TheApplicationofRedemption

byThomasWatson

TableofContents

Faith

EffectualCalling

Justification

Adoption

Sanctification

Assurance

Peace

Joy

GrowthinGrace

Perseverance

FAITH

"IhavebeencrucifiedwithChristandInolongerlive,butChristlivesinme.ThelifeIliveinthebody,IlivebyfaithintheSonofGod,wholovedmeandgavehimselfforme."Galatians2:20

TheSpiritappliestoustheredemptionpurchasedbyChrist,byworkingfaithinus.

Christ is the glory of the gospel, and faith in Christ the comfort of thegospel.

Whatarethekindsoffaith?Fourfold:

(1.) A historical or dogmatic faith, which is believing the truthsrevealedintheWord,becauseofdivineauthority.

(2.) There is a temporary faith, which lasts for a time, and thenvanishes. "Yet has he no root in himself—but endures for a while." Atemporary faith is like Jonah's gourd, which came up in a night andwithered.

(3.) Amiraculous faith, which was granted to the apostles, to workmiracles for theconfirmationof thegospel.ThisJudashad;hecastoutdevils—yetwascastouttothedevil.

(4.)A true justifying faith,which is called "A faith of the operationofGod,"andisajewelhungonlyupontheelect.Col2:12.

Whatisjustifyingfaith?Ishallshow,

(1.)What it is not. It is not a bare acknowledgment that Christ is aSavior.Theremustbethisacknowledgment,butthat isnotsufficienttojustify. The devils acknowledged Christ's Godhead. "Jesus the Son ofGod."Theremaybeanassenttodivinetruth,andyetnoworkofgraceontheheart.Manyassentintheirjudgements,thatsinisanevilthing—buttheygooninsin,whosecorruptionsarestrongerthantheirconvictions.ManyassentthatChristisexcellent;theycheapenthepearl—butdonotbuy.

(2.)What justifying faith is. True justifying faith consists in threethings:

(1:)Self-renunciation.Faithisgoingoutofone'sself,beingtakenofffromourownmerits,andseeingwehavenorighteousnessof our own.

"Nothavingmyownrighteousness."Self-righteousnessisabrokenreed,which the soul dares not lean on. Repentance and faith are bothhumblinggraces;byrepentanceamanabhorshimself;by faithhegoesout of himself. As Israel in their wilderness march, behind them sawPharaoh and his chariots pursuing, before them the Red Sea ready todevour; so the sinner behind sees God's justice pursuing him for sin,before, hell ready to devourhim; and in this forlorn condition, he seesnothinginhimselftohelp—buthemustperishunlesshecanfindhelpinanother.

(2:) Reliance. The soul casts itself upon Jesus Christ; faith rests onChrist's person. Faith believes the promise; but that which faith restsuponinthepromise—isthepersonofChrist:thereforethespouseissaidto "lean upon her Beloved." Faith is described to be "believing on thenameoftheSonofGod,"namely,onhisperson.Thepromiseisbutthecabinet,Christisthejewelinitwhichfaithembraces.Thepromiseisbutthe dish, Christ is the food in it which faith feeds on. Faith rests onChrist'sperson,"ashewascrucified."ItgloriesinthecrossofChrist.Gal6:14.ToconsiderChristcrownedwithallmannerofexcellencies,stirsupadmirationandwonder;butChristlookeduponasbleedinganddying,istheproperobject of our faith; it is called therefore "faith inhisblood."Rom3:25.

(3:)Appropriation,orapplyingChristtoourselves.Amedicine,thoughitbeeversosovereign,ifnotapplied,willdonogood.Thoughtheplaster ismadeofChrist'sownblood, itwillnotheal,unlessappliedbyfaith;thebloodofGod,withoutfaithinGod,willnotsave.Thisapplyingof Christ is called receiving him. John 1:12. The hand receiving gold,enriches.Justso,thehandoffaith,receivingChrist'sgoldenmeritswithsalvation,enrichesus.

Howisfaithwrought?

BytheblessedSpirit;whoiscalledthe"Spiritofgrace,"becauseheisthespringofallgrace.Zech12:10.FaithisthechiefworkwhichtheSpiritofGodworks in aman's heart. Inmaking theworldGoddidbut speakaword—butinworkingfaithheputsforthhisarm.Luke1:51.TheSpirit'sworking faith is called, "The exceeding greatness of God's power." Eph

1:19.Whatapowerwasput forth inraisingChrist fromthegravewhensucha tombstone layuponhimas thesinsofall theworld—yethewasraisedupbytheSpirit.ThesamepowerisputforthbytheSpiritofGod,inworkingfaith.TheSpiritirradiatesthemind,andsubduesthewill.Thewillislikeagarrison,whichholdsoutagainstGod:theSpiritwithsweetviolenceconquers,orratherchangesit;makingthesinnerwillingtohaveChristuponanyterms;toberuledbyhimaswellassavedbyhim.

Whereinliesthepreciousnessoffaith?

(1.)In itsbeingthechiefgospel-grace, theheadof thegraces.Asgoldamongthemetals,soisfaithamongthegraces.Clementcallstheother graces, the daughters of faith. In heaven, love will be the chiefgrace; but,whilewe are here, lovemust give place to faith. Love takespossessionofglory—butfaithgivesatitletoit.Loveisthecrowninggracein heaven—but faith is the conquering grace upon earth. "This is thevictorywhichovercomestheworld,evenourfaith."

(2.) In its having influence upon all the graces, and settingthemtowork.Notagracestirs—until faithsets it towork.Faith setshope towork. The heirmust believe his title to the glories of heaven,beforehecanhope for it; faithbelieves its title toglory, and thenhopewaitsforit.Iffaithdidnotfeedthelampofhopewithoil,itwouldsoondie.Faithsets lovetowork. "Faithwhichworksby love."Believing themercy andmerit of Christ, causes a flame of love to ascend. Faith setspatiencetowork."Befollowersofthosewhothroughfaithandpatienceinherit the promises." Faith believes the glorious rewards given tosuffering. This makes the soul patient in suffering. Thus faith is themaster-wheel,itsetsalltheothergracesrunning.

(3.)Faith is the gracewhichGodhonors—to justify and save.Thusindeeditis"preciousfaith,"astheapostlecallsit.Theothergraceshelp to sanctify—but it is faith that justifies. "Being justified by faith."Repentanceorlovedonotjustify—butfaithdoes.

Howdoesfaithjustify?

(1.)Faithdoesnot justifyas it isawork,whichwouldmakeasaviorof

ourfaith;butfaithjustifies,asitlaysholdoftheobject,namely,Christ'smerits.Ifamanhadapreciousstoneinaringthatcouldheal,weshouldsaytheringheals;butproperlyitisnotthering—butthepreciousstonein the ring that heals. Thus faith saves and justifies—but it is not anyinherent virtue in faith—but only as faith lays hold on Christ, that itjustifies.

(2.)Faithdoesnotjustifyasitexercisesgrace.Itcannotbedenied, thatfaith invigorates all the graces, puts strengthand liveliness into them—butitdoesnotjustifyunderthisnotion.Faithworksbylove—butitdoesnotjustifyasitworksbylove—butasitappliesChrist'smerits.

Whyshouldfaithsaveandjustifymorethananyothergrace?

(1.) Because of God's purpose.He has appointed this grace to bejustifying; and he does it, because faith is a grace that takes aman offhimself,andgivesallthehonortoChristandfreegrace."Stronginfaith,givingglorytoGod."ThereforeGodhasputthishonoronfaith—tomakeitsavingandjustifying.Theking'sstampmakesthecoinpassforcurrent.Just so, God having put his sanction, the stamp of his authority andinstitutionuponfaith,makesittobejustifyingandsaving.

(2.)BecausefaithmakesusonewithChrist.Eph3:17.Faithistheespousing, incorporating grace, it gives us coalition and union withChrist's person. Other graces make us like Christ; faith makes usmembersofChrist.

Useone:OfEXHORTATION.Letusaboveall things laborfor faith."Aboveall,takingtheshieldoffaith."Faithwillbeofmoreusetousthananygrace;asaneye,thoughdim,wasofmoreusetoanIsraelitethanalltheothermembersofhisbody,astrongarm,oranimblefoot.Itwashiseyelookingonthebrazenserpent,whichcuredhim.Itisnotknowledge,though angelic, not repentance, though we could shed rivers of tearswhichcanjustifyus;onlyfaith,wherebywelookonChrist."Withoutfaithit is impossibletopleaseGod."Ifwedonotpleasehimbybelieving,hewill not please us in saving. Faith is the condition of the covenant ofgrace;without faith—without covenant; andwithout covenant—withoutanyhopeofsalvation.Eph2:12.

Use two: Of TRIAL. Let us try whether we have faith. There issomethingthatlookslikefaith,andisnot,asaBristol-stonelookslikeadiamond.Someplantshavethesameleafwithothers—buttheherbalistcandistinguishthembytherootandtaste.Somefaithmaylookliketruefaith—but itmaybedistinguishedbythe fruits.Letusbeserious in thetrial of our faith.Much depends upon our faith; for if our faith is notgood, nothing good comes from us—even our duties and graces areadulterated.

How shall we know if we have true saving faith?By the noblefruitsandeffectsofsavingfaith.

(1.) Faith is a Christ-prizing grace—it puts a high valuationupon Christ. "To you that believe, he is precious." Paul best knewChrist."HaveInotseenJesusChristourLord?"HesawChristwithhisbodilyeyesinavision,whenhewascaughtupintothethirdheaven;andwith the eye of his faith in the Holy Supper; therefore he best knewChrist.Andseehowhestylesallthingsincomparisonofhim."Icountallthingsbutdung,thatImaywinChrist."DowesetahighestimateuponChrist?Couldwebewillingtopartwiththewedgeofgold—forthepearlofgreatprice?

(2.) Faith is a refining grace. Faith is in the soul as fire amongmetals; it refines and purifies. Morality may wash the outside, faithwashes the inside. "Having purified their hearts by faith." Faithmakestheheartaholyofholies.Faithisavirgin-grace:thoughitdoesnottakeaway the lifeof sin—yet it takes away the loveof sin. Examine if yourhearts are anunclean fountain, sendingout themudandmireof prideandenvy.Iftherearelegionsoflustsinyoursoul,thereisnofaith.Faithisaheavenlyplant,whichwillnotgrowinanimpuresoil.

(3.) Faith is an obediential grace. "The obedience of faith." Faithmelts ourwill intoGod's. It runs atGod's call. If God commands duty(thoughcrosstofleshandblood)faithobeys."ByfaithAbrahamobeyed."Heb11:1.Faithisnotanidlegrace;asithasaneyetoseeChrist,soithasahandtoworkforhim.ItnotonlybelievesGod'spromise—butobeyshiscommand. It is not having knowledge that will evidence you to bebelievers;thedevilhasknowledge—butlacksobedience,andthatmakes

him a devil. The true obedience of faith, is a cheerful obedience.God'scommands do not seem grievous. Have you obedience, and obeycheerfully? Do you look upon God's command as your burden—orprivilege;asanironfetteraboutyourleg—orasagoldchainaboutyourneck.

(4.)Faithisanassimilatinggrace.Itchangesthesoulintotheimageoftheobject;itmakesitlikeChrist.NeverdidanylookuponChristwitha believing eye—but he wasmade like Christ. A deformed personmaylookonabeautifulobject,andnotbemadebeautiful;butfaithlookingonChristtransformsaman,andturnshimintohissimilitude.Lookingonableeding Christ, causes a soft bleeding heart. Looking on a holy Christcauses sanctity of heart. Looking on a humble Christ makes the soulhumble.Asthechameleonischangedintothecolorofthatwhichitlooksupon, so faith, looking on Christ, changes the Christian into thesimilitudeofChrist.

(5.) True faith grows. All living things grow. "From faith to faith."Howmaywejudgeofthegrowthoffaith?

Growth of faith is judged by strength.We can do that now, which wecouldnotdobefore.Whenone isman-grown,he cando thatwhich hecouldnotdowhenhewasachild;hecancarryaheavierburden;soyoucanbearcrosseswithmorepatience.

Growthoffaithisseenbydoingdutiesinamorespiritualmanner,withmore fervency;we put coals to the incense, from a principle of love toGod.Whenanapplehasdonegrowinginbigness,itgrowsinsweetness;soyouperformdutiesinloveandaresweeter,andcomeoffwithabetterrelish.

ButIfearIhavenofaith.

Wemust distinguish betweenweaknessof faith—andno faith. A weakfaithistrue.Thebruisedreedisbutweak—yetitissuchasChristwillnotbreak.Thoughyourfaithisweak,benotdiscouraged.

(1.)AweakfaithmayreceiveastrongChrist.Aweakhandcantie

theknotinmarriage,aswellasastrongone.Aweakeyemighthaveseenthe brazen serpent. The woman in the gospel did but touch Christ'sgarment,andreceivedvirtuefromhim.Itwasthetouchoffaith.

(2.)Thepromiseisnotmadetostrongfaith—buttotruefaith.Thepromisedoesnotsay—whoeverhasagiant-faith,whichcanremovemountains,whichcanstop themouthsof lions—shallbesaved.But thepromiseismadetowhoeverbelieves,behisfaitheversosmall.ThoughChristsometimeschidesaweakfaith—yetthatitmaynotbediscouraged,hemakes it a promise. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is thekingdomofheaven."Matthew5:3.

(3.)Aweakfaithmaybefruitful.Weakestthingsmultiplymost;thevineisaweakplant—butit isfruitful.WeakChristiansmayhavestrongaffections.Howstrongisthefirstlove,whichisafterthefirstplantingoffaith!

(4.)Weak faithmaybegrowing. Seeds spring up by degrees; firstthe blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. Therefore, be notdiscouraged.God,whowouldhaveusreceivethosewhoareweakinfaith,willnothimselfrefuse them.Rom14:1.Aweakbeliever isamemberofChrist;andthoughChristwillcutoffrottenmembersfromhisbody,hewillnotcutoffweakmembers.

EFFECTUALCALLING

"And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he alsojustified;thosehejustified,healsoglorified."Romans8:30

Question31:WhatistheNATUREEffectualCalling?

Answer: It is a gracious work of the Spirit, whereby he causes us toembraceChristfreely,asheisofferedtousinthegospel.

In this verse is the golden chainof salvation,madeupof four links, of

which one is effectual calling. This calling is nova creatio—"a newcreation,"thefirstresurrection.Thereisatwo-foldcall:

(1.)Anoutwardcall.

(2.)Aninwardcall.

(1.) An OUTWARD call, which is God's offer of grace to sinners,inviting them to come and accept of Christ and salvation. "Many arecalled—but few chosen." This call showsmenwhat they ought to do inordertosalvation,andrenderstheminexcusableincaseofdisobedience.

(2.) There is an INWARD call, when God with the offer of grace,worksgrace.Bythiscall theheart isrenewed,andthewill iseffectuallydrawntoembraceChrist.TheoutwardcallbringsmentoaprofessionofChrist,theinwardtoapossessionofChrist.

WhataretheMEANSofthiseffectualcall?

Every creature has a voice to call us. Theheavens call to us to beholdGod'sglory.Psalm19:1.Consciencecallstous.God'sjudgmentscallustorepent. "Hear therod."Buteveryvoicedoesnotconvert.Thereare twomeansofoureffectualcall:

(1.) The preaching of the word, which is the sounding of God's silvertrumpet in men's ears. God speaks not by an oracle, he calls by hisministers.SamuelthoughtithadbeenthevoiceofEliwhichcalledhim;butitwasGod'svoice.So,perhaps,youthinkitisonlytheministerthatspeaks toyou in theword—but it isGodhimselfwhospeaks.ThereforeChristissaidtospeaktousfromheaven.Heb12:25.Howdoeshespeakbutbyhisministers?asakingspeaksbyhisambassadors.Know,thatineverysermonpreached,Godcalls toyou;and torefuse themessagewebring,istorefuseGodhimself.

(2.)TheothermeansofoureffectualcallistheHolySpirit.Theministryofthewordisthepipeororgan;theSpiritofGodblowinginit,effectuallychangesmen'shearts."WhilePeterspoke,theHolySpiritfellonallthosewhoheardthewordofGod."Ministersknockatthedoorofmen'shearts,

theSpiritcomeswithakeyandopensthedoor."AcertainwomannamedLydia,whosehearttheLordopened."

FROMwhatdoesGodcallmen?

(1.) God calls men from sin. He calls them from their ignorance andunbelief. I Pet 1:14. By nature the understanding is enveloped withdarkness. God calls men "from darkness to light," as if one should becalledoutofadungeontobeholdthelightofthesun.Eph5:8.

(2.)Godcallsmenfromdanger.AstheangelscalledLotoutofSodom,whenitwasreadytorainfire;soGodcallshispeoplefromthefireandbrimstoneofhell,andfromallthosecursestowhichtheywereexposed.

(3.)Godcallsmenoutoftheworld;asChristcalledMatthewfromthecollection of taxes. "They are not of the world." Such as are divinelycalled,arenotnativesinthisworld—butpilgrims;theydonotconformtotheworld,orfollowitssinfulfashions;theyarenotoftheworld.Thoughthey live here—yet they trade in the heavenly country. The world is aplacewhereSatan's throne is.Rev2:13. It isastageonwhichsineverydayactsitspart.Nowsuchasarecalled—areintheworldbutnotofit.

TOwhatdoesGodcallmen?

(1.)Hecallsthemtoholiness."ForGoddidnotcallustobeimpure,buttoliveaholylife."1Thess4:7.Holinessisthesilverstarwhichthegodlywear."Thepeopleofyourholiness."ThecalledofGod,areanointedwiththeconsecratingoilof theSpirit."YouhaveananointingfromtheHolyOne."

(2.)Godcallsthemtoglory—asifamanwerecalledoutofaprisontositupon a throne. "Whohas called you tohis kingdom and glory."WhomGodcalls,hecrownswithaweightofglory.2Cor4:17.TheHebrewwordfor glory signifies pondus—a weight. The weight of glory adds to theworth, the weightier gold is, the more it is worth. This glory is nottransient—butpermanent,aneternalweight.Thisglorywillbebetterfelt—thanexpressed.

WhatistheCAUSEoftheeffectualcall?

God'selecting love."Andthosehepredestined,healsocalled." Romans8:30. Election is the fountain-cause of our effectual calling. It is notbecause some aremoreworthy to partake of the heavenly calling thanothers—forwewere "all inourblood."Whatworthiness is inus?WhatworthinesswasthereinMaryMagdalene,outofwhomsevendevilswerecast?WhatworthinessintheCorinthians,beforeGodcalledthembyhisgospel? They were "idol worshipers, adulterers, male prostitutes,homosexuals,thieves,greedypeople,drunkards,abusers,andswindlers.""And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you weresanctified,youwerejustifiedinthenameoftheLordJesusChristandbytheSpirit of ourGod." 1Cor6:9-11.Before effectual calling,wearenotonly"withoutstrength,"but"enemiestoGod."Sothatthefoundationofeffectualcallingiselection,andnotmerit.

WhataretheCHARACTERISTICSofthiscall?

(1.)ItisaPOWERFULcall. "ThewordsofGodareworks,"Luther.Godputsforthinfinitepowerincallinghomeasinnertohimself;henotonly puts forth his voice—but his arm. The apostle speaks of theexceedinggreatnessofhispower,whichheexercisestowardsthosewhobelieve.Eph1:19.Godridesforthconqueringinthechariotofhisgospel;heconquerstheprideoftheheart,andmakesthewill,whichstoodoutasa fort-royal, to yield and stoop to his grace; he makes the stony heartbleed.Oh,itisamightycall!WhythendotheArminiansseemtotalkofamoral persuasion, thatGod in the conversion of a sinner onlymorallypersuadesandnomore;setshispromisesbeforementoallure themtogood, and his threatenings to deter them from evil; and that is all hedoes?Butsurelymoralpersuasionsaloneareinsufficienttotheeffectualcall.Howcan thebareproposalofpromisesandthreateningsconvertasoul? This amounts not to a new creation, or that power which raisedChristfromthedead.Godnotonlypersuades—butenables.Ezek36:27.IfGod,inconversion,shouldonlymorallypersuade,thatis,setgoodandevilbeforemen—thenhedoesnotputforthsomuchpowerinsavingmenasthedevildoesindestroyingthem.Satannotonlypropoundstemptingobjectstomen—but inciteswithhis temptations: thereforehe is said to"work in the children of disobedience." The Greek word, to work,

signifiesthepowerSatanhasincarryingmentosin.AndshallnotGod'spower in converting, be greater than Satan's power in seducing? Theeffectualcallismightyandpowerful.Godputsforthadivineenergy,nay,akindofomnipotence;itissuchapowerfulcall,thatthewillofmanhasnopowereffectuallytoresist.

(2.)ItisaHIGHcalling."IpresstowardthemarkfortheprizeofthehighcallingofGod."Itisahighcalling,

(1.)Becausewearecalledtohighexercisesofpiety—tobecrucifiedtotheworld, to live by faith, to loveGod, to be living organs of his praise, toholdcommunionwiththeFatherandtheSon.

(2:) It is a high calling, because we are called to high privileges; tojustification and adoption, to be kings and priests unto God. We arecalled to be co-heirswith Christ.Heb 12:22. Rom8:17. Thosewho areeffectually called, are heirs for heaven—they are princes in all lands,thoughprincesindisguise.Psalm45:16.

(3.)It isanIMMUTABLEcall."God’sgraciousgiftsandcallingareirrevocable;"Rom 11:29. That is, those gifts that flow from election (aseffectual callingand justification) are irrevocable.God never repents ofcallingasinnertobeasaint.

Useone:SeetheNECESSITYoftheeffectualcall.Amancannotgotoheavenwithoutit.Wemustbecalledbeforeweareglorified.Rom8:30. A man uncalled can lay claim to nothing in the Bible butthreatening!Aman in thestateofnature isnot fit forheaven,nomorethanamaninhisfilthandhisragsisfittocomeintoaking'spresence.Aman in his natural state is aGod-hater, and is he fit for heaven?Rom1:30.WillGodlayhisenemyinhisbosom?

Use two: Of TRIALwhetherwe are effectually called. This wemayknowbyitsantecedent,anditsresults.

(1.) By the antecedent. Before this effectual call, a humbling workpassesuponthesoul.Amanisconvincedofsin,heseesheisasinnerandnothingbutasinner;thefallowgroundofhisheartisbrokenup.Jer4:3.

Asthefarmerbreaksuptheclods,thencastsintheseed;soGod,bytheconvincingwork of the law, breaks a sinner's heart, andmakes it fit toreceivetheseedsofgrace.Suchaswereneverconvincedofsin—arenevercalled."Heshallconvincetheworldofsin."John16:8.Convictionofsinisthefirststepinconversionfromsin.

(2.)Bytheresults,whicharetwo.

(1.)Hewho is savingly called, answers to God's call.When God calledSamuel,heanswered,"Speak,Lord,yourservanthears."WhenGodcallsyoutoanactofpiety—doyourunatGod'scall?"Iwasnotdisobedienttotheheavenlyvision."IfGodcallstodutiescontrarytofleshandblood,weobey his voice in everything; true obedience is like the needle, whichpointsthatwaywhichthemagnetdraws.SuchasaredeaftoGod'scall,showtheyarenotcalledbygrace.

(2) He who is effectually called stops his ears to all other calls whichwould call him off from God. As God has his call, so there are othercontrarycalls.Satancallsbyatemptation,lustcalls,evilcompanycalls;butastheadderstopsitsearagainstthevoiceofthecharmer,sohewhoiseffectuallycalledstopshisearagainstall thecharmsof the fleshandthedevil.

Use three: Of COMFORT to thosewho are the called of God.This call evidences election. "Those He predestined, He also called."Election is thecauseof our effectually calling; and effectually calling isthesignof our election.Election is the first link of the golden chain ofsalvation,effectuallycallingisthesecond.Hewhohasthesecondlinkofthe chain—is sure of the first link! As by the streamwe are led to thefountain, so by effectually calling we ascend to election. Effectuallycallingisthepledgeofglory."Godhaschosenyoutosalvation,throughsanctification."Wemay readGod's predestinating love—in thework ofgraceinourheart.

Usefour:LetsuchasarecalledbeTHANKFULtoGodforthatunspeakableblessing.BethankfultoallthepersonsintheTrinity,totheFather'smercy, to theSon'smerit, to the Spirit's efficacy. Tomakeyou thankful, consider, when you had offended God—he called you.

