SERM. MARK, X. 21. Then Jefus, beholding him, loved him. THE characters of men which the world presents to us are infinitely diverfified. In fome, either the good or the bad qualities are fo predominant, as ftrongly to mark the character; to discriminate one perfon as a virtuous, another as a vicious man. In others, these qualities are fo mixed together, as to leave the character doubtful. The light and the fhade are fo much blend. ed, the colours of virtue and vice run in fuch a manner into one another, that we can XIV. can hardly distinguish where the one ends, SERM. and the other begins; and we remain in fufpence, whether to blame or to praife. While we admire those who are thoroughly good, and deteft the grofsly wicked, it is proper alfo to bestow attention on thofe imperfect characters, where there may be much to praise, and somewhat to blame; and where regard to the commendable part, fhall not hinder us from remarking what is defective or faulty. Such attentions will be found the more ufeful, as characters of this mixed fort are, more frequently than any other, exhibited to us in the commerce of fociety. 'It was one of this fort, which gave occafion to the incident recorded in the text. The incident feems to have been confidered as remarkable, fince it is recounted by three of the evangelical writers; and by them all, with nearly the fame circumftances. The perfon to whom the hiftory relates, was a ruler; one of higher rank and ftation than those who usually reforted to Jefus. He was a rich man. He was a young man. His whole XIV. SERM. whole behaviour was prepoffeffing and engaging. He appears to have conceived a high opinion of our Lord. He addreffed him with the utmoft refpect; and the queftion which he put to him was proper and important. He kneeled to him and faid, Good Mafter, What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? His conduct in the world had been regular and decent. He could pro. teft, that he had hitherto kept himself free from any grofs vice; and in his dealings with others, had obferved the precepts of God. Our Lord, beholding him, is faid to have loved him; whence we have reafon to conclude, that he was not hypocritical in his profeffions; and that his countenance carried the expreffion of good difpofitions, as his fpeech, and his manners, were altogether complacent and gentle. Yet this perfon, amiable as he was, when his virtue was put to the teft, disappointed the hopes which he had given reason to form. Attached, in all probability, to the indulgence of eafe and pleasure, he wanted fortitude of mind to part with the advantages of the world, world, for the fake of religion. When our SER M. Lord required him to fulfil his good inten- XIV. tions, by relinquifhing his fortune, becoming one of his followers, and preparing himself to encounter fufferings, the facrifice appeared to him too great. Impreffions of virtue, however, ftill remained on his mind. He was fenfible of what he ought to have done; and regretted his want of courage to do it. He was forrowful: He was grieved: Yet he went away. PERSONS of a character fomewhat refembling this, all of us may have met with; efpecially, among the young; among thofe who have been liberally educated, and polished by good fociety. They abhor open vice, and crimes that disturb the world. They have a refpect for religion. They are willing to receive inftruction for their conduct. They are modeft and unaffuming; refpectful to their fuperiors in age or ftation; gentle in their addrefs; inoffenfive and courteous in their whole behaviour. They are fond of obliging every VOL. III. U one; SERM. one; unwilling to hurt or displease any. gladly promife well of them; and are dif fuch |