Vol. 2

—400 ST. LUKE.because he praises his own gifts in them, and givesthem the grace not to grow vain upon them. Thepreference of the Gentiles before the Jews, is herelightly intimated by Christ, as founded upon the toomean idea which the Jews had of his grace. Ourblessed Lord's sincerity is equal, both when he praises,and when he blames: but he blames the Jews whenthey are present, and praises the centurion only inhis absence; because he does not praise him for hisown sake, but for the benefit and advantage of others." 10. And they that were sent, returning to thehouse, found the servant whole that had been sick."This cure is the reward and effect of faith, prayer,and humility ; the goodness of God towards menbeing so great, that he is pleased that the very virtuesand graces which he confers upon them, shouldbe counted unto them instead of merit. It is Godhimself, who by the gifts of hismercy disposes andprepares the sinner for his cure; and nothing cancontribute to the reception of his grace, but what isthe effect of his grace itself.Sect. II.The Widow of Nam,"11. f And it came to pass the day after, thathe went into a city called Nain ; and many of hisdisciples went with him, and much people. 12. Now,when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold,there was a dead man carried out, the only son ofhis mother, and she was a widow :of the city was with her."and much peopleThis dead man of Nain is the emblem of a sinnerHappy the sinner, when mercy comes todead in sin.meet him, at least before he is buried in his evil ha-