peculiar commendation! He declared ISTatlianael to be a true son of Abraham, — a Jew inwardly, possessing circumcision in the spirit as well as in the letter, — an Israelite in heart, as well as a son of Jacob iu the flesh.
Let us pray that we may be of the same spirit as Kathanael. An honest, unprejudiced mind, — a child-like willingness to follow the truth, wherever the truth may lead us, — a sim]3le, hearty desire to be guided, taught, and led by the Spirit, — a thorough determination to use every spark of light which we have, — are a possession of price- less value. A man of this spirit may live in the midst of much darkness, and be surrounded by every possible disadvantage to his soul. But the Lord Jesus will take care that such a man does not miss the way to heaven. "The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way." (Psalm xxv. 9.)
Notes. John L 43 — 51.
43. — [The day following.] This is the fourth successive day which is specially named by St. John, and its events described. The first contained John the Baptisfs reply to the priests and Levites, — the second, his public announcement of our Lord as the Lamb of God, — the third, the calling of Andrew and his com- panion, and Peter, — the fourth describes the calling of Philip and Nathanael.
[ Would go fo7'th.'] The Greek word rendered " would," signifieg that our Lord " willed or had a will."
{Findeth Philip.'] It does not appear where Philip was when Jesus called him. He must either have been at Bethabara, among John's hearers, — or at some place ou the road from Bethabara to Galilee, — or at his own native place, Bethsaida. The last ia perhaps the most probable idea
[Follow me.] This simple sentence describe? the direct quick* ening voice of an almighty Saviour. It is evident that the power of the Holy Ghost accompanied our Lord's words, and that as soon as they were spoken, Philip, like Matthew the publican, arose, left all, and became a disciple. In conversion God acta as a sovereign. One is called in one way, and another in another. .RoUock observes on this verse, " This teaches us that Christ ia