---

I. MANKIND UNIVERSALLY ARE IN A DISEASED STATE.

1. Atheism, infidelity, or unbelief of Divine truths.

2. Ignorance of God and Gospel truths, even among those who profess to know Him (Hosea 4:6).

3. Hardness of heart.

4. Earthly mindedness.

5. Aversion to spiritual duties.

6. Hypocrisy and formality in God's service.

7. Trusting to our own righteousness.

8. Indwelling corruption.

9. Backsliding.

II. THERE IS A PHYSICIAN WHO CAN CURE ALL DISEASES.

1. He is infinite in knowledge, and understands all diseases, with the proper remedies, so that He never can err (John 21:17).

2. He has sovereign authority and almighty power, so can command diseases to obey (Matthew 9:2).

3. He has infinite pity, ready to help the distressed, even unasked (Luke 10:33).

4. He has wonderful patience towards the distressed; bears with their ingratitude, and works their perfect cure.

III. THE REMEDY WHICH HE APPLIES TO EFFECT THE CURE.

1. Principally, His own blood.

2. But Scripture speaks of other subservient means.

(1)  The Spirit of God, with His gracious operations on the soul.

(2)  The Word and ordinances of Christ.

(3)  Afflictions.

(4)  Faithful ministers.

(5)  Prayers of pious Christians.

IV. HIS METHOD OF APPLYING THE REMEDY.

1. He makes sinners sensible that they are sick.

2. He works faith in the soul by His Holy Spirit.

3. He accomplishes and perfects the cure by the sanctifying influences of the Spirit.

V. WHY SO FEW ARE HEALED, NOTWITHSTANDING THERE IS BALM IN GILEAD AND A PHYSICIAN THERE.

1. Many are ignorant of their disease, and wilfully so.

2. Many are in love with their disease more than with their Physician.

3. Many neglect the season of healing (Jeremiah 8:20).

4. Many will not trust Christ wholly for healing.

5. Many will not submit to the prescriptions of Christ; self-examination, repentance, godly sorrow, mortification.Conclusion —

1. Let those in a diseased state see their danger, for it is great.

2. Balm of Gilead is freely offered in the Gospel.

3. Consider how long you have slighted this balm already.

4. Those whom Christ has healed, manifest their gratitude by living to His glory.

(T. Hannam.)

---

---

KJV: Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

WEB: Is there no balm in Gilead? is there no physician there? why then isn't the health of the daughter of my people recovered?