the spread of Christianity, wae certainly forbidden, both by the language and by the example of Jceu11. II. OHRrsT's AOOErrANOE OF THE CUP. 1. The n1tt11ro of this cup Is apparent from the oont€Xt as well as from other p1trts of Scripture, By "the cup" we are to under- stand suffering and sorrow. This is its meaninii; in the question, "Can ye drink of the cup which I drink of?" and in the 11rayer, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from !°e." T~e bit~r i!lgredients in Chri~t's CUJ> were th_e s~ffering and agony of body rnvolved m cruc1fi:non; the mentlll distress mvolvcd m !us betrayal, deninl, and for- Bilking by his dieciples, in the apparent success of his enemies' plot, in the fickleness and ingratitude of his fellow-countrymen; the anguish of soul consequent upon hie conRCiousness of the world's sin, its estrangemr.nt from God, and ill desert, the heavy burden (t.o change the figure) of his sacrifice. 2. Christ's shrinking from this cup was natural; for his bodily frame was sensitive, and his heart was tender. He would fain have avoided drinking the bitter draught. He even prayed to be relieved from the dis- tressing experience, if such avoidance and relief were compatible with the Father's will, and with his own purpose to redeem mankind. 3. The inducement to accept the sorrow was the highest and the most constraining possible; the cup was "given" him by his Father. Appa.rently it was prepared and handed to him by his foes. But really, in a wonderful, mysterious sense, it was the appointment of the Father's wisdom. '!'his was not at the time understood by Peter or by the other disciples; Jesus alone com- prehended the nat11re of this crisis in the moral history of mankind. The cup was not given as a sign of the Father's displeasure, but as a means to a higher spiritual end, which was dear to the Father's heart. 4. 'l'he resolve of the Son of man to drink the cup, when this was seen and felt to be the Father's will, is very instructive, This was part of his perfect obedience, of obedience taking the form of submission. Thus was he made" perfect through su1fering." 5. The results of this sacrifice have been most beneficial and precione to mankind. By drinking the cup of suffering our Saviour has released us from drinking the cup of personal guilt and merited punishment. PB.A,.VrICAL LESSO!o"B. 1. Gratitude and faith towards a Saviour so compassionate and self-sacrificing. 2. Patience and submission beneath the trials and sufferings of life. When seeking for motive and for strength to drink the bitter cup of pain and grief, let Christians recur with humility and with sympathy to the incomparable example of their suffering Lord.-T. VerB. 15-17.-.Ardent affection and timorO'U8/ahehood. The inconsistency of which human nature is capable is proverbial. In the conduct of Peter we have a very striking instance of this characteristic quality of man. In Peter we have extremes meeting. None of Christ's disciples showed a quicker and clearer appreciation of the Master's claims; none showed a more fervent att.achm.ent to the Master himself. Yet, strange to say, Peter was conspicuous above the rest for hie faint-heartedness in the time of trial and of danger. The two dispositione are equally apparent upon occasion of the incident recorded in this passage. L A.B.DENT AFFECTION. The sincerity and strength of Peters love for Jesus cannot be questioned. L It waa this which had impelled him to draw the sword in his J4aster'11 defence. 2. It waa this which impelled him to follow Jesus when his colleagues and companions had fled. a. It was this which urged him to accompany John without having the guarantee of safety which John possessed. 4. It was this which led him to dare the risk attaching to the neighbourhood of the court and high priest's dwelling. No motive save the pure motive of affection could have induced Peter to act as he did. II. Tnwaous FALBEBOOD. 1. This was apparently upon a slight occasion and inappreciable danger. The charge brought by a maid who kept the door was enough to throw off his guard the boldest and chief of the apostles. 2. It was in contrast with his previoUB confessions. None of the twelve had been more forward to apprehend and to acknowledge the claims of Jesus to Mel!lliabsbip and to Divinity than had Peter. 3. It was a poor recomi,enee for the distinguishing favour which had been ehown to Peter ia common with two other of the twelve. He who had been on the mount and in the gardt:n with Jesus now denied him. 4. It was the occasion of bitter remoree and true re:pentance on the part of the offender against conscience and against Christ. 6. It became a recollection, which in biB after~ministry stin1u!f1tcd Peter to watchfnlnel!II and to prayer, cru. xvrtr. 1-40.J TltE GOSPEL .ACCORDlNG TO ST. JOllN. 407
LEBRON, The nnrmtive is a, warning against relylng too much upon religions feeling, Peter felt deeply and warmly towards Christ; yet he fell. M:my Christians think that they aro socuro because the gospel touches their emotions. The counsel of Jesus him- self must not be forgotten: "Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation I "-'f.