John 9

Ver. 3, 4. It was not on account of any particular crime, either of his own, or his parents, more than others, that this man was born blind; but that, by opening his eyes, I might manifest my Father’s glory, and prove myself to be the Messiah, in miraculously curing him. I must therefore improve the present opportunity of giving him his sight, as an emblem of my enlightening blind souls. And since the day of my mortal life hastens to a period, as long as I am in the world, I must cure not only corporal blindness, but instruct, 11 Q enlighten and comfort, them that are spiritually blind. 39, 41. I am come to establish a rule of judgment; to alter the present state of the church; to try men’s spirits; and by distinguishing grace, to separate the precious from the vile; to open blind eyes, and teach ignorant souls; and to manifest and occasion the increase of their stupidity and perverseness, who, through self-conceit, shut their eyes against the light of my word.—If you, Pharisees, who pretend to so much knowledge and ability to instruct others, were either grossly ignorant or as sensible of your ignorance as many of the common people, your sin, in rejecting me, would be far less heinous, and there would be hopes of your deliverance from it; but, while ye are so self-conceited, your sin is highly aggravated, and it is most probable that you will remain under its guilt and power for ever

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IX.—We ought to be extremely cautious in our interpretation of providences. Men’s sins are not to be judged of from their sufferings. It is enough that God is righteous, and will make all things turn out to his own glory. We have great need to be diligent in working out our salvation, while we have life and opportunity to walk in Christ’s light. Marvellous is his power, and ready his grace towards the unworthy and distressed. He works the most effectual salvation by means the most unlikely. It is his appointment, not any natural virtue, that renders them effectual. And only in obedience to his authority can we justly expect benefit by them.—What blessed experience of his mercy he gives to the obedient! and with cheerful thankfulness it should be acknowledged to his glory. He can easily make the weakest of his followers wiser than their teachers,—bold confessors of his name,—and humble adorers of his Majesty. And if men reject and abuse them for his sake, he will reward them with repeated manifestations of his glory. But, alas! how desirous are some to avoid owning of him, even after he hath bestowed singular favours upon them. The fear of men causeth a snare. The censures of the church are often turned against her best friends. But inexcusable are they, who, through self-conceit, contemn all means of conviction, and upbraid Jesus and his followers. Rage against reproof most plainly discovers real ignorance. But hopeful is the case of such as perceive their own weakness and sinfulness, and dangerous is their’s who are proud of their knowledge and religion