But what we still dcsidcrate is that all the leaching of the Law and all the enlightening and moving power of the prophets be condensed into a summary which the frailest memory can carry, and which a child can apply. We instinctively feel that for right.enus living all men should have guidance suflicient, that there should be a light like the sun, common to educated a11d uneducated; and this we have in the words, "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: this is the Law and the prophets "-this is the sum and this the substance of all that ~as c_Yer _been s~id to guide men to right conduct. Our own experience, aided by our 1rnagrnaL10n, will enable us to understand the treatment a man desires in the different positions iu life. And by the observance of this rule you get both your own view of the case and your neigli hour's; ~o that you shall neither on the one hand refuse a lawful anJ fair demand, nor on the other yield to an exorbitant, imprudent, or wicked one. In proclaiming this practical rule, our Lord had in view the achievement of that righteousuess which constitutes the kingdom of God. Evidently it is sufficient for this purpose. Almost the whole of life is in one form or other of the dealing or commercial kind; none of us being sufficient for ourselves, but each contributing for the good of the whole that which it is bis calling to supply. This frame of society, if animated by Christian principle, by a genuine desire to be as helpful as possible to the common good, is as heavenly a state of things as need be; but empty it of this, and leave only the desire to advance our own interests, and then you have not heaven but hell upon earth-a grasping, strug11:ling, bard-hearted, cruel competition. Yet to this latter state we a.re always tempted. We are throughout life under pressure to make too much of our own interests. It is obvious that nothing so effectually counter- acts this pressure as the expedient we a.re considering. That fineness of character and delicacy of feeling which every one admires and respects is formed, consciously or unconsciously, by obedience to this rule, by consideration of the feelings of other people, and a ready adjustment of our conduct to these feelings even in the smallest matters. Beyond the assurances given in the memorable words beginning," Ask, and it shall be gfren you," very little answer is given in this sermon to the inquiry, "What must I c1o to be saved?" But a. man can walk, although he cannot name the muscles he uses. Believe Obrist when he tells you that if you seek righteousness you shall find it; go on seeking it, assured that God is helping and will help you; and what further directions are essential to salvation? Our Lord here tells us God has a. kingdom; he tells us what that righteousness is which constitutes his kiugdom; and he assures us that he that knocks shall be admitted. These promises put the future in your own band. '.:'he waiting, striving, seeking spirit will not ultimately be disappointed. The weak and sin-tossed creature, whose efforts to attain have only proved his weakness more clearly, is arnured that if be asks he shall have all that he needs for purity, for righteousness, for love. "Ii ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give good things to them that ask him?" Ii we, who are ourselves entangled in much sin, can yet devise substantial benefits for others, how much more may we expect such substantial aid from our Father, whose title it is that he is" heavenly," above all the influences that narrow the heart l It is God's life to communicate, his delight to see his children grow in likeness to himself. There is no mystery about entrance into God's kingdom and athinment of righteousness. If you wish to enter, you can. Begin where Christ teaches you, and abide always in the assurance of the Father's love. "If the life be careless, bring back the mind to that; if the heart be unhappy or discontented, compel the thoughts to that; if the habits of our daily walk cause us many a. conflict between conscience and inclination, anchor the will on tha.t."-D. •
Vers. 13, 14.-Sermon on the mount: 1. "Enter ye in at the strait gate." That is to say, life is difficult, not easy. To be saved is an exceptional thing. It is an UD\\'elcome, saddeni,,g intimation; yet it is uttered by lips that spoke more comfort- ingly and more hopefully to men than any others dared. It is the Saviour of the world who admits that. in spite of all he does, many are destroyed. Our nature makes a strong resistance to such ideas. 'l'hnre is that in us which always says-Do not put yourself about; yo·.i may surely run the chance other men are running. These warning voices a.re but the moa.nings of fea.r or the ra.viags of fanaticism. lt is lll&llifestly absurq Clli. vu. 1-29.] 'l'tlE GOSPEL .ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. 309