Two things in particular they had received, M^hich served to mark the saving efficacy of the Gospel ; namely,
1. An enhghtened mind —
[They had been " enriched by Christ with all utterance and all knowledge." Distinct from miraculous gifts, there is in believei's a knowledge of an experimental kind, and an ability also to declare that knowledge with ease and preci- sion. It is a knowledge derived from the heart, rather than from the understanding ; even such as Solomon refers to, when he says, " The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips"^." St. John speaks of this when he says, " He that believeth in the Son of God hath the wit- ness in himself^." There is a perfect correspondence between the divine record concerning Christ, and the feelings of the believer's soul : he feels that he needs such a salvation as Christ offers, and that there is in Christ a sufficiency for all his wants : and in speaking of these things every believer throughout the universe is agreed. As in all human beings, notwithstanding some minute differences, there are the same general features belonging to the body ; so in the minds of all believers there is, notwithstanding a diversity in smaller matters, a correspondence in their general views and senti- ments ; they all confess themselves to be sinners saved by grace through the Redeemer's blood. Others, who are not true believers, may have the same creed ; but they have not these truths written in their hearts ; nor can they speak of them from their own experience : this is the portion of the true believer only ; and it is a portion, in comparison of which all the knowledge in the universe and all the wealth of the Indies are but dross and dung^.]
2. A waiting spirit —
[The Corinthians " came behind in no gift, waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." The saints under the Mosaic dispensation waited for the first advent of our Lord : those under the Christian dispensation wait for his second advent, when he will come again from heaven in power and great glory, to gather together his elect, and to put them into full possession of their destined inheritance. The first Chris- tians thought this period very near at hand : we who live almost 1800 years after them, beHeve that it is yet distant; because there are many prophecies not yet fulfilled, which must receive an accomplishment before the arrival of that time. But, as far as respects us individually, the time is near to every
'' Prov. xvi. 23. • 1 John v. 10. f Phil, iii. 8.