We learn from these verses one mighty lesson. We learn, who they are that are reckoned the relations of Jesus Christ. They are they who are His disciples, and " do the will of God." Of such the great Head of the Church says, " the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."
How much there is in this single expression ! What a rich mine of consolation it opens to all true be- lievers ! Who can conceive the depth of our Lord's love towards Mary the mother that bare Him, and on whose bosom He had been nursed ? Who can imagine the breadth of His love towards His brethren according to the flesh, with whom the tender years of his child- hood had been spent ? Doubtless no heart ever had within it such deep well-springs of affection as the heart of Christ. Yet even He says, of all who " do the will of God," that each " is his brother, and sister, and mother."
Let all true Christians drink comfort out of these words. Let them know that there is One at least, who knows them, loves them, cares for them, and reckons them as His own family. What though they be poor in this world ? They have no cause to be ashamed, when they remember that they are the brethren and sisters of the Son of God. — What though they be persecuted and ill-treated in their own homes because of their religion? They may remember the words of David, and apply them to their own case, " When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." (Psal. xxvii. 10.)
Finally, let all who persecute and ridicule others be-
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