what they took him for, he would have been no saviour. They were,
however, though partly by mistake, well disposed toward him, and it was
with a growing sense of being honoured by his relation to them, and the
property they had in him, that they said, 'Is not this Joseph's son?'

But the Lord knew what was in their hearts; he knew the false notion
with which they were almost ready to declare for him; he knew also the
final proof to which they were in their wisdom and prudence about to
subject him. He did not look likely to be a prophet, seeing he had
grown up among them, and had never shown any credentials: they had a
right to proof positive! They had heard of wonderful things he had done
in other places: why had they not first of all been done in _their_
sight? Who had a claim equal to theirs? who so capable as they to
pronounce judgment on his mission whether false or true: had they not
known him from childhood? His words were gracious, but words were
nothing: he must _do_ something--something wonderful! Without such
conclusive, satisfying proof, Nazareth at least would never acknowledge
him!

They were quite ready for the honour of having any true prophet, such as
it seemed not impossible the son of Joseph might turn out to be,
recognized as their towns-man, one of their own people: if he were such,
theirs was the credit of having produced him! Then indeed they were
ready to bear witness to him, take his part, adopt his cause, and before
the world stand up for him! As to his being the Messiah, that was merest
absurdity: did they not all know his father, the carpenter? He might,
however, be the prophet whom so many of the best in the nation were at
the moment expecting! Let him do something wonderful!

They were not a gracious people, or a good. The Lord saw their thought,