the world, must make up his mind to be treated like Kis Master. He must never be surprised to find, that the self-righteous and the worldly-minded dislike His ways. The lawfulness of his proceedings will be constantly called in question. He will be regarded as meddlesome, dis- orderly, and self-conceited, a pestilent fellow, and a troubler of Israel. (Acts xxiv. 5 ; 1 Kings xviii. 17.) Scripture-readers, district-visitors, lay-agents, and unor- dained missionaries, are specially liable to meet with such treatment. And worst of all they will often meet with enemies, where they ougbt to find Mends.
Let all who are attacked by the world for trying to io good, take comfort in the thought that they are only drinking of the cup which Christ drank. Their Master in heaven sympathizes with them. Let them work on patiently, and believe that, if they are faithful, their work will speak for itself. The world's opposition is sure to attend every really good work. If the servants of Christ are to cease from every movement which the world calls in question, they will soon come to an entire stand-still. If we are to wait till the world approves our plans, and is satisfied with the propriety of our eflforts, we shall never do anything on earth.
Let us notice, secondly, in this passage, the manner in which our Lord speaks of John the Baptist's ministry. He refers those who questioned His authority to John's constant and unvarying testimony to Himself. '* Ought they not to remember how John had spoken of Him as the Lamb of God, — as One whose shoe-latchets he was not worthy to bear, — as One who had the fan in His hand, and had the Spirit without measure ? Ought they