself.Nottodosowouldbetowrongboth Himself and the creature. Were the sun to withdraw its shining, howgrievous the loss tous;yetnothalfso terribleaswereGodtorefuse torevealhimself It isGod'spurpose toshewhimself, tomanifesthisglory, that thushemay rejoice in the honour flowing to him from all thatHe does, and that thecreaturemaybegladdened,andcomforted,andblessed inbeholding theglorythuspresentedbyGodforhimtogazeupon.II.Christ'sdesireisthatweshouldseethegloryofGod.HeistherevealeroftheFather,andassuchHecametoearth.SinhadhiddentheFatherfromourworld, as the dark, thick cloud blots out the face of the sun. Christ came tounveil theFather's face, tomakeknown theFather's character, tomanifest theFather'sglory,torolloffthecloudsthatcoveredthefaceoftheSun.Thiswashiserrand;andhisdesireistospeedinhiserrand,andtoshewustheglorythatHe

cametoreveal.LovetotheFathermakesHimdesirousofthis,forHedesirestheFather's glory; love to us makes Him desirous of this, for He seeks ourblessedness, andHe knows that the creature's blessedness is in beholding theglory of God. O man! What are you without this glory? A world without aflower,ortree,orbladeofgrass;askywithoutasunorstar.Willyounotbeholdit?TheSonofGodlongstoshewittoyou.ForthisendHecameintotheworld,anddiedandroseagain.Willyounotturnyoureyestothisblessedobject,thatinbeholdingit,yoursoulmaybefilledwithheavenlylightandgladness?TosaythatChristdesiresyoursalvation,andyourholiness,andyourcomfort,isindeedtosaymuch;buttosaythatHedesiresyourbeholdingofthegloryofGod,istosaymorethanallthis;foritistotellyouthatHelongstoshewyouthatwhich,assoonasbeheld,wouldbringlife,andgladness,andconsolation,andholinesstoyoursoul.WhenHesays,"Comeuntome,andIwillgiveyourest,"Hemeansto say, "Comeuntome, and Iwill shewyou thatwhichwill at oncegiveyourest."WhenHesays,"Ifanymanthirst, lethimcomeuntomeanddrink,"Hemeans to say, "Let him come untome, and Iwill shew him that, the sight ofwhichwillbemorerefreshingtohimthanallthewatersofearth."III. Itisunbeliefthathindersourseeingthisglory.ThethingofwhichtheLordmostcomplained,notonlyamongthepeople,butamonghisdisciples,wasunbelief.Theywere slowofheart tobelieve all that theprophetshad spoken;theyputawayfromthemthegoodnewsofGod'sfreeloveinvisitingthemfromonhigh;andtheyshutbotheyesandearsagainstthewondersdoneandspokenbytheSonofGodintheverymidstofthem.Hadtheirunbeliefshewnitselfinputtingawayfromthemtheevilday,andrejectingthemessageofjudgment,itwould not have been so marvelous or unaccountable. But it shewed itself inrefusing the tidings of good; in rejecting the grace vouchsafed so abundantly;and in discrediting the signs and wonders displayed so blessedly by Christbeforethem,—signsandwondersinwhichGodwasrevealinghimselftothem,andunfoldingthemarvelsofhisglory.Itwasthisunbelief thatobstructedtheirvisionof theglory;andit is thissameunbeliefthatdoesthesameevilworkstilltous.Letusseehowitdoesso.

(1.)IthindersChristfromworkingthoseworkswhichshewtheglory.Thisseemsastrangesaying,andonewhichwecouldnothaveventuredtoutterhaditnotbeenwrittendownforusbyinspiredmen.Thatachild'shand

heldupagainstthesunshouldhinderitfromshining;thatawitheredleafthrownintoastreamshouldstayitsflowingordryupitssource;thatthebreathofman,breathedupagainstthesky,shouldquenchthelightofitsmyriadstars;—thesethingswouldnotreallybesomarvelousasthatman'sunbeliefshouldpreventGod'spowerfrombeingsentforth,andtheSonofGodfromdoingthosethingswhichwouldrevealthegloryoftheFather.Yetwefindthestrangetruththusrecorded.TheevangelistMatthewthuswrites,—"Hedidnotmanymightyworksthere,becauseoftheirunbelief"(13:58); andMark uses still stronger language,—"He could there do nomightywork,savethathelaidhishandsuponafewsickfolkandhealedthem;andhemarveledbecauseoftheirunbelief"(6:5,6).Thesadandallbut incredible truth is thus explicitly declared, that the sinner's unbeliefdoes really hinder Christ from working. His hand is not stayed fromworkingbyourunworthiness,orbythemultitudeofoursins,butsimplybyourunbelief.ItwasthisthatarrestedChrist'smiraclesinGalilee;itwasthisthat(ifwemaysospeak)almosthinderedtheraisingofLazarusfromthedead.ItwastothisthatChristreferredwhenHesaidtothefatherofthe demoniac, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him thatbelieveth;" and it was on the acknowledgment of this that the man soeagerly replied, "Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief" (Mark 9:23,24).Yes,itisunbeliefthatlaysitsarrestonChrist'shand,andsays,Worknot;itisunbeliefthatthrustsawayalikethepowerandthegraceofGod;itisunbeliefthatsays,"Departoutofourcoasts."(2.)Ithindersusfromperceivingtheglorythatisintheworks,evenwhentheyarewrought.Christ'shandwasnotalwaysstayedbyman'srejectionofhisloveandpower.ItdidworktheworksofGodbeforehumaneyes;works inwhich the glory ofGod did shinemost brightly.Men saw theworks,buttheysawnottheglory.Theysawthehealingoftheleper,buttheysawnot thegloryofGodrevealedinthat.Theysawtheopeningoftheeyesoftheblind,theunstoppingoftheearsofthedeaf,thegivingfeettothelame,thecastingoutofdevils;buttheysawnotthegloryofGodinthese,—evenastheysawnoteitherGodHimself,orhisgloryinHimwhodidtheseworks.Inthecaseofthefeedingofthemultitude,theysawthemiracle, theypartookof thefood,yet theydidnotseeGodinthisatall;nay,theyfollowedJesusforawhilebecauseofthewondroussupplythusadministeredbyHim,buttheyperceivednothinggloriousordivineinit.

"Yeseekme,notbecauseyesawthemiracles,butbecauseyedideatoftheloavesandwerefilled"(John6:26).Theglorywrappedupinthesemiraclescouldonlycomeforthtofaith.Tounbelieftheyappearedcommonthings,or,atthemost,onlystrikingfactsin which there was little meaning. It was faith that pierced beyond theshell;itwasfaiththatdrewasidetheveil;itwasfaiththatsawGodinallofthese,anddrankofthelivingwatersofhisgrace,ofwhicheachofthesemiracleswastheblessedwell.(3.)Ithindersusenjoyingthegloryevenafterwehaveinsomemeasureseen it.Christ's disciples saw theglory shewn forth inhismiracles; yet,afterall,theyrealizeditbutlittle.Itseemedtocometotheminglimpsesandatintervals,notcontinuously.Likemenwithatelescopeattheirside,andsometimes looking through it, andsometimesclosing itup; so thesedisciplesenteredbutlittleintotheglorywhichtheyyetacknowledged,andat times enjoyed. Faith was not always in exercise. There wasmore ofunbeliefthanoffaithintheirhistory.Theyhadfaithenoughtoshewthemsomething;buttheirunbeliefhidmorethantheirfaithrevealed.Anditisevenmoresowithus than itwaswith them.For the fullgloryhasbeenmanifestednow in thedyingand risingofHimwho is thebrightnessofJehovah's glory.Our eye rests on it, and at timeswe can say truly, "Webeheldhisglory";yethowfaintlydoesitshinetous!Howmuchoftenerisithiddenthanrevealed!Howseldomdowereceivefromitthejoy,andthecomfort, and thequickeningwhich it shouldunceasingly impart!Wegetbutafewrayswhenwemightgetthewholesun.Wegetbuttheseraysatintervalswhenwemight haveunbroken sunshine everyhour.Ought notChrist'swordstorebukeusandtorecallustofaith?"SaidInotuntothee,thatifthouwouldestbelieve,thoushouldestseethegloryofGod."

IV.Christ'srepsofunbeliefandcalltofaith.Bothofthesethingsareimpliedinthewords, "Said Inotunto thee, that, if thouwouldestbelieve, thoushouldestseethegloryofGod?"Heisevidentlynotgivingthisreproofforthefirsttime.HeisbutrepeatingwhatHesaidtothemoftentimesbefore;andHeisremindingthemof his former lessons and exhortations,which theywere on the point offorgetting:"SaidInotuntothee."Thewordsaresimple,andtherebukeisgentlyspoken; but not the less on that account is the question fitted to reach the

conscienceandhumbletheunbelievingspirit."SaidInotuntothee,"i.e."HaveInot,notonlyonthisoccasion,butoftenatothertimes,toldyouwhatfaithwoulddoforyou,andwhatunbeliefisshuttingyououtfrom;andshallIsayitall invain?"Yes,itistofaiththattheSonofGodisherecallingus;itisagainstunbeliefthatHeiswarningus.Unbeliefneverdidaughtforasoul,andneverwill;faithhasdonewonders in timepast,andwilldoso inallpresent time,aswellas inalltime to come. "Have faith in God"! "Only believe." Be not faithless, butbelieving. Trust God for everything, and say, even in the most unlikelycircumstances,IsthereanythingtoohardfortheLord?ThecircumstancesinwhichthetwosistersofBethanywereplacedweretrying.Whatcouldtheyhopefor?HadtheLordarrivedintime,theymighthavehopedthatHewouldhavehealedtheirbrother.ButHehad,apparently,arrivedtoolate.Lazarus was dead; andwere they to hope for resurrection? Our Lord did notexactlysaythis;butHeevidentlymeanttotellthemthat,iftheywouldbuttrustHim, theywould find thatHewould do something for them far beyondwhatthey could ask or think,— that therewas nothingwhichHewould not do forthem,—nolengthtowhichHewouldnotgointheputtingforthofhispowertoshewthemthegloryofGod.Theirpositionwas,afterall,notmoretryingthanAbraham's,whencalledontoofferuphisson;andifhebelievedandstaggerednot,ifhehopedagainsthopeandwasstronginfaith,givingglorytoGod,whyshouldnotthey?AschildrenofbelievingAbraham,towhomthe"Godofglory"appeared,mightnot theLordwell address them,"Said Inotunto thee, that, ifthouwouldestbelieve,thoushouldestseethegloryofGod."InthesewordsofChristthereisatoneofsorrowfulcomplaint,nay,wemaysayofvexationanddisappointment,becauseoftheslowfaithofhisdisciples.It islikethatindicatedinhiswordstothedisciples,"HaveIbeensolongtimewithyou,andyethastthounotknownme,Philip?"Heexpectedsomethingelse;andHehadreasontodoso.Helookedforconfidence,andHehadgiventhemfullground for such confidence. Might He not well be disappointed at the poorresult?What,afterallHehadsaidanddone,stillashesitating,assuspicious,asdistrustfulasever!CouldHehaveexpectedthisattheirhands?LetChrist'swordsshameusoutofourunbelief.Therebukeismild,butallthe

morefittedtofinditswayintoourhearts.BeashamedofyourhardthoughtsofthisgraciousOne, after all thatHehasdone.Beashamedofyourmisgivings,your doubtings, your dark distrust. Trust Him wholly and fully. Trust Himaccording to this infinite trustworthiness. Trust Him in everything. Trust Himnow.TrustHiminyourdaysofdarkness,aswellasinyourdaysoflight.Trusthim in your sorrows as well as your joys. Say not,My case is hopeless, mywoundisuncurable;Imaybearit;butastodeliverance,orblessing,orgloryasthe result, that is impossible.Your case is notmore hopeless than that of herwhomtheLordthusrebukedforherunbelief;"SaidInotuntothee,that,ifthouwouldestbelieve,thoushouldestseethegloryofGod."Goodoutofallevil, lifeoutofalldeath,gloryoutofallshame, joyoutofallsorrow;this isGod's lawandpurposeforeveryonewhobelieves inhisname.Timemaybeneededfortheunfoldingoftheissues;patiencemaybelongandsorelytried;theresultsmaybelongofemergingfrombeneaththedarksurfaceunderwhichtheywerepresseddown;butoftheendtherecanbenodoubt.Letfaithholdfast;letpatiencehaveherperfectwork;and,accordingtoourfaithandpatience,nay,farbeyondthem,shallbetherecompense.Hannahfounditso;andwasmade to rejoice ina long-sought son.Naomi found it so; andheroldagewasbrightenedbeyondallherhopesorfears.Jobfounditso;for,havingheldfasthisconfidence,he livedtoseehis latterendbetter thanhisbeginning.Yetweforget thisgracious lawof thekingdom,andoft times loseheart,whenthetrialislongandtheshadowshangthicklyoverus.Wetakehold,andagainwelosehold.Wearecheered,andagainwedespond.Howcontinuallyweneedtoberemindedofthesurerewardoffaith,andtohavetheLord'swordsspokentous, "Said I not unto thee, that if thouwouldest believe thou shouldest see thegloryofGod."

LXXI.InquiringAfterJesus

"WewouldseeJesus."—

John12:12.

