+I. Because it is known only by Divine revelation.+--Such a secret it
is that the wit of man could never have found out. As none but God
could lay the plot, so none but Himself could make it known.
+II. Because when revealed its truths exceed the grasp of human
understanding.+--They are to the eye of our reason as the sun to the
eye of our body, that dazzles and overpowers. They disdain to be
discussed and tried by human reason that there are three subsistences
in the Godhead and but one Divine essence. We believe, because they
are revealed. God and man united in Christ's person is undeniably
demonstrable from the Gospel, but the cordage of our understanding is
too short to fathom this great deep. "Would'st thou see a reason,"
said Augustine, "for all that God says? Look into thine own
understanding, and thou wilt find a reason why thou seest not a
reason."
+III. The Gospel is a mystery in regard of the kind of knowledge the
saints themselves have of it.+--1. _Their knowledge is but in part,
and imperfect._ The most of what they know is the least of what they
do not know. The Gospel is a rich piece of arras rolled up: this God
has been unfolding ever since the first promise was made to Adam,
opening it every age wider than the other.
2. _It is mysterious and dark._ Gospel truths are not known in their
native beauty and glory, but in shadows. Our apprehension of things
are mainly compared with those under the law, but childish compared
with the knowledge of glorified saints.
Transcriber's Note: In this next paragraph, the word
"faggot" is used in its original literal meaning, a bundle
of sticks used to kindle a fire, or metaphorically,
execution by burning at the stake.
+IV. The Gospel is a mystery in regard to the rare and strange
effects it has upon the godly.+--It enables them to believe strange
mysteries--to believe that which they understand not, and hope for
that which they do not see. It enables them to do as strange things
as they believe--to live by another's spirit, to act from another's
strength, to live by another's will, and aim at another's glory. It
makes them so meek and gentle that a child may lead them to anything
good, yet so stout that fire and faggot shall not fright them into
sin. They are taught that all things are theirs, yet they dare not
take a penny, a pin, from the wicked by force and rapine. They can
pray for life, and at the same time desire to die.--_Gurnall._