John 1:47

John 1:47

Guilelessness.

An even unvaried life is the lot of most men, in spite of occasional troubles or other accidents; and we are apt to despise it and get tired of it, and to long to see the world or, at all events, we think such a life affords no great opportunity for religious obedience. Here we have the history of St. Bartholomew and the other Apostles to recall us to ourselves, and to assure us that we need not give up our usual manner of life in order to serve God; that the most humble and quiet station is acceptable to Him nay, affords means for maturing the highest Christian character, even that of an Apostle. Bartholomew read the Scriptures and prayed to God, and thus was trained at length to give up his life for Christ when He demanded it.

I. Consider the particular praise which our Saviour gives him: "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" This is just the character which, through God's grace, they may attain most fully who live out of the world in a private way. It is a most difficult and rare virtue to mean what we say, to love without dissimulation, to think no evil, to bear no grudge, to be free from selfishness, to be innocent and straightforward. This character of mind is something far above the generality of men; and when realised in due measure, one of the surest marks of Christ's elect. Such men are cheerful and contented, for they desire but little and take pleasure in the least matters, having no wish for riches or distinction. The guileless man has a simple boldness and a princely heart; he overcomes dangers which others shrink from, merely because they are no dangers to him, and thus he often gains even worldly advantages by his straightforwardness which the most crafty persons cannot gain, though they risk their souls for them.

II. Nor is it only among the poor and lowly that this blessed character of mind is found to exist. Secular learning and dignity have doubtless a tendency to rob the heart of its brightness and purity; yet even in kings' courts and the schools of philosophy Nathanaels may be discovered. Lastly, more is requisite from the Christian even than guilelessness such as Bartholomew's. Innocence must be joined to prudence, discretion, self-command, gravity, patience, perseverance in welldoing; but innocence is the beginning.

J. H. Newman, Parochial and Plain Sermons,vol. ii., p. 333.

References: John 1:47. G. Brooks, Outlines of Sermons,p. 425; Preacher's Monthly,vol. x., p. 270; Spurgeon, My Sermon Notes: Gospels and Acts,p. 124; W. G. Horder, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxvii., p. 152. Joh 1:48. Homiletic Magazine,vol. vii., p. 271; Ibid.,vol. x., p. 68; Preacher's Monthly,vol. viii., p. 376; J. E. Vaux, Sermon Notes,2nd series, 62.