their view of the matter, Satan would be subverting his own kingdom: but, as they could not conceive he would do that, it was clear, that the kingdom of God must be come unto them*^. Thus did our Lord by this miracle establish his claim to the Messiahship, and give ample ground for all the people to re- ceive him as the appointed Saviour of the world.]
And have these wonders ceased ? No : I feel myself authorized to declare,
II. What corresponding proofs he is ever ready to give to us at this day —
Satan has no longer the same power over the bodies of men, that he once exercised. But he has as great power over their souls as ever : and
We are spiritually in the same predicament with the man whom Jesus healed —
[We are, whilst in an unregenerate state, " both blind and dumb." We are " blind." What is there which we see aright ? What views have we of our duty, our iiiterest, or our happiness? One would suppose that every rational being should see it his duty to love and serve his God ; and his interest to secure the divine favour ; and his happiness to enjoy the presence of God, and a foretaste of his eternal inheritance. But where do we find persons acting in accordance with such ^'iews ? Men's earthly pursuits appear to them of paramount obligation ; and all desire after heavenly things is swallowed up by their anxiety about the things of time and sense. In vain does God tell them, that this world is only as " a broken cistern that can hold no water ^;" and that no solid comfort can be derived from any source but from God, " the fountain of living waters :" This they will not believe, notwithstanding the experience of every day bears testimony to it. And whence is this unbelief, but from the influence of Satan upon their minds ? Yes, " The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not^."
So also are we " dumb." Our tongue is spoken of by God as " our glory," because by that, more than by any other member, we are enabled to glorify him^. But how is that member employed for God? We speak not to him in the exercise of prayer and praise, though our multiplied necessities and mercies call for these acknowledgments every day and hour of our lives. Nor do we in our converse with the world speak of God. Every other subject that can be thought of
^ ver. 24—28. « Jer. ii. 13.
f 2 Cor. iv. 4. « Ps. Ivii. 7, 8,