there is in us yet daily and hourly to transgress it. Who does not find, that, when injured and insulted, his heart is ready to rise against his adversary in a way of retaliation and invective ? Who does not feel, that, without the divine assistance, he can no more maintain the exalted spirit here spoken of, than he can create a world? Let us then humble ourselves be- fore God in dust and ashes. Let us acknowledge our desert of his heavy displeasure, and our need of pardon through the blood of Christ. Let us at the same time implore the assistance of his Holy Spirit, that we may be enabled to " walk as Christ walked," and to exercise that kindness towards others which we desire and hope for when standing before his tribunal ]
2. What encouragement we have to expect mercy
at his hands —
[Has God required us to love our enemies, even whilst they are manifesting towards us their enmity to the utmost of their power ; and will not he himself shew mercy to us, when we lay down the weapons of our rebellion .'* Again ; has he required of us such tempers as fruits of our conversion ; and will he refuse us that grace which is necessary to produce them ? Assuredly not. If he gives the bounties of his providence to his most inveterate enemies, he will surely give the blessings of his grace to his suppliant and repenting //-/ewf/* ? Let not then a sense of past guilt appal us, or a sense of present weakness discourage us: but let us " go boldly to the throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help us in the time of need."]