Vol. 2

CHAPTER VII. 399We can no way render ourselves worthy of JesusChrist and his grace, but by acknowledging ourselvesunworthy of them. The just idea which the centurionhas of the almighty power of God, and ofChrist, in healing bodies by the sole motion of hiswill, is the pattern of that which we ought to frame,concerning the almighty power of his grace, in healingsouls of concupiscence. He does what he pleaseswith the heart, as well as with the body; being equallythe creator of both. It is Christ himself, who, inthe cure of the paralytic, teaches us to judge thus ofthe one by the other." 8. For I also am a man set under authority,having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go,and he goeth; and to another. Come, and he cometh;and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it."The pride of the synagogue, which attributed allto the merit and virtue of the works of the law, isfigured by the Jews, the friends of the centurion :the faith of the church, which ascribes all to the puremercy of God, and to the almighty operation of hiswill upon ours, is represented by the faith of the centurion,who is the first-fruits of the Gentiles. Heshall rise up in judgment at the last day against those,who, after the experience of so many ages, and theinstructions of so many saints and doctors,dare yetdispute with God his omnipotent power over theheart of man." 9. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelledat him, and turned him about, and said unto thepeople that followed him, I say unto you, I have notfound so great faith, no, not inIsrael."Christ praises the virtue of men boldly and plainly,