But we must not imagine that the dispensations which have been pleasing to flesh and blood have been our only meieies; for amongst our severest trials will be found, for the most part, our
richest
' ver. I. '' ver. 0 — 9. . *- ver. 10 — 22. * ver. 23, 24.
* ver 9 — 22.
richest mercies. The successive trials of Joseph were of the most painful nature : yet they were all mercies in disguise. If we descend to more trifling incidents, such as Balaam's ass proving restive, and crushing his foot again>it a wall, and afterwards falling with him, they, as we know, were the very means by wii'ch his life was saved *". Thus the things v.-hich grieve and irritate us at the time may be the most merciful dispensations that we could possibly have received : and we ought to receive them as expressions of God's love^, sent to promote our good in this world'', and to work for us an augmented weight of glory in the world to come'. Even the darkness and temptations with which our souls may be oppressed, must also be numbered among the means which God in his infinite mercy makes use of for the humbling and quickening, the sancti Tying and saving, of our souls'" ]
2. Its everlasing duration —
[See how the mercy of God wrought in all the days of old, even from the foundation of the world ! Precisely in the same manner it still operates, and shall ever continue to operate,
towards all who fear his name ' God will not withdraw it
from those who are united unto Christ by faith"" He may
hide his face from them for a season ; but with everlasting mercies
will he gather them" The repetition of this truth twenty-
six times in as many verses is a very sufficient ))ledge to us that " the gifts and calling of God are without repentance"," and that *' whoin he loveth, he loveth to the end p."]
Having contemplated, though so imperfectly, the mercy of our God, we now call upon you,
II. To adore it —
A tribute of praise and thanksgiving for such mercy is the least that can be demanded of us. And well may it be demanded ; for,
J. It is due from us —
[Can we conceive, that, after all the mercies vouchsafed
unto us, no return is required ? Are we to be as stupid and
insensible as beasts ? Is this a state that becomes persons
who haxe been redeetned by the blood of God's only dear
Son?
Perhaps it will be said by some, I have not yet obtained an interest in Christ : how then can I render thanks for what I
have
^ Numb, xxxiii. 22 — 33, ^ Heb. xii. 6.
'' Rom. viii. 28. ' 2 Cor. iv. I7, 18.
I' Isai. xxvii. 8, 9. & Hos.v. 15. & Ps. xxv. 10.
' Ps. ciii. 17. '" Ps. Ixxxix. 28—30.
"Isai.liv. 7—10. " Rom.xir29. " Jobnxiii, l.