Lord, and I have given you an example that ye

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should do as I have done unto you. If these are the marks by which alone the disciple of Jesus is to be known, what an admonition is it against that pride of heart which often values itself upon outward distinctions, and is apt to "despise other men"-what a lesson for the mutual offices of that good-will, and charity, and love, in which they ought to dwell.

But where passions of a different kind have been admitted to take root, the precepts of the gospel are unheeded and vain. This was a scene enough to have softened the most obdurate heart, and even Jesus himself was "troubled in the spirit" when he testified and said "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me."

Of all sins, ingratitude is the basest, and we can least endure it from those whom we have benefited" it is not an open enemy which hath done me this dishonour, for then I could have borne it." There is a degree of it which pierceth sharper than an arrow;" there are

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degrees of it, which we think it impossible for a man to be guilty of; so thought the apostles when they "looked on one another doubting" and almost disbelieving "of whom he spake"-but Jesus "knew what was in man," and while they "wondered at what these things might be," he shewed but the agency of that power which penetrates the secrets of the heart, which observes the rising and unhallowed thought, and marks the ripening seeds of guilt, even before we are aware that they are sown. In the different conduct, however, of the traitor and the apostles, is seen the contrast between wickedness and innocence: Judas was unmoved by his Saviour's plain and pointed words, and they at the first intimation shrunk from the suspicionhe could meet in daring hardiness his Master's look, and they with fear and trembling exclaimed, "Lord is it I?"s

"Now there was leaning," saith the apostle, (with what meekness does he speak of himself, how worthy the disciple of such a master) "now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom a disciple

9

whom Jesus loved." " It seems a title which he was proud to own, and speaks of with an humbled and yet honest joy. It is perhaps the title which each might be glad to seek, and it is one which they may attain; they still may seek that protection and confidence which Jesus will yet vouchsafe to every true disciple; they still may hear his word, and learn as from his own lips those lessons of humility, "and means of grace, and hopes of glory;" it is their privilege, when admitted to the supper of the Lord, to enter into communion with Him, to pour out all their prayers and all their complaints into the bosom of their Redeemer; still to hear Him "bid them come unto Him and take his yoke, and learn of Him, and to find rest unto their souls."

The chapter directs us to a different character, to one who, neither warned, awakened, nor repentant, "continued still in his wickedness;" for, at the desire of the apostles, Jesus soon declared that it was JUDAS of whom he spake," and said unto him, "what thou doest, do quickly." Thou hast now hardened thyself in thy wicked

9 Verse 23.

ness, and my grace will no longer restrain thee"the spirit of God will not always strive with man," and since you will not profit by his mercy you must suffer by your own unworthiness.

It is added, "Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto them."10 It is perhaps in the same manner that the Almighty still imparts himself unto his creatures; he speaketh by that voice within which no man knows, and the events which appear but in the common course of providence are sent with individual purpose and instruction to those whom they visit these, like his other mercies, may be abused or used, and it is the abuse or the use of them which forms the chief part of our present temptation; for we, too, like our Saviour, are tempted, but by his aid "we shall not be tempted above that we are able,” and as he knows our nature to be subject to it, he will hearken unto our prayers and give us grace to withstand. If, indeed, men provoke God to withdraw his protection, they are then under the power of another master, and may be "led cap

10 Verse 28.

tive at his will," as we see Judas was when once "Satan entered into him," hardening his heart against conviction, and "going out" in the full and calm determination of doing wickedly-for though God doth not "lead us into temptation," he doth not miraculously interfere to save us if we lead ourselves. Our Saviour did not determine that Judas should betray him, but knowing that he would, he forewarned them of it. Thus God forsees the sins which men are about to commit without being the cause of them, and after having warned them of their danger leaves them to their desires; he does not predestinate, but suffers the wicked to fill up the measure of their iniquity, and by inscrutable ways converts them to his own purposes, making their very wickedness (like the natural evils of "wind and storm") only to fulfil his word."

For, no sooner had he gone out with the purpose to betray him, than " Jesus, knowing all which should in consequence happen, said, Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him;"" and in the prospect of

11 Verse 31.