From a more particular view of this narrative, we may learn —
1. The evil of unbelief —
[Infidels pretend tbat their doubts arise from a want of evidence : but they in reality arise from an indisposition of heart to weigh with candour the evidence before them. This was the fault which Thomas now committed. He did not dispassionately consider the testimony of the other Apostles, but determinately set himself against it ; and would admit of no proof, except such as he himself should presume to dictate. And justly might he have been left for ever to perish in his unbelief, because he would not receive a testimony that was decisive of the point. It is precisely thus also with nominal Christians, who, while they admit the truth of Christianity in general, deny every truth that presses on their consciences, and will receive nothing that does not accord with their own preconceived notions. But, as they who came out of Egypt, as the Lord's people, perished in the wilderness through their unbelief, so will these never enter into the heavenly Canaan, unless they receive, and act upon, the whole " truth as it is in Christ Jesus." There is quite evidence enough to satisfy the humble inquirer : there is no real ground for doubt, either respecting the way of salvation through a crucified Redeemer, or respecting that holiness of heart and life which he requires: and if men will not " receive the truth in the love of it," they must expect that " God will give them up to believe a lie," to the everlasting ruin of their souls e.]
2. The folly of neglecting ordinances —
[Thomas was not with the other Apostles on the evening when our Lord first appeared to them ; if he had, there is reason to suppose that he would have been satisfied of the truth of Christ's resurrection, as well as they. But, through his absence, he lost that opportunity of beholding his risen Lord ; and thus continued in a state of anxious suspense for a whole week, after the rest were " filled with joy and peace in believing." As we know not the reason of his absence, we
rt Cant. v. 16. Ps. lxxiii. 25. e 2 Thess. ii. 11. 12.
ooo