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3. The condescension of Christ to believing peni- tents—
[If a person of an abandoned character, however changed in his conduct, should come to us when in the midst of com- pany, and that company of a higher order and Pharisaic cast, and should express such affection for us, our pride would he apt to rise ; and, while we blushed for the degradation we seemed to suffer, we should be ready to condemn him for his unseasonable intrusion, or perhaps to suspect that he was de- ranged in his mind. But Jesus accounted himself honoured by the testimonies of the woman's regard : and, though he could not but know what reflections would be cast upon his character on account of his kindness to her, he vindicated her conduct, and richly recompensed her kind attentions.
Thus will he do to every believing penitent. He will com- pensate the scoffs of an unbelieving world by manifest tokens of his approbation. He will not regard the quantity or quality of a man's past offences ; but will speak peace to his soul, and in due time " wipe away all tears from his eyes" for ever. O that we might all consider this, and experience it to our eternal joy !]
Luke viii. 16 — 18. No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made mani- fest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore hoio ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
AMONG the ancient philosophers there were some, who instilled into their more immediate followers, principles different from what they avowed to the public at large. But there was no such insincerity in our Divine Teacher. He did indeed instruct his peculiar Disciples more fully than others (for others were not capable of enduring the clear light of his Gospel) but it was his design that, in due season, the whole truth should be made known to the world; and of this his intention he advertised his Disciples, at the