III. This stranger, by being grateful for his corpora! health, received a still greater favor, the cure of his soul. He was converted to the gospel, which Christ preached; hence Christ says, "Arise, go thy way, for thy faith has made thee whole." The other nine, as St. Augustine fears, were probably lost. " For the hope of the unthankful shall melt away as the winter's ice, and shall run off as unprofitable water." (Wis. xiv. 29.) Take care then to be always grateful to God, for the benefits which you receive.
FRIDAY.
Cure of the Deaf and Dumb Man. - I.
I. Whilst Christ was passing through Galilee, " they bring to Him one that was deaf and dumb, and they besought Him lay His hand on him." (Mark vii. 32.) Ponder how meritorious an action it is, to bring others to Jesus Christ, and endeavor by every means consistent with your state and calling, to bring to Him those, who are spiritually deaf and dumb. What is spiritual deafness? He is spiritually deaf, who will not listen to the truths of faith, nor to the voice of God when He calls him to virtue and perfection. Examine whether you be not in some respect spiritually deaf, and do not shut your ears to the voice of God; fear lest the terrible words be addressed to you, " then shall they call upon Me, and I will not hear." (Prov. i. 28.)
II. What is spiritual dumbness? He is spiritually dumb, who does not correct his brother, when by doing so, he can prevent him from sinning. He also is spiritually dumb, who does not preach the Word of God, when it is his duty, or make open profession of his faith,
