correct calculation of their relative distances. He will, when his eyes are open, see no object which did not exist when he was blind; and when he does see them, it will be through the medium of his own eye, though for the capacity of vision he is indebted to a supernatural cause. So in reference to the Spirit of God. He gives to us the power of spiritual discernment, but that power is exerted through the medium of our own judgment."* The Spirit opened the eyes of the apostles to see clearly the meaning of their ascended Master's instructions; many of which they had forgotten; and of none of which they had possessed a right understanding before. It is in the same manner that he operates in the present day: and until he do so, the gospel will be, as it respects our main object, a dead letter to the most gifted of mankind.

It

Such are some of the causes of an utter failure, in many instances, in the attempt to find relief in the word of God. Where any of these exist, such a failure should as certainly be expected as any effect is looked for from its proper cause. is hence that we sometimes hear the awakened sinner declaring that his difficulties, instead of being removed, are multiplied; his anxiety, instead of being gratified in its demands, is baf

* Spirit and Manners of the Age.

.

fled. This is distressing in the extreme. But he should not have forgotten that, while the illumination of the Holy Spirit is necessary to a saving understanding of the scriptures, the reader is bound to use all the means of acquiring that light; and to avoid every thing that could possibly impede it.

When I say that it is the inquirer's duty to use all means of acquiring spiritual light, I refer not only to the exercise of prayer, which should accompany all his own exertions, but to the duty of making himself conversant with the plan of salvation. That God may, and sometimes does bless his holy word, without clear and discriminating views on this subject, especially where there is no opportunity of acquiring them, is very certain. But, for the most part, it will be found that the divine assistance is furnished in proportion to our own active and sincere desires; and to our efforts to obtain distinct apprehensions of the truth as it is in Christ. Where these are wanting, the hope of acceptance and pardon, even though obtained, with all the comfort which attends it, is not only liable to fluctuations, but is even uncertain in its tenure. Trifling changes in outward circumstances, or in the animal spirits, may bring back a despondency which the prayer of faith had dissipated, unless the object of that faith be kept before the mind; an end which we can always

accomplish the more readily as our views are more intelligent. It was a good remark of an eminent Christian on his death-bed, that the calm and quiet of mind which he had so much enjoyed during life, arose, "not so much from a greater measure of grace than other Christians had, or from an immediate witnessing of the Spirit; but because he had a more clear understanding of the covenant of grace than many others; having studied and preached it so many years."

During a period of anxiety, when the word of God seems to afford no consolation to the inquirer, there is a strong temptation to rove abroad in search of something to meet difficulties and feelings, which are not then met by the sacred volume. It is indeed true that many excellent works of pious divines may assist him in part of his perplexities. But I have sometimes had reason to fear that an undue dependence on these had impeded the progress of the reader. I have said an undue dependence; for there is always some hazard of this, when the language of holy writ has discouraged his efforts to understand its meaning. Guard against this temptation. Remember that all, in these works, which could be of value in your own case, is derived from the

* Brooks's Cabinet, p. 113.

bible itself. And whatever blessing may rest upon a prayerful perusal of them, is from the fact that they are a species of ministration of the word. This is the fountain-head, from which all else are but so many streams, liable to a greater or less degree of impurity, as they pass through distant grounds.

And now, my friend, before I close this letter, I cannot forbear expressing a fear that the remarks I have made may lead to an error in practice; and thus, by detaining you from the great end in view, defeat my own purpose. Let me beseech you, then, not to wait for any given degree of knowledge before you discharge the primary duty of making an unreserved surrender of yourself to Christ. Clear and full perceptions of divine truth are indeed necessary to evangelical and substantial peace. But you know enough to understand that God demands your whole heart While you withhold this, all else is a fruitless form. Renounce, then, yourself, and all that is of human expectation: and while you do so, be it your prayer, "Enlighten thou mine eyes that I may behold the wonderful things contained in thy law !"

at once.

Very truly,

Yours, &c.

180

LETTER IX.

The folly of expending time in attempting to reconcile difficult passages. The duty of diligence in examining the proper application of the truth.-The question, "What part of the bible shall I read ?”—Quotations.— Application of a parable. -A personal appeal to Christ directed in scripture.-Conclusion,

MY DEAR SIR,

In order to obtain a right understanding of the word of God, it is by no means necessary that you should engage your mind in endeavouring to elucidate its difficult passages, or to reconcile its apparent contradictions. This would be an employment very distinct from your present purpose ; and not unlikely to throw hinderances in your way. The mind of that man has a strong bias to scepticism, who insists on having every difficulty satisfactorily explained, before he will apply the sacred truths to himself. There is very little sincerity in his desires for spiritual peace, and no very deep sense of either his guilt or his danger. Thousands are partakers of the heavenly blessing, who are far from being versed in these matters, and have very little curiosity about them. The