[If there be any thing besides God in the whole universe, on whicli we rely, we do not really give our heart to him. To trust, though in ever so small a degree, in an arm of flesh, argues a departure of heart from God''. We should confide altogether in his wisdom to guide, and his power to uphold us, in his goodness to supply our wants, and his truth to fulfil to us the promises of his word. We should " trust in him with all our heart, and not lean either to our own understanding" or strength : we should consider him as alone able to help us, and as all-sufficient for our utmost necessities.]
3. The service of the life —
[Without this, all else is vain. Obedience is the certain fruit of love to God''; yea, it is altogether identified with it: " This is the love of God, that ye keep his commandments'^." To the man that has given his heart to God, no commandment can be grievous*".]
The extent of the command being ascertained, we proceed to shew,
II. The reasonableness of it —
To sm-render up our whole selves to God, is called by St. Paul, "a reasonable service^." And reasonable indeed it is ;
1. Because of his right over us as our Creator —
[God " made all things for himself: all that we are, and all that we have, was given us by him, to be improved for his glory. How then can we with propriety alienate any thing from him ? A potter feels himself entitled to the use of the vessel which his own hands have made : and has not God a right to all the services that we can render him ? Of all that have truly given their hearts to God, it may be said, " No luan liveth to himself; and no man dieth unto himself: but whether we live, we live unto the Lord ; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord : whether we live therefore or die, we are the Lord's ^"]
2. Because of his mercies towards us, as our Redeemer —
[The Lord Jesus Christ has " redeemed us to God by his own blood ;" and by this has acquired a new right over us. To this effect the Apostle says, "Ye are not your own; ye are bought with a price : therefore glorify God with your bodies and your spirits, which are his'." And in another place he
"= Jer. xvii. 5. d John xiv. 1.'), 21. ^ I John ii. 3 — 5.
f 1 John v. 3. g Rom. xii. 1, ^ Rom. xiv. 7,8.
' 1 Cor. vi. 19, 20.