( 112 ) SERMONVII. A HOPEFUL YOUTH FALLING BITORT OF HEAVEN. MARK X. 21. Then Jesus beholding him, loved him. THE FIRST PART. IFwe would know the person who was favoured with the love of Jesus, and be acquainted with his character, it is necessary to read the whole narrative, as we find it delivered in this chapter, from the 17th to the 23d verse. And when he was goneforth into the. way, there came one running', and kneeled to him, and asked him, good Master, what shall I do that Imay inherit eternal life? 18. And Jesus .said unto him, why tallest thou niegood, there is none good, save one, that is God. 19. Thou knowest the commandments; do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear f false-witness, defraud not, honour thy father and mother. 20. And he an- swered, and said unto him, Master, all these have I ob- served from my youth. 21. _Then Jesus beholding him, lovedhim, and said unto him, one thing thou tackest, go thyway, sell whatsoever thou hast, andgive to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven and come take up the cross, andfollow me. 22. And he was sad at that saying, andwent away grieved; for he had great possessions. 23. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, howhardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God. Now if we consult and compare the account which the other evangelists give us of this transaction, we shall find that the person was a young man; Mat. xix. 20. and a ruler among the Jews ; Luke xviii. 18. He had some concern upon his mind about his future state, and came to Christ, as to a divine prophet, to enquire the way to heaven: But it is evident, he had a vain conceit of his own righteousness; and at the same time he had ari excessive love to money; he would fain have been an.
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