7 Aug 1815

Jug True

(2)

Nazareth Sermon

In one circumstance all these biographers concurr viz. that at Nazareth he wrought no miracles. According [to] Saint Luke the congregation call upon him for a miracle: and instead of a miracle he gives an apology for the want of one. Neither in Matthew nor in Mark is any mention made of any such summons. With some differences in point of expression, the observation spoken of about a prophet not being respected in his own country is in substance exhibited by all of them.

By Matthew and by Mark mention is made the deficiency which on this occasion was felt in the account of miracles: but in the two accounts the difference is considerable. According to Matthew he did not many mighty works which is as much as to say he at least did some. According to Mark he did none except healing a few sick folk. Thus far they are agreed. Not so as to the cause of the deficiency: According to Matthew it lay in his will: or at least such is the interpretation which without impropriety may be put upon it: ‘he did not many mighty works (p.44) there because of their unbelief.[’] According to Mark it lay in his want of power: he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk and healed them. That the deficiency had for its cause any thing beside want of will is by Matthew rather insinuated than asserted. On his part Mark, [...?] alone not any settled determination to be sparing at this time in the article of miracles is represented as the effect of the unbelief.