The Blood and Righteousness of Christ is the Truest Balm

"Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?"—Jeremiah 8:22.

Yes, there is both balm in Gilead, and a physician there. For the blood and righteousness of Jesus is the truest balm; and Jesus himself a Sovereign and an Almighty Physician. But if that blood be not applied, if Jesus be not known nor consulted, how shall health be obtained? My soul, hast thou known thy disease, felt thy disorder? Art thou convinced that it is incurable by all human means— no medicine, no earthly physician, can administer relief? Hast thou known these things? And convinced of the infinite importance of seeking elsewhere, art thou come to Jesus? What sayest thou, my soul, to the enquiry? Art thou acquainted with Jesus? Hast thou made known thy case to him? And hath he told thee all that is in thine heart? Hath he taken thee under his care? Is he administering to thee the balm of Gilead? Oh my soul, see to it that nothing satisfieth thy mind, until that thou hast heard his soul-reviving voice, saying, "I am the Lord that healeth thee," Exodus 15:26. Seek it for thy life. Say unto the Son of God, "Speak but the word, Lord, and my soul shall be healed."

- Robert Hawker, The Poor Man's Morning and Evening Portions, September 23, Morning