3. Wait in the word ; the Spirit is gotten and increased there : Gal.
VeR. 38.] SERMONS UPON ACTS II. 37, 38. 297
ill". 2, ' Eeceived ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith ? ' The ordinary means whereby God worketh this grace is by the hearing of the word : 2 Cor. iii. 6, ' Who also hath made ns able ministers otthe new testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit; for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life ;' Acts x. 44, 'While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.' Therefore wait at wisdom's gate ; lie at the pool till the waters are stirred, John v. ; wait for the secret illapses of the Lord's grace ; improve the Lord's supper. Sacraments are blessed means to convey the Spirit. Christ is said to return from his baptism full of the Holy Ghost, Luke iv. 1. Especially the Lord's supper: 1 Cor. xii. 13, ' For by the Spirit we are all baptized into one body, and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.' One Spirit is spoken of as the author, and the other as the end. It is the Spirit that is figured by water, which maketh fruitful, and wine, which maketh cheerful : Cant. i. 4, * We will remember thy love more than wine.' Now what further degree do you get by every receiving? What further comfort and strength ? Now quicken your desires after the Spirit. When Elias was about to depart, he saith to Elisha, ' What shall I do for thee ? ' ' Only,' saith he, ' that thy spirit may be doubled on me.' Christ, in the same night in which he was betrayed, instituted this supper. Lord, thy Holy Spirit we ask. Will God deny such a request? When Solomon asked wisdom, the thing pleased the Lord. Will a natural father give a scorpion instead of fish, or a stone instead of bread? Ask the Spirit to guide and sanctify and comfort you with the sense of his love ; ask and fear not: let your faith be strong. The woman said, ' If I can but touch the hem of his garment, I shall be whole.' We have more reason to expect a blessing on these instituted signs than she by touching the hem of his garment. Kenew your expectations. You take the cup to assure you. Christ continueth the same form iti the covenant still. Observe what efi'ectyou have. In ordinary repast, how doth a man know that what he hath eaten doeth him good ? Why, he findeth himself fresher, abler, stronger, and more cheerful for his work. Do you go away walking in the fear of God and the com- forts of the Holy Ghost? Only take heed there be no secret sin harboured in the heart or allowed in the practice : Ps. Ixvi. 18, ' If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me/
Use 2. Let us see whether we have the Spirit or no. We cannot say it —
1. Because we have some good motions stirred in us. The devil stirreth up evil motions in the hearts of the godly, and maketh a foul stir in their bosoms ; yet he doth not dwell there as in those that are in the carnal state. These are slaves of Satan. But the Holy Spirit is often moving in the hearts and consciences of carnal creatures, coun- selling, rebuking, exciting them ; but all cometh to nothing : Gen. vi. 3, ' My Spirit shall not always strive with man.'
2. It cannot be known by common gifts, illumination, conviction, restraining grace, assistance to perform external duties even to admir- ation : Mat. vii. 22, 23, ' Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, we have prophesied in thy name, and in thy name cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works , and then will I profess, I
298 SEllMONS UPON ACTS II. 37, 38. [SeR. VII.
never knew you ; depart from me, ye that work iniquity ; ' 1 Cor. xiii. 1, ' Though I speak with the tongue of men and angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.' All this is nothing when he doth not take possession of your hearts as his dwelling-place and temple, 1 Cor. vi. 19.
3. It will be known by your temper and frame ; if you have a divine nature and disposition put into you : John iii. 6, ' That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.' A soul is raised above his natural inclination as much as a man is above a beast : 2 Peter i. 4, ' Whereby are given unto us great and precious promises, that by these you might be par- takers of the divine nature.' A man beginneth to look like God his Father, and to resemble him for heavenly wisdom, holiness, and right- eousness ; he acts in another manner, as one that hath a divine spirit in him.
4. By your savour : Kom. viii. 5, ' They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh, and they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.' Find therefore what thy gust is, and thou mayest know whether thy life be natural or spiritual. Dost thou value thyself by earthly enjoyments or spiritual ?