greatness of Christ'* s works during His earthly ministry, St. John concludes his Gospel with these remarkable words, "There are many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I sup- pose the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." — Of course we must not torture these words, by j^ressing them to an excessively literal interpretation. To suppose that the Evangelist meant the world could not hold the material volumes which would be written, is evidently unreasonable and absurd. The only sensible interpretation must be a spiritual and figurative one.
As much of Christ's sayings and doings is recorded as the mind of man can take in. It would not be good for the world to have more. The human mind, like the body, can only digest a certain quantity. The world could not contain more, because it would not. As many miracles, as many parables, as many sermons, as many conversions, as many words of kindness, as many deeds of mercy, as many journeys, as many prayers, as many warnings, as many promises, are recorded, as the world can possibly require. If more had been recorded they would have been only thrown away. There is enough to make every unbeliever without excuse, enough to show every inquirer the way to heaven, enough to sat- isfy the heart of every honest believer, enough to con- demn man if he does not repent and believe, enough to glorify God, The largest vessel can only contain a cer- tain quantity of liquid. The mind of all mankind would not appreciate more about Christ, if more had been written. There is enough and to spare. This witness is true. Let us deny it if we can.
And now let us close the Gospel of St. John with mingled feelings of deep humility and deep thankful- ness. We may well be humble when we think how