hence they fulfil their destinies without the smallest inter- mission ; whilst we, alas ! deviate from the path assigned us in instances without number. Still however, in the event, the purposes of God arc at last accomplished, as with them, so with us also : and, notwithstanding, in the estimation of a self-righteous Pharisee, the chief reason for performing good works is taken away, yet are they performed, and shall be performed by every one that has " received the grace of God in truth."]
Observe then from hence,
1. What need we have of humility —
[The pride of the human heart can never endure the doc- trines of grace. So tenacious are men of every thing that may give them a ground of glorying in themselves, that they will rather perish in their own righteousness, than submit to be saved by the righteousness of another?? But, brethren, you must submit. God will not condescend to your terms. It is in vain to contest the matter with him : it is folly, it is madness, so to do. You know full well, that the fallen angels have no claim on God for mercy : and what have you more than they? But God, who has passed by the angels, has given a Saviour to you, yea, and salvation too, if you will receive it as a gift of grace. Let it not be a hard matter with you to accept the proffered benefit. Would the fallen angels, think you, refuse it, if a tender of it were made to them ? O then, prostrate yourselves before your God, as deserving nothing but wrath ; and let him glorify in you the unsearch- able riches of his grace !]
2. The vast importance of faith —
[It is by faith alone that you can apprehend the Saviour, or be made partakers of his benefits. You must " be saved by grace, through faith." Your whole life must be a life of faith, according to what St. Paul has said, " The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." But this faith you must receive from above. You can neither come to Christ, nor know Christ, except as you are taught and drawn by the Father q. Pray to him, saying, " Lord, I believe ; help thou my unbelief." Pray also to him to " increase your faith " yet more and more : for it is only by being strong in faith that you will approve yourselves to God, or abound, as you ought, in all the fruits of righteousness to his praise and glory.]
3. What obligations lie upon you to serve and glo- rify your God —
p Rom. ix. 30—33. and x. 3. q Matt. xi. 27. John vi. G».