Page:Historical Works of Venerable Bede vol. 2.djvu/196

 124 wherefore, trusting in the divine clemency, and strengthened by the example of the Holy Apostles Peter and John, he said: "Silver and gold I have not; but what I have, that is, charity and prayer to God, this I give you forthwith;" at saying which words, the man of God, from the affection of his heart, shed tears at their distress, and offered up the prayer of faith for Divine assistance, either for their corporal benefit, or for the spiritual welfare of those who were present. Such pious and benevolent prayers could not fail of their effect: but, by the power of him who said, through Esaias the prophet, "I heard thee at the favourable time, and in the day of salvation helped thee," both were restored, according to their prayers, in the presence of the people. The one received light into his eyes, the other rejoiced in recovered nimbleness of foot; and both returned home, giving thanks to Divine Grace, from whom they had received greater mercies than they had expected. This miracle, also, was the means of eternal salvation to many, who, seeing the heavenly virtue which followed the words of the man of God, left the abomination of idolatry, and believing in Christ, were washed in the living water of holy baptism.

CHAPTER VII.

By this miracle the man of God acquired great credit and support among the people; and he now explored the whole city, to see if there were any vestiges of an ancient church to be found. For he knew that in former times the place had professed the faith of Christ, but for the