We are taught, firstly, in this parable, that Ood has made a great provision for the salvation of men's souk. This is the meaning of the words, " a certain man made a great supper, and bade many.'' This is the Gospel.
The Gospel contains a full supply of everything that sinners need in order to be saved. We are all naturally starving, empty, helpless, and ready to perish. Forgive- ness of all sin, and peace with God, — justification of the person, and sanctificationof the heart, — grace by the way, and glory in the end, — are the gracious provision which God has prepared for the wants of our souls. There is nothing that sin-laden hearts can wish, or weary con- sciences require, which is not spread before men in rich abimdance in Christ. Christ, in one word, is the sum and substance of the " great supper." " I am the bread of life," He declares, — " he that cometh imto me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." — " My fiesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." — "He that eateth my fiesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life." (John vi. 35 — 66, 66.)
We are taught, secondly, in this parable, that the offers and invitations of the Gospel are most broad and liberal. We read that he who made the supper " sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come : for all things are now ready."
There is nothing wanting on God's part for the salva- tion of man. If man is not saved, the fault is not on God's side. The Father is ready to receive all who come to Him by Christ. The Son is ready to cleanse all from their sins who apply to Him by faith. The Spirit is ready to come to all who ask for Him. There is an in-