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a sense of dependence for the entire need of our life. And 

 the only conclusion to which, we can come, from this con- 

 tinuous divine action, is that a perpetual sense of dependence 

 that will call forth a filial trust, hope, confidence, and love, 

 which will open the entire nature to the fatherly soothing 

 counsel and strength of its Author, is the true normal con- 

 dition of man. Nothing in divine action leads to the 

 conclusion that we have to do with a rigid destiny, or a harsh 

 despotism, but only with the heart of the Father of our 

 spirits, who yearns over us to reclaim us to Himself, not for 

 His advantage, but for ours. For this reason only He fills the 

 path of apostasy and sin with briars and scorpions, but makes 

 all which lead to His fatherly heart ways of pleasantness and 

 paths of peace. 



It is only in this manner that we can consider that most 

 wonderful divine intervention in human affairs, the Incarna- 

 tion of the Son of God. That the Maker of all things should 

 condescend to take our nature in its feebleness and suffering 

 into union with Himself, so as to constitute one person, and 

 to remain forever our brother and the Almighty's fellow, is a 

 manifestation of care for, and interest in us, which is won- 

 derful beyond all thought, and which, but for the abundant 

 proof of its reality, we could not believe. And the wonder 

 is increased by the fact, that the present and perpetual 

 administration of the divine government, which is in His 

 hands, is as truly tender and brotherly as was the original 

 impulse which prompted Him to love us, and give Himself 

 for us. 



The individual government of the Saviour over those who 

 receive Him is most perfect, springing out of a union so 

 intimate as to be only properly described as " Christ in you," 

 " Christ dwelling in the heart," the counterpart of which is 

 a most perfect submission to Him in all things, which the 

 Apostle Paul describes thus : " Whether we live, we live 

 unto the Lord ; or whether we die we die unto the Lord : 

 whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." And 

 again, after this manner : " Whose I am, and whom I serve " ; 

 and "I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me/' In this 

 complete subjection, however, there is no coercion, the only 

 constraint is the constraint of love. In the love of Christ 

 they are rooted and grounded, so as to be able to apprehend 

 its breadth and length, and depth and height, and so to be 

 filled with it, unto all the fulness of God. This causes such 

 persons to be followers of God as dear children, and to walk 

 in love as Christ loved them, and gave Himself for them. An 

 emotional bond of this strength cannot fail to bring the 



