The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 1 — Section 200

impulse wns t-0 make those ilcarcst to him partake his joy. He thought of his brother Simon-that noble, eager, affectionate nature, that came afterwards to be consecrated to the friend~hip anrl the service of the Christ. A brother's insight divined that news l!Uch as that he had to communicate would awaken emotions in Simon's breast similar to those enkiodlerl in his own. Sympathy and love urged him to hasten to his brother, the companion of his boyhood and youth, the sharer of his interests 11.nd occupations. Love is DP.Ver so admirable as when it aims unselfishly at another's good, and especially at his spiritual enlightenment and happiness, Christianity presses into its service all the beautiful emotions belonging to our hum!\nity. II. THE TIDINGS FROM A BROTHER'S LIPS. The words which Andrew addressed to hie brother seem to ha'<"e been few; but this brevity was the fit expression of the ardent llffection of the speaker and the fit vehicle for tidings so momentous. Andrew's feelings would admit of no delay. His eager, almost blunt, communication must have awakened surprise in Simon's mind. "We have found the Messiah.'' Did brother ever convey to brother tidings so interesting, so heart-stirring? Surely we have here a lesson upon the duty we owe to those nearest akin and nearest in affection to ourselves. In the Church of Christ is room for such services-alas! how often neglected through either carelessness or reserve I III. THE ACTION OF A BROTHER'S ENERGY. Andrew was not content simply to tell the news. He would have Simon see for himself who Jesus was. "He brought him to Jesus." In this record we have the principle of Christian missions condensed into a few words. It seems a small thing to have done, yet more than this man cannot do for his brother man. A happy exercise of Christian sympathy and enterprise. 'l'o wish our dear ones well is good; yet it is not enough. It is for us to exert ourselves to secure their welfare. And how could this E'nd be promoted so surely as by bringing them to Jesus-under the influence of his sacred presence and his winning love? IV. THE REWABD OF A llROTHER'B DEVOTION. The sympathy, benevolence, and brotherly friendship of Andrew were not in vain. When Simon was brought by .Alldrew to Jesus, Jesus looked upon him with favour, appreciated, by the exercise of his spiritual insight, the good qualities of the new disciple, designated him by an appropriate name, and implicitly predicted his future eminence and service. This was indeed a rich return ! "Who art thou, that wonldst grave thy no.me Thus deeply in e. brother's bee.rt? Look on thiB saint, and leam to frame Thy love-charm with trne Christian art, • First seek thy Savionr out, and dwell Beneath the shadow of hie roof, Till thou have scann'd his features well, And known him for the Christ by proof: "Then, potent with the spell of Heaven, Go, and thine erring brother gain, Entice him home t.o be forgiven, Till he, too, sees his Saviour plain." (Keble.) T. Ver. 41.-The great disCOfJeryJ. Universal interest and pleasure are connected with all striking discoveries; e.g. in geographical knowledge, in physical science, in the arts of life. A new posi;eseion, either material or intellectual, is thus acquired. But all discoveries pale before that described in the simple language of the text. To find Christ is better than to find a gold-mine, a continent, a faithful wife, a happy home. L THE PROCESS OF THIS DISCOVERY, There is here no chance, no accident, no caprice. 'J."here are involved: 1. The auking swl._ The soul that is satisfie~ with itself and its state is not in the way to the great d1~covery; but the soul that 1s con- scious of destitution, ignorance, and sinfulness is (n_ ~he right direction. 'J.'he soul that feels how insufficient is the discovery and acqms1t10n of earthly goods and human friends is prepared to appreciate a Divine revelation. 2. The self-discovering Saviour. It is often represented that the mere desire and aspiration of the soul is sufficient to cu. 1, 1-51.J 'rIIE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. 61