-Son by the Father (John vi. 44). The Son reveals himself by peroonal manifoetation to the believer. This is a hi~her evidence than that of the miraculous works of the Father (see John xiv. 11). (4) The happiness of man lies in his knowledge of God. It is" life eternal" (see John xvii. 1-3). There is no comfortable intercourse between -a sinful man and a holy God but through the one competent Mediator (see John xiv. 6). III. THE PERSONS wno ARE HONOURED WITH IT. 1. Not the "wise and under- $tandt'.ng." (1) This phrase is used in irony. The reference is to the scribes and .Pharisees, who were "wise and understanding," viz. in their own conceit.a. They looked down upon the common "people who knew not the Law" as "accursed; " while they themselves, confounding the traditions of the elders with the Law, made the latter void. And so wise and understanding were they in their care not to be deceived by .appea.rances, that they failed to discern the Messiah whom they sought. (2) There are many who in our diLy expose themselves to the same irony. Some of the darkest upon spiritual questions are amongst the great scholars in human literature and science (see 1 Cor. i. 21). And some have taken a leading part in opposition to the trans- -eendent truth (see 1 Tim. vL 20). (3) Such persons become subjects of judicial blindness. "Thcu hast hid these things from the wise and understanding." Spiritual ignorance comes as a punishment upon obstinate unbelievers (cf. John xii. 39, 40; Acts xxvili. 26, 27; Rom. xi. 7, 8). (4) Moreover, Christ thanks the Father for this judicial <lea.ling. NSte: We must not let false compassion displace in us a proper jealousy for .the justice and honour of God. Thanksgiving is the proper "answer" to dark and disquieting thoughts. And mercy may be thankful for a judgment that is mingled with mercy in hiding from the obstinate a knowledge which would aggravate their doom. 2. The revelation is to babes, (1) This is a Jewish term for unlearned persons (see Rom. iL 20). It is, therefore, applied to the disciples of Jesus, who were simple men (cf. Ps. viii. 2; eh. x.ri. 15, 16; Acts iv. 13; 1 Cor. ii. 6-10). In this sense" to our children " belong " things that are revealed" (Deut. xxix. 29). (2) To the simple people Jesus gives his invitation, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." The poor people a.re first called who groan under the burdens heavy and grievous to be borne, of laws and traditions laid on their shoulders hy the scribes and Pharisees (see eh. x:xiii. 4; Acts xv. 10). li the Pharisee would himself come to Jesus, he must first become a babe (see eh. xviii. 3). (3) These only will implicitly submit to the guidance of Jesus who labour for the "rest" of his love. Others will seek rest in titles, riches, pleasures, extremes of ambition and avarice. 'l'hey do but increase their unrest. True rest is in the "meek and lowly" heart-the heart that is in sympathy with the blessed heart of JeBUB. (4) Those only will take the yoke of Christ upon them who feel t,he burden of sin. The distressing sense of guilt and depravity. Taking upon us the yoke of Christ is submitting to him a~ our Ruler (cf. 1 Kings xii. 10; 1 Tim. vL 1). If he releases us from the drud~ery of em, it is that we may serve him in the bonds of truth and love. One yoke gives place to another; we cannot be "as gods "-independent. 8. The revelation ia heavenly. (1) Its rest is glorious. Rest from the weary ways of sin. For the wicked there is no rest. The peace that pa.sseth understanding. The anticipation of heaven. (2) Its yoke is easy. It is the sweet yoke .of love. "It is a yoke that is lined ~th lo"!e" (Henry). The commandments of love are not grievous. The gospel law 1e the liberty of the purest love. It is a wonderful contrast to the bondage of sin (see Deut. x:xviii. 47, 48; Isa. L 27; Dan. ix. 24). (3) Its burden is light. It is sweet to the loyal servant to know that the cross he bears is Christ's. The love of Christ lightens the burden, and so he sustains it himsell "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain thee" {Ps. Iv. 22). He will carry thyself and thy load. Thou art thyself thy load (cf. Isa. xliii. 2; lx.iii. 9; Dan. iii 25; 2 Cor. i. 6; iv. 17).-J. A. M.
Ver. 28.-Restfor the weary. We have here- L A BURDEN. 1. So= are laden with sin. (1) Guilt. Their bad life is set in .array againBt them. The Spirit of God comes !-<> them~ the Law, !n the G~spel, by the miniHtry, over an open grave. (2) Depravity. Vestiges of vamty, of pnde, self- will, selfishness. 2. Others groan under the distresses of life. (1) Poverty. (2) Sickness. (3) Temptation. Satan takes advantage of our depression. (4) Persec11- tion. Permitted to wean llB from the world, To prepare us for a better. OB. XI. 1-30.] TilE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. 4.77-