repeated deliverances Consider also, how many have
within a few months or years been summoned into the pre- sence of their God, whilst we have yet our lives prolonged, and
further space given us for repentance Could we but
realize these thoughts, we should see that not even the Israel- ites themselves had more reason for gratitude than we.]
Let us from the consideration of God's past mer- cies extend our views to, II. Those which he has yet in reserve for us —
Those which he promised to the Israelites were exceeding great —
[" All the earth was the Lord's ;" and therefore he might have taken any other people in preference to themc: but he had chosen them in preference to all others d ; and promised to exalt them above all others in national honour, and individual happiness.
What an unspeakable honour was it to them to be made " an holy nation," consecrated in a peculiar manner to the ser- vice of their God ! to be " a kingdom of priests," all having access to God, to offer to him the sacrifices of prayer and praise ! and to be regarded by God as " his peculiar treasure," which he prized above all, and would secure to himself for ever !
What an happiness too to all of them, as far as worldly prosperity could make them happy ; and, to those who could discern the spiritual import of these promises, what a source it was of unutterable peace and joy ! ]
But the mercies promised to them were only shadows of those which are reserved for us —
[These promises have their chief accomplishment under the Gospel dispensation6. And O ! how inconceivably "great and precious " are they ! Believers are at this time amidst the ungodly world, what the Israelites were in Egypt, " a chosen generation," objects of God's sovereign and eternal choice. They are " a royal priesthood," even " kings and princes unto their Godf," having dominion over sin and Satan, and " yielding up themselves to him a living sacrifice, acceptable to him through Jesus Christ." As embodied under one head (the Lord Jesus), and living under the same laws, and enjoy- ing the same privileges, they are also " an holy nation ;" and as differing from all others in their views and principles, their spirit and conduct, they are "a peculiar people," " a peculiar people zealous of good works6."
c This is evidently the meaning of the text ; and it should not be overlooked.
a Deut. vii. G— 8. e 1 Pet. ii. 9. f Rev. i. 6. ts Tit. ii. 14.