Vol. 2

CHAPTER V. 363to try the faith of those who pray for it, to obligethem to use extraordinary endeavours, and to showthem, that it is only from God through Jesus Christthat they are to expect it." 20. And when he saw their faith, he said untohim, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee."In our prayers, Christ often hearkens more to ourwants, than our desires. He goes to the very rootof the evil, which is sin ; and we ought to imitatehim in our afflictions. They who, out of a spirit ofcharity, pray for others, receive frequently more thanthey ask. God interprets their prayers ; because heunderstands better what charity asks in them, thanthey do themselves."21. And the scribes and the Pharisees becan toreason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies?Who can forgive sins but God alone?"The wicked change the best remedies into poison,and abuse the most sacred truths. There is nonemore full of consolation, than to learn, that he whoforgives sins has placed on earth the throne of hisgrace and mercy; and yet men set themselves againstthis truth, and to this end shut -their eyes and earsagainst prophecies and miracles.Those who so violentlyoppose this doctrine, have the misfortune tosucceed the Pharisees and other incredulous Jews inthis error;but believers have the comfort of havinothisremedy always ready, and always present." 22. But when Jesus perceived their thoughts,he, answering, said unto them, What reason ve inyour hearts?"True charity is never provoked, nor discouragedin promoting the salvation of souls. He who knowsQ2