the sinfulness of man's heart. Few of us, it may be feared, have the least conception of the strength and yirulence of the spiritual disease with which we are bom. Few entirely realize that ''the carnal mind is enmity against God/' and that unconverted human nature, if it had the power, would cast its Maker down from His throne. The behaviour of the husbandmen before us, whatever we may please to think, is only a picture of what every natural man would do to God, if he only could. To see these things is of great importance. Christ is never fully valued, until sin is clearly seen. We must know the depth and malignity of our disease, in order to appreciate the great Physician.
In the second place, this parable shows us the amazing patience and long-suffering of God, The conduct of the "lord of the vineyard" is a vivid representation of God's dealings with man. — It is a faithful picture of His merci- ful dealings with the Jewish church. Prophet after prophet was sent to warn Israel of his danger. Message after message was repeatedly sent, notwithstanding in- sults and injuries heaped on the messengers. — It is a no less faithful picture of His gracious treatment of the Gentile churches. For eighteen hundred years He has suffered their manners. They have repeatedly tried Him by false doctrines, superstitions, and contempt of His word. Yet He has repeatedly granted them seasons of refreshing, raised up for them holy ministers and mighty reformers, and not cut them off, notwithstanding all their persecutions. The churches of Christ have no right to boast. They are debtors to God for innumerable mercies, no less than the Jews were in our Lord's time. They