ungrateful Jews6? Let us then abase ourselves before God under a sense of* our vilenessf; nor let us justify our conduct from the example of the world. Who does not commend the singularity of the grateful leper? Who does not admire the singularity of Noah among the antediluvians, and of Lot in Sodom? Let us then dare to be singular in loving and adoring our Benefactor. Let a sense of gratitude far outweigh the fear of man. Then, though the world despise us, we shall have the testimony of a good conscience; and "our record shall be on high" in the day of the Lord Jesusg.]
2. How often do they, who enjoy the greatest advantages, make the least improvement of them!
[The nine ungrateful lepers were, by profession, the Lord's people. They had been instructed out of the law by God's appointed ministers. The wonderful works which had u wrought for their nation could not be unknown to them. The examples of David and other eminent saints had been set before them : they therefore could not but know much of God's will respecting them. The poor " Samaritan," on the contrary, was a " stranger" to God's covenant. The prejudices of his nation forbad all intercourse with the Jews. By this means he was cut off from all opportunities of instruction: yet he returned to glorify his God, while all the Jews overlooked the mercy vouchsafed unto them. And are there not many amongst ourselves, who are far from improving their spiritual advantages ? Are we not surpassed in virtue by many who never enjoyed our privileges ? Are there not many illiterate and obscure persons whose hearts overflow with gratitude, while ours are as insensible as a stone ? Let us remember that God expects from us according to the means of improve- ment he has afforded ush; and let us labour to yield fruit suited to the culture bestowed upon us1.]
3. How plain is our duty both under a need, and after the receipt, of divine mercies!
[The lepers could not possibly have adopted a wiser mea- sure than they did : they were persuaded of Christ's power to help : and they sought help at his hands. And is not Jesus as mighty now as in the days of his flesh? W'ill not the diseases of the soul, as well as of the body, yield to his com- mands ? Has he not encouraged us by many express promises of mercy? Let us then, like the lepers, cry, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us"; nor let us cease from our importunity till we have prevailed: but, if we have received answers of peace,
c Isai. i. 2, li. ' Job xlii. 0. 8 Job xvi. 19.
h Luke xii. 18. > Isai. v. 2 — ti.