1848.]
3. But none have any reason to despair on account of the inveteracy of their lusts —
[Were it required of us to purify our hearts by any exertions of our own, we might well despair. But holiness is not only enjoined; it is promised ; it is promised by Him, who is able also to perform. Let none then say, " My wound is incurable ; " for with God all things are possible : and we, however weak in ourselves, shall be " able to do all things through Christ who strengtheneth us." If we were at this instant led captive by ten thousand lusts, no sin whatever should have dominion over us in future, provided only we took refuge in the covenant of grace ]
4. Nevertheless, this promise does not supersede the necessity of prayer and watchfulness on our part —
[God's promises are free ; " yet will he be inquired of by us before he will perform them." Nor are we at liberty to run into temptation because he has promised to keep us ; for that would be to tempt him : but, in the exercise of prayer and watchfulness, he will keep us. If Paul, that chosen vessel, was obliged to keep his body under, and to bring it into subjection, lest he himself should be a cast-away, surely the same care and diligence are necessary on our part. It is our comfort how- ever, that, while we run, " we do not run as uncertainly ;" and while " we fight, it is not as one who only beats the airg :" for victory is secured for us, and God himself " will bruise Satan under our feet," and preserve us blameless to his heavenly kingdom.]
s 1 Cor. ix. 26.