SERMON CIII.

THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN.

Go, and do thou likewise. LUKE X, 37.

MEN who value themselves highly, under a mistaken notion that they are very righteous, are prone to despise others. The Jews were addicted to this vain boasting; and apt to censure others who were better than themselves. They had no dealings with the Samaritans, because their religious creeds were at variance; but they are reproved in this parable, and a despised Samaritan is set before them as a fine example of generous and disinterested love. A captious lawyer inquired of Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life. Our Lord "said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?" He acknowledged that the law required him to love God with all his heart, and his neighbour as himself; and Jesus said, "This do, and thou shalt live." He knew he had not done this; but, willing to justify himself, he said, "Who is my neighbour?" This question gave rise to the parable, by which we learn, that all men who are in distress, and who fall in our way, are to be treated as our neighbours.

Many foolish things have been written on this beautiful portion of Holy Writ by fanciful allegorizers. The following general observations, in our opinion, will place it in a proper point of view.

I. WE ARE LIABLE TO FALL INTO SUFFERING CIRCUMSTANCES. Dangers await us both at home and abroad. We are liable to suffer by a loss of health and strength; by the hazards of trade and commerce; by fire and tempest; by thunder and lightning; by inundations and earthquakes; by plague and famine; by tumult and war; and by plunder and robbery.

It is probable that the poor traveller, alluded to in this parable, was pursuing his journey from Jerusalem to Jericho with cautious circumspection; but that he knew not the lurking danger in the way. He might have fear, but it was mixed with hope; and if fear made him cautious, hope urged him forward. But neither the one nor the other preserved him in the trying hour.

Thieves lay in wait for the unprotected traveller. These men have been trained in the school of vice, and are hardened in iniquity. They live on the spoils of honest and industrious men; are enemies to law and justice; and frequently add savage cruelty to their other crimes.

This suffering man fell into the hands of cruel thieves, who, with unfeeling hearts, stripped him of his raiment, wounded him, and left him half dead. What an object or pity! He had no property; no clothing; no strength; no friend! He was exposed to the elements; suffered exquisitely from his bleeding wounds; was in a solitary place; terrified with dreadful fears; and ready to expire.

II. MANY WHOSE CIRCUMSTANCES ARE EASY AND AFFLUENT, ARE NOT

MOVED WITH PITY WHEN THEY SEE THE SUFFERINGS OF MEN.

But who are they? Of what nation? Of what religion? Shall we find them among barbarians? This might be a difficult task; for barbarians are kind and humane to peaceable strangers. But, perhaps, there is the least feeling for sufferers among those who should feel most. The two unfeeling men, mentioned in this parable, were a priest and a Levite.

While the poor sufferer lay exposed by the way-side, it happened that there came down a certain priest that way; a circumstance not unlikely, for many priests then resided at Jericho. He saw the poor sufferer; but passed by on the other side. It is probable that he was a well-informed man. It is certain that he was employed in the sanctuary of God; that he taught other men their duty; but that his precepts were not found in his own practice.

The next who came to the place was a Levite. He had the curiosity to look at the poor sufferer; but he had no heart to pity. We know not that he ever said, Be thou warmed, or be thou clothed. It is a deplorable thing to find men who are employed in the sanctuary of God, even in the lowest offices, without the common feelings of humanity.

The causes of this unfriendly temper are various: one, is a want of reflection. The case of sufferers is not examined. Covetousness is another cause. Men love wealth, seek it in every possible way, and hold it fast. But the grand cause is unbelief. God has promised to reward the liberal; but who believes him? The three maxims of a miser are, Get what you can; save what you can; and keep what you get; but let us add, with good Mr. WESLEY, "Give what you can." III. THERE ARE A FEW WHO FEEL PITY FOR SUFFERERS, AND AFFORD

THEM PROMPT RELIEF.

