SECTION XXXV.

Elijah and the Widow.-B. C. 900.

Zarephath, or Sarepta, was a city in the neighbourhood of Sidon, and thither the prophet Elijah was sent, to escape the persecution of Ahab. It was a country of Pagans and idolaters, but God sent his prophet there when he could no longer be safe amongst the people of Israel.

He came to a poor widow, who "had nothing more than a cake and a handful of meal, with a little oil in a cruse, and who was gathering two sticks, that she might go in and dress it for herself and her son, that they might eat it, and die." 1 Kings xvii. 12. A surprising miracle was performed, by which Elijah, the widow, and her son, were sustained on this small pittance of food. After a while, the widow's son grew sick, and died; but, on the earnest prayer and solicitation of Elijah, “his soul came into him again, and he revived," ver. 22. When it is remembered, that all this

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was done in the case of a poor Heathen it naturally brings us back to our general conclusion respecting their salvability. Nor can we be blamed for interpreting such passages in favour of our argument, since Jesus has adduced this very anecdote for a similar purpose.- -"I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, yet unto none of them was he sent, but to Sarepta, a city of Sidon." Luke iv. 25, 26.

She had been brought up in gross darkness and idolatry, in utter ignorance of the Lord God of Israel; or, if she had heard of his name, which is all that seems probable, she had been taught to disbelieve the mighty wonders of his hand, and was still less likely to believe his prophet. It appears, therefore, that she must have been wrought upon by an unmixed principle of humanity.”—Sterne's Sermons. For many instances of similar humanity see Parke's Travels in Africa.

SECTION XXXVI.

Naaman, the Syrian.-B. C. 890.

As the captain of the Syrian army, Naaman, was the professed enemy of the Jews, and had taken captive an Israelitish damsel, whom he carried into Syria, to attend upon his wife. Naaman was seized with a leprosy; and the young woman earnestly entreated her mistress to send for Elisha out of Samaria, that he might effect his recovery. Elisha did not think fit to go in person; but sent a messenger with the direction, that Naaman should dip himself in Jordan seven times. After some hesitation, he did so, and was perfectly cured. "Behold now, I know," he exclaimed, "there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel." 2 Kings v. 15.

Such was Naaman's confession; but as his office obliged him to accompany his master into the temple of Rimmon, he implores forgiveness when he should be obliged to join in an act of Pagan wor

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ship. The Scripture gives us reason to conclude, that the exigency of his station was received as an apology. "Go in peace."

It is right, also, to be mentioned, that, though Naaman, the Syrian, was cleansed of his leprosy, yet, that Gehazi, the Jew, for his avarice and falsehood, was afflicted with Naaman's disorder. From these concurrent facts, it is not necessary to make any formal deduction with respect to our argument, especially, as Jesus has placed his own authority on this topic:—“ Many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus, the prophet; yet none of them was cleansed, but Naaman, the Syrian." Luke iv. 27.

"In the height of Naaman's prosperity, we find the Holy Scripture has given him a very advantageous character, and recorded his name with such glorious titles, as if God had been pleased with his achievements, and approved his conduct, even whilst he was a heathen." Bishop Hickman's Sermons, vol. i. p. 299.

SECTION XXXVII.

The Samaritans.

WHEN Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, had carried away the Israelites captive to Babylon, he sent some of the idolatrous inhabitants of Cuthah to dwell in Samaria, who, at first, "feared not the Lord;" and, therefore, lions were sent amongst them. 2 Kings xvii. 24. To rid themselves of this calamity, they entreated the king of Assyria to send some teachers from the captive Israelites, who might instruct them "in the religion of the land." Then one of the priests, whom they had carried away, taught them; but they blended their ancient idolatries with the Jewish worship. "So they feared the Lord, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them. They feared the Lord, and served their own gods, &c." ver. 33-41.

This mixture of Pagan idolatry with the pure worship of Jehovah was, indeed,

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