Copyright©MonergismBooks

NOCONDEMNATIONINCHRISTJESUS

byOctaviusWinslow

TableofContents

Preface

1.NoCondemnation

2.FreedomfromtheLawofSinandDeath

3.TheImpotenceoftheLaw,andGod'sMethodofMeetingIt

4.TheUnregenerateandtheRegenerateContrasted

5.Spiritual-mindedness

6.TheEnmityoftheCarnalMind

7.PleasingGod

8.TheIndwellingoftheSpiritintheRegenerate

9.TheBodyDead,buttheSpiritLife

10.TheResurrectionofChrist

11.TheResurrectionoftheChristian

12.TheBeliever'sObligationtoMortifySin

13.TheGuidanceoftheSpirit

14.TheSpiritofAdoption

15.TheSpiritTestifyingtotheBeliever'sAdoption

16.TheChristian'sJointHeirship

17.PresentSufferingWeighedwithFutureGlory

18.TheEarnestExpectationoftheRenewedCreature

19.ASufferingWorldinSympathywithSufferingMan

20.TheFirst-fruitsoftheSpirit

21.SavedbyHope

22.TheSympathyoftheSpiritwiththeInfirmityofPrayer

23.TheIntercessionoftheSpiritintheSaints

24.AllThingsWorkingforGood

25.DivinePredestination

26.EffectualCalling

27.FreeJustification

28.EternalGlorification

29.GodIsforUs

30.TheGiftofGod'sSon,theGuaranteeofAllOtherBlessing

31.TheBeliever'sChallenge

32.TheBelieversTriumph

33.MorethanConquerors

34.NoSeparationfromChristJesus

PREFACE

Itwouldhavebeennodifficulttasktohaveexpandedthefollowingpages-thesubstanceofwhichwasoriginallydeliveredbytheauthorinthecourseofhisstatedministrations,andinhisusualextemporaneousmodeofaddress-muchbeyondtheirpresentlimit.Hisdread,however,ofinflictinguponthepublicavolume,overgrownandunreadable-preciousandalluringaswasitstheme-constrainedhimgreatlytocurtailhiswork;thus,hefears,exposinghimselftothechargeofhavingsweptlightlyandrapidlyoversubjectsthegreatnessandimportanceofwhichdemandedprofounderthought,andmoreelaboratediscussion.TheportionofHolyWrithehasundertaken-itmaybedeemedsomewhattoopresumptuously-toexpound,mustberegardedasamineofsacredwealth,asinexhaustibleinitsresources,asthoseresourcesareindescribableintheirbeauty,andintheirexcellenceandworth,priceless.

Itwould,perhaps,beimpossibletoselectfromtheBibleasinglechapterinwhichwerecrowdedsomuchsublime,evangelical,andsanctifyingtruthasthiseighthofRomans.Itisnotonlyallgospel,butitmaybesaidtocontainthewholegospel.Inthisbriefbutluminousspaceisembracedanepitomeofalltheprivilegesandduties,trialsandconsolations,discouragementsandhopesoftheChristian.CommencingwithhiselevatedpositionofNoCondemnationfromGod,itconductshimalongapathwhereflowersbloom,andhoneydrops,andfragrancebreathes,andmusicfloats,andlightandshadeblendinbeautifulandexquisiteharmonytotheradiantpointofnoseparationfromChrist.Andamidthebeautiesandsweets,themelodiesandsunshineofthisgloriouslandscapeoftruth,thusspreadoutinallitspanoramicextentandmagnificencebeforehiseye,thebelieverinJesusisinvitedtoroam,torevel,anddelighthimself.

MaytheHolyandEternalSpiritimparttothereader,and,throughhisprayers,increasinglytothewriter,thepersonalpossessionandheart-sanctifyingexperienceoftheDivinetreasuresofthispreciousportionofGod'sWord.And,ifthissimpleandimperfectoutlinemaybutsupplyafaintandglimmeringlight,guidingthereadertoamoreprayerfulandthoroughexplorationofthismineofthe"deepthingsofGod,"thusleadingtothediscoveryofnewandyetricherveins,theAuthorwillnotregretthattheoilwhichfedthelamphasbeendrawnfromhisown

exhausting,yetholyanddelightfulstudies.

AndnowtotheFather,Son,andHolySpirit,asuntotheTriuneJehovah,beallhonorandpraiseforever.Amen.

Leamington,April,1862.

NoCondemnation

"ThereisthereforenownocondemnationtothosewhoareinChristJesus,whowalknotaftertheflesh,butaftertheSpirit."Romansviii.1.

InthesewordstheinspiredApostlesuppliesuswiththekeytothegreatandprecioustruthsembodiedinthechapter,upontheunfoldingofwhich,asguidedbytheHolySpirit,weproposetoenter.Theycontaintheleadingproposition,which,thusdistinctlyenunciated,heproceedswithhisusualvigorofmind,perspicuityofreasoning,andgentlenessofspirit,clothinghisthoughtswiththemosteloquentdiction,toconfirmandillustrate.Hehadbeendescanting,withmuchfeelingandpower,uponthepainfulandceaselessconflictwagingbetweentheantagonistprinciplesoftheregenerateheart,illustratingit,asisevidentfromhisuseofthefirstperson,byareferencetohisownpersonalexperienceasaChristian.Thequestion,mootedbysome,whetherPauldelineatedastatepreceding,orsubsequentto,conversion,oughtnot,wethink,toallowamoment'sdoubt.Since,fromthefourteenthversetothecloseofthechapter,heunfoldstheoperationofalawwhichonlyfindsscopeforitsexerciseinthesouloftherenewedman,andwithwhosehiddenandmysteriousworkings,theexperienceofthesaintshasinallagescoincided.Butifthisargumentstillleavesthemindperplexed,the

openingofthepresentchapterwouldappearsufficientlyconclusivetosetthequestionatrest.Havingportrayedwithamasterpen-himselfsittingforthepicture-thespiritualstrugglesofthechildrenofGod,hethenproceeds,inthepassageunderconsideration,toapplythedivineconsolationandsupportappropriatetoaconditionsodistressingandhumiliating.Liftingthemfromtheregionofconflictandcloud,heplacesthemuponanelevationtoweringabovethegloomandstrifeofthebattle-field,aroundwhoseserene,sunlightsummitgatheredthefirstdawningofeternalglory.

"ThereisthereforenownocondemnationtothosewhoareinChristJesus."Thetransitionfromthedespondingtoneoftheseventhchapter,tothetriumphantlanguageoftheeighth,mayappearsomewhatstartlingandabrupt;yetitisperfectlyeasy,logical,andnatural.Theversebeforeusisaninferencefairlydeduciblefromthewholeoftheprecedingdiscussion;andis,infact,thegrandconclusiontowardwhichtheApostlehadthroughouttheargumentbeenaimingtoarrive.Clearisit,then,asthesun,thatiftothesaintsofGodbelongtheconflictofsinanddeath,overwhosethraldomtheymourn;tothemalsoequallybelongsthedeliverancefromthecurseandthecondemnation,inwhosevictorytheyrejoice.Letusnowaddressourselvestotheexpositionofthissublimeandsolemntheme,inhumblerelianceupontheDivineteachingoftheSpirit,pledgedandvouchsafedtoguideusintoalltruth.

'Condemnation'isawordoftremendousimport;anditiswellfairlytolookatitsmeaning,thatwemaythebetterunderstandthewondrousgracethathasdeliveredusfromitspower.Echoingthroughthegloomyhallsofahumancourt,itfallswithafearfulknellupontheearofthecriminal,andthrillswithsympathyandhorrorthebosomofeachspectatorofthescene.ButinthecourtofDivineJusticeitisutteredwithameaningandsolemnityinfinitelysignificantandimpressive.Tothatcourteveryindividualiscited.Beforethatbareachonemustbearraigned."Conceivedinsin,andshapedininiquity,"manenterstheworldunderarrest-anindictedcriminal,arebelmanacled,anddoomedtodie.Bornunderthetremendoussentenceoriginallydenouncedagainstsin:"Inthedaythatyoueatthereofyoushallsurelydie;"or,"Youshalldiethedeath,"heenterslifeunderapresentcondemnation,theprelude

ofafuturecondemnation.Fromithecandiscovernoavenueofescape.Heliesdown,andherisesup-herepairstothemartofbusiness,andtothehauntofpleasure,aguilty,sentenced,andcondemnedman."Cursediseveryonethatcontinuesnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelaw,todothem,"istheterriblesentencebrandeduponhisbrow.Andshouldthesummonstoeternityarresthimamidhisdreams,hisspeculations,andhisrevels,theadversarywoulddeliverhimtothejudge,thejudgetotheofficer,andtheofficerwouldconsignhimovertoallthepangsandhorrorsofthe"second"and"eternaldeath.""Hethatbelievesnot,iscondemnedalready."Mydearreader,withoutrealconversionthisisyourpresentstate,andmustbeyourfuturedoom.

ButfromthiswoeallbelieversinChristaredelivered.Thesentenceofdeathunderwhich,incommonwithothers,theylay,isabsolved;thecurseisremoved;theindictmentisquashed;and"thereis,therefore,nownocondemnation"

Butletus,forthebetterunderstandingofthissubject,considerwhatthisconditiondoesnotimply.Itdoesnotincludedeliverancefromtheindwellingofsin,norexemptionfromDivinecorrection,northeabsenceofself-accusation;stilllessdoesitsupposethatthereisnothingforwhichthebelieverdeservestodie.Allthisexistswhereyetnocondemnationexists.Thebattlewithindwellingevilisstillwaged,andthelovingchastisementofaFatherisstillexperienced,andtheself-condemnationisstillfelt,anddailyintheholiestlifethereisstilltranspiring,thatwhich,wereGodstricttomarkiniquities,meritsandwouldreceiveeternalwoe;andyetthedeclarationstandsuntouchedandunimpeached-"NocondemnationtothosewhoareinChristJesus."Thisistheblessedconditionwearenowmorefullytodescribe.

Thefreedomofthebelieverisjustwhatitisdeclaredtobe-entireexemptionfromcondemnation.Fromallwhichthatwordofsignificantandsolemnimportimplies,heis,byhisrelationtoChrist,delivered.Sindoesnotcondemnhim,thelawdoesnotcondemnhim,thecursedoesnotcondemnhim,helldoesnotcondemnhim,Goddoesnotcondemnhim.Heisundernopowerfromthese,beneathwhoseaccumulatedandtremendouswoeallotherswither.Abriefandsimpleargumentwill,perhaps,besufficienttoestablishthisfact.Thepardonofsinnecessarily

includesthenegationofitscondemnatorypower.Therebeingnosinlegallyalleged,therecanbenocondemnationjustlypronounced.Now,bythesacrificeofChristallthesinsoftheChurchareentirelyputaway.He,thesinlessLambofGod,tookthemupandborethemawayintoalandofoblivion,whereeventheDivinemindfailstorecallthem."Howforciblearerightwords!"Listentothosewhichdeclarethiswondrousfact:"I,evenI,amHethatblotsoutyourtransgressionsformyownsake,andwillnotrememberyoursins.""Youhavecastallmysinsbehindyourback.""Havingforgivenyoualltrespasses""TheirsinsandiniquitieswillIremembernomore."Therevokingofthesentenceofthelawmustequallyannihilateitscondemnatoryforce.TheobedienceanddeathofChristmettheclaimsofthatlaw,bothinitspreceptiveandpunitivecharacter.AsingledeclarationofGod'sWordthrowsafloodoflightuponthistruth-"Christhasredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforus."ThesentenceofthelawthusfallingupontheSurety,whowas"madeunderthelaw,thathemightredeemthosewhowereunderthelaw,"therecanbenocondemnationfromittothosewhohavetakenshelterinhim.Thus,then,isitevidentthatbothsinandthelawareutterlypowerlesstocondemnabelieverintheLordJesusChrist.Wehavehinted,thattheperfectionofChrist'ssatisfactionsuppliesthemeritoriousandprocuringcauseofournon-condemnation.Thistruthcannotbetoofrequentlyrepeated,nortooprominentlykeptinview.Nolegalobedience-nopersonalmeritorworthinessofthesinnerwhatever-istakenintotheaccountofhisdischargefromcondemnation.ThisexaltedpositioncanonlybereachedbyanexpedientthatharmonizeswiththeattributesofGod,andthusupholds,inundimmedluster,themajestyandhonoroftheDivinegovernment.Godwillpardonsin,andjustifythesinner,butitmustbebyaprocesssupremelyglorifyingtohimself.How,then,couldacreature-satisfaction,themostperfectthatman,orthemostpeerlessthatangelscouldoffer,securethisresult?Impossible!Butthecase,strangeanddifficultthoughitis,ismet,fully,adequatelymet,bythesatisfactionofJesus.TheSonofGodbecametheSonofman.HepresentshimselftotheFatherinthecharacterofthechurch'ssubstitute.TheFather,beholdinginhimtheDivinitythatsuppliesthemerit,andthehumanitythatyieldstheobedienceandenduresthesuffering,acceptstheSavior,andacquitsthesinner.Hencethefreedomofthebelieverfromcondemnation."Thereis,therefore,now

nocondemnation."Itistheexistenceofapresentcondition.Itistheenjoymentofapresentimmunity."Heisnowfreefromcondemnation,notasifthesentenceofacquittalwerestillindependence,butasifthesentencehadalreadypassed,notasifhehadtolook,perhapsdoubtfullyandambiguously,forwardtosomefutureday,whenaverdictofexculpationshallbepronounceduponhim;butasifhestoodexculpatedbeforeGodevennow,andevennowmightrejoiceintheforgivenessofallhistrespasses."(Chalmers)

Itisthesimplebeliefofthisfactthatbringsinstantpeacetothebosom.Apresentdischargefromcondemnationmustproduceapresentjoy.Opentheiron-bounddoorofthecondemnedcell,andbythedimlightthatstrugglesthroughitsbarsreadthesovereign'sfreepardontothefelon,stretched,paleandemaciated,uponhispalletofstraw;andtheradianceyouhavekindledinthatgloomydungeon,andthetransportyouhavecreatedinthatfelon'sheart,willbeapresentrealization.Youhavegivenhimbackapresentlife;youhavetouchedathousandchordsinhisbosom,whichawakeapresentharmony;andwhere,justprevious;reignedinthatbosomsullen,grimdespair,nowreignsthesun-lightjoyousnessofapresenthope.Christian!thereisnownocondemnationforyou!Beyours,then,apresentandafulljoy."Christhasmadeatonement,andwithitGodissatisfied;andifso,wellmayyoubesatisfied-delightingyourselvesgreatlyintheabundanceofpeace,andgoingforthevennowinthelightandlibertyofyourpresentenlargement."

"TothosewhoareinChristJesus."Weheretouchavitalandprofoundtruth.Richandaccumulativeasthepassagesarewhichoffertheiraidinitselucidation,wedespairofconveyingtootherthanamindexperimentallyacquaintedwiththetruthitself,anythinglikeanadequaterepresentationoftheimposingmagnitudeandgloryofthecondition.TobeinChristmayreallybefelt,butnoteasilydescribed.Thefirstview,then,whichwepresent,isthatwhichillustratesthemysticalindwellingofthechurchinChrist,whenhestoodasitssubstitute.AsallthenationsoftheworldwerefederallyandmysticallyinAdamwhenhefell;sothe"holynation,"theChurchofGod,wasfederallyandmysticallyintheSecondAdam,"theLordfromheaven,"wheninthecounselofGodhe

presentedhimselfasitsSurety,andwheninthefulnessoftimeheappeared,allrobedforthesacrifice,todischargetheengagement.Approachthatcross,andwhatdoyoubehold?Isitthatyouseeaguiltyone,suffering-acriminal,worthyofdeath?No;youseethesinlessSonofGodbearingthesin,and,byconsequence,thecondemnationofhispeople.Andinthatwondrousspectacle,youseebroughttothebarofInfiniteJustice-tried,sentenced,andcondemned,inthepersonoftheirsurety-allthosewhoareinChristJesus.InChristtheywerechosen-toChristtheywerebetrothed-withChristtheywereunited-byChristtheyaresaved,-and,sittingwithChristonhisthrone,theyshallreignwithhimforeverandever.

But,thereistheopen,manifestbeinginChrist,onwhichwemustlayespecialstressinourattempteddescriptionofthisblessedstate."PreservedinChristJesus,"thesinneriseventually"calledinChristJesus.""IfanymanbeinChristJesus,heisanewcreature."AnexternalandnominalprofessionoftheGospelmayexist,andexist,too,inconnectionwithgreatknowledge,andferventzeal,andcostlysacrifice,andmoralityofahighorder,apartfromthisinternalchange.SuchacharacterourLorddescribesinthesewords:"Everybranchinmethatbearsnotfruithetakesaway."SuchanindividualisinChristbyanoutwardprofessiononly.Butastateofnon-condemnationimpliesabeinginChristinafarhighersense.ItincludesthegreattruthofChristbeinginus-"Iinthem.""Weareinhimwhoistrue,eveninhisSonJesusChrist."Thusitisamutualin-dwelling-Christinus,andweinChrist.Hereisoursecurity.ThebelieverisinChristasJacobwasinthegarmentoftheelderbrotherwhenIsaackissedhim,andhe"smelledthesmelloftheclothing,andblessedhim,andsaid,See,thesmellofmysonisasthesmellofafieldwhichtheLordhasblessed."HeisinChrist,asthepoorhomicidewaswithinthecityofrefugewhenpursuedbytheavengerofblood,butwhocouldnotovertakeandslay.HeisinChristasNoahwasinclosedwithintheark,withtheheavensdarkeningabovehim,andthewatersheavingbeneathhim,yetwithnotadropofthefloodpenetratinghisvessel,norablastofthestormdisturbingtheserenityofhisspirit.HowexpressivearethesescripturalemblemsoftheperfectsecurityofabelieverinChrist!HeisclothedwiththegarmentoftheElderBrother,therighteousnessoftheLordJesusChrist,"whichisuntoall,andupon

allthosewhobelieve."OnthatgarmenttheFather'shandsareplaced;inthatrobethepersonofthebelieverisaccepted;itistoGod"asthesmellofafieldwhichtheLordhasblessed:"theblessingoftheheavenlybirthrightishis-andforhimthereisnocondemnation.Pursuedbytheavengerofblood,thethreateningsofacondemninglaw,hehasreachedthecityofrefuge,theLordJesusChrist.Fearfulandtrembling,yetbelievingandhoping,hehascrossedthesacredthreshold,andinaninstantheissafe-andforhimthereisnocondemnation.Fleeingfromthegatheringstorm-"thewrathwhichistocome,"-hehasavailedhimselfoftheopendoorofthesacredark-thecrucifiedSavior-hasentered,Godshuttinghimin-andforhimthereisnocondemnation.Yes,ChristJesusisoursanctuary,beneathwhoseshadowwearesafe.ChristJesusisourstrongtower,withinwhoseembattlementsnoavengercanthreaten.ChristJesusisourhiding-placefromthewind,andcovertfromthetempest;andnotonedropof"thewrathtocome"canfalluponthesoulthatisinhim.Ohowcompletelyaccepted,andhowperfectlysecure,thesinnerwhoisinChristJesus!Hefeelsheissavedonthebasisofalaw,whosehonorisvindicated;throughtheclemencyofarighteousSovereign,whoseholinessissecured;andthroughthemercyofagraciousGod,thegloryofwhosemoralgovernmentiseternallyandillustriouslyexhibited.Andnowishisheadliftedupabovehisenemiesroundabouthim;forthereisnocondemnationtothosewhoareinChristJesus.Reader,areyouinChristJesus?Isthisyourcondition?Werepeatthesolemndeclaration-"IfanymanbeinChrist,heisanewcreature;oldthingshavepassedaway;behold,allthingsarebecomenew."Areyouthatnewcreature?Prove,examine,andascertain.ForifyouarenotbornagainoftheSpirit,bewellassuredthatyouarestillunderthecurseandsentenceofthelaw.Andwhilecondemnation,indarkandgloomycharacters,iswrittenuponthebrowofeveryunbelievingsinneroutofChrist;Christhassaidofallwhohavefledoutofthemselvestohim,"Hewhohearsmyword,andbelievesonHimthatsentme,haseverlastinglife,andshallnotcomeintocondemnation,butispassedfromdeathuntolife."

"Whowalknotaftertheflesh,butaftertheSpirit."Wehaveherethecharacterofallthosewhohavesecured,byfaithintheLordJesus,theirfulldischargefromthesentenceofdeath.Thus,inthepassageunder

considerationareclearlystated,thecauseandtheconsequenceofthebeliever'sdischarge.Ithasbeenshown,thatourbeinginChrististhegroundofournotbeingincondemnation.Itthenfollows,thatasafruit-aconsequenceofourimmunityfromcondemnation-isourwalkingaftertheSpirit.Thus,whilejustificationandsanctificationareseparateanddistinctconditions,theyyetarecognatetruths,andco-existintheexperienceofalltheregenerate.ThedeductionwhichtheApostleheremakesofholinessfromacceptance;orrather,theorderofsequencewhichheobserves,isworthyofthereader'sclosestattention.ItslackofobservancehaskeptnumbersofsincereseekersofChristinthecolddrearyregionofembarrassmentanddoubt,who,butforthusoverlookingtheorderobserved,orperhapsrather,byreversingthatorder,mighthavefullyreceivedintotheirsoulsthat"kingdomwhichisrighteousness,andpeace,andjoyintheHolySpirit."Theirgreaterrorhasbeenanattempttoshapetheircourse,notaftertheflesh,butaftertheSpirit,beforehavingascertainedtheirbeinginChristandconsequentfreedomfromcondemnation.

Inplainerlanguage,theirplacingsanctificationinadvanceofjustification;insubstitutingtheeffectforthecause;inlookingtotheSpiritratherthantoChrist.Howpainfullydistressingisthestruggleofsuchanone!SincereandearnestinhisdesiretoloveGod,butwithhisbackturneduponthecross,andhisfacetowardsthe"mountainthatburnswithfire,"hecanseeeverythinginGodtoawakenhisfear,butnothingtoinspirehislove.HelongstoobeyGod;but,lackingtheimpellingmotivetoobedience,hefailsineveryattempt.Hesighsforrest;buthisincessantefforttorecoverthegroundperpetuallyslidingfrombeneathhisfeet,placesthatrestfurtherandfurtherbeyondhisreach.Hewouldsincerelybeholy;but,seekinghisholinessinthewayofdoing,andnotinthewayofbelieving,heneverattainsit.Butletusexplainthewords.

"Towalkaftertheflesh"istoregulatethelifeandconductaccordingtoourfallenanddepravednature.The"flesh,"whichstandsforthecorruptdesiresandpropensities,isthesoleguideoftheunregenerate.Theyareintheflesh,theyareoftheflesh,andtheyliveaccordingtotheflesh."Theworksoftheflesharemanifest,"andthesetheydo.Buttheconverseof

thisisthecharacteristicofalltruebelievers.They"walkaftertheSpirit."Possessing,incommonwiththeunregenerate,afleshlynature,inwhichtheredwellsnogoodthing;theyalsopartakeofanewanddivinenature,ofwhichtheunregeneratedonot.RenewedbytheSpirit,inhabitedbytheSpirit,sanctifiedbytheSpirit,ledbytheSpirit,theyaimtoregulatetheirlifeaccordingtohisdivinedictates,influence,andteaching.Thebentoftheirmindsisholiness:thistheybreatheafter,prayandlaborfor,astheonegreatpurposeoftheirbeing.Thattheyareopposedbytheflesh,andbyitareoftenfoiled,wounded,andcastdown,cannotyetdestroythedivineprincipleoftheirsoul,anymorethanafalseattractioncandestroythemagneticpoweroftheneedle.ThatthereshouldeverbeanoccasionalunevennessandirregularityinthewalkofanyoftheLord'speople,isamatteroftheprofoundesthumiliation;yeteveninthestumblingsandfallsofarighteousman,itcannotintruthbesaidthathe'walkaftertheflesh,'seeingthatherisesagain,restoredbythegraceofChrist;andhisdesiresandbreathingsaftertheSpiritare,perhaps,allthedeeperandstrongerforthatfall.Anunrenewedmanfalls,andwherehefallshelies."Ajustmanfallsseventimes,andrisesupagain,"and"walks,"perhapsmoresoftlythanever,"aftertheSpirit.""Itisthedirectionofthatsovereignfaculty,thewill,whichexplainsthedifference.Ifthisbeenlistedonthesideoftheflesh,asitiswitheveryunconvertedman,thenhesinswilfully.IfthisbeenlistedonthesideoftheSpirit,asitiswitheverymanwhohastrulyturnedhimuntotheLordJesusChrist,thenhemaysinaccidentally;andinsomemomentofsleeporofsurprisehemaybeovertaken;andbeforethewill,asitwere,hadtimetorallyandtorecover,someoutpostmayhavebeencarried,andevensomeadvantagehavebeengained,tothelengthofamosthumiliatingoverthrow.Butdeepisthegriefthatistherebyawakened,andstrenuousistheresistancethatistherebysummonedintothefuturewarfare;andheavyisthatmourningofsackclothandofasheswithwhichthesoulofthepenitentoffenderisafflicted;andthoughhehasstumbledinthewayoftemptation,heyetutterlyrefusestowalktherein-sogivingtestimonytothemodeinwhichtheleadingtendenciesofhisspirithavemostpainfullyandmostoffensivelybeenthwarted,bythemomentarypowerandassaultofhisgreatadversary;andthatthewholedriftofhischoosing,anddeliberating,andpurposingfacultiesisindeedonthesideofGodandonthesideofholiness."(Chalmers)Whatahighandprivilegedwalk,then,is

thebeliever's!Whiletheslavesoftheflesharegrovelingamidtheirdarknessandchains,heiswalkingaftertheSpirit,soaringandexultinginholylightandliberty.

Thesubjectissuggestiveofmuchimportantpracticalinstruction.

WhatagroundofrejoicingdoesitaffordyouwhoarethesaintsofGod!Youmayseewithinandaroundyou-inyoursoul,inyourfamily,andyourcircumstances-muchthatsaddens,andwounds,anddiscouragesyou;butbeholdthetruthwhichmorethancounterbalancesitall-yourfreedomfromcondemnation.Whatifyouarepoor-youarenot

condemned!Whatifyouareafflicted-youarenotcondemned!Whatifyouaretempted-youarenotcondemned!Whatifyouareassailedandjudgedbyothers,youyetarenotforsakenandcondemnedbyGod;andoughtyounot,then,torejoice?Gotothecondemnedcell,andassurethecriminalawaitinghisexecution,thatyoubearfromhissovereignapardon;andwhatthoughheemergefromhisimprisonmentandhismanacles,tobattlewithpoverty,withsorrowandcontempt,willhemurmurandrepine,thatintheredemptionofhisforfeitedlife,thereisnoclausethatexemptshimfromtheillstowhichthatlifeislinked?No!lifetohimissosweetandpreciousathing,thatthoughyoureturnittrammeledwithpoverty,andbecloudedwithshame,youhaveyetconferreduponhimaboonwhichcreatessunshineallwithinandaroundhim.Andwhyshouldnotwe"rejoicewithjoyunspeakableandfullofglory,"forwhom,"throughtheredemptionthatisinChristJesus,"thereisnownocondemnation?Christhas"redeemedourlifefromdestruction;"andalthoughitis"throughmuchtribulationwearetoenterthekingdom,"yetshallwenotquickenourpacetothatkingdom,rejoicingaswego,that"thereisnownocondemnationtothosewhoareinChristJesus?""ThesethingshaveIspokenuntoyou,thatmyjoymightremaininyou,andthatyourjoymightbefull."

Beearnestanddiligentinmakingsuretoyourselfyourdischargefromthesentenceandpenaltyofthelaw.SueoutthegreatfactintheLord'sowncourtbyferventprayerandsimplefaith.YourSuretyhascancelledyourdebt,andpurchasedyourexemptionfromdeath.Availyourselfofthecomfortandthestimulusoftheblessing.Youmaybecertain,yes,

quitecertain,ofitstruth.Noprocessismoreeasy.ItisbuttolookfromoffyourselftoChrist,andtobelievewithallyourheartthathecameintotheworldtosavesinners,andassuranceisyours.Theorderis,"Webelieve,andaresure."Oh,donotleavethismattertoabareperadventure.MakesureofyourunionwithChrist,andyoumaybesureofnocondemnationfromChrist.

Assinisthegreatcondemningcause,letusaimtocondemnsin,ifwewouldrankwiththoseforwhomthereisnocondemnation.Mosttrueisit,thateithersinmustbecondemnedbyus,orwemustbecondemnedforsin.ThehonoroftheDivinegovernmentdemandsthatacondemnatorysentencebepassed,eitheruponthetransgression,oruponthetransgressor.Andshallwehesitate?Isitamatterofdoubttowhichourpreferenceshallbegiven?Whichisbest,thatsinshoulddie,orthatweshoulddie?Willthequestionallowamoment'sconsideration?Surelynot,unlesswearesoenamoredwithsinascalmlyanddeliberatelytochoosedeathtolife,helltoheaven."Thewagesofsinisdeath."Sinunrepented,unforgiven,unpardoned,isthecertainpreludetoeternaldeath.Everlastingdestructionfollowsinitsturbidwake.Thereisapresenthellinsin,forwhichtheholyshunit;andthereisafuturehellinsin,forwhichallshoulddreadit.If,then,wewouldbeamong"thepureinheartwhoshallseeGod,"ifwewouldliftupourfaceswithjoybeforetheJudgeatthelastgreatday,ifwewouldbefreedfromthefinalandterriblesentenceofcondemnation,oh,letusbeholy,"denyingallungodlinessandworldlylusts,andlivingrighteously,soberly,andgodlyinthispresentworld."Oh,letuscondemnsin,thatsinmaynotcondemnus.Andletusdrawthemotivethatconstrainsus,andthepowerthathelpsus,fromthatcrosswhereJesus"condemnedsinintheflesh."

Inthisgreatmatter,thereisanespecialblessingattachedtotheactofself-condemnation.Self-condemnationavertsGod'scondemnation.Whenapenitentsinnertruly,humbly,graciously,sitsinjudgmentuponhimself,theLordwillneversitinjudgmentuponhim."Ifwewouldjudgeourselves,weshouldnotbejudgedoftheLord."Thepenitentpublican,whostoodafaroff,wrappedinthespiritofself-condemnation,retiredfromhispresenceajustifiedman.Theproud,self-righteousPharisee,whomarchedboldlytothealtarandjustifiedhimself,wentforthfrom

God'spresenceacondemnedman.WhenGodseesapenitentsinnerarraigning,judging,condemning,loathinghimself,heexclaims,"Idonotcondemnyou,goandsinnomore."HewhojudgesandcondemnshimselfuponGod'sfootstool,shallbeacquittedandabsolvedfromGod'sthrone.TheLordgiveuntousthissecretspiritofself-judgment.SuchwasJob's,whenindeepcontritionhedeclared,"Iabhormyself,andrepentindustandashes."SuchwasDavid's,whenhepenitentiallyconfessed,"Againstyou,youonlyhaveIsinned,anddonethisevilinyoursight."SuchwasPeter's,whenhevehementlyexclaimed,"Departfromme,OLord,forIamasinfulman."SuchwasIsaiah'swhenheplaintivelycried,"Woeisme!forIamundone;becauseIamamanofuncleanlips."Suchwasthepublican's,whenhehumblyprayed,"Godbemercifultomeasinner."Olovelyposture!Osacredspiritofself-abhorrence,ofself-condemnation!TheHolySpiritworksitintheheart,andthisstampsitassoprecious,sosalutary,andsosafe.ThegreatdayoftheLordwillunveilblessingspassingallthought,andgloriespassingallimagination,tothesoulwhobeneaththecrossliesprostrate,inthespiritofself-condemnation.Thejudgmentdayoftheself-condemningsoulisonthissideofeternity;whilethejudgmentdayoftheself-justifyingsoul,isontheothersideofeternity.Andoh,howterriblewillthatjudgmentbe!

HowstrongtheconsolationflowingfromthistruthtothebelieverinJesus!NocondemnationisthegroundofallcomforttothesufferingChristian.Whatamightybreakwateristhisconditiontotherollingsurgeofsorrow,whichelsemightflowinuponandimmersethesoul!Letitbeyouraimtoimproveitoneveryoccasionofsufferingandtrial.Godmayafflict,buthewillnevercondemnyou.Chastisementsarenotjudgments;afflictionsarenotcondemnations.Sickness,andbereavement,andlowestate,baseduponaconditionofnon-condemnation,youcanwelcomeandpatientlybear,sincetheyarenotthefore-castingsofacomingstorm,butthedistillingsofamercy-cloudsailingathwarttheazureskyofasoulinChrist.Thefierytrialswhichpurifyourfaithhavenotasparkinthemofthat"unquenchablefire"thatwillconsumethecondemnedhereafter.Oh,whatarethecrossesandthediscomfortsofthispresentworld,ifatlastwearekeptoutofhell?Andoh,whataretheriches,andhonors,andcomfortsofthislife,ifatlastweareshutoutofheaven?Atthebottomofthatcupofsinfulpleasure,whichsparklesintheworldling'shand,and

whichwithsuchzestandgleehequaffs,therelieseternalcondemnation-thedeath-wormfeedsattherootofallhisgood.Butatthebottomofthiscupofsorrow,nowtremblinganddarklinginthehandofthesufferingChristian,bitterandforbiddingasitis,thereisnocondemnation-eternalgloryisattherootofallhisevil.Andinthiswillyounotrejoice?Itisnotonlyyourholyduty,butitisyourhighprivilegetorejoice.Yourwholelifenotonlymaybe,butoughttobeasweetly-tunedpsalm,acontinualanthemofthanksgivingandpraise,pouringforthitsswellingnotestotheGodofyoursalvation;since,beyondthecloudysceneofyourpresentpilgrimagethereunveilsthelightandblissofcelestialglory,onwhoseportalyoureadasyoupasswithin-NOCONDEMNATION.Unless,then,youeitherdistrustordisparagethisyourjoyousconditionandblessedhope,youmust,inthegloomiesthour,andfromtheinnermostdepthsofyoursoul,exultinglyexclaim-"Heisnearthatjustifiesme;whowillcontendwithme?Letusstandtogether.Whoismyadversary?Lethimcomeneartome.Behold,theLordGodwillhelpme!whoishethatshallcondemnme?"

FreedomfromtheLawofSinandDeath

"ForthelawoftheSpiritoflifeinChristJesushasmademefreefromthelawofsinanddeath."Romansviii.2.

Thispassagehasbeenregardedbysomesacredcriticsasdifficultofinterpretation;oneofwhomfurnishesthreedifferentmeaningsofthetext,andthenleavesthereadertomakehisownselectioninthecase.Wethink,however,thatasimpleexaminationofthewords,takenintheir

connection,willremovetheobscuritywhichmaybesupposedtoveilthem.TheevidentdesignoftheApostleis,tofurnishanargumentinsupportoftheleadingpropositionhehadjustlaiddown,namely,thebeliever'sdeliverancefromcondemnation.Thereisclearlyaconnectionbetweenthatdeclarationandthepassageunderconsideration."ForthelawoftheSpiritoflife."Butthemaindifficultyseemstobeinthemeaningofthetermsemployedinthetext.Bysomeexpositors,the"lawoftheSpiritoflife"isinterpretedoftheinfluenceorcontrolexertedbytheSpiritofGodoverthemindsoftheregenerate,emancipatingthemfromthecurseandtyrannyofsin,andsupplyingthemwithanewauthoritativeenactmentfortheirobedienceandregulation,asthosewhosecourseisguidedbytheSpirit."Thelawofsinanddeath,"isbythesameauthorityinterpretedofthecontestingpowerofsin,leadingtodeathandcondemnation;havingitsthroneintheheart,andfromitsgoverninganddespoticpower,maintainingasupremeanddireswayoverthewholemoralman.Thefreedom,therefore,whichthelawoftheSpiritoflifeconfersuponthosewhoareboundbythelawofsinanddeath,isjustthesupremacyofoneprincipleovertheforceofanotherprinciple:thetriumphofanopposinglawoveranantagonistlaw.

Buttheinterpretationwhichweproposefortheadoptionofthereader,isthatwhichregardsthe"lawoftheSpiritoflife,"asdescribingtheGospelofChrist,frequentlydenominateda"law"-andemphaticallysointhisinstance-becauseoftheemancipationwhichitconfersfromtheMosaiccode,calledthe"lawofsinanddeath,"asbyitistheknowledgeofsin,andthroughitdeathisthreatenedasthepenaltyofitstransgression.Withthisbrief,but,webelieve,correctexplanationofthetermsofthepassage,weproceedtoconsidertheexaltedlibertyofthebelieverinJesus,ofwhichitspeaks,;tracingthatfreedomtotheinstrumentbywhoseagencyitissecured."ForthelawoftheSpiritoflifeinChristJesushasmadeusfreefromthelawofsinanddeath."

Intheprecedingchapter,wewereledtoregardallwhowereoutsideofChrist,asunderapresent,andasexposedtoafuturecondemnation.Notlessawfulistheconditionoftheunconverted,asdepictedinthepassagebeforeus.Reversethestateofthebelieverandyouhavetheexactstateoftheunbeliever.IsthebelieverinChristafreeman?theunbelieverisa

slave.Isthebelieverjustified?theunbelieveriscondemned.Isthebelieveralivingsoul?theunbelieverisalifelesssoul.Isthebelieverareconciledson?theunbelieverisahostilerebel.Isthebelieveranheirofglory?theunbelieverisanheirofhell.Betweenthesetwoconditionsthereisnoneutralground.Youare,myreader,eitherforChrist,oryouareagainstChrist.InthisgreatcontroversybetweenChristandSatan,youarenotanindifferentandunconcernedspectator.ThePrinceofLightortheprinceofdarknessclaimsyourservice,andpressesyouintotheconflict.Oh,itisamatterofthegreatestmomentthatyoudecidetowhichlawyouarebound-the"lawoflife,"or"thelawofdeath."

Butinwhatsenseisthebeliever"freefromthelawofsinanddeath?"Asacovenantheisfreefromit.HowclearandimpressiveisthereasoningoftheApostleonthispoint!"Knowyounot,brethren,(forIspeaktothosewhoknowthelaw)howthatthelawhasdominionoveramanaslongashelives?Forthewomanwhohasahusbandisboundbythelawtoherhusband,solongashelives;butifthehusbandisdead,sheisloosedfromthelawofherhusband."Thebeliever'suniontoChrist,representedunderthefigureofamarriagecovenant,freeshimfromthecondemnatorypowerofthislaw.Helooksnottoitforlife;herestsnotinitforhope;herenouncesitasasavingcovenant,andundertheinfluenceofanotherandahigherobligation-hismarriagetoChrist-hebringsforthfruituntoGod.Waseverlibertysogloriousasthis-alibertyassociatedwiththemostloving,cordial,andholyobedience?Notasinglepreceptofthatlaw,fromwhosecovenantandcurseheisreleasedbythisactoffreedom,iscompromised.Allitsprecepts,embodiedandreflectedinthelifeofChrist-whoselifeisthemodelofourown-appearinfinitelymoreclearandresplendentthanevertheyappearedbefore.TheobedienceoftheLawgiverinfinitelyenhancedthelusterofthelaw,presentingthemostimpressiveillustrationofitsmajestyandholinessthatitcouldpossiblyreceive.

Theinstrumenttowhoseagencythisexaltedlibertyisascribedis,the"lawoftheSpiritoflifeinChristJesus."Thetermlawisforensic;thoughnotunfrequentlyusedinGod'sWordtodesignatetheGospelofChrist."OutofZionshallgoforththelaw.""Theislesshallwaitforhislaw.""Whereisboastingthen?Itisexcluded.Bywhatlaw?Ofworks?No;but

bythelawoffaith."Inthissenseweholdthatthewordisusedinthetext,todesignatetheGospeloftheblessedGod,asthegreatinstrumentbywhichthefreedomofwhichwehavespokenisobtained.Afewparticularswill,wethink,justifythisview.TheGospelisthelawwhichrevealsthewayofsalvationbyChrist.ItisthedevelopmentofGod'sgreatexpedientofsavingman.Itspeaksofpardonandadoption,ofacceptanceandsanctification,asallflowingtothesoulthroughfaithinhisdearSon.ItrepresentsGodasextendinghishandofmercytothevilestsinner;welcomingthepenitentwandererbacktohishome,andoncemoretakingthecontriterebeltohisheart.Itisalsoaquickeninglaw-emphaticallythe"lawoftheSpiritoflife."Whatnumbersareseekingsanctificationfromthe"lawofsin;"andlifefromthe"lawofdeath!"ButtheGospelspeaksoflife.Itsdoctrines-itsprecepts,itspromises,itsexhortations-itsrebukes,itshopes,areallinstinctwithspirituallife,andcomewithquickeningpowertothesoul."ThewordsthatIspeakuntoyou,"saysJesus,"theyarespiritandtheyarelife.""Beingbornagain,notofcorruptibleseed,butofincorruptible,bytheWordofGod,whichlivesandabidesforever."Oh,thereislifeintheGospel,becauseitis"thelawoftheSpiritoflifeinChristJesus."Ittestifiesof"Christ,whoisourlife."Itdeclaresthatthereisnospirituallifebutinhim.Andalthough"theletterkills,"workingalone,yetinthehandsoftheSpirititgiveslife.ThusclothedwiththeenergyoftheHolySpirit,theGospelprovesa"savoroflifeuntolife,"toallwhobelieveinittothesavingofthesoul.

Inconcludingthischapter,wewouldremindthosewhocanappropriatetothemselvesthelanguageofthetext,oftheexaltedprivilegetowhichtheyareraised.Aholy,filial,joyfulliberty,isyourbirthright.Itisthelibertyofapardonedandjustifiedsinner.Itisthelibertyofareconciled,adoptedchild.Itisthelibertyofoneforwhomthereis"nownocondemnation."AndyethowfewofGod'speoplewalkinthefullenjoymentofthisliberty?Howfewpray,andlove,andconfide,asadoptedchildren!Howfewlaborforlife!Oh,sonsofGod,risetothisyourhighandheavenlycalling!Yourfreedomwaspurchasedatahigh

price,undervalueitnot.Itismostholy-abuseitnot.Itbindsyou,bythestrongestobligations,toyieldyourselvesuntoGod,asthosewhoarealivefromthedead.Bethesethebreathingsofoursoul-"Lord!mysweetest

libertyisobediencetoyou;myhighestfreedomwearingyouryoke;mygreatestrestbearingyourburden.Oh,howIloveyourlawaftertheinwardman!Idelighttodoyourwill,OmyGod!"TheLordgrantuntousthatwe,"beingdeliveredoutofthehandsofourenemies,mightservehimwithoutfear,inholinessandrighteousnessbeforehim,allthedaysofourlife."

TheImpotenceoftheLaw,andGod'sMethodofMeetingIt

"Forwhatthelawcouldnotdo,inthatitwasweakthroughtheflesh,GodsendinghisownSoninthelikenessofsinfulflesh,andforsin,condemnedsinintheflesh."Romansviii.3.

"Forwhatthelawcouldnotdo."Itisstillthemorallawofwhichtheapostlespeaks.Heaffirmsofthatlawthatitis"weak."Theassertionmustbereceivedwithsomequalification.Itcannotbedeniedthatthelawhaspower.Divestitofallstrength,andofwhatusewoulditbe?Howcoulditaccomplishthedesignofitsenactment?Thereisasense,then,andanimportantone,inwhichthelawhasstrength.Whereindoesitspotencylie?Thelawhaspowertoconvictofsin.Itmirrorstoamanhismorallikeness;lookingintothislawheseeshimselftobeasinner.IthaspowertobringhiminguiltybeforeGod;tobreatheoverhisheaditsfearfulcurse,andtoshuthimuptoitseternalcondemnation.Withwhatatremendouspower,then,isthislawinvested!Itwieldsamightyarm.

Letthelawlesstrembleatitsstrength.Itsdivinityisnottobedenied-itsholinessisnottobeimpugned-itspowerisnottobetrifledwith.Nomancandoviolencetothislawwithimpunity.Deemitnotalightthingtofallintoitsiron,mercilessgrasp.Itlaysitsrighteoushanduponyou,exclaiming,"Paymethatyouowe."Andifthedemandisnotmet-amply,

fullymet-ithasauthorityandpowertoadjudgeyoutohellforever.SuchisthestrengthofGod'sholylaw.

But,nevertheless,thereisasense,andavastlyimportantone,inwhichthelawisimpotent-utterlypowerless.Whatisitthatthelawcannotdo?Thelawhasnopowertoplacethesinnerinajustifiedstate.Inotherwords,itcannotfulfilitsownrighteousness."Byhim,allwhobelievearejustifiedfromallthings,fromwhichyoucouldnotbejustifiedbythelawofMoses.""Therefore,bythedeedsofthelawthereshallnofleshbejustifiedinhissight."Norhasitpowertogivelife."Foriftherehadbeenalawgivenwhichcouldhavegivenlife,verilyrighteousnessshouldhavebeenbythelaw."Itpronouncestheunjustifiedsinnerdead-hisreligiondead-hisworksdead-hisfaithdead;butwithnotonebreathofspirituallifehasitpowertoinspirethesoul.Oh,theinfatuationwhichpromptsmentoseekspirituallifefromalaw,powerfulonlyasaninstrumentofeternaldeath!Norhasthelawpowertomakeanythingwhateverperfectinthegreatmatterofman'ssalvation."Forthelawmadenothingperfect,butthebringinginofabetterhopedid;bythewhichwedrawnearuntoGod."Thesethingsthelawfailstoachieve.Andhereinisitweak.Holyinitsnature,itisyetincapableofmakingthesinnerholy.Righteousinitsprecepts,ityetcannotjustifytheungodly.ReflectingtheDivineimage,ityethasnopowertotransferthatimagetothesoul.Butletustracethisfailuretoitspropercause.Fromwhere,then,doesthisweaknessofthelawofGodcomefrom?Wereply,notfromanyinherentdefectinthelaw."Thelawisholy,justandgood,"andofitselfpowerfulenoughtotakethesoultoglory.ButtheApostlesuppliestheanswer-"weakthroughtheflesh."Itwasrightthatheshouldthusshieldthedignityofthelaw,andmaintainthattherebelongedtoitanativeforceandcapacityworthyofHimfromwhomitemanated,andequaltotheaccomplishmentofthegreatendforwhichitwasenacted.Theweaknessofthelaw,then,istobetraced,nottoanyinefficiencyoftheinstrument,buttothesinfulnessofman;nottotheagent,buttothesubject.Whatanimpressiveviewdoesthisgiveusofthedeepdepravity,theuttersinfulnessofournature!Sogreatisthecorruptionoftheflesh,thatitopposesandthwartsthelawinitsgreatworkofimprintingitsimageuponthemindofman.Oh,whatmustbethecharacterandpowerofthatsinfulnesswhichcanthusseverthelocksofitsstrength,anddivertitfromitssacredpurpose!Sincerely

woulditmakeusholy,butourdepravityfoilsit.Sincerelywoulditrecallouralienatedaffections,butourheartissoutterlyestrangedfromGod,thatitsgenerouseffortfails.Thusthelawisweak,throughthecorruptandsinfulflesh.Letusbedeeplyhumbledbythistruth.Howentirelyitstainstheprideofallourfleshlyglory!Where,now,isournativeholiness,andourboastedpride,andourvauntedworthiness?Thelaw,alwaysonthesideofpurityandlove,yearnedtobringusbeneathitsholyandbenigninfluence,butourcarnalityinterposed,anditbecameweak.

"GodsendinghisownSoninthelikenessofsinfulflesh."ThushasGodgraciouslyprovidedaremedywhichexactlymeetsthenecessityofthecase.Thelaw,thwartedandimpairedbythedepravityoftheflesh,havingfailedtoeffectthesalvationofthesinner,provingitselfutterlypowerlesstojustifyorsanctifythesoul,Godisrepresentedasdevisinganother,amorestupendousandeffectiveexpedient.ThiswasnothinglessthanplacingtheworkinthehandsofhisownSon.Thesourcefromwherethisgreatandpreciousgiftemanates,suppliesatenderrebuketoallthosedefectiveviewswearepronetoentertainoftheFather'slovetous.Whatafulnessofmeaninginthesewords-"GodsendinghisownSon,"-sendinghimfromthedepthsofhislove,fromthecenterofhisbosom.Truly,"inthiswasmanifestedtheloveofGodtowardsus,becausethatGodsenthisonlybegottenSonintotheworld,thatwemightlivethroughhim."Herein,indeed,islove!Oh,whatcold,suspiciousthoughtswehavecherishedofit!Howhavewelostsightofitindeeptrial,andinthebitteranguishofourspirit!Howhaveweforgottenthathemustloveus-chastiseandrebukeusashewill-whosenthisownSontogiveuslife!BeholdthegrandeurandthefitnessofGod'sexpedient.TheFatherdidseemtosaytothebelovedOnereposinginhisbosom-"MySon,ourlawhasfailedtoaccomplishthesalvationofasingleindividualofthehumanrace,throughtheopposingdepravityintowhichitissunk.Goonthisembassyoflove,assumethelikenessofthesinner,andinYourmightinesstosave,bringmymanysonsuntoglory."Contemplate,too,thecostlinessofthegift."HisownSon."Angelsarehissonsbycreation,andsaintsarehissonsbyadoption;butJesusispre-eminentlyandemphaticallyhisOWNSonbyeternalgeneration-co-equal,co-essential,andco-eternalwiththeFather,ineffablybegottenfromalleternityintheDivineessence.Fromtheabundantproofsofthisdoctrine,withwhich

theScripturesoftrutharesorich,oneortwocitationswillsuffice.OurLordoneveryoccasionacknowledgedhisfilialrelationtoGod.Howoftenandhowtouchinglydidtheexpressivewordsbreathefromhissacredlips-"MyFather.""IandmyFatherareone.""AllthingsaredelivereduntomebymyFather.""InmyFather'shousearemanymansions."Then,asitregardshisbeingbyeternalgenerationtheSonoftheHighest,hearwhattheScripturesoftruthaffirm."Iknowhim,"saysChrist,"forIamfromhim,andhehassentme."HowwasChristfromtheFather?Certainlynotasitrelatedtohismissionmainly,butasitrespectedhiseternalgenerationbytheFather.For,observeintheseremarkablewordsthetwothingsaredifferentanddistinct;thebeingfromtheFather-andthebeingsentbytheFather.Then,asitregardshisSonship,howconclusivearethesewords-"TheLordsaiduntome,YouaremySon;thisdayhaveIbegottenyou."Beyondalldispute,Christisthepersonspokenofhere.ThreetimesisthispassagequotedintheNewTestament,andoneachoccasionitisinvariablyappliedtotheLordJesus.Theexpression"today,"hasanobviousreferencetotheeternityofhisgeneration.EternityiswithGodbutasoneday-aneternalnow."Beloved,donotbeignorantofthisonething,thatonedayiswiththeLordasathousandyears,andathousandyearsasoneday."ThusclearisitthatChristisGod's"ownSon,"havingthesameessenceandnaturewithhimself;andthatheisGod's"onlySon"bynaturalandeternalgeneration-"TheonlybegottenSonofGod."Furtherintothedepthsofthisprofoundtruthitwouldnotbeourwisdomtodescend.ThereismuchawfulmysteryconnectedwiththisfundamentalverityofChristianfaith,whichforbidsatoocuriousandrashinvestigation.Althoughittranscendsourreason,itdoesnotcontraveneourreason.Itispropounded,likeallcognatemysteriesofDivinerevelation,forourbelief.Andwhathumanreasonisnotabletocomprehend,divinefaithcanmeeklyandunquestioninglyreceive.

Butwhatwordsarethese-"GodsenthisownSon!"Apersonlessexalted,lessDivine,couldnothaveaccomplishedwhatthedivinelawfailedtodo.AndsinceanenactmentwhichwasatranscriptofDeity,provedtoofeebleforthepurpose,Deityitselfundertakesthework.God'sowneternalandessentialSonembarksintheenterprise,andachievesit.WhataRockofsalvation,saintofGod,isthis!Springingfromthelowest

depthsofyourhumiliation,seehowittowersaboveyourcurse-yoursin-yourcondemnation!ItisaRockhigherthanyou.InfinitelyremovedbeyondthereachofcondemnationisthatsoulwhosefaithisplanteduponthisRock.Howsecurelycanherest,andhowsweetlycanhesing,"InthetimeoftroubleheshallhidemeinHispavilion:inthesecretofHistabernacleshallHehideme;Heshallsetmeuponarock.Andnowshallmineheadbeliftedupabovemineenemiesroundaboutme."

"Inthelikenessofsinfulflesh."Thesewordsarestrikingandsignificant,asplacingbeforeustwoessentialandgloriousfactsinthehistoryofourLord-factsinterwovenwithourholiestexperienceandmostprecioushopes.ItfirstplacesintheclearestpossiblelightthetruehumanityoftheSonofGod.Itwasnothumannatureinappearancethathetook,assomehavetaught-thiswasthehereticaldoctrineoftheancientDocetae,buthumannatureinreality.Thereareotherdeclarationsofthistruthequallyasstrong:"GodsentforthhisSonmadeofawoman.""TheWordwasmadeflesh,anddweltamongus."OurblessedLordhaseverbeen"astoneofstumblingandarockofoffence"totheungodlyworld.Manyareoffendedwithhim.Histwonatureshaveeverbeenimpugned,opposed,anddenied.SomehaverefusedhimtheglorybelongingtohisGodhead,whileothershaveattemptedtounderminehismanhood-thusmakinghim,haditbeeninthepowerofhisenemies,neitherGodnorman-averynothing.Butthetruthstillstandsunimpeachedandglorious-ourLordassumedrealflesh."Myfleshisfoodindeed."Itwas,astheApostletermsit,"thebodyofhisflesh.""Wherefore,whenhecomesintotheworld,hesays,Sacrificeandofferingyouwouldnot,butabodyhaveyoupreparedme.""Whohisownselfboreoursinsinhisownbodyonthetree."Itwasaperfectlyorganizedbody,havingalltheproperties,affinities,andfunctionsbelongingtoourown.Thereforeheisstyled"themanChristJesus.""Sincebymancamedeath,bymancamealsotheresurrectionofthedead.""Hewasmadeinthelikenessofmen.""Theseedofthewoman.""TheseedofAbraham.""TheseedofDavid."Sucharethewordswhichinscribethisgreattruthaswithasunbeam-ourLord'sperfecthumanbodyandsoul.Theconsolation,thesympathy,thestrength,whichspringfromthistruth,howgreat!Boneofourbone,andfleshofourflesh,madeinallpointslikeuntohisbrethren,OhowsuitableaBrotherishe,bornforoureveryadversity!Nowcanhe,withafeelingof

sympathythemostexquisite,betouchedwithmyinfirmity;forthisnaturewhichIdragaboutwithme,feebleandbruised,jadedandcrushed,wastheverynaturewhichhetookintomysteriousunionwithhisGodhead-woreitherebelow,andwearsitstillinheaven.

But,secondly,withwhatcareandskilldoestheHolySpiritguardtheperfectsinlessnessofourLord'shumanity!Observe,itwasnottherealityofsinfulfleshthattheSonofGodassumed,butits'likeness'only.Hetookrealflesh,butbearingtheresemblanceonlyofsinfulness.Hewas"madelikeuntohisbrethren.""Temptedlikeasweare,yetwithoutsin."Andsointhepassagebeforeus,"Inthelikenessofsinfulflesh."Thewordssupposearesemblancetooursinfulnature.And,oh!howclosethatresemblancewas!-aslikeasinnerasonecouldbe,whoyetindeedandintruthwasnotone-"whoknewnosin,"butwas"holy,harmless,undefiled,andseparatefromsinners."Manisasinner;ourblessedLordwasman-sotrulyman,thathisenemiesexclaimed,"Weknowthismanisasinner."Theycouldnotunderstandhowonecouldbesoreallyhuman,andyetbeuntaintedwithsin!Andthen,didtherenotclingtoJesustheinfirmitiesofourfallennature,which,thoughsinlessinhim,werenotthelesstheeffectsofsin?Hehungered-hethirsted-hewepthewaswearied-heslept-hewasafflicted-hesorrowed-hetrembled-hesuffered-hedied.Andaswetracetheseinfirmitiesofourhumanityfloatinguponthetransparentsurfaceofhispurelife,howforcibledowefeelthewords-"Madeinthelikenessofsinfulflesh"!Andwhenweseehimtraducedasasinnerbyman,and-standingbeneathhispeople'stransgressions-dealtwithasasinnerbyGod;byman,denouncedas"aglutton,""awine-bibber,""afriendofpublicansandsinners,"an"impostor,"a"deceiver,"a"blasphemer"thenarraigned,condemned,andexecutedasacriminalnotworthytolive,asanaccursedone-byGod,chargedwithallthesinsoftheelectchurch,bruisedandputtogrief,andatlastabandonedbyhimonthecross,thennumberedwithtransgressors,andmakinghisgravewiththewickedinhisdeath-oh!howlikesinfulfleshwastherobeoflowlinessandsufferingwhichhewore!Andyet,"hewaswithoutsin."Itwastheresemblance,notthereality.ThehumannatureoftheSonofGodwasasfreefromsinastheDeityitenshrined.Hewasthe"LambofGodwithoutspot."Theleasttaintofmoralguilt-ashadeofinherentcorruption-wouldhaveproved

fataltohismission.OneleakinthegloriousArkwhichcontainedtheChurchofGod,hadsunkittothelowestdepths.Oh!thisisthegloryofhiswork,andthesolaceofourhearts,thatChristourSavior"offeredhimselfwithoutspotuntoGod."Andnowwemaypleadhissinlessoblationasthegroundofourpardon,andtheacceptanceofourpersons."Hehasmadehimtobesinforuswhoknewnosin,thatwemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinhim."TheLordblessthesetruthstothecomfortandedificationofoursouls.

"Andforsincondemnedsinintheflesh;"or,"byasacrificeforsin."Andwhatwasthatsacrifice?ItwasGod'sownSon-"whogavehimselfforus.""Andwhenhehadbyhimselfpurgedoursins.""Christalsohaslovedus,andhasgivenhimselfforus,anofferingandasacrificetoGodforasweet-smellingsavor."Bythissacrificehe"condemnedsinintheflesh."Thewordneverimpliessimplytodestroy,orremove.ConsequentlythepresentandentiredestructionofsininthebelieverwasnotthecondemnationsecuredbythesacrificeofChrist.Butintwosenseswemayunderstandtheword.First,heborethecondemnationandpunishmentofsin,andthusforeversecuredourpardon.Secondly,andchiefly,heactuallysocondemnedsininhisownmaterialbody,thatitlostthepowerofcondemninghisspiritualbody,theChurch.Sothatneithersin,northeconsequenceofsin,caneverlaythebelieverundercondemnation.Thus,whilesincondemnedJesusastheSurety,JesuscondemnedsinastheJudge,assigningittoitsowndarkandchangelessdoom.That,therefore,whichitselfiscondemned,cannotcondemn.Thusitisthatthelastsongthebelieversings,ishissweetestandmosttriumphant-"Odeath!whereisyoursting?"Sinbeingcondemned,pardoned,andforeverputaway,death,itsconsequentandpenalty,isbutapleasingtranceintowhichthebelieverfalls,toawakeupperfectedinGod'srighteousness.

Inconclusion,letus,indeepadorationofsoul,admireGod'sillustriousmethodofmeetingtheimpotenceofthelaw.Howsuitabletous,howhonoringtohimself!Relinquishingallthoughtofsalvationbytheworksofthelaw,letuseagerlyandgratefullyavailourselvesofGod'splanofjustification.LetourhumbleandbelievingheartscordiallyembracehisSon.Ifthelawispowerlesstosave,Christis"mightytosave."Ifthelaw

canbutterrifyandcondemn,itistodriveusintoChrist,thatwemightbejustifiedbyfaithinhim.Inhimthereisafull,finished,andfreesalvation.Wehavebuttobelieve,andbesaved.Wehavebuttolook,andlive.Wehavebuttocome,andbeaccepted.Disappointedofourhopeinthelaw,andalarmedbyitsthreateningspealinginourearslouderthanseventhunders,letusfleetoJesus,the"Hidingplacefromthewind,andthecovertfromthetempest."ThereisnocondemnationinChristJesus.Allispeace,allisrest,allissecuritythere.TheinstantthatapoortremblingsinnergetsintoChrist,heissafetoalleternity.NorcanhebeassuredofsafetyonemomentoutsideofChrist.Repair,then,totheSavior.Hisdeclarationis-"HimthatcomesuntomeIwillinnowisecastout."Nonearerejectedbutthosewhobringapriceintheirhands.Salvationisbygrace;andnottohimthatworks,buttohimthatbelieves,thepreciousboonisgiven.Theturpitudeofyourguilt,thenumberofyourtransgressions,thedepthofyourunworthiness,theextentofyourpoverty,thedistancethatyouhavewanderedfromGod,arenovalidobjections,noinsurmountabledifficulties,toyourbeingsaved.Jesussavessinners"totheuttermost,"-totheuttermostdegreeofguilt-totheuttermostlimitofunworthiness-totheuttermostextentoftime.AndnotonlyletuslooktoChristforsalvation,butalsoforstrength.Isthelawweak?"ChrististhepowerofGod."Heispreparedtoperfecthisstrengthinourweakness.Andthefeltconvictionofthatweaknesswillbethemeasureofourstrength.Withouthimwecandonothing;butstronginhismight,wecandoallthings."IntheLordIhaverighteousnessandstrength."And"inhimshallalltheseedofIsraelbejustified,andshallglory."

Howshouldthissubjectdeepenourlove!"Godislove,"andtheexpressionofthatloveisthesendinghisownSonintotheworld,toachievewhatthelaw,initsweakness,couldnotdo.Waseverlovelikethis?"Godsoloved."AndwasJesuswillingtoengageintheembassy?DidhevoluntarilyclotheHimselfinourrags,stooptoourpoverty,consenttobearrestedandthrownintoprisonforus?Washemadeacursethathemightdeliverusfromthecurse?Didjudgmentpassuponhimthatwemightbesavedfromthewrathtocome?Ohereisinfinite,boundlesslove!Thenlethimhaveinreturnourlove.Itistheleastthathecanask,orwecanmake.Letitbeahearty,cordial,obedient,increasing

love.Alas!itisbutadrop,whenitshouldbeanocean.Itisbutafaintspark,whenitshouldbeavehementflame.Ohowshouldourbestaffectionflowouttowardhimwhoassumed,andstillwears,ournature!Whatanattractive,winningobjectistheIncarnateGod,theGod-manMediator!Fairerthanthechildrenofmen,thechiefamongtenthousand,thealtogetherlovelyOne,heisthewonderandadmiration,theloveandsong,ofallheaven.Owhyshouldhenotbeequallysoofallearth?DidtheSonofGodtakeupourrudeandsufferingnature,andshallwebesluggishtotakeuphislowlyanddespisedcross,andfollowhardafterhim?Forbidit,Lord!Forbidit,preciousSavior!Whathumiliation,whatabasement,canbetoomuchforus,thesinfulsonsofmen,whenyou,thesinlessSonofGod,didsoabaseandhumbleyourself!Oletyourloveconstrainustostandfirmtoyou,toyourtruth,andtoyourcause,whentheworlddespises,andfriendsforsake,andrelativeslookcold,andallseemtoleaveandforsakeus.Andasyoudidcondescendtobemadeinthelikenessofourhumanandsinfulnature,OconformustothelikenessofyourDivineandholynature.Asyouwereapartakerwithus,makeuspartakerswithyou.Asyouweremadelikeuntous,inwhatwaspropertoman,makeuslikeyou,inwhatispropertoGod.Andasyoudidcomedowntooursinfulanddimearth,liftustoyourpureandbrightheaven!

"TheUnregenerateandtheRegenerateContrasted"

"Forthosewhoareafterthefleshdomindthethingsoftheflesh;butthosewhoareaftertheSpiritthethingsoftheSpirit."Romansviii.5.

"Thosewholiveaccordingtothesinfulnaturehavetheirmindssetonwhatthatnaturedesires;butthosewholiveinaccordancewiththeSpirithavetheirmindssetonwhattheSpiritdesires."Romans8:5

Twodifferentclassesareherepresentedtoourview,instrikingandsolemncontrast.Withregardtothefirst,amoreaccurate,andatthesametimeamoreawful,portraitofthecarnalstateofmanexistsnotin

anylanguagethanthis.Heisdescribedaslivingaftertheflesh.Andlestitshouldbesupposed,asbysomeitis,thatacorrupttreecanbringforthgoodfruit,or,inotherwords,thatholinessisthenaturalproductofourunrenewednature,itisadded,who"mindthethingsoftheflesh."Butbeforewegomorefullyintotheunfoldingofthissubject,weshouldremark,thattheterm"flesh"hasvarioussignificationsinGod'sword,oftendecidedlyoppositetothatwhichitbearsinthepassagebeforeus.Forexample,itissometimesusedtodenoteasofteneddispositionofmind:"Iwillgiveyouaheartofflesh."Again,itsetsforththetenderandcloseunionsubsistingbetweenChristandhisChurch:"Nomaneveryethatedhisownflesh,butnourishesandcherishesit,evenastheLordtheChurch."AyetdeeperandmoresublimesignificationitassumeswhenusedtodescribethemysteriousincarnationoftheSonofGod:"TheWordwasmadeflesh."Butthesenseinwhichthewordisemployedinthetextunderconsideration,istotallydifferenttoanywehavequoted.Itdesignatesthefallenandcarnalstateoftheunrenewedman.Heisaftertheflesh,andhiswholelifeisinaccordancewiththedictatesoftheflesh.OurLordthusdescribesit-"Thatwhichisbornofthefleshisflesh."Thatis,itisnothingmorethancarnalandcorrupt.Itisoriginallycorrupt,andcorruptitremainsuntilitperishes."Whenwewereintheflesh,themotionsofsin,whichwerebythelaw,didworkinourmemberstobringforthfruituntodeath."Wearethustakentotheveryrootofallthedepravityandcrimewhichafflictsanddegradesourcommonnature.Itisnotsomuchtheoutbreakofsin-thewretchednessandwoewhich,workingupwards,floatsuponthesurfaceofsociety;thatpresentstoaspiritualeyethemostafflictingviewofman'sfallencondition,asthefact,thattherootofalliniquitydwellsinhisnature;andthat,whenhehatesGod,andopposeshisgovernment,andviolateshislaws,andinjureshisfellow-creatures,itisnotanaccidentofhisnature,northeeffectofasurprisalintosin,likethatofourfirstparents,asitistheworkingoutofanoriginalandnaturalprinciple;itisthedevelopmentofaninnateanddeepcorruption,coursingitswayupward,aswehavesaid,fromtheconcealeddepthsofhisnaturetothesurfaceofhislife.Andthus,thoughtheethicsofamanbesound,andhislifebeinharmonywiththemoralityofhiscreed,yetintheabsenceoftheSpirit'sregeneration,heisstillemphatically"aftertheflesh:"hebearsaboutwithhimanoriginalprincipleofevil,whoseexistencelinkshimtotheflesh,thefull

developmentofwhichisonlysuppressedbythelawsofsociety,aconsciousnessofrightandwrong,anaturalregardforhisownwell-being,andtheoverrulingpowerofGod.

