June 5

PART II. — Matthew 9:25.

WE are now called to survey the striking scene in the Ruler's house. There, prostrate and inanimate, lay the daughter, the senses closed, the whole frame cold and lifeless, and the intellectual and immortal spirit gone into the eternal state. According to the natural order of things, she had become the victim of a monarch, who would firmly hold his grasp, until the resurrection at the last day. The agonised parents were there too; doubtless all the kindly associations of past days, were deeply affecting them, and they were now waiting the result of Christ's visit, with the most deep toned and conflicting feelings of hope and fear. The three disciples had often seen the stupendous miracles wrought by Jesus, but never had they witnessed the exertion of his power over the spirits of those departed into the invisible world. Here then was to be a fresh display of that Divine energy, which extended to all events, and to all worlds. While the spectators silently and intently gaze, Jesus speaks, "Maid, arise!" And then he took her by the hand, and she arose. Death heard the Almighty word; at the Saviour's bidding, relinquished his hand, and the corpse became animated again, and she arose, not the subject of the malady whereof she died, but in all the soundness of health, and the bloom of youth. How loudly does the subject call upon parents, to feel deeply solicitous for the welfare of their children. Are not our offspring dead in trespasses and sins? Are they not in imminent peril of everlasting ruin? And unto whom shall we apply, but unto Jesus? O let us bear them upon the arms of believing prayer, and affectionately and earnestly solicit his gracious and Almighty regards. Christ will be well pleased with holy importunity on their behalf, and is it too much to say, that the results will be according to our faith? We see in this glorious miracle, the most striking evidence of the Redeemer's power and God-head. No one possesses power over the keys of life and death, but he who is the true and only living God, who is over all, blessed for evermore. And finally, what a solid foundation is laid, for strong faith and hope as to the resurrection of our bodies at the last day. Yes, Jesus has only to speak, and every sepulchre will be unbarred, and the ashes of the slumbering saints, shall be raised to immortality and eternal life.