5. This question was seriously put ; he did not ask it in jest, but in the greatest earnest. When men are convinced, things now begin to be real, and seem other than formerly they did ; they think, and speak, and talk like men in another world. Sin is another thing, they were wont to marvel what made men keep such ado about sin. What great harm was it to take a little forbidden pleasure ? That it was hard mea- sure to be held so closely to duty. But now they have other thoughts ; some are anxious, all are solicitous and careful, and enter into con- sultation about the means of salvation. When the Corinthians were
412 * SERMONS UPON MARK X. 17-27. ' [SeB. I.
made sorry by Paul's letter, 2 Cor. vii. 11, ' What carefulness it wrought in you.'
In short (that I may gather up all I have said), necessary questions are better than those which are nice and impertinent, and practical questions are better than speculative, and questions about spiritual and eternal things are better than those that only concern temporal. Ques- tions about the soul are better than those wliich concern the body, as far as the soul excels the body, and heaven excels the world. Where was the fault of all this ? I will show that by and by ; only I mention now, there was a leaven of legalism ; he thought to earn heaven by his doing, ' What good thing must I do ? ' as Matthew repeats the question, Mat. xix. 16. Thus far we have the character of the man fair; he was one that comes about a very serious and momentous question to Christ, a question that should be more on our heart.
Secondly, Let us consider the person by whom it was put, by a young man in the prime of his age, by a rich man in the fulness of his wealth, by a man of good rank as well as a good estate, by a ruler while he was in his power and empire.
1. We find him to be veaviaKoq, a young man. Julius Pollux tells us that veavi(TKo^ is one that had not yet accomplished his fourth sep- tenary, that is, not yet full twenty-eight years of age. Young men are usually vain, and there is nothing they mind less than the salvation of their soul. If an old man had put this question to Christ, it had been the less remarkable ; it is time for them to think of another world that have one foot already in the grave ; but this young man comes to Christ to inquire after eternal life. Oh ! that other young men would imitate his example, and go so far as he who yet fell short, as we shall see in the process of the story. There is an ignorant and profane conceit which possessetli many men's minds that it is not necessary for young men to study the scriptures, or to trouble themselves much with thinking of heaven and life to come, because they are young, and strong, and lusty, and likely to live many years ; therefore they think it is more proper for them to follow the world, and to mind the things of this life, and let old men alone to think of heaven. But this is flat contrary to the word of God, which requires us to ' Kemember our Creator in the days of our youth,' Eccles. xii. 1. He that gave all deserves our best, that oirr first and flowery years should be consecrated to him, while the effects of his creating bounty are most sensible upon us : Ps. cxix. 9, * Where- withal shall a young man cleanse his way ? ' The world will say, What have young folks to do with so serious a work ? When old age hath snowed upon their heads, and the smart experience of more years in the world hath ripened them for so severe a discipline, then it is time to think of repenting, and of cleansing our hearts from sin, and provid- ing for our last end and great account. Oh no ! God demands his right of the young man, that his heart be seasoned betimes with grace. In the word of God we read of Josiah, a young king ; of Phineas, a young priest ; of Daniel, a young prophet ; and Timothy, a young evan- gelist. Oh ! that young men would apply their hearts to religion, and make progress therein !
[1.] Consider how convenient and reasonable it is that God should have our first and best. The flower and l)est of our days is due to
VeK. 17.] SEUBIONS UPON MARK X. 17-27. 413
God, who is the hest of heings. Under the law the first-fruits were God's ; the sacrifices were all offered young and in their strength : Lev. ii. 14, ' If thou offer a meat-offering of the first-fruits unto the Lord, thou shalt offer the meat-offering of the first-fruits, green €ars of corn dried by the fire.' They were not to stay till they were ripened. God will not be kept out of his portion. When wit is dulled, ears heavy, body weak, affections spent, is this a fit sacrifice for God ? In respect of eternal life, which we look for, we should begin betimes to lay a foundation. If a man has a great way to go, it is good rising early in the morning ; many set out too late, never any too soon. And for the conveniency of it, young men are most capable of doing God service ; they are best able to take pains in the service of God, and working out their own salvation ; they are fittest in regard of strength of body and mind; the faculties of their souls are most vigorous, and the members of their bodies most active ; they have quick wits, much firmness of memory, and strength of affection. It is not fit to lay the greatest load on the weakest horse ; the weak shoulders of old men are not fit for the burden of rehgion.