Butweshall,perhaps,formamoreaccurateideaofthisaffectingstate,inthefurtherconsiderationofitsworkings,uponthesameprinciplebywhichwejudgethespeciesofaplantbyitsflower,orofatreebyitsfruit.Itissaid,that"theywhoareoftheflesh,domindthethingsoftheflesh."Theideais,thatalltheobjectsofattraction,thedesiresandpursuitsofthecarnalmind,arecorruptandworldly.Thephrase,"domindthethingsoftheflesh,"mayexpresstwoideas.First,andprimarily,theexerciseoftheintellect;second,andbyimplication,theexerciseoftheaffections."Setyouraffectionuponthingsabove:"literally,setyourmind.Butwhatanawfulchargethusallegedagainstunrenewedmen!Noristhischargeunsustainedbyadequateproof.Itisimpossible,inthenatureofthings,thatacorruptmindcouldgiveitsconsiderationtothingsopposedtoitself.Nonaturecantranscenditsownpowers.Eachactmustbeinharmonywiththecharacteroftheprinciplefromwhereitemanates.Abeastcannotactasaman,withoutparticipatinginthehuman.Ahumanbeingcannotactwiththepowerofanangel,withoutpartakingthenatureoftheangelic.How,then,canthatwhichisaftertheflesh,actasthatwhichisaftertheSpirit?Inotherwords,howcanacarnalmindputforththeactionsofaholymind,unlessitfirstbecomeholy?Howcanamanbelievewithoutpossessingtheprincipleoffaith?orlove,withouttheprincipleoflove?"Israelisanemptyvine,hebringsforthfruituntohimself."(Hebrew,"equaltohimself")thatis,afruitpartakingofhisownnature.OurLordembodiesthesameideainhispeculiarlygraphiclanguage:"Agoodtreecannotbringforthevilfruit,neithercanacorrupttreebringforthgoodfruit."Andthenfollowsthesolemnresult:"Everytreethatbringsnotforthgoodfruit,ishewndownandcastintothefire."Wehavethusmostdistinctlyplacedbeforeusthissolemntruth-thatafleshlyorcorruptmindmustactagreeablywithitsownnature;andsoacting,mustbesupremelyengrossedwiththethingsoftheflesh.This,too,mustbethecharacterofitsreligion.Allitsconceptionsandideasmustbeinharmonywithitsunrenewednature."ThenaturalmanreceivesnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod,fortheyarefoolishnessuntohim;neithercanheknowthem,becausetheyare

spirituallydiscerned."Theproductofafallennature,thenaturalandspontaneousgrowthofacorruptsoil,thefruitmustcorrespondwiththecharacteroftheseedsown.Thereligiousperceptionsofsuchamindmustbecrudeandobscure,fortheyaretheperceptionsofadarkenedunderstanding.Theprofferedhomageofsuchaheartmustbevainanddissembled,sinceitisthehomageofaheartalienatedfromGod.Such,too,mustbetheworshipofferedtothatBeingwhoisaSpirit,andwhorequiresofthosewhoworshiphim,thattheyworshiphiminspiritandintruth.Itsritualmaybesound,itsritesmaybescriptural,itsformsmaybesolemn,itsofferingsmaybecostly,itisstillthesacrificeofthedeadofferedtoalivingGod!Itistheworshipofthosewhoare"walkingaccordingtotheflesh."AndwithalltheapparentthirstingsofacarnalmindafteraknowledgeofGod-andinsomecasesweknowhowdeepthatthirstmaybe-thereisastartingofffrom,nomore,thereisadeadlyoppositionto,GodthemomentheapproacheswearingthecharacterrevealedinhisWord.JustasAdam,whoatethefruitinthevainconceitofincreasinghisknowledge,yetwhenGod,theObjectandtheFountainofknowledge,drewnearinthepleasantEden,atevening'scool,calmtwilight,hefledtheDivinepresence,andhidhimselfamidit'sbowers.Suchonly"knowChristaftertheflesh."Theyknowhimintellectually,historically,speculatively,notionally,andthisistheextentof

theirknowledgeofGod.Theymaydesignatehim"ourSavior,"andprofessnootherwaytoheavenbutbyhim;andyet,sadtoaffirm,alltheirconceptionsofhisglory,andalltheirviewsofhisworks,andalltheirprotestationsofattachmenttohisperson,arethoseofonewho,livingintheflesh,"knowsChristonlyaftertheflesh."

"Domindthethingsoftheflesh."Whatexpressivewords!Alltheirpursuitsarefleshly.Thosepursuitsmaybe,intheworld'sview,noble,daring,refined-theymayhaveatendencytodevelopgreatmentalpowers,tocallintoexercisemightyenergies,toelevatethetaste,tosoftenandrefinethefeelings,andeven,toacertainextent,advancethepresentwell-beingofsociety-yetisitbuta"mindingofthethingsoftheflesh."Contemplatetheenjoymentsandpursuitsofthecarnalmindinwhatlightyoumay-themostintellectualandelevated-theyyetspringfromtheflesh,areboundedbytheflesh,andwiththefleshtheyperish.Thisis

yourcharacter,ifnotbornagainoftheSpirit.Itisnotnecessarythatyoumindallthethingsofthefleshinordertoconstituteyouacarnalman.Itisenoughtofastenthischaracteruponyou,thatyouhavegivenyourselfovertotheindulgenceorthepursuitevensofarasoneofthesethings.Asinnermaynotbeadebauchee,andneithertheonenortheothermaybeanaspiringpolitician.Butwhateverthereigningpassionmaybe,ifithastheeffectofattachingyoutosomeoneobjectthatisintheworld,andwhichwiththeworldwillterminateandperish-thenstillyourmindisinsubjectiontoanidol,andthedeathofthecarnallymindedisyourinheritanceandyourdoom.Donotbedeceivedthen,youmen,who,engrossedwiththecares,andobservantofallthesobrietiesofbusiness,arenotaddictedtotheinfluencesofdissipation;noryou,who,heedlessofwealth'saccumulations,canmixanoccasionalgenerositywiththesquanderingsofintemperanceandriot;noryou,who,alikeexemptedfromsordidavariceordebasingsensuality,haveyet,inpursuitofanascendancyoverthemindandthemeasuresofyourfellowmen,made'power'thereigningfelicityofyourexistence;noryetevenyou,who,withoutanysettledaimafteroneortheotherofthesegratifications,fluctuateingiddyunconcernfromoneoftheworld'sfrivolitiestoanother.Noneofyoumindallthethingsoftheflesh;yeteachofyoumindoneortheotherofthesethings,andthattotheentirepracticalexclusionofthethingsoftheSpiritfromthepreferenceofyourhabitualregards.WedonotchargeyouwithadevotionofhearttoallthesethingsintheworldwhichareoppositetotheloveoftheFather,anymorethanwechargeyouwithidolatrouslyfallinginobeisancetoallthedeitiesofaheathenpolytheism.Butstill,ifonlyoneofthesedivinitiesbeyourGod,thiswouldbeenoughtoconstituteyouanidolater,andtoconvictyouofasacrilegiousdisavowaloftheKingwhoiseternalandimmutable.Andso,youroneearthlyappetite,thoughfreefromthetyrannyofalltheothers;yourhabitofungodliness-thoughitbetheonlyonethatbreaksoutintovisibleexpressioninthehistoryofyourlife-ofitselfrendersyouacarnalman;ofitselfdrivesyoufromthespiritualterritory;ofitselfprovesthatyouarestilloneofthechildrenofthisworld;andthatyouhavenotpassedfromdeathuntolife.

"ButthosewhoareaftertheSpiritthethingsoftheSpirit."TheywhoareaftertheSpiritundoubtedlyarethosewhoarethesubjectsoftheSpirit's

renewinggrace."ThatwhichisbornoftheSpiritisSpirit."Underhisteachingandoh,whoteacheslikehim?-theyhaverenouncedtheirownworksofrighteousnessasdeadworks;feeling,tousethefigurativelanguageoftheprophet,"thebedisshorterthanamancanstretchhimselfinit,andthecoveringnarrowerthanthathecanwraphimselfinit."Theyhavebrokentheircovenantwithdeath,andhavedisannulledtheiragreementwithhell,andfleeingoutofalltheir"refugesoflies,"theyhavebetakenthemselvestotheLordJesusChrist,andhaveexperiencedhimtobetheir"Itwisdom,andrighteousness,andsanctification,andredemption."

Whatamarvellousrevolutionisthis,effectingatotalmoralchangeinthewholespiritualandintellectualman,yetwithoutimpairingasinglementalfacultyorpower!Themindnotunbalanced,isratherstrengthenedandregulatedbythechange.Theaffections,notalienatedandcontracted,areexpandedandfixedupontheirlawfulobject.Thewillhasnotlostaparticleofitsliberty,butismorefreethanever,since,drawnbytheSpirit,itnowblendsharmoniouslywiththeDivinewill.Thewholemanisidenticallythesameindividual-yethowtransformed!Theprodigalalienhasbecomeapenitentchild;theslave,afreeman;themandwellingamongthetombsnowsitsattheSavior'sfeet,clothed,andinhisrightmind.WhobuttheEternalSpiritcouldeffectthiswondrousrevolution?

Butmorethanthis.Havingdethronedtheenemy,theSpiritnowenthroneshimself.Havingsweptandgarnishedtheabode,heenters,andmakesithisunchangeabledwelling.Thuslivingandreigninginthesoul,believersarebroughtunderthegovernmentoftheSpirit.Itmayemphaticallybesaidofthem,thatthey"mindthethingsoftheSpirit."ThenewandDivinenaturewithinisexerciseduponthingscongenialwithitself.Confrontedbythepowerfulphalanxoftheflesh,withwhichheholdsasevereandceaselesswarfare,theChristianisyetattimesenabledtoconcentratehisattentionuponthethingsoftheSpirit.HewalkswithGodinhistemporalcalling;heholdscommunionwithheavenwhileyetthepresentlifefettershimtoearth;hehasspiritualdesires,andholybreathings,andsuccessfulcontests,inthehottestbattlewiththelawofhismembers.Theonebentofhisinclinations,thesingleaimofhis

mind,istothe"thingsoftheSpirit."Hisnaturebeingspiritual,soarehisreligiousenjoyments.Doeshesing?-itiswith"spiritualsongs."Doeshepray?-he"praysintheSpirit."DoeshecallJesusLord?-itis"bytheSpirit."IsheChrist's?-he"hastheSpiritofChrist."ThusbelieverswalkintheSpirit;theyfollowthedictatesoftheSpirit;theyyieldthemselvestotheteachingoftheSpirit;andtheybringforthintheirdueseason"thefruitsoftheSpirit."

Bythistruthletustesttherealityofourreligiousprofession.InthislightletuscloselyexamineourChristiancharacterandwalk.What,reader,isthehabitualandsupremebentofyourmind?Isitthatwhichisspiritual,orthatwhichiscarnal?Judgeofyourpreparationfordeath,inthenearviewofitsapproachingsolemnities.Decideuponyourstateforeternity,intherapidprogressofitsdeepeningshadows.Ascertaintherealstateofyourcaseforthejudgment,inthecertainarrivalofitsdreadscrutiny.Youhaveyourmindeithersetuponthethingsoftheflesh,oruponthethingsoftheSpirit.Youareeitherbornagainfromabove,oraregrovelinginthingsbelow.Youareeithersanctified,oryouareunholy.YouarefortheLord,oryouareagainsthim.YouareeitherSatan'sslave,orChrist's

freeman.Which?Youinquire,"HowmayIknowthatIamoftheSpirit?"Weanswer,byyourproducingthefruitsoftheSpirit.Abrokenheartforsin-afeltconvictionofthehiddenplague-ahumbleandacontritespirit-anutterrejectionofahumanrighteousness-asimple,believingreceptionoftheLordJesus-andabreathingafterDivineconformity,areevidencesofarenewedandsanctifiedstate.Iftheseareyoursinanydegree,thenyouareoftheSpirit.

Butrestnothere.BeexhortedtowalkintheSpirit.Donotbesatisfiedwithhavingthequestiondecidedinyourfavor-withjustbarelyknowingthatyouhavecrossedthelinethatseparatestheregeneratefromtheunregenerate-deathfromlife.Remainnotwhereyouare:goforward.Donotbecontentwithalowstandard.ComparenotyourChurchwithotherChurches,noryourselfwithotherChristians;normeasureyourselfbyyourself.ButfixyoureyeuponChrist;copyhisexample,imbibehismind,andplaceyourselfunderthegovernmentofhisSpirit.Strivetogoforward!EndeavortobealwayssowingtotheSpirit.Besatisfiedwiththe

Lord'sdisposalofyou.Studythedivineartofcontentment.BeconvincedthatwhattheLordordainsisbest.Covetbutlittleofearthlygood;and,asanolddivineexhorts,"sailwithalowgale."Lielow.Thegreatsecretofaholyandofahappylifeiscontainedinasmallcompass-walkinghumblywithGod.Inallfailuresinduty,inallshortcomingsinpractice,inalltransactionswithGod,andinalldealingswithman-rememberingtheinnumerabletracesofimperfectionandsinfounduponallyoudo-dealfrequently,closely,withtheatoningblood."Washandbeclean."

"Spiritual-mindedness"

"Fortobecarnallymindedisdeath,buttobespirituallymindedislifeandpeace."-Romansviii.6.

"Themindofsinfulmanisdeath,butthemindcontrolledbytheSpiritislifeandpeace;"Romans8:6

Itwillnotbedisputedthatthetruetestofexcellenceisitsnearestapproachtoperfection.TonothingwillthisrulemorestrictlyapplythantotheChristiancharacter.Essentiallyconsidered,therecanbenodifferencebetweenonebelieverandanother.BothareequallytheobjectsofGod'slove,andalikethesubjectsofhisregeneratinggrace.Bothstandonanequalfootingofacceptance,andparticipatethesameintheimmunitieswhichbelongtothechildrenofGod.Butitcannotbedenied,normustitbeconcealed,thatthereisagreatandmarkeddifferenceinthemoralinfluencewhichoneChristianexertsbeyondanother.Inthe

measureofhisgrace-inthedepthofhisChristianity-inthevigorofhisfaith-inthelusterofhisholiness-inthegloryhebringstoGod,andintheconsequenthappinessofwhichheisconscious.ItmaybetrulysaidoftheChurchonearth,asoftheChurchinheaven,"onestardiffersfromanother."Andtowhatisthisvariationtobetraced?Undoubtedlytoadifferenceinthetoneofspiritual-mindedness.Theoneisthemanofalow,theotherofahighChristianstandard.Drawingtheirlife,light,andsupportfromonecenter,theyyetseemtomoveinwidelydistantorbits.TheoneseemsnearertotheSunthantheother.Andthus,standinginacloserproximitytotheFountainofallgrace,hedrawsfromitsfulnessthemorelargely,anddispensesthemorefreely.HishumblewalkwithGod,hiscloseadherencetoChrist,hisfollowingtheLordfully,impartsacharmtohispiety,abrilliancetohisexample,andapotencytohisinfluence,whichplacehiminthehighestrankofChristianmen.

Inthepassagebeforeustwocharactersarepresentedtoourview:thecarnalmind,withitsawfulconsequence;thespiritualmind,withitsholyandheavenlyfruit."Tobecarnallymindedisdeath,buttobespirituallymindedislifeandpeace."

"Tobecarnallymindedisdeath."Ifthereisoneconsiderationwhichmorethananothergivesusavividandimpressiveviewofman'sdeepapostasyfromoriginalholiness,itisthefact,thatnotonlythelowersentimentsandfeelingsofhisnatureareutterlyandawfullydebased,butthatthehigherandnoblerpartsofhisbeing–therational,theintellectual,themoral-havefeltthevibrationsoftheshock,andsharealikeinthecommonruin.Inthestronglanguageoftheapostle,heis"carnally-minded."Now,tobecarnallyminded,inthesenseofthepassage,impliesaconditioninwhichthewholesoulisentirelyengrossedwiththingscorrespondenttoitsfallennature.Thisdesperatestateisnotresolvablesimplyintoaflawoftheunderstanding,oranoccasionalstartingoffoftheheartfromGod,butintoadeepandthoroughcarnalizationofthatwhichdistinguisheshimfromthebrutecreation,andwhichlinkshimintheclosestresemblancetoGod-theMIND.Thecarnalmindthusdescribingandgoverningthewholeman-allhisthoughtsandfeelings,pursuitsandpleasures,likethestreamfromthefountain,correspondwithitsnature."ManywalkofwhomIhavetold

youoften,andnowtellyouevenweeping(Paulhadhistearsofsympathyforpoorunconvertedsinners:howmanyhavewe?)thattheyaretheenemiesofthecrossofChrist;whoseendisdestruction,whoseGodistheirbelly,andwhosegloryisintheirshame,whomindearthlythings."Thisisthebroadsealaffixedtoeveryunregenerateindividual-"whomindearthlythings."Selectthemostintellectual,ennobling,andusefulobjectsthatevergavedevelopmenttogenius,andbirthtothought,orawoketheenergiesandenterpriseofmen,and,comparedwithhiseternalinterests,whatcontemptiblepuerilitiesdotheyappear!Surveythewholelifeofanunconvertedman:howunworthyhisrationalbeing,andhisdeathlessexistence,isthatlife!"Arethesemen?"wearetemptedtoask.

"Seewhatlow-browedbearing-whatgrovelingpursuits,whatcontemptibleenjoyments!Thehonorshewears,whatbaubles!Thethingshepursues,whatshadows!Thepleasuresheindulges,whatbubbles!"Againweask,Arethesemen?Aretheyrational?aretheysane?aretheysoontodie?aretheyontheirwaytoeternity?dotheyreallybelieveinaGod-inahereafter-inajudgment-inahell?

Andwhatistheawfulconsequenceofthiscondition?Itissuesindeath,presentandeternaldeath."Tobecarnallymindedisdeath."Thenatureofthedeathherespokenofisdefinedbythetense.Itisapresentdeath.Tobecarnallymindedisdeath-itisdeathnow.TothelifeofGod-thehighspirituallifewhicheverybelieverlives-theunregeneratearedead.Bringthemtothetest.Addressthemuponthingscongenialwiththeirnature,theyarealllifeandanimation.Bringbeforethemsomesubjectwithwhichtheirhabitudesofthoughtarefamiliar,orwithwhichtheirtasteassimilates-letitbe,forexample,theprogressofliterature,orthediscoveriesofscience,orthestateofthefunds,orthebearingsofpolitics,apainting,anoratorio,orabook,andyouhavetouchedthespringwhichmovesallthesympathiesandpowersthesoul.ConversewiththescholarofhisHomer,withthephilosopherofhisNewton,withthepoetofhismuse,withtheastronomerofhisstars,withthebankerofhisbullion,withthemerchantofhismarket,withthefarmerofhiscattle,withthesensualistofhispleasures,withthehusbandofhisbride,withthemotherofherfirst-born,andyouhaveawakenedthedevotionandenthusiasmof

theheartinfavorofitsfondandworshipedidol.Toallthisthecarnalmindisalive.Butalas!theendofthesethingsisdeath.Changeyourtheme.Meethiminthebusyhumofbusiness,orlonelyplyinghisdailytask,oramidtheheatandexcitementofhisspeculationsandhispleasures,andspeaktohimofJesus;breathethatnamewhichfillsthechurchbelowwithitsfragrance,andthechurchabovewithitsmusic,andthereisnoecho;noresponsivechordvibratestoyourtouch;itisasthoughyouhadtoldyourstorytoasenselessautomaton,orhadchantedyourmusictotheearofacorpse.Deathisthere.

Butthisisnotall.All?Ono!itisbutthepreface,thepreludetothatwhichistocome.Menarecompelledintheircalculationstolookforwardtodeath-buttheremoteconsequencesofdeaththeypondernot."Afterdeaththejudgment."Butthisjudgmenttheytakenotintotheircalculations.Asimplefactmayaffordanimpressiveillustrationofthisphaseoftheunregeneratemind.Ayoungman,whomhehadknownasaboy,cametoanagedProfessorofadistinguishedcontinentalUniversity,withafacebeamingwithdelight,andinformedhimthatthelongandfondly-cherisheddesireofhisheartwasatlengthfulfilled-hisparentshavinggiventheirconsenttohisstudyingtheprofessionofthelaw.AstheUniversitypresidedoverbyhisfriendwasadistinguishedone,hehadrepairedtoitslawschool,andwasresolvedtosparenolabororexpenseingettingthroughhisstudiesasquicklyandablyaspossible.Inthisstrainhecontinuedforsometime;andwhenhepaused,theoldman,whohadbeenlisteningtohimwithgreatpatienceandkindness,gentlysaid,"Well!andwhenyouhavefinishedyourcareerofstudy,whatdoyoumeantodothen?""ThenIshalltakemydegree,"answeredtheyoungman."Andthen?"askedhisvenerablefriend."Andthen,"continuedtheyouth,"Ishallhaveanumberofdifficultandknottycasestomanage:shallattractnoticebymyeloquence,andwit,andacuteness,andwinagreatreputation.""Andthen?"repeatedtheholyman."Andthen!"repliedtheyouth,"whythentherecannotbeaquestion-Ishallbepromotedtosomehighofficeinthestate,andIshallbecomerich.""Andthen?""Andthen,"pursuedtheyounglawyer,"thenIshalllivecomfortablyandhonorablyinwealthandrespect,andlookforwardtoaquietandhappyoldage.""Andthen?"repeatedtheoldman."Andthen,"saidtheyouth,"andthen-andthen-andthenIshalldie."Herehis

venerablelistenerlifteduphisvoice,andagainasked,withsolemnityandemphasis–"Andthen?"Whereupontheaspiringstudentmadenoanswer,butcastdownhishead,andinsilenceandthoughtfulnessretired.Thislast"Andthen?"hadpiercedhisheartlikeasword-haddartedlikeaflashoflightningintohissoul,andhecouldnotdislodgetheimpression.Theresultwas,theentirechangeofhismindandcourseofhislife.Abandoningthestudyofthelaw,heentereduponthatofdivinity,andexpendedtheremainderofhisdaysinthelaborsofaministerofChrist.O,itisthe'afterconsequences'thatmakedeathsoterribletotheworldling.Thereexistsastronganalogybetweenthepresentandfuturedeathoftheunregenerate.Thespiritualdeathofthesinnerholdsitsgloomyreignintheempireofasoul,allwhoseintellectualandmoralfacultiesandpowersareinstinctwithlife,aregirtwithstrength,andglowwithanimation.Thereisavividimpressionmadebyexternalobjects.Thereisakeensenseofanimalenjoyment.Thereisahighrelishofthesublimedelightsandloftyexhilarationsofavirtuousheartandacultivatedmind.Andstillitistheempireofdeath."Deathreigns."Passinimaginationtothe"seconddeath,"sovividlyportrayedamidthesplendorsoftheapocalypse.Neitheristhatterribledeathanentirecessationofconsciousness,offeeling,ofsensibility.Farfromit.Notafacultyofthelostmindisimpaired;notapowerofthesoulisdestroyed;notafeelingoftheheartisblunted.No,allhaveacquiredadevelopment,andastrength,theyneverexperiencedbefore.Memorywillsummonbackeachpasteventwithallthevividnessofapresenttransaction.Andpassionwillstruggleintenselywithitsunsatisfieddesire.Andaburningsenseofshame,ofloss,andofsuffering,willbeardownthespirittothefathomlessdepthsofmisery.Thinknot,Ounregenerateman,thatthe"seconddeath"isanunconsciousslumber,oramesmerictrance.Ono!itisaliving,aneternaldeath.Therewillbenothingtoalleviatebutthescathing,overwhelmingconvictionoftheperfectequityofthesentence,thestrictrighteousnessofthedoom.Godwillsay-"Icreatedyouformyglory.Iplacedyouinthatworldtoliveformypraise.WherearethetalentswithwhichIcreatedyou-thegiftswithwhichIendowedyou-therankwithwhichIdistinguishedyou-thesubstancewithwhichIintrustedyou-theinfluencewithwhichIclothedyou-theyearswhichIlengthenedouttoyou?Youwickedandslothfulservant!youhaveburiedmygiftsintheearth,andhavelivedtoyourself-departfromme!"Inviewofadoom

sotremendousandjust,withwhatforceandsolemnitydothewordsfallupontheear-"Tobecarnallymindedisdeath!"

Wenowturntoamorepleasingtheme."Buttobespirituallymindedislifeandpeace."Therewillbenodifficultyindeterminingtheorigin,andindetectingtheevidencesofthisstate.ItspringsfromthelifeofGodinthesoul.Apartfromthis,therecannotpossiblybeanyrealspiritual-mindedness.TruespiritualityisthespringingupofthelivingwaterofChristintherenewedheart.Itisthe"bringingforthoffruitupward"-ofarootofgraceinthesouloftheregenerate.Thereismuchthatbearsthesemblanceofholiness,andwhich,withmany,passescurrentassuch,butwhichwearecompelledtopronouncespuriousandcounterfeit.Such,forexample,toavastextent,istheapparentsanctityoftheRomishChurch.Farbeitfromustodecidethuspositivelyuponeverysuchcasefoundinthemostcorruptanti-Christiancommuniononearth.Thiswouldbetoclaimapower,andexerciseaprerogative,whichbelongessentiallyandabsolutelytoGodalone.ThatwithinthepaleoftheapostatechurchtherehavelivedanddiedtrueandsinceremenofGod,cannotbedenied.Suchwastheheavenly-mindedBlaisePascal,andhisPortRoyalistcompanions.Such,too,wasMartinBoos,andothersof

equalpietyinthesamecommunion.Doesnotthesolemncallrecognizethisfact,"Comeoutofher,mypeople,thatyoudonotbepartakersofhersins,andthatyoureceivenotofherplagues?"Andarewenottold,thatwhentheelectaremadeup,andshall"standbeforethethroneandbeforetheLamb,"theyshallbe"agreatmultitude,whichnomancannumber,ofallnations,andkindreds,andpeople,andtongues;"andthatthisshallbetheanthemofall,"Youwereslain,andhaveredeemedustoGodbyyourblood,outofeverykindred,andtongue,andpeople,andnation?"Thusfromallcommunions,andfromeachfold,Godwillcallouthishiddenones,who,amidmuchdarkness,anderror,andsuperstition,havegropedtheirwaytothecross;andwho,sensibleoftheserpent'ssting,haveinsimplefaithlookedaloneforsalvationtothecrucifiedSavior;andinwhosesouls,beneaththemantleofsuperstitionanderror,theredweltthedimbutinextinguishablesparkofadivineandheavenlylight.Oh!howunspeakablygreatthemercythat,inamattersomomentousasoursalvation,wedealwithaGodwhosearchestheheart!Oh!cheeringtruth,

thattheShepherdknowshissheep,inwhateverfoldtheyarefound;andthatthesheepknowtheShepherd,howeverdimtheirperceptionofhisgraceandglory."ThefoundationofGodstandssure,havingthisseal,TheLordknowsthosewhoarehis."

Butwerepeatthetruth,thatallrealspiritual-mindednessistheoffspringofanewandspirituallifeinthesoul.Thestateofwhichwespeakistheeffectofacause,theconsequentuponacertainconditionofmind.Beforeamancanexerciseanydegreeoftrueheavenliness,hemustbeheavenly.Beforehecanbringforththefruitsofholiness,hemustbeholy.

Dearreader,isthisyourcondition?HaveyouthelifeofGodinyoursoul?Haveyoupassedfromdeathuntolife?IsthefruityoubeartheresultofyourengraftingintoChrist?Youattendupontheserviceofthesanctuary;youvisittheabodesofthewretched:youadministertothenecessitiesofthepoor;youarerigidinyourduties,andzealousinyourcharities;butdoesitallspringfromfaithinChrist,andfromlovetoGod?Isitfromlife,orforlife?Oh!remember,thatthespiritual-mindednesswhichtheBiblerecognizes,ofwhichGodapproves,hasitsrootinthelifeofGodinthesoul!

Butinwhatdoesspiritual-mindednessconsist?Itisthesettingoftheminduponspiritualobjects.TheheartisfixedonGod.Thebentofthesoul-itsdesiresandbreathings,aretowardshim.Itisafirm,growingapproximationofalltherenewedfacultiestospiritualandheavenlyrealities.GodinChrististheattractionoftheheart.Thattheneedleofthesoulalwaysthussteadilypointstohimwedonotaffirm;therearefalseattractionswhichluretheaffectionsfromGod,anddeadenthespiritualityofthemind.Tobecarnallymindedbringsakindofdeathevenintotherenewedsoul;butthisisnotthereigning,predominantstate.LetGodremovethatfalseattraction-lettheEternalSpiritapplywithhisownquickeningpowersomeprecioustruthtotheheart,andthewayward,tremulousneedlereturnstoitscenter;andtheheartisagainfixedonGod,itsexceedingjoy.Oh,howholyandpreciousaretheserestorings!

LovetoGodisthegoverningmotiveofthespiritualmind.Alldesireofhumanadmirationandapplausepalesbeforethishighandholyprinciple

ofthesoul.Itsreligion,itsdevotion,itszeal,itstoils,itssacrifices,springfromlove.Loveprompts,lovestrengthens,lovesweetens,lovesanctifiesall.Thisitisthatexpelsfromthehearttherivalandfalseclaimantofitsaffections,andwelcomesandenthronesthetrue.Itmay,attimes,likethepulseofthenaturallife,beatlanguidly,yet,unlikethatpulse,itneverceasesentirelytobeat.TheloveofGodinthesoulneverexpires.Fedfromthesourcefromwhereitemanates,theholyfire,dimanddyingasitmayappearattimes,nevergoesout.Haveyouthisevidenceofthespiritualmind,myreader?DoestheloveofChristconstrainyou?ItisthefirstandthechiefgraceoftheSpirit;doyoupossessit?"Nowabidesfaith,hope,andlove,butthegreatestoftheseislove."Itisthemain-spring,themotivepower,ofthespiritualmechanismofthesoul-allitswheelsrevolve,andallitsmovementsaregovernedbyit.IsthisthepuremotivethatactuatesyouinwhatyoudoforGod?Or,dothereenterintoyourserviceandyoursacrifice,anythingofself-seeking,ofthirstforhumanapprobation,ofdesiretomakeafairshowintheflesh,ofaimingtomakereligionsubserveyourtemporalinterests?Oh,searchyourhearts,andsee;siftyourmotives,andascertain!LovetoGod-pure,unmixed,simplelove-istheattributeofthespiritualmind;and,inproportiontotheintensityofthepoweroflove,asamotive,willbetheelevatedtoneofyourspirituality.Norneedtherebeanylackofthismotivepower."Godislove,"andheispreparedtosupplyittothemind'sutmostcapacity.Wearestraitenedinourselves,notinhim.Theocean,onwhosemarginwedoubtingly,timidlystand,

isinfinite,boundless,fathomless.TheLordiswillingtodirectourheartsintoitsdepths,butwehesitateanddrawback,awedbyitsinfinitevastness,orstumblingatitsperfectfreeness.Buttoattaintoahighstandardofheavenly-mindedness,wemusthavemoreoftheloveofGodshedabroadinourheartsbytheHolySpirit,whichhehasgivenuntous.WemustloveChristmore.

Itentersessentiallyanddeeplyintothisstateofspiritual-mindedness,thattheheartbemuchwithJesusonthethrone."IfyouthenarerisenwithChrist,seekthosethingswhichareabove,whereChristsitsontherighthandofGod.Setyouraffections(mind)onthingsabove,notonthingsontheearth."Towinheaven,themindmustbecomeheavenly;

andtobeheavenly,itmusthabituateitselftoheavenlythingsandheavenlypursuits.Itisalawofourmentalconstitution,thatthemindassimilatesinitstoneandhabitsofthoughtwiththesubjectwhichmostengrossesitsstudy.Henceititsthatwesometimesbecomemenofoneidea.Nowthecontemplationofdivineandspiritualthemeshasapowerfultendencytospiritualityandsanctifythemind.Itseemsimpossibletobreatheaheavenlyatmosphere,andnotbeheavenly;tostudyholythings,andnotbeholy;toadmiretheimageofChrist,andnotresembleChrist;tohavefrequentcommunionwithJesusuponthethrone,andnotcatchsomestraybeamofhisglory.AndapartfromChristnothingisreallypleasantandsatisfyingtotheheavenlymind.Withouthim,whatadreary,lonesomewildernesswerethis!ButwithChristintheheart,andtheheartrestinginChrist–heinthecenterofoursouls,andouraffectionsanddesirescenteringinhim-thedesertlosesitsolitudeanditsdesolateness.TohavetheeyerestingonJesus–allourheart-springsinhim-thespiritinfrequentexcursionswherehedwellsinlightandglory-toleanuponhim,andconversewithhimasthoughhewereactuallywalkingbyourside,sittingatourboard,associatedwithusinourcallings-this,thisisheavenly-mindedness.Suchisthecounter-attractiontothe"thingsontheearth,"-thesecularizingpursuits,thelow-thoughtedcares,thecarnalenjoyments-whichwesodeeplyneed.Andthispowerful,counteractinginfluencewhichwepossessisarealizationofourresurrectionwithChrist,andhisenthronementinglory.

IndividualandclosecommunionwithJesus,inthematterofconfessionofsin,andwashingintheatoningblood,stronglymarksthestateofspiritual-mindedness.NoChristiandutyformsasurertestofthespiritualtoneofthebelieverthanthis.Theessence,theverylifeofspiritual-mindedness,isholiness;andthedeepeningofheart-holinessisthemeasureofoursanctityoflife.Now,therecanbenoprogressinholinessapartfromahabitoffrequentlayingopenoftheheartintheacknowledgmentofsintoChrist.Theconscienceonlyretainsitstendernessandpuritybyaconstantandimmediateconfession;andtheheartcanonlymaintainitsfeltpeacewithGodasitisperpetuallysprinkledwiththebloodofJesus.Thesoulthuskeptbeneaththecrosspreservesitshightoneofspiritualityunimpairedinthemidstofallthebanefulinfluencesbywhichitissurrounded."Tomaintainaconscience

voidofoffence,IampersuadedIoughttoconfesssinmore.IthinkIoughttoconfesssinthemomentIseeittobesin;whetherincompany,orinstudy,orevenpreaching,thesouloughttocastaglanceofabhorrenceatthesin.IfIgoonwithduty,leavingsinunconfessed,Igoonwithaburdenedconscience,andaddsintosin.IthinkIoughtatcertaintimesoftheday,toconfesssolemnlythesinsoftheprevioushours,andseektheircompleteremission.IfeelwhenIhavesinnedanimmediatereluctancetogotoChrist.Iamashamedtogo.Ifeelasifitwouldnotdotogo;asifitweremakingChristtheministerofsin,togostraightfromtheswine-troughtothebestrobe;andathousandotherexcuses;butIampersuadedtheyareallliesdirectfromhell.Johnarguestheoppositeway-'Ifanymansin,wehaveanadvocatewiththeFather;'andathousandotherScripturesareagainstit.Iamsurethereisneitherpeace,norsafetyfromdeepersin,butingoingdirectlytotheLordJesusChrist.ThisisGod'swayofpeaceandholiness.Itisfollytotheworldandthebecloudedheart,butitistheway."Suchweretheholysentimentsandloftyaspirationsofaneminentlyspiritualmind(McCheyne);andifwefollowhimashefollowedthepreceptsofChrist,wemusttranscribe,andmakehisexperienceourown.Theholysensitivenessofthesoulthatshrinksfromthetouchofsin,theacutesusceptibilityoftheconscienceattheslightestshadeofguilt,willofnecessitydrawthespiritualmindfrequentlytothebloodofJesus.Andhereinliesthesecretofaheavenlywalk.Acquaintyourselfwithit,myreader,asthemostprecioussecretofyourlife.Hewholivesinthehabitofapromptandminuteacknowledgmentofsin,withhiseyereposingcalmly,believingly,uponthecrucifiedRedeemer,soarsinspiritwheretheeagle'spinionrangesnot.HewalksinsecretplaceswithGod."Heshalldwellonhigh:hisplaceofdefenseshallbethemunitionsofrocks.""Thereisapathwhichnofowlknows,andwhichthevulture'seyehasnotseen"-"itisthenewandlivingway,""theroyalhighwaywhereinthesaintsalonewalkwithGod.""Nolionshallbethere,noranyravenousbeastshallgouptherein:itshallnotbefoundthere;buttheredeemedshallwalkthere."SprinkledwiththebloodoftheIncarnateGod,howholy,howawfultheplace!Whocanwalkthere,andnotbespiritually-minded?

ThepossessionoftheHolySpiritinthefulnessofhisgracecontributesessentiallytotheconstitutionofthespiritualmind.Thegreatantagonist

ofcarnalityistheSpirit."IfwewalkintheSpirit,weshallnotfulfilthelustsoftheflesh.""Donotbedrunkwithwine,butbefilledwiththeSpirit."AstheSpiritofGod,heistheAuthorofallthatisspiritual.AstheSpiritofholiness,hemaintainsandcarriesforwardtheworkofsanctificationinthesoul.Heitiswhoforms,andheitiswholeadsforward,thespiritualmind.ThelargepossessionoftheSpirit!nothingcanexceedtheblessing.WithouttheSpiritofGod,whatisman?Heisthemarkofeveryfieryassault,thepreyofeveryprowlingfoe-amagazineofcorruption,aroundwhichathousandsparks-sparksofhisownkindling-fall.ButpossessingtheSpirit,eveninitsmostlimitedmeasure,whatisman?Alivingsoul-aholybeing-atempleofGod-anheirofglory.ButsupposehimpossessingtheSpiritintheplenitudeofHisgrace,notpartially,but"filledwiththeSpirit,"-whatmustbetheinvincibilityofhismightintheresistanceofsin!whatthepotencyofhisshieldindisarmingthepoweroftemptation!andwhattheeminenceofhisattainmentsinspiritualmindedness,asachildofGod!Whileothersaregirdingfortheconflict,orareadjustingtheirarmor,heiscoveringhimselfwithgloryonthebattle-field.Whileothersaretrainingfortherace,hehaswell-nearreachedthegoal.FilledwiththeSpirit,heisfilledwithallthefruitsoftheSpirit.Faithisvigorous,hopeisbright,loveisfervent.Heismightyinthe"Spiritofpower,andoflove,andofasoundmind."ItwasthispossessionoftheSpiritinhisfulnesswhichgavetotheApostles,whountilthenweresotimidandunbelieving,suchirresistibleboldnessandpoweronthedayofPentecost.Someintheirhearingexclaimed,"Thesemenarefullofnewwine."Butthesecretwas,"theywereallfilledwiththeHolySpirit."AndtheheartsofthegreatmasstowhomtheypreachedthecrucifiedSavior,bowedbeforethepoweroftheirpreaching,"asthetreesofthewoodsaremovedwiththewind."OseektobefilledwiththeSpirit!thenwillyourthirstingsforGodbedeeper-yourbreathingsafterholinessintenser-yourcommunionwithyourHeavenlyFathercloser,andyourfaithinJesusstronger.TheindwellingoftheSpiritistherootofallholiness;butthecommunicationoftheSpiritintheplenitudeofHisgracious,sanctifying,Christ-transforminginfluence,isthesecretofanelevatedtoneofheavenly-mindedness.Wouldyourepelsomestrongassault,orvanquishsomepowerfulcorruption,orthrowoffsomeclinginginfirmity,andwanderbytheverdantbanksandquietwatersoffellowshipwiththeFatherandwithhisSonChristJesus?Oask,andyoushallreceive,the

fulnessoftheSpirit.

"Tobespiritually-mindedislifeandpeace."Sucharethefruitsofaplantsodivineandheavenly.Spiritual-mindednessis"life."Wefearlesslychallengeeverybeliever-Whathasbeentheeffectinyoursoulofalowstateofgrace?Whathasbeentheeffectofcarnalindulgence-ofallowedsin-ofneedlesscommunionwiththeworld-ofconformitytoitspolicyanditspleasures-ofunrulytemper-ofavolatiledisposition,yes,ofanyspeciesofcarnalitywhatever;hasitnotbeen"death?"Whenaprocessofspiritualrelapsehasbeenallowedtoproceedstealthilyandunchecked;whentheworld,andsin,andselfhavegainedanascendency,whathasbeentheconsequence?-"death!"Thehabitofprayermaynothavebeentotallyneglected,buttherehasbeennocommunionwithGod-andsotherehasbeendeathuponprayer.TheBiblehasnotbeenentirelyunread,butnolighthasbeameduponthesacredpage-andsotherehasbeendeathupontheBible.Themeansofgracehavenotbeenutterlyforsaken,butnogracehasdistilledfromthesechannels-andsotherehasbeendeathuponthemeansofgrace.Thusaspiritualdeathlinesshascreptoverthesoul,theeffectandfruitofindulgedandgrowingcarnality.But"life"istheblessedeffectofheavenly-mindedness.Itislifespringingfromlife,orrathertheinnerlifeinitsouteractings.Whatspiritualmightiness,almostomnipotent,doeshepossesswhosemind,andheart,andfacultiesaredeeplyimmersedintheSpiritofChrist–closelyalliedtothedivineandheavenly!Assinisweakness,soholinessisstrength.Ascarnalityimpairs,sospiritualityinvigorates.Theonedeadens,theothervivifies.ClosedealingwithEssentialLifeincreasesthelifeofspirituality.MuchcommunionwithJesusdrawsforth"lifemoreabundantly."ItisimpossibletolivealifeoffaithintheSonofGod,constantlytakingtohisbloodeverysin,tohishearteverycare,tohissympathyeverysorrow,tohisgraceeverycorruption,tohisarmeveryburden,withoutbeingconsciousofnewlife,ofaugmentedpower,ofincreasedheavenliness.Inquireofthemanofprayer,whatistheeffectinhissoulofclose,filialcommunionwithGod?Askthereflectivemindwhatistheeffectuponhisspiritofholymeditation?Asktheconsciencemuchbeneaththecross,whatistheresultoftheconstantsprinklingoftheatoningblood?And,aswithonevoice,andwithoneutterance,eachbelieverwillanswer-"LIFE!"O,thereisanenergizinginfluenceinspirituality,aquickeningofthe

spirituallifeinheavenly-mindedness,whichheonlycanunderstand,whoseconverseismuchwiththingsheavenly,muchwithGod.Thereislifeinprayer,lifeintheword,lifeinordinances,lifeintheenjoymentofvitalreligion,whichtransmitsthethrillofitsdeeppulsationsthroughthewholesoul.Norlifealoneinthese.Butwhenthestormofadversityblows-whensoreafflictioncomes-whenthe"noiseofthewater-spout"isheard,andthetossingwavesandthefoamingbillowsrolloverthesoul-whentheshadowofdeathissettlinguponallcreature-good;then,eventhen,thespiritualmindpantingafterlifeexclaims,"ThoughIwalkinthemidstoftrouble,Youwillreviveme.""Thisismycomfortinmyaffliction:forYourwordhasquickenedme."Andwhatisallthisbutthepledgeandthepreludeofthegloriousconsummationandcrownofall-thelifethatistocome,evenlifeeverlasting?

Butnotlifealone;"peace"alsoisafruitofspiritual-mindedness.Whatpeaceofconsciencedoesthatindividualpossesswhosemindisstayeduponspiritualthings!Itisasmuchtherewardasitistheeffectofhiscultivatedheavenliness.Theexistenceofthispreciousblessing,however,supposestheexposureofthespiritualmindtomuchthathasatendencytoruleanddisturbitsequanimityandrepose.TheChristianisfarfrombeingentirelyexemptfromthosechafingsanddisquietudeswhichseeminseparablefromhumanlife.Tothebroodinganxietiesarisingfromexternalthings-life'svicissitudes,mutations,anddisappointments-thereareadded,whatarepeculiartothechildofGod,theinternalthingsthatdistract-thecloudingsofguilt,theagitationsofdoubt,thecorrodingsoffear,themourningofpenitence,thedisciplineoflove.Butthroughallthisthereflowsariver,thestreamswhereofmakegladthecityofGod.Coursingitswayalongthewindingsofasoul-oftenpresentingtotheeyethemoralsceneryofprecipiceandvalley,undulatingandwild,andallenshroudedingloom,thispeaceofGoddiffusesacalmness,serenity,andsunlightoverthespirit,creatingintheheartanemotionandamelodymorelikethereposeoftheuppersanctuary,andthechimingsoftheheavenlySabbath,thanthefeelingsandmusicofearth.Itisthepeaceoftheheavenlymind,thepeacewhichJesusprocured,whichGodimparts,andwhichtheHolySpiritseals.Aheavenlymindsoarsaboveapoordyingworld,livingnotuponacreature'slove,orsmile-castingitsdailyneedupontheheartofakindProvidence-anxiousfornothing,butwith

supplicationandthanksgivingmakingknownitsrequestsuntoGod-indifferenttotheturmoil,andvexations,andchequeredscenesofworldlylife,andlivinginsimplefaithandholypleasingonChrist-thusdetachedfromearth,andmovingheavenwardsbytheattractionsofitsplacidcoast,itrealizesapeacewhichpassesallunderstanding.Andifthisbethepresentoftheheavenlymind,whatwillbethefutureofthemindinheaven?Heavenistheabodeofperfectpeace.Therearenocloudingsofguilt,notossingsofgrief,noagitationsoffear,nocorrodingsofanxietythere."Therethewickedceasefromtroubling,andthewearyareatrest."Itisthepeaceofperfectpurity-itisthereposeofcompletesatisfaction.Itisnotsomuchtheentireabsenceofallsorrow,asitistheactualpresenceofallholiness,thatconstitutesthecharmandtheblissoffutureglory.Theseasonofsorrowisfrequentlyconvertedintothatofsecretjoy-Christmakingourverygriefstosung.Buttheoccasionofsinisalwaysthatofbittergrief;ourbackslidingsoften,likescorpions,entwinedaroundourhearts.Werethereeven-asmostassuredlytherewillnotbe-sadnessinheaven,theremightstillbetheaccompanimentofhappiness;butweretheresininheaven-theshadowofashadeofguilt-itwouldbecloudandembitterall.Thus,then,asheavenistheabodeofperfectpeace,hewhoonearthhashisconversationmostinheaven,approximatesinhisfeelingsthenearesttotheheavenlystate.His"peaceshallbeasariver,andhisrighteousnessasthewavesofthesea."Othatourheartsweremoreyieldingtothesweet,andholy,andpowerfulattractionsoftheheavenlyworld!Thenwouldourconversationbemoreinheaven.

Inconclusion.HowgreatandexaltedtheheavenlycallingoftheChristian!Aimtowalkworthyofit.Debaseitnotbyallyingitwithacarnalmind.Impairnotyourspirituallifebyenchainingittospiritualdeath.Letthefriendshipswhichyoucultivate,andtherelationshipsoflifewhichyouform,beheavenlyintheirnature,andeternalintheirduration.SeektopleaseGodinallthings.Restnotwhereyouare,eventhoughyoumayhaveattainedbeyondyourfellows.Letyourstandardofheavenly-mindednessbenotthatofthesaints,butofChrist.Studynotacopy,buttheOriginal.Highaimswillsecurehighattainments.Heisthemostheavenly,andthehappiest,whothemostcloselyresembleshisDivineMaster.Bemuchinyourcloset.Thereisnoprogressinspiritual-

mindednessapartfrommuchprayer;prayerisitsnourishment,anditselement.Butleavenotyourreligionthere;letitaccompanyyouintotheworld.Whilecarefulnottocarryyourbusinessintoyourreligion-thussecularizinganddegradingit-becarefultocarryyourreligionintoyourbusiness–highintegrity,holyprinciple,godlyfear-thusimpartinganelevationandsanctitytoallitsconcerns.BethemanofGodwhereveryouare.Letthesesolemnwordsbeheldinvividremembrance-"Ihavecreatedyouformyglory.Ihaveformedyouformypraise.Youaremywitnesses,saystheLord."Heavenly-mindednesscanonlybemaintainedbythestrictestvigilance.Itisadelicateandfragileflower,susceptibleofeveryvariationofthespiritualatmosphere.Guardagainstthatwhichchecksitsgrowth.Manyarenotawarehowmuchfrivolityofspirit,lightconversation,foolishjesting,witticismsattheexpenseofScripture-sanctity,novelreading,carnalmusic,unfittheheartforcommunionwithGod,andlessenthetoneofitsspirituality.Closecommunionwithmerenominalreligiousprofessorsisparticularlytobeavoided.Muchmoreinjurytospiritual-mindednessaccruesfromintimatefriendshipwithsuch,thanfromthosewhoassertnopretensionstoareligiouscharacter.Withtheoneweareapttobelessonourguardthantheother.Avoidtheworld'samusements:theywilleatasacankerintotheverycoreofyourspirituality."Donotbeconformedtothisworld,"isaprohibition."Ourconversationisinheaven,"isanexhortationwhichshouldneverbeabsentfromtheeyeofatravelertotheheavenlycity.Andwhyshouldnotourconversationbeinheaven?Arenotitsattractionsmany

andpowerful?Itisaholyplace,anditistheplaceoftheholy.TherearethecityofthelivingGod,andtheheavenlyJerusalem,andaninnumerablecompanyofangels,andthegeneralassemblyandchurchofthefirstborn,whicharewritteninheaven,andGodtheJudgeofall,andthespiritsofjustmenmadeperfect,andJesustheMediatorofthenewcovenant.Howrichisheaven!Andtherewe,too,willshortlybe.Why,then,shouldnotourconversationbethere?Itwillberecollectedthatwhenthehighpriestenteredwithintheveil,bearinginhishandsthebloodofatonementandthesmokingcenser,theeyesofthecongregation,whostoodoutside,followedhimtotheentranceasthecurtainparted,andthenveiledhimfromtheirgaze.Andmanyathrillingheartandtremblinghopefollowedhimwithinthatholyplace,itsfervent

sympathiesclusteringaroundhimwhilehepresentedtheofferings,andmadeintercessionforthepeople.Andmanyalongingeyeintentlyandfondlywatchedforhisreturn,when,withupliftedhands,hewouldblessthewaitingcongregation.OurgreatHighPriesthaspassedwithintheveil.AsourAdvocatehefillsheaven'shighchancery.Helovesus-remembersus-sympathizeswithus-intercedesforus,andwearsournamesonhisbreast-plateandhisephod.Andsoonhewillreturninpersontobless,withthefirstresurrection-glory,allthosewho"lovehisappearing."Oh!shallnotourheartsbemorewhereourmostprecioustreasureis,andwhereourholiestandfondesthopescenter,andwhereweourselvesshallshortlybe?"Whatmannerofpeopleoughtwetobeinallholyconversationandgodliness,"whoare"lookingforandhasteninguntotheLord'scoming?""TheveryGodofpeacesanctifyyouwholly;andIprayGodyourwholespirit,andsoul,andbody,bepreservedblamelessuntothecomingoftheLordJesus."TheLordgrantthatyoumayincreasinglyexperience,that"tobespiritually-mindedislifeandpeace;"andthatinordertoattaintothisblessedstate,wemustliveupontheLordJesus-befilledwiththeSpirit-beoftenatGod'sconfessional-and,takingupourcrossdaily,bepressingonwardandupward,denyingallungodlinessandworldlylusts,andlivingsoberly,righteously,andgodlyinthispresentworld;lookingforthatblessedhope,andthegloriousappearingofthegreatGodandourSaviorJesusChrist;whogavehimselfforus,thathemightredeemusfromalliniquity,andpurifyuntohimselfapeculiarpeople,zealousofgoodworks."

"TheEnmityoftheCarnalMind"

"BecausethecarnalmindisenmityagainstGod:foritisnotsubjecttothelawofGod,neitherindeedcanbe."Romansviii.7.

"thesinfulmindishostiletoGod.ItdoesnotsubmittoGod'slaw,norcanitdoso."Romans8:7

Havingspokenofcarnal-mindedness,theApostlenaturallyproceedstodescribethecarnalminditself;exhibitingitsgreatdistinctivefeature-hostilitytoGodasmanifestedinnon-subjectiontotheDivinegovernment.Toeachoftheseparticularsletusinthepresentchapterdirectourattention.

"ThecarnalmindisenmityagainstGod."Thereissomethingappallingtoourmoralfeelingsinthebareannouncementofthesubject.Thespectacleisanawfuloneintheextreme,ofthefinitearmedindeadhostilitytotheInfinite-ofacreaturemeasuringhispowerwithGod-opposinghiswilltoGod'swill-hiswaytoGod'sway-hisendtoGod'send.Andyethowdisproportionateareourprofoundestfeelingsofhorrorandcommiserationtotheatrociousnatureandthetremendousconsequencesofthecrime!EnmityagainstGod!thegreatestandholiest,thebestandmostpowerful,ofbeingsandoffriends!Andwhythisenmity?Uponwhat,inthecharacterofGod,orinthenatureofhisgovernment,isthisswornhostilitygrounded?Isitbecauseheisessentiallove?perfectlyholy?strictlyrighteous?infinitelywiseandpowerful?Forwhichoftheseperfectionsdoesthesinnerhatehim?IsitbecausehegavehisSontodieforman,layinghimableedingsacrificeonthealtarofjusticeforhumantransgression?Isitbecausethesunofhisgoodnessshinesuponeverybeing,andthatheopenshishandandsuppliestheneedofeverylivingthing?Isitbecauseheexercisesforbearanceandlong-suffering,andisslowtoanger,andofgreatkindness?Forwhichofthesegoodworksdoesthesinnerhatehim?Andtowhatextentisthisenmitydisplayed?ItrestsnotshortofthedestructionoftheDivineexistence.ManisatwarwiththeverybeingofGod.Atheismisnotsocommonacrimeofourhumanityassomesuppose.Theismisthenaturalconvictionofthehumanmind.TheideaofaSupremeBeingisconsistentwithman'sexistence.WherehasthereeverexistedapeoplewithoutaGod?oranationwithoutatemple?Paganism,prostrateattheshrineofidolatry;andapostateChristendom,bathingthestandardofthecrossinthebloodofthemartyrs;andFormalism,solemnlystruttinginthecrimsonandpurpleofitsgorgeousrites–eachownsitsbeliefintheexistenceofaGod.Butwhat

God?PlainlynottheGodoftheBible;butadeityofitsimagination.Butintheexistenceofabsoluteatheismweareslowtoavowourbelief.

FromtheideaofaDeityitisimpossibleforthehumanmindtoescape."Thefoolhassaidinhisheart,NoGod;"thatis,"IdesirenoGod."HedoesnotdenyHisexistence;hedoesnotsaythereisnoGod,buthedesiresnocommunionwithHim.HemayattimesattempttoreasonhimselfintoabeliefintheutternegationofaDeity;butinthestillhourofnightthetruthflashesuponhismindwithirresistibleandoverwhelmingconviction-"ThereisaGod!andIcannotovercome,Icannotescapehim."Yes,thecarnalmindisenmitywiththebeingofGod.Sinisdestructiveofallbeing.Manisasuicide-hehasdestroyedhimself;ahomicide-hisinfluencedestroysothers;adeicide-hewould,wereitinhispower,annihilatetheverybeingofGod.WhataproofofthishaveweinthecrucifixionoftheSonofGod!WhenGodbroughthimselfasneartomanasInfinitycouldapproach,heexclaimed,"ThisistheHeir;come,letuskillHim!"andthenproceededtoconsummatethecrimebynailinghimtothetree!

Butiffurtherevidencewereneededofman'sdecidedanddeadlyhostility,wehaveitinthesentimentsandfeelingshecherishestowardstheLordJesusChrist:"Hethathatesme,"saysourLord,"hatesmyFatheralso."HowcompletelythisdeclarationsweepsawayallthefanciedreverenceandadmirationforGodwhichfloatsbeforetheimaginationofthecarnalmindinitsprofoundslumber!TheGodofwhomhehasthusbeendreamingisnottheGodofrevelation,butthegodofhisowncreation.HeisnottheholyGodwhomtheBiblemakesknown-ofwhomJesusisthelivingandvisibleembodiment-butanimaginarybeingclothedwithattributes,andadministeringagovernmentharmonizingwiththecorrupttastesandsinfulpropensitiesofhiscarnalmind.Awaywithyourreligionofnature,ofsentiment,ofpoetry!AllthatyouknowofthemusicofGod,istheEolianbreathingofthewind;allthatyouseeofthegloryofGod,isthebrillianceofthestar;allthatyouunderstandoftheeternityofGod,istheexpanseoftheocean;andoftheomnipotenceofGod,isthefastnessofthemountainandtherock.Adisciple,notofChrist,butofSpinoza,yourreligionissheerPantheism,confoundingwithHismaterialworkstheMakerandGovernoroftheuniverse.Thegodwhomyouprofessto

adoreandworshipisnottheGodmanifestedinChrist,whosejusticeandholiness,whosewisdomandtruth,areblendedandharmonizedwithgraceandloveinthecrossofCalvary.OfwhatvalueisyourfanciedadmirationofGod'scharacter,whileyethating,despising,andrejectingtheSon,whoisthe"brightnessofhisglory,andtheexpressimageofhisperson"?Yourheartisastrangertoholiness,andyourmindtopeace,whileprostratebeforeadeityofyourownimagination-afictitiousgod."Oh!giveussomesteadyobjectforourmindstorestupon!"wasacommonexclamationintheprayersofthegreatandgoodChalmers,inthedaysofhisunregeneracy,whentossedamidthebreakersofMirabaud'spantheisticphilosophy.Ofthiswant,you,myreader,areperhapsdeeplyandpainfullysensible.Thereisnothinginyourcreed;nothinginyourvague,shadowy,unrealconceptionofDeity,tofixyourthoughts,tosootheyourspirit,toallay,yourfears,toawakenyouraffections,andtoinspireyourhope.Youraltarisreared,andyourincenseisoffered,butitistothe"unknowngod."

Butwhatistheallegedgroundofthishostility,ofthecarnalmind?Thenon-subjectionofthemindtothegovernmentofGod."ItisnotsubjecttothelawofGod,neitherindeedcanbe."Thesecretisnowrevealed.Godisthemoralgovernoroftheuniverse.Oh!thisistherealissuebetweenhimandthesinner.Thisconstitutestherealsecretofhisalarming,inveteratehostilitytotheDivineBeing.Thequestionatissueis-Whoshallgovern-Godorthesinner?Thenon-subjectionofthecarnalhearttoGod'slaw-itsrebellionagainsttheDivinegovernment–clearlyindicatesthesideofthisquestionwhichthecarnalmindtakes.Youmay,myreadersucceedinreasoningyourselfintothebeliefthatyouadmire,adore,andloveGodasyourCreatorandBenefactor,andonlyfeelarepugnance,andmanifestanopposition,tohimasaLawgiver.Butthisisimpossibleinfact,howeverpoeticorspeciousitmaybeintheory.Inapurelyhumangovernmentweadmitthatthepersonandtheofficeofthejudgemaybeseparable.Forexample,anindividualmaybeapersonalfriendofthesovereign,andyetanavowedopponentofhisgovernment.Doubtless,duringtheCommonwealththereweremanywholovedCromwellforhispiety,andadmiredhimforhismanliness,whoyetcondemnedmanyofthemeasuresofhisgovernmentasharshanddespotic.ButthemoralgovernmentofGoddoesnotadmitofthisrefineddistinction.Hisnature

andhisoffice,hispersonandhisthrone,areoneandinseparable.NoindividualcanpossiblybeafriendtothebeingofGod,whoisnotequallyfriendlytothegovernmentofGod.Nowthemorallawisoffensivetothecarnalmind.Andwhy?Becauseoftheholinessofitsnature,andthestrictnessofitsrequirements.Itnotonlytakescognizanceofexternalactions,butittouchestheveryspringsofaction,themotivesthatlieconcealedinthehumanheart,andregulatethelife.Itdemandssupremeaffectionanduniversalobedience.Tothisthecarnalminddemurs.IfJehovahwillrelaxtherigorofhislaw,andabatethestringencyofitsrequirements,andsoftenthesternnessofitsdemands-if,inotherwords,Godwilllayasidehisregalcharacter,descendfromhisthrone,foregohissovereignty,andlayasidehisscepter-thenthewarisatanend;thecontroversyceases;therebellaysdownhisweapons.Itclearlyappears,then,thatthewholegroundofdisputebetweenthesetwoextremesofbeingresolvesitselfintothequestion-"Whoshallreign,Godorthesinner?"ButwillGodyieldhisrighttothethrone?Never!Canherelaxoneiotaofthestrictnessof

hislaw?Impossible!Heavenandearthshallpassaway,butnotonetittleofhislawshallfail.Ifinanysinglecasethiscouldhavebeendone,surelyitwouldhavebeeninthatofhisbelovedSon.Andyet,Jesusneitheraskedasafavor,noracceptedasaboon,theslightestabatementofthelawhecametofulfil.Heenteredintononegotiationfortheleastcompromiseeitherofthestringencyofthepreceptorthesternnessofthepenalty.ItwasthegloryofthelawthatitdemandedallfromChrist,anditwasthehonorofChristthathegaveallthelawdemanded.Sinner!beholdthetruecauseofyourpresenthatredandhostilitytoGod.YouarenotsubjecttothelawofGod,neitherindeedcanbe,becauseyourmindisunregenerate.Yourheartisunholy,andyoudisputeGod'srighttogovernyou.

Therearesomesolemnconclusionstowhichwemayarrivefromthissubject.

Theutterimpossibilityofthesinner'sadmissionintoheavenwiththecarnalmindunchangedismostclear.Supposeanoppositeease.Imagineanunrenewedsoulsuddenlytransportedtoheaven.Inamomentitfindsitselfinthelight,andholiness,andpresenceofGod.Whatasceneof

wonder,purity,andgloryhasburstuponitsgaze!But,awfulfact!horrorofhorrors!itisconfrontedfacetofacewithitsgreatenemy,theGodithated,loathed,anddenied!Isitcomposed?Isitathome?Isithappy?Impossible!ItenterstheimmediatepresenceoftheDivineBeing,itsheartranklingwiththevirusofdeadlyhate,anditshandclutchingtheupliftedweapon.ItcarriesitsswornmalignityanditsdrawnswordtotheveryfootofthethroneoftheEternal."Takemeoutofhere!"itexclaims;"thisisnotmyheaven!"Andthenitdeparts"toitsownplace."Butwearesupposinganimpossiblecase.Foritiswrittenoftheheavenlycity,"Thereshallinnowayenterintoitanythingthatdefiles,neitherwhateverworksabomination,ormakesalie;butthosewhoarewrittenintheLamb'sbookoflife."ListentothedeclarationoftheGreatTeachersentfromGod,"Exceptamanbebornagain,hecannotseethekingdomofGod."Doyouaskwhatthisnewbirthmeans?Wereply,youmustbecomeanewcreatureinChristJesus.YoumustthrowdownyourweaponsbeforetheEternalGodofheavenandearth.Youmustgiveupthequarrel.Youmustrelinquishthecontroversy.YoumustceasetofightagainstGod.YoumustsubmittothelawandgovernmentofJehovah.YourwillmustbowtoGod'swill.YourheartmustbeatinunisonwithGod'sheart.YourmindmustharmonizewithGod'smind.Implacablehatredmustgiveplacetoadoringlove-deepungodliness,toanaturebreathingafterholiness-sternopposition,towillingobedience-thecreature,totheCreator-yourself,toGod.Oblissfulmoment!whenthecontroversyceases,andGodandyoursoulareatagreementthroughChristJesus.When,droppingthelong-raisedweapon,yougrasphisoutstretchedhand,andrushintohisexpandedarms,fallalowly,believingpenitentuponhislovingbosom,takeholdofhisstrength,andareatpeacewithhim.Ohappymoment!Nomorehatred,nomoreenmity,nomoreoppositionnow!Itisasthoughallheavenhadcomedownandenteredyoursoul-suchjoy,suchpeace,suchlove,suchassurance,suchhopedoyouexperience!Whatmusicnowfloatsfromthesewords:"NocondemnationinChristJesus."Howblessednowtoleanuponthebreastwhichonceyouhated,andfinditapillowoflove;tomeettheglancewhichonceyoushunned,andfindittheexpressionofforgiveness;tofeelathomeinthepresenceofhimtowhomonceyousaid,"Departfromme,forIdesirenottheknowledgeofyourways."

Whatanevidenceofthereignofgraceinthesoul,whenthemindfullyacquiescesinthemoralgovernmentofGod!"TheLordGodOmnipotentreigns,"istheadoringanthemofeveryheartbroughtintosubjectiontothelawofGod.TotheChristianhowcomposingisthethought,thatthegovernmentisuponChrist'sshoulders,andthathesitsuponthethronejudgingrightly.FromhostilitytothelawofGod,hisheartisnowbroughttoajoyfulacquiescenceinitsprecepts,andtoadeepdelightinitsnature."IdelightinthelawofGodaftertheinwardman.""OLord!"heexclaims,"myholinessisinsubmissiontoyourauthority.Myhappinessflowsfromdoingandsufferingyourwill.Irejoicethatthescepterisinyourhands,andIdesirethatthethoughtsofmymind,andtheaffectionsofmyheart,maybebroughtintoperfectobediencetoyourself.Bemysoulyourkingdom,bemyheartyourthrone,andletgracereignthroughrighteousnessuntoeternallife."

"PleasingGod"

"SothenthosewhoareinthefleshcannotpleaseGod."Romansviii.8.

"ThosecontrolledbythesinfulnaturecannotpleaseGod."Romans8:8

Wehavebeencontemplating,intheprecedingexpositionsofthischapter,someofthevariousphasesofthecarnalmind.TheApostlenowproceedstoanecessaryconsequenceofthehostilityofamindgovernedbytheflesh,andinrebellionagainstthelawofGod."SothenthosewhoareinthefleshcannotpleaseGod."Thedoctrinethussetforthis,theutterimpossibilityoftheunregeneratepleasingGod.Havingconsideredthisprimarytruth,weshallthenplaceincontrastwithittheespecialpointsinwhichtheregeneratemaybesaidtopleaseGod.

TheutterimpossibilityofacarnalmindpleasingGodspringsfromthe

necessityofthecase.Astheobjectofhisdispleasure,andasdwellinginanaturenotonlydiametricallyoppositetohisown,inwhichlurksthelatentvirulenceofadeepandimplacablehatred,buteveryfacultyandpowerofwhichisarmedinthedeadliesthostilitytohisgovernmentandbeing,itisimpossiblethatitcanpleasehim.Inwhateverpointoflightyoucontemplatetheunregenerate-takingthemostintellectualandrefinedview,theutmostthatcanbesaidis,"Heisintheflesh."Wedonotforgetthattherearedegreesofcarnality,evenastherearedegreesofspirituality;nevertheless,thelawofGodtakesintoaccountnodegrees,recognizesnoshadesofdifference,butregardsallalike,unregenerate.TheBiblesolemnlyandemphaticallyaffirms,thatacarnalmindcannotpleaseaholyandrighteousGod.Howcoulditpossiblybeotherwise?Theapostledeclares,"Inme,thatisinmyflesh,dwellsnogoodthing."What!nogoodthing?Nothingspirituallygood?No,nothing.Thepurestethicsofthecarnalmindareastheointmentoftheapothecarywhichtheflyhasspoiled;andthemostzealousandcostlydutiesandsacrificeswhichitpresentsarebutas'splendidsins,'solongasthatmindisyetunderthedominionoftheflesh.Buttheseareonlygeneralstatementsofamostimportanttruth;wepasstoafewparticulars.Therebeingnopersonalacceptanceofthosewhoareintheflesh,consequently,whatevertheydointhewayofreligiousservicecannotbeacceptedofGod.First,theperson,andthenthegift,isGod'sorderinthegreatmethodofourjustification.WemightrefertothenarrativeofQueenEsther'sinterviewwiththeKingAhasuerus,andtoJacob'smeetingwithEsau,asillustratingthisprinciple.Itismostclear,thatinboththeseinstances-hadEstherurgedhersuitinbehalfofhernationwithouthavingawakenedintheheartofthekingafeelingofcomplacentregardtowardsherperson-andhadtheofferingofJacobtohisincensedbrotherprecededthepresentationofhimself,ineithercasetheremusthavebeenadecidedandmortifying,ifnotfatalresult.Applytheseillustrationstothebeliever.Whatimpartsdivineacceptancetohisservice?WhydohisprayersascendbeforeGodlikefragrantincense

floatingfromagoldencenser?WhydoeshislowliestofferingoflovecastintotheLord'streasuryout-valuethemostsplendidandaffluentofferingsofalltheunconverted?Whyisasighsofullofmeaning,andatearsocostly,andadesiresoeloquent,andaheaven-liftedglanceso

expressivetoGod?Oh,itisbecauseheiswellpleasedwithhiswell-belovedSon,standinginwhomthepersonofeachbelievingsinnerisfullyaccepted.Weplacethisvitaltruthbroadlybeforetheunrenewedmind,andbasinguponittheoneimportantinquiry,wepressitssolemnconsideration-Howcanyoudothatwhichiswell-pleasingandacceptabletoaholyGod,whileyourpersonistohimanobjectofjust,andholy,andutterabhorrence?WhilerejectingtheLordJesusChrist,andrefusinganddespisingtherobeofhisrighteousness,withwhatcomplacencycanGodregardyourmeaninglessmodesofworship,yourformalduties,andyourheartlessofferings?Willhenotsay,"Whydoyoukeepparadingthroughmycourtswithyourworthlesssacrifices?Theincenseyoubringmeisastenchinmynostrils!YourcelebrationsofthenewmoonandtheSabbathday,andyourspecialdaysforfasting—evenyourmostpiousmeetings—areallsinfulandfalse.Iwantnothingmoretodowiththem.Ihateallyourfestivalsandsacrifices.Icannotstandthesightofthem!Fromnowon,whenyouliftupyourhandsinprayer,Iwillrefusetolook.Eventhoughyouoffermanyprayers,Iwillnotlisten."Isaiah1:12-15.ItwastherobeoftheelderbrotherthatmadeJacob'sofferingofvenisonsavoryandacceptabletoIsaac.ItistherighteousnessofChrist,whoselovelinessisuponus,whichmakesoureveryactofserviceandhomageoflove,anofferingandasacrificetoGodofasweetsmellingsavor.

