But in what manner this communion between the Father and Christ is maintained, we know not; nor can we guess in what manner, or in what degree such sort of converse or communion as this is practised, or is possible, between the three glorious persons of the ever-blessed Trinity. These are mysteries wrapt up in sacred darkness, and the explication of them surrounded with dangers. A particular knowledge of these divine unsearchables, any farther than scripture has revealed them, is by no means necessary either to begin, or to maintain our state of grace. Let us content ourselves a few years longer with humble ignorance, and we shall have brighter discoveries in the future world, if it be necessary there to fulfil our happiness, and to complete our state of glory. HYMN FOR SERMON XII. _The Scale of Blessedness; or Blessed Saints, Blessed Saviour, and Blessed Trinity._ Ascend, my soul, by just degrees, Let contemplation rove O’er all the rising ranks of bliss, Here, and in worlds above. Blest is the nation near to God, Where he makes known his ways: Blest are the men whose feet have trod His lower courts of grace. Blest were the levite and the priest, Who near his altar stood; Blest are the saints from sin releas’d, And reconcil’d with blood. Blest are the souls dismiss’d from clay, Before his face they stand: Blest angels in their bright array, Attend his great command. Jesus is more divinely blest, Where man to godhead join’d, Hath joys transcending all the rest, More noble and refin’d. But, O what words or thoughts can trace The blessed Three in one! Here rest my spirit, and confess The infinite unknown. Footnote 24: These expressions may be sufficiently justified, if we consider Jepthah’s rash vow of sacrifice, which fell upon his only child; and Samson’s rude or unbecoming conduct in his amours with the Philistine woman at Timnah, the harlot at Gaza, and his Delilah at Sorek, his bloody quarrels, and his manner of life. The learned and pious Dr. Owen, as I have often been informed by his intimate friend Sir John Hartopp, called him a rude believer. He might have a strong faith of miracles; Heb. xi. 22. but a small share of that faith which purifies the heart. Footnote 25: