they wandered in the wilderness, in mountains, in caves, and in dens; and all these were commended for their faith." And yet they abide for us the servants of God, and for those their brethren which are to be slain as they were, for the word of God's sake, that none be shut out, but that we may all go together to meet our Master Christ in the air at his coming, and to be in bliss with him in body and soul for evermore. Therefore, seeing we have so much occasion to suffer, and to take afflictions for Christ's name's sake patiently, so many commodities thereby, such weighty causes, so many good examples, such great necessity, such sure promises, of eternal life and heavenly joys, of him that cannot lie; let us throw away whatsoever might let us; all burden of sin, and all kind of carnality, and patiently and constantly let us run for the best game in the race that is set before us; ever having our eyes upon Jesus Christ, the ringleader, captain, and perfecter of our faith; which for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, not passing upon the ignominy and shame thereof, and is set now at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider this, that he suffered such strife of sinners against himself, that ye should not give over, nor faint in your minds. As yet, brethren, we have not withstood unto death, fighting against sin. ST. MATTHEW THE APOSTLE'S DAY. "GOD's thoughts are not as our thoughts, nor his ways as our ways." "Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen." St. Matthew, though an Hebrew, was a Publican, or tax-gatherer to the Romans, an office hateful to the Jews, as it constantly reminded them of their subjection to a foreign power. Indeed such was their hatred to the Publicans that they refused to recognize them as fellow countrymen, shew them any kindness, intermarry with them, receive their oath, or allow them the privilege of communion in public worship. Thus excluded, they, for the most part, compensated themselves by seeking their own gain. They were notorious for exacting more than they were authorized to demand, and thus still more exposed themselves to dislike and reprobation. And yet many of these persons were selected by Christ as the objects of his saving love. The haughty Scribes and Pharisees, who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others, were rejected; and when they spurned Christ because he eat with Publicans and sinners, he rebuked their pride, and said, "I came not to call the righteous," that is, the self-righteous, "but sinners to repentance:" "The Publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you." Matthew, also called Levi, was engaged in this degrading occupation when summoned by our Lord to follow him. And we may remark on the call itself and his obedience to it. The call was unexpected. He was sitting at the receipt of custom, basily engaged. God is found of them who seek him not, he is made manifest to them who ask not after him. The grace of God prevents us, that we may have a good will, and works with us when we have that good will. It was a peculiar call. Its peculiarity consisted not merely in the dignity to which he was called, and the suddenness of it, but in the influence which it produced. Hence it was an effectual call. All who apprehend, or lay hold on Christ are first apprehended by Christ; and those who love him are first loved of him. But the effectual character of this calling will appear more clearly if we consider St. Matthew's obedience to it. It was immediate. Being made 86 willing in the day of Christ's power," he made haste and delayed not to obey. He "rose up," and from that hour became a stated follower of Jesus. His obedience was self-denying. The situation he filled was very profitable: it was a money-getting employment. Every day's experience proves that the love of acquiring wealth is the most difficult to renounce, it is a second nature, and in God's word termed "idolatry." But without hesitation he willingly resigned all, forsook all covetous desires and the inordinate love of riches, and followed one who had not where he might lay his head." What a lesson is here taught us! If our obedience to the Gospel call requires not equal self-denial; if we are permitted to abide in our appointed stations, yet let us take heed to ourselves that we abuse not the gifts of God. Our Christian self-denial must be displayed in a sober or temperate use of the things of time and Tenth Articles sense. 66 We must use this world without abusing it. Are we rich? Let not our love of riches be inordinate or excessive. They that will be rich fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." Are we poor? Let us remember that if covetousness be commonly defined as unduly seeking to obtain or hoard up money, in its larger meaning it signifies the desire or love of any thing more than God. I would have you, saith the Apostle, be without carefulness, and "let your moderation be known unto all men." There was much love in St. Matthew's obedience. We read that "he made him a great feast in his own house." Why did he this? He would shew his love to Jesus, and his love to souls. He was not ashamed of his new profession of Christianity, he desired to honor Christ in the presence of his former companions, and earnestly hoped that they might be profited by a closer contact with the Saviour of the world. In our social intercourse we should honor Jesus, not be ashamed of him, and exert ourselves to bring our friends to a knowledge of him. There was perseverance in his obedience. Perseverance in following Christ is the proof of our election of God. "He that endureth unto the end, the same shall be saved." He never desired to return to his former employment. At the call of God he forsook all; and, looking forward to a heavenly country, pursued with unwearied diligence his earthly pilgrimage. It is related of him, that after the ascension of our Lord, he remained many years in Judea preaching Christ, and at the request of the Jewish converts wrote the Gospel which is called by his name. Ethiopia also is supposed to have been the scene of his Apostolic labors, which were abundantly blessed. The manner of his death is unknown. Brethren, "Be ye followers of him, even as he followed Christ. Go forward in the full assurance of hope unto the end." "No man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God." The more we toil and suffer here K. H. I. ANECDOTE. |