TheabsenceoffaithintheunregeneratemustrenderallthereligiousdoingsofthesinnerequallydispleasingtoGod."Forwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleasehim."Thefirstlifeweliveissense;thesecondisreason;thethird,throughtheregeneratinggraceoftheSpirit,isfaith.And,untilamanreachesthislifehemovesinanorbitunilluminedbyonerayfromthesunofGod'slove.HowcanhepleaseGodwhosewholeexistenceisadirectdenialofGod?"AnyonewhodoesnotbelieveGodhasmadehimouttobealiar."Godaliar!Astoundingwords!Andyettothisawfulconclusionunbeliefcomes.Yourunbeliefisapracticaldenialofhisexistence.Yourunbeliefisapracticaldenialofhissovereignty.YouliveasiftherewerenoGod!And,inyournon-subjectiontohislaw,youexcludehimfromthegovernmentofhisownworld.Howcanyou,then,inyourpresentcourse,dothatwhichispleasingtoGod?Oh,didyoubuttruly,andinfaith,grapplewiththatgreatfoundation-truthofrevealedreligion,thebeingofGod,believingthatGodis–didyoubutreallybelieveinthe

existenceofahell-anddidyoubuttrulybelievethatGodsenthisbelovedSontosavesinnersfromgoingdownintothathell,youwouldnot-no,youcouldnot-livethelifeofpracticalatheismandungodlinessyounowareliving-alifeofsinandofunbelief,ofimpenitenceandworldliness;withoutGod,withoutChrist,withouthopeintheworld!Impossible!Faithisaquickening,elevating,sanctifyingprinciple.Alivingfaithproduceslivingworks.Adivinefaithpurifiestheheart.Aheaven-descendingfaithworksbylove,enduresasseeingHimwhoisinvisible,andhasrespectuntotherecompenseofreward."Thatwhichisnotfaithissin."Applythisprincipletoallthereligiousdutiesofthosewhoarestillintheflesh,andbyittesttheirrealworthandacceptablenesstoGod.

AndwhatistheentireabsenceoflovetoGodintheunregeneratebutanotherconfirmationofthesametruth-God'sdispleasureagainstman,andman'sutterinabilitytopleasehim.ThegreatconstrainingmotiveofthesacrificewithwhichGodispleasedislove.Wherethisprincipleofloveisnotinoperationthereislackingthatwhichgivesworthandaeceptablenesstotheact,howevervaluableandsplendidthatactmaybe.Thedivinemoving-springisabsent;andalltheworksofthesoul,iftheymoveatall,aresetinmotionbyafalseaction,andinawrongdirection."Loveisthefulfillingofthelaw."Withoutthisheavenlyaffectionthereisnotrueobedience.Amanmaygive"allhisgoodstofeedthepoor,andhisbodytobeburned,"yetdestituteoflovetoGod,hisself-impoverishingcharity,andhismartyrzeal,availhimnothing.Hisreligionisstillbutas"soundingbrass,oratinklingcymbal."

Whatanaffectingpicturehavewepresentedhereofanindividuallivingindeep,utteroblivionofGod,buryinghisonetalent-perhaps,histen-intheearth-himselfacumbereroftheground!What,dearreader,hasthepastofyourlifebeen?HasitallbeendispleasingtoGod?What!notoneact,notoneservice,notonesacrificeacceptableto,andglorifyingof,him?Astonished,ifnotappalledbythecharge,youperhapsreply,"HaveIthendonenothingreallypleasingtomyCreator?Ihavegivenmysubstancetoextendthegospel,andmycharitytofeedthepoor,andmylabortopromotethegeneralgood;Ihavebeenpunctualinthedischargeofmyreligiousduties,anduprightandgenerousinmydealingswithmyfellows,hasallthisnotbeenpleasingtoGod?"Weask,Buthaveyou

givenhimyourheart?Haveyoufledoutofyourownrighteousness,andtakenrefugebeneaththerighteousnessoftheincarnateGod?Havenotallthesethingsofwhichyouboast,anduponwhichyouplaceastrongreliance,beenbuttheworkingoutarighteousnessofyourown,inthespiritofthevain-glorying,self-justifyingPharisee,whoretiredfromthetempleasheenteredit-asinnerundercondemnation?Oh,wereyourspirittowingitswaythisnightintothepresenceofGod,youwouldawaketotheawfulconsciousnessofhavinglivedinthisworldwithoutasingleactpleasingandacceptabletotheholy,righteousLordGod!Oh,thattheEternalSpiritmightlaythissolemntruthuponyourheart,andleadyoutodeepself-searching,toascertainwhythislife-foreverypulsationandforeveryactofwhichyoumustonedaygiveanaccounttoGod-hashithertobeeninoppositiontothegreatendforwhichthatGodcreatedandplacedyouhere!

Butthisgloomypicturehasitsopposite-brightandbeautiful.Reversed,itpresentstoournoticethecharacterofthosewithwhomGodispleased.Theyareaspiritualpeople,andGod,whoisaSpirit,mustloveanddelightinthatwhichharmonizeswithhisownnature.Faithmaybefeeble,andgracemaybelimited,andknowledgemaybedefective;yet,iftherebejustthatstrengthoffaiththattravelsto,andleansupon,thesacrificeofJesus,andjustthatmeasureoflovethatconstrainstoasincere,thoughimperfect,obedience,andjustthatextentofknowledgethatknowsChristtobetheSaviorofapoorlostsinner,then,thereisonewhoispleasingtoGod.Theyarealsoanacceptedpeople,andthereforetheirpersonsarepleasingtohim.ThedelightoftheFatherinthepersonofhisSonrevealstousthegreatsecretofhismarvellousdelightinus."ThisismybelovedSon,inwhomIamwellpleased."Blessedtruthtothosewhoseeenoughdefilementandimperfectionintheirbestdoingstocoverthemwitheternalconfusionandshame!who,afterthemostspiritualperformances,areconstrainedtorepairinpenitenceandconfessiontoHimwhobearstheiniquityofhispeople'sholythings.Sweettruthtofallbackuponinallthefailuresandflawsweareperpetuallydiscerninginourworks,inourmotives,andourends,blotsnotappearinguponthesurface,butvisibletothemicroscopiceyeoffaith,whichseesmaterialforself-condemnationwhereothers,intheirfondandblindaffection,approveandapplaud.IfGod,myFather,iswell

pleasedinhisSon,thenisitatruth,strictlyinferential,thatheiswellpleasedinmewhomhebeholdsinhisSon.Butnottheirpersonsonly,theirofferingsalsoareequallypleasingtoGod."Iwillacceptyou,"(thepersonfirst,)"withyoursweetsavor,"(theofferingnext).Theirpreceptivewalklikewisepleaseshim.Istheobedienceofthechild,springingfromlove,apleasingandacceptableofferingtoaparent'sheart?Ah!howimperfectlyareweawareofthebeautyandfragrancetherearetoGodinasingleactoffilial,holyobedience,thefruitandofferingofaDivineanddeathlessaffection.

ButitisauniversalpleasingofGodwhichtheScripturesoftruthprescribeandenforce."ThatyoumightwalkworthyoftheLorduntoallpleasing,beingfruitfulineverygoodwork,andincreasingintheknowledgeofGod."AsaministeroftheLordJesus,seehowtheapostlefelttheweightofthisgreatprecept-"ForwespeakasmessengerswhohavebeenapprovedbyGodtobeentrustedwiththeGoodNews.OurpurposeistopleaseGod,notpeople.Heistheonewhoexaminesthemotivesofourhearts."1Thes.2:4.Humanopinionweighedlightlywithhim.Whatmenthoughtofhimasapreacherwasamatterofverylittleimportance;thegrandpoint,theall-absorbingthoughtandoneaimofhislifewas,sotopreachastopleaseGod.Oh,fortheChristianityandspiritofPaul!Lord!vouchsafeitinadoublemeasuretoallwhopreachyourgreatname.ItisinthisholydutyofaiminginallthingstopleaseGodthatwearesensibleofsuchmightypowerinprayer."Whateverweask,wereceiveofhim,becausewekeephiscommandments,anddothosethingsthatarepleasinginhissight."Prayerisaprecious,pricelessprivilege.Apresentandpotentweapon.Allourblessingsflowthroughitsmedium,andallourachievementsweowetoitsinstrumentality.Whatever,then,addstothepowerofprayer,shouldbehailedbyuswithgratitude,andemployedwithvigor.Wouldwebemoremightyandprevalentinprayer?thenletusinallthingsdesiresotowalkastopleaseourheavenlyFather."Youcometothehelpofthosewhogladlydoright,whorememberyourways."Isaiah64:5

Butwhataresomeofthefootprintsofthiswalk?Howmaywetraceit?Unreservedobedienceisanundoubtedmarkofbeingwell-pleasingtoGod.Anobediencethatasksnoabatementoftheprecept,butthatfollows

theLordfullyinitsobservance,notfromanenlightenedjudgment,butfromalove-constrainedheart-walking,asdidtheprimitivesaints,inallthecommandmentsandordinancesoftheLordblamelessly-isindeedwellpleasingtoGod.Oh,lettherebenoreservesinourobedience!LetuswithholdfromChristnopartofhispurchasedinheritance;butsurrenderallathisfeet,whoseheart'sbloodwasthepurchase-priceofall."Lord,howeverstraitbethepath,andpainfulthecross,andself-denyingtheprecept,sincerelywouldIwalkuprightlyinallyourways,andfullyfollowyouinallyourcommands,leavingtheconsequencesofmysimpleandimplicitobediencetoyourcontrol.Icanendurethehatredoftheworld,thealienationoffriends,thecoldnessofrelatives,andcantakethespoilingofmyearthlygoodsjoyfully,ifyou,myLord,sustainmewithyourgrace,andcheermewithyourpresence,andsolacemewithyourlove."

AnotherfootprintmaybedescriedinthewalkoffaithbywhichtheChristianjourneystohisheavenlyhome.Asunbeliefismostdishonoring,sofaithismosthonoringtotheLordJesus.Whatarevenueofpraiseaccruesfromittohisname!Torepairwithouranxiety,themomentitoccurs,tohissufficiency;withourcorruptions,themomenttheyarediscovered,tohisgrace;withoursorrow,themomentitisfelt,tohissympathy;withourwound,themomentitisinflicted,tohislove;withourguilt,themomentitisdetected,tohisblood;oh!doyouthinknotthatthiswalkoffaithismostpleasingtotheLord?Letusbewareofthatwhichimpairsthesimplicityofthisourwalk,andcausesustostumbleorstartaside.Wemustbecautious,inthevariedcircumstancesofourhistory,ofapplyingfirsttoahumanarmforsupport,ortoahumanbosomforsympathy.Withthis,theLordcannotbewellpleased.ButletusnothesitatetobearthematoncetotheonlyappointedSourceofalloursupply:disclosingourneedstothefullSavior,ourwanderingstoourHeavenlyFather,ourgriefsandburdenstoourElderBrotherandFriend;andinthuswalkingbyfaith,weshallhavethedivineassuranceinoursouls,ourrejoicingthis-thetestimonyofourconsciencethatwepleasetheLord.

Tobelievingchildrenhowtouchingandforcibleisthisprecept-"Children,obeyyourparentsinallthings:forthisiswell-pleasingunto

theLord."NotlesssotoChristiandomestics-"Servants,beobedienttothosewhoareyourmastersaccordingtotheflesh,withfearandtrembling,insinglenessofyourheart,asuntoChrist;notwitheye-service,asmen-pleasers;butastheservantsofChrist,doingthewillofGodfromtheheart;withgoodwilldoingservice,astotheLord,andnottomen."Yes,toallwhobeartheSavior'snamehowsolemntheexhortation-"Whetherthereforeyoueatordrink,orwhateveryoudo,doalltothegloryofGod."Thusuniversalandbindingisthissublimeprincipleofaction,whichthegospelfurnishestoallthefollowersofChrist.Oh,letusseekcloselytoresemblethetwoillustriousexamplessetbeforeusintheWord,ofthishighandholywalk.Theminorone-becausepurelyhuman-ofEnoch,who,"beforehistranslationhadthistestimony,thathepleasedGod."Thehigherone-becausethehumanwasblendedwiththeDivine-ofJesus,whocouldsay,"IdoalwaysthosethingswhichpleaseHim."Breathingfromourheartonyourbehalf,belovedreader,thesublimeandtouchingprayeroftheApostle,weconcludethischapter:"Andnow,maytheGodofpeace,whobroughtagainfromthedeadourLordJesus,equipyouwithallyouneedfordoinghiswill.Mayheproduceinyou,throughthepowerofJesusChrist,allthatispleasingtohim.JesusisthegreatShepherdofthesheepbyaneverlastingcovenant,signedwithhisblood.Tohimbegloryforeverandever.Amen."Hebrews13:20.

TheIndwellingoftheSpiritintheRegenerate

"You,however,arecontrollednotbythesinfulnaturebutbytheSpirit,iftheSpiritofGodlivesinyou.AndifanyonedoesnothavetheSpiritofChrist,hedoesnotbelongtoChrist."Romans8:9

WehavenowarrivedatthosetruthscontainedinthissublimechapterwhichhaveamoredirectbearingontheexperienceofthechildrenofGod.Hithertoourtopicshaveledustoaddressourselvesmoreespeciallytotheunregenerate.Oh,thatthesolemnandsearchingdelineationsofunrenewedmind,ofunsanctifiedaffection,andofsupremedevotiontoself,gatheredfromtheopeningofthechapter,andpresseduponthereader'sattention,may,bythepoweroftheHolySpirit,bereceivedtothesavingofthesoul.Dismissing,then,theawfulconditionoftheunconverted,theApostleproceedstoaddresshimselftotheChristiansatRome,andatonceplungesintothegreatmysteriesandprivileges,gloriesandhopes,ofthebeliever'sinnerlife.Twotopicsofthoughtinviteourattentioninthisverse-TheindwellingoftheSpiritofGodintheregenerate;andthegreatauthenticatingevidenceofthefact-thepossessionoftheSpiritofChrist.Letusdiscussthemintheirorder.

THEINDWELLINGOFTHESPIRITOFGODINTHEREGENERATE

Scoffedatbytheproudboasterofhumanreason,rejectedbythecoldformalist,andhatedbytheavowedenemyofpracticalgodliness,asthisdoctrineis,itisyetavitaltruth,andofmarvellousinteresttothechildofGod.Itis,infact,hislife.Weadmititsprofoundness,mysteriousness,andinexplicability;yet,apartfromitsindividual,heartfeltexperience,allreligion,socalled,isacounterfeitandadelusion.

ThedoctrineofthepersonalindwellingoftheSpirithasbeenreduced,inthecreedofsome,toamerepoeticalconception.AssimilationtothecharacteranddispositionoftheSpiritinthatwhichisamiable,sympathizing,andgenerous,hasbeenmadetotaketheplaceofanactualandpersonalresidenceoftheHolySpirit.Andthustheindwellingofthe

SpiritofGodinthesouloftheregenerate-oneofthefundamentalveritiesofourfaith-isnarroweddowntotheskeletonideaofamereresemblancetospiritualgraceandexcellence.Butinoppositiontothisdwarfishconceptionofagigantictruth,howboldandexplicitarethedelineationsandassertionsoftheHolyScriptures."KnowyounotthatyouarethetempleofGod,andthattheSpiritofGoddwellsinyou?""Andbecauseyouaresons,GodhassentforththeSpiritofhisSonintoyourhearts."ObservewheretheSpiritissaidtodwell,notintheunderstanding,thefatalerrorofmany-butintheheart.Mostcertainlyheenlightenstheunderstandingwiththetruth,buthedoesnotrestthere.Hemakeshiswayto,andtakesuphisabodein,therenewedandsanctifiedheart.ThereheshedsabroadtheloveofGod.Thereheinspiresthecryof"Abba,Father."Andbethatcryneversofaint,ityetisthebreathingoftheindwellingSpirit,andmeetsaresponseintheheartofGod.HowaffectingarePaul'swordstoTimothy:"ThatgoodthingwhichwascommitteduntoyoukeepbytheHolySpiritwhichdwellsinus."Timothyhadnospiritualstrengthofhisown.TheApostlethereforeremindshimofatruthwhich,inhisconsciousweakness,waswellcalculatedtocheerhisheart,andencouragehimtocultivateanduseforChrist'sglorythespiritualgiftbestoweduponhim,namely,thepoweroftheindwellingSpirit.Thatself-sameSpiritdwellsinalltruebelievers.Letitconstrainustostirupourspiritualgiftsandgraces–sopronetoslumberandbecomeinert-andemploythemmoredevotedlyfortheLord.

ButwhatisTHEGREATEVIDENCEOFTHEINDWELLINGOFTHESPIRIT?OurpossessionoftheSpiritofChrist."IfanymanhavenottheSpiritofChristheisnoneofhis."Letusbrieflydirectourattentiontothistruth.Itwillbeobservedthatthetitleischanged.Intheformerclauseoftheverseheisstyledthe"SpiritofGod."Inthelatterclause,heisdenominatedthe"SpiritofChrist."WhytheSpiritofChrist?BecauseheproceedsfromChrist,equallyasoftheFather."UponwhomyoushallseetheSpiritdescending,andremainingonhim,thesameishewhobaptizeswiththeHolySpirit,"clearlyrecognizingapoweronthepartofChristtosendtheSpirit.OurLord,whenalludingtotheHolySpirit,emphaticallysays,"WhomIwillsenduntoyou."WhatdeclarationcouldmoreclearlysetforththeemanationoftheSpiritfromChrist,thanthis,thusjustifying

thetitleascribedtohimbytheApostle,asthe"SpiritofChrist?"WeareheresuppliedwithastrongargumentinfavoroftheDeityoftheSpiritpredicatedupontheunityoftheFatherandtheSonintheoneDivineSpirit:theHolySpirit,proceedingfrom,andwearingthetitleofboth,mustconclusivelyestablishanessentialunityofmind.

Thereasonablenessofsuchanevidence,authenticatingthefactoftheindwellingoftheSpirit,istooobvioustoquestion.AnindividualclaimingtobeChrist's,yetnotpossessingtheSpiritofChrist,lackstheonlyirrefragableproofwhichestablishesthevalidityofhisclaim,andthushisprofessionisfalsified.ButwhatisittopossesstheSpiritofChrist?

TheSpiritofChrististhegreatconvincerofsin."Heshallconvincetheworldofsin."Haveyouthusreceivedhim?Hashediscoveredtoyouthemoralleprosyofyournature,theexceedingsinfulnessofsin?DoyouknowanythingoftheconflictofwhichtheApostlespeaksintheprecedingchapterofthisEpistle-thelawofthemindinbattlewiththelawofthemembers?Andhasthisdiscoveryledyoutoself-condemnation,toself-renunciation,tolayyourmouthinthedustbeforeGod?Ifthisbeso,thentheSpiritofChristisaSpiritofconvictioninyou,andbythisyoumayknowthatyouareChrist's.

TheSpiritofChristleadstoChrist.HeistothesinnerwhatJohnwastotheMessiah-hegoesbeforeastheForerunneroftheLord'ssalvation.Hepreparestheway,andheraldsthecomingofJesusintothesoul.Thiswasonespecificobjectforwhichhewassent,andwhichenteredessentiallyintohismission-toleadmentoChrist.HasheledyoutoChrist?Canyousay,"Christismadeuntomewisdom,andrighteousness,andsanctification,andredemption?"WhatdoyouthinkofChrist?Ishisbloodprecious?Doeshisrighteousnessgiveyoupeace?Doeshisgracesubdueyoursins?Doyouinsorrowtraveltohissympathy,inweaknesstakeholdofhisstrength,inperplexityseekhiscounsel,inallyourstepsacknowledgeandwaitforhim?IsChristthusallandinalltoyou?ThenyouhavetheSpiritofChrist.Thisweventuretoassertforyourencouragement.YoumayresorttoChrist,andtheremaybenosensibleapprehension,norealizingtouch,nomanifestedpresence;yet,ifyourheartgoesoutafterJesus,ifyourspirittravelsalonetohim-prayingforhissympathy,pantingforhisgrace,thirstingforhislove,andyouareled

tosay,"Lord,thedesireofmyheartistoyourname,andtotheremembranceofyou.Iseemnottoseeyou,totouchyou,toapprehendyou;yetIcome,andIfindaheavenincoming;andfortenthousandworldsIdarenot,Icouldnotstayaway"-then,dearreader,youhavetheSpiritofChrist,andareChrist's.

NotonlydoestheSpiritleadtoChrist,buthealsoconformsthosethusledtotheimageofChrist.HeguidesustoChrist,notforconsolationandinstructiononly,butalsoforassimilation.Ifwearehumble,wehavetheSpiritofChrist-forhewashumble.Ifwearemeek,wehavetheSpiritofChrist-forhewasmeek.Ifwebelieve,wehavetheSpiritofChrist-forhelivedalifeoffaith.IfweloveGod,wehavetheSpiritofChrist-forhewastheincarnationoflove.Ifweareholy,wehavetheSpiritofChrist-forhewaswithoutsin.Ifweareobedient,meek,andself-denyinginsuffering,silentinprovocation,submissiveinchastisement,patientintribulation,andrejoicinginhope,thenhavewetheSpiritofChrist,forhewasallthis.Thus,thepossessionofthisimmense,thisindispensableblessing,comprisestwograndthings-first,tobecomethesubjectofanactualandpermanentindwellingoftheSpirit;and,second,tobeassimilatedincharacteranddispositiontotheSavior.Andwhileitismostcertainthat,ifthefirst-mentionedblessingisattained,thesecondfollows,yetitistothesecondwearetolookasthefruitandevidenceofthefirst.Thequestion,"AmIChrist's?"hingesuponthequestion,"HaveItheSpiritofChrist?"

Thesubjectlaysthebasisforthemostsolemnexhortationandappeal.AsatempleoftheHolySpirit,yieldyourselftohisDivineandgraciouspower.Bendyoureartohissoftestwhisper-yourwilltohisgentlestsway-yourhearttohisholyandbenevolentinfluence.Innothearkeningtohisvoice,andinnotyieldingtohispromptings,wehavebeengreatlosers.OftenhasheincitedtocommunionwithGod,andbecausethetimewasnotseasonable,ortheplacenotconvenient,youstifledhispersuasivevoice,resistedhisprofferedaid,andthusslightedandgrieved,hehasretired.Andlo!whenyouhaverisentopray,Godhascoveredhimselfaswithacloudthatyourprayercouldnotpassthrough.Oh,seektohaveanearattunedtohissoftestaccents,andaheartconstrainedtoaninstantcompliancewithhismildestdictates.Thegreatestblessingwe

possessisthepossessionoftheSpirit.

AndOh,tobeChrist's-tobehisgift,hispurchase,hiscalledsaint,hislowlydisciple-whataninestimableprivilege!Buthowmaywebequitesurethatthisprivilegeisours?IfwehavetheSpiritofChrist,weareinverydeedChristians.ItisthesuperscriptionoftheKing,themarkoftheShepherd,theLord'simpressofhimselfupontheheart.Andhowsanctifyingthisprivilege!"ThosewhoareChrist'shavecrucifiedthefleshwithitsaffectionsandlusts.""LetthosethathavenamedthenameofChristdepartfromalliniquity."AndifweareChrist'snow,weshallbeChrist'stoalleternity.Itisaunionthatcannotbedissolved.EverybelieverinJesusis"sealedwiththatHolySpiritofpromisewhichisthepledgeofourinheritance."Andaswehavethepledgeoftheinheritance,weshallasassuredlypossesstheinheritanceitself.

Lastly,theSpiritofChristisanactive,benevolentSpirit.ItboretheSavior,whenhewasintheflesh,fromcountrytocountry,fromcitytocity,fromhousetohouse,preachinghisowngospeltolostman."Hewentaboutdoinggood."IfwehavetheSpiritofChristweshallbepromptedtoalikeChristianloveandactivityonbehalfofthosewhopossessnotthegospel,orwho,possessingit,slightandrejectthemercy.TheSpiritofChristisessentiallyamissionarySpirit.ItcommenceditslaborofloveatJerusalem,andfromthatitscenter,workeditswaywithaugmentingsympathyandwideningsphereuntilitembracedtheworldasthefieldofitslabor.Ah!thatwemanifestsolittleofthisSpirit,oughttoleadustodeepsearchingsofheart,andstirusuptoearnestprayer:"Lord,makememoreearnestforthesalvationofsouls,fortheadvancementofyourkingdom.Grantmethisevidenceofbeingyours-thepossessionofyourSpirit,constrainingmetoamoresimpleandunreservedconsecrationofmytalents,mysubstance,myrank,myinfluence,mytime,myself,totheestablishmentofyourtruth,theadvancementofyourcause,andthustothewiderdiffusionofyourgloryintheearth."

TheBodyDead,buttheSpiritLife

"ButifChristisinyou,yourbodyisdeadbecauseofsin,yetyourspiritisalivebecauseofrighteousness."Romans8:10

Weare,inthefirstclauseofthispassage,conductedtoanotherandmoreadvancedstageinthespirituallife-theindwellingofChrist,andthegreatblessingwhichfollows.TherearesomeexperimentaltruthsintheChristianfaithwhich,fromtheiroverpoweringmagnitudeandsanctity,thetimidmindisslowtorecognize,andthehearttobelieve.Ofsuchisthedoctrinebeforeus.Andyetthistruth-theindwellingofChrist-isinterwovenwiththeverytextureoftheBible.Withwhatdistinctnessandemphasisitisdeclared-"Examineyourselves,whetheryoubeinthefaith;proveyourownselves.Knowyounotyourownselves,howthatJesusChristisinyou,exceptyoubereprobates?""Hethateatsmyflesh,anddrinksmyblood,dwellsinme,andIinhim.""Iinthem."Whatsingletruthcanbemoreclearlyaffirmed?Thatithasbeenbutdimlyperceived,andinsomecasesawfullyperverted,isbuttoassertthattowhicheverytruthisexposed.ItsgreatestabusehasbeenthatwhichaffirmedthattheindwellingofChristisanincorporation,andnotaunionofChristandthebelieveronly.Sothatsome,predicatingtheirheresyofthisdoctrine,haveaffirmed,"IamChrist!""IamtheHolySpirit!"andthusmanyhavebeendeludedanddrawnaway.ButtheindwellingofChristinthebelieverisnomoreanincorporateunionthanthelandandthesea,orthelightandtheair,orthesoulandthebodyareanincorporation,orareessentiallythesame,becausetheyhaveaunionofcontactonewiththeother.Andyetthetruthforwhichwepleadisaclose,personalunion.Christisinthebeliever,justasthebelieverisinChrist.WecannotbesaidtobeinthegraceofChrist,butweareinChristhimselfastheHeadofhismysticalbody.SoChristisinus,notfigurativelybyhisgrace,butreallybyhisSpirit.Now,thatChristshouldthusspirituallydwellinhissaintsisnowonder,sincehereceivedthemasagift,purchasedthembyhisblood,wonthembyhisgrace,calledthembyhisSpirit,andisnowinheavenpreparingforthemaneternalmansion.Thatheshouldthusdwellintheheartsofalltheregenerate,takingapersonal,full,andirrevocablepossessionofthemforhimself,isperfectlycongruouswithallthathehasdoneandstillisdoingforthem.

Wenowapproachasolemnfactassertedinthispassage:"Thebodyisdeadbecauseofsin."Whatbodyisreferredtohere?Certainlynot,assomehavesupposed,thebodyofsin.Whocanwithtruthaffirmofitthatitisdead?Theindividualwhoclaimsashisattainmentastateofsinlessperfection,anentirevictoryovertheevilpropensitiesandactingsofhisfallennature,hasyettolearnthealphabetofexperimentalChristianity.Prideisthebanefulroot,andafallisoftenthefatalconsequenceofsuchanerror.Ohno!thebodyofsinyetlives,anddiesnotbutwithdeathitself.Wepartnotwithinnateandindwellingsinbutwiththepartingbreathoflife,andthenwepartwithitforever.ButitisthenaturalbodytowhichtheApostlerefers.Andwhatanaffectingfactisthis!Redeemedbythesacrifice,andinhabitedbytheSpiritofChrist,thoughitbe,yetthismaterialfabric,thisbodyofourhumiliation,tendstodisease,decay,anddeath;and,soonerorlater,wrappedinitsshroud,mustmakeitshomeinthegrave,andmingleoncemorewithitskindreddust."Thebodyisdeadbecauseofsin."OurredemptionbyChristexemptsusnotfromtheconflictandthevictoryofthelastenemy.Wemustconfrontthegrimfoe,mustsuccumbtohisdreadpower,andwearhispaleconquestsuponourbrow.Wemustdie-aredyingmen-becauseofsin."Deathhaspasseduponallmen,forthatallhavesinned."Andthislawremainsunrepealed,thoughChristhasdeliveredusfromthecurse.Fromthishumiliatingnecessityofournature,eventhenon-condemnedfindnoavenueofescape;fromthisterribleconflict,noretreat.Oneeventhappenstothewickedandtherighteous-theybothleavetheworldbythesamedismalprocessofdissolution.Butthecharacterofdeathisessentiallychanged;andhereinliesthegreatdifference.Intheonecase,deathisarmedwithallitsterrors;intheother,itisinvestedwithallitscharms-fordeathhasanindescribablecharmtothebelieverinJesus.Christdidnotdietoexemptusfromtheprocessofdeath,buthediedtoexemptusfromthestingofdeath.If,becauseoforiginalandindwellingsinintheregenerate,theymusttasteofdeath;yet,becauseofpardonedsinintheregenerate,the"bitternessofdeathispast."If,becausethereexistsavirusinthebody,thebodymustdissolve;yet,becausethereexistsaninfallibleantidote,theredeemedsouldoesnotseedeathasitpassesthroughthegloomyportal,andmeltsawayintoitsownlight,life,andimmortality.Howchangedthecharacterofdeath!Ifthebodyoftheredeemedisunderthesentence,andhaswithinittheseedsofdeath,andmustbedestroyed,

yetthatdeathistohimtheepochofglory.Itisthenthatthelifewithingerminatesandexpands;itisthenthathereallybeginstolive.Hisdeathisthebirthdayofhisimmortality.Thus,intheinventoryofthecovenant,deathranksamongthechiefofitsblessings,andbecomesacovenantmercy."Deathisgain.""What!"exclaimstheastonishedbeliever,"deathablessing-acovenantblessing!Ihavebeenwonttocontemplateitasmydirestcurse,todreaditasmygreatestfoe."Yes;ifdeathisthesadnecessity,itisalsothepreciousprivilegeofourbeing.InthecaseofthosewhoareinChristJesus,itisnottheexecutionofajudicialsentence,buttherealizationofacovenantmercy.AndastheChristianmarksthesymptomsofhisapproachingandinevitabledissolution-watchingtheslowbutunmistakableadvancesofthefelldestroyer-hecanexclaim,asherealizesthatthereisnownocondemnationtothosewhoareinChristJesus-

"Come,Death,shakehands;

I'llkissyourbands,

Itishappinessformetodie.

What!doyouthink

ThatIwillshrink?

Igotoimmortality."

"Becauseofsin."Ah!itisthistruthwhosedarkshadowflitsacrossthebrightnessoftheChristian'scondition.Towhatareallourailments,calamities,andsorrowstraceable,buttosin?Andwhydowedie?"Becauseofsin."Theimmediateandproximatecausesofdeatharebutsecondaryagents.Hadwenottransgressed,wethenhadnotdied.Deathlessnesswouldhavebeenournaturalandinalienablebirthright.Andwerewemorespiritually-mindedthanweare,whilewelookedonwardwithsteadyfaithtoasignalandglorioustriumphovertheKingofTerrors,wewouldblendwiththebrightanticipationofthecomingvictorythehumblingconvictionthatwehavesinned,andthatthereforethebodyisdead.

"ButtheSpiritislifebecauseofrighteousness."Whatarewetounderstandbythetermspirit?OurreplywillatoncegotoexcludetheideaoftheHolySpirit.OftheThirdPersonoftheblessedTrinityitcannotbeofwhomtheApostlespeaks.Theonlyremaininginterpretation,then,isthatwhichrestrictsitsmeaningtothespiritualandimmortalpartofthebeliever-theregeneratedspiritofman,andnottheregeneratingSpiritofGod.If,aswehaveshown,thefirstpartoftheantithesismustbeunderstoodofthematerialframe,thesecondpartmustbeunderstoodofthespiritualnature,bodyandsoulbeingplacedindirectcontrast.Thecheeringdeclaration,then,oftheApostleis,thatthespiritualandimmortalpartofournatureisrecoveredfromthecurse,renewedandquickenedwithadivineandheavenlylife.Ifthebodyisdeadbecauseofsin,thespiritislifebecauseofrighteousness.Thespiritislife-instinctwithanewanddeathlessprinciple-becauseChrististherighteousnessofhispeople.OnthebroadbasisofGod'smethodofjustificationourspiritlives.Ineverypointofview,Christisidentifiedwithourspirituallife.WelivealifeofjustificationbyChrist-alifeofholinessfromChrist-alifeoffaithinChristandalifeofimmortalitywithChrist.Thus,inallitsphases,"Christisourlife."Oglorioustruth!Welcomedeath-thespiritlives!Welcomethegrave-thespiritisbeyondit!Death!youcanbuttouchthematerialfabric-theinnerlifetowersaboveyourreach,hiddenwithChristinGod.Grave!youcanbutimprisonthebody-thesoulisathomewithJesus.Ilive,notbecauseofanyrighteousnesswhichIhavewrought,butbecauseChristismyrighteousness.IliveonaccountoftheRighteousOne-IliveintheRighteousOne-andIshallliveforeverwiththeRighteousOne.Thusisthespiritlifebecauseofrighteousness.Oh,whatagloriousimmortalityunveilstotheeyeoffaith.Ifthroughthegloomyportalsofdeaththespiritofthebelievermustpass,initstransittoeternity,lifeattendsit,andlifeawaitsit,andlifecrownsit.Animatedwithadeathlessexistence,clothedwiththerobeofanew-bornimmortality,itburstforthfromitsenthralment,and,smilingbackupondeath,speedsitswaytoglory,honor,andendlesslife.Tothislifeletuslookforward.Fromalifenowexperienced,letusliveforalifesosoontobeenjoyed.Thebodymustdie.

Butwhatofthat?thespiritislife.Andthelife-inspiredspiritwillcomebackagain,re-enterandre-animatetheslumberingdust-andnow,

remodeledandspiritualizeditwillbewithChristandallthesaintsinthenewheavenandthenewearth,whereinwilldwellrighteousness.

TheResurrectionofChrist

'AndiftheSpiritofhimwhoraisedJesusfromthedeadislivinginyou,hewhoraisedChristfromthedeadwillalsogivelifetoyourmortalbodiesthroughhisSpirit,wholivesinyou."Romans8:11

Havingaffirmedoftheredeemedbodythatitwasdeadbecauseofsin,theApostle,asifanxioustorescuethesaintsfromthehumiliationofsoaffectingatruth,hastenstounveilthelightwhichplayssobrightlyandcheeringlyaroundeachbeliever'stomb.HeshowsthatlighttospringfromthefactoftheresurrectionoftheSavior.ThisdoctrineisthegrandluminaryoftheChristiansystem-ittouchesandgildswithitsbrillianceeachcardinaldoctrineofourfaith.IfChristhasnotbeenrisenfromthedead,thenisthatfaithvainandlifeless;butifheisrisen,theneachtruthbecomesinstinctwithlife;andhope,liketheday-springfromonhigh,riseswithlightandgloryuponthesoul.

Thecredibilityofthisgreatfactisperhapsthefirstpointtowhichthemindnaturallydirectsitsinquiry.Butinthepresentinstancethetruthofthedoctrinemustbeassumedratherthanestablished.Wearenotwritingforthesceptic,butforthebeliever.Notsomuchtoconvinceastoconfirmthemind.Andyet,werewearguingthequestionwithadisputant,wemightpursueasimplelineofreasoning,somewhatlikethis-ThatthebodyofourLordleftthetombisafactwhicheventhosewhohaveattemptedtoinvalidatethedoctrinereadilyconcede.Thegreatquestionindispute,then,is-Whoremovedit?DidtheenemiesofChrist?What

wouldtheyhavegainedbythatstep?Wouldtheynotonthecontraryhavelostmuch?Woulditnothaveweakenedtheirdeclarationthathewasanimpostor,andhavestrengthenedthatofhisapostles,thathewasrisen?Whydidnotthepriestsandrulers,whobribedtheRomansoldierstoaffirmthathisdiscipleshadfirstsurreptitiouslypossessedthemselvesofthebody,andthensecretedit,provetheirassertiontothesatisfactionofallJerusalem,andthusatoncestrikethedeath-blowattheinfantreligion,andoverwhelmtheapostleswithinfamyandscorn?Withthepowerofsearchwhichtheypossessed,surely,thiswereanaturalandaneasyprocess.TohaveproducedthestilllifelessbodyofourLordwouldhavesubstantiatedtheirassertion,andthushavesetatrestaquestion,uponwhichinterestsofsuchmomenthung,atonceandforever.ButwhatwerethecircumstancesofourLord'sinterment?Theywereallsuchastostrengthenthefactofhisresurrection.

Hewasburiedinatombhewnoutofarock.Tohaveexcavatedthatrockwouldhavebeenaworkoftime,ofimmensedifficulty,ifnotofutterimpossibility.TheexitofourLordthereforefromthetombcouldonlyhavebeenbythedoorthroughwhichhepassedwithinit.And,asiftoencirclethegraveoftheSaviorwithsentinelsofunimpeachableveracity,theHolySpiritinformsus,thatinthe"placewherehewascrucified,therewasagarden,andinthegardenanewsepulcher,whereinwasnevermanlaid."Thus,then,ifthatsepulcherwereemptied,noneotherthanthebodyofJesushadbrokenfromitslonecaptivity.ThesubstitutionofanotherforthecorpseoftheSavior,wasbeyondtherangeofpossibility.Andwhoarethewitnesses?Acompanyofpoor,unlearned,andtimidfishermen-asunskilledintheartoffalsehoodandcollusion,astheywereintheletteredsciencesoftheirage.Theyhadnothingearthlytogainintestifyingtothefact,buteverythingtolose.Insteadofhumanapplause,andhonor,andwealth,theywererewardedwitheveryspeciesofobloquy,deprivation,andsuffering.Andyet,oppressedbypovertyandpersecution,andwiththegloomymachineryoftorture-thedungeon,therack,andthecrossstaringthemintheface,theytraveledeverywhere,testifyingtothescepticphilosophersofAthens,astotheunletteredpeasantsofRome,thatChristwasrisenfromthedead.Norweretheymenlikelytobeimposedupon.Theywereatfirststrangelyincredulousofthefactitself.Howslowofheartweretheytowelcomethetestimony

thattheirLordwasindeedalive.Retiredfromthesepulcher,whereinloveandsadnesstheyhadlaidhim,theymettheholywomen,whoatthedawnofdayhadbornetheiraromatothetomb,andreturning,whoproclaimedtothe"elevenandtoalltherest,"thathewasalive.Yetwearetold,"theirwordsseemedtothemasidletales."AndwhenoneofthewitnessestothecredibilityofthefacttestifiedtoThomas,"WehaveseentheLord,"howwasthetestimonyreceived?"ExceptIshallseeinhishandstheprintofthenails,"werethewordsofthatdisbelievingdisciple,"andputmyfingerintotheprintofthenails,andthrustmyhandintohisside,Iwillnotbelieve."Thusreluctanttoreceivethefactofhisresurrection,isitpossiblethattheycouldhavebeeneasilyimposeduponbyafiction?Wemay,then,safelyleavethecredibilityofthiscardinaldoctrineofourfaithtoitsownevidence,andpassontootherandmoreexperimentalviewsoftheglorioustruth.

WemayreferforamomenttothenecessitythatJesusshouldriseagainfromthedead;andthiswillsupplyacollateralargumentinfavorofthetruthofthedoctrine.Itwasnecessarythatheshouldmakegoodhisownprediction,"Destroythistemple,andinthreedaysIwillraiseitup."Thatsomeofhisenemiesrightlyunderstoodhimtorefertothetempleofhisbodyisevidentfromtheirsubsequentallusiontothesewords,"Werememberthatthatdeceiversaid,whilehewasyetalive,AfterthreedaysIwillriseagain."OurLordthusfulfilledhisownundeviatingprediction.Buttheperfectionofhismediatorialworkalsopleadedforitsnecessity."Hewasdeliveredforouroffences,andraisedagainforourjustification."TheFather'sglorywasclearlyinterwovenwiththefact-hishonor,faithfulness,andpower.Thusitissaid,"Thereforeareweburiedwithhimbybaptismuntodeath;thatlikeasChristwasraisedupfromthedeadbythegloryoftheFather,evensowealsoshouldwalkinnewnessoflife."

Butletustracetheeffectofthistruthinthebelievingsoul,andthiswillsupplyuswithnosmallevidenceinfavorofitscredibility.Forifthepowerofthefactisexperienced,thefactitselfmustbecertain.Itisonethingtoyieldtheassentofaninformedunderstandingtoatruth,anditisanothertofeeltheinfluenceofthattruthintheheart.ButwhatisittosympathizewithChrist'sresurrection?Itistobeapartakerofits

quickeningenergy,tobesensibleofitslife-giving,life-elevatingpower.Oh,thereisnosingletruthwhichembodiesandconveyssomuchblessingtothebelieverashisLord'sresurrection.Traceitssanctifyingtendency:"BlessedbetheGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist,whoaccordingtohisabundantmercyhasbegottenusagainuntoalivelyhopebytheresurrectionofJesusChristfromthedead."Tobesensibleofthisamazingpowerinthesoulistobebornagain-toberaisedfromthegraveofcorruption-toliveonearthaheavenly,aresurrection-life-tohavetheheartdailyascendinginthesweetincenseoflove,andprayer,andpraise,whereitsrisenTreasureis.Itpossesses,too,amostcomfortingpower.WhatbutthissustainedthedisciplesintheearlystrugglesofChristianity,amidthestormsofpersecutionwhichelsehadsweptthemfromtheearth?TheyfeltthattheirMasterwasalive.Theyneedednoexternalproofofthefact.TheypossessedintheirsoulsGod'switness.Thetruthauthenticateditself.Thethreedaysofhisentombmentweretothemdaysofsadness,desertion,andgloom.Theirsunhadsetindarknessandinblood,andwithiteveryrayofhopehadvanished.Alltheyloved,orcaredtolivefor,haddescendedtothegrave.Theyhadnownoarmtostrengthenthemintheirweakness-nobosomtosympathizewiththeminsorrow-noeyetowhichtheycouldunveileachhiddenthoughtandstrugglingemotion.

ButtheresurrectionoftheirLordwastheresurrectionofalltheirburiedjoys.TheynowtraveledtohimastoalivingSavior,consciousofapowernew-bornwithinthem,thepoweroftheLord'sresurrection."ThenwerethedisciplesgladwhentheysawtheLord."Butisthistruthlessvivifyingandprecioustous?HasitlostanythingOfitsvitalitytoquicken,oritspowertosoothe?Oh,no!truthiseternalandimmutable.Yearsimpairnotitsstrength,circumstanceschangenotitscharacter.ThesametruthswhichdistilledasdewfromthelipsofMoses;whichawoketheseraphiclyreofDavid;whichwingedtheheaven-soaringspiritofIsaiah;whichinspiredthemanlyeloquenceofPaul;whichfloatedinvisionsofsublimitybeforetheeyeofJohn;andwhichinallageshavefed,animated,andsanctifiedthepeopleofGod-guidingtheircounsels,soothingtheirsorrows,andanimatingtheirhopes-stillarevitalandpotentinthechequeredexperiencesofthesaints,hasteningtoswellthecloudofwitnessestotheirdivinityandtheirmight.Ofsuchisthe

doctrineofChrist'sresurrection.Oh,whatconsolationflowstothechurchofGodfromthetruthofalivingSavior-aSavioralivetoknowandtohealoursorrows-toinspireandsanctifyourjoys-tosympathizewithandsupplyourneed!Alivetoeverycloudthatshadesthemind,toeverycrossthatchafesthespirit,toeverygriefthatsaddenstheheart,toeveryevilthatthreatensoursafety,orperilsourhappiness!Whatpower,too,dothepromisesofthegospelderivefromthistruth!WhenJesusspeaksbythesepromises,wefeelthatthereislifeandspiritinhisword,foritisthespokenwordofalivingSavior.Andwhenheinvitesustohimselfforrest,andbidsuslooktohiscrossforpeace,andasksustodepositourburdensathisfeet,anddrinkthewordsthatflowfromhislips,wefeelalivinginfluencestealingoverthesoul,inspiritingandsoothingasthatofwhichthetremblingEvangelistwasconscious,whentheglorifiedSaviorgentlylaidhisrighthanduponhim,andsaid,"Fearnot;Iamthefirstandthelast:Iamhethatlives,andwasdead;and,behold,Iamaliveforevermore,Amen;andhavethekeysofhellandofdeath."IsJesusalive?Thenletwhatelsedie,ourlife,withallitssupports,andconsolations,andhopes,issecureinhim."BecauseIlive,youshalllivealso."Alivingspringishe.Seasonsvary,circumstanceschange,feelingsfluctuate,friendshipscool,friendsdie,butChristiseverthesame.Heisthat"TreeofLife,"whoseboughsoverhangeithersideoftheriver,andwhichyieldsitsfruiteverymonth.Traveltoitwhenwemay,wefinditfruitful.Itmaybewinterwithus,itisalwayssummerwiththeTree.Coldanddrearymaybetheregionwherewehavecome,allchilledanddesolate,tothespotwhereitstands:inaninstantitisasthoughwehademergedintoasouthernclimate-itsbalmyair,itsspicybreezes,anditswarmsunlight,encirclingusintheirsoftrobes.Oh,theblessednessofdealingwitharisen,alivingRedeemer!Wetakeourneedstohimtheyareinstantlysupplied.Wetakeoursinstohim-theyareimmediatelypardoned.Wetakeourgriefstohimtheyareinamomentassuaged."Everymonth,"ay,andeachmomentofeverymonth,findsthisTreeofLifeprofferingitsamplefoliageforourshade,andyieldingitsrichfruitforourrefreshment.SucharesomeoftheblessingswhichflowfromtheresurrectionofChrist.Theidentityofthisgreatfactwiththeresurrectionofthesaintswereserveforthenextchapter;closingthepresentwiththeferventprayerthattheEternalSpiritmaygiveusaheartfeltpossessionofitspower,enablingustoexclaim,withthe

unwaveringfaithandundimmedhopeoftheholypatriarch-"Iknowthatmyredeemerlives!"

TheResurrectionoftheChristian

"HewhoraisedChristfromthedeadwillalsogivelifetoyourmortalbodiesthroughhisSpirit,wholivesinyou."Romans8:11

Identicalwith,andconsequentupon,theresurrectionoftheSavior,istheresurrectionnotlessdivine,andscarcelylessglorious-ofthesaints.SeeingthatourLordenteredthegraveasapublicperson,sustainingarepresentativecharacter,when,therefore,hebrokefromitsthraldom,herose,the"first-fruitsofthosewhoslept."TheHeadoftheChurchalive,theresurrection-lifeoftheChurchbecameafact,atoncecertainandglorious.Now,ifthegospelbeamyth-howcharmingthefiction!Ifuntrue-howblissfulthelie!Withwhatsunlightjoyousnessdoesitgladdenallthepresent,andwithwhateffulgenthopedoesitgildallthefuture!Robbingusofthis,whatdoesInfidelityofferasitssubstitute?Itproposestosoftenourills,andtosootheoursorrows,byannihilatingourfaith,andextinguishingourhope!Butwebelieve,andaresurethatChristwasnoimpostor,thatChristianityisnofiction,thattheGospelisnolie;and,confirmedinourfaithintheresurrectionoftheSavior,"whyshoulditbethoughtathingincrediblethatGodshouldraisethedead?"Havingcontemplatedthe"first-fruits,"nowwavingbeforethegoldenaltarinheaven,letustakeaperspectiveviewofthecomingharvest-thequickeningofourmortalbodiesbyChrist'sSpiritthatdwellsinus.

"Yourmortalbodies"-wordswhichatoncedefineourpresentexistenceasoneofsuffering,andhumiliation.Andsuchverilyitis.Inassertingthis

fact,letitnotbesupposedthatwedenythatthereismuchdignityandgrandeurconnectedwithourmaterialframe.Wearefearfullyandwonderfullymade;apieceofmechanismdisplayingineachpartandcombinationofthewhole,theinfinitewisdom,andelaborateskill,andboundlessbenevolenceoftheDivineFramer.Andyet,fromthemostpleasingsurveyofthiswondrouscreature,man,wearecompelledtoreverttothesadtruth,thatourpresentexistenceisoneofdeephumiliationandcertaindecay.ThelanguageofScriptureindepictingthiscondition-aconditionwellcalculatedtolayhumanprideinthedust-isstrongandemphatic.TheApostlecharacterizesourmaterialframeas"thisvilebody,"literally,"thebodyofourhumiliation."Andinhissublimeandtriumphantargumentontheresurrection,heemploystermsequallyasdescriptiveofourpresentState:"Whenthiscorruptionshallputonincorruption,andthismortalshallputonimmortality."Thusisourphysicalstructure,whichweadornwithsomuchcare,andwhichotherssoextravagantlyadmire,describedasa"vilebody,"as"corruption,"as"mortal."Ah!hasthefactwithmany,perhaps,myreader,withyou,becomesocommon-placeastohavechangeditscharacter,fromoneofthemostaffectingandhumbling,toonetheexistenceandcontemplationofwhichawakensinthemindnodeepandseriousreflection?Haveyougrownsofamiliarwithdisease,andbecomesoconversantwithdeath-theinanimateclay,theshroud,thecoffin,thehearse,thegrave-thosesademblemsofourmortality-astofeelsensibleofnosolemnemotionswhentheHolySpiritbringsthefactbeforethemind?Isitwith,youalightmattertodie?Ah!deathisnotrifle;andhewillfinditsowhoknowsnotHimwhoisthe"ResurrectionandtheLife."But,displaythestoicandactthephilosopherasyoumay,giveplacetomirth,andhilarity,andthoughtlessnessasyouwill-inallyourvivacity,yourpompandpower,youaremortal,andmustdie."Dustyouare,anduntodustshallyoureturn."Youshall"saytocorruption,Youaremyfather;andtotheworm,Youaremymotherandmysister."Tothishumiliatingendallaretending.Andalthoughsomeofourracemovetothetombingreaterstateandluxurythanothers,yet,"Thegraveismyhouse,"istheaffectingexclamationofall.Theretherichandthepoormeettogether-DivesandLazarussidebyside."Therethewickedceasefromtroubling,andthewearyareatrest."Andyethowfewfeelthesolemnity,andadmittheforceofthistruth.Howfewpausetoconsider

thatthisbodywhichtheynowpamperwithsuchstudiedluxuriance,andadornwithsuchrefinementoftaste,willbeforelongneednoclothingbutthewindingsheet,nohousebutthecoffin,andnohomebutthegrave!Andthatsochangedwillbethecountenance,oncelinedwithbeautyandradiantwiththought-andsodecayedthebody,oncesogracefulandathletic-thatthosewhoregardeditwiththefondestlove,andwhoworshipeditwiththedeepestdevotion,willbethefirsttoexclaim,"Burymydeadoutofmysight."Oh,howdirethehumiliationofourpresentexistence!"Thebodyisdeadbecauseofsin."

ButthereglowsaroundthegraveofthebelieverinJesusthehaloofablessedhope."HethatraisedupChristfromthedeadshallalsoquickenyourmortalbodies."Butforthisanimatingandsustaininghopehowstarlessandcheerlesswerehispresentexistence.Strangeasitmaysound,thatexistencederivesacharacterofpeculiarsadnessfromtheverycircumstanceofhisChristianity.HeisonetowhomtheSpirithasmadeknowntheinwardplague.Heisonewhosefrequentcryis,"O,wretchedmanthatIam!whoshalldelivermefromthebodyofthisdeath?"Heisonewhoconflictswithprincipalitiesandpowers.Heisonewhoisoftenplacedinthefieryfurnaceofaffliction.ThereisasecretinthehistoryofeverybelieverknownonlytoGodandhisownsoul.Oh,then,whatarayless,desolatepaththroughthisvalleyoftearswerehis,butforthehopeoftheresurrection-thathopewhich,likethestarsofevening,shinesthesweetestandthebrightestwhenlifeseemsthegloomiestandthedarkest.Nopomporcircumstancemayattendhimtothetomb,nomarblemonumentmayrearitschiseledformtorecordhisvirtues,toperpetuatehisname,ormarkthespotwherehisashesrepose.ThoseashestheOcean'scavemaycontain;hisonlytombstonethecrestedbillows;hisonlyrequiem,chantedtothewildsea-bird,thesolemnmusicofthewavesastheydashanddieupontheshore:buthesleepsinJesus,andslumberingthus,hisfleshrestsinhopeofagloriousresurrectionandablissfulimmortality.Oh,whatanewandimpressivecharacterdoesChristianitygivetotheentiresceneofthebeliever'sdepartureoutofthisworldtogountotheFather!Totheeyeofsensetheouterdoorofthetombappearshideousandforbidding.Thedeadlynightshade,andtheovershadowingivy,entwinedarklyandthicklyoveritsdismalarch;whilethetrailofthewormandthetime-gatheredmold

uponitsbars,deepentheairofitsrepulsiveness.Butviewedbyfaith,howchangedthattomb!Asseenbyitspiercingeye,itisallradiantaround,andallrefulgentwithin.TheLambofGodhasbeenthere,touchingandgildingallwithlifeandglory.Thererearsthetreeoflife-thereclustersthelivingvine-thereflowtheheavenlywaters-therefloatthecelestialbreezes-thereareredolentallthesweetsoftheupperparadise.Andwhentheinnerdooropensuponheaven,whatasceneofgrandeurburstsuponthespirit'sview!Glory,streamingfromabove,bathesitinitsliquidbeams,andlightsitspathwaytotheskies.ThisisthetombofabelieverinJesus.No;itisnolongeratomb-itisatriumphalarch,allradiantandgarlanded,throughwhichthespiritualconqueror,ladenwiththespoilsofhislastvictory,passes,amidtheacclaimofangelsandthewelcomingsofsisterspirits,tohiscrownandhisrest.

Butwhatwillbetheorderofthebeliever'sresurrection?Willitbeanteriorto,orcontemporaneouswith,thegeneralresurrectionofthedead?Thisisaquestionofthetenderest,holiest,interest.Webelievethatinthis,asineachformerpartofhishistory,Godwillmaintainthesamedifferencehehaseverputbetweentherighteousandthewicked.TheresurrectionofthejustisdistinctlyplacedinScriptureintheforegroundofthegreatandsolemnscene.Itisevidentlymadetotaketheprecedencebyathousandyearsoftheresurrectionoftheunjust."ThedeadinChristshallrisefirst.""Blessedandholyishethathaspartinthefirstresurrection."Speakingoftheungodly,thePsalmistthusreferstothedifferencebetweenthemandthejustattheresurrection:"Likesheeptheyarelaidinthegravedeathshallfeedonthem;andtheuprightshallhavedominionovertheminthemorning."Oh,whatasceneofjoywillthatbewhen,emergingfromthegloomandimpurityofthegrave,thedeadinChristshallfindthemselvesbathinginthegoldenbeams,andinhalingtheheavenlyodor,ofthemorningofthe"firstresurrection."Nodemonofdarknessshallshadeitsglorywithhisravenwing.Nowailofdespairshallblendwithitsentrancingmusic;itwillbeaswhenthismagnificentcreationfirstburstintobeing,andallthemorningstarssangtogetherforjoy.AndastheSaviorcleavestheair,descendinginthecloudsofheaven,andnearingtheearthhehadtouchedandconsecratedwithhisblood,ashoutwillbeheard,somelodious,thatalltheheavenlyminstrelsywillsuspendtheirharpingstolisteninbreathlesssilencetoits

strains-"Lo,thisisourGod:wehavewaitedforhim,andhewillsaveus:thisistheLord;wehavewaitedforhim;wewillbegladandrejoiceinhissalvation."

"ByhisSpiritthatdwellsinus."Suchistheagencybywhichtheresurrectionofthesaintswillbeeffected.TheindwellingoftheHolySpiritsecuresthereanimationofourslumberingdust,andsuppliesthepowerbywhichitwillbeaccomplished.Theresurrectionoftheredeemedbodywillbetheresurrectionofanentombed,notalost-thereconstructionofadilapidated,notadestroyedtempleoftheHolySpirit.ThesameSpiritdwellinginusnow,willdwellinusthen.QuickeningwithhisDivineenergyourmortalbody,hewillremodel,reanimate,andre-enterhisformerabode,replenishingitwithhisglorythrougheternity.InthismarvellousworkofresuscitationeachPersonoftheeverblessedTrinitywillbeengaged.TheFatherwillwelcomehome,asfromalongexile,hisadoptedfamily;theSonwillopenlyespousehisransomedbride;andtheSpiritwillrebuildandre-occupyhissacredtemple.ThenwilltheProphet'spredictionreceiveitsfullestandsweetestaccomplishment-"TheLordGodinthemidstofyouismighty;hewillsave,hewillrejoiceoveryouwithjoy;hewillrestinhislove,hewillrejoiceoveryouwithsinging."

"TheBeliever'sObligationtoMortifySin"

"Therefore,brethren,wearedebtors,nottotheflesh,toliveaftertheflesh.Forifyeliveaftertheflesh,yeshalldie:butifyethroughtheSpiritdomortifythedeedsofthebody,yeshalllive."Romans8:12-13

"Therefore,brothers,wehaveanobligation--butitisnottothesinfulnature,toliveaccordingtoit.Forifyouliveaccordingtothesinfulnature,youwilldie;butifbytheSpirityouputtodeaththemisdeedsof

thebody,youwilllive,"Romans8:12-13

"So,dearChristianfriends,youhavenoobligationwhatsoevertodowhatyoursinfulnatureurgesyoutodo.Forifyoukeeponfollowingit,youwillperish.ButifthroughthepoweroftheHolySpirityouturnfromitanditsevildeeds,youwilllive."Romans8:12-13

AfterthelucidstatementwhichtheApostlehadinearlierversesmadeofthedoctrineofjustification,itwasbutnaturalandproperthatheshouldproceedtoillustratethecloseaffinitytoitscognatetruth-sanctification.SofarfromthedoctrineofcompletenessinChristengenderingaspiritoflaxityinthebeliever,itishisaimtoshowthatitwastheparentofalltrueholiness;thatinsteadofweakeningthemotiveofsanctification,itratherstrengthensit,bindingthosewhoarejustifiedbythemostsolemnobligationtoanentiremortificationofallsin."Therefore,"-istheconclusiontowhichhisreasoningbringshim,"Therefore,brethren,wearedebtors,nottotheflesh,toliveaftertheflesh."Therearethreedistinct,yetconsecutivepointsoftruthinthispassage–ThesolemnobligationofthechildrenofGod-Thedutytowhichthatobligationbindsthem-andTheDivineagencybywhichthatdutyisdischarged.

THESOLEMNOBLIGATIONOFTHECHILDRENOFGOD-

"Wearedebtors."Thataroundasubjectsomomentousasthisnoobscuritymightgather,tendingtomisguidethejudgment,theApostlemostdistinctlyandemphaticallyaffirmsthatthefleshhasnovalidclaimwhateveruponthebeliever;andthat,consequently,heisundernoobligationtoyieldcompliancewithitsfeignedexactions.Wearedebtors;butthefleshisnotourcreditor.Whatareitsdemands,thatitisincumbentuponustocomply?Doweoweanythingtosin,theparentofallourwoe?Nothing.ToSatan-whoplottedourtemptationandaccomplishedourdownfall?Nothing.Totheworld-ensnaring,deceitful,andruinous?Nothing.No;tothese,theauxiliariesandalliesoftheflesh,weowenothingbutthedeepesthatred,andthemostdeterminedopposition.

AndyetthesaintsofGodare"debtors."Towhom?WhatdebtorsaretheytotheFather,forhiselectinglove,forthecovenantofgrace,forhis

unspeakablegift,forhavingblesseduswithallspiritualblessingsinChristJesus!Webutimperfectlyestimatethedebtoflove,gratitude,andservicewhichweowetohimwhosemindtheEternalSoncametoreveal,whosewillhecametodo,andwhosehearthecametounveil.ItwastheFatherwhosenttheSon.Withhimoriginatedthewondrousexpedientofourredemption.HeitwaswholaidalloursinsonJesus.ItwashisswordofjusticethatsmotetheShepherd,whilehishandofloveandprotectionwaslaiduponthelittleones.WehavetoomuchsupposedthattheatonementofJesuswasintendedtoinspirethemercy,ratherthantopropitiatethejusticeofGod;toawakeninhisheartalovethatdidnotpreviouslyexist.Thuswehaveoverlookedthesourcefromwhereoriginatedoursalvation,andhavelostsightofthetruth,thatthemediationofJesuswasnotthecause,butrathertheeffectofGod'slovetoman."Hereinislove,notthatwelovedGod,butthathelovedus,andgavehisSontobeapropitiationforoursins."OhfortheSpirittounderstand,andforgracetofeel,andforlovetoexemplify,ourdeepobligationtoGodfortheeverlastinglovethatgavehisSon!

EqualdebtorsarewetotheSon.Hewastheactiveagentinourredemption.Heitwaswhoundertookandaccomplishedallthatoursalvationrequired.Heleftnopathuntrodden,noportionofthecurseunborne,nosinunatoned,nopartofthelawuncancelled-nothingforusinthematterofoursalvationtodo,butsimplytobelieve,andbesaved.Oh,toraisetheeyetohim-stronginfaith,beamingwithlove,moistwithcontrition-andexclaim,"Youhavebornemysin,enduredmycurse,extinguishedmyhell,securedmyheaven.Yourspiritwaswoundedforme;yourheartbledforme;yourbodywasbruisedforme;formeyoursoulwasstrickenforme,asinner,thechiefofsinners.Iamyourdebtor-adebtortoyourdyinglove,toyoureternal,discriminatingmercy.Surely,aneternityoflove,ofservice,andofpraise,canneverrepayyouwhatIoweyou,blessedJesus."Oh,howdeeptheobligationweareundertoChrist!

AndnotlessindebtedarewetotheHolySpirit.Whatdowenotowehimofloveandobedience,whoawokethefirstthrilloflifeinoursoul;whoshowedtousourguilt,andsealedtousourpardon?WhatdowenotowehimforleadingustoChrist;fordwellinginourhearts;forhishealing,

sanctifying,comforting,andrestoringgrace;forhisinfluencewhichnoingratitudehasquenched;forhispatiencewhichnobackslidinghasexhausted;forhislovewhichnosinhasannihilated?Yes,wearetheSpirit'slastingdebtors.Weowehimtheintellecthehasrenewed,thehearthehassanctified,thebodyheinhabits-everybreathoflifehehasinspired,andeverypulseoflovehehasawakened.ThusareallrealbelieversdebtorstotheTriuneGod.DebtorstotheFather'severlastinglove,totheSon'sredeeminggrace,andtotheSpirit'squickeningmercy.Tothefleshweowenothingbutuncompromisinghatred;toJehovahweoweundividedandsupremeaffection.

Holiness,orthemortificationofsin,istheobligationtowhichthisindebtednessbindsus.Inapreviouschapterofthisworkweexplainedtheimportofthephrase,"livingaftertheflesh."Wenowconsideritsoppositecondition,"mortifyingthedeedsofthebody."Itismarvelloushowstrangelythesubjectofmortificationofsininthegodlyhasbeenmystifiedandmisunderstood.Somehaveresolveditintoameremacerationormortificationofthebody.Othershaverestrictedittothemereexcisionofoutwardsins.Whileyetothershaverepresenteditasconsistinginthedestructionofsinaltogetherinthebeliever.Butnoneoftheseviewsconveyanycorrectideaofthemortificationspokenofinthepassageunderconsideration..What,then,isitto"mortifythedeedsofthebody?"TruemortificationhasitsfoundationinthelifeofGodinthesoul.Aspiritual,yes,amostspiritualwork,itcanonlyspringfromamostspiritualprinciple.Itisnotaplantindigenoustoourfallennature.Itcannotbeintheprincipleofsintomortifyitself.Naturepossessesneithertheinclination,northepower,bywhichsoholyanachievementcanbeaccomplished.Adeadfaith,ablindzeal,asuperstitiousdevotion,maypromptsevereausterities;buttolaytheaxeclosetotherootofindwellingevil,tomarshaltheforcesagainsttheprincipleofsinintheheart-thusbesiegingandcarryingtheverycitadelitself;tokeepthebodyunder,andbringitintosubjection,byadailyandadeadlyconflictwithitsinnateanddesperatelydepravedpropensities-isaworktranscendingtheutmostreachofthemostsevereexternalausterities.Itconsists,too,inanannullingofthecovenantwithsin:"Havenofellowshipwiththeunfruitfulworksofdarkness"-enterintonotruce,makenoagreement,formnounion-"butratherreprovethem.""Ephraimshallsay,Whathave

Itodoanymorewithidols?"Theresourcesofsinmustbecutoff-"PutontheLordJesusChrist,andmakenoprovisionfortheflesh,tofulfiltheluststhereof."Whatevertendsto,andterminatesin,thesinfulgratificationoftheflesh,istoberelinquished,asfrustratingthegreataimoftheChristianinthemortificationofthedeedsofthebody.Mortificationisaptlysetforthasacrucifixion:"ThosewhoareChrist'shavecrucifiedtheflesh."Deathbythecrossiscertain,yetlingering.OurblessedLordwassuspendeduponthetreefromnineinthemorninguntilthreeintheafternoon.Itwasaslow,lingeringtorture,yetterminatinginhisgivingupthespirit.Similartothisisthedeathofsininthebeliever.Itisprogressiveandprotracted,yetcertainintheissue.Nailafternailmustpierceourcorruptions,untiltheentirebodyofsin,eachmemberthustransfixed,iscrucifiedandslain.

Letusnowcontemplatethetwo-foldagencybywhichtheworkofmortificationisaccomplished.

"IfyouthroughtheSpiritdomortifythedeedsofthebody,youshalllive.""IfYOU."Thebelieverisnotacipherinthiswork.Itisamatterinwhichhemustnecessarilypossessadeepandpersonalinterest.Howmanyandpreciousaretheconsiderationsthatbindhimtotheduty!Hisusefulness,hishappiness,hissunnyhopeofheaven,areincludedinit.TheworkoftheSpiritisnot,andneverwasdesignedtobe,asubstituteforthepersonalworkofthebeliever.Hisinfluence,indispensableandsovereignthoughitis,doesnotreleasefromhumanandindividualresponsibility."Workoutyourownsalvation,""KeepyourselvesintheloveofGod,""Buildingupyourselves,"areexhortationswhichemphaticallyanddistinctlyrecognizetheobligationofpersonaleffortandhumanresponsibility.Thereasoningwhichbidsmedefertheworkofbattlingwithmyheart'scorruptions,ofmortifyingthedeedsofthebody,untiltheSpiritperformshispart,arguesanunhealthyChristianity,andbetraysakindoftrucewithsin,whichmustonnoaccountforamomentbeentertained.Asunderthelaw,thefatherwascompelledtohurlthefirstmissileattheprofanechild,sounderthegospel-amilderandmorebeneficenteconomythoughitbe-thebelieveristocastthefirststoneathiscorruptions;heistotaketheinitiativeinthegreatworkofmortifyingandslayingthecherishedsin."Ifyoudomortify."Letus,then,be

cautiousofmerginghumanresponsibilityinDivineinfluence;ofexaltingtheoneattheexpenseoftheother;ofcloakingthespiritofslothfulnessandindolencebeneathanapparentlyjealousregardforthehonoroftheHolySpirit.Hownarrowisthewayoftruth!Howmanydivergingpathsthereare,ateachturningofwhichSatanstands,clothedasanangeloflight,quotingScripturewithalltheaptnessandeloquenceofanapostle!ButGodwillneverreleaseusfromtheobligationof"strivingagainstsin.""Ikeepundermybodyandbringit

intosubjection,"wasPaul'snobledeclaration.Isnoself-efforttobemadetoescapethegulfofhabitualintoxication,bydashingtheensnaringbeveragefromthelips?Isnoself-efforttobemadetobreakawayfromthethraldomofacompanionship,theinfluenceofwhichisfasthurryingustoruinanddespair?Isnoself-efforttobemadetodethroneanunlawfulhabit,toresistapowerfultemptation,todissolvethespellthatbindsustoadangerousenchantment,tounwindthechainthatmakesusthevassalandtheslaveofawrongandimperiousinclination?Oh,surely,Goddealsnotwithusaswedealwithapieceofamachine-butasreasonable,moral,andaccountablebeings."Idrewyouwiththebandsofaman."Mortification,therefore,isaworktowhichthebelievermustaddresshimself,andthatwithprayerfulandresoluteearnestness.

