第23章 瘫子
§1
第23章 瘫子
§2
Chapter 23- The Paralytic.
§3
基督的使命又把祂带到了迦百农。消息传开，耶稣在彼得家作客，男女老少便从四方云集而来要听这位奇妙的教师讲道。附近有一个人因无药可医的瘫痪而彻底绝望了。他已完全放弃复原的希望。但他的亲友们听过耶稣恩慈的教导，见过祂行的奇事，他们看到祂不避开任何人，连可憎的麻风病人都能到祂面前并得医治，他们就有了希望，要是能把瘫子带到耶稣面前叫祂注意，或许可以得到医治。{2SP 292.1}[1]
§4
Again the mission of Christ brought him to Capernaum. When the news spread abroad that Jesus was a guest at the house of Peter, men, women, and children flocked from every direction to hear the wonderful Teacher. There was a man in the vicinity who was reduced to utter helplessness by the incurable disease of palsy. He had given up all hope of recovery. But his friends and relatives had heard the gracious instruction of Jesus; they had witnessed his wonderful miracles; they saw that he turned none away, that even the loathsome lepers found access to his presence, and were healed, and they began to hope that the paralytic might be relieved if he could be brought under the notice of Jesus. {2SP 292.1}[1]
§5
他们设法鼓励患者，告诉他耶稣能医治各样疾病的奇能，祂对绝望的人所说的仁慈怜悯的话语，以及那些因祂一句极有权威的话就脱离了撒但权势的人。那瘫子听到这些好消息时，心里有了希望，他或许可以摆脱所患可怕的疾病。他渴望去见耶稣，把自己交在祂手里。然而当他想到自己主要是因为放荡才患病时，所生的希望又消沉下去了，因为他担心自己不会得蒙容许到那位纯洁的医师面前。他曾喜爱罪中之乐，他过了违背上帝律法的生活，而他身体的痛苦原是他罪行的惩罚。{2SP 292.2}[2]
§6
They tried to encourage the sufferer, telling him of the miraculous power of Jesus to cure every malady, of the words of mercy he had spoken to the despairing, and of those who are set free from the power of Satan by a word of his sublime authority. As the palsied man listened to the good tidings, hope revived in his heart that he might be relieved of his terrible infirmity. He longed to see Jesus and place himself in his hands. But when he reflected that dissipation had been the main cause of his affliction, hope sank for he feared that he would not be tolerated in the presence of the pure Physician. He had loved the pleasures of sin, his life had been a transgression of the law of God, and his bodily affliction was the penalty of his crime. {2SP 292.2}[2]
§7
他在很久以前曾将自己的病情交在法利赛人和医生手里，向他们乞求关心和同情，指望他们能做些什么来减轻他所受心灵的折磨和身体的痛苦。但他们却冷淡地看待他，宣布他无药可救。他们反而使他更苦恼，告诉他说，他只能因自己的不良行为遭受上帝公义的报应。法利赛人惯于远离病人和贫穷的人。他们认为疾病和不幸总是上帝向犯罪的人发怒的证据。可是这些高抬自己为圣洁且特别蒙主眷爱的人，内心和生活却往往比他们所谴责的可怜患者更败坏。{2SP 293.1}[3]
§8
He had long before placed his case in the hands of the Pharisees and doctors, entreating their interest and sympathy, hoping that they would do something to relieve his tortured mind and physical sufferings. But they had looked coldly upon him and pronounced him incurable. They had added to his woe by telling him that he was only suffering the righteous retribution of God for his misdemeanors. It was the custom of the Pharisees to hold themselves aloof from the sick and needy. They held that sickness and distress were always an evidence of Gods anger toward the transgressor. Yet frequently these very men, who exalted themselves as holy and enjoying the peculiar favor of God, were more corrupt in heart and life than the poor sufferers whom they condemned. {2SP 293.1}[3]
§9
瘫子既看不到任何帮助，就陷入绝望中，直到传来耶稣仁慈怜悯行奇事的消息，才使他心中又有了希望。可是他却担心自己得不到允许到祂面前；他感到只要耶稣愿意看他，赦免他的罪，从而解除他心灵的痛苦，他就愿意按照祂公义的旨意或生或死。他的朋友们向他保证，耶稣曾医好在各方面都象他一样有罪无助的人，而这就鼓励他相信他自己的请求也会得到准许。{2SP 293.2}[4]
§10
