Ver. 19.—1. It is good for us to ree our faith firmly built on the fundamental articles of religion. 2. We ought to remember the privileges and advantages that ‘Abraham obtained on the trial, exer- cise, and victory of his faith. 38, Faith obtaining the victory in great trials (as suffering for the truth), and carrying us through diffi- cult duties of obedience, shall have a reward even in this life in many unspeakable spiritual privileges and advantages. 4. The example of Abraham was peculiarly cogent unto the Hebrews, who gloried in being the children of Abraham, from whom they derived all their privileges and advantages. 5. If we are children of Abraham, we haye no reason to expect an exemption from the greatest trials.
Ver. 20.—1. The failure, error, or mistake, of any one leading per- son, with respect unto divine promises and their accomplishment, may be of dangerous consequence unto others.
Ver. 21.—1. It is an eminent mercy when faith not only holds out to the end, but waxeth strong towards the last conflict with death, 2. It is so also to be able by faith, in the close of our pil- grimage, to recapitulate all the passages of our lives in mercies, trials, afflictions, so as to give glory to God with respect to them all. 3. That which enlivens and encourageth faith as to all other things is a peculiar respect to the Angel, the Redeemer, by whom all grace and mercy is communicated to us. 4, It is our duty so to live in the constant exercise of faith, as that, we may be ready and strong in it when we are dying. 5. Though we should die daily, yet there is a peculiar dying season, when death isin its near approach, which requires peculiar actings of faith. 6. In all acts of divine wor- ship, whether solemn or occasional, it is our duty to dispose our bodies into such a posture of reverence as may represent the inward frame of our minds. 7. There is an allowance for the infirmities of age and sickness in our outward deportment in divine worship, so as that there be no indulgence to sloth or custom, but that an evidence of a due reverence of God and holy things be preserved.
Ver. 22.—1. It is of great use unto the edification of the church, that such believers as have been eminent in profession should at their dying testify their faith in the promises of God. 2. Joseph,
524 SUMMARY OF DOCTRINAL AND [CHAP. XI. 23.
after his trial of all that this world could afford, when he was dying, chose the promise for his lot and portion. 3. No interposition of difficulties ought to weaken our faith as unto the accomplishment of the promises of God.
Ver. 23.—1. Where there is an agreement between husband and wife in faith and the fear of the Lord, it makes way unto a blessed success in all their duties; when it is otherwise, nothing succeeds unto their comfort. 2. When difficult duties befall persons in that rela- tion, it is their wisdom each to apply themselves unto that part and share of it which they are best suited for. 3. This is the height of persecution, when private houses are searched by bloody officers to execute tyrannical laws. 4. It is well when any thing of eminence in our children doth so engage our affections unto them as to make them useful and subservient unto diligence in disposing of them unto the glory of God. 5. The rage of men and the faith of the church shall work out the accomplishment of God’s counsels and promises unto his glory, from under all perplexities and difficulties that may arise in opposition unto it.
Ver. 24.—1. Whatever be the privileges of any, whatever be their work or office, it is by faith alone that they must live to God, and obtain acceptance with him. 2. It is good to fill up every age and season with the duties which are proper thereunto. 38. It isa blessed thing to have the principles of true religion fixed in the minds of children, and their affections engaged to them, before they are exposed to temptations, from learning, wisdom, wealth, or pre- ferment. 4. The token of God’s covenant received in infancy, being duly considered, is the most effectual means to preserve persons in the profession of true religion against apostasy by outward tempta- tions. 5. The work of faith in all ages of the church, as to its nature, efficacy, and the method of its actings, is uniform and the same.
Ver. 25.—1. Let no man be offended at the low, mean, perse- cuted condition of the church at any time. 2. The sovereign wisdom of God, in disposing the outward state and condition of his people in this world, is to be submitted to. 3. It is certain there is some- what contained in this title and privilege of being “the people of God” that is infinitely above all outward things that may be enjoyed in this world, and which doth inexpressibly outbalance all the evils that are in it. 4, The church, in all its distresses, is ten thousand times more honourable than any other society of men in the world; they are “the people of God.” 5. In a time of great temptations, especi- ally from furious persecutors, a sedate consideration of the true na- ture of all things wherein we are concerned, and their circumstances on every hand, is necessary, to enable us unto a right choice of our lot and a due performance of our duty. 6. No profession will en-