has given me to mortify my lusts, and from the delight which he has enabled me to feel in communion with himself, that there is a reality in the Gospel, which a mere speculative believer has no conception of. A man, who has heard men's testimony respecting the existence and influence of the sun, may be fully assured that such an orb does really exist. But the man who beholds its light, and feels its genial rays, will have a widely different conception of it. The former may argue better respecting it ; but it is the latter alone who is really competent to appreciate it aright. And, in like manner, he alone knows Christ fully, who knows him experimentally, by the actual en- joyment of him in his own soul.]
2. To animate our hope —
[There is " a full assurance of hope," which he alone who knows Christ experimentally can possess. I see him dying for me ; risen for me ; interceding for me ; and carrying on his work within me. Can I doubt his love, his power, his grace, his truth, and faithfulness ? Has he done so much for me, in order to forsake me at last, and to abandon me to deeper ruin ? Has he done so much for me when I was living in direct hosti- lity to him ; and will he leave me, now that I seek his face, and desire to glorify his name ? No : I can trust him, and I will. Well do I know my own sinfulness : but I know also the virtue of his blood. I know my weakness also : but I know also the sufficiency of his grace to save me even to the utter- most. I know, too, the treachery of my heart : but I know how sure his promise is ; and that " where he has begun a good work, he will carry it on, and perfect it to the end"." And therefore will I " hope, even against hope," and " hold fast my confidence firm unto the end."]
3. To sanctify and transform the soul —
[I see my Lord. I call to mind what he has designed in all the wonders of his love. He desires to have " a holy and peculiar people, zealous of good works." Now, shall I coun- teract all his gracious designs ? Shall I crucify him afresh, by continuing in my sins? Shall I not rather desire him to accomplish in me " all the good pleasure of his goodness ;" and to " sanctify me throughout, in body, soul, and spirit?" Yes, for him will I live ; and to him will I devote all the powers of my soul. There was nothing which he declined to do or suffer for me : and there is nothing which, with his help, I will not do and suffer for him.]
Thus we see,
1. What a practical thing religion is —
« Phil. i. 6. h2