Transcribed from the 1819 R. Thomas edition ,
THE GRACIOUS
DESIGNS OF GOD
ACCOMPLISHED,
BY THE
MALICE OF HIS ENEMIES.
BEING THESUBSTANCE OF
An Address,
Delivered onWEDNESDAY, November 24th, 1819,
AT THESURREY TABERNACLE,
BY J. CHURCH,
Being the Day of hisDeliverance.
Commit thy Way unto theLord; trust also in him, and he shallbring
it to pass.—Psalm xxxvii, 5thVerse.
SOUTHWARK:
PRINTED BY R. THOMAS, RED LION STREET,BOROUGH.
1819.
p. 3ANADDRESS, &c.
But God meant itunto good.—Gen. l. 20thverse.
The sacred pages are designed bythe God of all grace, to reveal the glorious salvation of lost,ruined, guilty man. The adorable Author of this inestimableblessing, with its amazing contrivance, and the means appointedfor the knowledge and enjoyment of it—the eternal love ofGod as the source, the finished work of Christ, God-Man Mediator,and the gracious energy and operations of the Holy-making Spirit,are the appointed means for the accomplishment and application ofthis glorious salvation. This is the subject matter of theGospel, as set forth in the word, and experienced by all who aretaught of God; and while we would adore the sacred Trinity inUnity, for the revelation of his gracious will, in the matter ofa sinner’s salvation from merited ruin, so we desire, atthe same time, to search the scriptures for all the suitedpromises and encouragements therein given to the believer, in hiscomplicated trials; and whatever may be the p. 4nature of thosetrials, the Bible fully assures him, that a covenant God hasmarked out his path in love, and in infinite wisdom; and thoughthe hand of God may lay heavy upon him in deep afflictions, andthe dispensations of divine providence may be very dark, and histrials very severe, it is a mercy to know, to believe, and beenabled to rest on the Staff of divine faithfulness; ever bearingin mind, that the grand design of every conflict, is to answerthe purposes of the divine glory; and, ultimately, to bring thebeliever to himself, to great nearness and conformity to Christ,and, finally, to everlasting bliss. For our lightafflictions, which are but for a moment, worketh for us anexceeding and eternal weight glory, while we look not at thethings which are temporal.
The instrument a wise and gracious Father may use, to answerthese ends, may be singular; and frequently they are those whoare very dear to our hearts, and nearly allied in nature,profession, or friendship. Such, alas! may be permitted todistress the mind and grieve the hea