+I. They were brought into the Church of God and admitted to equal
privileges with His ancient people the Jews.+
+II. They were brought near to God as they were admitted to enjoy
the Gospel, which is a dispensation of grace and peace.+
+III. They were brought near to God by the renovation of their souls
after His image.+
+IV. This nearness to God implies a state of peace with Him.+
+V. Another circumstance of the nearness is access to God in
prayer.+
+VI. Another is the presence of His Holy Spirit.+--Let us be afraid
of everything that tends to draw us away from God, and love
everything which brings us nearer to Him. Let us seek Him with
our whole heart, persevere daily communion with Him, choose
His favour as our happiness, His service as our employment,
His Word as our guide, His ordinances as our refreshment, His
house as the gate of heaven, and heaven as our eternal
home.--_Lathrop._