ItwasfromGentilelipsthatthesewordscame.AJewwouldperhapshavesaid,insuchcircumstances,WewouldseethisChrist;theGreek,whoknowsnothingabouttheMessiah,buthearsofawonder-workingGalilean,says,"WewouldseeJesus,"i.e."wewishtoseeHim."WasthisagenuineGentilelonging,expressiveof theworld's desire, for "theDesire of all nations,"—the utterance of a poorhumanheartthathadheardofsomethinglikelytofillupitsvoid,—theoutgoingoffeelings,suchasdrewthepublicansandsinnerstohearHim,—thevaguecryofhumanity,"Whowillshewusanygood"—broughtatlasttoapoint?We know not. We cannot answer these questions, for there is nothing in thenarrative to illustrate thewords; to tellwho theseGreekswere; inwhat spiritthey put the request; or what was the answer. The narrative is abrupt andisolated.Thewordsstandalone."PhilipcomethandtellethAndrew:andagainAndrewandPhiliptellJesus."Thatisallweknow.ThatJesusreceivedthem,orshewedHimself to them, or spoke directly to them, is not said. Probably thediscourse that followswasspokenin theirhearing, thoughmainly intendedforthedisciples.Theywerebroughtintothecircleofdisciples,aslistenerstothegraciouswordswhichHeproceededtospeakconcerningHimself,—hislife,hisdeath,hisresurrection.There are three kinds of inquirers after Jesus mentioned in the gospels. (1.)Herod who desired more than once to see Him (Luke 9:9, 13:8). His wascuriosity thatcametonothing.HowmanyHerodsare there!(2.)Zaccheus.HesoughttoseeJesuswhoHewas.Hiscuriositycametosomething.Itendedinavisit of Jesus Himself. There are Zaccheuses, too, whose first inquiries arevague,butwhoareledonbytheSpirittoJesus.(3.)TheGreeks,Theseseemtohave been farther on than Zaccheus in their inquiries. Theirs was more than

curiosity;itwastheearnestlongingofmenwhohadgotaglimpseofHim.Wehave Greeks, too, in our day; men whose souls God has touched, and acrosswhoseeyesHehasflashedsomeraysofthegloryofhisIncarnateSon.ArethereanyGreeksamongus?Restnot;keepnotaloof;comenear;learnofHim;looktoHimandbesaved.ForthusitisthatthefaroffGentileisbroughtnigh;andtheGreekbecomesaSonofAbraham.IsthereaHerodhere?Bewareandtremble.Youmaybelost.Yourcuriositymayendinnothing.BeaZaccheusoraGreek.Jesuswasnotunwillingtobeseen.Hewasthemostaccessibleofmen.Talkofkind,winning,accessible,large-heartedmen!WasthereeveronelikeHim?HedidnothideHimself;Hedidnotturnfromhisfellowmen,asifshrinkingfromtheir intercourse or disliking to be troubled.Hemade everybody feel at homewithHim.HelaidHimselfoutformeetingthem,andbeingvisitedbythem.Hereceivedsinners,andmadethemfeelthatHehadcometosavethem.ModestlyanddiffidentlytheseGreeksfirstapproachthedisciples,andthroughthem are introduced to theMaster. They needed not to have recourse to thiscircuitousmanner of approach. Had they knownHim thoroughly, theywouldsoonerhavegonetoHimselfHewouldsay,"Sufferthemtocome,"evenwhenthedisciplesrebukedandforbade.Andsoisitstillwithus.Wetrustthedisciplemore than the Master. We go with confidence to a minister, but we godistrustinglytotheLord.Whatunbelief,whatperversity,whatignorance!Howlittlehavewelearnedhislove!"WewouldseeJesusisthedailyutteranceofourheart.Ifwehaveseenlittle,wewanttoseemuch;ifwehaveseenmuch,wewanttoseemore.ShewusJesusisourcry.WhydowesodesiretoseeHim?Whatdoesthisvisiondoforus?1.Itgivesrest.ToseeHimastheresting-placeistorest.Therearesomeobjects so calm and restful, that the very sight of them is rest. This is one ofthem;thechiefofthem.2.Itpacifies.Heisourpeace;andtoseeHimistohavepeace.ThesightofHimasthepropitiationforsinpacifiestheconscience.3.Itquickens.Heisourlife;andthesightofHimassuchputslifeintous.

Itisaquickeningvision.4.Itheals.AstheSunofrighteousness.Herisesonuswithhealing.Thereishealthinlookingtothissunofhealth.5.Itenlightens.Heisthelightoftheworld;andtoseeHimassuchistohavedaywithinus.Itisanenlighteningvision.6. Itsetsfree.Heandhistruthmakeusfree.ConnectionwithHimisliberty.Thevisionliberates.Itthawsthesoul,andmeltsallourice.7.Itstrengthens.AllpowerisinHim;andthesightofHimdrawsitouttous.Webecomestronginlooking.8.Itfills.InHimisallfullness;andinlookingwearefilled.Everyvoidinoursoulsdisappears.9. Itgladdens.Wearemadepartakersofhisjoy.Wearesatisfied.Itisagladdeningandsatisfying

LXXII.TheGreatAttraction

"AndI,beliftedupfromtheearth,willdrawallmenuntome."—John12:32.

ThisisChrist'sowntestimonytothepowerofhisdeathandresurrection.Bothoftheseareincluded.TheChristofGodislifteduptothecross,andthereispowerinthat;theChristofGodisliftedoutofthegrave(••••••••)andthereispowerinthat.Mark the kind of power. It is not destructive, or repulsive, or punitive; it isattractive.Itdraws.Itisnotcompulsiveorharsh,butsimplyattractive.Thesundrawsupthevaporsfromthesea,andthenhangsabrilliantrainbowonthem;soChristdrawsupthesonsofmenfromthedepthsofourlowworld,andglorifiesthem.Hisattractionislikethatofthesun.Hisattractionismagnetic,too;itistheattractionofthemagnettothepole.Asthefar-distantnorthpole,byanunseeninfluence,laysholdonthemotionlessironandturnsittoitself,sodoesthefar-off Golgotha, our truer, better pole, draw the sons of men, and cluster themrounditself.HaveyoufeltthemagneticvirtueofthecrossandgraveofChrist?Havetheyacteduponyou?It is not simply the Christ that is the magnet; it is the crucified Christ. It iscrucifixionthathasimpartedtoHimhisattractivepower;justasitisdeaththathasgivenHimhislife-givingpower.ItisnotChristwithoutthecross;norisitthecrosswithoutChrist;itisbothofthemtogether.Butmarkthegreatnessofthepower.It issufficienttodrawallmen.Ithasnotdrawnallmen.Therearemillions inhellwhoshallneverbedrawn.Therearemillionsuponearthwhoarenotyetdrawn.Yet there isvirtue in thecrucifiedonetodraweveryone.Itisalmightyinfluence;irresistiblepower;powerwhichnohumanheartcouldhaveresisted,haditsopleasedtheFathertoputitforth.Apowerthatcoulddrawthemyriadsofstarsandplanets,andclusterthemrounditself,mustbegreat;butapowerthatcandrawmillionsofhumanheartsmustbegreaterfar.

Butwhereinconsists itsmagneticpower?Apart fromitsbeing thecenterfromwhich omnipotence goes forth; the place in which, and the way by which,righteouspowerissavinglyputforthforthearrestmentofthesinner,itcontainseverythingthatthesinnerneeds.Itissuitable,—I. Becauseofthelovewhichitembodies.Hereinislove!Thelovethatpassethknowledge!TheloveofGodinJesusChristourLord.Christcrucified,dead,buried,risen,isthegreatrevelationofthegraceofGod.Whatsomagneticaslove?II.Becauseoftherighteousnesswhichitexhibits.This"greatsight"isoneof infinite righteousness. It is the cross of righteousness; the resurrection ofrighteousness.Itisfortheunrighteous,andyetitisrighteous.Itisrighteousnesscombiningwithloveandtakingthesinner'ssideagainstlawandjudgmentandtheeternalpenalty.Howattractiveisrighteousnesslikethis!III. Becauseof the truthwhich itproclaims.AllGod's revealed truth isconnected with the cross. Divine wisdom is concentrated there. In Jesus, thecrucified, there is thewisdomofGod,andHeismadeuntouswisdom.In thecross we have the refutation of man's errors and Satan's lies; the greatembodimentofheavenlyandeverlastingtruth.Herealltruthandallwisdomarecentered!Howcanitbutbemagnetic!IV.Becauseofthereconciliationwhichitpublishes.Itproposespeacetothesinner; for ithasmadepeace. Jesushasmadepeaceby thebloodofhiscross.Peacetohimthatisafaroffandtohimthatisnigh!Hereisthemeeting-placebetweenmanandGod.Herewestandandsay,"Bereconciled."V.Becauseofthehealingwhichitbrings.Thereishealinginitsshadow.Hewhotouchesishealed,—healedineverypart.Thehealingbeginsnowinthesoul;itiscompletedhereafterintheresurrectionofthebody.Jesus,thedeadandrisenOneisourhealer!Inthishealingweincludenotsimplerelieffrompain,orweariness, or spiritual infirmity, but deliverance from sin. The cross purifies.ThefullnessofthecrucifiedOneisthefountainofourholiness.Thusthecross,—thegospel,—thecrucifiedOne,—allthesemakeupthe"power

ofGod"; thepowerwhich attracts, quickens, saves, purifies! It draws,—drawsirresistibly;forinitisthestrengthofomnipotence.

LXXIII.LightAndItsLittleWhile

"Then,Jesussaiduntothem,Yetalittlewhileisthelightwithyou:walkwhileyehavethelight,lestdarknesscomeuponyou:forhethatwalkethindarknessknowethnotwhitherhegoeth.Whileyehavelight,believeinthelight,thatyemay be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and didhidehimselffromthem."—

John12:35-36.

Thespeakerherewasonewhoknewwhatlightwas,whatitcoulddo,whereitwastobefound,andhowterribleitmustbetobewithoutit.Hehadcomefromthelandoflight,wheretherewasnodarkness,andwhereallwerewalkinginthelight.Inthathomeoflighttherewereangelsoflightandspiritsoflight.Allsonsof light!He speaks, therefore,with authority, andweknow thathiswords aretrue—I.Thelight.Lightisthatwhichshewsorrevealsallobjects,asdarknessisthatwhichhides.Ourearthlysundailyrevealstousmanandthethingsofman;theheavenlysunrevealstousGodandthethingsofGod.ChristisHimselfthatlight.Heisboththelightandthesun.Asthelife,Heisthelight.Thelifeisthelightofman.Heisthelightoftheworld;thetruelight;besidewhichallotherlights are false and unreal. That which shines from his face, from his works,fromhiswords,fromhiscross,islight."WelooktoHimandarelightened."Hereveals the Father; the Father's love, the Father's righteousness, the Father'scharacter; all the richesof his grace; andwe, openingour eyes to take in thislight, are thereby enlightened. That which shines into us is "the light of theknowledge of the glory ofGod, in the face of JesusChrist." Light for a darkworld!Lightforadarksoul!Thisisourmessage.II.Thelightwithus.Thefirstgleamofitcameinthefirstpromise.Afterthattheraysmultiplied.Butstill"thelight"hadnotcome.Butwhen"theWordwasmadefleshanddweltamongus,"thenitcame.Itremainedhereinhuman

formforthirty-threeyears.Itisstill,thoughimpersonally,"withus";anditwillyetbemoregloriouslywithuswhenHecomesagain.AfterJesushadspokenofthelightbeingwiththem,hewithdrewHimself,—toshewthathispresencewasthe light, and to shew the difference between light anddarkness, his presenceandhisabsence.Yes;thelightiswithusstill.Inasenseitiswithdrawn,yetstillwith us ; still in ourworld; still shining in its brightness out of the testimonyconcerning"thelight"leftusinthegospels.Therethetruelightstillshineth.Wemaywithdraw from it,but itneverwithdraws fromus.Wemayshutoureyesandourwindows,butthelightstillshineth.Godislight,Godislove,isstilltheburdenofthattestimony.Thelightisnotfaroffnorclouded,butnighandclear;not starlight nor moonlight, but sunlight,—pure, bright, and gladdening. Thelightshinethindarkness,andthedarknesscomprehendethitnot.Odarkworld,whenwiltthouletinthelight!Odarksoul,Ochildofdarkness,whenwiltthoubeenlightened.III.Thelittlewhileoflight.ThespeciallittlewhilereferredtoherewasthatofourLord'spresenceonearth,—ablessed littlewhile indeed!Hesonear, sogracious,sowillingtobless!Butthereareotherlittlewhiles.Jerusalemhadherlittlewhile.Israelhadherlittlewhile.Thechurcheshaveallhadorarehavingtheir little while. The nations have had or are having their little while. Eachcongregationhas its littlewhile.Eachsoulhas its littlewhile.Alittlewhileofthegospel,alittlewhileofinvitationsfromGod,alittlewhileofSabbaths,andsermons,andsacraments,andprovidences,—andall isdone.Thelightdeparts.Omanwhathas the lightdone for thee?Howhast thoubeendealingwith it?Hastthouletitinorshutitout?Thylittlewhileoflightmaysoonbeatanend.Thenightcometh!Theeternaldarknessisathand!Jesusiscoming;butnotwithlight;onlywithdarknesstothedespisersofthelight.IV. Theusingof the light.Walking ishereageneralexpressionfor thewholeofaman'slife,inallitsactings,andchanges,andmovements.OurLord'smeaning is, "Use this light for whatever you do, so long as you have it: doeverything in your daily life, in this light." Use this light then, is the Lord'smessagetous.Theprocessofusingitisthendescribed.(1.) Believe in the light. Receive the Father's testimony to this light, to itsgenuineness, itsexcellency, itsdivinity, itssuitableness, itsvariedqualitiesandfitnesses to meet the wants of a child of darkness. Believe in this light, and

believe in no other. The light of reason, intellect, literature, science, will donothingforyoursoul.Atbestitisbutstarlight,"distinctbutdistant;clear,butohhowcold";stilloftener is it themeteor,or the lightning,or thevolcano,or thetaper or the spark of your own kindling. Believe in this heavenly and divinelight. Itwill suffice.There isnodarkness toodense for it eitherwithinyouorwithout.Thereislightforthedarkness.Godproclaimshistestimonyconcerningthis true light.Receive that testimony,and,onreceiving it, receive the light. Itwantsadmissionintoyou!Ohadmitit!(2.)Becomechildrenofthelight.Heintowhomthelightentersbecomesachildoflight.Thelightrestsonhim;surroundshim;abideswithhim;dwellsinhim;pervadeshim.Itguideshim;healshim;comfortsandcheershim;purifieshim;assimilateshimtohimself.Hebecomesinallsensesachildoflightandoftheday.Hebecomes,also,alighttoothers,—alighttotheworld.Andwalkinginthelight,heisnotonlyfilledwithholygladness,butheshines;hislightshines;thedarkworld is thebetterforhisbeingin it.Heshines inhisdailywalkandpubliclife.Heisinhisownwayameasurewhat"thelight"waswhenhere,—a"lightoftheworld."V. Therefusaltousethelight.Thismaybecalledneglect,ordelay,orhatred,orrejection,—stillitisrefusaltomakeuseofthelight.Itispreferenceofthedarknesstothelight;itispreferenceoftheworksofdarknesstotheworksoflight. It is something positive and willful whatever men may say. No manremains in darkness for lack of light, but because of his own shutting out thelight. This refusal tomake use of the light leads to stumbling, to straying, tocompletemistakingoftheway,andlosingthedestination.Itleadstothisnow;itends in this more terribly. For the withdrawal of the light is at hand. Thedarkness comes,—the deep, the eternal darkness, in which men, who haverejectedthelight,shallstumbleandwanderforever.Otheseeternalstumblings!These everlastingwanderings! O these darkmountains, onwhich the sinner'sfeetshallstumble!Othatgrossdarkness,thatpalpabledarkness,thatblacknessofdarkness,whichistobethesinner'sportionanddwelling-placeforever!Nightwithoutmorning!Everlastingmidnight!Thetruelightnowshineth!Thisisourmessage.AlltheloveofGodisinit.Allthejoyofheavenisinit.Allthegloryofthekingdomisinit.Itshinethnow;itmaysoonpassaway!Ohuseitsinner,useit.Allowittoenter;and,inentering,

totransformthatdarkdungeonofyoursoulintoaveryheavenoflight.

