No : I have seen his ways, and) will heal him ; and will restore comfort also to him and to his mourners u." Avail your- selves then, my Brethren, of the opportunity now afforded you ; and go to Him who is able to save you to the uttermost," and " will cast out none who come unto him." But remember, you must be content to have your wounds probed to the very bottom ; lest, after all, the healing of them should be only superficial.]
3. Those who are enjoying health in their souls —
[Happy indeed is your state. You have the true enjoy- ment of life. We feel the benefit of health, as it respects the body : for it enables us to perform every office of life with ease and pleasure ; whilst to the sick and the infirm even the smallest labour is difficult. So, to the man that is under the power of sin, all spiritual exercises are irksome : but to him whose " soul prospers, and is in health," the ways of God are beyond measure delightful. Be careful then, beloved, to preserve your health. Be living nigh to your heavenly Physician ; and, at the very first appearance of disorder in your soul, apply to him. So will he " keep you in perfect peace," and " preserve you blame- less unto his heavenly kingdom."]
u Isai. lvii. 17, 18.
Jer. viii. 20 — 22. The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there ? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered3-?
a This may be more simplified, by taking the character of the text as the ground of the distribution and discussion. Thus, consider,
I. His affectionate lamentation —
The people had hoped to receive succour from Egypt, but the time for marching armies was past away, and they were left without suc- cour. But I rather think the sense to be, God had given them time for repentance, and had warned them by his prophets, but all in vain. Now therefore they were left to the fury of their invading foes. On account of their impending calamities the prophet was greatly distressed. And is there not similar occasion for lamentation over you ? How many warnings from the Lord have you received ! How many oppor- tunities for your souls, as favourable as the summer for harvest ! Yet