June 7

They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.—Matthew 9:12.

IN the application of this proverb to himself, Jesus evidently professed to be a physician, and his whole ministerial career will establish that profession. Christ proved himself to be a physician of the body. He cured all sorts of diseases;—dropsies, fevers, palsies, blindness, deafness, leprosies, bloody-issues, and dumbness, all fled before his healing power. It mattered not how deep, how complicated, how universal, or of how long standing, he never failed in restoring to perfect health and soundness. Many cases which were humanly speaking hopeless, he restored by the word of his power

His power was so extensive, that even death was forced to yield his prey at his command. One he brought to life from the bed on which she had just expired — a second as they were bearing him to the place of burial—and a third after he had been entombed, heard his voice, and lived, and came forth. Jesus does not now employ his miraculous influence in healing the diseases of the body, but still his ability is the same. And though we are not called to expect his supernatural interposition in curing our bodily diseases, yet all human means will fail, without his blessing. While we call for the physician then to apply the cooling oil, or to administer the restoring balm, it is indispensable, that by prayer and supplication, we make known our requests unto Christ. To expect healing from the skill of a physician, or the power of medicine, without his blessing is practical atheism. To depend upon spiritual influence for the removal of bodily ills is fanaticism. To use the means and supplicate his blessing, is a course, consistent alike with reason and religion. Jesus sympathises with all his people in affliction, and sanctifies all their trials and sufferings to their present welfare, and future glory.