weaknesses to display themselves ». It is for the same end that God at this day suffers obstacles of various kinds to be put in the way of his people ; he does it, that their faith may be tried; and that, if it stand the trial, redoubled benefits may accrue unto them'\ Know ye then that these temptations, which are to so many an occasion of falling, are intended of God to be to you an occasion of approving your fidelity to him. The prospect of some advantage, or of the gratification of a forbidden appetite, presents itself to you : and by it God says, " Now, which will you prefer, my honour or your own lust? Look to it, that you be steadfast in your obedience to me." In like manner, when persecution arises becauses of the word, or when any who profess godliness make shipwreck of faith and of a good conscience, it is all permitted by God, as far as you are concerned, on purpose to detect your hypocrisy, if you are un- sound at heart ; or to evince the steadfastness of your faith in him. Make then this improvement of every temptation, that you may come out of it as gold from the furnace, and prove by means of it " the sincerity of your love*."]
2. From the graces which carried him through it, the different offices of faith and fear —
[The particular end of this temptation was, to discover whether Abraham truly " feared God^:" and God acknow- ledges that that point was by the obedience of his servant clearly ascertained. Now by " fear," is meant such a reve- rential awe of the Divine Majesty, as swallows up all other considerations, and determines us to fulfil God's will at all events. It annihilates all other fear, and constrains the soul to reply to its persecutors, " Whether it be right to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye ; for I cannot but proceed in my duty to him, though the whole world should combine to oppress me'." But fear alone would be ineffectual to prevail in so great a warfare : therefore faith comes to its aid ; and presents to the mind the promises of God ; the pro- mise of effectual aid in the conflict, and of an abundant recom- pence after it. Without this succour, our spirit would soon fail : but under an assurance that God will fulfil his word, we are enabled to go forth " strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might," and to defy the whole universe to " separate us from the love of Christ." The two should always be united; the one to operate as a stimulus, and the other as an en- couragement. If either be wanting, our obedience will be veiy imperfect : it will want that holy reverence which we should ever maintain even in the midst of our most exalted joys, or
g 2 Chron. xxxii. 31. ^ 1 Pet. iv. 12, 13. * 2 Cor. viii. 8. k Gen. xxii. 12. i Acts iv. 19, 20.
2325.'] ABRAHAM OFFERINCx UP ISAAC. 40/)
that filial confidence which so peculiarly pleases and honours God. See then, brethren, that, however difficult the service be which God requires of you, it be performed resolutely and without delay. Let no considei'ation under heaven weigh with you, any more than the dust upon the balance, in opposition to any known command. And whilst you labour to obe}-^ God's precepts, hold fast his promises with a confidence that nothing can shake. Listen not to any carnal reasonings, how- ever specious they may be, when once you know what the word of God requires. Duty is yours: events are God's. Labour you to execute your part ; and leave him to fulfil his, in his own way, and in his own time. Let it suffice for your encouragement, that " he is faithful who hath promised ;" and, that " what he hath promised he is able also to perform."]