righteousness. That divine word which called the universe into existence, could readily have performed for Lazarus those inferior wonders: but it was the will of God, that he should receive only adequate support, and not absolute deliverance. Had the friends of Job beheld the miserable spectacle which Lazarus presented under his accumulated distresses, they would doubtless have attributed his wretched estate to the guilt he had contracted, and the merited displeasure of a holy God. They were accustomed to judge of things by the outward appearance, and this led them to pronounce so erroneously on the case of righteous Job, whose patient soul they vexed with their perverse suspicions, though they were unable to deprive him of this consolatory persuasion that a humble assurance of the divine favour is to be grounded rather upon special promises than upon general providences. Notwithstanding, however, all the external disadvantages with which Lazarus was surrounded, the secret of God was upon the tabernacle of this despised individual, and the candle of the Lord shone upon his head; so that, amid dreary scenes and dis

Dives it is likely that he experienced much compassion. The abode of Dives was the abode not only of plenty, but of profusion ; and from the superabundance of so extravagant a family, the afflicted Lazarus was in the habit of receiving, it should seem, such a supply as was deemed necessary for his support. But, while he was fed with the remnants of the rich man's table, it appears not that any care was taken of his ulcerated and languishing body-no mollifying ointment was provided, no sustaining bandage was applied, nor any covering prepared for the decent concealment of his numerous wounds all were left open, and so manifestly exposed, that even the passing dogs came and licked his sores.

In this forlorn and suffering state, an unseen arm sustained the afflicted Lazarus, and carried him silently on from hour to hour, through all the conflicts of his trying course. The good hand of God was upon him; not indeed for the healing of his diseased body, nor yet for the comfortable improvement of his condition in the world: but for the infinitely better purpose of working in him the peaceable fruits of

righteousness. That divine word which called the universe into existence, could readily have performed for Lazarus those inferior wonders: but it was the will of God, that he should receive only adequate support, and not absolute deliverance. Had the friends of Job beheld the miserable spectacle which Lazarus presented under his accumulated distresses, they would doubtless have attributed his wretched estate to the guilt he had contracted, and the merited displeasure of a holy God. They were accustomed to judge of things by the outward appearance, and this led them to pronounce so erroneously on the case of righteous Job, whose patient soul they vexed with their perverse suspicions, though they were unable to deprive him of this consolatory persuasion that a humble assurance of the divine favour is to be grounded rather upon special promises than upon general providences. Notwithstanding, however, all the external disadvantages with which Lazarus was surrounded, the secret of God was upon the tabernacle of this despised individual, and the candle of the Lord shone upon his head; so that, amid dreary scenes and dis

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mal prospects, he could follow the divine leadings without a murmuring thought— troubled on every side, yet not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed: as unknown, and yet well known; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

The design of our Lord in this parable, requires that we should consider Lazarus as a man of superior grace. Since his trials were great, and his sufferings acute, a high degree of grace was necessary in order to turn these unpromising circumstances to his profit. Had he been a stranger to God, he would have sunk under the weight of his overwhelming sorrows, and have perished in his trouble. But the gracious hand which mingled for him such a cup of trembling, transformed it, by his wondrous goodness, into a cup of salvation.

Lazarus was a man of faith and prayer, a man of resignation and patience. And it was in the daily vigorous exercise of these graces, that he passed through a sea of suffering, like Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah

through Nebuchadnezzar's furnace, without receiving any hurt. By faith he accepted all his afflictions at the hand of God, as that appropriate portion which was best calculated to secure his eternal interests. By faith he endured as seeing Him that is invisible. And by faith he perseveringly maintained his course; till this mighty grace was made unto him the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. He was a man of prayer. Call upon me in time of trouble, saith the God of all grace, so will I hear thee, and thou shalt praise me. The troubles of Lazarus constrained him to seek for help, where only help can be obtained in time of need. He was no greater stranger at the throne of grace than he was at the gate of Dives. Before that throne he lay in spirit, from day to day, presenting his case to the great Father of spirits, and earnestly soliciting the continued support of his hand. Nor did he supplicate in vain : but, while he made his request known unto Him who heareth prayer, the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, abundantly overflowed his heart and mind. Many a delightful hour was he accustomed to spend