moreover neglected to use extraordinary means on this extra- ordinary occasion. They should have had recourse to God in fasting and prayer*. From these circumstances we may gather much useful instruction. Our Lord has promised us the vic- tory over all the powers of darkness"; but we must have our
strength renewed by fasting and prayer x and must put
it forth in a believing dependence on his word ? : nor can we hope to succeed but in the use of these appointed means.]
He now applied to Jesus himself —
[Kneeling with deepest humility, he implored the mercy which he needed2; but manifested that the disappointment he had experienced had shaken his faith even in Jesus himselfa. Our Lord gently reproves him for his unbelief, and bids him be more concerned about the increase of his own faith than about the ability of the person to whom he was applying13. The father instantly with tears confesses the justice of the reproof0, and entreats the Lord to increase and confirm his faith. (How amiable was this concern for his child, and this contrition for his fault !) And should ive be less earnest in inter- ceding for our unconverted relatives? Like him, when human powers have failed, we are ready to question the sufficiency of God himself: but we should be careful never to limit the almighty power of Jesus ; and should deeply bewail the sad remains of unbelief that are within us ! Let us then labour more to imitate this afflicted parent, and in every application to Jesus offer that suitable petition d — .]
Like thousands of other suppliants he soon obtained his request — III. The miracle which Jesus wrought for him —
Our Lord immediately interposed for the relief of the youth; and Satan laboured to the utmost to obstruct his design —
[Jesus ordered the young man to be brought unto him. Satan, enraged at the prospect of his own disgrace, assaulted him with greater fury than ever, nor left him, till he had made one more effort to destroy his lifee. Satan exerted himself thus to defeat our Lord's purpose. Our Lord permitted him thus to act for the more abundant display of his own power. It is in this very manner that Satan still acts towards us; he
4 Matt. xvii. 21. It seems from hence that some of the evil spirits have more power and malignity than others. See also Matt. xii. 45. u Rom. xvi. 20. x Eph. vi. 18. f Eph. vi. 16.
z Matt. xvii. 14. a ver. 22. b ver. 23.
c ver. 24. d ver. 24. e ver. 20.