1612.] men's hatred of the light. 2G5
Son, in order that we might have peace through the blood of his cross.
Light carries its own evidence along with it. Thus does also that glorious Gospel of which we are speaking : it is so pecu- liarly suited to the necessities of man, and at the same time so commensurate with his wants ; it is so calculated to display and magnify all the perfections of the Deity, and is in every respect so worthy of its Divine Author; that it commends itself to us instantly as of heavenly origin, the very master- piece of Divine wisdom.]
One would imagine that such light should be uni- versally welcomed : but since this is not the case, we shall proceed to shew,
II. Whence it is that men reject it —
It is but too evident, that, as in former ages, so now also, men reject the light. But whence does this arise ? It is not because they have any sufficient reason to reject it —
[If there were any thing in the Gospel that rendered it unworthy of men's regard, they would have some excuse for rejecting it. But,
They cannot say that it is inapplicable in its nature. — We will appeal to the world, and ask, What is there, that guilty and helpless sinners would desire ? Would they wish for a Saviour ? Would they be glad that the whole work of salva- tion should be committed into his hands? Would they be especially desirous that nothing should be required of them, but to receive with gratitude, and improve with diligence, what the Saviour offers them ? In short, would they be glad of a free and full salvation? This is precisely such a salvation as is provided for them in the Gospel.
They cannot say that it is inadequate in its provisions. — If the Gospel brought salvation to those only who were pos- sessed of some amiable qualities, or to those who had committed only a certain number of offences ; if it made any limitation or exception whatever in its offers of mercy ; if it provided par- don, but not strength, or grace to begin our course, but not grace to persevere ; if, in short, it omitted any one thing which any sinner in the universe could need, then some persons might say, ' It is not commensurate with my necessities.' But we defy the imagination of man to conceive any case which the Gospel cannot reach, or any want which it cannot satisfy.
They cannot say that it is unreasonable in its demands. — It does indeed require an unreserved surrender of ourselves to God: and on this account it appears to many to be strict and