LXXIV.LightForTheWorld'sDarkness

"I amcomea light into theworld; thatwhosoeverbelievethonmeshouldnotabideindarkness."—

John12:46.

ItisChristwhoisthespeaker.Hespeaksoftwothings:ofHimself,andofourworld.LetushearwhatHehastotellusconcerningboth.I.Ourworldisdark.Goddidnotmakeitsoatfirst.Hesaid,Lettherebelight.Butmanhasdarkenedit;Satanhasdarkenedit;sinhasdarkenedit.Everysoulinitisdarkness.Nightisinall,andoverall.

(1.) It is the darkness of sleet. The sleeper sees not the light. He maydreamthatheseesit,butthatisall.Hiseyesareclosed.(2.)Itisthedarknessofdeath.Lifehasleftthelimbsandorgans;andwithlifealllighthasfled.Darknessreigns.(3.)Itisthedarknessofthetomb.Thisistheverydeathofdeath.Buriedbeneaththeearth,thedarknessisdoubled.(4.) It is the darkness of Satan. He is the ruler of the darkness of thisworld;andofthisdarknesswearepartakers.(5.)Itisthedarknessofhell.Ourworldisanearnestoftheblacknessofdarkness forever. Little as men believe it, it is the shadow of hell thatcoversour earth, and it is a part of hell itself that fills the sinner's soul.Suchisourworld'sdarkness.Suchis theconditionofeachsinner'ssoul.Howsad,howterrible!

II.Thereislightforit.Deepasthedarknessis,itisnothopeless.Thereisenough of light in God and in heaven yet. Light has not been quenchedthroughouttheuniversethoughdrivenfromourworld.Darknessiswide,butitisnotuniversal.Thereporthascometousoflight.Andthisisgoodnews.Thereislight.

III.Thislighthascome.Itisnotafaroff;butnigh.Notinheavenmerely;ithas come down to earth. Oh, what an arrival! The richest freight that everreachedourshores!Thegospelannouncesnotlightmerely,butitsarrival.Ithascome!Hehimselfhassaid,"Iamcome."IV.Christisthelight.HeisthebrightnessofJehovah'sglory;thetruelight;thesunofrighteousness;thedaystar;thebrightandmorningstar.AllthelightofGodheadiscenteredinhim.Allthelightofheaven;allthelightoftheuniverseisgatheredintohim.Hehascometobethelightoftheworld.Heisthealphaandomegaof theBible,which is theonebookof light.He is the lightof theworldinthreeways:

(1.)Becauseofwhatheshewsusof theFather.Heis therevealerof theFather,andoftheFathersloveandholiness;assuch,Heisthedispelleroftheclouds thathave long restedover earth,hiding the faceofGod.ThegloryofGodheadisembodiedinHim,andshinesforthfromHimtous;andHethathathseenHimhathseentheFather.(2.) Because of what He does to us. He pardons, heals, comforts, blesses,saves.AstheSaviour,Heisourlight.AstheChristofGod,Heisourlight.AsProphet,Priest,andKingHeisourlight.(3.)BecauseofwhatHeisyettodoforourworld.WhenHecomesagainHe shall be fully known as the world's light. Then shall be earth's truemorningandnoon;tillthenitisbuttwilight.Histhroneshallbethethroneoflight;hisreignshallbethereignoflight.Allearthshallrejoiceinhislight.

V.Thewayinwhichthelightenters.Itisinbelieving.Notinworkingorwaiting,butinbelieving.Faithendsthedarkness,andletsinthegloriouslight.BelieveinJesusandallislight.Thedaybreaksandtheshadowsfleeaway.VI. Thefreenessanduniversalityofthelight.Thatword"whosoever"isenoughtomakeeverysinnerfeelthatthelightisforhim;thathehaslibertytousethelight;thathehasarighttothelight;andhisrightisthatheneedsit.Thedarknessneeds the light;so thesinnerneedsChrist.Nay,andChristneeds thesinner!Forthelightneedsthedarkness,elsewoulditsglorybewasted.Oh,whatagloriousgospeldothesewordsofJesuspreachtous."Iamcomealightintotheworld."

LXXV.TheJudgingWord

"ThewordthatIhavespoken,thesameshalljudgehiminthelastday."—

John12:48.

1.Thereisalastday.Thisworldshallnotalwaysrollon.Thereshallbeastoppage,abreak.Godshallinterposeatlength.Heshallspeakandnotbesilent.Heshallmakebarehisarm.ItisGod'sdaythatiscoming."Hehathappointedaday."Not"thelast"inonesense;forthereshallbenolastdayeithertorighteousorwicked.Butinreferencetotheexistingstate,andorder,andrunofthingsandevents, there is a last day, awinding up, a reckoning. Theworld's great rivershall at last reach the sea. "Tomorrow" shall then cease, and that word ofmystery,andprocrastination,andsuspensebeknownnomore.2. Thatdayshallbeoneofjudgment.Thelongunsettledcasesofearthshallbesettledthen.Time'sriddlesshallallbesolved.Time'smysteriesshallallbe cleared up. Time's wrongs shall all be righted. The oppressed shall bevindicated;thetriumphingofthewickedshallcease;theevildoershallbeputtoshame.Nomoreerror,orunbeliefor falsehood,orwrong judgmentuponmenandthings.Nocallinggoodevil,andevilgood;noputtinglightfordarkness,ordarkness for light. No shams, no shadows, nomockeries, no dishonesties, nohypocrisies.Allshallbetransparency,light, truth,righteousness.Thejudgmentshall be just; undoing the evil; establishing and perfecting the good; nopartiality; no respect of persons; no fear of man; no bribery nor corruptinfluence;nohesitationsnorimperfectdecisions.TheJudgeisrighteous,andhissentenceswillberighteouslikeHimself.3. Christ'swordshall judgeus.Not that thisword is tosupersede theJudge, but it will form the test, the ground of judgment.We can imagine, inconnectionwiththatword,suchquestionsasthesearising.

(1.)Didthatwordreachyou?Wereyouwithinthecircletowhichthatword

came?Diditfallonyourears?(2.)Didyoulistentoit?Didyouopenbothearandhearttoit?Or,didyouspend your lives in listening to something else,—other words, otherpersons?(3.)Did you treat it as a trueword? It is true, infinitely true, altogethertrue;didyoutreatitassuch?Or,wasthetreatmentyougaveitthatofonewhosawnotruthinit?Didyouprofesstoreceiveitastrue,andyettreatitasuntrue?(4.)Didyoutreatitasaccurate?Itisthoroughlyso.Thereisnoflaw,nomistake,no imperfection in it.Didyou treat itassuch,ordidyou try tofind fault with it to prove it to be incorrect and imperfect, perhapscontradictory?Didyoucavilatitasnotquitesatisfactoryorsufficient,inorder to get quit of the tremendous pressure of responsibility on theconsciencearisingoutofaperfectword.(5.)Didyoutreatitasdivine?Itisdivine;forHewhospokeitistheSonofGod.Hiswordisnotmerelyperfectandsuperhuman,butdivine;divineinitsorigin,initssubstance,initsform,—directly(notindirectlyliketheworksofcreation)divine.Didyoutreatitassuch?Didyoureverenceit,submittoit,implicitlyreceiveit?Ifnot,thenyouareverilyguilty,—justasifyourefusedtoworshipGod.HethatdoesnottreatChrist'swordsasdivine,isinthesamesenseguiltyof blasphemy, as he who denies His person to be divine. Men are tohonourHimandHiswords,evenastheyhonourtheFatherandHiswords.(6.)Did you accept it as suitable to yourself? It does concern you, veryclosely and powerfully. It bears on you just now in time; still more sohereafterineternity.Hemeantitforyou.Hespokeitforyou.Hedirecteditsoastosuityou,andtoreachyou.Itmeetsyourcase.Itcontainswhatyou need,—peacewithGod and life eternal.Did you accept it as such?Did you receive it not only as a faithful saying, but as worthy of allacceptation?Ordidyoupass itbyasunneededandunsuitable?Didyoutreatitwithindifferenceasifyouwerenotconcernedinit?Didyourejectit?Didyousay,Ineededitnot,andsoIflungitfromme?

By this word, then, let us judge ourselves just now, that so we may not becondemnedby it in thegreatday. It isa livingword;quickandpowerful, likeHimwhospoke it.Letusapply it.Whathas itdone forus?Has itbroughtusnigh toGod?Has it set us in the position of pardonedmen?Has it poured in

peaceandlight?Hasitdone,andisitdoingforus,suchthingsasthese?Itwasmeanttodoso.Isitdoingso?If not hitherto, shall it not do so now? Remember, it is a judging, testing,discerning word with which you have to do. It is sharper than a two-edgedsword.Itwillnotallowitselftobetrifledwith.Itcarriesitsownjudgment,itsownvengeancewithinit.Itdemandsimmediatereception;anditpromises,uponthat reception, immediate forgiveness, and an everlasting salvation. He thatreceives the word of the Amen, the true and faithful witness, shall be saved.Thereisno"if,"no"perhaps,"nodoubtingaboutit.Itisapresentcertainty;anda certainty as absolute as it is present. In that word is life, peace, pardon,reconciliation; and themoment that faith touches thatword, all these flowoutintothesoul.Yes;hethatbelievethshallbesaved;butliethatbelievethnotshallbedamned.

LXXVI.TheRevelationOfTheFather

"Philipsaithnothim,Lord,showus theFather,and it sufficethus. Jesussaithuntohim,HaveIbeensolongtimewithyou,andyethostthounotknownme,Philip? he that hath seenme hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then,ShowustheFather?BelievestthounotthatIamintheFather,andtheFatherinme?thewordsthatIspeakuntoyou,Ispeaknotofmyself:buttheFather,thatdwellethinme,hedoeththeworks."—

John14:8-10.

Frequently did Jesus speak to His disciples of the Father. Sometimes "myFather,"sometimes"yourFather,"sometimes"theFather."TheyknewwhomHemeant, Jehovah, Israel'sGod.ButwhenHespokeof theirknowing theFather,andofhavingseenHim;ofHisgoing to theFather, andpreparingaplace forthemintheFather'shouse,andtakingthemtobetherewiththem,theyseemedbewildered,someaskingonequestion,andsomeanother,intheirignoranceandperplexity. His words had roused their interest, but not satisfied it. He hadpointed them toanobjectandaBeingofwhom they felt theyknewbut little.What is thisplace, andwhere is thisway, andwho is thisBeingofwhomHespeaks?EyeandearareturnedinthedirectiontowhichHeispointing.I. The request. "Show us the Father, and it sufficeth." Philip spoke for hisbrethrenaswellasforhimself.Hespeaksforusalso.

(1.)Itisaproperrequest.Itisnotcuriositynorfoolishnessthatdictateit.It is one naturally and obviously suggested by thewords ofChrist; onewhichhemeanttobesuggested,andwhichHemeanttocomplywith.Justtherequestforacreature,forasinner.(2.) It is an intelligent request. Philip knewwhat hewas asking, thoughtherewasmuch ignoranceaboutHisquestion. It isnotvague, like thosewhocryblindly,Whowillshewusanygood?Itbearsonadefiniteobject.Itfixesonacertaindesirablepoint,whichitwouldfainhaveclearedup.Itknowswhat itwants. (3.) It isanearnestrequest.Hewhoutters it isnot

usingmerewords of course.He is thoroughly in earnest.Christ'swordshave roused him into earnestness. He feels as if he ought to know andmustknowtheFather.Otherrequestsmaytakeadenial,thiswillnot.Itisalifeanddeathrequest;"Forthisislifeeternal,thattheymayknowtheetheonlytrueGod,andJesusChristwhomthouhastsent."(4.)Itisanoblerequest.Thereissomethingelevatedaboutit;nothinglowor paltry. It was worthy of Him to whom it was addressed, and aboutwhomitwasmade.(5.)Itisasatisfyingrequest."ShowustheFather,anditsufficeth."Theblessingcravedwouldfillthesoul.TheknowledgeoftheFatherwouldbeallthatwasneeded.Othersightsmightfillitinpart,thiswouldfillitall,sothatitwouldsay,"Itisenough."Have their longings found theirway intoyou?Has this requestbeen theexpression of them? Do you know the Father? And what has theknowledgeof theFatherdone foryou?Has it filledyou?Has itweanedyoufromallotherknowledge,andmadeyousay,Thisisenough!Areyourecognizedamongmenasthosewho"knowtheFather?"

II. Therebuke.It is theutteranceofsurpriseariddisappointment.Therequestwasnotawrongone;butitneednothavebeenput,hadtheynotbeensoslowofhearttoseeandtobelieve.Thereproofisgentle,yetverydecided.InitChrist lays his finger on the seat of the evil, and shews how the questionbetokened an ignorance that ought not to have existed. It is an appeal tothemselves,totheirpasthistoryandconversewithHim;totheiropportunitiesofknowingHiswords,Hisdoings,Himself.Havetheseyearsofintercoursebeenofnoavail?Havemywordsandmiraclesdonenothing?Haveyounotfathomedme,seenthroughme,interpretedme?Hasallbeeninvain?"HaveIbeensolongtimewithyou,andyethastthounotknownme?"Afterallthathasbeensaidanddone, is it not strange that you should still put the question? At first it wasnatural;now,aftersolongatime,itisstrange,—allbutincredible.Howisitthatyehavenotknownme?HaveIkeptbackanything?HaveIusedobscurewords?Hasmylifebeenambiguous?Hastthounotknownme?Howsayestthounow,ShewustheFather?III. Theanswer.IhaveshewnyoutheFather.Howandwhere?Inmyself.When?All thetimeIhavebeenwithyou.IandtheFatherareone.YoucouldnotseemetrulywithoutseeingtheFather.

