vine, we shall derive virtue from him for the bringing forth the fruits of righteousness and true holiness11.]
4. Believing —
[At the purification of the leper the priest was to " sprinkle the oil seven times before the Lord." This denoted that, while in the performance of these ceremonies they sought the glory of the Lord, they expected from him an abundant supply of those blessings which were typically represented by them. Thus in applying the blood and Spirit of Christ to our souls, we must feel a persuasion that we are using the instituted means of our salvation ; and that, in the use of them, we shall receive from God the blessings we stand in need of. Such a confidence is not to be called presumption. Presumption is the expectation of benefits in a way wherein God has not warranted us to expect them : but the most assured expectation of them, when accompanied with a diligent discharge of our duty, and a hum- ble dependence on his promises, is in the highest degree pleas- ing to God, and profitable to man. The " stronger we are in faith, the more do we give glory to Godx," and ensure the accomplishment of his promises to our souls y.]
Address —
1. To those who are conscious of their leprous state.
[The lepers were not left to judge of their own state : they were examined by the priest, and necessitated to abide by his decision. Think ye then, that, when our great High- Priest shall inspect your souls, he will not find out the marks of leprosy that are upon you? Be assured that, however they may be covered from the eye of man, they are all " naked and open (as the sacrifices were when flayed and cut down the back-bone) before the eyes of Him with whom we have to doz." O search out your iniquities, and " rend your hearts, and cover your lips, and, with the convicted leper, cry, Unclean, unclean a !" If you be not conscious of your disorder, you will never feel your need of purification from it ; and consequently you will neglect the means prescribed for your recovery, and perish in your sins. May God avert from you so heavy a calamity, and incline you to accept with gratitude his proffered mercy !]
2. To those who desire deliverance from it —
[The lepers, though in a most afflicted state b, had reason to be resigned to their lot, because their disorder came from
u John xv. 5. Rom. vii. 4. x Rom. iv. 20.
y John xi. 40. 2 Chron. xx. 20.
z Tvuvd ml TETpa^XitTjjLei'a. Heb. iv. 13.
a Lev. xiii. 45. with Isai. vi. 5.
b For the true state of a leper, see Numb. xii. 12.