saying:" it is attested by the accomplishment of prophecies the most numerous, the most minute, the most opposite and irreconcileable ; of prophecies, which no human wisdom could have devised, no human power could accomplish. It has been credited by thousands who were at first most adverse to it : it has always appeared with more convincing evidence in proportion as it has been scrutinized and examined : and multitudes have propagated it at the peril of their lives, and sealed the truth of it with their blood. There is no species of evidence wanting to confirm it : so that it is impossible to doubt of its truth, if only we inquire into it with diligence and candour.]
2. Worthy of acceptation —
[There are many reports that are true, which yet are unworthy of any serious concern. But this is so universally interesting, and withal so precious, that it is worthy to be received by all mankind with the liveliest joy and exultation. If it be considered only as affecting the present happiness of men, there is no other report deserving of the smallest atten- tion in comparison of this. None but God can tell, how many myriads of souls it has delivered from the deepest distress and anguish, and filled with peace and joy unspeakable. In truth, there is no solid comfort upon earth but what arises from the belief of these joyful tidings. But if we extend our views to the eternal felicity which the crediting of this report has occasioned ; if we look at the myriads of saints that are already around the throne of God, and consider what numbers are continually adding to them from this lower world, and what an innumerable host there will be at the last day, that will have been rescued from hell, and exalted to glory solely through their crediting of this report, surely we shall say it is " worthy of all acceptation," worthy, not merely to be credited, but to be entertained in our hearts with the devoutest gratitude and thanksgiving.]
We shall conclude with recommending " this saying" to the attention of,
1. Those who have lived in a wilful course of sin —
[You cannot but have some secret apprehension that " your end will be according to your ways." How acceptable then ought these tidings to be to you ! Do not despise them. Do not aggravate your eternal condemnation by rejecting them ; neither put them from you, as though they were too good to be true : for Christ came to save even the very " chief of sinners;" and you, if you will believe on him, shall expe- rience his salvation.]