[Greatly did this diseased person honour Jesus by her faith. She had heard of his unbounded power and benevolence towards others : she trusted that he would exercise them to- wards herself. Nor did she at all stagger through unbelief. Jesus therefore determined to bless and honour her. His inquiries were made, not for his own information, but to bring her into notice, and to propose her as a pattern for the encou- ragement of others. He not only conveyed, but expressly confirmed, her cure, and dismissed her with the endearing appellation of " daughter." Thus will he testify his love to all who rely upon him. How gloriously did he reward the confidence of the Hebrew Youths k! Nor shall any put their trust in him in vain. Their sins, however numerous, shall surely be forgiven1: their difficulties, however great, shall surely be overcome™.]
Address —
1. To those who are unconcerned about their spi- ritual maladies —
[We all are sensible that we are sinful creatures, and profess an intention to seek forgiveness : yet for the most part we defer this necessary work. If our bodies were disordered, we should apply to the physician ; we should even spend our substance in procuring his aid, and this, with only an uncer- tain hope of obtaining relief. But we account the smallest labour too much for our souls : we will not apply in earnest to our Almighty Physician, notwithstanding we could not fail of success in our application, and should be sure to obtain healing " without money and without price." What strange infatua- tion possesses impenitent sinners! What extreme folly is it to prefer the transient welfare of a perishable body, before the eternal welfare of an immortal soul! Let the conduct of this woman put such persons to shame, and let them instantly avail themselves of the Saviour's presence.]
2. To those who desire to have their disorders healed —
[Man is ever prone to seek help in the creature first. The Jews of old did this to their own confusion11: and God has declared, that all who do so shall fail of success °. Let us then be convinced that the sinner's help is in God alone, and that all others are " physicians of no value." Let us never question the power or willingness of Christ to save. Let us make our way to him through all difficulties and obstructions. Let us
k Dan. iii. 17, 25, 27. » Matt. xii. 31. in Mark xi. 22, 23. 11 Hos. v. 13. ° Jer. xvii. 5, 6.