clear, than that the doctrine of Divine influences pervades the Holy Scriptures, and that these influences are constantly represented as imparted to men according to God's sovereign will and pleasure : yet the generality of men reject those doc- trines merely because they cannot explain all the difficulties involved in them. But does the denial of these doctrines in- volve no difficulties ? Yes indeed, and incomparably greater : nor is there a single doctrine, even of natural religion, and much more of that which is revealed, that has not some diffi- culty attached to it. But the truth is, that our proud hearts do not like to be so stripped of all goodness, or to be made so entirely dependent on God. Here is the root of the whole controversy : and, when once the soul is humbled in the dust before God, we shall readily receive God's declarations without gainsaying, and thankfully accept his mercy as a free un- merited gift.
But it is not wise for persons who are mere novices in reli- gion to be disputing about abstract doctrines : it were better far to seek after God according to the light they have. All must acknowledge, that they ought to take God as their God, and to give themselves to him as his people. Let me then urge you to do this with your whole hearts : and we have no fear but that, if once you be enabled to do this, you will say, " Not unto me, O Lord, not unto me, but unto thy name be the praise."]
2. To those who profess to have the experience of
it in- their own souls —
[Have you been " drawn " by divine grace ? and have you a good hope that you are of the number of God's elect? Then remember for what end he has drawn you, and for what end he has chosen you : it has been to make you " a holy and a peculiar people to himself." Has he chosen you ? it is " that you should be holy r." Has he predestinated you ? it is " to be conformed to the image of his Son8." Has he created you anew ? it is " unto good works, ivhich God hath before ordained that you should walk in them1." Hence God makes the consideration of his electing love a motive and a reason for following after holiness of heart and life : " The Lord had a delight in thy fathers to love them ; and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day. Cir- cumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked11." O, beg of him that you may be enabled thus to improve the blessings he has conferred upon you. This will best "put to silence the ignorance of foolish men," who
r Eph. i. 4. s Rom. viii. 29.
1 Eph. ii. 10. u Dcut. x. 15, 1G.