can we adduce one single instance of a real saint whom he has finally, and for ever, forsaken ? No : he may have left hypo- crites, to shew all that was in their hearts ; and may have punished his own people with a temporary suspension of his favours; but "he has sworn once by his holiness that he will not lie unto David," or "cast off his people for ever:" and this covenant he never has broken, nor ever will. Yet what motives has he had, or what obligations have been laid upon him, to keep covenant and mercy with us ? Truly none. But has he not had temptations enough to abandon us ? Yes ; such temptations as none but a God of infinite perfections could have withstood. Every day, every hour, every moment, we have been provoking him to anger ; but he is the unchangeable Jehovah, and therefore it is that we are not consumed.
O admire then the faithfulness of your God ; and abase yourselves before him, as vile, faithless, and rebellious crea- tures !]
2. How thankful should we be for the covenant of grace !
[The covenant of works made no provision for one single breach of its commands : it instantly, and irreversibly, doomed the transgressor to destruction. But the covenant of grace makes provision for all the offences that ever were committed, provided we seek an interest in it. Here at this moment we may obtain all that we stand in need of. Here is pardon for all our sins ; strength against all our temptations ; peace to comfort us in all trials : in short, here is grace and glory, and whatever we can desire for body or for soul, for time or for eternity : and all is offered to us freely in the name of Jesus : we have only to believe in Jesus, and all is ours. O Brethren, be thankful for this " covenant, which is ordered in all things and sure ; " and embrace it with your whole hearts. Then, notwithstanding your past transgressions of it have been more numerous than the sands upon the sea-shore, they shall all be forgiven ; and you shall " stand before God without spot or blemish."]