This was far different from what might have been expected : yet it will afford much instruction to us —
1 . They listened —
[No sooner had he read the passage, than " the eyes of all were attentively fixed on him." The sublimity of the words, and the impressive energy with which they were read, engaged their attention, and made them very desirous of hearing what this celebrated teacher should deduce from them.
Happy would it be, if this eagerness to receive instruction were more visible amongst us. But, in general, when a minister has read the words which he proposes to explain, many, instead of putting forth all the powers of their minds to understand and apply the subject, compose themselves in the most easy posture, and sink habitually into listlessness and indifference; satisfied with having performed a duty, though
they reaped not the smallest benefit But consider, the
word which you hear, though spoken by a sinful man like yourselves, is, as far as it is agreeable to the mind and will of God, to be regarded " not as the word of man, but as the word of God." " We are ambassadors for Christ; we speak to you in Christ's stead; and God himself beseeches you by us." Whenever, therefore, you hear the Scriptures explained, you should, like the Centurion and his friends0, receive the word with all humility of mind, and treasure it up in your memory for the regulating of your hearts and lives ]
2. They wondered —
[Their wonder arose, in part, from their recollection of his parentage and education, which appeared to them ill suited to his high pretensions. But, in part also, it arose from the suavity of his manner, and the exalted nature of his discourse, to which they could not but " bear witness." And well indeed might they wonder that such a messenger should be sent from heaven, and that such blessings should be imparted unto men. But alas ! the very same truths delivered amongst us are heard with indifference : yea, though opened in the fullest manner, and exhibited in the clearest light, they are regarded as uninteresting speculations, if not as an idle tale. The work and offices of Christ may be explained, and all the wonders of redeeming love be opened to our view, and yet no admiration be excited ; yea, the talents of the speaker may be admired, and the subject itself be overlooked. But would this be the
case if men felt their need of this salvation ? No,
surely : they would be filled with rapture, and adore their God all the day long — ]
c Acts x. 33.