Andyetwemustacknowledgethatitinfinitelytranscendsthemightiestputtingsforthofcreativepower."IfyouthroughtheSpiritdomortify."Thishedoesbymakingusmoresensibleoftheexistenceofindwellingsin,bydeepeningouraspirationsafterholiness-bysheddingabroadtheloveofGodintheheart.Butaboveall,theSpiritmortifiessininthebelieverbyunfoldingsoftheLordJesus.Leadingustothecross,hewouldshowusthatasChristdiedforsin,sowemustdietosin-andbytheselfsameinstrumenttoo.Onereal,believingsightofthecrossofJesus!-oh,whatacrucifyingpowerhasit!Paul,standingbeneathitsawfulshadow,andgazinguponitsDivinevictim,exclaimed,"GodforbidthatIshouldgloryexceptinthecrossofourLordJesusChrist,bywhichtheworldiscrucifieduntome,andIuntotheworld."GetneartheSavior'scross,ifyouwouldaccomplishanythinginthisgreatandnecessaryworkofmortification.TheSpiriteffectsit,butthroughtheinstrumentalityoftheAtonement.Theremustbeapersonalcontactwith

Jesus.Thisonlyisitthatdrawsforthhisgrace.Whenthepoorwoman,intheGospel,touchedtheSavior,wearetoldthatmultitudesthrongedhim.Andyet,inallthatcrowdthatpresseduponhissteps,oneonlyextractedthehealingvirtue.ThusdomultitudesfollowChristexternally;theyattendhiscourts,andapproachhisordinances,andspeakwellofhisname,whoknownothingbyfaithofpersonaltransactionwiththeLord.Theycrowdhispath,andstrewtheirbranchesinhisway,andchanttheirHosannahs;butofhowfewcanChristsay,"Somebodyhastouchedme!"Oh,letushavemorepersonaldealingwiththeLordJesus.Hedelightsinthis.Itpleases,itglorifieshim.Hebidsuscomeanddiscloseeverypersonalfeeling,andmakeknowneveryneed,andunveileverygrief,andconfidetohisbosomeachsecretofourown.Helovesustobatheinhisblood-toenfoldourselvesinhisrighteousness-todrawfromhisgrace-andtocastourselvesuponhisboundlesssympathy.Thecrowdcannotveilusfromhiseye.Heseesthepoorandcontrite;heobservesthetremblingandthelowly;hemeetstheupliftedglance;hefeelsthethrillofthetrembling,hesitating,yetbelievingtouch."Somebodyhastouchedme."Who?Isityou,myreader?

ThusdoestheSpiritmortifysininthebeliever."ButhowmayIknow,"istheanxiousinquiryofmany,"thatsinisbeingmortifiedinme?"Wereply-byaweakeningofitspower.WhenChristsubduesouriniquities,hedoesnoteradicatethem,butweakensthestrengthoftheirroot.Theprincipleofsinremains,butitisimpaired.SeeitinthecaseofPeter.Beforehefell,hisbesettingsinwasself-confidence:"Thoughallshoulddenyyou,yetwillInot."Beholdhimafterhisrecovery-takingthelowplaceatthefeetofJesus,andatthefeetofthedisciplestoo,meeklysaying,"Lord,youknowallthings;youknowthatIloveyou."Nomoreself-vaunting,nomoreself-confidence:hissinwasmortifiedthroughtheSpirit,andhebecameasanotherman.Thusoftentheveryoutbreakofoursinsmaybecometheoccasionoftheirdeeperdiscovery,andtheirmorethoroughsubjection.NorletusoverlookthepowerofthetruthbytheinstrumentalityofwhichtheSpiritmortifiessininus:"Sanctifythemthroughyourtruth."ThetruthasitisinJesus,revealedmoreclearlytothemind,andimpressedmoredeeplyontheheart,transformsthesoulintoitsownDivineandholynature.Ourspiritualandexperimentalacquaintance,therefore,withthetruth-withHimwhoisEssentialTruth-

willbethemeasureoftheSpirit'smortificationofsininourhearts.IstheLordJesusbecomingincreasinglyprecioustoyoursoul?Areyougrowinginpovertyofspirit,inadeepersenseofyourvileness,andweakness,andunworthiness?Ispridemoreabased,andselfmorecrucified,andGod'sglorymoresimplysought?Doestheheartmorequicklyshrinkfromsin,andistheconsciencemoresensitivetothetouchofguilt,anddoconfessionandcleansingbecomeamorefrequenthabit?Areyougrowinginmorelovetoallthesaints-tothosewho,thoughtheyadoptnotyourentirecreed,yetloveandserveyourLordandMaster?Ifso,thenyoumaybeassuredtheSpiritismortifyingsininyou.Butoh,lookfromeverythingtoChrist.Looknotwithinforsanctification;lookforitfromChrist.Heisasmuchour"sanctification,"asheisour"righteousness."Yourevidences,yourcomfort,yourhope,donotspringfromyourfruitfulness,yourmortification,oranythingwithinyou;butsolelyandentirelyfromtheLordJesusChrist."LookinguntoJesus"byfaith,islikeremovingthecoveringandopeningthewindowsofaconservatory,toadmitthesun,beneathwhoselightandwarmththeflowersandfruitsexpandandmature.WithdrawtheveilthatconcealstheSunofRighteousness,andlethimshineinuponyoursoul,andthemortificationofallsinwillfollow,andthefruitsofallholinesswillabound.

"TheGuidanceoftheSpirit"

"ForasmanyasareledbytheSpiritofGod,theyarethesonsofGod."Romans8:14

"becausethosewhoareledbytheSpiritofGodaresonsofGod."Romans8:14

"ForallwhoareledbytheSpiritofGodarechildrenofGod."Romans8:14

WeareherepresentedwithanotherandabeautifulviewoftheSpiritastheLeaderofhispeople.Manisatravelertotheeternalworld.Lefttoself-guidance,asafallencreature,hepossessesvastanduncontrollablepowersofself-destruction.Whatishewithoutaguideinthewilderness?whatishewithoutapilotontheocean?Somerecognizenootherspirit-invokenootherspirit-andareguidedbynootherspirit,thanthespiritoftheworld.Andwhatisthespiritoftheworldbuttheall-pervadingandcontrollingpowerofthespiritofdarkness,whoisemphaticallydenominatedthe"godofthisworld?"Othersaremoremanifestlyguidedbytheirownspirit,theirunsanctified,unsubduedspirit,andthus,"likeacitythatisbrokenandwithoutwalls,"theyareexposedtotheperpetualinvasion

ofeveryprowlingevil.Howevidentisit,then,thatthreadinghiswaytoeternityalongapathofdifficultyandperil,manneedsaDivineguide!

SuchistheGuideoftheSaints.Theyare"ledbytheSpirit."ItistheofficeofJehovahtheSpiritinthecovenantofredemption,afterhehascalledapeopleoutoftheworld,toplacehimselfattheirhead,andundertaketheirfutureguidance.Heknowsthepathtoheaven.Withallitsintricaciesanddangersheisacquainted-withthesunkenrock,andthetreacherousquicksand,andtheconcealedpit,andthesubtlesnare,heisfamiliar.Heknows,too,theindividualandordainedpathofeachcelestialtraveler.AllthatGodhasappointedintheeverlastingcovenant-allthewindings,andintricacy,andstraitnessofthewayheknows.Allthefutureofourhistoryisinfinitelymorevividandtransparenttohismindthanisthepast,alreadytrodden,tooureye.Itisutterlyimpossible,then,thatheshouldmislead.Andwhatisequallyasessentialtohimasaguide,heknowshisownworkinthesoul.Allitslightandshade,itsdepressionsanditsrevivings,itsassaultsandvictories,arevividtohiseye.Dwellinginthatheart-hissacredtemple-hischosenabode-hereadshisownwritinginscribedthere;understandsthemeaningofeverygroan,interpretsthelanguageofeverysigh,andmarksthestrugglingofeveryholydesire;heknowswherewiselytosupplyacheck,orgentlytoadministerarebuke,ortenderlytowhisperapromise,orsympathetically

tosootheasorrow,oreffectuallytoaidanincipientresolve,orstrengthenawaveringpurpose,orconfirmafluctuatinghope.But,inlessgeneralterms-whatisittobeledbytheSpirit?

Theexistenceofspirituallifeinthoseheleadsisanessentialpointassumed.Hedoesnotundertaketoleadaspiritualcorpse,asouldeadinsins.ManyaremovedbytheSpirit,whoarenotledbytheSpirit.WasnotSaul,thekingofIsrael,asolemninstanceofthis?Andwhenitissaid,"theSpiritofGoddepartedfromhim,"weseehow,inanordinaryway,theSpiritmaystrivewithaman'snaturalconscience,andpowerfullyworkuponhisfeelingsthroughtheword,andevenemployhimasanagentintheaccomplishmentofhiswill,andyetneverleadhimonestepeffectuallyandsavinglytoChrist,andtoheaven.Thereis,asinEzekiel'svisionofthebones,"avoice,andbeholdashaking,andthebonescometogether,bonetohisbone,butthereisnobreathinthem."ButthereisspirituallifeinthosewhomtheSpiritleads.Theythusbecomeinasensevoluntaryinthemovement.Theyarenotforced;itisnotbycompulsiontheyfollow;theyareled-persuasively,gently,willinglyled.TheleadingoftheSpirit,then,ishisactinguponhisownlifeinthesoul.

Itsupposes,too,entireinabilitytoleadthemselvesinthosewhoareledbytheSpirit:"Iwillleadtheblindbyawaytheyknownot."Andsucharewe.Unabletodiscernasinglestepbeforeus,andincapableoftakingthatstepevenwhendiscerned,weneedtheguidanceoftheHolySpirit.Whatcanweseeoftruth-whatofprovidence-whatofGod'smindandwill,ofourselves?Absolutelynothing.Oh,whatunfoldingsofignorance,whatexhibitionsofweakness,havemarkedsomeofthewisestandmightiestofGod'ssaints,whenlefttoself-teachingandtoself-guidance!Thusthereisastrongandabsolutenecessitythatwisdom,andstrength,andgrace,infinitelytranscendingourown,shouldgobeforeusinourhomewardjourney.

ThefirststeptheSpirittakesinthisgreatworkis,toleadusawayfromourselves-fromallrelianceonourOwnrighteousness,andfromalldependenceuponournativestrength.Butletusnotsupposethatthisdivorcefromtheprincipleofselfentirelytakesplacewhenweare"marriedtoanother,eventoChrist."Itistheworkofalife.Alas!Christhasatbestbutaportionofouraffections.Ourheartisdivided.Itistrue

therearemoments-brightandblissful-whenwesincerelyandardentlydesirethefull,unreservedsurrender.Buttheensnaringpowerofsomerivalobjectsoondiscoverstoushowpartialandimperfectthatsurrenderhasbeen.Thisseveringfromourselvesfromallouridols-isaperpetual,unceasingworkoftheSpirit.AndwhobutthisDivineSpiritcouldsoleadusawayfromself,inallitsforms,astoconstrainustotrampleallourowngloryinthedust,andacknowledgewithPaulthatweare"lessthantheleastofallsaints?"Butmorethanthis.Heleadsfromanoppositeextremeofself-fromadespairingviewofourpersonalsinfulness.Howoften,whentheeyehasbeenintentlybentwithin,gazingasitwereuponthegloomandconfusionofamoralchaos,theSpirithasgentlyandgraciouslyledusfromourselvestoanotherobject,thesightofwhichhasatonceraisedusfromtheregionofdespair!Howmanywalkinpainfulandhumiliatingbondagefromnothavingthusbeensufficientlyledoutofthemselves!Alwayscontemplatingtheirimperfectrepentance,ortheirweakfaith,ortheirlittlefruitfulness,theyseemevertobemovinginacircle,andtoknownothingofwhatitistowalkinalargeplace.Thusfromsinfulself,asfromrighteousself,theSpiritofGodleadsus.

Towhatdoeshelead?HeleadsustoChrist.Towhomelsewouldwe,inourdeepnecessity,wishtobeled?NowthatweknowsomethingexperimentallyofJesus,towhomwouldwegobuttohim?Havingseveredusinsomedegreefromourselves,hewouldbringusintoacloserrealizationofourunionwiththeSavior."Heshallglorifyme,forheshalltakeofmineandshowituntoyou."Andthispromiseisfulfilledwhen,inallourneed,heleadsustoChrist.Areweguilty?-theSpiritleadsustothebloodofJesus.Areweweary?-theSpiritleadsustoabideinJesus.Arewesorrowful?-theSpiritleadsustothesympathyofJesus.Arewetempted?-theSpiritleadsustotheprotectionofJesus.Arewesadanddesolate?-theSpiritleadsustothetenderloveofJesus.Arewepoor,empty,andhelpless?-theSpiritleadsustothefulnessofJesus.AndstillitistotheSaviorheconductsus.TheHolySpiritisourComforter,buttheholyJesusisourcomfort.AndtoJesus-tohisperson,tohisoffices,andtohiswork,inlifeandindeath,theDivineGuideeverleadsus.

Heleadsustotruth.ThepromiseoftheSavioris,"Heshallguideyouintoalltruth."WhenprofessingChristianshavebeenledintoerror,

nothingismorecertainthanthattheyhavenotbeenledbytheSpirit.ThoughmanyclaimhimastheirTeacher,hedisownsthemashisdisciples.Asthe"Spiritoftruth"hecanrevealnothingbuttruth;canteachnothingbuttruth;canleadtonothingbuttruth.Allwhohavereceivedthetruth-whoarewalkinginthetruth-andwhoaregrowinginthetruth-arebroughtundertheguidanceoftheSpiritoftruth.Tossedfromopiniontoopinion,agitatedandperplexedbytheconflictingviewsofmenandtheantagonistcreedsofchurches,areyouanxiouslyinquiring,"Whatistruth?"-CommityourselftotheguidanceoftheSpirit.Castyourselfinfaithuponthepromise,andpleaditatthefeetofyourDivineTeacher-"Heshallguideyouintoalltruth."Hecanharmonizeapparentcontradictions,hecanreconcileallegeddiscrepancies,hecanclearawayovershadowingmists,andplaceeachessentialdoctrine,andeachenjoinedprecept,andeachdivineinstitutionbeforeyourmind,clear,transparent,andeffulgentasanoontidesunbeam.Oh,betakeyourself,inyouranxious,periloussearchforthetruth,tothesimpleguidanceoftheSpirit,andwhattheGreekphilosopher,intransportathisdiscovery,shouted,you,withinfinitelygreaterjoyofheartandemphasisofmeaning,shallecho,"Ihavefoundit!Ihavefoundit!"

Heleadstoallholiness.Asthe"Spiritofholiness,"itishisaimtodeepentheimpressoftherestoredimageofGodinthesoul,toincreaseourhappinessbymakingusmoreholy,andtoadvanceourholinessbymakingusmorelikeGod.Thusheleadstonothingbutwhatissanctifying.AlltheunfoldingshemakesofChrist,alltheviewsheunveilsofGod,allthedeeperinsighttotruthwhichheimparts,alltherebukeshefaithfullyyetgentlywhispers,allthechambersofimageryinourheartswhichheopens,andallthejoywhichheinspires,havethisfortheirsingleobject-theperfectionofusinholiness.Christisthesource,thetruthistheinstrument,andtheSpiritistheagentofoursanctification.

Heleadstoallcomfort.Henceheisemphatically

denominated,"theComforter."Thereisnosorrowofthebelievingheartofwhichheisignorant,towhichheisindifferent,orwhichhissympathydoesnotembrace,andhispowercannotalleviate.Thechurchinwhichhedwells,andwhosejourneyingsheguides,isatriedchurch.Choseninthefurnaceofaffliction,alliedtoasufferingHead,itscourseonearthis

tracedbytears,andoftenbyblood.DeeplyitneedsaComforter.Andwhocancomputetheindividualsorrowswhichmaycrowdthepathofasingletravelertohissorrowlesshome?Whataworldoftrial,andhowvaried,maybecomprisedwithinthehistoryofasinglesaint!Butifsorrowsabound,consolationmuchmoreabounds,sincetheComforteroftheChurchistheHolySpirit.Whatamightyprovision,howinfinitethelargess,theGodofallconsolationhasmadeinthecovenantofgraceforthesorrowsofhispeople,intheappointmentoftheThirdPersonoftheblessedTrinitytothisoffice!Whatanimportanceitattachesto,andwithwhatdignityitinvests,andwithwhatsanctityithallowsoureverysorrow!IfourheavenlyFatherseesproperinhisunerringwisdomandgoodnesstosendaffliction,whowouldnotwelcomethemessageasasacredandpreciousthing,thustobesoothedandsanctified?Yes,theSpiritleadsthesorrowfultoallcomfort.Hecomfortsbyapplyingthepromises-byleadingtoChrist-bybendingthewillindeepsubmissiontoGod-andbyunveilingtofaith'sfar-seeingeyethegloriesofasorrowless,tearless,sinlessworld.Andoh,whocanportrayhisexquisitecharacterasaComforter?Withwhatpromptnessandtendernessheapplieshimselftothesoothingofeachgrief-howpatientlyheinstructstheignorant-howgentlyheleadstheburdened-howskillfullyhehealsthewounded-howtimelyhemeetsthenecessitous-howsoothinglyhespeakstothemourner!Whenourheartisoverwhelmedwithinus,throughthedepthandfoamoftheangrywaters,heleadsustotheRockthatishigherthanwe.

Heleadstoglory.Therehematuresthekingdom,andperfectsthebuilding,andcompletesthetemplehecommencedandoccupiedonearth.Nopowershalloppose,nodifficultyshallobstruct,nocontingencyshallthwarttheconsummationofthishisgloriouspurposeanddesign.Every,soulgracedbyhispresence,everyhearttouchedbyhislove,everybodysanctifiedashistemple,hewillleadtoheaven.Ofthatheavenheisthepledgeandtheearnest.WhileJesusisinheaven,preparingaplaceforhispeople,theSpiritisonearth,preparinghispeopleforthatplace.TheoneismaturinggloryfortheChurch,theotherismaturingtheChurchforglory.

"TheyarethesonsofGod."SucharetheywhoareledbytheSpirit.All

whoareconsciousofthisDivineguidancehaveanindubitableevidenceoftheirDivinesonship.Itisadignifiedandholyrelationship.ItimpliesanassimilationofnaturewithGod.TheApostlespeaksofsomewhomhedenominatesthe"childrenofthedevil,"becauseoftheirSatanicnature.Theregeneratearedenominatedthe"sonsofGod,"becausetheyare"partakersoftheDivinenature."Thusdoesoneofthebeatitudesexpressit"Blessedarethepeacemakers,fortheyshallbecalledthechildren(Greek,sons)ofGod,"becausetheirnatureassimilateswithhimwhoisthe"Godofpeace."Again:"Loveyourenemies,blessthosewhocurseyou,prayforthosewhodespitefullyuseyouandpersecuteyou,thatyoumaybethechildren(sons)ofGod;"-likeHimwhomakeshissuntoshineupontheevilandthegood.Now,arewesensiblethatinanymeasureweareundertheguidanceoftheSpirit?HasheledusfromourselvestoChristthroughChristtoGod?Dowehearhis"stillsmallvoice?"Dowefeelhisgentleconstraints,hisgracionsdrawings,hissoothinglove?ThenarewethesonsofGod."ForasmanyasareledbytheSpirit,theyarethesonsofGod."

Inconclusion,receive,mybelovedreader,awordoftendercaution.BewareofbeingguidedbyanyotherthanbytheSpiritofGod.Thetemptationisstrong,andthetendencytoyieldtoitequallyso,ofbeingbiasedinformingourtheologicalviews,andinmodellingourChristianpractice,bytheprofoundresearch,thedistinguishedtalents,theexaltedpiety,andadmiredexampleofmen.Butthismustnotbe.Itisinconsistentwiththehonorthatbelongs,andwiththelovethatweowetotheSpirit.Ahumanmustnecessarilybeafallibleguide;againsttheinfluence,ofwhosedoctrinalerror,andpracticalmistakes,noextentoflearning,ordepthofspirituality,oreminenceofpositionontheirpart,canensureus.Weareonlysafe,asweconstantlyandstrictlyfollowourDivineandheavenlyguide.BlessedandEternal

Spirit!ToyourteachingwouldIbowmymind.ToyourlovewouldIyieldmyheart.ToyourconsolationwouldIcarrymysorrows.ToyourgovernmentwouldIresignmyentiresoul."Youshallguidemebyyourcounsel,andafterwardsreceivemetoglory."

"TheSpiritofAdoption"

"Foryehavenotreceivedthespiritofbondageagaintofear;butyehavereceivedtheSpiritofadoption,wherebywecry,Abba,Father."Romans8:15

Foryoudidnotreceiveaspiritthatmakesyouaslaveagaintofear,butyoureceivedtheSpiritofsonship.Andbyhimwecry,"Abba,Father."Romans8:15

Soyoushouldnotbelikecowering,fearfulslaves.YoushouldbehaveinsteadlikeGod'sveryownchildren,adoptedintohisfamily—callinghim"Father,dearFather."Romans8:15

Itismostdistinctlyaffirmedinthispassage,thatthechildrenofGodareemancipatedfromthespiritofbondage-thepresentandmournfulconditionofalltheunregenerate.Thequestionherearises,whatisthespiritofbondageofwhichtheApostlespeaks?Itexhibitsitselfinvariousforms,yet,essentially,itisthesamespirit.Theworld,forexample,holdsincruelbondageallitsdevotees.Itenslavestheintellectbyitsopinions,theheartbyitspleasures,theimaginationbyitspromises,thesoulbyitsreligion-leadingitawillingcaptive,avictimgarlandedforthesacrifice.Theyaredescribedas"walkingaccordingtothecourseofthisworld,accordingtotheprinceofthepoweroftheair,thespiritthatnowworksinthechildrenofdisobedience."

Butitisthemorallaw-thespiritofbondagewhichgendersfear-towhichthepassageparticularlyrefers.Itscommandsareexceedinglybroad,andtheobedienceuponwhichitinsistsunqualifiedlyperfect;andyet,withallthebreadthoftheprecept,andtherigidnessoftherequirement,itoffersnohelpinghand.Itshowsamanhissin,butnothispardon.Itteacheshimhisweakness,buttellshimnotwherehisgreatstrengthlies.Itthundersinhisearhismiseryandcondemnation,butwhispersnota

wordofmercyandofhope.Emancipated,asthejustifiedbelieverreallyis,fromthecondemningpowerofthislaw,yet,alas!howmuchofitsbondagespiritdoeshestillretain!HowfewofthesonsofGodrealizethepossessionandlargenessoftheirbirthright!Howfewrisetothedimityandtheprivilegeoftheiradoption!HowfewseetheircompletenessinChristJesus,andreadthesentenceoftheirpardonwritteninthe

heart'sbloodofImmanuel!Howfewwalkinalargeplace,andbythesunnyjoyousnessandloftyaspirationsoftheirspirit,evidencethattheyhave"notreceivedthespiritofbondageagaintofear!"

"ButyouhavereceivedtheSpiritofadoption."TheSpiritofadoptionisthesameastheSpiritofGod.Therearetwoessentialfeatureswhichidentifyhimassuch.Thefirstis,heimpartsthenatureoftheFathertoallthechildrenofthefamily.InthisthereisawidedifferencebetweenahumanandaDivineadoption.Mancanonlyconferhisnameandhisinheritanceuponthechildheadopts.ButintheadoptionofGod,tothenameandinheritanceofGodisaddedtheDivinenatureimpartedinregeneration;sothat,inthewordsofourLord,webecomemanifestlythe"childrenofourFatherwhoisinheaven."Thesecondfeatureis-havingbegottenthenatureoftheFather,hethenbreathesthespiritofthechildintotheheart.Heinspiresafiliallove.Thelovewhichglowsinthebeliever'sheartistheaffectionofachildtoitsparent.Itisnotaservilebondage,butafilialandfreespirit.Oh,sweetandholyemotion!Howtenderandconfiding,howclingingandchildlikeisit!SuchoughttobeourlovetoGod.HeisourFather-wearehischildren.Whyshouldnotourlovetohimbemarkedbymoreoftheexquisitetenderness,andtheunquestioningconfidence,andthecalmreposeofachildreclininguponaparent'sbreast?AchildlikefearofGodisanotherinspirationoftheSpiritofadoption.LoveandfeararetwingracesintheChristiancharacter.TheSpiritofGodistheAuthorofboth;andbothdwelltogetherandco-operateinthesamerenewedheart.Itisnotthedreadoftheservant,buttheholytremblingofthechild,ofwhichwespeak.Itisafilial,loving,reverentialfear.AchildliketrustinGodalsospringsfromtheSpirit

ofadoption.Thetrustofachildisimplicit,affectionate,andunquestioning.Uponwhosecounselmayhesosafelyrely,inwhoseaffectionmayhesofullyconfide,uponwhosefidelitymayheso

confidentlytrust,asaparent's?GodisyourFather,Ochildofadivineadoption,ofaheavenlybirth!Letyourtrustinhimbetheresultoftherelationshipyousustain.Itadmitsyoutotheclosestintimacy,andinvitesyoutothemostperfectconfidence.Youhavenotaneed,norananxiety,noragriefwhichisnotallhisown.Hisadoptionofyourperson-anactofhisspontaneousandmostfreegrace-pledgedhimtotransferallyourindividualintereststohimself.Tothesewemustaddafilialobedience:"Ifyouloveme,keepmycommandments."Obedience,whethertotheSavior'sprecept,ortotheFather'slaw,isthetestoflove;andloveisthespringofobedience."AllthattheLordGodhasspokentouswillwedo,"isthelanguageofthatheartwheretheSpiritofadoptiondwells.Sucharesomeofthefeaturesofadoption.

"Wherebywecry,Abba,Father."TheApostleemploysintheoriginaltwodifferentlanguages.Itmaynotbeimpropertoinfer,thatinusingboththeSyriacandtheGreekform-theonebeingfamiliartotheJew,andtheothertotheGentile-hewoulddenotethatboththeChristianJewandthebelievingGentilewerechildrenofonefamily,andwere.alikeprivilegedtoapproachGodasaFather.Christ,ourpeace,hasbrokendownthemiddlewallofpartitionthatwasbetweenthem;andnow,atthesamemercy-seat,theChristianJewandthebelievingGentile,bothoneinChristJesus,meet,asraysoflightconvergeandblendinonecommoncenter-atthefeetoftheirreconciledFather.Theexpressions,too,setforththepeculiarityandintensityoftheaffection.Literally,"Abba,Father,"signifies"MyFather."Nobond-servantwaspermittedthustoaddressthemasterofthefamily;itwasaprivilegepeculiarandsacredtothechild.AndwhenourblessedLordwouldteachhisdisciplestopray,heledthemtothemercy-seat,andsealedthesepreciouswordsupontheirlips-"OurFather,whoisinheaven."Andafterhisresurrection,withincreasedemphasisandintensitydidhegiveutterancetothesametruth.Previouslytohisdeathhiswordswere,"gototheFather."Butwhenhecamebackfromthegrave,everytruthhehadbeforeenunciatedseemedquickenedaswithnewlife.Howtenderandtouchingwerehiswords-"IascenduntomyFather,andtoyourFather;tomyGod,andtoyourGod."Nolongerabond-slave,butason,oh,claimthedignityandprivilegeofyourbirthright!ApproachGodasyourFather.

"Abba,Father!"Howtendertherelation!howintensetheaffection!whatpoweritimpartstoprayer!Whatmayyounotask,andwhatcanGodrefuse,with"Abba,Father"breathinginlowlinessandlovefromyourlips?Remember,itisaninalienable,unchangeablerelation.Never,inanyinstance,orunderanycircumstancethemostaggravated,doesGodforgetit.HeisasmuchourFatherwhenhechastises,aswhenheapproves;asmuchsowhenhefrowns,aswhenhesmiles;asmuchsowhenhebrimsthecupofadversity,aswhenhebidsusdrinkthecupofsalvation.Beholdthetouchingdisplayofitinhisgraciousrestorings:"Butwhenhewasyetagreatwayoff,hisfathersawhim,andhadcompassion,andran,andfellonhisneckandkissedhim."Inallhiswanderings,thatfather'slovehadneverlostsightofhiswaywardchild.Ittrackedhimalongallhiswindings,followedhimtotheveryswine-trough,hoveredaroundhimeventhen,andwaitedandwelcomedhisreturn.Wemaydoubt,anddebase,anddenyourdivinerelationship,yetGodwillneverdisownusashischildren,

nordisinheritusashisheirs.Wemayceasetoactasachild,hewillneverceasetoloveasaFather.Tohim,then,astoaFatheratalltimesrepair."HavefaithinGod."Confideinhishearttoloveyou;inhiscounseltoguideyou;andinhispowertosustainyou.Castfromyouthefettersthatenthrall,andpraytobeupheldbyhisfreeSpirit."WheretheSpiritoftheLordis,thereisliberty."

TheSpiritTestifyingtotheBeliever's

Adoption

"TheSpirithimselftestifieswithourspiritthatweareGod'schildren."Romans8:16

"ForhisHolySpiritspeakstousdeepinourheartsandtellsusthatweareGod'schildren."Romans8:16

HavingaffirmedtheDivinerelationshipofthebeliever,theApostlenowproceedstoadducethedivineevidenceofatruthsogreat.Heassumesthattheactualexistenceofthebeliever'ssonship,may,tohisownsoul,attimesbeamatterofpainfuluncertainty.ThisleadshimtounfoldtheagencyoftheSpiritinauthenticatingthefact,thusatonceneutralizinginthemindalldoubt,andallayingallfear."TheSpirithimselfbearingwitnesswithourspirit,thatwearethechildrenofGod."

Withregardtothefirstpoint;itisnotstrangethatthefactofhisadoptionshouldmeetwithmuchmisgivingintheChristian'smind,seeingthatitisatruthsospiritual,flowsfromasourcesoconcealed,andhasitsseatintheprofoundrecessesofthesoul.Theverystupendousnessoftherelationshipstaggersourbelief.Tobefullyassuredofourdivineadoptiondemandsotherthanthetestimonyeitherofourownfeelings,ortheopinionofmen.Ourfeelingssometimesexcitedandvisionary-maymislead;theopinionofothers-oftenfondandpartial-maydeceiveus.Thegrand,theDivine,andonlysafetestimonyis,"theSpirithimselfbearswitnesswithourspirit."ThereexistsastrongcombinationofeviltendingtoshaketheChristian'sconfidenceinthebeliefofhissonship.Sataniseveronthewatchtoinsinuatethedoubt.HetriedtheexperimentwithourLord."IfyouaretheSonofGod."InnoinstancewoulditappearthatheactuallydeniedthetruthofChrist'sdivinerelationship;theutmostthathistemeritypermittedwasthesuggestiontothemindofadoubt,leavingittheretoitsownworking.OurblessedLordthusassailed,itisnomarvelthathisdisciplesshouldbeexposedtoalikeassault.Theworld,too,presumestocallitinquestion."BeholdwhatmanneroflovetheFatherhasbestoweduponus,thatweshouldbecalledthesonsofGod:thereforetheworldknowsusnot,becauseitknewhimnot."IgnorantoftheDivineOriginal,howcanitrecognizethedivine

lineamentsinthefaintandimperfectcopy?Ithasnovocabularybywhichitcandecipherthe"newnamewrittenonthewhitestone."ThesonsofGodareinthemidstofacrookedandperversenation,illuminingitwiththeirlight,andpreservingitbytheirgrace,yetdisguisedfromitsknowledge,andhiddenfromitsview.Butthestrongestdoubtstouchingthevalidityofhisadoptionarethosegenderedinthebeliever'sownmind.Oh,thereismuchtheretogenerateandfosterthepainfulmisgiving.Wehavesaidthattheverygreatnessofthefavor,thestupendousnessoftherelationship,startlesthemind,andstaggersourfaith."What!tobeachildofGod!GodmyFather!CanIbethesubjectofachangesogreat,ofarelationshipsoexalted?WhoamI,OLordGod,andwhatismyhouse,thatyoushouldexaltmetobeaking'sson?Isthisthemannerofmen,OLordGod?"

And,then,therecrowduponthebeliever'smindthoughtsofhisownsinfulness,andunworthinessofsodistinguishedablessing."Canitbe?Withsuchdepravityofheart,suchcarnalityofmind,suchrebellionofwill,suchapropensitytoevileachmoment,andineverythingsuchbackslidingsandflaws,doesthereyetexistwithinmeanaturethatlinksmewiththeDivine?Itseemsimpossible!"AndwhentoallthisareaddedthevarieddispensationsofhisHeavenlyFather,oftenwearingaroughgarb,assumingasomberaspect,threatening,andcrushing;oh,itisnomarvelthat,staggeredbyadisciplinesosevere,thefactofGod'slovetohim,andofhiscloseandtenderrelationtoGod,shouldsometimesbeamatterofpainfuldoubt.Thatthusheshouldreason-"Ifhischild,reposinginhisheart,andsealeduponhisarm,whyisitthus?Wouldhenothavesparedmethisheavystroke?Wouldnotthiscupofsufferinghavepassedmylips?WouldhehaveaskedmetoslaymyIsaac,toresignmyBenjamin?Allthesethingsareagainstme."AndthusarethechildrenofGodconstantlytemptedtoquestionthefactoftheiradoption.

ButtheLordhasgraciouslyandamplyprovidedforthispainfulpartofChristianexperienceintheWitnessoftheSpirit.TheperfectcompetenceoftheSpiritisassumed.Whocanreasonablyquestionit?Isverityessentialtoawitness?Thenishemostcompetent,forheisthe"Spiritoftruth."EssentiallyDivine,histestimonyistobereceivedasofonewhosetruthfulnesscannotbeimpeached.Ifhewitnessestousthatweareborn

fromabove,andbelongtotheonefamily,thenwemaysafelycredithistestimony,andreceivethecomfortitimparts.Isitessentialthatheshouldknowthefactwhereofheaffirms?WhosocompetenttoauthenticatetheworkoftheSpiritintheheartastheSpirithimself?We,then,maysafelyconfideinthetruthfulandintelligenttestimonywhichtheSpiritofGodbearstoourbeingthesonsofGod.

AstothegreattruththuswitnessedtobytheSpirit,wearenottosupposethatthetestimonyisintendedtomakethefactitselfmoresure;butsimplytoconfirmourownmindsinthecomfortableassuranceofit.Ouractualadoptioncannotbemorecertainthanitis.ItissecuredtousbythepredestinatingloveofGod,andtheeverlastingcovenantofgrace;isconfirmedbyourunionwiththeLordJesus,andissealedbytheHolySpiritofpromise."HavingpredestinatedusuntotheadoptionofchildrenbyJesusChristtohimself,accordingtothegoodpleasureofhiswill."ButthetestimonywhichtheSpiritbearsisdesignedtomeetthephaseofChristianexperiencejustadvertedto-thepainfuluncertaintytothechildrenofGodthemselves,bywhichthistruthisoftenenshrouded.Itisnotforthebenefitofourfellow-creatures,stilllessforthesatisfactionofGodhimself,butfortheassuranceandcomfortofourownhearts,thattheSpiritbearswitnesswithourspiritsthatwearethechildrenofGod.Thetestimonyisfortheconfirmationofourownfaith,andtheconsolationofourownhearts.

Butthequestionarises,Whatisthemodeofhistestimony?Inattemptingtosupplyananswer,wemustacknowledgethatwehavenocertaindatatoguideus.Sufficientlight,however,beamsfromhisworkingeneral,toassistusinforminganintelligentandcorrectideaofhisoperations.How,then,maywesupposetheSpiritwitnesseswithourspirit?Notbyvisionsandvoices;notbyheatsandfancies;norbyanydirectinspiration,ornewrevelationoftruth.Fardifferentfromthisisthemodeofhistestimony.Wemaygatherfromthemeasureoflightvouchsafed,thathefirstimplantswithinthesoulthegermofspirituallife,whichbeneathhiscultureproducesthe"fruitsoflove,joy,peace,patience,gentleness,goodness,faith,meekness,temperance."Fromthesewearelefttodrawtherationaldeductionofouradoption.If,forexample,achildofGod,withalllowlinessofspirit,andaftermuchprayerfulinquiry,discover

that,moreorless,someoftheseeffectsoftheSpirit'soperationaredevelopedinhisexperience,thenitisnopresumptioninthatindividual,honestlyandhumblytoconcludethatheisachildofGod.ThisistheSpirit'switness,andhecannotgainsayitwithoutwilfulblindness,norrejectitwithoutpositivesin.Thebreathingoftherenewedheartafterholiness,suppliesanotherillustrationofthemodeoftheSpirit'stestimony.ThepantingafterDivineconformityistheSpirit'sinspiration.Where,therefore,itexists,thedeductionis,thattheindividualisachildofGod.Thus,bybegettinginustheDivinenature-byproducinginusspiritualfruits-andbybreathinginoursoulsadesireforholiness,theSpiritconductsustotherationalconclusionthatwearebornofGod.BysheddingabroadGod'sloveinthesoulbysprinklingtheconsciencewiththeatoningblood-byendearingtheSaviortoourheartsbyleadingusmoresimplytorestinhisfinishedwork,yes,torestinhimself-bycreatingandincreasinglovetothemembersoftheonefamily,andfellowshipwithwhateverisholy,andheavenly,anduseful,hethustestifiestoourdivinerelationship.

NorwouldwepassbytheharmonywhichsubsistsbetweentheBibleandtheexperienceofthesanctifiedheart,bywhichtheSpiritwitnessesthatwearebornofGod.Whatevermaybethemodeofhistestimony,itnevercontradictsthewordoftruth,butalwaysisinperfectagreementwith,andfullysustainsit.Asitisbythetruthhequickens,andthroughthetruthhesanctifies,sowiththetruthhewitnesses.Ifoursentiments,andfeelings,andactionsareinvariablyandunequivocallyopposedtoGod'srevealedword,wemayboastaswewillofourdivinerelationship,weyetareself-deceived,andare"illegitimatechildrenandnottruesons."IsthereinourlivesacorrespondenceofChristianexperienceandrevealedtruth?

"Icouldnot,withoutmakingmyowndoctrineoutstripmyownexperience,vouchforanyotherintimationoftheSpiritofGod,thanthatwhichhegivesintheactofmakingthewordofGodclearuntoyou,andthestateofyourownheartclearuntoyou.Fromtheoneyoudrawwhatareitspromises-fromtheotherwhatareyourownpersonalcharacteristics;andtheapplicationofthefirsttothesecondmayconducttoamostlegitimateargument,thatyoupersonallyareoneofthesaved-

andthatnotintardyorelaborateargumenteither,butwithanevidencequickandpowerfulasthelightofintuition.Byasingledepositionofconscience,forexample,ImayknowthatIdoindeedhungerandthirstafterrighteousness;andbyasingleglancewiththeeyeofmyunderstanding,ImayrecognizeaSavior'struth,andaSavior'stendernessinthepromisethatallwhodososhallbefilled;andwithouttheinterventionofanylengthenedprocessofreasoning,Imayconfidentlygivetothegeneralannouncementinthegospelsuchaspecificapplicationtomyself,astoconveymyowndistinctandassuredhopeofaparticularinteresttherein.ThusthereisnowhisperoftheSpiritdistinctfromthetestimonyoftheword.Thusthereisnoirradiation,butthatwherebythemindisenabledtolookreflexlyandwithrationaldiscernmentuponitself.Andhencethereisnoconclusion,butwhatcomesimmediatelyandirresistiblyoutofpromiseswhicharecleartome,whiletheyliehiddenindeepestobscurityfromothermen:andallthisyouwillobservewiththerapidityofthoughtbyaflightofstepssofew,astobegotoverinaninstantoftime-byatrainofconsiderationsstrictlylogical,whilethemindthatenjoysandisimpressedwithallthislightisnotsensibleofanylogic-andyetwithalbytheSpiritofGod,foritishewhohasbroughtthewordnear,andgivenitweightandsignificancytomyunderstanding,anditishewhohasmanifestedtomethethoughtsandintentsofmyownheart,andevincedsomepersonalcharacteristicwithinthatiscoincidentwiththepromisewithout,anditishewhosustainsmeintheworkofmakingafirmandconfidentapplication.Inallthisheuttersnovoice.ThewordofGodmadeplaintomyconvictions,andhisownworkuponmemadeplaintomyconscience-thesearethevocables,andIdoimaginetheonlyvocables,bywhichheexpresseshimself;butenoughtofurnishanyChristianwithareasonofthehopethatisinhim,andbetterthanarticulationitselftosolaceandtosatisfytheinquiringspiritofitsrelationshiptothefamilyofGod."(Chalmers).

NoristhecomfortwhichtheSpiritimpartstheleastevidenceofouradoption.Asourchasteningsaremarksofoursonship,equallysoareourconsolations.ThekindlyviewtheSpiritgivesofourFather'sdispensations-themeeksubmissionofthewill-thecordialacquiescenceoftheheart-andtheentiresurrenderofthesoultoGod,whichhecreates,suppliesuswithindisputablegroundfordrawingaconclusion

favorabletotherealityofourbeingthechildrenofGod.ThereisadepthofsympathyandadegreeoftendernessinGod'scomforts,whichcouldonlyflowfromtheheartofaFather-thatFather,Godhimself."Asafatherpitieshischildren,sotheLordpitiesthosewhofearhim."Sweettoknowthatthecorrectionandtheconsolation,thewoundingandthehealing,flowfromthesameheart-comefromthesamehand,andeachbearamessageoflove,andatokenofsonship.IstheGodofallcomfortsustaining,soothing,andquietingyouroppressed,chafed,andsorrowfulheart?Oh,itistheSpirit'switnesstoyouradoption.

Bendingtoyourgrief,andassociatinghimselfwitheverycircumstanceofyoursorrow,heseekstosealonyoursoftenedheartthedeeper,clearerimpressofyourfilialinterestinGod'slove.Andoh,ifthisoverwhelmingbereavement-ifthiscrushingstroke-ifthebitternessandgloomofthishourbetheoccasionoftheSpirit'sgentle,graciousliftingyoufromtheregionofdoubtanddistress,astoyoursonship,intotheserenesunlightofyourFather'slove,sothatyoushallquestion,anddoubt,anddenynomoreyouracceptanceintheBeloved,andyouradoptionintohisfamily,willyounotkisstherod,andlovethehand,andblesstheheartthathassmitten?Onewordinconclusion.Forgetnotthattheinwardsealofadoptionistestifiedbytheoutwardsealofsanctification,andthatiftheSpiritofChristisinyourheart,thefruitsoftheSpiritwillbeexhibitedinyourlife.Then,thusmeek,andgentle,andlowly,liketheSavior;separatedfromtheworld,thatyoulivenotandjoynot,astheworlddoes-inthesecretchamberofyoursoulyoushalloftenhearthevoiceofGod,saying,"IwillbeaFatheruntoyou,andyoushallbemysonsanddaughters,saystheLordAlmighty."

"TheChristian'sJointHeirship"

"Andifchildren,thenheirs;heirsofGod,andjoint-heirswithChrist;ifso

bethatwesufferwithhim,thatwemaybealsoglorifiedtogether."Romans8:17

"Nowifwearechildren,thenweareheirs--heirsofGodandco-heirswithChrist,ifindeedweshareinhissufferingsinorderthatwemayalsoshareinhisglory."Romans8:17

"Andsincewearehischildren,wewillsharehistreasures—foreverythingGodgivestohisSon,Christ,isours,too.Butifwearetosharehisglory,wemustalsosharehissuffering."Romans8:17

Itisanaturalandgracefultransitionthisfromaconsiderationofthebeliever'srelationshiptoGod,andthenatureoftheevidencewhichmakesitcertain,toaconsiderationofhisheirship,andthenatureoftheinheritancetowhichthatrelationshiplinkshim."Ifchildren,thenheirs."Thefirsttruththatdemandsourattentionisavastandcomprehensiveone-Godhimselftheinheritanceofhispeople.NotonlyaretheybegottenbyGodashischildren,andbyasovereignactofhismostfreemercy,havebecometheheirsofaninheritance-butsubjectively,theyaremadetheheirsofhimself."HeirsofGod."Notonlyareallthingsinthecovenanttheirs,buttheGodofthecovenantistheirs.Thisistheirgreatestmercy."Iamyourpartandyourinheritance,"arehiswordsaddressedtoallhisspiritualLevites.NotonlyaretheyputinpossessionofallthatGodhas-aboundlesswealth;buttheyareinpresentpossessionofallthatGodis-aninfinitePortion.Andwhatanimmensetruthisthis,"IwillbetheirGod,andtheyshallbemypeople!"Takeoutthistruthfromthecovenantofgrace,wereitpossible,andwhatremains?ItisthechiefwealthandthegreatgloryofthatcovenantthatGodisourGod.Thisitisthatgivessubstancetoitsblessings,andsecuritytoitsfoundation.SolongasfaithcanretainitsholdupontheGodofthecovenant,asourGod,itcanreposewithperfectsecurityinexpectationofthefullbestowmentofalltherest.Hereliesourvast,infinite,andincomputablewealth.Whatconstitutestheabjectpovertyofanungodlyman?HisbeingwithoutGodintheworld.Hisearthlypossessionsmaybeboundless;hemaylookoutfromthecrystalwindowsofhiscastellatedmansionuponafar-spreadingandmagnificentdomain,andexclaim,"Thisisallmyown"yetishepoor!andwhendeathrelaxeshisgrasp,andsummonshimtotheaccountofhisstewardship,hecloseshiseyesupon

allhisproudpossessions,andhisonlyportion,andthatforever,isthe"wormthatneverdies,andthefirethatisneverquenched."Beyou,myreader,richorpoor,highorlowinthisworld,withoutGod,youareundonetoalleternity!Itisbutoftrivialmomentwhetheryoudieinragsandlowliness,orgoinermineandpomptothetormentsofthelost-thosetormentswillbeyourchangelessinheritance,livinganddyingwithoutGod,andwithoutChrist,andwithouthope.ButcontrastthiswiththestateofthepoorestchildofGod.Theuniverseisnotonlyhis-"forallthingsareyours"-buttheGodoftheuniverseishis-"TheLordismyportion,saysmysoul,thereforewillIhopeinhim."WehaveadeathlessinterestineveryperfectionoftheDivinenature.IsitWisdom?Itcounselshim.IsitPower?Itshieldshim.IsitLove?Itsootheshim.IsitMercy?Itupholdshim.IsitTruth?Itcleavestohim."AsthemountainsareroundaboutJerusalem,sotheLordisroundabouthispeople,fromhenceforth,evenforevermore."Whatmorecanweaskthanthis?IfGodbeours,wepossessthesubstanceandthesecurityofeveryotherblessing.WhentheLordappearedtoAbraham,withwhattruthdidheseektowinhisconfidence,andaskhisobedience!"IamtheAlmightyGod."Andthenfollowstheprecept,"Walkbeforemeandbeperfect."AndthisisjustthetruthwithwhichGodwouldprefaceeveryblessing,andcomfortusinallourtribulation."Theyshallbemypeople,andIwillbetheirGod."HewouldbringustoanabsolutetrustinanabsoluteGod.Winningustoanentirerelinquishmentofallexpectationfromanyothersource,hewouldallureustohisfeetwiththelanguageoftheChurchbreathingfromourlips-"Beholdwecomeuntoyou,foryouaretheLordourGod.Trulyinvainissalvationhopedforfromthehills,andfromthemultitudeofmountains:trulyintheLordourGodisthesalvationofIsrael."Andagain,"Asshurshallnotsaveus,wewillnotrideuponhorses;neitherwillwesayanymoretotheworkofourhands,Youareourgods:forinyouthefatherlessfindsmercy."OnlyintheLordourGodisoursalvation-onlyinhimdoestheorphanfindthemercythatsoothes,provides,andencompasseshimasashield.Northefatherlessonly:ishenotequallythecovenantGodofthewidow?"Iammarrieduntoyou,"saysGod.Andagain,"YourMakerisyourhusband(theLordofhostsishisname)."Andyetagain,"Letyourwidowstrustinme."Thusdoeshebywordsthemostpersuasive,andbyimagerythemosttouching,seektoendearhimselftousasourPortion.ItisintheheartofourGodtogiveusthechiefandthe

best.Hadtherebeenagreater,andabetter,andasweeter,andamoresatisfyingportionthanhimself,thenthatportionhadbeenours.Butsincethereisnot,norcanbe,agreaterthanhe,thelove,theeverlasting,changelesslovethathebearstous,constrainshimtogivehimselfasourGod,ourPortion,ourAll.AndhavewenotexperiencedhimtobeGodall-sufficient?Haveweeverfoundalackinhim?Mayhenotjustlychallengeus,andask,"HaveIbeenawildernessuntoIsrael?alandofdarkness?"Ohno!Godisall-sufficient,andnoaridwilderness,andnodrearylandhaveweexperiencedhimtobe.Thereisinhimanall-sufficiencyoflovetocomfortus;anall-sufficiencyofstrengthtoupholdus;anall-sufficiencyofpowertoprotectus;anall-sufficiencyofgoodtosatisfyus;anall-sufficiencyofwisdomtoguideus;anall-sufficiencyofglorytorewardus;andanall-sufficiencyofblisstomakeushappyhere,andhappytoalleternity!"ThisGodisourGodforeverandever,andhewillbeourguideevenuntodeath.""Inyourpresencethereisfulnessofjoy,andatyourrighthandtherearepleasuresforevermore."Suchistheinheritancetowhich,aschildrenofGod,wearetheheirs.

"Joint-heirswithChrist."Thismustbeunderstoodinalimited,thoughstillinaveryenlargedsense.Initshighestmeaning-touchingtheEssentialDeityofourLord-heistheHeirofallthings.Allworldsandallsoulsarehis.Allthingswerecreatedby,andforhim.Heavenishisthrone,and

earthishisfootstool.Toparticipationinthisheirshipwecannotbeadmitted.NorcantherebeanyconjointurewithChristinthemeritthatpurchasedourredemption.Hereagainheisalone,nocreatureaidingthework,ordividingtheglory.But,mediatorially,inconsequenceoftheunionsubsistingbetweenChristandhispeople,theybecomeheirswithhiminalltheprivilegesandhopesappertainingto

hiskingdom.OuruniontotheLordJesusbringsusintothepossessionofvastanduntoldblessings.Onthebasisofhisatonementwebuildourclaim.Hemeritsall,andwepossessall.AlltheimmunitiesandgloriesofourpresentandeternalinheritanceflowtousthroughChrist."Inwhomalsowehaveobtainedaninheritance.""Ifason,thenanheir

ofGodthroughChrist."Wecannotlaytoogreatstressonthistruth.We

possessnothing-wereceivenothing-weexpectnothingbutthroughChrist.AllisgiventousinconsiderationofaRighteousnesswhichupholdsandhonorstheDivineGovernment.JesusisthemeritoriousRecipient,andwereceiveonlythroughhim."IfyoubeChrist's,thenareyouAbraham'sseed,andheirsaccordingtothepromise.""KnowingthatoftheLordyoushallreceivetherewardoftheinheritance."Andyetagain,alludingtoourrightto,andourpossessionof,ourinheritance,theApostletracesbothtotheatonementoftheSonofGod-"AndforthiscauseheistheMediatorofthenewtestament,thatbymeansofdeath,fortheredemptionofthetransgressionsthatwereunderthefirsttestament,theywhicharecalledmightreceivethepromiseofeternalinheritance."Thusitisalonethroughthe"fitness"impartedbyChrist,themerithesubstitutesinourbehalf,andtherighteousnessheimputestous,thatwebecome"partakersoftheinheritanceofthesaintsinlight."BlessedRedeemer!towhatdignityandhonor,towhatprivilegeandblessing,towhathopeandgloryourunionwithyouhasadvancedus!Wewerefallen,andyouhaveliftedusup;wewerepoor,andyouhaveenrichedus;wewerenaked,andyouhaveclothedus;wewerealiens,andyouhavemadeuschildren;wewerebankrupts,andyouhavemadeusheirs;welostallfromfatalunionwiththefirstAdam;wereceiveall,andinfinitelymore,byourgloriousunionwithyou,theSecondAdam.Ohforahearttoloveyou!Ohforgracetoglorifyyou!Beincreasinglyprecioustous,andmaywebeincreasinglydevotedtoyou!

Butobserveinwhatthisjoint-heirshipconsists-suffering,andglory.

"Ifsobethatwesufferwithhim."Itisfirstanheirshipofsuffering."Ifsobe,"or,asithasbeenrendered,"Seeingthatwesufferwithhim;"thusremovinganyseemingideaofsufferingbeingameritoriouscauseofglory.AsChrististheHead,andwethebody,thereisafellowshipofcondition,asympathyofsufferingoftheclosestcharacter.MostassuredlythereisasenseinwhichwecouldhavenoactualparticipationinthesufferingsofourLord-thesenseinwhichthosesufferingswereexpiatory.Butmystically,thechurchsufferedwiththeHead.Andhavingbeguninsuffering,sufferingmoreorless,tracksourcoursetoglory."Ifanymanwillcomeafterme,"saysChrist,"lethimdenyhimself,andtakeuphiscross,andfollowme.""Ifwebedeadwithhim,weshallalsolive

withhim:ifwesuffer,weshallalsoreignwithhim."Sufferingininseparablefromtruegodliness."AllthatwilllivegodlyinChristJesus,shallsufferpersecution."ThusourveryunionwithChristinvolvessufferingwithChrist.Wearejoint-heirswiththe"Manofsorrows."WeareunitedtoacrucifiedHead.WecannotassertanyvalidclaimtoaunionwithChrist,andpleadexemptionfromtrial.Ourfellowshipwithhiminhissufferingsisthesealofourheirshipwithhiminhisglory.DoyouseeaprofesseddiscipleoftheLordJesusexemptfromallsorrow-fromthatsorrow,wemean,peculiartothechastenedanddisciplinedsonsofGod?youseehimlackingoneofthestrongestandmostvalidevidencesofsonship."Forifyoubewithoutchastisement,whereofallarepartakers,thenareyouillegitimatechildrenandnottruesons."Sufferingisthebeatenpathtoheaven.ApublicavowalofadherencetoChrist-allegiancetohisauthority-fidelitytohistruth-separationfromtheworldasaprofesseddiscipleofJesus-willoftenentailsufferingofamosthumiliatingandpainfulcharacter.

Butletusnotoverlookthealleviations.Itisnot,asinthecaseofourLord,unmixedsuffering-sufferingbornealone.Whenhesorrowedinthegarden,hisdisciplesslept.WhenhewasaccusedatPilate'sbar,oneofthemdeniedhim.Whensuspendeduponthecross,allofthemforsookhim.Hewasaloneinsuffering.Butwhenwesuffer,itisasufferingwithChrist.Inallourafflictionheisafflicted.Hesufferswithus.Thereisanoutflowofthepurest,tenderesthumansympathy.Ourspiritisneveroppressed,ourheartisneversad,ourloveisneverwounded,ourprinciplesareneverassailed,ourpersonsareneverpersecuted,butChristiswithusintheclosestalliance."Saul,Saul,whydoyoupersecuteME?"Withsuchafellow-suffereratourside,whyshouldwefretandmurmurandrepine?"UntousitisgiveninthebehalfofChrist,notonlytobelieveonhim,butalsotosufferforhissake."Wemust,ifhistruedisciples,drinkofthecupthathedrankof,andbebaptizedwiththebaptismthathewasbaptizedwith;for"Christalsosufferedforus,leavingusanexamplethatweshouldfollowhissteps."Oh,sweetwords!"Ifsobethatwesufferwithhim."Notashesuffered.Oh,no!thereisnocurse,nowrath,nohellinthecupofsorrowwhichwedrink.Alltheseingredientscomposedhisbitterdraught.Yethesufferswithus,andpermitsourafflictionstobecalledthe"afflictionsof

Christ."Heiswithyouonthatbedofsickness;heiswithyouonthatcouchoflanguishing;heiswithyouinthatdarkenedroom;hekneelswithyouatthatcoffin;andheweepswithyoubythesideofthatsepulcher.Oh,mayitnotreconcileustoallthesufferingwehaveeverendured,ormayyetbecalledtoendure,tofeeltheperfectoneness,thepresence,thesympathy,thesuccouringsofsuchaSavior?Whowouldwishtoshuntheobloquyofhiscross,thescornofhisname,thelowlinessofhiskingdom,theself-denialofhisreligion,alliedinthetenderestsympathyateverystepwiththisillustriousMartyr-thisPrinceofsufferers-thisBrotherbornforadversity?Blessedschoolofheavenlytraining!Bythisafflictiveprocess,oh,ofwhatprofounderteaching,whatdeeperpurificationhavewebecomethefavoredsubjects!Itisgoodforustohavebeenafflicted.Nowhavewe,likeourLord,learnedobediencebythethingswhichwehavesuffered;andlikehim,too,arebeingmadeperfectthroughsuffering.Thehearthasbeenemptiedofitsself-confidence-theshrinehasbeendespoiledofitsidol-theaffectionsthathadbeenseducedfromGod,havereturnedtotheirrest-thetiesthatboundustothevanitiesofaworld,perishinginitsveryusing,havebecomeloosened-theengagementsthatabsorbedoursympathies,andsecularizedourminds,havelosttheirfascinationandtheirpower-thebeguilingandtreacherousenjoymentsthatwovetheirspellaroundus,havegrowntastelessandinsipid-andthus,byalltheseblessedandhallowedresultsofourtrial,theimageoftheearthyhasbecomemoreentirelyeffaced,andtheimageoftheheavenlymoredeeplyengraven,andmoredistinctlylegible.

"Thatwemaybeglorifiedtogether."Assufferingprecedesglory,sogloryassuredlyfollowssuffering.ThuswasitwithourLord."OughtnotChristtohavesufferedthesethings,andtoenterintohisglory?"TheApostlespeaksofhimselfasa"witnessofthesufferingsofChrist,andalsoapartakeroftheglorythatshallberevealed."OurLordisinglory.Theheadthatoncebowedindeath,paleandbleeding,isnowraisedinlife,encircledwithaglorybrighterthantenthousandsuns.Thehumanitythatwasdespisedfromthelowlinessofitsbirth,thatwasmocked,andscourged,andspitupon,andslain,isnow,fromitsindissolubleunionwiththeDeity,exaltedfaraboveprincipalitiesandpowers,glorifiedwiththegloryhehadwiththeFatherbeforetheworldwas.Havingpurgedour

sins,heissetdownontherighthandoftheMajestyonhigh.TothatglorywhichbelongstohimastheMediatoroftheChurch,eachsufferingconfessorofChristshallbeexalted-thebodywiththeHead,andeachpartofthatbodywiththewhole.Ajoint-heirshipofsuffering,itisnowajoint-heirshipofglory:"WeshallbeglorifiedtogetherwithChrist."Stilltheonenessismanifest,andneversoclearlyseenasnow.Glorybathesitinitslight,andeternityimpressesitwithitsseal.Itisanundimmedandchangelessglory.AndChristacknowledgestheirrighttothisonenessinglory.Astheywerenotashamedofhimamongmen,heisnotnowashamedofthemamongangels.Astheylinkedthemselvestohiscross,hebindsthemtohisthrone.Astheyconfessedhimbeforetheworld,henowconfessesthembeforehisFather."Glorifiedtogether."Wondrouswords!Elevatedtohisside-leaninguponhisbosom-gazingonhisbeauty-listeningtohisvoice-enteringintohisjoy-athome,andforeverwiththeLord.Nowisansweredinitsfulness,theprayermingledwithtears,andbreathedfromthesceneofhissufferingbelow-"Father,Iwillthattheyalsowhomyouhavegivenme,bewithmewhereIam;thattheymaybeholdmyglory."Welcomethesuffering,succeededbysuchglory.Welcomethecross,followedbysuchacrown.

Letuslearntoregardourpresenttutorageaspreparatorytoourfutureinheritance."Theheiraslongasheisachild,differsnothingfromaservant,thoughhebeLordofall;butisundertutorsandgovernorsuntilthetimeappointedofthefather."Thusisitwithus.Butsoonweshallattainouradulthoodandcomeintopossessionofourestate.Beforelongweshallbedonewithgovernorsandtutors,andneednomorethelessonsoftheschool,andthedisciplineofsuffering.Oh,letusliveinitsnearanticipation.

TothepoorofChrist'sflockhowanimatingtheprospect!"HasnotGodchosenthepoorofthisworld,toberichinfaith,andheirsofthekingdomwhichhehaspromisedtothosewholovehim?"Whatthoughstraitenedresources,whatthoughpinchingpoverty,whatthoughabsoluteneediness,beyourpresentallotment,liftupyourheadswithjoy,foryouhaveajoint-heirshipwithChristinakingdomwhichyourHeavenlyFatherwillgive.Confideinitssecurity.ItismadesuretoyoubyDivineoath-"WhereinGodwillingmoreabundantlytoshowuntotheheirsof

promisetheimmutabilityofhiscounsel,confirmeditbyanoath."Thusinalienablyisitsecured.Death,whichrobstheearthlyheirofhisinheritance,putsyouinpossessionofyours.Yourestatecomesnottoyourobedinmourning,foryourFatherneverdies.Nosuccessionawaitsyou,foryourinheritanceisyoursforever."BlessedbetheGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist,whoaccordingtohisabundantmercyhasbegottenusagainuntoalivelyhope,bytheresurrectionofJesusChristfromthedead,toaninheritanceincorruptible,andundefiled,andthatfadesnotaway,reservedinheavenforyou,whoarekeptbythepowerofGodthroughfaithuntosalvation,readytoberevealedinthelasttime."

"PresentSufferingWeighedwithFutureGlory"

"ForIreckonthatthesufferingsofthispresenttimearenotworthytobecomparedwiththeglorywhichshallberevealedinus."Romans8:18

"Iconsiderthatourpresentsufferingsarenotworthcomparingwiththeglorythatwillberevealedinus."Romans8:18

"Yetwhatwesuffernowisnothingcomparedtothegloryhewillgiveuslater."Romans8:18

Howforciblearethewords,andhowpowerfulistheinfluence,ofanexperiencedmanofGod!Inlisteningtohistestimony,wefeelthedeepconvictionthathebelievesandthereforespeaks;thathetestifies,notfromwhatothershavedescribed,butfromwhathehashimselffelt.SuchisthetestimonyofPaul.Who,ofmeremen,couldsowellexpatiateuponsuffering-itsvariedforms,itsappropriatesoothings,anditshallowedresults,ashe?"Iwillshowhimhowgreatthingsheshallsufferformyname'ssake,"werethewordsoftheSaviorashepredictedhisfuturehistory,datingitfromhismiraculousconversion,tohisgloriousmartyrdom.HavingaffirmedoftheChristian'ssufferings-thattheywereenduredinalliancewiththeSavior,andwouldbesucceededbyagloryagaintobesharedwithhim,theApostleproceedstocontrastthosesufferingswiththatglory,andconcludesbysummingupthevastdisproportionoftheonetotheother-"Ireckonthatthesufferingsofthispresenttimearenotworthytobecomparedwiththeglorywhichshallberevealedinus."

Dismissinganyfurtherminutereferencetothesufferingsofthebeliever,hecontentshimself,inthepresentinstance,withsimplyalludingtotheirtemporaryexistence.Hecharacterizesthemasthe"sufferingsofthispresenttime."Thatthesufferingsofthebelieverareboundedbythelimitsofthepresentstate,isatruthrepletewithsoothingtotheChristianmind.Earthisthe"houseofourpilgrimage."Thepresentlifeisthe"timeofoursojourning.""Herewehavenocontinuingcity."Alas!howwe

forgetthatwearebutstrangersandpilgrimsontheearth;thatwearejourneyingtoourhome,andwillsoonbethere!Andyetwewouldnotpenasentencetendingtolessenthedignityandimportanceofourpresentexistence,orcalculatedtoengenderaspiritofdissatisfactionanddistrustwithourpresentallotment.Thereismuchfolly,no,muchinfidelityinaremarkcommontomany-"Itwillbeallthesameahundredyearshence."Notso.Therelationofthepresenttothefutureiscausal;itisarelationoftheclosestcharacter,andofthemostsolemnresults.Timeistheinfantofeternity.Itisitscommencement;andis,inasense,itsmostmomentouspart.Shadedwithgrief,linkedwithsuffering,andtransientinitsstay,yetallthefuturereceivesitscomplexionanditscharacterfromthepresent.Thelifethatnowis,castsitslightoritsshadeuponthelifethatistocome.Eternitywillbebrightorgloomy,joyousorsad,happyormiserable,astimeshallimparttoititscomplexionanditsshape.Eachindividualofthehumanraceistrainingforthefuture;andasamansowssoshallhereap.Willyou,then,myreader,inviewofthisstatementoftruth,persistinbelievingthat,regardinganygivenactofyourlife,whenthatlifeshallhavepassedaway,withitwillhavepassedalltheaccountability,andallthetracesofthatact;andthatacenturyhenceitwillbeasthoughithadnotbeen?Awaywiththefatalfallacy!Ifitbetrue,asphilosophersassert,thatsoundsonceawakened,vibratethrougheternity,whatshallbesaidofthemoralactionsofarational,responsible,andaccountablebeing,butthattheyformlinksinaninterminablechain,eachquiveringwithindescribableagony,orthrillingwithunspeakablepleasurethroughanendlessexistence!

AndstillthesufferingsofthechildrenofGodarebutthesufferingsofthepresenttime.ThatworldwhereSatan'sseatis,andovershadowedbyhisgloomyreign,mustbeaworldofsuffering."Satan,wherehaveyoucomefrom?"wastheinquiryofGod."ThenSatanansweredtheLordandsaid,Fromgoingtoandfrointheearth,andfromwalkingupanddowninit."Theworldwherenotaspotisfoundunscathedbythecursemustbeaworldofsuffering.Theworldwheresinholdsitsuniversalempire,taintingeveryobject,andbecloudingeveryscene,mustbeaworldofsuffering.Theworldwherethespiritiswounded,andtheheartisbroken,andreasonisdethroned,andhopelanguishes,andtheeyeweeps,andthenervetrembles,andsicknesswastes,anddeathreigns,mustneedsbea

worldofsuffering.FromnoneoftheseformsofwoedoesChristianityexemptitsbelievers.Butwiththistruth,ontheotherhand,itsoothesandreconciles-theyarethesufferingsofthepresenttime.Theyarebutmomentary,willsoonbeover-andforever.Weliveinadyingworld-aworldthatispassingaway.Timeisshort-iseveronthewing-andweareeveronthewingoftime,borneeachmomentbyitssweepingpinionnearerandstillnearerourFather'shouse;ofwhoseoccupantsitissaid,"Godshallwipeawayalltearsfromtheireyes;andthereshallbenomoredeath,neithersorrow,norcrying,neither,shalltherebeanymorepain:fortheformerthingsarepassedaway."Oh,howgentleistheadmonition-"Arise,anddepart,forthisisnotyourrest,itispolluted."

Thencomestheglory-"Theglorywhichshallberevealedinus."Whatwordcouldmoreappropriatelyexpressthefutureconditionofthesaints?Theworldclaimsthetitle,buthasnoclaimtothereality.Whatisthegloryofscience-oflearning-ofrank-ofwealth,butatinseledpageant,ameteorblazingforamoment,andthendisappearingineternalnight?ButtheglorythatawaitsthesufferingChristian,isareal,asubstantialglory.Atpresentitisveiled.Theworldseesitnot;thebelieveronlybeholdsitthroughfaith'stelescope.Butthedayofitsfull,uncloudedrevelationawaitsus.Itdrawsnear.Itwillbeagloryrevealedinus.Thistruthmaybestartlingtosome."What!"theyexclaim,"aglorytoberevealedinme?Inme,whocanscarcelyreflectasolitaryrayoflight!Inme,sodark,sosinful,livingatsoremoteadistancefromcommunionwiththeFatheroflights?Canitbethatinmethisglorywillberevealed?"Yes!SoaffirmsthewordofourGod.Ifachildofthelight,dwellingitmaybe,intheworld'sshade,andoftencalledtowalkingreatdarkness,youshallonedayoutshinethebrightnessofthefirmament,andthestarsforeverandever.

