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! — The earnest and compassionate look cast upon Martha is the look cast upon us as we are asked this question. Who in his reflective moods does not acknowledge the importance whether the answer is yes or no? Who does not want to be established in solid convictions. But there is a difficulty at the very entrance of the subject. What is it to believe? and how? But this is no real difficulty to practical men. To believe in a proposition is to be persuaded of its truth. It admits of degrees. It may shine like the sun in clear assurance, or be overcast with the wet atmosphere of thought; but still it is the light we are appointed to walk by. We are every day believing what we cannot prove. Our text lays no injunction, but simply asks a question: "Believest thou?" We ought to know whether we do or not.

I. WE HAVE FAITH IN SOME OF ITS LOWER DEGREES AT LEAST, and every degree is precious. We believe in something of the truth revealed in the Bible, too inadequately perhaps, and with reason to cry out, "Help Thou my unbelief"; or else we are utter sceptics. Which is it?

II. EVERY DEGREE TOWARDS THE HIGHEST AND FULLEST ASSURANCE IS PRECIOUS. This is certainly true so far as the comfort and peace of the mind are concerned, and what can be more important?

1. That it should be nourished with Divine truths.

2. Confirmed with spiritual assurances.

3. Near healing words of heavenly compassion.

4. Be protected against the agitations of doubt and dread.

III. IT IS SURPRISING, THEREFORE, THAT IT SHOULD BE SAID THAT IT IS OF LITTLE CONSEQUENCE WHAT A MAN BELIEVES PROVIDED HE CONDUCTS HIMSELF WELL. A principal point is overlooked, the need of the soul to be cheered and kept in the harmony of its own thoughts. One may be a very dutiful man, and yet a very restless and despairing one.

IV. ONE'S BELIEF MUST HAVE SOME INFLUENCE ON CONDUCT. His convictions must be a part of the basis of his character, if not of the very character itself. Human beliefs are of grave moment, and determine the behaviour, and faith in Christ from the first has been the means of changing sinful hearts. But I must look at the need of the troubled mind and heart to find satisfaction and rest. Who can allow himself to be indifferent or unassured when the highest realities are to be treasured up in reverent acknowledgment or else slighted and mistrusted.

V. TAKE THE DIRECT QUESTION OF OUR LORD. "Believest thou that whosoever hath a living faith in Me shall never die?" AND MARTHA'S RESPONSE, "I believe that Thou art He who should come into the world." She stopped there. With a like consciousness of ignorance and weakness we may place ourselves at the feet of the great Teacher.

1. There is a Father, wiser than you can comprehend, better than you deserve, just, merciful, forgiving — believest thou this?

2. There is a heavenly providence — the Father's care — believest thou this?

3. There is a better abode for the soul — the Father's house.

4. There is sure retribution.Finally: If we should be urged with questions too difficult let us prepare ourselves in Martha's spirit. I believe in every doctrine and promise, so far as it is made plain to me, of the Saviour that was gent into the world.

(N. L. Frotheringham.)

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KJV: Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

WEB: So when Jesus came, he found that he had been in the tomb four days already.