way, the true way: and he has opened it to us also. "This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life." 2 Faith, vital, practical faith in him as the author and giver of the heavenly kingdom, is the indispensable qualifi cation. He "is the door of the sheep." He is the entrance, through which his flock shall be received into the heavenly fold. 3 His flock are they, who "hear his voice and follow him." And as they must have thus attached themselves to him, so likewise they must drink of the cup that he drank of, and be baptized with the baptism that he was baptized with. They must submit, as he did, to the will of God, whether it calls them to enjoy, or to suffer. For "if they suffer with him, they shall also reign with him." They must "mortify, therefore, their members, which are upon the earth:" they must "crucify the flesh, with the affections and lusts." For every man who hath this faith in him, "purifieth himself," that he may be "counted worthy to attain that world," and to "stand before the Son of man" when he comes in glory. 41. And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. 42. But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them: and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 21 John v. 11. 3 John x. 3. 43. But so shall it not be among you : but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44. And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Such is the character of the religion of Christ, and of the views which it introduces: entirely distinct from those of the present world. The Gentiles look to the present world: those who are great among them desire to exercise authority and lordship. It is natural and reasonable that it should be so. The Christian looks to a heavenly kingdom, and therefore is content to be a servant here, that he may reign hereafter. This too is reasonable, and follows as a natural consequence from his faith. But as it is not natural to his inclination, he has an example to encourage him. He can be called to no self-denial, like that of his Master, who when he came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, resigned not earthly state, but heavenly majesty ; and submitted not merely to privation, but to misery, and gave his life a ransom for many. Therefore let the same mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus: "possess your souls in patience," and "be clothed with humility." 46. And they came to Jericho and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimæus, the son of Timæus, sat by the highway side begging. • Matthew speaks of two blind men. Probably Bartimæus was a well-known person, and is therefore mentioned by Mark and Luke individually. 47. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 48. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 49. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. 50. And he, casting away his garment, rose and came to Jesus. 51. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 52. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. We may hope that not only the natural blindness, but the spiritual blindness of this man was healed, who immediately when he received his sight, followed Jesus in the way. He alone who cured the one, could remove the other, The natural blindness belongs to few; the spiritual blindness belongs to all, unless it be removed by him who "came a light into the world, that whosoever believeth in him should not abide in darkness." Has he enlightened us? Are we "walking in the light?" St. Peter offers a test by which this question may be tried; pointing out certain qualifications, like those before alluded to, which must abound in those who have not received the grace of God in vain, and saying, "He that lack 5 John xii. 46. "Wherefore the rather, eth these things is blind." Matt. xxi. 1-21. Luke xix. 29-48. John xii. 14-19. LECTURE C. JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM IN TRIUMPH.-CASTS MARK Xi. 1-19. 1. And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, 2. And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. 3. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. 4. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met: and they loose him. 62 Pet. i. 9, 10. 5. And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? 6. And they said unto them, even as Jesus had commanded: and they let him go. This presents a lively picture of the way in which "known unto the Lord are all his works," and the heart of every man is open to his view. He foresaw that the owner of this colt would straightway send him, when he knew that the Lord had need of him. case, what hearts are formable to his will. So he perceives, in every opposed, and what are conHe directed his disciples to the spot where the colt was tied, which was needed for this occasion. So he discovers the dispositions and the talents which are suited to his purpose, and calls them to his service. May he never behold, in any of us, a heart estranged from the duty which we owe him, or unworthy of his grace! 7. And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their gurments on him; and he sat upon him. 8. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosannah; blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: 10. Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosannah in the highest.1 The rulers and the conquerors of this world come among the people with such processions and tri 1 "Let the kingdom be happily begun and flourish, which God is to erect, according to his promise made to our father David. Prosperity be to the Messiah, from him who dwelleth in the highest."-Whitby. |