many blessed through their instrumentality. They are hence called the lights of the world; and such is the force of consistent and devoted Christian example that no power can long withstand its influence. Nothing which God has given, therefore, ought to be concealed. Mercy so undeserved should be acknowledged, that others, who deserve no mercy, might be encouraged to implore its benefits.

THE HOLY SPIRIT.

CHAPTER IX.

ENCOURAGEMENTS TO SELF-CONSECRATION, De

RIVED FROM THE OFFICE AND GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord."-ZECH. iv. 6.

THE diffusive and abundant bestowment of the Holy Spirit is a peculiarity in the gospel dispensation. Formerly, His gracious blessings were imparted in anticipation of the great atonement, and in subordination to its sacrifice. His munificence was not then displayed, because Jesus Christ was not yet glorified; but when he had ascended, the Spirit came forth from the Father and the Son with all the fulness of

Divine love, and with all the kindness of Divine compassion.

Such a bestowment coming directly from God, and giving a distinctive appellation to all the future proceedings of Divine government, encourages returning penitents on two accounts: first, because the assistance of the Holy Spirit is so very important in its nature; and, secondly, because that assistance is afforded with so much love and tenderness: for

First. The Holy Spirit, as a Divine agent, presides in all those acts of grace which relate to the application of mercy.

He effectuates the whole design of sovereign love for the elect; and, through them, exhibits to this fallen world an example of that abundant help which he waits to bestow on every supplicant; meeting the imperfect wishes of repentance, and changing the heart of stone to flesh.

To accomplish this great end, all the operations by which mind can act on mind are constantly employed. The saints are taught to understand the mysteries of Redemption, which are written in the word of God; and, through the saints, that same spirit teaches the unbelieving world. By his great power the veil is

removed from their hearts; so that, in the face of Jesus Christ, the glory of God becomes clearly visible. When the earthly and sensual nature of a sinner's judgment is cured, the Spirit begins his work of consolation. From hence he is called the Comforter. Spiritual things are made clear to the mind and brought home to the heart; so that, like the first disciples, who at first could see nothing but what belonged to this world in the kingdom of heaven, but after the Spirit was received could rejoice in all sorrow, through the hope of their heavenly inheritance; so the convert is sustained now, in sorrow and in death, by things invisible, whenever they are thus graciously applied. By every act this gracious helper advances the sanctification of his people. All the capabilities of nature are employed, and every motive that can help to rouse the spirit from its natural lethargy. He makes them to have life in the Lord, and to bring forth fruit to his praise. That strength of habit which sin acquires from long indulgence, and that original tincture of pollution which was imbibed at our birth, are both alike removed. Each armed

enemy of God, who has fixed his throne in a human heart, and fortified it for himself, is thus to be dislodged and destroyed. When cleansed from positive transgressions, the broken heart is made fruitful in holiness. Holy affections are awakened, which agree with holy things. By strong consolation he enables a convert to glory in tribulation. The blessed results of all their discipline make glad the spirits he has renewed; the hope of eternity brightens their prospects, and the love of God is shed abroad in their hearts, by the Holy Spirit which is given unto them. So changed is the condition of a convert when under the influence of the Holy Spirit, that the terrors of the Almighty become his consolation; and not merely in subordinate works of mercy, which relieve the necessities, but he can "also joy in God" through our Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing will be found to limit these blessings but the capabilities of using or enjoying them in conjunction with the ends and operations of his present existence. But when peculiar blessings are required, they shall be given. In the midst of