The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 46

(cf. 1 These. v. 21). Many endure "for a season," but not "to the end" (cf. eh. x. 22; Gal. v. 7) .. (3) Th~ failu:e !s "because they have no root in the~selves." They hsve no fixed prmciples m their JUdgments. They have no rooted habits in their good affections. "'l'he lack is not in_ the soil, but in careful h'USbandry" (Trench). The shallow are often the first to receive the good, as they are also to receive the evil• but they ~re fickle and unreliable. (4) If Nature has her zephyrs, dews, and tempered sunshine, so has she her floods, tempests, and scorching heats. So has providence its "tribulations and persecutions." No heavenly plant can be reared without these. The plant that cannot endure them must perish. 3. TM seed is wasted that falls among th0Nl8. (1) 'l'he soil here is neither deficient nor barren. That which can nourish briars can nourish something better. There a.re those who want not capacity, but culture. Not only must the wheat be sown; the thorns also must be rooted out. There are studious and exemplary persons who do not examine themselves in order to eradicate the evils of their neglected hearts. (2) The neglect of the briar is fatal to the wheat. The overgrowth of "the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches n is often more disastrous than " tribulations and persecutions." Grace is more needed in prosperity than in adversity. (3) "The deceiifulness of riches" is a significant phrase. It suggests: (a) That riches promise more than they give. (b) That men are readily deluded by them. How plausible is the suggestion to one who is "making haste to be rich," that it is prudent to make provision for the future! They do not reflect that it is still more prudent to make provision for the future life. How plausible, that to increase wealth is to increase ability to do good I The effect upon the disposition to do good is left out of the question. The appetite for accumulatina becomes more voracious and the liberality more stinted as men become more wealthy. (4) Luke's version adds," the pleasures of this life." Riches encourage the pursuit of these by furnishing the means for their gratification. Luke adds, " the lust of other things," such as desires after honour, distinction, show, and the praise of men. (5J These things, so esteemed among men, are by Christ described as " briars," " thorns,' "weeds." 4. But the Sower has encuuragement. (1) Some of the seed of the kingdom finds its way into "good and honest hearts" (see Luke viii. 15)-hearte prepared by Divine grace (see Acts xvi. 14); Gronnd made good by ploughing, weed- ing, and dressing. (2) Note the gradation in respect to growth. (a) In the carnless and unawakened the effect is nil. (b) The superficial readily accept the truth, profess it, but, discovering that the cro&B must go before the crown, renounce the crown to avoid the cross. "Swift to come, swift to go." (c) In the third class the Word sinks deeper, and gives more promise by abiding "persecutions and tribulations." They fail before the subtle power of the world. Note: We may be better than our neighbours and yet fall short of heaven. (a) But the fourth class receive the Word, retain it,,and come to fruitfulness. The fruit-bearers are the genuine disciples (see John xv. 8). (3) Note now the gradation in respect to fruit-bearing. The return is in tens-three tens, six tens, ten tens. Tithes of produce are the Lord's. Our riches are what we bring to God. Ten, including under it all units, the factors of all values, w11.s by the ancients t&ken a.s a. symbol of richness and fulness. As there are degrees of fruitfulness, ao will there be degrees of reward.-J. A. M. Vers. 10-17.-.77ie reason oftheparabk. After our Lord bad discoursed in parables to the multitude assembled on the sea.shore, his disciples inquired of him why he used that mode of teaching, for hitherto he had spoken in simple and explicit language: The reply shows that the design was- I. To EVINCE THE SPIRITUALITY OF SAVING TRUTH. 1. It is a mystery to be revealed. (l) The universe is dual, having mat.erial and spiritual complements. Between these there are wonderful correspondences. . There are, therefore, similitudes in abundance in the visible to illustrate the spiritual. (2) Yet we cannot, by natural reason unaided, attain to the knowledge of the spiritual. We know not how to apply the si.militudes. (3) Revelation from God is therefore necessary to supply this need. "The things of God none knoweth save the Spirit of God." (4) So this knowledge comes to us as a gift from God. "Unto you it is given," etc. (ver. 11; see also 1 Kings iii. 9, 12; Prov. ii. 6; John ill. 27; Jas. i. 17). 2. It i, still mystery when re1>eafod. (1) In its doctrtM. God manifested in the flesh ia the great mystery of OH, :uu.1-58.) THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO S'r. MATTHEW. 47