power of his might," and "nothing shall be impossible unto youV]
3. His delight in saving —
[You may see in the parable of the prodigal son, what are the feelings of Jehovah towards returning penitents. But if that convey not an adequate idea to your minds, call to mind the image under which God has condescended to set forth the joy which he feels in his believing people. Nothing that a natural man can experience, can exceed the joy with which a bridegroom, after a long season of suspense and fear, is ani- mated in the possession of his bride. Yet to that does Jehovah refer as most fitly illustrating the delight which he has in manifesting his love to his chosen people1.]
4. His immutability towards those whom he intends to save —
[Man is often alienated from the object of his affections, either by means of some unexpected evil he has discovered, or through his own fickleness and inconstancy. But God changeth notm. Whom he loveth he loveth to the end". He hateth putting away0. And, as he loved his people from eternity p, and chose them without any reference to good, either seen or foreseen, in themq, so will he not forsake them on account of their infirmities r. He will indeed punish their transgressions with all needful severity s ; but his gifts and callings are with- out repentance1; nor will he cast off the people whom he has chosen in Christ, and given to himu.]
See, Brethren,
1. How marvellous the compassion of your God!
[Call to mind the wickedness of God's ancient people through the whole course of their conduct, till they completed it and filled up the measure of it in crucifying their Messiah, the Lord of glory. Yet to them is my text more immediately addressed, and in them shall it ere long be certainly fulfilled. How utterly does such love pass all human comprehension ! But look back to your own ways, my brethren, and ye will have reason enough to adore and magnify the grace of God, when ye consider, that you also are interested in these promises, and that in you shall they receive a speedy accomplishment. Dear brethren, I would have this to be, if I may so say, the con- stant subject of your devoutest meditations. It is this that will
k Mark ix. 23. l Isai. lxii. 5. m Mai. iii. 6. Jam. i. 17.
n John xiii. 1. ° Mai. ii. 16. P Jer. xxxi. 3.
i Deut. vii. 7, 8. and ix. 5, 6. r Isai. liv. 7 — 10.
s Ps. lxxxix. 30—34. * Rom. xi. 29.
« 1 Sam. xii. 22. Hos. ii. 19, 20.
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set your hearts at liberty, and cause you to go on your way rejoicing. Nothing can obstruct the happiness of a mind habituated to such contemplations as these.]
2. How ardent should be your zeal in his service !
[Is his mind so set on you, and his power so -engaged for you ? how devoted then should ye be to him ; and how entirely should your souls be occupied in endeavours to fulfil his holy will ! Does he " rest in his love " to you, and will ye suffer one moment's intermission in your love to him ? O stir yourselves up more and more to serve him ; and let your every faculty, whether of mind or body, be in constant exercise for the advancement of his glory.]