The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 410

before recognizing the merits of the best men. The applause that 11ursts out so rapturously after they have left the BI.age is of no comfort to them now, It would have been better t-0 have shown them more kindness during their lifetime. In homelier regions much heartbreaking might be spared, and many bitter regrets avoided if we would take ea.re to show the affection and forbearance for our dear ones in th~ir life~ time which we shall vainly yearn to render them when it is too late. II. THEY WHO HONOUR TRB DEAD MAY Bl!I UNGENEROUS TO THB LIVING, Tha Jews venerated their ancient prophets, and yet they persecuted contemporary prophets, The very qualities which ma.de the great dead so glorious in their eyes were seen in John the Baptist and Jesus, only to be treated with contempt or even with anger, In the Christian Church it has been the fashion to look back with semi-adoration on "the Fathers; " but possibly men as good and great have been living in our own day. Descendants of the Pnritans, who were the champions of freedom a century or two ago, have been most repressive towards those who have inherited the liberty-loving spirit of the Puritans. But in commemorating the deeds of Christian heroism of the past; w& condemn ourselves if we will not give every encouragement to the true heroes of the present. Now it must never be forgotten that the prophets were unpopular in their day; that they protested against prevalent beliefs and fashionable practices; that they denounced the sins of social and religious leaders. The disposition to honour such men should justify itself by allowing a larger liberty to the advanced thinkers and the earnest reformers of our own times.-W. F. A. Ver. 37.-Tht lament over Jerusakm. These are among the most touching'woi'da ever uttered by our Lord. They reveal his strong patriotism, his deep human affec- tion, the greatness of the salvation he brought, and at the same time the frustration 01 the hopes which these things naturally raise, owing to the stubborn self-will of the Jews. Here is a lesson for all time. L THE GUILTY CITY. 1. No city wa,a more priwkged. Jerusalem was the favoured city of & favoured land. David, the great singer, celebrated her praises; David, the great king, raised her fortunes. But better than royal fame was her religious glory. Great prophets, such as Isaiah &nd Jeremiah, taught in her streets. More than once signal Divine providences helped her in direst necessity. Here was the temple of the Divine Presence. FinB.lly the city was honoured by the coming of Christ. 2. No city was more sinful,. When account is taken of her privileges, Jerusalem excels in guilt as she excels in favour, 'I'he most favoured people prove to be the most ungrateful and rebellious. She murders her best friends. She crowns her guilt by delivering her Christ up to death. IL THE PITYING SAVIOUB. ,.JestlB is grieved and loth to think of the doom of the wicked city. I. It wa,a hia own city. Not his native city, but the capita.I of his land, and the royal city, to which he came as King (eh. :ni. 4, 6). Jesus was a patriot. 2. It Wa6 the city of God. Its ruin was like the ruin of God's own daughter. They who have once known God touch the hea.rt of Christ with peculiar compassion when they lose their happy privilege. 3. It waa a doomed city. Already with pro- phetic eye Jesus saw the Roman legions compassing it about. It lay as the prey ready for the eagle. The heart of JesUB grieves over the sinner's doom. IIL THE woNDEBFUL SALVATIOli. By a homely and yet most touching illustration Jesus tella what he has longed to do for the city in its peril. 1. He comes to save. This is his great mission, and his salvation begins with "the house of Israel" (eh. xv, 24). 2. Heu able to save. Jesus speaks with the utmost confidence. He can save a whole city; nay, we know he can save a whole world. No doubt, if Jerusalem had accepted Christ and his teaching, the mad revolt which called down the vengeance of Rome would have been prevented. But in his deeper work, as our Lord has redeemed many of the worst profligates, he has shown himself able to save all men. 3. lle ojfera to save. The pathos of this wonderful utterance of Jesus lies in his own heartfelt desire and itB disappointment. With long-suffering patience he repeats his often- 1ejected offer. Be tit&nds at the door, and knocks. IV. 'fm: FINAL DOOJrt. The house is to be left desolate at last. 1. There is an end to the OJportunity for eBcape. This haB lasted long. Many were the occasion11 when Jesus would have welcomed the people of Jerusale1n,and have extended to them IIB, x:r.m. 1-39.) THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. H5