ConsiderthatwhenGodhadnoneedofyou—buthadmillionsofglorifiedsaints andangels topraisehim,he calledyou.Considerwhat youwerebeforeGodcalledyou!"Youweredead,doomedforeverbecauseofyourmanysins!"WhenGodcalledPaul,he foundhimpersecuting;whenhecalledZacchaeus,hefoundhimusingextortion.WhenGodcallsamanbyhisgrace,hefindshimseekingafterhislusts;aswhenSaulwascalledtothe kingdom, he was seeking the donkeys. Admire his love, exalt hispraise—thatHeshouldcallyouwhenyouwereinthehotpursuitofsin!Whatmercyisthis—thatGodshouldcallyou,andpassbyothers!"Evenso,Father,forsoitseemedgoodinyoursight!"ThatGodshouldpassbywise and noble people, people of sweeter disposition, greater abilities,guiltyoflessvice,andthatthelotoffreegraceshouldfalluponyou—oh,theastonishingloveofGod!

Itwasagreat favor toSamuel thatGodcalled tohim,and revealedhismindtohim,andpassedbyEli,thoughapriestandajudgeinIsrael.Justso,thatGodshouldcalltoyou,amonstroussinner,andpassbyothersofbettermorals—callsaloudforpraise.AsGodsogovernstheclouds, thathemakesthemrainupononeplace,andnotuponanother—justso,atasermontheLordopenstheheartofone,andanotherisnomoreaffectedwith it thanadeafmanwith thesoundofmusic.Here is thebanneroffree gracedisplayed, andhere should the trophies of praisebe erected.Elijah and Elisha were walking together; when suddenly there came achariot of fire, and carriedElijahup to heaven—but leftElisha behind;justso,whentwoarelivingtogether,husbandandwife,fatherandchild,that God should call one by his grace—but leave the other in his sins;carryuponeinatriumphantchariottoheaven—butlettheotherperisheternally—oh infinite rich grace! How should they that are called beaffectedwithGod'ssovereignlove!Howshouldthevesselsofmercyrunover with thankfulness! How should they stand upon Mount Gerizim,blessingandpraisingGod!Ohbegintheworkofheavenhere!Suchasaretrophies of mercy, should be trumpeters of praise. Thus Paul, beingeffectuallycalledbyGod,andseeingwhatadebtorhewastofreegrace,breaks forth into admiration and gratitude, "Thanks be to God for hisindescribablegift!"2Corinthians9:15.

Usefive:Tothecalled.Walkworthyofyourhighcalling."Iurge

youtolivealifeworthyofthecallingyouhavereceived."Ephesians4:1;intwothings.

(1.)Walkcompassionately.Pity suchasareyetuncalled.Have youachild, or awife, or a friend—whomGod has not yet called?Weep overtheirdyingsouls;theyare"dead,doomedforeverbecauseoftheirmanysins,"and"underthepowerofSatan."Ohpitythem!Lettheirsinsmoretroubleyou—thanyourownsufferings.Ifyoupityanoxordonkeygoingastray, will you not pity a soul going astray? Show yourpiety,by yourpity.

(2.)Walkholily.Yoursisaholycalling.2Tim1:9.Youarecalledtobesaints, Rom 1:7. Show your effectual calling by a Bible life. Shall notflowerssmellsweeterthanweeds?Shallnotthosewhoareennobledwithgrace,havemore fragrance in their lives thanuncalledsinners? "As theOnewhocalledyouisholy,youalsoaretobeholyinallyourconduct."1Peter 1:15.Oh dishonor not your high calling by any sordid life!WhenAntigonuswas going to defile himselfwithwomen, one told him, "Youareaking'sson!"Ohrememberyourdignity;"calledofGod!"oftheroyalbloodofheaven.Donothingunworthyofyourhonorablecalling.Scipiorefused the embraces of an harlot, because hewas general of an army.Abhor all motions to sin, because of your high calling. It is not fit forthose who are the called of God, to do as others. Though other Jewsdrank wine, it was not fit for theNazarite, because he had a vow ofseparationuponhim,andhadpromisedabstinence.ThoughPagansandnominalChristianstake liberty tosin—yet it isnot fit for thosewhoarecalledoutof theworld,andhavethemarkofelectionuponthem,todoso.Youareconsecratedpeople,yourbodiesarethetemplesof theHolySpirit,andyourbodiesmustbeaholyofholies.

JUSTIFICATION

"Beingjustifiedfreelybyhisgrace."Romans3:24

Question23.WhatisJustification?

Answer:JustificationisanactofGod'sfreegrace,wherebyhepardonsallour sins, and accepts us as righteous in his sight—only for therighteousnessofChrist,imputedtous,andreceivedbyfaithalone.

Justification is the veryhinge andpillar ofChristianity.An error aboutjustification isdangerous, like adefect in a foundation. Justification byChrist is a spring of the water of life. To have the poison of corruptdoctrinecastintothisspringisdamnable.ItwasasayingofLuther,"thatafterhisdeath,thedoctrineofjustificationwouldbecorrupted."Intheselatter times, theArminiansandSocinianshave cast adead fly into thisboxofpreciousointment.

Ishallendeavor to followthestarofScripture, to lightmethroughthismysteriouspoint.

WhatisMEANTbyjustification?

It is a word borrowed from law-courts, wherein a person arraigned ispronounced righteous, and is openly absolved. God, in justifying aperson,pronounceshimtoberighteous,andlooksuponhimasifhehadnotsinned.

WhatistheSOURCEofjustification?

Thecause,theinwardimpellantmotiveorgroundofjustification, is thefreegraceofGod:"beingjustifiedfreelybyhisgrace."Ambroseexpoundsthis,as"notofthegracewroughtwithinus—butthefreegraceofGod."ThefirstwheelthatsetsalltherestrunningistheloveandfavorofGod;asakingfreelypardonsadelinquent.Justificationisamercyspunoutoftheaffectionsoffreegrace.Goddoesnotjustifyusbecauseweareworthy—butbyjustifyingusmakesusworthy.

WhatistheGROUND,orthatbywhichasinnerisjustified?

ThegroundofourjustificationisChrist'ssatisfactionmadetohisFather.If it be asked, how can it stand with God's justice and holiness topronounceus innocent—whenweareguilty?Theanswer is, thatChristhaving made satisfaction for our sins, Godmay, in equity and justice,

pronounce us righteous. It is a just thing for a creditor to discharge adebtorofthedebt,whenasatisfactionismadebythesurety.

ButhowwasChrist'ssatisfactionmeritorious,andsosufficienttojustify?

In respect of the divine nature. As hewasman he suffered, as God hesatisfied.ByChrist'sdeathandmerits,God's justiceismoreabundantlysatisfiedthanifwehadsufferedthepainsofhellforever.

WhereinliestheMETHODofourjustification?

In the imputation of Christ's righteousness to us. "This is the namewhereby he shall be called, Jehovah Tzidkennu, the Lord ourrighteousness." "He ismade tous righteousness."This righteousnessofChrist, which justifies us, is a better righteousness than the angels; fortheirsistherighteousnessofcreatures,thisrighteousnessisofGod.

WhatistheMEANSorinstrumentofourjustification?

Faith."Beingjustifiedbyfaith."Thedignityisnotinfaithasagrace—butrelatively,asfaithlaysholdonChrist'smerits.

WhatistheefficientCAUSEofourjustification?

ThewholeTrinity.All thepersons intheblessedTrinityhaveahand inthe justificationofa sinner.God theFather issaidto justify. "It isGodwhojustifies."GodtheSonissaidtojustify."Byhimallwhobelievearejustified."GodtheHolySpiritissaidtojustify."Butyouarejustifiedbythe Spirit of our God." God the Father justifies, as he pronounces usrighteous;God theSon justifies, as he imputes his righteousness to us;andGod theHoly Spirit justifies, as he clears up our justification, andsealsusuptothedayofredemption.

WhatistheENDofourjustification?Theendis,

(1.)ThatGodmayinheritpraise."Tothepraiseofthegloryofhisgrace."HerebyGodraisestheeverlastingtrophiesofhisownhonor.HowwillthejustifiedsinnerproclaimtheloveofGod,andmakeheavenringwithhis

praises!

(2.)Thatthejustifiedpersonmayinheritglory."Whomhejustified,thosehealsoglorified."Godinjustifying,notonlyabsolvesasoulfromguilt—but advances him to dignity. Just as Joseph was not only loosed fromprison—but made Lord of the kingdom. Justification is crowned withglorification!

Arewejustifiedfrometernity?No,for,

(1.)Bynatureweareunderasentenceofcondemnation.John3:18.Wecouldneverhavebeencondemned,ifwewerejustifiedfrometernity.

(2.)TheScriptureconfinesjustificationtothosewhobelieveandrepent."Repent, that your sinsmay be blotted out." Acts 3:19. Therefore theirsins were uncancelled, and their persons unjustified, until they didrepent. Though God does not justify us for our repentance—yet notwithoutit.TheAntinomianserroneouslyhold,thatwearejustifiedfrometernity.Thisdoctrineisakeywhichopensthedoortoalllicentiousness;forwhatsinsdotheynotcommit,solongastheyholdtheyarejustifiedwhethertheyrepentornot?

BeforeIcometotheuses,Ishalllaydownfourmaximsorpositionsaboutjustification.

[1] That justification confers a real benefit upon the personjustified.Theacquittinganddischargingofthedebtor,byvirtueofthesatisfactionmadebythesurety,isarealbenefittothedebtor.Arobeofrighteousness,andacrownofrighteousness,arerealbenefits.

[2]Allbelieversarealike justified. Justificationdoesnot apply tosomemorethantoothers.Thoughtherearedegreesingrace—yetnotinjustification;oneisnotjustifiedmorethananother.Theweakestbelieveris as perfectly justified as the strongest. Mary Magdalene is as muchjustified as the VirginMary. Thismay be a cordial to a weak believer.Thoughyouhavebutagrainoffaith,youareastrulyjustified,ashewhoisofthehigheststatureinChrist.

[3]WhoeverGodjustifies,hesanctifies."Butyouaresanctified—butyouarejustified."1Cor.6:2.ThePapistscalumniateProtestants;theyreportthemtoholdthatmencontinuinginsinarejustified;whereasallour Protestant writers affirm, that righteousness imputed, forjustification, and righteousness inherent, for sanctification, must beinseparablyunited.Holinessindeedisnotthecauseofourjustification—butitistheattendant;astheheatinthesunisnotthecauseofitslight—but it is theattendant. It isabsurdto imagine thatGodshould justifyapeople,andtheyshouldstillgooninsin.IfGodshouldjustifyapeopleand not sanctify them—he would justify a people whom he could notglorify.AholyGod cannot lay a sinner inhisbosom.Themetal is firstrefined, before theking's stamp isputupon it. Just so, the soul is firstrefined with holiness, before God puts the royal stamp of justificationuponit.

[4]Justificationisafixedpermanentthing,itcanneverbelost.The Arminians hold an apostasy from justification; today justified,tomorrowunjustified;todayaPeter,tomorrowaJudas;todayamemberof Christ, tomorrow a child of Satan. This is a most uncomfortabledoctrine.Justifiedpeoplemayfallfromdegreesofgrace,theymayleavetheir first love, theymay loseGod's favor for a time—butnot lose theirjustification.Iftheyarejustifiedtheyareelected;andtheycannomorefall fromtheir justification than fromtheirelection. If theyare justifiedtheyhaveunionwithChrist,andcanamemberofChristisbrokenoff?Ifone justified personmay fall away from Christ, all may; and so Christwouldbeaheadwithoutabody.

Use one: See from hence, that there is nothingwithin us that couldjustify us—but somethingwithoutus; not any righteousness inherent—butrighteousnessimputed.Wemayaswelllookforastarintheearth,asforjustificationinourownrighteousness.ThePapistssaywearejustifiedbyworks;buttheapostleconfutesit,forhesays,"notofworks,lestanymanshouldboast."ThePapistssay,"theworksdonebyanunregeneratemanindeedcannotjustifyhim—butworksdonebyaregeneratemanmayjustify."Thisismostfalse,asmaybeprovedbothbyexampleandreason.

(1.)Byexample.Abrahamwasaregenerateman;butAbrahamwasnotjustified by works—but by faith. Abraham "believed God, and it was

countedtohimforrighteousness."

(2.) By reason. How can those works justify us—which defile us? "Ourrighteousnesses are as filthy rags." Goodworks are not an usher to gobeforejustification—butahandmaidtofollowit.

ButdoesnottheapostleJamessaythatAbrahamwasjustifiedbyworks?

Theanswer iseasy.Worksmanifestus toberighteousbeforemen—buttheydonotmakeus righteousbeforeGod.Works areevidencesof ourjustification,notcauses.TheonlynameengraveduponthegoldenplateofChristourHighPriestmustbe,theLordOurRighteousness.

Usetwo:Ofexhortation.

(1.)AdoretheinfinitewisdomandgoodnessofGodthatfoundoutawayto justifyusby"richgraceandpreciousblood."Wewere all involved in guilt; noneof us couldpleadnot-guilty; andbeingguilty, we lay under a sentence of death. Now that the judge himselfshouldfindoutawaytojustifyus,andthecreditorhimselfcontriveawayto have the debt paid, and not distress the debtor—should fill us withwonderandlove!Theangelsadmirethemysteryoffreegraceinthisnewwayofjustifyingandsavinglostman,IPet1:12,andshouldnotwe,whoarenearlyconcernedinit,andonwhomthebenefitisdevolved,cryoutwith the apostle, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom andknowledgeofGod!"

(2.)Laborforthishighprivilegeofjustification.ThereisbalminGilead;Christ has laid downhis blood as the price of our justification;andheoffershimselfandallhismeritstous,tojustify.Heinvitesustocometohim;hehaspromisedtogivehisSpirit,toenableustodowhatisrequired.Whythen,sinners,willyounotlookafterthisgreatprivilegeofjustification?Whystarveinthemidstofplenty?Whyperish,whenthereisaremedytosaveyou?Wouldnothebe thought tobederanged,whohavingapardonofferedhim,onlyupontheacknowledgmentofhisfault,and promising amendment, should bid the prince keep his pardon tohimself;forhispart,hewasinlovewithhischainsandfetters,andwoulddie? You who neglect justification offered you freely by Christ in the

gospel,are thisderangedperson. Is the loveofChrist tobeslighted?Isyour soul, is heaven worth nothing? Oh then look after justificationthroughChrist'sblood!

Consider—

(1:)Thenecessityofbeingjustified.Ifwearenotjustified,wecannotbeglorified."Whomhejustified,themhealsoglorified."Rom8:30.Hewhois outlawed, and all his goods confiscated, must be brought into favorwith his prince before he can be restored to his former rights andliberties. Just so, wemust have our sins forgiven, and be brought intoGod'sfavorbyjustification,beforewecanberestoredtothelibertyofthesonsofGod,andhavearighttothathappinessweforfeitedinAdam.

(2:) The utility and benefit. By justification we enjoy peace in ourconscience; a richer jewel than any prince wears in his crown. "Beingjustified by faith, we have peace with God." Peace can sweeten all ourafflictions;itturnsourwaterintowine.HowhappyisajustifiedpersonwhohasthepowerofGodtoguardhim,andthepeaceofGodtocomforthim! Peace flowing from justification is an antidote against the fear ofdeathandhell."ItisGodwhojustifies,whoishethatcondemns?"Rom8:33,34.ThereforelaborforthisjustificationbyChrist.Thisprivilege isobtained by believing in Christ. "By him all who believe are justified.""WhomGodhassetforthtobeapropitiationthroughfaithinhisblood."FaithunitesustoChrist;andhavingunionwithhisperson—wepartakeofhismerits,andtheglorioussalvationwhichcomesbyhim.

Usethree:Comforttothejustified.

(1.)Itiscomfortincaseoffailings.Alas!howdefectivearethegodly!theycomeshortineveryduty;butthoughbelieversshouldbehumbledundertheir defects, they should not despond. They are not to be justified bytheirdutiesorgraces—butbytherighteousnessofChrist.Theirdutiesaremixedwithsin—but that righteousnesswhich justifies themisaperfectrighteousness.

(2.)Comfort incaseofhardcensures.TheworldcensuresthepeopleofGod as proud and hypocritical, and the troublers of Israel. But though

mencensureandcondemnthegodly—yetGodhasjustifiedthem,andashe has now justified them, so at the day of judgement he will openlyjustifythem,andpronouncethemrighteousbeforemenandangels.Godisso justandholya judge, thathavingonce justifiedhispeoplehewillnever condemn them. Pilate justified Christ, saying, "I find no fault inhim;"yetafterthishecondemnedhim;butGodhavingpubliclyjustifiedhissaints,hewillnevercondemnthem;for"whomhejustified,themhealsoglorified."

ADOPTION

"Asmanyasreceivedhim,tothemgavehepowertobecomethesonsofGod,eventothosewhobelieveonhisname."John1:12.

Havingspokenofthegreatpointsoffaithandjustification,wecomenexttoadoption.

Thequalificationofthepeopleis,"Asmanyasreceivedhim."Receivingisputforbelieving,asisclearbythelastwords,"tothosewhobelieveinhisname." The specification of the privilege is, "to them gave he power tobecome the sonsofGod."TheGreekword forpower,exousia, signifiesdignityandprerogative:hedignifiedthemtobecomethesonsofGod.

Our sonship differs from Christ's. He was the Son of God by eternalgeneration,asonbeforetime;butoursonshipis,

(1.)Bycreation."Wearehisoffspring."Thisisnoprivilege;formenmayhave God for their Father by creation, and yet have the devil for theirfather.

(2.)Oursonshipisbyadoption."HegavethempowertobecomethesonsofGod."Adoptionistwofold.

Externalandfederal:asthosewholiveinavisiblechurch,andmakeaprofessionofGod, are sons. "The childrenof thekingdomshallbecastout."

Realandgracious: as theyare sonswhoareGod's favorites, andareheirsof glory.Before Iproceed to thequestions, I shall laydown threepositions.

I.Adoptiontakesinallnations.Afirstadoptionwasconfinedtothepeopleof theJews,whoaloneweregrafted into the trueolive tree,andwere dignified with glorious privileges. "Who are Israelites, to whompertainstheadoptionandtheglory."Butnow,inthetimeofthegospel,thecharter isenlarged,andthebelievingGentilesarewithin the lineof

communication,andhavearighttotheprivilegesofadoptionaswellastheJews."IneverynationhewhofearsGodandworksrighteousness isacceptedwithhim."

II.Adoptiontakesinbothsexes,femalesaswellasmales."Iwillbe a father unto you, and you shall bemy sons anddaughters." I haveread, that in some countries, females are excluded from the supremedignity,asbytheSaliquelawinFrance,nowomancaninheritacrown;butofspiritualprivileges,femalesareascapableasmales.Everygracioussoul(ofwhatevergender) laysclaimtoadoption,andhasan interest inGod as a father. "You shall be my sons and daughters, says the LordAlmighty."

III. Adoption is an act of pure grace. "He predestined us to beadopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with Hispleasure andwill." Ephesians 1:5. Adoption is amercy spun out of theaffectionsoffreegrace.AllbynaturearestrangerstoGod,thereforehaveno right to sonship. God is pleased to adopt one, and not another; tomakeoneavesselofglory,anotheravesselofwrath.Theadoptedheirmaycryout,"Lord,howisit,thatyouwillshowyourselftome,andnotuntotheworld?"

Whatisthisfiliationoradoption?

Itistakingastrangerintotherelationofasonandheir;asMoseswastheadoptedsonofKingPharaoh'sdaughter,Exod2:10,andEstherwastheadoptedchildofhercousinMordecai.Esth2:7.ThusGodadoptsusintothefamilyofheaven,andGodinadoptingusdoestwothings:

(1.)Heennoblesuswithhisname.Hewhoisadoptedbearsthenameofhimwhoadoptshim."IwillwriteonhimthenameofmyGod.

(2.)GodconsecratesuswithhisSpirit.Allwhomheadopts—heanoints.Allwhomhemakessons,hemakessaints.Whenamanadoptsanotherforhissonandheir,hemayputhisnameuponhim—buthecannotputhis disposition into him; if he is of amorose ruggednature, he cannotalter it. But thosewhomGodadopts,hesanctifies; he not only gives anewnamebutanewnature.2Pet1:4.Heturnsthewolfintoalamb;he

makes the heart humble and gracious; he works such a change—as ifanothersouldweltinthesamebody.

FromwhatstatedoesGodtakeuswhenheadoptsus?

Fromastateofsinandmisery.Pharaoh'sdaughtertookMosesoutofthearkofbulrushesinthewater,andadoptedhimforherson.Goddidnottakeusoutofthewater—butoutofourblood,andadoptedus.Ezek16:6.He adopted us from slavery; it is amercy to redeema slave—but it ismoretoadopthim!

TowhatdoesGodadoptus?

(1.)Godadoptsus toastateofexcellence. Itwould bemuch forGodtotakeaclodofdust,andmakeitastar.But it ismoreforhimtotakeapieceofclayandsin,andadoptitforhisheir!

(2.) God adopts us to a state of liberty. Adoption is a state offreedom;aslavebeingadopted,ismadeafreeman."Youarenomoreaservant,butason."Howisanadoptedsonfree?Nottodowhathewants;but he is free from the dominion of sin, the tyranny of Satan, and thecurseofthelaw.Heisfreeinthemannerofworship.HehasGod'sfreeSpirit, whichmakes him free and cheerful in the service of God; he is"joyfulinthehouseofprayer."

(3.) God adopts us to a state of dignity. He makes us heirs ofpromise,heinstallsusintohonor."Sinceyouwerepreciousinmysight,youhavebeenhonorable."TheadoptedareGod'streasure;Exod19:5;his jewels;Mal 3:17; his first-born;Heb 12:23. They have angels fortheirlife-guards.Heb1:14.Theyareoftheroyalbloodofheaven.IJohn3:9.TheScripturehas set forth their spiritualheraldry; theyhave theirescutcheon or coat-armor; sometimes the lion for courage; Prov 28:1;sometimes the dove formeekness; Cant 2:14; sometimes the eagle forflight;Isa40:31.Thusyouseetheircoatofarmsdisplayed.

(4.)God adoptsus to a glorious inheritance.God adopts all hissonstoaninheritance."It isyourfather'sgoodpleasuretogiveyouthekingdom!"Luke12:32.It isnodisparagementtobethesonsofGod.To

reproachthesaints, is likewhenShimeihadreproachedDavidwhenhewasgoing tobemadeking.Adoptionends incoronation.ThekingdomGodgivestohisadoptedsonsandheirs,excelsallearthlymonarchies.

(1:)Inriches."Thegatesareofpearl,andthestreetsofpuregold,asitweretransparentglass."

(2:)Intranquility.Itispeaceable,andthewhitelilyofpeaceisthebestflower in a prince's crown. One peace is better than innumerabletriumphs.Nodivisionsathome,orinvasionsabroad;nomorethenoiseofthedrumorcannon;butthevoiceofharpersharpingistheemblemofpeace.Rev14:2.

(3:) In stability. Other kingdoms are corruptible; though they haveheads of gold, they have feet of clay; but the kingdom into which thesaintsareadoptedrunsparallelwitheternity,itisakingdomthatcannotbe shaken.Heb 12:28. The heirs of heaven reign forever and ever.Rev22:5.

Whatistheorganicorinstrumentalcauseofadoption?

Faithinterestsusintheprivilegeofadoption."YouareallthechildrenofGodbyfaith inChristJesus."Beforefaith iswrought,wearespirituallyillegitimate,wehaveno relation toGodas a father.AnunbelievermaycallGod judge—but not father. Faith is the affiliating grace; it confersuponusthetitleofsonship,andgivesusrighttoinherit.

Whyisfaiththeinstrumentofadoptionmorethananyothergrace?

Faithisaquickeninggrace,thevitalarteryofthesoul."Thejustshallliveby faith." Life makes us capable of adoption; dead children are neveradopted. It makes us Christ's brethren, and so God comes to be ourFather. "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that weshouldbecalledchildrenofGod!Andthatiswhatweare!Thereasontheworld does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1. "Hepredestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, inaccordancewithhispleasureandwill."Ephesians1:5

Use one: (1.) See the amazing love of God, in making us hissons.PlatogaveGodthanksthathehadmadehimaman,andnotonlyamanbutaphilosopher;butitisinfinitelymore,thatheshouldinvestuswiththeprerogativeofhissons!ItisloveinGodtofeedus—butmoretoadoptus."Behold,whatmanneroflovetheFatherhasbestoweduponus,that we should be called the sons of God!" Behold the wonder! ThewonderofGod'sloveinadoptinguswillappearthemoreifweconsiderthesesixthings:

(1:)ThatGodshouldadoptus,whenhehadaSonofhisown.Men adopt because they have no children, and desire to have some tobeartheirname;butthatGodshouldadoptuswhenhehadaSonofhisown, the Lord Jesus—is a wonder of love. Christ is called "God's dearSon."ASonmoreworthy than theangels. "Beingmadesomuchbetterthantheangels."Now,sinceGodhadaSonofhisown,andsuchaSon—howwonderfulGod's love in adopting us!Weneeded a Father—but hedidnotneedsons!

