written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see, and they that have not heard, shall understand3." And, indeed, this is a very just description of the Gospel ; for, the productions of human wisdom were open to the view of kings : but the Gospel was far out of their sight ; it was " a mystery hid in the bo- som of the Father from the foundation of the world."
This was the weapon which the apostles used in their warfare. They preached Christ in every place : Jesus and the resurrection were their constant theme : and so effectual did St. Paul find it for the conversion of men, that " he determined to know nothing, and to preach nothing, but Jesus Christ, and him cru- cified." The same must be the constant tenour of our ministrations : there is no other subject that we can insist upon with equal effect. Philosophy leaves men as it finds them : it may afford some glimmering lisfht to their minds ; but it can never influence their hearts. Nothing can pull down the strong holds of sin, but that which points out a refuge for sinners.
But besides this external mean of conversion there is another no less necessary, the operation of which is altogether internal. Many hear the Gospel, and, instead of receiving benefit from it, have only their latent enmity brought forth, and their hearts made more obdurate. To feel its full effect, we must " see and consider it." There are many things of which we may have but dark and confused views without sustaining any loss ; but in our views of the Gospel we should be clear. Our minds must be enlightened to see the ends and reasons of Christ's death. To know the fact, That he did suffer, will be of no more use than any other historical knowledge : we must know roliy he suffered ; what necessity there was for his coming in the flesh ; what need of his atonement ; and what the virtue of his sacrifice. It is not neces- sary indeed that we should be able to descant upon these subjects for the instruction of others ; but we must have such a knowledge of them as leads us to renounce every false ground of hope, and to rely on
a Rom. xv. 20, 21.