[Many of us, alas ! have friends whose souls are dead in trespasses and sins: their faculties are altogether destitute of spiritual motion or sensation ; but we may bring them tyteith into the presence of the compassionate Jesus. He will be pleased, rather than offended, with our officious intrusion; nor shall our labours of love be without many good effects. Little do we think how many thousands have been converted in answer to the entreaties of God's praying people; and who can tell but that God may fulfil to us that promise k— ? Who can tell but that, as an answer to " our faith" we may see our friends healed of their sins, and triumphing in their blessed Saviour ? We are sure, at least, that our " prayers shall return into our own bosom." Let us then improve our knowledge of the Redeemer's grace, and exert ourselves, that all around us may participate his saving benefits.]
k Jam. v. 15.
Mark ii 17. They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick : I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
THERE is no action, however benevolent, which cavillers may not censure. Every part of our Lord's conduct was worthy of his divine character ; yet was he constantly "enduring the contradiction of sinners,' &c. He was now conversing familiarly with publicans for their good. This was condemned by the Scribes as unbecoming a holy person, if not also as giving countenance to sin. Our Lord vindicated himself on principles acknowledged by them.
His words contain, I. A generally established maxim- Persons desire not a physician unless they be sick. This is true according to its literal import—
TA person in health wishes not for any medical assistance: he would refuse it if it were tendered to him ; lie would not submit to any regimen that should be prescribed. But they who are diseased are glad to hear of a skilful physician : they