They say the words by rote, because they have been accustomed to hear
them said by others, without thinking of the meaning of them; just
as, on the other hand, a great many people curse and swear without
thinking of the awful oaths they use. Ay, and often enough the very
same persons will say that it was the Lord's mercy they were cured of
their sickness; and then, if they get into a passion, pray the very
same Lord to do that to the bodies and souls of their neighbours
which it is a shame to speak of here. Out of the same mouth proceed
blessings and cursings: showing that whether or not they are in
earnest in cursing, they are not earnest in blessing.
Again: If people really believed that it was the Lord Jesus Christ
who cured their sicknesses for them, they would behave, when they got
well, more as the Lord Jesus Christ would wish them to behave. They
would show forth their thankfulness not only with their lips, but in
their lives. You who believe--you who say--that Christ has cured
your sicknesses, show your faith by your works. Live like those who
are alive again from the dead; who are not your own, but bought with
a price, and bound to work for God with your bodies and your spirits,
which are His--then, and then only, can either God or man believe
you.
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