THE SAVIOUR. 403 



the machine is simple, its construction we find to be 

 inexplicably mysterious. Now it is thus with Chris- 

 tianity. No one can understand how the sufferings of 

 the Saviour satisfy the justice of God, that regards, 

 if I may so speak, the construction of the scheme ; but 

 every one who examines may see how wonderfully these 

 vicarious sufferings are suited to the nature and the 

 wants of man, for that regards its working. But it is 

 not in the limits of so brief a composition as a letter that 

 such a subject can be discussed. 



' May I recommend to you, my dear William, to lay 

 hold on this Saviour as the way, and the truth, and the 

 life ? He is willing and able to save to the uttermost all 

 who trust in Him. You suffer from pain and dejection ; 

 He suffered from pain and dejection also, and hence His 

 wonderful fitness to be the God and Saviour of a race 

 born to anguish and sorrow. Not only does He know 

 our weaknesses as God, but He sympathizes in them as 

 man. Forgive me the freedom with which I write you ; 

 it is as a friend, as one foolish and careless, and 

 often so wrapped up in the dreams of life as to forget its 

 real businesses, but also as one convinced that the Saviour 

 can through His Spirit make wise unto salvation, and 

 that to secure an interest in Him is to possess a righteous- 

 ness that is perfect, and to have every sin forgiven 

 through an atonement that is complete. May I ask, my 

 dear William, that when you address yourself to Him, 

 and oh, He is willing to hear and ready to help, you will 

 put up one petition for your affectionate friend, Hugh 

 Miller/ 



' Cromarty, August 27, 1835. 



' MY DEAR WILLIAM, 



' I have learned from your brother that you are 

 still confined to your room. Believe me I sympathize 