Christ,then,istheRevealeroftheFather;theexponentoftheFather'smind;theinterpreterof theFather's character andpurpose.TheWordwasmade flesh inordertoshewusGod,—thatwemightseeHimwithoureyes,hearHimwithourears,touchHimwithourhands,conversewithhimfacetofaceasamanwithhisfriend. "Thatwhichwas from the beginning,whichwe have heard,whichwehave seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands havehandledofthewordoflife;fortheLifewasmanifested"(1John1:1,2).Whenasked,HowshallIrealizeGod?weanswer,RealizeChrist.HowshallwegotoGod?GotoChrist.Lookintohisface;kneelbeforeHim,astheleperdid;dealwithHim,asdidtheblindanddeafwhenHewashere.HeisintheFather,andtheFatherinHim.HisworksandwordsaretheworksandwordsoftheFather.Hislove,andgrace,andpityarethoseoftheFather.KnowChrist,then,andyouknowtheFather.Letustakefromallthisthefollowinglessons:1. Weareslowtolearn."Everlearning,andneverabletocometotheknowledge of the truth."When we might have been teachers, we need to betaughttheprinciplesoftheoraclesofGod.Slowtohear,slowtolearn,slowtobelieve;—thisisourcharacter.2.Jesusisswifttoteach.Strangecontrast.Wesoslowtolearn,Hesoswiftandreadytoteach.Ifwearenotwise,itisnotourteacher'sfault."Learnofme,"ishismessagetousdaily.3. HeteachesusabouttheFather.TheFathershewsustheSon,andthesonshewsustheFather.Theinvisibleisseeninthevisible.Ifwewanttoknowthe unseen God, let us go to Bethlehem, to Nazareth, to Calvary. If we areperplexed about Him who is a Spirit. let us go to Him who has a body likeourselves.HewillrevealtheFather.

LXXVII.TheAbidingComforter

"And Iwill pray the Father, and he shall give you anotherComforter, that hemayabidewithyou for ever; even theSj'irit of truth;whom theworld cannotreceive,becauseitseethhimnot,neitherknowethhim:butyeknowhim;forhedwellethwithyou,andshallbeinyou."—

John14:16,17.

ChristexpectsustoloveHim.Heclaimsourlove,andHedeservesitall.Hehasdone enough to win it. May He not then most reasonably ask the question,"Lovestthoume?"Christexpectsusto"keephiscommandments,"thatistolistentohisteachings,andtoobserveallhis"instructions,"forthisisthemeaningofcommandments.Thisisthenecessaryresultandmanifestationofourlove.Loveandobey;loveandlisten;loveandfollow;loveandkeepmywords.TothosewhothusloveandlistenHepromisesmuch.WhatistherethatHewillwithholdfromthem?Buthere,itisofonethingonlythatHespeaks,—theHolySpirit.ThisSpiritHe is to obtain from theFather for thosewho thus hear hisvoice;andinthisSpiritiscontainedeverythingtheyneedforlife,andpeace,andconsolation.OgiftoftheHolyGhost,whatistherethatthoudostnotcontainforus! Let us mark the things connected with this gift, of which the Lord herespeakstous.I. AComforter.Thewordisawideone.Itmeansonewhocomforts,orwhopleads,orwhoexhorts;onewho"callsustohisside,"asafatherdoeshischildwhenhehas somespecial thing to say.TheHolyGhost is all this tous.HowlittleweuseHim,ortrustHim,orleanonHim,orloveHim,ordealwithHim.Andhowmuchwesufferlossbythisneglect!HowmuchdowegrieveandvexHim!Wemight be somuchmore full of peace, and light, and love, andholiness,andstrength,andcomfort,didwebutemploy this "Comforter"more

constantly, more trustfully. Our desponding complaints are all of themindicationsofourslightingHim!WewillnotallowHimtodohisworknortobestowhislove.II.AnotherComforter.Thisword"another"isfullofmeaning,andhelpstolink the Holy Spirit and Jesus together. His office is hot to hide but to shewJesus;nottomakeusforget,butrememberHim.

(1.)AnotherinsteadofmyselfIamgoing,butHeiscoming.Hewillfillupmyplace;myplaceoffellowship,counsel,comfort,andlove.Hewillbetoyou,forconsolation,whatIhavebeentoyou.(2.)Another likemyself.Hewillbeanother,andyetnotanother;one inmindandsympathywithmyselftowardsyou.InhavingHimyouhaveme.(3.)Another inaddition tomyself Iamstillwithyou, thoughIgoaway.And in addition tomy presence, you shall have the presence of anotherlikemyselfdivine.TwoComfortersinsteadofone;theoutwardandvisiblepresence gone, but the inward and invisible presence doubled; and thusdoubleblessing,doubleconsolation,doublestrength.Surely the"loveofChrist"and"theloveoftheSpirit"willprovesufficientforourjoy,asthepowerofChristandthepoweroftheSpiritareenoughforourhelp.

III. AComforterthegiftoftheFather.AtfirstHewasthe"promiseoftheFather,"andthenHeis"thegiftof theFather."It isHeofwhomJesusspeaks(John 4:10), "If thou knewest the gift of God." He is as truly the gift of theFather,andthesentoftheFather,asisChristhimself.Thuswearedoublylinkedto the Father. Both of these are "unspeakable gifts"; both are presented to usfreely,thatwemayusethemandbeblest."Ifye,whoareevil,knowhowtogivegoodgiftstoyourchildren,howmuchmoreshallyourheavenlyFathergivetheHolySpirittothemthataskHim."ItistheFather'sgoodpleasurethatweshouldreceivetheHolyGhost;thatweshouldbebaptizedwiththeSpiritfromonhigh.ThenshallweliveintheSpirit,andwalkintheSpirit,andprayintheSpirit,andbefilledwiththeSpirit.WeshallbevesselswhichtheFatherfills,andkeepsforeverfull.IV.AComforterthefruitofChrist'sintercession."IwillpraytheFather,andHewillgive."ThewordprayseemsheretorefertoChrist'spriestlydealings,hisconsultationorcommunicationwith theFather, like theHighPriestwithUrim

andThummim, "Iwill pray, andHewill give"!He speaks as ourHighPriestdealingwithGodforus.HespeciallydealswithGodregarding thegiftof theComforter.HedidsowhenHeascendedonhighandwasglorified.Hedoessocontinually still. There is always the praying, and always the giving. He hasreceivedtheHolySpiritastheFather'sgift;andwithHimandinHimallothergifts;giftstheexpressionoftheFather'sloveandofhisown.ThuswedealwithHim;andHedealswiththeFatherforus.HimtheFatherhearethalways,nay,toHimtheFathersays,"AskofmeandIwillgivethee"(Psalm2:8).V. AComforterwhoshallabidewithusforever.Thewordsaremoreexactly "unto the age," that is until the coming age or time ofChrist's return,implyingtheSpirit'sspecialpresenceduringChrist'sabsence.NotasifHewereto leaveusonChrist's return.Buthis specialworkasComforter isduringhisabsence.HecomestofillupablankmadebytheLord'sdeparture;tocheertheafflictedwidow;tocareforthelittleflock;toconsoleanddefendtheorphanedfamily. These offices are peculiar to the interval between his first and secondcomings.ButHehimselfistheChurch'severlastingguest.AstheComforterHewillnotalwaysbeneeded;butastheHolySpiritHewillbeneededforever.Thetemplecannotbewithout thatwhich is itsglory;andweare the templeof theHolyGhost.AtpresentwereceiveHimspeciallyastheComforter;hereafter we shall know Him in other characters and offices. As He is the"eternal Spirit," so He is the Church's eternal guest; each saint's eternalindweller. "The communion of the Holy Ghost" (2 Corinthians 13:14) is thatwhichnotime,nochangecanaffect;whichneitherlifenordeath,thingspresent,orthingstocome,candissolve.VI. AComforterwhoistheSpiritoftruth.InHimisalltruth;HeistheSpiritofHimwhois truth;Heis theSpiritwhocommunicates the truth to thesoul.Inaworldoffalsehoodandanageoferror,howneedfulissuchaSpirit.Truth is that which is congenial to Him; error that which He hates. It is inoppositiontothisSpiritoftruththatthelieofthelastdayscomesspeciallyforth,—"thestrongdelusion"leadingmento"believethelie."ItisthisSpiritoftruththatwe are to seek fellowshipwith; and to do so specially by cultivating theknowledgeofthewordofhistruth.

VII.AComforterrejectedbytheworld.Theworld,or"seedoftheserpent,"orraceoftheungodly,seenoneedforsuchaSpiritatall.ItcandowithoutHim.It is bondage to recognize Him. By means of science, reason, intuition, theverifyingfaculty,itcandowithouttheSpirit;itcanfinditswaytotruthwithoutsurrendering its liberty! The world "cannot receive" Him; that is, repels andrejects Him; for it perceives not Him nor his doings nor his sayings; it isthoroughlyignorantofHim.ItpreferstoremainwithouttheknowledgeofHimatall.TheworldisnotonlytherejectorofChrist,butoftheHolyGhost.Isnotthisthespecialsinofourintellectualage?VIII.AComforteracceptedbyallChrist'sdisciples."YeknowHim"!Heisnostrangertoyou.Heisyourcompanion,teacher,advocate,friend,comforter.YoucannotdowithoutHim.He"dwellethwithyou";Heiseveratyourside;Heisandshallbeinyou;fillingyouashishouse,histemple,hisholyvessels.Filledwith theSpirit, isnot that thedescriptionofaChristianman?"Havingnot theSpirit,"isthatnotthedescriptionofamanoftheworld?OdiscipleoftheLord,prize this gift of the ascended Christ, even the Comforter. Cherish Him, anddelightinhisfellowship.LiveintheSpirit;walkintheSpirit;prayintheSpirit.Thusshaltthoubeaholyandblessedman.

LXXVIII.TheMightyComforter

"ButtheComforter,whichistheHolyGhost,whomtheFatherwillsendinmyname,heshall teachyouall things,andbringall things toyour remembrance,whatsoeverIhavesaiduntoyou."—

John14:26.

Christ'spresencewithhisdiscipleswasablessedthing,andhisabsencewouldbeablank.Yettherewastobeasubstituteorsuccessor;onewhowouldcomfortthemintheMaster'sabsence,andcarryonhis instructions;bringingtheoldtoremembrance,yetaddingnewofhisown.It is of this Spirit that our text speaks; not as if He were an unknown beinghitherto;but still revealingHimmore fully andgloriously thanheretofore; thechurch'sbirthright; seal; earnest; everythingneededduringherLord's absence.Tobringout this letus takeup thedesignationsheregiven toHim;not in theexactorderinwhichtheyoccur;butwithaslightchangeinordertobringouttheconnectionoftheonewiththeother.Heis,then,—I. TheHolySpirit.AsChristiscalled"theWord,"soHeiscalled"theSpirit," intimating his nature as well as his office. The third person of theGodheadisspecially"theSpirit,"and"aSpirit;"thetruestmanifestationofthespiritualcharacterandbeingofthatGodwhoisaSpirit.Heis"theHolySpirit"through whom the holiness of Godhead specially reveals itself, and iscommunicatedtothecreature.Heisspeciallythedoerofholydeeds,thespeakerofholywords,themakerofholymen.AstheHolySpirit,hedweltintheHolyOne;—anddwellsinthechurch,andinall"saints."II.ThesentoftheFather.Christgetsthisnamealso,—"hewhomtheFatherhathsent."Bothare"sentofGod."ButtheHolySpiritcomesbecauseofChrist("inmyname").ChristcamesimplyasthegiftoftheFather'slove.Christisthefirstgift,theHolySpiritisthesecond.Hecomestous,then,fromtheFather;the

Father'smessenger, to do the Father's will in us; the glorifier of the Son; Hecomesinlove,inholylove,asthefruitofChrist'sintercession,asthesealsettoChrist'sname,andthetokenofthehonourwithwhichGodhonoursthatname.III.TheComforter.Thisishisspecialnameinconnectionwiththechurch,—the Paraclete, orComforter. "AnotherComforter." This is his special officeand errand. It is hismission, andHe discharges it, not simply because of thecovenantorcommandment,butinlove.HeistheSpiritoflove.Hecomes,then,to comfort. To comfort because ofwhat,— underwhat? (1.) Christ's absence.Nottomakeuscontentwithit,buttocheerusundertheblank.(2.)Thesorrowsoflife.Thesearemany,—"Manyaretheafflictionsoftherighteous,"butunderthem there is an all-wise, almighty, all-loving Comforter. What sorrow canwithstandhisconsolations?(3.)Thedelayofthekingdom.Evenhadtherebeennotribulation, thedelayof the inheritancewouldhavecalledforpatience,andthisHesupplies.Hesustainsusunderthesicknessofdeferredhope.ThusHeis"theComforter."Hehasbeenso;isso;andwillbesountiltheLordcome.Havewe usedHim as such?Havewe partaken of his fullness?Havewe tasted theabundanceoftheeverlastingconsolationwhichHeadministers?Ordowetrytobeourowncomforters?Doweseekhumancomforters?Dowetrytoforgetoursorrows?Ordowetakeall toHim,acknowledginghisnameandmission,andrejoicingatalloccasionsandopportunitiesofemployingHimastheComforter?HowmuchwelosebynotgoingtoHimassuch,usinghimassuch?IV.TheTeacher.ThisisanotherofthenameswhichHehasincommonwithChrist.Christtaught;Christteachesstill.ButnowHedoesthisnotthroughthelivingvoiceorvisibleexample,butbytheagencyoftheSpirit.Heteachesasnomancan, asnobookcan, asno schoolnorcollegecan.He teachesall things;thereisnotanythingwhichweneedthatHewillnotorcannotteach.Heteachestruly,effectually, lovingly.Hesuitshimself to thementalandspiritual stateofeveryscholar.LikeChrist,Hehas"compassionontheignorant."Letthisteacherteachyou!V. TheRemembrancer.Besidesteaching"allthings,"HeisspeciallytorecalltheLord'sownwords.Howoftenthedisciplesmusthavewishedformoreretentivememories to keep hold of the preciouswords daily spoken! Here issomething even better than that;—a divine memory put at their disposal;—memoryperfect,complete,unerring.Isnotthisblessed?Howseldomwethink

of the Spirit's work upon the memory. We speak of his enlightening theunderstanding,renewingthewill,changingtheheart;howseldomdowedwelluponhisworkonthememory.Yethereitis.Forsurelythisisnotmeanttobeconfinedtothedisciples.Go,then,totheHolySpiritforamemory;andHewillmakeitasretentiveasyouneed;not,perhaps,asyouwouldlike;thatmaynotbegoodforyou.Oh,letuscultivateacquaintancewiththethreepersonsintheGodhead.LetusdealwiththeSpiritaboutChrist;andwithChristabouttheSpirit.