Butinwhatrespectswillitbeagloryrevealedinus?Itwillbethegloryofperfectknowledge."Nowweseethroughaglassdarkly,butthenfacetoface;nowIknowinpart;butthenshallIknowevenasalsoIamknown."Oh,whatanorbofintellectuallightwillbeeachglorifiedmind!Whatcapacityofunderstandingwillitdevelop-whatrangeofthoughtwillitcompass-whatperfectionofknowledgewillitattain!Howwillallmysteriesthenbeunraveled,andallproblemsthenbesolved,andall

discrepanciesthenbereconciled;andeverytruthofGod'srevelation,andeveryeventofGod'sprovidence,andeverydecisionofGod'sgovernment,standoutmoretransparentandresplendentthantenthousandsuns!Doyou,inyourpresentsearchforspiritualknowledge,deplorethedarknessofyourmind,thefeeblenessofyourmemory-theenergyofyourmentalfacultiesimpaired,dimmed,andexhausted?Oh,rejoiceinhopeoftheglorythatistoberevealedinyou,whenallyourintellectualpowerswillberenewedastheeagle'sstrength;developed,sanctified,andperfected,toadegreeoutvyingthemightiestangelinheaven.ThenshallweknowGod,andChrist,andtruth,andprovidence,andourselves,evenasnowweareknown.

Itwillalsobeagloryinusofperfectholiness.Thekingdomwithinuswillthenbecomplete.Thegoodworkofgracewillthenbeperfected.Itwillbetheconsummationofholiness,theperfectionofpurity.Nomoresin!Theconsciencenomoresullied-thethoughtsnomoredefiled-theaffectionsnomoreensnared-butagloryofholiness,dazzlingandresplendent,beyondanangel's,revealedinus."Itdoesnotyetappearwhatweshallbe:butweknowthatwhenheshallappear,weshallbelikehim."

Thegloryofperfecthappinesswillbethecertaineffectofperfectsanctity.ThecompletenessofChrististhecompletenessofmoralpurity.Withreverencebeitspoken,"Godhimselfcouldnotbeaperfectlyhappy,werehenotaperfectlyholyBeing."Theradianceoftheglorifiedcountenanceofthesaintswillbethereflectionofholythoughtsandholyfeelingsglowingwithin.Joy,andpeace,andfullsatifactionwillbeamineveryfeature,becauseeveryfaculty,andfeeling,andemotionofthesoulwillbeinperfectunisonwiththewill,andinperfectassimilationtotheimageofGod.Whocanpaintthehappinessofthatworldfromwhereeverythingisbanishedthatcouldsullyitspurity,disturbitsharmony,andruffleitsrepose?Whereeverythingisincludedthatcomportswithitssanctity,harmonizeswithitsgrandeur,andheightensitsbliss.Oh,yes!itwillbeagloryrevealedinus.ThegloryoftheFather'sadoption-thegloryofChrist'satonement-thegloryoftheSpirit'sregeneration,radiatingfromapoor,fallensonofAdam-asinnerredeemed,renewed,andsaved!Andwhatiseachpresentrayofheavenlylight-andeachthrillofDivinelove-andeachvictoryofindwellinggrace-andeachglimpseoftheupper

world,buttheforeshadowingsofthegloryyettoberevealedinus?

Sufferingandglorythusplacedsidebyside,thuscontrastedandweighed,towhatconclusiondoesourApostlearrive?"Ireckonthatthesufferingsofthispresenttimearenotworthytobecomparedwiththeglorywhichshallberevealedinus."No,notworthyofacomparison!Dowemeasuretheirrelativeduration?Then,"ourlightafflictionisbutforamoment,"whileourgloryisa"farmoreexceedingandeternalweight."Beforelongallsufferingandsorrowwillforeverhavepassedaway-athingofhistoryandofmemoryonly-whileglorywilldeepenandexpandaseternityrollsonitsendlessages.Dowecomparethem?Whatcomparisonhastheweightofthecross,withtheweightofthecrown?Placeinthescalesthepresent"lightaffliction,"andthefuture"exceedingandeternalweightofglory,"whichisthelightest?aretheyworthytobecompared?Oh,no!Onesecondofglorywillextinguishalifetimeofsuffering.Whatwerelongyearsoftoil,ofsickness,ofbattlewithpoverty,andpersecution,andsorrowineveryform,andclosingevenwithamartyr'sdeath,comparedwithonedraughtoftheriverofpleasureatChrist'srighthand-withonebreathofParadise-withonewaveofheaven'sglory-withoneembraceofJesus,withonesightofGod?

Oh,whatarethepangsofpresentseparation,incomparisonwiththejoyoffuturereunion?Whatthepinchingsofpovertynow,withtheuntoldrichesthen?Whatthesuffering,andgloom,andcontemptofthepresenttime,withtheglorythatistoberevealedinus?Wecangonofurther.Tellus,youspiritsofjustmenmadeperfect,ifitbelawful,ifitbepossible-whattheglorythatawaitsusis!Telluswhatitistobeanunclothedspirit-todwellinthebosomofJesustoseeGod-tobeperfectlyholy-tobesupremelyhappy!Wait,mysoul!beforelongitwillbeallrevealed!

"TheEarnestExpectationoftheRenewedCreature"

"FortheearnestexpectationofthecreaturewaitethforthemanifestationofthesonsofGod.Forthecreaturewasmadesubjecttovanity,notwillingly,butbyreasonofhimwhohathsubjectedthesameinhope,BecausethecreatureitselfalsoshallbedeliveredfromthebondageofcorruptionintothegloriouslibertyofthechildrenofGod."Romans8:19-21

"ThecreationwaitsineagerexpectationforthesonsofGodtoberevealed.Forthecreationwassubjectedtofrustration,notbyitsownchoice,butbythewilloftheonewhosubjectedit,inhopethatthecreationitselfwillbeliberatedfromitsbondagetodecayandbroughtintothegloriousfreedomofthechildrenofGod."Romans8:19-21

"ForallcreationiswaitingeagerlyforthatfuturedaywhenGodwillrevealwhohischildrenreallyare.Againstitswill,everythingonearthwassubjectedtoGod'scurse.AllcreationanticipatesthedaywhenitwilljoinGod'schildreningloriousfreedomfromdeathanddecay."Romans8:19-21

Wehavenowarrivedatwhathasbeenregardedas,perhaps,themostremarkableanddifficultpassagesinthischapter.Itwouldanswernopurpose,buttoperplexthereader'smind,werewetoquotethevarious,conflicting,andoftenextremelyfancifulinterpretationswhichtheyhavereceivedfromcriticsofequallearningandpiety.Rejectingatoncetheinterpretationsoftheterm"creature"whichrestrictittotheGentilenationsinoppositiontotheJews-tounconvertedmenindistinctionfromthesonsofGod-tomankindingeneral-andlastly,totheirrationalcreation,weatonceproposefortheacceptanceofthereader,asbeingtoourownmindthemostfairandcorrectmeaningoftheterm,thatinterpretationwhichpredicatesitoftherenewedcreature-theChristianinhisregeneratestate.Aslightexaminationoftheconnectioninwhich

thepassagesstandwill,wethink,justifyandsustainthisview.WhatappearstobethescopeanddesignoftheApostleintheversesimmediatelyprecedingthoseunderconsideration?HehadbeenaddressinghimselftosufferingbelieversinChrist.HisaimwastofortifytheirmindsundertrialbyarrayingbeforethemthestrongconsolationsoftheGospel,andbyunveilingtotheirviewtheanimatingprospectofacertainandgloriousdeliverance-the"manifestationofthesonsofGod."Towhomcouldallthiscorrectlyandappropriatelyapply,buttotherenewedcreature?Letitbeconsidered,too,whatthenatureofthisprospectis,forwhichthe"creature"isrepresentedas"waiting"inthepostureof"earnestexpectation."Isitnotmostspiritual,holy,andglorious?Doesitnotseemaloweringofthedignity,andashadingofthelusterofthatprospect,torepresenteithertheanimalcreation,ortheunregeneratemassofmankind,aswaitingwithoutstretchedneck,andpantingdesire,andearnestexpectation,theperiodofitsarrival?Ofwhomcanallthisbereasonablypredicatedbutoftherenewedcreature?Andthusisthebelieverfrequentlycalled."IfanymanbeinChrist,heisanewcreature.""InChristJesusneithercircumcisionavailsanything,noruncircumcision,butanewcreature."Itis,then,ofthenewman,"createdinChristJesus,"thatwe,withouthesitation,interprettheterm"creature,"asemployedintheseremarkableverses.Readthepassagesoncemorewiththisrendering;andwethinkthatboththeirmeaningandtheirbeautywillbeinstantlyapparent.Havingthusexplainedthesenseinwhichweproposetousetheterm,letusnowproceedtoopenthetext.

Thepresentstateoftherenewedcreatureisdescribedasoneofhumiliation."Thecreaturewasmadesubjecttovanity."Thevanityherereferredtoisopposedtothestateofgloryinanticipation,andthereforeexpressestheconditionofcorruptionandtrialinthemidstofwhichtherenewedcreaturedwells,andtotheassaultsofwhichitisincessantlyexposed.TheworldthroughwhichtheChristianispassingtohisrestmaybeemphaticallycalledastateofvanity.HowperpetuallyandforciblyareweremindedoftheKingofIsrael'sexclamation,"Vanityofvanities,allisvanityandvexationofspirit.""Surelyeverymanwalksinavainshow."Hisorigin,theearth;hisbirth,degenerate;hisrank,abauble;hiswealth,butglitteringdust;hispomp,anemptypageant;hisbeauty,afadingflower;hispursuits,aninfant'splay;hishonors,vexationsofspirit;his

joys,fleetingasacloud;hislife,transientasavapor;hisfinalhome,agrave."Surelymaninhisbestestateisaltogethervanity."Andwhatishisreligionbutvanity?Hisnativeholiness,avainconceit;hisnaturallight,Egyptiandarkness;hishumanwisdom,egregiousfolly;hisreligionsforms,andrites,andduties,"avainshowintheflesh;"his

mostgorgeousrighteousness,"filthyrags."IntheimpressivelanguageofScripture,ofhimitmaybe

said,"Thatman'sreligionisvain."Lord!whatismanthatyouaremindfulofhim,orthesonofmanthatyouregardhim?Truly,"vanity"isinscribedinlegiblecharactersoneachcreatedgood.How,then,cantherenewedcreatureescapeitsinfluence?Heis"subjecttovanity."Dazzledbyitsglare,captivatedbyitsfascinations,ensnaredbyitspromises,heisoftenthevictimofitspower.Butitisnotavoluntarysubjectiononthepartoftherenewedcreature."Forthecreaturewasmadesubjecttovanity,notwillingly."Itisnotwithhimaconditionofchoice.Helovesitnot,heprefersitnot,hegloriesnotinit.Fromithewouldsincerelybefreed

beyondithewouldgladlysoar."Forwewhoareinthistabernacledogroan,beingburdened:notforthatwewouldbeunclothed,butclothedupon,thatmortalitymightbeswallowedupoflife."Hisprayeris,"Turnawaymyeyesfrombeholdingvanity;andquickenyoumeinyourway."Hepantsforaholierandahappierstate-astatemorecongenialwithhisrenewednature.LiketheIsraelitesundertheEgyptianbondage,heisamostunwillingservant,groaningbeneathhisgallingyoke,and"sighingforthegloriouslibertyofthechildrenofGod."Ah,yes!Godhasgivenyouanotherwill,Orenewedcreature!andyourpresentsubjectiontothispoor,vainworld,isaninvoluntarysubjectionofthedivinenaturewithinyou.WhyGodshouldhavesubjectedtherenewedcreaturetovanitydoesnotappear;wewellknowthathecouldhavetransferredustoheaventhemomentthatherenewedusonearth.Butmaywenotinferthatinsendinghispeopleintotheworld,afterhehadcalledthembyhisgrace,and,inasense,takenthemoutofit,thatinsubjectingthemforsomanyyearstothisstateofvanity,hehasbestconsultedhisowngloryandtheirgood?Theschooloftheirheavenlyteaching,thesceneoftheirearthlytoil,andthetheateroftheirspiritualconflict,theyarekeptinthisworld

foraseason;"madesubjecttovanity,notwillingly,butbyreasonofhimwhohassubjectedthesameinhope."HearkentothewordsoftheirgreatIntercessor,whenbreathingforthhisprayerforthemonearth-"Theseareintheworld,andIcometoyou.Ipraynotthatyoushouldtakethemoutoftheworld,butthatyoushouldkeepthemfromtheevil.Asyouhavesentmeintotheworld,evensohaveIalsosentthemintotheworld."Notintothesolitudeofthedesert-notintothecalm,butselfishreposeofthedomesticcircle-notintothehallowedbutrestrictedfellowshipofthechurch-butintotheworld-encirclingthem,foraseason,byitsvanity,andsubjectingthemtoitstrials.Andwhatistheirmission?Thattheyshouldlovetheworld?harmonizewiththeworld?fraternizewiththeworld?Oh,no!Notforthisweretheysentintoit.AnobjectmoreworthyofHiswisdomwhosends,andmoreinharmonywiththeirhighcallingwhoaresent,isbeforethem.Theyaresentintotheworldthattheirlivesshouldbeaconstant,uncompromising,andsolemnprotestagainstitsvanitiesanditssins.MarkagainthewordsofChrist-"Asyouhassentmeintotheworld,evensohaveIalsosentthemintotheworld."Christwascommissionedtotestifyoftheworldthattheworksthereofwereevil.Hecametolaborfortheworld-toblesstheworld-tohonorhisFatherintheworld.And,oh,itwasthegloryofthisworldthattheSonofGodwassentintoit-thathemadeitforawhiletheplaceofhistemporaryabode,andthesceneofhisstupendousredemption.Itwasthegloryoftheearththathetroduponitsturf.Itwasthegloryoftheoceanthathesaileduponitsbosom.Itwasthegloryofthesunthatitbeameduponhishead.Itwasthegloryoftheairthatitfannedhisbrow.Itwasthegloryofthewatersthattheyquenchedhisthirst.Itwasthegloryoftheflowersthattheyperfumedhispath.Itwasthegloryoftheskythatitspreadabovehimitsbluecanopy.Whatplanethasbeensohonoredasthis?Whatworldsovisited,sodistinguished,soblest?SuchistheChristian'spattern.WhyhasChristplacedyouinthepositionyounowoccupy?Whyareyoubegirtwithsomuchfolly,andtrial,anddanger?Youareconvertedinthemidstoftheworld-yourfamilyisintheworld-yourassociatesareintheworld-yourcallingisintheworld.Whyisitso?EventhatlikeyourLordandMasteryoumightbyyourunworldly,unearthly,heavenlylifetestifyoftheworldthattheworksthereofareevil,andonlyevil,andevilcontinually.

Onemorephrasecompletesthispictureofourpresenthumiliation:"Thebondageofcorruption."ThereisnothinginthesewordsthatdisprovesadeclarationofthesameApostleinanotherplace,"Sinshallnothavedominionoveryou."Andyetitmustbeadmittedofthebelieverthatheisunderthe"bondageofcorruption."WhoofthefamilyofGodisexempt?Imprisonedandfetteredbytheinherentcorruptionofhisfallennature,therenewedcreatureexclaimswiththeApostle,"IdonotunderstandwhatIdo.ForwhatIwanttodoIdonotdo,butwhatIhateIdo.AndifIdowhatIdonotwanttodo,Iagreethatthelawisgood.Asitis,itisnolongerImyselfwhodoit,butitissinlivinginme.Iknowthatnothinggoodlivesinme,thatis,inmysinfulnature.ForIhavethedesiretodowhatisgood,butIcannotcarryitout.ForwhatIdoisnotthegoodIwanttodo;no,theevilIdonotwanttodo--thisIkeepondoing.NowifIdowhatIdonotwanttodo,itisnolongerIwhodoit,butitissinlivinginmethatdoesit.SoIfindthislawatwork:WhenIwanttodogood,evilisrighttherewithme.ForinmyinnerbeingIdelightinGod'slaw;butIseeanotherlawatworkinthemembersofmybody,wagingwaragainstthelawofmymindandmakingmeaprisonerofthelawofsinatworkwithinmymembers.WhatawretchedmanIam!Whowillrescuemefromthisbodyofdeath?"Romans7:15-24.Itisthebondageofcorruption,andyetthebondageofthosewhomChristhasmadefree,andtowhomthereis"nownocondemnation."

Butpainfulandhumiliatingasisthepresentconditionoftherenewedcreature,itisyetoneofearnestexpectationandofhope:"Whohassubjectedthesameinhope."Fromthisstateofvanity,andbondageofcorruption,thebelieverisexpectingandhopingtobedelivered.Hisgestureismostexpressive-itisthatofearnestexpectation.Andare

wenotintruthearnestexpectants?Wouldwelivealwayshere?Couldwebecontentthatthisstateofvanityshouldbeourconditionforever?Ah,no!weexpectabetterandaholierstatethanthis.Withoutstretchedneckwearelookingforthesunnycoasttowardswhichwearevoyaging.Withearnestexpectationwearewatchingforthesignsofhisapproach,whowillrestoreallthings:"Lookingforthatblessedhope,andthegloriousappearingofthegreatGod,andourSaviorJesusChrist."Hope,too,risesliketheday-springfromonhighinoursouls.Ifweareinthebondageof

corruption,weyetare"prisonersofhope."Notalwaysshallwebethusfettered.Notforevershallwelookoutfromthebarsofourprison,andexclaim,"Whyarehischariotwheelssolongincoming?"Oh,no!hope,buildingupontheatoningworkofChrist-hope,springingfromhisopengrave-hope,beamingdownfromthethroneinheaven,withinwhoseveilasananchoritiscast-"hopethatmakesnotashamed"shedsitslusteruponallthefuture,clothingitslandscapewithverdure,andsilveringitwithbeauty.Prisonerofhope!liftupyourheadandrejoice,foryourredemptiondrawsnear."Whereforegirduptheloinsofyourmind,besober,andhopetotheendforthegracethatistobebroughtuntoyouattherevelationofJesusChrist."

Thegreatconsummationtowardwhichthisexpectationandhopetendsisthe"manifestationofthesonsofGod."ThesonsofGodareatpresentincognito.Unknowntotheworld,oftenveiled,inagreatdegree,tothebrotherhood,andsometimesignorantoftheirowndivinerelation,theChurchofGodisanythingbutavisiblebody.Butitwillnotbealwaysso.Thereisfasthasteningadayofperfectmanifestation.ThesonsofGodshallbeknown.Theirrelationshipwillbemanifest-theirprincipleswillbemanifest-theirglorywillbemanifestbeforetheuniverse.Emergingfromtheobscurityofthewildernessintowhichshehadbeendriven,throwingoffthesackclothinwhichshehadsolongprophesied,theChurchofGod,theadoptionoftheFather,willstandforthbeforeanastonishedandadmiringworldclothedinallthegloriesofthemanifestedsonsofGod.Morethanthis-theywillbemanifestedtothemselves.Self-disguisewillnolongerpromptthetremblinginquiry,"AmIachildofGod?"Thatquestionwillnowbeansweredbyatestimonytothefact,clearandconvincingasthenoontidelight,beforewhosebrightnesseverygloomydoubtandslavishfearwillvanishasthemorninggrey,withalltheobjectsloominginitsmist,vanishbeforetheuprisingsun.Forthistherenewedcreatureisinthepostureofearnestexpectation."WethroughtheSpiritwaitforthehopeofrighteousnessbyfaith."

Connectedwiththisblessedconditionthereisyetanothernotlessso:"BecausethecreatureitselfalsoshallbedeliveredfromthebondageofcorruptionintothegloriouslibertyofthechildrenofGod."Theyarealreadyinpossessionofalibertymostcostlyandprecious.Isitnotrue

libertytostandbeforeGodacceptedintheBeloved?Isitnolibertytodrawneartohimwithalltheconfidenceofachildreposingintheboundlessaffectionofalovingfather?IsitnolibertytotraveldaybydaytoJesus,alwaysfindinghimanopendoorofsympathythemostexquisite,oflovethemosttender,andofgracethemostoverflowing?Isit,inaword,noreallibertytobeabletolayfaith'shandupontheeverlastingcovenant,andexclaim,"Thereisnownocondemnation?"Ohyes!ThisisthelibertywithwhichChristhasmadeusfree.ButthegloriouslibertyofthechildrenofGodisyettocome.Gloriousitwillbebecausemoremanifestandcomplete.Includingalltheelementsofourpresentfreedom,itwillembraceothersnotyetenjoyed.Weshallbeemancipatedfromthebodyofsinandofdeath.Everyfetterofcorruptionwillbebroken,andeverytieofsensewillbedissolved.Allsadnesswillbechasedfromourspirit,allsorrowfromourheart,andallcloudfromourmind.Deliveredfromallsin,andfreedfromallsuffering,weshallwanderthroughthemanymansionsofourFather'shouse,andtreadthestar-pavedstreetsofthecelestialcity,andreposebeneaththesylvanbowersoftheupperParadise,anddrinkofthewaters,clearascrystal,thatflowfrombeneaththethrone-ourpure,andblissful,andeternalhome-exultinginthe"gloriouslibertyofthechildrenofGod."

Inconclusion-howstrikingandsolemnisthecontrastbetweenthepresentandthefuturestateofthebelieverandtheunbeliever!Yours,too,unregeneratereader,isastateofvanity.But,alas!itisamostwillingsubjection,andthebondageofcorruptionwhichholdsyouisuncheeredbyonerayofhopeoffinaldeliverance.Whataterribleandhumiliatingbondage,awillingslavetosinandSatan!Allisvanitywhichyousoeagerlypursue."TheLordknowsthethoughtsofmenthattheyarevanity."Wereitpossibleforyoutorealizealltheschemesofwealth,anddistinction,andpleasure,andhappinesswhichnowfloatingorgeousvisionsbeforeyourfeveredimagination,stillwouldyourheartutteritsmournfulandbittercomplaint,"Allisvanityandvexationofspirit."Oh,turnfromthesevainshadowstoJesus,thesubstanceofalltruewealth,andhappiness,andhonor.Thatflutteringheartwillneverfindreposeuntilitrestsinhim.ThatcravingsoulwillneverbesatisfieduntilitbesatisfiedwithChrist.Athisfeet,then,castyourselfdown,andwiththetearsofpenitence,andtherelianceoffaith,andtheexpectationofhope,

asktobenumberedamongtheadopted,whoshallbeforelongbedeliveredfromthebondageofcorruptionintothegloriouslibertyofthechildrenofGod.

ASufferingWorldinSympathywithSufferingMan

Forweknowthatthewholecreationgroanethandtravailethinpaintogetheruntilnow.Romans8:22

Weknowthatthewholecreationhasbeengroaningasinthepainsofchildbirthrightuptothepresenttime.Romans8:22

Forweknowthatallcreationhasbeengroaningasinthepainsofchildbirthrightuptothepresenttime.Romans8:22

Fromtheruinofman,ourApostlenaturallyturnshisconsiderationtotheruininwhichtheapostasyofmanplungedthewholecreation-animateandinanimate.IfanotherlinkwereneededtoperfectthechainofevidencedemonstratingtheexistenceoftheDivinecurseforman'ssin,thispassagewouldseemtosupplyit.Wereadofnoblightrestingonthematerialworld,ofnosufferinginthebrutecreation,priortotheperiodofAdam'stransgression.Thepresentisjustthereverseoftheoriginalconstitutionoftheworld.WhenGodmadeallthingshepronouncedthemverygood.Wedelighttolookbackandimaginewhatthisworldwaswhen,likeanewbornplanet,itburstfromtheFountainofLight,allcladwithbeauty,radiantwithholiness,andeloquentwithpraise.Thewindsblewnotrudelythen-theverdurewitheredanddiednotthen-theflowersdroopedandfadednotthen.Therewerenotornadoes,noearthquakes,

novolcanoes,noelectricclouds.Allthematerialsandelementsofnaturewereharmless,andinharmony,becauseallweresinless.Innocenceandhappinessreignedovertheirrationalcreation.Thewholeworldwasatrest,becausemanwasatpeacewithGod,atpeacewithhisfellows,atpeacewithhimself.Therewasnothingtodarken,tohurt,ordestroyinallGod'sholymountain.Manwasin"leaguewiththestonesofthefield,andthebeastsofthefieldwereatpeacewithhim."Oh,whataworldoflove,andwhatapictureoflovelinesswasourpurecreationthen!Butwhatisitnow?

"Thewholecreationgroansandtravailsinpain."Speakweofthematerialworld?Whatisourearth,butaglobeofvolcanicfire,smoulderinginitscenter,everandanonburstingforthandburyingsmilingvillagesandmagnificentcitiesbeneathitstorrentsofflame?Whatisthewind,butafiercesirocco,bearingpestilenceanddeathuponitssweepingwings?Andwhatisthesea,butavastcemetery,itsmountainwavesthecrestedmonumentsofthemillionsithasengulfedinitsyawningabyss?Yes,whatareearth,andair,andwater,butagentsofdestruction,messengersofdeathtoman,asifinvengeanceforhissin?Speakweofthebrutecreation?Howdoesitgroanandtravailinpain!Towhatsuffering,whatcruelty,whatdeathisitsubject!Yes,everycreaturethatwemeet,andeveryobjectwebehold,suppliesanevidenceofman'sfall,andbearsthefrownofGod'scurse.Oneloud,agonizing,anduniversalwailofmourning,lamentation,andwoeburstsfromthewholecreation,asitgroansandtravailsinpain,fromthefirstmomentoftheapostasyuntilnow.

Letuspauseandcontemplatethisoverpoweringevidenceofsin.Whyisthegroundcursed?Whyisthisoncebeautifulandfertileearthsownwithbriersandnoxiousweeds?sothat,werethelaborertowithdrawhishand,therichestandloveliestspotwouldbeabandonedtothespontaneousandluxuriantgrowthofthedeadlynightshade,andthepoisonousnettle,andunprunedtrees,andwildforests-thehauntofeverysavagebeast,andtheabodeofmanyetmoresavage.Whythisferocityanddeadlyenmityinthebrutecreation-tribewarringwithtribe,andanimalthepreyandfoodofanimal?Becauseofman'stransgression.Oh,Sin,whathaveyoudone!Thuscloselyisasufferingworldlinkedwithsufferingman.Thusthe

wholecreation-materialandanimal-sympathizeswiththeweightofwoethatcrushesourracetotheearth.Whenmanfell,Godcursedtheground,andcursedthebrutesofthefield,forman'ssake;andnowthewholecreationgroansandtravailsinpainuntilthetimeoftherestitutionofallthingsshallarrive.

Itwillnot,wetrust,beconsideredeitherinappropriateto,orbeneaththedignityofoursubject,ifwe,inthisconnection,pointouttheproperfeelingofsympathywithwhichthesufferingsofthebrutecreationshouldberegardedbyman,theauthorofthosesufferings.Wehavealreadyadvertedtothefactoftheoriginofallwoe-man'ssin.Andyet,clearasthisis,howfearfullyisthesufferingofinferiortribes,firstoccasionedbyhumantransgression,aggravatedandincreasedbyhumancruelty!Itisimpossibletoopentheeyewithoutseeingthefact,ortocontemplateit,whenseen,withouthorror.ThedominionandauthoritywhichGodgavemanoverthebeastsofthefieldcontainednoclausewhatevergivinghimarightorpowertosubjectthemtotheexerciseofunnecessarysufferingandbarbarity.Wefindthetermsoftheoriginalgranttobe,"Thefearofyouandthedreadofyoushallbeuponeverybeastoftheearth,anduponeveryfowloftheair,uponallthatmovesupontheearth,anduponallthefishesofthesea;intoyourhandaretheydelivered."Butisnottheauthorityovertheirrationalcreaturewithwhichmanishereinvested,arestrictedauthority?Unquestionably.Ishewarrantedbythetermsofthegranttoexercisetheplenitudeofpowerthusgiven,arbitrarily,ferociously,inhumanely?Isitalibertytousethebrutecreationashepleases?Bynomeans.ItistheauthorityofmanmadeinthesimilitudeofHimwhoislove,extendingoverbrutedependants,andnottheauthorityofdemonsovertheirhelplessvictims.Itisimpossible,too,tocontemplatethenaturalconditionoftheanimalworld-theirsusceptibilityofpain,andtheirsenseofkindness,gratefullyandunmistakablyshown,withouttracingastrongresemblancetoourselves."Thesepooranimals,"remarksaneloquentandbenevolentwriter,"justlookandtremble,andgiveforththeveryindicationsofsufferingthatwedo.Theirsisthedistinctcryofpain-theirsistheunequivocalphysiognomyofpain-theyputonthesameaspectofterroronthedemonstrationofamenacedblow-theyexhibitthesamedistortionsofagonyaftertheinflictionofit.

Thebruise,ortheburn,orthefracture,orthedeepincision,orthefierceencounterwithoneofequalorinferiorstrength,justaffectsthemsimilarlytoourselves.Theirbloodcirculatesasours-theyhavepulsationsinvariouspartsofthebodylikeours-theysickenandtheygrowfeeblewithage,andfinallydiejustaswedo-theypossessthesamefeelings,andwhatexposesthemtolikesufferingfromanotherquarter,theypossessthesameinstinctswithourownspecies.Thelionessrobbedofherwhelps,causesthewildernesstoringaloudwiththeproclamationofherwrongs;andthebirdwhoselittlehouseholdhasbeentaken,fillsandsaddensallthegrovewithmelodiesofthedeepestpathos.Allthisispalpableeventothegeneralandunlearnedeye;andwhenthephysiologistlaysopentherecessesoftheirsystembymeansofthatscalpelunderwhoseoperationtheyjustshrinkandareconvulsedasanylivingsubjectofourownspecies,therestandsforthtoviewthesamesentientapparatus,andfurnishedwiththesameconductorsforthetransmissionoffeelingtoeveryminutestporeuponthesurface.Theirsisunmixedandunmitigatedpain-theagoniesofmartyrdom,withoutthealleviationofthehopesandthesentimentswhereoftheyareincapable.Whentheylaythemdowntodie,theironlyfellowshipiswithsuffering;forintheprison-houseoftheirboundedfaculties,therecannoreliefbeaffordedofcommunionwithotherinterestsorotherthings.Theattentiondoesnotlightentheirdistress,asitdoesthatofman,bycarryingoffhisspiritfromthatexistingpungencyandpressurewhichmightelsebeoverwhelming.Thereisbutroomintheirmysteriouseconomyforoneinmate,andthatistheabsorbingsenseoftheirownsingleandconcentratedanguish.Andsointhatbedoftorment,whereonthewoundedanimallingersandexpires,thereisadepthandintensityofsuffering,whichthepoordumbanimalitselfcannottell,andagainstwhichitcanoffernoremonstrance;anuntoldandunknownamountofwretchedness,ofwhichnoarticulatevoicegivesutterance.Butthereisaneloquenceinitssilence,andtheveryshroudwhichdisguisesit,onlyservestoaggravateitshorrors!"(Chalmers).

TosaynothingofthespiritandthepreceptsofChristianity,whereisthehumanitythatfromsinistermotivescanoverwork,orfromaloveofsportcanwantonlyandcruellyabusethejadedandsuffering,yetnoblebrute,placedinourpower,contributingtoourconvenience,andoverwhom

Godhasconstitutedusnotthelordbuttheguardian-notthetormentor,butthefriend?Andwhocanthinkofthepastimeof'thepit',andthesportsofthefield,andtheneedlesstortureoftheslaughter-house,withoutacheekburningwithindignation?ButGod,theinfinitelygreatGod,hasatenderregardfortheirrationalpartofhiscreation.Hecommandsustobetheiradvocateagainstheartlesscruelties:"Openyourmouthforthedumb."Andhewill,hatingnothingthathehascreated,makeinquisitionforblood;hewillredresstheirwrongs,andvisittheirmercilesstaskmastersandinhumanoppressorswithtokensofhisjustdispleasure.Howstrikingandtouchingishistenderregardfortheinferiorraceasexhibitedinhisword!-"Youshallnotmuzzletheoxwhenhetreadsoutthecorn.""Youshallnotseeyourbrother'sdonkeyorhisoxfalldownbytheway,andhideyourselffromthem.Youshallsurelyhelpthem,toliftthemupagain.""Youopenyourhandandsupplytheneedsofeverylivingthing.""Hegivestothebeasthisfood,andtotheyoungravenswhentheycry."Theregardwhichwepaytothebrutecreationmustalwaysbeconsideredatestofdispositionandcharacter."Arighteousmanregardsthelifeofhisbeast."Noindividualcanbetrustedforhishumanefeelingtohisownspecieswhoisnothumaneinhisfeelingstowardstheinferiortribes.Itisrecorded,thatwhenanancientsenateoftheAreopagiteswereassembledintheopenair,asmallbird,toescapealargeroneofprey,tookrefugeinthebosomofoneofthesenators,who,beingofacrueldisposition,hurleditfromhimsorudely,thathekilledit.Onwhichthesenateinstantlybanishedhimfromtheirpresence,declaringthathewhowasdestituteofhumanity,eventoahelplessandconfidingbird,wasunworthythehonorofaseatintheirbody.Anindulgedpropensity,ofcrueltytoinsects,orlargeranimals,asHogarthhasfinelyillustrated,hasoftenendedintheperpetrationofcrimesofthedeepestdye.Thosewhohavewantonlysportedwithlifeininferiorcreatures,havecometosportwithlifeinbeingsofahigherandnoblerorder.Theauthor,then,asmanis,ofalltheevilwhichaffectstheirrationalworld,letuslearntosympathizewithitssufferings,anditstravail;andthuslessen,andsoothe,andhush,asfarasGodgivesusinfluenceandpower,thecurseweentailed,thepangweinflicted,andthesignweawoke.

Sadasisthispictureofasufferingcreation,darkandgloomyasisits

coloring,itisnotwithoutitsbrightandcheeringhues.Hopecastsuponthesombercanvasastrongandsteadylight.TheBibleteachesthatthereiscomingaday-oh,speeditsdawning!-ofmillennialblessedness,whenpeaceandreposeshallberestoredtothisdisorderedworld,andthegroaningofthecreationshallcease,itssighsbehushed,anditssufferingsbeterminatedforever.Whenthatperiodarriveswearetoldthatthe"Inthatdaythewolfandthelambwilllivetogether;theleopardandthegoatwillbeatpeace.Calvesandyearlingswillbesafeamonglions,andalittlechildwillleadthemall.Thecattlewillgrazeamongbears.Cubsandcalveswillliedowntogether.Andlionswilleatgrassasthelivestockdo.Babieswillcrawlsafelyamongpoisonoussnakes.Yes,alittlechildwillputitshandinanestofdeadlysnakesandpullitoutunharmed.Nothingwillhurtordestroyinallmyholymountain.Andasthewatersfillthesea,sotheearthwillbefilledwithpeoplewhoknowtheLord."Isaiah11:6-9.ThenwhentheRestorerofallthingsshallcome,therewillbea"newheavensandanewearth,whereindwellsrighteousness."Suchisthebeauteouslightwithwhichthisdarkpictureisclothed.Letusprayforitscoming,andinstrumentallyhastenitsapproach;rememberingthattheworldistobefilledwiththeknowledgeoftheLordthroughthesanctifiedagencyofthechurch.

TheFirst-fruitsoftheSpirit,aPledgeOftheFullRedemption

Andnotonlythey,butourselvesalso,whichhavethefirstfruitsoftheSpirit,evenweourselvesgroanwithinourselves,waitingfortheadoption,towit,theredemptionofourbody.Romans8:23

Notonlyso,butweourselves,whohavethefirstfruitsoftheSpirit,groan

inwardlyaswewaiteagerlyforouradoptionassons,theredemptionofourbodies.Romans8:23

AndevenweChristians,althoughwehavetheHolySpiritwithinusasaforetasteoffutureglory,alsogroantobereleasedfrompainandsuffering.We,too,waitanxiouslyforthatdaywhenGodwillgiveusourfullrightsashischildren,includingthenewbodieshehaspromisedus.Romans8:23

Fromhisnaturalandimpressivedigression,theApostleagainreturnstotherenewedcreatureofwhomhehadpreviouslybeenspeaking.Havingadvertedtothesufferingofthewholeanimatecreation,heproceedstoshowthatthisconditionwasnotpeculiarorsolitary-thatnotonlyintheheartoftheirrationalcreature,butevenintheheartoftherenewedChristianthereweretheintensethrobbingsofawoe,andthedeepgroaningsofaburden,fromwhichitsighedandhopedtobedelivered.Letustakeeachsectioninitsorder,ofthisremarkablepassage.

"Ourselvesalso,whichhavethefirst-fruitsoftheSpirit."IthadbeentheearnestaimoftheApostlebroadlyanddistinctlytodrawthegreatlineofdemarcationbetweenthestateofnatureandthestateofgrace.WhatdistinctivefeaturemoreillustrativeoftheChristiancharactercouldhehaveselectedthanthis."Whohavethefirst-fruitsoftheSpirit."ThefigurativeallusionistoafamiliarlawoftheJewisheconomy.Itwillberecollectedthat,undertheLeviticaldispensation,theLordcommandedthatthefirst-fruits,intheformofasinglesheaf,shouldbesickled,andwavedbeforehimbythepriest;andthatthiswave-offeringwastobeconsideredasconstitutingtheheraldorthepledgeofaripenedandfullharvest.Andnotonlyshoulditbeanearnestandapledge,butitshouldrepresentthenatureandcharacterofthefruitwhich,beforelong,inluxuriantabundancewouldcrowdwithitsgoldensheaves,andamidshoutsofgladness,theswellinggarner.When,therefore,itissaidthatbelieversinJesushavethe"first-fruitsoftheSpirit,"themeaningclearlyis,thattheyhavesuchcommunicationsoftheSpiritnow,asareapledgeandforetasteofwhattheyshallpossessandenjoyinthegreatdayofthecomingglory."Inwhomalsoafterthatyoubelieved,youweresealedwiththatHolySpiritofpromise,whichistheearnestofourinheritance,untiltheredemptionofthepurchasedpossession,untothepraiseofhisglory."

Weremark,ingeneralterms,thatifwearebelievers,thenwearepartakersofthatgracewhichistheearnestofglory.Dowepartakeofthegraceoflife?Itisthesamelifewhichbeatsinthesoulsoftheglorified.Inusitspulsationsarefaintandfluctuating;inthemtheyaredeepandunfluttering-yetthelifeisthesame.AndifwehavetheSpiritoflifedwellinginusnow,thenhavewethefirst-fruitsofthelifewhichistocome.HavewetheSpiritofadoption?WhatisitbuttheearnestandthesealofourcertainreceptionintoourFather'shouse?ThelovetoGodwhichoverflowsourhearts,theyearningsofthoseheartstobeathome,arethefirst-fruitsofourconsummatedandglorifiedsonship.ThusmightwetraveltheentirecircleoftheChristiangraceswhichgotoform,sanctify,andadorntheChristiancharacter,illustratingthetruth,thateachgracewroughtbytheSpiritintheheartonearthisthegermofgloryinheaven,andthattheperfectionofglorywillbetheperfectionofeachgrace.ThepresentcharacterandtutelageofthechildofGodarepreparatorytoahigherstateofbeing-yes,itisanessentialpartofthatbeingitself.Oh,itisaholyandinspiritingthought,thateverydevelopmentofgrace,andeveryaspirationofholiness,andeveryvictoryoffaith,andeveryachievementofprayer,andeverygleamofjoyinthesoulherebelow,istheearnest-sheafofthegoldenearsofhappinessandglorygarneredforthesaintsonhigh."Hethatgoesforthweeping,bearingpreciousseed,shalldoubtlessreturnagainwithjoy,bringinghissheaveswithhim."

"Evenweourselvesgroanwithinourselves."Inthesewordstheexpectantofgloryisrepresentedassympathizing,inacertaindegree,withthegeneralconditionofpresentmisery,andexpectationoffuturegood.Butwemustdistinguishtheemotionheredescribed,fromthesomewhatkindreddepressionbeneathwhichthewholecreationisbowed.Itisthegroaningofthosewhohavethe"first-fruitsoftheSpirit"-consequentlyitistheemotionofalivingsoul.Intheonecase,thegroaningisthethrobandthethroeofdeath;intheothercaseitistheevidenceandthebreathingoflife.

Towhatcausesmayitbetraced?Wegroanwithinourselvesonaccountofsin-itsinnateprinciple,anditspracticaloutbreakings.Overwhatdoourtearsflowthebitterestandthefastest?Thewingedriches?The

heart'streasurewrenchedfromourgraspbyruthlessdeath,andwhichthecruelgravehashidfromourview?Ah,no!butthesinwhichlaysusinpenitenceandgriefattheSavior'sfeet,withDavid'sconfessionandprayerbreathingfromourlips-"Againstyou,youonly,haveIsinned,anddonethisevilinyoursight."Oh,whatamercytoknowthatthe"sacrificesofGodareabrokenspirit:thatabrokenandcontritehearthewillnotdespise!"

Thereisalsothegroaningarisingfromexternaltrial.Ofthiscup,whichallalikedrink,nonequaffsodeeplyasthosetowhomareimpartedthe"first-fruitsoftheSpirit."Thepathofsorrowisthepathtoglory,andthe"breadandthewaterofaffliction"isthefoodofallthe"prisonersofhope."Butspringfromwhatcauseitmay,thisgroaningoftheservantsofGodconfirmstheaffectingtruth,thatthebelieverpossessesbutthe"first-fruitsoftheSpirit;"andthat,consequently,hispresentcondition,beingoneofbutpartialsanctification,mustofnecessitybeoneofbutlimitedhappiness.Andyetwewouldnotfailtoremindthereaderofthetruth,thatthedeeperhissanctificationthekeenerwillbehissenseofindwellingcorruption,andtheheavierhisgroaningbecauseofit.Sothat,solongasheisstillthetenantofatabernacleofsinanddeath-anunwillingsubjectofvanity-andsolongashegrowsingrace,hewill"groanbeingburdened,"andwillthemoredeeplysigh,andthemoreintenselylongfortheuncagingofhisspirit,thatfreeshimentirelyforeverfromitsoppressivenessanditsthraldom.

But,oh,thereismusicinthegroaningofthosewhohavethe"first-fruitsoftheSpirit!"Thechaintheywearisnotthemanacleofaslaveofsin,shakinghisgallingfettersindeepanddarkdespair.Thecaptivitythatconfineshim,isnotthesubjectionofavoluntaryvassalofSatan,crouchingbeneaththeburden,andtremblingatthelashofahardtaskmaster.Oh,no!itisthesensibility,theconsciousness,thegroaningoftheChristian.IttellsoftheSpirit'sindwelling.Itbetokensthehopeofglory.Thoseinwardheavingsofthesoularethepantingsofalifedivine;thosedeepgroaningsoftheheartarethemuffledchimingsofheaven.TheyaretheindicesofanaturewhichGodwillbeforelonglifttoitsnativehome;theyarethediscordantnotesofananthem,whichsoonwillfillheavenwithitsswellingandentrancingmusic.

"Waitingfortheadoption,towit,theredemptionofthebody."Theterms"adoption,""redemption,"mustherebetakeninarestrictedsense.OurpresentadoptionintoGod'sfamilyisasperfectasGodcanmakeit.WeshallnotinrealitybemorethechildrenofGodinheaventhanwearenow.Dwelluponthistruth,beloved.Pressitinfaithandgladnesstoyoursighing,groaningheart.IsGod'shanduplifted?Oh,tremblenot!ItisaFather'shand.Saynotthatitpressesheavilyuponyou-itisthepressureoflove.Oh,thinknotthatthereisonethrobofaffectionlesstowardsyouinhisheart."Beloved,nowarewethesonsofGod,"andalltheimmunitiesandblessingsofapresentsonshipareours.Equallyascompleteisourredemptionfromallthatcancondemn.WhenJesusexclaimed,"Itisfinished!"byoneofferingheperfectedforeverthesalvationofhischurch.Thendidheentirelyrollawaythecursefromhispeople.Thendidhehurltheirsinsintoaninfinitedepth.ThendidhecompletetheworktheFathergavehimtodo.Forthefinishingofthatwork,thanksbetoGod,thesaintsdonot"wait"!

Andstill,allbelieversaretheexpectantsofan"adoption"tobeconfirmed,andofa"redemption"tobeperfected.Theiradoptionnowisconcealed,theiradoptionthenwillbevisible.Theirpresentadoptionislimitedinitsprivileges-theirfutureadoptionwillintroducethemtoalltherichesoftheirinheritanceandtoallthesplendorsoftheirFather'shouse.Forthisunveiled,thismanifest,thisfulladoptiontheyare"waiting."Andso,too,of"redemption."Theransompriceispaid,butthebodyisnotyetfullyredeemed.Itstillisfettered,andcribbed,andcabinedbyathousandclingingcorruptionsandinfirmities.Butthedayofitscompleteredemptiondrawsnear.Invirtueofitsransomitwillspringfromthedust,itslastlinkofcorruptionentirelyandforeverdissolved."Butwearecitizensofheaven,wheretheLordJesusChristlives.AndweareeagerlywaitingforhimtoreturnasourSavior.Hewilltaketheseweakmortalbodiesofoursandchangethemintogloriousbodieslikehisown."Philip.3:20-21.LikeuntoChrist'sgloriousbody!Oh,then,nodeformitywillmaritssymmetry!noinfirmitywillimpairitsstrength!nosickness,nofaintings,nonervousness,nopangsofsufferingorthroesofdeathwilleverassailandtormentitmore!Forthis"redemptionofthebody"thesonsofGodarewaiting.OurheavenlyFatherhasadoptedit.OurdivineSaviorhasredeemedit.TheHolySpirit,ourComforter,has

sealedit.Oh,yes!Thefirst-fruitsofthe"firstresurrection"bloomonthegraveoftheholy

dead.Plantnotabovetheirheadstheflowersthatfade.Thereareflowersbloomingthere,pluckedfromtheamaranthinebowersofimmortality,andtheywillneverdie.

Thispagemayarresttheeyeofasufferer,notsoothedinhisgrief,orcheeredinhislonelinessbysuchprospectsasthese.Thereiscomingadaywhentheirrationalcreation,ofwhomwehavebeenspeaking,willsuffernomore."Thespiritofabeastgoesdownwards."Butnosuchannihilationawaitssufferingman.Oh,melancholycondition!Oh,drearyprospect!Sufferinginthislife,andsufferinginthelifetocome!topassfromafirethatistemporary,toafirethatiseternal-fromtheagoniesandthroesofthefirstdeath,tothepowerandthepangsofthesecond!Buttherestillishope.Jesusdiedforsinners,andthereismercyevenforthechief.Blessedsuffering,hallowedsorrow,ifnow,intheagonyofyourgrief,youareledtotheSaviortolearn,whatinthesunnyhourofprosperityandgladnessyourefusedtolearn-thatGodonlycanmakeyouhappy,andthatGodinChristispreparedtomakeyouhappy.Oh,heaven-sentaffliction!sweetmessengeroflove!beautifulinyoursomberrobes,bearingtomysoulablessingsodivine,sopreciousasthis!

Haveyouthe"first-fruitsoftheSpirit?"Guardthemwithtender,sleeplesscare.Natureinherrichestdomainyieldsnosuchfruitsorflowersasthese.Employallthemeansandapplianceswithinyourreachtokeepverdantandfruitfulthesacredgardenofyoursoul.Unveilittothesun'slight,tothegentleshowers,andthesoftgalesofheaven.Letyourincessantprayerbe,"Awake,Onorthwind;andcome,yousouth;blowuponmygarden,thatthespicesthereofmayflowout.Letmybelovedcomeintohisgarden,andeathispleasantfruits."

Oh,guardthoseprecious"first-fruits!"Soontheglorytheyforeshadowwillberevealed.Theautumnaltintsaredeepening,thegoldenearsareripening,thereaper'ssickleispreparing,andbeforelongweshalljoininthesongoftheangels'harvest-home,"Grace,graceuntoit!"

SavedbyHope

Forwearesavedbyhope:buthopethatisseenisnothope:forwhatamanseeth,whydothheyethopefor?Butifwehopeforthatweseenot,thendowewithpatiencewaitforit.Romans8:24-25

Forinthishopeweweresaved.Buthopethatisseenisnohopeatall.Whohopesforwhathealreadyhas?Butifwehopeforwhatwedonotyethave,wewaitforitpatiently.Romans8:24-25

Nowthatwearesaved,weeagerlylookforwardtothisfreedom.Forifyoualreadyhavesomething,youdon'tneedtohopeforit.Butifwelookforwardtosomethingwedon'thaveyet,wemustwaitpatientlyandconfidently.Romans8:24-25

Wehavebeencontemplatingthepresentstateoftherenewedcreatureasoneratherofexpectancythanofattainment-notofrealization,butofhope.Wehaveseenhiminhisloftyposition,ashestandsinChristJesus,toweringabovethestormandthundercloudofsin,thecurseandcondemnation,tintedwiththefirstbeamsofopeningday,andwavingthefirstgoldensheavesoftheripeningharvest.Thedescriptionandtheargumentnowapproachtheirclimax.Asifthesetremblingraysandthesefirst-fruitsmightfailtoassurethebelievingheartofthecertainday,andtheactualharvest,ourApostle,inyetstrongestlanguage,meetsthemisgiving,andquellsthefear,bydeclaringthatweare"savedbyhope."Affirmingthis,hethenproceedstenderlytoexhortthebelievertoapatientwaitingitscertainandfullrealization.Thereare,inthesepassages,somepointsofthedeepestinterest.MaytheHolySpiritunfoldandapplythem!

"Wearesavedbyhope."Thephrase,asemployedbytheApostle,doesnotimplytheinstrumentbywhichwearesaved,buttheconditioninwhichwearesaved.Theconditionoftherenewedcreatureisoneofhope.SalvationbytheatonementofChrist-faith,andnothope,beingtheinstrumentofitsappropriation-isacompleteandfinishedthing.Wecannotgivethistruthaprominencetoogreat,norenforceitwithanearnestnesstoointense.WecannotkeepoureyetooexclusivelyortoointentlyfixedonJesus.Allsalvationisinhim-allsalvationproceedsfromhim-allsalvationleadstohim,andfortheassuranceandcomfortofoursalvationwearetoreposebelievinglyandentirelyonhim.Christmustbeall.Christthebeginning-Christthecenter-andChristtheend.Oh,blessedtruthtoyouwhosighandmournovertheunveiledabominationsthatcrowdanddarkenthechamberofimagery!Oh,sweettruthtoyouwhoaresensibleofyourpoverty,andvileness,andinsufficiency,andthetenthousandflawsandfailuresofwhich,perhaps,nooneiscognizantbutGodandyourownsoul!Oh,toturnandrestinChrist-afullChrist-alovingChrist-atenderChrist,whoseheart'sloveneverchills,fromwhoseeyedartsnoreproof,fromwhoselipsbreathesnosentenceofcondemnation!Butasitregardsthecompleteeffectsofthissalvationinthosewhoaresaved,itisyetfuture.Itisthe"hopelaidupforusinheaven."Itwouldseemutterlyincompatiblewiththepresenteconomythattherenewedcreatureshouldbeinanyotherconditionthanoneofhopefulexpectation.Theconstitutiontowardswhichhetends,theholinessforwhichhelooks,theblissforwhichhepants,andthedignitytowhichheaspires,couldnotforamomentexistintheatmospherebywhichheisherebegirt.Hisstatemustofnecessitybeoneofhope,andthathopemustofnecessitylinkuswiththedistantandmysteriousfuture.Theidea,"savedbyhope,"isillustratedbytheeffectsofChristianhope.Itisthatdivineemotionwhichbuoysupthesoulamidtheconflicts,thetrials,andthevicissitudesofthepresentlife.Sothatwearecheeredandsustained,or'saved'fromsinkingamidthebillows,bythe'hope'ofcertaindeliveranceandacompleteredemption."Inhopeofeternallife,whichGodthatcannotlie,promisedbeforetheworldbegan."

TheChristian'sstate,then,isoneofhope.AroundthissinglesubjecthowmuchofScripturelightgathers!AremarkablereferencetoitisfoundinthesewordsoftheApostle,"NowtheGodofhopefillyouwithalljoyand

peaceinbelieving,thatyoumayaboundinhope,throughthepoweroftheHolySpirit."WellmightTertullianexclaiminviewofapassagesorichasthis,"IadorethefulnessoftheScriptures."Godishereportrayedasthe"Godofhope."Whataglorioustitle!Thebelieveristhendescribedasthesubjectofhope-whatablissfulbeing!Wearethenexhortedtoaboundinhope-whatapreciousprivilege!Thismagnificentbowspansthewholehorizonofoursplendidfuture.Wedonotyetrealizeourheavenbutwehopeforit.WedonotyetseeJesus-butwehopetoseehim.Wedonotyetexultinouremancipationfromcorruption-butwehopetobefree.WedonotyetdrinkoftheriverofpleasurethatisatGod'srighthand,norbatheintheseaofglorythatrollsaroundthethrone-butwehopetodo."Wehopeforthatweseenot."Butwhatisthecharacter,andwhatthefoundationofChristianhope?

Itisemphaticallya"goodhope."Ineverypointofviewitsustainsthisscripturecharacter.Thehopeofheavenfosteredbyanunrenewedmindisbaselessandillusory.Thereexistsnotasingleelementofgoodnessinitsnature.ItistheconceptionofamindatenmityagainstGod.Itisthedelusionofaheartincovenantwithdeath,andinagreementwithhell.Itistheinspirationofthewind.Itisthenight-visionthatplaysaroundtheslumberingpillow.Itisthemeteor-lightthatflashesuponthetomb.Itisthetreacherousbeaconthatdecoysthetooconfidingbutdeludedvoyagertotherock-boundshore.Unscriptural,unreal,andbaseless,itmusteventuallycoveritspossessorwithshameandconfusionofface.Butnotsuchisthebeliever'shope.Begottenwithhissecondnature-thein-breathingoftheSpiritofGod-anelementoftherenewedmind,andbasedupontheatonementoftheSavior,itmustbeessentiallyagoodhope.Cleansedfrommoralimpurity,notinthelaverofbaptism,butwiththebloodofChrist;justified,notbytheritualofMoses,butbytherighteousnessoftheIncarnateGod;sanctified,notbysacramentalgrace,falselysocalled,butbytheindwellingoftheHolySpirit-thebeliever'shopeofheavenisaswellfoundedasthethroneoftheEternal.Moreover,itis"agoodhopethroughgrace."ThefirstandthelastlessonwelearninourChristiancourseis,that"bygracewearesaved."Lord!doyourequireofmeonethoughtofstainlesspurity,onethrobofperfectlove,onedeedofunsulliedholiness,uponwhichshallhingemyeverlastinghappiness?ThenamIlostforever!ButsinceyouhaveprovidedaRighteousnessthat

justifiesmefromallthings,thatfreesmefromallcondemnation-andsincethisrighteousnessisyourfree,unpurchasedgift,thebestowmentofsovereigngrace,Iclasptomytremblingyetbelievingheartthejoyoushopethistruthinspires.Itisablessedhope."Lookingforthatblessedhope."Itsobjectismostblessed.TheheavenitcompassesisthatblissfulplacewheretheholyoneswhohavefledfromourembracearereposinginthebosomoftheSavior.Theyaretheblesseddead.Thedayoftheirdeathwastothembetterthanthedayoftheirbirth.Theonewastheintroductiontoallsorrow,theotherisatranslationtoalljoy.Blessedhope!thehopeofbeingforeverwiththeLord.NomoretogrievetheSpiritthatsooftenandsosoothinglycomfortedourhearts;nomoretowoundthegentlebosomthatsooftenpillowedourhead.Nomoretojourneyindarkness,norbendasabruisedreedbeforeeachblastoftemptation.TobeapillarinthetempleofGod,togonomoreoutforever.

Andwhatasanctifyinghopeisit!This,tothespiritualmind,isitsmostacceptableandelevatingfeature."Everymanthathasthishopeinhimpurifieshimselfevenasheispure."Itdetachesfromearth,andallurestoheaven.Neverdoesitglowmorebrightlyinthesoul,norkindlearoundthepathalustermoreheavenly,thanwhenitstrengthensinthebelieveragrowingconformityofcharactertothatheaventowardswhichitexpandsitswingsandsoars.

Itis,inaword,asurehope.Shallthewormundermineit?shallthetempestshakeit?shallthewatersextinguishit?Never.Itsavesus.Itkeeps,preserves,andsustainsusamidtheperilsanddepressionsofourearthlypilgrimage.Andhavingborneinthroughtheflood,itwillnotfailuswhenthelastsurgelandsusupontheshoreofeternity."Thatbytwoimmutablethings,inwhichitwasimpossibleforGodtolie,wemighthaveastrongconsolation,whohavefledforrefugetolayholduponthehopesetbeforeuswhichhopewehaveasananchorofthesoul,bothsureandsteadfast,andwhichentersintothatwithintheveil,wheretheForerunnerhasforusentered,evenJesus.""Thereforedowewithpatiencewaitforit."Thisisourtrueposture-apatientwaitingitsfruition.Thisgraceiscalledthe"patienceofhope.""WethroughtheSpiritwaitforthehopeofrighteousnessbyfaith."WewaittheBridegroom'scoming.Wewaitthedescentofthechariot.Wewaitthe

Father'ssummonstoourhome.WewaittheMaster'scalltoourrest.Wewaittheuncagingofthespirit,thatitmayfly.Thedesiretodepartisardent,butpatient.ThelongingtobewithChristisdeep,butsubmissive.Forthefullrealizationofahopesosublime,soprecious,andsosure,wecanpatientlywait.Thetheaterofsufferingistheschoolofpatience:"Andpatienceworksexperience,andexperiencehope;"andhopeinthedepthofthetrial,andintheheatofthebattle,looksforwardtothejoyofdeliverance,andtothespoilsofvictory.ItiswellremarkedbyCalvin,that"Godnevercallshischildrentoatriumphuntilliehasexercisedtheminthewarfareofsuffering."Thusallwhoshalleventuallywearthepalm,mustnowwieldthesword.Fortheconsummationofthishope,then,letusdiligentlylabor,meeklysuffer,andpatientlywait.Livingbeneaththecross,lookinguntoJesus,toilingforJesus,testifyingforJesus,andcultivatingconformitytoJesus,letus"bealwaysreadytogiveareasonofthehopethatisinus;"andbealwaysreadytoenterintothejoyandfruitionofthathope,thesubstanceandsecurityofwhichis-"Christinyouthehopeofglory."

TheSympathyoftheSpiritwiththeInfirmityofPrayer

"LikewisetheSpiritalsohelpsourinfirmities:forweknownotwhatweshouldprayforasweought;buttheSpirititselfmakesintercessionforuswithgroaningswhichcannotbeuttered."Romans8:26

Inthesameway,theSpirithelpsusinourweakness.Wedonotknowwhatweoughttoprayfor,buttheSpirithimselfintercedesforuswithgroansthatwordscannotexpress.Romans8:26

AndtheHolySpirithelpsusinourdistress.Forwedon'tevenknowwhatweshouldprayfor,norhowweshouldpray.ButtheHolySpiritpraysforuswithgroaningsthatcannotbeexpressedinwords.Romans8:26

TheconditionoftheChurchofGodhaseverbeenoneofweaknessandinfirmity.Herbrightestandpalmiestdayswerethefirstandtheearliestofherhistory.YetnosoonerwerethesaintsofGodgatheredintoChristiancommunities,andplantedaschurchesineachprovince,andineveryland,thantheinfirmityofthebodybegantoappear,intheheresies,divisions,andpartieswhichsprungup,whileyettheApostleslivedtointercedeforthemwiththeirprayers,andtoteachandadmonishthembytheirepistles.Fromthatperioduntilnow,thehistoryofthechurchofGodhaspresentedanunbrokenchainofevidencetothetruthofthesameaffectingfact.Abodyyetbutpartiallyrenewed,achurchbutimperfectlysanctified,itmustofnecessitybeso.Butletusleavetheconsiderationofthechurchasasociety,andcontemplateitinitsindividualrelation.Eachmemberofthatchurchisthesubjectofinfirmity.Itweremarvellouswereitnotso.Wehaveseenthatthepresentconditionofthebelieverisastateofvanity.Thatitisoneofhoperatherthanofrealization.Bindinginhisbosomthegreenfirstfruitsofglory,thereyetclingtohimathousandgrievousinfirmities,thesighsofwhich,theforetastesofheavencannotstifle.Encompassedwithinfirmities,wearyandheavyladen,hejourneyshomeward,amidthefluctuationsofhopeandfear,joyandsorrow;sometimesfoiled,thenovercoming;oftenmourning,andanonpraising;yeteverdeeplyconsciousthatthepresenthomeofhisrenewedandheavenlynatureisabodyofhumiliationanddeath-constitutingaperpetualandoppressiveclogtotheheaven-ascendingtendencyofhissanctifiedaffections.Butweneednotextendourclassification.

Theinfirmitiesofthebelieverareasvariedastheyarenumerous.Someareweakinfaith,andarealwaysquestioningtheirinterestinChrist.Some,superficialinknowledge,andshallowinexperience,andareeverexposedtothecruditiesoferror,andtotheassaultsoftemptation.Someareslowtravelersinthedivinelife,andarealwaysintherear;whileyetothersareoftenreadytohaltaltogether.Thenthereareotherswhogroanbeneaththeburdenofbodilyinfirmity,exertingamorbidinfluenceupon

theirspiritualexperience.Anervoustemperament-astateofperpetualdepressionanddespondency-theconstantcorrodingsofmentaldisquietude-physicalailment-imaginaryforebodings-afacileyieldingtotemptation-petulanceofspirit-unguardednessofspeech-gloomyinterpretationsofprovidence-aneyethatonlyviewsthedarkhuesofthecloud,thesombershadingsofthepicture.Ah!fromthisdismalcataloguehowmany,makingtheirselection,mayexclaim,"Thisisanyinfirmity!"Butbethatinfirmitywhatitmay,letitendeartoourheartsthegraceandsympathyofHimwhoforoursakewasencompassedwithinfirmity,thathemighthavecompassionuponthosewhoarealikebegirt.AllthefulnessofgracethatisinJesusisforthatsingleinfirmityoverwhichyousigh.

ButitisonespecificinfirmityoftheChristiantowhichthepassagerestrictsourattention-theinfirmityofPRAYER.Ofthis,allthechildrenofGodindifferentdegreespartake.Amoreholyandsolemnengagementenlistsnotthethoughts,andfeelings,andtimeofthebeliever,thantheengagementofPRAYER.Inproportion,then,tothespiritualityofadutywillbeitskeensenseoftheoppositionitmeetsfromeitherthementalorphysicalfrailtieswhichencompasstheChristian.

TheApostlethusdefinesthisinfirmity-"Weknownotwhatweshouldprayforasweought."Howshallwedescribeit?Withwhatfeatureshallwebegin?Thereisfirstthedifficultywhichsomefeelinreferencetothenatureofprayer.Simpleasprayeris,weseehowevenanapostlecouldbeperplexed,forlie.includeshimselfinthisgeneraldescriptionofthesaints.Threetimesdidheurgeapetitionthegrantingofwhichwouldhaveprovedacurseratherthanablessing."WhatamItoprayfor?"istheearnestinquiryofsome."AmItolimitmyrequestsinpetitioningforspiritualblessings,andmayIincludeinmypetitionsblessingsthataretemporal?""Andwhatisrealprayer?"istheyetmoreearnestquestionofanother."Ifearmineisnottrueprayer.MayIcharacterizebysuchaholyandsignificanttermthecoldeffusionsofmycloset,thefeebleejaculationsofthewayside,thewanderingdevotionsofthesanctuary,themoaningsofaspiritwounded,thesighsofaheartoppressed,theupwardglancingsofamindbeclouded,thebreathingsofasoulwhosespiritualexercisesareattimessooppositeandcontradictory?Isthisprayer?"

And,then,thereistheinfirmityoftheactofprayer.Thevagrancyofthought-thecoldnessofaffectiontheintrusionoflowcares-theconsciousnessofunrealpetitions,ofunfeltconfessions,ofundesireddesires,thefeltoppressivenessofadistastefultask,ratherthanthefeltluxuryofapreciousprivilege-theslovenlinessoftheperformance-thelittlesolemnityofmind-allmarktheinfirmitywhichattachestothistranscendentlyspiritualemployment.

Thenastothemodeofprayer;thisalsoisfelttobeasourceofpainfulembarrassmentbysome.TherearemanyChristianswhofinditdifficult,ifnotimpossibletogiveexpressiontotheheart'sutterances,inwhatistermedfreeprayer.Compelled,throughaninfirmitytheycannotconquer,torestrictthemselvestoaliturgicalformofdevotion,whileotherspourouttheirsoulstoGodinunfetteredbreathings,inunrestrictedcommunion,theyare,attimes,perplexedtoknowwhethertheyareacquaintedwiththerealityandpoweroftrueprayer.AndthusmanyasaintofGod,whoseneedsarenotthelessreal,whosedesiresarenotthelessspiritual,andwhosebreathingsarenotthelessferventanddivinelyacceptable,may,throughthishisinfirmity,bemuchcastdownanddiscouraged.Butwho,whateverbehismodeofprayer,isfreefromsomeclinginginfirmity,interferingwiththesanctityandpowerofthishallowedengagement?Whoisnotmournfullysensible,thatofallhisspiritualprivileges,this,hishighest,mostsacred,andsolemn,isthemostencompassedwith,andmarredandfetteredby,thedeepcorruptionsofhisfallenanddepravednature?Thatafterallhisrigidobservanceoftheduty,hismanydevotionalengagements,publicandprivate,thereshouldyetbesolittlefeltnearnesstoGod,solittleconfidentialcommunion-inaword,solittlerealprayer.Oh,howmuchprayerlessprayerdowehavetomournover!Howlittlebrokennessofheart;howlittlesenseofsin;howfaintatakingholdoftheatoningblood;howimperfectarealizationofGod'srelationtousasaFather;howlittlefaithinhispromisetohear,inhisabilitytoaid,inhisreadinesstoblessus!Sucharesomeofthemanyinfirmitiesassociatedwithprayer.

Butthereisencouragement-letuscontemplateit."LikewisetheSpiritalsohelpsourinfirmities."Thewordhererendered"helps,"properlymeanstotakepartwith.Itimplies,notmerelysympathy,with,buta

personalparticipationinourinfirmity.TheSpirithelpsourinfirmitiesbysharingthemwithus.Nowtakethegeneralinfirmitiesofthebeliever-infirmitieswhich,unaidedbyanotherandasuperiorpower,mustcrushandoverwhelm-andtracethehelpthusaffordedbytheSpirit.WearetaughttoadoretheloveoftheFather,fromwhereeachrillofmercyhasitsrise.WedelighttodwellupontheloveoftheSon,throughwhosechannelallredemption-blessingflows.AndshallweoverlooktheloveoftheHolySpirit?Shallweforgethisaffection,hisgrace,hissuccourings?Forbidit,eternalandblessedSpirit!Your,essentialDeity-yourpersonalsubsistence-yourtenderlove-yourDivinepower-yourefficaciousgrace-yoursovereignmercy-yourinfinitepatience-yourexquisitesympathy-alldemandour

deepestlove,andawakeourloftiestpraise.Buthow

isthissympathyoftheSpiritexpressed?Seeingthesoulboundwithaninfirmity,allhiscompassionisawakened.Approaching,hetakesholdoftheburden.Constrainedbyalovewhichnothoughtcanconceive,movedbyatendernessnotonguecandescribe,headvances,andplacesthepowerofhisGodheadbeneaththepressure-andthushehelpsourinfirmity.Doyoudoubtthis?Wesummonyouasawitnesstoitstruth.Whyareyounotaruinandawreck?Whyhasnotyourinfirmitylongsincedethronedreason,andannihilatedfaith,andextinguishedhope,andcladallthefuturewiththepallofdespair?Why,haveyouriddensereneandsecureuponthecrestofthebillow,smilingcalmlyuponthedarkandyawningsurgesdashingandfoamingaroundyou?Whyhaveyou,whenyourhearthasbeenoverwhelmed,foundreliefinasigh,inatear,inanupliftedglance,inonethoughtofGod?Oh,ithasbeenbecausetheSpirit,allsilentandinvisible,wasneartoyou,sympathizing,helping,bearingyourinfirmities.BecausearoundyouthepowerofhisDeitywasplaced.Andwhenyouhavestaggered,andturnedpale,andhavewellneargivenupallforlost,resigningyourselftothebroodingsofdespair,thatSpirithasapproached,all-lovingandpowerful,andhelped,bysharingyourinfirmity.Someappropriateandpreciouspromisehasbeensealeduponyourheart-someclearandsoothingviewofChristhasbeenpresentedtoyoureye-somegentlewhisperoflovehasbreatheduponyourear-andyouhavebeenhelped.Thepressurehasbeenlightened,the

griefhasbeenassuaged,theweaknesshasbeenstrengthened,andyouhaverisensuperiortotheinfirmitythatbowedyoutothedust.Oh,itwastheSpiritthathelpedyou.Grieved,andwounded,andslightedathousandtimesoverthoughhehasbeen,receivingatyourhandstheunkindestrequitalforthetenderestlove,yetwhenyourinfirmitybowedyoutotheearth,andtheswordenteredyoursoul,hedrewnear,forgettingallyourbaseingratitude,andadministeredwinetoyourdejectedspiritandoiltoyourbleedingwound,andplacedbeneathyoutheencirclingarmsofhiseverlastinglove.

