we must not wait in idleness, saying, " If I am to be saved, I shall be saved." We must arise and go to the road where Jesus walks. Who can tell but He will soon pass by for the last time ? Let us sit daily by the way-side.
For another thing, let us mark the value of pains and perseverance in seeking Christ. These blind men were " rebuked" by the multitude, that accompanied our Lord. Men told them to " hold their peace." But they were not to be silenced in this way. They felt their need of help. They cared nothing for the check which they received. ^^ They cried the more, saying. Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, thou Son of David."
We have in this I3art of their conduct, a most import- ant example. We are not to be deterred by opposition, or discouraged by difficulties, when we begin to seek the salvation of our souls. We must " pray always and not faint." (Luke xviii. 1.) We must remember the parable of the importunate widow, and of the friend who came to borrow bread at midnight. Like them we must press our petitions at the throne of grace, and say, ^^ I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." (Gen. xxxii. 26.) Friends, relatives, and neighbors may say unkind things, and reprove our earnestness. We may meet with cold- ness and want of sympathy, where we might have looked for help. But let none of these things move us. If we feel our diseases, and want to find Jesus, the great Physician — if we know our sins, and desire to have them pardoned — ^letus press on. '^ The violent take the king- dom by force." (Matt. xi. 12.)
Finally, let us mark hoiu gracious the Lord Jesus is to