Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/601

 Slavery. A wretched  slavery  prevailed  throughout  all  heathendom, men and  women  being  bought  and  sold  like  mere  goods  and  chattels. Through Jesus  Christ  and  His  Church  this  slavery  has  been  abolished.

Think of  the  number  and  greatness  of  your sins. From your  early  childhood  not  a day  has  passed  that  you have not  offended  God  either  by  thought,  desire,  word,  deed,  or the  omission  of  what  you  ought  to  have  done. You have  wasted and misused  grace,  and  have,  perhaps,  committed  mortal  sins. And yet God  has  borne  with  you,  spared  you  and  forgiven  you! Praise Him and  love  him  for  what  He  has  done  for  you.

(Compare Commentary  Old  Test.  XVII.)

N His  journey  from  Galilee  to  Judaea,  Jesus  selected  from among His  followers  seventy-two,  whom  He  called  disciples, that  they  might  assist  the  twelve  apostles  in  the  work of the  ministry. He sent  them  forth  two  by  two,  saying:  “He that heareth  you,  heareth  Me,  and  He  that  despiseth  you,  despiseth Me; and  he  that  despiseth  Me,  despiseth  Him  that  sent  Me.”

A short time  after,  the  seventy-two  returned  to  Him,  rejoicing, and saying  that  even  the  demons  were  subject  to  them. Jesus, fearing that  they  might  become  vain  of  the  power  that  was  given them, said:  “I  saw  Satan,  as  lightning,  falling  from  heaven. Rejoice not because  the  spirits  are  subject  to  you,  but  rejoice  in this,  that  your  names  are  written  in  the  Book  of  Life.”

Then, rejoicing  with  them,  He  prayed:  “I  give  thanks  to Thee,  O Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  that  Thou  hast  hid these things  from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them to little  ones!'