October 30

"Precious promises."—2 Peter 1:4.

THEY are precious

IN THEIR VARIETY. Diversified as are the circumstances of God's people, there is a promise suited to them all. The promises are so laid, that, like a well-drawn picture, they look on all that look on them with an eye of faith. Are they afflicted? "In all their afflictions he was afflicted." Are they poor? "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Are they tempted? The "God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly." Are they groaning under the remains of corruption within? "He will subdue our iniquities." As there is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: so it is with the promises, there is a rich and endless variety. In whatever part of the wilderness the Christian is journeying, there is a beautiful cluster of promises to cheer him.

IN THEIR CERTAINTY. When we have our misgivings, and are tempted to stagger at them, let us pray for grace to be enabled to stand still, that we may see the salvation of the Lord, and remember the language of Scripture, "Is any thing too hard for the Lord? All the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."

IN THEIR EFFECTS. "That by these ye might be partakers of the nature;" not by the Divine communication of the Divine essence, but by the participation of the divine grace. By these we are to "perfect holiness in the fear of God." On the promises our hopes depend, and from them our comforts are derived. They are the wings of prayer; prayer conveys grace from heaven to the soul, and unlocks the treasure of divine mercy. Believers turn the promises into prayers at a throne of grace. The promises encourage us under a sense of our unworthiness, quicken us to greater diligence, and revive the fainting spirit. What God requires of us as a duty, he promises to us as a gift. He commands us to believe in him, he promises to impart faith. He enjoins us to love him, he promises to circumcise our hearts that we may do it; he beseeches us to turn and repent, he gives repentance, and turns us effectually to himself. He calls upon us to pursue a new course, and leave our old ways; he promises to give us a new heart, that we may incline to his laws.