Very celebrated were the “Ephesian letters,” which appear to have been a sort of magical formula written on paper or parchment, designed to be fixed as amulets on different parts of the body, such as the hands and the head. Erasmus says, that they were certain signs or marks which rendered their possessor victorious in everything. Eustatius mentions an opinion that Crœsus, when on his funeral pile, was very much benefited by the use of them; and that when a Milesian and an Ephesian were wrestling in the Olympic games, the former could gain no advantage, as the latter had Ephesian letters bound round his heel; but these being removed he lost his superiority, and was thrown thirty times. Many of these were, probably, among the books of which we read, Acts xix. 19; while others were most likely occupied by descriptions of the prevailing modes of practising “enchantments.” But all were promptly and cheerfully consigned to the flames. Thus the sincerity of the converts was evident by no trifling sacrifice, for, when they counted the price of these books, they “found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” That there was a difference between the operations of the apostles and the agency of our Lord, should be clearly perceived. The power of the Saviour was inherent--that of the apostles was derived. How manifest is the miraculous agency of Christ shown in the cure of the leper! “Lord, if thou wilt,” said he to the Saviour, “thou canst make me clean.” Jesus answered, “I will--be thou clean,” and immediately he was made whole. Our Lord made no appeal to any other power. At the grave of Lazarus, indeed, he “lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.” But this prayer appears to have been offered not on his own account, but for the sake of those who surrounded him, and who needed such a seal to his mission to establish their faith. Therefore, he added, “And I know that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.” And as on other occasions, he said, “Thy sins are forgiven thee”--“Arise, take up thy bed and walk”--“I command thee to come out of her,” so now he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go,” John xi. 42–44.