manu." The Spirit of Christ alone can so reveal the Saviour to us, that, with any measure of true affiance, we should " call him Lord*." No other power than his can ever assimilate us to the risen Saviour, enabling us to die unto sin, and to rise again unto righteousness y. Nothing, I say, but the mighty working of that power that raised Christ himself from the dead, can effect this change in us : and, conse- quently, the assertion in my text is clearly proved, " If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."
Let it then be borne in mind, that, as this is not a mere arbitrary appointment of the Deity, so neither is it an enthusiastic conceit. It is a decision of the Most High, arising out of the necessities of our nature, and proceeding from the boundless riches of his grace, which has made such an astonishing provi- sion for us.
I hope I may now consider this point as proved, and may henceforth assume it as an acknowledged truth, that the doctrine of the Holy Spirit's influence is founded on the state and character of every living man. Indeed, if my statement upon this part of my subject have failed to carry conviction along with it, all that I shall have to bring forward in my two remaining discourses will appear destitute of any solid foundation, and unworthy of any serious atten- tion. It is on this account that I have devoted one entire discourse to this part of my subject. I know whom I address, and that they will justly expect to see every step of my argument made clear and un- questionable. I have great and important truths to bring before you in my remaining discourses ; and, if I shew you not to your satisfaction the foundation on which they stand, I cannot hope, or even wish, at any time, and least of all in these days of fanaticism and folly, that they should be favourably received by you. " I speak as unto wise men ; and I call upon you to judge what I sayz." But I do hope that
u 2 Cor. iv. 16. x 1 Cor. xii. 3.
y Eph. i. 17—21. z 1 Cor. x. 15.