[Were Christ unconnected with us in his present state, we might well doubt the expediency of putting our trust in him : but when we are informed that his almighty power is always occupied in forwarding our salvation, we should in- stantly commit ourselves into his hands, and expect from him all that our necessities can require. Do we, as creatures dead in sin, desire life ? or, as persons quickened from the dead, do we desire more life ? or, being possessed of life, do we desire an assurance that we shall never lose it ? Behold, Jesus, who " came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly," meets your case with exactly such a promise as you want" — Let me then put the question to you, " Believest thou this?"
0 beg of God that he would enable you so to do : say, "Lord,
1 believe; help thou my unbelief!"]
2. To suffer for him —
[Sufferings of some kind you must expect : there is not one of his people but has some cross to bear. You will find too at times that your trials are heavy : but the heavier they are, the more will his power be magnified in you. This thought afforded inexpressible consolation to the Apostle Paul0, and made him even " take pleasure" in his multiplied afflictions p. Your enemies think little respecting Christ as actively engaged in behalf of his people : but in you they shall see his power and grace : and, whilst his death is exhi- bited in your sufferings, his life shall be manifested in your support i. Only take the promise in the text, and you need fear nothing.]
3. To press forward for universal holiness — [You are not called to beat the air, or to engage either
in an uncertain or an unproductive contest : you have a living Saviour, that is pledged both to give you the victory, and to reward your conflicts. Will you not then fight? Will you leave a sin unmortified, an enemy unsubdued? Gird you to the combat : put on the whole armour of God : quit your- selves like men : and know assuredly, that " your labour shall not be in vain in the Lord."]
n John x. 10. andxi. 25, 26. ° 2 Cor. iv. 8—10.
P 2 Cor. xii. 9, 10. i 2 Cor. iv. 11.