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Christianity is a system of promises. Even its doctrines and precepts may be regarded as promises. These promises are "exceedingly great" in their nature, variety, and influences; they are exceedingly "precious" too; — precious essentially and relatively in themselves and in their bearings on man.

I. THESE PROMISES TEND TO ASSIMILATE US TO GOD BY GIVING US AN ATTRACTIVE VIEW OF HIS CHARACTER. Two thoughts will illustrate this point: —

1. Man's moral character is formed on the principle of imitation. There are two wrong developments of this instinct.

(1)  When it is directed to the natural peculiarities of others.

(2)  When directed to the moral faults of others.

2. Man's imitation is ever directed to that which seems to him beautiful. He will not copy that which appears to him unamiable, unlovely, repulsive. If the Infinite appear to us supremely lovely, He will by the laws of our imitative nature mould us into His own image. Now His promises give us this attractive view of Him. A sincere promise reveals the author's disposition. If the promise is trifling where there are large resources, it indicates a niggardly soul, and the reverse. A sincere promise reveals the author's resources. If great things are promised, the possession of great things are implied. According to these criteria, what infinite kindness and inexhaustible resources do the promises of God reveal!

II. THESE PROMISES TEND TO ASSIMILATE US TO HIM BY BRINGING US INTO PERSONAL CONTACT WITH HIS CHARACTER. We must be with a being to become like him. Fellowship is absolutely indispensable. There is on the one hand a giving, and on the other a perpetual receiving. Thus the two are brought together. Both minds meet, as it were, in the promise,

III. THESE PROMISES TEND TO ASSIMILATE US TO HIM BY GIVING US A LIVING INTEREST IN HIS CHARACTER.

(Homilist.)

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KJV: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

WEB: seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue;