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view the all-sufficiency of the mercy and grace of God; some, chiefly
the infinite power of God, and His ability to save them, and to do all
things for them; and some look most at the truth and faithfulness of
God. In some, the truth and certainty of the gospel in general is the
first joyful discovery they have; in others, the certain truth of some
particular promises; in some, the grace and sincerity of God in His
invitations, very commonly in some particular invitation in the mind,
and it now appears real to them that God does indeed invite them. Some
are struck with the glory and wonderfulness of the dying love of Christ;
and some with the sufficiency and preciousness of His blood, as offered
to make an atonement for sin; and others with the value and glory of His
obedience and righteousness. In some the excellency and loveliness of
Christ, chiefly engages their thoughts; in some His divinity, that He is
indeed the Son of the living God; and in others, the excellency of the
way of salvation by Christ, and the suitableness of it to their
necessities.
Some have an apprehension of these things so given, that it seems more
natural to them to express it by sight or discovery, others think what
they experience is better expressed by the realizing conviction, or a
lively or feeling sense of heart; meaning, as I suppose, no other
difference but what is merely circumstantial or gradual.
There is, often, in the mind, some particular text of Scripture, holding
forth some evangelical ground of consolation; sometimes a multitude of
texts, gracious invitations and promises flowing in one after another,
filling the soul more and more with comfort and satisfaction. Comfort is
first given to some, while reading some portion of Scripture; but in
some it is attended with no particular Scripture at all, either in
reading or meditation. In some, many divine things seem to be discovered
to the soul as it were at once; others have their minds especially
fixing
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