mansions for us" alsof; and will surely bring us to the full possession of them g.]
But as this office of Christ implies a correspondent duty in us, God suggests,
II. A caution against neglecting him —
We are much in danger of displeasing him —
[As our guide, he expects implicit obedience. Nor can we rebel against him without " provoking" his indignation11. Hence we need continual circumspection1. ]
The consequence of displeasing him will be very terrible —
[Doubtless to penitents he is full of mercy and compas- sion. But to impenitent offenders he will manifest his wrath k. Nor will he suffer any to continue in their sins with impunity1.]
His power and dignity are a certain pledge to us that he will avenge the insults that are offered him —
[By " the name of God" we understand not his authority only, but his very nature™. And this union with the Father is a pledge to us, that he will act as becomes the divine cha- racter. Nor will any consideration of mercy ever tempt him again to sacrifice the honour of the Deity to the interests of man.]
It is not however by terror only that God would persuade us; for he adds,
III. An encouragement to obey him —
Obedience is in some sense the condition of God's favour —
[We know that there is nothing meritorious in man's obedience. Yet is there an inseparable connexion between that and the divine favour. Nor is it a partial obedience only that he requires at our hands. It must be earnest, unwearied, uniform, and unreserved.]
And to those who yield him this obedience he will shew himself an active friend, and an almighty protector —
[His favour consists not in a mere inactive complacency. It will manifest itself in a constant and powerful interposition
f John xiv. 2. si Pet. i. 4, .5. h Isai. lxiii. 10.
1 ver. 13. k Ps. vii. 11—13. » Ezek.xxiv. 13,14.
m John xiv. 10, 11. and x. 30.