August 5

And they cast him out.—John 9:34.

BECAUSE the man who was born blind, would not join with the Jews, in condemning Jesus who had given him sight, they brought all the weight of their ecclesiastical excommunication to bear upon him, "and they cast him out,"—cast him out of their synagogue, and declared him unworthy of fellowship with the people of God. Why what had he done? Had he violated the laws of God, and rendered himself obnoxious to those whose province it was to enforce them? No, all that he had done—his whole offence consisted, in fearing God rather than men, in speaking the whole truth openly, and in confessing Jesus, who had conferred upon him the unspeakably precious gift of sight. Yes, for this was the man persecuted to the utmost of their ecclesiastical authority, and cut off from the external privileges of the children of God. But surely to be removed from the society of such a blind and callous hearted people was rather a blessing, than a curse. How indifferent we may be to the curses of men, if we enjoy the approbation of God, and the testimony of a good conscience. Besides, afterwards we find that Jesus met with him again, and it is clear that he became one of his disciples, and doubtless an especial object of his favour and grace. All who honour Christ, and live godly, may expect to suffer persecution. If the world hated the lovely and benevolent Jesus and reviled him, we need not wonder that it will hate and revile all his disciples. Christ endured the cross with all its shame, before he was glorified and obtained the joy that was set before him, and we must suffer with him, in order that we may be glorified together. But what is persecution or reproach, or ignominy, or even death itself, when compared with the blessings which he now imparts, and the glory which he shall confer upon all who love him. Yea, doubtless, and we count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord,—

" Who suffer with our Master here, They shall before his face appear, And by his side sit down, To patient faith the prize is sure; And all that to the end endure, The cross, shall wear the crown."