November 25

PART IV. — John 3:2.

Jesus as a teacher, was distinguished for his truth and fidelity. Though tender and affectionate, yet he was faithful to all persons, and in all things he exemplified perfectly that blessed precept, "speaking the truth in love." He loved souls too well to allow their errors to be undiscovered, and their sins to pass unreproved. He was the truth itself, and all his sayings were righteous, faithful, and true. He spoke the whole truth to persons of all classes, he courted no applause, he feared no frowns, he never calculated as to human consequences, but as God's servant, he always did those things acceptable to the Father. As a teacher Jesus also was distinguished for his unwearied constancy and perseverance. He indeed was "instant in season and out of season." Places, times, and circumstances, affected him not. Whether it was in the temple or in the synagogue, in the city or in the village, by the sea shore, on the way-side or on the mountain top, in all places he was ready to diffuse knowledge, and to teach men the way of salvation. All places he consecrated by his presence, and hallowed by his instructions and blessing. He cared not whether it was morning, noon, or evening; whether it was sabbath or any other day, whether the hearers were poor fishermen, or learned lawyers and scribes, it was his delight, his meat and drink, to publish the will of God to his creatures. His life and labour were inseparably joined together; he went incessantly forward, until he could appeal to his Father and say, "I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do." What a model for the christian ministry! What an example for the study, and public imitation of all his disciples! How necessary that we look unto Jesus always, that by the daily contemplation of his character, we may be increasingly conformed to his blessed image.

"No matter how dull the scholar whom he Takes into his school, and gives him to see; A wonderful method of teaching he hath, And wise to salvation he makes us thro' faith.

The wayfaring men, tho' fools, need not stray, His method so plain, so easy his way, The simplest believer his promise may prove, And drink of the river of Jesus's love."