(§ 16.) 2ly. Because it had a peculiar Goodness, Relief and Benignity towards Mankind in it, which other miraculous Operations had not; at least, not unto the same Degree. Indeed this was one great Difference between the miraculous Operations that were wrought under the Old Testament, and those under the New; that the former generally consisted in dreadful and tremendous Works, bringing Astonishment, and oft-times Ruin to Mankind; but those other were generally Useful and Beneficial unto all. But this of Healing had a peculiar Evidence of Love, Kindness, Compassion, ⟨p. 181⟩Benignity, and was suited greatly to affect the Minds of Men with Regard and Gratitude. For long afflictive Distempers or Violent Pains, such as were the Diseases cured by this Gift, do prepare the Minds of Men, and those concerned in them, greatly to value their Deliverance. This therefore in an especial manner declared and evidenced the Goodness, Love and Compassion of him that was the Author of this Gospel, and gave this Sign of Healing Spiritual Diseases by healing of Bodily Distempers. And doubtless, many who were made Partakers of the Benefit hereof, were greatly affected with it; and that not only by Walking, and Leaping, and Praising God, as the Cripple did who was cured by Peter and John, Acts 3. 8. but also unto Faith and Boldness in Profession, as it was with the Blind Man healed by our Saviour himself, John 8. 31, 32, 33, 38, &c. But yet no outward Effects of themselves, can work upon the Hearts of Men, so as that all who are made Partakers of them should be brought unto Faith, Thankfulness and Obedience. Hence did not only our Saviour himself observe that of Ten at once cleansed by him from their Leprosy, but One returned to give Glory to God, Luke 17. 7. But he whom he cured of a Disease that he had suffered under Eight and Thirty Years, notwithstanding a following Admonition given him by our blessed Saviour, turned Informer against him, and endeavoured to betray him unto the Jews, John 5. 5, 8, 13, 14, 15. It is effectual Grace alone, which can change the Heart, without which it will continue obstinate and unbelieving, under not only the Sight and Consideration of the most miraculous outward Operations, but also the Participation in our ⟨p. 182⟩selves of the Benefit and Fruits of them. Men may have their Bodies cured by Miracles, when their Souls are not cured by Grace.
(§ 16.) 2ly. Because it had a peculiar Goodness, Relief and Benignity towards Mankind in it, which other miraculous Operations had not; at least, not unto the same Degree. Indeed this was one great Difference between the miraculous Operations that were wrought under the Old Testament, and those under the New; that the former generally consisted in dreadful and tremendous Works, bringing Astonishment, and oft-times Ruine to Mankind; but those other were generally Useful and Beneficial unto all. But this of Healing had a peculiar Evidence of Love, Kindness, Compassion, ⟨p. 181⟩Benignity, and was suited greatly to affect the Minds of Men with Regard and Gratitude. For long afflictive Distempers or Violent Pains, such as were the Diseases cured by this Gift, do prepare the Minds of Men, and those concerned in them, greatly to value their Deliverance. This therefore in an especial manner declared and evidenced the Goodness, Love and Compassion of him that was the Author of this Gospel, and gave this Sign of Healing Spiritual Diseases by healing of Bodily Distempers. And doubtless, many who were made Partakers of the Benefit hereof, were greatly affected with it; and that not only by Walking, and Leaping, and Praising God, as the Cripple did who was cured by Peter and John, Acts 3. 8. but also unto Faith and Boldness in Profession, as it was with the Blind Man healed by our Saviour himself, John 8. 31, 32, 33, 38, &c. But yet no outward Effects of themselves, can work upon the Hearts of Men, so as that all who are made Partakers of them should be brought unto Faith, Thankfulness and Obedience. Hence did not only our Saviour himself observe that of Ten at once cleansed by him from their Leprosie, but One returned to give Glory to God, Luke 17. 7. But he whom he cured of a Disease that he had suffered under Eight and Thirty Years, notwithstanding a following Admonition given him by our blessed Saviour, turned Informer against him, and endeavoured to betray him unto the Jews, John 5. 5, 8, 13, 14, 15. It is effectual Grace alone, which can change the Heart, without which it will continue obstinate and unbelieving, under not only the Sight and Consideration of the most miraculous outward Operations, but also the Participation in our ⟨p. 182⟩selves of the Benefit and Fruits of them. Men may have their Bodies cured by Miracles, when their Souls are not cured by Grace.
