our souls, sends the Holy Spirit also, to apply that redemption to us : so that here is a concurrence of all the Three Persons of the Godhead in this labour of love ; each occupying a part in this mysterious work ; and contributing, according to their respective offices, to effect this great salvation. Say, brethren, whether it be possible ever to comprehend the heights and depths of this love ? No, verily, it is altogether incomprehen- sible, far exceeding the utmost conceptions of any finite ca- pacity.]
3. The gift of his ordinances —
[This, it is true, appears as nothing, in comparison of the gifts before-mentioned. But yet, methinks, it should by no means be overlooked. For the ordinances are indeed the golden pipes by which the golden oil is conveyed to us from the two fore-mentioned olive-trees, in which all fulness is treasured up for usc. It is by stated ordinances that you are gathered together to hear the word of God, and to receive the communications of his grace : and it is by the appointment of an order of men to minister in holy things, that you derive ad- vantages for the instruction of your souls in divine knowledge. True, indeed, ministers are but earthen vessels : but the treasure which they convey to your souls is that which you would have but little leisure or inclination to search after for yourselves. Say, brethren, have not some of you often come to the house of God merely to observe a form which common decency required, and yet been so favoured as to find there " the pearl of great price," in comparison of which all earthly things are as dross and dung? And say, whether you have not reason to adore the love which has provided for you such means of grace, such advantages for glory ?
But on these things it is needless to insist, because they carry their own evidence along with them.]
The same may be seen,
III. In the whole administration of his moral govern- ment—
Here, doubtless, through our self-love, we are less apt to see the love of God. But it really exists ; and to a humble mind it is as clearly visible, in the execution of his judgments, as in the dipensations of his grace.
Let the nature and end of God's law be first considered —
c Zech. iv. 11—14.