The palsied man had sunk into despair seeing no help from any quarter, till news of the miracles of mercy performed by Jesus had aroused hope again in his breast. Yet he feared that he might not be allowed in his presence; he felt that if Jesus would only see him and give him relief of mind by pardoning his sins, he would be content to live or die according to his righteous will. His friends assured him that Jesus had healed others who were in every respect as sinful and helpless as himself, and this encouraged him to believe that his own petition would be granted. {2SP 293.2}[4]
§11
他感到没有时间可以浪费了；他衰弱的身体正开始腐烂。如果能做什么来阻止死亡，必须立刻就做。这个垂死之人绝望的呼声乃是：巴不得我能进到祂面前！他的朋友们焦急地帮助他满足他的心愿，他们提出几个方案要实现这个结果，却似乎都不可行。这个病人虽因身体的疼痛而受着折磨，智力却完好无损，他便提议朋友们把他连床抬到耶稣那里去。他们欣然照办了。{2SP 293.3}[5]
§12
He felt that there was no time to lose; already his wasted flesh was beginning to decay. If anything could be done to arrest mortality, it must be done at once. The despairing cry of the dying man was, Oh that I might come into his presence! His friends were anxious to assist him in gratifying his wish, and several projects were suggested to bring about this result, but none of them seemed feasible. The sick man, although racked with bodily pain, preserved the full strength of his intellect, and he now proposed that his friends should carry him on his bed to Jesus. This they cheerfully undertook to do. {2SP 293.3}[5]
§13
他们接近耶稣正在施教的那栋房子里外密集的人群时，便觉得似乎不可能达到目的了。然而他们仍旧抬着担架向前挤，直到完全受阻，还没到能听到救主声音的地方就不得不停下来。耶稣在里面，门徒照例坐在祂近旁；因为这本是最重要的事，即他们应该听到祂的话，明白他们要用口用笔传到各国各代的真理。{2SP 294.1}[6]
§14
As they approached the dense crowd that had assembled in and about the house where Jesus was teaching, it seemed doubtful that they could accomplish their purpose. However, they pressed on with their burden, till their passage was completely blocked up and they were obliged to stop before they arrived within hearing of the Saviours voice. Jesus was within, and, as was customary, his disciples sat near him; for it was most important that they should hear his words, and understand the truths which they were to proclaim by word or pen over all lands and through all ages. {2SP 294.1}[6]
§15
傲慢的法利赛人，律法师和文士，也聚集在近旁，心中怀有邪恶的企图，想要使神圣的教师慌乱难堪，好控告祂是一个骗子，定祂死罪。他们既嫉妒祂的权柄和智慧，就隐瞒了自己强烈的仇恨，为了是密切监视祂的言语，引祂讲论不同的问题，希望能意外地把祂引入某种矛盾论或被禁止的异端，使他们有理由控告祂。耶稣在安息日医治那个枯干了一只手的人时，他们也在场。而这些自称享有上帝特别眷爱的人，却因祂胆敢在主日做这种善事而满心愤怒。{2SP 294.2}[7]
§16
The haughty Pharisees, the doctors and the scribes, were also gathered near with wicked purposes in their hearts, and a desire to confuse and confound the sacred Teacher, that they might accuse him of being an impostor, and condemn him to death. Jealous of his power and wisdom, they concealed their intense hatred, for the purpose of closely watching his words, and calling him out upon various subjects with the hope of surprising him into some contradiction or forbidden heresy that would give them an excuse to prefer charges against him. They were present when Jesus healed the withered hand upon the Sabbath day, and these men, who claimed to enjoy the special favor of God, were filled with madness because he had presumed to do this good work upon the Lords day. {2SP 294.2}[7]
§17
在这些有名望的人外面群集着混杂的大众，是由各种动机吸引来的。有些人感到一种不可抗拒的冲动，要听耶稣的话，可是却不怎么理解祂话语的意思。他们渴望听到那神圣话语的每一个音节；在许多情况下，生命的种子存在了他们心里，后来要发芽生长，结出有福的果子。有些人则是出于惊讶和好奇而来的，要不就是喜爱刺激，——想要看看听听什么新鲜事。社会各阶层的人都在场，也有许多不同国籍的人。{2SP 295.1}[8]
§18
