2. A specimen of his work —
[Jesus had a much greater work than that of healing bodily disorders, He is the great physician whose office it is to heal men's souls. The miracles which he wrought in the days of his flesh were only as shadows of those which he had undertaken to perform. He unstops the ears of men so that they may " hear his voice and live :" he loosens their tongues so that they may shew forth his praise. This he does by the invisible but effectual energy of his Spirit. Let those, who have never yet heard his voice, implore his aid : let those, who are yet unoccupied with his praises, entreat his favour. Soon shall all natural or acquired infirmities yield to his wordh, and "Ephphatha" be the commencement of a new and heavenly life.]
3. An encouragement for all to call upon him —
[The object of his compassion had nothing to recommend him : his desire of relief was sufficient to call forth the pity of our Lord. Who then should stay from our Lord on account of his unworthiness ? Should we make our infirmities a reason for continuing far from him? Should we not rather take occa- sion from them to plead with him more earnestly ? And would not he rejoice in manifesting his power and love towards us ? Let every one then apply to him in humility and faith. No disorders, however complicated, shall be able to withstand his will. The believing suppliant shall soon experience the efficacy of his grace, and shall have occasion to add his testimony to theirs of old' — .]
h Isai. xxxii. 3, 4. ' ver. 37.