so far as the ordinary means of restoration were concerned.

This nobleman had doubtless heard of the celebrity of Jesus, whose fame was already spread far and wide to him, therefore, we can readily imagine, he would be disposed to make application in behalf of his beloved and afflicted child. Jesus, however, had been absent, and at a considerable distance from the place where the sufferer lay. The nobleman, hearing of his return, and having confidence in his power to afford the needed relief,-or at least being determined that no expedient to which he could have recourse should be untried,-resorts to him in the capacity of an earnest petitioner. He states the urgency of his case, representing his son as at the point of death. He intimates his belief that Jesus could heal him, were he to go down and visit him: though he seems to have had no idea that he could do this at a distance, by the speaking of a word, or even by the efficacy of his unuttered will; much less that in the event of his death, he would be able to restore him to life again.

There is much to be admired,-much that is worthy of imitation in this afflicted applicant. Many who have been favoured with more abundant light and information, would have reason to be ashamed, if a comparison were impartially instituted between themselves and him, in reference to the use which they have made of the opportunities and privileges which have been afforded them. His conduct, as we shall presently see, was, on the whole, graciously approved

by our blessed Lord. His knowledge was consequently enlarged—his faith increased—and his joy made to abound. Divine grace had previously disposed him to rely upon the power and mercy of Jesus. Under the influence of that disposition he had actually applied to him; and in his case the declaration of our Lord was exemplified, "Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance."-Having thus adverted to the general statement of the case, let our attention be directed

II. TO THE DETAILED ACCOUNT WHICH FOLLOWS. That account is thus introduced: "Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe." It may be doubted whether our Saviour had reference in these words to the case of the nobleman in particular, who had asked him to "come down and heal his son"-wishing perhaps himself to witness the performance of the cure which he expected that Jesus would effect;—or whether he intended to reprove others who were then around him, and who shewed no real disposition simply to receive his testimony, to embrace the heavenly doctrines which he delivered, and to rely upon his power and grace. This indeed we know too well, that mankind in general are slow of heart to believe the faithful and true witness, to receive those instructions which are closely connected with their spiritual and eternal interests, and to intrust themselves with confidence to Him who is mighty to save. Signs and wonders were, no doubt, of the greatest importance, as connected with the

avowed character and general testimony of our Lord: but when such signs and wonders had been repeatedly exhibited, and the fame of them was noised abroad, so that they had become extensively notorious, it was altogether unreasonable, and indicated an evil heart of unbelief, that the visible display of them should be expected on every occasion on which the merciful interposition of our blessed Lord was sought. On this account probably, and with a view to the general admonition of those who were around him, he expressed himself in such terms. The language, however, was that of apparent reproach, and may be thought to have been calculated to discourage the afflicted petitioner.

It is interesting to contemplate the demeanour of the nobleman in this stage of his interview with our Lord. Whatever impression the words which had just been uttered might have made on his mind, he is not deterred from urging his request. We may discern in his renewed address importunity aided by adroitness. "The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die." His words imply that his situation was one of peculiar emergency;—that his feelings were too much affected, and the agitation of his mind too powerful to admit of his then attempting calmly to vindicate himself, however strong the appearance might be against him, that he was justly comprised within the censure of our Lord. In his short but powerful appeal to the compassion of Jesus, he lays all the stress, which it might be supposed that an affectionate parent would do, on the dying circum

stances of his beloved child; and at the same time significantly intimates, that, however chargeable it might be supposed that he was, with either weakness or want of faith,-he was at least ready to expect that the presence of him whom he addressed would be to the object of his affection "as life from the dead." Brethren-be it our earnest prayer that we may have grace to look for the spiritual presence and to rely on the efficacious power of the same Jesus, to heal the infirmities of our souls, and to raise us to newness of life in the love and service of God!

Our Saviour graciously approving the disposition which had thus been evinced, and willing to encourage the symptoms of a sincere, however imperfect faith, dismisses the applicant, with the cheering assurance that his request was granted-that the object of his petition was already attained, even though he himself did not accompany him to his house: "Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth"-that is, he is restored to health and vigour. The compassionate Saviour, though he generally required some indication of reliance on his power and mercy, never disappointed the expectation of any who humbly and sincerely sought his blessing. Be assured, my brethren, He is still the same ready to hear, to answer, and to bless, those who apply to him in humility and faith. May a practical conviction of this animating truth be deeply impressed upon every mind!

Whatever might be the case before, it is certain that now the nobleman had faith in the declaration

of our Lord. Such is the plain testimony of the Evangelist : "And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way." Something perhaps appeared in the manner and address of our Saviour, which at once convinced the petitioner of his Divine power, and of the efficacy of his word or will. Be that as it may,-conviction was evidently wrought; and the nobleman having gained the object of his petition, and, we may reasonably suppose, having expressed his gratitude to his gracious Benefactor, departed: "he went his way," says the Evangelist :-doubtless in the joyful expectation of a cordial welcome from his restored and beloved child.

This, however, was not all that occurred to him before his arrival at his own house. On his return thither, while he was yet in the way, he found

every

And

thing confirmed, which he had had reason to expect: "And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." The information thus communicated deserves our special attention. special attention. In the first place the father was assured of the recovery of his son; for that he was fully restored to health, is manifestly in this connection, as we have already intimated, the import of the word "liveth." Then he ascertained the precise time when so happy a change had taken place; and the terms in which that intelligence was conveyed must be particularly noticed.