278 
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 
spiriés, 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 for ever our brother and the Almighty’s fellow, isa 
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 
