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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
Friend of sinners, who alone could relieve him. Jesus acknowledges the
faith that is evidenced by the sick man’s 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 man’s 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.
The simple faith of the paralytic accepted the words of the Master
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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.
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.
These lofty men did not exchange words together, but looking
into one another’s faces, they read the same thought expressed upon
every countenance: Something must be done to arrest the tide of
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