SERM XVI1.) A RATrONAL DEFENCE OF THE GOSPEL. 297 future, unseen world, w hiçh before we treated with cön: tempt, or disregard: It is by the sanctification of the Spirit, and the belief of the truth, that we are prepared for the heavenly glory whereunto we are called by the gospel, 2 7hess. ii. .13. And since the Spirit, of God is promised to dwell in us for ever, John xiv. 16, 17. we have good reason to believe he willbe our eternal Sancti- fier in heaven, and our eternal Comforter. There is such a thing as the influence of the Spirit of God attending the gospel of Christ. The apostle argues thus with the Gaiatian-christians, Receivedye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Gal. iii. 2. And it is the great promise of the gospel, or the new covenant, thatGod would send his Spirit to make it powerful for the blessed ends for which he has designed it; Ezek. xxxvi. 25, 26, 27. Joel ii. 28. Zech. xii. IO. Is. xliv. 3. In the primitive days., of christianity, and the age of miracles, the Holy Spirit attended the preaching of the gospel with his extraordinary gifts of tongues,, of heal- ing, of prophecy, as well as with the graces of convic- tion, and sanctification, and comfort : And the sudden- ness and the glory of the change that was wrought on sinners, carried with it an illustrious and uncontested proofof the presence and power of God and his Spirit. Nor have some fainter resemblances of such glorious grace been altogether wanting in later ages. There have been some most remarkable instances of great sinners converted at once by the gospel of Christ, and the de- monstration of the Spirit. But in his more usual and ordinary communications of grace, he works so gently upon our natures, .and in so sweet and con-natural a way, as not to distinguish his agency in a sensible manner from the motions of our own souls; for he never disturbs our rational powers, nor puts any violence upon the natural faculties; yet when we are changed, when we are renewed, when sin is mortified, the scripture tells us, that it is the Spirit of God has done it: When our souls are prepared for heaven, and our corrupted natures sanctified, and suit- ed to the things that are prepared in heaven for us,ywe áae assured by the word of God, that the Holy Spirit
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=