DISCOURSE 1X. 265 Thus having sufficiently unfolded whatsoever might seem áoubtful in the text, let us proceed to a moreparticular improve- ment of it ; And to this endwe may comprise thesense in this one proposition or doctrine : Achristian lays a solid foundation for his faith and joyful hope in the knowledge of the person whom he trusts. He has some good acquaintance with that great Friend of his, to whom he commits all his concerns from time to eternity ; and upon this lie builds his confidence and comfort ; and from this he rises to joyand triumph. Thewords of .my text are the language of an advanced and well -grown faith; and both my doctrine and dis- coude keep this in view ; yet the nature and practice ofa sinner's first addresses to Christ by faith, may be easily learnt hereby ; as I shall skew hereafter. To confirm and improve this doctrine, let us consider, I. What it is that a christian knows of Christ, that engages his trust and confidence ? II. What sort of knowledge it is ? And how he comes by it? And III. What useful remarks may be drawn from this subject? First, What is it that a christian knows of Christ, that en- gages his trust inhiin ? The answer may he comprisedunder these two general heads; viz. The personal qualifications of Christ, and his special character, or commission, as one appointed to take care of souls. I. A believer knows the particular and personal qualifica- tions of Christ, which render him able to take care of what is committed to him. Now these qualifications depend not only upon the constitution ofhis person, as one in whom God and man are united, but also upon the labours of his life, and the virtue of his sufferings, his death, his resurrection, and his exalted state. Let us descend a little into particulars upon this sub- ject, and take a short and pleasurable survey how well our Lord is qualified to take the charge of souls, and oftheir eternal welfare. 1. He has almighty power, and can secure whatsoever is committed to him, against all oppositionsand dangers ; for it is by him that God`the Father created all things, and he lath suf- ficient influence over all the works of his hands ; a divine ability to save his favourites, and destroy all that oppose ; to ensafe them from every peril that arisesfrom their own weakness, and defend them against every adversary that designs mischief. It was by him that our souls were formed at first in his own andhis Father's image ; and he can new-mould them into the same form, though it be quite defaced. What iniquity is there in nature, which such almighty grace cannotsubdue? What wild' imagination, or re- bellious thought in man, which a God cannot reduce to obedi- ence ? Should all the wicked of the earth conspire to ruin a
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