any combination to discredit the miracle. It would make the priests themselves to attest its reality, and might lead them to receive him as the promised Messiah. In obedience to his command, the lepers went, expecting a cure : nor were any of them disappointed of their hope. In going, they were restored by the almighty power of Jesus; and they felt in themselves infallible tokens of perfect health.]
The effects however produced upon them were not alike in all —
[Nine of them prosecuted their journey mindful only of their own comfort. Having obtained all that they wished, they forgat their Benefactor, nor ever thought of paying the debt which gratitude demanded. One, however, was more sensible of the obligations conferred upon him, and burned with a desire to acknowledge the mercies he had received. Returning instantly, he prostrated himself at the feet of Jesus. With heartfelt gratitude he glorified God as the author of his mercy, and gave thanks to Jesus, as the instrument by whom it was sent. Nor was he less ardent in his thanksgivings, than he had before been importunate in his prayers0.]
To open these more minutely, we shall, II. Make some reflections on the text in particular —
The first reflection which naturally arises from the text is,
1. What ingratitude is there in the human heart! [We are amazed at the conduct of the ungrateful lepers. We are ready to suppose that nothing could induce us to act like them. Yet we may see in them a true picture of the world at large. How many temporal mercies have we experienced through our whole lives ! What continuance of health, or deliverances from sickness! What freedom from want, or relief in the midst of it ! What comfort in the society of our friends and relatives ! Yet how little have we thought of him, who bestowed these blessings ! How many spiritual mercies too have we received from God! What provision has been made for the healing of our souls ! The Son of God himself has suffered, that he might "heal us by his stripes": and offers of pardon and salvation have been proclaimed to us in his name ; Yea, we have been promised a deliverance from the leprosy of sind, and have been entreated to become children and heirs of God. Are not these mercies which demand our gratitude ? Yet what returns have we made to our adorable Benefactor? May not God complain of us as he did of the
c ver. 13, 15. d Rom. vi. 14.