Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1914-03-19

hiahIu6 VI d SAINT!
The Sinner.
The publicans were servants of the
tax farmers, who collected dues for
Rome, and were extortioners; the, GUS
tom house official was considered the
worst of his class. The Jews had a say
ing that bears and lions might be the
fercest wild beasts in the forest, but
publicans and informers were the
worst in the cities. For a Jew, such
as Matthew was, to enter thus into
the service Of the oppressors of his
own race, was considered the lowest
degradation. The religion of the day
had no hope for such a man.
Some who read these words may
have given up hope for acquaintances,
and even for those of their own house
hold. There may be some, still more
unfortunate, who have given up hope
for themselves. Let us see what Jesus
did for a man who was considered be-
yond redemption.
The Saviour.
~ He called this man to himself.
Matthew did not seek him, but he
sought Matthew. Christ's words are
true. I'VE have not chosen me, but l
have chosen YOU" He calls us by
his Holy Spirit, by sick beds, by sor-
rows. by the words Of friends.
1--WE found a Friend, on, such a Friend!
He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love,
And thus He bound me to Him."
(2) He proved attractive to this
man. The Pharlsees acted out their
feelings, II am boiler than thou" But,
though s~inless, Jesus was the friend
OF sinners. He won Matthew's heart,
and when men know the love of him
who was lifted up on the cross for
their sins, they are still drawn t. him.
Raphael's TRANSPORTATION" is an I'M
slightly daub when seen from certain
angles; we must get the right view
point to behold the glories. To a
broken and contrite heart, Jesus is
altogether lovely.
(3) He was misunderstood. The
Pharlsees inquired, why eateth your
Master with publicans and sinners?"
II cost Matthew something to follow
Jesus, but it cost Jesus more to reck.
on him among his disciples. Even If
1t requires great sacrifice to become a
Christian, we should remind ourselves
that Christ's followers often cause him
grief and shame; still, he invites us.
The Saint.
What were the results of Christ's
call on Matthew?
~ He left his business. It may
make a similar demand now and some
may not be willing to heed it; the
Gadarenes preferred their swine to
Jesus (Luke S:26-3O. But Christ
promises, Seek We first the kingdom
Of God. and all these things shall be
added unto YOU Matt. 6:3S).
(2) He became an open disciple. BY
the grace Of God, he takes rank above
Nicodemus and Joseph, who were dis
ciples but secretly" The hearts of
some go out to Christ, but they are
not willing to confess him before men.
But the promise is. IF thou shall con-
fess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shall believe in thy heart that
God hath raised him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved" (Romans 1879.
(S) He endeavored to win others.
The feast in the house was doubtless
for the purpose of acquainting his
friends with Jesus. Every follower Of
Christ has the opportunity OF reach
ing those in his circle of influence.
The cultivated Henry Drummond help
ed students especially, while Samuel
Hadley led many a drunkard to Jesus.
What blessing you will miss, what loss
may come to your friends. If you do
not follow Christ!
az He was lifted out of the COM
monplace. Matthew seems to have
been an ordinary man: he writes as a
plain man Of business. Yet he was
made an evangelist and apostle; and
John, In vision, saw his name in the
foundations Of the new Jerusalem
(Rev. 21:14)! The same Saviour
made out OF Bunyan, the swearing
tinker, the author of Pilgrims Prog
ress." and has wrought many such
miracles: He offers to write your
in THE Lambs book of life!"
Why should you do without him?
1t Is not yet too late;
He has not closed the day of grace.