1 . A rule whereby to judge of God's electing love —
[Our election of God can be known only by its effects'. To ascertain it, we must inquire whether we have been called by his grace, and whether, in consequence of that call, we love God supremely ? If we experience these effects, we may safely conclude, that God has entertained eternal purposes of love towards us ; but if we trace not these effects, our pretensions to an interest in his electing love is a fatal delusion. Let them, in whom these evidences are found, rejoice ; but rejoice with trembling.]
2. A ground of comfort under his apparent frowns —
[Afflictions are not at the present joyous, but grievous; and because they are his rod, we are ready to say, " All these things are against me." But the Scripture tells us, that " the trial of our faith is precious k." Let the afflicted then consider what "good" may be accruing to them. Their troubles may be working so as to discover, prevent, punish, or destroy sin ;
or they may be working to impart, exercise, strengthen,
or perfect grace What reason, in either case, have the
afflicted to take comfort ! We think little of inconveniences if they do but promote our temporal interest. Should we then be averse to any trials that may tend to our spiritual advantage? Let us wait to see " the end of the Lord," and be solicitous rather about our future benefit, than our present ease.]
3. A motive to love and serve God with our whole hearts —
[Things are never represented as working for the good of the wicked ; on the contrary, their temporal " blessings are often cursed" to them ; yea, even spiritual blessings only aggra- vate their guilt and condemnation1. Christ himself proves, not a Saviour, but a stumbling-block to them™. But for God's people, all things, sin excepted, work for good. Should they not then love him for such distinguishing mercy ? Can the}- ever do enough for him, who so marvellously overrules all events for them?]
j 1 Thess. i. 4, 5. k 1 Pet. i. 7.
1 2 Cor. ii. 16. m 1 Pet. ii. 7, 8.