2. Terror to the presumptuous —
[It is surprising what a measure of confidence some will express, notwithstanding neither their principles nor their conduct at all accord with the Scriptures of Truth. But we must declare to all, that both in the foundation of our hope, and in the superstructure built upon it, " Mercy and truth must meet together, and righteousness and peace must kiss each other." We have before shewn, that no one perfection of the Deity will display itself at the expense of another : all must unite and harmonize in every work of his : it is as impossible for God in any one instance to violate his righteousness or truth, as for him to cease from his existence. In us also must those graces which correspond with his perfections be found in united and harmonious exercise: we must be just and true, and merciful and kind : yea, it is by our conformity to the Divine image in l'ighteousness and true holiness, that we must judge of our state before him : for, however accurate our views of his Gospel may be, it is a certain truth, that " without holiness no man shall see the Lord : " " Truth must spring out of the earth, if ever righteousness shall look down from heaven V] k ver. 11. with Isai. xlv. 8.
3. Consolation to the timid —
[It is frequently amongst those who truly " fear God " a matter of doubt and anxiety, whether God can pardon them : they see their manifold imperfections in so strong a light, that God appears to them bound, as it were, in justice, to banish them from his presence, yea, and bound in truth also to exe- cute his threatenings upon them. But let such persons view God, not as he is in himself, but as he is in Christ Jesus. There it is that he must be seen as a God of love and peace. There it is that the drooping penitent may behold him " as a reconciled God, who will never impute to him his trespasses 1." Yes, in Christ Jesus, " God is not only merciful and kind, but faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness m." Dismiss then your fears, ye trembling saints ; and put your trust in Him, who has in so wonderful a way removed all the obstacles to your salvation. The veil of the temple was rent in twain on purpose to shew you, that henceforth there is free access to God for every sinner upon earth, and that all who approach him in that new and living way, by faith in Christ Jesus, shall surely find acceptance with him. If God will be just in punishing the ungodly, he will be no less just to his Son in pardoning all who plead the merit of his blood : and if he will be true in executing his threatenings, he will be no less true in fulfilling his exceeding great and precious promises. Only rely on them, and plead them at a throne of grace, and you shall never, never be disappointed of your hope.]
1 2 Cor. v. 19, 20. m 1 John i. 9.