These words we should probably regard as the key- note to all that the seventy disciples said. We can hardly suppose that they said nothing else but this single sentence. The words no doubt implied far more to a Jewish hearer at the time when they were spoken, than they convey to our minds at the present day. To a well-in- structed Israelite, they would sound like an announcement that the times of Messiah had come, — that the long promis- ed Saviour was about to be revealed, — that the "desir§ of all nations" was about to appear. (Hag. ii. 7.) All this is unquestionably true. Such an announcement suddenly made by seventy' men, evidently convinced of the truth of what they said, travelling over a thickly peopled country, could hardly fail to draw attention and excite inquiry. But still the message is peculiarly and strikingly simple.
It may be doubted whether the modem way of teaching Christianity, as a general rule, is sufficiently sim- ple. It is a certain fact that deep reasoning and elaborate arguments are not the weapons by which God is generally pleased to convert souls. Simple plain statements, boldly and solemnly made, and made in such a manner that they are evidently felt and believed by him who makes them, seem to have the most effect on hearts and con- sciences. Parents and teachers of the young, ministers and missionaries. Scripture-readers and district visitors, would all do well to remember this. We need not be so anxious as we often are about fencing, and proving, and demonstrating, and reasoning, out the doctrines of the Gospel. Not one soul in a hundred was ever brought to Christ in this fashion; We want more simple, plain,, solemn,/ earnest, affectionate
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