ButweareyettocontemplatetheaidaffordedbytheSpiritintheespecialinfirmityofprayer.

"Weknownotwhatweshouldprayforasweought;buttheSpirititselfmakesintercessionforuswithgroaningswhichcannotbeuttered."TheHolySpiritishererepresentedinthecharacterofapleader,oradvocateforthesaints.Toformavividconceptionofthistruth,wehavebuttoimagineananxiousandembarrassedclientprosecutingsomeimportantsuit,or,perchance,battlingforhislifeinacourtofjustice.Athissidestandshiscounselor,thoroughlyacquaintedwiththenatureofhiscase,anddeeplyversedinthebearingsofthelaw.Heistheretoinstructthesupplianthowtoshapehiscourse,withwhatargumentstosupport,withwhatpleastourge,withwhatwordstoclothehissuit.SuchistheadvocacyandsuchtheaidoftheSpiritinthematterofprayer.WestandinthepresenceoftheLord-itmaybetodeprecateadeservedpunishment,ortopleadforaneededblessing."Weknownotwhatweshouldprayforasweought."HowshallweorderourcausebeforetheGreatJudge?Withwhatfeelings,withwhatlanguage,withwhatargumentsshallweunburdenourheart,unveiloursorrow,confessoursin,andmakeknownourrequest?Howovercometheremembranceofpastingratitude,andtheconvictionofpresentguilt,andthepressureofdeepneediness,andtheoverwhelmingsenseoftheDivineMajesty?Howwakethehearttofeeling,howrousethedull,sluggishemotionsofthesoul,howrecallthetruantaffections,andhowconcentratethemindupontheholyandawesomeengagement?ButourCounseloristhere!

"TheSpirititselfmakesintercessionforus."Andhowdoeshethis?Heinditestheprayer.Thinknotthatthatspiritualpetitionwhichbreathed

fromyourlipsandroseasanincense-cloudbeforethemercy-seatwasotherthantheinditingoftheHolySpirit.Heinspiredthatprayer,hecreatedthosedesires,andheawokethosegroanings.Theformofyourpetitionmayhavebeenungraceful-yourlanguagesimple,yoursentencesbroken,youraccentstremulous,yetwasthereaneloquenceandapowerinthatprayerwhichreachedtheheartandmovedthearmofGod.ItovercametheAngeloftheCovenant.Andwhoseeloquenceandwhosepowerwasit?TheintercedingSpirit.Healsoteachesuswhattoprayfor.Manyandurgentasourneedsare,weonlyaccuratelyknowthemastheSpiritmakesthemknown.Alas,whatprofoundignoranceofourselvesmustwecherishwhenweknownotwhatweshouldaskGodforasweought!ButtheSpiritrevealsourdeepnecessity,convincesusofouremptiness,poverty,andneed,andteachesuswhatblessingstoask,whatevilstodeprecate,whatmerciestoimplore.Hesympathizes,too,withourinfirmityinprayer,byportrayingtoourviewtheparentalcharacterofGod.Sealingonourheartsasenseofadoption,heemboldensustoapproachGodwithfilialloveandchild-likeconfidence.HeleadsustoGodasaFather.NormustweoverlooktheskillwithwhichtheSpiritenablesustourgeinourapproachestoGodthesinner'sgreatplea-theatoningbloodofJesus.Thisisnosmallpartofthedivineaidwereceiveinourinfirmity.Satan,theaccuserofthesaints,evenfollowsthebelievertothethroneofgracetoconfrontandconfoundhimthere.WhenJoshuastoodbeforetheAngeloftheLord,Satanstoodathisrighthandtoresisthim.ButtheSpirit,too,isthere!Heisthereinthecharacterandtodischargetheofficeoftheprayingsoul'sIntercessor.Heinstructstheaccusedsuppliantwhatargumentstouse,whatpleastourge,andhowtoresistthedevil.Hestrengthensthevisualorganofthesoulsothatitclearlydiscernstheblooduponthemercy-seatwithintheveil,onwhichitfixestheeyeinsimplefaith.Oh,itisthedelightoftheSpirittotakeofthethingsofJesus-hislove,hiswork,hissympathy,hisgrace,hispower-andshowthemtothesoulprostrateinprayerbeforethethroneofgrace.

ThusdoestheSpirit"makeintercessionforuswithgroaningswhichcannotbeuttered."Thesegroaningsarethoseofthebeliever,yetinspiredbytheSpirit.TheyaretheinarticulateutterancesofaheartovershadowedbytheHolySpirit.Nolanguagecanadequatelyexpressthem.They"cannotbeuttered."Itisthesoul'shiddencommunionwith

God.No,itispossiblethateventothepetitionerhimselfthesegroaningspresentbutvagueandindefiniteconceptionsoftheheart'sdeepdesires,ofthesoul'syetdeeperneeds.Heisconsciousofaneed,buthecanscarcelydefineitsnature,orsuggestitssupply.Heissensibleofalack,butwhatitis,orhowitmaybemet,heisperplexedtoknow.Heinwardly,deeplygroans,buttheseemotionsutteralanguagewhichevenhecannotinterpret.ButthereisOnewhocan.Bethatneed,bethatlackwhatitmay,Christknowsit,Christsympathizeswithit,Christmeetsit.HeinwhomdweltallthefulnessoftheGodheadbodily,ispreparedtosupplyallourneed.ThererisesnotagroanoftheSpiritfromthesoulofasinner,themeaningofwhichGodcannotunderstand,andtheprayerofwhichGodwillnotanswer.Tothesoulwhobreathesit,itmayappear,asweremanyofthepredictionsoftheancientprophets,unintelligibleandmeaningless;yet,likethosepropheticutterances,theyhaveasenseandalanguageclearandarticulatetoHimwhoinspiredthem.Ohblessed,eloquentgroaningsintheheartofapoorsinner,whichhumanwordsfailtoutter!Godhearsthem-Jesusunderstandsthem-theSpiritcreatesthem-andnotoneshallbeutteredinvain.Whetheritbethegroaningfromapressureofsin,orfromasenseofdesire,orfromaconvictionofneed,orfromthesmitinghandofGodhimself,thatgroaningascendstoheaven,andbearstothethroneoftheEternal,whoseearbendstothesoftestwhisper,andhearkenstothegentlestsighofhischild,aconfession,orarequest,whichshallnotbeunheard,unheeded,orforgotten.

Inconclusion,overlooknotthefitnessoftheLordJesustomeetalltheinfirmitiesofhispeople.Therearetwotouchingandexpressivepassagesbearingonthispoint."Hehimselftookourinfirmities,andboreoursicknesses."WondrousviewoftheIncarnateGod!Thatveryinfirmity;Christianreader,whichnowbowsyoutotheearth,byreasonofwhichyoucaninnowiseliftupyourself,yourSaviorbore.Isitsin?isitsorrow?isitsickness?isitneed?Itbowedhimtothedust,andbroughtthecrimsondropstohisbrow.Andisthisnoconsolation?Doesitnotmakeyourinfirmityevenpleasant,torememberthatJesusonceboreit,andinsympathybearsitstill?Theotherpassageis-"Wehavenotahighpriestwhichcannotbetouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities."Touchedwithmyinfirmity!Whatathought!Irevealmygrieftomyfriend.I

discerntheemotionsofhissoul,Imarkthetremblinglip,thesympathizinglook,themoistenedeye-myfriendistouchedwithmysorrow.Butoh,whatisthissympathy-tender,soothing,gratefulasitis-comparedtothesympathywithwhichthegreatHighPriestinheavenentersintomycase,ismovedwithmygrief,istouchedwiththefeelingofmyinfirmity?

Letuslearnmoretenderlytosympathizewiththeinfirmitiesofourbrethren."Wethatarestrongoughttobeartheinfirmitiesoftheweak,andnottopleaseourselves."OhformoreofthisprimitiveChristianity!TheinfirmityofaChristianbrothershould,byaheartfeltsympathy,becomeinameasureourown.Weoughttobearit.Theruleofourconducttowardshimshouldbetheruleofourconducttowardsourownselves.Whowouldfeelboundordisposedtotravelfromhousetohouse,proclaimingwithtrumpettongueandwithevidentsatisfactionhisownweaknesses,failings,andinfirmities?ToGodwemayconfessthem,butnodivinepreceptenjoinstheirconfessiontoman.Weunveilthemtohiseye,andhekindlyandgraciouslyveilsthemfromallhumaneyes.Bethisourspiritandourconducttowardsaweakanderringbrother.Letusratherpartwithourrighthandthanpublishhisinfirmitytoothers,andthuswoundtheHeadbyanunkindandunholyexposureofthefaultsandfrailtiesofamemberofhisbody,andbysodoingcausetheenemiesofChristtoblasphemethatworthynamebywhichwearecalled.

HonorandglorifytheSpiritwhothussograciouslyandsokindlysympathizeswithourinfirmities.Paytohimdivineworship,yieldtohimdivinehomage,andletyourunreservedobediencetohiscommands,andyourjealousregardforhishonor,andyourfaithfulhearkeningtothegentleaccentsofhis"still,smallvoice"manifesthowdeeplysensibleyouareofhislove,hisgrace,andfaithfulnessinsympathizingwithyoursorrows,insupplyingyourneed,andinmakingyourburdensandinfirmitiesallandentirelyhisown.

TheIntercessionoftheSpiritintheSaints

AndhethatsearcheththeheartsknowethwhatisthemindoftheSpirit,becausehemakethintercessionforthesaintsaccordingtothewillofGod.Romans8:27

AndhewhosearchesourheartsknowsthemindoftheSpirit,becausetheSpiritintercedesforthesaintsinaccordancewithGod'swill.Romans8:27

AndtheFatherwhoknowsallheartsknowswhattheSpiritissaying,fortheSpiritpleadsforusbelieversinharmonywithGod'sownwill.Romans8:27

WeareherepresentedwithanotherandadeeperunfoldingoftheworkoftheSpiritinrelationtoprayer.Havingshowntousinwhatwayheaidstheinfirmityofthisholyexercise,chieflybyimpartingthespiritofgraceandofsupplication,theApostlenowremindsushowthoseinditings,thusoriginatingwiththeHolySpirit,areinperfectharmonywiththewillofGod.ThewholesubjectisbasedupononeofthemostsolemnviewsoftheDivineBeingpresentedintheBible.Havingcontemplatedthis,weshallthenproceedtoopenuptheSpirit'sworkofintercessioninthesaints.

"Hethatsearchesthehearts."Thisis,andthisonlycanbe,theprerogativeofGod.Itisnotinthepowerofmanorangeltolookwithinthehumanheart.ItistheawfullysolemnprerogativeofGodonly.Thusisthetruthdeclared:"TheLordseesnotasmansees;formanlooksattheoutwardappearance,buttheLordknowstheheart.""TheLordsearchesallhearts,andunderstandsalltheimaginationsofthethoughts.""Therefiningpotisforsilver,andthefurnaceforgold:buttheLordtriesthehearts."AndwhatasolemndeclarationofthistruthisputforthbytheprophetJeremiah!"Theheartisdeceitfulaboveallthings,anddesperatelywicked:whocanknowit?ItheLordsearchtheheart,Itrythereins."Withamostemphaticenunciationofthistruthdoesthe

sacredcanonofScriptureclose:"AndallthechurchesshallknowthatIamhewhosearchesthereinsandheartsandIwillgiveuntoeveryoneofyouaccordingtoyourworks."WefindthesamedivineprerogativeascribedtotheLordJesus,thusformingoneofthestrongestevidencesofhisessentialDeity:"Thentherearoseareasoningamongthosewhoofthemshouldbegreatest.

AndJesus,perceivingthethoughtoftheirheart,tookachild,andsethimbyhim."Again,"ButJesusdidnotcommithimselfuntothem,becauseheknewallmen.Andneedednotthatanyshouldtestifyofman;forheknewwhatwasinman."HowcouldJesusperceivethethoughtsoftheirheart,andhowcouldheknowwhatwasinman-whatthoughtswererevolving,whatschemeswereplanning,whatintrigueswereplottinginthedeeprecessesofthesoul,werehenotabsolutelyGod?ButsolemnasisthisviewoftheDivinecharacter,thebelievingmindfindsinitsweetandhallowedrepose.Whatmoreconsolatorytruth,insomeofthemosttryingpositionsofachildofGod,thanthis-theLordknowstheheart?Theworldcondemns,andthesaintsjudge-butGodknowstheheart.Andtothosewhohavebeenledintodeepdiscoveriesoftheheart'shiddenevil,towhomhavebeenmadeunveilingsstartlinganddistressing,howpreciousisthischaracterofGod-"hethatsearchestheheart!"Isthereasinglerecessofourheartswewouldveilfromhispenetratingglance?Isthereacorruptionwewouldhidefromhisview?Isthereanevilofwhichwewouldhavehimignorant?Ohno!Mournfulandhumiliatingasisthespectacle,wewouldthrowopeneverydoor,anduplifteverywindow,andinviteandurgehisscrutinyandinspection,makingnoconcealments,andindulginginnoreserves,andframingnoexcuseswhendealingwiththegreatSearcherofhearts-exclaiming,"Searchme,OGod,andknowmyheart:tryme,andknowmythoughts:andseeiftherebeanywickedwayinme,andleadmeinthewayeverlasting."

AndwhiletheLordisthusacquaintedwiththeevilofourhearts,hemostgraciouslyconcealsthatevilfromtheeyesofothers.Heseemstosay,byhisbenevolentconduct,"Iseemychild'sinfirmity"-thencoveringitwithhishand,exclaims-"butnoothereyeshallseeitbutmyown!"Oh,thetouchingtenderness,theloving-kindnessofourGod!Knowing,ashedoes,alltheevilofournature,heyetveilsthatevilfromhumaneye,that

othersmaynotdespiseusasweoftendespiseourselves.WhobutGodcouldknowit-whobutGodwouldconcealit?Andhowblessed,too,torememberthatwhileGodknowsalltheevil,heisasintimatelyacquaintedwithallthegoodthatisintheheartsofhispeople!HeknowsallthathisSpirithasimplanted,thathisgracehaswrought.Oh,encouragingtruth!Thatsparkoflove,faintandflickering-thatpulsationoflife,lowandtremulous-thattouchoffaith,feebleandhesitating,thatgroan,thatsigh,thatlowthoughtofselfthatleadsamantoseektheshade,thatself-abasementthatplaceshismouthinthedust,oh,notoneofthesesacredemotionsisunseen,unnoticed,byGod!Hiseyeeverrestswithinfinitecomplaisanceanddelightonhisownimageintherenewedsoul.ListentohislanguagetoDavid:"Forasmuchasitwasinyourhearttobuildahouseformyname,youdidwell,inthatitwasinyourheart."

"KnowswhatisthemindoftheSpirit."Itwouldappearbythesewords,thatinprayerthegreatinterpreteroftheheartistheSpirit.AndwhenitisdeclaredthatourFatherinheavenknowswhatisthemindoftheSpirit,itmeansthatheisessentiallyacquaintedwithalltheinditingsandbreathingsoftheSpiritintheheart.Withwhatpowerfulandirresistibleattractionsdoesthistruthinvestthethroneofgrace!TorememberthatinprayerwedrawneartothatGodwhoknowsallthedesiresoftheheart,which,thoughtheybeclothedwithnodiction,andareinarticulateintheiraccents,areyetknownto,andunderstoodby,him.Yes,beforethatthoughtisconceived,orthatfeelingisinspired,andwhenactuallyconceivedandinspired,is,perhaps,tousconfused,andindefinite,andmeaningless,leavingnothingtoreposeinbutthebareconsciousnessofsinceredesireandrealearnestness;yethewhoknowswhatisthemindoftheSpirit,understandsitaltogether.Tohimithasavoice,tohimalanguage,andtohimameaning.HeknowsthemindoftheSpiritinhissaints.Oh,sweetencouragementtoprayer!Itisnotyourvoicethatspeaks,buttheSpirit's,whenyoudrawneartoGod.

"BecausehemakesintercessionforthesaintsaccordingtothewillofGod."WearewonttoreadintheBibleofoneIntercessor,andofoneadvocacy."ThereisoneMediatorbetweenGodandmen,themanChristJesus.""Ifanymansin,wehaveanAdvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous."Butthebelieverhastwocourtswithwhichprayer

hastodo.Inthecourtbelow,whereprayerisoffered,theSpiritishisIntercessor.Inthecourtabove,whereprayerispresented,JesusishisIntercessor.Then,whatanhonored,whataprivilegedmanistheprayingman!

Onearth-thelowercourt-hehasaCounselorinstructinghimforwhatheshouldpray,andhowheshouldorderhissuit.Inheaven-thehighercourt-hehasanAdvocatepresentingtoGodeachpetitionasitascends,separatingfromitallthatisignorant,andsinful,andweak,andpleadingforitsgraciousacceptance,andaskingforitsfullbestowment.Here,then,isourvastencouragementinprayer.TheinditingsoftheSpirit-theIntercessoronearth-arealwaysinagreementwiththemindofGod.InprayerweneedjustsuchaDivinecounselor.Isittemporalblessingthatwecrave?Weneedtobetaughthowtograduateourrequesttoournecessity,andhowtoshapeournecessitytoourheavenlycalling.Supplicationfortemporalgoodis,wethink,limited.Andthisisthelimit:"Havingfoodandclothing,letustherewithbecontent."WhatchildofGodiswarrantedinaskingworldlywealth,ordistinction,orrank?AndwhatchildofGod,inahealthystateofsoul,wouldaskthem?"But,"saystheApostle,"myGodshallsupplyallyourneeds,accordingtohisrichesinglorybyChristJesus."

ShouldGod,inhisprovidence,sendeitherofthesetemporalthingsundesired,unasked,andunexpected,receiveitasfromhim,anduseitastohim.Butwithregardtospiritualblessings,ourgrantisillimitable,ourrequestsmaybeboundless.Herewemayleavetheshorewehavesolongbeenhugging,andboldlylaunchoutintothedeep-eventhedepthsofGod'slove,andoftheSavior'sgrace."Askwhatyouwill,"isthebroad,unrestrictedwarrant.WhenweasktobeperfectedintheloveofGod,weaskforthatwhichisinaccordancewiththewillofGod-for"Godislove."Whenweaskforanincreaseoffaith,weaskforthatwhichisinaccordancewiththewillofGod-for"withoutfaithitisimpossibletopleasehim."Whenweaskformoredivineconformity,weaskforthatwhichisinharmonywithGod'swill-forhehassaid,"Beholy,forIamholy."Andwhenweaskforcomfort,wepleadforthatwhichisinhishearttogive-forheisthe"Godofallcomfort."Oh,topossessaDivinecounselor,dwellinginourhearts,whowillneverinditeawrongprayer,

norsuggestaweakargument,normisleadusinanyoneparticular,inthesolemn,theimportant,theholyengagementofprayer;whoisacquaintedwiththepurposeofGod;whoknowsthemindofGod;whounderstandsthewillofGod;whoreadstheheartofGod;yes,whoisGodhimself.Whatencouragementisthis,tomorerealprayer!Areyoumovedtopray?Whileyoumusedoesthefireburn?IsyourheartstirreduptoaskofGodsomeespecialblessingforyourself,orforothers?Areyouafflicted?Oh,then,riseandpray-theSpiritpromptsyou-theSaviorinvitesyou-yourheavenlyFatherwaitstoansweryou.

WithsuchanIntercessorinthecourtonearth-sodivine,soloving,andsosympathizing;andwithsuchanIntercessorinthecourtinheaven-sopowerful,soeloquent,andsosuccessful-"letuscomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace,thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed."

AllThingsWorkingforGood

AndweknowthatallthingsworktogetherforgoodtothosewholoveGod,tothemwhoarethecalledaccordingtohispurpose.Romans8:28

AndweknowthatinallthingsGodworksforthegoodofthosewholovehim,whohavebeencalledaccordingtohispurpose.Romans8:28

AndweknowthatGodcauseseverythingtoworktogetherforthegoodofthosewholoveGodandarecalledaccordingtohispurposeforthem.Romans8:28

WhatagloriousBeingmustourGodbe,whofromthedirestevilcaneducethegreatestgood!Having,byanexerciseofthemostdivinepower,andbyanactofthemoststupendousgrace,"turnedthecurseintoa

blessing,"heisstillintheexerciseofthesamedivineandbeneficentpower,employedinoverrulingthedailyconsequencesofman'soriginalwoeforthegreaterpromotionofhispresenthappiness.Theinterestingpassagenowabouttoengageourthought,seemsanamplificationofatruththeinspiredwriterhadpreviouslyadvanced-that,thoughthiswerethesufferingstateoftheChurchofGod,yetwasitapalmystate;for,fromthoseverysufferingswereextractedsomeoftherichestblessingsoftheChristian-that,bytheactivecombinationofalltheeventsofhishistory,thereisworkingoutagreatandapresentgood.Theleadingpointthatarreststheeyeinthisremarkableverseisthebeautifulportraitwhichitsketchesofthebeliever'scharacter.Letthisbeourfirstfeatureofcontemplation.

"ThosewholoveGod."SurelyitisnosmallmercybelongingtotheChurchofChrist,that,composedasitisofallpeopleandtongues,itsmembers"strangersscatteredabroad,"anditsessentialunitydeeplyobscured,anditsspiritualbeautysadlydisfiguredbythenumerousdivisionswhichmarandweakenthebodyofChrist,thereyetisanidentityofcharacterinall,bywhichtheyarenotonlyknowntoGod,butarerecognizedbyeachotherasmembersoftheonefamily-or"thosewholoveGod."

LovetoGod,then,isthegranddistinctivefeatureofthetrueChristian.Thereversemarksalltheunregenerate.Harmoniousastheirnature,theircreed,theirchurch,maybe,nolovetoGodistheirbinding,assimilatingfeature,theirbroaddistinctivecharacter.ButthesaintsarethosewholoveGod.Theircreedsmaydifferinminorshades,theirecclesiasticalrelationsmayvaryinoutwardforms-asraysoflight,theremotertheirdistancesfromthecenter,themorewidelytheydivergefromeachother.Yetinthisoneparticularthereisanessentialunityofcharacter,andaperfectassimilationofspirit.TheyloveoneGodandFather;andthistruth-likethosesunderedraysoflightreturningtothesun,approximatetoeachother-formsthegreatassimilatingprinciplebywhichallwhoholdtheHead,andlovethesameSavior,aredrawntoonecenter,andinwhichtheyallharmonizeandunite.Theregenerationthroughwhichtheyhavepassedhaseffectedthisgreatchange.Oncetheywerethechildrenofwrath,evenasothers,atenmitywithGod.Ah!isnot

thisaheart-affectingthought?Butnowtheylovehim.TheSpirithassupplantedtheoldprincipleofenmitybythenewprincipleoflove.TheylovehimasrevealedinChrist,andtheylovehimforthegiftoftheRevealer-thevisibleimageoftheinvisibleGod.Who,ashehassurveyedthegloryandrealizedthepreciousnessoftheSavior,hasnotfeltinhisbosomthekindlingofaferventlovetohimwho,whenhehadnogreatergift,commendedhislovetousbythegiftofhisdearSon?

Theylovehim,too,inhispaternalcharacter.Standingtotheminsocloseandendearingarelation,theyaddresshimasaFather,theyconfideinhimasaFather-theyobeyhimasaFather.TheSpiritofadoptiontakescaptivetheirhearts,andtheyloveGodwithachild'sfervent,adoring,confidingaffection.TheyloveGod,too,forallhisconduct.Itvaries,buteachvariationawakensthedeepandholyresponseoflove.Theylovehimforthewisdom,thefaithfulness,theholinessofhisprocedure-forwhathewithholds,asforwhathegrantswhenherebukes,aswhenheapproves.Forhisfrown,theyknowittobeaFather'sfrown;forhissmile,theyfeelittobeaFather'ssmile.Theylovehimfortherodthatdisciplinesasforthescepterthatgoverns-forthewoundthatbleeds,asforthebalmthatheals.ThereisnothinginGod,andthereisnothingfromGod,forwhichthesaintsdonotlovehim.Ofonetruth-thesourceofthisfeeling-letusnotlosesight:"Welovehimbecausehefirstlovedus."ThusthemotiveoflovetoGodasmuchspringsfromhim,asthepowertolovehim.

"Whoarethecalledaccordingtohispurpose."AnothercharacteristicofthechildrenofGodisthis.Thecallingherereferredto,isthatinward,effectualcallingofwhichthesameapostlespeaksinanotherplace."AmongwhomareyoualsothecalledofJesusChrist:toallthatbeinRome,belovedofGod,calledtobesaints."Ohwhatagloriousvocationisthis!TohaveheardtheHolySpirit'sdivineyetgentlevoiceinthedeeprecessesofthesoul-tohavefeltthedrawingsoftheSavior'sloveupontheheart-tohavelistenedtoaFather'spersuasiveassuranceofalovethathasforgottenallourenmity,forgivenallourrebellion,andthatremembersonlythekindnessofouryouth,andtheloveofourespousals-calledtobesaints,God'sholyones-calledtobesons,theFather'sadoptedones-OhthiswereavocationworthyindeedofGod,and

demandinginreturnoursupremest,deepestaffection!

Theprincipleuponwhichthiscallproceedsissaidtobe,"accordingtohispurpose."Thusitisacallingoverwhichwehavenocontrol,eitherinoriginatingorfrustratingit,andthereforethereisnogroundofself-boasting."Inwhomalsowehaveobtainedaninheritance,beingpredestinedaccordingtothepurposeofhimwhoworksallthingsafterthecounselofhisownwill."Itexcludesallideaofmeritonthepartofthecalled."Whohassavedus,andcalleduswithanholycalling,notaccordingtoourworks,butaccordingtohisownpurposeandgrace,whichwasgivenusinChristJesusbeforetheworldbegan."Oh,yieldyourhearttothefullbeliefandholyinfluenceofthustruth.Doesitclashwithyourcreed?-thenyourcreedisdefective.Doesitawakentheoppositionofyourheart?-thenyourheartisnotright.Areyoureallyamongthe"calledofGod?"-thenascribeittohiseternalpurpose,andbelievethatyouhavenogroundofboasting,inthepossessionofafavorsodistinguished,butinthesovereignwillandmostfreegraceoftheholyLordGodwhohascalledyou.Hasthiscallreachedyou,myreader?Ministershavecalledyou-theGospelhascalledyou-providenceshavecalledyou-consciencehascalledyou-buthastheSpiritcalledyouwithaninwardandeffectualvocation?Haveyoubeencalled,spirituallycalled,fromdarknesstolight-fromdeathtolife-fromsintoholiness-fromtheworldtoChrist-fromselftoGod?Examineyourheartandascertain.Oh,itisamatterofthegreatestconsequence,thatyouknowthatyouaretrulyconverted,thatyouarecalledofGod.Hasthethrilling,life-inspiringmusicofthatcallsoundedandreverberatedthroughallthechambersofyoursoul?

WenowcometoconsidertheexaltedprivilegewhichappertainstothisholycharacterofthosewholoveGod,andwhoarethecalledaccordingtohispurpose."Allthingsworktogetherforgood."Thecomprehensivenessofthisprivilegeisboundless."Allthings"undertherighteousgovernmentofGodmustnecessarilybeaworkingoutofgood."Youaregood,anddogood."Inhimthereisnoevil,andconsequentlynothingcanproceedfromhimthattendstoevil.Butlestthegreatscopeofthissubjectshouldleadusfromthepointdirectlybeforeus,weconfineourillustrationofthistruthtotheexperienceoftheindividualChristian.

HereitispalpablyclearandemphaticallytruethatallthatoccursintheLord'sgovernmentofhispeopleconspiresfor,andworksout,andresultsin,theirhighesthappiness,theirgreatestgood.Thepassagesupposessomethingantagonistictothewell-beingofthebelieverinGod'sconductattimes.Hewouldappeartoplacehimselfinanattitudeofhostilitytothosewholovehim,tostandintheirpathaswithadrawnswordinhishand.Andyet,tonosingletruthdoestheChurchbearastrongertestimonythantothis,thatthedarkestepochsofherhistoryhaveeverbeenthosefromwhichherbrightestlusterhasarisen;andthatthoseveryelementswhichworeanaspectsoportentousandthreatening,byamutualandconcurrentinfluence,undertheguidinghandofGod,haveevolvedpurposesandplans,havedevelopedthoughtsandfeelings,andhaveterminatedinresultsandends,allseekingandadvancingthebestwelfare,thehighestgood,oftheChurchofChrist.Butletuspasswithintheindividualcircleofthechurch.ShallwetakethegloomiestandmostpainfulcircumstancesinthehistoryofthechildofGod?

Theworddeclaresthattheseidenticalcircumstances,withoutasolitaryexception,areallconspiring,andallworkingtogether,forhisrealandpermanentgood.Asanillustrationofthis,taketribulationasthestarting-point.ThussaystheApostle."Werejoiceintribulation,knowingthattribulationworkspatience"-thegracethatshineswithsuchsurpassinglusterinthefurnace;"andpatienceexperience"-apartfromwhichallreligiousprofessionisvain;"andexperiencehope"-thepolestarofthebelievervoyaginghomeward;"andhopemakesnotashamed"-butconfirmsandrealizesallthatitexpected.Andyet,fromwherethisflowofpreciousblessing-serenepatience,vitalexperience,andbeaminghope?-allflowfromthesombercloudoftribulation!Thattribulationwas,perhaps,ofthemostmysteriouscharacter-ofthemosthumiliatingnature-ofthemostoverpoweringforce-yetbeholdtheblessingsitflungfromitsdarkbosom!Whowithafinitepresciencecouldhavepredicted,stilllesshavecommanded,thatfromabudsobitterandunsightly,aflowersosweetandfairshouldhaveblown?thatacloudsodarkandforebodingshouldhaveunbosomedablessingsobrilliantandsoprecious?

TheBibleisrichinitsillustrationsofthisprincipleoftheDivine

government.TakeforexamplethecaseofJacob.Heavyandloweringwasthecloudnowsettlinguponhistabernacle.Severewasthetest,andfearfulthetremblingofhisfaith.Hisfeetwerealmostgone.Thesadrecollectionofhisbereavementstillhoveredlikeclingingshadowsaroundhismemory;gauntfaminestaredhimintheface;andamessengerwithtidingsofyetheavierwoelingereduponthethresholdofhisdoor.Andwhenthosetidingsbrokeuponhisear,howtouchingtheexpressionofhisgrief!"Youhavedeprivedmeofmychildren!Josephhasdisappeared,Simeonisgone,andnowyouwanttotakeBenjamin,too.Everythingisgoingagainstme!"Genesis42:36.Butlo!thecircumstanceswhichtothedimeyeofhisfaithworeahuesosomber,andanaspectsoalarming,wereatthatmomentdevelopingandperfectingtheeventswhichweretosmoothhispassagetothegrave,andshedaroundtheeveningofhislife,thehaloofagloriousandacloudlesssunset.Allthingswereworkingtogetherforhisgood!

Joseph,too,reviewingthepastofhischequeredandmysterioushistory,arrivesatthesameconclusion,andconfirmsthesametruth.Seekingtotranquilizehisself-condemningbrothers,hesays,"Butasforyou,youthoughtevilagainstme;butGodmeantituntogood,tobringtopass,asitisthisday,tosavemanypeoplealive."Theenvyofhisbrethren,hisbeingsoldasaslave,hisimprisonment,wereallworkingoutGod'spurposeandplanofwisdomandlove.Andyet,whocouldhaveforeseenandpredicted,thatfromthoseuntowardevents;theexaltation,power,andwealthofJosephwouldspring?Yetallthingswereworkingtogetherforgood.Thusisit,too,inthehistoryoftheLord'slovingcorrections.Theyarealltheunfoldingsofadesign,partsofaperfectwhole.Fromthesedealings,sometimessoheart-crushing,whatsignalblessingsflow!"Youhavechastisedme,andIwaschastised."Andwhatwastheresult?ItawokefromEphraimthispreciousacknowledgmentandprayer:"SurelyafterIwasturned,Irepented;andafterIwasinstructed,Ismoteuponmythigh:Iwasashamed,yes,evenconfounded,becauseIdidbearthereproachofmyyouth."Oh,whocancomputethegood,thereal,thepermanentgoodthatresultsfromthetryingdispensationsofGod?-fromthecorrectionsofaFather'slove?Thethingsthatappeartomilitateagainstthebeliever,unfoldingtheirheaven-sentmission,turnoutratherforthefurtheranceofhisbestwelfareandhishighestinterest.

Butobservetheunityofoperation.They"worktogether,"notsinglyandseparately,butconjointly,asadjunctcausesandmutualhelps.ThereforeitisthatweoftenmarkapluralityoftrialinthecalamitywhichbefallstheChristian.Seldomdoesafflictioncomesolitaryandalone-thegentlewaveletuponthesurfaceforebodestheagitationofthewatersandisoftentheprecursorofthemountainbillow,andthebillowinitsturnisoftentheheraldofthehugewaterspout.Stormrisesuponstorm,cloudoncloud.Onemessengerofwoeisquicklysucceededbyanother,burdenedwithtidingsofyetheaviersorrow.Tracethewisdom,northewisdomonly,buttheloveofyourGod,Ochildofsuffering,inordainingyourpathtoheaventhrough"muchtribulation,"andinweavingaroundyoumanytrials.Singleandalone,thegoodtheyarechargedtoconveywerebutpartiallyaccomplished,andtheeviltheyweredesignedtomeetbutimperfectlycured.Itisthecompoundingoftheingredientsintherecipethatconstitutesitssanativepower.Extractanyoneingredient,andyouimpairtheothersanddestroythewhole.Wemaynotunderstandthechemistryoftheprocess;wedonotseehowoneelementactsuponthepropertiesoftheothers,norhow,bythecombinationofall,thecureiseffected.Yet,confidingintheskillofthecompounder,andsubmittingourreasontoourfaith,wetaketheremedyandreceivethebenefit.So,withtheDivinedispensations,theywork,but"worktogether."Howassuredlywouldthecurativeprocessoftrialbeimpaired,ifbutoneoftheseveralsentwerelacking!Howwouldtheadjustment,harmony,andsymmetryofGod'sarrangementbedestroyed,ifonedarkdispensationwerelackingof,perhaps,themanywhichhanguponourhorizon!Itisthecombinationofsound,theharmonyofmany,andoftendiscordantnotes,thatconstitutemusic.Oh,howimperfectlyareweaware,notofthenecessityoftrialonly,butofapluralityoftrial,inordertowakefromourlipsthesweetest,loftiestanthemofpraiseandthanksgivingtoGod!ThusitisthatthemostdeeplytriedbelieversarethemostskillfulandthemostmelodiouschoristersinGod'schurch.Theysingthesweetestonearth,andtheysingtheloudestinheaven,whoarepassingthrough,andwhohavecomeoutof,"greattribulation."

Then,Christian,countitalljoywhenyoufallintodiversetrials;donotbeterrifiedifwaverespondstowave-ifcloudcapscloud-ifstormrisesonstorm-ifyourJosephhasbeentaken,andnowyourBenjaminbe

demanded.Thegreatertheaccumulationoftrial,thericherthefreightitbears.Thenitisthattheinterposition,thewisdom,andloveofourGodappearthemostconspicuousandwonderful.Havingdeliveredusoutofsixtroubles,weseehimhasteningtoourrescueintheseventh.Thenitis,theexperienceofthesweetsingerofIsraelawakesanechoinourheart:"Hesentfromabove,hetookme,hedrewmeoutofmanywaters."Ithasbeenwellobserved,"Themechanismofprovidenceismadeupofsomanyparts"asoftentobafflethecomprehensionofman;yetalliscleartotheeyeandunderthesovereignhandofHimwhoworksit;andwhenwearelostinthebewildermentsofahistorythatwecannotscan;whenweareentangledamongthemazesofalabyrinththatwecannotunderstand,itiswelltobetoldthatallisordered,andthatallworksforgood."

Andletusnotforgetthatitisapresentworking.Itsaysnotthatallthingshaveworkedtogetherforgood,thoughthisismosttrue.Itsaysnotthatallthingsshallworktogetherforgood,thoughthisisequallycertain.Butitsaysthatallthingsdonowworktogetherforgood.Itisnotapast,norafuture,butapresentprocess.Theyarealwaysworkingforgood.Theoperationmaybeasinvisibleandnoiselessastheleavenfermentinginthebread,andyetnotlesscertainandeffectual.ThekingdomofGodcomesnotintooursoulswithobservation,nordoesitgrowinoursoulswithobservation.Andwhetherthegoodthusborneupontheraven-wingoftrial,thusembosomedintheloweringcloudofsomecrushingprovidence,beimmediateorremote,itmatterslittle;soonerorlateritwillaccomplishitsbenevolentandheaven-sentmission,andthentrialwillexpanditsdarkpinionsandflyaway;andsorrowwillrollupitssomberdraperyanddisappear.Thepainfulandinexplicabledispensations,whichatthepresentmomentmaybethickeninganddeepeningaroundyourpath,arebutsomanyproblemsinGod'sgovernment,whichheisworkingouttotheircertain,satisfactory,andhappyresults.

Safely,then,maytheApostleresthisappealwithus:"Weknowthatallthingsworktogetherforgood."Weknowit,becauseGodhassaidit.Weknowit,becauseothershavetestifiedtoit.Bestofall,weknowit,becausewehaveexperienceditourselves.Wecansetoursealtothetruth

thatallthingsunderthegovernmentofaninfinitelygreat,all-wise,righteous,andbeneficentLordGod,bothintheworld,andinthechurch,andinthehistoryofeachmemberofthechurch,worktogetherforgood.Whatthatgoodmaybe,theshapeitmayassume,thecomplexionitmaywear,theendtowhichitmaybesubservient,wecannottell.Toourdimviewitmayappearanevil,buttoGod'sfar-seeingeyeitisapositivegood.Hisgloryissecuredbyit,and,thatendaccomplished,wearesureitmustbegood.Oh,truthmostdivine!Oh,wordsmostconsolatory!Howmanywhoseeyetracesthispage,itmaybewhosetearsbedewit,whosesighsbreatheoverit,whoseprayershallowit,maybewadingindeepwaters,maybedrinkingbittercups,andarereadytoexclaim-"Allthesethingsareagainstme!"Ohno,belovedofGod,allthesethingsareforyou!"TheLordsitsupontheflood.""ThevoiceoftheLordisuponthewaters.""Hemakesthecloudshischariot."Donotbe,then,afraid!Christrestrainstheflooduponwhoseheavingbosomheserenelysits.Christcontrolsthewaters,whosesoundingwavesobeythemandateofhisvoice.Christ'scloudychariotispavedwithlove.Then,fearnot!YourFathergraspsthehelmofyourstormtossedbark,andthroughcloudandtempestwillsteeritsafelytotheportofendlessrest."ThereisnonelikeuntotheGodofJeshurun,whoridesupontheheavensinyourhelp,andinhisexcellencyonthesky.TheEternalGodisyourrefuge,andunderneatharetheeverlastingarms."

Againlearninstructionfromanalogy.Allthebeauty,andfragrance,andmusicofnature,springfromaunionandblendingofopposites.Soisitinthatkingdomwhichiswithinyou.ThebeautyofholinesswithwhichGodadornsyou-theperfumeofgracewhichheflingsaroundyou-themelodyofpraisewhichhewakesfromyourlips-aretheresultof"allthings"inyourhistoryconspiring,combining,andworkingtogetherforyourgood.

"Loveyouyoursorrow?Griefshallbring

Itsownexcuseinafteryears.

Therainbow-seehowfairathing

Godhasbuiltupfromtears!"

Oh,calmlystayyourfaith,then,onthisdivinelyassuredtruth,that"allthingsworktogetherforgoodtothosewholoveGod."Willitnotbeagood,ifyourpresentadversityresultsinthedethronementofsomeworshipedidol-intheendearingofChristtoyoursoul-inthecloserconformityofyourmindtoGod'simage-inthepurificationofyourheartinyourmorethoroughfitnessforheaven?WillitnotbearealgoodifitterminateinarevivalofGod'sworkwithinyou-instirringyouuptomoreprayer-inenlargingyourhearttoallthatlovethesameSavior-instimulatingyoutoincreasedactivityfortheconversionofsinners,forthediffusionofthetruth,andforthegloryofGod?Ohyes!good,realgood,permanentgoodmustresultfromalltheDivinedispensationsinyourhistory.BitterrepentanceshallendintheexperiencedsweetnessofChrist'slove.Thefesteringwoundshallbutelicitthehealingbalm.Theoverpoweringburdenshallbutbringyoutothetranquilrest.ThestormshallbutquickenyourfootstepstotheHidingplace.Thenorthwindandthesouthwindshallbreathetogetheroveryourgarden,andthespicesshallflowout.Inalittlewhile-oh,howsoon!-youshallpassawayfromearthtoheaven,andinitsclearer,serenerlightshallreadthetruth,oftenreadwithtearsbefore,"AllthingsworktogetherforgoodtothosewholoveGod."

"Oh,whataloadofstruggleanddistress

FallsoffbeforetheCross!TheFeverishcare;

Thewishthatwewereotherthanweare

Thesickregrets;theyearningsnumberless;

Thethought,'Thismighthavebeen,'soapttopress

Onthereluctantsoul!evenpastdespair,

Pastsinitself-all-allisturnedtofair,

Ay,toaschemeoforderedhappiness,

SosoonasweloveGod,orrather,know

ThatGodlovesus!Acceptingthegreatpledge

OfHisconcernforallourwantsandwoe,

Weceasetotrembleupondanger'sedge,

Whilevaryingtroublesformandburstanew,

SafeinaFather'sarms,wesmileasinfantsdo!"

(Townshend)

DivinePredestination

"Forwhomhedidforeknow,healsodidpredestinatetobeconformedtotheimageofhisSon,thathemightbethefirstbornamongmanybrethren"—Romans8:29.

Guidedbythelatterclauseoftheprecedingverse,wewereledtoadverttothesettledpurposeandplanofGodasitrelatedtotheconversionofHispeople.Thepassageunderpresentconsiderationcarriesforwardthesameargumentanotherstep,andshowsthatthedoctrinethusclearlyenunciatedisnotacrudeandspeculativedogmaoftheschools,whichsomesuppose,butisatruthofdistinctrevelation,divineinitsorigin,experimentalinitsnature,andsanctifyingandcomfortinginitseffects.Letus,then,divestingourmindsofallprejudice,addressourselvestoitsconsideration,inprayerfulrelianceupontheteachingoftheSpirit,andwiththeearnestsimplicityofchildrendesiringtocometoaknowledgeofthetruth,andtostandcompleteinallthewillofGod.

"Whomhedidforeknow."Inthisplacetheword"foreknow"assumesaparticularandexplicitmeaning.Initswiderandmoregeneralapplicationitmustberegardedasreferringnotsimplytothedivineprescience,butmoreespeciallytothedivineprearrangement.ForGodtoforeknowis,inthestrictmeaningofthephrase,forGodtoforeordain.Therearenoguesses,conjectures,orcontingencieswithGodastothefuture.NotonlydoesHeknowall,butHehasfixed,appointed,andordered"allthingsafterthecounselofhisownwill."Inthisviewthereexistsnotacreature,andtheretranspiresnotanevent,whichwasnotasrealandpalpabletothedivinemindfrometernityasitisatthepresentmoment.Indeed,itwouldseemthattherewerenofuturewithGod.AneternalBeing,therecanbenothingprospectiveinHislookingonallthings.Theremustbeaneternityofperception,andconstitution,andpresence;andthemightiestfeatureofHischaracter—thatwhichconveystoafinitemindthemostvividconceptionofHisgrandeurandgreatness—isthesimultaneousnessofallsuccession,variety,andeventstoHiseye."Heisofonemind;andwhocanturnhim?"

Buttheword"foreknow,"asitoccursinthetext,addstothisyetanother,amoredefinite,and,tothesaints,amoreprecioussignification.Theforeknowledgeherespokenof,itwillbeobserved,islimitedtoaparticularclassofpeoplewhoaresaidtobe"conformedtotheimageofGod'sSon."Nowthiscannot,withtruth,bepredicatedofallcreatures.Theterm,therefore,assumesaparticularandimpressivesignification.ItincludestheeverlastingloveofGodto,andHismostfreechoiceof,Hispeople,tobeHisspecialandpeculiartreasure.Wefindsomeexamplesofthis—"Godhasnotcastawayhispeoplewhichheforeknew"(Rom.11:2).Herethewordisexpressiveofthetwoideasofloveandchoice.Again,"Whoverilywasforeordained(Greek,foreknown)beforethefoundationoftheworld"(1Pet.1:20)."Him,beingdeliveredbythedeterminatecounselandforeknowledgeofGod"(Acts2:23).Clearly,then,wearejustifiedininterpretingthephraseasexpressiveofGod'sspecialchoiceof,andHisintelligentloveto,Hischurch—Hisownpeculiarpeople.Itisaforeknowledgeofchoice,oflove,ofeternalgraceandfaithfulness.

"Healsodidpredestinate."Thiswordadmitsofbutonenaturalsignification.Predestination,initslowestsense,isunderstoodtomean

theexclusiveagencyofGodinproducingeveryevent.Butitincludesmorethanthis:ittakesinGod'spre-determinateappointmentandfore-arrangementofathingbeforehand,accordingtoHisdivineandsupremewill.TheGreekissorendered—"Fortodowhateveryourhandandyourcounseldeterminedbeforetobedone"(Acts4:28).Again,"HavingpredestinatedusuntotheadoptionofchildrenbyJesusChristtohimself,accordingtothegoodpleasureofhiswill"(Eph.1:5).ItishereaffirmedofGod,thatthesameprearrangementandpredeterminationthatmeningeneralareagreedtoascribetoHiminthegovernmentofmatter,extendsequally,andwithyetstrongerforce,totheconcernsofHismoraladministration.ItwouldseemimpossibletoformanycorrectideaofGod,disassociatedfromtheideaofpredestination.Asadivinewrote,"ThesolebasisofpredestinationisthepracticalbeliefthatGodiseternalandinfiniteinandoverall.Andthesoleaimofitsassertionshouldbe,asthesolelegitimateeffectofthatassertionis,tosettledownthewaveringandrebelsoulfromthevague,skeptical,andsuperstitiousinapplicabilitiesofchanceastothisworld'shistory,untotheliving,overwhelming,andhumblingpracticalityofconviction,that,justbecauseGodseesallthings,providesallthings,andhaspoweroverallthings,thereforemanmustactasifhebelievedthistobetrue.Thefirstandthelastconvictionofeveryhonestinquirermustbe,thatGodis,andisLordoverall—andthewholeofScripturebearstestimonytothefactofHisinfinitude."

Andyethowmarvelouslydifficultitistowinthemindtoafull,unwaveringacquiescenceinatruthwhich,inadifferentapplication,isreceivedwithunquestioningreadiness!Andwhatisthereintheapplicationofthislawofthedivinegovernmenttotheworldofmatter,whichisnotequallyreasonableandfitinitsapplicationtotheworldofmind?Ifitisnecessaryandproperinthematerial,whyshoulditnotbeequally,ormoreso,inthespiritualempire?IfGodisallowedthefullexerciseofasovereigntyintheone,whyshouldHebeexcludedfromanunlimitedsovereigntyintheother?SurelyitwereevenmoreworthyofHimthatHeshouldprearrange,predetermine,andsupremelyruleintheconcernsofaworldoverwhichHismoredignifiedandgloriousempireextends,thanthatintheinferiorworldofmatterHeshouldfixaconstellationintheheavens,guidethegyrationsofabirdintheair,direct

thefallingofanautumnleafinthepathlessdesert,orconveytheseed,borneuponthewind,tothespotwhereitshouldfall.Surelyifnofortuitousorderingisadmittedintheonecase,oninfinitelystrongergroundsitshouldbeexcludedfromtheother.Uponnootherbasiscoulddivineforeknowledgeandprovidencetaketheirstandthanuponthis.DisconnectedfromthewillandpurposeofGodtherecouldbenothingcertainastothefuture,andconsequentlytherecouldbenothingcertainlyforeknown.Andwerenotprovidencetoregulateandcontrolpeople,things,andevents—everydispensation,infact—bythesamepreconstructedplan,itwouldfollowthatGodwouldbeexposedtoathousandunforeseencontingencies,orelsethatHeactsignorantlyorcontrarytoHiswill.

Butitisnotsomuchourprovincetoestablishthetruthofthisdoctrine,andexplainitsreasonablenessandtheharmonyofitsrelations,astotraceitssanctifyingtendencyandeffect.Predestinationmustbeadivineverity,sinceitstandsessentiallyconnectedwithourconformitytothedivineimage."PredestinatedtobeconformedtotheimageofhisSon."Addressingourselvestothisdeeplyinterestingandimportantbranchofoursubject,letusfirstcontemplatethebeliever'smodel.

"TheimageofhisSon."Nostandardshortofthiswillmeetthecase.HowconspicuousappearsthewisdomandhowgloriousthegoodnessofGodinthis—thatinmakingusholy,themodelorstandardofthatholinessshouldbeDeityitself!Godwouldmakeusholy,andindoingsoHewouldmakeuslikeHimself.

Butwithwhatpen—dippedthoughitwereinheaven'sbrightesthues—canweportraytheimageofJesus?TheperfectionofourLordwastheperfectionofholiness.HisDeity,essentialholiness—Hishumanitywithoutsin,theimpersonationofholiness,allthatHewas,said,anddid,wasasflashesofholinessemanatingfromthefountainofessentialpurity,andkindlingtheirdazzlingandundyingradiancearoundeachstepHetrod.Howlowly,too,Hischaracter!HowholythethoughtsHebreathed,howpurethewordsHespoke,howhumblethespiritHeexemplified,howtenderandsympathizingtheoutgoingsofHiscompassionandlovetoman.Heis"thechiefamongtenthousand,thealtogetherlovely."

Suchisthebeliever'smodel.Tothisheispredestinatedtobeconformed.Andisnotthispredestinationinitshighestform?WoulditseempossibleforGodtohavepreordainedustoagreaterblessing,tohavechosenustoahigherdistinction?InchoosingusinChristbeforethefoundationoftheworld,thatweshouldbeholy,Hehasadvancedustotheloftiestdegreeofhonorandhappinesstowhichacreaturecanbepromoted—assimilationtoHisownmoralimage.Andthisformsthehighestambitionofthebeliever.Totranscribethosebeauteouslineamentswhich,insuchperfectharmonyandbeautifulexpression,blendedandshoneinthelifeofJesus,isthegreatstudyofallHistruedisciples.Butinwhatdoesthisconformityconsist?

Thefirstfeatureis,aconformityofnature.Andthisisreciprocal.TheSonofGod,byanactofdivinepower,becamehuman;thesaintsofGod,byanactofsovereigngrace,partake"ofthedivinenature,"2Peter1:4says.Thisharmonyofnatureformsthebasisofallconformity.ThusgraftedintoChrist,wegrowupintoHiminallholyresemblance.Themeekness,theholiness,thepatience,theself-denial,thezeal,thelove,traceableinus—thoughfaintandimperfect—aretransfersofChrist'sbeauteousandfaultlesslineamentstoourrenewedsoul.ThusthemindthatwasinHimisinsomemeasureinus.Andinourmoralconflict,battlingaswedowithsin,Satan,andtheworld,wecometoknowalittleoffellowshipwithHissufferingsandconformitytoHisdeath.

WeareheresuppliedwithatestofChristiancharacter.ItisananxiousquestionwithmanyprofessorsofChrist,"HowmayIarriveatacorrectconclusionthatIamamongthepredestinatedofGod—thatIamincludedinHispurposeofgraceandlove—thatIhaveasavinginterestintheLord'ssalvation?"Thepassageunderconsiderationsuppliestheanswer—conformitytotheimageofGod'sSon.Nothingshortofthiscanjustifythebeliefthatwearesaved.Noevidencelessstrongcanauthenticatethefactofourpredestination.ThedeterminationofGodtosavemenisnotsofixedastosavenomatterwhattheircharactermaybe.Christ'sworkisasalvationfromsin,notinsin."Accordingashehaschosenusinhimbeforethefoundationoftheworld,thatweshouldbeholy"(Eph.1:4).Inotherwords,thatweshouldbeconformedtothedivineimage.ThatweshouldbelikeChristinHisdivinenature,inthe

purityofHishumannature,inthehumilityHeexemplified,intheself-denialHepracticed,andintheheavenlylifeHelived.Inaword,inallthatthisexpressivesentencecomprehends—"conformedtotheimageofhisSon."

Aswegrowdaybydaymoreholy,morespirituallyminded,morecloselyresemblingJesus,weareplacingthetruthofourpredestinationtoeternallifeinaclearer,strongerlight,andconsequentlythefactofoursalvationbeyondamisgivingandadoubt.Inviewofthisprecioustruth,whatspiritualheartwillnotbreathetheprayer,"OLord!IcannotbesatisfiedmerelytoprofessandcallmyselfYours.Iwantmoreofthepowerofvitalreligioninmysoul.IpantforYourimage.MydeepestgriefspringsfromthediscoveryofthelittlerealresemblancewhichIbeartoamodelsopeerless,sodivine—thatIexemplifysolittleofYourpatienceinsuffering;Yourmeeknessinopposition;Yourforgivingspiritininjury;Yourgentlenessinreproving;Yourfirmnessintemptation;YoursinglenessofeyeinallthatIdo.Oh,transferYourselfwhollytome.Whatwerethisworld,yes,whatwereheavenitself,withoutYou?Auniverseofcreatures,thefondest,theholiest,couldnotbeYoursubstitutetomyyearning,longingsoul,OLord!Come,andoccupyYourownplaceinmyheart.AwakenittoYourlove.SweepitschordswithYourgentlehand,anditshallbreathesweetmusictoYourdearname

IloveYou,Savior,formysoulcravesjoy!

IneedYou,withouthopeIcannotlive!

IlookforYou;mynaturepantstogive

Itseverypoweraraptureandemploy;

AndtherearethingswhichIwouldsincerelydestroy

Withinmybosom;thingsthatmakemegrieve;

Sin,andherchild,Distrust,thatoftenweave

Aboutmyspiritdarknessandannoy:

AndnonebutYoucanthesedissolveinlight;

AndsoIlongforYou,asthosewhostay

Inthedeepwaterslongfordawningday!

NorwouldIonlyhavemybeingbright,

Butpeaceful,too;soaskYouifImight

MyheadonYourdearbosomleanalways.

—Townshend

"Thathemightbethefirstbornamongmanybrethren."TheSonofGodsustainstoustherelationoftheElderBrother.Heisemphaticallythe"Firstborn."Inanotherplaceweread,"Forasmuchthenasthechildrenarepartakersoffleshandblood,healsolikewisetookpartofthesame."Heisthe"Brotherbornforadversity."OurrelationtoHimasourBrotherisevidencedbyourconformitytoHimasourmodel.WehavenovalidclaimtorelationshipwhichspringsnotfromaresemblancetoHisimage.Thefeaturesmaybeindistinctlyvisible,yetonelineofholiness,onetruelineament,drawnupontheheartbytheHolySpirit,provesourfraternalrelationshiptoHim,the"Firstborn."

Andhowlargethebrotherhood—"manybrethren!"Whattherelativeproportionofthechurchistotheworld—howmanywillbesaved—isaquestionspeculativeandprofitless.Butthisweknow,thenumberwillbevast,countless.TheonefamilyofGodiscomposedof"manybrethren."Theyarenotallofthesamejudgmentinallmatters,buttheyareallofthesamespirit.TheunityofthefamilyofGodisnotecclesiastical,norgeographical;itisspiritualandessential.Itisthe"unityoftheSpirit."BegottenofoneFather,inthenatureoftheElderBrother,andthroughtheregeneratinggraceoftheoneSpirit,allthesaintsofGodconstituteonechurch,onefamily,onebrotherhood—essentiallyandindivisiblyone.Noristhisrelationshipdifficulttorecognize.

Consideranillustration:TwobrethrenintheLordofwidelydifferentsectionsofthechurch,andofmuchdissonanceofsentimentonsome

pointsoftruth,meetandconversetogether.WiththeWordofGodinhand,eachissurprisedthattheotherdoesnotreaditashereadsitandinterpretitasheinterpretsit.Buttheydropthepointsofdifferenceandtakeupthepointsofagreement.TheyspeakofChrist—theChristwholovesthemboth,andwhomtheybothlove.TheytalkoftheoneMasterwhomtheyserve;oftheircommonlabors,infirmities,trials,temptations,discouragements,failures,andsuccesses.Theytalkoftheheavenwheretheyarejourneying;oftheirFather'shouse,inwhichtheywilldwelltogetherforever.Theykneelinprayer;theycastthemselvesbeforethecross;theoilofgladnessanointsthem;theirheartsarebroken,theirspiritsarehumbled,theirsoulsareblended;theyriseandfeelmoredeeplyandmorestronglythaneverthattheybothbelongtothesamefamily,arebothofthe"manybrethren,"ofwhomtheSonofGodisthe"Firstborn,"theElderBrother.Oh,blessedunity!Whatperfectharmonyofcreed,whatstrictconformityofritual,whatsamenessofdenominationalrelation,isforamomenttobecomparedwiththis?Haveyou,myreader,thisevidencethatyoubelongtothe"manybrethren?"

ItisourpurposetoconcludebybrieflyshowinghowencouragingthedoctrineofpredestinationistothesoulinsincereandearnestseekingofChrist,andbytracingsomeofthepeculiarblessingswhichflowfromittothesaintsofGod.Thereisaclassofindividuals,unhappilyalargeone,overwhosespiritualfeelingsthedoctrineofdivinepredestinationwouldseemtohavecastadeepandsettledgloom.Werefertothosewhoareapttoregardthistruthwithdeepantipathy,ifnotwithabsolutehorror,asconstituting,intheirview,oneofthemostformidableandinsurmountableobstaclestotheirsalvation.Butthevalidityofthisobjectionwebynomeansadmit.TherecanbenothingintheBibleadversetothesalvationofasinner.ThedoctrineofpredestinationisarevealeddoctrineoftheBible;therefore,predestinationcannotbeopposedtothesalvationofthesinner.Sofarfromthisbeingtrue,wedon'thesitatemoststronglyandemphaticallytoaffirmthatweknowofnodoctrineofGod'sWordmorerepletewithencouragementtotheawakened,sin-burdened,Christ-seekingsoulthanthis.

WhatstrongerevidencecanwehaveofourelectionofGodthantheSpirit'sworkintheheart?Areyoureallyinearnestforthesalvationof

yoursoul?Doyoufeeltheplagueofsin?Areyousensibleofthecondemnationofthelaw?Doyoucomeunderthedenominationofthe"wearyandheavyladen?"Ifso,thenthefactthatyouareasubjectofdivinedrawings—thatyouhaveafeltconvictionofyoursinfulness—andthatyouareseekingforaplaceofrefuge,affordsthestrongestgroundforbelievingthatyouareoneofthosewhomGodhaspredestinatedtoeternallife.TheveryworkthusbegunistheSpirit'sfirstoutlineofthedivineimageuponyoursoul—thatveryimagetowhichthesaintsarepredestinatedtobeconformed.

Butwhilewethusvindicatethisdoctrineasbeinginimicaltothesalvationoftheanxioussoul,wemust,withalldistinctnessandearnestnessdeclarethatinthisstageofyourChristiancourse,youhaveprimarilyandmainlytodowithanotherandadifferentdoctrine.Werefertothedoctrineoftheatonement.Ifyoucouldlookintothebookofthedivinedecrees,andreadyournameinscribeduponitspages,itwouldnotimpartthejoyandpeacewhichonebelievingviewofChristcrucifiedwillconvey.Itisnotessentialtoyoursalvationthatyoubelieveinelection;butitisessentialtoyoursalvationthatyoubelieveintheLordJesusChrist.Inyourcase,asanindividualdebatingthemomentousquestion,"howasinnermaybejustifiedbeforeGod,"yourfirstbusinessiswithChrist,andChristexclusively.Youaretofeelthatyouarealostsinner,notthatyouareanelectsaint.Thedoctrinewhichmeetsthepresentphaseofyourspiritualconditionisnotthedoctrineofpredestination,butthedoctrineofanatoningSavior.Thetruthtowhichyouaretogivethefirstconsideration,andthemostsimpleandunquestioningcredenceis,that"Christdiedfortheungodly,"thatHecameintotheworldtosavesinners,thatHecametocall,nottherighteous,butsinnerstorepentance,thatinallrespects,inthegreatbusinessofoursalvation,HestandsbeforeusintherelationofaSavior,whilewestandbeforeHiminthecharacterofasinner.

Thementalconflictintowhichyouhavebeenbroughttouchingthisdoctrine,isbutasubtleanddexterousstrokeoftheenemytodivertyourthoughtsfromChrist.Yoursoulisatthismomentinwhatmaybetermedatransitionalstate.Acrisisinyourhistoryhasbeenreached.Howmomentoustheresult!Shallweportrayyourpresentfeelings?Youare

sensibleofyoursinfulness,areoppressedbyitsguilt,andareindreadofitscondemnation.Youhavenopeaceofmind,nojoyofheart,nohopeofheaven.Lifewithyouhaslostitscharm,societyitsattractions,andpleasureitssweetness.Asomberhuepaintseveryobject,andinsipiditymarkseveryengagement.Wherethismarvellousrevolution,thisessentialandwondrouschange?Weanswer,itistheSpiritofGodmovinguponyoursoul.Andwhattruth,doyouthink,meetsthecase?Predestination?Election?Oh,no!Thesearehiddenlinksinthegreatchainofyoursalvation,uponwhichinyourpresentstate,youarenotcalledtolayyourhandingraspingthatchain.

Butthereareotherandintermediatelinks,visible,near,andwithinyourreach.Takeholdofthem,andyouaresaved:"Thisisafaithfulsaying,andworthyofallacceptation,thatChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavesinners.""Godsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievesinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife.""ThebloodofJesusChristhisSoncleansesusfromallsin.""Comeuntome,allyouthatlaborandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest.""HimthatcomesuntomeIwillinnowisecastout.""Whosoeverwill,lethimtakeofthewateroflifefreely.""BeingjustifiedfreelybyhisgracethroughtheredemptionthatisinChristJesus.""Ho,everyonethatthirsts,comeyoutothewaters.""Inwhomwehaveredemptionthroughhisblood,theforgivenessofsins,accordingtotherichesofhisgrace.""Bygraceareyousaved,throughfaith;andthatnotofyourselves:itisthegiftofGod.""WhereforeheisablealsotosavethemtotheuttermostthatcomeuntoGodbyhim.""BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andyoushallbesaved."

Grasp,insimplefaith,eachoranyoneofthesegoldenlinks,andfromthatmomentforyouthereisnocondemnation.Butwhatistherealdifficulty?Itisnotpredestination.Travelintotheinmostrecessesofyourheartandascertain.Maytherenotbesomedefectinyouractualconvictionofsin?Wereyouthoroughlyconvincedofyourlostandruinedconditionasasinner,wouldyoucavilanddemuratanyonerevealeddoctrineofScripture?Wouldthis,ofalldoctrines,provearealstumblingblockinyourway?Wouldthequestionofelectiongiveyouamoment'sseriousthought?Woulditinterposeatrueandvalidobjectiontoyour

comingtoChristtobesavedbyHim?Suppose,toillustratetheidea,youwererousedfromsleepinthedeadhourofnightbytheapproachofflameskindlingfiercelyaroundyou.Oneavenueofescapepresenteditself.Wouldyoupauseforaninstantuponitsthresholdtodebatethequestionofyourpredestinatedsafety?Wouldyounotatoncedecidethequestioninyourfavor,byaninstantretreatfromthedevouringelement,throughtheonlydoorthatprofferedyoudeliverance?Mostassuredly.Toamattersomomentousasyoursalvationapplythesamereasoning.Wereitnotfolly,yes,insanityitself,tohesitateforamomenttoconsiderwhetheryouarepredestinatedtoescapethewrathtocome,when,ifyoudonotescape,thatwrathwillassuredlyoverwhelmyou?Onerefugealonepresentsitself.Oneavenueonlyinvitesyourescape.LetnootherdoctrinebutfaithintheLordJesusChristoccupyyourthoughtsatthisjunctureofyourreligiouscourse.Divergingfromthispath,youwillbeplungedintoaseaofperplexities,youknownothowinextricable,whichmaylandyou,youknownotwhere.Fortheywhohave

Reasonedhigh

Ofprovidence,foreknowledge,will,andfate,

Fixedfate,freewill,foreknowledgeabsolute,

Havefoundnoendinwanderingmazeslost.

Oletoneobjectfixyoureyeandonethemefillyourmind—ChristandHissalvation.Absorbedinthecontemplationandstudyofthesetwopoints,youmaysafelydeferallfurtherinquirytoanotherandamoreadvancedstageofyourChristiancourse.Rememberthatthefactofyourpredestination,thecertaintyofyourelection,canonlybeinferredfromyourconversion.Wemustholdyoufirmlytothistruth.ItisthesubtleandfatalreasoningofSatan,aspeciesofatheisticalfatalism,toargue,"IfIamelectedIshallbesavedwhetherIamregeneratedornot."Thepathtoeternalwoeispavedwithargumentslikethis.Menhavecajoledtheirsoulswithsuchvainexcusesuntiltheyhavefoundthemselvesbeyondtheregionofhope!

Butwemustrisetothefountainbypursuingthestream.Conversionand

notpredestination,istheendofthechainwearetograsp.WemustascendfromourselvestoGod,andnotdescendfromGodtoourselves,insettlingthisgreatquestion.WemustjudgeofGod'sobjectivepurposeofloveconcerningus,byHissubjectiveworkofgracewithinus.OneofthemartyrReformershaswiselyremarked,"WeneednotgoabouttotroubleourselveswithcuriousquestionsofthepredestinationofGod;butletusratherendeavorourselvesthatwemaybeinChrist.For,whenweareinHim,thenarewewell:andthenwemaybesurethatweareordainedtoeverlastinglife.Whenyoufindthesethreethingsinyourhearts,repentance,faith,andadesiretoleavesin,thenyoumaybesureyournamesarewritteninthebook,andyoumaybesurealso,thatyouareelectedandpredestinatedtoeternallife."Againheobserves,"Ifyouaredesiringtoknowwhetheryouarechosentoeverlastinglife,youmaynotbeginwithGod,forGodistoohigh,youcannotcomprehendHim.BeginwithChrist,andlearntoknowChrist,andwhereforeHecame;namely,thatHecametosavesinners,andmadeHimselfsubjecttothelaw,andafulfillerofthelaw,todeliverusfromthewrathanddangerthereof.IfyouknowChrist,thenyoumayknowfurtherofyourelection."Andillustratinghisideabyhisownpersonalexperience,hesays,"IfIbelieveinChristaloneforsalvation,IamcertainlyinterestedinChrist;andinterestedinChristIcouldnotbe,ifIwerenotchosenandelectedofGod."

Inconclusion,weearnestlyentreatyoutolayasideallfruitlessspeculations,andtogiveyourselftoprayer.Letreasonbowtofaith,andfaithshutyouuptoChrist,andChristbeallinalltoyou.Oncemorewesolemnlyaffirmthat,conversion,andnotpredestination,isthedoctrinewithwhich,inyourpresentstateofinquiry,youhavetodo.Bewarethatyoucomenotshortoftrueconversion—achangedheart,andarenewedmind,sothatyoubecome"anewcreatureinChristJesus."AndifasapoorlostsinneryourepairtotheSavior,allvile,guilty,unworthy,andweakasyouare,Hewillreceiveyou,andshelteryouwithinthebosomthatbledonthecross,toprovideanatonementandanasylumfortheverychiefofsinners.Intermeddlenot,therefore,withastatewhichyoucanonlyascertaintobeyoursbytheSpirit'sworkuponyourheart."YourelectionwillbeknownbyyourinterestinChrist;andyourinterestinChristbythesanctificationoftheSpirit.Hereisachainofsalvation;the

beginningofitisfromtheFather;thedispensationofitthroughtheSon;theapplicationofitbytheSpirit.Inlookingafterthecomfortofelection,youmustlookinwardtotheworkoftheSpiritinyourheart;thenoutwardtotheworkofChristonthecross;thenupwardtotheheartoftheFatherinheaven."Oh,letyourprayerbe"Godbemercifultomeasinner,"untilthatprayerisansweredintheassuranceoffullpardonsealeduponyourconsciencebytheHolySpirit.Thusknockingatmercy'sdoor,theheartofGodwillflyopen,andadmityoutoallthehiddentreasuresofitslove.

