June 19

PART II. — Luke 5:13.

In the miracle just considered we have abundant matter for useful and instructive reflection. In the leper we have exhibited a striking exhibition of the moral state of every sinner. Sin is spiritual leprosy, and with this melancholy disease all the human race are affected. Like the leprosy, it is internal defilement, it pollutes the breath and lips, and throws its disgusting scaly foulness over every faculty and power of the soul. It is connected with great pain, — it is rapid in its progress, — it separates man from God, and all that is holy in this life; and unless cleansed, renders him only fit for the dark and terrible sepulchre of the second death. It is dreadfully infectious, for one sinner destroyeth much good. No human antidote has ever been discovered. All who have attempted to provide a specific, such as philosophers, poets, and legislators, have utterly failed. Jesus is the only one who can restore from this spiritual leprosy. He can effect it completely by his omnific touch, by his almighty word. If he says to the sinner, “thy sins are forgiven,” they are all cast as a stone into the depths of the sea. If he say “be healed” or, “be thou made whole,” a man whose sins were as scarlet are as wool, though red like crimson, they are as white as snow. And he is as willing as he is able. For this end did he come into our world, that he might save sinners, — that he might seek and save that which was lost. Let the poor sin-stricken leper fall down before him, and in the exercise of faith earnestly solicit his saving aid, and he will assuredly say, "I will, be thou clean."