Mark, too, the weightiness of his instructions. It appears not to have been impassioned. But it was most impressive. We are now so familiar with the great principles he has inculcated in the parables, that they have ceased to strike our attention. But we must remember that our indebtedness is the same as if we had just heard them. They are now incorporated into men's minds, and into their literature. They have aided in the vast work of elevating man; and they are still to go forth among other nations; new generations of children are to read them; heathen tribes are to be enlightened by them; and Oriental people are again to be favored with them as a new revelation. He has put the key into the hands of all men for unlocking the real treasures of spiritual wisdom that lie concealed in nature, in man, and in the constitution of human society.

The boldness and fidelity of these parables command our admiration. They chase the human heart into its subtle windings, and expose to it there, most faithfully, its evils and its dangers. With all the concealment in them, there was enough apparent to make the most worldly see that the Lord was reproving them. Jesus never needlessly inflicted a wound on others. But he neither sought men's admiration, nor hesitated to incur their displeasure, if declaring to them necessary truth would offend them. Take his parable of the Rich fool, of the spendthrift Son, of Dives and Lazarus, as specimens of the most uncompromising boldness that the annals of public speaking can produce.

There is, too, an admirable weight of authority in the parables. He does not utter opinions, nor give advice. He speaks as one having authority; not in another's name, but his own. He declares things as

they are, and leaves the mind in no doubt about them. This is to us invaluable; for, there are so many influences tending continually to keep the mind unsettled on points of the first moment. It is always argument sufficient for us that Jesus Christ says; the kingdom is like. Then we know it is like.

And then we are indebted to him for teaching us what is the true study of nature. The scientific study brings us to general facts, which we call laws; and to classify objects; in some cases to perceive God's thoughts and plan in his works. But the parables reveal to us in natural objects, and in human nature and events, the highest truths; the soul in its experience, duties, and destiny; God in his moral attributes, and especially his grace.

How great an evil is it then to slight these instructions! Nothing more certainly brings the divine judgments upon the soul. And the greatest of them in this life, is that the truth itself should harden the heart.

God will continue teaching in the parables of Scripture; in the story of Dives and Lazarus, the Ten Virgins, the Publican and Pharisee, the Prodigal Son, and the Men building on the sand, or the rock.-God will continue to teach in the parables of Nature, the Sun, the Vine, the Bread, and the Tares ;-in the constitution of man and of society; in the relations of Father and Son; the existence and actions of Justice; the Stewards; and the Kings of the earth. Yet all this will be to many utterly unprofitable. Seeing and hearing, they will neither see nor hear. But they must render an account for their rejection of such instruction. Here is encouragement to inquirers. The Saviour explained those who asked for explanation. This

desire to know, is just what he has aimed to arouse in you; and if it is awakened, he will meet it. You complain that you cannot see clearly the meaning of his word, here and there. Depend upon this; if it is important for you to know it now, if you study his word, if you ask for light from him, he will give it. The mysteries of heaven shall become the treasures of your soul; a heavenly light shall shine upon your earthly path. Go then, like these docile disciples, and ask him who uttered these mysterious truths, to explain them to you.

PART I.

THE GOSPEL.

§ 1. NATURE OF THE GOSPEL.

Lect. II. Origin and Authority of the Gospel.

§ 2. DEFENCE OF THE GOSPEL.

Lect. III. Vindication of the mercy it reveals.

§ 3. ITS INITIATORY REQUIREMENT, AND GENERAL EFFECT.

Lect. IV. The Vine and its Branches-Faith in Christ, and union

with Him.

§4. ITS SUBSEQUENT REQUIREMENTS, AND PRACTICAL EFFECTS.

Lect. V. The Leaven-Piety internal and progressive.

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VI. The Growing Seed-Growth in piety.

"VII. The two Debtors-Deep convictions producing deep piety. "VIII. The Laborers employed and paid-Humility in regard to

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merits.

IX. The Pharisee and Publican-Humility in Prayer.

X. The Importunate Widow-Importunity in Prayer.

66 XI. The good Samaritan-Kindness.

"XII. The relentless Servant-Forgiveness.

"XIII. The unjust Steward-True foresight.