The Pulpit Commentary — Mark — Volume 1 — Section 272

snd who saunters through life voting everything to be a. weariness. How vivid is the contrast between his enjoyment and that of the schoolboy who comes home after passing hie examination ; or the man of business who rejoices to get free and renew the joys of bis boyhood I The same principle applies to things spiritual. Those who ha,e known no struggle with doubt or temptation, who ha.ve made no sacrifice for the Master, know little or nothing of the rapture which comes to others when, a.s they pray, there comes a burst of sunshine through the darkness. There would be more enjoyment of God's rest if only there were a more thorough doing of God's work. The converse of all this ia true. Legitimate rest prepares for work. If an indulgence or recre- ation makes duty distasteful, eo that we go back to it with surly discontent, then either the pleasure has been of the wrong kind, or it has been indulged in in a wrong spirit. The disciples who went into the desert to rest "a while" were soon at work again, and their retirement with Christ had increa.sed their knowledge and power. Such should be the effect of each sabbath day. Its morrow should find us endued with more courage, patience, and hope, in our daily toil The rest at Elim was as important for Israel as the march from the Red Sea. III. RECBEATIVE BEST IS INTENDED TO EXERCISE A WHOLESOME INFLUENCE ON CHARACTER. Many questions are asked concerning various forms of recreation, whether for Christians they are legitimate or not. Incidentally some tests have already been suggested. What is their effect upon the work of life? Do they fit us for doing it better, or do they lead us to turn from it with loathing? And what is their effect on Christian work? Is that more, or is it less hearty, devout, and spiritual, because of our pleasure-taking? But, besides these, there is a more subtle test to he found in the effect of recreation on character. Rightly chosen and enjoyed, it may do much to supply our personal deficiencies. We are seeking to become men in Christ Jesus-to have all the possibilities of manhood, so far as they are innocent, developed and strengthened, and not to have a few characteristics abnormally strong. If we are becoming stem in our fight with difficulties, the relaxations of home-life should make us considerate and gentle. It is well that there is a time to laugh, as well as a time to weep; and that God sends us that which will lift us out of the narrow groove in which the uniformity of life would keep us. If recreation is to have the effect on character which is highest; and best, it must be enjoyed in conscious fellowship with Christ. The final test about any doubtful recreation would be-Would Christ share this? Is it he who has said, "Come ye apart with me, and rest a while"? We rejoice in the belief that he does share in our recreations. He is with us under the whispering trees, and beside the sea as it rolls in upon the shore. He walks with us, as of old, across the corn-fields, and beside the hedgerows, with their marvellous wealth of life and beauty; and as we co=une together he bids us think of the minuteness and tenderness of our Father's care. To many weary disciples he still is saying," Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while."-A. R. Ver. 41.-Christian care for the needy. Observe the contrast between this feast on the mountain and the festival just alluded to in the palace of Herod. There self- indulgence, folly, and guilt prevailed; here the necessities of the body were generously met, and hungry souls were ~atisfied and gladdened. Describe the scene. Let us learn some of the lessons here inculcated by him who on all occasions was an example to his disciples. I. WE SHOULD DEVOUTLY RECOGNIZE GoD IN THE SUPPLY OF EARTHLY WANTS. When 011.r Lord came here he found religion divorced from common things. It had become a matter of ceremonies, of place and time, of ecclesiastical fast and feast, and therefore one of the main purposes of his teaching and miracles was to associate God with everything in men's thoughts. He worked as a carpenter, and so toil was sancti- fied; he cured diseases, and the work of the physician and of the nurse was ennobled; he went to a wedding feast, and hallowed marriage; he blessed little children, and directed their joys heavenward; he spoke of lilies in the field, of corn white unto the karvest, of birds nestling in the trees, and so made nature vocal with God's teaching; and here, when he to)k into his hands the bread and fish with which he would provide a labourer's meal for the hungry people, he looked up to heaven as the source whence it came, and blessed it, so that to the disciples the common meal became a sacrament. 270 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. M A.RK. [oH. VL 1-66.