1. We find in the life of Christ a literal fulfilment of the text,
which compels us to regard it as fulfilled in Him (Matt. xx. 30-34;
Mark vii. 32-35; John v. 5-9, &c.) Now these are historical facts.
Useless to say they are miracles, therefore incredible, because a
miracle is impossible. Who taught you that a miracle is impossible?
You are assuming what you are bound to prove. The testimony of the
writers of this history is worth as much as that of any other
historical writers (H. E. I. 3527-3529). Many things have occurred in
the world the like of which we have never seen. Moreover, the power
of God must be taken into account in deciding whether a thing is
possible or not. Is it not astounding presumption for a man to
measure Divine power by his own; to say, because neither himself nor
any other man at present can work a miracle, therefore God cannot and
never has? After all the argument, the fact remains. 2. We find that
the coming of Christ is identified with improvements in the general
character and condition of mankind, such as may be shadowed forth in
these physical blessings. Where Christianity comes, the intellectual,
moral, and material standard rises. Savage peoples become civilised;
civilised nations reach a higher plane. The influence of personal
Christianity commonly improves the social position of the individual.
3. But beyond this we find that the coming of Christ is identified
with the bestowment of spiritual blessings and the effectuation of
spiritual changes as remarkable as the miracles it wrought in the
physical region. The spiritual disease of sin, analogous to the
physical diseases it has caused, is cured by the Gospel. Take a case.
One thoroughly imbued with hatred to Christ. Not content with simple
indifference to Him, or rejection of His claims, he throws all the
energy of an unusually energetic nature into the active measures that
were adopted for the suppression of His cause. But the saving power
of Christ finds him in a way unexpected and unusual. He surrenders on
the spot, and finds himself under the command of Christ to do
whatsoever He wills. He becomes a missionary of the cross. He is sent
to the Gentiles "to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to
light, and from the power of Satan unto God." And this case is a type
of multitudes whose spiritual diseases have been healed, some of them
the most virulent and malignant. It is a work within their souls,
which the power of God alone can effect. It is a change of the
heart's deepest principles and affections under the influence of
spiritual considerations only. It is a moral revolution. The blind
eyes are opened to the glory of Christ's truth. The deaf ear listens
to His voice. The dumb tongue is eloquent of His salvation, and sings
His praise. And the lame man gladly walks in the way of His
commandments.