day, looks more like an argument; yet this element was introduced into the parable for another purpose, viz. to evinoo the absolute sovereignty of God. 3. On the contrary, he recognized it. (1) For he asserted it, thou~h in a sense very different from that in which the disciples had conceived of it. (2) It is the very doctrine of the parable of the talents. Christ, like David, his type, has worthies of various grades of merit. (3) The anticipations of the great judgment mak.e this very clear (cf. Dan. xii. 3; 1 Oor. xv. 41, 42). II. THEY BAD TO LEARN THAT THE BIOBEB GRADES 01!' GREATNESS ARE REWARDS OF CBILDLIKENEBB. 1. They were infl'11,8nced by IJ(!(;'Ular ideas, in which goodness has little to do with greatness. (1) In the kingdoms of this world some are born to greatness. So Simon and Jude may have based their hopes of future distinction upon their near relationship to Christ. (2) Somo have promotion through length of service. So Andrew, the first called to the discipleship of the kingdom, might have hoped for precedency on the gronnd of that priority. (3) Some have greatness thrust upon them. So the natural covetousness of Judas may have led him to exaggerate the importance of his money trust, as keeper of the bag. Much of the greatuess of this world is imaginary, Peter had the keys, and may have rested his contention for greatness upon that distinction. His fellows, however, were unwilling to accept that as con- ferring permanent dignity, much less supremacy. (4) James and John sought the chief place in the kingdom by petition and influence, after the custom of the world. The ten were displeased with them, probably because they cherished the same desire to be superior (see eh. xx. 20-24). It is unworthy in those to contend for privileges who shrink from work and suffering. 2. Jesw humbled them before the greatness of a little child. (1) Jesus taught, like the ancient prophets, impressively by signs. His lesson here was the greatness of humility. The lesson was difficult, for the world sees no greatness in lowliness. The teaching must be impressive. (2) The great Teacher sought not his symbol of greatness in the warrior, like Ca;1sar, to make whom great millions of men must die. His sign was not the statesman, the philosopher, the poet, or even the theologian. It was the infant. How original wa.'! his teaching I (3) Great men should not disdain the company of children. They may receive instruction from infants. Whenever we look upon a little child we may remcm ber the teaching of Jesus. 3. He preached an impressive sermon from his ~t. (1) He insisted upon the necessity of conversion: 11 Except ye turn," etc. (ver. 3). Note: Convel'llion makes men like little children. (a) Not foolish, nor fickle, nor sportive, but (b) innocent, humble, and docile. (2) To become like little children, sinners must be hom anew. 'l'he love of dominion, which led the disciples to contend for the higher places in the kingdom, unfitted them even for the lower. The new man is exalted upon the humi- liation of the old. (3) Heaven most intimately dwells in innocency. All heavenly virtues crystallize round innocency. The Lord so dwells in innocency that whoever receives a little child receives him. (4) As innocency is the essence, so is humility the soil of every grace. True humility is the only way to advancement in the kingdom of Christ (cf. Luke xiv. 11). "Climbing is performed in the same posture as creeping" (Swift). (5) As the world sees no greatness in lowliness, so are those who do see it greater than the world. The humble are therefore fittingly honoured with the rewards of greatness. (6) They have the special care of Christ. 'l'he best men have often the worst treatment from the world. But Christ promises recompense to those who show kindness to him in his humble followers, and retribution to those who refuse it.--J, A. M.
Vere. 6-9.-0ccasions of stumbling. To stumble is so to trip as to be hindered in faith or to be turned out of the way (cf. eh. v. 29, 30; xi. 6; xiii. 21; xv. 12; xxiv. 10; xxvi. 31, 33; John vi. 61, 62, 66; xvi. 1). Occasions of stumbling a.re evil in.fue::.ces -allurements, persuasions, temptations, bad example, calumnies, insults, persecutions. The text teaches- I. THAT CBBIBT BOLDS THE WICKED RESPONSIBLE FOB THE INJUBY TIIEY MAY OOOABION TO TB.E GOOD, 'fhe addition of the words, "which believe on me," shows that Ohrist is here speaking, not of II little ones" in age, but of his disciples, who are of a. humble spirit. Observe: 1. There is no infallible final perseverance of the saints. (1) The recognition of this truth is the very inspiration of this pathetic discow-se. 232 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. M.A.TTIIEW. [en. nm.1--35.