among the Lord's treasures And let us be thankful
that, though lost, we are not yet gone beyond recovery.]
2. How blessed are the effects of a faithful admi- nistration of the Gospel !
[It is by the Gospel that Jesus comes to search for lost sinners. If indeed it be delivered only in a general way, it will scarcely ever prove effectual for men's salvation : it is only the close application of the word, that will ever reach the conscience : but, when faithfully preached, and accompanied with God's Spirit, it will find out men in their darkest recesses. O that God may now make use of it to sweep away the rubbish under
which we have lain ! and that we may be found of
him, ere he "sweep us away with the besom of destruction!"
3. What reason have we to adore the condescen- sion and grace of Christ !
[If he did not seek for us we should lie in our sins to all eternity, and when found at the last day, that word would be verified in us1 — What kindness then is it in him to use such means for our recovery ! Let us never forget what obli- gations we owe to him. Let us acknowledge ourselves his, that he may do with us as he will. He will then keep us that we may not fall from him any morem, and will lodge us safely in his coffers amidst the treasures he has been collecting from the foundation of the world".]
1 Jer. vi. .30. m John x. 28. 1 Pet. i. 5.
n Eph. i. 10, 14. Mai. hi. 17.