LXXIX.TheDivineLegacyOfPeace

"PeaceIleavewithyou,mypeaceIgiveuntoyou:notastheworldgiveth,giveIuntoyou."—

John14:27.

Surely"nevermanspakelikethisman"!Wellmightmenwonderat"thegraciouswordswhichproceededoutofhislips."Gracewaspouredintohislips,andoutof his lips grace flowed forth to the sons of men. He had the tongue of thelearned, that he might speak words in season to the weary (Isaiah 1:4), andblessedwerethewordshespaketosuch.Neverdidanyoneenter sodeeplyand tenderly intoour feelings; anticipating,withhiswordsofsympathyandconsolation,everysorrowandwant!Whatloveishere!Whatthoughtfulnessandsympathy!Whatmajestytoo!ForwhobutonewhoknewthatHehadcomefromGodandwasgoingtoGod,—thatHeHimselfwastheinfinitesourceofpeace,—couldsay,"PeaceIleavewithyou,"&c.ThewordshereutteredarecertainlytheassurancetousoftheloveandpowerofthePromiser.WhatHehaspromised,Heisablealsotoperform.Thewordsarestillfreshandnew.Theycannevergrowold;forHewhospokethemis thesame"yesterday, to-day,andforever."Theywerespokenforus inthese last days as truly as for the ages past. Christmeant uswhen he utteredthem. Mark here, (1.) the legacy; (2.) the gift; (3.) the contrast; (4.) theconsolation.I.Thelegacy."PeaceIleavewithyou."Thisisthepartinggiftofonewhowasabouttodepart.HeHimselfwasbiddingfarewell,buthewasnottotakehispeaceawayalongwithhim.Hebroughtitwhenhecame("peaceonearth");andHeleavesitbehindhimasaheavenlyrelic.Hispresencehadbeenthesourceofpeacetothem,andHisabsencewasnottodryitup.Thatsourcewouldremainthesame.Presentorabsent,faroffornear,onearthorinheaven,Hewasstillto

be the fountain of their peace. The world would be a blank without Him nodoubt;buthewasleavingbehindHimapeacewhichwouldcheerandgladden.ItwasnotallthattheyhadwhenHewaswiththem,norwasitalltheyweretohavewhenHe returned; but still itwasmuch; enough to comfort, to bless, toshed light upon the darkness of their way. In the world there was to betribulation, inHimpeace.The peace ofGodwas to rule in their hearts.Theyweretoabideinpeace,andpeaceinthem!II. Thegift."MypeaceIgiveuntoyou."Thisisevidentlysomethinginaddition to the former clause. The peace is not merely something left, butpositivelygiven:"Igive."Itisnotlentorsold,butgiven;itisChrist'sowngift;free and unconditional; His peace is like Himself, a gift to us; unsolicited,unpurchased,unmerited.Butthestrikingexpressionhereis"mypeace";Christ'sownpeace;peacealtogetherpeculiar;transcendinginnatureandinfullnessallotherpeace.WhatthenwasChrist'speace?

(1.) It was the peace of a conscience on which there never rested theshadowof a senseofguilt. Itwaspre-eminently "agoodconscience"; aconsciencevoidofoffence.Whencecomesourdispeace?Fromasenseofguilt upon the conscience. It is an evil conscience that disquietsus.Theleastspeckorshadowofguiltbreaksourpeace.NowinJesus therewastheperfectionofagoodconscience.Notashadoweverrestedthere.Itisablessed thought that there was once here a man like ourselves, whoseconsciencewasnevertouchedwiththeslighteststainofguilt;whoneverhadtoregretonethought,orrecalloneword,orwishoneactionundone.WhatmusthavebeenthepeacepossessedbyHim;profound,unutterable;even in the midst of a stormy world. It is into this profound peace ofconsciencethatHewouldleadus.OfthatverypeaceHewouldmakeuspartakers.Theresultofour"receiving"Him,or"believingonhisname,"istobringusintothatsamestateofconscienceandthatsamekindofpeacewhichHewhoknewnosinpossessed.Ourvesselsareindeedsmall,andcancontainlittle;Hiswaslarge,andcouldcontainmuch.Butthekindorqualityofthatpeacewhichfillsthemisthesame.HehasmadepeacebythebloodofHiscross;yea,Heisourpeace;andassoonaswecometoknowthisandtakeHimasourpeace,wearemadepartakersnotmerelyofpeace,butofthatwhichheherecalls"mypeace."2.ItwasthepeaceofoneentirelyobedienttotheFather'swill.Itwasto

dothatwillthatHecame;andHislifewasthedoingofit."Idelighttodothywill,OmyGod.""Notmywillbutthinebedone."Asinallobediencethere is peace, so in obedience to such awill, from such a being as theSon, there must have been a peace passing all understanding; a peacealtogetherinfinite;apeaceproportionedtotheentirenessandperfectionofthe obedience. Such an obedience had never been rendered before; andsuchapeacehadneverbeenpossessed,eitheronearthorheaven,bymanor angel. It is into this peace that He leads us,—peace perfect andprofound;peacenotspringingfromnorproportionedtoourobedience,butto his; the peace of which his obedience to the Father is at once thefoundationandthemeasure.3. Itwas thepeaceofonewhosepeculiar constitutionofpersonmadehimpartaker of peculiar peace.Hewas "theWordmade flesh ";SonofGodandSonofMan;andassuchHewasavesselofinfinitedimensions;capableofcontainingapeacesuchasnooneelsecoulddo.IntothisvesselofinfinitecapacityallfullnessofpeacewaspouredbytheFather;andoutof this vessel, this peace is poured intous;—not to the sameextent, butstillinproportiontoourcapacity.ItisofthedivinepeaceoftheGod-manthatwearemadepartakers.Whatpeaceistherelikethis?AsthegrapesofEshcolwere of peculiar delicacy, and the cedars ofLebanon of peculiarbeauty,andthegardensofSolomonofpeculiarfertilityandfragrance,sowasthispeacewhichfilledtheChristofGodpeculiarlyexcellent;andofthis peculiar peace He gives his saints the promise,—"My peace I giveunto."4.ItwasthepeaceofonewhosepeculiarrelationshiptotheFathermadehim possessor of peculiar peace. There is something in filial peace, thepeace of a son, as resulting from the connection between his father andhimself,andhisownpeculiarstandinginthehouse,whichcannotwellbedescribed.HowmuchmoreisthistrueofthepeaceofHimwhoistheonlybegotten Son of God? His must have been peace as special as it wasinfinite,—the peace poured into the bosom of the beloved Son by theFatherhimself.Thisisnotthepeaceofaservant,orafriend,butthepeaceofaSon,—andsuchason!Thisdivineandfilialpeace, thepeaceof theonlybegottenof theFather,Hemakesover tousashis freegift,—"MypeaceIgiveuntoyou."And thisbecomesall the truerandmoreblessedwhentheytowhomHegivesthepeacearethemselvessonsofGod!TheFatherpoursaspecialpeacefromhispaternalbosomintothebosomofhis

belovedSon;andthatSonpoursthisspecialpeaceintothebosomofthosewhoarepartakersofhissonship,—trulysonsofGod!5. It was a peace that could never be destroyed. The peace is likeHimself, and like Him from whom He receives it,—eternal andunchangeable,—peace partaking of his character as the eternal One, thesameyesterday,to-day,andforever.It ispeacebegunnow,—givenevenhere,—itispeacetobeperpetuatedintheeternalkingdom;peacewithoutend,orinterruption,orchangeforever.

SuchisChrist'sgifttohisown!Itisprecious,perfect,divine.Itislikehimself.Itisapeacewhichpassethallunderstanding.Whatatreasureforearth!AndwhatanearnestofthefullertreasureinstoreforuswhenHecomesagain.ForgreatasisthepeacewhichHegivesjustnow,itisnothingtothepeaceinreserveforushereafter.Hegivesittohisown;andHebidsallmendrawneartobecomehisown!ComeuntomeandIwillgiveyourest,ishisfirstmessage;andhissecondislikeuntoit,—"MypeaceIgiveuntoyou."III.Thecontrast."Notastheworldgiveth,giveIuntoyou."InallaspectsthereisacontrastbetweenChristandtheworld;withnothingoflikenessorsympathy.ButitisnotofhimselfthatHeherespeaks,butofhisgiftsandmannerofgiving.Christ'speaceandtheworld'sareopposites;soarehisgivingandtheworld's.Astothepeace;—

(1.)Christ'speaceisperfect,theworld'sispartialandimperfect;nodepth,nogreatnessaboutit.Itisandhasbeenapoormeagerthingatitsbest.(2.)Christ'speacereachestheconscience,theworld'sdoesnot.Itsoothestheconscienceasleep,butthatisall.Itintoxicates,butgivesnoresttotheinnerman.It isnot theoffspringofapurgedorpacifiedconscience.(3.)Christ's peace is satisfying, the world's unsatisfying. The peace whichcomesinanyway,fromanyregionofthisevilworld,cannotfill.Itmeetsnoneofourspirit'scravingsandlongings.Itdoesnotfeedourhungerorquenchour thirst. It leavesus as emptyasbefore. It speakspeacewhenthereisnone.(4.) Christ's peace is steady, the world's wavering. The world itself isunstable, and so are all its gifts; especially that of peace. This is easilyruffled,easilybroken,everchanging.

(5.)Christ'speaceisholy,theworld'sunholy.Christ'speaceiseverlasting,the world's soon ended. At the longest, the world's peace is but for alifetime;butseldomdoesitlasthalfaslong;moregenerally,adayoranhour.EternalpeaceisChrist'sgift!

Astothegiving;—

(1.)Christ'sgiving is free;noneof theworld'sgiftsare such.Hegives likehimself,andasHegavehimself.Theworldbargainsandsells.(2.)Christ'sgivingisgenuine;theworld'sisapretence.Theworldwishesuspeace; this is itsdailysalutation;butall ishollow.ChristmeanswhatHesayswhenHewishesuspeace!(3.)Christ'sgivingisungrudgingTheworldhasnopleasureingiving;isnotgenerousandloving.ChristgivesasaKing,—infull-heartedlove;Heupbraidsnot.(4.)Christ'sgivingis immediate; thatof theworldis tardy.Theworldkeepsuswaiting.Christdoesnot.Hiswordisnow!(5.)Christ'sgivingisirrevocable,theworldoftentakesbackwhatitgave.Hispeaceissure,Hedoesnotrecall it;norshall,forever.Howvividthecontrast! Can any one hesitate in choosing? To reject the world's falsepeaceandtotakeChrist's truepeace, isofall thingsthemostreasonablethat can be proposed to man! Consider the contrast well, and actaccordingly.

IV. The consolation. "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."Therewillbemanythingstotroubleandterrifyinsuchaworld;aworldwhereall ishatred,enmity,persecution.Butagainstall thisprovisionhasbeenmade;andthatprovisionisthepeaceofChrist.Nodoubt,Hegivesotherthingsalsofordays of trial,—strength, faith, hope,—but it is his peace that is the specialantidote,—thepre-eminentsustainerandcomforterineviltimes.Itispeace;anditissuchapeace!Itkeepsthesoulunmovedwhenthetempestisraging round. It makes us feel as if hidden in the hollow of Christ's hand;defendedbyhisshield;embracedbyhisarm.Itislightindarkness;itisastrongtower in themidst of assailinghosts.Let theworld reproachor persecute;wehaveapeacewithinwhichmorethanmeetsallitsreproachesandpersecutions.LetAntichristandSatanrage;thedivinepeacewithinkeepsusimmoveable.Let

bodily pain assail us; we are sustained by the peace of Christ. Let sorrow,bereavement, losses, compass us about;we are kept calm and cheerful by thepeaceofChrist.Ourheartsarenottroubledwithanxietyortrial;noraretheyafraidinthemidstofpersecutionandreviling.Christ'speacewithinus,andChristhimselfasourcompanionbyourside,wegoforthonourpilgrimageasmenwhoareinpossessionofaheavenlycharmwhichpreserves theminpatienceand tranquillity;whichmakes theminvincible;nay,victorious;morethanconquerorsthroughHimthatlovedthem.

LXXX.ChristInHeaven,TheChurchOnEarth

"These thingshave I spokenuntoyou inproverbs:but the timecometh,whenshallnomore speakuntoyou inproverbs,but I shall showyouplainlyof theFather.Atthatdayyeshallashenmyname:andIsaynotuntoyou,thatIwillpray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye havelovedme,andhavebelieved that I cameout fromGod. I came forth from theFather,andamcomeintotheworld:again,Ileavetheworld,andgototheFather."—

John16:25-28.

Thesewordsseemspeciallytoapplytothestateofthings,bothinheavenandonearth,duringthepresentdispensation.Christinandfromheavenspeakingtousplainly of the Father, as well as acting as the High Priest with Urim andThummim,inquiringandintercedingforHisown.TheChurchonearthlisteningtotheserevelationsoftheFather,andaskinginhisname.IntheOldTestament,Messiah(forHeis thespeaker)spokein types;whenHewashereonearthhespokeinparables,orhiddenwords,figures;butsincePentecostHehasspoken"plainly,"withoutaveilorfigure.ItisthisplainrevelationoftheFatherthatwehave in theActsof theApostles,and in theEpistles.During thisdispensation,too,wehavetheaskinginChrist'snamewehaveChrist'sintercessionforus;wehave theFather'sspecial love;andwehave thespecial reasonsfor thatspeciallove.Suchisasketchofthepassage.Takingthesewordsthenasreferringtothepresentdispensation,weseeinthem(1)Christinheaven;(2)theChurchonearth.I. Christinheaven.Hewasonearth;buthehasleft,andisgonetotheFather. Itwasexpedient forus thatheshouldgoaway, thathemight send theComforter,asifbothHeandtheSpiritcouldnotbesparedfromheavenatonce.ButitisnotofthismissionoftheComforterthatheherespeaks.Hehasgonetoheaven.

