him." (John ix. 2.) Learn from this, that sicknesses and calamities are not always sent as punishments of sin, but to give us opportunities of increasing the glory of God, by our virtuous submission. Such was the case with holy Job, Tobias and others, in which cases, " I must work the works of Him that sent me," observes Jesus Christ, " whilst it is day," that is, whilst the day of this mortal life lasts. With much more reason ought you to perform the same works, whilst you live, before "you go, and return no more, to a land that is dark and covered with the mist of death." (Job x. 21.)
III. " Christ spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle and spread the clay upon his eyes." He applied a remedy suited by its nature rather to injure than to cure, in order to show His power. If you wish to be relieved from the spiritual blindness of your soul, frequently think of the base materials of which you are formed. Remember, man, that " dust thou art, and into dust thou shalt return." (Gen. iii. 19.)
TUESDAY.
The Man Born Blind.— II.
I. This poor man was grateful for the favor which he had received from Christ. He published loudly to the world, " That man, who is called Jesus, made clay and anointed my eyes." (John ix. 11.) He resolutely and constantly professed Christ to be a prophet, even before the Pharisees, without fearing the dangerous consequences of their anger. He patiently bore all the insults and contumelious language of these hypocrites. "Thou art wholly born in sins," they say, " and dost