WecanbutgroupsomeofthegreatblessingswhichflowfromthistruthtothesaintsofGod.ThedoctrineofpredestinationiswellcalculatedtoconfirmandstrengthenthetruebelieverinthefactandcertaintyofhissalvationthroughChrist.Feeling,ashedoes,theplagueofhisownheart,experiencingthepreciousnessoftheSavior,lookingupthroughthecrosstoGodashisFather,exultinginahopethatmakesnotashamed,andrememberingthatGodtheEternalSpiritonlyrenewsthosewhoarechosenbyGodtheFather,andareredeemedbyGodtheSon,thisdoctrineisfoundtobemostcomfortingandconfirmingtohisfaith.ThefaintestlineamentsofresemblancetoGod,andthefeeblestbreathingoftheSpiritofadoptionhediscoversinhissoul,istohimanindisputableevidenceofhispredestinationtodivinesonshipandholiness.

Anotherblessingaccruingfromthedoctrineisthesweetandholysubmissionintowhichitbringsthemindunderallafflictivedispensations.Eachstepofhispilgrimage,andeachincidentofhishistory,thebelieverseesappointedintheeverlastingcovenantofgrace.Herecognizesthedisciplineofthecovenanttobeasmuchapartoftheoriginalplanasanypositivemercythatitcontains.Thatallthehairsofhisheadarenumbered;thatafflictionspringsnotoutoftheearth,andthereforeisnottheresultofaccidentorchance,butisinharmonywithGod'spurposesoflove;and,thusordainedandpermitted,mustworktogetherforgood.

Nottheleastblessingresultingfromthistruth(2Thess.2:13)isitstendencytopromotepersonalgodliness.ThebelieverfeelsthatGodhas"chosenustosalvationthroughsanctificationandbeliefofthetruth;"thatHehas"chosenusthatweshouldbeholyandwithoutblamebefore

himinlove"(Eph.1:4);thatweare"hisworkmanship,createdinChristJesusuntogoodworks,whichGodhasbeforeordainedthatweshouldwalkinthem"(Eph.2:10).Thusthebelieverdesiresto"givealldiligencetomakehiscallingandelectionsure,"orundoubted,bywalkinginalltheordinancesandcommandmentsoftheLordblameless,andstandingcompleteinallthewillofGod.

Andwhatdoctrineismoreemptying,humbling,andthereforesanctifying,thanthis?Itlaystheaxeattherootofallhumanboasting.Inthelightofthistruth,themostholybelieverseesthatthereisnodifferencebetweenhimandthevilestsinnerthatcrawlstheearth,butwhatthemeregraceofGodhasmade.SucharesomeofthemanyblessingsflowingtotheChristianfromthistruth.TheradiancewhichitreflectsupontheentirehistoryofthechildofGod,andthecalmreposewhichitdiffusesoverthemindinalltheperplexing,painful,andmysteriouseventsofthathistory,canonlybeunderstoodbythosewhoseheartshavefullyreceivedthedoctrineofpredestination.Whateverbetideshim;inexplicableinitscharacter,enshroudedinthedeepestgloom,asmaybethecircumstance;thebelieverinthistruthcan"standstill,"and,calmlysurveyingthescene,exclaim:"ThisalsocomesforthfromtheLordofHosts,whoiswonderfulincounsel,andexcellentinworking.HewhoworksallthingsafterthecounselofHisownwillhasdoneit,andIamsatisfiedthatitiswelldone."

Inconclusion,saintsofGod,havecloserelationsandintimatedealingswithyourElderBrother.ReposeinHimyourconfidence,yieldtoHimyouraffections,consecratetoHimyourservice.Heregardsyouwithineffabledelight.WithallyourinterestsHeisidentified,andwithallyoursorrowsHesympathizes.Hemay,likeJoseph,attimesspeakroughlytoHisbrethren,inthetryingdispensationsofHisprovidence;yet,likeJoseph,Heveilsbeneaththatapparentharshnessabrother'sdeepandyearninglove.SeekacloserresemblancetoHisimage,towhich,everremember,youarepredestinatedtobeconformed.Inordertothis,studyHisbeauty,Hisprecepts,Hisexample,thatwith"openface,beholdingasinaglassthegloryoftheLord,youmaybechangedintothesameimage,fromglorytoglory,evenasbytheSpiritoftheLord."

EffectualCalling

Moreoverwhomhedidpredestinate,themhealsocalled:andwhomhecalled,themhealsojustified:andwhomhejustified,themhealsoglorified.Romans8:30

Andthosehepredestined,healsocalled;thosehecalled,healsojustified;thosehejustified,healsoglorified.Romans8:30

Andhavingchosenthem,hecalledthemtocometohim.Andhegavethemrightstandingwithhimself,andhepromisedthemhisglory.Romans8:30

ThetruthofGodmustnecessarilybeaperfectwhole,achainofdoctrinesinwhichnotasinglelinkislackingtoconnecttogetherthedifferentpartsbindingandweavingthemintoabeautifulandharmonioussystem.ToamindnotthoroughlyskilledinthedeepthingsofGod,thischainmayappearbrokenandincomplete,becausetosuchanindividualtheremayappeartruthswhichareeitherirreconcilableorareinvisiblealtogether.Butthisapparentdiscrepancyandinvisibilityoftruthformsnorealevidenceofanactuallackofcontinuityorharmony,anymorethanachainthrownacrossthechannelofariverwouldberegardedasbrokenandincompletesimplybecausesomeofitslinksweresubmergedbeneaththestream,oritstwoextremeswereinvisibletotheeye.Abeautifulchainoftruthispresentedtoourviewinthepresentverse.Thefirstandextremelinkhasalreadybeenexamined.Thesecond,asequencefromthefirst,isnowtoengageourattention;theeffectualcallingofthosewhoarepredestinated.

"Whomhepredestinated,themhealsoCALLED."Whilewemaintainthatthecallingherereferredtoisaparticularandeffectualvocation,weyetasstrenuouslymaintainthatthereisanexternalcalllyingatthedoorofeveryindividualwhohearstheGospel.Recognizinghumanresponsibility,theGospelmeetsmanasasinfulandaccountablebeing.Itliftsupitsvoiceinsilvertones,andexclaims,"Untoyou,Omen,Icall;andmyvoiceistothesonsofmen."WhenourLordreturnedfromhis

grave,heenlargedthecommissionofhisapostles,andplacedthecalloftheGospeluponabroaderbasis."Gointoalltheworld,andpreachthegospeltoeverycreature."ThustoeverycreaturetheexternalcalloftheGospelistobeaddressed.WhowilldaretolimitandcircumscribewhatGodhasmadeaswideandboundlessasman'smoralnecessity?"Manyarecalled."Oh,itisarealandasolemncall,thecalloftheGospel.Hewhohearsitisbroughtbeneatharesponsibilitythemosttremendous.Fromitsobligationsnothingcaneverreleasehim.Foreverysummonshehashadtorepent,tolaydownhisarms,togiveuphisenmity,toturntotheLord,tobelieveinChrist,toescapefromthewrathtocome,hewillbecalledtoanaccountwhenallshallappearbeforethejudgmentseatofChrist.Dearreader,hasthemusicofthiscall,breakingsosweetlyandsosolemnlyuponyourexternalear,penetratedyoursoul,echoingthroughthechambersofyourheart,andawakingaresponseoflove,surrender,andobedience?Or-solemnconclusion!-or,areyouwilfullyturningfromthesound"likethedeafadderthatstopsherear;whichwillnothearkentothevoiceofcharmers,charmingeversowisely?"

ButthecallherereferredtoistheespecialcalloftheGospel-thesecret,effectualcallwhichhasfounditswaytotheheartbythepoweroftheHolySpirit.Theconnectionofthesetwotruths-anespecialpeople,andanespecialcall-isthusconclusivelyshown-"Andthathemightmakeknowntherichesofhisgloryinthevesselsofmercy,whichhehadaforeprepareduntoglory,evenus,whomhehascalled.""Whohassavedus,andcalleduswithanholycalling,notaccordingtoourworks,butaccordingtohisownpurposeandgrace,whichwasgivenusinChristJesus,beforetheworldbegan.""ThosewhoaresanctifiedbyGodtheFather,andpreservedinChristJesus,andcalled."HonoredChurch!Happypeople!Calledtobesaints.Oh,tohavetheDivinetestimonythatweareamongthem!

Butfromwhat,andintowhat,aretheLord'speoplecalled?TheApostleanswers-"Thatyoushouldshowforththepraisesofhimwhohascalledyououtofdarknessintohismarvellouslight."Itisindeed"marvellouslight;"andmarvellousgrace,thatcallsusoutofadeeperthanEgyptiandarkness,toseeandrejoiceinthegloryofGodbeaminginthefaceofJesusChrist.Wefindit,too,acallingintoliberty."Brethren,youhave

beencalleduntoliberty."Bond-slavestosinandSatan,webecomeChrist'sfreemen,thosewhomhisSpiritandtruthhavemadefree.Itisalsoacallintofellowship."Godisfaithful,bywhomyouwerecalleduntothefellowshipofhisSonJesusChristourLord;"-calledintoaonenesswithChrist,privilegedtoopenthehearttohiminalltheconfidenceandaffectionofachild,whileinreturnherevealsthesecretoftheLordtous.

Andwhataresomeoftheattributesofthiscalling?Itisholy."Whohassavedus,andcalleduswithaholycalling."Theywhoarethesubjectsofthiscalldesiretobeholy.Theirdirestevilissin.Itis,intheirexperience,notasilkenchain,butagallingfetter,beneathwhoseweighttheymourn,andfromwhosebondagetheysightobedelivered.Itisahighandheavenlycalling."IpresstowardthemarkfortheprizeofthehighcallingofGodinChristJesus.""Wherefore,holybrethren,partakersoftheheavenlycalling."Howdoesthiscallingelevateaman-hisprinciples,hischaracter,hisaims,hishopes!Itisemphaticallya"highvocation."Soheavenlyisit,too,itbringssomethingofheavenintothesoul.Itimpartsheavenlyaffections,heavenlyjoys,andheavenlyaspirations.Itleadstoheaven.Couldhelookwithintheveil,eachcalledsaintwouldseeapreparedmansion,avacantthrone,ajeweledcrown,arobe,andapalm,allreadyforthewearingandthewaving,awaitinghiminglory.Thusitisacallfromheavenandtoheaven.Itisanirrevocablecalling."ForGod'sgiftsandhiscallcanneverbewithdrawn."Godhasneverforamomentrepentedthathechose,norhastheSaviorrepentedthatheredeemed,norhastheSpiritrepentedthathecalled,anyofhispeople.Notalltheirwanderings,norfailures,norunfruitfulness,haseverawakenedoneregretintheheartofGodthathehascalledthemtobesaints."Iknewthatyouwoulddealtreacherously.""Hewillvisittheirtransgressionswithhisrod,andtheiriniquitieswithhisstripes,buthisloving-kindnesshewillnottakefromthem,norallowhisfaithfulnesstofail.""Faithfulishethatcallsyou."

NormustweoverlooktheDivinesovereigntywhichappearssoillustriousinthisespecialcalling.Allgroundofhumanboastingisremoved,andGodhassecuredtohimself,frometernity,theentiregloryofhispeople'ssalvation.SoconspicuouslyappearsthesovereigntyofGodinthiseffectualcalling,thatallfoundationofcreature-gloryisannihilated.And

ifitbeaskedbythedisputersofthistruth,whyoneiscalledandanotherisleft?WhyJacob,andnotEsau?WhyDavid,andnotSaul?WhyCorneliustheGentile,andnotTertullustheJew?Whythepoorbeggarsinthehighway,andnotthebiddenguests?WhythewomanwholavedwithhertearstheSavior'sfeet,andnotSimon,inwhosehousethegratefulactwasperformed?Theansweris,"Hewillhavemercyuponwhomhewillhavemercy."TothisacquiescenceinthesovereigntyoftheDivineWillourLordwasbroughtwhenhebeheldthemysteriesoftheGospelveiledfromthewiseofthisworld:"Ithankyou,OFather,Lordofheavenandearth,thatyouhavehiddenthesethingsfromthewiseandtheprudent,andhaverevealedthemuntobabes.Evenso,Father,forsoitseemsgoodinyoursight."Tothisprecioustruthletusbow;andiftheefficaciousgraceofGodhasreachedourhearts,letusascribeitsdiscriminatingchoicetothesovereignpleasureofthatDivineandsupremeWill,whichrulesamongthearmiesofheaven,andamongtheinhabitantsofearth,andtowhichnocreaturedaresay,"Whatareyoudoing?"

Butletuspassforamomenttoamoreexperimentalandpracticalviewofthissubject.Thequestionhasoftenbeenaskedbythetremblinglip,"HowmayIbeassuredofaninterestintheeternalpurposeandeverlastingloveofGod?BywhatevidencemayIconcludethatIamoneIwhomhepredestinated?"ListentothewordsoftheApostle,addressedtotheThessaloniansaints,"Knowing,brethrenbeloved,yourelectionofGod."Buthowdidheknowthis?HadhereadtheirnamesintheLamb'sbookofLife?No!Seehowhesolvesthemystery:"ForourGospelcamenotuntoyouinwordonly,butalsoinpower,andintheHolySpirit,andinmuchassurance."BythisheknewtheirelectionofGod.Andbyasimilartestyoumustbringthequestiontoanissue.HastheGospelcometoyourheartbytheHolySpirit?Inotherwords,haveyoubeencalledbytheinwardcall?HaveyoufledasapoorsinnertoChrist,andisheallyoursalvationandallyourdesire?Assumethetruthofnothing,takenothingforgrantedastoyoursalvation,untilthusisthecase.Werecurtoathoughtadvancedintheprecedingchapter,thatitiswiththefactofyouropencall,andnotwiththefactofyoursecretpredestination,thatyouhavemainlytodo.Itisthiscentralandvisiblelinkinthechainthatyoumustgrasp.SecretthingsbelongtoGod.Thethingsrevealedbelong

tous.YouareassuminganattitudeofthemostappallingtemerityinattemptingtoforceyourwayintothesecretcounselsoftheMostHigh,plungingintothefathomlessdepthsofapasteternity,andintrudingintothosemysteries,veiledandunsearchable,uponwhoseawfulthresholdanangel'sfootdarenottread.Butoh,hownear,howvisible,howprecious,thetruthwithwhichyouhavetodo-Godstandinginthemostimpressiveandwinningattitudeofagracious,sin-pardoningGod-invitingyou,imploringyou,allguilty,andburdened,andsorrowfulasyouare,toaccepthismercy,toavailyourselfofhisforgiveness,tobelieveinhisSon;andthusbygraspingtheoutstretchedhand,byheedingtheearnestcall,andacceptingthegraciousinvitation,youmaysetforeveratrestthequestionofyoursalvation.Oh,letthegreat,theall-absorbingquestionwithyoube,"WhatshallIdotobesaved?"Postponeeveryotherquestion,adjourneveryotherdebate,untilthisismetandfairlysettled,thatyouarethecalledofGod.TakeholdofthefullandfreeinvitationsoftheGospel-andChrist,andsalvation,andheavenareyours.

Andforyourencouragementwewouldsay,thatthefeeblestputtingsforthofgraceinthesoulareindisputableevidencesoftheinwardandeffectualcalloftheSpirit.IfinthespringtimeImarkthegentlebuddingsofthecostlyplant,Irejoice,yetwithtrembling.Thecoldwindmayblowandthehoarfrostmaylightuponthosebuds,andsonipandkillthosewhotheyshallneverburstintothebeautifulandfragrantflower.ButwhenItracethebuddingsofgraceintheheartofapoorsinner,whenIobservetheevidenceoftheSpirit'soperationinthesoul,Ifeelnomisgiving,Icherishnofear,forIamassuredthatHewhohasbegunthegoodworkwillcarryitonandperfectitinglory.Nowormshallkillitsroot,nofrostsshallnipitsleaf,nowindsshallscatteritsfruit,itshallnever,neverbedestroyed.Godwillcompletetheworktowhichheputshishand.Oh,precioustruth,repletewithencouragementtothesorrow-stricken,sin-burdened,Christ-seekingsoul!Sweetermusicisnotheardinheaventhanchimesinthesewordsaddressedtoyou-"WhoevercomestomeIwillneverdriveaway."

Arewecalled?ThenletusheedtheearnestentreatyoftheApostle,"ThereforeI,aprisonerforservingtheLord,begyoutoleadalifeworthyofyourcalling,foryouhavebeencalledbyGod."Letthelowliestandthe

highestvocationoflifebedignifiedandsanctifiedbytheheavenlycalling.Whereveryouare,andinwhateverengaged,forgetnotyourhighcallingofGod.Youarecalledtobesaints;calledtoaseparationfromtheworld;calledtoaholy,heavenlylife;calledtoliveforGod,tolaborforChrist;andsoonwillbecalledtobewiththeLordforever!

FreeJustification

Moreoverwhomhedidpredestinate,themhealsocalled:andwhomhecalled,themhealsojustified:andwhomhejustified,themhealsoglorified.Romans8:30

Andthosehepredestined,healsocalled;thosehecalled,healsojustified;thosehejustified,healsoglorified.Romans8:30

Andhavingchosenthem,hecalledthemtocometohim.Andhegavethemrightstandingwithhimself,andhepromisedthemhisglory.Romans8:30

Suchisthethirdlinkinthisgoldenchainofheavenlytruth.ThosewhomGodappointsuntosalvation,heascertainlycallsbyhiseffectualgrace;andthosewhomhethuscallsbyhisSpirit,heascertainlyjustifiesthroughhisSon.AswearenotcomposingatreatiseonthedoctrineofJustification,wemustassumeitasdivinelyrevealed,restrictingourselves,inthepresentinstance,toasimpleandbriefpresentationofthetruth,asitformsanessentialstepinthebeliever'sprogressfromcondemnationtoglory."Whomhecalled,themhealsojustified."

Ofthenecessityofjustification,weneednotspeakatgreatlength.Ifthereisnocondemnationwherejustificationisattained,itfollowsthatwherethereisnottheconditionofjustification,thelawmustbeleftto

takeitsfulleffect.Buttheveryprovisionprovesthenecessity.HaditbeenpossibleforourfallenracetohaverecoveredtheirformerstateofholinessandconsequentDivineacceptancebyanexpedientoftheirowninvention,dowethinkthatGodwouldhaveprovidedawayofjustificationsocostlyorsostupendousasthatwhichtheGospelreveals?Theutterincapacityofthesinnertojustifyhimself,leftthewayopenforthedisplayofGod'sinfinitewisdom,holiness,andgrace.Thetheaterwaspreparedforthedevelopmentofhisgreatandgrandexpedientofjustifyingthesinner,andyetremainingtruly,unbendingly,andunimpeachablyjust.Butnotuponman'sinabilitytojustifyhimselfrestsalonethenecessityofaDivinemethodofjustification,butmainlyuponthenatureofGod'smoralgovernment.AsaholyGod,hecanonlyconsistentlypardonandjustifyuponthebasisofarighteousnesswhichfullysustainsthepurityofhisnature,themajestyofhislaw,andthegloryofhisentiremoralgovernment.Herearethetwoextremesofbeing-theholy,condemningLordGod,andtheunholyandcondemnedsinner.Itisproposedthattheyshouldmeetasuponanequalfooting,andthatperfectreconciliationandpeaceshouldeternallybeestablishedbetweenthem.Butuponwhatbasis?Withoutamediatingplan,howshallthisbeeffected?Godisunderamostfreenecessitytomaintainthedignityofhisthrone,theholinessofhisnature,andtherighteousnessofhislaw.Ifhewouldjustifythesinneruponthegroundofmeremercy,apartfromafullsatisfactiontotheDivinegovernment,whatwouldbecomeofhisjusticeandhisholiness?andwithwhattruthcoulditbeaffirmedthat"heisofpurereyesthantobeholdevil,andcannot(notwillnot,butcannot)lookoniniquity?"If,then,manissaved,ifthesinnerisjustified,ifthecondemnedisacquitted,itismostclearthatitmustbeuponthebasisofanatonementthatshouldnotcompromisetherighteousnessoftheDivinegovernment,butshouldsoharmonizealltheattributesofGod,someetalltheclaimsofjusticeandholinessandtruth,asshallenableMercytowalkuponthehighbattlementsofhisgrace,wavingherolive-branchofpeaceinviewofarevoltedandguiltyworld.Suchanexpedienthasbeendevised,suchabasishasbeenprovided,suchanatonementhasbeenmade.Wenowapproachnearertothesubjectbeforeus.

Thetermisforensic-employedinjudicialaffairs,transactedinacourtofjudicature.WefindanillustrationofthisinGod'sWord-"Iftherebea

controversybetweenmen,andtheycomeintojudgment,thatthejudgemayjudgethem,thentheyshalljustifytherighteous,andcondemnthewicked."Itisclearfromthispassagethatthewordstandsopposedtoastateofcondemnation,andinthissenseitisemployedinthetextunderconsideration.Tojustify,initsproperandfullestsense,istoreleasefromallcondemnation.Nowitisimportantthatwedonotmixupthisdoctrine,astheChurchofRomehasdone,withotherandkindreddoctrines.Wemustclearlydistinguishitfromthatofsanctification.Closelyconnectedastheyare,theyyetentirelydiffer.Theoneisachangeofstate,theotherachangeofcondition.Bytheonewepassfromguilttorighteousness,bytheotherwepassfromsintoholiness.InjustificationwearebroughtneartoGod;insanctificationwearemadelikeGod.Theoneplacesinbeforehiminaconditionofnon-condemnation;theothertransformsusintohisimage.YettheChurchofRomeblendsthetwostatestogether,andinherformulariesteachesanimputedsanctification,justastheBibleteachesanimputedjustification.Itistobedistinguished,too,frompardon.Justificationisahigheract.Bytheactofpardonwearesavedfromhell;butbythedecreeofjustification,wearebroughttoheaven.Theonedischargesthesoulfrompunishment;theotherplacesinitshandatitle-deedtoglory.ButthemainquestionrelatestothemethodofGod'sjustification.Andthisisapointofvitalmoment.TheLordJesusChristisemphaticallythejustificationofallthepredestinedandcalledpeopleofGod."Byhimallthatbelievearejustifiedfromallthings.""Beingjustifiedfreelybyhisgrace,throughtheredemptionthatisinChristJesus."Theantecedentstepwastoplacehimselfintheexactpositionofhischurch.Inordertodothis,itwasnecessarythatheshouldbemadeunderthelaw;forastheSonofGod,hewasabovethelaw,andcouldnotthereforebeamenabletoitsprecept.ButwhenhebecametheSonofman,itwasasthoughthesovereignofavastempirehadrelinquishedhisregalcharacterfortheconditionofthesubject.He,whowassuperiortoalllaw,byhismysteriousincarnationplacedhimselfunderthelaw.HewhowastheKingofGlory,becamebyhisadventthelowestofsubjects."Whenthefulnessofthetimewascome,GodsentforthhisSon,madeofawoman,madeunderthelaw,toredeemthosewhowereunderthelaw."Whatastoopwasthis!WhatadescendingoftheSonofGodfromtheheightofhisglory!TheKingofkings,theLordoflords,consentingtobebroughtunderhisownlaw,asubjecttohimself,

thelaw-Giverbecomingthelaw-Fulfiller.Havingthushumbledhimself,hewasprepared,asthesacrificialLamb,totakeupandbearawaythesinsofhispeople.Theprophecythatpredictedthatheshould"beartheiriniquities,"andthatheshould"justifymany,"receivedinhimitsliteralandfullestaccomplishment.ThusuponJesuswerelaidalltheiniquities,andwiththeiniquitiestheentirecurse,andaddedtothecurse,thefullpenaltybelongingtotheChurchofGod.Thispersonalandclosecontactwithsinaffectednothismoralnature;forthatwasessentiallysinless,andcouldreceivenopossibletaintfromhisbearingouriniquity.Hewasaccounted"accursed,"evenaswasIsrael'sgoat,whenuponitsheadAaronlaidthesinsofthepeople;butasthatimputationofsincouldnotrendertheanimaltowhomitwastransferredmorallyguilty,thoughbythelawtreatedassuch,sothebearingofsinbyChristcouldnotforasingleinstantcompromisehispersonalsanctity.WithwhatdistinctnesshastheSpiritrevealed,andwithwhatstrictnesshasheguarded,theperfectsinlessnessoftheatoningSavior!"Hehasmadehimtobesinforus,whoknewnosin,thatwemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinhim."Oh,blesseddeclarationtothosewhonotonlyseethesinthatdwellsinthem,butwhotracethedefilementofsinintheirholiestthings,andwholeanaloneforpardonuponthesacrificeofthespotlessLambofGod!Tothem,howencouragingandconsolatorytheassurancethatthereisasinlessOnewho,comingbetweenaholyGodandtheirsouls,isacceptedintheirstead,andinwhomtheyarelookeduponasrighteous!AndthisisGod'smethodofjustification.ByachangeofplacewiththeChurch,Christbecomesthe"LordourRighteousness,"andweare"madetherighteousnessofGodinhim."

Thereisthetransferofsintotheinnocent,andinreturn,thereisthetransferofrighteousnesstotheguilty.InthismethodofjustificationnoviolencewhateverisdonetothemoralgovernmentofGod.Sofarfromashadeobscuringitsglory,thatglorybeamsforthwithaneffulgencewhichmusthaveremainedforeverveiled,butfortheredemptionofmanbyChrist.Godneverappearssolikehimselfaswhenhesitsinjudgmentuponthepersonofasinner,anddetermineshisstandingbeforehimuponthegroundofthatsatisfactiontohislawrenderedbytheSonofGodintheroomandsteadoftheguilty.Thendoesheappearinfinitelyholy,yetinfinitelygracious;infinitelyjust,yetinfinitelymerciful.Love,as

ifithadlongbeenpantingforanoutlet,nowleapsforthandembracesthesinner;whilejustice,holiness,andtruthgazeuponthewondrousspectaclewithinfinitecomplacenceanddelight.Andshallwenotpauseandbestowathoughtofadmirationandgratitudeuponhim,whowasconstrainedtostandinourplaceofdegradationandwoe,thatwemightstandinhisplaceofrighteousnessandglory?Whatwondrouslove!Whatstupendousgrace!thatheshouldhavebeenwillingtohavetakenuponhimoursin,andcurse,andwoe.Theexchangetohimhowhumiliating!Hecouldonlyraiseus,byhimselfstooping.Hecouldonlyemancipateus,bywearingourchain.Hecouldonlydeliverusfromdeath,byhimselfdying.Hecouldonlyinvestuswiththespotlessrobeofhispurerighteousness,bywrappingaroundhimselftheleprousmantleofoursinandcurse.Oh,howpreciousoughthetobetoeverybelievingheart!Whataffection,whatservice,whatsacrifice,whatdevotion,hedeservesatourhands!Lord,inclinemyhearttoyielditselfsupremelytoyou!

Butinwhatwaydoesthisgreatblessingofjustificationbecomeours?Inotherwords,whatistheinstrumentbywhichthesinnerisjustified?Theanswerisathand."Beingjustifiedfreelybyhisgrace,throughtheredemptionwhichisinChristJesus:whomGodhassetforthtobeapropitiationthroughfaithinhisblood."Faith,andfaithalone,makesthisrighteousnessofGodours."Byhimallthatbelievearejustified."Andwhyisitsolelyandexclusivelybyfaith?Theanswerisagainathand"Thereforeitisoffaith,thatitmightbebygrace."Werejustificationthroughanyothermediumthanbybelieving,thentheperfectfreenessoftheblessingwouldnotbesecured.Theexpressionsare,"Justifiedfreelybyhisgrace;"thatis,gratuitously-absolutelyfornothing.NotonlywasGodinnosensewhateverboundtojustifythesinner;butthesovereigntyofhislaw,aswellasthesovereigntyofhislove,alikedemandedthat,inextendingtothesinnerthegreatestboonofhisgovernment,heshoulddosouponnootherprinciplethanasaperfectactofgraceonthepartoftheGiver,andasaperfectgratuityonthepartoftherecipienthaving"nothingtopay."Therefore,whateverisassociatedwithfaithinthematterofthesinner'sjustification-whetheritbeBaptism,oranyotherrite,oranyworkorconditionperformedbythecreature-renderstheactentirelyvoidandofnoneeffect.ThejustificationofthebelievingsinnerisasfreeastheGodofloveandgracecanmakeit.

Yetmore:Faithisnotonlytheinstrumentbywhichwereceiveafreegracejustification,butitharmonizestheoutwardactofGodwiththeinwardfeelingsofthebelievingheart.ThusinjustificationtheheartoftheJustifierandtheheartofthejustifiedbeatinthemostperfectandholyunison.ItisnotastupendousactonthepartofGodmeetingnoresponseonthepartofman.Ohno!thebeliever'sheartflowsoutingratitudeafterGod'sheart,travelingtowardshiminthemightinessandmajestyofitssavinglove;andthusbothmeetinChrist,theoneMediatorbetweenGodandman.HerethebelieverisconsciousofavitalunionwithhisjustifyingLord.HefeelsheisonewithChrist.Therighteousnesswroughtout,isbyfaithwroughtin,andthatfaithistheunitinggraceofareal,personalunionbetweenthejustifiedsoul,andarisen,livingSavior."HethatisjoinedtotheLordisoneSpirit."Ohcloseandblessedunion!JustifiedbyGod,acceptedinChrist,condemnationtherecannotbe.IstandintheDivinepresenceasJoshuastoodbeforetheLord,orasthewomanstoodbeforetheSavior,charged,accused,guilty;butIaminthepresenceofhimwho,thoughnowhesitsuponthethroneasmyJudge,oncehunguponthecrossasmySavior.And,investingmewithhisownspotlessrobe,heproceedstopronouncethesentence-"NoCondemnation!""ThesethingswriteIuntoyouthatyourjoymaybefull."

Inconclusion,whilethissubject,aswethussee,laysthebasisofthedeepestjoy,itisequallypromotiveofthehighestholiness.Somehavethoughtthatalinkwerelackinginthechainoftruthwearecontemplating,becausenospecificmentionismadeofsanctification.Butthisisnotreallythecase.Theapostledoesnotdeemitnecessarytosaythat,he"whomGodjustifieshealsosanctifies,"simplybecauseintheprecedingversehehadalreadyinthestrongestmanneraffirmedthatGod'speoplewerepredestinatedtobeconformedtotheimageofhisSon.Andwhatwerethisbuttheveryhighestorderofsanctification?NosinnercanbepardonedandjustifiedwithouttheimplantationinhissoulbytheHolySpiritofthegermofholiness;sothatthe"pathofthejustisastheshininglight,thatshinesmoreandmoreuntotheperfectday."Fullyandfreely,andforeverjustified,Oh,howpowerfulthemotivetoyieldourselvesuntoGod!"Ibeseechyoutherefore,brethren,bythemerciesofGod,thatyoupresentyourbodiesalivingsacrifice,holy,acceptableuntoGod,whichisyourreasonableservice."

Wemustlearntodiscriminatebetweenourjustifiedstate,andtheexistenceofindwellingsin.Theonedoesnotnecessarilyinvolvethepresentannihilationoftheother.Andbynotclearlydiscerningthedifference,manyofGod'speopleareexposedtogreatdistressofmind.Letus,toillustratethecase,supposeanactoffreepardontransmittedfromthesovereigntoacondemnedcriminal,slowlysinkingbeneaththeravagesofafataldisease.Hepassesoutofhiscell,deliveredindeedfromahumiliatingandpainfuldeath,butbearingwithhimahiddenwormthatfeedsattheveryrootofthevitalprinciple.Thusisitwiththejustified.Theyhave"nocondemnation"writtenaswithbeamsoflightupontheirtranquilbrow.Yettheybearaboutwithintheirsoulsamoraldisease,whichshallnotceasetoworkanddistressuntiltheylaydownthebodyofsinanddeath,andwakeupperfectedinthelikenessoftheirLord.

"EternalGlorification"

Moreoverwhomhedidpredestinate,themhealsocalled:andwhomhecalled,themhealsojustified:andwhomhejustified,themhealsoglorified.Romans8:30

Andthosehepredestined,healsocalled;thosehecalled,healsojustified;thosehejustified,healsoglorified.Romans8:30

Andhavingchosenthem,hecalledthemtocometohim.Andhegavethemrightstandingwithhimself,andhepromisedthemhisglory.Romans8:30

Suchisthelastintheregularsequenceoftruthswhich,intheunfoldingofthisverse,wehavebeencontemplating.Itwouldappearthattherearetwolinksinthismarvellouschain,thepurposeofGod,anditsfinalconsummation;bothsoremoteandinvisibleastobringthemindtoacalm,unquestioningbeliefincertaindoctrinesofGod'sWordwhichmaymoreproperlybelongtothe"deepthingsofGod."ButwhilethetwoextremesofthischainoftruthsmustforthepresentbeleftinvisiblylockedinGod'shand,wehaveendeavoredtoconvincetheperplexedandinquiringreaderthattherearecertainintermediateandvisiblelinksuponwhich,ifhelayhold,heshallbesaved,thoughalltherestremainswrappedintheprofoundestmystery-likeitsDivineAuthor,dwellinginloneandunapproachablegrandeur.Itisnotessentialtooursalvation,thatwelifttheveilofthatawfulmystery,andpenetratethedepthsofapastpredestination,andafutureglory;butitisessentialtooursalvationthatwearecalledofGod,andthatbyGodwearejustified.Wemayarriveatheavenwithoutfathomingtheawfulprofoundoftheoneextreme,andwithbuttwilightviewsofthemagnificencespreadingoveralltheother;butwecannotgettoheavenwithouttheSpirit'sgrace,andChrist'srighteousness.Graspinfaith,andreceiveintoyourheart,thesetwocentralandessentialtruths,andtheywillbyandbyliftyouintoasunnierregion,wherealltherestwillstandforth,clearandtransparent,bathedinthenoontidesplendorofheaven'sownglory.

Beforeweshowinwhatthefutureglorificationofthesaintswillconsist,andtracetheinfluenceofthistruthuponthepresentlife,itmaybepropertospeakofthecertaintyofthefact,thathewhojustifieshispeoplewillalsoassuredlyglorifythem.FinalandeternalglorificationisthegrandendandconsummationofallGod'spurposesoflovetowardshisChurch;andwemaythereforeexpectthatthistruthshouldberevealedinhiswordwithadistinctnessandclearnesscommensuratewithitsimportanceandgreatness.Norwillthisexpectationbedisappointed-foraroundnosinglefactoftheBibledoestheregatheralargeraccumulationofdemonstrativeevidencethanthatofthecertainglorificationofallwhoare"acceptedintheBeloved."

WefindsomeclearrevealingsofthistruthintheOldTestamentwritings.ToacomparativelyobscuresaintofGod,yethonoredtobetheparentof

oneofIsrael'smightiestprophets-themotherofSamuel-astrikingviewofthesaint'sfutureexaltationwasgiven:"Heraisesupthepooroutofthedust,andliftsupthebeggarfromthedunghill,tosetthemamongprinces,andtomaketheminheritthethroneofglory."SeehowthissametruthbeamedinuponthetroubledmindofAsaph,diffusingoverhisperplexedandperturbedspirit,thelusterandserenityofasunlightcalmness:"IfYoushallguidemewithyourcounsel,andafterwardsreceivemetoglory.""Afterwards-whenlife'sstormsareover,anditsperilsarepassed,anditsvoyageisclosed,anditsworkisfinished-afterhavingdoneandsufferedyourholywillhereonearth-youwillreceivemetoglory."PassingbyotherunfoldingsofthefuturegloryofthesaintsintheOldTestament,letusglanceatafewproofsfoundinthewritingsoftheNewTestament.Theapostle,referringtohisownexperience,says,"Iendureallthingsfortheelect'ssakes,thattheymayobtainthesalvationwhichisinChristJesuswitheternalglory."Thusclearisit,thatthesalvationsecuredtousbyChristisinseparablefromfutureglory;sothathewhoissavednow,evidencingthetruthofhissalvationbyhisholylife,issavedforever-"SalvationinChristJesus,witheternalglory."Wefind,too,thatfuturegloryisconnectedwithpresentcalling."Thattheywhicharecalledmightreceivethepromiseofeternalinheritance."Oh,whatahighcalling,then,isours!Calledtobesaintsnow-andcalledtogloryhereafter.Gloryisalsosecuredbyourjustification."Forifwhenwewereenemies;wewerereconciledtoGodbythedeathofhisSon,muchmorebeingreconciled,weshallbesavedbyhislife."Buttheinferentialevidenceofthecertainglorificationofthesaintsisnotlessconclusive.TheirunionwiththeLordJesussecuresit."Christinyou,thehopeofglory.""WhenChristwhoisourlifeshallappear,thenshallwealsoappearwithhiminglory."Christdwellinginusisourheavenbelow,andtodwellwithChristwillbeourheavenabove.AndthusourvitaluniontoChrist,securesoureternalglorificationwithChrist.IfChristisemphaticallyourlife,thenwemustbewhereourlifeis.This,too,washisprayer."Father,Iwillthattheyalso,whomyouhavegivenme,bewithmewhereIam;thattheymaybeholdmyglory."AndwhatarethevarioustracingsoftheSpirit'sworkbuttheforeshadowingsofthecominggloryinthesoul?"TheLordwillgivegraceandglory."Thetwoareinseparable.Theyareindeedessentialpartsofeachother.Graceisthegermofglory,gloryisthefull-blownflowerofgrace.Graceisthefirstdegreeofglory-

gloryisthehighestdegreeofgrace.AndwhatarethesaintsofGodbutthepreciousvesselsofmercyaforeprepareduntoglory?Purifiedfromallalloy,refinedfromallimperfection,thosevesselsofsilverandgoldarearranged,eachinitsappointedplace,intheFather'shouse,filledtooverflowingwithitsglory.TheessentialrelationofgraceandgloryisoneofthemostanimatingandconsolatorytruthsuponwhichtheChristianmindcanrepose.Musinginmournfulrecollectionofthelovedoneswhohavegentlybrokenfromourembraceanddisappearedwithinthepartedveil,doesthepainfuldoubtattimescrossthemindastotheirsafety?Doyouwonder,asyouyearnforasurerevidence,whetherChristwaswiththemintheshadowyvalley,andwhethertheyarenowwithChristintheregionsoflightandglorybeyondit?Seeheretheevidence.Didyoudiscernthefaintestdawnofheavenlylightinthesoul?Didyouobservethetenderestbuddingsofgraceintheheart?DidyoumarkanyofthefirstfruitsoftheSpiritasexhibitedinthelife?Wasitahandthattremblinglytouchedtheborder,aneyethatdimlybeheldthecross,aheartthatmourned,andwept,andlovedattheSavior'sfeet?Then,sorrownot-theyaresafeinglory!Theleastmeasureofgrace,thesmallestdegreeoffaith,willhavebroughtthemthere.Oyes!allwhomGodjustifies,heglorifies.OnceinvestedwiththerighteousnessofChrist,theyarerobedforthewedding,andatthemarriage-supperoftheLambtheyshallmostassuredlyappear.

Andnow,whataresomeoftheelementsofthefutureandeternalgloryofthesaints?Onthissubjecttherehasbeenmuchvainspeculation;butthereneednotbe,sincetheoutlineofheaven'shappinessandemploymentsissodistinctlydrawnintheWordofGod.Tothisoutlineletusbrieflyrefer.

Theexpansionandperfectionoftheintellectualfacultieswillresultinaconsequentenlargementandperfectionofknowledge.Thisisnoinferiorelementofthefuturehappinessoftheredeemed.Allthatisgraciousandsanctifyinginthesoulofthebelieverhasitsbasisinacertaindegreeofspiritualknowledge.ThemindisthemediumthroughwhichthefirstcommunicationsoftheSpiritarereceived.AknowledgeofourselveshasledtoaknowledgeofChrist;andaknowledgeofChristhaslaidthefoundationofallthejoy,andpeace,andhope,thesoulhasexperienced.

Andasourspiritualknowledgeincreases-themindbecomingmoreandmoreinformedinDivinetruth-thereisacorrespondingandproportionedincreaseoftheblessingwhichanexperimentalacquaintancewiththetruthyields.Now,ifthisbesohere,whatmustitbeintheglorifiedstate?Thinkwenotthatitwillgreatlyaugmentthehappinessanddeepenthegloryofthesaintsinheaven,thatintheirenlargedmentalcapacity,inthefullestdevelopmentoftheirintellectualpowers,theyshallbeenabledtotakeawiderrangeofthought?ThattheyshallcompassagreaterknowledgeofGod,andseeinfinitelymoreoftheglory,anddrinkinfinitelydeeperofthelove,ofChrist,thanthemostexaltedangelinheaven?What,ifinthepresentschoolofGod-oftentheschoolofdeeptrial-asweadvancefromtruthtotruth,knowingmoreofJesus,andincreasingintheknowledgeofGod,wegrowmoreholyandmorehappy;ourpeaceflowinglikeariver,andourrighteousnessasthewavesofthesea;ourconfidenceinGodstrengthening,andouraffectionsentwiningmorefondlyandcloselyaroundtheSavior-What,weask,willbetheglorydeepeningarounduswhenallthepresentobstructionsandimpedimentstoouradvancementinspiritualknowledgeareremoved,andourintellectualfaculties,thenuncloudedandunfettered,expandtheirlong-foldedwings,andsweepaninfinitecircleofknowledge-knowingevenasweareknown?Ifourprogressinspiritualknowledgeisanaccessiontoourhappinesshere,whathereafterwillbethehappinessrushingintoourglorifiedsoulsthroughthemediumofanenlargedmind,vastasitsrangeofthought,andpureandtransparentastheatmosphereinwhichitfloats?Donotdeemit,then,Oexpectantofheaven,aninferiorelementoftheglorythatawaitsyou,thatyourintellectualenjoyment,perfectinitsnature,shalleverbeaugmentinginitsdegree."ThenshalltherighteousshineforthasthesuninthekingdomoftheirFather."

Butastillhigherelementwillbe,theperfectholinessoftheglorified.Theveryutteranceofthethoughtseemstoawakenmusicinthesoul.SeeingChristasheis,andknowinghimasweareknown,wealsoshallbelikehim.Perfectedinholiness!Oh,whataconception!whatathought!Nomoreelementsofevilworkinglikeleaveninthesoul.Nomoretracesandfettersofcorruption.Nomoreevilheartofunbelief,perpetuallydepartingfromGod.Nomoredesperatedepravity.Nomoresinwarring

within,andnomoretemptationassailingfromwithout.Allisperfectholinessnow!TheoutlineoftheDivineimageiscomplete,forthebelieverhasawakenedinthefinishedlikenessofhisLord.Thespiritofthejustmanismadeperfect.Oh,istherenotenoughinthisanticipationtomakeuslongtobethere?Whatnowshadesyourspirit,andembittersyourjoy,andsuffusesyoureyeswithtears,andinflictsthekeenestpang?Notadversity,norsickness,norchangedaffection,norblightedhopes,northeshadedlandscapeoflife,northehollowfallingoftheearthasthegraveclosesfromyourviewtheheart'sfondtreasure.Oh,no,notthese!Itisthe

sinthatdwellsinus!Extirpateallsin,andyouhaveerasedallsorrow.Completethegrace,andyouhaveperfectedtheglory.Youthenhavechasedallsadnessfromtheheart,andhavedriedalltearsfromtheeye.Thatglorywillbethegloryofunsulliedpurity.Nothingofsinremainsbutitsrecollection;andthatrecollectionbutheightensourconceptionofthepreciousnessofthebloodthatshallhaveeffacedeverystain,andofthegreatnessandsovereigntyofthatgracewhichshallhavebroughtusthere."Letthesaintsbejoyfulinglory,"fortheirbattlewithsinisover."ThesearetheywhichfollowtheLambwhereverhegoes.Thesewereredeemedfromamongmen,beingthefirst-fruitsuntoGodandtotheLamb.Andintheirmouthwasfoundnoguile:fortheyarewithoutfaultbeforethethroneofGod."Theabsenceofallevilwillbeanotherfeatureofthecomingglory.Takethelongcatalogueofillswesufferhere-thecaresthatcorrode,theanxietiesthatagitate,thesorrowsthatdepress,thebereavementsthatwound,thediseasesthatwaste,thetemptationsthatassail-inaword,whateverpainsasensitivemind,orwoundsaconfidingspirit;therudenessofsome,thecoldnessofothers,theunfaithfulnessandheartlessnessofyetmore;andasyoutracethesadlist,thinkofgloryastheplacewherenotoneshallenter.All,allareentirelyandeternallyabsent."Godshallwipeawayalltearsfromtheireyes;andthereshallbenomoredeath,neithersorrow,norcrying,neithershalltherebeanymorepain:forthefarmerthingsarepassedaway."

Thepresenceofallgoodwilltaketheplaceoftheabsenceofallevil.Andintheforegroundofthispictureofgloryweplacethefull,uncloudedvisionofJesus.Oh,thisistheSunthatwillbatheallotherobjectsinits

beams.Weseehimnowthroughfaith'stelescope,andhowlovelydoesheappear!Distantanddimasisthevision,yetsooverpoweringisitsbrightnessasforamomenttoeclipseeveryotherobject.Hownearheisbroughttous,andhowclosewefeeltohim!Encircledandabsorbedbyhispresence,allotherbeingsseemanintrusion,andallotherjoysanimpertinence.Reposinguponhisbosom,howsweetlysoundshisvoice,andhowwinninghislanguage,"Oh,mydove,youareinthecleftsoftherock,inthesecretplacesofthestairsletmeseeyourcountenance,letmehearyourvoice;forsweetisyourvoice,andyourcountenanceislovely."Thesearehappymoments.Butoh,howtransientandhowbrieftheirstay!Someearthlyvaporfloatsathwartourglass,andthebrightandblissfulvisionisgone-veiledinclouds,ithasdisappearedfromourview!Butnotlostisthatvision.NotwithdrawnisthatObject.Asstarsthathidethemselvesawhile,thenappearagaininbrighter,richerluster,sowillreturneachviewwehavehadofChrist.TheeyethathasoncecaughtaviewoftheSaviorshallneverlosesightofhimforever.Longanddrearynightsmayintervene;thevisionmaytarryasthoughitwouldnevercomeagain,yetthosenightsshallpassaway,andthatvisionshallreturnand"weshallseehimasheis."Andoh,ifthedistantandfitfulglimpsesoftheglorifiedChristarenowsoravishing,whatwilltheecstaticandoverpoweringeffectofthefulluncloudedvisionbe,whenweshallseehimfacetoface!

WiththisunveiledsightoftheglorifiedRedeemer,willbeassociatedthecertainreunionandperfectedcommunionofalltheglorifiedsaints.Wearefarfromplacingthisfeatureofgloryinanobscurecornerofourpictureofheavenlyhappiness.Asourceofsomuchpureandhallowedenjoymentnow,surelywillnotbelacking,norbelesslimitedhereafter.Itisahighenjoymentofearth-thatofsanctifiedrelationshipsandsacredfriendships.Thecommunionofrenewedintellect,theunionofgenialminds,andthefellowshipoffondandsympathizinghearts,Godsometimeskindlyvouchsafes,tosmoothandbrightenourroughanddarksomepathtothegrave.Andyetevenwerethisalllacking,Jesuswereenoughtoilluminethegloom,andpeoplethesolitudeofthedesertwetraverse.Butdeathinterposesandsundersthesepreciousties.Andaretheysunderedforever?Oh,no!Weshallmeetagainallfromwhominfaithandhopeweparted-whomwelovedinJesus-andwhoinJesus

havefallenasleep."ForwebelievethatthroughthegraceofourLordJesusChristweshallbesavedevenasthey."Heartbreakingaswastheseparation,itwasnotfinal,norwillitbelong.Thetime-piecewewearremindsusateachsecondthattheperiodofourreunionisnearing.Yes!weshallmeetthemagainincloser,fonder,purerfriendship.Theywaitandwatchourcoming.Thinknotthattheyforgetus:thatcannotbe.Thinkingofus,theyloveusstill.Theaffectiontheycherishedforushere,deathdidnotchill;theyborethataffectionwiththemfromtheearthlytotheheavenlyhome,andnow,purifiedandexpanded,itglowsandclingswithanintensityunknown,unfeltbefore.Heavenlythoughtisimmortal.Holyloveneverdies.Meeting,weshallknowthemagain;andknowing,weshallrushintotheirwarmembrace,andseverfromthemnever!"Iwouldnothaveyoutobeignorant,brethren,concerningthosewhoareasleep,thatyousorrownot,evenasotherswhohavenohope.ForifwebelievethatJesusdiedandroseagain,evensothemalsowhosleepinJesuswillGodbringwithhim."Oh,whatasoothing,sanctifyingthought-whataheaven-attractinghopeisthis!Appliedtotheholydead,howtouchingandhowtruethebeautifulsentimentsofthepoet,himselfnowminglingwiththebeingsofthespirit-land:

"Isitnotsweettothinkhereafter,

Whenthespiritleavesthissphere,

Love,withdeathlesswings,shallwafther

Tothoseshelonghasmournedforhere?

"Heartsfromwhich'twasdeathtosever;

Eyes,thisworldcanneverrestore;

There,aswarm,asbrightasever,

Shallmeetus,andbelostnomore!

"Whenwearilywewander,asking

Ofearthandheaven,wherearethey,

Beneathwhosesmileweoncelaybasking,

Blest,andthinkingblisswouldstay?

"Hopestillliftsherradiantfinger,

Pointingtotheeternalhome,

Uponwhoseportalstilltheylinger,

Lookingbackforustocome.

"Alas,alas!doeshopedeceiveus

Shallfriendship,love,shallallthoseties

Thatbindamoment,andthenleaveus,

Befoundagainwherenothingdies?

"Oh,ifnootherhopeweregiven,

Tokeepourheartsfromwrongorstain,

Whowouldnotseektoreachaheaven,

Whereallweloveshallliveagain?"

Wecannotconsenttodismissthiscontemplationofthecomingglory,withoutanallusiontotheScriptureteachinginreferencetowhathasbeentermedthedegreesofglory.Itisbutlittlethatissaiduponthesubject,yetthatlittleisinterestingandinstructive;andweshouldrememberthatnotruthofGod'smind,howeverobscurelyrevealed,oughttobeoverlooked.TheApostlethusfigurativelyadvancestheidea,"Onestardiffersfromanotherstaringlory."Butinwhatwillthisdisproportionofgloryconsist?Wecannotadopttheideaofsome,thatitwillbeaccordingtothedifferenceofgift;thatthescaleofheavenlyhappinesswillbethemeasureofmentalendowment;thatNewton,thegreatphilosopher,forexample,withhisgiganticintellectandvast

resources,willnecessarilybemorerichlyreplenishedwithglorythananotherofmorelimitedacquirementsandlessmentalcapacity.Thiswouldresolvethehappinessoftheheavenlyworldmainlyintothepurelyintellectualratherthanthepurelyspiritual,ofwhichwebelieveittoconsist.Iftherearedegreesofglory-andweseenoreasontoquestionthefact-webelievethatthosedegreeswillbegraduated,notbythestrengthorcapacityoftheintellect,butaccordingtothemeasureandstandardofholinesswhichthebelieverattainedinthislife.If,aswehaveshown,gloryistheperfectionofgrace,thenitfollows,thatproportionedtothedegreeofgracehere,willbethedegreeofgloryhereafter.ItmustbeborneinmindthatGodisnotmerelyanintellectual,heisalsoaspiritualBeing.AsanintellectualBeing,theunfallenangels,creaturesofmightierintellectthanwe,mustbesupposedtoformthemostloftyconceptionsofhisgreatnessandgrandeur.Butwillitbesupposedthatanangel'smindcanformsuchaconceptionoftheDivineglory,astherecovered,renewed,andsanctifiedsouloffallenman?Willnotthatmindthathasbeenbroughtintoclosercontact,andunion,andsympathywiththewill,theheart,andtheperfectionsofGod,knowmoreofGod,drinkindeeperviewsofthegloryofGod,thanthemindoftheangelwhoinhisstudyofredemptioncouldbutbendovertheMercySeat,hiswingsencircled,desiringtolookwithinitsawfulmysteries?IfthegreatandgrandperfectionofGodbehisholiness,thenthemoreclearlyIapproximatetothatholiness,themoredeeplymustIpartakeofthegloryofGod,andthehighermustbemydegreeofglory.Itisacquaintancewith,andconformityto,God'smoral,andnothisintellectualbeing,thatwillconstitutethehighestsourceofourhappinessinheaven.ThatourenlargedintellectualcapacitywillbeavastinlettoexpandedviewsofGod,wedonotdispute;butitwillbetheconformityofourmoralnaturetohisthatwillconstituteandaugmentourperceptionsofglory.

Ifitisnotthus,thatthespiritualandnotthementalwillformthestandardofourhappinessintheglorifiedstate,howisitthattheastronomerwhosemindhadbeenoverwhelmedwiththewisdomandgrandeurofGodincreation,coulddescendfromhisobservatorywithanoathuponhislips?Yetsuchisknowntohavebeenthefact.Imaginethatmindsuddenlytransportedtoheaven,andplacedintheimmediateandglorifiedpresenceofthatGodwhoseworksofnatureithadbeen

contemplating,andyetwhoseholynameithadprofaned-iftheargumentbetruethattheamountofglorywillbeproportionedtothementalcapacityoftheglorified,thenitfollowsthatthat'undevoutastronomer'wouldbemorecapable,evenwithanunrenewedintellect,ofunderstandingandknowingGodthantheunletteredChristian,whoseintellectwasofthemostdwarfishcapacity,butwhoyetspirituallyknewGodandJesusChristwhomhehadsent.WereweaskedtopassthroughtheChurchofGod,andfromitsvariouscommunionsselecttheindividualwhomweshouldregardastherichestheirofglory,whosedegreeofhappinesswould,perhaps,transcendthatoftheglorifiedphilosopher,weshould,itmaybe,findhimtheinmateofsomeobscurehut,dwellingamidlonelypoverty,sickness,andneglect;andyetholdingcommunionwithGod,sofilial,soendearing,andsoclose,astopresenttooureyehissoul'supliftedandsoaringpinions,"asthewingsofadovecoveredwithsilver,andherfeatherswithyellowgold."Wewouldgotohimwhoseheartthusbreathingafterholiness,whosespiritthusimbibingmoreandmoreofthemindofChrist,whointhislowlyandsufferingschoolwaslearningmoredeeplyofGod,andwhatGodis,andwhothuswasgatheringaroundhimthebeamsofthatglorywhoseuncloudedvisionsweresosoontoburstuponhisview-andwewouldunhesitatinglypointtohimasthemanwhosedegreeofglorywillbetranscendentlygreat-graceenrichingandencirclinghimwithmoreglorythangift.Doyou,myreader,desiretobeastarofthefirstmagnitudeandlusterinheaven?thenaimafterahighdegreeofgraceonearth."Thereisnot,"saystheSavior,"agreaterthanJohntheBaptist;notwithstanding,hethatisleastinthekingdomofheavenisgreaterthanJohn."TheneareryourpresentwalkwithGod,thenearerwillbeyourfutureproximitytoGod.ThecloseryourresemblancetoChrist,thedeeperyourholiness,themorespiritualandheavenly-mindedyoubecomeonearth,beassuredofthis,thehigherandthemoreresplendentwillbeyourgloryinheaven.Astheungodlymanistreasuringupwrathagainstthedayofwrath,andisgrowingmoreandmorefitforhell-sothegodlymanislayingupgloryagainstthedayofglory,andisgrowingmoreandmorefitforheaven.Weneednotspeculateandsurmiseaboutthefuture.LetthechildofGodbecarefulastohisdegreestowardsfitnessforglory,andhemaycalmlyandsafelyleavehisdegreesofglorytotheperiodwhenthatgloryshallberevealed.

Butwemustnotoverlook,inthisoutlineofthecomingglory,theglorifiedbodyofthesaints.Thefirstresurrectionwillgivebackthis'vilebody'sochangedthatitshallbe"fashionedlikeuntoChrist'sgloriousbody."Wehavetwoexamplesofwhatthis"gloriousbody"ofourLordis.Thefirstwasathistransfiguration,whenthe"fashionofhiscountenancewasaltered,andhisfacedidshineasthesun,andhisclothingwaswhiteasthelight."ThesecondwaswhenheappearedtoJohn,inPatmos,arrayedinsuchglorythattheapostlesays,"WhenIsawhimIfellathisfeetasdead."FashionedlikeuntoChrist'sgloriousbodywillbetheglorifiedbodiesofthesaints.Nodeformity,nowrinkle,nodefectwhatever,shallmaritsbeauty."Itissownincorruption;itisraisedinincorruption:itissownindishonor;itisraisedinglory:itissowninweakness;itisraisedinpower:itissownanaturalbody;itisraisedaspiritualbody.Andaswehavebornetheimageoftheearthy,weshallalsobeartheimageoftheheavenly.""Weshallbelikehim,forweshallseehimasheis."

What,inconclusion,oughttobethepracticalinfluenceofthisanimatingsubject?Shoulditnot,inthefirstplace,urgeuswithalldiligenceto"makeourcallingandelectionsure?"Withallaffectionateearnestness,wewouldexhortthereadertoseektobeassuredofhisstandinginChrist.Areyoucalled?Areyoujustified?DoyouknowthatGodlovesyou?Hasthegreatchangetakenplace?Haveyou,inaword,passedfromdeathuntolife?Donotpostponethesequestionstoadyingbed.Answerthemnow.

Andisnottheanticipationofthecomingglorymostsanctifying?Oughtitnottohavesopowerfulaninfluenceuponourmindsastolessenthevalueofthethingsthatareseenandtemporal,andenhancethevalueofthosethingswhichareunseenandeternal?Weareatpresentinastateofchildrenundertutorsandgovernors.Butbeforelongweshallattainourfullage,andshall,beputinpossessionofourinheritance.Andbecausewearechildren,weareapttothinkaschildren,andspeakaschildren,andactaschildren-magnifyingthingsthatarereallysmall,whilediminishingthosethatarereallygreat.Oh,howlittle,lowly,anddespicablewill,byandby,appearthethingsthatnowawakensomuchthought,andcreatesomuchinterest!Presentsorrowsandjoys,hopes

anddisappointments,gainsandlosses-willallhavepassedaway,leavingnotarippleupontheoceantheyonceagitated,norafootprintuponthesandstheyoncetraversed."Menforgetwhattheywereintheiryouth,oratbestonlypartiallyrememberit;itishardevenforthosewhosememoriesarestrongestandliveliesttoputthemselvesexactlyintothesamepositioninwhichtheystoodasboys;theycanscarcelyfancythattherewasonceatimewhentheycaredsomuchforpleasuresandtroubleswhichnowseemsotrifling.Anditmaybe,thatifwerisehereaftertoangels'stature;ifwisdombeourssuchaswedreamnotof;ifbeingcountedworthytoknowGodasheis,thepoornessofallcreatedpleasuresshallberevealedtous,flashinguponouruncreatedspiritslikelight-itmaybethatweshallthenfeelitashardtofancyhowwecouldhavecaredforwhatwenowdeemmostimportant;howtwentyyears,moreorless,takenfromthisspanofourearthlylife;howbeingpartedforafewyears,moreorless,fromthosedearfriendswithwhomwearenowunitedforever-howthiscouldhaveseemedofanyimportancetobeingsbornforimmortality.Itisquitereasonabletosupposethattheinterestsofmanhoodwillhereafterappeartousjustasinsignificant,Ioughtrathertosaytenthousandtimesmoreso,thantheinterestsofourboyishyearsseemtousnow."(Arnold).Why,then,allowourwhitegarmentstotrailupontheearth?Ifgloryisbeforeus,andsonear,whysoslowinouradvancetomeetit?Whysolittleofitspresentpossessioninoursouls?Whydoweallowthe"brightandMorningStar"tosinksooftenbelowthehorizonofourfaith?Why,mysoul,soslowtoarriveatheaven,withheavensofullinview?Oh,topressourpillowatnight,composedtoslumberwiththissweetreflection"Lord,ifIopenmyeyesnomoreupontherisingsun,Ishallopenthemuponthatrisensunthatneversets-awakinginyourlikeness."Oh,tobelookingfor,andhasteningunto,thecomingoftheLord,thatblessedhope,thatgloriousepiphanyofthechurch,whichshallcomplete,perfect,andconsummatetheglorificationofthesaints.

HowshouldtheprospectofcertainglorystimulateustoindividualexertionforChrist!Whatamotivetolabor!Withawholeeternityofrest,howlittleshouldwethinkofpresenttoilandfatiguefortheSavior!Shallwe,then,beindolentinourMaster'scause?Shallwe,inselfishness,wrapourgracesasamantlearoundus,andindolentlyburyourtalentsinthe

earth?ShallwewithholdourpropertyfromtheLord,complainingthatthecallsofChristianbenevolencearesomany,thedemandssopressing,andtheobjectssonumerous?Oh,no!Itcannot,itmustnotbe.LetusliveforChrist-laborforChrist-sufferforChrist-and,ifneedsbe,dieforChrist-sinceweshall,beforelongandforever,beglorifiedwithChrist.Andwhocanpaintthatglory?"Somuchasmomentsareexceededbyeternity,andthesighingofamanbythejoysofanangel,andasalutaryfrownbythelightofGod'scountenance,afewfrownsbytheinfiniteandeternalhallelujahs,somucharethesorrowsofthegodlytobeundervaluedinrespectofwhatisdepositedfortheminthetreasuresofeternity.Theirsorrowscandie;butsocannottheirjoys.Andiftheblessedmartyrsandconfessorswereaskedconcerningtheirpastsufferingsandtheirpresentrest,andthejoysoftheircertainexpectation,youshouldhearthemgloryinnothingbutinthemerciesofGod,andinthecrossoftheLordJesus.Everychainisarayoflight,andeveryprisonisapalace,andeverylossisthepurchaseofakingdom,andeveryaffrontinthecauseofGodisaneternalhonor,andeverydayofsorrowisathousandyearsofcomfort,multipliedwithanever-ceasingnumeration-dayswithoutnights,joyswithoutsorrow,sanctitywithoutsin,charitywithoutstain,possessionwithoutfear,societywithoutenvyings,communicationofjoyswithoutlessening;andtheyshalldwellinablessedcountry,whereanenemyneverentered,andfromwhereafriendneverwentaway."(JeremyTaylor)

"GodIsforUs"

Whatshallwethensaytothesethings?IfGodbeforus,whocanbe

againstus?Romans8:31

What,then,shallwesayinresponsetothis?IfGodisforus,whocanbeagainstus?Romans8:31

Whatcanwesayaboutsuchwonderfulthingsasthese?IfGodisforus,whocaneverbeagainstus?Romans8:31

TheApostlehadconcludedthesublimeargumentwhich,withsomuchconsecutivenessofreasoning,andpoweroflanguage,hehadbeenpursuing.Andnowhecomestotheinferencelogicallydeduciblefromthewhole."Whatshallwesaytothesethings?Towhatconclusionshallwearrive,touchingthepowerofthegospeltosupportandconsoleusinallourassaultsandsufferings?"Then,proceedingtoanswerhisownquestion,heresolvestheblessedresultsoftheentireargumentintoasingle,animating,andcomprehensiveone-GODISFORUS!"IfGodbeforus,whocanbeagainstus?"ThequestionsupposestheexistenceofacombinedandpowerfulhostilitytotheChristian.Letthis,briefly,beourfirstpointofconsideration.

Toestablishthisfact,nolengthenedproofisnecessary.TheBibledeclaresit-observationconfirmsit-andexperiencedemonstratesit.Thereis,infact,nopossibleformofevil-nomachinationsofthepowersofdarkness-notasingleoneofthenoxiousprinciplesindigenoustoourfallennature,whichisnotindirectanddeadlyantagonismtothebestinterestsofthechildofGod.Thebelievermaybecomparedtoanindividualwhohasthrownoffallegiancetohisking,hasdisownedhiscountry,andrefusesobediencetoitslaws,yetcontinuestodwellinthelandhehasrenounced,andclosebythesovereignhehasforsworn.ThegraceofGodhascalledusoutoftheworld;yettheprovidenceofGodhassentusintotheworld.Wemay,therefore,expectnothingbuthostilityfromthegodofthisworld,andhatredfromtheworlditself.Fromthesetwosources,asfromanother,towhichwemaypresentlyadvert,strongoppositionproceeds.Thereismuchofmysteryconnectedwiththesubjectofsatanicagencywhichwemayneverentirelycomprehend.WithapowerandaubiquitydifferingfromDivineomnipotenceandomnipresenceinnothingbuttheirreality,heswaysafearfulscepter;andiseverywhere,andatthesamemoment,accuratelyacquaintedwithevery

circumstanceofourhistory,and,itwouldappear,witheachhiddenthoughtofthehumanheart.Satanisagainstus.Allhisforce-allhiswisdom-allhismalice-allhissubtletyandskill-andallhismyrmidons,areexertedandmarshaledintremendousoppositiontotheinterestsofthechildofGod.LetthehistoriesofDavid,andJob,andJoshua,andPaul,yes,ofourLordhimself,testifytothetruthofthis.Theworld,too,isagainstus.Itwillneverforgivetheactbywhichwebrokefromitsthraldom,renounceditssway,relinquisheditspleasures,andresigneditsfriendship.Norcanitforgetthatthegodly,self-denying,unearthlylifeoftheChristian,isaconstantandsolemnrebukeofitsworldliness,itsirreligion,anditsfolly:"Youarenotoftheworld,thereforetheworldhatesyou."Sometimesveilingitsoppositionandconcealingitsmalignitybeneathsmilesandflattery,itseekstowinbackthevotaryithaslost.Andwhenthiseffortprovesunavailing,itchangesitscourse,and,withvenomedtongue,andsleeplesszeal,andmalignanthatred,seeks,bydetractionandfalsehood,tomalign,andwound,andinjurethesonsofGod.HowtouchingthewordsofJesusaddressedtoeachdisciple-"Iftheworldhatesyou,youknowthatithatedmebeforeithatedyou.Ifyouwereoftheworld,theworldwouldlovehisown;butbecauseyouarenotoftheworld,butIhavechosenyououtoftheworld,thereforetheworldhatesyou."ButthereisyetanothersourceofoppositiontotheChristian.Weutterbutahometruthandaself-evidentone,whenweaddtotheseformsofhostility-thatofourownhearts!Andafterallthatwehavesaid,ourmostpowerfulandtreacherousfoeisthisonewhichwecherishinourbosom.Oh,yes!thesinthatdwellsinus-"aheartdeceitfulaboveallthings,anddesperatelywicked"-thebodyofcorruptionanddeathwhichwebearaboutwithusformsasourceofoppositiontoourholinessandfurtheranceintheDivinelife,ascontinuousandpowerful,asitishumblinganddistressingtoourrenewednature.Truly,"wewrestlenotagainstfleshandblood,butagainstprincipalities,againstpowers,againsttherulersofthedarknessofthisworld,againstspiritualwickednessinhighplaces."Withthismightyphalanxopposedtohim,isitnotamarvelthatanychildofGodshouldevermaintainhisstand,andatlastarriveatheaven?Butthewonderceaseswhenoureyelightsuponthesewords,"IfGodbeforus,whocanbeagainstus?"

