minute descriptions given of those whom he does invite, are far more satisfactory to the soul, than the most express mention of our names could be : we might doubt whether there were not others of our name ; but who can doubt whether he be a sinner, a lost sinner ? Yet such are repeatedly declared to be the very persons whom he came to seek and save. Are we, like the blind man, longing for mercy, and striving to obtain it? It is impossible to doubt whether Jesus have mercy in store for us, since he particularly calls to him " every one that thirsteth." Only let his invitations be treasured up in our minds, and we shall never despond, never entertain a doubt of obtaining our desire at last.]
Participating in the general joy which this call excited, let us trace,
III. The effect it produced upon him —
He arose and went to Jesus without delay —
[Intent upon one point of infinite importance, he dis- regarded his garment, as the Samaritan woman on another occasion did her water-pot ; or perhaps, fearing that it would retard his motion, he cast it away, that he might the more speedily obey the summons. Valuable as it must have been to one so poor, he utterly despised it, when the prospect of a cure had cheered his soul; nor would he retain any thing that should for one moment interfere with his expected bliss. Instantly he went, and made known to Jesus the particular mercy which he desired. He asked not any pecuniary aid, but that, of which the value was above rubies. He had come to one who was able to grant whatever he should ask; and, as he was not straitened in his Benefactor, he would not be straitened in his own petitions.]
Such should be the effect which the calls of Jesus
should produce on us —
[We should not hesitate one moment to comply with his gracious invitations, nor should any worldly concerns occupy our thoughts when a prospect of mercy presents itself to our view. We should cast off every thing, however dear or even necessary it may be to us, rather than suffer it to retard our spiritual progress. " We should lay aside every weight, and the sin that most easily besets us, in order that we may run with patience and activity the race that is set before us." Going to Jesus we should spread all our wants before him. If he ask, " What wouldst thou that I should do unto thee ?" we should be ready to reply, ' Lord, open my eyes, forgive my sins, renew my soul.' If we thus improve his calls, we shall never be disappointed of our hope]