We need only notice the conduct of these holy Apostles, and we shall be at no loss how to regulate our own. The command itself is plain ; and we must obey it,
1. Instantly, without delay —
[We see not the smallest hesitation in any one of those whom Jesus called, in our text. Elsewhere we find that one expressed a wish " to go first and bid farewell " to his friends ; and another desired to "go first and bury his father^." But there is no time for compliment on an occasion like this. The call of God is of paramount obligation : nothing is for a mo- ment to interfere with our obedience to it. We know not but that it may be the last call we ever shall receive. The persons invited to the marriage supper wished to excuse themselves for that time ; but they were never invited again : on the contrary, the founder of the feast resolved, that " no one of them should ever taste of his supper'"." A similar resolution may at this very moment be formed by the Lord Jesus Christ, if we now refuse to become his followers, '* His Spirit will not always strive with man." There is " a day when the things which belong to our peace may be for ever hid from our eyes ;" and our " God may swear in his wrath, that we shah never enter into his rest." O that that day may never come with respect to us ! O that we may not foolishly dream of " a more convenient season," which shall never arrive ! But let us " to-day, while it is called to-day," comply with this divine call. Let us imitate the man after God's own heart, whose experience is recorded in those memorable words, " I made haste, and delayed not, to keep thy com- mandments."]
2. Fully, without reserve —
[Whilst some are wishing to defer their compliance with this command, others make exceptions against it in some par- ticulars, and would gladly have it lowered to their taste and convenience. Thus it was with the Rich Youth, who, when required to ^' sell all and give it to the poor, and to look for his treasure in heaven," accounted it a hard saying, and parted with Christ and heaven rather than with his wealth. " One thing he lacked;" and that one thing as effectually ruined him, as ten thousand would have done. O that we may learn from his fate, not to make any exceptions or reserves ; but to " foUow the Lord fully," even as Caleb and as Joshua did ! It was a great trial to Peter and Andrew to leave their nets ; and to James and John to leave their father also : but the grace
e Luke ix. 59—61. h Luke xiv. 18, 24.