Now the Holy Ghost hath fully attested, that Redemption work was finished, and both law, and justice satisfied, by what the Lord Jesus. had done and suffered, when by his power, he is said to have arisen from the dead. For the Apostle very particularly expresses this momentous testimony, when he says, that Christ was justified in the Spirit.

And the Holy Ghost as fully confirms the same assurance, to the heart of the Believer, that God the Father hath accepted the Redemption work of Jesus, as the surety of his people, when in every individual instance, in confirmation of it he descends as the gift of God upon the mind of the faithful, to convince of sin of righteousness and of judgment. So that in every case, where the Spirit from on high hath been poured out, and these blessed effects wrought in the soul, there is the concurring testimony of God the Holy Ghost, to the same precious doctrine, with the Father and Son, witnessing to the believer's experience, and teaching him, in the expectation of Jesus's return, to look for him as the Saviour.

Now put all these things together, and consider in one mass of particulars, how each of the Persons of the Godhead, who have co-operated

in

in the great work of Redemption, have concurred also, in certifying to the truth of it: and I venture to believe that you will agree with me, that the Apostle Paul was perfectly authorized, to adopt the sentiment of the text, and of consequence all true believers, like him, the same, and in the prospect of Christ's coming in the clouds to judgment, to say, we look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ.

If I have been happy enough to succeed, in producing evidences, to the confirmation of the doctrine itself, as I proposed under the first branch of my discourse; I come now to the second object intended from it, namely to bring before you, some of the many peculiar privileges of the believer, who is living in the daily exercise of this blessed hope of the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

And on this point, the only difficulty is, where to make selections. For it enters into every part of life, and is diffused through the whole of conduct. The blessed assurance of being in a state of reconciliation with God, and having (as the Apostle calls it) peace with him through our Lord Jesus Christ: opens an everlasting source

of

of consolation, and joy, through all the depart ments of religious, social, and personal life. Nay indeed, so highly interesting, is the belief of this precious doctrine, to the proper enjoyment of any one event of prosperity, or to the alleviation of any of the afflicting circumstances of adversity, that I cannot see, how any true, or solid happiness can be found, but in the hope at least, if not in the conviction, of its reality.

Until I know that I am brought into this state, how can I go to God in a way of duty, or be able to explain his intentions towards me, in any of the methods of his providences? But, if from a well grounded hope, under the Spirit's teaching, that I, who was once afar off, am now brought nigh, by the blood of Christ: and that personally considered, I have redemption in his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; laying this, as the sure foundation of acceptance, I come to God, no longer under the Spirit of bondage, and fear, but under the Spirit of adoption, and grace. I am then authorized to call him,. Abba, Father. And, as the Father of mercies, and God of all grace, I look up to him, in every approach of sacred worship, and eye his dispensations to

G g

wards

wards me in a way of wisdom, and goodness, and mercy, in every providence.

A few instances will serve to explain, and at the same time, answer the purpose, for similar observations, as may, by a parity of reasoning, be applied to all the other circumstances, in which the doctrine, is capable of having influence.

To begin with that part, which is certainly the highest, and most important; as it relates to our communion with God, in a way of ordinances, and sacred seasons of worship.

It is impossible to draw nigh to God, in any one act of religion with comfort, when we consider God, simply as he is in himself, and abstracted from his covenant-relation to us, in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every part of Scripture, represents God to our ideas, as of purer eyes than to behold iniquity. The law of God demands a purity in the creature, for the due approaching unto him, which no man possesses. I will be sanctified (saith God) in them that come nigh me. And every man's breast, if he attends to what passes within,

bears

bears sufficient impressions, to manifest, that there can be nothing but a mixture of apprehension, and terror, and fear, in all approaches to God, if the acceptance of our persons, and our worship, rested upon the merit, or worthiness, with which either was accompanied.

But how very precious is it, to a truly awakened soul, who under the Spirit's teaching, hath been convinced of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment, to behold the gracious provision made for the acceptance, both of his person, and offering, in the covenant-righteousness, and intercession of the Lord Jesus Christ? He enters into the full meaning of the Apostle's words, and feels the encouragement they afford to the soul, when he says, having boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus: and having such an high Priest over the house of God let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. For by virtue of an interest, in the Person, and Righteousness of the Lord Jesus, as his Almighty Covenant-head, and Mediator; he is enabled to enter into the sacred presence of God, in all the ordinances of grace here, as he is assured of being introduced thereby, into the kingdom of glory hereafter.

Hence