under the same infirmity, who stoop to worldly things, and keep their minds and hearts continually fixed on them, in such a manner, that they cannot raise their thoughts to heaven. Of this numerous class of Christians, it may be said, " they turned away their eyes, that they might not look unto heaven, nor remember just judgments. " (Dan. xiii. 9.)
II. Christ's merciful disposition prompted Him to call the woman to Him and cure her. " Woman, thou art delivered from thy infirmity." (Luke xiii. 12.) The effect immediately followed His omnipotent word; for having placed His hands on her, " she was immediately made straight, and glorified God." Observe and imitate the gratitude of this woman; for as soon as she saw herself cured, she began " to glorify God." How much greater reason have you to glorify God, " Who healeth all thy diseases." (Ps. cii. 3.) Say with the enraptured prophet, "The Lord is my strength and my praise, and He is become salvation to me, He is my God and I will glorify Him." (Exod. xv. 2.)
III. Consider the perverse zeal of the ruler of the synagogue; " He was angry that Jesus had cured on the Sabbath," as if it were not lawful to do a good action, which was not servile, on the Sabbath day. Passions, and a desire of gratifying them are frequently mistaken for zeal. Do all your actions with a pure and sincere intention to please God, and you need not fear the judgments which men may pass on them. " Fear not the reproach of men and be not afraid of their blasphemies. For the worm shall eat them up as a garment, and the moth shall consume them as wool." (Is. li. 7.)