(2:)ConsiderwhatwewerebeforeGodadoptedus.Wewereverydeformed;andamanwillscarcelyadoptoneforhisheir—whoiscrookedand ill-favored. He will rather one who has some beauty. MordecaiadoptedEsther,becauseshewas fair.Whenwewere inourblood,Godadoptedus. "WhenI sawyoupolluted inyourblood, itwas the timeoflove."Goddidnotadoptuswhenwewerebespangledwiththejewelsofholiness—butwhenwewere black as Ethiopians, diseased as lepers—itwasthetimeofhislove.

(3:) That God should be at so great expense in adopting us.When men adopt, they have only some deed sealed, and the thing iseffected;butwhenGodadopts,itputshimtoafargreaterexpense;itsetshiswisdomtoworktofindoutawaytoadoptus.Itwasnoeasythingtomakeheirsofwrath, intoheirsof thepromise andof glory.WhenGodhad found out a way to adopt, it was no easy way. Our adoption waspurchasedatadearrate; forwhenGodwasabout tomakeussonsandheirs,hecouldnotsealthedeedbutbythebloodofhisownSon.Hereisthewonder of God's love in adopting us, that he should be at all thisexpensetoaccomplishit.

(4:)ThatGodshouldadopthisenemies. Ifamanadoptsanotherfor his heir, he will not adopt his mortal enemy; but that God shouldadoptus,whenwewerenotonlystrangers—butenemies,isthewonderofhislove!ForGodtohavepardonedhisenemieswouldhavebeenmuch;buttoadoptthemforhisheirs,astonishestheangelsinheaven!

(5:) That God should take great numbers out of the devil'sfamily,andadoptthemintothefamilyofheaven.Christissaidto"bringmanysonstoglory."Menusuallyadoptbutoneheir—butGodisresolved to increase his family, he brings many sons to glory. God'sadoptingofmillions—is thewonderof love.Hadbutonebeen adopted,allofusmighthavedespaired;buthebringsmanysonstoglory,whichopensadoorofhopetous.

(6:) That God should confer so great honor upon us, inadoptingus.Davidthoughtitnosmallhonorthatheshouldbeaking'sson-in-law. But what honor to be the sons of the high God! ThemorehonorGodhasputuponusinadoptingus,themorehehasmagnifiedhislovetowardsus.Whathonor—thatGodhasmadeussonearinalliancetohim,sonsofGodtheFather,membersofGodtheSon,templesofGodtheHoly Spirit! that he has made us as the angels; nay, in some sense,superior to the angels! All this proclaims the wonder of God's love inadoptingus.

(7:) See the dreadful condition of such as live and die inunbelief.TheyarenotthesonsofGod."Toasmanyasreceivedhim,hegavepowertobecomethesonsofGod,eventothosewhobelieveonhisname."Nofaith—nosonship.Unbelievershavenosignofsonship—theyknownotGod.AllGod'schildrenknowtheirFather—butthewickeddonotknowhim."Theyproceedfromeviltoevil,andknownotme,saystheLord."Unbelievers are "dead in trespasses and sins."God has no deadchildren;andnotbeingchildren,theyhavenorighttoinheritthegloriesofheaven.

Usetwo:Trywhetheryouareadopted.Thewholeworldisdividedintotwoclasses—thesonsofGod,andtheheirsofhell."TothemhegavepowertobecomethesonsofGod."Letusputourselvesonatrial.Itisnosignweareadoptedsons,becausewearesonsofgodlyparents.TheJews

boastedthattheywereofAbraham'sseed,andthoughttheymustneedsbe good, because they came of such a holy line. But adoption does notcomebyblood.Manygodlyparentshavewickedsons;AbrahamhadanIshmael; Isaac had an Esau. The corn that is sown pure, brings forthgrainwithahusk.Justso,fromhimwhoisholy,anunholychildsprings.We are only God's sons by adoption and grace—not as we are born ofgodly parents. Well, then, let us test ourselves, to see if we are theadoptedsonsanddaughtersofGod.

1.Thefirstsignofadoptionisobedience.Asonobeyshisfather."Isetcupsandjugsofwinebeforethemandinvitedthemtohaveadrink,but they refused. "No," they said. "We don't drink wine, becauseJehonadabsonofRecab,ourancestor,gaveus thiscommand:Youandyour descendants must never drink wine." Jeremiah 35:5-6. So, whenGodsays"drinknotinsin'senchantedcup,"anadoptedchildsays,"myheavenlyFatherhas commandedme, and Idarenotdrink."Agracioussoul not onlybelievesGod's promise—butobeyshis command. Truechild-likeobediencemustberegular,whichimpliesfivethings:

(1.) It must be done by a right RULE.Obedience must have theWordofGodfor itsrule.This is the touchstone."Tothe lawandtothetestimony!" Ifourobedience isnotaccording to theWord, it isofferingup strange fire; it iswillworship; andGodwill say, "Whohas requiredthis at your hand?" The apostle condemnsworshiping of angels,whichhad a show of humility. Col 2:18. The Jews might say that they werereluctanttobesoboldastogotoGodintheirownpersons;theywouldbemore humble, and prostrate themselves before the angels, desiringthemtobetheirmediatorstoGod.Herewasashowofhumilityintheirangelworship;butitwasabominable,becausetheyhadnowordofGodtowarrantit; itwasnotobedience—butidolatry.Child-likeobedienceisthatwhichisconsistentwithtoourFather'srevealedwill.

(2.) Itmustbedone fromarightPRINCIPLE, fromthenobleprinciple of faith. "The obedience of faith." "All acceptable worksproceedfromfaith,"Augustine.Acrab-treemaybearfruitfairtotheeye—butitissourbecauseitdoesnotcomefromagoodroot.AmoralpersonmaygiveGodoutwardobedience,whichtotheeyesofothersmayseemglorious;buthisobedience is sourbecause it comesnot fromthesweet

andpleasantrootoffaith.AchildofGodgiveshimtheobedienceoffaith,andthatmelioratesandsweetenshisservices,andmakesthemcomeoffwithabetterrelish."ByfaithAbelofferedabettersacrificethanCain."

(3.)ItmustbedonetoarightEND.Theenddeterminesthevalueofthedeed;theendofobedienceisglorifyingGod.Thatwhichhasspoiledmanysplendidservices,is,thattheendhasbeenwrong."Becarefulnotto do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. Sowhen you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as thehypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored bymen.Itellyouthetruth,theyhavereceivedtheirrewardinfull."Matthew6:1-2.Goodworksshouldshine—butnotblaze."IfIgivemybody tobeburnt,andhavenotlove,itprofitsmenothing."ThesameImustsayofasincereaim;ifIobeyeversomuch,andhavenotasincereaim,itprofitsmenothing.TrueobediencelooksatGodinallthings."ThatChristmaybemagnified."ThoughachildofGodshootsshort—yethetakesarightaim.

(4.)Truechild-likeobediencemustbeUNIFORM.AchildofGodmakes conscience of one command, aswell as another.All thingsdoneforGod, are donewith equal zeal. All God's commands have the samestampofdivineauthorityuponthem;andifIobeyonepreceptbecausemyheavenlyFathercommandsme,bythesameruleImustobeyall.Asthebloodrunsthroughall theveinsof thebody—justso, truechild-likeobediencerunsthroughthefirstandsecondtable."Ihaverespectuntoallyour commandments." Psalm 119:6. To obey God in some things—andnotinothers,showsanunsoundheart;likeEsau,whoobeyedhisfatherinbringinghimvenison—butnotinagreatermatter,asthechoiceofhiswife.Child-likeobediencemovestowardseverycommandofGod,astheneedlepoints thatwaywhich the loadstonedraws. IfGodcall todutieswhicharecrosstofleshandblood,ifwearechildren,weshallstillobeyourFather."IhavekeptmyfeetfromeveryevilpathsothatImightobeyyourword."Psalm119:101.

ButwhocanobeyGodinallthings?

Thoughanadoptedheirofheavencannotobeyeverypreceptperfectly—yethedoesevangelically.Heapprovesofeverycommand."Iconsentto

the law, that it is good." Rom 7:16.He delights in every command. "OhowloveIyourlaw!"Psalm119:97.Hisdesireistoobeyeverycommand."Oh,thatmywaysweresteadfastinobeyingyourdecrees!"Psalm119:5.Wherein he comes short, he looks up to Christ's blood to supply hisdefects.Thisisevangelicalobedience;which,thoughwearenotsatisfiedwithit,Godacceptsit.

(5.)Truechildlikeobedienceisconstant."Blessedishewhodoesrighteousnessatalltimes."Child-likeobedienceisnotfitful—butabides;andlikethefireonthealtar,whichwaskeptalwaysburning.Lev6:13.

2.Thesecondsignofadoption is to lovetobe inourFather'spresence.Thechildwholoveshisfatherisneversowellaswhenheisnear him. Are we children? We love the presence of God in hisordinances.InprayerwespeaktoGod,inthepreachingofhiswordhespeakstous;andhowdoeseverychildofGoddelighttohearhisFather'svoice!"OGod,youaremyGod,earnestlyIseekyou;mysoulthirsts foryou,mybody longs for you, in adry andweary landwhere there is nowater." Psalm 63:1, 2. Such as disregard ordinances are not God'schildren,because theycarenot tobe inGod'spresence. "Cainwentoutfrom the presence of the Lord." Gen 4:16. Not that he could go out ofGod's sight—but the meaning is, "Cain went out from the church andpeopleofGod,wheretheLordgavevisibletokensofhispresence."

3.The thirdsignofadoption is tohave theguidanceofGod'sSpirit. "Asmany as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons ofGod."Rom8:14.Itisnotenoughthatthechildhavelife—butitmustbeledeverystepbythenurse.Justso, theadoptedchildmustnotonlybebornofGod—buthavetheanointingoftheSpirittoleadhiminacourseofholiness."ItaughtEphraimalsotogo,takingthembytheirarms."AsIsraelwasledbythepillaroffire,soGod'schildrenareledbytheSpirit.TheadoptedonesneedGod'sSpirittoleadthem,sincetheyareapttogowrong.Thefleshypartinclinestosin;theunderstandingandconscienceare to guide the will—but the will is imperious and rebels; therefore,God'schildrenneedtheSpirit tocheckcorruptionandleadthemintherightway.Aswickedmenareledbytheevilspirit—thespiritofSatanledHerod to incest,Ahab to murder, Judas to treason; just so, the goodSpiritleadsGod'schildrenintovirtuousactions.

ButenthusiastspretendtobeledbytheSpirit,whenitisadelusion.

The Spirit's guidance is agreeable to the Word; enthusiasts leave theWord."YourWordistruth.""TheSpiritguidesintoalltruth."TheWord'steachingandtheSpirit'sleadingagreetogether.

4.Thefourthsignis,thatifweareadoptedwehaveanentirelovetoallGod'schildren."Lovethebrotherhood."WebearaffectiontoGod'schildren,thoughtheyhavesomeinfirmities.Therearespots inGod'schildren;Deut32:5;butwemustlovethebeautifulfaceofholiness,thoughithasascar in it. Ifweareadopted,we lovethegoodwesee inGod'schildren—weadmiretheirgraces,wepassbytheirimprudences.Ifwecannot love thembecause theyhave some failings,howdowethinkGodcanloveus?Canwepleadexemption?Bythesesignsweknowouradoption.

Usethree:RejoiceintheBENEFITSofadoption.

WhatarethebenefitswhichaccruetoGod'schildren?

(1.)Theyhavegreatprivileges.King'schildrenhavegreatprivilegesand freedoms. They do not pay custom.Matt 17:25.God's children areprivileged people, they are privileged from the hurt of everything."Nothingshallbyanymeanshurtyou."Luke10:19.Hityouitmay—butnothurtyou."Thereshallnoevilbefallyou."Psalm91:10.Goddoesnotpromisethatnoafflictionshallbefallhischildren—butnoevil; thehurtandpoisonofafflictionistakenaway.Afflictiontoawickedmanhasevilinit,itmakeshimworse;itmakeshimcurseandblaspheme."Menwerescorchedwithgreatheat,andblasphemedthenameofGod."ButnoevilbefallsachildofGod;heisbetteredbyaffliction.Heb12:10.Thefurnacemakesgoldpurer.

Again,noevilbefalls theadopted,becausenocondemnation. "It isGodwhojustifies;whoishewhocondemns?"Whatablessedprivilegeisthis,tobefreedfromthestingofaffliction,andthecurseofthelaw!tobeinsuchaconditionthatnothingcanhurtus!Itisfabled—whenthedragonhaspoisonedthewater,theunicornwithhishornextractsanddrawsout

the poison. Just so, Jesus Christ has drawn out the poison of everyaffliction,thatitcannotinjurethesaints.

(2.)Thesecondbenefit, ifweareadopted, is thatwehaveaninterest in all the promises. The promises are children's bread."Believersareheirsofthepromises."Thepromisesaresure.God'struth,which is the brightest pearl in his crown, is pawned in a promise. Thepromisesaresuitable,likeamedicalgarden,inwhichthereisnodiseasebutthereissomeherbtocureit.Inthedarknightofdesertion,Godhaspromised to be a sun; in temptation, to tread downSatan.Rom 16:20.Does sinprevail?Hehaspromised to take away its kingly power.Rom6:14.Ohtheheavenlycomfortswhicharedistilledfromthepromises!Butwhohasarighttothese?Believersalone,areheirsofthepromise.ThereisnotapromiseintheBiblebutabelievermaysay,"Thisismine!"

Usefour:ExtolandmagnifyGod'smercy,whohasadoptedyouintohisfamily!TheywereslavesofSatan—butGodhasmadethemhissons! They were heirs of hell—but God has made them heirs of thekingdom! Adoption is a free gift. He gave them power, or dignity, tobecomethesonsofGod.Asathreadofsilverrunsthroughawholepieceof work, so free grace runs through the whole privilege of adoption.AdoptionisagreatermercythanAdamhadinparadise;hewasasonbycreation—buthereisafurthersonshipbyadoption.Tomakeusthankfulconsider, in civil adoption there is some worth and excellence in thepersontobeadopted;buttherewasnoworthinus,neitherbeauty,norparentage, nor virtue; nothing in us to move God to bestow theprerogativeof sonshipuponus.Wehave enough inus tomoveGod tocorrectus—but nothing to move him to adopt us, therefore exalt freegrace;begintheworkofangelshere;blesshimwithyourpraises,whohasblessedyouinmakingyouhissonsanddaughters.

SANCTIFICATION

OUTLINE:

WhatistheNATUREofsanctification?(1.)SanctificationisaSUPERNATURALthing;itisdivinelyinfused.(2.)SanctificationisanINTERNALthing;itlieschieflyintheheart.(3.) Sanctification is an EXTENSIVE thing: it spreads into the wholeman.(4.)SanctificationisanintenseandARDENTthing.(5.)SanctificationisaBEAUTIFULthing.(6.)SanctificationisanABIDINGthing.(7.)SanctificationisaPROGRESSIVEthing.

WhataretheCOUNTERFEITSofsanctification?(1.)ThefirstcounterfeitofsanctificationisMORALVIRTUE.(2.) The second counterfeit of sanctification is SUPERSTITIOUSDEVOTION.(3.) The third counterfeit of sanctification is HYPOCRISY; when menmakeapretenseofthatholinesswhichtheyhavenot.(4.) The fourth counterfeit of sanctification is RESTRAINING grace—whenmenforbearvice,thoughtheydonothateit.(5.)ThefifthcounterfeitofsanctificationisCOMMONgrace—whichisaslight,transientworkoftheSpirit—butdoesnotamounttoconversion.

WhereinappearstheNECESSITYofsanctification?(1.)Godhascalledustoit.(2.)Withoutsanctification,thereisnoevidencingourjustification.(3.)Withoutsanctificationwehavenotitletothenewcovenant.(4.)Thereisnogoingtoheavenwithoutsanctification.(5.)Withoutsanctificationallourholythingsaredefiled.(6.)Withoutsanctificationwecanshownosignofourelection.

WhataretheSIGNSofsanctification?First, such as are sanctified, can remember a time when they wereunsanctifiedAsecondsignofsanctificationistheindwellingoftheHolySpirit.Athirdsignofsanctificationisanantipathyagainstsin.Afourthsignofsanctificationisthespiritualperformanceofduties,withtheheart,andfromaprincipleoflove.Afifthsignisaholylife.Asixthsignissteadfastresolution.

Use one: The main thing a Christian should look after, issanctification.

Usetwo:WhatarethechiefINDUCEMENTStosanctification?(1.)ItisthewillofGodthatweshouldbeholy.(2.)JesusChristhasdiedforoursanctification.(3.)SanctificationmakesusresembleGod.(4.)SanctificationisthatwhichGodbearsagreatloveto.(5.) Sanctification is the only thing which makes us differ from thewicked.(6.)ItisasgreatashametohavethenameofaChristian—yetlack.(7.)Sanctificationfitsforheaven.

HowmaysanctificationbeATTAINED?(1.)BeconversantintheWordofGod.(2.)GetfaithinChrist'sblood.(3.)BreatheaftertheSpirit.(4.)Associatewithsanctifiedpeople.(5.)Prayforsanctification.

Use three: Wear this jewel of sanctification withTHANKFULNESS.

"ForthisisthewillofGod,evenyoursanctification."IThess4:3.

Theword sanctification signifies to consecrateand set apart to a holyuse: thus they are sanctified peoplewho are separated from theworld,and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and apositivepart.

I.Aprivativepart,whichliesinthepurgingoutofsin.Siniscomparedto leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctificationpurgesout"theoldleaven."Thoughitdoesnottakeawaythelifeofsin—yetittakesawaytheloveofsin.

II.Apositivepart,which is thespiritualrefiningof thesoul;which in

Scripture is called a "renewing of our mind," and a "partaking of thedivinenature."Thepriestsinthelawwerenotonlywashed inthegreatlaver—but adorned with glorious apparel. Exod 28:2. Just so,sanctificationnotonlywashesfromsin—butadornswithpurity.

WhatistheNATUREofsanctification?

It is a principle of grace savingly wrought, whereby the heart becomesholy, and ismade afterGod's ownheart. A sanctified person bearsnotonlyGod'sname—buthisimage.Inopeningthenatureofsanctification,Ishalllaydownthesesevenpositions:

(1.) Sanctification is a SUPERNATURAL thing; it is divinelyinfused.Wearenaturallypolluted,andtocleanse,Godtakestobehisprerogative. "I am the Lord, who sanctifies you." Weeds grow bythemselves. Flowersmust be planted and cultivated. Sanctification is afloweroftheSpirit'splanting,thereforeitiscalled,"ThesanctificationoftheSpirit."1Pet1:2.

(2.)Sanctification isanINTERNALthing; it lieschiefly in theheart.Itiscalled"theadorningthehiddenmanoftheheart."1Pet3:4.The dew wets the leaf—but the sap is hidden in the root. Just so, thereligion of some consists only in externals—but sanctification is deeplyrooted in the soul. "In the hidden part you shall make me to knowwisdom."Psalm51:6.

(3.)Sanctification isanEXTENSIVEthing: it spreads intothewholeman. "May the God of peace sanctify you wholly." As originalcorruption has depraved all the faculties—"the whole head is sick, thewholeheart faint,"nopartsound,as if thewholevolumeofbloodwerecorrupted;justso,sanctificationgoesoverthewholesoul.Afterthefall,therewasignoranceinthemind;butinsanctification,weare"lightintheLord."Afterthefall,thewillwasdepraved;therewasnotonlyimpotencetogood—butobstinacy.Insanctification,thereisablessedpliablenessinthewill,withthewillofGod.Afterthefall,theaffectionsweremisplacedonwrongobjects;insanctification,theyareturnedintoasweetorderandharmony—thegriefplaced on sin, the loveonGod, the joyon heaven.Thussanctificationspreadsitselfasfarasoriginalcorruption;itgoesover

the whole soul. "May God of peace sanctify you wholly." He is not asanctified person who is good only in some part—but who is all oversanctified;therefore,inScripture,graceiscalleda"newman,"notaneweye or a new tongue—but a "new man." Col 3:10. A good Christian,thoughheissanctifiedbutinpart—yetineverypart.

(4.) Sanctification is an intense and ARDENT thing. Itsproperties burn within the believer. "Fervent in spirit." Rom 12:2.Sanctification is not a dead form—but it is inflamed into zeal.We callwaterhot,whenit issointhethirdorfourthdegree.Justso,heisholywhosetruereligionisheatedtosomedegree,andhisheartboilsoverinlovetoGod.

(5.)SanctificationisaBEAUTIFULthing.ItmakesGodandangelsfallinlovewithus."Thebeautiesofholiness."Psalm110:3.Asthesunistotheworld,soissanctificationtothesoul,beautifyingandbespanglingitinGod'seyes.ThatwhichmakesGodgloriousmustneedsmakeusso.Holiness is the most sparkling jewel in the Godhead. "Glorious inholiness."SanctificationisthefirstfruitoftheSpirit;itisheavenbeguninthesoul.Sanctificationandglorydifferonlyindegree.Sanctificationisgloryintheseed;andgloryissanctificationintheflower.Holiness isthequintessenceofhappiness.

(6.)SanctificationisanABIDINGthing."Hisseedremainsinhim."He who is truly sanctified, cannot fall from that state. Indeed, mereseemingholinessmay be lost—colorsmaywash off. Sanctificationmaysufferaneclipse. "Youhave left your first love."True sanctification is ablossomof eternity. "The anointingwhich you have received, abides inyou."Hewho is truly sanctified cannomore fall away, than the angelswhicharefixedintheirheavenlyorbs.

(7.) Sanctification is a PROGRESSIVE thing. It is growing; it iscompared toseedwhichgrows: first thebladespringsup, then theear,thentheripecornintheear.Suchasarealreadysanctifiedmaybemoresanctified.Justificationdoesnotadmitofdegrees; abeliever cannotbemoreelectedorjustifiedthanheis—buthemaybemoresanctifiedthanheis.Sanctificationisstillincreasing,likethemorningsun,whichgrowsbrightertothefullmeridian.Knowledgeissaidtoincrease,and faithto

increase.Col1:10;2Cor10:5.AChristianiscontinuallyaddinganinchtohisspiritualstature.ItisnotwithusasitwaswithChrist,whoreceivedthe Spiritwithoutmeasure; for Christ could not bemore holy than hewas.WehavetheSpiritonlyinmeasure,andmaybestillaugmentingourgrace;asApelles,whenhehaddrawnapicture,wouldbestillmendingitwith his pencil. The image of God is drawn but imperfectly in us,therefore we must be still mending it, and drawing it in more livelycolors.Sanctification isprogressive; if itdoesnotgrow—it isbecause itdoesnotlive.Thusyouseethenatureofsanctification.

WhataretheCOUNTERFEITSofsanctification?

Therearethingswhichlooklikesanctification—butarenot.

(1.) The first counterfeit of sanctification isMORALVIRTUE.Tobejust,tobetemperate, tohaveakinddemeanor;nottohaveone'sescutcheonblottedwithignominiousscandal,isgood—butnotenough;itis not sanctification. A field-flower differs from agarden-flower.Manyheathenhaveattainedtomorality;asCato,Socrates,andAristideshave.Civility is but nature refined; there is nothing of Christ there, and theheartmaybefoulandimpure.Underthesebeautifulleavesofcivilitythewormofunbeliefmaybehidden!Amoralpersonhasasecretantipathyagainst grace: he hates vice, and he hates grace as much as vice. Thesnakehasabeautifulcolor—butasting.Apersonadornedandcultivatedwithmoral virtue, has a secret spleen against sanctity. TheStoicswhowerethechiefofthemoralizedheathens,werethebitterestenemiesPaulhad.Acts17:18.

(2.) The second counterfeit of sanctification isSUPERSTITIOUSDEVOTION. This abounds in Popery; adorations,images, altars, vestments, and holy water—are far from sanctification.Thisreligiousfrenzydoesnotputany intrinsicgoodness intoaman, itdoes not make a man better. If the legal purifications and washings,whichwereofGod'sownappointing,didnotmakethosewhousedthemmore holy; and the priests, who wore holy garments, and had holy oilpouredonthem—werenotmoreholywithouttheanointingoftheSpirit;thensurelythosesuperstitiousinnovations inreligion,whichGodneverappointed, cannot contribute any holiness to men. A superstitious

holinesscostsnogreatlabor;thereisnothingoftheheartinit.Iftocountover a few beads, or bow to an idol, or sprinkle themselves with holywaterweresanctification,andallthatisrequiredofthosewhoshouldbesaved—thenhellwouldbeempty,nonewouldgothere!

(3.) The third counterfeit of sanctification is HYPOCRISY;whenmenmake apretenseof that holiness which they havenot. As a comet may shine like a star—a luster may shine from theirprofession, which dazzles the eyes of the beholders. "Having a form ofgodliness—butdenyingthepower."Theseare lampswithoutoil;whitedsepulchers,liketheEgyptiantemples,whichhadbeautifuloutsides—butwithin were filled with spiders and vermin. The apostle speaks of trueholiness,Eph4:24;implyingthatthereisholinesswhichisspuriousandsham."Youhaveanametolive—butaredead;"likepicturesandstatueswhich are destitute of a vital principle. "Clouds without water." TheypretendtobefulloftheSpirit—butareemptyclouds.

