March 2

fragrant scent, spreading very widely, and affording a desirable retreat to the traveller. But a metaphor must not be pressed. The import of it is often purely relative to some one thing rendered valuable by the present circumstances of the individual. Such is cold water to a thirsty soul. Such is a cloud in harvest. The simple idea here is shade and perpetual verdure: the fir-tree being an evergreen, the same in summer and winter—Thus God is the same to the soul that trusts in him at all times and in all conditions: and if we would be raised above the influence of fear and trouble, we must sit beneath the shadow of the Almighty, and realize his perfections, presence, promises, and providence, as unchangeably concerned for our welfare. Creatures may all fail us; but He is the same. "My salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished."

He engages to furnish fertility—"From me is thy fruit found." This supplies a deficiency in the former image. A fir-tree, though always green and affording shade, yet yields no fruit; but the Lord affords repast as well as repose. These are united in the acknowledgment of the Church: "I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste." This fruit is to be taken two ways. First, for the fruit they enjoy. What is this but all spiritual blessings, pardon, peace, the comforts of the Holy Ghost, the foretastes of heaven? This is the believer's fruit, because he is the possessor of it: but in me, says the Lord, it is found as the source and giver. Let us seek it alone in him. Paradise had nothing like it. Secondly, for the fruit they bear. This includes their graces, duties, and good works. To these our Saviour refers when he says, "Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear much fruit." This is ours because we are the subjects of it; but he is the author. We receive the influences, but he imparts them. We exercise the principles, but he produces them. We render the obedience, but he inclines and enables us. We repent and believe, but the repentance and the faith are his gifts. We work out our salvation, but he works in us to will and to do of his good pleasure. They are therefore called "the fruit of the Spirit:" and "the fruits of righteousness, which are of Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God"—"FROM ME IS THY FRUIT FOUND."

MARCH 2.—"All the promises of God in him are yea, and in him amen, unto the glory of God by us."—2 Cor. 1. 20.

THERE is some difference between God's purposes and promises. Both of them so to speak are gold: but the one, gold in the mint; the other, gold in the mint impressed and prepared for currency and use. God could have blessed his people without previously announcing it, and bringing himself under an engagement; but in this case his design could not have been known, believed, expected, pleaded. But the promises give rise to a life of faith, and hope, and patience, and prayer.

Let me contemplate these promises in their relation to Christ—They "are in him." All their contents are found in him: indeed he himself is the substance of the whole. In the Covenant of Grace he is the Covenantee; and the promises of it are made, not imme-

diately with us but with him, as our head representative and surety. He performed the awful condition on which they were all founded; and has ratified them by his own blood. He is also the pledge of their existence and accomplishment. They might seem too great to be believed were it not for himself, who is greater than any thing God has promised. But he has been given; and "he that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" If the promises are in him, the way to possess and enjoy them all is to receive him—"He that hath the Son hath life."

Let me also view them in their certainty—"All the promises of God in him are yea, and in him amen." All the promises of Satan are falsehood. Human promises are not always truth. David indeed erred when he said in his haste—all men are liars; yet too commonly "men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie." But even Balaam could say, "The Lord is not a man that he should lie; neither the son of man that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it; or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" Men fail in their promises through forgetfulness, or changeableness of mind, or inability of performance. But can he forget whose understanding is infinite? Can he change his purpose who is in one mind, the same yesterday, to-day, and forever? Can any thing be too hard for the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth? Let us therefore honour God by our confidence. If we have a word from him, let it satisfy us, whatever difficulties oppose the accomplishment—these are for him to consider who has promised. Abraham, therefore, having received the divine assurance, though there were improbabilities, and even natural impossibilities in the way, "staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God." Hence

Let me observe them in their design—"To the glory of God." God is glorified in them as they are all yea and amen: for nothing can be more honourable to God than the impossibility of impeaching his veracity. He is therefore called "the faithful God." "His faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds;" and far beyond them—his "faithfulness is established in the very heavens;" and the fame of it there draws forth the acclamation, "Just and true are all thy ways, O thou King of saints!" But his wisdom and power also are glorified in the time and manner of their accomplishment. Above all, how does not only the fulfilment but the donation of these promises display the exceeding riches of his grace! For what but the most undeserved favour and boundless mercy could have led him to remember us in our low estate, and instead of threatening us with destruction, promise us eternal life and all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ!

Finally, let me remark the instrumentality of this design—"To the glory of God by us." By us as ministers—publishing, explaining, applying them. A promise is often like a box of ointment very precious; but the fragrance does not fill the room till the preacher breaks it. Or it is like the water that was near Hagar which she saw not, till the angel of the Lord opens our eyes and shows us the well. By us believers—realizing the excellency and efficacy of them in our character and conduct. It is when these promises are reduced

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