Vol. 2

94 ST. MARK.Christ enjoys perfect rest and felicity in the bosomof his Father, while his church is in the midst of thesea of this life. Every one of us is no other than alittle bark rowing against the wind, in a tempestuoussea, encompassed with the darkness of the night, anddestitute of all help and succour. He who is notafraid in this condition, sees not the dajger of it;whoever sees it, and does not pray, knows nothingof his own weakness." 48. And he saw them toiling in rowing; (forthe wind was contrary unto them ;) and about thefourth watch of the night he cometh unto them,walking upon the sea, and would have passed bythem."Every thing is contrary to salvation without JesusChrist. fie leaves us sometimes to ourselves, onpurpose that we may know ourselves, and the needwe have of him : but he never loses sight of us. Thisis an emblem of the church guided by its pastors.Did men but consider them as mariners, always tuggingat the oar, always rowing against the wind, andalways in danger, they would not envy their condition.Their comfort is, that Christ has his eye continuallyon the bark, that he sees their pains anddifficulties, and will certainly come to their assistance.He frequently lets a great part of the night pass away,without succouring his church in a plain and sensiblemanner. This is to give us occasion to exercise ourtrust and confidence towards him, and to wait hisproper time." 49. But when they saw him walking upon thesea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and criedout : 50. (For they all saw him, and were troubled :)