Father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknow- ledge us not: thou art our Father, our Redeemer; thy name is from everlasting." A person may have an evidence in his own soul that he has been adopted by God, yea, and been born of him : he may be sure, in his own mind, that he has been redeemed from death and hell, and been brought into the light and liberty of God's children : and he may look to God as one whose " name is from everlasting," and who will approve himself to be " the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever." O ! what consolation will flow into the soul from this recognition of God's relation to us in our low estate ! I say, Brethren, " hold fast this rejoicing of your hope firm unto the end ;" and you will find, that with this anchor fixed within the veil, you will outride the storm, and be brought in safety to the desired haven.]
Let me, in conclusion, ask,
1. What know you experimentally of this method of pleading with God ?
[The pulse does not so clearly mark the state of our bodies, as our prayers mark the state of our souls. Many, in their whole lives, have never thus expostulated with God ; or held fast their relation to him, as their plea for mercy. In fact, the generality of Christians would account this to be the most insufferable presumption. But I call on you, under all trials to which you can ever be reduced, to " encourage your- selves in the Lord your God ;" and, like Israel of old, to wrestle with him in prayer, till you have obtained the desired blessing.]
2. What warrant have you for the confidence which such expostulations imply ?
[Before you can say with truth, " Doubtless, thou art our Father, and our Redeemer," you must have experienced the regenerating influences of the Holy Spirit; and must have fled to Christ for refuge, as your only hope. Others, indeed, may not have noticed in you this change, so as fully to recognise you under your new character : but you must be deeply con- scious of the secret exercises of your soul before God ; and must be able to appeal to the heart-searching God, that you have thus sought mercy at his hands. Tell me then, Brethren, whether you can thus appeal to God ? And, if your conscience testify against you, that you are yet unregenerate, and without an interest in Christ, let your trials be regarded by you as messengers from the Most High, to call you into a state of reconciliation with him, and to save you from the troubles that shall never end.]