Vol. 2

CHAPTER IX. 133the body, sometimes to punish sinners, sometimes toexercise and sanctify the just." 22. And oft-times it hath cast him into the fire,and into the waters, to destroy him ;but if thou canstdo any thing, have compassion on us, and lielp us."The mischief which the devil does not do, evidentlyshows, that what he does is by the permissionof a will superior to his. It is this will which weought to fear, not the devil, who is only the ministerand instrument hereof. There is nothing which hewould not employ to our destruction, if the creatureswere entirely subject to his power.It is of great importancenot to rely too much upon our not havingany inclination to some particular sin, and being welldisposed to the contrary virtue. The devil knowshow to deceive us and change our minds, and to makeus pass from fire to water, and from water to fire. Itis upon the power, mercy, and grace of Christ, thatwe must altogether depend."23. Jesus said unto him. If thou canst believe,allthings are possible to him that believeth."Faith isa very great treasure, since nothing is refusedto it : but it belongs only to him who gives allthe rest, to give us faith also. Yes, Lord, all thingsare possible to him, to whom thou renderestall thingspossible by working them in him. Faith, the use,the increase, and the reward of it—all is a gift of thypure bounty." 24. And straightway the father of the child criedout, and said with tears. Lord, I believe; help thoumine unbelief."The humble man is himself distrustful of his^faith,and prays without ceasing for an increase of it. It