July 8

22 ¶ And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray, and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit, and they cried out for fear

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

29 And he said, Come. And when Peter

was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me

31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God

34 ¶ And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret

35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;

36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment; and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

This incident teaches us very plainly that, in the time of trouble and peril, Jesus is nigh.

"It often happens that the coming of Christ to His disciples for their re- (861)

lief is that which frightens them most, because they do not know the extent of God's wardrobe; for I think that as a king might never wear the same garment but once, in order to show his riches and magnificence, so God comes to us in all exigencies, but never twice alike. He sometimes puts on the garments of trouble; and when we are calling upon Him as though He were yet in heaven, He is walking by our side, and that from which we are praying God to deliver us is often but God Himself. Thus it is with us as with children who are terrified by their dreams in the night, and scream for their parents, until, fully waking, behold they are in their parents' arms."—H. W. Beecher.

"We need not fear the tempest, but only the weakness of our faith. Hence Christ does not calm the storm, but takes Peter by the hand. It is of no use to be near Christ in person, unless we be near Him by faith."—Wordsworth.

Closet Promise.—And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.—Mark iv. 39.

Dark was the night—the foaming deep Raged madly round: He rose from sleep— The Man; the God; the tempest's Lord. He spake! obedient, trembling, awed, Low sank the proud wave's crested head; Far the affrighted storm-bend fled.

We sail on life's tempestuous sea! O Thou, whose voice wild Galilee Heard "have the storm blast, speak the word Which oft since then the saints have heard! May we, when tempests battle skill, Hear the commanding, "Peace, be still."

Speak! and the sky of sorrow's night Is radiant with celestial light; Speak! and the wildest waves obey, And gently bear us on our way; Speak! and temptation's fiercest blast Is harmless, all its fury past.

Speak! and the very winds of death Shall waft a more than welcome breath— To fairer realms than heart conceives, Or thread of happiest fancy weaves; To worlds where evil never trod, Bright as the diadem of God.

—Arthur Vine Hall.