The salvation of God’s people is certain, by his immutable love. Their safety depends on his almighty power, their confidence and glorying is in the finished work of Jesus, and their comforts are enjoyed from the Spirit’s testimony of the Saviour to their hearts; as having loved, redeemed, and saved them as lost, guilty, and perishing sinners. The clearer views we have of this truth, so much the more do we

‘There shall not a hoof be left behind,’ said meek Moses to the stubborn monarch. All that belonged to God’s children must go with them for his service. So the whole man, the soul with all its faculties, the body with all its members, Jesus claims for his glory and service. The tongue, though but a little member; words, though but as wind; speech, though but as sound; yet the name, the work, the love, the glory of Jesus are hereby greatly advanced in the world. As salt not only preserves from putrefaction, but seasons flesh with an agree­ able flavour and relish, so doth grace in the heart the speech.

Thus Jehovah, the sovereign Lord of all, who calleth things that be not as though they were, speaketh by his Spirit of his church. By the pen of the royal prophet, the Lord describes the beauty and glory of all his members. They are viewed by God the Father from all eternity, in Christ Jesus the heavenly bridegroom. They are beloved and chosen in him, saved in the Lord Jesus with an everlasting salvation. Is. 45:17. They are made all glorious within; without, they are most richly clothed. What the church is viewed from eternity, that each member is destined to, and shall be made in time. For the establishing and comfort of our faith and hope, which is in God, here is a sweet,…

Do any reproach us concerning our hope of eternal life, that we do not expect it by free grace and promise only, but clogged with terms and conditions which we must fulfill. Do they say we are only dreaming legalists, under the legal yoke, and not Christ’s free-men. We answer. We not only talk of, but we enjoy Christ; we do not merely prate about faith, but we partake of its power; not only hear of love described, but we feel its influence; not barely look for salvation from sin, but we enjoy it by the faith of Jesus now; and we know that we shall partake of salvation with eternal glory. For he who never spoke one word in vain, hath pronounced of all…

‘He that believeth shall be saved:’ this is the immutable decree of the God of truth. As no man shall see the Lord without holiness, so no man can be holy without faith in Jesus. But this is the peculiar blessedness of every believer; he is holy, he is ‘sanctified by faith which is in Christ Jesus.’ Acts 26:18. All such are ‘called to be saints.’ 1 Cor. 1:2, called to holiness of life and conversation. There are no holy unbelievers, nor unholy believers. Gospel exhortations are suited to the spiritual state of regenerate souls. They are subjects of the Prince of peace; are at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. As agreeable to their character, to the will of God, and to…

Jesus, the great prophet of his church, speaks to the hearts of his members. This is his superior excellence above all other prophets, for they can only speak to the ear. To attend a preached gospel is our constant duty; but all our profit and happiness arise from hearing the Saviour’s voice to our souls. Under the outward ministry, inwardly to listen to the teachings of his Lord, should be every Christian’s concern. Many cry, ‘Oh what an excellent preacher, what a charming sermon:’ but why? Didst thou hear Jesus speak; did he teach, and hast thou heard somewhat from him? Thou knowest, disciple, though a Paul plants, though an Apollos waters, yet it is the Saviour’s presence and power that give the increase of…