[Thanks be to God, we materially differ from Ishmael and Isaac in this, that whereas Ishmael could not become a child of promise, we may: for the Scripture says, " If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the pro- mise"1." Moreover, if we be indeed Christ's, then shall we never be disinherited: for "he hateth putting away";" nor will he suffer any to " pluck us out of his hands0," or to " sepa- rate us from his lovep." If we offend, he will chastise with suitable severity : but he will not cast off his people q : whom he loveth, he loveth to the endr. Behold then the way of securing to yourselves the heavenly inheritance ; lay hold on the promises, especially " the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus s." Rely on the promises; plead them at a throne of grace ; take them as your portion and your heritage ; seek to experience their renovating, cleansing efficacy4. Be not satis- fied with any outward privileges or professions; but " live the life which you now live in the flesh, entirely by faith on the Son of God, as having loved you, and given himself for youu." Thus, though " once ye were aliens, and strangers from the covenants of promise, ye shall become fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of Godx," and shall "inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world y."]
m Gal. iii. 29. n Mai. ii. 1G. ° John x. 28, 29.
P Rom. viii. 35 — 39. <i Ps. lxxxix. 30 — 35. r John xiii. 1.
s 2 Tim. i. 1. * See notes h and \ u Gal. ii. 20.
x Eph. h. 19. y Matt. xxiv. 34.