souls of men, they are ready to doubt, or even deny, his ope- rations. But who doubts the agency of the wind? yet no man knows whence it comes, or whither it goes. It is visible in its effects, and therefore its operation is acknowledged, notwith- standing it is involved in the deepest mystery. Why then should the operation of the Holy Spirit be doubted, merely because the mode of his agency is not understood11? Were it possible to question the evidence of our senses, we should deny the virtue of the loadstone, and represent anyone as weak or wicked who should profess to believe it. But we behold its effects ; and our incredulity is vanquished. So then must we confess the agency of the Holy Spirit upon the souls of men, though we cannot comprehend every thing respecting it. Our Lord has told us, that " no man can come unto him, except the Father draw him1:" and the Psalmist affirms, that God makes us " willing in the day of his powerm." It is sufficient for us to know, that he draws us rationally, " with the cords of a man, and with the bands of love."
Lastly, he draws men by discovering to them the wonders of his love. Let but a glimpse of his incomprehensible love be seen, and every thing in the whole creation will be darkened : just as a view of the meridian sun renders every other object invisible. Paul tells us, that " the love of Christ constrained him :" it carried him away like a mighty torrent : nor will the soul of any man who feels it, be either able or desirous to withstand its influence. As well might the angels in heaven be averse to serve their God, as the man that has tasted of redeeming love.
In this way then does the grace of Christ prevail ; and in this way shall it triumph to the ends of the earth.]
Application —
1. Seek to experience the attractions of his grace —
[Nothing under heaven is so desirable as this
Say then, with the Church of old, " Draw me, and I will run after thee n " ]
2. Fear not the counteracting influence of men or
devils —
[Men may oppose you, and vaunt themselves against you : but they are already "judged" by the word of God; and, if they repent not, they shall be judged by the same at the tribunal of their God. If they do not themselves become such despised creatures as they esteem you to be, they will ere long " awake to shame and everlasting contempt."
k John iii. 8. ! John vi. 44.
ru Ps. ex. 3. " Cant. i. 4.