God promise to " dwell and walk in us" as in his temple? Does he engage to " be our God," as much as if there were no other creature in the universe besides ourselves that had any interest in him? Does he declare that he will both " receive us," and act towards us, as the most indulgent Father towards his own beloved "sons and daughters?" Is all this promised to us freely, even to all who will separate themselves from an ungodly world, and seek his face ? Who can con- template this, and not instantly inquire, " What shall I render to the Lord for all these benefits ? " Who can have such a hope in him, and not endeavour to " purify himself, even as God is pureP?" It is thus that Paul felt his obligations to the Lord ; and it is from the consideration of them that he urges us to an unreserved devotedness of ourselves to God, assuring us that the mercies conferred upon us render an entire consecration of ourselves to him " a reasonable service "i."]
2. In a way of encouragement — [Any one who should merely contemplate the greatness of the work assigned him, would sit down in despair : " How shall I hope so to cleanse myself from all sin, and to perfect holiness in the fear of God ? " But in the promises, he finds ample ground of confidence and joy. " What ! has God freely given to me his only dear Son, and will he not with him also freely give me all things?" Would an earthly father not refuse bread to his famished child, and will my Heavenly Father not give his Holy Spirit to me in the measure that I need his in- fluences ? To what purpose are all these promises which he has given me, if he will not work in me that measure of sancti- fication which is necessary to the complete enjoyment of them? But I find holiness amongst the most distinguished of his pro- mises. He has said, " I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols will I cleanse you '^ : " &c. I will not fear then to engage in the work of " cleansing myself," since God has promised to perform it in me^: for " if he work, who shall let it?" My weakness, so far from being an obstacle to him, shall rather be an occasion for him to glorify himself the more* : and, "through him strengthening me, I can do all things"."]
3. In a way of actual efficiency —
[The promises, as contained in the word, efiect nothing : it is only as dwelling in the heart, and relied upon in the soul, that they produce any saving operation. Then they are of necessity accompanied by the Holy Spirit, who works in and by them ; and who, on that very account, is called " The Holy
P 1 John ill. 3. 1 Rom. xii. 1. r Ezek. xxxvi. 25 — 27.
8 Phil. ii. 12, 13. '2 Cor. xii. 9. " Phil. iv. 13.