are the true evidence of what a man is. — In a word, we forget our Lord's saying, — "Judge not according to the appearance."
We are too ready, on the other hand, to be deceived by the appearance of evil. We are in danger of setting down some men as no true Christians, because of a few faults or inconsistencies, and " making them offenders because of a word." (Isa. xxix. 21.) We must remember that the best of men are but men at their very best, and that the most eminent saints may be overtaken by temptation, and yet be saints at heart after all. We must not hastily suppose that all is evil, where there is an occasional appearance of evil. The holiest man may fall sadly for a time, and yet the grace within him may finally get a victory. Is a man's general character godly? — Then let us suspend our judg- ment when he falls, and hope on. Let us " judge righteous judgment."
In any case let us take care that we pass fair judgment on ourselves. Whatever we think of others, let us beware of making mistakes about our own character. There, at any rate, let us be just, honest, and fair. Let us not flatter ourselves that all is right, because all is apparently right before men. " The Lord," we must remember, " looketh on the heart." (1 Sam. xvi. 7.) Then let us judge our- selves with righteous judgment, and condemn ourselves while we live, lest we be judged of the Lord and con- demned for ever at the last day. (1 Cor. xi. 31.)
Notes. John VII. 14—24.
14.— [About... midst of...feast.~] This would be about the fourth day of the week, as the feast lasted seven days. Some who consider the feast of tabernacles a type of Christ's incarnation, think this circumstance is typical of our Lord's earthly ministry lasting three years and a half, answering to the three days and a half during which our Lord taught publicly here in Jerusalem. I doubt myself whether the circ lmstance is typical at all. If the