I THE GREAT REFUSAL "When the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful."-MATT. xix: 22. T HE rich young ruler is one of the most fascinating figures in the New Testament. In disposition he was most lovable, in manners most attractive, in manhood most praiseworthy. He had the serious temper, also, that is the first sign of greatness in youth. He was reverent in spirit, he had a hungry mind, he was eager, ingenuous and courteous, being altogether admirable. From the moment Jesus saw him, the Master loved this rich, young ruler. Indeed, the words that describe His affection for the youth are the words used to describe His love for John, the Beloved Disciple. There are two kinds of friendship; there is an exterior friendship based on neighbourhood, commercial partnership or political plans; there is an interior friendship, in which two men sympathise along the same lines, enjoy the same intellectual tastes, hate the same wrongs, cherish the same political and moral ideals; then friends coalesce like drops of water, becoming one. Jesus first tested this youth, to make sure of his worth, and then, widening His little inner circle, made a place for this young ruler. Every generation has one outstanding figure. When this young Carpenter, who held the heart of the people in His hand, made an overture of friendship to the rich young ruler, what an opportunity was that which passed before the ambitious youth! Addressing his judges, Socrates exclaimed: "At what price would one not estimate an hour's converse with Homer or Hesiod!" But at what price would a youth, who aspired to be a leader of his time, not estimate the opportunity of daily converse with the greatest religious leader of any age or clime! Jesus was the one man of moral genius of His epoch! What an overture was His to this youth to become one of the charter members and founders of Christ's "Beloved Society," His 66 League of Pity," an institution destined to outlive all the cities and empires of that era! One would have rejoiced to have seen the young ruler rise up, fling away his baubles, forsake all and follow this Master to influence, fame and blessing. But something blinded his eyes, and cast a glamour over his vision. The jewel slipped between his fingers. He tossed the gold away. It is as Dante has said: "Who is that nameless one, gnawed with remorse?" While Virgil answers: "Let us flee! That is the youth who made the Great Refusal." Consider the reasonableness of Christ's command. It was not a question of the rich, young ruler's salvation, but of his perfection and worldwide influence. Ambitious for spiritual supremacy, the youth asked, "What shall I do to be perfect?" For this was one of those noble and occasional spirits not content with the better, but longing for the best. It is one thing to be saved, so as by fire. It is quite another thing to come home like a prince from victorious wars, when all the hosts come out to meet and greet the leader. No question about his integrity; he had kept all the commandments from his youth up. The problem was a problem of influence, how to make his gold, offices and honours to journey out into all the world. Jesus was showing him how to make his name immortal, how to make his influence shine like a star, that would never die out of the world's sky. He bade him do the rare, wonderful and godlike thing. The youth seems to have been one of those gifted souls who can sacrifice and lift themselves up, one able to dwell apart from and above his fellows. But when he had gazed upon the vision of ideal perfection and immortal influence, the young man stood long in silence, and then, wistfully, shook his head, and sorrowfully went away. It is said that "he was sorrowful "-not startled, not angry, not embittered. His reason approved Christ's counsel otherwise he would have contradicted Jesus. His judgment affirmed the practicability of Jesus, otherwise he would have gone away mocking the dreamer. But Jesus was right. His own heart condemned him. At last, silently and sadly, the youth turned away. Having made overtures to rude fishermen, publicans and peasants, Jesus now makes an overture to a youth of wealth, address, of office and social position. He plans to bring an entirely new element into the apostolic band. "If thou wilt be |