This show of sanctification is a self-delusion. He who takes copperinsteadofgold,wrongshimself; themostcounterfeitprofessordeceivesotherswhilehe lives—butdeceiveshimselfwhenhedies!Topretend toholinesswhenthereisnone,isavainthing.Whatwerethefoolishvirginsthebetter,fortheirfinelamps,whentheylackedoil?Whatisthelampofprofession,withouttheoilofsavinggrace?Whatcomfortwillashowofholinessyieldatlast?Willpaintedgoldenrich?Willpaintedwinerefreshhim who is thirsty? Will painted holiness be a cordial at the hour ofdeath?Apretenseofsanctificationisnottoberestedin.Manyships,thathave had the name of 'the Hope', 'the Safeguard', 'the Triumph', havebeendashedanddestroyeduponrocks.Justso,manywhohavehadthenameofsaints—havebeencastintohell.

(4.) The fourth counterfeit of sanctification isRESTRAININGgrace—whenmenforbearvice,thoughtheydonothateit.Thismaybethesinner'smotto,"GladlyIwould—butIdarenot."Thedoghasamindtothebone—butisafraidofthecudgel.Justso,menhaveamindto lust—but conscience stands as the angel, with a flaming sword, andaffrights them. They have a mind to revenge—but the fear of hell is acurb-bit to check them.There isno changeofheart; sin iscurbed—butnotcured.Alionmaybeinchains—butisalionstill.

(5.)ThefifthcounterfeitofsanctificationisCOMMONgrace—which is a slight, transient work of the Spirit—but does notamounttoconversion.Thereissomelightinthejudgement—butitisnothumbling.Therearesomechecksintheconscience—buttheyarenotawakening. This looks like sanctification—but is not. Men haveconvictionswroughtinthem—buttheybreakloosefromthemagain,likethedeer,which,beingshot,shakesoutthearrow.Afterconviction,mengointothehouseofmirth,andtaketheharptodriveawaythespiritofsadness—andsoalldiesandcomestonothing.

WhereinappearstheNECESSITYofsanctification?Insixthings:

(1.)Godhascalledustoit."Hisdivinepowerhasgivenuseverythingweneedforlifeandgodlinessthroughourknowledgeofhimwhocalledus by his own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3. We are called togoodness, aswell asglory. "God has not called us to uncleanness—butuntoholiness."Wehavenocalltosin;wemayhaveatemptation—butnocalltosin;nocalltobeproud,orunclean;butwehaveacalltobeholy.

(2.) Without sanctification, there is no evidencing ourjustification.Justificationandsanctificationgotogether."Butyouaresanctified—butyouarejustified.""Pardoninginiquity,"Micah7:18;thereis justification. "He will subdue our iniquities," 5:19; there issanctification. "Out of Christ's side came blood and water;" blood forjustification;water forsanctification.Suchashavenot thewateroutofChrist'ssidetocleansethem,shallneverhavethebloodoutofhissidetosavethem.

(3.) Without sanctification we have no title to the newcovenant. The covenant of grace is our charter for heaven. Thecondition of the covenant is, "ThatGodwill be ourGod." Butwho aresavingly interested in the covenant, and may plead the benefit of it?Sanctified people only. "A new heartwill I give you, and Iwill putmySpiritwithinyou,andIwillbeyourGod."Ifamanmakesawill,nonebutsuchpeopleasarenamed in thewill, can lay claim to thewill. Just so,God makes a will and testament—but it is limited to such as aresanctified;anditishighpresumptionforanyoneelsetolayclaimtothe

will.

(4.)Thereisnogoingtoheavenwithoutsanctification."WithoutholinessnomanshallseetheLord."GodisaholyGod,andhewillallownounholycreature tocomenearhim.Akingwillnotallowamanwithplague-sorestoapproachintohispresence.HeavenisnotlikeNoah'sark—where the clean beasts and the unclean entered. No unclean beastscome into the heavenlyark; for though God allows the wicked to liveawhileontheearth,hewillneverallowheaventobepesteredwithsuchvermin! Are they fit to see God—who wallow in wickedness?Will Godeverlaysuchvipersinhisbosom?"WithoutholinessnomanshallseetheLord."Itmustbeacleareyethatseesabrightobject:onlyaholyheartcanseeGodinhisglory.SinnersmayseeGodasanenemy—butnotasafriend! They will have an affrighting vision of him—but not a beatificvision!Theywillseetheflamingsword—butnotthemercy-seat!Ohthen,whatneedisthereofsanctification!

(5.)Withoutsanctificationallourholythingsaredefiled."Untothosewhoaredefiled, isnothingpure."Underthelaw,"Ifoneofyouiscarryingaholysacrificeinhisrobesandhappenstobrushagainstsomebreadorstew,wineoroil,oranyotherkindoffood—willitalsobecomeholy?" No, the holy sacrifice would not purify the other things—but itwouldbepollutedbythosethings.Hag2:12,13.This isanemblemofasinner's polluting his holy offering. A foul stomach turns the best foodinto ill humours. Just so, an unsanctified heart pollutes prayers, alms,and sacraments. This evinces the necessity of sanctification.Sanctificationmakesourholy thingsaccepted.Aholyheart is thealtar,which sanctifies the offering; if not to our satisfaction, yet to God'sacceptance.

(6.)Withoutsanctificationwecanshownosignofourelection.2Thess2:13.Electionis thecauseofoursalvation, sanctification isourevidence.Sanctificationistheear-markofChrist'selectsheep.

WhataretheSIGNSofsanctification?

First, suchasare sanctified, canremembera timewhen theywere unsanctified. "Oncewe too were foolish and disobedient. We

weremisledbyothersandbecameslavestomanywickeddesiresandevilpleasures.Ourliveswerefullofevilandenvy.Wehatedothers,andtheyhatedus.ButthenGodourSaviorshowedushiskindnessandlove.Hesavedus,notbecauseofthegoodthingswedid,butbecauseofhismercy.HewashedawayoursinsandgaveusanewlifethroughtheHolySpirit."Titus3:3-5.Wewereinourblood,andthenGodwasheduswithwater,andanointeduswithoil.Ezek16:9.Those treesof righteousnesswhichblossomandbearalmonds, can rememberwhen theywere likeAaron'sdry rod—not one blossom of holiness growing. A sanctified soul canrememberwhenitwasestrangedfromGodthroughignoranceandvanity—andwhenfreegraceplantedthisflowerofholinessinit.

A second sign of sanctification is the indwelling of theHolySpirit."TheHolySpiritwhichdwellsinus."Anuncleanspiritdwellsinthewickedandcarriesthemtopride,lust,revenge;thedevilentersintotheseswine!ButtheSpiritofGoddwellsintheelect,astheirguideandcomforter. The Spirit possesses the saints. God's Spirit sanctifies theimagination,causingittomintholythoughts;andsanctifiesthewillbyputtinganewbiasuponit,wherebyitisinclinedtogodliness.Hewhoissanctified,has the influenceof theSpirit, thoughnot theessenceof theSpirit.

Athirdsignofsanctificationisanantipathyagainstsin."Ihateeverywrongpath."Psalm119:104.Ahypocritemayleavesin—yetloveit;asaserpentcastsitscoat—butkeepsitssting!Butasanctifiedpersoncansayhenotonly leavessin—but loathes it. Inasanctifiedsoul, there isaholy antipathy against sin; and antipathies can never be reconciled.Becauseamanhasanantipathyagainstsin—hecannotbutopposeit,andseekthedestructionofit.

A fourth signof sanctification is the spiritualperformanceofduties, with the heart, and from a principle of love. Thesanctified soul prays out of a love to prayer. Amanmay have gifts toadmiration;hemayspeakasanangeldroppedoutofheaven—yethemaybecarnal inspiritual things;hisservicesmaynotcome froma renewedprinciple,norbecarriedupon thewingsofdelight induty.AsanctifiedsoulworshipsGod in the Spirit. "You also, like living stones, are beingbuilt into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual

sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:5. Godjudgesnotofourdutiesbytheirlength—butbythelovefromwhichtheyspring.

Afifthsignisaholylife."Butjustashewhocalledyouisholy,sobeholyinallyoudo."1Peter1:15.Wheretheheartissanctified,thelifewillbeholy.The templehadgoldwithout,aswellaswithin.Acoinhas theking's image and superscription stamped on it. Just so, where there issanctification, there is not only God's image in the heart—but asuperscription of holinesswritten in the life. Some say they havegoodhearts—buttheirlivesarewicked."Thereisagenerationthatarepureintheirowneyes,andyetisnotwashedfromtheirfilthiness."Ifthewaterisfoulinthebucket,itcannotbecleaninthewell."Theking'sdaughterisallgloriouswithin."Psalm45:13.Thereisholinessofheart."Herclothingis of wrought gold." There is holiness of life. Grace is most beautiful,whenitslightsoshinesthatothersmayseeit;thisadornstruereligion,andmakesproselytestothefaith.

Asixthsignissteadfastresolution.Heisresolvednevertopartwithhis holiness. Let others reproach it—he loves it themore. Let water besprinkledonthefire—itburnsthemore.Hesays,asDavid,whenMichalreproachedhimfordancingbeforetheark,"Ifthisistobevile—Iwillyetbemorevile!"Letotherspersecutehimforhisholiness,hesaysasPaul,"Noneof thesethingsmoveme!"Hepreferssanctitybeforesafety;andhadratherkeephisconsciencepurethanhisskinwhole.HesaysasJob,"MyintegrityIwillholdfast,andnot let itgo!"Hewillratherpartwithhislife,thanhisconscience.

Use one: The main thing a Christian should look after, issanctification.Thisis"theonethingneedful."Sanctificationgivesusapure complexion, it makes us as the heavens, bespangled with stars.Sanctificationisournobility,byitwearebornofGod,andpartakeofthedivinenature.Sanctificationisourriches,thereforecomparedtorowsofjewels, and chains of gold. Canticles 1:10. Sanctification is our bestcertificate for heaven. What evidence have we else to show? Have weknowledge?Sohasthedevil.Doweprofessreligion?SatanoftenappearsinSamuel'smantle,andtransformshimselfintoanangeloflight.Butourcertificateforheavenissanctification.Sanctificationis the first fruitsof

the Spirit; the only coin that will pass current in the other world.SanctificationistheevidenceofGod'slove.WecannotknowGod'ssavinglovebyhisgivingushealth,riches,orsuccess;butonlybythedrawinghisimage of sanctification on us, by the pencil of the Holy Spirit—it isknown.

Oh themiseryof such as are destituteof a principle of sanctification!Theyarespirituallydead.Eph2:1.Thoughtheybreathe—yettheydonotlive.Thegreatestpartoftheworldremainsunsanctified."Theworldliesinwickedness."Thatis,themajorpartoftheworld.ManycallthemselvesChristians—butblotouttheword'saints'.Youmayaswellcallhimaman—wholacksreason;ashimaChristian—wholacksgrace.

Somearebuoyedup tosuchaheightofwickedness, that theyhateandderidesanctification.Theyhateit.Itisbadtolackholiness—itisworsetohate it. They embrace the formofreligion—but hate thepower. As thevulture hates sweet smells—so they hate the the perfume of holiness.Theysayinderision,'Theseareyourholyones!'Toderidesanctificationargues a high degree of atheism, and is a black brand of reprobation.ScoffingIshmaelwascastoutofAbraham'sfamily;andsuchasscoffatholinessshallbecastoutofheaven!

Usetwo:Aboveallthingspursueaftersanctification.Seekgracemorethangold."Keepher,forsheisyourlife!"

WhatarethechiefINDUCEMENTStosanctification?

(1.)ItisthewillofGodthatweshouldbeholy."ThisisthewillofGod—your sanctification." AsGod'sWordmust be the rule, so hiswillmust be the reason of our actions. This is the will of God—oursanctification.PerhapsitisnotthewillofGodweshouldberich—butitishiswillthatweshouldbeholy.God'swillisourwarrant.

(2.)JesusChristhasdiedforoursanctification.Christ shedhisbloodtowashoffourimpurity.Thecrosswasbothanaltarandalaver."Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us toredeemusfromallwickednessandtopurifyforhimselfapeoplethatarehis very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:13-14. If we could be

savedwithoutholiness,Christneedednothavedied.Christdied,notonlytosaveusfromwrath—butfromsin!

(3.) Sanctificationmakes us resembleGod. It was Adam's sin—thatheaspiredtobelikeGodinomniscience;butwemustendeavortobelikehiminsanctity.Itisaclearglass—inwhichwecanseeaface;itisaholyheart—inwhichsomethingofGodcanbeseen.NothingofGodcanbeseeninanunsanctifiedman—butyoumayseeSatan'spictureinhim.Envy is thedevil's eye,hypocrisyhis cloven foot; but nothing ofGod'simagecanbeseeninhim."JustasHewhocalledyouisholy,sobeholyinallyoudo;foritiswritten--Beholy,becauseIamholy."1Peter1:15-16.

(4.)SanctificationisthatwhichGodbearsagreatloveto.Godisnotdrawntoanyperson'soutwardbeauty,greatabilities,nobleblood,orworldlygrandeur.Butheisdrawntoaheartembellishedwithholiness!Christneveradmiredanythingbutthebeautyofholiness.Heslightedtheglorious buildings of the temple—but admired the woman's faith, andsaid,"Owoman,greatisyourfaith."Asakingdelightstoseehis imageuponapieceof coin; sowhereGodseeshis likeness—hegiveshis love.TheLordhastwoheavenstodwellin—andtheholyheartisoneofthem!

(5.)Sanctificationistheonlythingwhichmakesusdifferfromthewicked.God'speoplehavehissealuponthem."ThefoundationofGod stands sure, having this seal—The Lord knows those who are his.And,LeteveryonewhonamesthenameofChristdepartfrominiquity."2Tim2:19.Thegodlyaresealedwithadoubleseal—asealofelection,"TheLordknowswhoarehis;"andasealofsanctification,"Leteveryonewhonames the name of Christ depart from iniquity." This is the name bywhichGod'speopleareknown,"Thepeopleofyourholiness."Isa63:18.As chastity distinguishes a virtuous woman from a harlot, sosanctificationdistinguishesGod'speoplefromothers."YouhavereceivedananointingfromtheHolyOne."IJohn2:20.

(6.)ItisasgreatashametohavethenameofaChristian—yetlacksanctity—astohavethenameofastewardandlackfidelity;orthenameofavirgin,andlackchastity.Itexposestruereligiontoreproach—tobebaptizedintothenameofChristwhileunholy,andtohaveeyesfullof tearsonasabbath,andonaweek-dayeyesfullofadultery!Tobeso

devoutat theLord's table, as if theywere stepping intoheaven;and soprofanethedayafter, as if they cameout of hell! Tohave thenameof'Christian'whilelivingunholy,isascandaltotruereligion,andmakesthewaysofGodtobeevilspokenof.

(7.)Sanctificationfitsforheaven. "Whohascalledustogloryandvirtue."Glory is the throne, and sanctification is the step bywhichweascend to it.Asyou firstcleansethevessel, and thenpour in thewine;justso,Godfirstcleansesusbysanctification,andthenpoursinthewineofglory.Solomonwasfirstanointedwithoil,andthenwasaking.FirstGodanointsuswiththeholyoilofhisSpirit,andthensetsthecrownofhappinessuponourhead.Purenessofheart andseeingGodare linkedtogether.Matt5:8.

HowmaysanctificationbeATTAINED?

(1.)BeconversantinthewordofGod."Sanctifythemthroughyourtruth."John17:17.TheWordisbothamirrortoshowusthespotsofoursoul, and a laver to wash them away. The Word has a transformingvirtueinit;itirradiatesthemind,andconsecratestheheart.

(2.) Get faith in Christ's blood. "Having purified their hearts byfaith."She inthegospel,whotouchedthehemofChrist'sgarment,washealed.Atouchof faithpurifies!Nothingcanhaveagreater forceupontheheart, tosanctify it, thanfaith.IfIbelieveChristandhismeritsaremine—howcanIsinagainsthim?Justifyingfaithdoesthatinaspiritualsense, which miraculous faith does—it removes mountains, themountains of pride, lust, envy. True faith, and the love of sin, areinconsistent.

(3.)Breatheafter theSpirit. "The sanctification of the Spirit." TheSpiritsanctifiestheheart,asthestormpurifiestheair,andasfirerefinesmetals.TheSpiritatwork,generateshisownlikeness.TheSpiritstampsthe impressionof its own sanctityupon theheart, as the seal prints itslikeness upon thewax. The Spirit of God in aman perfumes himwithholiness,andmakeshisheartapictureofheaven.

(4.)Associatewithsanctifiedpeople. Theymay, by their counsel,

prayers, and holy example, be a means to make you holy. As thecommunionof saints is inourcreed, so it shouldbeourcompany."Hewhowalkswiththewiseshallbewise."Associationbegetsassimilation.

(5.) Pray for sanctification. Job propounds a question. "Who canbringacleanthingoutofanunclean?"Godcandoit!Outofanunholyheart—hecanproducegrace!Oh!makeDavid'sprayeryourown,"Createinme a clean heart, OGod." Lay your heart before the Lord, and say,"Lord,myunsanctifiedheart pollutes all it touches. I amnot fit to livewithsuchaheart,forIcannothonoryou;nordiewithsuchaheart,forIcannotseeyou.Ohcreateinmeanewheart!Lord,consecratemyheart,andmakeityourtemple,andyourpraisesshallbesungthereforever!"

Use three:HasGodbrought a clean thingout of anunclean?Has he sanctified you?Wear this jewel of sanctificationwithTHANKFULNESS."AlwaysthankingtheFather,whohasenabledyoutosharetheinheritancethatbelongstoGod'sholypeople,wholiveinthelight."Colossians1:12.Christian,youcoulddefileyourself—butyoucouldnotsanctifyyourself.ButGodhasdone it—hehasnot only chainedupsin—but changed yournature—andmade you as a king's daughter—allgloriouswithin!Hehasputuponyouthebreastplateofholiness,which,thoughitmaybeshotat,canneverbeshotthrough.

Arethereanyherewhoaresanctified?Godhasdonemoreforyouthanfor millions, who may have many temporal blessings—but are notsanctified.Hehasdonemoreforyouthanifhehadmadeyouanearthlyking! Are you sanctified? Heaven is begun in you—for happiness isnothingbutthequintessenceofholiness.Oh,howthankfulshouldyoubetoGod!Doasthatblindmaninthegospeldidafterhehadreceivedhissight,who"followedChrist,glorifyingGod."MakeheavenringwithGod'spraises!

ASSURANCE

Question 36: What are the BENEFITS which flow from

Sanctification?

Answer: Assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in theHolySpirit,increaseofgrace,andperseverancethereintotheend.

1.Thefirstbenefitflowingfromsanctification,isassuranceofGod'slove.

"Givediligencetomakeyourcallingandelectionsure."Sanctificationistheseed;assurance is the flowerwhichgrowsoutof it.Assurance isanoutcome of sanctification. The saints of old had it. "We know that weknow him." 1 John 2:3. "I knowwhom I have believed." 2 Tim 1:12."Christ loved me and gave himself for me." Gal 2:20. Here is faithflourishing into assurance. Aecolampadius, when sick, pointed to hisheart, saying, "Here I have light enough," meaning comfort andassurance.

Haveallsanctifiedpeopleassurance?

Theyhavearightto it, and I incline to believe that all have it in somedegree,beforetheirlastexpiring;thoughtheircomfortmaybesofeeble,and their spiritual vitality soweak, that they cannot expresswhat theyfeel.But Idarenotpositively affirm that all have assurance in the firstmoment of their sanctification. A lettermay be written, when it is notsealed.Justso,gracemaybewrittenintheheart,andtheSpiritmaynotset the seal of assurance to it. God is a free agent, and may give orsuspendassuranceashepleases.Wherethereis thesanctifyingworkofthe Spirit, he may withhold the sealingwork, partly to keep the soulhumble; partly topunishour carelesswalking.Aswhenweneglect ourspiritualwatch,growremissinduty,andwalkunderacloud—wequenchthegracesof theSpirit,andGodwithholds thecomforts.AndGodmaywitholdassurancepartly, toputadifferencebetweenearthandheaven.This I speak, to bear up the hearts of God's people, who are dejectedbecause they have no assurance. Youmay have the water of the Spiritpoured on you in sanctification, though not the oil of gladness inassurance.TheremaybethesavingfaithofrelianceuponChrist—andnotthestrongfaithofassurance.Theremaybelifeintheroot—whenthereisnofruitinthebranchestobeseen.Theremaybefaithintheheart,when

nofruitofassurance.

Whatisassurance?

It is not any vocal or audible voice, or brought to us by the help of anangel or revelation. TheWord ofGod is themajor factor in assurance,conscienceistheminorfactor,andtheSpiritofGod,themovingcause.TheWordsays,"HewhofearsandlovesGodislovedofGod;"thereisthemajorproposition;thenconsciencemakestheminorproposition,"IfearandloveGod;"thentheSpiritmakestheconclusion,"ThereforeyouarelovedofGod;" and this iswhat the apostle calls "Thewitnessingof theSpiritwithourspirits,thatwearehischildren."

Has a sanctified soul such an assurance as excludes alldoubting?

Hehasthatwhichbearsuphisheartfromsinking,hehassuchapledgeoftheSpirit,thathewouldnotpartwithitfortherichestprize.Buthisassurance, though infallible, is not perfect. There will be sometimes atrepidation—butheissafeamidstfearsanddoubts;asashipliessafeatanchor, thoughshakenby thewind. IfaChristianhadnodoubts, therewould be no unbelief in him; had he no doubts, there would be nodifferencebetweengracemilitantandgracetriumphant.HadnotDavidsometimes his ebbings as well as flowings? Like the mariner, whosometimescriesout,"Iseeastar,"andthencries that thestar isoutofsight.SometimeswehearDavidsay,"Yourloving-kindnessisbeforemyeyes." At another time he is at a loss: "Lord, where are your formerlovingkindnesses?" An eclipse in a Christian's assurancemay occur, toput him upon longing afterheaven—where there shall not be the leastdoubting;wherethebannerofGod'sloveshallbealwaysdisplayeduponthesoul;wherethelightofGod'sfaceshallbewithoutclouds,andhaveno sun-setting; and where the saints shall have an uninterruptedassurance,andbeforeverwiththeLord.

What are the differences between true assurance andpresumption?

(1.) They differ in the method or manner of working. Divine

assuranceflowsfromhumiliationforsin;Ispeaknotof themeasureofhumiliation—butthetruth.ThereareinPalermo,reedsgrowing,inwhichthere is a sugared juice; a soul humbled for sin is thebruised reed, inwhich grows this sweet assurance. God's Spirit is a spirit of bondage,before it is a spirit of adoption. On the contrary, presumption ariseswithoutanyhumblingwordoftheSpirit."Howdidyoufinditsoquickly,my son?"Genesis 27:20,Theploughgoes before the seed is sown; theheartmust beploughedupbyhumiliation andrepentance, beforeGodsowstheseedofassurance.

(2.)Hewhohasarealassurancewill takeheedof thatwhichwill weaken and darken his assurance. He is fearful of theforbidden fruit.He knows, though he cannot sin away his soul—yet hemay sin away his assurance. But he who has the false light ofpresumption,doesnotfeardefilinghisgarments—heisboldinsin."Yetyou say toMe, 'Father, you have beenmy guide since the days of myyouth.Surelyyouwon'tbeangryaboutsuchalittlething!Surelyyoucanforget it!' So you talk, and keep right on doing all the evil you can."Jeremiah3:4-5.Balaamsaid,"MyGod,"yetwasasorcerer.Itisasignhehasnomoneywithhim,whofearsnottotravelallhoursinthenight.Itisa sign he has not the jewel of assurance, who fears not the works ofdarkness.

(3.) True assurance is built upon a Scripture basis. TheWordsays, "The effect of righteousness shall be quietness and assuranceforever." Isa 32:17.AChristian's assurance is built upon this Scripture.God has sown the seed of righteousness in his soul, and this seed hasbrought forth theharvest of assurance. But presumption is a spuriousthing;ithasnotScripturetoshowforitswarrant;itislikeawillwithoutsealandwitnesses,whichisnullandvoidinlaw.PresumptionlacksboththewitnessoftheWord,andthesealoftheSpirit.

