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God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him....Acts x. 34, 35.

Ir is a common, artful device of the adversary to insinuate, "one part of scripture opposes and contradicts another." Hereby he aims to distress the minds, weaken the confidence of disciples, and to render the doctrines of grace of no esteem. The unlearned and unstable in the truths of free grace salvation, "wrest this, as they do also other texts of scripture, to their own destruction." It was farthest from St. Peter to make this declaration, to subvert the fundamental truths of the gospel, and the one only way of salvation taught by himself; namely, by "election, according to the fore-knowledge of God the Father, through the sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.".... Pet. i. 2.

But he now perceived of a truth that this blessing came equally alike upon Gentiles as well as Jews. "God is no respecter of per

sons." This is a most comfortable truth to the vilest of the human race. 'There is nothing that claims respect in the person of one man above another in the sight of God. "All are alike corrupt and become abominable. There is naturally no fear of God before our eyes. There is none that doth good; no not one." There is no .difference. Jew and Gentile, publican and pharisee, outwardly devout, and openly prophane, are all upon a level in point of justification before God. Enlightened souls see and own this in deep humility, and self-abasement: while proud pharisees challenge and claim respect from God, because they think their persons and characters are more amiable in his sight than others.

But saith Moses, “The Lord your God is a mighty and terrible God, who regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward."....Deut. x. 17. What reward can poor sinners give to procure God's regard, bribe his justice, or avert his wrath? Do they naturally fear God and work righteousness in order to this? Lay thine hand upon thine heart, O soul; judge as in the sight of God. Say, was this thy natural conduct and practice towards him? God knoweth, to hate him and work wickedness is the natural state and practice of thee and of all men. But yet he that feareth God and worketh righteousness, be he who or what he will, is accepted with God. For this is a full -proof of being "accepted in the beloved Jesus." The Lord puts his fear in one's heart according to covenant promise....Jer. xxxii. 40. He renews us in righteousness and true holiness. Hence our practice is agreeable to our state. Prayers and alms come up before the Lord as a memorial of what he has done on the heart. And "the same Lord over all, is rich in mercy to ALL that call upon him. Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved.”...... Rom. x. 12, 13.

Which is not another (gospel), but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ.... Gal. i. 7.

TROUBLE us indeed! it is our wisdom to hear preaching with an attentive mind, an humble heart, and a godly jealousy over what is spoken. The sweet sound of the gospel is joy to the heart, and as marrow and fatness to the soul; for it proclaims nothing but good news or glad tidings. This is its name: its nature and properties perfectly agree therewith. Hence it is called....Acts xx. 24....The gospel of the grace of God; or good news of his free favor. And Ephes. i. 13....“ The gospel of salvation; or glad tidings of salvation by Christ only." It was the wisdom of Adam to distinguish and give a proper name to every creature of God. Every christian should imitate him in knowledge, to distinguish the law from the gospel, and to call each by its proper name. For when the law of works and gos pel of grace are blended together, it puzzles the mind and disturbs the conscience. We may say of the gospel, as Tertullus said of Cæsar, By thee we enjoy great quietness."....Acts xxiv. 2. For by it the mind and conscience of the believer is filled with peace and comfort. From hence springs his love to God, and holy conformity to his will.

But preaching terms and conditions to be performed by us, in order to entitle to gospel grace, hath a native tendency to distress the mind, weaken faith, damp love, deject hope, and of consequence make the believer less zealous of good works. Yet, through blindness and ignorance, some call this gospel; but Paul denies it: he says, "It is not another," he won't mention gospel. It deserves not the name; it is a mere system of man's devising. O but if there is great talk of the interest of morality, and a specious pretence to holiness, this makes a great shew in the flesh, so as to trouble some, and deceive many. But such "pervert the gospel of Christ; the everlasting gospel." For that proclaims eternal election, everlasting love, an established covenant of grace; brings everlasting consolations to the soul, by an everlasting righteousness through faith: and sure and certain salvation to every believer. THE GOSPEL, like some stately ship, is richly laden with the most munificent blessings of the patrimony of our Father; the last will and testament of our precious Saviour, freely consigned under the testimony of the Spirit, to us poor, lost, perishing sinners. O believer! study the immense value and riches of the gospel: be on thy guard, lest any deprive thy mind of its freeness and fulness. Gospel-perverters are conscience-troublers. Listen not to their specious guiles, lest thy mind be perplexed. Glory to our God, here is our mercy; though false teachers shall arise, though they may trouble, yet "it is impossible, saith our Saviour, that they should deceive the elect of God."....Matt. xxiv. 24.

And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.... Zech. vi. 13,

WITH what rapture and ecstacy of soul the good old patriarch Israel heard of his son Joseph? Not only alive, but also governor of the land of Egypt. "IT IS ENOUGH," said he. As though he could enjoy no more. How then ought the hearts of poor sinners to be filled with joy, and fired with transport to hear that their friend and brother, Jesus, lives for evermore; that "the government is upon his shoulders:" that he is their King and their Priest upon his throne: that the counsel of peace is established, fixed and unalterably established, between the Father and him on their account! Surely, if we believe this, as verily as Jacob believed the report concerning his son, we shall also cry out with him, IT IS ENOUGH, perfectly sufficient. More joyful news cannot be heard. More comfortable ruth cannot be believed. Fuller evidence cannot be desired. Stronger proofs cannot be given than is revealed of the covenanttransactions of the adorable trinity, in behalf of sinners of mankind.

