II. How rich he is in Christ —
With respect to this, every Christian is on the same footing with the Apostle himself —
1. He has an inexhaustible fulness of all good — [Is not he rich, that has reconciliation with God; and that
has " all his iniquities cast into the depths of the sea ?"
Is not he rich, that has liberty of access to God at all times, and that can obtain, day and night, the manifestations of his presence, and the testimonies of his love ?
Is not he rich, who, besides the present aids and consolations of God's Spirit, has a7i assured prospect of eternal happiness and glory ?
Yet this, and more than this, does the Christian possess in Christ. "All things are his, when he is Christ's''." He is " complete in Christ' ;" he is " enriched with unsearch- able riches"^;" and "blessed with all spiritual and eternal blessings "."
Compare with these things all the wealth of kingdoms ; and say, whether it be not lighter than vanity it§elf.]
2. He has an incessant ground of joy and glory- ing—
[Let the Christian be in the most afflictive circumstances with respect to the things of time and sense, and yet may he rejoice in Christ.
What an inexpressible comfort must it be to him to con- template the virtue of his sacrifice — the efficacy of his inter- cession— the sufficiency of his grace — the extent of his pro- mises— and lastly, his inviolable truth and faithfulness ! May not he well adopt the language of the text, " I am sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing ; having nothing, and yet possessing all things?" Yes ; it is his privilege to " rejoice in the Lord al- way";" and that too, " with joy unspeakable and glorified p."]
Infer —
1. What an exalted character is the true Christian !
[The men of this world are altogether dependent on out- ward circumstances for their happiness ; and, if their cistern fail, they are bereft of all. But the Christian is independent of every thing here below. He may be deprived of health and liberty, of possessions and friends ; but nothing can hinder his communion with Christ. Neither men nor devils can intercept the communications of heaven ; which, for the most
k 1 Cor. iii. 21—23. i Col. ii. 10. ^ Eph. iii. 8.
n Eph. i. 3. o Phil. iv. 4. p 1 Pet. i. 8.