Lord spoke of the confession as being itself the foundation. We mnst have faith Ill Obrist before we can profit by him, and we must have courage to confess him if we would po~sess a robust Christian life. II. TIIE Crruncn ON THIS BOCK WILL BE SECURE, 1. It is "bui1t by (Jl.rist. There- fore the superstructure will be sound as well as the foundation. Our Lord is ever at work on his Church. He can do nothing with those who will neither believe him no. confess him. But wherever he finds the faith and confession, be himself builds up the strong structure of a Christian character, 2. It is assailed by evil. The powers of bell attack the Church because she is their enemy;. therefore the question of a sure founda- tion is of vital importance. The floods a.re sure to come and try the house. 3. le cannot be overthrown, This is a positive prediction of Christ's, and it ought to dispel our fear and confirm our faiLh. Of all he has predicted nothing has failed. He promised that the grain of mustard seed should become a great tree; and his promise has come true. His assurance that nothing shall overthrow the Church built on the true confession of faith in him has proved to be correct for nearly twenty centuries. 4. Its security is shared by those who confess the faith it embodies. St. Peter's name is justified by his rock-like confession, The Christian character is confirmed by a loyal faith and a_ bold confession. The spirit of St. Peter's confession is typical of the Christian heroism that can withstand all attacks of doubt or opposition.-W. F. A. Vers, 21-23.-.A terriole anti-climarc. Immediately after receiving his apostles' confession of his claims Jesus began to tell them of his approaching death. He wanted to be assured first that they had the faith which would stand the test of this announcement, Then he delayed no longer in confiding to them the dark secret which oppressed his own heart. The result was a terrible anti-climax. St. Peter, who had been treated with the greatest honour, is seen for the time being as only an incarnation of the tempter, I. THE SAD ANNOUNCEMENT. Jesus now for the first time distinctly declares his approaching rejection by the rulers, his death, and his subsequent resurrection. L 'l'he facts predicted. (1) Rejection, This looked like utter failure, for Christ came to be the King and Deliverer of Israel. (2) Death. This would put the crowning stroke on the apparent failure. It would also add a new horror, for "al' t.hat a man bath will he give for his life." (3) Resurrection. This should completely transform the prospect. But the final announcement does not seem to have been understood or at all taken in by the disciples. 2. The foresight. Jesus saw what lay before him, yet he set his -face steadfastly to go up to Jerusalem, His foresight meant much to him. (1) Additional distress. God mercifully veils the future from us. If we saw the coming evil with certainty it would be very difficult to face it. But Jesus walked with the shadow of the cross on his path. (2) Courage. 3. The prediction. Why 1lid Jesus tell his disciples of this awful future? (1) 'l'o prepare them for it, and pre7Cnt the disappointment of false hopes, (2) To claim their sympathy. II. THE FOOLISH REBUKE. St. Peter's conduct is culpably officious. He lays hold of Christ with undue familiarity, and even ventures to rebuke his Master. His action, however, is true to the well-known impetuosity of his character, and it reveals very natural traits, 1. Intense affection. The apostle loves bis Master unwisely but greatly, with a love that is not sufficiently submissive, yet with one that is most intense. It is eosy for cold-hearted people to blame the apostle. But they who do not approach his love for Christ are not the men to sit in judgment upon the devoted disciple. 2. Elated self-confidence. Jesus had just greatly commended St. Peter. It looks as though he were one of those unhappy people who lose their balance when they are too much praised, Such people have many a sad fall from glorious self-complacency to deepest humiliation, 3. Sudden surprise. The apostle did not speak deliberately. The astounding words of Christ started an ill-considered remark, H"sty words are not often weighty words. Ill. TrrE STERN REPLY. 1. Rebuffing a temptation. The quick answer of Jesus shows how keenly he had felt the well-meant dissuasion of his friend, which had just chimed in with the cravings of his human nature. Here was a real temptation of the devil which must be faced and conquered I Jesus recognized it as a stumbling-block laid on his path. 2, Unmasking an illusion. The words were from St. Peter, but the 1s, THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MAT'l'HEW. [oH. XVI.1-28.
spirit of tbem was Satan's, and the keen conscience of Jams at once assigned them to tbeir true sonrce. In an unguarded moment the apostle had let the tempter into his beart, had become but a tool of Satan. The character of the words reveal their origin, they have a savour of men about them, The common principles of men of the world are many of them directly counter to the will of God. Then for all their innocent appearance, they are of a Sa.tanic character. -W. F. A. '