3. Confidence in his care —
[A servant may hope for kind attentions from his master in a day of necessity, though still to a very limited extent; but a son is assured, that whatever relief his father can afford him shall be readily bestowed. His necessities may be great, and his troubles of long continuance ; but he has no fear that the tender sympathy of his father shall fail. Now this is what " a Spirit of adoption " gives to every true Christian. " He knows in whom he has believed ; and that he is both able and willing to keep that which he has committed to him." He knows not, indeed, how God shall interpose for him, or when : but he is persuaded that " God will never leave him nor forsake him ;" but " will make all things work together for his ultimate good," and " cause his light and momentary afflictions to work out for him a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Hence, without doubting of a happy issue to his afflictions, "he casts his care on God, who careth for him."]
4. An assured expectation of his inheritance —
[Of this a servant can have no hope. But a son knows that he has a title to his father's inheritance ; and that his father has assigned it to him in his will. But stronger far is the Christian's assurance of his title to heaven, and of his ulti- mate possession of it. God has promised to him, not grace only, but glory also ; and has begotten him to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved
e Heb. x. 19—22.