power which was immediately exhibited, attesting the truth of his character and the solidity of his claims. Proceed we then to consider

III. THE EFFECTS WHICH FOLLOWED HIS AUTHORITATIVE WORD.

Those effects were produced partly upon the man himself, and partly upon those who witnessed his restoration to health. Of the man himself it is declared, "he arose, and departed to his house." He had been brought into the presence of our Lord, a helpless cripple, extended on his bed, and carried by four bearers. He left his presence, and that by virtue of his command, strong and vigorous, carrying his own bed without assistance, and able to proceed unaided to his own habitation. Such was the effect produced upon his bodily frame; and it was obvious not only to himself, but to the assembled multitude; for he "went forth before them all." But a powerful effect was also produced upon his mind; for we are informed by St. Luke, that he " departed to his own house, glorifying God." We cannot reasonably doubt that conviction was wrought, and that gratitude was excited within him:-conviction that a divine power had effected upon him so perfect a cure ;—gratitude that such mercy had been extended both to his body and to his soul. Surely, my brethren, a like conviction should be impressed upon our minds, that all our mercies and all our recoveries, however conveyed, and by whatever means effected, are to be ascribed to God. Yet how apt are we to forget this, unless he interpose

in some extraordinary way, and with an evidence which cannot be resisted. Oh may he affect our hearts with a sense of his goodness; then will our lips be ready to proclaim his praise!

The effects produced by the sudden restoration of the paralytic man were not confined to himself: "But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men." According to the more extended accounts of the other Evangelists, "They were all amazed," and "were filled with fear, saying, We never saw it on this fashion: "-"We have seen strange things to-day." It is gratifying to observe that while the collected throng were astonished, and probably perplexed with what they had seen, a general impression was made upon their minds that the hand of God had been directly employed in producing the remarkable change which they had witnessed. While they acknowledged that they had seen such extraordinary things as had never before been presented to their view, they experienced an overpowering reverential fear, which urged them to glorify God as the doer of the wonderful work which had been performed. And though it may appear from the expression God, which had given such power unto men," that they did not as yet discern the Divine character of our Lord himself, but regarded him as exercising only a delegated power;-yet, as they distinctly acknowledged that the hand of God was with him, we may hope that they at length attained clearer views of his personal dignity, and that they would be led to glorify him as

they glorified

God, in their hearts as well as with their lips; cordially embracing his doctrine, and habitually living according to the holy principles of his Gospel, to the joy and welfare of their souls.

Several important topics of instruction are suggested by the subject we have been considering.

1. In the first place we may learn that sin is the cause of malady. Had there been no sin, my brethren, there would have been no disease, no pain, no sorrow in the world. Let us bear this observation in mind, as it applies to the general malady, and various distempers of the soul. How are its original powers paralyzed! How are they incapacitated for exertion in spiritual concerns;-in those matters which are closely connected with everlasting salvation! The understanding is darkened; its energies are benumbed :— the will is perverted and depraved :-the affections are disordered :—the whole man is consequently alienated from God, and averse from those pursuits which are agreeable to his will and conducive to his glory. All this is the effect of sin, which is itself the general and pervading malady of the natural man, and which originates that spiritual palsy, whereby he is incapacitated for all holy exercises, and-even if he be in some measure acquainted with his danger-for applying himself seriously and diligently to a preparation for eternity. These are humiliating truths. The knowledge of them, however, is salutary, as leading to further inquiry, and tending to conduct the soul to that Deliverer who is mighty to save.

2. We learn, in the next place, that Jesus Christ is acquainted with what passes within the human heart. Of this we have a double evidence in the narrative which we have now reviewed. Our Saviour perceived the faith of those who brought the paralytic man to him. The very circumstance of their bringing him was indeed sufficient to evince, that they were not altogether without the hope that our Lord might be able and willing to afford the relief which they sought; and their perseverance tended to confirm that fact. But it was by virtue of his own insight into the human heart that our Lord knew that the principle under which they were acting was that which might justly be termed faith. By the same insight he also knew the thoughts of the scribes, when they said within themselves, "This man blasphemeth." Remembering then, beloved, that He is thoroughly acquainted with all the secrets of every heart, as well as with the language of every tongue, let it be our fervent and constant prayer, that "the words of our mouths, and the meditation of our hearts may be acceptable in His sight," and that He may be our "strength and our Redeemer." If such be the earnest and habitual aspiration of our souls, then may we confidently trust that in answer to our petitions our joy will be proportionably full.

3. We are led further to remark that, as Jesus Christ is ever the same, He has still the power and disposition to relieve the necessities of those who humbly look to him. Now we all need forgiveness of our sins; and without that forgiveness we

must inevitably and eternally perish. To Him then let us look, to Him let us apply in humility and faith, for "his blood cleanseth from all sin." He can say to the penitent offender suing for his mercy-and he can say it with authority-" Thy sins be forgiven thee." When he so spake to the paralytic man, he was in a state of humiliation; nevertheless he spake with power and effect. Now he is exalted at God's right hand, to give repentance to his people and forgiveness of sins. What encouragement then is afforded to all who feel their spiritual malady, and are desirous to obtain that relief which is adapted to their need! If in his humiliation he had power to forgive sins,surely he has the same power still, in that state of exaltation and glory to which he has been raised for this special purpose among many others. Nor should we entertain a doubt as to his readiness to confer the blessing on every penitent supplicant; since he has himself unequivocally declared, "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." Oh then, seek him, ye that are conscious of your guilt and sin. "Seek him while he may be found; call upon him while he is near." By delay the opportunity may be for ever lost; the consequence of which would be inexpressibly awful: for no repentance, however bitter, is so intolerable as will be the repentance of everlasting despair, which awaits those who leave this world. without having obtained the benefits of saving grace. From the experience of that repentance, beloved brethren, may we all be preserved by the mercy of God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ!