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I. CONSIDER THE DESTRUCTION OF SIN.

1. Adam ruined himself and all his children by sin (Romans 5:19, 21).

2. We have destroyed ourselves by actual transgression (Romans 3:23).

3. The intellect or understanding is ruined (Jeremiah 8:7).

4. The will is become a rebellious faculty (Romans 8:7).

5. The conscience is rendered past feeling (1 Timothy 4:2, 6).

6. The passions and affections of the soul are equally defiled (1 John 2:16).

7. He is destroyed both in body and soul, but for Christ (Psalm 9:17).

II. CHRIST IS OUR SALVATION AND HELP.

1. Christ is the true light (Malachi 4:2).

2. He shines in our hearts and understandings (Psalm 36:9).

3. He restores to us an enlightened conscience (Hebrews 10:22).

4. The soul is now sensible of the least transgression (2 Corinthians 1:12).

5. He strengthens our memories to retain Divine things (John 14:26).

6. He rectifies and restores all our affections (Psalm 73:25).

7. Provision is made for the everlasting life of the Church (John 6:37).

8. He is our help in delivering us from the wrath to come (John 14:3).

III. THE IMPROVEMENT.

1. This help is omnipotent in its energy (1 Corinthians 1:24).

2. It is prompt in its manifestation (Isaiah 59:19).

3. It is always successful in its undertakings (Colossians 2:15).

4. It will not admit of any co-operation in the work (Ephesians 2:8, 9).

5. It is unceasing in its application (Isaiah 41:17).

(T. B. Baker.)

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KJV: O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.

WEB: You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me, against your help.