Mark 5:43

REFLECTIONS.

Oh! to what a desperate state is our whole nature reduced by the fall! Where Satan reigns, unrestrained by grace; see my soul, see in this man, (and while beholding look up and wonder at thy mercies) to what a length the human frame is capable of going in madness, while governed by devils! And what makes the subject yet more truly awful is, the consideration, that Satan's empire over our nature is a lawful empire for as Scripture truly saith, of whom a man is overcome of the same is he brought into bondage.

But oh! the mercy of that promise: Thus saith the LORD: ye have sold yourselves for nought, and ye shall be redeemed without money. Hear, my soul, hear what is said. Shall the prey be taken from the mighty or the lawful captive delivered ? But thus saith the LORD: even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. And see, as in this instance, one of CHRIST's little ones though long held captive by Satan, yet gloriously delivered by the LORD Jesus CHRIST. And where is he now, who when recovered by grace on earth, sat at the feet of Jesus; but sitting with Jesus on his throne and kingdom of glory, in heaven? Oh! my soul, go tell all thy friends of this wonder-working SAVIOR!

Behold also the power, and sovereignty, of thy LORD, over unclean spirits, and unclean beasts. See what efficacy flows from JESUS to the touch of faith in his divine person; yea, behold, how even the dead, JESUS raiseth. Never then call in question his power over all the uncleaness of thy nature, nor his grace to answer the desire of that faith, which he himself hath created. Thy deathness, and dying frames, Jesus can take away, and his command to arise must always be attended with power. He saith to thee, my soul, as to the ruler of the synagogue; be not afraid, only believe. LORD I believe; help thou mine unbelief.