[You see how freely, and with what sovereign grace, God makes these promises unto you : for, if they are made to the Jews under their present state of degradation and wickedness, there is no one so debased or sinful, but that he may well appropriate them to himself, and seek an interest in them. You will take especial notice, that here are no conditions imposed in order to obtain an interest in them : nothing is required, but that we seek for these blessings in humble and fervent prayer q. As to the blessings themselves, every part proceeds from the unmerited love and mercy of God : in every clause, God's will is pointed out as the one source of all the benefits. And when God is thus saying, " I will," " I will," " I will," do these things for you, shall there be any reluctance shewn on our part? Shall it be said of us, as of the Jews of old, " How often would I have gathered you, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but ye would not?" O, brethren, let me rather entreat you, in reference to every clause, to add your hearty " Amen," " So be it unto me, O Lord, according to thy will." And I the rather urge this; because, without an experience of the things here promised, no soul from amongst you can ever behold the face of God in peace. Say, I pray you, can you " be the Lord's people, and Jehovah be your God," whilst these things are disregarded by you? Can you ever be exalted to thrones of glory, if you be not first cleansed by the blood and Spirit of Christ from all your filthiness, and from all your idols ? Must not your heart of stone be changed, and your ungodly life be rectified, before you can enjoy the felicity of heaven? Your own consciences will attest, that this change is necessary: and therefore let all of you, whatever your present character may be, lay hold on these promises, as the one ground of your hopes, and as the only means of securing the blessedness to which they lead.]
2. Endeavour to promote the acceptance of them among the Jews —
[It is a shame and a scandal to the Christian world, that they have shewn such indifference to the welfare of the Jews for so many centuries. And surely it is high time that we awake at last to some sense of our duty. Remember, I pray you, what is the object which you are called to effect: it is not the restoration of the Jews to their own land : that you may well leave to the providence of God to accomplish in his own time and way: it is rather the conversion of their souls to God which calls for your aid; and I appeal to you, whether that do not deserve your most active co-operation. You may
i ver. 37.