[190] [“It is the last step of reason to know there is an infinity of things which surpass it.”--PASCAL. “The wall of adamant which bounds human inquiry, has scarcely ever been discovered by any adventurer, till he was aroused by the shock that drove him back.”--Sir JAS. MACKINTOSH. “Of the dark parts of revelation there are two sorts: one which may be cleared up by the studious; the other which will always reside within the shadow of God’s throne where it would be impiety to intrude.”--WARBURTON. “A Christianity without mystery is as unphilosophical as it is unscriptural.”--ANGUS.] [191] John xi. 52. [192] 2 Peter iii. 13. [193] 1 Peter i. 11, 12. [194] Phil. ii. [6-11.] [195] [The influences of the Holy Spirit are not only “given to good men,” but are sent upon many who live unmindful of eternity, quickening their consciences, enlightening their understandings and arresting their passions, and thus it is they are converted unto the truth in Christ.] [196] John xiv. 2. [197] John v. 22, 23. [198] Matt. xxviii. 18. [199] 1 Cor. xv. 28. [200] 1 Tim. iii. 16. [201] P. 174, &c. [202] 1 Cor. i. [18-25.] [203] Pp. 178, 179. [204] Pp. 180, 181. [205] P. 172, &c. [206] [“Providence hurries not himself to display to-day the consequence of the principle he yesterday announced. He will draw it out in the lapse of ages Even according to our reasoning logic is none the less sure, because it is slow.”--GUIZOT on Civilization, Lect. I. How impressively is this sentiment sustained by modern geology, and astronomy!] [207] [“Philosophers make shameful and dangerous mistakes, when they judge of the Divine economy. He cannot, they tell us, act thus, it would be contrary to his wisdom, or his justice, &c. But while they make these peremptory assertions they show themselves to be unacquainted with the fundamental rules of their own science, and with the origin of all late improvements. True philosophy would begin the other way, with observing the constitution of the world, how God has made us, and in what circumstances he has placed us, and _then_ from what he has done, form a sure judgment what he would do. Thus might they learn ‘the invisible things of God from those which are clearly seen’ the things which are not accomplished from those which are.”--POWELL’S _Use and Abuse of Philosophy_.] [208] 1 Tim. ii. 5. [209] [The interposition of a man of known probity and worth often saves the thoughtless or the guilty from punishment. Mediation is seen in a thousand forms in the arrangements of social life; and the common sense of all mankind approves of it. The release of the offending, by the intercession of the good, and all the benefits of advice, caution, example, instruction, persuasion, and authority, are instances of mediation.]