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Spiritual Gifts. Volume 1
him as the Son of God would be so few, that Jesus would consider his
sufferings and sacrifice too great to make for so small a company. But
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I saw that if there had been but two who would have accepted Jesus
as the Son of God, to believe in him to the saving of their souls, he
would have carried out the plan.
Jesus commenced his work by breaking the power which Satan
held over the suffering. He healed those who had suffered by his evil
power. He restored the sick to health, healed the lame, and caused
them to leap in the gladness of their hearts, and glorify God. He gave
sight to the blind, restored to health by his power those who had been
infirm and bound by Satan’s cruel power many years. The weak, the
trembling, and desponding, he comforted with gracious words. He
raised the dead to life, and they glorified God for the mighty display of
his power. He wrought mightily for all who believed on him. And the
feeble suffering ones whom Satan held in triumph. Jesus wrenched
from his grasp, and brought to them by his power, soundness of body,
and great joy and happiness.
The life of Christ was full of benevolence, sympathy and love. He
was ever attentive to listen to, and relieve the woes of those who came
to him. Multitudes carried the evidences, in their own persons of his
divine power. Yet many of them soon after the work was accomplished
were ashamed of the humble, yet mighty teacher. Because the rulers
did not believe on him, they were not willing to suffer with Jesus. He
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was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. But few could endure
to be governed by his sober, self-denying life. They wished to enjoy
the honor which the world bestows. Many followed the Son of God,
and listened to his instructions, feasting upon the words which fell so
graciously from his lips. His words were full of meaning, yet so plain
that the weakest could understand.
Satan and his angels were busy. They blinded the eyes and dark-
ened the understanding of the Jews. Satan stirred up the chief of the
people and the rulers to take his life. They sent officers to bring Jesus
unto them, and as they came near where he was, they were greatly
amazed. They saw Jesus stirred to sympathy and compassion, as he
witnessed human woe. They saw him in love and tenderness speak
encouragingly to the weak and afflicted. They also heard him, in a
voice of authority, rebuke the power of Satan, and bid the captives held
by him, go free. They listened to the words of wisdom that fell from