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say, "On death, where is thy sting!" They are not afraid of being called to Christ's tribunal, having "boldness in the day of judgment." They are free from the terrors of hell and damnation, having part in the first resurrection ; and on them the second death hath no power.

Secondly. From the power and tyranny of Satan, which every son and daughter of Adam, by nature, is under; walking" according to the prince of the power of the air," and therefore he is called," the god of this world." But the Son of God was manifested for this purpose, that "he might destroy the works of the devil." God promised from the beginning, that he should bruise the serpent's head. And "whom the Son makes free, they are free indeed." Therefore whosoever is blessed with his delivering grace, is no longer under the dominion of Satan.

Now by the works of the devil, we mean not so directly such external sins, as wLoredom, drunkenness, revellings, &c, which proceed immediately from the grossest part of corrupt nature, and wherein man resembles the beast. Nor do we altogether intend those more subtle sins, as malice, pride, deceit, &c., as they are commonly understood among men, though in these things is discovered, the very resemblance of the devil. But by the works of the devil, we intend more especially, either first, that deceivableness of unrighteousness, whereby the devil corrupteth the minds of men, from the truths of God, by such subtle insinuations as he used to Eve; contradicting God's word, suggesting unkindness, or imperfection in God; teaching them subtilly to evade the force of God's law, and to excuse sin. And by transforming himself into the likeness of an angel of light, and putting false glosses on heavenly things, beguiling unstable souls; souls; teaching them to heal themselves slightly, crying, Peace, peace, when

there is no peace and so to think themselves something, when they are nothing. And by false reasonings, propagating spiritual wickedness in high places: teaching souls to cast contempt upon the blessed gospel, and to raise objections against the glorious truths therein contained, &e. Or by the works of the devil, we mean, that violence, wherewith Satan assails souls in distress, when brought under conviction by the righteous law of God; then to distress and terrify the conscience, not by aggra vating their sin, as some suggest, for sin cannot be aggravated, nor made to appear more detestable than it is, in its own nature; nor more pern cious in its consequence. Besides, it is not the devil, but the holy commandment of God, that makes sin become exceeding sinful. Neither does Satan distress the soul by ag gravating the severity of God's law, as others suggest, for the severity of God's law cannot be aggravated, or made to appear more strict or inexorable than it is. And it is not Satan but Christ himself, that tells us, " It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail." Nay further, as it is out of the devil's power to tempt a soul in these things, so it is as far out of his nature to expatiate on them and certainly it is a temptation of the devil, for any one to imagine he ever attempted it. For it rather would be his plea, to oppose the conviction of the Holy Spirit, by persuading that those convictions come from himself; and this way many souls are beguiled. But the way that Satan distresseth a wounded conscience, is by filling the mind with dark confused thoughts, concerning God and his grace, to hide from them the light of the glorious gospel," In whom the god of this world, hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God should shine unto them.' Raising doubts about

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the authority of the holy scriptures, and the light in which they are to be understood; doubts concerning the true deity, the humanity and offices of Christ; doubts concerning the imputation of sin to the person of Christ, and the imputation of his righteousness to his people; doubts concerning the all-sufficiency of Christ's blood and the special efficacy of his Holy Spirit, in his gracious operations, &c. By such means as these, the devil violently distresses, and oppresses weak minds. But by the flowing streams of covenant grace, God redeems their soul from deceit and violence. When he that "commanded the light to shine out of darkness," is pleased to" shine into their hearts, in the face of Jesus Christ, then the veil is taken away; then the true light shineth; then the prince of darkness is cast out. Thirdly, By it souls are delivered from the reigning and defiling power

of sin.

But to proceed, Secondly, to the blessings enjoyed, First, It transforms the soul into the image of Christ; which consists in love, truth, peace, humility, patience, self-denial, obe dience, holiness, goodness, spirit ual mindedness, &c. All the elect of God, are predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son:" and his rich grace is sufficient to complete all his purposes. And therefore it is impossible it should miscarry, or that any one of his chosen should be prevented this enjoyment, to bear Christ's image. And their relation to him makes it necessary, being conceived together with him, in the same womb of election, or being chosen in him, before the foundation of the world," given to him in covenant, and recorded in his" book of life, from the foundation of the world; purchased with his own blood;" begotten of God;" quickened together with Christ;" born again of the Holy Spirit; Christ liveth in them, and they live by faith in him. The same Spirit which anoint

