in us excites any reluctance in the mind of the Spirit; if Jesus do but speak, it is done. Who then would not wish to have this glorious person for his friend? Who does not desire an interest in him ? Who would not seek him who is so able and willing- to save? Blessed Lord, send thy Spirit now to testify of thee, and to glorify thee in all our hearts !]
2. How unspeakable is the happiness of Christ's faithful people !
[These enjoy the witness of the Spirit in their own hearts". The Spirit not only testifies to them that Jesus is the Saviour of believers in general, but their Saviour in particular : he witnesses to, and with, their spirits, that they are children of God ; and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christr. Can we coneeive any greater happiness than this? Surely not in this present world. Let every one then aspire after this honour: let every one seek the Spirit, not merely as an instructor, but a comforter. Thus shall we be filled with consolation, even under the most afflictive circum- stances ; and his testimonies shall prove to us an earnest, and a foretaste, of our heavenly inheritance.]
q 1 John v. 10. r Rom$ ^ 1G> j y
John xvi. 8 — 11. And xvhen he is come, he will reprove the ivorld of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment : of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, be- cause the prince of this world is judged.
IN judging of the dispensations of God's providence or grace, we are extremely apt to err. Hence we often mourn for things, which, if we knew the end of them, would afford us occasion for joy. This was the case with the Disciples, who were dejected on account of their Lord's approaching departure from them. To relieve their minds, our Lord not only promised them another Comforter, but told them for what ends and purposes that Comforter should come: I. To " convince the world of sin " —
This office the Spirit executed among the Jews —