Outside of these magnates thronged the promiscuous multitude, drawn there from various motives. Some felt an irresistible impulse to hear the words of Jesus, yet dimly comprehended their import. They were eager to catch every syllable of the sacred utterances; and, in many cases, seeds of life lodged in their hearts, to spring up afterward and bear blessed fruit. Others came from wonder and curiosity, or a love of excitement,--the desire to see and hear some new thing. All grades of society were represented there, and many different nationalities. {2SP 295.1}[8]
§19
抬着瘫子的人们设法穿过人潮奋力前进；但这么做是没有用的。他们极力说明自己的情况危急，为要说服众人后退，却是徒然。病人的痛苦因焦虑而加剧，他的朋友们担心他会死在这种混乱的场面。那病人也左顾右盼地表现一种难言的痛苦。所盼望的帮助就在眼前，他必须放弃一切希望吗？他觉得自己忍受不了那么痛苦的失望，便建议他们把他抬到房子后面，将房顶拆开，把他缒到耶稣面前。{2SP 295.2}[9]
§20
Through this surging crowd, the bearers of the paralytic seek to push their way; but the attempt is useless. They urge the necessity of their case, in order to prevail upon the people to fall back, but it is of no avail. The sufferings of the invalid are increased by his anxiety, and his friends fear that he will die in this scene of confusion. The sick man gazes about him with inexpressible anguish. Must he relinquish all hope when the longed-for help is so near? He feels that he cannot endure so bitter a disappointment. He suggests that they bear him to the rear of the house, and break through the roof and let him down into the immediate presence of Jesus. {2SP 295.2}[9]
§21
他的朋友们既见到这是他惟一活命的机会，又担心他不能活着被抬回家去，便听从了他的建议。他们拆开房顶，把这个病人缒到基督脚前。救主的讲论被打断了。于是祂俯视瘫子忧伤的容貌，看着他眼中恳请的神情。祂很清楚这个病人，况且这个踌躇疑惧的病人就是祂吸引到自己跟前来的。祂来到世界就是为了使犯罪可怜的人有希望。约翰指出祂是“上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的。”耶稣的神圣精神激动了这个可怜罪人的心，当他还在家里的时候，就使他的良心有了确信。耶稣曾注意他第一点信心的光是如何发旺起来，以致接受祂为他唯一的帮助者，也看见他每一次努力要到祂面前来，他的信心就越发坚强一点。{2SP 295.3}[10]
§22
Seeing that it is his only chance of life, and fearing that he cannot live to be taken home, his friends follow his suggestion. The roof is opened, and the sick man is let down at the very feet of Christ. The discourse is interrupted; the Saviour looks upon that mournful countenance, and sees the pleading eyes fixed upon him with a silent entreaty. He understands the case, for it was he who had led the perplexed and doubting spirit to himself. He had come to the world to give hope to the guilty and wretched. John had pointed to him as the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. The divine spirit of Jesus stirred the heart of this poor sinner, and while he was yet at home, had brought conviction to his conscience. He had watched the first glimmer of faith deepen into a belief that Jesus was his only helper, and had seen it grow stronger with every effort to come into his presence. {2SP 295.3}[10]
§23
这个患者虽有财富，却不能减轻他心灵的罪疚，也不能除去他身体的疾病。但神能却吸引他到罪人的良友身边，惟有祂才能解救他。耶稣答谢这个病人的努力所显明的信心，他竟在这么困难的情况下达到他的主面前。现在救主用音乐般的声音对他说：“小子，放心吧，你的罪赦了”（太9:2）。黑暗与绝望的重担从这个病人的心头脱落了；完全的爱与赦免的平安临到了他的心灵，使他容光焕发。他身体的疼痛消失了，他整个的人在惊讶地大众面前被改变了。无用的瘫子得了痊愈，内疚的罪人得了赦免！他如今得到了他很想得到的证据。然而不是在这里，而是在家里，当他悔改了自己的罪并且相信耶稣有能力使他痊愈的时候，救主赐人生命的恩慈就已使他渴望的心得福了。{2SP 296.1}[11]
§24
