when the honor of God, his own or neighbor's good requires it. Lastly, he labors under this spiritual complaint, whose tongue is not employed in the praises of God, in the exercises of devotion and pious conversations. "Wo is me," says the prophet, " because I held my peace." (Is. vi. 6.) And, " you that are mindful of the Lord hold not your peace." (Is. lxii. 6.)
III. Christ did not reject this poor distressed man, but took him aside and cured him. You also must retire from the noise and bustle of the world if you wish to be cured. You must prepare yourself by prayer and spiritual exercises. Observe how He cured this man, not by His word or command, as He cured others, but "He put His fingers in his ears, and spitting He touched his tongue." (Mark vii. 33.) Christ performs His cures in very different manners, and exercises His followers in a very different way. Submit yourself to His holy guidance and Divine pleasure in all things, and by this means you will be cured of all your infirmities.
SATURDAY
Cure of the Deaf and Dumb Man.— II.
I. After Christ had pronounced the words, " Be opened, immediately his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke right." (Mark vii. 34.) It is a sign that our ears are opened, when we do not contradict, nor resist Divine inspirations, but with all humility obey them. "The Lord hath opened my ear," says the prophet, "and I do not resist." (Is. l. 5.) Examine whether the ears of your heart be open to the voice of heavenly wisdom, or rather whether
