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Prejudices often find expression in spite of one's consciousness of them, and of the protest of reason. All that is needed to betray them is simply an occasion. Such an occasion was given Nathanael by Philip's mention of "Nazareth." The best response to a sneer, as a rule, is silence. Christ's manner, for the most of us, is the wisest and most dignified "answering not a word." Nevertheless, it is allowable to transfix a prejudice, or turn aside a sneer, if we can do it as effectually as Philip. He neither admits nor denies the force of Nathanael's objection. His answer is a challenge whose reasonableness Nathanael himself could not deny — "Come and see!" The excellence of Christ may be learned in part:

I. FROM REPORT; OR, THE TESTIMONY OF WITNESSES. "We have found Him," etc., is substantially the testimony of every honest inquirer. Also the Samaritan woman (John 4:29), whose testimony brought many of her people to Him. The whole New Testament is but a report of witnesses of the person, character, teachings, etc., of the Son of God.

II. BY INTERCOURSE WITH HIS DISCIPLES. Nathanael heeded Philip's terse advice; he went with him to see Christ. True Christian example is an illustration of Christ Himself. Christ's excellence, reproduced in His disciples, may be learned even by His bitterest enemies. Said a fierce Papist to Bishop Jewel: "I should love thee, Jewel, if thou wast not a Lutheran — in thy faith thou art a heretic, but, surely, in thy life thou art an angel. Lord Peterborough, when visiting Archbishop Fenelon, heard no argument from him on the claims of Christianity. The venerable prelate let logic alone, and simply lived such a life as he was wont to do when there were no infidels about to witness. The exclamation of the deist was, "If I stay here much longer, I shall become a Christian in spite of myself." "Come and see," thou unbelieving friend! Mingle with Christians — not to mark their inconsistencies and expose their faults. A better motive is his who is ever looking for excellencee: and these will be found even in the humblest of Christ's disciples.

III. BY PERSONAL REALIZATION. You cannot know the excellence of a thing without personally testing it. What do you know of a fruit you have never tasted? The sight of food relieves no one's hunger. "If any man will do His will," etc. Christianity is a grand temple, the interior of which you have never seen. It is famous the world over. Crowds of all ages and nationalities have entered it, and, gazing upon its grandeur, have been lost in wonder, exclaiming, "The half was not told me!" But you are without, looking listlessly at a single rose-window, and asking, "What is there here to admire?" But "come and see." Let me take you, as Philip took Nathanael, into the temple. Then shall its glory burst upon you overwhelmingly! This personal test, or experience, is the only proof of gospel blessings which thousands of Christians can urge without fear of successful contradiction. Conclusion: —

1. Christ would be more appreciated if He were more thoroughly known.

2. Once Scripturally known, Christ needs no longer to beg for men's regard. Come and see: —

I. THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR SEEING CHRIST.

1. Deep conviction and penitence on the part or gross sinners.

2. Guileless sincerity on the part of those who, like Nathaniel, have not gone so far morally astray.

II. THE NECESSITY OF SEEING CHRIST.

1. Argument about an absent person most inefficient.

2. Personal contemplation alone efficient.

III. THE MEANS OF SEEING CHRIST.

1. Earnest unprejudiced study of the facts of Christ's history and of His words. Come out of the world and compare it with the Christ depicted in the Gospels.

2. Clear patient meditation on Christ's commentary on His character and mission to the Church.

(1) Not as Rome would have us do, behold Christ in her ecclesiastics, rites, councils, and visible head. Often have these things created a Nathanael-like prejudice. But(2) In the blended lives of Christ's saintly followers who constitute the true Church.

(3) In the regenerating effects which the Church, through Him, has produced in the world.

3. Actual intercourse with Christ Himself.

(1) We have often wished for bodily contact, a knowledge of Christ after the flesh. This would be very precious, but, as St. Paul shows, might bring no real knowledge.

4. The vision of faith the highest and best means of enjoying the manifestation of Christ. This vision(1) Is progressive.

(2) Becomes a power of vision in every other direction. The believer sees Christ everywhere.

(T. Islip.)

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KJV: Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

WEB: Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.