heaven that he is so poor; that salvation is pressed on his acceptance, and man persists in perishing; that "heaven lies about him in his infancy," and the celestial gate opens before him in every subsequent stage of life, and yet man resists the alluring glory, and stumbles at last into the bottomless chasm of eternal darkness. +Lessons.+--1. _The wisdom of God is continually presenting new illustrations of its manifoldness._ 2. _The most signal display of Divine wisdom is seen in the redemption of the race._ 3. _The future history of the Church will reveal new features in the manifold wisdom of God._ _GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES._ Ver. 10. _The Manifold Wisdom of God_-- +I. Seen in the gradual unfolding of His great purpose to save the human race.+--1. This process suited the revelation to men's nature and condition as finite and sinful beings. Had the revelation been more rapid and brilliant it could not have been so readily appreciated, nor could men have dared to hope they had any share in it. It was adapted to the infantile state of the Church and the world when the mind is most powerfully affected by sensible objects. 2. This method was a training for appreciating the fuller discoveries of the Divine will. It has been an education and discipline, has provoked inquiry, and encouraged full submission to the will of God and faith in His wisdom and power. +II. Seen in the means He employed to carry out His saving purpose.+--1. By the gift of His Son. 2. As a subsidiary means, by the institution of preaching, and by selecting men, and not angels, as instruments in spreading the knowledge of Gospel redemption. +III. Seen in using the Church of the redeemed as an object-lesson in teaching the heavenly intelligences.+--The Church teaches the angels: 1. By its composition. 2. By its marvellous history. 3. By its glorious completion. +Learn.+--1. _The dignity and glory of the Church._ 2. _Let it be your all-important concern to become a member of this spiritual community._ Vers. 11-13. _Access to God._ +I. We have access.+--The word signifies an approach to some object. Here it intends a near approach to God in worship, or such a state of peace with God as allows a freedom of intercourse. It is a familiar expression suited to convey the idea of great condescension on God's part and high privilege on ours.