to convey a hint of the essential difference between our Lord and his apostles and followers, even when both were performing similar miracles. And indeed, as the multitudes soon saw his followers performing the same mighty works as himself, both during his lifetime, and after his death, and (if the promise he made was fulfilled) even greater than these; some such caution might have been continually requisite, and might have been given from time to time, although not left on record. In the present instance, the failure of the apostles in an attempt to do that, which they might have effected had they used the prescribed form of prayer and fasting, shewed that the gift of the Spirit was in their case circumscribed, and its efficacy made to depend on their observance of these requisite conditions. Our Lord forthwith, without prayer, without fasting, without these preparatory steps which he declared to be requisite, performs the miracle. What was the natural inference? That "God gave not the Spirit to him (as to others) by measure1," and subject to limitations. Their miraculous power was given conditionally. "What things soever ye desire, when 'John iii. 34. ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them"." He had only to say the word, and the sick man was healed, the devils were cast out, and the dead were raised. THE TWELVE CORRECTED IN THEIR DISCUSSION OF THE QUESTION WHO WAS TO BE FIRST AMONG THEM. Ver. 33-37. And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way ? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. : This discussion of the question, who was to be first amongst the apostles, obviously arose out of our Lord's preceding declarations respecting the speedy establishment of his kingdom, rendered still more vivid, and impressive, by the Transfiguration, which three of them had witnessed. Al"See chap. xi. 24. though assured that that glorious scene was not the commencement of his promised reign, they continued doubtless to connect it with the approach of it. It is worthy of remark, that our Lord did not wait for any expression to fall from them on this occasion, which might give him a clue for correcting their erroneous expectations; but, contrary to his usual method, himself extorts from them the working of their minds, and by a beautiful and expressive symbol, and one which long formed a favourite image in his language, checked their ambitious notions. In St. John's writings, the same image most frequently occurs. St. John was one of the three who had witnessed the Transfiguration, and doubtless partook in the general feeling, as strongly as any; and it is not unlikely, that this delicate reproof might have so worked on his sensible heart, as to give the foundation for his peculiar fondness for the metaphorical use of the phrase, "little children." THE CASE OF ONE NOT CHRIST'S DISCIPLE WHO CAST OUT DEVILS IN HIS NAME. And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. This incident ought perhaps to be considered in connection with the failure of the apostles to cast out a devil, which is recorded in the former part of the chapter, and as a renewal of the same K lesson. It is not unlikely that the stranger had tried the effect of observing such preparatory requisites as our Lord had declared necessary; and that his trial had been permitted to succeed, partly for evidence to improve his own faith; but still more, with a view of renewing in the minds of the apostles the impression made by their failure. It would naturally present itself to their minds in a reflection of this form. "We who are his commissioned and chosen followers, by neglecting the appointed means, fasting and prayer, failed to perform the miracle of casting out a devil; and here is one, who is not yet in the train of our Master's followers, and nevertheless by duly performing the ceremony in his name, he has succeeded. Let us and others then beware of supposing our Lord's power and ours alike. His is independent, and his own; ours derived from him, and subject to his arbitrary appointment." Beyond this, which may be regarded as the primary intent, for which our Lord permitted the stranger to perform the miracle of casting out devils in his name, it served incidentally as an occasion for repeating another lesson which he |