It is only in proportion as the Christian manifests the fruit of a genuine conversion that he is entitled to regard himself and be regarded by others as one of the called and elect of God. It is just in proportion as we add to our faith the other Christian graces that we have solid ground on which to rest in the assurance we belong to the family of Christ. It is not those who are governed by self-will, but "as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (Rom. 8:14).

God was under no constraint, no obligation, no necessity to create. That He chose to do so was purely a sovereign act on His part, caused by nothing outside Himself, determined by nothing but His own mere good pleasure.

In praying for His enemies not only did Christ set before us a perfect example of how we should treat those who wrong us an hate us, but He also taught us never to regard any as beyond the reach of prayer.

An honest heart loves the Truth.

God has often given His people favor in the sight of heathen masters (as Joseph and Daniel), and has magnified the sufficiency of His grace by preserving their souls in the midst of the most unpromising environments. His saints are found in very unlikely places.

Prayer is the way and means God has appointed for the communication of the blessings of His goodness to His people.

If I have never mourned over my waywardness, then I have no solid ground for rejoicing.