2. How marvellous is the condescension of our God!
[From low thoughts of God, we are apt to fear that he will not exert himself for tis. But he will attend to us, if we trust in him, as much as if there were not another creatiure in heaven or on earth to attract his notice. Nor is it in great things only that he will interpose for us, but in the smallest that can pos- sibly be imagined. In fact, there is nothing great or small with him; nor indeed is there any thing small as it respects us. Let any one see in Scripture what good arose from the accidental opening of some national records by King Ahasuerus, or what evil arose from David's accidental glance at Bathsheba, and we shall see that we need the divine care in every thing : and in every thing it shall be afforded us, if only we commit our ways to God, and place all our confidence in him. Not so much as a hair shall fall from the head of any of his saints, but according to his all-wise appointment ; nor any circumstance occur which shall not be overruled for their everlasting good 'i.]
^ Eom. viii. 28.
Prov. xvi. 23. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
THE depths of human science can be explored by few, because few have either leisure or ability for learned investigations. The same observation is true with respect to theology also, considered as a science : a very considerable knowledge both of history and ancient languages is required, in order to a full under- standing of the various branches of sacred literature. But the spiritual and most essential parts of divine knowledge are totally distinct from these subjects ; nor is that species of erudition, which the learned only can possess, at all necessary for the obtaining of a clear and accurate acquaintance with them. There are two books, if we may so speak, and two alone, which we need to know ; and they are, the Bible and our own hearts. Till the latter be opened to our view, the former will beonly "a sealed book:" but a discovery of our own hearts will throw an astonishing light upon the sacred oracles ; and make innumerable passages, which once seemed obscure and inexplicable, so plain.