In speaking, however, of the holy confidence, with which we are inspired by the sincere love of God, far would I be, as far as possible, from confounding it with that self-sufficient and presumptuous tone into which some persons have been unbecomingly betrayed, when describing their spiritual condition. Humility is the foundation of the Christian’s confidence: he trusts, only because he is “strong in the lord, and in the power of His might;” he is sufficient, only because “all his sufficiency is of God.” And the purer his love, and the higher his attainments, the more humbly and modestly does he speak of them: he talks not of certainty, “as if he had already attained,” but delights himself with “full assurance of faith,” { 149a} with “full assurance of hope;” { 149b} his is not an extravagant joy, proceeding from the arrogant assertion of an elective claim, but a holy tranquillity of soul, arising from faith in the Redeemer’s undeserved mercy; from unfeigned love to the most benevolent and perfect Being; and reposing itself upon the unchangeable promises of Jehovah.
We do not question, my brethren, the claims of Almighty God to our perfect love. Is He not our Creator? and could He have formed us with any other design, than to make us happy? If reason could have doubted this truth, revelation makes it clear. And are we not preserved, every moment of our lives, by His infinite wisdom and mercy and power? And though we are forgetful of His sustaining hand, still He feeds us with the bounties of nature; and invites us to partake of the riches of His grace. What are the greatest blessings, which a human being, which any creature could possibly desire? To be delivered from evil, and to enjoy everlasting good. And did not the adorable Son of God take upon him the infirmities and sufferings of our mortal state, to redeem us from misery, and exalt us even to glory? And does not the Holy Spirit condescend to dwell in our tabernacles of flesh, that He may cleanse us from every sinful defilement, “purify unto Himself a peculiar people zealous of good works,” { 150a} and make us “meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light?” { 150b} Could we, even if we had been worthy, have desired, have imagined for ourselves, blessings so great and favours so exalted, as those which the good and gracious God is showering down upon us? Shall we not then be inclined, from every consideration, shall we not be determined, by God’s grace, to love this heavenly benefactor with all our heart—from a principle of gratitude; from an admiration of divine perfection; from the inspiring hope and prospect of our eternal salvation? Yes, let us give unto Him, not that divided affection, which is the vain offering of a degenerate and degraded world; but the full and unreserved energies of the soul. If a portion of our heart be engrossed by any other object, we are not the true people of the Lord; we render Him not a reasonable or acceptable service; our love is embittered with fear; with a fear that has, and will have, torment. Lord, let our affections be altogether devoted unto Thee; pour Thy spirit of love into our hearts, for the sake of Him “who loved us and gave Himself for us;” we cannot love Thee here upon earth as we would do, but be pleased to accept what Thou enablest us to give, the tribute of a sincere heart; and let it be to us a never-failing source of humble confidence and holy comfort; so that we may anticipate the joyful hour, when we shall be removed, from this imperfect state of being, to a purer and happier world; where, with affections exalted and understandings enlarged, we shall render Thee a more delightful and laudable service; with angels and archangels, and all the company of heaven.