are thoroughly renewed by it ; not indeed perfectly as to the degree, but universally in all their members and all their faculties. Their members are made instruments of righteous- ness', and their faculties are filled with light and holiness. The man is made altogether " a new creature; old things are passed away, and all things are become new ^"
Thus will the world also be regenerated by the grace of the Gospel. " Those who are now sitting in darkness and the shadow of death shall behold its light," and those who are abandoned to the most brutish lusts and ignorance, shall be transformed into the very image of their God. This leaven has long been put into the great mass of mankind : it has already raised a ferment throughout a great part of the world, and in due season shall " leaven the whole lump." Though its pro- gress be but slow at present, it shall work, till it has pervaded every soul, and " brought all nations to the obedience of faith."]
The parable, thus explained, is of signal use,
1. To rectify our judgment —
[Some think that they have the grace of God, while yet they have never experienced any change in their souls ; while others, on account of the commotion raised there, are ready to despond, as though they were utterly abandoned by God. But both of these may see their error, if they will duly con- sider this parable. To the former we could say, can leaven be put into the meal and no fermentation be produced ? much less can the grace of God be in the heart and cause no commotion there. Be assured it will work as it did on the day of Pente- cost, and cause you to cry out with earnestness, " What shall I do to be saved ? " Yea more, if it do not continue to operate, if it do not gradually pervade all your powers, and progres- sively change them into your Saviour's image, you may be sure that the leaven of Divine grace has never yet been put into your hearts. To the latter we would say, be not dis- couraged at the commotion in your soul ; but be thankful for it. It is infinitely better to know our guilt and danger than to be lulled asleep in a fatal security. Your disquietude affords reason to hope that God has caused the heavenly leaven to blend itself with your souls. Give it time then to work. If it be of God, it shall stand ; and the effects produced shall discover the true cause from whence they sprang. O beg of God that it may work effectually, and that it may never cease till it has made you " perfect and complete in all his will."]
2. To reform our hearts — [The true and uniform tendency of the Gospel has been
i Rom. vi. 13. ^ 2 Cor. v. 17.