whom nothing is impossible. He promises to interpose for us in a way of sovereign grace, and by the exercise of his Almighty power. His grace is his own: and he may dispense it to whom- soever he sees fit, according to the counsel of his own will. And he says, " Thou shalt call me, My Father ;" and shalt par- ticipate all the blessings of my most favoured children
And he will, by the exercise of his Almighty power, effect this : for he has said, " Thou shalt not turn away from me ; " that is, I will both restore thee to my favour, and keep thee,
by my own power, unto everlasting salvation Here,
then, is our security ; here is our hope. Nothing less than his merciful interposition can effect this work; and nothing shall ever be permitted to defeat his gracious purpose : " His counsel shall stand, and He will do all his will1."]
Address —
1. To those who question the possibility of their own salvation —
[I do not wonder that any should feel doubts on this head, when God himself seems almost at a loss to find how he shall effect it. But view God as a God of uncontrollable sove- reignty and irresistible power, and you may at once dismiss all your fears, if only you cry mightily to him, and put your trust in him ]
2. To those who have entertained no such fears — [How awfully must Satan have blinded your eyes, and
hardened your hearts ! You think salvation easy to be at- tained, and almost a matter of course. But you will be of a very different mind, if ever you come to see the greatness of your guilt, and the inveteracy of your corruptions. I tell you, Brethren, that nothing but the blood of God's only dear Son could ever have atoned for your guilt ; nor can any thing but the operation of the divine Spirit ever renew your depraved hearts : nor till you are made sensible of the difficulties of your salvation, will you have any well-grounded hope of being " numbered amongst the children of your God" ]
3. To those who profess to have been brought into
the family of their God —
[You doubtless wish to be informed how you may " walk worthy of your high calling." To you then I say, Obey your God in the two particulars which he here requires. " Go to him, as your Father in Christ Jesus;" and " walk before him as dear children ;" committing to him your every care, and expecting from him a supply of all your wants And
1 Isai. xlvi. 10.