The sufferer had wealth, but it could not relieve his soul of guilt, nor remove disease from his body. But divine power attracted him to the Friend of sinners, who alone could relieve him. Jesus acknowledges the faith that is evidenced by the sick mans efforts, under such perplexing difficulties, to reach the presence of his Lord, and lifting up his voice in melodious tones, addressed him: Son, be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee. The burden of darkness and despair rolls from the sick mans soul; the peace of perfect love and forgiveness rests upon his spirit and shines out upon his countenance. His physical pain is gone, and his whole being is transformed before the eyes of the astonished multitude. The helpless paralytic is healed, the guilty sinner is pardoned! He has now received the evidence he so much desired. Yet not here, but at home, when he had repented of his sins and believed in the power of Jesus to make him whole, had the life-giving mercies of the Saviour first blessed his longing heart. {2SP 296.1}[11]
§25
瘫子以真诚的信心接受耶稣的话为他的新生命。他不再提其他的要求，也无喧哗的表示，只是快乐得说不出话来，安然躺在那里。天上的亮光照在他脸上，众人都屏息地注视着这个景象。基督以平静的威严站立，这种威严使祂升到会堂的权贵和律法师们之上。法利赛人、文士和律法师曾焦急地等待着，要看耶稣如何处理这事。他们想起这个患者曾求过他们帮助，而他们却用自己的圣职四面筑垒围护自己，不肯给他一丝鼓励。他们甚至因被这么讨厌的事烦扰而表示恼怒。他们曾极端厌恶地看着他皱缩的身体，说：我们无法使死人复活，你已经开始消亡了。{2SP 296.2}[12]
§26
The simple faith of the paralytic accepted the words of the Master as the boon of new life. He preferred no further request, he made no noisy demonstration, but remained in blissful silence too happy for words. The light of Heaven irradiated his countenance, and the people looked with awe upon the scene before them. Christ stood with a serene majesty that lifted him above the dignitaries of the synagogue and the doctors of the law. The Pharisees, the scribes, and the doctors had waited anxiously to see what disposition Jesus would make of this case. They recollected that the sufferer had appealed to them for help, and that they had entrenched themselves in the sanctity of their office and refused him one ray of encouragement. They had even expressed annoyance at being troubled with so disagreeable a matter. They had looked with horror upon his shriveled form, and said, We cannot raise one from the dead; dissolution has already commenced. {2SP 296.2}[12]
§27
他们并不满足于这么做给他带来的痛苦，还说他是因自己的罪而受了上帝的咒诅。如今他们看见面前这个病人，这一切的事都历历在目。他们还察觉到百姓多有熟悉这些事实的，正在关切而敬畏地注视着这个场面，就感到很恐惧，害怕会丧失自己的势力，不仅是对在场的群众，也是对凡听到这件奇事的人。{2SP 297.1}[13]
§28
Not satisfied with the agony thus inflicted, they had declared that he was suffering the curse of God for his sins. All these things came fresh to their minds when they saw the sick man before them. They also perceived that the people, most of whom were acquainted with these facts, were watching the scene with intense interest and awe. They felt a terrible fear that their own influence would be lost, not only over the multitude present, but also over all who should hear the news of this marvelous event. {2SP 297.1}[13]
§29
这些高傲的人并没有彼此交换意见，而是面面相觑，心照不宣，都认为必须设法阻止众人情绪的发展。耶稣曾说瘫子的罪已蒙赦免，法利赛人便抓住这句话，认为是僭取了无限的权柄，是亵渎上帝，以为可以把这件事当作该死的罪行摆在众人面前。这些敬拜各种仪式和象征的人虽然没有表达自己的想法，却在心里说：祂是一个亵渎者！除了上帝，谁能赦罪呢？他们以救主神圣赦免的话为把柄，用来控告祂。但耶稣了解他们的想法，便以责备的目光扫视他们，令他们畏缩后退。主对他们这样说：“你们心里为什么这样议论呢？或对瘫子说‘你的罪赦了’，或说‘起来！拿你的褥子行走’；哪一样容易呢？但要叫你们知道，人子在地上有赦罪的权柄。就对瘫子说：我吩咐你，起来！拿你的褥子回家去吧”（可2:8-11）。{2SP 297.2}[14]
§30
