by faith in him, as " the way, the truth, and the life." But the time was not yet arrived for the full disclosure of Gospel truth. It was at present but sparingly promulgated. Besides, if our Lord had thus plainly declared the way of salvation, there is reason to think, that the young man would either have rejected the truth without further inquiry, or embraced it without a due preparation of soul for it; in either of which cases he would miss the end which he was solicitous to attain. The best way therefore to lead him to salvation, was, to shew him his need of it ; that so he might enter upon a profession of it with all the zeal and gratitude that would be necessary for his establishment in the faith.]
But, while we thus vindicate the injunction given him, we cannot but lament,
III. The effect it produced upon him —
Instead of operating in the manner that our Saviour wished,
1. It filled him with grief —
[" He was sad at that saying." But what made him " sad?" Was he grieved and ashamed on account of his backwardness to obey it ? That would have been a hopeful sign, and would probably have issued in his conversion to God. But alas ! he was grieved at the strictness of the precept. " He had great possessions," and could not prevail upon himself to part with them. His riches were his idol ; and of more estimation, in his eyes, than any treasure in heaven. Had he been called to sacrifice a part of his property, he would probably have ac- quiesced in the appointment: but to bereave himself of all, to reduce himself to a state of poverty, this was a requisition which he could not comply with.
Such is the effect of the Gospel upon many at this time : they would gladly embrace it, and would make some sacrifices to obtain its blessings : but to renounce the world, to mortify their lusts, to turn their backs upon all that is pleasing to flesh and blood, and to bring upon themselves nothing but contempt and persecution from their dearest friends and relatives, ap- pears to them too great a sacrifice, and they hope to get to heaven upon easier terms. Thus between a sense of their duty, and an aversion to perform it, the only effect of the Gospel is to render them unhappy.]
2. It determined him to forsake Christ altogether —
[" He went away grieved." Much as he revered the Lord Jesus, and wished to partake of his salvation, he could not con- tinue with him on such terms as these. The price was too great for him to pay ; and therefore he turned his back upon him.