might at last succeed in bringing his audience to re- pentance. And thus will grace work in every soul, even under the deepest discouragements. It will operate,
1. To shame our querulous impatience —
[When David had given vent to querulous and unbeliev- ing expressions, he corrected himself, and acknowledged that they were the fruit of his own infirmity11. And we also shall blush, when we look back upon the dissatisfaction which we have expressed at the small success of our efforts. What if, in relation to others, we are constrained to say, "Who hath believed our report?" It is nothing but what Prophets and Apostles have said before us. And, if we cannot benefit others to the extent we could wish, it should satisfy us that we have done what we could for them, and for the honour of our God. If He be glorified, we should be content with any thing whereby his glory may be advanced1. And if he delay to accomplish in us our desires, we should wait his appointed time, in meek submission to his willk.]
2. To revive our languid hopes —
[Grace will bring to our view the promises of God ; not a jot or tittle of which can ever fail. It will remind us that God is the same as ever : his " arm is not shortened, that it cannot save ; nor is his ear heavy that he cannot hear." " Against hope, it will lead us to believe in hope ;" and will determine us, even " though he should slay us, yet firmly and immoveably to trust in him."]
3. To resuscitate our drooping energies —
[Our hands may hang down for a time ; but the operation of divine grace will raise them up again. Jeremiah was weary with forbearing, even more than he had been with executing the work that had been assigned him. And so shall we be, if grace have its perfect work within us. Our labours, both ministerial and personal, will be renewed ; that at least we may have the testimony of our own conscience, that whatever failure there be, it is not for want of exertion on our part to prevent it. God has said, " Be not weary in well-doing ; for in due season ye shall reap, if ye faint not." And if he be with us, we shall, in dependence on his word, go forward, " steadfast and immoveable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord."]
Address —
h Ps. lxxiii. 12 — 10. and lxxvii. 7 — 10. 1 Isai. xlix. 5. k Hab. ii. 3.