November 24

PART III.—John 3:2.

CHRIST'S manner of teaching, is worthy of serious and particular attention. His instructions were distinguished for plainness and simplicity; hence the most profound truths were often rendered easy and familiar, by the parabolical mode of teaching which he adopted. And his figures were always exactly suited to the character and capacities of those whom he addressed. Hence, surrounded by the beauties of nature, he spake of the lilies, the vine, the fig-tree, and the sower. By the sea side, he discoursed concerning the net, and the gospel fishermen. He adopted the most familiar domestic events and applied them, such as the woman losing the piece of silver, and the parable of the leaven and the meal. His kingdom he likened to a householder, to a marriage feast, and to a vineyard. He illustrated God's readiness to save, and his delight in exercising mercy, in the parables of the lost sheep, and in the affecting description of the prodigal's return and reception. Hence the people were captivated with his discourses, and often forgot the demands of nature, following him from place to place, until more than once, he had miraculously to provide bread for the fainting multitudes who surrounded him. His condescension also was equally remarkable; he stooped to the poorest and the vilest; he addressed profligates, publicans, and harlots. Wherever he saw ignorance, he diffused the light of his truth; and wherever he observed sin and wretchedness, he offered the balsam of his grace. As a teacher, he was also patient and tender. How he bore with the dulness of his own disciples! how tenderly he addressed the wretched and malignant Pharisees! Despite of their incorrigibleness, when he contemplated the doom of their city, he wept over it. He ever shewed that his bowels yearned with compassion and love towards his vilest enemies. Goodness and mercy were conspicuous in all he said, as well as in all he did. Never man spake like this man.