130 d HOPEFUL YOUTH DERM. VIII. First, The love which our Saviour manifested to this person, was not properly a divine love, for that would have changed his nature, and refined his carnal desires, and conferred grace and salvation upon him: We must understand it therefore only in this sense, that the affec- tions of his human nature were drawn out towards something that was valuable and excellent in this young Israelite : He approved of those accomplishments which he beheld in him, and felt a sort of complacency in his person and character. He had an innocent and human desire of his welfare, he gave him divine instructions for this end, and pitied him heartily that he was so far gone in the love of the world, as to neglect the offer of heaven. Secondly, The qualities which might attract our Savi- our's love, were such as these: He was young and sprightly, and it was probable that he had something very agreeable in his aspect: His carriage was courteous and obliging, for he kneeled before our Lord, and sa- luted him with much civility: He had a religious educa tion, much outward sobriety and virtue, so that he was ready to think himself a complete saint. All these com- mands, says he, have I kept frommy youth; and 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 aruleramong the Jews, and had large possessions, which made his humility and other virtues appear the more amiable, be- cause they so seldom are found in persons of an exalted station. Thirdly, The remarks that were made upon a person that had so many good qualities, and yet missed of heaven, might instruct us not to disclaim any thing that is worthy and excellent, though it is mingled with much iniquity ; but to pay respect and love, as our Lord Jesus did, to persons that have any thing valuable in them, though their virtues are imperfect, and fall short of saving grace. We may learn also, that God chuses not as man would chuse, nor saves all those that a wise and good man may well bestow his love upon. We are taught further, that many lovely accomplishments, joined together, are not sufficient to attain eternal life, unless we renounce this world, and follow Christ; and we are
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=