Christ was asleep in the storm, to try the faith of his disciples,
and to stir them up to pray. Their faith appeared weak, and their prayers
strong. When our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest,
when our passions are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying,
Be silent, be dumb. When without are fightings, and within are fears, and
the spirits are in a tumult, if he say, "Peace, be still," there is a great
calm at once. Why are ye so fearful? Though there may be cause for some
fear, yet not for such fear as this. Those may suspect their faith, who
can have such a thought as that Jesus careth not though his people perish.
How imperfect are the best of saints! Faith and fear take their turns while
we are in this world; but ere long, fear will be overcome, and faith will
be lost in sight.
