J.A. Matteson
Had the excellencies of God's mercy in our personal redemption and the hope of His calling been the limit of His grace, it would be immeasurably beyond what we deserve; that being hell. Notwithstanding the glorious sweetness of His fellowship, the LORD has further blessed His saints with the company of hearts and minds of like affection, kindred spirits saved by grace, growing from faith to faith, looking to the blessed hope of His return and deliverance. "We give thanks to God always for all of you...." (1Thess. 1:2). In His eternal goodness the LORD has providentially placed in our lives shadows of His essence, reflections of His kindness, echos of His radiance, as brought forth by the fruit of His Spirit in the lives of the saints around us, to encourage, strengthen, and yes, when needed, lovingly rebuke. What a ghastly place this fallen world would be without them, if in solitude we were to tread our pilgrims path! It is fitting and proper, therefore, that in remembrance of these gifts from heaven we give thanks to the LORD on High, Jesus Christ our Redeemer, by whom and through whom we can do all things, by His power that works in us, and in the saints of His choosing who are dear to us.
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