It is great; it is "love that passeth
knowledge." Men that are sensible of danger, are glad when they hear
of such helps upon which they may boldly venture for escape. Why,
such a help and relief the text helpeth trembling and fearful
consciences to. Fear and trembling as to misery hereafter, can flow
but from what we know, feel, or imagine; but the text speaks of a
love that passeth knowledge, consequently of a love that goes beyond
all these. Besides, the apostle's conclusion upon this subject
plainly makes it manifest, that this meaning which I have put upon
the text is the mind of the Holy Ghost. Now "unto him," saith he,
"that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or
think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory
in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without
end. Amen." What can be more plain? What can be more full? What can
be more suitable to the most desponding spirit in any man? He can do
more than thou knowest he will. He can do more than thou thinkest he
can. What dost thou think? Why, I think, saith the sinner, that I am
cast away. Well, but there are worse thoughts than these; therefore
think again. Why, saith the sinner, I think that my sins are as many
as all the sins in the world.
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