tions of God and dumb in His praises. He " casts them on the ground," by making them fix their affection on earthly things. He makes them foam at the mouth, and gnash their teeth, by inducing them to make use of foul and unworthy language. He often throws them into the fires of concupiscence, and extinguishes every kindling spark of virtue by throwing them into the watery gulfs of worldly pleasures. Follow the advice of the Apostle, and be one of those who " recover themselves from the snares of the Devil, by whom they are held captives at his will." (II. Tim. ii. 26.)
III. This lunatic child was first presented to the Apostles, who could not cure him. So ought we to have recourse to every human means before we expect a miracle from God. The disciples were not permitted to cure this youth, probably to increase and preserve their humility. Cherish this virtue, and say with the pious David, " It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me, that I may learn Thy justifications." (Ps. cxviii. 71.)
SATURDAY.
Cure of the Lunatic Child. — II.
I. When Christ was requested to cure this youth, He reprehended the incredulity of His disciples. " O, incredulous generation, how long shall I suffer you!" (Mark ix. 18.) Learn from this how odious in the sight of God are incredulity and obstinacy of unbelief. When the possessed lunatic was brought before Him, " immediately the spirit troubled him, and being thrown down upon the ground he rolled about foaming." How bold and insolent is this infernal spirit, even in the pres-
