September 10

"And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing." — Luke 22:35.

THIS appeal was made by Christ immediately after the celebration of the Passover with his disciples. Note

OUR LORD'S INQUIRY. Let us view

The commission given. "I sent you." The first propagators of Christianity were sent with no recommendation from the princes and rulers of this world, or authority from the chief priests, scribes, and Pharisees. It was enough that Jesus sent them. Their commission was divine, full, important, honorable, and unlimited. God now sends his ministers.

The condition stated. "Without purse, and scrip, and shoes." Their condition was humble and lowly, and they were taught to have a nobler object of pursuit in view than the accumulation of money, and the adorning of their bodies with fine raiment. Their lowly circumstances led them to a daily dependence on the providential care and undeserved goodness of God.

The question proposed. "Lacked ye anything?" The Almighty said to Moses, "These forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing." Christian, this question is proposed to you. You are in the wilderness; has not God led, fed, and clothed you? Perhaps you have been for many years in the way; have you lacked anything? Has he not given you wisdom, direction, peace, joy, strength, and every needful grace?

THE DISCIPLES' REPLY. "And they said, Nothing." They were, doubtless, deprived of many comforts and enjoyments they might otherwise have possessed; but that was nothing. They lacked the kindness, respect, and attentions of the great, but that was nothing: they rejoiced that the poor had the Gospel preached to them. It is a good remark of Gurnall's, Take contentment from godliness, and you take one of the best jewels away she wears in her bosom. Let me learn, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.