It

according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness. Which leads to the fourth point of our subject, namely, Through whose power we are enabled to glory in tribulation og The apostle saith, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us. may, however, be important here to take a brief view of the context, in which is explained the way of access into this grace. "Being justified, it is written, by faith, we have peace through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have also access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God;" and then are added the words of my text: after which, St. Paul goes on to state the manner of our reconciliation to God, and being saved by the death of Christ; and at the 11th. verse, "not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." And here it must be observed, that we are particularly enjoined in Scripture, "to hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of our hope firm unto the end:" for they only can be partakers of Christ, and insure to themselves an eternal inheritance, who hold the beginning of their confidence without.

wavering, firm unto the end and this can be effected only by the power of the Holy Ghosty which is given unto us. 40

But some persons contend that this divine power was only conferred upon the apostles and some of the first converts to Christianity, who were, they acknowledge, undoubtedly inspired; and these gifts having since their time entirely ceased, we are no longer warranted to expect the aid of the Holy Spirit. We allow that particular inspiration has so far ceased, that we are not to expect any extraordinary or miraculous display of that power, which still worketh in the hearts of all true believers; and the influences of the Holy Spirit in all those various offices represented in Scripture, will never cease to the end of the world. It is that divine spirit which searcheth the heart, enlightens the mind, and guides us into all truth in every internal conflict his sanctifying grace will be with us in all temptations his preventing and assisting grace will be vouchsafed to us-in all difficulties and dangers, his mighty power is engaged to aid and succour us-in all our afflictions and trials the comforts and consolations of his spirit will be with us; and in his last hour the Christian will experience the full power of sustaining grace. But we must carefully

distinguish between the gifts and the graces of the spirit; as many who were highly favoured and enjoyed peculiar privileges, and had partaken largely of the gifts, but not improving or using them to the honour and glory of God, and falling into sin, have never known nor experienced the grace of the Spirit. Such were Balaam and Judas.

We must also be careful how we do despite to the Spirit of grace, by indulging an unholy temper and disposition, or living in any allowed sin. Men frequently exclude themselves from ever experiencing the aid and assistance of the Holy Spirit by disbelieving or denying his divine power, and neglecting those means of grace through which the promised blessings are conveyed unless these are sought for, and we pray devoutly and earnestly to be directed, governed, and sanctified both in body and soul, it is vain to expect either the consolations or the support of the Spirit. And till the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, we shall never duly estimate the benefits and privileges which are abundantly bestowed upon those who desire and aspire after that communion with the Father of our spirits, as the Holy Ghost is promised to assist us in making, through the intercession of him who so loved us as to pour out his soul unto death,

and who in his life failed not constantly to pray for all who should believe in his name?

Let us then seek to have our hearts established by faith, that we may be rooted and grounded in love that pure and ardent love which is the fruit of the Spirit: so shall we not only glory and rejoice in tribulation, but we shall triumph in the name of the Lord, giving thanks to the Father by him. 46 30

In applying what has been said, there are several important inferences to be drawn, which will enable us to discover how far we are under the guidance and influence of the Holy Spirit, or seeking for his especial. grace and favour, which we have from our infancy been taught to implore and call for by diligent prayer. And if this is our happy experience, we shall be rejoicing in hope patient in tribulation-continuing instant in prayer-distributing to the necessity of saints-given to hospitality; and then may we be assured that even tribulation, under divine grace, cannot fail to work such a devout, humble, and happy disposition of mind as is strengthened by exercise, and worketh for us an eternal weight of glory.

But to those who know nothing either of the gifts or graces of the Spirit, how deplo rable is their state! When tribulation and

anguish come upon them, their sorrow is increased by knowing that they are without a comforter, and without hope: and when they are dying in this condition, there remaineth nothing for them "but a certain fearful looking-for of judgment, and fiery indignation."

To those who have never made any moral or religious improvement of those trials, which is the common lot of all, I would recommend earnest prayer that their afflictions may be sanctified to them, and then all the blessings of grace will be vouchsafed, and if these are duly improved; they will also be enabled to glory and triumph in the Lord; through whom they may even have hope in death, whilst they ascribe glory to him who giveth us the victory.