Mark x. 23 — 25. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into
the kingdom of God ! And the Disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus ansivereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God ! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
IN the perusal of history, it is desirable not merely to treasure up facts in our minds, but to deduce from them such observations as shall increase our stock of practical and useful knowledge. It will be to little purpose to have our memory stored with events, unless our judgment be matured by suitable reflec- tions upon them. In reference to the sacred history, this remark is still more obvious and important. Very little benefit would accrue to a person from knowing, that a rich young man had turned away from Christ, because he disliked the directions which our Lord had given him. If we would derive any material instruction from this event, we should con- sider what aspect it has upon the manners of men in general : we should, after the example which our Lord himself has set us, contemplate the effects which wealth generally produces on those who possess it, and the obstacles which it lays in our way to the kingdom of heaven.
In confirmation of our Lord's reflection, we shall endeavour to shew, whence it is that " it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."
I. It is difficult for a person to have riches, and not to love them —
Riches almost universally fascinate the minds of men —
[Persons of opulence see what respect their wealth pro- cures for them ; that they are objects of admiration and envy to all around them ; and that, by means of their money, they can obtain all the comforts and luxuries of life. Hence they are ready to conceive that riches are really good, and almost necessarily conducive to the happiness of those who possess them. Under this idea, their affections are easily attracted towards them, and they are ready to congratulate themselves on their own peculiarly favoured lot. Hence that caution
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