140 FORGIVENESS OP SIN. amined, are not true; or if true, are yet of little conse- quence. It is these fundamental truths that have the mysteries and grace of God inwrapped in them; which, whoso can unfold aright, will show himself " a workman that needs not be ashamed." These still waters are deep ; and the farther we dive into them, the greater discovery shall we make of their depths. 3. We dwell on these evidences, because multitudes are concerned in them. All who do believe, and all who do not believe, are so ; those who do believe, that they may be established ; and those who do not believe, that they may be encouraged so to do. Among both these classes, some evidences may be more profitable and useful, some to one, some to another. It may be that amongst all, the whole will be gathered up, that no fragments be lost. They are ail, I hope, instruments provided by the Holy Ghost for this end ; and we en- deavor to commit them into his hand, to be made ef- fectual as he will. One may reach one soul, another another, according to his pleasure. One may be of use to establishment, another to consolation, a third to en- couragement,.according as the necessities of souls re- quire. However, God, who has provided them, knows them all to be needful. 4. They are so also on account of the various con- ditions in which the same believers may be. One may give help to the same soul at one, season, another at another ; one may secure the soul against a temptation, another stir it up to thankfulness and obedience. These things have I spoken, that you may not think we dwell too long on this consideration. And I pray God that your consolationandestablishment may abound in the reading of these meditations, as I hope they have not been altogether without fruit in their preparation.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=