THE KING’S BUSINESS
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shop and studied as he worked. Abraham Lincoln studied in his spare moments, often by the light of a candle. I knew a laundry- man who put passages of Scripture before him as he ironed •out collars and cuffs. These he learned, and today he is pastor of a large church in the south. A boy in a little western railway station learned telegraphy while he was sweeping floors and running errands.- He was in after years knighted by Queen Victoria as “Sir” William Van Horn, who put through the Northern Pacific Railway. Growing Kingdom— Small beginnings— first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn. First the "nyistard, then the tree. Most of the great churches and large insti tutions of today began with a very few. v. 21. A candle —A Christian is a mov able light.—Sel. The most eminent Chris tian is but a candle, poor light compared „with the Sun of Righteousness. It gives but little light, shines but a little way, is easily blown out and is continually burning down.—Henry. The church is not a refrig erator for perishable piety; it is a dynamo for producing light—Sel. Bushel, bed. Bushel stands for cares and material things; bed, for ease and comfort. Testimony may be hindered either in the -one way or the other.—Gray. How perfect the example of Christ, who did not know the bushel or the bed.—Gaebelein. v. 22. Nothing hid. If the Gospel was for the moment treated as a secret it was only because temporary secrecy was essen tial to its successful proclamation after the ascension. Those to whom it was confided now were charged with the responsibility of publishing it then.—Swete. v. 24. Take heed, not only “what you hear,” but “how you hear” (Luke 8:18).— Garry. With what measure. In that measure in which you measure your attention to my teaching, in the 'same measure will spiritual
A few. men gathered at a hay-stack near Williams College to pray. Out of this small beginning has grown the American Board of Foreign Missions, the American Bible Society and sent a Newell and Judson to India and Burma. The greatest illustration of the growth of the kingdom is Christianity itself. Its founder was born in the manger of Beth lehem of obscure parents. Only a few fol lowers and most of them common working men like fishermen and tent makers. Yet it has touched not only the people of every nation today, but the throne of every nation, and its truth compels every man, the world over, to recognize its leader, the Christ of God. understanding be measured to you.—Euthy- mius. This proverb occurs in several con nections (Matt. 7:2; Luke 6:38).—Dumme- low. As we deal with God, God deals with us.—Hammond. Unto you that hear. He who loves the Word will receive power to understand what lie loves.—Bede. v. 25. To him that hath. “Nothing suc ceeds like success.” Burying a talent is the betraying of a trust and amounts to a forfeiture. Gifts and graces rust for want of wearing.—Henry. The slothful student shall not only learn no more, but shall for get what he already knows.—Dummelow. 'The context is different in Matt. 13:12; 25:1-9. v. 27. Sleep and rise. Having preached the Word, let the preacher pursue his ordi nary employments without undue anxiety. Visible results may be slow but the seed is sure—Dummelow. Though the “earth brings forth of herself” this does not exclude due cultivation, and rain from heaven and sunshine—Bengel. When thé evil one' sows his tares, he “goes his way” (Matt. 13:25) having perfect confidence in his seed. Should not the Christian have
COMMENTS FROM SUNDRY SOURCES
B y K. L. Brooks.
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