3. Examples — [The force of example is pre-eminently great, as affording us both direction and encouragement. And there is no grace which we can be called to exercise, but we have it exhibited and embodied in some bright pattern that is set before us. As for faith, the first leading grace from which almost all others flow, the examples of it are innumerable ; and the powers which it possesses to elevate the soul are displayed in the strongest colours. Would we wish to know the precise opera- tions of patience and meekness? the lives of Job and of Moses afford us most distinguished patterns. Would we behold fidelity, devotion, and the constraining influence of love? Elijah, David, Paul, say to us, ' Be followers of us, and ye shall attain these graces in perfection.' Such examples as these, not to mention any others of a different kind, which are " set forth for our admonition," serve to explain the precepts, and to shew us what measure of godliness we should aspire after, and may hope to attain. So that nothing is wanting to us, that can by any means help us forward in the divine life.]
But the Lord Jesus Christ has, to his obedient followers, given all things also, II. In away of special communication —
The instructions, promises, examples, which are contained in the Holy Scriptures, are common to all ; but to his peculiar people the Lord Jesus Christ has given graces, which, by his divine power, he has wrought in their souls. On them he has bestowed,
1. The gift of faith —
[This grace is essential to the welfare of every child of man ; for it is through it alone that either life or godliness can be brought into the soul. But he enables his people to come to him, and lay hold on him, and to embrace his promises ; and to draw forth out of his fulness all needful supplies, hoth of grace and peace. In their minds he works a conviction, that they have nothing in themselves to recommend them to God. and can do nothing whereby to obtain an interest in his favour. To them he makes himself known, as " the way, the truth, and the life ;" and he brings them to " live altogether by faith in Him, who has loved them, and given himself for them."]
2. The assistances of his grace —
[" Without him they can do nothing :" but " through strength communicated by him, they are enabled to do all things." Have they to conflict with Satan, and withstand his assaults? They go forth in the strength of Christ, and are