Tothisgreatandconsolingtruthletusnowdirectourattention.Weshall

find,onexamination,greatprominencegiventothisfact-GodonthesideoftheChristian-inhisholyword.ItwaswiththisassurancethatJehovahcalmedthefearsandstrengthenedthefaithofhisservantAbraham.Itwasaperiodofintenseanxietywiththepatriarch.Hehadjustachievedasignalvictoryinhisbattlewiththekings,fromwhosepowerhehadgenerouslyandvalorouslyrescuedhisnephew,Lot.Itwasnaturaltoexpectthatthenationswhosearmieshehaddefeated,andwhosesovereignshehadslain,shouldcollecttheirscatteredforces,and,withrenewedstrengthandafreshonset,descenduponhimwithoverwhelmingforce.Justatthisjuncture,whentroublewasnear,allanxious,andfearful,andtremblingashewas,Godappearedtohisservant,andsoothedhimwiththesewords-"Fearnot,Abram:Iamyourshield,andyourexceedinggreatreward."AndallthatGodwastoAbramheistoallthosewhohavelikepreciousfaithwithhim.Christian,assailedandfearful!Jehovahisyour"shield,andyourexceedinggreatreward."Then,fearnot!Iasknotwhatyourtroubleis,whatformofoppositionassailsyou.Imeetyou-beyourperil,beyourtrembling,beyouranxiety,whatitmay-withthisfact,"IfGodbeforus,whocanbeagainstus?"AndGodisforyou!Oh,butbelieveit,andallshallbeperfectpeace!HisDivineshieldiseveraroundyou,andbeforeyoucanbeinjured,thatshielditselfmustbebroken.This,too,wasthetruthwithwhichGodstayedthefaithofIsaac."AndtheLordappeareduntohimbynight,andsaid,IamtheGodofAbrahamyourfather:fearnot,forIamwithyou."TothegodlychildrenofChristian,perhapsglorifiedparents,howpeculiarlyappropriateandpreciousarethesewords!ItisanargumentandapleaofnolittlepowerwithGodwhenatriedandneedyChristianisledtopray,"YouaretheGodofmyparents,myfather'sGod,faithfulandloving.Andsinceyoudidsaytoyourservant,"IamtheGodofAbrahamyourfather,fearnot,Iamemboldenedinthistimeofnecessityandfeartocastmyselfuponthesamelove,andfaithfulness,power!Oh,turnuntome,andhavemercyuponme;giveyourstrengthuntoyourservant,andsavethesonofyourhandmaid."God'sdealingswiththeprophetElishaaffordanotherstrikingillustrationofthesameprecioustruth,thatheisonthesideofhispeople.AlarmedattheovershadowingforcesoftheSyrianhosts,theservantoftheprophetexclaims,"Alas,mymaster!Whatshallwedo?"Andheanswered,"Fearnot:forthosewhobewithusaremorethanthosewhobewiththem."Ah,yes!chariotsoffireencircle

everybeliever;and,bestofall,theLordisinhischariot,"ridingupontheheavensintheirhelp,andinhisexcellencyonthesky."ItwasinviewofthissametruththatDavidencouragedhimself."TheLordismylightandmysalvation;whomshallIfear?TheLordisthestrengthofmylife;ofwhomshallIbeafraid?"AndwhenGodwasabouttosendJeremiahintohisvineyard,whatwasthetruthwithwhichhestrengthenedhishesitatingfaith?"Youthereforegirdupyourloins,andarise,andspeakuntothemallthatIcommandyou....theyshallfightagainstyou,buttheyshallnotprevailagainstyou;forIamwithyou,saystheLord,todeliveryou."AndwhenPaulrepairedtoCorinth,andwasmetbymuchoppositionandblasphemyinhismissionoftestifyingtotheJewsthatJesuswastheChrist,itwaswiththissameblessedassurance-GodonthesideoftheChristian-thathisfaithwasstrengthenedandhisspiritcomforted."ThenspoketheLordtoPaulinthenightbyavision,Donotbeafraid,butspeak,andholdnotyourpeace;forIamwithyou,andnomanshallsetonyoutohurtyou."ItwastheLordJesus,who,inallthetendernessofhislove,thusappearedtosootheandanimatehisservant.Andsinceheisthe"sameyesterday,today,andforever,"heispreparedtocomfortourtremblingheartswiththesameblessedassurance-"Iamwithyou."AndwhatwerehislastwordstohisChurch,stillvibratingontheear,"Lo!Iamwithyouaways;evenuntotheend!"

Godmustbeonthesideofhispeople,sincehehas,inaneverlastingcovenant,madehimselfovertobetheirGod.Inanespecialmanner,andinthehighestdegree,heistheGodofhispeople.Inthemostcomprehensivemeaningofthewords,heisforus.Hisloveisforus-hisperfectionsareforus-hiscovenantisforus-hisgovernment,extendingoveralltheworld,andhispoweroverallflesh,isforus.ThereisnothinginGod,nothinginhisdealings,nothinginhisprovidences,butwhatisonthesideofhispeople.Enshrinedinhisheart,engravedonhishand,keptastheappleofhiseye,GodformsamightybulwarkforhisChurch."AsthemountainsareroundaboutJerusalem,sotheLordisroundabouthispeoplefromhenceforthevenforever."InChristJesus,holiness,justice,andtruth,unitewithmercy,grace,andlove,inweavinganinvincibleshieldaroundeachbeliever.Thereisnotapurposeofhismind,norafeelingofhisheart,noraneventofhisprovidence,noranactofhisgovernment,thatisnotpledgedtothehappiness,andsecurity,andwell-

beingofhispeople.WhatJoshuasaidtothechildrenofIsrael,tremblingtoencounterthegiantsofAnak,maybetrulysaidtoeverybelieverinviewofhisfoes,"TheLordiswithus,fearthemnot."

NottheFatheronly,buttheSonofGod,isalsoonourside.Hashenotamplyprovedit?Who,whentherewasnoeyetopity,andnoarmtosave,undertookourcause,andembarkedallhisgraceandgloryinoursalvation?WhoslewourgreatGoliath,andrescuedusfromPharaoh,dischargedourdebt,andreleasedusfromprison?Whoextinguishedthefiresofourhell,andkindledthegloriesofourheaven?Whodidallthisbythesacrificeofhimself?Oh,itwasJesus!Needwefurtherproofthatheisforus?Whoappearsonourbehalfwithintheveil?Whositsforusasapriestuponhisthrone?Whoseblood,firstshedonCalvary,nowsprinklestheMercySeat?Whopleads,andargues,andintercedes,andpraysforusinthehighcourtofheaven?Whosehumansympathyflowsdowninonecontinuousstreamfromthatabodeofglory,blendingwithoureverytrial,andsuffering,andsorrow?Whoiseverneartothwartourfoes,andtopluckourfeetfromthesnareofthefowler?Oh,itisChrist!Andthereisnotamomentoftime,noracircumstanceoflife,inwhichhedoesnotshowhimselfstronginbehalfofhispeople.

AndsooftheHolySpirit.Whoquickeneduswhenweweredeadintrespassesandinsins?Whotaughtuswhenwewereignorant,enlighteneduswhenweweredark,comforteduswhenweweredistressed;andwhenwounded,andbleeding,andreadytodie,ledus,alloppressedwithguiltandsorrowaswewere,toJesus?Whoinspiredthefirstpulsationoflife,andlightedthefirstsparkoflove,andcreatedthefirstrayofhope,inoursoul,anddriedthefirsttearofgodlygrieffromoureye?Oh,itwastheEternalSpirit,andhe,too,isforus.Surveytherecordofyourownhistory,dearreader.Whatachequeredlifeyours,perhaps,hasbeen!Howdottedthemapofyourjourneyings,howmulti-coloredthestonesthathavepavedyourpath,howvariedandblendedthehuesthatcomposethepictureofyourlife!Andyet,Godconstructedthatmap,andGodlaidthosestones,andGodpencilledandpaintedthatpicture.Godwentbeforeyou,andGodiswithyou,andGodisforyou.Hewasinthedarkcloudthatenshroudedallwithgloom,andhewasinthesunshinethatgildedallwithbeauty."Iwillsingofmercyandof

judgment:untoYou,OLord,willIsing."Andwhohascarriedforwardtheworkofgraceinoursouls-checkingourfeet,restoringourwanderings,holdingupourgoings,raisinguswhenwehadfallen,andestablishingourfeetmorefirmlywhenmenroseupagainstus?Whohashealedallourdiseases,andhasfilledourmouthswithgoodthings,sothatouryouthhasbeenrenewedliketheeagle's?ItwastheLordwhowasonourside,andnotonegoodthingofallthathehaspromisedhasfailed.

Itmay,then,wellbeasked,"Whocanbeagainstus?"WithsuchaFather,suchaFriend,andsuchaComforter,whocanurgeasuccessfulhostilitytothesaintsofGod?Godhimselfcannotbeagainstus,evenwhenthecloudsofhisprovidenceappearthemostlowering,andhisstrokesarefelttobethemostsevere."Thoughheslayme,yetwillItrustinhim."Thelawcannotbeagainsthim;fortheLaw-fulfillerhas,byhisobedience,magnifiedandmadeithonorable.Divinejusticecannotbeagainstus,forJesushas,inourstead,metitsdemands,andhisresurrectionisafulldischargeofallitsclaims.Norsin,norSatan,normen,norsuffering,nordeath,canbereallyorsuccessfullyagainstus-sincethecondemnationofsinisremoved,andSatanisvanquished,andtheungodlyarerestrained,andsufferingworksforgood,andthestingofdeathistakenaway."IfGodbeforus,whocanbeagainstus?"WithsuchaBeingonourside,whomshallwefear?Wewillfearnothingbutthedisobediencethatgrieves,andthesinthatoffendshim.Fearingthis,weneedfearnothingelse."Godisourrefugeandstrength,averypresenthelpintrouble.Thereforewillnotfear.Listenoncemoretohiswondrouswords-"Youaremyservant.Ihavecalledyou,andnotcastyouaway.Fearnot;forIamwithyou:donotbedismayed;forIamyourGod:Iwillstrengthenyou;yes,Iwillhelpyou;yes,Iwillupholdyouwiththerighthandofmyrighteousness."

Thesubject,ifmostconsolatorytotheChristian,initsconverse,asolemnonetotheunregenerate.ItisanawfulthingnottohaveGodforus.AndifGodisnotforus,thereisnoneutralcourse:hemustbeagainstus.AndGodisagainstyou,myunconvertedreader.Solongasyouareinanunreconciledstate,notonlyGod,buteverycreatureofGod,isatwarwithyou.ThewholecreationisanarmoryofdestructiveagenciestoasouloutofChrist.AllaremessengersofdeathtoaChristlesssinner.Yes,Godis

againstyou!Mistakenottheblessingsofhisprovidenceforthesmilesofhisgrace.Thehandthatprospersyourworldlyschemes,thatdropsitsmerciessoprofuselyaroundyourpath,yetholdsitsdrawnswordofvengeanceaboveyourhead.NotanightdoyoucomposeyourselftorestatpeacewithGodthroughChristJesus.Andareyoupreparedfortheconsequences?Haveyouthoughtofthemandweighedthem?Lookatthemnow!Whenyoursorrowcomes-ascomeitwill-Godwillmock;whenyourcalamityapproaches,hewilllaugh;whenyoustretchforthyourhand,hewillwithdrawhis,solongstretchedouttoyouinvain.Whowillthenbefriendyou?Notanangelorasaintbutwilltunehisharptotheholinessandthejusticeofyourcondemnation.Alas!thereisnoappealfromthedecisionoftheJudge,thereisnohidingplacefromhisindignation,nocessationofhiswrath."ItisafearfulthingtofallintothehandsofthelivingGod."AndyetthatGodlovessinners,gavehisSontodieforsinners,iswillingtoreceivesinners,andisgracious,fullofcompassion,andreadytoforgivesinners.LetthegoodnessofGod,then,leadyoutorepentance.

WouldwealwayshaveGodforus?thenletusaimtobeforGod.Goddealswithushiscreaturesbyanequitablerule."ThewaysoftheLordareequal.""Ifyouwalkcontraryuntome,thenwillIwalkcontraryuntoyou."IsnotGodforyou?Hashenotalways,sincebemanifestedhimselftoyouasyourcovenantGod,beenonyourside?Hasheeverbeenawildernesstoyou,alandofdarkness?Hashe,inanyinstance,beenunkind,unfriendly,unfaithful?Never.ThenbeforGod-decidedly,wholly,uncompromisinglyforGod.YourheartforGod,yourtalentsforGod,yourrankforGod,yourpropertyforGod,yourinfluenceforGod,yourallforGod-aholy,unreservedconsecrationtohim,allwhoselove,allwhosegrace,allwhoseperfections,allwhoseheavenofgloryisforyou."YieldyourselvesuntoGodasthosethatarealivefromthedead."TremblingChristian!Godisonyourside.And,"ifGodbeforus,whocanbeagainstus?"

"TheGiftofGod'sSon,theGuaranteeofAllOtherBlessing"

HethatsparednothisownSon,butdeliveredhimupforusall,howshallhenotwithhimalsofreelygiveusallthings?Romans8:32

HewhodidnotsparehisownSon,butgavehimupforusall--howwillhenotalso,alongwithhim,graciouslygiveusallthings?Romans8:32

SinceGoddidnotspareevenhisownSonbutgavehimupforusall,won'tGod,whogaveusChrist,alsogiveuseverythingelse?Romans8:32

EachsuccessiveapplicationwhichtheApostlemakesofthegreatdoctrinehehadbeensoablydiscussing,servesbutmorefullytounfoldthegloryandsweetnessofthetruth.Wecanscarcelylightuponapassageinthisbrilliantandconsolatorychapter,sorichandcomprehensiveasthepresent.Ouradmirationisdividedbetweenthevastnessofthetruthitcontains,andtheexquisitegraceandappropriatenesswithwhichitisintroduced.Itwasjustthetruthneededtogivereposeandenlargementtothemind,afterthreadingitswaythroughthemazeslucid,thoughprofound-ofGod'spredestinatingpurposeandplan.Asifanticipatingthecold,impassiveviewofGod,whichsomemightbedisposedtocherish,Paulintroducesafactwhichwouldatoncedispelthefalseconception,vindicatetheDivinecharacter,andexhibititinalltheglowandeffulgenceofitsinfinitebenevolenceandlove.TherecanbenothingcontractedorfrigidinthedispositionofthatBeingwho,fromthefathomlessdepthsofhisnature,gavesocostlyaproofofhisloveashisSon.Hemustbelove,ifthisisthemanifestationoflove.Youhave,itmaybe,deemedhimpartialandcold-youhavethoughthimdistantandrepelling-youhavesettleddownwiththecrudeandgloomynotion,thatbecauseyourlotwasunchangeablyfixed,believeasyoumay,andactasyouwill,itisoflittlepurpose;andthusallyourthoughtsandeffortsaftersalvationhavebecomeimpededandparalyzed,andyouhaveresignedyourselftosinful,sullendespair.Butlo!atruthburstsuponyourmind,developinganewidea,andpresentingtoyourviewanewportraitofGod,thuschangingthewholecurrentofyourthoughtsandfeelingsrespectinghim."HethatsparednothisownSon,butdeliveredhimupforusall."

"Whatawondrousdeclaration!"youexclaim;"thissurelyisnotthatBeingwhommyconceptionspicturedtomyviewsofrigid,contracted,andarbitrary.HesparednothisownSon!Isthistrue?Then,thereisloveinGod;then,thereissalvationinGod;then,thereishopeinGod.Ihadthoughthimcold,unjust,andaustere.Butlo!heappearswearingthecharacteroflove-breathingthespiritoflove-displayingtheactsoflove-andlayingatmyfeetthemostcostlyandpreciousboonofhislove.OGod,bowmyheartbeforethisunspeakableloveofyours!"

"HisownSon."Weareheremetwithagreatandglorioustruth,theSonshipofourLord.Theremaybemuchofmysteryconnectedwithit;neverthelessitisarevealeddoctrine,andassuch,webelieveandaresurethatitistrue.WithwhatclearnessdidChristhimselfpropoundthisdoctrinetothecavilingJews!"Jesusansweredthem,MyFatherworkshitherto,andIwork.Therefore,theJewssoughtthemoretokillhim,becausehenotonlyhadbrokentheSabbath,butsaidalsothatGodwashisFather,makinghimselfequalwithGod."NowitmustbeborneinmindthatthisdeclarationofhisSonshipinvolvesalsoadeclarationofequalityinallrespectswiththeFather.SotheJewsevidentlyunderstoodit.Inafardifferent,becauseinafarhigheranddivinersense,theLordJesusisdeclaredtobetheSonofGodthanbelievers,whoarealsodenominatedthe"sonsofGod."Thepassagebeforeusmakesthisdistinction."HisownSon,"amodeofexpressionpeculiartotheessentialrelationofChristtoGod.Justasafatherwoulddistinguish,bythesamephraseology,hisownsonfromthesonhehadadopted;soGoddistinguishedhisEternalandEssentialSonfromhisadoptedsons.Christiselsewherecalledthe"only-begottenSonofGod,"thatis,theonlyoneclaimingsocloseanaffinitywiththeFather.AndcantheessentialequalityoftheSonwiththeFatherbemoredistinctlydeclaredthaninthequotationwhichtheapostlemakesfromoneoftheMessianicPsalms,andappliesit,asitoriginallywas,totheEternalSonofGod:"Untowhichoftheangelssaidheatanytime,YouaremySon,thisdayhaveIbegottenyou?Andagain,IwillbetohimaFather,andheshallbetomeaSon?Andagain,whenhebringsinthefirst-begottenintotheworld,hesaid,AndletalltheangelsofGodworshiphim."AndifalltheangelsofGodarecommandedtoworshiphim,surelythenourLordspokenoblasphemywhenhe"madehimselfequalwithGod."

God"sparednothisownSon."Expressivewords!Knowingwhatredemptionrequiredjustice,sternandinexorable,demandingfullsatisfaction-thelaw,rigidandunbending,demandingperfectobedience-hewithheldnottheonlysacrificethatcouldmeetthecase."HesparednothisownSon."Hedidnotrelaxanythingoftherequirement,norabateanythingofthesuffering.Ohno!theutmostpaymentwasexacted,andthelastdropofthecupwasdrained.Hadtherebeentheleastrelaxingofthelaw'sstringency,ortheslightestcurtailmentofthelaw'spenalty,thentherehadbeennosalvationforus.Andallthiswastheunveilingoflove.Tosparehispeople,hesparednothisSon.

"Deliveredhimupforusall."Ifanyotherexpressionwerenecessarytodeepenoursenseofthevastnessofhislove,wehaveithere.WhodeliveredupJesustodie?NotJudas,formoney;notPilate,forfear;nottheJews,forenvy-buttheFather,forlove!"HimbeingdeliveredbythedeterminatecounselandforeknowledgeofGod,youhavetaken,andbywickedhandshavecrucifiedandslain."Inthisgreattransactionwelosesightofhisbetrayers,andhisaccusers,andhismurderers,andweseeonlytheFathertravailinginthegreatnessofhislovetohisfamily.Andtowhatwashedelivered?Tothehandsofwickedmen-God's"darlingtothepowerofthedogs."Topovertyandneed,tocontemptandinfamy,togriefandsorrow,tounparalleledsuffering,andamostignominiousdeath."ItpleasedtheLordtobruisehim,hehasputhimtogrief."Andforwhomwashethusdeliveredup?"Forusall"forthechurchpurchasedwithhisownblood.Forallinthatchurchhehasanequallove,andforallhepaidanequalprice.Oh,deemnotyourself-poor,unlettered,andafflictedasyoumaybe-lessanobjectoftheFather'slove,andlessthepurchaseoftheSavior'smerits.Oh,blessed,comfortingtruth-"Forusall!"Foryou,whoaretemptedtointerpretyourafflictionsassignalsofwrath,andyoursinsassealsofcondemnation,andyourpovertyasmarksofneglect,andyourseasonsofdarknessastokensofdesertion,andyourdoubtsandfearsasevidencesofafalsehopeandofself-deception;foryou,dearsaintofGod,Jesuswasdeliveredup.

AndnowletusconsiderthisunspeakablegiftofGodastheguaranteeofallotherblessing."Howshallhenotwithhimfreelygiveusallthings?"HowbeautifulandconclusivethereasoningoftheApostle!Arguingfrom

thegreatertotheless,heproceedstoassurethebelieverofGod'sreadinessfreelytobestowallneedfulblessing.Tothishestoodpledged.ThegiftofhisownSon,sofreelyandunreservedlybestowed,wasthesecurityandthechannelofeveryothermercy.WhenGodgavehisSon,thereconciliationhadnotactuallybeeneffected,justicehadreceivednosatisfaction,andthebrokenlawnorepair.Thus,"Godcommendedhislovetowardsus,inthat,whilewewereyetsinners,Christdiedforus."If,then,whenwewereenemies,wewerereconciledtoGodbythedeathofhisSon,muchmore,beingreconciled,willhefreelygiveusallthings."Allthings!"Howcomprehensivethegrant!"AccordingashisDivinepowerhasgivenuntousallthingsthatpertainuntolifeandgodliness."Holdingthesecurityinthehandoffaith,youmayrepairtoyourHeavenlyFather,andaskforallthatyouneed.Sotospeak,Godhasboundhimselftowithholdnogoodthingfromyou.Heispledged,andfromthatpledgehewillneverrecede,tograntyouallyouneed.Whatisyourdemand?IsittheSpirittoseal,tosanctify,tocomfortyou?Thendrawnearandaskthegift."Forifyouwhoareevilknowhowtogivegoodthingstoyourchildren,howmuchmoreshallyourHeavenlyFathergivetheHolySpirittothosewhoaskhim?"Isitpardon?Thenaskit.Hewhoprovidedthesacrificeforsin,willhenotfreelybestowtheforgivenessofsin?Isitgrace?HavinggivenyoutheReservoirofgrace,ishenotaswillingand"abletomakeallgraceaboundtowardyou,thatyou,alwayshavingallsufficiencyinallthings,mayaboundtoeverygoodwork?"Isitcomfort?Havinggivenyouthe"ConsolationofIsrael,"willhenotprovetoyouthe"Godofallcomfort?"Isyournecessitytemporal?Areyourcircumstancesadverse?Filledwithforebodingsofapproachingdifficulty,thecruseofoilandthebarrelofmealdwindling,areyouanxiousandfearful?TakeyourtemporalneedtoGod.What!willhebestowthehigherblessingsofgrace,andwithholdtheinferioronesofprovidence?Never!Andcanyoupresstoyourbelievingheartthepriceless,precious,unspeakablegiftofhisSon,andyetcherishinthatheartthegloomy,misgiving,thoughtofGod'sunwillingnessandinabilitytosupplyallyourneed?

"Freelygive."God'sgiftsarebothrichandgratuitous.Healwaysbestowsmore,neverless,thanweask.Itwouldseemasthoughhecouldnotopenhishandtoapoorcomer,butitoverflowedwithabountyworthyofhimself.Herearemetalltheobjectionstoourcomingwhichspringfrom

ourunworthiness,unfruitfulness,andunfaithfulness.Havingnothingtopay,nothinginreturnisrequired."Withoutmoney,andwithoutprice."Freeasthesunlight-freeasthebalmyair-freeasthemountainstream-freeastheheartofGodcanmakeit,iseveryblessingwhichhebestows."SinceGoddidnotspareevenhisownSonbutgavehimupforusall,won'tGod,whogaveusChrist,alsogiveuseverythingelse?"

TheBeliever'sChallenge

WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGod'select?ItisGodthatjustifieth.Romans8:33

WhowillbringanychargeagainstthosewhomGodhaschosen?ItisGodwhojustifies.Romans8:33

WhodaresaccuseuswhomGodhaschosenforhisown?WillGod?No!Heistheonewhohasgivenusrightstandingwithhimself.Romans8:33

TheApostlerecursagaintothegreatpropositionwithwhichhestarted-nocondemnationinChristJesus-theevidenceofwhichhadsorichlyaccumulatedinhiscourse,astojustifythis,thekeynoteofthetriumphwithwhichheconductshisbrilliantargumenttoaclose.Itisimpossiblenottoperceivethathisspiritkindleswiththeinspirationofhistheme,untilfromthepinnacleonwhichhenowstood,heseemstohavecaughtanexpandedview,andtoreflectthefirstbeams,ofthatheavenofgloryfromwhichhehadsolatelydescended.

"God'select."ItwasimportantthattheApostleshoulddistinctlyspecify

whothepeoplewereagainstwhomnoaccusationcouldjustlybealleged.Andwhattermscouldheemploymoreexpressiveoftheircharacterandrelationthanthis?Itinvolvestwoideas-God'schoice,ofapeoplebeloved.Thetermoccursinotherplaces."Butfortheelect'ssakethesedaysshallbeshortened.""AccordingtothefaithofGod'select.""ElectaccordingtotheforeknowledgeofGodtheFather.""Hisownelect."Itisquiteclear,then,thatthoseonwhosebehalfthischallengeismade,areapeoplewho,liketheirLordandMaster,are"chosenofGodandprecious."Now,scripturalasthisdoctrineis,itcannotbeconcealedthatmanyanxiousmindshavemadeitastumbling-stoneattheverythresholdoftheirspiritualcareer.Thegreatmistakehasbeenthemakingthedoctrineofelectionthestarting-pointoftheirconversion,ratherthanapointtobereachedatasubsequentanddistantpartoftheirreligiouscourse.WithGoditdoubtlessisthestarting-point,ifwemaysupposeabeginningwithhimwhohasnobeginning-butnotwithman.WehaveinapreviouschaptershownthatourcallingofGodbytheSpiritisthepremise,andthatourelectionofGodbyhisloveistheconclusion.Thusreasoning,aslogicianstermit,aposteriori,withouthavinglookedintothemysteriousvolumeoftheDivinedecrees,theApostle,addressingtheconvertedThessalonians,couldboldlysay,"Knowing,brethrenbeloved,yourelectionofGod."Andhowdidheknowit?Fromtheirfaith,theirknowledge,theirreceptionofthetruth,anditstransformingeffectsontheircharacter.Adoptthismodeofreasoningasyours,andyouwillnolongercomplainthatthedoctrineofelectionisaperplexingtruth,castingitsdeepandgloomyshadowuponyourpathtothecross.Inyourspiritualvoyageyourcallingbygraceislikeanisthmusstandingbetweentwoeternities;thepast,inwhichGodhaschosenhispeople;andthefuture,inwhichhewillglorify,them.Reachthismiddlepointandyouaresafe.

"ItisGodthatjustifies."WebelievethatbymanythiscardinaldoctrineofGod'sjustificationisbutimperfectlyunderstood,andbutindistinctlyseeninitsresults.Theloftypositionofsecurityinwhichitplacesthebeliever,theliberty,peace,andhopeintowhichitbringshim,arepointsdimandobscureinthespiritualvisionofmany.Wealsobelievethatmuchoftheweak,sicklyChristianityofnumbersistraceable,inagreatmeasure,tothecrudeandgloomyconceptionstheyformofGod,producedbynotclearlyseeingtheinterestwhichhefelt,andthe

initiatorypartwhichhetook,inthegreatmatterofourjustification.LetourfaithbuttracetheactofourjustificationtoGod,andwehaveplacedourselvesuponavantage-groundoftheboldestdefiancetoallourenemies.Surveythetruthinthislightforamoment.Againstwhomhaveyousinned?AdoptingDavid'sconfession,youexclaim,"Againstyou,andyouonlyhaveIsinned."HavingsinnedagainstGod,fromGod,then,youlookedforthecondemnation.Youhadviolatedhislaw,andfromthelipsoftheLawgiveryouwaitedthesentence.When,lo!hedeclareshimselfonyourside.Descending,asfromhistribunal,hecomesandstandsinyourplace,andavowshimselfyourJustifier."ItisGODthatjustifies."Uponyou,aculprit,tremblingathisbar,hethrowshisownrighteousness,"whichisuntoall,anduponallthosewhobelieve;"andfromthatmomentyouarejustified.Shallwe,then,beindifferenttotheparttheFathertookinthegreatquestionofouracceptance?ShallwecherishtheshyandsuspiciousthoughtofGodasifhelookedcoldlyatus,andfeltthat,inpleadingforhismercy,wewereinfringinguponhisrighteousness?Oh,no!AwaywithsuchthoughtsofGod!Heitiswhopronouncestheactofyouracquittal,andfromhislipssoundthegloriouswords,"NoCONDEMNATION!""ItisGodthatjustifies."

Wearenowpreparedforthechallengebaseduponthistruth."WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGod'select?"Whoinheaven;whoonearth;whoinhell?Godwillnot;sincannot;Satandarenot.Who?IftherebeinthiswideuniverseanaccuserofthosewhomGodhasjustified,lethimappear.Thereisnone!Everymouthisclosed."WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGod'select?"Ifthereremainasinunpardoned,astainuneffaced,apreceptunkept,bytheMediatorofhischurch,letitappear.Butthereisnone!TheworkofChristishonorableandglorious.Itisafinishedwork.AndonthebasisofthiscompleteAtonement,God,whileheremainsjust,isthejustifierofhimthatbelieves.Oh,embracethistruth,youwho,inbitternessofsoul,areself-accusedandself-condemnedbeforeGod!Satancouldaccuse,andtheworldcouldaccuse,andthesaintscouldaccuse,butmoresevereandtruethanall,istheself-accusationwhichlaysyourmouthinthedust,inthedeepest,lowliestcontrition.Yet,asapoorsinner,lookingtoJesus,restinginJesus,acceptedinJesus,whoshalllayanythinglegallytoyourcharge,sinceitisGod-theGodagainstwhomyouhavesinned-whohimselfbecomesyour

Justifier?Mayyounotwithalllowliness,yetwithallholyboldness,challengeeveryfoe,inthepropheticwordsofChristhimself-"Heisnearthatjustifiesme:whowillcontendwithme?"

Thistruthisanelevating,becauseadeeplysanctifyingone.Itexaltstheprinciples,andthese,intheirturn,exaltthepracticeoftheChristian.Oh!thethought,thatitisGodwhojustifiesusatanexpensetohimselfsovast,byasacrificetohimselfsoprecious,surelyissufficientlypowerfultogivethegreatestintensitytoourpantings,andfervencytoourprayers,forconformitytotheDivineimage.Deepsorrows,andsoretrials,andfierytemptations,wemayhave,andmusthave,ifweeverenterthekingdom;but,whatissorrow,andwhatistrial,andwhatistemptation,iftheyworkbutinusthefruitsofrighteousness,fitusmoreperfectlyforheaven,andwaftusnearertooureternalhome?Press,inhumblefaith,thisprecioustruthtoyourheart,forGodhasforgivenall,andhascancelledall,andhasforgottenall,andisyourGodforeverandever.

"Butinthatcomingday,noweaponturnedagainstyouwillsucceed.Andeveryonewhotellsliesincourtwillbebroughttojustice.ThesebenefitsareenjoyedbytheservantsoftheLord;theirvindicationwillcomefromme.I,theLord,havespoken!"Isaiah54:17

TheBelieversTriumph

Whoishethatcondemneth?ItisChristthatdied,yearather,thatisrisenagain,whoisevenattherighthandofGod,whoalsomakethintercessionforus.Romans8:34

Whoishethatcondemns?ChristJesus,whodied--morethanthat,whowasraisedtolife--isattherighthandofGodandisalsointercedingforus.Romans8:34

Whothenwillcondemnus?WillChristJesus?No,forheistheonewhodiedforusandwasraisedtolifeforusandissittingattheplaceofhighesthonornexttoGod,pleadingforus.Romans8:34

WehaveremarkedthatthesouloftheApostlerosewiththesublimityofhistheme.Itwasimpossiblenottoperceive,aswefollowedhiminhismasterlyandconclusiveargument,howhismightymindkindledwithfreshrapture,aseachsuccessivestepconductedhimtowardsitsmagnificentclimax.Itmaytrulybesaidtobethe"mightyworkofamindactinginallthedignityofindependentgreatness,andfiredandelevatedbyaprinciplenolesscommandingthantheloveofJesus."Hehadthrowndowntheundauntedchallenge,unaccepted,andnowhebreathesthefinaltriumph-"Whoishethatcondemns?"LetusbrieflyfollowhiminthedifferentpartsofthemediatorialworkofChrist,whichheexhibitsinthepassage,asconstitutingthegroundofthebeliever'striumph.

"ItisChristthatdied."Uponthisfactwehavesomewhatdescantedelsewhere,inexplainingthedoctrineofthebeliever'sjustification.Theobjectofthewriterinintroducingitagain,wastoconfirmtheChristian'sexemptionfromcondemnation,onthebroadbasisofChrist'smediation.ThiseventformedthefirstofallthesubsequentstepsintheworkingoutofthegreatplanoftheChurch'sredemption.Tothis,asitscenter,everylineoftruthconverged.ItwasasasufferingMessiah,asanatoningHighPriest,asacrucifiedSavior,asaConqueror,returningfromthebattle-fieldwithgarmentsrolledinblood,thattheSonofGodwasrevealedtotheeyeoftheOldTestamentsaints.Theyweretaughtbyeverytype,andbyeveryprophecy,tolookto"theLambslainfromthefoundationoftheworld."Christmustdie!Deathhadenteredourworld,anddeath-thedeathofthePrinceofLife-onlycouldexpelit.ThiseventformedthedeepestvalleyofourLord'shumiliation.Itwasthedarkbackground-thesombershadingofthepictureofhislife,aroundwhichgatheredthelightandgloryofallthesubsequentpartsofhishistory.ButinwhatcharacterdidChristdie?NotasaMartyr,norasaModel,butasaSubstitute.Hisdeathwassubstitutionary."Godhasnotappointedustowrath,butto

obtainsalvationbyourLordJesusChrist,whodiedforus."Thisgreattruth,theApostle,wefindinanotherplace,appropriatingtohimself."TheSonofGodwholovedmeandgavehimselfforme."Herewasthepersonalapplicationofageneraltruth.Andthisistheprivilegeoffaith.TherebreathesnotababeinChrist,whomaynotlayhishanduponthisglorioustruth-"Christgavehimselfforme."Contemplatenow,theconclusivenessofthisreasoningforthenon-condemnationofthebeliever.SinceChristboreoursins,andwascondemnedinourplace;sincebyhisexpiatorydeaththeclaimsofDivinejusticeareanswered,andtheholinessoftheDivinelawismaintained,whocancondemnthoseforwhomhedied?Oh,whatsecurityisthisforthebelieverinJesus!Standingbeneaththeshadowofthecross,theweakestsaintcanconfronthisdeadliestfoe;andeveryaccusationalleged,andeverysentenceofcondemnationuttered,hecanmeet,bypointingtoHimwhodied.Inthatonefactheseesthegreatdebtcancelled,theentirecurseremoved,thegrandindictmentquashed-and"NocondemnationtothosewhoareinChristJesus,"arewordswrittenasinlettersoflivinglightuponthecross.

"Yesrather,thatisrisenagain."ThisisthesecondpartofthemediationofChrist,whichtheApostleassignsasareasonwhynonecancondemnthebeliever.Itwouldseembytheword"rather"thatwearetaughttolookuponthisfactofourLord'slifeassupplyingastillstrongeraffirmationofthegreattruthhewasestablishing.Afewobservationsmaymakethisappear.TheatoningworkofChristwasinitselfafinishedwork.Itsuppliedallthatthecasedemanded.Nothingcouldpossiblyaddtoitsperfection."Ihavefinishedtheworkwhichyougavemetodo."Butwelackedtheproof.WerequiredthatevidenceoftherealityandacceptanceoftheAtonementwhichwouldrenderourfaithinitarationalandintelligentact.Theprooflaywithhimwhowas"pleasedtobruisehimandputhimtogrief."IfGodweresatisfied,thentheguilty,tremblingsinnermayconfidentlyandsafelyreposeontheworkoftheSavior.ThefactoftheresurrectionwasthereforeessentialtogiverealitytotheAtonement,andhopetoman.Hadhenotreturnedintriumphfromthegrave,thesanctityofhisprecepts,thesublimityofhisteachings,thelusterofhisexample,andthesympathiesawakenedbythestoryofhisdeath,mighthaveattracted,charmed,andsubduedus,butallexpectationofredemptionbyhisbloodwouldhavebeenamockeryanda

delusion.But,"ThisJesushasGodraisedup."Andgroundedonthisfactthebeliever'sacquittaliscomplete.Whenhebowedhisheadandgaveupthespirit,thesentenceofcondemnationwasreversed;butwhenheburstthebondsofdeath,andappearedinthecharacterofaVictor,thebeliever'sjustificationwasforeversealed."ForifwhenwewereenemieswewerereconciledtoGodbythedeathofhisSon,muchmore,beingreconciled,shallwebesavedbyhislife."Here,then,liesthegreatsecurityofthebeliever."Deliveredforouroffences,heroseagainforourjustification."PlantinghisfootoffaithuponthevacanttombofhislivingRedeemer,theChristiancanexclaim,"Whoishethatcondemns?itisChristthatdied,yesrather,thatisrisenagain."Oh,tofeelthepowerofhisresurrectioninoursouls!Oh,torisewithhiminalltherealityandgloryofthishisnew-bornlife,ourminds,ouraffections,ouraspirations,ourhopesallquickened,andascendingwithourlivingLord."BecauseIlive,youshalllivealso."

"WhoisevenattherighthandofGod."TheexaltationofChristwasanecessarypartofhismediatorialwork.Itenteredessentiallyintothefurthercontinuanceofthatworkinheaven-thesceneoftheintercessorypartoftheHighPriest'soffice."TherighthandofGod"isaphraseexpressiveofpoweranddignity."Whenhehadbyhimselfpurgedoursins,satdownontherighthandoftheMajestyonhigh.""Whoisgoneintoheaven,andisontherighthandofGod;angels,andauthorities,andpowers,beingmadesubjectuntohim."Whatstrongerassurancehasthebelieverthatnoimpeachmentagainsthimcanbesuccessful,thanthis?HisSavior,hisAdvocate,hisbestFriend,isattherighthandoftheFather,advancedtothehighestpostofhonorandpowerinheaven.

"TheresitsourSaviorcrownedwithlight,

Clothedinabodylikeourown."

Allpoweranddominionarehis.Therevolutionsoftheplanets,andthedestiniesofempires,hishandguides.Thegovernmentisuponhisshoulders;andforthewellbeing,security,andtriumphofhisChurch,poweroverallflesh,anddominionoverallworlds,isplacedinhishands.Who,then,cancondemn?JesusisattherighthandofGod,andtheprincipalitiesandpowersofallworldsaresubjecttohisauthority.Fear

not,therefore,O,believer!YourHeadandRedeemerisalivetofrustrateeverypurpose,toresisteveryplot,andtosilenceeverytonguethatwouldcondemnyou.

"Whoalsomakesintercessionforus."TowhatabeautifulclimaxdoestheApostleconducthisargument!TheexaltationofJesusinheavenisassociatedwiththedearestinterestsofhispeopleonearth.JosephwasforgottenwhenPharaohlifteduptheheadofthechiefbutler.ButourLord,amidthehonorsandsplendorstowhichGodhashighlyexaltedhim,stillremembershisbrethreninbonds,andmakesintercessionforthem.HowexpressiveisthetypeofourLord'spresentengagementonbehalfofhispeople!"Andhe(Aaron)shalltakeacenserfullofburningcoalsoffirefromoffthealtarbeforetheLord,andhishandsfullofsweetincensebeatensmall,andbringitwithintheveil:andheshallputtheincenseuponthefirebeforetheLord,thatthecloudoftheincensemaycoverthemercyseatthatisuponthetestimony."ThepassingofAaronintotheholyofholies,wastheshadowingforthofourLord'sentranceinto

heaven.ThebloodsprinkledatthemercyseatwasthepresentationofthegreatAtonementwithintheveil.Andtheincenseovershadowingwithitsfragrantcloudthemercyseat,thustouchedwithblood,wasthefigureoftheceaselessintercessionofourGreatHighPriestintheHoliest."ForChristisnotenteredintotheholyplacesmadewithhands,whicharethefiguresofthetrue:butintoheavenitself,nowtoappearinthepresenceofGodforus."Itisanindividual,ananticipative,andapresentintercession.Itembracesallthepersonalneedsofeachbeliever,itprecedeseachtemptationandeachtrial,andatthemomentthatthesympathyandtheprayersoftheSaviorarethemostcalledfor,andarefelttobethemostsoothing,itbearsthesaintandhissorrowonitsbosombeforethethrone.Justatacrisisofhishistory,atajuncture,perhaps,themostcriticalinhislife;andwhentheheart,oppressedwithitsemotions,cannotbreatheaprayer,Jesusisrememberinghim,sympathizingwithhim,andintercedingforhim.Oh,whocanfullydescribetheblessingsthatflowthroughtheintercessionoftheSonofGod?Thelove,thesympathy,theforethought,thecarefulness,theminuteinterestinallourconcerns,areblessingsbeyonddescription.Tried,temptedbeliever!

Jesusmakesintercessionforyou.Yourcaseisnotunknowntohim.Yoursorrowisnothiddenfromhim.Yournameisonhisheart.Yourburdenisonhisshoulder;andbecausehenotonlyhasprayedforyou,butpraysforyounow,yourfaithshallnotfail.Yourgreataccusermaystandatyourrighthandtocondemnyou,butyourgreatAdvocatestandsattherighthandofGodtopleadforyou.Andgreaterishethatisforyou,thanallthatareagainstyou.

Beholdthegroundofthebeliever'striumph!Whathashetofear?"Whoishethatcondemns?"ThemediatorialworkofChristshutseverymouth,meetseveryaccusation,andignoreseveryindictmentthatcanbebroughtagainstthoseforwhomhedied,roseagain,ascendeduponhigh,andmakesintercession.Oh,whataglorioustriumphdoesChristsecuretotheweakestsaintwhostandsinfaithuponthisrock!"ThereisthereforenowNOCONDEMNATIONtothosewhoareinChristJesus."

MorethanConquerors

WhoshallseparateusfromtheloveofChrist?shalltribulation,ordistress,orpersecution,orfamine,ornakedness,orperil,orsword?Asitiswritten,Forthysakewearekilledallthedaylong;weareaccountedassheepfortheslaughter.Nay,inallthesethingswearemorethanconquerorsthroughhimthatlovedus.Romans8:35-37

WhoshallseparateusfromtheloveofChrist?Shalltroubleorhardshiporpersecutionorfamineornakednessordangerorsword?Asitiswritten:

"Foryoursakewefacedeathalldaylong;

weareconsideredassheeptobeslaughtered."

No,inallthesethingswearemorethanconquerorsthroughhimwholovedus.Romans8:35-37

CananythingeverseparateusfromChrist'slove?Doesitmeanhenolongerlovesusifwehavetroubleorcalamity,orarepersecuted,orarehungryorcoldorindangerorthreatenedwithdeath?(EventheScripturessay,"Foryoursakewearekilledeveryday;wearebeingslaughteredlikesheep.")No,despiteallthesethings,overwhelmingvictoryisoursthroughChrist,wholovedus.Romans8:35-37

TheApostlehereenumeratescertainthingswhich,totheobscureeyeoffaith,andtotheyetobscurereyeofsense,wouldappeartomakeagainstthebestinterestsoftheChristian,regardedeitherasevidencesofawaningofChrist'slovetohim,orascalculatedtoproducesucharesult.Heproposesaninquiry-thepurportofwhichwereservefortheconsiderationoftheclosingchapterofthiswork-andthenproceedstogivethereply.Thatreplysetsthequestionentirelyatrest.Hearguesthat,sofarfromthethingswhichheenumeratesshakingtheconstancyofChrist'slove,perilingthesafetyoftheChristian,orshadingthelusterofhisrenown,theybutdevelopedtheSavior'saffectiontohimmorestrongly,confirmedthefactofhissecurity,andentwinedfreshandmoreverdantlaurelsaroundhisbrow."No,inallthesethingswearemorethanconquerorsthroughhimthatlovedus."

WearefirstinvitedtocontemplatetheChristianinthecharacterofa'Conqueror.'Thebattlewehave,atsomelength,alreadyconsidered.Wehaveseenittoconsistofamoralconflict,withinwardandoutwardenemies,allleaguedinterribleforceagainstthesoul.Tothisisadded-what,indeed,wasmostpeculiartotheearlyChurch-awarofexternalsuffering,inwhichpenury,persecution,and,martyrdomconstitutedthedarkandessentialelements.NowitwillbeinstructivetoobserveinwhatwayChristprovidesfortheholywarrior'spassagethroughthisfierycontest.Itwillbeperceivedthatitisnotbyflight,butbybattle;notbyretreat,butbyadvance;notbyshunning,butbyfacingthefoe.TheCaptainoftheirsalvationmighthavewithdrawnhispeoplefromthefield,andconductedthemtoheavenwithoutthehazardofaconflict.But

notso.Hewillleadthemtoglory,butitshallbebythepathofglory.Theyshallcarvetheirwaytothecrownbytheachievementsofthesword.Theyshallhaveprivation,anddistress,andsuffering,ofeverykind;yetwhilebeneaththepressure,andintheveryheatofthebattle,victoryshallcrowntheirarms,andaglorioustriumphshalldeepenthesplendoroftheirvictory.Andwhatspiritualeyedoesnotclearlysee,thatinconductinghispeopleacrossthebattle-field,theLordwinstohimselfmorerenownthanthoughhehadledthemtotheireternalrestwithentireexemptionfromconflictanddistress?Butinwhatsenseareweconquerors?JustinthatsenseinwhichtheHolySpiritobtainsthevictory.Itisnotthebelieverhimselfwhoconquers;itistheDivineSpiritwithinthebeliever.Nomovementisseen,notacticsareobserved,nowar-cryisheard,andyetthereispassingwithinthesoulamoreimportantbattle,andthereissecuredamorebrilliantvictory,thaneverthepenofthehistorianrecorded.Inthefirstplace,thereistheconquestoffaith.Wheredotheannalsofwarpresentsuchasuccessionofvictoriessobrilliant,achievedbyaweaponsosingleandsimple,asisrecordedintheeleventhchapteroftheEpistletotheHebrews?Andwhatwasthegracethatwonthosespiritualandgloriousvictories?Itwasthegraceoffaith!"Thisisthevictorythatovercomestheworld,evenyourfaith."FaithinthetruthofGod'sword-faithintheveracityofGod'scharacter-faithinthemight,andskill,andwisdom,ofourCommanderandLeader-faitheyeingtheprize,givesthevictorytotheChristiancombatant,andsecurestheglorytotheCaptainofhissalvation.Andthenthereisthetriumphofpatience."Thatyoudonotbeslothful,butfollowersofthemwhothroughfaithandpatienceinheritthepromises.""Andso,afterhehadpatientlyendured,heobtainedthepromise."Oh,isitnorealvictoryoftheHolySpiritinthebeliever,whenbeneaththepressureofgreataffliction,passingthroughadisciplinethemostpainfulandhumiliating,thesufferingChristianisenabledtocry,"ThoughheslaymeyetwillItrustinhim?""ThecupwhichmyFatherhasgivenme,shallInotdrinkit?""Notmywillbutyoursbedone."SufferingchildofGod,"letpatiencehaveherperfectwork,thatyoumaybeperfectandentire,lackingnothing."And,then,thereistheconquestofjoy."Andyoubecamefollowersofus,andoftheLord,havingreceivedthewordinmuchaffliction,withjoyoftheHolySpirit.""Mybrethren,countitalljoywhenyoufallintodiversetemptations,"(ortrials).Whyistrialanoccasionof

joy?BecauseitisthetriumphoftheHolySpiritinthesoul.AnddoesnotChristsay,"Youshallbesorrowful,butyoursorrowshallbeturnedintojoy?"AndwhobutJesuscanturnoursorrowintojoy?notonlyassuagingourgriefs,alleviatingoursufferings,andtemperingthefurnace-flame,butactuallymakingourdeepest,darkestsorrows,theoccasionofthedeepestgladness,praise,andthanksgiving."Youhaveturnedmymourningintojoyfuldancing.Youhavetakenawaymyclothesofmourningandclothedmewithjoy,thatImightsingpraisestoyouandnotbesilent.OLordmyGod,Iwillgiveyouthanksforever!"Oh,yes!itisagloriousvictoryoftheHolySpirit,theComforter,inthesoul,whenitcanenablethebelievertoadoptthewordsofthesufferingApostle,"Iamfilledwithcomfort,Iamexceedingjoyfulinallourtribulation."Sufferingreader!Jesusknowshowtoturnyoursorrowintojoy.Confideyourgrieftohim,andhewillcauseitsweetlytosing.

"Morethanconquerors."Theoriginalwordwilladmitastrongerrenderingthanourtranslatorshaveallowedit.Thesamewordisinanotherplacerendered,"afarmoreandexceedingandeternalweightofglory."Sothatinthepresentinstanceitmightbetranslated,"farmoreexceedingconquerors."Thephraseseemstoimplythatitismorethanamerevictorywhichthebelievergains.Abattlemaybewonatagreatlosstotheconqueror.Agreatleadermayfallattheheadofhistroops.Theflowerofanarmymaybedestroyed,andthebestbloodofanation'spridemaybeshed.ButtheChristianconquerswithnosuchloss.Nothingwhateveressentialtohiswell-beingisperiled.Hisarmor,riveteduponhissoulbytheHolySpirit,hecannotlose.Hislife,hidwithChristinGod,cannotbeendangered.HisLeaderandCommander,oncedead,isaliveanddiesnomore.Nothingvaluableandpreciousshallhelose.Thereisnotagraceinhissoulbutshallcomeoutofthebattlewithsin,andSatan,andtheworld,purerandbrighterfortheconflict.ThemorethoroughlytheLordbringsourgracesintoexercise,themorefullyshalltheybedeveloped,andthemoremightilyshalltheybeinvigorated.Notagrainofgraceshallperishinthewinnowing,notaparticleoffaithshallbeconsumedintherefining.Losingnothing,hegainseverything!Hereturnsfromthebattleladenwiththespoilsofagloriousvictory-"morethanaconqueror."Allhisresourcesareaugmentedbytheresult.Hisarmorisbrighter,hisswordiskeener,hiscourageismoredauntless,

becauseoftheconflict.EverygraceoftheSpiritismatured.Faithisstrengthened-loveisexpanded-experienceisdeepened-knowledgeisincreased.Hecomesforthfromthetrialholierandmorevalorousthanwhenheenteredit.Hisweaknesshastaughthimwhereinhisstrengthlies.HisnecessityhasmadehimbetteracquaintedwithChrist'sfulness.Hisperilhasshownhimwhotaughthishandstobattleandhisfingerstofight,andwhoseshieldcoveredhisheadinthedayofbattle.Heis"morethanconqueror"-heistriumphant!

"Throughhimthatlovedus."Hereisthegreatsecretofourvictory,thesourceofourtriumph.Beholdthemysteryexplained,howaweak,timidbeliever,oftenrunningfromhisownshadow,isyet"morethanaconqueror"overhismanyandmightyfoes.ToChristwholovedhim,whogavehimselfforhim,whodiedinhisstead,andlivestointercedeonhisbehalf,thegloryofthetriumphisascribed.Andthisisthesonghechants,"ThanksbetoGodwhichgivesusthevictorythroughourLordJewsChrist."Throughtheconquestwhichhehimselfobtained,throughthegracewhichheimparts,throughthestrengthwhichheinspires,throughtheintercessionwhichhepresents,inallour"tribulation,anddistress,andpersecution,andfamine,andnakedness,andperil,andsword"weare"morethanconquerors."Accountedthoughweareas"sheepfortheslaughter,"yetourGreatShepherd,Himselfslainforthesheep,guideshisflock,andhasdeclaredthatnooneshallpluckthemoutofhishand.Wearemorethanconquerorsthroughhisgracewholovedusintheverycircumstancesthatthreatentooverwhelm.Fearnot,then,thedarkestcloud,northeproudestwaves,northedeepestneeds-intheseverythingsyoushall,throughChrist,provetriumphant.Norshrinkfromthebattlewiththe"lastenemy."Deathreceivedadeath-woundwhenChristdied.Youfaceaconqueredfoe.Hestandsatyoursideacrownlessking,andwavingabrokenscepter.Yourdeathshallbeanothervictoryoverthebeliever'slastfoe.Plantingyourfootoffaithuponhisprostrateneck,youshallspringintoglory,morethanaconqueror,throughhimthatlovedyou.Thuspassingtogloryintriumph,youshallgotoswelltheranksofthe"noblearmyofmartyrs"-thoseChristianheroesofwhomitisrecorded,"THEYOVERCAMEHIMBYTHEBLOODOfTHELAMB."

"NoSeparationfromChristJesus"

ForIampersuaded,thatneitherdeath,norlife,norangels,norprincipalities,norpowers,northingspresent,northingstocome,Norheight,nordepth,noranyothercreature,shallbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGod,whichisinChristJesusourLord.Romans8:38-39

ForIamconvincedthatneitherdeathnorlife,neitherangelsnordemons,neitherthepresentnorthefuture,noranypowers,neitherheightnordepth,noranythingelseinallcreation,willbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGodthatisinChristJesusourLord.Romans8:38-39

AndIamconvincedthatnothingcaneverseparateusfromhislove.Deathcan't,andlifecan't.Theangelscan't,andthedemonscan't.Ourfearsfortoday,ourworriesabouttomorrow,andeventhepowersofhellcan'tkeepGod'sloveaway.Whetherwearehighabovetheskyorinthedeepestocean,nothinginallcreationwilleverbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGodthatisrevealedinChristJesusourLord.Romans8:38-39

ThissublimechapterhavingopenedwithastrongdeclarationofnocondemnationinChristJesus,itwasfitthatitshouldclosewithadeclarationequallystrong,ofnoseparationfromChristJesus.Inpassingthroughitsrichandpreciouscontents,ourfeelingshaveresembledthoseofatouristcoursinghiswayoveranextendedandmagnificentlandscapeofvariedfeatureandofexquisiteloveliness.WehavesurveyedthesceneryoftheChristianlife,fromalmosteverypointofobservation,andinallitsvarietyofform,beautyofcoloring,andharmonyofdesign.Andnow,havingreachedtheloftiestsummitofChristianhope,witharapidsurveyoftheradiantandfar-reachingprospectstretchingoutbeforetheeye,wewillconductourreflectionstoaclose.Itisadelightfulandanimatingthemewithwhichthechapterterminates.ThelastobjectitpresentstotheeyeisJESUS.ThelastaccentsthatlingerontheearareoftheloveofJESUS.Jesuswasthebeginning,andJesusistheending-and

Jesus,inhispersonalglory,inhismediatorialwork,inhisinexhaustiblefulness,inthecloseandtenderrelationswhichhesustainstohispeople,formsthesumandsubstanceofallthatintervenesbetweenthesetwoextremes-nocondemnation,andnoseparation.ThecentralfigureisChrist.HeistheMagnetwhichattractsalltheaffectionsawakenedbythesegreatandglowingtruths;andheistheobjectaroundwhichthetruthsthemselvesclosely,exclusively,andindissolublyentwine.ChrististheAlphaandtheOmega-thebeginningandtheend-yes,Christisallandinall.Beheallinalltoourhearts!

ItisofgreatimportancethatwehaveaclearapprehensionoftheApostle'sleadingideaintheseconcludingverses.Hereferstoalovefromwhichthereisnoseparation.Ofwhoselovedoeshespeak?Thebeliever'slovetoChrist?Onthecontrary-itisChrist'slovetothebeliever.Andthisviewofthesubjectmakesallthedifferenceinitsinfluenceuponourminds.Whattruesatisfactionandrealconsolation,atleasthowsmallitsmeasure,canthebelieverderivefromacontemplationofhislovetoChrist?Itistrue,whensensibleofitsglow,andconsciousofitspower,hecannotbutrejoiceinanyevidence,thesmallest,oftheworkoftheHolySpiritinhissoul.Yetthisisnotthelegitimategroundofhisconfidence,northepropersourceofhiscomfort.ItisChrist'slovetohim!AndthisisjustthetruththeChristianmindneedsforitsrepose.TowhomdidPauloriginallyaddressthisletter?TothesaintsoftheearlyandsufferingageoftheChristianChurch.Andthistruth-Christ'slovetohispeople-wouldbejustthetruthcalculatedtocomfort,andstrengthen,andanimatethem.TohavedeclaredthatnothingshouldprevailtoinducethemtoforsakeChrist,wouldhavebeenbutpoorconsolationtoindividualswhohadwitnessedmanyafearfulapostasyfromChristinothers,andwhohadoftendetectedtheworkingofthesameprincipleinthemselves.CallingtomindthestrongasseverationofPeter,"Lord,thoughallshouldforsakeyouyetwillInot,"andrememberinghowtheirMasterwasdeniedbyone,andbetrayedbyanother,andforsakenbyallhisdisciples,theirheartswouldfailthem.ButlettheApostlealluretheirmindsfromacontemplationoftheirlovetoChrist,toacontemplationofChrist'slovetothem,assuringthem,uponthestrongestgrounds,thatwhateversufferingstheyshouldendure,orbywhatevertemptationstheyshouldbeassailed,nothingshouldprevailtoseverthemfromtheirinterestinthe

reality,sympathy,andconstancyofthatlove,andhehasatoncebroughtthemtothemostperfectrepose.Theaffection,then,ofwhichtheApostlespeaks,istheloveofGodwhichisinChristJesus.

TheloveofChrist!suchisourprecioustheme!Ofitcanweeverweary?Itsgreatnesscanweeverknow?Itsplenitudecanwefullycontain?Never!Itsdepthscannotbefathomed,itsdimensionscannotbemeasured.Itpassesknowledge.AllthatJesusdidforhisChurchwasbuttheunfoldingandexpressionofhislove.TravelingtoBethlehem-Iseeloveincarnate.Trackinghisstepsashewentaboutdoinggood-Iseelovelaboring.VisitingthehouseofBethany-Iseelovesympathizing.StandingbythegraveofLazarus-Iseeloveweeping.EnteringthegloomyprecinctsofGethsemane-Iseelovesorrowing.PassingontoCalvary-Iseelovesuffering,andbleeding,andexpiring.Thewholesceneofhislifeisbutanunfoldingofthedeep,andawesome,andpreciousmysteryofredeeminglove.

TheloveoftheFather!Such,too,isourtheme;anditisproperthatwiththistruththechaptershouldclose."TheloveofGodwhichisinChristJesusourLord."TheloveoftheFatherisseeningivingusChrist,inchoosingusinChrist,andinblessingusinhimwithallspiritualblessings.Indeed,theloveoftheFatheristhefountainofallcovenantandredemptionmercytothechurch.ItisthatriverthestreamswhereofmakegladthecityofGod.HowanxiouswasJesustovindicatetheloveoftheFatherfromallthesuspicionsandfearsofhisdisciples!"Isaynotuntoyou,thatIwillasktheFatherforyou,fortheFatherHimselflovesyou.""Godsolovedtheworldthathegavehisonly-begottenSon."Tothislovewemusttracealltheblessingswhichflowtousthroughthechannelofthecross.ItistheloveofGod,exhibited,manifested,andseeninChristJesus.Christbeing,nottheoriginator,butthegiftofhislove;notthecause,buttheexponentofit.Oh,toseeaperfectequalityintheFather'slovewiththeSon'slove!Thenshallwebeledtotraceallhissweetmercies,andallhisprovidentialdealings,howevertrying,painful,andmysterious,totheheartofGod;thusresolvingallintothatfromwhereallalikeflow-everlastingandunchangeableLOVE.

Nowitisfromthislovethereisnoseparation."WhoshallseparateusfromtheloveofChrist?"TheApostlehadchallengedaccusationfrom

everyfoe,andcondemnationfromeveryquarter;butnoaccuserrose,andnocondemnationwaspronounced.StandingonthebroadbasisofChrist'sfinishedwork,andofGod'sfulljustification,hisheadwasnowliftedupintriumphaboveallhisenemiesroundabout.Butitispossiblethatthoughinthebeliever'sheartthereisnofearofimpeachment,thereyetmayexistthelatentoneofseparation.TheaggregatedealingsofGodwithhischurch,andhisindividualdealingswithhissaints,mayattimespresenttheappearanceofanalienatedaffection,oralessenedsympathy.Theageinwhichthisepistlewaspenned,wasfruitfulofsufferingtothechurchofGod.AndifanyperiodoranycircumstancesofherhistorybodedaseveranceofthebondwhichboundhertoChrist,thatwastheperiod,andthosewerethecircumstances.Butwithaconfidencebasedupontheglorioustruthonwhichhehadbeendescanting-thesecurityoftheChurchofGodinChrist-andwithapersuasioninspiredbythecloserrealizationofthegloryabouttoburstuponherview-withthemostdauntlesscourageheexclaims-"Iampersuadedthatneitherdeath,norlife,norangels,norprincipalities,norpowers,northingspresent,northingstocome,norheight,nordepth,noranyothercreature,shallbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGodwhichisinChristJesusourLord."Letusbrieflyglanceateachofthesethingswhichmaythreaten,butwhichcannotsucceedinseparatingusfromtheloveofGod,andfromourunionwithChrist.

Thepassagecommenceswith"death."Thatthereisaseparatingpowerindeath,isatruthtooevidentandtooaffectingtodeny.Itseparatesthesoulfromthebody,andmanfromallthepursuitsandattractionsofearth."Hisbreathgoesforth,inthatverydayhisthoughtsperish."Allhisthoughtsofambition-histhoughtsofadvancement-histhoughtsofavainandPharisaicalreligion-allperishinthatday.Whatamournfulsublimityisthereinthisvividdescriptionoftheseparatingpowerofdeathoverthecreature!Whataseparatingpower,too,hasit,asfeltinthechasmsitcreatesinhumanrelationships!Whohasnotlostafriend,asecondself,bytheruthlesshandofdeath?Whatbrighthomehasnotbeendarkened,whatlovinghearthasnotbeensaddened,byitsvisitations?Itseparatesusfromthehusbandofouryouth-fromthewifeofourbosom-fromthechildofouraffections-fromthefriendandcompanionofourearlierandriperyears.Itcomesandbreaksthelink

thatboundussofondlyandsocloselytothebeing,whoseaffection,sympathy,andcommunionseemedessentialelementsofourbeing,whoselifewewerewonttoregardasapartofourveryexistence.Butthereisonethingfromwhichdeathcannotseparateus-theloveofGodwhichisinChristJesus,andalltheblessingswhichthatlovebestows.Deathseparateus!No;deathunitesusthemorecloselytothoseblessings,bybringingusintotheirmorefullandpermanentpossession.DeathimpartsarealizationandapermanencetoallthesplendidandholyanticipationoftheChristian.Thehappiestmomentofhislifeisitslast.Allthegloryandblessingofhisexistenceclusterandbrightenaroundthatsolemncrisisofhisbeing.Thenitishefeelshowprecioustheprivilege,andhowgreatthedistinctionofbeingabelieverinJesus.Andthedaythatdarkenshiseyetoallearthlyscenes,opensitupontheuntold,andunimaginable,andever-increasinggloriesofeternity.Itisthebirthdayofhisimmortality.Then,Christian,fearnotdeath!ItcannotseparateyoufromtheFather'slove,norcanit,whileittearsyoufromanearthlybosom,wrenchyoufromChrist's.Youshallhaveindeath,itmaybe,abrighter,sweetermanifestationofhislovethanyoueverexperiencedinlife.Jesus,theConquerorofdeath,willapproachandplacebeneathyouhisalmightyarms,andyourheaduponhislovingbosom.Thusencircledandpillowed,you"shallnotseedeath,"butpassingthroughitsgloomyportalshallonlyrealizethatyouhadactuallydied,fromtheconsciousnessofthejoyandgloryintowhichdeathhadusheredyou.

"Norlife."Thehopeoflifeismeant.TheApostlewrote,aswehaveremarked,inapeculiarlysufferingeraofthechurch-anageoffierypersecutionfortheGospel'ssake.Underthesecircumstances,lifewasnotunfrequentlyofferedonconditionofrenouncingtheGospel,anddenyingtheSavior.Thiswasastrongtemptationtoapostasy.Wheninfullviewoftherack,thecross,thestake,life-preciouslife,withallitssweetattractionandfondties-wasoffered,andwhichasimplerenunciationofthecross,andasingleembraceofthecrucifix,wouldpurchaseback;tosome,weakinfaith,suchatemptationmightbewellnearirresistible.ButitshallnotsucceedinseparatingthesufferingChristianfromtheloveofChrist.Norshallanythingconnectedwithlife-itstrials,itsvicissitudes,oritstemptations-disseverusfromGod'saffection.Thusbothlifeand

deathshallbutconfirmusintheassuranceofourinalienableinterestintheloveofGod:"Forwhetherwelive,weliveuntotheLord;andwhetherwedie,wedieuntotheLord;whetherwelivetherefore,ordie,wearetheLord's.""Norangels,norprincipalities,norpowers."Ofcourse,notgoodangels,butevilspirits,areheremeant.Andtheseinclude,notdemonsmerely,butallevilagencies-menoftheworld-humangovernments-civilpowers-allthatishostiletothespiritualinterestsofChrist'struthandkingdom.Suchareoftenfoundeitherpowerfulenginesofspiritualpersecutionsthemselves,orelsebyindifferenceandconnivance,sympathizingwith,andabettingthehigh-handedpersecutor.ButnohumanorsuperhumanpowershallprevailtoimpairtheinterestofGod'ssaintsinhislove.Havetheyinasingleinstancedoneso?HasGodeverforsakenhispeople,whentheEvilSpirithasstirredupungodlymenanddespoticgovernmentstorobthemoftheirrights,tofettertheirconsciences,toimprisonortoslaytheirpeople?No,never!Secureinhislove,nofloodsofenmity,noswordofpersecution,shalleverdisplacethechurchofChrist.Thedayofhertriumphoverallherenemiesisfastspeedingon.Asplendiddaywillthatbe.Herhomehadoftenbeenthefastnessoftherock-thesolitudeofthemountain-thedepthofthecave-themidnightgloomofthedungeon.Shehadoftenprophesiedinsackclothandinblood;atonetimeavowingherfaithfromtherack,andatanotherconfessingthenameofJesusfromamidtheflames.Butthedayofhertriumphandglorydrawsnear.Thenshallherenemiescomebendinguntoher,andshalllickthedustofherfeet.Whoshalllayanythingthentohercharge?Silenced,andcondemned,allherfoesshallretiretothisterribledoom,leavingherenshrinedinallthegloryoftheChurchTriumphant.

"Thingspresent."Thingstemporaryandtransient,betheysadorjoyous,pleasantorpainful.Indwellingsin,temporarytrial,occasionaltemptations,themomentarysuspensionsofGod'srealizedlove-noneofthese,oranyotherthingspresent,shallseparatethemfromChrist.

"Thingstocome."WhathumanforesightcanpredictthefutureoftheearthlyhistoryofthechildofGod?Whathumanhandcanuplifttheveilthatconcealstheeventsthatshallyettranspireinhishistorybeforehereachesthatperfectworldwheretherewillbenofuture,butoneeternal

present?Oh,whatgoodnesshidesitfromourview!Butbethatfuturewhatitmay,shadyorsunny,stormyorserene,GodwillstandfasttohiscovenantwithhisChurch,andChristtohisunionwithhispeople.Thingstocome,betheymoreterriblethanthingsthatarepast,orthatarenow,shallnottouchtheirinterestintheLord'slove.

"Norheight."Noelevationtowhichhemayadvancethem,noheightofrank,orwealth,orhonor,orinfluence,orusefulness,shallperiltheirplaceinhislove.ThusitwastheLordadvancedMoses,andDavid,andJoseph,andGideon;butintheirelevationtoworldlydistinction,power,andaffluence,theywerekeptwalkinghumblywithGod-andthiswasthesecretoftheirsafety."TheLordGodismystrength,andhewillmakemyfeetlikehind'sfeet,andhewillmakemetowalkuponhighplaces.

"Nordepth."Oh,howdeepthosedepthsmaybe!Fromtheloftiestheighttothelowestdepthofadversity,Godcanbringhisservant,yetlovehimstillwithanunchangedanddeathlessaffection.Butnodepthofsoul-distress,nodepthofpoverty,orsuffering,orhumiliation,shalldisturbthereposeorperilthesecurityofabelievingsoulintheloveofGod.

"Noranyothercreature."IftherebeanyotherthingorbeinginthewideuniversethatwearsathreateningorunkindlyaspecttowardstheChristian,Divinepowershallrestrainitsforce,sayingtotheproudwaves,"Thusfarshallyoucome,andnofarther."Andthusallthebillows,amidwhichtheArkhasforagesbeentossed,shallbutbearitgentlyandtriumphantlyonwardtotheMountofGod.Onthatmount,beloved,wherenowaregatheringallwhohavetheFather'snamewrittenontheirforeheads,we,too,throughgrace,shallstandeternallyextollingtheLAMB,throughHim,who-becausehedied-thereisforusNOCONDEMNATIONfromDivinejustice-andthroughHim,who-becausehelives,thereisforUSNOSEPARATIONfromDivinelove.

"Oh,whenmyGod,myglory,brings

Hiswhiteandholytrain

Untothoseclearandlivingsprings

Wherecomesnostain

"Whereallislight,andflowers,andfruit,

Andjoy,andrest,

Makemeamongthem,itismysuit!

Thelastoneandtheleast."

MONERGISMBOOKS

No Condemnation in Christ Jesus by Octavius Winslow, Copyright ©2019

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American CopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenon-exclusive,non-transferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverseengineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofMonergismBooks.

ePub,.mobi&.pdfEditionsAugust2019Requestsforinformationshouldbeaddressedto:MonergismBooks,POBox491,WestLInn,OR97068