READER, do pause to mark the blessedness of that state, which can look up and plead for justification before GOD, upon the sole authority of GOD’S covenant, and the person and righteousness of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. As JESUS himself pleaded both these, so hath he taught his people to do the same. As poor, polluted, guilty, sinners, we could have nothing to plead, but only cry for pure mercy. But, while we keep GOD’S CHRIST in view, and behold him as JEHOVAH's salvation to the ends of the earth; we may, and we ought, indeed, to lodge all our appeals both upon CHRIST’S merit, and the covenant faithfulness of GOD our FATHER. And, Reader, do mark it down, as a sure and certain thing, that when GOD the HOLY GHOST leads out the soul to the full view of those united sources of our acceptance before GOD, nothing can afford a more solid and substantial resting-place, for maintaining fellowship and communion with GOD, by grace in this life, and everlasting glory in the life to come. Precious LORD, help me so to plead, so to come to the throne, and so to act faith upon GOD’S record concerning his dear SON, that I may always come boldly unto the throne of grace to obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hawker
Hosea 4:6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge
In a short time there will (we have reason to fear) remain but two kinds of persons among us, either those who think not at all, or those whose imaginations are active indeed, but continually evil. Of these latter it may be said, "Their foolish heart was darkened." Of the principles, I do not say of the detail, of political science, a sound theology is the only sure and steady basis. Now we trace the operations by which a destruction so extended in its consequences has been effected. The master-spring of every principle which can permanently secure the stability of a people is the fear and knowledge of Almighty God. The first operation of a principle of atheism, and perhaps one of the most formidable in its consequences, is that which leads political men to conceive of Christianity as a mere auxiliary to the State. Religion was not instituted (in the Divine council I mean) for the purpose of society and government, but society and government for the purposes of religion. As a...
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