These persons, touched with the softest sympathy, "feel another's woe;" and hasten to relieve the sufferings of their fellow-men, without the selfish view of a reward, or the proud desire of human applause. We sometimes find such persons where they are least expected. They are not often found among the rich and great, the high and the mighty; but among the despised and persecuted, who are deemed the filth and the off-scouring of all things. They may be called heretics, schismatics, fanatics, and enthusiasts; but while they are loaded with reproach, by the vilest of men, they endeavour to do good in their day and generation.

Who relieved the poor man who fell among thieves? A poor Samaritan, who was despised, hated, and persecuted by the Jewish priests and Levites. Who would have expected this from him? He was called a dog by the boasting Jews; but the tenderest feelings of humanity had a place in his heart. He felt as a man should feel; and he acted as a man should act. Learn a lesson of genuine goodness, ye proud unfeeling mortals, from a despised Samaritan!

The good Samaritan saw the sufferer, and had compassion on him. His breast was moved with pity; and he afforded instant and ample relief. He bound up the wounds of the sufferer; and poured in oil and wine to heal those wounds. He set him on his own beast, brought him

to an inn, and took care of him. And, not satisfied with these acts of generosity, he gave money to the host, charged him to take care of him, and said, "When I come again, I will repay thee all."

There are several admirable traits in the character of this good man, which we should endeavour to imitate, when we are engaged in works of mercy. What he did, appears to have been done without the solici tation of the sufferer; he did every thing for the poor man himself, without seeking the aid of others; he did every thing with great tenderness; he made no boast of what he did; and he left nothing undone that he could do.

IV. WE ARE COMMANDED, BY Our Lord, to FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN.

This is the point of the parable: GO, AND DO THOU LIKEWISE. In the discharge of this duty, we should form prudent plans, and execute them with punctuality. The following are earnestly recommended.

First, we should consider men of every nation as our brothers; and, when they fall in our way, treat them as our neighbours. We all sprung from one common stock; for God "hath made of one blood all nations of men." Acts xvii, 26. Therefore, when we see a man, we see a brother. His language, his colour, and his opinions, are minor considerations. He is a fellow-man, and should be treated with kindness.

Secondly, we should relieve men in adversity, without any hope of recompense, or any desire to obtain human praise. If we look for gain, or for praise, our charity is spoiled by selfishness. Pure, disinterested benevolence is a lovely principle. It resembles the love of God, which is free and unmerited, and which extends to every soul of man.

Thirdly, let us imitate God in pity and compassion, both to the worthy and to the unworthy, as far as his grace may enable us. He views every sufferer on earth with eyes of pity; and is not willing that any should perish. His throne is in heaven. There he receives the homage of angels; but, as the friend of man, He "is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." James v, 11.

Fourthly, study the character of benevolent men, and copy after their example. The only perfect example is that of our Lord Jesus Christ, "who went about doing good;" but many of his followers have shone with uncommon splendour in works of mercy and Christian benevolence. We could name a host; but we particularly recommend to your notice a WESLEY and a HOWARD.

Fifthly, carefully follow the designs of Providence. Why has God blessed you, but that you might be made a blessing to those who need your help? He gives to us, that we may give to others; and works, in his Providence, by chosen instruments. He gives us wisdom that we may instruct the ignorant; and He gives us wealth that we may assist the poor.

Sixthly, declare eternal war against every sordid and selfish principle. Consider every feeling of inhumanity as an enemy; and fight against it like valiant Christian soldiers. You may plead the necessity of prudence and caution, in the exercise of pity and compassion; but while you are prudent and cautious, be generous and liberal.

Seventhly, cultivate the fine feelings of a regenerate soul. Hearken attentively to their gentle voice; follow their kind dictates; and let them grow and flourish in your hearts. These feelings are tender plants, soon choked with the weeds of covetousness; and blasted in the cold atmosphere of self-love. But if they are nourished, they will take deep root, acquire vigour, and bring forth much fruit.

