SERMON XXVI.

ON THE

WISDOM

OF OUR

SAVIOUR'S PARABLES.

And the disciples came and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? MATTHEW xiii. 10.

We have lately, my friends, been called to reflect on the benevolence of our Saviour's miracles. The wisdom of his parables is now to engage our attention. To do well, and to speak well, are good qualities in any character. In a perfect character, they are indispensable requisites. Where the conduct is rich in benevolence, and the understanding fraught with wisdom, how glorious the union! How strikingly was this union displayed in the character of our Divine Master!

Our Saviour had just been delivering the parable of the sower, and had closed it with these remarkable words, (which he never used but when he required special attention,) "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." His disciples then put the question to him which we read in the text, Why speakest thou to the people in parables?" The answer they received will be noticed more fully in the progress of this discourse; but as I shall, in the course of it, offer many reasons for parables, besides that given by our Saviour, some apology may be deemed necessary for such a liberty; accept the following.

Our conduct may frequently be influenced by several motives, while we may choose only to assign one of these motives as a reason for our behaviour. There are several instances in the Old Testament, where a part only of the occasion for a command is made known. Compare the twentieth chapter of Exodus with the fifth of Deuteronomy, (where the Ten Commandments are repeated,) and you will find, that the observance of the Sabbath is urged in the former; "Because God rested on the seventh day from the creation of the world;" and in the latter; "Because of the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, and bringing them forth with a

mighty hand and with an outstretched arm." Now these different accounts by no means disagree, only it is evident, that in both, a part, and not the whole reason is given. In like manner, in the New Testament, there are three different reasons assigned for the death of Christ. As a seal to the Testament, as an example of patient suffering, and as a sacrifice for sin.

Again; how various are the motives urged in the Holy Scriptures to enforce the practice of virtue and piety. In one passage, worldly advantage is made the object, because they promote temperance and diligence. In another, duty to God is held up, because he has commanded it. In a third, gratitude to Christ, because he died for us. In a fourth, our accountableness at the bar of God. In a fifth, the different states of heaven and hell. These instances may, I think, be sufficient to prove, that our Saviour might have many reasons for delivering parables, besides that which he assigned to his disciples.

Before I enter into the division of my subject, it may not be thought amiss to explain what is meant by a parable, and likewise to give a list of the principal ones delivered by our Lord. The word parable is derived from a Greek word, which signifies the comparing

two things together; it is a similitude, or agreeable kind of allegory, the meaning of which is obscured by the fable.

In the following list of our Saviour's parables, the smaller ones (such are contained in one sentence) will not be mentioned. Those only will be given, which, from their length, their originality, and their appropriateness, more particularly engage our attention.

The first nine in rotation were delivered at Capernaum; these are,

The Sower.

The Tares.

The Grain of Mustard Seed.

The Pearl of great Price.

The Net cast into the Sea.

The Leaven.

Treasure hid and afterwards found.

The two Debtors, or the unmerciful Servant. The Seed springing up imperceptibly.

The Good Samaritan comes next in course, which was delivered near Jericho, and most commentators suppose, was really founded on an event which happened near that place.

The next eight in succession were spoken. in the cities of Galilee.

The Rich Fool or Glutton.

Servants waiting for their Lord.

Barren Fig Tree.

The lost Sheep.

The lost Piece of Money.

The Prodigal Son.

The Dishonest Steward.

The Rich Man and Lazarus.

The next three were delivered at Perea.

The unjust Judge, or importunate Widow. The Pharisee and Publican.

The Labourers in the Vineyard.

The Pounds at Jericho.

The remaining six were spoken at Jerusalem.

The two Sons.

The Vineyard let out to Husbandmen.

The Marriage Feast, or Wedding Garment. The Ten Virgins.

The Talents.

The Sheep and the Goats.

What I shall offer will be comprised under two heads; namely,