peasantry of the Weald, his doctrines and his books are still held in reverence, showing that he was a man who truly expressed the deepest thoughts of his people. For this reason, and for their intrinsic preciousness as real bits of spiritual autobiography, "The Bank of Faith" and "The Kingdom of Heaven" are treasures of great value, not only to religious England but to the whole Church.
The native elements of Huntington's character may not be attractive, but it cannot be admitted that its inconsistencies, let us say its startling incongruities, in any way render it unreal. On the contrary, it is one of the most genuine of lives. Inhuman as may seem his theology, he is most human in his life. The heart which can feel no interest in his struggles with sin and poverty, his battles with men and fiends; which cannot follow with sympathy the varying fortunes of the fight, until in the hour of deepest despondency the Deliverer appears; which is utterly revolted by his failings, his maledictory spirit, his pride, vain-glory, and ostentation, does not understand nor care for man as man. The heart, too, which repels the thought that a deliverance so wonderful could have been effected on behalf of such a man is not in full harmony with Christ's work in the world.
In the city of Jericho there were doubtless upright, noble-hearted men, generous, sincere persons, humble, pious souls, under whose roofs and in whose society the human heart of Jesus would have found rest and satisfaction. But He had not come to please Himself, or gratify His own feelings or affections; so, spying out the most despised, most loathed man in the crowd, the man who was lost to all sense of patriotism, had sunk to the condition of a mere hireling of the tyrant, the oppressor of his brethren for the sake of money—this pariah of society Jesus chose as the man at whose house He would abide, and to whom He would bring salvation.
And this despised Israelite, type of the most repulsive of characters, the usurious Jew, ready to sell all for gain, welcomes his Saviour joyfully, and stands up in the presence of his own people, men with natures as blunted to all refinement as himself, stands up and in his own way expresses his devotion to his Guest.
Even in the hour of his repentance and new-born love for all
