as an evidence of his conversion, "Behold,

he prayeth! A Christian must feel and

know the value of prayer, and would not for all the world can offer, forego the privilege; he knows it to be his duty and he feels it to be his pleasure; he knows that while the precept is "Pray without ceasing," the promise is also, "They that wait upon the Lord shall want no manner of good thing."

77

SERMON VII.

MARK ix. 24.

"Lord, I believe, help mine unbelief."

IF the veil that separates the kingdom of glory from us were withdrawn, and we were permitted to converse with the spirits of just men made perfect, what various questions should we feel disposed to put to them! But among those who would be most desirous of information, would probably be such as are so filled with fears respecting their Christian state, that they can scarcely imagine themselves to belong to the number of Christ's disciples. They would anxiously inquire whether any among that blessed company had ever

felt similar distress in the days of their earthly pilgrimage; and the reply would be full of sympathy and encouragement. There are, perhaps, some among ourselves who would gladly make the inquiry also and if so, I would bid them turn to the narrative from which our text is taken, and I would trust that this alone, under the blessing of God, may suffice to give them a distinct and satisfactory answer. By examining it, we may hope to discover what are the marks of a genuine faith, though this faith may nevertheless be weak and imperfect.

If we refer to the narrative, we find that the individual who exclaimed, "Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief," was in very great affliction. His child was possessed by an evil spirit. This was calamity enough; yet added to this, the evil spirit harassed the child by tearing him, making him foam, and gnash his teeth; after which, from exhaustion, he would pine away. The father had heard of Jesus

and his miracles, and therefore went to him after he had in vain applied to the disciples to cast out the devil. Jesus commanded the child to be brought to him. The parent beseeches, "If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us and help us." To this our Lord makes answer, 66 If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." The father then with tears exclaims, "Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief." And Jesus granted his petition, and thus testified that his faith was sincere; though it might be weak, yet it triumphed.

We need not here discuss the general subject of possessions by evil spirits; it is sufficient that in the Gospel before us, it is spoken of with as much clearness and distinctness as any other fact of the sacred scriptures. What concerns us, is to compare our experience with that of the father who sought for mercy, and who obtained a gracious answer to his petition.

We may observe that he was in tears when he said, "Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief." I will not ask whether a consciousness of unbelief is literally a cause of tears, but whether it is of the deepest concern. Are you as anxious about your spiritual state as was the father for the deliverance of his child; and are you as earnest to obtain that faith without which you cannot be saved? Is the welfare of your soul the object of your most fervent desire; do you seek it and pray for it with the most lively importunity? If so, take courage, for thus was it with him whose prayer was answered.

Again whatever temptations to unbelief this man might have, still he could say, "Lord, I believe." And you, brethren, also believe; or you would not pray at all. You believe that Christ can help you, or you would not come to him; you believe that he is the Saviour, or you would not beseech him to save you. You believe, therefore, that he is the Son of