pectation of their full accomplishment ? Have we so embraced them as to shew that we are seeking another country''? Let us not mistake our true and proper character. If we be strangers from the covenant of promise, we are without Christ, and without hope*^. The threatenings, and not the promises, belong to us, and they will infallibly be executed upon us in due season. O that we might now flee for refuge to the hope set before us ! But if we be " heirs of promise," happy are we beyond all expression. Every promise of God, temporal, spiritual, or eternal, is made to us. Let every one then of this description be filled with consolation ^ : let them also be followers of those, who now inherit the promises ^ May it never be said of them, that they glorify God by their faith, but dishonour him by their works ! The promises are given, not merely to save, but to sanctify, the soul^. Treasure up then, brethren, those inestimable pledges of God's love, and let them operate according to the direction given you^.]
c Heb. xi. 13, 14. d Eph. ii. 12. e Heb. vi. 18.
f Heb. vi. 12. g 2 Pet. i. 4. ^2 Cor. vii. 1.
2 Cor. i. 21, 22. Now he which stahlisheth us with you in Christ, I and hath anointed us, is God ; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
IT is the inseparable property of divine grace to make us jealous for the honour of God, and studious to promote it to the utmost of our power.
St. Paul, when accused of instability, vindicated his own character, because it was connected with his usefulness in the ministry ; but instantly ascribed to God the glory of whatever steadfastness he had been enabled to maintain.
His words naturally point out to our consideration,
I. The blessings which all true Christians enjoy —
Though all Christians do not attain the same measure either of holiness or of comfort, yet there are blessings common to all who are born of God.
] . They are established in Christ —