2. It informeth us tliat it is a safe way upon the observation of the saving effects of God's Spirit in ourselves, to conclude that we are in an estate of grace, even the adopted children of God. For so doth the apostle reason in this place: They are children of God; how is it known ? By the work and witness of the Spirit within us ; thence we conclude, ' if sons, then heirs; ' the like : Gal. iv. 6, ' Because ye are sons, he hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son ; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.' Which teacheth us how to come to a conclusion in soul debates. Have I a child-like inclination, and sense and confidence that God hath adopted me into his favour, and have I the sanctifying of the Spirit upon my heart ? I may be bold then to enter my claim.
3. It informeth us that the privileges of believers are so linked together, that where one of them is, there are all the rest. Therefore if we enjoy one, then we must collect and infer that the rest do belong to us also ; if sons, we must not rest there ; ' then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ.' One link of the golden chain draweth on another ; there is a great deal of profit in these collections and infer- ences ; our minds are usually taken up with trifles and childish toys ; surely the privileges of a christian are not so much considered as they should be. The benefit of it is this .• partly, it keepeth our hearts in a way of praising God, and constant rejoicing in God; if we did more consider the excellency of our inheritance : 1 Pet. i. 3, 4, ' Blessed be God, who hath begotten us to a lively hope, to an inheritance incor- ruptible, undefiled.' Our thoughts are too dead and cold till we revive the memory of our excellent privileges by Christ. Partly, as it keepeth us in a constant and cheerful adherence to the truth, whatever it cost us ; we slight all temporal things, how grievous or troublesome soever they be : Eom. viii. 18, ' For I reckon that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.' Rom. v. 3, ' We glory in tribulation, as knowing that tribula- tion worketh patience.' Partly, To help ns to despise the pleasures of sin which are but for a season, while eternal things are in view : 2 Cor. iv. 18, ' While we look not to the things which are seen, but to the things which are not seen ; for the things which are seen are temporal ; but the things which are not seen are eternal.' And partly, To digest the labours of duty and obedience, all the pains of the holy life, 2 Cor. V. 9. ' Wherefore we labour, whether present or absent, that we may be accepted of the Lord.' What shall we not do for such a father, that hath provided such an inheritance for us, that we may enjoy him and be accepted with him ? Therefore we should stock our minds with these thoughts.
4. That we should not question our estate, because we are under grievous pressures and afflictions. For the words are an anticipation
138 SERMONS UPON ROMANS VIII. [SeK. XXV.
of an objection — If sons of God, and heirs of glory, why are we then so afflicted ? lie inverteth the argument, You are so afflicted, that you may have the inheritance. It is rather an evidence of our right than an infringement of it, especially if patiently endured for God's sake, seeing thereby you are conformed to the Son by nature : Rom. viii. 29, 'He hath predestinated us to be conformed to the image of his Son.' We have communion with Christ and his sufferings ; and if we be like liim in his estate of humiUation, we shall be like him in las estate of exaltation also.
Use 2. Is exhortation.
1. To believe this blessed inheritance which is reserved for the children of God. It is a great happiness, but let not us therefore suspect the truth of it ; for it is founded in the infinite mercy of the eternal God, and the everlasting merit of a blessed Redeemer ; and we are prepared and qualified for it by the almighty operation of the con- quering Spirit ; it is an happiness that lietli in another world, and we cannot come at it but by death. But is there no life beyond this ? Where then shall the good be rewarded, and the wicked punished .'' It is unseen, but it is set before us in the promises of the gospel, which God hath confirmed by miracles, and sanctified to the conversion and consolation of many souls throughout all successions of ages. And were the best and wisest of men that ever the world saw, deceived with a vain fancy .'' Or can a lie or delusion be sanctified to sucli high and holy ends .' Therefore do you believe it ? John xi. 26, ' Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die ; believest thou this ? ' If you believe your reconciliation with God by the death of Christ, why not your salvation by his life ? If your adoption into his family, why not the inheritance } Both privileges stand by the same grace.