us ? Must the Son atone and intercede for ns ? Must the Holy Ghost descend and dwell in our hearts? Can none of us be saved in any other way than this ? How deep then must have been our fall; how desperate our condition! And how inconceivably dreadful must our state be, if we neglect so great salvation !
On the other hand, what can be more encouraging than to see that such abundant provision has been made for us? What can a sinner desire more? What clearer evidence can he have of the Father's willingness to receive him ? What firmer ground of confidence can he desire, than the sacrifice and intercession of the Lord Jesus ? What further aid can he want, who has the Holy Spirit to instruct, assist, and sanctify him? Surely none can despond, however great their guilt may be, or however inveterate their corruptions.]
Address —
1. Those who never seek access to God in prayer —
[Our Lord told the Jews that " if he had not come and spoken to them, they had not had sin ; but that now they had no cloak for their sin." How truly may this be said to those, who refuse to come to God in the way pointed out for them ! Surely they must be without excuse, and, if they continue in their sin, without hope also : for in no other way than this can we draw nigh to God ; nor will God in any other way draw nigh to us.]
2. Those who fear that they shall not find accept- ance with God —
[There can be no ground for such fears, provided we really desire to go to God in his appointed way. The more we consider the condescension and grace of God in providing such means for our recovery, the more must we be persuaded that God will cast out none that come unto him. Only let us " open our mouths wide, and he will fill them." We may " ask what we will in the name of Jesus, and it shall be done unto us."]
3. Those who enjoy sweet communion with God —
[This is the highest of all privileges, and the richest of all enjoyments. To have access to the Father with boldness and confidence is a foretaste even of heaven itself. Let us then abound more and more in the duty of prayer ; for when we can say with the Apostle, " Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ," we may also add with a full assurance, " And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."]