These lofty men did not exchange words together, but looking into one anothers faces, they read the same thought expressed upon every countenance: Something must be done to arrest the tide of popular sentiment. Jesus had declared that the sins of the paralytic were forgiven. The Pharisees caught at these words as an assumption of infinite power, a blasphemy against God, and conceived that they could present this before the people as a crime worthy of death. They did not express their thoughts, but these worshipers of forms and symbols were saying in their minds, He is a blasphemer! Who can forgive sins but God alone? They were laying hold of the Saviours words of divine pardon, to use as a means by which to accuse him. But Jesus read their thoughts, and, fixing his reproving glance upon them, beneath which they cowered and drew back, addressed them thus: Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins (he saith to the sick of the palsy), I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. {2SP 297.2}[14]
§31
于是那个被人用床抬到耶稣面前时原本四肢瘫痪的人，就立刻生气勃勃地站了起来。赐生命的血液，在他的血管里活跃起来，准确地流经它本来的通道。全身每一个器官，都突然运用自如了。健康的柔润光彩，代替了垂死灰白的气色。“那人就起来，立刻拿着褥子，当众人面前出去了。以致众人都惊奇，归荣耀与上帝说：我们从来没有见过这样的事”（可2:12）！{2SP 298.1}[15]
§32
Then he who had been borne to Jesus on a litter, and whose limbs were then useless, rises to his feet with the elasticity and strength of youth. The life-giving blood bounds through his veins, seeking its natural channels with unerring precision. The lagging human machinery springs into sudden activity, the animating glow of health succeeds the pallor of approaching death. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. {2SP 298.1}[15]
§33
基督的爱是何等奇美，竟不惜屈身医治受苦的罪人。神竟向受苦的人类表同情，安抚他们的苦痛。祂所显给人类看的，是何等伟大的能力啊！谁还能疑惑救恩的信息！谁还能轻视慈悲救赎主的爱怜！{2SP 298.2}[16]
§34
Oh! wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh! marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation! Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer! {2SP 298.2}[16]
§35
这个奇迹在百姓看来就像是天开了，显出那更美世界的荣耀。当这个被治愈的人，拿着褥子像拾起鸿毛似地从人群中出来，步步赞美上帝时，众人就让开一条路给他经过，并带着惊讶之色注视着他，彼此轻声耳语说：“我们今日看见非常的事了”（路5:26）。法利赛人惊异得哑口无言，彻底失败了。他们看出这里再没有煽动民众的机会，以满足他们的偏见和嫉妒了。在他们傲慢自大地丢弃于死亡和上帝忿怒之下的这个人身上所行的奇事，使众人大受感动，以致暂时把这些犹太领袖们的势力忘掉了。他们看出基督具有他们认为上帝所独有的能力，祂也声称这是祂的特权。祂温良尊贵的仪表和祂奇妙的作为与他们自己傲慢且自以为义的态度形成了鲜明的对照，令他们张皇失措，羞愧万分，明知耶稣远远高过他们，但又不肯承认。{2SP 299.1}[17]
§36
The effect of this wonderful miracle upon the people was as if Heaven had opened and revealed the glories of the better world. As the man who had been cured of palsy passed through the crowd, blessing God at every bounding step, and bearing his burden as if it were a feathers weight, the people fell back to give him room, and with awestruck faces gazed upon him, and whispered softly among themselves, saying, We have seen strange things today. The Pharisees were dumb with amazement, and overwhelmed with defeat. They saw that here was no opportunity for their prejudice and jealousy to inflame the multitude. The wonderful work wrought upon the man whom they, in their arrogance, had given over to death and the wrath of God, had so impressed the minds of the people that the influence of these leading Jews was, for the time, forgotten. They saw that Christ possessed a power, and claimed it as his own prerogative, which they thought belonged to God alone. The gentle dignity of his manner, united with his miraculous works, was in such marked contrast with their own proud and self-righteous bearing that they were disconcerted and abashed, recognizing, but not confessing, the presence of a Superior Being. {2SP 299.1}[17]
§37
要是文士和法利赛人在上帝面前一直是诚实正直的，他们原会顺从所目睹的确证，承认耶稣就是所应许给以色列的那一位。但他们却决心不让任何事使他们相信这个事实。他们傲慢坚决地反对这位柔和谦卑的教师，祂虽来自拿撒勒的工场，却用祂奇妙的作为威胁着要消灭他们的尊严和地位。所以他们一点不制服自己的仇恨和恶意，反而想方设法要定上帝儿子的罪，止息祂的声音。{2SP 299.2}[18]
