Merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. Psalm 100 three:eight. O my soul, here are four properties spoken of to be in God, and are all so necessary that we could not miss one of them. If he were not merciful, we could hope for no pardon. If he were no more but merciful, we could hope for no more but pardon. But when besides his being merciful, he is also gracious, this gives us a further hope, a hope of a gift. And then it will not be what we are worthy to receive, but what it is fit for him to give. If he were not slow to anger, we could expect no patience. But when besides his slowness to anger is also full of compassion, this makes us expect he will be the good Samaritan and not only bind up our wounds, but take care also of our further curing. Sir R. Baker.

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, and he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.