Great Physician? For those who are dearest to us perhaps we say with fervor, "Oh, deign to heal my parent—my life's companion—my child—my friend; prosper their designs, and protect them from all evil." Yet the supplication is for those who are a part of ourselves. Their sufferings affect us, in their blessings we participate.
The inspired passage on which we meditate requires a broader benevolence. It is not restricted to individuals, to families, to communities, to native country, or to kindred blood. It is as wide as creation. It comprises "all men."
But shall we pray for strangers? Why not? Did our Master make any reservation of people, or kindred, or tongue? Did not the prophets, who saw Him afar off, utter truly the language of His great salvation: "Come unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth"?
When we pray for those within the sphere of our influence, a deeper love springs up for them, a stronger desire to do them service. When we implore pity for the mourner, and support for those who are about to pass over the cold river of Death, we turn with more devout and chastened joy to our homes, still unvisited by the Destroying Angel. When we intercede for those who pine with famine, or tremble beneath oppression, is not the fervor of pious gratitude quickened by the contrast with our own plentiful and peaceful land?
