p. 442 | The Grace of God

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 22, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 28.

The Grace of God.

GRACE is unmerited favor. The whole history of Israel and Judah, and of individuals in those nations, illustrates the grace of God. How patiently he bore with them! How long he waited! How tenderly he pleaded! How solemnly he warned! How temptingly he promised! Jonah, Hezekiah, Joash, Jehu,—what are their lives but witnesses to the long-suffering of God? Had he cut them off at their first disobedience, how swiftly would their lives have come to an end! So to-day. And yet men seem to despise the long-suffering of God, not knowing that he exercises that grace to lead them to repentance. "Cut it down!" says Justice, as it stands by the fruitless tree. "Spare it yet another year!" cries Mercy; "perhaps it will bear fruit yet." That same grace spares you and me, and to that grace we owe all that we have of godliness, and all that we hope to have of glory.

"Grace taught my roving feet To tread the heavenly road; And new supplies each hour I meet While pressing on to God. "Grace all the work shall crown Through everlasting days; It lays in Heaven the topmost stone, And well deserves the praise!" — Sel.