The  words  which  are  recorded  in  the  conclusion  of  this  passage
(verse  4)  are  awful :  *'  Jesus  left  them  and  departed," — left  them  in
mingled  sorrow  and  displeasure.  To  be  left  by  Jesus  is  almost  the
greatest  calamity  that  can  befall  a  human  creature !  There  is  one  ca-
lamity greater,  which  is  this — to  hear  Jesus  say,  "  Depart  from  me."
If  left  by  Jesus,  we  may  implore  his  return;  but  when  he  says
*'  Depart,"  we  never  can  be  admitted  any  more  into  His  presence.
Some,  who  have  despised  religious  privileges  while  they  possessed
them,  have  learned  their  value  after  they  have  lost  them  ;  and  some-
times God  has  graciously  restored  the  blessings  they  had  forfeited.
But  it  too  often  happens  that  when  Jesus  leaves  a  people,  he  leaves
them  to  their  impenitence  and  hardness  of  heart,  and  that  when  they
see  Him  again,  it  is  to  hear  Him  say,  "  Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,
into  everlasting  fire."

Evening  Scripture  portion.    Jonah  I  II.     The  whale.
MAY  15.J  CHRIST  WARNS  HIS  DISCIPLES.  229


Matt.  XVL  5-12. — He  warns  his  disciples  against  the  leaven  of  the
Pharisees  and  Sadducees.
