I cannot but say to you that I cordially agree in your general view of the high matters upon which you have
written. Your instances of predisposition appear to me
very happily chosen; nor do I see that any conclusion but that to which you
have come, can possibly be drawn from them. Still it will hardly be contended
that very many individuals, equally well predisposed with those mentioned by
you, have not existed, to whom the same degree of favour has not been shown.
And with regard to nations, the Jews are continually spoken of in Scripture as
having enjoyed their peculiar privileges, ‘because God had a favour unto
them,’ with respect at least to their own qualities; though undoubtedly
with express reference to the good qualities of their
father Abraham. No less clear is it, that very different
portions have been assigned to different nations throughout the world, in the
dispensations both of nature and of grace. I think you misunderstood me when
you thought me ‘disposed to allow too little to the God of nature.’
I perfectly agree with you as to the plain meaning of those passages in which
God is spoken of as not
| 196 | MEMOIR OF REV. F. HODGSON. |
The result, however, of efforts which we cannot hope to surpass, forces upon us the conclusion, that the clouds and darkness round about ‘God’s dealings with man,’ must ever remain, in a very great degree, impenetrable, while we continue what we are. Still, there is light in the Gospel amply sufficient for guidance and consolation to the humble and sober mind. The ‘quiet day,’ to which you look forward, will be fully as gratifying to me, as to yourself. In the meantime believe me,
