Vol. 2

CHAPTER XVI. 607somewhat extraordinary to convert hira, and engagehira to set about the work of his salvation. Thewicked fooHshly flatter themselves, that proofs arewanting to their faith ; whereas faith is the onlything which is wanting in the midst of the most plainand evident proofs. The Son of God, who camedown from heaven to preach repentance to us, andwho returned from hell to confirm his preaching, hasnot been able to persuade us to repent: and yet weimagine, that we should perform this duty, if eitheran angel came from heaven, or a dead man fromthegrave, to declare to us the absolute necessity thereof."31. And he said unto him. If they hear notMoses and the prophets, neither will they be persuadedthough one rose from the dead."He who gives no credit to the Scripture, givesnone to miracles, since it is filled with those of Christand his apostles.Passion has no other design, butto gain time, and to get rid of those proofs whichpress too hard upon and incommode it, under pretenceof desiring better: and when such are produced,they serve only to provoke and harden it themore. Christ did raise another Lazarus, and theJews would fain have sent him back to the grave,and from that very time resolved upon the death ofChrist himself. This Saviour rose from the dead,and it was this very resurrection which hardened thatperfidious people, and served to fill up the measureof their sins. In vain does the sun of truth shineupon him who is blinded by passion. Let this butcease, and every thing will appear plain. Faith issatisfied with such proofs as God vouchsafes to affordit;incredulity never has enough.