Vol. 2

CHAPTER VI. 95and immediately he talked with them, and saith untothem, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid."We sometimes take the inspirations of God forno other than illusions. His word and his lightcause us to distinijuish them. We have but littleknowledge of hisdesigns for our good terrifies us.ways, and oftentimes that which heThere is sometimesa kind of mutiny in the ship of the church, and agreat clamour is raised at the sight of certain truths,as if they were errors; and even those who sit at thehelm are alarmed at a pliantom which they fancy theysee. But as soon as Christ speaks, and they arecapable of hearing him, his truth manifestly appears,their apprehensions vanish, and all grows quiet." 51. And he vvent up unto them into the ship;and the v/ind ceased :and they were sore amazed inthemselves beyond measure, and wondered."Jesus Christ, who is present to the heart, and tohis whole church, makes the storms of temptation,persecution, and error to cease, whenever he pleases.How strange is the darkness of this present life !The presence, word, and miracles of Christ— everything here disturbs the weak, every thing is to othersa matter of scandal or offence. But wo be to himwho gives any occasion thereof I" 52. For they considered not the miracle of theloaves : for their heart was hardened."How rarely do men preserve the remembrance ofthe favours and blessings they have received ! Ifthey did, it would give them trust and confidencewhen they have most occasion for them. We areamazed, and that with reason, to find that miraclesso evident did not open the eyes and understanding