Essex Remembrancer Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh… The gifts of God are unspeakably great; should we attempt the enumeration they would appear like the stars of heaven, or the sands on the shore for multitude. When the author of the Spectator recovered from a dangerous illness he penned a delightful hymn, in which he expresses the transports of his soul, and the wonder, love, and praise which a sense of the Divine mercies awakened in his grateful mind. But if such language was the result of a survey of God's providential goodness, how should the believer exult in the gift of a Saviour, and in that last, best blessing, the enlightening and sanctifying Spirit by which He is revealed to the heart! I. WHAT THIS INVALUABLE BLESSING INCLUDES AND WHAT WE ARE TO UNDERSTAND BY A NEW SPIRIT. 1. God engages to bestow that grace upon us of which we were altogether undeserving. 2. In the bestowment of this blessing we invariably see the providence and word of God preparing the way for its reception. (1) It includes a renewed and sanctified mind. (2) A sorrowful and penitential disposition. (3) A humble, resigned, and obedient spirit. II. THE REASONS AND GROUNDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT WE HAVE TO SEEK THIS BLESSING. 1. Think of the character of Him who gives this new spirit. 2. Consider that this is a free gift. 3. Reflect on the many instances in which this blessing has been conferred on individuals as undeserving as ourselves. 4. The perfection of our moral character depends on obtaining it. Enriched with this treasure, we can never be poor or unhappy; nor is it in the power of men or devils to make us miserable. 5. By individually seeking this precious gift we shall be instrumental in promoting the advent of Christ's kingdom, and in hastening that blessed consummation which the Church of God so earnestly desires. (Essex Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. |
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