(4.) Assurance flowing from sanctification, always keeps theheart in a lowly posture. "Lord," says the soul, "what am I, that,passing by somany, the golden beams of your love should shine uponme?"Paulhadassurance.Isheproudofthisjewel?No!"Tomewhoamlessthantheleastofallsaints."ThemoreloveaChristianreceivesfromGod,themoreheseeshimselfadebtortofreegrace,andthesenseofhis

debtkeepshishearthumble;butpresumption isbredofpride.Hewhopresumes disdains; he thinks himself better than others. "The proudPhariseestoodbyhimselfandprayedthisprayer:Ithankyou,God,thatIamnotasinnerlikeeveryoneelse,especially likethattaxcollectoroverthere!ForInevercheat,Idon'tsin,Idon'tcommitadultery,Ifasttwiceaweek,andIgiveyoua tenthofmy income."Luke18:11-12.Feathers flyup—butgolddescends! Just so, the heart of him who has this goldenassurance,descendsinhumility.

Whatmayexciteustolookafterassurance?

To consider how sweet it is, and the noble and excellent effects itproduces.

(1.)Considerhowsweetitis.Assuranceis—themannainthegoldenpot; thewhite stone, thewineofparadisewhich cheers theheart.Howcomfortable isGod's smile! The sun ismore refreshingwhen it shines,thanwhenitishiddeninacloud.Assuranceisaforetasteofglory,itputsa man in heaven before he actually gets there. None can know howdeliciousandravishingassuranceis—butsuchashavefeltit;asnonecanknowhowsweethoneyis—butthosewhohavetastedit.

(2.)Considerthenobleandexcellenteffectsitproduces.

(1:)AssurancewillmakeusloveGod,andpraisehim.Loveisthesouloftruereligion—thefatofthesacrifice;andwhocanloveGodashewhohas assurance?The sun reflecting itsbeamsonamagnifying-glassmakes theglassburn thatwhich isnear it.Just so,assurance(whichisthereflectionofGod'sloveuponthesoul)makesitburninlovetoGod.PaulwasassuredofChrist's lovetohim,"Whohaslovedme!"Andhowwashisheartfiredwithlove!HevaluedandadmirednothingbutChrist."Yes,everythingelseisworthlesswhencomparedwiththepricelessgainof knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else,countingitallasgarbage,sothatImayhaveChrist!"Philippians3:8.AsChrist was fastened to the cross—so he was fastened to Paul's heart.Praise is therentwepay to the crownof heaven.Whobut hewho hasassurance of his justification, can blessGod, and give him the glory ofwhathehasdone forhim?Canaman ina swoonorasleeppraiseGod

thatheisalive?CanaChristian,staggeringwithfearsabouthisspiritualcondition,praiseGodthatheiselectedandjustified?No!"Theliving,theliving,heshallpraiseyou."Suchasareenlivenedwithassurance,arethefittestpeopletosoundforthGod'spraise.

(2:) Assurance will drop sweetness into all our creatureenjoyments;itwillbeassugartowine.Guiltembittersourcomforts;itis like drinking out of a wormwood cup; but assurance sweetens alltemporal blessings. The assurances of God's love are sweet riches, andwith the assurance of an eternal kingdom, are delectable. A dinner ofgreenherbs,withtheassuranceofGod'slove,isprincelyfare!

(3:)AssurancewillmakeusactiveandlivelyinGod'sservice;itwillexciteprayer,andquickenobedience.Asdiligencebegetsassurance,so assurance begets diligence.Assurancewill not (as the Papists say)breedcarnal-security—butwill foster industry.Doubtingdiscourages usinGod'sservice—buttheassuranceofhisfavorbreedsjoy."ThejoyoftheLordisourstrength."Neh8:10.Assurancemakesusmountuptoheaven,as eagles, in holy duties; it is like the Spirit in Ezekiel's wheels, thatmovedthem,andliftedthemup.Faithwillmakeuswalk—butassurancewill make us run; we shall never think we can do enough for God.Assurancewillbeaswingstothebird,asweightstotheclock—tosetallthewheelsofobediencerunning!

(4:)Assurancewillbeagoldenshieldtobeatbacktemptation,andwill triumphover it. There are two sorts of temptationswhichSatanuses.

(1.) He tempts to draw us to sin. But we being assured of ourjustification,willmakethis temptationvanish."What,Satan! shall I sinagainst him who has loved me, and washed me in his blood? Shall IreturntofollyafterGodhasspokenpeace?ShallIweakenmyassurance,woundmy conscience, grievemy Comforter? Avaunt, Satan! Tempt nomore!"

(2.)SatanwouldmakeusquestionourinterestinGod,bytellingusweare hypocrites, andGod does not love us. Now there is no such shieldagainstthistemptationasassurance."What,Satan!haveIarealworkof

graceinmyheart,andthesealoftheSpirittowitnessit,anddoyoutellme God does not love me? Now I know you are an impostor, who goabouttodisprovewhatIsensiblyfeel."Iffaithresiststhedevil,assurancewillputhimtoflight!

(5:) Assurance will make us contented, though we have butlittle in the world. He who has enough. is content. He who hassunlight is content, though he is without torchlight. A man who hasassurancehasenough.HehastherichesofChrist'smerit,theexperienceofhislove,apledgeofhisglory;heisfilledwiththefullnessofGod.Hereisenough,andhavingenoughheiscontent."TheLordistheportionofmy inheritance; surely I have a delightful inheritance." Assurance willrocktheheartquiet.Thereasonfordiscontentiseitherbecausemenhaveno interest in God, or do not know their interest. Paul says, "I knowwhom I have believed." There was the assurance of his interest. And,"Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; havingnothing,andyetpossessingeverything."Therewashiscontentment.

Getbutassurance,andyouwillbe leftoffof the listofmurmurers;youwillbediscontentednomore.Nothingcancomeamiss tohimwhohasassurance.Godishis.Hashelostafriend?HisFatherlives.Hashelosthisonlychild?GodhasgivenhimhisonlySon.Hashescarcityofbread?God has given him the finest of the wheat, the bread of life. Are hiscomfortsgone?HehastheComforter.Doeshemeetwithstormsonthesea?Heknowswheretoputinforharbor;Godishisportion,andheavenishishaven.Thisassurancegivessweetcontentmentineverycondition.

(6:)Assurancewillbearuptheheartinsufferings,itwillmakea Christian endure troubles with patience and cheerfulness."You have need of patience." There are some foods which are hard ofdigestion,andonlyagoodstomachwilldigestthem.Justso,afflictionisahard food todigest.Butpatience, likeagoodstomach,willbeable todigest it.Andwhencecomespatience,but fromassurance?"Tribulationworkspatience,becausetheloveofGodisshedabroadinourhearts'withcheerfulness.Assurance is like themariner's lanternonthedeck,whichgives light in a dark night. Assurance gives the light of comfort inaffliction. "You joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property,because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting

possessions."Therewasassurance.Hewhohasassurance,canrejoiceintribulation; he can gather grapes of thorns, andhoney out of the lion'scarcass.Latimersaid,"WhenIsitalone,andcanhaveasettledassuranceof the state ofmy soul, and know that God ismine, I can laugh at alltroubles,andnothingcandauntme."

(7:) Assurancewill pacify a troubled conscience.Hewho has adisturbed vexatious conscience, carries a little hell about him! butassurance cures the agony of conscience, and allays the fury ofconscience.Conscience,whichbeforewas turned intoa serpent, isnowlike a bee that has honey in its mouth—it speaks peace.When God ispacifiedtowardsus,thenconscienceispacified.Iftheheavensarequiet,andtherearenowindsstirring,theseaisquietandcalm.Justso,ifthereis no anger inGod's heart, if the tempest of hiswrath does not blow—conscienceisquietandserene.

(8:) Assurance will strengthen us against the fears of death.Suchaslackassurance,cannotdiewithcomfort;theyhanginadoubtfulsuspense as towhat shall become of them after death. But hewhohasassurance,hasahappyandjoyfulpassageoutoftheworld;heknowshehaspassedfromdeathtolife;heiscarriedfullsailtoheaven!Thoughhecannotresistdeath,heovercomesit!

Whatthosewhodonothaveassurance,dotogainit?

(1.)Letsuch labor to findgrace.When the sundenies lightto theearth,itmaygiveforthitsinfluence.Justso,whenGoddeniesthelightofhiscountenance,hemaygivetheinfluenceofhisgrace.

How shall we knowwe have a real work of grace, and have a right toassurance?Ifwecanresolvetwoqueries:

(1:) Have we high appreciations of Jesus Christ? "To you whobelieve—he is precious."Christ is allmadeup of beauties anddelights;ourpraises fall shortofhisworth, and is like spreadingcanvasupon aclothofgold.Howpreciousishisbloodandincense!Theonepacifiesourconscience, the other perfumes our prayers. Can we say we haveendearingthoughtsofChrist?Doweesteemhimourpearlofgreatprice,

ourbrightmorning-star?Dowecountallourearthlyenjoymentsbutasrubbish—incomparisonofChrist?DoweprefertheworstthingsofChrist—before the best things of the world? Do we prefer the reproaches ofChrist—beforetheworld'sembraces?Heb11:26.

(2:)Havewe the indwelling of the Spirit? "TheHoly Spirit wholives inus."2Tim1:14.Howmayweknowthatwehave the indwellingpresenceoftheSpirit?

NotbyhavingsometimesgoodmotionsstirredupinusbytheSpirit;forhemayworkinus—butnotdwellinus.ButbythesanctifyingpoweroftheSpirit inourheart,theSpirit infusesadivinenature!Hestampshisownimpressand imageonthesoul—makingtheconstitutionof itholy.The Spirit ennobles and raises the heart above the world. WhenNebuchadnezzarhadhisunderstandinggivenhim,hegrazedno longeramongthebeasts—butreturnedtohisthrone,andmindedtheaffairsofhiskingdom.Justso,whentheSpiritofGoddwells inaman, itcarrieshisheartabovethevisibleorbs;itmakeshimpantafterheavenlythings,andthirstafterChristandglory.Ifwecanfindthis,thenwehavegrace,andsohavearighttoassurance.

(2.)Ifyoulackassurance,waitforit.Ifthefiguresareengravedonthedial, it is butwaiting awhile, and the sunwill shine on it. Just so,whengraceisengravedintheheart,itisbutwaitingawhile,andweshallhave the sunshine of assurance. "The one who believes will not makehaste." Isa 28:16. He will wait upon God's leisure. Say not, God hasforsakenyou,hewillneverliftupthelightofhiscountenance;butrathersay,asthechurch,"IwillwaitfortheLORD,whoishidinghisface.Iwillputmytrustinhim."Isa8:17.

(1.)HasGodwaitedforyourconversion—andwillyounotwaitforhisconsolation?HowlongdidhecomewooingyoubyhisSpirit?Hewaiteduntilhisheadwasfilledwithdew;hecried,"Howlongwillyoube unclean?" Jer 13:27. Christian, didGodwait for your love—and canyounotwaitforhis?

(2:)Assuranceissosweetandprecious,thatitisworthwaitingfor; thepriceof it isabove rubies, it cannotbevaluedwith thegoldof

Ophir. Assurance of God's love is a pledge of election, it is the angels'banquet: what other joy have they?When God assures the soul of hiseternalpurposesoflove,whathashemoretogive?WhomGodkisses—hecrowns!Assuranceisthefirstfruitsofparadise.OnesmileofGod'sface,one glance of his eye, one crumbof the hiddenmanna is so sweet anddelicious—thatitdeservesourwaiting.

(3:) God has given a promise that we shall not wait in vain."Theyshallnotbeashamed,thatwaitforme."PerhapsGodreservesthiscordial of assurance for a fainting time. He sometimes keeps his bestwine,until last.Assuranceshallbereservedasahoneyedingredient, tosweetenthebittercupofdeath.

Howmaydesertedsoulsbecomforted—whoarecastdownforlackofassurance?

(1.)Lackofassuranceshallnothinderthesuccessofthesaint'sprayers. Sin lived in—makes a barricade to our prayer; but lack ofassurancedoesnothinderprayer;wemaygotoGodstill inanhumble,trustfulmanner.AChristianperhapsmaythink,becausehedoesnotseeGod'ssmilingface—thatGodwillnothearhim.Thisisamistake."Inmyalarm I said, 'I am cut off from your sight!' Yet you heardmy cry formercywhenIcalledtoyouforhelp."Psalm31:22.Ifwepouroutsighstoheaven,Godwillheareverygroan;andthoughhedoesnotshowushisface—hewilllendushisear.

(2.) Faith may be strongest, when assurance is weakest. Thewoman of Canaan had no assurance—but a glorious faith. "O woman,greatisyourfaith."Rachelwasmorelovely—butLeahwasmorefruitful.Assuranceismorefairandlovelytolookupon—butafruitfulfaith,Godsees tobebetter forus. "Blessedare thosewhohavenot seen—andyethavebelieved."

(3.)WhenGod is out of sight, he is not out of covenant. "Mycovenantshallstandfast."Thoughawifedoesnotseeherhusband'sfaceformanyyears—yetthemarriage-relationholds,andhewillcomeagaintoherafteralongvoyage.Godmaybegonefromthesoulindesertion—butthecovenantstandsfast."Thoughthemountainsbeshakenandthe

hillsberemoved,yetmyunfailingloveforyouwillnotbeshakennormycovenant of peace be removed—says the Lord,who has compassion onyou."Isaiah54:10.ButthispromisewasmadetotheJews,anddoesnotbelongtous!Yesitdoes, forsaysver17,"Thesebenefitsareenjoyedbytheservants of the Lord." This is true of all the servants ofGod, thosewhoarenowliving,aswellasthosewholivedinthetimeoftheJews.

Whatshallwedotogetassurance?

(1.) Keep a pure conscience.Let no unrepented guilt lie upon theconscience.Godsealsnopardonbeforerepentance.Hewillnotpourthewineofassurance,intoafoulvessel."Letusdrawnearinfullassuranceoffaith,havingourheartssprinkledfromanevilconscience!"Guiltclipsthewings of comfort!Hewho is conscious of secret sins, cannot drawnear to God in full assurance; he cannot call God father—but judge.Guardyourconscienceascarefullyasyouguardyoureye—thatnodustofsincanfallintoit!

(2.) If youwould have assurance, bemuch in the exercise ofgrace."Exerciseyourselfuntogodliness."Mengrowrichbytrading;soby trading in grace—we grow rich in assurance. "Make your electionsure."How? "Add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge." Keepgraceuponthewing;itislivelyfaith,whichflourishesintoassurance.Nomanwillsetupagreatsailinasmallboat—butinalargevessel.Justso,Godsetsupthesailofassurance,inaheartenlargedwithgrace.

(3.) If you would have assurance, cherish the Holy Spirit ofGod.When David would have assurance, he prayed, "Don't take yourHolySpiritfromme!"Psalm51:11.HeknewthatitwastheSpiritalone,whocouldmakehimhear thevoiceof joy.TheSpirit is theComforter,thatsealsupassurance.2Cor1:22.ThereforemakemuchoftheSpirit—donotgrievehim.AsNoahopenedthearktoreceivethedove—soshouldweopenourhearts to receive theSpirit,which is theblesseddovewhobringsanolivebranchofassuranceinitsmouth.

(4.)Letus lieat thepoolof theordinances,and frequent thewordandsacrament. "Hebroughtme to thebanqueting-house, andhis banner over me was love." The blessed ordinances are the

banqueting-house, where God displays the banner of assurance. Thesacrament is a sealing ordinance. Christ made himself known to hisdisciplesinthebreakingofbread.Intheholysupper,inthebreakingofbread—Godmakeshimselfknowntous,tobeourGodandportion.

Howshouldtheywhohaveassuranceconductthemselves?

(1.)Ifyouhaveassuranceofyourjustification—donotabuseit.It is abusing assurance when we grow more remiss in duty; as themusician,havingmoney thrownhim, leavesoffplaying.By remissness,orintermittingtheexercisesofpiety,wegrievetheSpirit—andthatistheway to have an embargo laid upon our spiritual comforts. We abuseassurance when we grow presumptuous, and less fearful of sin.What!becauseafathergiveshissonanassuranceofhis love,andtellshimhewillbestowhis landuponhim—shall thesonbewastefulanddissolute?Thiswouldbethewaytolosehisfather'saffection,andmakehimcutoffthegift.ItwasanaggravationofSolomon'ssin,thathisheartwasturnedawayfromtheLord,afterhehadappearedtohimtwice.IKings11:9.Itisbadtosinwhenonelacksassurance—butitisworsetosinwhenonehasit.HastheLordsealedhislovewithakiss?Hasheleftapledgeofheavenin your hand—and do you thus requite the Lord? Will you sin withmanna in your mouth? Does God give you the sweet clusters ofassuranceto feed on, andwill you returnwild grapes to him? Itmuchpleases Satan, either to see us lack assurance, or abuse it. We abuseassurancewhenthepulseofoursoulsbeats faster insin,andslower inholyduties.

(2.)Ifyouhaveassurance—admirehisstupendousmercy.YoudeservedthatGodshouldgiveyougallandvinegartodrink—andhashemade the honeycomb of his love to drop upon you?Oh, fall down andadore his goodness! Say, "Lord, how is it that you should manifestyourselftome,andnottootherbelievers!formanywhomyouloveastheappleofyoureye,youhold insuspense,andgive themnoassuranceofyourlove;thoughyouhavegiventhemthenewname—yetnotthewhitestone; though they have the seed of grace—yet not theoil of gladness;thoughtheyhavetheHolySpirit,theSanctifier—yetnottheHolySpirit,theComforter.Lord,whyisitthatyoushouldmanifestyourselftome—andmakeyourgoldenbeamsof assurance to shineuponmy soul?Oh,

adoreGodonthisaccount!suchwillbetheworkofheaven.

(3.)Ifyouhaveassurance—letyourheartsbeendearedinlovetoGod. If God gives his people correction—theymust love him. Howmuchmore,whenhegivesthemassurance!"OlovetheLord,allyouhissaints." Has God brought you to the borders of Canaan, given you thelusciousgrapesofEschol,crownedyouwith loving-kindness,confirmedyourpardonunderthebroadsealofheaven?Howcanyoubefrozen—atsuchafire?Howyoushouldbeturnedintoseraphim,burningindivinelove! Say as Augustine, "I would hatemy own soul, if I did not find itloving God." Give God the cream and quintessence of your love—andshowyourlovebybeingwillingtoloseallforhissake.

(4.)Ifyouhaveassurance—improveitforGod'sglory.

(1:) Improve assurance—by encouraging such as are yetunconverted. Tell them how sweet this hidden manna is; tell themwhat a goodmaster you serve; what heavenly gales you have had; tellthemGodhascarriedyoutothehillofmyrrh,tothemountainsofspices;hehasgivenyounotonlyasightofheaven—butapledgeofheaven.Oh,persuadesinners,byalltheloveandmercyofGod,thattheywouldenrolltheir names in his family, and cast themselves upon him for salvation.Tell themGodhasmetwithyouandunlockedthesecretsof freegrace,andassuredyouofalandflowingwiththoseinfinitedelights,whicheyehasnotseen.Thus,bytellingotherswhatGodhasdoneforyoursoul,youmaymakethemfallinlovewiththewaysofGod,andcausethemtoturnproselytestotruereligion.

(2:)Improveassurance—bycomfortingsuchaslackit.BeasthegoodSamaritan,andpourwineandoilintotheirwounds.Youwhohaveassurance, are arrived as it were at the haven—you are sure of yourhappiness;butdoyounotseeotherswhoarestrugglingwiththewavesoftemptation and desertion, and are ready to sink? Oh, now sympathizewiththem,anddowhatyoucan tocomfort themwhile theyare in thisdeep ocean. "If we are comforted—it is for your consolation." ThecomfortableexperienceofoneChristianbeingcommunicatedtoanother,much revives and bears up his fainting heart. "Our comfort," says theapostle,"isforyourconsolation."

(3:)Improveassurance—bywalkingmoreheavenly.Youshouldscornthethingsbelow;youwhohaveapledgeofheaven,shouldnotbetooearnestforthethingsofearth.Youhaveangels'food;itdoesnotbefityou,withtheserpent,to lickthedust.Thewickedareall forcorn,wineandoil;butyouhavethatwhichisbetter.Godhas liftedupthe lightofhis countenance upon you—and will you hanker after the world, whenyou have been feeding upon the grapes and pomegranates of the holyland?Doyounowlustafter thegarlicsandonionsofEgypt?Whenyouareclothedwiththesun,willyousetthemoonandthestarsaboveyou?Ohletthemscramblefortheworld—whohavenothingelsebuthusks to feed on! Have you assurance of heaven, and is not thatenough?Willnotakingdomsatisfyyou?Suchasarehighinassurance,shouldliveabovetheworld!

(4:) Improve assurance—by a cheerful walking. It is forcondemnedpeople,tolivewiththeirheadshangingdown.Buthaveyouyour absolution?Does yourGod smile on you?Cheerup! "Why shouldthesonofaking,looksodejectedmorningaftermorning?"2Sam13:4.Areyoutheking'sson?HasGodassuredyouofyouradoption—andareyou sad? Assurance should be an antidote against all trouble. Whatthoughtheworldhatesyou?Youareassured thatyouareoneofGod'sfavorites.Whatthoughthereisbutlittleoilinthecruse,andyouarelowintheworld?Youarehighinassurance.Oh,thenrejoice!Howmusicalisthebird!Howdoesitchirpandsing,thoughitknowsnotwheretopickup the next crumb! And shall they be sad and discontented, who haveGod's bond to assure themof theirdaily bread, and his love to assurethem of heaven?Certainly those who have assurance, should be of anoptimisticdisposition.

(5.)Ifyouhaveanassuranceofsalvation—letitmakeyoulongafteraglorifiedstate.Hewhohasapledge inhishand—desiresthewholesumtobepaid.Thesoul thathas tastedhowsweet theLordis—should longfora fullerenjoymentofhiminheaven.HasChristputtheringofassurance onyourhand, and so espousedyou tohimself?Howshould you long for the marriage-supper of the Lamb! Rev 19:9. OChristian,thinkwithyourself,"ifaglimpseofheaven,ifasmileofGod'sfaceissosweet;whatwillitbe—tobeeversunningyourselfinthelightof

God'scountenance!"Certainly,youwhohaveanassuranceofyourtitletoheaven,cannotbutdesirepossessionofheaven.Be content to live—butwillingtodie.

(6.) If youhaveassurance—becareful that youdonot lose it.Keepit,foritisyourlife—thecomfortofyourlife.Keepassurance.

First. By prayer. "O continue your loving-kindness." "Lord, continueassurance;donottakethisspecialsealawayfromme!"

Secondly. Keep assurance byhumility. Pride estranges God from thesoul. When you are near in assurance, be low in humility. Paul hadassurance, and he baptized himself with the name, "Chief of sinners."The jewel of assurance is best kept—in the cabinet of anhumbleheart!

PEACE

"Maygraceandpeacebemultipliedtoyou."1Peter1:2

Havingspokenofthefirstfruitofsanctification,assurance,Iproceedtothesecond,namely,Peace."Maypeacebemultipliedtoyou."

WhataretheseveralKINDSofpeace?

I.Thereisanexternalpeace,andthatis,

(1.)Domestic—orpeaceinafamily.

(2.) Political—or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. Howpleasantitis,whenthewatersofbloodbegintoassuage,andwecanseethewindowsofourarkopen,andthedovereturningwithanolivebranchofpeace!

(3.)Ecclesiastical—orpeaceinthechurch.Unityintruth,isthegreatestmercyonearth.Ecclesiasticalpeacestands inopposition toschismandpersecution.

II.There is a spiritualpeace, which is twofold; peaceaboveus, orpeacewithGod;andpeacewithinus,orpeacewithconscience,whichissuperlative:otherpeacemaybelasting—butthisiseverlasting.

Wheredoesthispeacecomefrom?

It has the whole Trinity for its author. God the Father is "the God ofpeace."GodtheSonisthe"Princeofpeace."Peaceissaidtobethe"fruitoftheSpirit."

(1.)GodtheFatheristheGodofpeace.AsheistheGodoforder,soheis theGodofpeace. ICor14:33,andPhil4:9.Thiswas the formof thepriest'sblessinguponthepeople."MaytheLordshowyouhisfavorandgiveyouhispeace."Numbers6:26.

(2.)GodtheSonisthepurchaserofpeace.Hemadepeacebyhisblood."Having made peace by the blood of his cross." The atonement whichAaronmadeforthepeople,whenheenteredintotheholyofholies,withblood,wasatypeofChristourhighpriest,whobyhissacrificepacifiedhisangryFather,andmadeatonementforus.Christpurchasedourpeaceuponhardterms;forhissoulwasinanagony,whilehewastravailingtobringforthpeacetotheworld.

(3.)PeaceisafruitoftheSpirit.Hesealsuppeacetotheconscience.TheSpiritclearsuptheworkofgraceintheheart,fromwhencearisespeace.Therewasawell ofwaternearHagar—but shedidnot see it, thereforeshewept.AChristianhasgrace—butdoesnotseeit,thereforeheweeps.Now the Spirit discovers this well of water; he enables conscience towitnesstoamanwhohastherealworkofgrace,andsopeaceflowsintothesoul.

Thusyouseewhencethispeacecomes—theFatherdecreesit,theSonpurchasesit,

theHolySpiritappliesit.