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ed Christ without measure, is given in measure to all his people; and they are all heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. Therefore, as in . all these relations, there is a communication of his gracefulness, there must of necessity, be a communication of his spiritual likeness; for if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." But we all with open face, beholding as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord." the heavenly inheritance provided for the saints, makes it necessary they should bear the image of him, who is the glory of that eternal kingdom, in order to their being made meet for that inheritance in light. 'But we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." And as the immediate presence and sight of him, in glory, shall complete our likeness to him: so his spiritual presence and the enlargements of his grace, have an influence to the same end. And the larger believing views we have of Christ, the more our souls shall be transformed into his image, " in righteousness and true holiness." Secondly, This grace enables the believer to walk with such a conversation as becomes the gospel Christ. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men; teaching us that de nying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world." As God is the sole author of saving grace, it must teach to deny ungodliness; and as it is not of this world, it must be opposite to worldly lusts. It teaches to live soberly, that is, to behave with all moderation, and be coming modesty; avoiding whatsoever is contrary thereto; as drunkenness, fornication, filthy communication, levity, and all indecency, with whatever appears idle, vain, and frothy in conversation. To live

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righteously is to have a due regard to every person, with whom we have any concern, and to the relation we bear to them in the station where God hath placed them and us; care fully avoiding whatsoever may damage, distress, or invade the rights of any person, either in his body, mind, naine, or circumstances: and also, to be actually ready to serve our neighbour, for his good, as we have opportunity; making the command of Christ our rule therein:

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Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. And to live godly, is to live devoted to God's will, his ways, his service, his honour and glory; to have a holy regard to and reverence of his name, a diligent attention to his word, a careful observance of all his commands, and a constant attendance on his ordinances, with a loving, humble, becoming conduct to his people. These things the grace of God both teacheth, and powerfully worketh in his children, that " as he that hath called them is holy, so shall they be holy in all manner of conversation."

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Thirdly, These flowing streams of heavenly grace, enrich and plenish the soul, in all his waitings upon God. All ordinances of divine worship, are no other, than as SO many gates, whereat the believer waiteth to see the king in his beauty, and to be blessed with his spiritual presence; or as so many conduits, where the soul waits for the living streams of his grace or as so many forms of conveyance, in which God sends forth and communicates his love to them. And it is only the sweet enlargements of his grace, by the Holy Spirit, that make all his ordinances refreshing to his children, as the Lord hath said; And I will make them and the places round about my hill, a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessings." It is the Holy Spirit

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that opens the understanding, to understand the scriptures in reading; he makes the preaching of the word powerful; he comforteth the soul in private meditation; gives a sharpening influence to the countenances christians, in conference; gives enlargement, boldness and free access God in prayer: enables the soul with joy to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise to God through Christ; which made the apostle say. "I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." Likewise those ordinances which are peculiar to the heaven-born soul, as baptism, and the Lord's Supper, though they are bright figures of heavenly blessings, and the soul that is carried through those shadows, to Christ the substance, beholds a gloious display of divine grace, held forth by them; yet, these, without the Holy Spirit, enabling us by faith to view Christ in his rich grace, as the substance of these shadows, cannot be of any benefit to any soul; for so far are they a blessing, but no further than the soul is enlarged by faith, to behold the things signified thereby. The believer cannot be satisfied with performing any ordi nance as a task, or service, as if God was to be pleased, or himself benefited, by the bare performance. He attends upon the ordinance of God's house, as breasts of consolation, and cannot be satisfied with dry breasts, but with the sincere milk, which flows from Christ's fulness.

Fourthly, The streams of this river of God are sufficient to comfort and sustain the saints under all sufferings. Whatever trials or afflictions we meet with, Christ hath given us this encouragement; "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." And he being the Captain of our salvation, the safety of his people depends entirely upon him; which gives them courage to say, "In all these things

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we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.' God has not promised to exempt his people from trials: but he has promised that he will be with them, preserve and sustain them, whether they pass through the fire or through the water." Those afflictions which come immediately from the hand of God, are sent in very faithfulness, are intended for our profit, and always yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness. It is true, we many times have sharp combats from within, the flesh lusting against the spirit; temp. tations from Satan, persecutions from the world, and sometimes from the professed people of God: being "wounded in the house of our friends," &c. But the Lord gives comfort, saying, Fear not those things which thou shalt suffer.' The apostle Paul found such divine support from that grace, which the Lord had assured him was sufficient for him, that in the view of the most heavy trials, he could say, But none of those things move me." And in the strength of the Lord, every soldier of Jesus Christ may put on a cheerful courage, having present comforts for his refreshment, future hopes for his satisfaction, the power of God for support, the God of Jeshurun his help, the eternal God his refuge, and underneath the everlasting arms.