Here is the LORD OF HOSTS, and the MAN, the blessed man, who is called the BRANCH. And see we not the third person in the divine essence? For the establishing of faith, be it ever remembered, though the Father and the Son only are often mentioned in scripture; yet the Lord the Spirit in his office is evidently to be seen and clearly to be known. For whatever is covenanted and agreed between God the Father and Son, is manifested and revealed and enjoyed in the heart by the holy Spirit. We had never heard of this blessed peace, had it not been by the Holy Ghost through the word of truth. Therefore it is "the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth."....1 John v. 6. Ever bear this in thy mind, disciple. As thou hadst not known sin, but by the LAW: so thou couldst not have any knowledge of peace and pardon, but by the gospel through the Spirit. He is the revealer, sealer and applier of all grace, peace, love and holiness. "The love of the Father is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost given unto us." "He shall testify of me," saith Jesus: all my members shall be taught of him: "He shall glorify me."....John xvi. 14. Here is a peace established between heaven and earth: between the righteous Lord and sinful man, firm as a rock, durable as the ages of eternity.

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God the Father is the author of this peace. Jesus hath obtained this peace by the blood of his cross. Rebels and traitors against God, are made the subjects of this peace. The Spirit begets faith in the heart. He applies the peace of God which passeth all understanding to the soul through the faith of Jesus. And though all in nature, sin, satan, and the world are at war with us; still this is our glory, "Jesus is our peace."....Eph. ii. 14.

In the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul....Psalm xciv. 19.

VAIN thoughts and carnal reasonings, like impertinent visitors, often intrude upon the christian's mind. In this depraved state it cannot be otherwise. Though born again of the Spirit, and our minds renewed by grace; still our old friends, our present foes, the world, the flesh, and the devil, will furnish us with various exercises from troublesome thoughts. That they do cause grief, are prayed against, and resisted, is a blessed evidence of a regenerate soul; which is also fed, delighted, and comforted with the spiritual truths of God's gracious word.

There are frequent seasons when God's dear children are exercised with distressing, gloomy thoughts. Afflictions are painful and grievous to the flesh; then how naturally do these murmuring and repining thoughts arise? "Are these the tokens of God's love? how can I who am thus visited with such sorrow, pain, and trouble, think the Lord loves me with the love of a tender father, or that I am his child?" The sight of our vile polluted nature, corrupt lusts, sinful passions and affections, sink and discourage our spirits. A multitude of thoughts arise within; how can I have faith in Jesus, love to him, and delight in his ways, while I find so much in me contrary to his will, and unconformed to his image? If the Lord hides away his face, and withdraws the comforting sense of his presence, then these dejecting thoughts beset us: God is acting in wrath against us....his mercy is clean gone for ever. And with the church we are apt to think, "The Lord hath forsaken me: my Lord hath forgotten me."....Isa. xlix. 14.

This is all very natural. But what says the voice of grace? Most cheering, most delighting to the harassed mind. "Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivers out of them all:" "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten."....Rev. iii. 19. "Can a woman forget a sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, she may forget; but I will not forget thee."....Isa. xlix. 15. "This man (Jesus) receiveth sinners.". Luke xv. 2. "His blood cleanseth from all sin."....1 John i. 7.

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God's immutable love, unchangeable covenant, eternal truth, sacred word, precious promises, and solemn oath, all stand engaged for the safety and salvation of souls redeemed by Jesus: who saith, "He that believeth on me shall NEVER perish."....John iii. 15. Shall any or all the powers of earth and hell make Jesus, the God of truth, a liar? The bible is the christian's charter. It is our wisdom to study that, and to judge of God's love from his word and promises, not by our circumstances, trials, frames and feelings: For,

Whate'er thou found'st him at the best, Christ rests forever in his love,
He's at the worst the same
He never lost his fame.

When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.... Jonah ii. 7..

In the prophet Jonah's conduct we have a true picture of human nature, in its strong opposition to the power and grace of God. Though Jesus clothes his saints with righteousness, and the Spirit sanctifies and renews them in the spirit of their minds; yet pride, obstinacy, and self-will still dwell in their corrupt, fallen nature. The Spirit of truth and wisdom hath discovered the vile sins of his eminent prophets and faithful people, as well as their holy graces. This proves as a touch-stone to us, to try whether we have received the true grace of God in our hearts. A regenerate soul will never draw any encouragement to indulge himself in sin and rebellion against God, because he reads of David's complicated sins of murder and adultery; of Jonah's fleeing from, and provoking behaviour to God; or of Peter's sad denial of Jesus with abominable oaths and curses. If scripture truths proves as poison, it is only to reprobate minds. They are ever wholesome food to sanctified hearts. Such behold in the fall of the saints of old, the evils to which themselves are ever liable. If they are kept, they are humble; and give the dear Saviour all the glory. If they are fallen low, they remember the Lord. "I remembered the Lord," says Jonah. Grace creates a good heart-memory, where there is a bad head-memory. The soul can never forget the Lord Christ. It calls to mind the Lord's love, and how he dealt with his people of old. They see his loving kindness, faithfulness and truth, never failed them.

Hence the Holy Spirit stirs up and encourages poor, broken hearted, backsliding souls to trust in a God of covenant love. A sense of pain brings the body into a weak, fainting state. So a sense of sin, fear of God's wrath, the hidings of his face in Christ Jesus, makes the soul faint and languid. But in the lowest ebb of hope, and under the weakest frames of soul, the sanctified memory, though it bears a faithful record of past sins, yet it is also a precious repository of God's free-grace truths, and most precious promises in Christ Jesus. His human nature is the TEMPLE, in which God and man meet; to which sinners look; and through which grace is bestowed. Hence the poor soul is excited to mourn under the displeasure of an offended Father; and yet to cry to him in hope against hope; to pray to him in faith, though it has not one encouraging symptom in nature and self: but looking for all in Jesus. O most blessed words from the Father to humble believing souls; "I will remember their sins no more."....Jer. xxxi. 34.

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