possession. Nothing short of God himself can give happiness to the
soul; and exactly in proportion as man becomes weaned from the world,
and his affections centre in God, is he in possession of happiness.

"But how is this to be attained? By God's own plan, and no other.
As many weary themselves in vain, hunting the shadows of time; so,
many great philosophers, sensible of this great truth, that God alone
can satisfy the rational soul, also weary themselves in vain, because
they will not seek the blessing in God's own way. 'When the world by
wisdom knew not God, it pleased him by the foolishness of
preaching'--what was esteemed so--'to save them that believe.' 'I
thank thee, O Father, that thou hast hid these things from the wise
and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.'

"The Saviour said, 'Ye will not come to me, that ye might have
life. No man can come to the Father but by me. I am the way, the
truth, and the life.' 'Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye
have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me.' The
Scripture testifies what our own hearts must assent to, that human
nature is depraved and corrupt; broken off from God; at a distance
from him by sin; enmity against him in his true character; opposed to
his holy law, in its extent and spirituality: we are also helpless,
dead in trespasses and sins. 'O Israel, thou hast destroyed
thyself'--blessed be God for what follows--'but in me is thy help.'

"The same Scripture which testifies the misery of man, reveals
also his remedy--a remedy of God's own providing, by which man may be
restored to the image and favor of God, and to that communion with
him which is life and bliss. 'God so loved the world, that he gave
his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him might not
perish, but have everlasting life: for God sent not his Son into the
world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be
saved. And this is life eternal, that ye believe on him whom he hath
sent.' When man becomes convinced that he is lost, helpless,
wretched, lying at mercy, and submits to the method of God's own
providing; casts himself on the mercy of God in Christ, and coming to
him, rests on his free promise, 'Him that cometh to me, I will in no
wise cast-out;' disclaiming all confidence in himself, or in his own
works, he accepts of God's offered grace, in God's own way, a _free_
and _finished_ salvation. This is the record of God,