Maysuchasaredestituteofgrace,havepeace?

No!Peace flows from sanctification—but theybeingunregenerate, havenothing to do with peace. "There is no peace," says my God, "for thewicked." Isaiah 57:21. Theymay have a truce—but no peace. Godmayforbear the wicked a while, and stop the roaring of his cannon; butthough there be a truce—yet there is no peace. The wicked may havesomethingwhichlookslikepeace—butitisnot.Theymaybefearlessandstupid;butthereisagreatdifferencebetweenastupifiedconscience,andapacifiedconscience. "Whena strongmanarmedkeepshispalace,hisgoodsareinpeace."Thisisthedevil'speace;herocksmentosleepinthecradleofcarnalsecurity;hecries, "Peace,peace!"whenmenareon theprecipiceofhell.Theseemingpeace,whichasinnerhas,isnotfromtheknowledgeofhiseternalhappiness—buttheignoranceofhisdanger.

Whatarethesignsofafalsepeace?

(1.) A false peace has much confidence in it—but thisconfidenceisafalsehope.ThesinnerdoesnotdoubtofGod'smercy;andfromthispresumptuousconfidencearisessomekindofquietinthemind. The sameword in theHebrew, cassal, signifies both confidenceand folly. Indeeda sinner's confidence is folly.Howconfidentwere thefoolishvirgins!

(2.) False peace separates those thingswhichGod has joinedtogether.God joinsholinessandpeace—buthewhohasa false peace,separatesthetwo.Helaysclaimtopeace—butbanishesholiness."Ishallhave peace, even though I amwalking inmy own stubborn way." Thewickedarelooseandvain,andyetthankGodthattheyhavepeace;whatadelusion!Youmayaswellsuckhealthoutofpoison—aspeaceoutofsin!

(3.)Falsepeaceisnotwillingtobetried.It isasigntheyarebadwares—whichwillnotendurethelight.Itisasignamanhasstolengoods—whenhewillnothavehishousesearched.Afalsepeacecannotenduretobetriedbytheword.Thewordspeaksofahumblingandrefiningwork

uponthesoul,beforepeace;butfalsepeacecannotenduretohearofthis.The least troublewill shake thispeace; itwill end indespair. Ina falsepeace, conscience is asleep; but when this lion of conscience shall beawakenedatdeath,itwillroaruponaman;hewillbeaterrortohimself,andbereadytolayviolenthandsuponhimself.

Howshallweknowthatoursisatruepeace?

(1.) True peace flows fromunionwith Christ. The branchmustfirstbe ingrafted intothetree,before itcanreceivesapor nourishmentfrom it. Just so, we must first be ingrafted into Christ, before we canreceive peace from him. Have we faith? By holiness we are made likeChrist;bybelievingwearemadeonewithChrist,andbeinginChristwehavepeace.John16:33.

(2.) True peace flows from subjection to Christ. Where Christgives peace, there he sets up his government in the heart. "Of hisgovernmentandpeace, there shallbenoend."Christ is called "apriestuponhisthrone."Christasapriestmakespeace;buthewillbeapriestuponhisthrone—hebringstheheartinsubjectiontohim.IfChristisourpeace insalvation,he isourprince toruleus!Isa9:6.WheneverChristpacifiestheconscience,hesubduesthelust!

(3.) True peace is after trouble. First, God lets loose a spirit ofbondage,heconvincesandhumblesthesoul;thenhespeakspeace.Manysay theyhave peace—but is this peace before a storm, or after it? Truepeace isafter trouble.First therewastheearthquake,andthenthefire,andthenthestillsmallvoice.IKings19:12.Youwhoneverhadanylegalbruisings,may suspect your peace. God pours the golden oil of peace,intobrokenhearts.

Haveallsanctifiedpeoplethispeace?

Theyhave a titleto it; they have thegroundof it. Grace is the seed ofpeace,anditwillintimeturntopeace;astheblossomsofatreeturnintofruit,orasmilkturnstocream.Theyhaveapromiseofit."TheLordwillblesshispeoplewithpeace."TheymayhavepeacewithGod,thoughnotpeaceintheirownconscience;theyhavetheprincipleandbeginningsof

peace.There isasecretpeacewhich thehearthas in servingGod; suchmeltingsandenlargementsindutyasrevivethesoul,andbearitupfromsinking.

But why have not all believers the full enjoyment and possession ofpeace?Whyisnotthisflowerofpeace,fullyripeandfruit-bearing?

Someofthegodlymaynothavesofulladegreeofpeace.

(1.) Through the fury of temptation. Though the devil cannotdestroyus,hewilldisturbus.Hedisputesagainstouradoption;hewouldmakeusquestiontheworkofgrace inourhearts,andsodisturbthe waters of our peace. He is like a subtle cheater, who, if he cannotmakeaman'stitletohislandvoid—yetwillputhimtomanytroublesomesuits inlaw.IfSatancannotmakeusungodly,hewillmakeusunquiet.Violent winds make the sea rough and stormy. Just so, the winds oftemptation blowing, disturb peace of spirit, and put the soul into acommotion.

(2.) The godly may not enjoy peace—through mistake andmisapprehensionaboutsin.Theyfindsomuchcorruption,thattheythinksurely,ifthereweregrace,therewouldnotbesuchstrongworkingof corruption. Whereas this should be so far from discouragingChristians,andhinderingtheirpeace,thatitisanargumentforthem.Letme ask, Whence is it—that you feel sin? No man can feel sin—but bygrace.Awickedman is insensible.Layahundredpoundweightuponadeadman,hedoesnotcomplain.Beingsensibleofcorruption,arguesagraciousprinciple.Rom7:21.Again,Whenceisit—thatthereisacombatwithsin—butfromthelifeofgrace?Gal5:17.Deadthingscannotcombat.Whenceisit—thatthesaintsweepforsin?Whatarethesetears,butseedsof faith? The not understanding of this principle, hinders a Christian'speace.

(3.) The godly may not enjoy peace—through remissness induty; theymay leave their first love.WhenChristians abate theirfervency—Godabatestheirpeace.Ifyouslackenthestringsofaviolin—themusicisspoiled.Justso,ifChristiansslackeninduty,theyspoil thesweetmusicofpeaceintheirsouls.Asthefiredecays—thecoldincreases.

Justso,asfervencyindutyabates—ourpeacecools.

Use one: Labor for this blessed peace—peace with God andconscience.Peacewithneighbor-nations is sweet.Onepeace isbetterthan innumerable triumphs. The Hebrew word shalom, peace,comprehends all blessings. Peace is the glory of a kingdom. A prince'scrownismorebeautiful,whenitishungwiththewhitelilyofpeace,thanwhenitissetwiththeredrosesofabloodywar.Oh,then,howsweetispeace of conscience! It is a bulwark against the enemy. Phil 4:7. Peaceshallkeepyouasinagarrison;youmaythrowdownthegauntlet,andbiddefiancetoenemies.Peaceisthegoldenpotandthemanna.Itisthefirstfruits of paradise. It is quietmusic, for lack ofwhich, a Christian is incontinualfear,anddoesnottakecomfortinordinances.HannahwentuptothefeastatJerusalem—butsheweptanddidnoteat.ISam1:7;so,apoordejectedsoulgoestoanordinance—butdoesnoteatofthefeast;heweeps and does not eat. He cannot take comfort in worldly blessings,health, estate, relations; he lacks that inward peace,which should be asaucetosweetenhiscomforts.Oh,therefore,laborforthisblessedpeace.ConsiderthenobleandexcellentEFFECTSofpeace.

(1.) It gives boldness at the throne of grace.Guilt of conscienceclipsthewingsofprayer,itmakesthefaceblush,andtheheartfaint!Butwhen a Christian has some lively apprehensions ofGod's love, and theSpirit whispers 'peace,' he goes toGodwith boldness, as a child to hisfather."Untoyou,OLord,doIliftupmysoul."Timewas,whenDavid'ssoulwasboweddown."Iamboweddowngreatly."Psalm38:8.Nowthecase is altered, andhewill lift uphis soul toGod in awayof triumph.Whence was this? God has spoken peace to his soul. "Your loving-kindnessisbeforemyeyes."

(2.)Thisdivinepeace fires theheartwith love toChrist.Truepeace,istheresultofpardon.Hewhohasapardonsealed,cannotchoosebut love his prince.How endeared is Christ to the soul! Now Christ ispreciousindeed."Oh,"saysthesoul,"howsweet isthisRoseofSharon!Has Christ waded through a sea of blood and wrath, to purchase mypeace? Has he not only made peace—but spoken peace to me? Howshouldmyheartascendinafierychariotoflove!HowwillingshouldIbetoliveandsufferforChrist!"

(3.)Thispeacequietstheheartintrouble."Thismanshallbethepeace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land, andwhen he shalltread in our palaces." The enemymay invade our palaces—but not ourpeace;thismanChristshallbethepeace.Whentheheadaches,theheartmaybewell;andwhenworldlytroublesassaultaChristian,hismindmaybeinpeaceandquiet."Iwill laymedowninpeace,andsleep."ItwasasadtimewithDavid,hewasfleeingforhislifefromAbsalom; itwasnosmall affliction to think that his own son should seek to take away hisfather'slifeandcrown.Davidweptandcoveredhishead.Yetatthistimehesays,"Iwilllaymedowninpeace,andsleep."Hehadtroublefromhisson—but peace from his conscience. David could sleep upon the softpillowofagoodconscience.Thisisapeaceworthgetting.

Whatshallwedotoattainthisblessedpeace?

(1.)Letusask itofGod.He is theGod of peace; he beats back theroaring lion; he stills the raging of conscience. If we could call all theangelsoutofheaven,theycouldnotspeakpeacewithoutGod.Thestarscannotmakedaywithoutthesun;nonecanmakedayinadarkdesertedsoul—buttheSunofRighteousness.Asthewildernesscannotwateritself—but remainsdryandparcheduntil the cloudsdrop theirmoisture; soourheartscannothavepeace,untilGodinfusesit,anddropsituponusbyhisSpirit.Thereforepray,"Lord,youwhoaretheGodofpeace,createpeace;youwhoarethePrinceofpeace,commandit.Givemethatpeacewhichmaysweetentrouble,yes,eventhebittercupofdeath."

(2.)Ifyouwouldhavepeace,makewarwithsin.SinistheAchanwhich troublesus. Sin is theTrojanhorsewhichbrings troublewith it."King Joram demanded, "Do you come in peace, Jehu?" Jehu replied,"How can there bepeace as long as the idolatry andwitchcraft of yourmother,Jezebel,areallaroundus?"2Kings9:22.Whatpeacecantherebe—so long as sin remains unmortified? If you would have peace withGod,breaktheleaguewithsin;givebattletosin,foritisamostjustwar.God has proclaimed it: nay, he has promised us victory. "Sin shall nothave dominion over you."Noway topeace—but bymaintaining awarwithsin."OurpeaceisawaragainsttheDevil,"Tertullian.WhenSamsonhadslainthelion—honeycameoutofthelion.Justso,byslayingsin—we

getthehoneyofpeace.

(3.) Go to Christ's blood for peace. Some go to fetch their peacefrom their own righteousness—not Christ's righteousness. They go forpeacetotheirholylife—notChrist'sdeath.Ifconscienceistroubled,theystrive to quiet it with their duties. This is not the right way to peace.Duties must neither be neglected—nor idolized. Look to the blood ofsprinkling. Heb 12:24. That blood of Christ which pacified God, mustpacify conscience. Christ's blood being sucked in by faith, gives peace."Being justified by faith, we have peace with God." No balm to cure awoundedconscience—butthebloodofChrist!

(4.)Walk closely with God. Peace flows from purity. "As many aswalk according to this rule, peace be on them." In the text, grace andpeaceareputtogether;graceistheroot—andpeaceistheflower.Divinepeaceisdistilledoutofagraciousheart.Walkveryholily.God'sSpiritisarefiner,beforeacomforter.

Usetwo:Youwhohavethispeace,peaceabove,peacewithin—labor tokeep it.Peace isaprecious jewel—donot lose it. It isdreadful tohave the leagueofnationalpeacebroken—but it isworse tohavethepeaceofconsciencebroken.Oh,preservethispeace!

First, take heed of relapses. Has God spoken peace? Do not turnagain to folly. "I listen carefully towhatGod theLord is saying, for hespeakspeace tohispeople,his faithfulones.But let themnotreturn totheir foolish ways." Psalm 85:8. Besides ingratitude, there is folly inrelapses.ItwaslongbeforeGodwasreconciledandthebreachmadeup—andwill you again eclipse and forfeit your peace?Has God healed thewoundofconscience—andwillyoutearitopenagain?Willyoucutanewartery?This is returning indeed to folly.Whatmadness is it tomeddleagainwiththatsin—whichwillbreedthewormofconscience!

Secondly, make up your spiritual accounts daily; see howmattersstandbetweenGodandyoursouls."Icommunewithmyownheart."Frequent reckoningskeep God and conscience friends. Dowith your hearts as you do with your watches—wind them up everymorningbyprayer,andatnightexaminewhetheryourheartshavegone

true all that day, whether the wheels of your affections have movedswiftly towardsheaven.Oh, call yourselvesoften toaccount!Keepyourreckoningseven—forthatisthewaytokeepyourpeace.

JOY

"ThefruitoftheSpiritisjoy."Gal5:22.

Thethirdfruitofjustification,adoption,andsanctification—isjoyintheHolySpirit.Joyissettingthesouluponthetopofapinnacle—itisthecream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet anddelightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of somegood,wherebythesoul issupportedunderpresenttroubles,andfencedagainstfuturefear.

I. Joy is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is aperturbationofmind,wherebytheheartisperplexedandcastdown.Joyisasweetandpleasantaffection—whicheasesthemind,andexhilaratesandcomfortsthespirits.

II. Joy arises from the feeling of some good. Joy is not amereimagination;butisrational,andarisesfromthefeelingofsomegood,asthesenseofGod's loveandfavor.Joy issoreala thing, that itmakesasuddenchange inaperson;and turnsmourning intomelody.As inthespring-time, when the sun comes to our horizon, it makes a suddenalterationinthefaceoftheuniverse—thebirdssing,theflowersappear,thefig-treeputsforthhergreenfigs;everythingseemstorejoiceandputoff itsmourning, as being revivedwith the sweet influence of the sun.Just so, when the Sun of Righteousness arises on the soul, it makes asudden alteration, and the soul is infinitely rejoiced with the goldenbeamsofGod'slove.

III. By joy, the soul is supported under present troubles. Joystupefiesandswallowsuptroubles;itcarriestheheartabovethem,astheoilswimsabovethewater.

IV.By joy, theheart is fencedagainst future fear. Joy isbothacordialandanantidote. It is a cordialwhichgives present relief to thespiritswhen they are sad; andanantidote,which fences off the fear ofapproachingdanger."Iwillfearnoevil,foryouarewithme;yourrodandyourstafftheycomfortme."

Howisthisjoywrought?

(1.)Itarisespartlyfromthepromise.Asthebeeliesatthebreastoftheflower,andsucksoutitssweetness;justso,faithliesatthebreastofapromise, and sucks out the quintessence of joy. "Your comforts delightmysoul;"thatis,thecomfortswhichdistillfromthepromises.

(2.)TheSpiritofGodwhoiscalledthe'Comforter',sometimesdrops this goldenoil of joy into the soul. John 14:26. The Spiritwhispers the remission of his sin to a believer—and sheds God's loveabroadintheheart,whenceflowsinfinitejoyanddelight.Rom5:5.

Whatare theSEASONSinwhichGodusuallygiveshispeopledivinejoys?TherearefiveSeasons.

(1.) Sometimes at the blessed Supper. The soul comes weepingafterChristintheLord'sSupper,andGodsendsitawayweepingforjoy.The Jews had a custom at their feasts, of pouring ointment on theirguestsandkissingthem;intheLord'sSupper,Godoftenpourstheoilofgladnessonthesaints,andkissesthemwiththekissesofhislips.TherearetwograndendsoftheLord'sSupper—thestrengtheningoffaith,andtheflourishingofjoy.Here,inthisordinance,Goddisplaysthebannerofhis love; here believers taste not only sacramental bread—but hiddenmanna. Not that God always meets the soul with joy. He may giveincreaseofgrace,whennot increaseof joy.But oftentimeshepours intheoilofgladness,andgivesthesoulasecretsealofhis love;asChristmadehimselfknowninthebreakingofbreadtothetwodisciples.

(2.)BeforeGod calls his people to suffering. "Be of good cheer,Paul." Acts 23:11.WhenGodwas about to give Paul a cup ofblood todrink—hespiceditwithjoy."AsthesufferingsofChristaboundinus,soourconsolationalsoabounds."2Cor1:5.Thismadethemartyrs'flames,

to be beds of roses to them. When Stephen was being stoned he sawheaven open, and the Sun of Righteousness shone upon his face. Godcandiesourwormwood,withsugar.

(3.) After sore conflicts with Satan. He is the red dragon whotroublesthewaters;heputsthesoulintofrights,makesitbelievethatithasnograce,andthatGoddoesnotloveit.ThoughhecannotblotoutaChristian's evidence forheaven—yethemaycast suchamistbeforehiseyes, that he cannot read it. When the soul has been bruised withtemptations,Godwillcomfortthebruisedreedbygivingjoy—toconfirmaChristian's title to heaven. After Satan's fiery darts, comes thewhitestone.No better balm to heal a tempted soul, than the oil of gladness!AfterChristwastempted,anangelcametocomforthim.

(4.)Afterspiritualdesertion. Desertion is a poisoned arrowwhichshoots to the heart. "For the Almighty has struck me down with hisarrows.Hehassenthispoisonedarrowsdeepwithinmyspirit.AllGod'sterrorsarearrayedagainstme!"Job6:4.Godiscalledafireanda light:thedesertedsoulfeelsthefire—butdoesnotseethelight;itcriesout,asAsaph,"HastheLordrejectedmeforever?Willheneveragainshowmefavor?Ishisunfailinglovegoneforever?Havehispromisespermanentlyfailed?HasGod forgotten tobekind?Hashe slammed thedooronhiscompassion?"Psalms77:7-9.Whenthesoulisinthiscase,andreadytofaintawayindespair,Godshinesuponit,andgivesitsomeapprehensionofhisfavor,andturnstheshadowofdeathintothelightofthemorning.Godkeepshiscordialsforatimeoffainting.Joyafteratimeofdesertion,islikearesurrectionfromthedead.

(5.)Atthehourofdeath.Ofthoseevenwhohavehadnojoyintheirlifetime. God puts this sugar in the bottom of the cup—to make theirdeath sweet. At the last hour, when all other comforts are gone, GodsendstheComforter;andwhentheirappetitetofoodfails,hefeedsthemwith hidden manna. As the wicked before they die, have someapprehensions of hell andwrath in their conscience; so the godly havesome foretastes of God's everlasting favor, though sometimes theirdiseasesmay be such, and their bodies so oppressed, that they cannotexpresswhattheyfeel.Jacoblaidhimselftosleeponastoneandsawavisionofaladder,andtheangelsascendinganddescendinguponit.Just

so,whensaintslaythemselvesdowntosleepthesleepofdeath,theyhaveoftenavision—theyseethelightofGod'sface,andhavetheevidencesofhislovesealeduptothemforever.

What are the differences betweenworldly joys and spiritualjoys?Thegleaningsofspiritual joys,arebetterthanthevintageoftheworldlyjoys.

(1.)SpiritualjoyshelptomakeusBETTER,worldlyjoysoftenmakeusworse. "Ispokeuntoyou inyourprosperity—butyousaid,Iwillnothear."Jer22:21.Prideandluxuryarethetwowormswhicharebred from worldly pleasures. Wine is the inflamer of lust. As Satanenteredinthesop,soofteninthecup.Butspiritualjoymakesonebetter;it is likecordialmedicine,which,asphysicians say,notonly cheers theheart—butpurgesoutthenoxioushumours.Justso,divinejoyiscordialmedicine,whichnotonlycomfortsbutpurifies;itmakesaChristianmoreholy; it causes an antipathy against sin; it infuses strength to live andsufferforChrist."ThejoyoftheLordisyourstrength."Somecolorsnotonlydelighttheeye—butstrengthenthesight.Justso,thejoysofGodnotonlyrefreshthesoul—butstrengthenit.

(2.)SpiritualjoysareINWARD,theyareheartjoys."Yourheartshall rejoice."John16:22.True joy ishiddenwithin,worldly joy liesonthe outside, like the dew which wets the leaf. We read of those who"rejoice inappearance," in theGreek, in the face.2Cor5:12. Itgoesnofarther than the face, it is not within. "Laughter can conceal a heavyheart;whenthelaughterends,thegriefremains."Proverbs14:13.Likeahousewhichhasagildedfrontispiece—butalltheroomswithinarehunginmourning.Butspiritualjoyliesmostwithin."Yourheartshallrejoice."Divinejoyislikeaspringofwaterwhichrunsunderground!Otherscansee the sufferings of a Christian—but they see not his joy. "Each heartknows its ownbitterness, andno one else can fully share its joy."Prov14:10.Hisjoyishiddenmanna—hiddenfromtheeyeoftheworld;hehasjoyfulmusicwhichotherscannothear.Themarrowlieswithin,thebestjoyiswithintheheart.

(3.)SpiritualjoysareSWEETERthanworldlyjoys."Yourloveissweeter than wine!" Song of Songs 1:2. Spiritual joys are a Christian's

festival;theyarethegoldenpotandthesweetmanna,theyaresosweet,that theymakeeverythingelse sweet!Spiritual joys sweetenhealthandestate,assweetwaterpouredonflowersmakesthemmorefragrantandaromatic. Divine joys are so delicious and ravishing, that they put ourmouthoutoftasteforearthlydelights;justashewhohasbeendrinkingcordials tastes little sweetness inwater.Paulhadso tasted thesedivinejoys, that hismouthwas out of taste forworldly things; theworldwascrucifiedtohim,itwaslikeadeadthing,hecouldfindnosweetnessinit.Gal6:14.

(4.)SpiritualjoysaremorePURE,theyarenottemperedwithany bitter ingredients. A sinner's joy is mixed with dregs, it isembitteredwithfearandguilt—hedrinkswormwoodwine.Butspiritualjoyisnotmuddiedwithguilt—butlikeacrystalstream,itrunspure.Itisarosewithoutprickles;itishoneywithoutwax.

(5.)SpiritualjoysareSATISFYINGjoys."Ask,thatyourjoymaybefull."Worldlyjoyscannomorefilltheheartthanadropcanfillanocean;theymay please the palate or imagination—but cannot satisfy the soul."No matter how much we see—we are never satisfied. No matter howmuchwehear—wearenotcontent."Ecclesiastes1:8.ButthejoysofGodsatisfy."Yourcomfortsdelightmysoul."Psalm94:19.There isasmuchdifferencebetweenspiritualjoysandearthlyjoys—asbetweenabanquetwhichiseaten—andonewhichispaintedonthewall!

(6.) Spiritual joys are STRONGER joys than worldly joys."Strong consolation."Heb6:18.Theyare strong joys indeed,whichcanbearupaChristian'sheartintrialsandafflictions."Havingreceivedtheword inmuch affliction,with joy." These joys are roseswhich grow inwinter!These joyscansweetenthebitterwatersofMarah!Hewhohasthese joys, can gather grapes from thorns, and fetch honey out of thecarcassofalion!"Assorrowing—yetalwaysrejoicing."2Cor6:10.Attheendoftherod—aChristiantasteshoney!

(7.) Spiritual joys are UNWEARIED joys. Other joys, when inexcess,oftencauseloathing;toomuchhoneynauseates.Onemaybetiredofpleasure, aswell as labor.KingXerxes offereda reward tohimwhocouldfindoutanewpleasure!ButthejoysofGod,thoughtheysatisfy—

yettheyneverglut.Adropofjoyissweet—butthemoreofthiswinethebetter! Such as drink of the joys of heaven—are never glutted. Theirsatietyiswithoutloathing,becausetheystilldesiremoreofthejoywithwhichtheyaresatiated.

(8.)Spiritual joysareABIDING joys.Worldly joys are soon gone.Such as crown themselves with rosebuds, and bathe in the perfumedwatersofpleasure—mayhavejoyswhichseemtobesweet—buttheyareswift.Theyare likemeteors,whichgiveabrightandsudden flash, andthendisappear.Butthejoyswhichbelievershaveareabiding;theyareablossom of eternity—a pledge of those rivers of pleasurewhich run atGod'srighthand!"InYourpresenceisabundantjoy;inYourrighthandareeternalpleasures!"Psalm16:11

Whyisthisjoytobelaboredfor?

