But at first we must give him time. There is great need of wisdom in dealing with young people about religion, and; generally speaking, with all young disciples. Kind- ness, and patienoe, and gentleness, are of the first importance. We must not try to pour in the new wine too quickly, or it will run over. We must take them by the hand, and lead them on gently. We must beware of frightening, or hurrying them, or pressing them on too fast. If they have only got hold of the main princi- ples of the Gospel, let us not set them down as godless, because of a few lesser matters. We must bear with much weakness and infirmity, and not expect to find old heads on young shoulders, or ripe experience in those who are only babes. There was deep wisdom in Jacob's saying, " If men should over-drive them one day, all the flock will die." (Gen. xxxiii. 13.)
Notes. Lukb V. 8S— 30.
53. — [Thine eat and drink.] We must not suppose from this ex- pression, that the disciples of our Lord were charged with neglecting to pray. A careless reader might fancy it was so. It is evident from the whole tone of our Lord's answer, that this was not the charge brought against them. The real charge was, that our Lord's disciples " did nqt fast."
U.-^Bridechamber...hridegroom.] There is a peculiar beauty m our Lord's use of these figures about Himself and His people, when we remember that John the Baptist himself had used them when speaking of Him to his own disciples. (John iii. 29.) If any of John's disciples were among those who questioned Him on this question, His expression would doubtless remind them of their master's teaching.
95 — [Then shall theyfast.'] This expression has led many to sup- pose that from the time when our Lord Jesus Christ left the world, literal fasting from meats and drinks at certain seasons, was to be the duty of all Christians.
There seems no ground for this sweeping conclusion. That fasting and abstinence were occasionally practised by belieyers after our Lord's ascension is clear and plain. That all who