unlettered men, and He discoursed of true happiness. Accompany the multitude, and seating yourself in spirit at the feet of so great a Master, listen attentively to His instruction; say with young Samuel, "Speak Lord, for Thy servant heareth." (1 Kings, iii. 10.)
II. In the sermon, Christ performed not only the office of a teacher, but also that of a law-giver, for He explained the ancient and published the new law. " It was said to them of old, thou shalt not kill, but I say to you, that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be guilty of the judgment." (Matt. v. 21.) Reverence, then this Divine Lawgiver, and thank Him for His sublime precepts. Entreat Him to imprint His holy law in your heart; and say with David, " Set before me for a law, the way of Thy justifications, O Lord, and I will always seek after it." (Ps. cxviii. 33.)
III. He acted also as a counsellor, by exhorting His hearers to aspire to the greatest perfection, even beyond the obligation of the law. Such points of counsel were, to turn the other cheek to the striker; to suffer the man that takes the coat, to take the cloak also; and to go two miles with the person, who forces you to go one. Reflect on the justice of these counsels. They are given by Him, "in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," (Colos. ii. 3.) and Who is pronounced by Isaias to be " the counsellor by excellence." (Is. ix. 6.)
TUESDAY.
The Sermon on the Mount. — II.
I. Every human being is continually panting for happiness, the good and the wicked are alike desirous of gaining it: but they seek for it by different means.
