1. To many I would especially commend, at the present moment, the study of the parable of the sower (Matt. 13).
The word detected, and proved the hostile character of Satan (ver. 4, 19); the shallowness of the human mind (ver. 5, 20); the choking character of the world (ver. 7, 22); as well as (blessed be God, for His unspeakable grace) that it was (ver. 8, 23), a life-giving, fruit-bearing seed in His own people.
2. The conversion of five thousand in a place would in nothing change the responsibility of a gathering of saints, to examine carefully the converts ere receiving them. For no excitement, as of a great and holy movement, can set aside responsibility, as to either the holiness of the House of God, or tender compassion toward the souls of men.
3. Every man’s work will be tried of what sort it is: may piety, modesty and firmness increase and abound.
L.