CONTENTS This chapter seems to form a brief summary of the arguments, by which the laws contained in the foregoing Chapter s are enforced; in that it points out the blessings to obedience, and the curses which will follow upon disobedience. The conclusion of it is very remarkable, in that it ends w... [ Continue Reading ]
Here again it is precious to the believer to remark how a gracious GOD hath secured his people, in the observance of those precepts. Ezekiel 38:23. From Leviticus 26:2, let the Reader observe as he goes on, the loving-kindness of the LORD, in those exceeding great and precious promises contained in... [ Continue Reading ]
Secondly, the blessed effects of it in the extent of the mercy from harvest to harvest. Amos 9:13. But surely the gracious Reader will not overlook gospel mercies, as veiled under those promised earthly enjoyments. Under the blessed SPIRIT's influence, since JESUS returned to glory, what a continuat... [ Continue Reading ]
Thirdly, not only peace at home, but success abroad: victory over all our enemies. And this considered in a spiritual sense is very sweet indeed. See that precious promise. Isaiah 54:17.... [ Continue Reading ]
Fourthly, the blessings of increase. See here again, in a gospel sense, that promise. Colossians 2:19. Fifthly, and which is the fountain of all blessings the LORD'S favor. David's prayer is to this effect. Psalms 106:4.... [ Continue Reading ]
Sixthly, JESUS tabernacling in our nature is the ground and assurance of all. Revelation 21:3. Compared with Amos 9:11.... [ Continue Reading ]
Seventhly, as by the grace of the LORD JESUS, his people are secured in all the privileges of redemption; so on the covenant relationship into which they are brought with GOD their FATHER through him, their present and everlasting happiness is founded. Zechariah 13:9.... [ Continue Reading ]
Lastly, redemption-work is the sole cause, founded in the FATHER'S gift, the Saviour's purchase, and the SPIRIT's application. Here indeed the LORD hath broken the yoke of worse than Egyptian bondage, even the yoke of sin and Satan. See that sweet expression, in a gospel sense, Psalms 107:14.... [ Continue Reading ]
Here the subject changeth, and an awful but comes in. I would request the Reader to remark with me the progress of sin. First it begins in refusing to hearken to GOD. Malachi 2:2 Secondly, after refusing to hearken, the sinner learns to despise GOD'S judgments. This was a sad step in the first unha... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader, remark with me the gentleness with which GOD begins his punishment. Sickness is among the kind rods with which the LORD manifests his love, as a Father to his children. Hebrews 12:6; Deuteronomy 8:5.... [ Continue Reading ]
If the FATHER'S rod will not do, GOD will try what the enemies' sword will accomplish. David's prayer is instructive on this point. 2 Samuel 24:14.... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader, remark how graciously, even in punishment, the LORD deals with his people. He doth not give them up; but calls upon them with a louder call, and by more alarming providences. He makes all nature to be at variance with them. Reader! it is highly profitable to see the LORD'S hand in all the LO... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader in this view of the divine progress in correction, do not overlook that all is in tender mercy. It should seem that the prophet had in contemplation this chapter when he speaks of GOD'S four sore judgments. Ezekiel 14:21.... [ Continue Reading ]
These punishments were literally accomplished in the days of Israel's captivity. Isaiah 3:1; Jeremiah 39:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader! still keep your mind in contemplation on the process of divine judgments. From temporal punishments the LORD proceeds to spiritual. And when it comes to this, that the sanctuary is desolate, and the LORD abhors all offerings; how ripe is that church, or that person, for destruction. Hosea 4:... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader! I detain you in this place, to remark the abundant grace of our gracious GOD. Read these verses twice, and if possible never forget them; well might Paul say, where sin abounded grace did much more abound. Romans 5:20. And let me observe for your comfort, as well as my own, on this grand poi... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader! do not overlook the original cause of all mercies; namely, the faithfulness of a covenant GOD in CHRIST: not for the value or merit of repentance; not even our misery, or in short anything in ourselves; but all in and through CHRIST in GOD. See Ezekiel 36:32.... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS OH! what a gracious merciful GOD is the GOD with whom we have to do, of whom it may be truly said, he punisheth us less than our sins deserve. May it be my mercy, O LORD, through thy sovereign grace, to walk with thee in all thy statutes and in all thine ordinances, with a jealous eye to... [ Continue Reading ]