It would be one great means of preventing our complaints and murmurings, if our hearts were more in meditation upon what we once were, what we still are, and what we deserve. Such was the conduct of the once persecuting, but afterwards Jesus exalting Paul The same grace that reached his heart, has been displayed through the many revolving periods down to this day, and effects the same blessed work on poor sinners now. Thou, therefore, O disciple of Jesus, hast the same cause as Paul had, daffy to sing of rich, free, distinguishing grace, the eternal love and mercy of God to thy soul, in Christ Jesus.
Grace shines with resplendent lustre in the person of Jesus; and operates with matchless power in the hearts of his members. It triumphs over all the rebellious motives, carnal workings, and perverse obstinacy of proud nature. Publicans and harlots are often raised and beautified by grace, while self-righteous Pharisees are left buried in the ruins of nature.
Hell-deserving soul! what hast thou to boast of? wherein canst thou glory? Art thou converted to Jesus? Ever know the cause. Study daily to give all the glory where only it is due, even to the boundless mercy of thy God. Wilt thou ever open thy mouth as to thy obedience, thy works of righteousness, by which thou hast obtained the prize? Ever know Jesus hath done all this. Hence grace freely flowed to thee. In the height of thy rebellion, in the depth of thy destruction, the voice of eternal love spoke to thy soul. The power of almighty grace challenged thee as its blood-bought purchase; seized thee as its lawful captive; and snatched thee as a brand from the fire of destruction.
O wondrous love! Should not amazement strike thy heart, and the fire of love and gratitude ever burn in thy soul? What shall we say to these things? Truly grace, that dwelt in God's heart from eternity, hath reached thy heart in time. Therefore art thou turned to Jesus by repentance, and hast remission of sins through faith in his blood. This is given, by the exalted Prince of grace and peace, to thine heart. Hast thou love to holiness and hatred to sin? This is contrary to nature, and is given through the grace of the Spirit. "By the grace of God I am what I am," is the confession of saints on earth. By the grace of God I am where I am, is the triumphant song of saints in heaven. For "where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." Rom. 5:20
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