(1.)Becauseitisself-existent.Spiritual joycanexist intheabsenceofallothercarnaljoy.Thisjoydoesnotdependuponoutwardthings.Asthephilosopherssaid,whenthemusicianscametothem,"Philosopherscan be merry without music;" so he who has this spiritual joy can becheerful in the deficiency of carnal joys; he can rejoice in God, in surehopeofglory!"Eventhoughthefigtreeshavenoblossoms,andtherearenograpesonthevine;eventhoughtheolivecropfails,andthefieldslieemptyandbarren;eventhoughtheflocksdieinthefields,andthecattlebarnsareempty,yetIwillrejoiceintheLord!IwillbejoyfulintheGodofmy salvation!"Habakkuk3:17-18. Spiritual joy can gowithout silvercrutchestosupport it.Spiritual joy isbuilthigher, thanuponcreatures,foritisbuiltontheloveofGod,onthepromisesofScripture,andonthebloodofChrist.

(2.) Because spiritual joy carries the soul through dutycheerfully.Religionbecomesarecreation.Fearandsorrowhinderusinthedischargeofduty;butaChristianservesGodwithactivity,whenheserveshimwith joy.Theoilof joymakesthewheelsofobediencemovefaster.Howferventlydidtheypray,whomGodmadejoyfulinthehouseofprayer!"IwillbringthemalsotomyholymountainofJerusalemandwillfillthemwithjoyinmyhouseofprayer."Isaiah56:7.

(3.)ItiscalledthekingdomofGod,becauseitisatasteofthatwhichthesaintshaveinthekingdomofGod."FortheKingdomofGodisnotamatterofwhatweeatordrink,butoflivingalifeofgoodnessandpeaceandjoyintheHolySpirit."Romans14:17.Whatistheheavenof the angels—but the smilesofGod's face, the sensibleperception andfeelingofthosejoyswhichareinfinitelyravishingandfullofglory!

Toencourageandquickenusinseekingafterthem,consider,thatChristdiedtopurchasethisjoyforhissaints.Hewasamanofsorrows—thatwemightbefullofjoy;heprayedthatthesaintsmighthavethisdivinejoy."AndnowIamcomingtoyou.IhavetoldthemmanythingswhileIwaswiththemsotheywouldbefilledwithmyjoy."John17:13.Christknowswe never love him so much—as when we feel his love; which mayencourageustoseekafterthisjoy.WeprayforthatwhichChristhimselfisprayingfor,whenwepraythathisjoymaybefulfilledinus.

Whatshallwedotoobtainthisspiritualjoy?

Walk consistently and spiritually. God gives joy after long and closewalkingwithhim.

(1.)Observeyourhours.SettimeeverydayapartforGod.

(2.)Mourn for sin. "Mourning is the seed," asBasil says, "outofwhichtheflowerofspiritualjoygrows.""Iwillcomfortthosewhomourn."Isa57:18.

(3.)Keep thebook of conscience fairwritten.Do not by presumptuoussins,bluryourevidences.AgoodconscienceisthearkinwhichGodputsthehiddenmanna!

(4.) Be often upon your knees—pray with life and fervency. The sameSpiritwhofillstheheartwithsighs—fillsitwithjoys.ThesameSpiritwhoinspirestheprayer—sealsit.WhenHannahhadprayed,hercountenancewasnolongersad.ISam1:18.PrayingChristianshavemuchfellowshipwithGod;andnonearesolikelytohavethesecretsofhisloveimparted,asthosewhoholdcorrespondencewithhim.ByclosewalkingwithGod,wegetclustersofEshcol'sgrapesalongtheway,whicharethepledgeof

futurehappiness.

Howshallwecomfortthosewholackjoy?

SuchaswalkinclosecommunionwithGod,havemorejoythanothers.

(1.)Initialjoy,joyintheseed."Lightisshedupontherighteous,andjoyontheuprightinheart."Psalm97:11.Graceintheheart,isaseedofjoy.ThoughaChristianlacksthesun,hehasaday-starinhisheart.

(2.) A believer has real joy—though not royal comforts. He has, asAquinas says, "joy inGod, though not fromGod." Joy in God, is thedelightandpleasurethesoultakesinGod."MysoulshallbegladintheLord."Hewhoistrulygracious,issofarjoyfulastotakecomfortinGod.Though he cannot say that God rejoices in him; he can say that herejoicesinGod.

(3.)Hehassupportingjoy—thoughnottransportingcomforts.Hehasasmuchaskeepshimfromsinking."Youstrengthenmewithstrengthinmysoul."Psalm138:3.IfaChristianhasnotGod'sarmtoembracehim—yethe has it to uphold him. Thus a Christian who walks with God hassomethingwhichbearsuphisheart from sinking; and it is butwaitingawhile,andheissureofthoseeternaljoyswhichareunspeakableandfullofglory!

Use one: See that true religion is no melancholy thing—itbrings joy.The fruitof theSpirit is joy.Joymayvary—but it is nevertotallydestroyed.ApoorChristianwhoexistsonbreadandwater,mayhave purer joy than the greatest monarch. Though he fares hard—hefeeds high. He has a table spread from heaven—angels' food, and thehidden manna. He has sometimes sweet raptures of joy—which causejubilation of spirit; he has that which is better felt—than can beexpressed."ButIdoknowthatIwascaughtupintoparadiseandheardthingssoastoundingthattheycannotbetold."2Corinthians12:4.

Usetwo:IfGodgiveshispeoplesuchjoyinthislife,oh!then,whatgloriousjoywillhegivetheminheaven!"Enterintothejoyof your Lord!"Matt 25:21. Here on earth—joy begins to enter into us;

there in heaven—we shall enter into joy.God keeps his bestwine untillast. Heliogabalus bathed himself in sweet perfumed waters. What joywill that be—when the soul shall forever bathe itself in the pure andpleasant fountainofGod's love!What joywill thatbe—toseetheorientbrightnessofChrist's face,andhave thekissesof those lipswhichdropsweet-smelling myrrh! "The Bride will rejoice in the embrace of herLord,"Augustine.Oh!ifaclusterofgrapeshereissosweet,whatwillthefull vintage be! How may this set us all longing for that place wheresorrowcannotlive—andwherejoycannotdie!

GrowthinGrace

"Butgrowingrace."2Peter3:18

Truegrace isprogressive—ofaspreadingandgrowingnature.It iswithgraceaswithlight;first,thereisthedaybreak;thenitshinesbrightertothefullmeridian.AgoodChristianislikethecrocodile—whichcontinuestogrowaslongasitlives.Thesaintsarenotonlycomparedtostars fortheirlight—buttotreesfortheirgrowth.Isa61:3,andHos14:5.AgoodChristianisnotlikeHezekiah'ssun,whichwentbackwards,norJoshua'ssunthatstoodstill—but isalwaysadvancing inholiness,and increasingwiththeincreaseofGod.

InhowmanywaysmayaChristianbesaidtogrowingrace?

(1.)Hegrowsintheexerciseofgrace.Hislampisburningandshining;thereforewereadofalivinghope.IPet1:1.Hereistheactivityofgrace.Thechurchpraysfortheblowingof theSpirit, thatherspices (that is—hergraces)mightflowforth.Cant4:16.

(2.)AChristiangrowsinthedegreeofgrace.Hegoesfromstrengthtostrength, fromonedegreeofgrace toanother.Psalm84:7.Asaintgoesfromfaithtofaith.Rom1:17.Hisloveaboundsmoreandmore.Phil1:9.

WhatistherightmannerofaChristian'sgrowth?

(1.) It is to grow less in one's own eyes. "I am a worm, and noman." Psalm 22:6. The sight of his corruption and ignorance,makes aChristiangrowintoadislikeofhimself;hevanishesinhisowneyes.Jobabhorredhimselfinthedust.Job42:6.Itisgoodtogrowoutofconceitwithone'sself.

(2.)Therightmannerofgrowthistogrowproportionately,togrow in one grace as well as another. 2 Pet 1:5. To grow inknowledge—butnotmeekness,brotherlylove,orgoodworks—isnottheright growth. A thingmay swelland notgrow; a manmay be swelledwithknowledge—yetmayhavenospiritualgrowth.Therightmannerofgrowthisuniform,growinginonegraceaswellasanother.Asthebeautyofthebodyconsistsinasymmetryofparts, inwhichnotonlytheheadgrows—butthearmsandlegs.Justso,spiritualgrowthismostbeautiful,whenthereissymmetryandproportion,andeverygracethrives.

(3.) The right manner of growth is, when a Christian hasgrace suitable to his several employments and occasions.When corruptions are strong—and he has grace able to give check tothem.Whenburdensareheavy—andhehaspatienceabletobearthem.Whentemptationsarefierce—andhehasfaithabletoresistthem.Thengracegrowsintherightmanner.

Whenceisit,thattruegracemustgrow?

(1.)Itisproperforgracetogrow;itisanenduringseed,theseedofGod.IJohn3:9.Itisthenatureofseedtogrow:gracedoesnotlieintheheart,asastoneintheearth—butasseedintheearth,whichwillspringup,firsttheblade,thentheear,andthenthefullcornintheear.

(2.) Gracemustgrow—from its sweetness and excellence. He who hasgraceisneverwearyofit—butwouldhavemore.Thedelighthehasinitcauses thirst.Grace is the imageofGod, and aChristian thinks he cannever be enough like God. Grace instills peace; a Christian, therefore,strivestogrowingrace,thathemaygrowinpeace.

(3.)Gracemustgrow—fromabeliever'singraftingintoChrist.Hewhoisascion,ingraftedintothisnoble,generousstock,cannotbutgrow.Christ

issofullofsap,andvivifyinginfluence,thathemakesallwhoaregraftedintohim,growfruitful."Frommeisyourfruitfound."

WhatMOTIVESorINCENTIVESaretheretomakeusgrowingrace?

(1.)Growthistheendoftheordinances.Whydoesamanlayoutcostonground,fertilizeandwaterit—butthatitmaygrow?Thesinceremilkofthewordisgiven,thatwemaygrowthereby.1Pet2:2.Thetableof theLord isonpurpose forourspiritualnourishmentand increaseofgrace.

(2.)Thegrowthofgrace—isthebestevidenceofthetruthofit.Thingsthathavenolifewillnotgrow:apicturewillnotgrow,astakeinthehedgewillnotgrow;butaplantthathasavegetativelifegrows.Thegrowingofgraceshowsittobealiveinthesoul.

(3.)GrowthingraceisthebeautyofaChristian.Themoreachildgrows,themoreitcomestoitsmaturity,andlooksmoreruddy.Justso,themoreaChristiangrows ingrace, themorehecomes tohisspiritualmaturity, and looks fairer. Abraham's faith was beautiful when in itsinfancy—but at last it grew so vigorous and eminent, that God himselfwas in love with it, and crowned Abraham with this honor, to be the"fatherofthefaithful."

(4.) Themorewe grow in grace—themore glorywe bring toGod.God'sgloryismoreworththanthesalvationofallmen'ssouls.Thisshouldbeourdesign—toraise thetrophiesofGod'sglory;andhowcanwebetterdoit,thanbygrowingingrace?"HerebyismyFatherglorified—ifyoubringforthmuchfruit."Thoughtheleastgrainofgracewillbringsalvationtous—yetitwillnotbringsomuchglorytoGod."Filledwiththefruitsofrighteousness,whicharetothepraiseofhisglory."Itcommendstheskillofthefarmer—whenhisplantsgrowandthrive;itisapraiseandhonortoGod—whenwethriveingrace.

(5.)Themorewegrowingrace—themorewillGodloveus.Isitnotthatwhichweprayfor?Themoregrowth,themoreGodwillloveus.The farmer loves his thriving plants; the thriving Christian is God's

Hephzibah,orchiefdelight.Christ lovestoseethevineflourishing,andthepomegranatesbudding.Cant6:11:Heacceptsthetruthofgrace—butcommendsthegrowthofgrace."Ihavenotfoundsogreatfaith,no,notin Israel." Would you be as the beloved disciple, who lay in Christ'sbosom?WouldyouhavemuchlovefromChrist?Laborformuchgrowth,letfaithflourishwithgoodworks,andloveincreaseintozeal.

(6.)Weneedtogrowingrace.Thereisstillsomethinglackinginourfaith.1Thess3:10.Graceisbutinitsinfancyandminority,andwemuststillbeaddinganinchtoourspiritualstature.Theapostlessaid,"Lord,increase our faith." Luke 17:5.Grace is butweak. "I am this dayweak,thoughanointedking."So,thoughweareanointedwithgrace—yetwearebutweak,andhadneedarriveatfurtherdegreesofsanctity.

(7.)Thegrowthofgrace—willhinderthegrowthofcorruption.Themorehealthgrows,themorethedistempersofthebodyabate.Justso,inspirituals—themorehumilitygrows,themoretheswellingofprideisassuaged.Themorepurityofheartgrows—themorethefireoflustisabated.Thegrowthofflowersinthegardendoesnothinderthegrowingof weeds—but the growing of the flower of grace does hinder thesproutingofcorruption.Assomeplantshaveanantipathy,andwillnotthrive if they grownear together, as the vine and the bay tree; just so,wheregracegrows,sinwillnotthrivesofast.

(8.)Wecannotgrowtoomuch ingrace; there isno excess there.Thebodymaygrowtoogreat,asinthedropsy;butfaithcannotgrowtoogreat. "Your faith grows exceedingly." Here was exceeding—yet notexcess.Asamancannothavetoomuchhealth; justso—hecannothavenottoomuchgrace.Graceisthebeautyofholiness.Ps110:3.Wecannothavetoomuchspiritualbeauty; itwillbetheonlytroubleatdeath,thatwehavegrownnomoreingrace.

(9.) Such as do notgrow in grace—decay in grace. "Not to goforward in the Christian life is to turn back," Bernard. There is nostandingstillinpiety—eitherwegoforwardorbackward.Iffaithdoesnotgrow,unbeliefwill.Ifheavenly-mindednessdoesnotgrow,covetousnesswill.Amanwhodoesnotincreasehisstock,diminishesit.Justso,ifyoudonotimproveyourstockofgrace,yourstockwilldecay.Theangelson

Jacob'sladderwereeitherascendingordescending.Justso,ifyoudonotascendintruereligion,youdescend.

(10.)Themorewegrowingrace—themoreweshallflourishinglory.Thougheveryvesselofgloryshallbe full—yetsomevesselsholdmorethanothers.Hewhosepoundgainedten,wasmaderulerovertencities.Luke19:17.Suchasdonotgrowmuch,thoughtheylosenottheirglory, they lessen it. If any shall follow the Lamb in whiter and largerrobesofglorythanothers,theyshallbesuchashaveshonemostingracehere.

Use:Lamentthelackofgrowth.Religioninmany,hasgrownintoaformandprofessiononly; this is to grow in leaves—not in fruit.ManyChristiansarelikeabodyinanatrophy,whichdoesnotthrive.Theyarenot nourished by the sermons they hear. Like the angelswho assumedbodies,theyate—butdidnotgrow.Itistobesuspectedwherethereisnogrowth—thatavitalprincipleislacking.Someinsteadofgrowingbetter,grow worse; they grow more earthly, more profane. "Evil men andimpostorswillgofrombadtoworse."2Tim3:13.Manygrowhell-ward;theygrowpastshame.Zeph3:5.Theygrowmorerotten.

Howshallweknowwhetherwegrowingrace?Fordecidingthisquestion,Ishallshow:

1.Thesignsofournotgrowing;

2.Thesignsofourgrowing.

I. The signs of our NOT growing in grace—but rather fallingintoaspiritualdecline.

[1]We are a spiritual decline—when we have lost our spiritualappetite.Aconsumptivepersondoesnothavethatappetiteforhisfood,as formerly. Perhaps, Christian, you can remember the time when youhungered and thirsted after righteousness, you came to the ordinanceswithsuchanappetite,astoafeast;butnowitisotherwise,Christisnotso prized, nor his ordinances so loved. This is a dreadful presage thatgraceisonthedecline;andyouareinadeepdecline.Itwasasignthat

Davidwasnearhisgravewhentheycoveredhimwithclothes,andhegotnowarmth,1Kings1:1.Justso,whenapersoniscoveredwiththewarmclothes of ordinances, and yet has no warmth of affection to spiritualthings,itisasignthatheisdecliningingrace.

[2] We are a spiritual decline—when we grow more worldly.Perhapsweoncemountedintohigherorbs,wesetourheartson thingsabove,andspokethelanguageofCanaan;butnowourmindsaretakenoff from heaven, we dig our comfort out of the lower mines, and likeSatan,wecompass the earth. This is a signwe are goingdown thehillapace,andourgraceisinadecline.Itisobservablewhennaturedecays,and people are near dying, they growmore stooping; and truly, whenmen'sheartsgrowmorestoopingtotheearth,andtheycanhardlyliftupthemselvestoaheavenlythought,ifgraceisnotdead—yet it isreadytodie.Rev3:2.

[3]Weareaspiritualdecline—whenwearelesstroubledaboutsin.Timewas,whentheleastsingrievedus,astheleasthairmakestheeyeweep;butnowwecancommitsinwithoutremorse.Timewas,whenwewere troubled if we neglected closet prayer; now we can omit family-prayer. Time was, when vain thoughts troubled us; now we are nottroubledforloosepractices.Hereisasaddeclensioninpiety;andtrulygraceissofarfromgrowing,thatwecanhardlyperceiveitspulsetobeat!

II.TheSIGNSofourgrowingingrace.

[1]Whenwehavegotbeyondourformermeasuresofgrace. Itis a sign a child thrives, when he has outgrown his clothes. Thatknowledgewhichwouldserveusbefore,willnotserveusnow;wehaveadeeper insight into Scripture, our light is clearer, our spark of love isincreased into a flame; there is a sign of growth. That competency ofgraceweoncehad,istooscantyforusnow;wehaveoutgrownourselves!

[2]Whenwearemorefirmlyrootedinpiety."RootedandbuiltupinHimandestablishedinthefaith."Col2:7.Thespreadingof theroot,showsthegrowthofthetree.WhenwearesostronglyfastenedonChrist,thatwecannotbeblowndownwiththebreathofheretics,itisablessedsignofgrowth.AthanasiuswascalledAdamasecclesiae[theAdamantof

theChurch,]anadamantthatcouldnotberemovedfromtheloveofthetruth.

[3]Whenwehaveamorespiritualframeofheart.

(1.)Whenwearemorespiritualinourprinciples;whenweopposesinoutoflovetoGod,andbecauseitstrikesathisholiness.

(2.)Whenwearemorespiritualinouraffections.Wegrieveforthefirstrising of corruption, for the bubbling up of vain thoughts, and for thehidden spring which runs underground. We mourn not only for thepenaltyofsin—butforitspollution.Sinisacoalwhichnotonlyburns—butwhichblackens.

(3.) When we are spiritual in the performance of duty. We are moreserious,reverent,fervent;wehavemorelifeinprayer,weputfiretothesacrifice."Ferventinspirit."WeserveGodwithmorelove,whichripensandmellowsourduty,andmakesitcomeoffwithabetterrelish.

[4] When grace gains ground by opposition. The fire burnshottest, in the coldest season. Peter's courage increased, by theoppositionofthehighpriestandtherulers.Acts4:8,11.Themartyr'szealwasincreasedbypersecution.Herewasgraceofthefirstmagnitude.

Whatshallwedotogrowingrace?

(1.)Takeheedofthatwhichwillhindergrowth,astheloveofanysin.Thebodymayaswellthriveinafever,asgracecanwhereanysinischerished.

(2.)Useallmeansforgrowthingrace.

First."Exerciseyourselvesuntogodliness."Thebodygrows strongerbyexercise.Tradingofmoneymakesmengrowrich.Just so, themorewetradeourfaithinthepromises,thericherinfaithwegrow.

Secondly.IfyouwouldbegrowingChristians,behumbleChristians.Itisobserved in some countries, as in France, the best and largest grapes,whichmakewine,growon the lowersortof vines. Just so, thehumble

saintsgrowmostingrace."Godgivesgracetothehumble."

Thirdly.PraytoGodforspiritualgrowth.Somepraythattheymaygrowingifts.It isbettertogrowingrace, thangifts.Giftsare forornament,graceisfornourishment.Giftsedifyothers;gracesavesourselves.Somepray that theymay grow rich; but a fruitful heart is better than a fullpurse. Pray that God would make you grow in grace, though it be byaffliction.Heb12:10.Thevinegrowsbypruning.God'spruning-knife istomakeusgrowmoreingrace!

Howmaywecomfortsuchascomplainthattheydonotgrowingrace?

They make mistake; for they may grow, when they think they do not."There is thatmakeshimselfpoor—yethasgreatriches."Prov13:7.Thesight Christians have of their defects in grace, and their thirst aftergreatermeasuresofgrace—makethemthinktheydonotgrow,whentheyactuallyaregrowing.Hewhocovetsagreatestate,becausehehasnotsomuchashedesires,thinkshimselftobepoor.IndeedChristiansshouldseekafterthegracethey lack—buttheymustnotthereforeoverlookthegracetheyhave.LetChristiansbethankfulfortheleastgrowth.Ifyoudonotgrowsomuchinassurance,blessGodifyougrowinsincerity;ifyoudonotgrowsomuchinknowledge,blessGodifyougrowinhumility.Ifatreegrowsintheroot,itisatruegrowth.Justso,ifyougrowintheroot-graceofhumility—thatisasneedfulforyouasanyothergrowth.

PERSEVERANCE

"WhoarekeptbythepowerofGodthroughfaithuntosalvation."IPeter1:5.

The fifth and last fruit of sanctification, is perseverance in grace. Theheavenly inheritance is kept for the saints—and they are kept for theinheritance. The apostle asserts a saint's stability and permanence ingrace. The saint's perseverance is much opposed by Papists and

Arminians;butitisnotthelesstruebecauseitisopposed.AChristian'smain comfort, depends upon this doctrine of perseverance. Take thisaway,andyouharmpiety,andcut thesinewsofallcheerfulendeavors.BeforeIcometothefullhandlinganddiscussingof thisgreatpoint, letmefirstclearthesenseofit.

I.TheNATUREofperseverance.

[1]Igrant,thatsuchasaresoonlyinmereprofession,mayfallaway. "Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world."Blazingcometssoon evaporate.A building on sandwill fall.Matt 7:26.Seeminggracemaybe lost. It is nowonder to see a branch fall fromatree,whichhasonlybeentiedon.HypocritesareonlytiedonChristbyanexternal profession, they are not ingrafted.Who ever thought artificialmotionswould hold long? The hypocrite'smotion is only artificial, notvital.Allblossomsdonotripenintofruit.

[2]Igrantthatifbelieverswerelefttostandontheirownlegs,theymightfallfinally.Someoftheangels,whowerestarsfulloflightand glory, actually lost their grace! And if those pure angels fell fromgrace,muchmorewouldthegodly,whohavesomuchsintobetraythem—iftheywerenotupheldbyasuperiorpower!

[3] I grant that, although true believers do not fall awayactually, and lose all their grace—yet their grace may fail indegree, and they may make a great breach upon their sanctification.Grace may be dying—but not dead. "Strengthen the things which arereadytodie."Gracemaybelikefireintheembers;thoughnotquenched—yet the flamehasgoneout.Thisdecayofgrace I shall show in twoparticulars.

(1.)Thelivelyactingsofgracemaybesuspended."Youhaveleftyourfirstlove."Gracemaybelikeasleepyhabit;thegodlymayactfaintlyin piety, the pulse of their affections may beat low. Thewise virginsslumbered.Matt 25:5.Theexerciseof gracemay be hindered; aswhenthecourseofwaterisstopped.

(2.) Instead of grace working in the godly, corruption may

work; instead of patience, murmuring; instead of heavenliness,earthliness. How did pride put forth itself in the disciples, when theystrovewhoshouldbethegreatest!HowdidlustputforthitselfinDavid!Corruptionmaybesolivelyandvigorousintheregenerate,thattheymayfall into enormous sins!But though all this is granted—yet theydonotfinallyfallawayfromgrace.Daviddidnotquitelosehisgrace:forthen,why did he pray, "Do not take yourHoly Spirit fromme."He had notquitelosttheSpirit.AsEutychus,whenhefellfromawindow(Acts20)and all thought he was dead—"No, says Paul, there is life in him!" SoDavidfellfoully—buttherewasthelifeofgraceinhim.Thoughthesaintsmaycometothatpointwheretheyhavebutlittlefaith—yetcannotcometothatpointwherehavenofaith.Thoughtheirgracemaybedrawnlow—yetitisnotdrawndry;thoughgracemaybeabated,it isnotabolished;thoughthewisevirginsslumbered—yettheir lampswerenotquitegoneout. Grace, when at the lowest, shall revive and flourish; just as whenSamsonhadlosthisstrength—hishairgrewagain,andhisstrengthwasrenewed.Havingthusexplainedtheproposition,Icomenowtoamplifythisgreatdoctrineofthesaint'sperseverance.

II.BywhatMEANSdoChristianscometopersevere?

