SERMON VIT. d 1-lopeful Youth falling Short of Heaven. menx x. 21, Then Jesus beholding him, loved him. THE HEST PART. IFwe would know the person who was favoured withthe love of Jesus, andbe acquainted with his character, it isnecessary 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 I may inherit eternal 1 f é e) 18. And Jesus said unto him, why callest thoumegood, there is nonegood saveone, that is God. 19. Thou knowest the commandments ; do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bearfalse witness, de.. fraud not, honour thy father and mother. 20. And he answered, and said unto him, Master, all these have I observedfrom my, youth. 21. Then Jesus beholding him, loved him, and said unto him, onething thou lackest, go thy wail, sell whatsoever thou hast, andgive to tiee poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come take up the cross, andfollow me. 22. Andhe was sadat that saying, and went awaygrieved; for he had great possessions. 23. And .Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, how hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdomof God? Now ifwe consult and compare the account which theother evangelists give us of this transaction, we shall find that the personwas 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 toChrist, as to a divinè prophet, to enquire the way to heaven : But it is evident he had a vain conceit of his own righteousness, and at the sametime he had an excessive love to money ; he would fain have been an heir of heaven, but he valued his inheritance on earth much more : He wished for the love of God, but wouldenjoy and love this world too ; and rather than renounce the pleasant things of this life, he would quit his pretences to a life to come ; for he went away grieved and full of sadness; at the direction which our Saviour gave him, and would not venture the experiment.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=