not fit to be one of my disciples. For if thou do follow me, it must be for love, and this love for my sake must make thee forsake all: "It is not so much required how much we leave, as with what love we leave all things in the world."1 7. We read that heathen philosophers have left all earthly cares for the love of learning : but much more should we do it in following Christ, because too many cares of this world do much trouble us, as much serving did Martha.2 How many have there been in all ages, who have left the love of earthly things for the love of Christ? It is said of one Bysarius, a devout man (who, to do a work of charity, had on a time bestowed. part of his own raiment), being asked of a great king, who had spoiled him of his clothing? "This," quoth he, showing him the book of the Gospel; thereby signifying for whose sake and for whose love he had showed mercy. And herein is manifested the law of perfection, in leaving all for the love of Christ. Peter said unto Jesus, "Behold, we have forsaken all and followed thee; what shall we 1 Non attenditur quantum relinquitur, sed qua voluntate.-Gre. in Ill. 1 Sam. vii. Probably this reference is made to the commentary of Pope Gregory on 1 Sam. ch. vii. The same sentiment is expressed in his fifth Homily on St. Matthew.-ED. 2 Luke x. 40. have?" Jesus said unto him, "Verily I say unto you, That when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his majesty, you that have followed me in the regeneration, shall sit upon twelve thrones, and judge the twelve tribes of Israel; and whosoever shall forsake houses, or brethren or sisters, or fathers or mothers, or wife or children, or lands for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold more, and shall inherit everlasting life." CHAPTER XXIII. Of Christ's many miracles, and what we learn by them. THAT We might learn to know him to be the true Messias which was sent into the world, Christ confirmed his heavenly doctrine by many heavenly doings; that those whom his teaching could not move, at least his divine working might compel. "If I do not the works of my Father," saith he, "believe me not; If I do them, though ye believe not me, yet believe me for my works' sake. The works which I do, testify of me." Whereby we see whereunto tended the miracles of the Son of God: "These things are written, that 3 John x. 38. 66 ye might believe." Let all wavering minds but consider a little his admirable works in the world: Was it known from the beginning? yea, since the world began it was not heard, that ever any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.1 Nicodemus saith, Rabbi, we know thou art a teacher come from God, for no man could do these miracles that thou doest, except God were with him 2:" Nay, that which is more, Nicodemus! none could do them except God were in him, and he in God. To manifest that he had power in earth to forgive sinners, he says unto the sick of the palsy no more but this in curing him, "Son, thy sins are forgiven thee." To confirm that he was the bread of life, he feeds a great multitude with five barley loaves and two fishes; which he blessed, and his apostles distributed. To show that he had power over sea and land, he commands the waters and they obey him.* To make evident proof that he was the light, he restores his seeing unto a blind man that craved it of him.5 To declare plainly that he was the resurrection from the dead, he raised Lazarus, who had lain four days in his grave. For his divine power in working miracles-we know that the magicians of Egypt did some wonders before 1 John ix. 32. 5 Luke xviii. 43. 6 2 John iii. 2. Pharaoh, but they came not near to Moses' doings, for they were but slender illusions; yet Moses' miracles came far behind these of our Saviour; they were so many, they were so wonderful, as none but God could effect them. 2. And this order did our Saviour Christ observe; that from his doctrine he proceeded to show miracles, that if his words could not prevail, yet his works might. By which works. it was evident how willing he was to heal our infirmities, and how able to help all that were distressed, and consequently all that still call upon him in time of need. And to this end, in the first place, serve his miracles to show his power and goodness; and that there is no disease so desperate which he by his only word cannot cure; that there is none so miserable whom he will exclude, who excludes none. Jehoshaphat the king when he was at a great strait, and knew not what to do, at last. resolved upon this, Ask counsel of the Lord, I pray thee; as if he should say, I will go seek help of God; when we know not what to do, or which way to turn us for help, we may resolve upon this, We will go to Christ, he was merciful on earth, and showed many miracles in helping all that came unto 7 Exod. vii. 22. [228] X 8 1 Kings xxii. 5. him, and he is the same still, sitting at the right hand of God in heaven. 3. But now observe we the manner of his working miracles. At one time he speaketh the word only1; at another, he toucheth the diseased; sometimes he cures in presence, at another time being far absent3; in some he is lifting up his eyes to heaven; in others, he prayeth openly: All which want not a mystery, and appertain as well to the instruction of our faith, as the direction of our life, and are as part of the Gospel; because they show unto us good and joyful things.* When the prophets wrought miracles, they were always praying5: but we hear Christ commanding, and speaking the word only, and it is done. He commandeth the winds, and the seas; by his word he chargeth diseases to cease, devils to depart. Unto the leper he saith, "I will; be thou clean:" Unto the man that lay by the pool of Bethesda, "Take up thy bed and walk;" Unto the widow's son, Young man, arise:" for unto those to whom he gave remedy, he ofttimes enjoined a duty. 66 The Church story doth mention a certain letter written by one Agbarus', an Edessean, unto our Saviour Christ, the form whereof |