The second lesson here is a striking picture of two classes of Christian hearers. Those who hear and do nothing — and those who hear and do as well as hear — are both placed before us, and their histories traced to their respective ends.
The man who hears Christian teaching, and practices what he hears, is like " a wise man who builds his house upon a rock." He does not content himself with listening to exhortations to repent, believe in Christ, and live a holy life. He actually repents. He actually believes. He actually ceases to do evil, learns to do well, abhors that which is sinful, and cleaves to that which is good. He is a doer as well as a hearer. (James i. 22.)
And what is the result ? In the time of trial his religion does not fail him. The floods of sickness, sorrow, poverty, disappointments, bereavements beat upon him in vain. His soul stands unmoved. His faith does not give way. His comforts do not utterly forsake him. His religion may have cost him trouble in time past. His foxmdation may have been obtained with much labor and many tears. To discover his own interest in Christ may have required many a day of earnest seeking, and many an hour of wrestling in prayer. But his labor has not been thrown away. He now reaps a rich reward. Tlie religion that can stand trial is the true religion.
The man who hears Christian teaching, and never gets beyond hearing, is like '■'■ a foolish man who builds his house upon the sand." He satisfies himself with listening and approving, but he goes no further. He flatters himself, perhaps, that all is right with his soul, because he has feelings, and convictions, and desires, of a spiritual