We are ever to consider the gospel as a proclamation of grace to rebels, a declaration of mercy to the profligate and abandoned, glad tidings of salvation to lost, desperate, hopeless sinners. It finds the soul destitute of any one encouraging symptom; it brings all hope and encouragement with it. When the gospel becomes the power of God to salvation to any sinner, it works a mighty change in his state and practice. In the sweet experience, proof, or trial of this, the soul is comforted. Hope concerning his state is confirmed. Experience worketh hope of one’s own interest in Jesus, and salvation by him. It works not by legal terrors and dreadful horrors, as in the case of Judas; nor by exciting the animal…

What! not a word from the compassionate Saviour, who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities? Is he deaf to the cries, and dumb to the entreaties of a distressed sorrowful heart? No; love in the heart has always an open ear to complaints, a ready tongue to speak comfort, and a kind hand to relieve. But Love afflicts, to bring his children to him, and to make them call upon him: he forbears to answer, that they may be the more importunate. God’s delays prove faith’s vigour, make love cleave the closer, prayer more fervent, and patience shine brighter. So the graces of God’s children are drawn forth into lively exercise, and are made manifest that they are wrought by God. Perseverance obtains…

Since the fall of man, there is no other way of being made just or righteous, but by the righteousness of the man Christ Jesus. Just Noah, righteous Lot, meek Moses, faithful Abraham, patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, all were sinners in themselves, but ‘their righteousness is of me,’ saith Jehovah Jesus. Is. 54:17. Hence the Lord calls his people righteous. They are really constituted so in his sight. This truth should ever dwell in our minds: it is the foundation of all delight in God and love to him. Hence we are comforted in the way of truth and holiness. For Jesus, who is our righteousness, is also our light to direct our steps, and our path wherein we walk. He is the light of…

This is a glorious confession of faith, worthy to be written in letters of gold, and set with the most precious jewels, and ever to be worn as the believer’s ornament and glory. For here is the rich display of sovereign grace, and the glory of almighty power, in producing light in the hearts of sinners, who are by nature not only in the dark, but even darkness itself. The knowledge of Jesus is commanded by the same omnipotent Agent, who called forth light in the beginning, upon this dark terraqueous globe. Light gladdens the whole creation of nature: and this spiritual light causeth joy in the soul; for it gives the knowledge of God’s glory. In what respect? that God is glorious in majesty?…