their conceit of Messianic glories involved with earthly pomp
and dominion, by his declaration of the self-denial, the
shame, and the suffering, which lay in the path of those who
really espoused his cause and entered into his kingdom. They
needed such a revelation as this, then, upon the Mount of
Transfiguration, to support them under the stroke which had
shaken their earthly delusion, and let in glimpses of the
sadder truth. It was well that they should behold the
leaders of the old dispensation confirming and ministering to
the greatness of the new, and the religion which was to go
down into the dark places of the earth made manifest in its
authority and its source from Heaven. It was well that they
should see their Master glorified, that they might be
strengthened to see him crucified. It was well that Moses
and Elias stood at the font, when they were about to be.
baptized into their apostleship of suffering, and labor, and
helping finish the work which these glorious elders helped
begin. But that great work still lay before them, and to
rest here would be to stop upon the threshold;--to have kept
the vision would have thwarted the purpose. Upon a far
higher summit, and at a far distant time--with fields of toil
and tracts of blood between--would that which was meant as an
inspiration for their souls become fixed for their sight, and
tabernacles that should never perish enclose a glory that
should never pass away.

You may have anticipated the lessons for ourselves which I
propose to draw from this unconsidered request of Peter. At
least, you will readily perceive that it does contain
suggestions applicable to our daily life. For I proceed, at