membered that the death of Lazarus did not depend on Christ's absence, and that our Lord, had He thought fit, could have prevented his death with a word, without com- ing to Bethan}r. — Martha had knowledge enough to say, " I know, that even now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God wilt give it Thee, — I know that my brother shall rise again at the last day, — I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God." — But even she could get no further. Her dim eyes and trembling hands could not grasp the grand truth that He who stood before her had the keys of life and death, and that in her Master dwelt " all the fulness of the Godhead bodity." (Colos. ii. 9.) She saw indeed, but through a glass darkly. She knew, but only in part. She believed, but her faith was mingled with much unbelief. Yet both Martha and Mary were genuine children of God, and true Christians.
These things are graciously written for our learning. It is good to remember what true Christians really are. Many and great are the mistakes into which people fall, by form- ing a false estimate of the Christian's character. Many are the bitter things which people write against themselves, by expecting to find in their hearts what cannot be found on this side of heaven. Let us settle it in our minds that saints on earth are not perfect angels, but only converted sinners. They are sinners renewed, changed, sanctified, no doubt ; but they are yet sinners, and will be till they die. Like Martha and Maiy, their faith is often entangled with much unbelief, and their grace compassed round with much infirmity. Happy is that child of God who understands these things, and has learned to judge rightly both of himself and others. Rarely indeed shall we find the saint who does not often need that praj'er, " Lord, I Jielieve : help Thou mine unbelief."
We learn, seconcll}7, what need many believers have of clear views of Christ's person, office, and poiver. This