dread of God, want of conscious reconciliation with Him, uncertainty
emblems of a human heart. But peace comes, and all is still. The
great Peacemaker comes, and there is a great calm. The holy pardon
which He bestows is the messenger of rest.
2. It removes our burdens. A sinner's heaviest burdens must ever be
dread of God, want of conscious reconciliation with Him, uncertainty
as to the eternal future. Peace with God is the end of all these. A sight
of the cross relieves us of our burdens, and connection with the Sin-
bearer assures us that these shall never be laid on us again.
3. It breaks our bonds. Sharp and heavy are the chains of sin; not merely
because it is a disease preying upon our spiritual nature, but because
it is guilt which must be answered for before a righteous Judge.
Unpardoned guilt is both prison and fetters. Forgiveness brings with
it peace; and with peace every chain is broken: our prison doors are
opened; we walk forth into liberty.
4. It strengthens us for warfare. Without peace we cannot fight. Our
hands hang down, and our weapons fall from them. Our courage is
gone. So long as God is our enemy, or so long as we know not
whether God is our friend, we are disabled men. We are without
heart, and without hope. But when reconciliation comes, and God
becomes our assured friend, then we are strong; well nerved for
battle; fearless in the conflict; full of hope and heart. "If God be for
us, who can be against us?"
5. It cheers us in trial. The peace of God within is our chiefest
consolation when sorrows crowd in upon us. Lighted up with this true
lamp, we are not greatly moved because of the darkness without.
Peace with God is our anchor in the storm; our strong tower in