§38
Had the scribes and Pharisees been honest before God, they would have yielded to the conclusive evidence they had witnessed that Jesus was the Promised One of Israel. But they were determined that nothing should convince them of this fact. They were in haughty and determined opposition to this meek and humble Teacher, who came from the workshops of Nazareth, yet by his wonderful works threatened to annihilate their dignity and station. So they yielded in no degree their hatred and malice, but went away to invent new schemes for condemning and silencing the Son of God. {2SP 299.2}[18]
§39
这些人曾多次得到许多证据，证明耶稣就是所应许的救主，但哪一次都不如这个怜悯的奇迹这么令人信服，无可置疑。可是摆在他们面前的耶稣在地上既有权柄赦罪又有权柄医治病人的证据越强，他们就越用仇恨和不信武装自己，直到上帝撇弃他们，任由他们锻造锁链把他们捆绑在无望的黑暗中。因恶意和怀疑而刚硬的心肠是无法感动的。{2SP 300.1}[19]
§40
These men had received many and repeated proofs that Jesus was the promised Saviour, but none had been so convincing and unquestioned as this miracle of mercy. Yet the stronger the evidence that was presented to their minds that Jesus had power on earth to forgive sins, as well as to heal the sick, the more they armed themselves with hatred and unbelief, till God left them to the forging of chains that would bind them in hopeless darkness. There was no reserve power to reach hearts so hardened with malice and skepticism. {2SP 300.1}[19]
§41
如今有许多人正与不信的犹太人采取同样的方针。上帝已赐给他们亮光，他们却不肯接受。祂的灵已责备他们，但他们却以祂的责备为他们路上的绊脚石，把他们绊倒了。他们拒绝了祂所提供的恩惠，不屑于相信祂的真理，直到他们被撇弃，可以毫无阻拦地走下坡路。{2SP 300.2}[20]
§42
Many in these days are taking the same course as the unbelieving Jews. God has given them light which they refuse to accept. His Spirit has rebuked them; but they have made his reproofs a stumbling-block in their way, over which they trip and fall. They have rejected his offered mercies, they have scorned to believe his truth, till they are left unrestrained to pursue their downward course. {2SP 300.2}[20]
§43
瘫子家里的人，前不久还亲眼看见他躺在褥子上，被人慢慢地抬出去，如今他竟能轻松地自己拿着褥子回来，他们真有说不出的快乐。他们眼中充满了喜乐的热泪围着他，几乎不敢相信自己的眼睛。他富有壮年的活力站在他们面前。他们从前所常见的那些瘫痪不动的膀臂，现在运用自如了。先前干瘪灰白的皮肉，现在变成健康的新鲜红润了。走起路来也步履安稳轻松。他面容的每一表情都显出希望，一切的忧郁都消失不见了，而且有一种纯洁而平安的神色，代替了罪恶和痛苦的面貌。从这个家庭中发出快乐感谢的声音。上帝因祂的儿子大得荣耀。祂曾使绝望的人得到希望，瘫痪的人得到力量。这个人和他全家即或为耶稣舍身亦在所不惜。他们的信心毫无疑惑，他们效忠基督的心没有一丝动摇，因为祂已将光明带给他们黑暗的家庭了。{2SP 300.3}[21]
§44
There was great rejoicing in the home of the healed paralytic, when he came into the midst of his family, carrying with ease the couch upon which he had been slowly borne from their presence but a short time before. They gathered round with tears of joy, scarcely daring to believe their eyes. He stood before them in the full vigor of manhood. Those arms that they had seen lifeless were quick to obey his will; the flesh that had been shrunken and leaden-hued was now fresh and ruddy with health; he walked with a firm, free step; hope was written in every lineament of his countenance; all gloom had disappeared, and an expression of peace and purity had taken the place of the marks of sin and suffering. Glad thanksgivings went up from that house, and God was glorified through his Son, who had restored hope to the hopeless, and strength to the stricken one. This man and his family were ready to lay down their lives for Jesus. No doubt could dim their faith, no unbelief could mar their perfect fealty to Christ, who had brought light into their darkened home. {2SP 300.3}[21]