I. His unexpected call —
In this there was doubtless somewhat peculiar. He was called to an office which was limited to twelve, and which now no longer exists. But still, excepting that peculiarity,
1. The same call is given to every one of us —
[To us the Gospel speaks in the same authoritative tone as that in which Jesus addressed this busy publican : and in it the Lord Jesus Christ himself says to every one of us, " Follow me." ' Believe in me as the true Messiah : receive me as sent of God to be the Saviour of your soul : give yourself up to me as your Lord and Master : obey my commandments, and tread in my steps. Let no present considerations operate to retard your compliance with my will : come, leave all, and follow me.' In all this there is nothing peculiar: it is the duty of every living man: the command is issued equally to all: "If any man will be my Disciple, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me " ]
2. Wherever it is effectual, it is equally the gift of sovereign grace —
[To Matthew, the call came unexpected and unsought : and so it does in reality wherever it takes effect. The precise time of its operation may not, in all cases, be so distinctly seen, nor its power so deeply felt ; but in all cases must its efficacy be traced to God, who, of his own good pleasure, dispenses his gifts to whomsoever he will. There may in some cases be a long season of gradual illumination, even as the early dawn, whose transition from darkness to light is imperceptibly pro- gressive: but still, if we trace it to the first thought and first desire originating in the soul, we must without hesitation ascribe it altogether to God, who " gives both to will and to do of his good pleasure0." Of all true converts it must be said, " Ye have not chosen me; but I have chosen youd:" " You loved me, because I first loved youe:" You did not "know me, till after you were known of mef ;" or " apprehend me, till you had first been apprehended by meC In reference to you all it must in this sense be said, no less than of St. Matthew himself, " I am found of them that sought me not ; I am made manifest to them that asked not after meh." Whatever " holy desires we feel, or good counsels we follow, or just works we perform," they all, as our Liturgy informs us, " proceed from
c Phil. ii. 13.
d John xv. 16.
e 1 John iv. 19.
f Gal. iv. 9.
s Phil. hi. 12. Y °t
h Isai. Ixv. 1.