Vol. 2

CHAPTER IV. 49God would have us address ourselves to him inorder to understand the Scriptures;and it is for thisvery reason that they have some obscurity. It islikewise to subdue the pride of man by labour andstudy, to take off his disgust by variety, and to makehim sensible, that to understand the language of Godhe stands in need of a light superior to reason. Inour reading the Scripture, let us frequently ask hisSpirit, and not trust to our own, which is but darkness." 11. And he said unto them, Unto you it isgiven to know the mystery of the kingdom of God :but unto them that are without, all these things aredone in parables :"Do we sufficiently prize this precious gift of faithand evangelical doctrine, and this preference on whichour eternal happiness depends ? Is our fidelity answerablethereto? Let us be very far from insultingthem that are without : it is the mercy of Godwhich alone makes us to differ; his light was nomore due to us than to others, and it may be takenfrom us and given to them. The truths of thechurch appear to those who are without no otherthan unintelligible parables. Let them but enterinto the church, and its light will soon open theirunderstanding and their heart." 12. That seeing they may see, and not perceive;and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, andtheir sins should be forgiven them."Terrible, but just and adorable is this conduct ofGod towards those who have deserved to be left tothemselves. This dereliction has several degrees.Vol. II. C 57