he still manifests his regard to his people, and effects his purposes towards them,
1. By his providence —
[Wonderful are the ways whereby he accomplishes his own eternal counsels. The histories of Joseph and his family, and of Esther and the captive Jews, give us an insight into the things which are yet daily passing in the world. Many events appear to us casual and trifling : but the truth is, that not one is casual, not one is trifling: every the minutest circumstance is ordered by the Lord, and forms a link in the chain of his unerring providence. Not a hair of our head falls but by his appointment ; and it remains with us to mark his dispensations with care, and improve them with diligence. Let any whose eyes have been opened, or whose souls have been liberated from spiritual bondage, look back and see the way by which they have been brought to the enjoyment of these mercies ; and they shall find such a mysterious concate- nation of causes and effects as will furnish them with matter of astonishment to all eternity.]
2. By his grace —
[It is not said in the text that the Lord had done or should do those particular things ascribed to him : but he is spoken of as actually doing them ; so that there is no day, no hour, wherein he is not engaged in this blessed work. He makes his word effectual at this time, no less than formerly, " to turn men from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God." At this time also he heals the wounded spirit, and sheds abroad his love in the hearts of his faithful people. What if his word have not as much energy as in the days of the Apostles ? or his Spirit be not poured out in such an abundant measure ? " Has he forgotten to be gracious, or, in anger, shut up his tender mercies ?" Surely there are many in these days, who can say, I was once in bondage, but now enjoy liberty ; I was blind, but now see ; I was bowed down under a heavy load of temptation and corruption, but my strength has been renewed like the eagle's ; I once had no idea what was meant by the sealing of the Spirit, or the witness of the Spirit, but I have now received such tokens of my Saviour's love, as have assured my mind, that my " Beloved is mine, and I am his." Let it be known then that Christ is still communicating his blessings to his church, and that it is both our duty and our privilege to enjoy them.]
Infer —
1. How great is the folly and wickedness of those who neglect Christ !