This case is an excellent pattern of all cases where spiritual
life is vigorous. As soon as a man has found Christ, he begins to
find others. I will not believe that thou hast tasted of the honey of
the gospel if thou canst eat it all thyself. True grace puts an end
to all spiritual monopoly. Andrew first found his own brother Simon,
and then others. Relationship has a very strong demand upon our first
individual efforts. Andrew, thou didst well to begin with Simon. I
doubt whether there are not some Christians giving away tracts at
other people's houses who would do well to give away a tract at their
own--whether there are not some engaged in works of usefulness abroad
who are neglecting their special sphere of usefulness at home. Thou
mayst or thou mayst not be called to evangelize the people in any
particular locality, but certainly thou art called to see after thine
own servants, thine own kinsfolk and acquaintance. Let thy religion
begin at home. Many tradesmen export their best commodities--the
Christian should not. He should have all his conversation everywhere
of the best savour; but let him have a care to put forth the sweetest
fruit of spiritual life and testimony in his own family. When Andrew
went to find his brother, he little imagined how eminent Simon would
become. Simon Peter was worth ten Andrews so far as we can gather
from sacred history, and yet Andrew was instrumental in bringing him
to Jesus. You may be very deficient in talent yourself, and yet you
may be the means of drawing to Christ one who shall become eminent in
grace and service. Ah! dear friend, you little know the possibilities
which are in you. You may but speak a word to a child, and in that
child there may be slumbering a noble heart which shall stir the
Christian church in years to come. Andrew has only two talents, but
he finds Peter. Go thou and do likewise.
