The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 51

unworthy. (a) Lest they should insult them. The swine will trample on the pearl, nnd turn and rend the merchantmnn. (b) As a ju<lgment upon their brutishness (cf. vere. 10-15; lea. vi. 9). 8. From whom are they hidden 1 (1) From the wise and understanding, viz. in their own conceits (cf. eh. xi. 25--27). Not many of our sophs nre called. (2) From the self-righteous. From the Pharisees, who were notably of this order, especially it was that Christ taught in parables to hide the savina truth. (8) From the sensual. The treasure of the gospel is spiritual. It is, therefo~e, to be discerned by the spiritual senses. The grosser seneualism of the flesh blinds the finer sense of the spirit (cf. John xiv. 9). (4) From the worldly. They can only see thl' surface of the field. A nobloman once gave e. celebrated actress a Bible, telling her at the same time that there was a treasure in it. She, thinking he meant religion, laid the Bible aside. She died, and all ehe had was sold. 'l'he person who bought tho Bible, on turning over its leaves, found a five hundred pound note in it. Had the actress read that book ehe might not only have found the note, but the "Pearl of great price." II. 1TB DISCOVERY. 1. Wnere is itfound1 (1) In this present world. "The field is the world" (ver. 88). (a) In that part of the world called Palestine the tree.sure was once hidden. Now the Pearl is to be found wherever the merchantman with ~ufficient diligence may seek for it (see John iv. 21-24). (b) In this present world we are probationers for eternity. If we miss the opportunities of this probation we have no promise of a second. 'l'here are no treasures of salvation for the richest of the rich men in hell (see Luke xvi. 26). (2) In the Word of God. It is not to be found in nature. God's plan of salvation is not written upon the ethereal dome in the -fire of the stars. It is not uttered by the tongue of thunder. We neither hear it in the roar of the sea nor in the whispers of the groves. It is the theme of holy revelation (see John v. 89), (8) In the ordinances of religion. These are fittingly called" means of grace." In them the Word of revelation is read, expounded, preacbP.d. The Holy Spirit of inspiration is present. There by his own appointment (cf. E:r.od. x.xi.x. 43; eh. xviii. 20). (4) In the believing heart. The blessings of salvation are revealed to faith (see Rom. x. 4-10). 2. How is it to be found 1 (1) Sometimes it may be found without seeking. The gospel found the Gentiles when they sought not for it (see Rom. x. 19 -21). Sinners in the mid-career of madness have been arrested by a word. (2) It is always to be found by seeking. The miner may infallibly strike upon this lode. The merchantman need never miss the Pearl of great price (cf. eh. vii. 7, 8). (3) 'fbe purpose of the seeker must be simple. To the "babes" is revealed the wbdom bidden from the" wise and understanding" (eh. xi. 25). III. ITS EFFECT. 1. It fills the soul with joy. (1) It brings the greatest relief. We have the treasure which discharges all our heavy liabilities to God. It delivers us from liability to the damliat1on of bell. (2) It assures the highest hope. For what hope is higher than the hope of heaven? Holiness is the qualification and assurance for that hope. (3) It is the purest joy. What joy can be purer than the love of God? 2. It inspires a holy vigilance. (l) The finder of the bidden treasure bides it still until be can make it hie own. Note: 'l'he parable does not pronounce one way or another upon the ethical question as to how far a man may take advantage of the ignorance of his neighbour. The teaching of the simile is a commendation of vigilance. The true treasure is in everybody's field. One is not deprived of it in order that another may be enriched. But the unbelieving are ready to barter for folly that which the wise will buy at any cost. (2) But is it not the duty of the Christian to confess Christ? Undoubtedly. But bow can a man confess him before he bas him P The treasure is hidden only while it is in the prospect of possession. 3. It begets the tnMJ apirit of sacrifice. (1) 'l'be wise man buys the field; then the treasure becomes his. (2) But what does he give for it? "All that be bas" (see eh. xix. 16-22). (3) But what has a man before he finds Christ? Nothing but sin. What, then, does be "sell"? Simply sin-all his sin. Blessed riddance 1 (4) What, then, does be gain? Christ. In Christ he has everything worth possessing. Blessed exchange 1-J. A. M. VcrA. 47-50.-The drag-net. The import of this parable is similar to that of the tares, though perhaps of wider application. The theatre of the earlier 1:arnble is tho la>Jd, which in prophecy designates the Hebrew peorle; while the sea, m the latter,  62 TIIE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. [cH. xm. 1-58.