ance with the Scriptures, and the secret influence of the Spirit of God upon their hearts, are gradually prepared for the reception of the truth. They read, and strive, and pray; they feel an uneasiness and a want, which they know not how to remedy. They are sincerely desirous to know and do the will of God; and yet, through misapprehension, and the influence of popular prejudice, they are for a season withheld from the means that would relieve them. But at length, the preaching of the Gospel explains to them the meaning of their former exercises, exactly answers to the state of their minds, and thereby brings its own evidence. Similar to this was the case of Nathanael: when our Lord referred him to what had passed under the fig-tree, where he had thought himself alone andunobserved, his doubts and scruples vanished in an instant. There is little doubt but Nathanael had been praying under the fig-tree, and probably desiring a further knowledge of the prophecies, and their accomplishment in the Messiah. He had heard of Jesus, but could not fully clear up the objections made against him; but now he was convinced and satisfied in a moment.

The attention of some is drawn by what they see and hear around them. They form a favourable opinion of the Gospel from the remarkable effects it produces; but their first inquiries are damped by difficulties which they cannot get over, and they are ready to say, "How "can these things be?" Their interests and connexions in life are a further hindrance; the fear of man, which bringeth a snare, is a great restraint upon their inquiries; but now and then, when they can venture without being noticed, they seek further instruction. Now, though this hesitating spirit, which pays so much de

ference to worldly regards in the search of truth, is highly blameable; yet the Lord, who is rich in mercy, is often pleased to produce a happy and abiding change from such imperfect beginnings. As they increase in knowledge they gain more courage, and, in time, arrive to a comfortable experience and open profession of the truth. Thus it was with Nicodemus; he was at first ignorant and fearful; but his interview with Jesus, by night had a good effect. He afterwards ventured to speak more publicly* in his favour, though still he did not join himself to the disciples. But the circumstances of Christ's death freed him from all fear, and inspired him to attempt the most obnoxious service, when the apostles themselves were afraid to be seen †.

Others are first prompted to hear the Gospel from no higher motive than curiosity; but going as mere spectators, they find themselves retained as parties unawares. The word of God, powerful and penetrating as a two-edged sword, discovers the thoughts and intents of their hearts, presses upon their consciences, and seems addressed to themselves alone. The sentiments they carry away with them are far different from those they brought; and a change in their whole deportment immediately takes place. Such was the case of Zaccheus he had heard much of Jesus, and desired to see him; for this end he ran before, and climbed a tree, from whence he proposed to behold him unobserved. But how great must his surprise and emotion have been, when Jesus, whom he had considered as a stranger, looked up, called him by his name, and invited himself to his house.

:

Some are drawn by the report of others freely de

* John vii. 50.

John xix. 39.

Luke xix, 5.

claring what the Lord has done for their souls. The relation awakens in them desires after him which are not disappointed, for he is rich enough to satisfy all who seek to him. So the Samaritans, whose expectations were first raised by the woman's declaration, *"Come and see a man which told me all things that "ever I did; is not this the Christ?" had soon a more convincing testimony, and could say, "Now we believe, "not because of thy word, but we have heard him our"selves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the "Saviour of the world."

To a few, the first impulses of divine grace come suddenly and unthought of, when their hearts and hands are engaged quite another way: as Saul, who was seeking his father's asses, received the unexpected news of a kingdom. A ray of truth pierces their minds like lightning, and disposes them to leave their schemes unfinished, to seek the kingdom of God, and his righteousness only. Thus our Lord passed by the sons of Zebedee when mending their nets, and Matthew while busied at the receipt of custom. He only said, "Fol"low me;" he used no arguments, he proposed no rewards; but he spoke to their hearts, and, by the constraining power of his love, engaged them to a cheerful and immediate obedience.

Afflictions likewise are now, no less than formerly, a happy means to bring many to Jesus. He prepares them for heavenly blessings by embittering or removing their creature comforts. Had they continued in prosperity, they would not have thought on him; but the loss of health, or friends, or substance, disappointments in life, or a near prospect of death, constrain them in

* John iv. 29.42.

Mark i. 16-19,

Mark ii. 14.

good earnest to seek for one able to deliver them. In the time of their distress they say, Arise and save us. Not that afflictions in themselves can produce this turn of thought. Too many in such circumstances toss like a wild bull in a net; but when he sends afflictions for this purpose, they accomplish that which he pleases. Thus, when he was upon earth, many who came or were brought to him for the relief of bodily disorders, experienced a double cure. † He healed their diseases, and pardoned their sins. At the same time that he restored the blind to sight, he opened the eyes of their minds. He sometimes made the afflictions of one, the means to bring a whole family to the knowlege of his grace. A considerable part of his followers were such as these, whom he had graciously relieved from distresses incurable by any hand but his. Some had been long and grievously tormented, had essayed every means, but found themselves worse and worse till they applied to him; and having known the happy effects of his power and compassion, they would leave him no more.

Lastly, we sometimes meet with instances of his mercy and ability to save even to the uttermost, in the unhoped-for conversion of desperate and hardened sinners, who have gone on with a high hand, regardless of mercies, warnings, and judgments, till they seemed past conviction, and given up to a reprobate mind. Their state resembles that of the demoniac, Luke viii. They are so entirely under the power of the devil, (though perhaps they vainly boast of freedom,) that no arguments, no motives, no resolutions, can restrain them within bounds; but they break through every tie of nature, conscience, and reason, and are restless drudges in the

Mark ii. 9.

John ix. 7-36-38.

John iv. 53.

service of sin, though they feel themselves miserable at present, and see inevitable ruin before their eyes. Yet even this case is not too hard for him on whom the sinner's help is laid. He can dispossess the legion with a word, he can take the prey from the mighty, and deliver the lawful captive, bind the strong one armed, and divide his spoil. Happy change, when the power of grace not only sets the soul at liberty from sin and Satan, but puts it in possession of what were lately the instruments of its slavery! when all the powers and faculties of body and mind are redeemed to the Lord's use, and the experience of past evil is made conducive to future comfort and advantage! Such an instance was that great sinner, that penitent, believing happy soul, of whom it is emphatically remarked, "She loved much, because “much had been forgiven her." Sometimes the deliverance is deferred till near the period of life. The poor wretch, labouring under the pangs or dread of death, and trembling at the apprehension of falling into the hands of the living God, is snatched as a brand out of the fire; he receives faith in a suffering Saviour, and feels the power of atoning blood; his terrors cease, and joy succeeds, a joy unspeakable and full of glory. Thus the expiring malefactor † was converted upon the cross, and received an infallible assurance of salvation.

Thirdly. The characters of our Lord's disciples, with the account we have of their defects and failings, may further illustrate the history of his church and Gospel, and afford an apology for the blemishes which, through human infirmity, do, more or less, attend the prevalence of his doctrines.

* Luke vii. 47,

+ Luke xxiii. 43.