relate to that kingdom which he was really come to establish in the world ; and as importing a desire after the highest proficiency in grace, and the highest elevation in glory. In conformity with this idea, he speaks to them only of spiritual advancement, and shews them,
1. The way in which it was to be obtained —
[It is not by a bare request that any person can arrive at eminence in the divine life. The soul is to be disciplined by conflicts, and to be purified by afflictions. Perfect as the Lord Jesus himself was, " he learned obedience by the things which he suffered," and " was made perfect through sufferings:" and
in like manner must all his people be Hence he put
the question to them, " Can ye drink of the cup that I drink of, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with ? " As though he had said, ( You see what bitter trials I endure, that I am overwhelmed even with a sea of troubles d ;' and it is ordained that all who will be distinguished either here, or in heaven, must arrive at that distinction by the same path : " they must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of heaven," and " suffer with me here, if they would be glorified with me in a better world." This is a solemn and important truth : it has been verified in every age and corner of the world : from righteous Abel to this very hour, every saint has experienced it; and those whose situations have required them to take the lead, have not only borne the brunt of the battle, but frequently have been called to sacrifice their very lives in the cause of Christ. Persecution is a cup which every saint must drink of; and a baptism which every follower of Christ must expect to be baptized with.]
2. The way in which they themselves should obtain it —
[In answer to the question put to them by our Lord, the two Disciples, without any hesitation, affirmed, that they could suffer any extremity for him. But what presumption was this ! Still however our blessed Lord would not mark what they said amiss; but, passing over it in silence, told them, that they should all partake of this honour, and be rendered conformable to his image. They had been chosen by him to be his messengers to the world, and to lead others in the way wherein they should go ; and therefore it was necessary that they in particular should be patterns of that faith and patience which they were to inculcate upon others. Accordingly, the very first of the Apostles that was put to death for the sake of
d See 1 Cor. x. 2. VOL. XII. I