Vol. 2

134 ST. MARK.is often so weak, that it scarce deserves the name.Who amongst us has, after the example of this person,made use of prayers and tears to obtain it ? Anhumble acknowledgment of the imperfection of ourfaith, and of our other defects, is capable of makingup every thing which is wanting to us; or rather,nothing is wanting to him who has humility." 25. When Jesus saw that the people came runningtogether, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying untohim. Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, comeout of him, and enter no more into him."Those who love not either to speak or to hear ofGod, are possessed with a dumb and deaf spirit, fromwhich Christ alone can deliver them. Happy arethey into whom he never enters any more ! Whatwould not God grant to a faith which is perfect, sinceevento an imperfect one he grants much more thanit asks. Jesus Christ never speaks to the devil butwith threats, as to a slave.There are no measuresto be kept, where there is no longer the least hopeof reconciliation or charity." 26. And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, andcame out of him : and he was as one dead ; insomuchthat many said, He is dead."The sinner suffers strange convulsions, when heendeavours to forsake his inveterate habits ; and especiallya young man who has continued under themfrom his childhood. To speak to him concerning renouncinghis passions, is almost the same thing as todeprive him of his life. A young person possessedby sin, is a very proper instrument of the devil forall manner of wickedness;and therefore he omits nothingin order to secure him to himself. Such a person