creation, and consequently how " competent he was to save to the uttermost all that should come unto God by him." Whilst this proved that he was the true Messiah, it proved to our comfort, that all which he has undertaken for us shall surely be accomplished ]
2. To trust in him under all circumstances, how- ever discouraging —
[Peter felt discouraged on account of his sinfulness ; and he had seen his incompetency to effect any thing by any power of his own. Now the same grounds of discouragement often exist in reference to ourselves, whether as objects of the Lord's mercy, or as agents in his service. But behold what the Lord effected both for him and by him in an instant of time : and can he not accomplish either for us, or by us, what- ever shall be deemed conducive to his glory? Yes, he can, and will : our iniquities, if only we trust in him, shall be for- given, and our wants of every kind shall be supplied : and through the communications of his grace we shall be made successful in all our efforts, whether to serve him ourselves, or to bring others to the enjoyment of his salvation ]
3. To serve and honour him with our whole hearts —
[These fishermen left their all to follow him. And this is what we also must do, in heart at least, and in act also, if fidelity to him require it: nor on any other terms than these will he acknowledge us as his disciples6. And is he not wor- thy of being served thus? Did his Disciples ever find cause for regret that they had forsaken all for himf? No: nor shall we. The Apostle Paul counted all things but loss for Christ : and thus must we hold in utter contempt every thing that may interfere with our duty to him, or impede us in his ser- vice I call on all of you then to make this improve- ment of the miracle before us. For those who minister in
holy things the duty is indispensable nor is it less so
for those who are ministered unto — To follow him fully
is the sure way to enjoy his presence both in this world and in the world to come.]
e Luke xiv. 33. { Luke xxii. 35.