SERMON XXV.

THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, THE ESSENTIAL PORTION OF EVERY TRUE BELIEVER.

"Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his."

ROM. viii. 9.

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We propose to explain, and to enforce this requisition. I. We proceed to explain the terms of the text.

1. "He is none of his." That is, of Christ's. What is it to be his? The context shows them to be the acceptable children of God; they are created by his power-preserved by his providence-fed from his table-and clothed from his ward-robe. But this general meaning cannot be applied to the terms-" of his"- -or the children of Christ. They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts:" Gal. v. 24. Christ is the anointed of the Father, and in order to be his, we must fulfil the saving purposes of him, "who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity; and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works:" Tit. ii. 14.

(1.) To be Christ's, is to be a believer in his doctrines. By his doctrines I do not mean all those minor opinions, which to some extent, may be entertained without affecting the essential truths of Christianity; but those great doc

trines which are interwoven with our redemption and salvation. In them all true believers are united; and they mutually recognize "One Lord, one faith, one baptism :" the being of God, depravity of the human heart, the atonement of Christ, inward holiness, necessary to present and eternal happiness. These doctrines have reflected an instructive light upon their understanding; and thence proceeded to convict their conscience, and to renovate their heart. "God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in their hearts to give the light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ:" 2 Cor. iv. 6. They believe with hearts unto righteousness; and believing, they have life through his name.

(2.) To be his, is to be adopted in his family. Christ, by his sacrifice, has procured all the privileges of the sons of God. "Ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's." Through him they have constant access unto the Father. Through the merit of his sufferings and death all their guilt is cancelled. "There is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit:" Rom. viii. 1.

(3.) It is to walk in accordance with his will. As they are his property, he claims their service; as they are his children, he claims their obedience: and as in redeeming them, he procured every thing necessary for entire conformity to his law, he demands their allegiance in righteousness as his due. "Ye are bought with a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and spirits which are his." The covenant of grace, in superseding the covenant of works, demands perfect holiness; and its commandments are not grievous but joyous.

(4.) Being Christ's, also implies that we are heirs of his kingdom. By him "we have access unto this grace, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." "If children

then heirs, heirs with God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together:" Rom. viii. 17. Indwelling grace promotes and cherishes a hope of this; and the abiding testimony of the Holy Ghost, which is the earnest of our redemption, ever points us in cheering promises, to that “inheritance which is incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away."

2. We inquire, further, as to the Apostle's meaning: "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ." The Spirit is the third person in the everblessed and glorious Trinity : not a quality nor an appellation of Christ. He is called the Spirit of Christ, because he has proceeded from the Father and the Son; and his influences have been more specially manifested, since the Son of Man was glorified. He has been sent by Christ. He is the Great Agent of the covenant of grace. What is it to have the Spirit of Christ? In one sense, all have him. The former part of the verse explains it: "If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you." Agreeable to this are the words of our Lord. John xiv. 17: "Even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him: for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you."

(1.) This implies that he is satisfied with us. Light cannot dwell with darkness. The heart in a state of un

belief is closed against God.

(2.) That he continues to instruct us.

you

into all truth."

"He will guide

(3.) That he continues to sanctify us. Mal. iii. 3.

II.-Enforce this requisition. "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Unless this Divine agent dwell in us, we cannot be the sons of God, accepted in the Beloved.

1. Did we say, to be Christ's, was to be a believer in his truth?

(1.) Ignorance demands the Spirit.

(2.) The darkness of unbelief.

2. Did we say, to be his, was to be adopted into his family? If we be sons, God must send the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying Abba Father."

3. Did we say it was to walk conformably to his will? 4. Did we say it was to be heirs of his kingdom? 1. Learn to distinguish between external and internal holiness.

2. In order to true holiness, you must be constant possessors of the Spirit of Christ.

INTRODUCTION.

There is a variety in the characters of believers. Yet all must be measured by this rule.

London, 19th April, 1850.

SERMON XXVI.

THE OMNISCIENCE OF GOD.

"Neither is there any creature, that is not manifest in his sight; but all things are naked and open to the eyes of him with whom we have to do." HEB. iv. 13.

I.-Demonstrate the Infinite Knowledge of God.

1. It is seen in the wise disposal of all created things in the natural world.

2. It is manifested in his moral government.

3. It is evident from the character of his word.

4. It appears in the manner of extending his kingdom. 5. It is exhibited in the operations of his grace. II.-Deduce a few important reflections.

1. How should it humble us in all our pursuits of knowledge.

2. It should make us fear to oppose his purposes. 3. It should teach us implicit confidence in his word. It should strengthen our faith in his sustaining and sanctifying grace.

INTRODUCTION.

Men in proportion to their virtue secure our confidence: but God, a being of infinite holiness and wisdom, claims our implicit faith.

London, 25th April, 1850.

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