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that we greatly err in this matter, since the prince of this world, Satan, is judged, already dethroned and vanquished by the Saviour, who is infinitely stronger in them who believe, than the combined force of all outward opposition, or inward corruptions. Thus it is plain to demonstration, if pride, or passion, or discontent, if intemperance or lewdness, covetousness or envy, or any evil temper whatever, hold the mastery over us, it is because sin is neither exceedingly sinful in our eyes, nor grievous to bear; therefore we refuse to cry out for deliverance. Like infamous wretches, who prefer rags and sores, with idleness and beggary, to honest labour, "we will not be made whole."

For this purpose, now perpetually, as in the apostles' days, is the agency of the Holy Ghost experienced by every one who believeth in Jesus. And now, as then, a man cannot enter into the kingdom of God, except he be born of water, and of the Spirit.

But the agency of the Holy Ghost, when he testifies of Christ, and glorifies him, is quite distinct from the means which convey the testimony. This important distinction is carefully noted in scripture. Thus it is written of the apostate Jews, "Hear ye indeed, but perceive not, make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes, lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and convert, and be healed." Here, observe well, is the call of the word, yet a refusal of grace to make it effectual, on account of their insufferable provocations. The alarming expressions, "Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes," cannot possibly mean that God inspired Israel with contempt for his holy word, or disaffection to it; but they mean, that disdainful

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Contempt of his word, and obstinate disaffection to wards it, do certainly follow, where the Spirit of grace is withheld. In confirmation of this truth, it is written, that the Lord opened the heart of Lydia to attend to the things spoken by St. Paul. In this instance, you plainly see the man of God preaching Christ, and all that is needful for the conversion of the soul, on the one hand on the other, the God of all grace exercising his powerful influence, by which the apostle's preaching obtained success. Indeed we are taught always to distinguish between the means and instruments made use of to convey grace to the soul, and the Holy Ghost from whom that grace proceeds. This animated interrogation on the subject is put by the great apostle, "who then is Paul, and who is Apollos? but ministers by whom ye believed, as the Lord gave to every man. I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase," I Cor. iii. Here, in the strongest light, the means of grace, and the eternal Spirit from which they receive their whole efficacy, are represented as entirely distinct from each other. By undeniable consequence the foundation of Christian faith is laid by the Holy Ghost in the heart of each believer, and his agency is as real and successful at this hour, as when miracles were wrought by him through the hands of the apostles.

From what has been offered, you may understand the nature of the abiding operation of the Holy Ghost, and know whether it has taken place in your soul or not, by your knowledge or ignorance of Christ crucified.

Besides this, the scripture teaches us to regard the Holy Ghost as the author of every divine temper, by which his indwelling presence is manifested beyond a doubt. If you love God for sending his Son into the world, and feel consciousness of his love to your

soul, this is no more required by your own reflec tions or conclusions, than the foodful grain which enriches our fields is self-produced. "It is shed abroad in your heart, by the Holy Ghost given unto you." If this love creates joy, from the consideration of the great good you possess, and as an ear. nest of infinitely better, this sensation, in honor of its author, is called joy in the Holy Ghost. If, whilst God and eternal judgment are in all your thoughts, you now possess peace through Jesus Christ, by whom you have received the atonement, when before, mention of such awful subjects excited dread or disgust, this marvellous change claims a divine parent, and is called the fruit of the Spirit. If, possessing the heavenly treasure of love, peace, and joy, you are patient in troubles, and under re. peated injuries gentle, merciful, and meek, this union of amiable tempers is from above, the superscription of one scanctified by the Holy Ghost. Further, in order to withstand temptation, mortify our evil tempers, and perform obedience, we are taught in scripture to implore the spirit of God, who helps our infirmities in prayer: and all true Christians have access to the Father, through the mediator, by one Spirit, Ephes. ii. 18. And when they are exhorted to be full of the high praises of God, they are exhorted at the same time to be full of the Holy Ghost; which is expressed not only as a promised privilege, but a necessary duty. From whence it is evident, that, without him, all our services will be a maimed sacrifice, and want the very soul which can enliven them.

In a word, to express the never-ceasing agency of the Holy Ghost on the hearts of the faithful, and their perpetual need of it, their life is called walkng, living in the Spirit.

SUNDAY XXIII.

CHAP. XXIII.

On the Properties of the Spirit's Influence, and the daring Impiety of denying it.

HAVING produced, from scripture, proofs sufficient of the operations of the Holy Ghost on the understanding and will of man, and pointed out its distinct agency, it is proper, to prevent enthusiastic errors, that some farther observations should be made on the peculiar properties of the Spirit's influence.

It is discernible only by its fruits. He acts in a manner quite similar to the established course of nature. The prophets, apostles, and Christ their head, refer us to the vegetable world for illustration of his influence. As the juices of the earth do not immediately shoot out in fruits or flowers, but are at first received into the root, from thence gradually ascend the trunk, whence they are diffused through the branches, by which means they live and flourish to the conviction of every spectator, whilst the most penetrating cannot tell how, so is it with the agency of the Holy Ghost.-He breathes spiritual life into man, which appears in the turn of mind, the subject of his thoughts and discourse, in his hopes and fears, joys and sorrows, love and hatred. Every one perceives the change, while the author of it remains invisible; and the method in which it has been accomplished incomprehensible. Yet, though the influence be secret, its effects is noble and powerful. He who is born of the Spirit is born to conflict, toil, labour, and victory; not so much at present to enjoy, as act;

a power, therefore, is given, proportioned to the dif ficulties a Christian meets, and the enemies with whom he fights. Thus, it is declared, "Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:" the love of its pleasures cannot corrupt him, nor the fear of its frowns deter him from his duty.

But this mighty influence exactly corresponds with the written word; and is preserved and increased by use of the means appointed for this purpose. The Holy Ghost makes no new revelation in point of doctrine or duty, only gives efficacy to what is already revealed respecting both. No other change he works in the soul than what the oracles of God describe and promise, and unprejudiced reason must pronounce excellent and desirable in the highest degree. He works, by apt means, the increase of his own influence, which yet remains distinct from them. As natural life, though perpetually maintained by the power of God, is not miraculously upheld, but in the use of food, exercise, rest, air, and sleep, so the immortal soul, when born of the Spirit, desires the sincere milk of the word, to grow thereby; watches and prays, and, by light from heaven, avoids all things hurtful, and values and prizes whatever can be profitable to it.

This influence varies in its degree. Those who partake of it not only differ from others who share in the same divine privilege, but in the state of their own mind, at different times, with respect to the benefit they enjoy. Some have much more light, comfort, and strength than others: and often the transition from peace to trouble, from tranquility to conflict, is very quick. But this difference in those who live and walk in the Spirit is owing generally to different degrees of watchfulness, diligence, and fidelity in the use of talents intrusted to their care. The Spirit, we are told, is often grieved

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