(1.)As the revealerof theFather.Hecame todo this;Hedid thiswhilehere;butchieflyinparables,—figures,darksayings.ThesewereasortofveiloverwhathesaidregardingtheFather,eveninhislastdiscourses.ButwhenHewentup toheavenall thatdimnesswasgone.FromthedayofPentecosttherewastheplainandfullrevelationoftheFather.TheSpiritwhomHesentdownonhisapostles,enablingthemtopreachandtowrite,spoke plainly. The Epistles contain this plain revelation of the Father.Theremaybeinthemsomethinghardtobeunderstood,butstilltheyarethe plainest and fullest revelations of God that man has had. It is thisunfolding ofGod andhisways and thoughts that theworld so speciallyneededandneedethstill.AcquaintanceshipwithGodistheremovaloftheworld'sdarkness, and thehealingof all itswounds.We lookupwards totheheavenofheavenswhereJesusis;welistentoHisvoice,andinwhatHespeakswehavetheplaindiscoveryoftheFather.(2.)AsthemediumofcommunicationbetweenusandtheFather.Heisinheaven asAdvocate, Intercessor,HighPriest.As suchHe carries on theintercourse between us and God. Through Him we have access by oneSpirituntotheFather."IsaynotthatIwillpray(ormakeinquiriesforyoulike thehighpriestwithUrimandThummim) theFather; for theFatherhimself loveth you"; that is, "I need not say that Iwill thus act as yourHighPriest,andyetthisisnotbecausetheFatherrequirestobepersuadedtoloveyou,forHelovesyoualready."Christ, then,isthecommunicatorbetweenusandGod.Whateverweneed,letustakeittoHim;ifanymanlackwisdom, let us thus ask. Jesus is ourHigh Priest. Let us dealwithhim.

II. TheChurchonearth.Jesus leaveshissaintshere,yetHekeepsupconstantintercoursewiththem.Heavenandeartharebroughttogether;asifallwerenearnessandnotdistance.InthispassagewehavetheChurchonearth.

(1.)ReceivingChrist'srevelationsoftheFather.Hespeaks,andshelistens.His lessonsareallof theFather;and thusshe learns fromHis lipsmoreand more each day of the Father's character, and ways, and mind, andworks.Asawilling listener towhatJesusspeaksof theFather,shegoesuponherwayhere,anddoestheFather'swork.Shelearnseachdaymorefully the meaning of the marvelous words, "God is love; and he that

dwellethinlovedwellethinGod,andGodinhim."ItisthisrevelationoftheFatherthatwepreachasgladtidingsofgreatjoy.Thisfillsourheartsand imparts the unearthly peace, the unworldly joy,which, as believingmen,wepossess.(2.)PrayinginChrist'sname.Inasensethatnamehadbeenknownfromthebeginning.Theseedofthewoman,withthebruisedheel,wasknownas he throughwhom all communicationsweremade between the sinnerandGod.On thecreditofHisnameprayergot itsanswerallalong.Notonepetitionwasaccepted,exceptinvirtueofthatname.Butstillthenamewasbutdimlyknown;andbesidesitwasnotknownasthenameofJesusofNazareth.Henceforthroundthatnameallprayerwastocluster.Inthatname itwas tobepresented.That namewas tobear it aloft.Thatnamewas to secure its success. That name was, by its own omnipotence, tomake every one connected with it omnipotent too. Christ gives us thisnametomakeuseofinallourdealingswithGod.Weneednothingelse.Thiswillsecuretheabundantanswer.NeverletusgotoGodwithoutthatname; and going with it, let us be confident; trusting, not distrusting;believing,notdoubting.Letthevirtue,thepower,theefficacyofthatnamebeeverrealized.Letusnotdishonouritbydistrust.HewhogoestoGodwithout it, dishonours it. He who professes to go with it, yet doubtswhetheritwillavailtosecureananswerforhisprayers,nolessdishonoursit.Letthethoughtofthatnameremovealldoubtonourpart.ThatnameremovesallgroundforrefusalonthepartofGod.Itenableshimtogivefullventtoitsinfiniteliberalityandlove.(3.)EnjoyingtheFather'slove."TheFatherhimselflovethyou."Thisisnodoubtful thing; but as sure as it is blessed. It is this love that is thesunshine of life. The Father's love! Yes; it is written, "That the lovewherewiththouhastlovedmemaybeinthem."HelovesthemasloversofhisSon.He loves themas believers in themissionof thatSon to earth.What love is there like this?Andwhat canbrightenor sweeten life likethis?(4.) Loving the Son. "Ye have loved me." The Church is the lover ofChrist.InanunlovingworldshelovesHimwhomtheFatherloveth.Thismarksheroutfromallaround.ToherHeisthechiefamongtenthousand,andaltogetherlovely."Mybeloved"isthenameshegivesHim.WhatHedesiresislove,ourlove.WhatHewantsispossessionofourhearts.ThequestionthatHeasksis"lovestthoume."

(5.)BelievingthatHecameoutfromGod.Thisis thefirst thing, thoughhereitcomeslast.TheFatherpresentshimtousasHisbelovedSon;sentfromGod,todotheworkofGod.ThefirstwayinwhichwehonourHimisbyreceivingHimastheSon,theSentoftheFather.OurrecognitionofHimassuchbringsusintothecircleofdiscipleship.BelievingtheFather'stestimonytotheSon,weourselvesbecomesons,andassuchreceivethefullnessoftheFather'slove.

WhatthinkyethenofChrist?DostthoubelievethatHeistheSonofGod;thatHe came out from God, and has gone back to God; not only as the Father'sservant to do the Father'swill, but in love to us, and as themessenger of theFather'slove.

LXXXI.Tribulation,Peace,AndVictory

"These things Ihave spokenuntoyou, that inmeyemighthavepeace. In theworld ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome theworld."—

John16:33.

Herearefourspecialpoints,—thepeace,thetribulation,thevictory,thecheer.ItisChristhimselfwhoisthespeakerofthesewords.Hespeaksthemtous.Letuslisten.I. Thepeace.Peace is thegreatBible subject; theburdenofGod'smessage to men. Peace on earth; peace with God; the peace of consciousreconciliation.Butitisnotsomuch"peacewithGod"thatisherereferredto,as"thepeaceofGod";notthepeaceobtainedbyreceivingtheembassyofpeace,thereconciliation,butthepeaceofthereconciledsoul.Intothisregionofpeacereconciliationistheentrance.Herenowrathcanreachus,nostormcanruffleus,noterrorcanappalus;weare"keptinperfectpeace";"thepeaceofGodrulesinour hearts," and is perpetual sunshine, like an island of bright verdure in themidstofastormysea.ItispeaceinChrist;notoutofHim,norapartfromHim,butinHim.ItflowsoutofHimtous;orratherweareinHim,andsogetthatpeace.Wegetitbymeansofhiswords;"ThesethingshaveIspokenuntoyou,thatinmeyemighthavepeace."Hiswordsarethewordsofpeace.Thesoulthatlistens to thesewords drinks in the peace, or,wemay say, breathes the air ofpeace. Look at his words, "Let not your heart be troubled"; "In my Father'shousearemanymansions;""TheFathercominginandabiding;"theloveoftheFather;thelittlewhile;thecomingjoy.Yes,everywordisloadedwithpeace;hisown peace; the Father's peace; the Spirit's peace; the peace of heaven; peaceevenhereonanearth,whereallistroubleanddisquiet.II. The tribulation.Thoughnotof theworld,weare in it still.Wearepartakers of its sorrows, though not of its sins. And besides, the men of the

worldhateusandtroubleus,astheyhatedandtroubledourMaster.Sothatwehavetribulationbothinandfromtheworld.Theprinceandgodofthisworldisagainst us, and assails us on every side, as the old serpent, the tempter, theroaringlion,therulerofthedarknessofthisworld.Ourseparationfromit,andnon-conformity to it,make it themore hostile. Itwill not let us alone. It is awastehowlingwilderness; a landof storms, andbarrenness, andenemies, andthorns, and briars. The law of the Church's present state is "tribulation";"Throughmuchtribulationwemustenterthekingdom;""Thesearetheywhichcame out of great tribulation." There is the weakness of this "vile body":weariness, vexation, disappointment, bereavement, breaking of ties, farewellsandpartings, bodilydiseases, pain, affliction, poverty, loss, disaster, straitenedcircumstances, persecutions, coldness, hatred, the sneer and taunt,—of thesethingstheworldisfull.Itsatmosphereisimpregnatedwiththeevil,andsadness,and gloom. Thus has it been from the beginning; we see it in Abel, Noah,Joseph,Moses, David, Jeremiah, and all the saints. It is the Church's portionhere.Itwastheportionofherhead.Hewasamanofsorrows.Andallthisnotbecauseofinconsistency,butconsistency;themoreweareunliketheworld,themore it hates us; the more we are like the Lord, the more will the worldpersecuteus.Theseedofthewomanandtheseedoftheserpentcannotagreeorlove. Hence we must come out from it; stand aloof, whatever may be theconsequences.Andthisnonconformity,—thisquarrelbetweenusandtheworld,—onlymakesuslongmoreforthedayofthegreatadvent.Tribulationmakesuslongforthecoming;deathmakesuslongforresurrection;wearinessmakesuslongforrest;partingsmakeuslongformeetings.Thuswelookfor,andhastenunto,thecomingofthedayofGod,theendingofthesorrow,thebeginningofthejoy.III.Thevictory."Ihaveovercometheworld."Itisapowerfulworld,butnotall-powerful.Ithasbeenfoughtwithandovercome.Onegreaterthanit,orthanitsprince,hascomeandvanquished it.Theworlddid itsutmost in thisbattle,buttheSonofGodprevailed.Theseedofthewomanbruisedtheserpent'shead.Noahcondemned theworld, butChrist overcame it. It hasnowno longer anypowerlefttoitbutwhatHepermits.Heovercameitbothbyweaknessandbystrength;Heslewdeathbydying;HeconqueredSatan,thegodofthisworld,byallowingSatantoconquerHim.Hediditalone.NonecouldhelpHiminsuchabattle.Yetthevictorywascomplete,final,andirreversible.Heistheconqueror;and,astheconqueror,ledcaptivitycaptive.WhenHecomesagain,thevictory

will be manifested; now we only know it by faith. God has proclaimed thevictoryofhisSonbothinheavenandearth,buttheworldbelievesitnot.Yetthevictorywasgreat andglorious. Itwas a victorywhichdecided the longbattlebetweenheavenandhell;betweenGodandSatan;betweentheChurchandthespiritualweaknessinhighplaces.IV.Thecheer.Beofgoodcheerorcourage.Benotafraidoftheworld,oritsprince,oritstribulations.

(1.)Itisaconqueraworld.Notinitsfullstrengthorflushedwithvictory,butrouted, discomfited. Even at its strongest it had but creature strength, and"Whoartthouthatthoushouldestbeafraidofamanthatshalldie?"Itisnowcreature-weakness;abrokenworld.Beofgoodcheer!(2.) It is conquered for you. The victor fought your fight andwon yourvictory.Theworld ishis foeandyours; asbothHe foughtandwon;Hewasaleaderandcommandertothepeople,theCaptainofyoursalvation.ItwasyouHehadinviewwhenHewasfighting.Hewillmakeyoumorethanconqueror.Beofgoodcheer.(3.) It is conquered by Christ. Conquered by your Saviour, your friend.Theconquerorisalmighty,andhisvictoryhasbeenacknowledgedbytheFather.ItwasJesuswhofoughtandwon.Beofgoodcheer.

Notmerelydonotyieldtodespondency,likeElijahandJonah,butrejoiceandbeexceedingglad.Becheerful indaysofdarkness.Youhave still abattlewhichyoumust fight cheerfullyandhopefully. It is "thatwhich isbehindofChrist'sbattle,"thelastrelicsofthefight.Fight,andyieldnot.Lovenottheworld,butcontendagainstit.Befaithfultodeath;thepromiseistohimthatovercometh.

LXXXII.TheDeclarationOfTheFather'sName

"And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the lovewherewiththouhostlovedmemaybeinthem,andIinthem."

John17:26.

Here is (1.), the name; (2.) the Declarer of it; (3.) the end or object of thisdeclaration.I.Thename.ItistheFather'sname;thenameofGodhead.Thenameofathingexpressesitsqualitiesandcharacteristics.Thenameofapersonofolddidthe same. So the name ofGod is thatwhich reveals themind, and heart, andcharacterofGod.ThenameofGodismanifold,bringingoutvariousaspectsofGodhead.ThisnamemaybereadontheworksofGod;thisworldHecreated;sun,moon, and stars.But theword contains the namemore fully: "Thou hastmagnifiedthywordaboveall thyname."Butthereareportionsof thewordinwhich the name is summedup, as inExodus 34:6: "TheLord, theLordGod,mercifulandgracious."AndthisespeciallywasthatwhichtheSonofGodcametodeclare.ThatnameofgraceshoneoutlegiblyandbrightlyinHim.Hecamein theFather's name, to reveal that name; to embody it inHis person, so thateveryonewhosaworheardHim,mightseeandhearthename."Godislove";"Godrichinmercy";"Godlovedtheworld,"—thesearefragments,orletters,orsyllablesofthegreatname.II.TheDeclarerofit.ManhadoftentriedtoutterthenameofGod,buthadfailed.Hecouldnotcomprehendit,andhecouldnotutterit,normakeitknown.Therewasbutstammeringanddistortion.OnlyHecouldutteritwhocamefromtheFather,andwhoknewHim,asonlytheSoncoulddo.HecametoearthastherevealeroftheFather,andtheFather'sname.Heknewthatnamewell;andwhenHe said, "Abba, Father," and "righteous Father," and "holy Father," and"ourFather,"He spokeasonewhoknew it; asonewhowas seeking tomakeothersknowit,andsotobepartakersofHisconfidenceandjoy.Buthow,and

when, andwheredidHedeclare it? In everyway, at every time, and in everyplaceduringhissojournhere.Aseverystar,andleaf,andflower,andmountain,andstreamare,intheirprovince,declarersofthenameofGod,so(onlymuchmore)wereeachlook,andword,anddeed,andstepoftheLordJesusdeclarersoftheFather'sname.Hedeclaredit,

(1.) ByHis birth. Bethlehemwas the first placemade to echowith theFather's name.The lowly birth, the stable, themanger, all said, "God islove."(2.) By his private life.His thirty years atNazarethwere all, though inways unknown to us, declarers of theFather's names.These unrecordedyearswerenotwhollysilentnorinarticulate.Theysaid,"Godislove."(3.)His words. They are few in comparison with what might have beenreceived.Yettheyareenoughtodeclarethenamemostfully.EachwordHespokeisarevelationoftheFather.Ittellsussomethingofthemindandheart ofGod,which otherwisewe could not have known. It says to us,"Godislove."(4.)Hisdeeds.Hislifewasoneofmiracles;andalloftheseillustrativeoftheFather'scharacter;allofthemutterancesoftheFather'sname.Eachofthemspokeoutarticulately,andsaid,"Godislove."(5.)His death and resurrection.His cross andgrave, eachof them in itsownway,declared theFather'sname."Hewhocame todie, and to rise,didsobecause"Godso loved theworld."Howclearly,howloudly,howfully,didthedeathandresurrectionoftheSonofGodproclaim,"Godislove."

