Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/408



I. "Jesus  came  into  the  confines  of  Caesarea  Philippic and  he  asked  His  disciples  saying;  Whom  do  men  say, that  the  Son  of  Man  is? "  (Matt.  xvi.  13.)  It  is  sometimes good to  know  what  men  say  of  us,  in  order  that  we  may know and  correct  the  defects,  which  have  been  discovered in  our  conduct,  and  that  we  may  attempt  to realize  and  perfect  what  has  been  the  subject  of  their commendation. The desire  of  knowing  the  opinions  of mankind,  in  our  regard,  however,  frequently  proceeds from vanity  and  vain-glory,  and  is  therefore  often  dangerous. Observe, how  Christ  every-where  calls  Himself the "  Son  of  Man,"  though  He  is  the  only  begotten  Son of God,  whilst  those,  who  pretend  to  be  His  followers, pay so  much  attention  to  their  privileges  and  titles  of honor!

II. The Apostles'  answer,  "  Some  say  Thou  art  John the  Baptist,  and  others  Elias,  and  others  Jeremias,  or  one of  the  prophets." (Matt. xvi.  14.)  They  did  not  tell  Himx that others  called  Him  a  drunkard,  a  glutton,  and  other opprobrious names,  to  teach  us,  that  slanderous  reports ought not  to  be  uttered  before  our  brother,  to  spare  his feelings. Observe, how  far  men  failed  in  their  esteem  of Christ,  although  His  miracles  clearly  evinced  His  divinity. Do not,  therefore,  on  your  part  wonder,  if  your neighbors or  companions  undervalue  you,  or  err,  in  believing you  worse  than  you  are. Be content  to  be  considered such  in  the  sight  of  God,  as  you  really  are,  and no more;  for  God  sees  the  secrets  of  hearts.

III. Consider the  words  of  Christ,  "  But  whom  do  you