The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1914-03-13


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 say.
ing that bears and lions might be the
hercest wild beasts in the forest, but
publicans and informers were the
worst in the cities. For 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.
Cd He called this man to himself
Matthew did not seek him, but he
sought Matthew. Christs words are
true. "Ye have not chosen me, but
have chosen you" He calls us by
his Holy Spirit, by sick beds, by sor-
rows, by the words of friends.
1--WE found Friend, oh, such a Friend !!
He loved me ere ] knew Him.
He drew me with the cords OF love.
And thus He bound me to Him"
CD He proved attractive to this
man. The Pharisees acted out their
feelings, Il am holier than thou" But,
though sinless, 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 to him.
Raphaels TRANSPORTATION" is an un-
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
Pharisees inquired, why eateth your
Master with publicans and sinners?"
1t cost Matthew something to follow
Jesus, but it cost Jesus more to reck-
on him among his disciples. Even IL
it 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?
Cd He left his business. 1t may
make a similar demand now and some
may not be willing to heed it; the
Gadarenes preferred their swine to
Jesus Uuke S:26-37). But Christ
promises, Seek ye first the kingdom
OF God, and all these things shall be
added unto you" Matt. $3.50.
(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 10:9).
CD He endeavored to win others.
| The feast in the house was doubtless
for the purpose OF acouainting 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. IL you do
not follow Christ!
(4) 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. 21:1Dl 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
name In The Lambs book OF life!'
| vvhv .houis vou 40 xrtthout him.