hinder their thus comprehending, &c., did doubtless lie in their
grace, as well as their nature: for in both, with reference to
them that are Christians, there is great disability, unless they be
strengthened mightily by the Holy Ghost. Nature's ability depends
upon graces, and the ability of graces, depends upon the mighty
help of the spirit of God. Hence as nature itself, where grace
is not, sees nothing; so nature by grace sees but weakly, if that
grace is not strengthened with all might by the spirit of grace.
The breadths, lengths, depths and heights here made mention of,
are mysteries, and in all their operations, do work wonderfully
mysteriously: insomuch that many times, though they are all of
them busily engaged for this and the other child of God, yet they
themselves see nothing of them. As Christ said to Peter, "What I
do thou knowest not now" (John 13:7); so may it be said to many
where the grace and mercy of God in Christ is working: they do not
know, they understand not what it is, nor what will be the end of
such dispensations of God towards them. Wherefore they also say as
Peter to Christ, "Dost thou wash my feet?--thou shalt never wash
my feet" (John 13:6-8); Yea, and when some light to convince of
this folly breaks in upon them, yet if it be not very distinct and
clear; causing the person to know the true cause, nature, and end
of God's doing of this or that, they swerve with Peter, as much
on the other side (John 13:9,10). They have not known my ways, and
my methods with them in this world, were that that caused Israel
always to err in their hearts (Heb 3:10), and lie cross to all,
and each of these breadths, lengths, depths, and heights, whenever
they were under the exercise of any of them in the wilderness.

And the reason is, as I said before, for that they are very
mysterious in their workings. For they work by, upon, and against