“Peace, Be Still”
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Him. He was standing where they had left Him. He who had stilled
the tempest, who had before met Satan and conquered him, did not
flee before these demons. When the men, gnashing their teeth, and
foaming at the mouth, approached Him, Jesus raised that hand which
had beckoned the waves to rest, and the men could come no nearer.
They stood raging but helpless before Him.
With authority He bade the unclean spirits come out of them.
His words penetrated the darkened minds of the unfortunate men.
They realized dimly that One was near who could save them from the
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tormenting demons. They fell at the Saviour’s feet to worship Him; but
when their lips were opened to entreat His mercy, the demons spoke
through them, crying vehemently, “What have I to do with Thee, Jesus,
Thou Son of God most high? I beseech Thee, torment me not.”
Jesus asked, “What is thy name?” And the answer was, “My name
is Legion: for we are many.” Using the afflicted men as mediums
of communication, they besought Jesus not to send them out of the
country. Upon a mountainside not far distant a great herd of swine
was feeding. Into these the demons asked to be allowed to enter, and
Jesus suffered them. Immediately a panic seized the herd. They rushed
madly down the cliff, and, unable to check themselves upon the shore,
plunged into the lake, and perished.
Meanwhile a marvelous change had come over the demoniacs.
Light had shone into their minds. Their eyes beamed with intelligence.
The countenances, so long deformed into the image of Satan, became
suddenly mild, the bloodstained hands were quiet, and with glad voices
the men praised God for their deliverance.
From the cliff the keepers of the swine had seen all that had oc-
curred, and they hurried away to publish the news to their employers
and to all the people. In fear and amazement the whole population
flocked to meet Jesus. The two demoniacs had been the terror of the
country. No one had been safe to pass the place where they were; for
they would rush upon every traveler with the fury of demons. Now
these men were clothed and in their right mind, sitting at the feet of
Jesus, listening to His words, and glorifying the name of Him who had
made them whole. But the people who beheld this wonderful scene did
not rejoice. The loss of the swine seemed to them of greater moment
than the deliverance of these captives of Satan.