1. How great are their obligations to God!
[Here, as in a glass, we may see them very distinctly: and we read this history to little purpose, if we see not in it transactions of the present day. To recapitulate the mercies of God towards us, or to point out their correspondence with those that were vouchsafed to Israel, is needless. The slight mention we have already made of them is sufficient.
h John x. 28, 29. i Luke xii. 32.
174. J Gor> WILL FULFIL HIS WORD. 149
But it is of importance to ask, What effect have they produced upon our minds? Have we not again and again been con- strained to say, " What hath God wrought! " " What manner of love is this wherewith the Father hath loved us!" Be as- sured, that the man who is not frequently (I might almost say, habitually,) impressed with this thought, knows nothing of God, nor has he any part or lot in the gospel salvation ]
2. How strenuous should be their exertions to walk worthy of them!
[It is thought by some, that views of God's sovereign grace and unchanging love will lead men to carelessness and presumption. It behoves us all to shew, that there is no foun- dation for this calumny; and that the stupendous love of Christ will rather constrain us to obedience. Let us remember, that, if the promises of God are sure, so also are the threaten- ings : and that we can no more reverse these, than Satan can reverse the others, if we be found in a state against which God has threatened his displeasure.
How painful is the thought, that, notwithstanding all the warnings which God has given them, many will yet perish in their sins ! Methinks, if God's mercy will excite wonder among those that are saved, so will sin excite wonder among them that perish. With what force will that reflection strike us in the day of judgment, " What hath sin wrought ! " O think upon it now : and let us not only flee from it, but endeavour so to " walk, that God in all things may be glorified through Christ Jesus ! "]