with a strong exhortation for this purpose. But the event was then, as to the preaching of God's truth it ever has been, that many laughed the messengers to scorn, and mocked them; while others humbled themselves in various districts; and, particularly in Judah, THE HAND OF GOD was to GIVE them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the Lord. The message was general; but they only obeyed whose hearts were affected by the hand or power of God. Another proof this, that the way of man is not in himself, but that the preparation of the human heart is entirely of the Lord.

§ 24. Different in this respect of fore-knowledge was the preaching of our Lord from that of his Apostles and Ministers. He knew before-hand, who would believe, and who would reject or betray him. But still his preaching, for an example to those

sent

sent by him, was open and general. The effect, however, was still the same. Many were called, but few of these, though called by Christ himself, were chosen. His sheep, and his sheep only, ever truly heard his voice. He knew, he fore-knew, and he fore-appointed them. In consequence of this, they ever did and do follow him in the regeneration; and he gives unto them, as the effect, an eternal and inexterminable life. Being their wise and able shepherd, he hath ever, by his good Spirit, sought for and searched them out. For an example of diligence to his followers, and for a proof of the value he has placed upon souls; with what kindness and toil did he proceed from the lake of Galilee to the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, a long journey on foot of many miles, evidently for the one purpose of giving help and consolation to a poor widow, for whom perhaps nobody cared beside!

He

He knew Zaccheus upon the tree, and saw Nathaniel in the garden; when both of them were unconscious of his intended mercy and favour, in revcaling himself as the Saviour of their souls. All this, and many circumstances of a similar kind, proved him to be THE LORD THE PREACHER, who spake as never man spake; and were intended, on the one hand, to show forth his glory as God over all, having sovereign power both in heaven and earth; and, on the other, to be a pattern, so far as the weakness of human nature can copy the divine, of patience, diligence, faithfulness, and wisdom, in the subordinate ministrations of his word.

§ 25. And here it may not be amiss to observe, that several of these, who were particularly marked by Christ as objects of his mercy, and who afterwards in consequence called upon him for help and blessing, re

ceived in the beginning only a faint glimpse or knowledge of his person and glory; though in process of time, and according to the degree effected by the Holy Spirit, their faith, their knowledge, their confidence, were elevated, as trials and occasions were permitted, to such a fervent assurance of eternal life through their Redeemer, and to such a fearless contempt of what men or devils could do against them, as proved to a demonstration, by whose omnipotent hand they had been led, and by whom supported. These are examples of encouragement to those, who are pressing sincerely towards the kingdom of God; though, for the present, they may not know much doctrinally concerning it. Experimental acquaintance with divine truth is not always attended by much theoretical knowledge, and especially in persons newly awakened to seek the true interest of their souls. It is hap

py

py when both are united; but I have seen people, who could not talk much about Christ, nor enter into the perplexities of argument for his truths, who yet evidently loved his person and enjoyed his mercy in a manner very superior to some, who could plead at great length, and dispute for them with precision and ability. Let my unlettered reader therefore rejoice, if in ardent faith and love he is enabled to cleave to his Lord, and to say from his inmost desires, with the Martyr of old, "None but Christ, None but Christ.' Verily, he shall never be disappointed of his hope at the last; and, in the mean time, let him sit at Wisdom's gate; let him hear, and pray, and use the appointed means; and then he may expect, that all necessary knowledge, as well as increase of faith and peace, shall be granted to him, according to the promise and purpose of his Redeemer.