for this end he still on many occasions " transforms himself into an angel of light." But however severe your outward or inward trials may be, you have the comfort to reflect, that Christ endured the same before you, and is able to afford you effectual succour. Think not then your difficulties peculiar, or insurmountable ; but assure yourselves of his sympathy and care ; and be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."]
2. Those who are yielding to their temptations —
[Excuse not your compliances by pleading the frailty of your nature ; for " Christ is able to make all grace abound to- wards you, that you having always all sufficiency in all things, may abound unto every good work*^." Continue not then under unmortified tempers, or criminal neglects ; but call on the Lord, who " will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will, with the temptation, make also a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it^." I say again, plead not in excuse the corruption of your nature, or the difficulties of your situation: for grace which is not effectual, is no grace. The very weakest amongst you may say, " I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me," and, though assaulted by all the powers of darkness, shall be "more than conqueror through him that loved me."]
k 2 Cor. ix. 8. i 1 Cor. x. 13.
Heb. iii. I. Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest ofourprofession, Christ Jesus.
OUR Lord possessed, from all eternity, a nature infinitely superior to that of angels^: yet did he submit to the lowest humiliation for us''. And it is by the knowledge of him, as humbled, that we attain salvation ^
The Apostle having spoken much on this subject in the foregoing chapter, enforces it with this affec- tionate exhortation —
L Explain the exhortation —
a Heb. i. 3, 8, 10. ^ Phil. ii. 6, 7. <= John xvii. 8.