1. What is the proper posture of a sinner's mind —
[We should not presume to sit in judgment upon God, arraigning either the declarations of his word, or the dispen- sations of his providence. What know we either of the one or of the other? "We were but of yesterday and know nothing :" and " if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to knowe." We are not to imagine, that, because there are many things in God's word above our ability to comprehend, they are therefore not true ; or that, because in his providence there are many things which we cannot account for, they are therefore not good. We should remember, that the wisdom of man is foolishness with God : and that " though vain man would be wise, he is born like a wild ass's coltf." Let a sense of our extreme ignorance then lead us to a meek submission to our God ; and let us, whenever difficulties occur, satisfy ourselves with this reflection, that, " what we know not now, we shall know hereafter."]
2. What is the truest felicity, both of saints and angels —
[To search into the great mystery of godliness is right, provided we do it with humility and godly fear. And, if we look to God to teach us, " he will by his Spirit shew us, what no unassisted eye ever saw, or ear heard, or heart conceived." Yes, He will teach us " the deep things of God :" he will exhibit to our view " the unsearchable riches of Christ," and give us an insight into that mystery of a crucified Saviour, " in which are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." What do we suppose were the feelings of the Apostle, when, from a view of the unsearchableness of God's judgments, he cried out " O the depths !" Can we conceive a sublimer joy than he at that time experienced ? The angels are constantly employed just as he was at that time. We are expressly told, that they are " always desiring to look into " the great mys- teries of redemption ; and, no doubt, from every discovery they make, their joy is exceedingly enhanced. We cannot doubt but that the felicity of the saints in glory will very principally consist in this, in admiring and adoring those dispensations of grace and mercy, which here they so superficially beheld, but which then will be more fully unfolded to their view. Let this then, brethren, be your employment now : it will be a heaven upon earth : and the more enlarged are your discoveries of your Redeemer's glory here, the more will you be prepared and fitted for the enjoyment of it in a better world.]
e 1 Cor. viii. 2. f Job xi. 14.