[1]WeperseverebythehelpofORDINANCES,asofprayer,theword,andthesacraments.Christiansdonotarriveatperseverancewhentheysitstillanddonothing.Itisnotwithusaswithpassengersinaship,whoarecarriedtotheendoftheirvoyagewhiletheysitstillintheship;or,asitiswithnoblemen,whohavetheirrentsbroughtinwithouttheirtoilorlabor.Butwearriveatsalvationintheuseofmeans;asamancomestotheendofaracebyrunning;ortoavictorybyfighting."Watchandpray."AsPaul said, "unless you remain in the ship, you cannot besaved."Acts27:31.Believersshallcometoshoreatlast,arriveatheaven;but"unless theyremain in theship,"namely," in theuseofordinances,"they cannot be saved." The ordinances nourish grace; as they begetgrace, so they are the breast-milk by which grace is nourished andpreservedtoeternity.

[2]Wepersevereby the sacred influence and concurrenceoftheSPIRIT. TheSpirit ofGod is continually atwork in theheartof abeliever,tocarryongracetoperfection.Hedropsinfreshoil,tokeepthe

lampofgraceburning.TheSpiritexcites,strengthens,increasesgrace—and makes a Christian go from one step of faith to another, until hecomes to the end of his faith, which is salvation. I Pet 1:9. It is a fineexpression of the apostle, "TheHoly Spirit who dwells in us."Hewhodwellsinahouse,keepsthehouseinrepair.Justso,theSpiritdwellinginabeliever,keepsgraceinrepair.Graceiscomparedtoariverofthewateroflife.John7:38.Thisrivercanneverbedriedup,becauseGod'sSpiritisthespringthatcontinuallyfeedsit.

[3] Grace is carried on to perfection by Christ's dailyINTERCESSION.As theSpirit is atwork in theheart, so isChrist atworkinheaven.Christiseverprayingthatthesaint'sgracemayholdout."Father,keepthosewhomyouhavegivenme."Keepthemasthestarsintheirorbs:keepthemas jewels, that theymaynotbe lost."Fatherkeepthem."John17:2.ThatprayerwhichChristmadeforPeter,wasthecopyof the prayer he nowmakes for believers. "I have prayed for you, thatyourfaithfailnot,"thatitbenottotallyeclipsed.Howcanthechildrenofsuchprayersperish?

III.Argumentstoprovethesaint'sperseverance.

[1]FromtheTRUTHofGod.Godhasbothassertedit,andpromisedit.

(1.)Godhasassertedit."Hisseedremainsinhim.""Theanointingyouhavereceivedfromhimabidesinyou."

(2.)AsGodhasassertedit,sohehaspromisedit.ThetruthofGod,themostorientpearlofhiscrown, is laidasapawn in thepromise. "Iwillgive unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish!" "I will makewith them an everlasting covenant: I will never turn away from doinggoodtothem,andIwillputfearofMeintheirheartssotheywillneveragainturnawayfromMe."Jeremiah32:40.Godwillsolovehispeople,thathewillnotforsakethem;andtheyshallsofearhim,thattheyshallnotforsakehim.Ifabelievershouldnotpersevere,Godwouldbreakhispromise."Iwillbetrothyouuntomeforever,inrighteousnessandloving-kindness."Goddoesnotmarryhispeopleuntohimself,andthendivorcethem; he hates divorce.Mal 2:16. God's love ties themarriage-knot so

fast,thatneitherdeathnorhellcanbreakitasunder!

[2]Thesecondargument is from thePOWERofGod. The textsays,we"arekeptbythepowerofGoduntosalvation."EachPersoninthe Trinity has a hand inmaking a believer persevere. God theFatherestablishes salvation,2Cor 1:21.God theSonconfirms salvation, 1 Cor1:8.God theHolySpiritseals salvation,Eph 1:13.So it is the power ofGodwhichkeepsus.Wearenotkeptbyourownpower.The Pelagiansheld that man by his own power might overcome temptation andpersevere.Augustineconfutesthem."Man,"sayshe,"praysuntoGodforperseverance, which would be absurd, if he had power of himself topersevere.""And,"saysAugustine,"ifallthepowerisinherentinaman'sself, then why should not one persevere as well as another? Why notJudasaswellasPeter?"Sothatit isnotbyanyotherthanthepowerofGod, thatwe are kept.TheLordpreserved Israel fromperishing in thewilderness,untilhebroughtthemtoCanaan;andthesamecarewillhetake,ifnotinamiraculousmanner—yetinaspiritualinvisiblemanner—inpreservinghispeople in a stateof grace,untilhebrings them to thecelestialCanaan.Astheheathens feignedofAtlas—thathebearsuptheheavensfromfalling;sothepowerofGodisthatAtlaswhichbearsupthesaintsfromfalling.Itisdisputed,whethergraceofitselfmaynotperish,asAdam's; yet I am sure thatgrace kept by the power of God cannotperish.

[3]ThethirdargumentistakenfromGod'sELECTINGLOVE.Such as God has from all eternity elected to glory, cannot fall awayfinally! Every true believer is elected to glory, therefore he cannot fallaway. What can frustrate election, or make God's decree void? Thisargument stands like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved. "Thefoundation of God stands sure, having this seal, the Lord knows thosewhoarehis."ThefoundationofGodisnothingelsebutGod'sdecree inelection;andthisstandssure;Godwillnotalterit,andotherscannot.

[4]Thefourthargumentistakenfrombelievers'UNIONWITHCHRIST.They are knit to Christ as themembers to the head, by thenerves and ligaments of faith, so that they cannot be broken off. Eph5:23.WhatwasoncesaidofChrist'snaturalbodyistrueofhismysticalbody—"Aboneofitshallnotbebroken."Asitisnotpossibletoseverthe

leavenandthedoughwhentheyareoncemingledandkneadedtogether;soitisimpossibleforChristandbelievers,whenonceunited,evertobeseparated. Christ and hismembersmake one body.Now, is it possiblethatanypartofChristshouldperish?HowcanChristloseanymemberofhismysticbody, and remainperfect? If onebelievermaybebrokenofffromChrist,then,bythesamerule—whynotanother?Whynotall?AndsoChristwouldbeaheadwithoutabody!

[5] The fifth argument is taken from the nature of aPURCHASE.Amanwillnotlaydownhismoneyforapurchasewhichwillbelost.Christdiedthathemightpurchaseusasapeopletohimselfforever."Havingobtainedeternalredemptionforus."WouldChristhaveshed his blood, thatwemight believe in him for awhile, and then fallaway?DowethinkChristwilllosehispurchase?

[6] The sixth argument is from a believer's victory over theWORLD. The argument stands thus: He who overcomes the worldperseveresingrace;abelieverovercomestheworld;thereforeabelieverperseveres ingrace. "This is thevictory thatovercomes theworld, evenourfaith."Amanmayloseasinglebattleinthefield—yetwinthevictoryatlast.AchildofGodmaybefoiledinasinglebattleagainsttemptation,asPeterwas—butheisvictoriousatlast.Now,ifasaintiscrownedvictor,iftheworldisconqueredbyhim—hemustneedspersevere.

IV. I come next to answer some OBJECTIONS of theArminians.

[1] The firstobjection of Arminians is—If a believer shall persevere ingrace, towhat purpose are admonitions in Scripture, such as "Let himtake heed lest he fall;" and, "Let us fear, lest any of you seem to comeshort."Suchadmonitionsseemtobesuperfluous,ifasaintshallcertainlypersevere.

These admonitions are necessary to caution believers againstcarelessness; they are as goads and spurs to quicken them to greaterdiligenceinworkingouttheirsalvation.Theydonotimplythesaintscanfall away—but are preservatives to keep them from falling away. Christtoldsomeofhisdisciplestheywouldabideinhim—yetheexhortsthem

to abide in him. John 15:4.His exhorting themwas not in the least toquestion theirabiding inhim—but toawaken theirdiligence,andmakethempraytheharder,thattheymightabideinhim.

[2]Thesecondobjection is—"It is impossible for thosewhohaveoncebeenenlightened,whohavetastedtheheavenlygift,whohavesharedintheHolySpirit,whohavetastedthegoodnessofthewordofGodandthepowers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back torepentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the SonofGodalloveragainandsubjectinghimtopublicdisgrace."Hebrews6:4-6.

ThisplaceofScripturehasno force in it, for theapostleherespeaksofhypocrites;heshowshowfartheymaygo,andyetfallaway.

(1.)Theywhowereonceenlightened.Menmayhavegreatilluminations—yetfallaway.WasnotJudasenlightened?

(2.)TheyhavebeenmadepartakersoftheHolySpirit;thecommongiftsoftheSpirit,notthespecialgrace.

(3.)TheyhavetastedthegoodwordofGod.Tastinghere isopposedtoeating:thehypocritemayhaveakindoftasteofthesweetnessofreligion—but his taste does not nourish. There is a great deal of differencebetween one who takes a gargle, and a one who takes a cordial. Thegargleonlywasheshismouth—hetastes it,andspits itoutagain;butacordial is drunk down, which nourishes and cherishes the spirits. Thehypocrite, who has only some smack or taste of true religion—as onetastesagargle—mayfallaway.

(4.)Andhavefeltthepowersoftheworldtocome;thatis,theymayhavesuchapprehensionsof thegloryofheavenas tobeaffectedwith it, andseem to have some joy in the thoughts of it—yet fall away; as in theparableofthestonyground.Matt13:20.

Allthisisspokenofthehypocrite;butitdoesnotthereforeprovethatthetrue believer, who is effectually wrought upon, can fall away. Thoughcometsfall,itdoesnotfollowthattruestarsfall.ThatthisScripturedoesnotspeakofsoundbelievers,isclearfromverse9:"Butwearepersuaded

betterthingsofyou—andthingswhichaccompanysalvation."

Useone:ForINSTRUCTION.

(1.)Seetheexcellenceofgrace. Itperseveres.Other thingsarebutforaseason;healthandrichesaresweet—buttheyarebutforaseason.Butgraceistheblossomofeternity.TheseedofGodremains.IJohn3:9.Gracemaysufferaneclipse,notadissolution. It iscalledsubstance, foritssolidity,Prov8:21;anddurableriches,foritspermanence.Prov8:18.Itlastsaslongasthesoul.Itlastsaslongasheavenlasts.Graceisnotlikealeasewhichsoonexpires—butitrunsparallelwitheternity.

(2.) See here that which may excite everlasting love andgratitudetoGodinthesaints.WhatcanmakeusloveGodmorethanthe fixednessofhis love tous?He isnotonly theauthorof grace—butfinisher;hisloveisperpetualandcarriedontooursalvation."Mysheeplistentomyvoice;Iknowthem,andtheyfollowme.Igivethemeternallife, and they shall never perish." John 10:27-28. "My sheep"—there iselection; "hear my voice"—there is effectual calling; "I know them"—there is justification; "and they follow me"—there is sanctification; "Igivethemeternallife"—thereisglorification;"theyshallneverperish"—there is preservation.Howmay thismake us loveGod, and set up themonumentsandtrophiesofhispraise!HowmuchhavewedonetocauseGodtowithdrawhisSpirit,andallowustofallfinally!Yetthatheshouldkeep us—let his name be blessed, and his memorial eternalized, whokeepsthefeetofhissaints.ISam2:9.

(3.)Seewhenceitis,thatsaintspersevereinholiness.ItistobeascribedsolelytothepowerofGod;wearekeptbyhispower,keptasinagarrison.ItisawonderthatanyChristianperseveres,ifyouconsider:

(1:)Corruptionwithin.Thetaresaremingledwiththewheat;thereismoresinthangrace—yetgraceishabituallypredominant.Graceislikeasparkinthesea—itisawonderthatitisnotquenched!Itisawonderthatsindoesnotdestroygrace.

(2:)Temptationswithout.Satan envies ushappiness, and he raiseshis militia, and stirs up persecution. He shoots his fiery darts of

temptations, which are called darts for their swiftness, fiery for theirterribleness.Weareeverydaybesetwithdevils.AsitwasawonderthatDanielwaskeptaliveinthemidstoftheroaringlions,sotherearemanyroaringdevilsaroundus,andyetwearenottorninpieces.Now,whenceisitthatwestandagainstthesepowerfultemptations?WearekeptbythepowerofGod!

(3:)Theworld'soldsnares—richesandpleasure."HowharditisforrichpeopletogetintotheKingdomofGod!Itiseasierforacameltogo through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter theKingdom of God!" Luke 18:24-25. How many have been shipwreckeduponthesegoldenrocks!"Demashasdesertedme,becausehelovedthispresentworld." 2 Timothy 4:10.What awonder any soul perseveres inholiness—that the earth does not choke the fire of all holy affections!Whenceisthis—butfromthepowerofGod?Wearekeptbyhispower.

Usetwo:ForCONSOLATION.Thisdoctrineofperseverance isasamagic stone; it isa sovereigncordial tokeepup thespiritsof thegodlyfromfainting.

(1.) There is nothing thatmore troubles a child of God, thanthathefearsheshallneverholdout."Theseweaklegsofmine,"hesays,"willnevercarrymetoheaven."Butperseveranceisaninseparablefruit of sanctification.Once inChrist—forever inChrist.Abelievermayfall from some degrees of grace—but not from the state of grace. AnIsraelitecouldneverwhollyselloralienatehisinheritance.Lev25:23.Soour heavenly inheritance cannot be wholly alienated from us. HowdespairingistheArminiandoctrineoffallingfromgrace!Todayasaint—tomorrow a reprobate; today a Peter—tomorrow a Judas. This mustneedscutthesinewsofaChristian'sendeavor,andbelikeboringaholeinavessel—tomakeall thewineofhis joyrunout.Were theArminiandoctrinetrue,howcouldtheapostlesaythattheseedofGodremainsinhim, and the anointing of God abides? I John 3:9; I John 2:27.Whatcomfortwoulditbe—tohaveone'snamewritteninthebookoflife—ifitmightbeblottedoutagain?Butbeassured,foryourcomfort—thatgrace,ifitistrue,thougheversoweak,shallpersevere.ThoughaChristianhasbutlittlegracetotradewith—yetheneednotfearbreaking,becauseGodnot only gives him a stock of grace—but will keep his stock for him.

Augustine,"Gracemaybeshakenwithfearsanddoubts—butitcannotbepluckedupbytheroots."

Donot fearof finally fallingaway. Ifanythingshouldhinder the saints'perseverance, itmust be either sinor temptation; but neither of thesecan.

(1:) Not the sin of believers. Their sins humble them. That whichhumblesthemshallnotdamnthem.Theygathergrapesoffthorns;fromthethornofsintheygatherthegrapeofhumility.

(2:)Nottemptation.Thedevillayshistemptationtoblowupthefortofasaint'sgrace;buthecannotdoit.Temptationisamedicineforsecurity;themore Satan tempts—themore the saints pray!When Paul had themessengerof Satan tobuffethim,he said, "Three times I pleadedwiththeLordtotakeitawayfromme."2Corinthians12:8.ThusnothingcanbreakoffabelieverfromChrist,orhinderhisperseverance.Letthiswinebegiventosuchasareofaheavyheart.

(2.)Thisperseveranceiscomfort:

(1:)Inthelossofworldlycomforts.Whileourgoodsmaybetakenaway—ourgracecannot."Maryhaschosenthebetterpart,whichcannotbetakenfromher."

(2:)Inthehourofdeath.Whenallthingsfail,andfriendstaketheirfarewellofus—yetstillgraceremains.Deathmayseparateallthingsfromus—except for grace. A Christian may say on his death-bed, "Sight isgone,speechandhearingaredeparting—buttheloving-kindnessofGodwillneverdepart."

Usethree:ForEXHORTATION.WhatMOTIVESandincentivesaretheretomakeChristianspersevere?

(1.)ItisthecrownandgloryofaChristiantopersevere.Itisnotthebeginningof the Christian life which gets glory, but the end of it."Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life." Prov16:31.Whengreyhairsshinewithgoldenvirtues, it isacrownofglory!

ThechurchofThyatirawasbestat last."Iknowyourworks—your love,faithfulness,service,andendurance.Yourlastworksaregreaterthanthefirst." Rev 2:19. The excellence of a building is not in having the firststonelaid—butwhenitisfinished.Justso,thegloryandexcellenceofaChristianiswhenhehasfinishedtheworkoffaith.

(2.)Youarewithinafewdays'marchofheaven.Salvationisnearto you. "Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed."Romans13:11.Christians, it isbuta littlewhile,andyouwillhavedoneweeping and praying—and be triumphing! You shall put off yourmourninggarments,andputonwhiterobes!Youshallputoffyourbattlearmor, and put on a victorious crown! You who have made a goodprogress in piety, you are almost ready to commence and take yourdegree of glory! "Our salvation is nearer now than when we firstbelieved."Whenamanisalmostattheendofarace,willhetire,orfaintaway?Olabortopersevere,yoursalvationisnownearer;youhavebutalittlewaytogo—andyouwillsetyourfootinheaven!Thoughthewayisup-hill and full of thorns—yet you have gone the greatest part of yourway,andshortlyshallrestfromyourlabors!"Donotbeafraid,littleflock,foryourFatherhasbeenpleasedtogiveyouthekingdom!"Luke12:32.

(3.)Howsadisitnottopersevereinholiness!Youexposeyourselftothereproachesofmen,andtherebukesofGod.

First, tothereproachesofmen.Theywillderidebothyouandyourprofession."Thismanbegantobuild,andwasnotabletofinish."Suchishewhobeginsinreligion,anddoesnotpersevere:heistheridiculeandderisionofall.

Secondly, to therebukesofGod.God ismost severe against such asfallaway,becausetheybringanevilreportupontruereligion.Apostasybreedsabitterwormintheconscience;anditbringsswiftdamnation;itisadrawingbacktoperdition."Youneedtoperseveresothatwhenyouhave done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."Hebrews 10:36. God will make his sword drunk with the blood ofapostates.

(4.)Thepromisesofmercyareannexedonlytoperseverance.

"Hewhoovercomeswill,likethem,bedressedinwhite.Iwillneverblotouthisnamefromthebookoflife,butwillacknowledgehisnamebeforemyFatherandhisangels."Revelation3:5.Thepromiseisnottohimwhofights—butwhoovercomes."Youarethosewhohavecontinuedwithmein my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom." Luke 22:28, 29. "Thepromise of a kingdom," says Chrysostom, "is not made to those whomerelyheardChrist—buttothosewhocontinuedwithhim.Perseverancecarriesawaythegarland!Nomanhasthecrownsetuponhishead—buthewhoholdsouttotheendoftherace.Otherefore,bepersuadedbyallthis,topersevere.Goddoesnotreceivethosewhodonotpersevere.Whovalues cornwhichwithers before harvest; or fruitwhich falls from thetreebeforeitisripe?

What expedients or MEANS may be used for a Christian'sperseverance?

(1.)Takeheedofthosethingswhichwillmakeyoustumbleandfallaway.

First. Take heed of PRESUMPTION.Do not presume upon yourownstrength;exerciseaholyfearandjealousyoveryourownhearts."Benothigh-minded—butfear.""Lethimthatthinkshestandstakeheed,lesthefall."ItwasPeter'ssinthatheleanedmoreuponhisgrace,thanuponChrist—and thenhe fell.AChristianhas cause to fear lest the lust anddeceit of his heart betray him. Take heed of presuming. Fear begetsprayer,prayerbegetsstrength,andstrengthbegetssteadfastness.

Secondly.TakeheedofHYPOCRISY.Judaswasfirstaslyhypocrite—and then a traitor. "Their heartwasnot rightwithGod, neitherweretheysteadfastinhiscovenant."Ifthereisanyvenomormalignityintheblood—itwillbreakforthintoaplague-sore.Thevenomofhypocrisy isindangerofbreakingoutintotheplague-soreofscandal.

Thirdly. Beware of a vile heart of UNBELIEF. "Take heed lestthere be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from thelivingGod."Whenceisapostasy—butfromunbelief?Mendonotbelievethe truth, and therefore they fall from the truth. Unbelieving andunstable,gotogether."TheybelievednotinGod.""Theyturnedback."

(2.)IfyouwouldbepillarsinthetempleofGod,andpersevereinsanctity:

(1)Seethatyouenterintoreligionuponarightground;bewellgroundedinthefoundationaltruthsofScripture.Youmustknowtheloveof the Father, themerit of the Son, and the efficacy of theHoly Spirit.SuchasknownotGodarightwillbydegrees fall away.TheSamaritanssidedwiththedewswhentheywereinfavor—butdisclaimedallkindredwiththemwhenAntiochuspersecutedtheJews.Nowondertheywerenomorefixedintruereligion,ifyouconsiderwhatChristsaysofthem:"Youworship, you knownotwhat." Theywere ignorant of the trueGod. LetyourknowledgeofGodbeclear,andservehimpurelyoutofchoice,andthenyouwillpersevere."Ihavechosenthewayoftruth.Ihavestuckuntoyourtestimonies."

(2)Getarealworkofgraceinyourheart."Itisagoodthingthatthe heart be established with grace." Nothing will hold out, but truegrace; it is only this anointingwhich abides; paintwill fall off. Get aheart-changingwork. "Butyouarewashed—butyouaresanctified."Donotbecontentwithbaptismofwater,withoutbaptismoftheSpirit.Thereasonmenperseverenotintruereligion,isforlackofavitalprinciple;thatbranchmustwither,whichhasnoroottogrowupon.

(3)Ifyouwouldpersevere,beverySINCERE.Perseverancegrowsonly upon the root of sincerity. "Let integrity anduprightness preserveme.".Thebreastplateofsinceritycanneverbeshotthrough.Howmanystormswas Job in!Thedevil set against him; hiswife tempted him tocurse God; his friends accused him of being a hypocrite. Here wasenough,onewouldthink,tohavemadehimdesistfrompiety!Butforallthis,heperseveres.Whatpreservedhim?Itwashissincerity."Iwillnotdenymyintegrity.Iwillmaintainmyrighteousnessandneverletgoofit;myconsciencewillnotreproachmeaslongasIlive."Job27:5-6.

(4) If you would persevere, be HUMBLE. Chrysostom callshumilitythemotherofallthegraces.Godletsapoor,humbleChristianstand,whenothersofhigherabilities,andwhohavehigher thoughts ofthemselves, fall off by apostasy. They are most likely to persevere, towhomGod givesmost grace. "He gives grace to the humble." They are

mostlikelytopersevere,whohaveGoddwellinginthem."Goddwellsinthehumblesoul.""TheHolySpiritwillonlycometorestoverahumblesoul,"Bernard.Thelowerthetreerootsintheearth—thefirmeritis.Justso,themorethesoulisrootedinhumility—themoreestablisheditis,andisinlessdangeroffallingaway.

(5)Wouldyoupersevere?NourishthegraceofFAITH.Faith isour support. "By faith you stand." Faith knits us to Christ, as themembers are knit to the headbynerves and sinews. Faith fills uswithlovetoGod."Faithworksbylove."HewholovesGodwillratherdiethandesert him; as the soldierwho loves his generalwill die in his service.Faithgivesusaglimpseofheaven;itshowsustheinvisibleglory!Hewhohas Christ in his heart, and a crown in his eye—will not faint away.Onourish faith!Keep your faith—and your faithwill keep you.While thepilotkeepshisship—hisshipkeepshim.

(6)Wouldwepersevere?Letus seekGod'spower tohelpus.WearekeptbythepowerofGod.Thechildissafestwhenitisheldinthefather'sarms.Justso,wearesafest,whenweareheldinthearmsoffreegrace!ItisnotourholdingGod—buthisholdingus,whichpreservesus.Whenaboatistiedtoarock,itissecure.Justso—whenwearefasttiedtotheRockofAges,weare impregnable.OengageGod'spowertohelpyoutopersevere.Weengagehispowerbyprayer.Letuspraytohimtokeepus. "Hold upmy goings in your path, thatmy footsteps slip not.""Holdmeup—andIshallbesafe!"Psalm119:117.ItwasagoodprayerofBeza, "Lord, perfectwhat you have begun inme, that Imay not suffershipwreckwhenIamalmostatthehaven."

(7) If you would persevere, set before your eyes the nobleexamples of those who have persevered in piety. How manymartyrs,howmanyfaithfulsoulsareevennowrejoicinginHeaven!Whatagloriousarmyofsaintsandmartyrshavegonebeforeus!Howconstantto the death, was Paul! "Why all this weeping? You are breaking myheart!ForIamreadynotonlytobejailedatJerusalembutalsotodieforthesakeoftheLordJesus."Acts21:13.HowperseveringinthefaithwereIgnatius,Polycarp,andAthanasius!Theywerestarsintheirorbs,pillarsin the temple of God. Let us look on their zeal and courage, and beanimated."Therefore,sincewearesurroundedbysuchahugecrowdof

witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off everyweight that slows usdown, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let usrunwithendurancethe race thatGodhassetbeforeus."Hebrews12:1.Thecrown is set at the endof the race! Ifwe finish the race—we shallwearthecrown!

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TheApplicationofRedemptionbyThomasWatson,Copyright©2016

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