Every fresh discovery vi^hich it makes to us of Christ's glory increases that effect —
[The first exercise of faith in Christ makes a great change, but subsequent views of his glory advance the v^rork of sancti- fication. In this vs^ay is our progress in holiness carried on to perfection.]
This power, however, it derives wholly from " the Spirit of the Lord" —
[The Gospel has not that power in itself. Were its power inherent, it would operate uniformly on all; but its operation is dependent on the will of God"^. The word is called " the sword of the Spirit." It is the Spirit's instrument whereby he subdues souls to the obedience of faith. Every fresh effect produced by it arises from the concurring operation of the Spirit : yet as it is the great instrument whereby the Spirit works, the effects are properly ascribed to it.]
Infer —
1. How great a blessing it is to have the Gospel preached to us —
[Nothing else will produce the effects here ascribed to the Gospel. The terrors of the law may alarm, but will not sanctify the heart; but the mild accents of the Gospel win the soul. A manifestation of Christ's glory constrains us to obedi- ence. Let all rejoice therefore in hearing the glad tidings. Let all endeavour to experience these glorious effects.]
2. Whence it is that many make so small a pro- ficiency in holiness —
[Many truly desire to advance in holiness, but they seek it in dependence on their own strength. Hence they make but a small progress in the divine life. They should rather use the means prescribed in the text. They should be often occupied in surveying the glory of Christ. The discoveries of
his glory would do more than all their legal exertions
Let every eye therefore be fixed on him, till the effects appear both in our hearts and lives. Our views of him ere long shall be incomparably brighter^; then the effects also shall be pro- portionably increased ^]
^ 1 Cor. xii. 11. el Cor. xiii. 12. f 1 John iii. 2.