the second, we are discoverable to those around us : by the last, an assurance of our happiness is imparted to our own souls. And though the impression of the two last is not at all times equally clear and strong, yet is it the privilege of all to possess them ; and in proportion only as these last exist, will the first be ascertained.]
In connexion with the privileges of believers, we may well consider,
II. Their duty towards their gracious Benefactor —
The Holy Spirit is here represented as a parent, who, from his tender solicitude for the welfare of his children, is deeply " grieved" when they defeat in any respect the purposes of his love towards them. Now we may grieve the Holy Spirit,
1 . By departing from the truth in our principles —
[The particular office assigned to the Holy Spirit in the economy of redemption, is, to " glorify Christ," by receiving of the things that are his, and " shewing them unto usx." Now in this office he delights : and when we duly appreciate the excellencies of Christ, and " behold his glory as the glory of the only-begotten of the Father," then is the Holy Spirit delighted to dwell with us, and to carry on the whole work of grace in our souls. But when we suffer the wily " serpent to beguile us, and to turn us from the simplicity that is in Christ," then is the Spirit grieved : for he is a jealous God, and espe- cially jealous for the honour of that Saviour, whose cause he has espoused. Against two things then in particular we have to guard, namely, against philosophical subtilties on the one hand, and Jewish superstitions on the other. By both the one and the other of these was the Church of God rent, in the very first ages of Christianity ; and thousands of souls were sub- verted by them. By the same are we also endangered. Our natural pride and self-conceit are ever at work, to add some- thing to what God has revealed or to detract somewhat from it. Perhaps the simplicity of the Gospel is that which most offends the carnal mind. A simple life of faith upon the Son of God, as having loved us and given himself for us, is most difficult to be maintained. We want to be something, or to do something, that so we may share the glory of Christ, and ascribe some part of his honour to ourselves : but he is all, and must be all; and "all who glory, must glory in him
x Jolmxvi. 14.