In conclusion. The observing of the other duties of God's Covenant, as well as the taking hold of it, is a privilege. Whatever is enjoyed in communion with God is inseparably associated with good to follow. As in the keeping of his commandments there is a great reward, so the blessedness of high privilege is enduring. The strength afforded for duty is a manifestation that privilege has been enjoyed. And the bringing forth of the fruits of righteousness, no less than the high enjoyment which fitted for causing them to abound, is a special blessing. If it is a privilege to vow to God, it is a privilege to observe the vow. If his mercy is seen in the giving of a heart to make it, certainly it is manifest in the granting of spiritual vigour fully to perform its promise. If it is a blessedness to commune with Him of all that is within the heart, can it be else to realize, throughout the whole period of the performance of engagements solemnly made to him, the promise of his Covenant,—"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."[661]
FOOTNOTES:
[617] John i. 11, 12.
[618] Ps. cxlviii. 14.
[619] 1 Sam. ii. 30; see also John xii. 26.
[620] Is. xxix. 13.
[621] Ps. lxxiii. 27, 28.
[622] Eph. ii. 12, 13.
[623] Heb. x. 22; see also ver. 19, 23.
[624] 2 Kings xxiv. 20.