is also " the wisdom of God ;" they behold in it every perfection of the Deity united and glorified, whilst on any other plan of salvation some of his perfections must be exalted at the expense of others : they see it also to be suited to the state of every individual in the universe, whilst every other plan of salvation is suited to those only who have been moral, or who have a long time before them to amend their lives. Above all, they view it as bringing the greatest good that ever was vouchsafed, out of the greatest evil that ever was committed. No wonder that they " count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of it."]
Address —
1. Those who, Hke the Greeks, have a high opinion of their reasoning powers —
[You have just cause to be thankful for strength of intellect; but the province of reason is, to submit itself to God. God has not opened to your reason any one thing perfectly, either in creation or providence : be not surprised then if you cannot fathom all the mysteries of his revealed will : your wisdom is to become as little children ; and if you will not condescend to be taught of Him, he will take you in your own craftiness"^.]
2. Those who, Hke the Jews, are concerned about the interests of morality —
[Did morality suffer in the life of Paul, or of the first Christians ? Does it in the lives of many who now profess the Gospel ? Are they not now condemned as much for the strict- ness of their lives as for the strangeness of their principles ? Yea, does not morality suffer through the neglect of this preach- ing? Let not Christ then be a stumbling-block to you, but rather a sanctuary. If you reject Christ, however good your motive may appear to be, your misery will be sure *.]
3. Those who embrace, and glory in, a crucified Saviour —
[Contemplate more and more the wisdom and power of God as displayed in this mystery, and endeavour more and more to adorn this doctrine in your lives. Let it never become a stumbling-block or foolishness through any misconduct of yours : let it be seen by your prudence, that it is true wisdom ; and by your piety, that it is the parent of every good work.]
d ver. 19, 25. « ver. 18. with 2 Cor. iv. 4.