Why did he leave Peter standing there, half dazed and with his deliverance incomplete? He led him through one street' only, and straightway departed from him.' The Apostle delivered by miracle has now to use his brains. One distinguishing characteristic of Now Testament miracles is their economy of miraculous power. Jesus raised Lazarus, for He alone could do that, but other hands must loose him and let him go.' He gave life to Jairus's little daughter, but He bid others give her something to eat.' God does nothing for us that we can do for ourselves. That economy was valuable as a preservative of the Apostles from the possible danger of expecting or relying on miracles, and as stirring them to use their own energies. Reliance on divine power should not lead us to neglect ordinary means. Alike in the natural and in the spiritual life we have to do our part, and to be sure that God will do His.
