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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
Away from his friends and kindred he must bear the curse of his
terrible malady. No affectionate hands could soothe his pain. He was
obliged to publish his own calamity, to rend his garment, and sound
the alarm, warning all to flee from his polluted and decaying body.
The cry, Unclean! Unclean! coming with mournful tone from the
lonely exile, was a signal heard with fear and abhorrence.
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There were many of these loathsome subjects in the region of
Christ’s ministry. The news of the great Healer had reached even them
in their isolation, and a gleam of hope sprang up in their hearts that
if they could come into the presence of Jesus he might relieve them.
But as they were debarred from entering any city or village, it seemed
impossible for them to reach the great Physician, whose chief work
lay among the populace.
There was one leper who had been a man of high distinction. It
was with the greatest grief that he and his family had become con-
vinced that he was a victim to the fatal disease. Physicians of note
had been consulted, and they had examined his case thoroughly, and
anxiously searched their books to obtain further knowledge; but they
were reluctantly compelled to acknowledge that their skill was baffled,
the disease was incurable. It was then the duty of the priest to make an
examination; this resulted in a decision that his was the worst form of
leprosy. This verdict sentenced him to a living death separated from
his friends and the society in which he had held so lofty a position. But
now those who had courted his favor and accepted his hospitality fled
from his presence with horror. He went out an exile from his home.
Jesus was teaching by the lake outside the city limits, and many
were gathered to hear his words. The leper, who in his seclusion had
heard of some of his mighty works, came out to see him, and drew as
near as he dared. Since his exile, the disease had made fearful inroads
upon his system. He was now a loathsome spectacle, his decaying
body was horrible to look upon. Standing afar off, he heard some of the
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words of Jesus, and saw him laying hands upon the sick to heal them.
He beheld, with amazement, the lame, the blind, the paralytic, and
those dying of various maladies, rise up at a word from the Saviour,
restored to health and praising God for their salvation. He looked upon
his own wretched body and wondered if this great Physician could
not cure even him. The more he heard, and saw, and considered the
matter, the more he was convinced that this was really the promised