this world, because of their religion. It was their case which Jesus had specially in view in this passage. He desired to supply them, and all who suffer like them for the Gospel's sake, with special comfort and consolation.
Let us notice, secondly, in these verses, who are those to whom our Lord addresses the solemn words, ** Woe unto you.*' Once more we read expressions which at first sight seem most extraordinary. "Woe unto you that are rich ! — ^Woe unto you that are full ! — ^Woe unto you that laugh ! — ^Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you ! " — Stronger and more cutting sayings than these can not be found in the I^ew Testament.
Here, howeyer, no less than in the preceding verses, we must take care that we do not misapprehend our Lord's meaning. We are not to suppose that the possession of riches, and a rejoicing spirit, and the good word of man, are necessarily proo& that people are not Christ's disciples. Abraham and Job were rich. David and St. Paul had their seasons of rejoicing. Timothy was one who " had a good report from those that were without." All these, we know, were true servants of God. All these were blessed in this life, and shall receive the blessing of the Lord in the day of His appearing.
Who are the persons to whom our Lord says, " Woe unto you?" They are the men who refuse to seek treasure in heaven, because they love the good things of this world better, and will not give up their money, if need requires, for Christ's sake. — ^They are the men who prefer the joys and so-called happiness of this world, to joy and peace in believing, and will not risk the loss of the one in order to gain the other. — They are those