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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.

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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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far from being right; and it was, therefore, held up in abhorrence to the Israelites. Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them," &c. ver. 35. Yet, it is plain, I think, from the above expressions, "they feared the Lord," &c.; and from the removal of their punishment as to the lions, that these Samaritans did what was, on the whole, acceptable to God, with relation to their previous circumstances and habits. But, if this inference be correct, it forms a case very much in point with regard to the salvability of the Heathen; because it shows that even the corruptions of idolatry, where they are hereditary and involuntary, are pardoned by Him, who is not "extreme to mark what is done amiss."

The same inference, I apprehend, may also be drawn from the casual expressions of Moses," He that feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh," &c.

Exod. ix. 20, 21.

SECTION XXXVIII.

Solomon and Hiram.-B. C. 1000.

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WHEN Solomon "had determined to build an house unto the Lord;" he sent to Hiram king of Tyre, to assist him both with materials and workmen. In making known his wishes, he did not disguise his intentions. "Behold, I build an house unto the name of the Lord my God," &c. "and the house which I build is great, for our God is above all gods," &c. 2 Chron. ii. 3-9. Not only did the king of Tyre accede to his request, but he sent Solomon this remarkable answer: "Because the Lord hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel that hath made heaven and earth." ver. 11, 12.

It is impossible to read this correspondence, and not to perceive, that the king of Tyre and his people must have had much greater religious knowledge than is commonly supposed; and that this knowledge

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