Inall thesewaysHewasthedeclarerof theFather'sname; therevealerofHischaracter;theembodiment,aswellastheproclamationofHisgrace.AndHenotonlysays,"Ihavedeclared,"but"Iwilldeclare";asifallthefutureaswellasallthepastweretobeonegloriousdeclarationofthedivinename.Thatdeclarationisnotdone.Itisnowgoingoninheaven.Itwillgoon,onearthagainwhenHereturnstomakeallthingsnew.ThenGod'snameshallnotonlyberevealed,but"hallowed";andontheforeheadoftheredeemedistobewrittenintheagestocome, "theirFather's name."Throughout the agesof the eternal kingdom, thatnameshallcontinuetobedeclared,onearthandinheaven.Thatnameiswhatthecreatureneedstoknow;speciallywhatmanneedstoknow.Initarewrapped

uptheblessedness,thegloryoftheuniverse.III.Theendandobjectof tillsdeclaration."That the lovewherewith thouhastlovedmemaybeinthem,andIinthem."ThedeclarationoftheFather'snameisfor our sakes, that we through the knowledge of that name might have thefullnessoftheFather'slovepouredintous,andthatChristHimselfmightmakehisabodewithus.ItisnotdirectlyoftheloveoftheFathertousthatChristherespeaks, but the love of the Father to Himself, "the love wherewith thou hastlovedme."ElsewhereHespeaksofthisloveasonewith,orcommensuratewith,Hisowntous:"AstheFatherhathlovedme,sohaveIlovedyou."Buthereitisof theFather's love to theSonaspoured intous throughtheknowledgeof thedivinenameasgivenusbyChrist,thatHeisspeakingtous,sothattheresultofChrist'srevelationoftheFather'sname,orratherofourbelievingthatrevelation,wouldbetwofold.

(1.)TheFather'slovetotheSonwouldcomeintous.Whatalove!InHiscaseitwasallmerited;inours,unmerited;butstill,notthelessisittrueandboundless.Itcomesinanddwellsinus.ItisshedabroadinourheartsthroughtheHolyGhost;andthuswearefilledwithallthefullnessofGod.(2.)ChristHimselfwouldcomeintous.Hewouldabidewithusandfillus.Through theknowledgewhichHegivesusof theFather's name,Hehimself comes in to us! How simple, how immediate, and how free.Believing Christ's revelation of the Father's name, we get all ChristHimself.

LXXXIII.RitualismAndTheCross

"ThenledtheyJesusfromCaiaphasuntothehallofjudgment;anditwasearly;andtheythemselveswentnotintothejudgmenthall,lesttheyshouldbedefiled;butthattheymighteatthepassover."—

John18:28.

These"rulersoftheJews"andthemultitudethatfollowedthem,werethorough"Ritualists."ItwastheirRitualismthaturgedthemontocrucifytheSonofGod.ForChristandRitualismareopposedtoeachotheraslightistodarkness.ThetruecrossinwhichPaulgloried,andthecrossinwhichmodernceremonialistsglory, have no resemblance to each other. The cross and the crucifix cannotagree.Either ritualismwillbanishChrist,orChristwillbanish ritualism.Theycannotpossiblyco-exist.It is the ritualism of these Jews,—Pharisees, and Scribes, and Priests,—thatcomesouthere.ItwasthisthatkeptthemoutofPilate'shall,—forthetouchofaGentile,oranythingbelongingtoaGentile,wouldpollutethem.Theycouldnot,in that case, eat thePassover.Arid thePassoverwas simply to thema rite bywhich they thought to recommend themselves to God and pacify their ownconsciences.ItwastheirGod,theirMessiah,theirSaviour,theirreligion.Ritualism, or sacerdotalism, or externalism, or traditionalism, are all differentforms of self-righteousness;man's selfinventedways of pleasing or appeasingGod, or paying for admittance into the kingdom. And these forms ofselfrighteousness are also forms of religious materialism, devout externalism.Theyareahumanapparatusormachineryforperformingacertainthingcalledworship, or procuring a thing called pardon; they are themeans bywhich theperformer of themhopes towinGod's favour,—perhaps, also,man's praise,—mostcertainly,hisownesteem.Iftherecouldbearighteousnessormeritfromanykindofhumanperformances,

itwouldhavebeenunder theOldTestament, for thenall theceremoniesweredivine.Mandidnotoriginateor invent them.TheywereallordainedbyGod.AwfulaswasthemistakeoftheJewinmakingasaviourorarighteousnessofthese, it was not half so awful or so unnatural as making a Saviour or arighteousnessoutof theperformanceof certain rites calledChristian, inventedwhollybyman,withoutGod'scommand,nay,indefianceofit.Andeveryact,orperformance,orceremony,thathonoursself,exaltsselfgivesprominencetoself,isanaccursedthing;anabominationinthesightofGod,howeverreligious,orsacred,orsolemn,ordevout,itmayseemtoman.It is to self-righteousness in some form or other that man is always tending;under Christianity no less than under Judaism.On the one hand,we seementryingtobelievethathumannatureisnotsoverybadafterallandontheother,menprofessingtobelievethatitisbad,tryingtomakeupforthisbadness,ortocover it over, byworks, and devotions, and ceremonies. All this is pure self-righteousness.Thetouch-stoneofthisritualism,orreligionism,orself•righteousness,isthetruecross of Christ. Let us look at it in this light; especially as exhibited in thenarrative under notice; for here it is that, for the first time, self-righteousnesscomesindirectcontactwiththecross.I. Thereligionofself-righteousness.InthecaseoftheseJewsitwaskeepingthepassover;observingafeast.Thatwasreligion!Itwasallthereligiontheyhad; itwas their all for acceptancewithGod; their all for eternity.TheiranswertotheJudgeatthejudgmentseatwouldbe,"Ikeptyourpassovers."Asiftherewereanyreligionineatinganddrinking!Thereligionofself-righteousnessin our day is like this;—works, feelings, fancies, music, rites, festivals, fasts,gestures, postures, garments;—that is religion! It is somethingwhich gratifiesself;whichpleasesthenaturalman;whichmakesamanthinkwellofhimself;whichgivesamansomethingtodoortofeelinordertoearnpardonandmeritheaven.II.Thescruplesofself-righteousness.TheseJewswouldnotenteraGentilehall.Thetouchofitsfloororwallswouldbepollution.Religionandirreligionweretothemsomethingoutward;somethingwithwhichthebody,notthesoul,hadtodo.Aftertouchingthese,orbreathingsuchair,theywouldthemselvesbe

defiled.Theirscruplesallturnedontheirownself-esteem.Pride,religiouspride,wasattheroot.Theywerethoroughlyblindtoallthatconstitutedrealpollution,and saw only the false. They were scrupulous about entering a Gentile hall,whenyettheywereseekingtoslayarighteousman,nay,tocrucifytheLordofglory.Whatwas the value of such scruples?Whatwas theirmeaning? Thesemencouldswallowthecamelwhiletheywerestrainingoutagnat.Theycouldmurdertheinnocent;yettheyweretooholytosettheirfootonaGentilefloor.Suchisthewayinwhichself-righteousnessactsitselfout!Suchistheprideofecclesiasticalcaste!III. Thedeedsofself-righteousness.Theseweremany.Somelookedveryreligious,—fasting,praying,almsgiving,Othersnotso. In thepresentcase, thegreatdeedofself-righteousness is the crucifying of the Lord of glory. That cross was themonumentofself-righteousness. Itwas this thatcried,Awaywithhim;crucifyhim; not this man but Barabbas. So with modern self-righteousness in everyform;especiallyintheformofritualismandformalism.ItiseveragainstChristthatself-righteousnessshewsitshatred,andaimsitsstrokes.Ritualismisman'sexpressionofdisliketoChrist.ItisthemodemwayofcrucifyingChristafresh,andputtingHimtoanopenshame.IV. Theconnectionbetween thisdeedand thereligion.Christandself-righteousness cannot be on terms of friendship, for Christ, in his grace andfinished work and free salvation, is wholly antagonistic to all forms of selfrighteousness.TheJewsfeltthatHewascrossingtheirpath,thatHewashewingdowntheirtemple,thatHewasutterlymakingvoidalltheirreligion;andhencethey hated Him; hence they crucified Him. It was self-righteous religion thatcrucifiedtheSonofGod.All ritesandceremonies,whetheroldornew,areman'swaysofgetting ridofChrist.Theygetridofrealreligionbymeansofthatwhichlookslikereligion,butwhichisnotreligionatall.Whatcanallthesethingsdo?Cantheysave?Canposturessave?Candressessave?Cancandles, lightedorunlighted, save?Canmusic save? Can architecture save? Can cathedrals save? Nay, can they evenpoint theway to Jesus?Do theynot lead away fromHim?Do theynotmakevoidthecross,andtrampleontheblood?

LXXXIV.TheGreaterSin

"Thoucouldsthavenopoweratallagainstme,except itweregiventheefromabove:thereforehethatdeliveredmeuntotheehaththegreatersin."—

John19:2.

Thesewordsaredirectedagainst theJews, thoughspokentoPilate.TheyareadeclarationofthegreatguiltoftheJewishnationanditsrulers,inaskingPilateto exercisehisGod-given authority against theSonofGod.Pilatehasnot yetcommitted the sin of condemningChrist; hewas urged to it; he hesitated; heshrunkfromit;andourLordhereuttersthewordsofwarning,todeterhimfromtheconsummationofhisgreatcrime."NottheRomanemperor;butmyFather;not the people, butmyFather, gave you this power, and set you in that placewhereyouhavenowtojudgeme,HisSon;andthese,Hisenemiesandmine,arenowaskingyoutoexercisethispowergivenyoufromaboveagainstme,theSonofGod,who came from above."Aswhen speaking to Simon (Luke 7:44) heturnedtothewoman,sohere,whenspeakingtoPilate,heturnedtotheJews.The sin here spokenof is not somuchPilate's as Israel's.Hedidwhat he did"ignorantlyand inunbelief"; theyknew,heknewnot;he thoughthewasonlyexercisinghislawfulpowerintheusualway,asaRomangovernor.Israelknewthe Scriptures concerning Messiah; Pilate did not; and the "greater sin" wascommittedbymenwho,withtheScripturesintheirhand,calledonhimwhohadnottheseScripturestocondemntheirownMessiah.This power of Pilatewas acknowledged by the Jews, by Judas, byAnnas, byCaiaphas.Theyappealedtohimasonewhohadthepower to"crucify"andto"release."Hencetheirsin,theirspecialsin;their"greatersin,"—greaterthaninanyordinarycase,greaterthanthatofPilate.Itwas"greatersin,"becausetheyknewwhattheydid;andbecausetheyweremakinguseoftheGod-givenpowerofanother,aswellas takingadvantageofhis ignorance, toperpetrateacrime,which,initslowestaspect,wasthecondemnationoftheinnocent,initshighest,

thecondemnationoftheirownMessiah,theSonofthelivingGod.Pilate'spowerwas"fromabove,"(1)asgovernor.ThereisnopowerbutofGod,thepowersthatbeareordainedofGod;thesourceofearthlypowerisheavenly;notinmanorfromman,butfromtheKingofkings,thePrinceofthekingsofthe earth. The recognition of this lies at the root of all true politics. Earthlycrownsand thronesandsceptersare thus linkedwith thatoneheavenlycrownand throne and scepter. Kings and magistrates are, by reason of their office,responsibletoGod.Notpersonally,asothermenmerely;butofficially,asrulers,they are directly responsible. It is just because of their office that they are sopeculiarlyaccountable,andsosolemnlyboundtodoeverythingtothegloryofGod.Itisjustbecauseoftheiroffice,andnotmerelyasothermen,thattheyareboundtoconsecrateeverythingwhichtheirofficegivesthempowerovertotheservice ofHim fromwhom they have received their power. (2.)As aGentilegovernor.TheJewshad,fortheirsins,beengivenovertoGentiledominion,tillthe timesof theGentiles shouldbe fulfilled.So that inadouble sensePilate'spowerwasnothisown,norfromRome,norfromthepeople.InadoublesenseitcamefromGod,andwas therefore tobespeciallyusedforGod.Hemightnotknowallthis;butIsraelknewit;fortheirprophets,Danielespecially,hadtaughtthemthis;andthereforetheyhadthe"greatersin."ThatGod'spurposeembracedsomethingmore than this, and had reference to the crucifixion ofMessiah, istrue;butthattheappealheremadebyourLordtoPilate,thoughhavingspecialreference to Himself, is founded on a broader and more general truth seemsevident.(1.)Evenabadman'spowerisfromGod.OurLordaffirmsthisofPilate;andofPilate when using that power for the perpetration of the greatest crime evercommittedinourworld.Letnoonethereforepointtothecrimesofkings,orthesins ofmagistrates, and say,Can the power of thesemenbe given them fromabove?LookatPilate.ListentoourLord'swords;orhearPaulwhen,inthedaysofNero,hesaid(referringtothewordsofourLord),"Leteverysoulbesubjecttothehigherpowers"(έξουσίαιςύηεζεχούσαις,authoritiesholdingfromabove)and when he proclaims civil government to be "the ordinance of God"; nay,whenhecallsthemonarchormagistrate"theministerofGod."(2.)HisusinghisGod-givenpowerforabadpurposeisallowedofGod.Heisfree to act; but he is responsible to God for his actings. God overrules his

wickedness, andemployshimasHis instrument forcarryingouthispurposes.Heought tousehispowerforagoodpurpose;not forcondemning theSonofGod, but for honouring Him; andwhen he abuses his authority, he is doublyguilty;thoughthatguiltismadeuseofbyGodforthedevelopmentofHisownpurposes,asinthedeathofHisownSonatthehandsofPilate.ThatthepowerwhichPilateusedwasconferredbyGodonly,madehisact,aswellasthatoftheJews,themorecriminal.Whatareckoningisathandwiththekingsofearth,fortheabuseoftheirpower!(SeePsalm82)(3.)Godmakes himHis instrument.He is free.Hemight use his power for agoodpurpose;yetevenwhenheusesitforabadone,heisoverruledofGod.ItisGod's "determinate counsel" that comes out here (Acts 2:23). Like Pharaohworking out Israel's deliverance, so is Pilate here working out the Church'sdeliverance,accordingtothepurposeofGod.Thefollowingtruthscomeouthere,—(1.) The thing which Pilate was preparing to do would have been sin in anycircumstances; even if his power was not given from above. It was thecondemnationofaninnocentman.Itwasmighttramplingonright.(2.) Itwasgreater sin,because thepowerwas fromabove. Itwasabusing, forunrighteousness,thepowerreceivedfromtheGodofrighteousness.(3.)ItwasstillgreatersintousethisGod-givenpowertocrucifytheSonofGod.Themomentmangetsintopower,heusesitagainstGodandagainsthisChrist.(4.)ItwasyetgreatersininIsraeltodeliveruptheirownMessiahtobecrucifiedbyhimwhohadthispower.ItwasasmuchascallingonGodtocrucifyhisownSon. Itwasdaring sin, committedwith their eyesopen.Pilate's sinwasgreat;Israel'swasgreaterfar.Pilate,bewareofthysin,foritisgreat;Israel,bewareofthysin,foritisfargreater.ThusHewarnsbothatonce;andbidsthembewareofthesinofcrucifyingtheLordofglory.

