Alexander, when his army grew sluggish because laden with the spoils of their enemies, to free them from this incumbrance, commanded all his own baggage to be set on fire, that when they saw the king himself devote his rich treasures to the flames they might not murmur if their mite and pittance were consumed also.
So, if Christ had taught us contempt of the world, and had not given us an instance of it in His own person, His doctrine had been less powerful and effective. But what an example we now find in Him, since he had not where to lay His head in life, nor a rag to cover Him in death, nor anything but a borrowed grave in burial.
What manner of persons ought we all to be in unselfishness when we have such a Lord! He hath not said to us in matters of self-denial, “Take up thy cross and go,” but “Come, take up thy cross and follow Me.” Well may the soldiers endure hardness when the King himself roughs it among us, and suffers more than the meanest private in our ranks.—SPURGEON.
