Hence therefore, he contemplates the Father's covenant, as a fixed, and settled plan, of mercy. And such a mercy, as is not intended to operate, at some particular times, or seasons only, according to the state, and temperature, of the human mind; but is in itself, one uniform principle of action.

And therefore, in proportion, as the love of God, occupies the heart, or to use the more expressive language of the Apostle, is shed abroad in the heart; as pure milk dropped upon water, soon diffuses itself over the surface, and gives a tinge to the whole; so from the diffusion of this principle, the believer will be enabled to find comfort, in the view of the covenant engagements of God, in the, worst of times, whatever his own frame or feelings may be.

To exemplify this by a particular illustration. Let it be supposed for argument's sake, that a true believer in Christ, who stands in the justified state, the Apostle describes, in this Chapter, through the merits of the Lord Jesus, hath felt, the influence of this love of God shed abroad in his heart, by the Holy Ghost. Let it be further supposed, that such an one, is brought under the influence of some pressing temptation. Perhaps, added to the conflicts arising from the powers of darkness, he hath

other

other trials to contend with. There may be, much distress of soul; and there certainly will be much remains, of indwelling corruption to afflict him. In such seasons, (and they are not unfrequent, in the life of real believers) as all creature resources are cut off, where shall the soul find relief?

God the Holy Ghost, who only can illumine the darkness of the mind may have remitted his shining. He hath not withdrawn from the soul his presence, for that according to gospel promises is impossible. Jesus declared concerning him that he should abide for ever. But, though the glorious Inhabitant be at home, he doth not appear. And, unless he gives grace, to act faith, upon the person, of the Lord Jesus; certain it is, that no communications can flow. For it is his peculiar office, to take of Christ and shew unto his people. From whence then, shall the believer look for comfort?

Here then comes in to our aid, the sweetness, and importance, of God the Father's covenant love; in which that blessed promise, hath its full accomplishment: I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. In contemplating this provision, of God's covenant-engagements, the soul finds at all times relief; for it is an everlasting Covenant, ordered in all things and sure. It no longer then V 2

becomes

becomes the question, with the soul, under any trial, of sin, or temptation, whether God may help; but he is enabled to assume the well grounded confidence, that God will help. There are no peradventures here. All is fixed, and certain and absolute. The view of God, as a Covenant-God, in Christ, removes all fear. And like the Prophet of old, when comforts run low, and temptations are high, when the best of men are like briars, and the most upright, sharper than a thorn hedge: nay, when the greatest bosom friend, proves deceitful: the soul looks at God, in his covenant relation, and says, my God will hear me. Oh! it is very sweet, and an unspeakable mercy, to have a Covenant-God to look to and a Covenant-God, to rely upon, in all seasons, and upon all occasions.

And next to the blessedness of the Covenant itself, the method, which God the Father hath graciously condescended to adopt, by way of recommending it to our warmest embraces, becomes a very pleasing addition to its enjoyment.

A bare promise from God, when it is considered who, and what God is, in the unchangeableness of his nature, and perfections, ought to have satisfied every mind, that what he promised, he would most certainly perform.

God

God therefore when he entered into Covenant engagements, pledged himself to faithfulness, by the most solemn promises. And we know, his ability is competent, to the performance of all that he hath promised.

But the condescension of God rested not here. God willing (saith an Apostle) more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise, the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an Oath: that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.

*

Still moreover, advancing in wonderful grace and condescension, God confirmed his covenantengagements, in a way which surpasseth all calculation of mercy, and in the blood of his dear Son, stamped its validity, with an impression of tenderness unequalled.

And as a perpetual seal to this covenant, marked in blood, and in no less blood than the blood of Christ, in. that standing memorial of Jesus's death, which we call the ordinance of the holy supper, he hath designed to keep up, a never ceasing remembrance of it, among the faithful, at every renewed commemoration.

* Heb. 6. 17. 18.

The

The Lord Jesus himself gave it this importance, when he called it, the cup of the new testament (or covenant) in his blood.

Now put all these together, and see, what a gracious design, God the Father had, that his people should be refreshed, upon all occasions, with a view of his covenant mercies. Not content, with expressing in the covenant itself, every evidence of mercy, (for it is in fact, nothing but grace, and mercy, from beginning to end,) our compassionate Father, well knowing, the weakness, and unbelief, of the human heart, adopted all these methods to gain our affections, to the reception of it; that when the other waters of the sanctuary ran low, the soul might find sufficient to asswage his thirst in this. And (as the Apostle says) though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth or addeth thereto.* Hence therefore, God's covenant established on such immutable pillars, must be like himself, the same yesterday to day and for ever. And the believer finds it so in the darkest hours who stands justified in Christ's righteousness, and in whose heart, the love of God, hath been shed abroad, by the Holy Ghost given unto him.

Let us next view the same blessed property of the Spirit's influence, in this particular, as it is called

* Gal. S. 15.