The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 58

Ver. 33.-The force there may be in quiet things. "Like lea.van.~ The word "leaven." means "something that raises," from the mode of its operation. In one way it corrupts ; in another way it makes edible and wholesome. Leaven consists of myriads of the cells of the common green mould in an undeveloped state. It is at once a principle of destruction and constructiou, of decay and of growth, of death o.nd of life. In this parable our Lord seems to fix. attention on the very silent, quiet, hidden, yet persistent way in which leaven works its great results. 'l'he parable teaches the self-developing power of truth. The mode of its operation; ever from within outv,ards. And the fact which can be verified in human experience, that the greatest results may follow the most insignificant beginnings. , L How SILElIT ARE THE BEGilININGS OF THE NEW LIFE iN SOULS! 'fhe devotion of the disciples to Christ was a power they did not.estimate, It was a small beginning, but it grew in power to make them martyrs. The first faith and love of Christ's disciples was so weak that an evening breeze could have blown it away; by-and-by it stood the raging wintry storms of persecution. It was life, and, spreading, it gained power. The beginning of the new life in us is the time when mind and heart waken to personal interest in Christ. But this beginning is often hidden from others, and eveu from the man himself. If we recognized this fact.(1) we should make more of God's part, and less of our own, in the work of redemption; (2) we should be more quick to discern signs of God's working; (3) we should much oftener be encouraged by noticing the results of our Christian labour. II. How CONSTANT A.RE THE AOTIVITIEB OF THE NEW LIFE IN SOULS I Like the leaven, that is always going on leavening. Think of it as the spirit of faith, of trust in God, put i □ to our carnal, corrupt, self-seeking nature, even as leaven is put in meal; and as Christianity is put into an evil world. The .spirit of trust is active, like the leaven. Christian life and relations provide the spheres in which the active principle of faith is spreading. III. How GLORIOUS IS THE ISSUE TOWARD WHICH THE NEW LIFE IN SOULS IS WORKING! It will "leaven the whole lump." True of humanity.; but now wii see that it is especially true of owr humanity, ourselves. It is working to .win (1) the body, with all its passions and relations; (2) the mind, with all its Endowments u.nd interests; (3) the soul, with u.11 its capacities and possibilities. When the whole lump is ltavened, then holiness, and therefore hoaven. is gained.-R. T. Ver. H.-Reli9ion gained at personal sacl"ijke. A man is ploughing in a field «iu. nu. 1-58.] THE GOSPEL ACCIJRDING TO ST. MATTHEW. 69