grace established in the world ; and it may be com- pared to a pearl as enriching. Some pearls are of very great value, and would be an ample fortune to a person who had nothing else. The Gospel kingdom also is of inestimable value to us.
In this world —
[It unfolds to our view the deepest mysteries, and gives a just coniprehe7ision of all spiritual things. It is said to contain " all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ^ ; it must there- fore greatly enrich its possessor''. The Gospel moreover im- parts grace to the soul; nor can this grace be ever appreciated too highly. Our Lord tells us that it will make us truly rich*^. Through the Gospel also we obtain peace in our consciences. Who can declare the value of this to a heavy-laden soul ? It surpasses all estimation, as well as all understanding •'.J
In the next world —
[The Gospel does not enrich us merely like other estates. We can hold earthly things no longer than this present life ; but the benefits of the Gospel continue with us for ever. We have a more ample possession of them in the next world. Then we shall have a glorious, and incorruptible inheritance, of which earthly crowns and kingdoms convey a very faint idea. What is spoken of the Christian's present portion may still more properly be spoken of that which he will hereafter enjoy ^. Well therefore might St. Paul represent the Gospel in such exalted terms ^ — ]
The Gospel kingdom may also be compared to a pearl as adorning —
[Pearls are considered as ornamental to the body; but infinitely more does the Gospel adorn the soul.]
It changes the life —
[Even the most abandoned of men have yielded to its power, and that figurative representation has been realized by thems — ]
It purifies the heart —
[The most inveterate corruptions have been mortified by it^, and the most heavenly dispositions implanted in their stead '.]
It transforms into the Divine image —
a Col. ii. 3. " Prov. iii. 13—15. <= Rev. iii. 18.
d I'hil. iv. 7. e 1 Cor. ii. 9. f Eph. iii. 8.
g Isai. xi. 6— S. '^ 1 Cor. vi. It, 12. i 1 John iii. 3.