And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him. Having told briefly the affecting features of the case, the poor father, half dispirited by the failure of the disciples and the aggravated virulence of the malady itself in presence of their Master, yet encouraged too by what he had heard of Christ, by the severe rebuke He had given to His disciples for not having faith enough to cure the boy, and by the dignity with which He had ordered him to be brought to Him-in this mixed state of mind, he closes his description of the case with these touching words:
But if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us - "us," says the father; because it was a severe family affliction. Compare the language of the Syrophoenician woman regarding her daughter, "Lord, help me." Still, nothing is done; the man is but struggling into faith; it must come a step further. But he had to do with Him who breaks not the bruised reed, and who knew how to inspire what He demanded. The man had said to Him, "If Thou canst do;"