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 not only  the  sinful  deed  but  the  longing  glance,  the interior passion,  the  foul  thought,  the  covetous  desire. Thus we  are  taught  by  God  Himself  that  the secret of  perseverance  is  to  avoid  the  occasions  of sin — that  safety  is  found  not  in  following  the  nine, but in  joining  the  Samaritan  at  the  feet  of  Christ.

Brethren, the  Samaritan  arises,  the  group  breaks up, and  the  Pharisees  approaching  ask:  "Master, when  is  the  kingdom  of  God  to  come?  "  Christ  answers: "The  kingdom  of  God  is  within  you." The nine, though  outwardly  restored  are  inwardly  less godly than  when  they  turned  their  hideous  faces  and raised their  shrivelled  hands  appealingly  to  Christ, but the  Samaritan  has  been  transfigured  through and through. Their transfiguration  is  in  their  flesh, which to-day  is  and  to-morrow  returns  to  dust,  but his is  a  change  of  soul  which  will  last  forever  and ever. It is  our  misfortune  to  be  content  with  the  appearances of  sanctity,  a  fair  exterior,  but  the  critical eye of  God  goes  deeper,  it  searches  the  reins  and  the heart. Brethren, whenever  you  say  to  God:  "  Thy kingdom  come,"  remember  that  the  kingdom  of  God is within  you. A true,  a  lasting  change  of  life  must begin from  within,  and,  working  outward  like  the leaven, penetrate  the  entire  mass  of  life's  activities. This was  Christ's  meaning  when  He  said  to  the cripple: "  Son,  thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee,"  and  then proceeded to  cure  his  bodily  infirmities. If, then,  you once succeed  in  establishing  permanently  within you God's  kingdom;  if  in  all  things  you  seek  first  the kingdom of  God  and  His  justice,  be  assured  all  other