The Pulpit Commentary — Mark — Volume 1 — Section 301

of the Word itself. The Lord Jesus came not to destroy, but to fulfil the Law; yet with mere tradition he would have no truce. III. CEREMONIALISM SU13STITUTES THE WORSHIP OF TJIE LIPS FOR THE WORSHIP 011' THE HEART. This was an old error and fault. The prophet Isaiah had seen reason to c0mplaiti of its prevalence among the Hebrews of his time; and, as it is the product oil sinful human nature, it need not surprise us if we meet with instances of the working of the principle of formality in any nation and in any age. Our Lord Jesus had fre- quent occasion to censure the vain repetitions, the prayers in the market-places, which he knew were in many cases the proof, not of a devout but of a hypocritical nature. "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth." IV. CEBEMOls'l..ALIS]I( SUBSTITUTES A SUBTLE EVASION FOB FILIAL DUTY. Natural piety concurs with the revealed commandment, in requiring of children honour and reverence towards their parents. To support them when in old age and poverty has ever been deemed a plain duty and, indeed, a true privilege. The way in which th, unrighteous but religious Jews evaded this obligation is characteristic. Whatever a parent needed, the son declared to be dedicated to God, and therefore not applicable to the relief of the parent's wants. Such a device was hateful in the eyes of the holy and affectionate Saviour, who not only condemned unfilial conduct, but still more the mean. hypocrisy which could use religion for its cloak. V. CEBEMONIALISM SU13STITUTES AVOIDANCE OF UNCLEAN FOOD FOB AVOIDANCE OF nrPUBE AlID MALICIOUS THOUGHTS. Even Christ's disciples found it difficult to under- stand their Master's position with regard to clean and unclean food. The distinction was in itself recognize.d by the Law, but additions were made by human ingenuity, and, the distinction itself was exaggerated, so as to imply more than was divinely intended. In the exercise of his authority, be "made all meats clean." He taught that sin works not from without inwardly, but from within outwardly; that the heart of man needs to Le guarde.d against sinful thoughts and desires, in order that the life may be just,. peaceful, and pure. APPLICATION. It is possible to be, in a sense, religious, and yet, in a deeper sense, sinful, and out of harmony with the mind and will of God. It is a temptation from. which none is wholly free, to substitute the external, the formal, the apparent, for what God requires-the faith, love, and loyalty of the heart. Hence the need of a good heart, which must be a new heart-the gift and the creation of God by his Spirit. The religion of the New Testament both enjoins this and provides for its acquirement. He who is "in Christ" is a new creation ; and having the fountain cleansed, sends forth, pure and purifying streams. Vers. 24-30.-The alien's faith. In quest of repose and retirement, the Lord Jesua, often, even during the bnsiest periods of his ministry, withdrew from crowded cities and.- busy shores to some accessible seclusion. On this occasion be travelled to the borders of Phcenicia, but though so far from bis accustomed resorts, he was known and sought and followed. From Tyre and Bidon people had already, attracted by his fame, found• their way to the neighbourhood of Capemaum, to hear bis discourses and to behold his works. No wonder that now, even in these distant regions, though desiring retirement, the Divine Prophet "could not be bid." Hence the application recorded in this touching and encouraging narrative. We observe here- I. FAITB ARISING JN UNFAVOURABLE CIRCUMSTANCES. A woman-described as a. Canaanite, a Gentile--appealed to Jesus for help. Probably a heathen, she yet had confidence in the power of the Hebrew Rabbi and Prophet to bring her some relief. It is singular that two conspicuous instances of faith in Christ during bis ministry-this, and that of the centurion-should be displayed by Gentiles. And this when many of, our Lord's own countrymen despised and rejected the Son of David! Yet every preacher of the gospel has met with cases which show us that faith springs up '!'here it is least expected, and in circumstances the least favourable. An inducement this for· the Christian sower to " sow beside all waters." II. FAITH PROMPTING TO INTERCESSION. Personal faith will lead to plea.ding prayer. This was the faith of a mother, conceme.d for her afflicted daughter, poeses~cd by an. unclean spirit. Maternal love incited to the appeal, and sustained under d1~courage- ment and rebuffs. True faith will ever lead to action, and will impel the aJ1X1ous soul OH, vn. 1-37.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MARK.