Saviour, it is well known, predicted the destruction of Jerusalem: this great event was not accomplished in a sudden manner. Vespasian first marched his armies, and commenced the attack; and the very first city which fell into their hands, and was laid in ashes by the Roman soldiers, was-GADARA. Having thus, in a very simple manner, considered the leading facts of this interesting narrative, as it relates to Christ himself, to the instigators, or to the multitude at large, I shall offer a few plain remarks, by way of improvement. 1. This narrative is a proof of the integrity and impartiality of the sacred historians. Had the gospel been like Telemachus, a beautiful novel, a work of fiction, or, like the Koran of Mohammed, not merely a fiction, but a political invention, the trick of priestcraft, and popular superstition; would the writers have related this anecdote of its founder, that when he entered into a certain city, he was desired "to depart out of their coasts?" When our Lord appeared to his disciples, after his resurrection, you find this remarkable expression, "And many worshipped him, but some doubted." I value this expression above gold, "some doubted." Does not the very circumstance of their relating this, prove their honesty? It is the strongest evidence, that they considered the gospel superior to the censures, and the character and actions of its Founder, rising above all the scurrility and malice of the world. The solid rock regards not the waves lashing around its base; the moss, and the excrescences, and the dirt, may be washed away, but the rock itself remains unshaken. 2. We learn that curiosity is often excited, when there is no desire of religious truth and knowledge in the heart. Read the former part of the verse from which my text is taken; "And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus." You see the power of curiosity. The reports of the miracle just performed, had no sooner reached their ears, than the whole city, pe'netrated as it were with one sentiment, came forth; every house was evacuated, and old, and young, rich and poor, the master and the servant, alike joined in the throng. Curiosity in itself is a blind principle; when actuated by a divine impulse, it is sometimes turned to our advantage; but if unconnected with pious sentiments and desires, it is of little worth. 3. This narrative strikingly exhibits the evils produced by a love of gain. St. John, speaking of the love of the world, calls it inconsistent with the love of the Father; and I am sure, in this instance, it is clearly inconsistent with the love of the Son. For the sake of a paltry gain, (and that obtained by a traffic expressly forbidden by their own ritual,) these Gadarenes forgot the benefit which their poor unhappy brother had recently received, and caused the greatest Benefactor who had ever appeared among them, instantly to " depart out of their coasts." 4. We are taught the folly and danger of slighting religious privileges, when they are placed within our reach, lest they should be for ever withdrawn. When Paul preached the gospel before Felix, that monarch, touched with contrition, yet not willing instantly to embrace the doctrines he delivered, said to him, "Go thy way for this time, when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." He had his prisoner safe within the bounds of his castle, and could recal him to his presence at the moment he wished, though we have every reason to fear that the convenient season never arrived. But with respect to the narrative we have been reviewing, the case was widely different. I have examined the New Testament with minute attention, and cannot discover any traces of our Saviour having ever again visited this ungrateful city. "Oh, unhappy people! His friendly foot will never again impress your shores! No boat or vessel will again conduct him to your coasts! He will never again exert his miraculous power to heal your sick, or to soften the still worse effects of pride, envy, ambition, and malice, which reign in the hearts of your rulers! You must for ever remain in ignorance of his instructions, and of his mission, for you slighted his counsel, and despised his reproof; you set at nought "the Holy One of Israel!" Oh, may we all take warning by the subject we have been contemplating! May we never neglect privileges while they are continued unto us, lest God should, in displeasure, withhold his mercies! Let us carefully examine our talents, and endeavour to apply and improve them to the glory of God, and our own everlasting salvation. Let us remember, that, "now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation." |