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These are the enrichings that flow from the river of God, which is full of water; whence we may draw a few inferences.

First, Hence ariseth the strongest encouragement to sinners, to look to Christ for salvation; since this river of God is so full, so free, so perpetual and so effectual that no condition can be so deplorable, but here is a plentitude of grace, sufficient to give complete and eternal felicity; can any objection be formed so forcible, but what is fully answered in the sweet invitations, strong encouragements, and promises of the gospel. February, 1846.]

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If a soul shall object the high aggravations of sin, they cannot be higher than those everlasting hills, from whence the blessings of grace and salvation flow. If he shall complain of the cursed depths of sin, it cannot be deeper than the eternal counsel of God. If he shall object his long continuance in sin, it cannot be longer than the streams of God's everlasting love. If he shall complain of the number of his sins, they cannot exceed the multitude of God's mercies. If he object, how extensive his sin is, it cannot be more extensive than that place of broad rivers, which is God himself. Has he been a rebel against God? Christ hath received spiritual gifts for the rebellious also. Is he the chief of sinners? Christ came into the world to save the chief of sinners. Is his soul lost? Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost." Is he bound under the tyranny of Satan? Christ came to deliver those that were subject to bondage. Is he dead in sin? The Son of God quickeneth whom he will. Is he far off from God? Those who sometimes were afar off, “ are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Is his conscience wounded by sin? Christ healeth them that are bruised. Is he defiled so as no part is clean? "The blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin." Is his heart as hard as au adamant? A believing view of a pierced Jesus, is able to melt it down. Is he an alien to all good; without God, without hope? The streams of divine grace are sufficient to enrich him, and make him possess all things. Therefore the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind, are called. And every one that thirsteth, is invited to come to these living wa

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And for their encouragement, Christ hath given this strong assurance: "And him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out."

Secondly, The way whereby the streams of grace are conveyed, affords instruction to all such as desire to

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enjoy those blessings, where to wait for the communications thereof. It is by means of the pure word of the gospel? Then let them attend the gospel, where it is preached in its purity, under those ministers who determine not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified: who publish glad tidings of peace, in the blood of a dying Redeemer; preaching Christ the Lord our Righteousness, and forgiveness of sins alone through him, who was "wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities: who preach Christ as the alone Advocate, Intercessor, and way to the Father; by whom we have access to God and acceptance with him: who set him forth as the grand treasury, in whom all fulness dwells; he of whom the Holy Ghost testifies, and of whose fulness he receives, and applies to his people. Not such as mention Christ occasionally, but such as make it their constant study, to preach Christ, and no other name. Not such as make Christ a something among the rest only; but such who advance Christ in all their labours, and exalt him in all things, as the Alpha and the Omega. And at the same time giving due hononr to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who sent his Son to save sinners; and also to the Holy Ghost, who is sent from the Father and his Son to bless his people. For there cannot be any ground to expect a blessing from God, upon any other doctrine. The apostle pronounceth a curse upon any one that preacheth any other gospel; and admonisheth us to beware of the concision. That is, all such as oppose, corrupt, mix, or confound the gospel of Christ; substitute any other thing, in whole or in part, instead of the righteousness of our Lord and Saviour. Therefore if you desire to be enriched with the streams of grace, Seek not the living among the dead." Again, is it the Holy Spirit that openeth the

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understanding, and makes the appli cation of the grace of Christ to the soul? This directs us where we are to seek for special blessings; having such encouragement to wait upon God by prayer, for his Spirit, who hath said," Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." And again," If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him.”

Thirdly, Hence ariseth encourage. ment to the weak lambs of Christ, who have not attained to such advances in grace, as some others have done. Is this river of God so full of water; is his grace so infinite and effectua!? Then there is a sufficiency to supply all your wants, and to perfect that which is lacking in your faith. You cannot have any weakness, but here is power to sustain; nor any deficiency, but here is fulness to supply. Is not Christ like a green fir-tree, from whom thy fruit is found? "And they that dwell under his shadow shall return, they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine." If you be grafted into this good olive-tree, you shall take root downward, and bear fruit upward: for every branch in him, receiveth of his root and fatness.

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the living streams that flow from him, are sufficient to water and enrich you with all blessings, in time and to eternity.

Fourthly, Hence ariseth matter of thanksgiving and praise to God, from the whole church. And hence it is that all his people ascribe" blessing and honour, and glory, and power to him that sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever." Because all their enjoyments in time, and to eternity, flow entire from him, and from no other fountain. Do all these blessings of grace, originally spring from God? Are they maintained of his pure love, and goodness?

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