THE GOOD SAMARITAN.

Read S. Luke x. 29-37.

I. A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves. Ib. 30.

No

He left Jerusalem, the city of peace. wonder that he fell into trouble; no wonder that I, when I leave God for the world, fall into the power of the evil one and my own evil passions. These rob me of present peace and future hopes. Phil. iii. 18, 19.

II. When he [a certain Samaritan] saw him, he had compassion on him. Ib. 33.

Others passed by; Christ the merciful and good alone takes pity, binds up the contrite heart, gives the grace of His Holy Spirit, places us in His house-at His table; cares for us. Do I really love Him for all this, and know my own misery and need? Is. lxi. 1-3.

III. Go, and do thou likewise. Ib. 37.

What love He has shewn to me I am bound to shew to others-to lead them to Him, to love them for His sake, to do them good. Lord, fill me with love like Thine. 1 S. John iv. 10, 11.

Text.

He forgiveth all thy sin, and healeth all thine infirmities. Ps. ciii. 3.

For thoughts on the Gospel for the day, see p. 245.

Twenty-first Week after Trinity. MONDAY.

CHRIST ENTERTAINED BY MARTHA.

Read S. Luke x. 38-42.

I. A certain woman, named Martha, received Him into her house. Ib. 38.

She feared not the Jews, who sought His death. But how often do I refuse Him service, seeking to please men rather than God; fearing danger where no real danger is! Ps. liii. 5; S. Matt. x. 28.

II. Mary.. sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word.

Ib. 39.

She sat in spiritual quiet and attention-at His feet; in humility, hearing; in readiness to obey. Have I these three marks of discipleship in me? Ps. cxix. 103.

III. Martha was cumbered about much serving. Ib. 40.

We often cumber ourselves with doing more than we need, taking up the duties of others. In the Christian body all have their offices. Let each mind their own. (1 Cor. xii.) In overmuch business is much distraction, little reflection; yet diligence is a duty in what belongs to us. S. Matt. xiii. 22.

Text.

Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Rom. xii. 11.

MARTHA'S COMPLAINT OF MARY, AND REPROOF.

Read again S. Luke x. 38-42.

I. Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Ib. 40.

Why complain of her Lord? Why of her sister? Did not He tread the wine-press alone? Was not she under His guidance? Do I complain of others? Complain of thyself. Leave them to Him. Is. lxiii. 3; Rom. xiv. 4.

II. Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. Ib. 41.

She was, indeed, serving the Lord; but a troubled mind has no place for reflection. We should think beforehand, see what is right, then act without disturbance. S. Luke xxiv. 37, &c.

III. But one thing is needful. Ib. 42.

A little will suffice-some have understood these words so; very little for the body, reflection for the mind. At least this latter is needful food for the soul. Which do I count most needful? For which do I strive? Is Christ my desire? S. Matt. vi. 25, 26.

Text.

Be careful for nothing,.... and the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil. iv. 6, 7.

CHRIST REBUKES THE HYPOCRISY OF THE PHARISEE.

Read S. Luke xi. 87-54.

I. He marvelled that he had not first washed. Ib. 88.

The Lord of all was his guest. Surely it would be better to have remained certain that He did only what was good. Would it not be

well to interpret favorably all the acts of others? Who has revealed to me what God only knows-their hearts? 1 Cor. xiii. 7.

II. Ye make clean the outside. Ib. 39.

In this is there no blame; but their "inward part was full of ravening and wickedness." It will not do to care for the outside, and neglect the inward part. For which do I care most? Ps. li. 6.

III. Did not He that made that which is without, make that which is within also? Ib. 40.

He is not, then, content with outward forms, but esteems the inward the greater. Our best actions are evil unless they are from within. All should come of a pure heart, a good conscience, and faith unfeigned. 1 Tim. i. 5.

Text.

My son, give Me thy heart. Prov. xxiii. 26.

I. Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. Ib. 13.

Here is the proof of a worldly mind breaking charity for the sake of earthly things. They who come to Jesus, must come with heavenly, not earthly desires. When I pray, what do I think of? What do I desire? S. Matt. vi. 21, 33.

II. Who made Me a judge or a divider? Ib. 14.

There is neither duty nor charity in meddling with what is not our vocation. Christ sets us the example. His object was to lead men to God, not to fix them here below. So may I prove myself. 2 Tim. ii. 4.

III. Beware of covetousness. Ib. 15.

Life consists not in the abundance of that we possess. Yet how differently men think who esteem it the happiest state! Why is it not? Ask thyself, Does it lead me to or from God? Which is the true freedom? Ps. cxliv. 15.

Text.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Col. iii. 2.