We stould notice in this passage, the solemn question which was addressed to our Lord Jesus Christ, We are told that a certain lawyer asked Him, " What shall I do to inherit eternal life P " The motive of this man was evidently not right. He only asked this question to " tempt *' our Lord, and to provoke Him to say something on which His enemies might lay hold. Yet the question he propounded was undoubtedly one of the deepest importance.
It is a question which deserves the principal attention of every man, woman, and child on earth. We are all sinners — dying sinners, and sinners going to be judged after death. "How shall our sins be pardoned? Where- with shall we come before God ? How shall we escape the damnation of hell ? Whither shall we flee from the wrath to comeP What must we do to be saved?" — These are inquiries which people of every rank ought to put to themselves, and never to rest till they find an answer.
It is a question which unhappily few care to consider. Thousands are constantly inquiring, " What shall we eat ? What shall we drink ? Wherewithal shall we be clothed? How can we get money ? How can we enjoy ourselves ? How can we prosper in the world?" Few, very few, will ever give a moment's thought to the salvation of their souls. They hate the subject. It makes them uncomfortable. They turn from it and put it away. Faithful and true is that saying of our Lord's, " Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth unto destruc- tion, and many there be that go in thereat." (Matt, vii. 13.)
Let us not be ashamed of putting the lawyer's