June 24

PART II.—Matthew 8:27.

HAVING surveyed the miracle itself, we must be struck with the power which is invested in Christ. What power! to bind down the terrific storm — to hush the tempest's roar — to calm the raging seas! Here too, Jesus displayed his illimitable authority. Well indeed has the Apostle said, "that by him all things consist, and he upholdeth all things by the word of his power. How easily too can Jesus effect his purposes. He spake to the winds, and his voice was heard and felt, and instantly obeyed. Yes, he who four thousand years before, had said let there be light, and light was, now says, peace be still, 'and there was an instant calm. From the storm on the Galilean lake, let us turn our attention, to that which arises in the convicted sinner's breast. When the eyes have been graciously opened to see the evil of sin, and the dreadful peril to which it exposes its unhappy victims; how proper, that application should be made to Christ; how proper, that earnest prayer should be offered, "Lord save, we perish." And so sure as Jesus liveth and arose, and hushed to silence the tempest, so sure will he speak pardon to the guilty conscience, and peace to the troubled breast. We are also reminded by the miracle, of the condition and circumstances of Christ's church. Like the little fishing boat, the church is on the restless sea of life exposed to tempests and storms, and often apparently in a perishing condition. But this is her security, Jesus is on board, therefore we will not fear, "though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof." The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge.

"The church like a ship, may by tempests be tost,

On perilous seas, but cannot be lost,

Tho' Satan enrages the wind and the tide,

The Scripture engages, the Lord will provide."