themselves : for you cannot but know, that, in human sciences, there are many things which, if they were stated to you with the greatest clearness, you would not be able to comprehend : and therefore you may well expect the same in that deepest of all mysteries, the redemption of the world by the blood and righteousness of our incarnate God. The truth is, that this mystery cannot be understood, unless our eyes be opened by the Son of God, and a spiritual understanding be given to us, whereby to discern the things of the Spirit1. Let me, then, guard you against precipitancy in judging of the things which you are not able to comprehend : but lift up your hearts to God in prayer, that his Spirit may be given you, and that by that Spirit you may be guided into all truth. Perhaps the images of Scripture may offend you ; or the declarations of it may appear too harsh. But remember, " It is the Spirit that quickeneth ; the flesh profiteth nothing. The words that I speak unto you, says our Lord, are spirit and life." Though therefore, if taken in a carnal sense, they may be, as doubtless in many cases they are, foolishness itself m, yet, viewed accord- ing to their true import, they are " the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth™."]
1 1 John v. 20. m 1 Cor. ii. 14. n Rom. i. 16.
John vi. 67 — 69. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away ? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go ? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
IT was said of our Lord by the aged patriarch who took him in his arms at his presentation in the temple, " Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be spoken against ; that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed :" and this discovery of men's characters was universally produced, by his ministra- tions. Nor was it occasioned by his doctrines only% but frequently by the manner in which they were promulgated. His discourses abounded much in para- bolical and figurative representations, which cast a