1 Peter 3:22

REFLECTIONS

Reader! what a beautiful illustration doth this Chapter afford, of the sweet effects of regeneration? All the relative and social duties arise from the work of grace upon the heart, as fruits from good seed, sown in good ground. And where the hidden man of the heart is found, there will be all the sweet properties of grace, in testimony, that God dwelleth in his people, by his Holy Spirit.

Blessed Lord! diffuse the sweet influences of thy love, in the minds of thy redeemed, and in the 'contemplation of the example of Jesus; grant that there may be more of that Spirit of the Lord, reigning and ruling among thy people; so that by sanctifying the Lord God in our hearts, we may be always ready to give an answer to every man that asketh a reason of the hope that is in us, with meekness and fear.

Everlastingly be adored and loved, the sinner's Lord, who died, the just for the unjust, to bring us to God. Lord let thy quickening Spirit, be unceasingly working in our souls, to keep alive in us thy grace, in endless communication, until thou shalt bring all thy Church, in body, soul, and spirit, to the everlasting enjoyment of our God in glory. Let there be no prison frame to thy people; but as thou art gone into heaven, and all power thine, for thy redeemed upon earth; let every thought of ours, be subject unto thee here below, as all authorities and powers, are subject unto thee above.