The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 22

nnd at the ~ame time more precious, than this. We all, when we think upon the matter, feel this declaration to be eo inrlisputably true. Yet we are all prone to over- look. sometimes almost anxious to forget it. 1. ConRider this reflection ns beariug upou Chri~t himself. He knew that the end of his earthly life and ministry was ncl\r, But he knew also that much remained for him yet to do and to suffer. 'l'hero was a work for him to aocomplieh whilst he was still in this world-a work which he must accoIL- plish ~ithin the swiftly closing day, or not at all. His advanced nnd final lossona to his disciples, his last assertions of supernatural power, his crowning revelation of majestic meekness and patience, his mysterious sufferings,-these all had to be crowded into bis last brief days. The cup had yet to be drained, the cross hnd yet to be borne. All must be finished before the twilight deepened into darkness. For th& Father had gfren him all this to do ; and he would leave undone nothina that he he'\ undertaken. 2. How powerfully does this reflection bear upon our o;n moral lifo I Every one of us who is alive to the real meaning of his existence, must feel, and does feel, that this short day of life is given us, not for pleasure, but for progress; not for ease, but for toil. If, through weakness and temptation, this feeling sometimes fo.ils us, there is one effectual method of reviving it. "The night cometh I" Ven it noo: ! There is much to be done that must be done before the sunset of life's day, if it is not to remain undone for ever. Here or nowhere; now or never I That the future life will be a scene of service is not to be doubted. But earthly service must be rendered upon earth. Here the gospel must be embraced; here the new birth to spiritual realities must commence the life that is Divine. Now is the day of salvation. The earthly service must be rendered in this life. The voice comes, " Go, work to-day in my vine- yard." Neglect or refnse to obey that summons, and that piece of work will remain undone. Yet the time is very short, and night is very near. Labour, before the band be palsied. Give, before the substance be beyond control. Speak, before the tongue be for ever silent. Do all as looking forward, onward, to the end. APPLICATION. Let the laborious remember that not all labour is wise and blessed. Work for self, and such work will be consumed in the fire that shall try all things. But work for God shall stand; no power can destroy it. Let the indolent remember that time unredeemed can only witness against them at the last. Let the young remember that, if a lengthened day be given them, the greater will be their responsi- bility and the larger their opportunity of commending themselves as faithful labourers to the jnst and gracious Master. Let the aged remember that, near as is night for them, they have a witness yet to bear, and a memory of inspiration to leave behind. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."-T. Ver. 25.-Spiritual sight contrasted with spiritual blindness. In this instance, as In many others, the miracle is also the parable. The whole narrative is full of spiritual teaching and beauty. The candour and sagacity of the man who received his sight from Jesus are evident in the witness he bore-witness to what was within his own experience, witness which none other was so competent to bear as he. All who have felt Christ's spiritual power will adopt this language. Whatever they know not, this they know, that, whereas they were blind, now they see. L THE SPIRITUAL :eLTh'DNEBB OF SINFUL lllEN. 1. This is compatible with keenness Di' natural vision and of intellectual discernment. :Men "having eyes, see not." It is marvellous how far-sighted people may be in worldly affairs, and yet may lack spiritual vision. 2. It evinces itself in privation: (1) Of true knowledge-the know- ledge of self, and, above all, the knowledge of God. (2) Of Divine guidance. In great darkness the blind man is led, not knowing whither he goeth. The spiritually unen- lightened sees not the way of life, of safety. (3) Of heavenly joys. Sight is the occa- sion of much natural pleasure; and they who see not Diviue realities know nothing of the highest delights of which the soul is capable. 3. It is unconscious of its own loss. As tbe blind from birth are, whilst in their blindness, utterly unable to conceive how much they lose, so those whom the god of this world bath blinded say, "We Bel!," and know not that they are blind and miserable. II. 'I'HE Jlll8SlON OF CHRIST TO GIVE BIGHT TO THE SPIRITUALLY :BLIND, 1. Observe the motive which anit1ated him in the fulfilment of this beneficent work. It wna pity. Commor. hwnanity pities the naturally blind; Divine love commiserates these who err. ix. 1-41.) THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. 23