[There we see his assumption of our nature, his death upon the cross as an atonement for our sins, his ascension to heaven, to govern all things for the good of his Church and people. O ! what confidence must such wonders of love and mercy inspire ! Can we turn to him in faith and fear, and doubt his willingness to receive us ? Impossible. It cannot be but that
our "confidence" in such a God must be "strong^" ]
3. On the express promises which he has given us in his word —
[These are " exceeding great and precious," and fully commensurate with all our wants. There is no state in which we can be, that has not a promise especially adapted to it. Only let those be embraced, and the most desponding soul must be comforted '^ ]
To them, under all circumstances, is afforded, II. Safety —
They stand in the relation of " children" to God, who " is not ashamed to be called their God" and Father. And to them there is ever open " a place of refuge,"
1. From the calamities of life —
[True, the saints are exposed to calamities like other men ; but they see that every thing, whoever be the instrument, pro- ceeds in reality from their Father's hand, who sends it only for their good. Hence the very character of the visitation is changed ; and instead of being an occasion for mourning, it is welcomed as a blessing in disguise ^ ]
2. From the assaults of Satan —
[Doubtless Satan will exert himself to the uttermost to harass and destroy them ^ : but they are furnished with armour to withstand his fiercest assaults '^ ; and they have an impreg- nable fortress ever open to them, even " the name of the Lord, which is to them as a strong tower, wherein they are safe ^." And, after maintaining their conflict the appointed time, they are sure of beholding "him bruised under their feet''."]
3. From the fears of death —
[Death is still an enemy : but they triumph over him, saying, " O death, where is thy sting ? O grave, where is thy victory?" They are enabled to nmnber him amongst their friends and treasures ^ ; and to long for his arrival, to introduce them into the more immediate presence of their God ^— ]
^ 2 Tim. i. 12. <^ Heb.vi. 17, 18. 2 Cor. i. 20.
d Prov. xix. 23. Ps. xci. 9—12. *= i Pgt. v. 8.
f Eph. vi. 12, 13. s Prov. xviii. 10.
^ Rom. xvi. 20. ' 1 Cor. iii. 23. k phii. i. 23.