Few find any inclination to accept the invitations of the Gospel —
[The Jews in their day withstood the solicitation of the Apostles : so now, all, however importuned, " begin to make excuse." Some plead the importance of their earthly business ; others urge that they must attend to the concerns of their families. Thus earthly cares, or carnal ease and pleasure, stupify the world.]
But God will resent the contempt poured upon his mercy —
[The pleas urged in the parable are not sinful in them- selves : but nothing, however good, should keep us from attending to the one thing needful. Every concern becomes sinful, when it is inordinately followed. Hence God declares that he is "angry" with those who offer such pleas: he threatens that they shall never partake of the feast they so despise, nor even " taste " of his bounty to all eternity. " None," however attentive to their worldly callings, shall find an ex- ception in their favour. How awful their state, who are never to taste of pardon, peace, or glory ! May we never bring upon ourselves so terrible a doom!]
Address —
1. Those who are averse to accept the invitations of the Gospel —
[Every one is forward to offer pleas in extenuation of his guilt; and, while some civilly beg to be excused, others roughly answer, " I cannot come." But whatever be our plea, and in what way soever it be oifered, God will discern its fallacy. Indeed the very persons who refuse our invitations, know that their excuses will avail nothing in the day of judgment1. What folly, then, is it to offer that in justification of ourselves now, which will serve only to condemn us in the last day ! Let us no longer cherish such fatal delusions. We may give to the world and our family a due portion of our care ; but let nothing keep us from the feast which God has prepared.]
2. Those who are afraid to come at the bidding of
their Lord —
[Many are kept from Christ by an apprehension of their own unworthiness. They think it would be presumption in them to accept his invitation : but it is not possible to describe more clearly the persons invited. If we be poor, or halt, or maimed, or blind, we are expressly called ; nor is our distance
' " I can not," and " I will not," will then be found to have meant the same thing.