Eighthly, believe the promises of your God. He has engaged to reward you, for in the world to come; and you work of every mercy, should take his word with the simplicity of children. Read our Lord's account of the judgment-day. Then he will say, "I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." The righteous, who have always humble views of themselves, shall say, "When saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee." But the King will reply, "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matt. xxv, 40. According to his promise, you, who have done good from pure principles, will inherit the kingdom of glory.

As Christians, you should seek objects of distress in their wretched abodes; and when you see them, you should feel compassion, whether they be worthy or unworthy. You should relieve them with great tenderness; and your relief should be prompt and effectual. If you in do this without the aid of others, do it with cheerfulness; but if you cannot, then beg of the rich to help the poor. But make no boast of your charity. Do it with all possible secrecy; and your heavenly Father will reward you openly.

How lovely does Jesus appear in this fine parable! And is this Christianity? Who, then, would be found with the enemies of our blessed Lord? Who, that is wise, would oppose this system of benevolence? May we go into the walks of life, and, whenever we meet with suffering humanity, may we copy the sweet temper and conduct of this good Samaritan. Amen.

SERMON CIV.

AN IMPORTANT PETITION.

Lord, help me. MATTHEW XV, 25.

THE Son of God came down from heaven to save a perishing world; and his merciful regards extended both to Jews and Gentiles. His ministry and miracles were, generally, confined to the lost sheep of the house of Israel; but the woman of Canaan, whose important petition we have selected for our text, prevailed with him to heal her daughter. She obtained the desire of her heart, by persevering faith and prayer;

and if we follow her example, we shall succeed in all our applications to our merciful Redeemer and Saviour.

In this discourse we shall make four general observations: First, the woman of Canaan was in trouble; Secondly, she applied to Jesus for help; Thirdly, she met with some discouragements; but, Fourthly, she succeeded by persevering faith and prayer.

I. THE WOMAN OF CANAAN WAS IN TROUBLE.

Her trouble arose from the wicked influence of the devil. In many instances unclean spirits have had power over the bodies of men and women. The pride of human reason has suggested many objections to this doctrine; but we believe it on the authority of Divine Revelation. Devils have tormented men with diseases, which exhibited the usual symptoms of natural disorders; but we are assured, by the letter of the Gospel, that they were inflicted by supernatural agents. Thus the Governor of the universe may commission a good angel to bless mankind; or he may suffer a devil to smite them with sore boils, as in the case of Job.

Wicked spirits exercise their power, when God permits, in vexing those who are under their influence; but we never read of these apostate spirits doing any good, or attemping to make any person happy. They are wicked and mischievous; they hate both God and man; and they go about as roaring hons, seeking whom they may devour. How åreadful it will be to fall into their hands, and to suffer the vengeance of eternal fire, in which they will "be tormented day and night for ever and ever!" Rev. xx, 10.

The woman of Canaan suffered with her child. Her cry was, "My daughter is grievously vexed with a devil." Maternal feelings are very tender, and produce considerable effects, in the ordinary sufferings of children. But who can describe what this mother felt, when she saw her beloved child tormented by a cruel and unfeeling devil, without any power to prevent his malignant attacks? It is probable that she used every mean in her power to deliver her daughter from that evil spirit; but her case was beyond the reach of human aid. It was a happy circumstance for her, in that sore affliction, that the Almighty Saviour visited the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.

II. SHE APPLIED TO JESUS for help.

This application was a prudent measure. Jesus had power to cast out devils, and to deliver suffering humanity from their hellish rage and malice; for a word of his terrified those foul spirits, and put whole legions of them to flight. This poor woman had heard of his fame, which "went through all Syria," and she sought his help with humble confidence. And has not our Saviour power over devils now? Do they not tremble at the sound of his precious name? He holds the powers of hell in chains. He destroys their influence in our hearts; and he bruises Satan under our feet. Blessed be his holy name for ever!

It was not presumption in this woman to approach our Lord. Her ancestors were a wicked race. Their crimes were punished by the sword of Joshua; and their land was given to the children of Israel. A