We shall conclude with recommending to your imita- tion the conduct of this blind beggar. Imitate,
1. His humility —
[It is scarcely possible for words to express deeper humi- lity than that manifested by Bartimeus. He sought nothing but mercy for mercy's sake: he had no plea but that of his own misery, together with that which was implied in the ap- pellation given to Jesus. The Son of David was to confirm his divine mission by the most benevolent and stupendous miracles. The import of the beggar's petition therefore was, ' Let me, the poorest, meanest, and most necessitous of man- kind, be made a monument of thy power and grace.' Such exactly is to be the spirit and temper with which we must approach the Lord. If we bring any self-righteous plea, or build our hope upon any thing besides the work and offices of Christ, we never can find acceptance with him. It is the broken and contrite spirit, and that alone, which God will not despise.]
2. His perseverance —
[The circumstances under which he persevered in his re- quests were very discouraging. He was rebuked by the people, and, to appearance, disregarded by Christ ; yet, instead of relaxing, he redoubled his efforts to obtain mercy. Thus should we pray and not faint. Discouragements we must expect both from without and from within. The world will cry out against us, and God himself may appear to have for- saken us : but we must argue like the lepers, and say, ' If I cease to call upon him, I must perish ; and I can but perish if I continue my supplications. Thus must we continue in prayer with all perseverance ; breaking through every difficulty, cast- ing away every impediment, and determining, if we perish, to perish at the feet of Christ. Would to God that there were within us such a spirit ! Sooner should heaven and earth pass away than such a suppliant be finally rejected.]
3. His gratitude —
[When healed by Jesus, we find the same contempt for secular interests as he had manifested under his distress. From henceforth his concern was to honour his Benefactor : he instantly became a stated follower of Jesus, a living witness of his mercy and power. How differently did he act from those who seek the Lord in their affliction, but, as soon as ever they are relieved, forget all the vows that are upon them ! Let not us be of this base and odious character. Let us rather yield up ourselves as living sacrifices to the Lord, and devote ourselves wholly to his service. Let the remembrance of his kindness be