LXXXV.Christ'sWorkInHeaven,AndOursOnEarth

"Jesussaithuntoher,Touchmenot;forIamnotyetascendedtomyFather:butgotomybrethren,andsayuntothem,IascenduntomyFather,andyourFather;andtomyGod,andyourGod."—

John20:17.

Thispassageisverygenerallytakentomean,"Donotsoclingtome,youwillhaveotheropportunitiesofmeetingme,forIshallnotbegoingtomyFatherforsome time yet."But (1) it is doubtfulwhether "touch" canmean this; (2) thismeaningdoesnotaccordwiththereason,whichis"Ihavenotyetgone,"not"Iamnotyetgoing";(3)thetreatmentofThomas,whowasallowedtotouch,isatvariancewiththis.Lookingintothewords,weshalldiscoveratruersense.Thecommandis,"touchme not"; the reason is, "I am not yet ascended," &c. Very little had passedbetween theLordandMary.Hehadsaid,"Mary";shehadreplied,"Rabboni,"accompanyingthewordwithsomesignificantlookandgesture,whichtheLordquiteunderstood.To this lookandgesture,or rather to the thoughtwhich theyindicated, ourLord replies. For itwas his custom to direct his answers to thethoughtsmorethantothewordsofhisdisciples;Luke9:47,"Jesusperceivingthethoughtoftheirheart."Christ'swords,then,aredirectedtoMary'sthought.ShehadsprungforwardtoembraceHim,under the impression thatallHehadspokenofbeforehisdeathwasnowdone;thatHehadbeentotheFather,andthatHewasnowcomeagainto receive his own to Himself. "Now all is fulfilled," she thought; "He hasreturnedfromtheFather;Heisgoingtotakeustohiskingdom;weshallbeforeverwithHim."No,notyet,isChrist'sanswer;youspeakandactasifallweredone.Notso.Ihavemoreworktodo,andyouhavemoreworktodo;wemustseparateagain;Itodomywork,youtodoyours.

ThereisaremarkabledifferencebetweenMary'scaseandthatofThomas.Shebelieved too much; he too little. She was all faith,—faith too hasty in itsconclusions;hewasallunbelief—unbeliefrefusingtobelieveeventhatthiswashisMaster.HertooeagerfaithiscorrectedbytheTouchmenot,butGo,&c.;hisunbelief is removed by the "Reach hither thy hand,"&c.Each is treatedwithmarvelouswisdom,andgentleness,andlove.Howunlikeman'swayofdealing!Hewouldhavesaidtofaith,Touchme;tounbelief,Touchmenot.Buttheskillofthedivinephysicianisasconspicuousinhistreatmentofthetwocasesasishislove.ThemistakewhichisherecorrectedbytheLord,isaverynaturalone,andofaveryblessedkind.Itissimplythatoftoogreateagerness;ante-datingthejoyofthekingdom,ofthemarriage-feast;sayingtoosoon,"thewinterispast,therainisoverandgone,"&c.ItisamistakenotsocommonwithusaswiththeearlyChristians,who, likeMary, seemed to be everymoment counting on enteringinto the joyof theLord.The substance, then,of theLord's exhortation is, "becalm and patient; he that believeth doth not make haste; I have work to do,whichmustbedonebeforewesitdowntogetherinmyFather'shouse;andyouthesame.Letusconsiderthesetwothingsthen,—Christ'swork,ourwork.I. Christ'swork.He has gone to the Father;He is now at his right hand; andwhenthatworkisdoneweshallbeadmittedtotouchHim;admittedtohisjoy;todrinkthenewwinewithHiminhiskingdom.What,then,istheworkHehasgonetodo?Hehasgone—

(1.)TogettheSpiritforus.NottillHewasglorifiedwastheSpiritgivenin its fullness.NowHehas received forus thepromiseof theFather,—giftsformen.HeisnowthepossessoranddispenseroftheHolyGhost.(2.) To intercede for us. His work of intercession is now going on inheaven;He ever liveth to intercede for us; He is our advocatewith theFather;ourforerunner,appearinginthepresenceofGodforus.(3.)Toprepareaplace forus. InhisFather'shousearemanymansions;morethanenoughforthegreatmultitudethatnomancannumber.IntheseHehasgonetoprepareaplaceforus.Whatthatpreparationisweknownot;howlongitmaytakeweknownot.But it isgoingonjustnowandwhenitisdoneHewillcomeagainandreceiveustoHimself,thatwhere

Heistherewemaybealso.(4.)Togive repentanceand forgiveness.For this speciallyHe isexalted.This work He has been carrying on since Pentecost, when the firstinstallmentwasexhibited.Heisdoingitdailystill.

Thus,then,Hecautionsus,—becalm,bepatient,hastenot,fretnot;Ihavegonetodomywork.Itmustbedone,andthennomoredelay.II.Ourwork.Touchmenot, said theLord,butgo,—goand tell.Maryhasted,anddidwhatherLordcommanded.Shehadsomethingelsetodothantouchingorenjoying.Shehadwork.Sohavewe.Wehave—

(1.)Workforourselves.Itisworkexpressedinsuchexhortationsasthese:followme, take up your cross, deny self,workwhile it is day, let yourlightshine,growingrace,praywithoutceasing.(2.)Workforthechurch.Wearemembersofonebody,helpingeachother,bearing each other's burdens, comforting each other, strengthening eachother's hands, binding up each other's wounds, supplying each other'swants.(3.)Work for theworld.We are called out of theworld, not to take nointerest in it, but to pity and pray for it. Let our eye be on dyingmen;seeking to save them, pulling them out of the fire, reproving, warning,inviting,beseeching.Wehavemuchofthisworktodo,andlittletimetodoitin.

Christ'swork in heaven and ours on earthwill soon be done. Then itwill nolonger be, Touchme not; but, Come ye blessed.We shall sit down under hisshadow;Heshallsay,ComewithmefromLebanon;opentomemysister,mylove;anditshallbesaid,Whoisthisthatcomethupfromthewildernessleaningonherbeloved;andweshallsay,LetHimkissmewiththekissesofhismouth.ThenshallwetouchHimwithoutrebuke,sittingdownwithHimatthemarriagesupper,andshalleverbeforeverwiththeLord.

LXXXVI.TheTenderLoveOfTheRisenChrist

"Children,haveyeanymeat?"—

John21:5.

It was a risen Christ that put this question; thus He is shewn to be the sameSaviourstill;crossandgravehavenotquenchedHislove;norhasresurrectionmadeHimforgetthem,orraisedHimabovesympathywiththem.Thequestionpertainedtothewantsofthebody.Hisresurrection•bodywasstillinsympathywiththeirbody.Hefelttheirpain,andwant,andcold,andhunger,justasHedidbefore.ThehigherHerose,thedeeperandmoreperfectwereHissympathies. He could hunger nomore, neither thirst anymore, nor be wearymore; yet all this butmadeHim themore keenly alive to such sufferings andprivationsinHisbrethren.ThequestionwhichHeputisonewhichHedidnotneedtoput;Hecouldhaveanswered itHimself;He knew they had nomeat,—that all the night they hadtoiled,butcaughtnothing.YetHewishestospeaktothemasaman,—asafriendinterestedintheirwelfare.ThatquestionisHismethodofapproachingthem;Hismorningsalutation;thefirstlinkbetweenthem;thegoingoutofHishearttocallout theirs.Heawakens theirconfidence,asastranger,anunknownfriend;andthen,eretheyareaware,thestranger-dressisdropped,andJesus,theirMaster,isrevealed.Blessedsurprise!SuchasthatwithMaryatthetomb;suchasthatwiththedisciplesontheEmmausroad;asifHedelightedinthesesurprisesoflove.Manalloverineverythingbutsin,bothbeforeandafterhisresurrection.Thequestionhere indicates such thingsas these,—watchfulness,pity,bounty;andthoughthesewereexhibitedinconnectionwithbodilyneed,notthelessarethey found in Him, in connection with the soul and its deeper, more eternalwants,andinconnectionwiththechurch,Hisbody,andherinfinitewants.Letusnotethen,

I.ThewatchfulnessoftherisenChrist.HelooksdownonHisflock,andmarks each sheep and lamb with more than a shepherd's eye. The glory, theblessedness, the abundance with which He is surrounded, do not make Himunwatchful.AmidHisownplenty,Heremembersthepoverty,andhunger,andcold, and nakedness of His scattered flock below. He watches each one. Thewantofonemealfor thebodywasobservedbyHim, thatmorning inGalilee;wemaybesurethatHemarksthewantofsustenance,whetherforsoulorbody,in the least of hismembers. Poor saint, you never lacked ameal, a crust, butJesusnoticed it,andasked thequestion,onpurpose tosupplyyourwant,"Mychild, have you anymeat?"You never lacked even one spiritualmeal, at anytime, butHe put the same question. Hewatches the hunger and thirst ofHischurch on earth, and is unceasingly putting the question to it,—to eachcongregation,—toeachsaint:Children,haveyeanymeat?Nothingescapeshisvigilanteye. "Iknow thypoverty,"Hesays; Iknow thyhunger, thy thirst, thyweariness,thyweakness,thysighsandtears.II.ThepityoftherisenChrist."Ihavecompassiononthemultitudes,"Heoncesaid,"becausetheyhavecontinuedwithmethreedays,andhavenothingtoeat."SuchwasHispitybeforeHisresurrection.OurtextshewsusHispityafterit. And we are sure that the throne has not lessened that pity. He pities Hischurch's hunger and leanness; each saint's hunger and leanness. It is inprofoundestpitythatheasksthequestionofeachofus,Children,haveyeanymeat?SurroundedbytheabundanceinHisFather'shouseabove,hepitiesusinthiswilderness,thislandoffamine;wherewantcompassesusabout.Oh.letuslean the compassion of the risen and ascendedChrist. Let us trust it in everyhourofwant.NeverdidearthlyfatherpityastarvingchildasHepitiesus.III. ThebountyoftherisenChrist.Hisisnoemptypity.Hedoesnotsaymerely, Be ye warmed and filled. He at once opens his treasure-house, andsupplies us, as Joseph his brethren. His stores are boundless. He has breadenoughandtospare.Hehasnopleasureinourhunger.HedelightstopouroutHisplenty;nay,andtoprovidechannelsforItsflowingdowntous,—asinthecase of His disciples, when He filled their nets, and kindled the fire; andpreparedthemealwithHisownhands.Heopenshishands,andsupplieseverywant.Hereplenishes thechurch'sbasketandstore.Hefills thecruseandmealbarrelofhiswidowedchurchhereinthedayoffamine.AndthisisHisvoicetohernow,—Hisvoiceineveryage,Hisvoiceintheselastdays:"Children,have

ye anymeat?" Perhapswe have to answer,No.There is cleanness of teeth; afamine, not of bread, norwater, but of hearing thewords of the Lord (Amos8:2). No; we are famishing; our spiritual meals are scanty; our leanness, ourleanness!ThenHecomesandspreadsatableinthewilderness.Hefeedsuswiththefinestofthewheat.HegivesusHisownfleshtoeat;andHisfleshismeatindeed.SuchisHistenderlove,Hisinfinitebounty.AfterHehasfedthem,andthusrenewedthetokensofHisloveandcare;afterthat, insilentawe, theyhadfeasted togetherby thatwondrous lake,Hebreakssilencebyputtingthequestion,"Lovesthoume?"HeputsittothemostjealousofHis disciples,muchmore to all of us.And this is the sound ofHis voice;whichwenowhear,puttingtousthequestion,"Lovestthoume?"Whatisouranswer?Wesaid atonce;No,whenHeaskedaboutour food; shallwenot asexplicitlysay,Yes,whenHeasks,"Lovestthoume?"

Footnotes[1] "Vae tibi flumenmoris humani!Quis resistit tibi?Quam diu nonsiccaberis? Quousque volves Evae filios in mare magnum et formidolosum,quodvixtranseuntquisignumconscenderint."—Augustine,ConfB.I.c.xvi."Woetothee,Oriverofhumancustom!Whoresiststhee?Whenshalt thoubedriedup?HowlongwiltthoutossthesonsofEveuponavastandterribleocean,which even theywho have gone up into the cross (as their vessel can hardlynavigate?" Would that these solemn words were sounded over our land, andthroughourchurches,inthesedaysofapproved,andlicensed,and(shallIsay)consecratedworldliness?[2]TheLorddidhardlyanymiracleseitherforhimselforhisdisciples.