Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. An account of the means whereby the preaching of the apostles became so successful. Not from any mighty talent of persuasion, or extraordinary faculty of reasoning with which they were endued; not by any intrinsic evidences of truth, which the distinguishing doctrines they preached carried with them; nor by any other method purely human and natural; but by Divine power and assistance, accompanying them in every step they took, and miraculously blessing their endeavours. Miracles are fitly termed "signs," because done to signify who are appointed by God, as the messengers of His will to men. Their suitability for this purpose will appear, if we consider — I. THE COMMON SENSE AND OPINION OF MANKIND. All religions, whether true or false, have at their first setting out, endeavoured to countenance themselves by real or pretended miracles. II. THE GENERAL NATURE OF THIS SORT OF EVIDENCE. How can a man prove his Divine mission but by a miracle, i.e., by doing something which all confess that none but God can do. III. SOME PECULIAR CHARACTERS AND PROPERTIES THAT BELONG TO THEM. 1. They are extremely fit to awaken men's attention. Curiosity is the first step towards conviction. When once men are possessed with a due regard for the messenger, they will be sure to listen carefully to the message he brings. 2. They are the shortest and most expeditious way of proof. Other kinds of proof were fitted only leisurely to loosen the knots, which the disputers of this world tied, in order to disturb the apostles in the execution of their ministry; miracles, like the hero's sword, divided these entanglings at a stroke, and at once made their way through them. 3. They are an argument of the most universal force and efficacy, equally reaching all capacities and understandings. Some have not leisure for philosophical research, and others have not sufficient ability to pursue it; but a miracle carries its own evidence in its face, and is patent to all. (Bishop Atterbury.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. |
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