Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1882-07-12

MS S'o'y' 'h'S Is tusiI Teal petltlon, nut
they first ask a pledge that he will do for
them whatsoever they desire.
A current writer, speaking of the spirit
these two disciples manifested, says,
"how different from the spirit in which
the Master taught them to pray. They
say, what we will; he says. thy will be
DONE" Matthew states that the mother
of James and John came with this re-
quest; but it is quite plain that her sons
were desirous of the first place in his
kingdom, for the displeasure of the other
disciples was directed against the sons
rather than the mother. Christ, seeing
the spirit that was manifested by James
and John, tells them that they are making
Il request without knowing its meaning.
They have very imperfect idea of his
kingdom and the way in which high
place in it is secured. lie is TO secure his
own oxaltation by the deepest humiliation
and the most terrible agony. lie asks
them virtually if they are ready 10 take
the same way to the high place they crave.
They promptly say, I'VE can" or We are
able to take the same portion, drink the
same cup. They understood this prompt
answer as little as they understood the re.
quest they first made. Jesus assures them
that their portion shall be like his-one of
suffering, but that he cannot pledge them
the high place they seek. He declared
that such a reward is not his to give. but
Is in the Fathers hand. 1t has been diff
licut matter TO fix the meaning of this
assertion. This much and doubtless more
is contained in it. The time for assigning
each man his place in the glory of Christ's
kingdom comes after probation ends.
James and John had not served out their
probation, hence could not be assigned
their place. Then, too, the matter of rank
Or station in glory is always spoken of as
in the Fathers hand. Christ himself
prayed, Glorify thou me with mine own
glory which l had with thee before the
world was"
The other disciples. hearing Christ's
| rehukc to the sons of Zebedee, were much
displeascd with them for making such a
request. Doubtless they would have been
| pleased to see the matter settled, FOR it
had been in debate among them long
time; but rs il had come in selfish man
ner from two, they were willing to blame
those two. Jesus now calls them all
| together and repeats the lesson he gave
them some time before, when he taught
them by Il little child. IIo reminds them
that the rank and gradation which they
have been familiar with among men is often
only fortuitouS and by no means an index
to the real merit of the men. Moreover
tho great ones among mon are often only
distinguished by their power to exercise
| lordshp ovor their follows, OF, as we
would say, dominccr over them. Such
has been the rule, at least under monarchs,
everywhere. But i'll the kingdom of Christ
no such rule prevails, but he is accounted
chio(est who has done most for his fellows.
Tho honor here rests not upon him who is
strongest to conquer and subdue, but upon
him who is strongest to aid and relieve his
fellows. Tho man who has served best
his race is to have tho highest place in the
glory of him who came to save the race
In this matter we have the example of
Jesus. lie gave himself for others, and
in the sublime solf-abnegation he practicod
he won place and namo that is above
every other name.
This rule we may take as the only sure
rule concerning eXaltation. He rises who
seeks to raise all others, and he surely
falls who only seeks TO raise himself.
A more practical living out of these
teachings of the Master would help great
ly in removing the rcproach that has
sometimes been cast upon Christianity,
and would be q giant stride toward the
perfection much disputed over but seldom
manifested in the world.