The Pulpit Commentary — Mark — Volume 1 — Section 104

and the Bridegroom came back to his waiting bride, to fulfil the promise, "I l\m with you always," then, and on the day or Pentecost, they could not fast. If now there are times when to our doubting minds the heavenly Bridegroom seems far away; if now we ever feel that temporary abstinence from food, or from pleasure, or from work,. would help our spiritual life,-then let us fast; but even then let us do so in remem- brance of the words, "Thou when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy fo.ce, that thou appear not unto men to fast." In regard to this and all other ceremonies, "'Ye, brethren, &re oalled unto liberty, only use not that liberty for an occasion to tho- flesh, but by love serve one another." IV. JOYFULNESS IS INCULCATED. In this re.~pect the practices of our Lord presented, a striking contrast to those of John or of the Pharisees. Here he justifies his disciples, as formerly he had defended himself, against aspersions cast upon them for 1oining in social festivity. Appealing to the consciences of his questioners, and allud- ing to the last words of testimony their master had uttered concerning himself (John Iii. 29), he asked," Can the sons of the bridechamber mourn, while the bridegroom is with them?" We ought to be so glad because of our relation to Christ, because of his constant presence and undying love, that, like Paul, we can be "joyful in tribulations also," and sing God's praise in the darkness of a prison.-A. R. Vers. 1-12.-The paral,ytic. I. Tm: PARALYTIC A TYPE OP HELPLESSNESS IN GENERAL. In this case both physical and moraL No malady is serious but thai which attacks the freedom of the soul in its seat. II. DIFFICULTIES A.RE FOB THE TRIAL OF FAITH, The physical difficulty of getting to Christ's presence we may view as a parable or allegory of deeper moral difficulties. How hard to be a Christian-to reach the truth and live in the light of it I Argument m-eaks down ; many gaps in our reasoning it is not easy to get over. But- "What if the breaks themselves should prove at last The most consummate of contrivances To train a man's eye, teach him what is faith?" fil THE SEAT OF HEALTH OFTEN LIEB IN TBE IMAGINATION. A man has a dark picture of himself, his sin, his doom, etc., constantly before him. He cannot be well Ol' happy. Reverse this picture, and the whole nature, physical and moral, recovers its healthy working. Christ will not suffer men to despond or despair of themselves. Believe yourself condemned, a life-failure, and you remain a paralytic. Believe in yoUJ: Divine possibility and future; you can rise and walk. When the gospel is truly preached, men are not crushed, but uplifted; not discouraged, but heartened about themselves. IV. THE GIFT op SYllPATHY AND OP POWER. Here was a signal example of the diagnosis of Jesus. He saw, as we say, what was the matter. He spoke to the point; and his word was an idea and a power. Never is true sympathy disjoined from. power. To love our fellows is to enjoy the noblest power.-J. Vers. 15-22.-Matthew', house. I. THE SOCIALITY OP JEBUB, He was found all ordinary dinner-parties and entertainments throughout his course, and to the last. He was a contrast in this to the ascetic Baptist. He was found in" questionable" com- pany. But the company of Pharisees would have been as "questionable." With a clear conscience a man may go into the miscellany of people called" society." A free and open manner is certain to bring remark and censure upon him. But better to mix with others and be thought "no better" than they, than hold aloof and sour the heart with Pharisaic self-conceit. There is danger in general society, and danger in religiou cliques. IL LoVE; JUBTIJl'YING ALL ECCENTRICITIES, It was eccentric to mix with thos& common and tabooed people. The whole conduct of Jesus was eccentric, and brought abont fatal consequences. To aim at singularity is a foppery; to follow love's impulse alone is graceful, generous, polite, refined. This is singular. Would there were more of such singularity I IIL NATURALNESS. The spirit of man is like the face of earth and sky. Clouds pass over it; the SUil is hidden. Anon all 1s bright again, and birds sing. To follow the ,OH, II, 1-28,] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING ·ro ST. MARK. 101