the works
which none other man did, they had not had sin--but now they have no
cloak for their sin--they have both seen and hated both me and my
Father." *

* John xv. 22-24.

At the return of the seventy they appear to have been elated with the
exercise of the miraculous powers which had been delegated to them--"And
the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are
subject unto us through thy name."

They had witnessed Christ's miracles, but seem not to have wrought
miracles themselves till now; and when they found themselves able to
do the mighty works which they had admired in their Lord they were
filled with joy.

Having made their report, Christ enlarged their powers and promised them
protection--"Behold I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions,
and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means
hurt you." But to prevent them from setting an undue value on these
distinctions, the caution in the text is subjoined--"_Notwithstanding,
in this rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather,
rejoice because your names are written in heaven_".

In discussing the subject, we will, first _consider the caution or
prohibition--In this rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto
you; then the command--But rather rejoice because your names are
written in heaven_.

I. WE are to consider the caution, or prohibition--_In this rejoice
not, &c_.

But why not? Was it not matter of joy that spirits, evil spirits were
subject to them? That they were able to dislodge them from the bodies
of men, by commanding them in Christ's name? Certainly. This enabled
them to answer the ends of their mission, which had been but very
partially answered without it. Wherefore then the prohibition?

It is rather the excess of their joy, than the joy itself which is
here forbidden. They seem to have placed an undue value on this power;
to have exalted it above it's place, particularly as it concerned
themselves. This was the first thing they mentioned at their return;
nothing beside seems to have made so deep an impression upon them, or
to have given them equal self importance.

To them there were other things more interesting and important; that
they were accepted of God, and numbered among the faithful, and that
their _names were written_ in heaven, were to them occasions of much
greater joy. The gift of miracles proved their mission, and drew the
attention of those who wi