finite willingness in God to save man, if man is only willing to be saved.
There is the fullest warrant for sinners to draw near to God by Christ. The word " Come," is addressed to all without exception. — ^Are men labouring and heavy- laden P " Come unto me," says Jesus, " and I will give you rest." (Matt. xi. 28.) — Are men thirsting P "If any man thirst," says Jesus, " let him come unto me and drink." (John vii. 37.) — ^Are men poor and himgryp "Come," says Jesus, "buy wine and milk without money and without price." — (Isaiah Iv. 1.) No man shall ever be able to say that he had no encourage- ment to seek salvation. That word of the Lord shall silence every objector, — " Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out." (John vi. 37.)
We are taught, thirdly, in this parable, that mani/ who receive Gospel invitations refuse to accept them. "We read that when the servant announced that all things were ready, those who were invited " all with one consent began to make excuse." One had one trivial excuse, and another had another. In one point only all were agreed. They would not come.
We have in this part of the parable a vivid picture of the reception which the Gospel is continually meeting with wherever it is proclaimed. Thousands are continu- ally doing what the parable describes. They are invited to come to Christ, and they will not come. — ^It is not ignorance of religion that ruins most men's souls. It is want of will to use knowledge, or love of this present world. — It is not open profligacy that fills hell. It is excessive attention to things which in themselves are