SERMON VIII. 4 Hopeful Youth falling Short 'of Heaven. MARC C. 21.Then Jesus beholding him, loved him. THE SECOND PARS'. v HEN our Saviour dwelt upon earth, he found a young man in the coasts of Judea, that preferred the riches Of this world to all the treasures of heaven ; and yet Jew's east an eye of love ùpon him. In the foregoing discourse upon these words, it has been considered what sort of. love Christ could shew to a man, whose soul was so vain and carnal; and whatgood qualities appeared in this youth, that could engage the love of our Saviour, notwith- standing the guilt of his covetousness ; and some remarks were made upon aman so lovely, and so beloved of Christ. First, The love which our Saviour manifestedto this person, was notproperlya divine love, for that wouldhave changed his nature, and refined his carnal desires, and conferred grace and salvation upon him We must understand it therefore only in thissense, that the affections of hishuman nature weredrawn out /towards something that was valuable and excellent in this young Israelite í Hé approved of those accomplishmentsWhich he be- held in him, and felt a sort of complacency in his person and character. IIe had an innocent and human desire of his welfare, he gave him divineinstructions for this end, and pitiedhim heartily that he wasso far gone in the loveof the world, as to neglect the offer of heaven.' Secondly, The qualities which might attract our Saviour's love, were such as these : 'He was young and sprightly, and it was probable that he hadsomething very agreeable in his aspect : His carriage was courteous and obliging for he kneeled before Our Lord, and saluted himwith much civility : He had a reli- gious education, much outward sobriety and virtue, so that hewas ready to think himselfa complete saint. All thesecommands, says he, have I kept from my youth; yet he was willing to receive further instructions, if any thing else were necessary, in order to eternal life. Add to all this, that he was rich and powerful, he was a ruler among the Jews, and had large possessions, which made his humility and other virtues appear the more amiable,
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