Vol. 2

364 ST. LUKE.the bottom of the heart, and clearly sees its mostsecret wounds, is the only physician who can healthem. This reproof, so mild and charitable, opensnot the eyes of these blind wretches, because theythink themselves too clear-sighted :isand because thereno blindness more incurable than that of envy." 23. Whether is easier to say, Thy sins be forgiventhee; or to say, Rise up and walk?"That which God does, in relation to the life ofthe body, shows us plainly what his charity and powerdo, as to the eternal life of our souls. It is an instanceof the power and greatness of God, to renderthese words, " Thy sins are forgiven thee," efficaciousin the mouth of his ministers, being sinners, aswell as in that of the most holy Jesus: because it ishe who speaks them,throughout the whole church.Jesus Christ does now no longer make use of externalmiracles, to persuade men of this truth;but thefaith which makes it believed, is an internal miracle,which is wrought in the heart of all the faithful, andbecomes sensible of their works." 24. But that ye may know that the Son of manhath power upon earth to forgive sins,(he said untothe sick of the palsy,) 1 say unto thee. Arise, andtake up thy couch, and go unto thine house."The mercy of Jesus Christ is as sovereign, andhis grace as powerful over the soul, as his word isover the body. Whoever humbly resigns himselfup to it, will never be deceived. Christ has uponearth, not only during his life, and in his own person,but also after his death, inhis church, even unto theend of the world, the power to forgive all kinds of sin." 25. And immediately he rose up before them,