itself will not suffice to explore the wonders contained in this mystery ; and therefore, like the holy angels, we should inces- santly be searching into it, with a view to comprehend, as far as our limited capacities can reach, the wisdom of God dis- played in it
\\ e should seek to grow also in a simple reliance on the Gospel of Christ, as of itself perfectly suited to us, and alto- gether sufficient for the necessities of the whole world. It is impossible ever to be too jealous upon this head; since the mixing of any thing with this foundation will subvert it utterly, and make void all that Christ has done and suffered for usd
In a realizing sense of its excellency, we should also be making higher and higher attainments. There is a rest of the mind, and a satisfaction of the soul, which it is our privilege to possess; and which, in its sublimer actings, approximates very nearly to the felicity of the saints above. There is no measure of this in which we should rest. We are told, that, by believing in Christ, we may be elevated to " a joy that is unspeakable and full of glory, and may already (by anticipa- tion) receive the end of our faith, even the salvation of our
soul
Yet not in these respects only, but in every possible view, we should " be building up ourselves on our most holy faith," and be daily manifesting our progress, and " making our pro- fiting to appear " to all around us.]
At the same time be " praying continually in the Holy Ghost"—
[Of ourselves we can do nothing: our sufficiency even for a good thought, must be of God alonef: and from him it must be sought by earnest prayer. " He will be inquired of by us, before he will do for us " what in his covenant of grace he has promised to us&. If we ask not, we cannot haveh: but, if we ask in faith, we shall have our joy increased to the full'. We must therefore go to God continually ; seeking from him in the first instance the " Spirit of grace and supplications'5," by whose gracious influences alone we can approach him in an acceptable manner, and pray to him as we ought. " That blessed Spirit will help our infirmities ;" and though he may not give us that fluency of utterance, or that enlargement of heart, which we may desire, " he will make intercession in us with groanings which cannot be uttered1," but which will enter the ears of our heavenly Father, " who knoweth the mind of
i Gal. v. 2, 4. « x Pet. i. 8, 9. t 2 Cor. iii. 5.
b Ezek. xxxvi. 37. h lam. iv. 2. i John xvi. 2\.
k Zech. xii. 10. i Horn. viii. L>fj.