DISC. -X.1 THE °FORETASTE OF HEAVEN. the gifts of the spirit, such as the gifts of tongues, or of healing, or of miracles, nor the gifts of prophecy, preaching, or praying, because these are not the employ nients,nor the enjoyments of heaven. The first fruits of the spirit must rather refer, therefore, to the knowledge and holiness, the graces and the joys, which are more perfect and glorious in the heavenly state, than they were designed to be here upon earth. Now these first fruits of graces and joys are sometimes bestowed upon christians in this world, in such a degree as brings them near to the heavenly state. And that is the chief ob= nervation I design to draw from these words, viz. " That God has been pleased to give some of his children here on earth several of the foretastes of the heavenly blessedness, the graces and the joys of the upper world," as they are the first- fruits of that paradise to which we are travelling : and these privileges have brought some of the saints within the confines and borders of the celestial country. What these are, Ì shall shew immediately, but before I represent them, I desire to lay down these few cautions : Caution 1. "These sensible foretastes of heaven donot 'belong to all christians: these are not such general bles- sings of the covenantof grace, ofwhich every christian is made partaker;" but they are special favours now and then bestowed on some particular persons by the special will of God. 1. Such as are more eminent in faith, and holiness, and prayer. than others are; such as have made great advancements in every part of religion, in mortifi- cation to the world, in spiritual-mindedness, in humility; and in much converse with God, &c. Or, 2, Some-- times these first fruits may be given unto such as are weak both in reason and in faith, and may be babes in Christ, andarenot able by their reasoningpowers to search out their evidences for heaven, especially tinder some prey sent temptation or darkness. Or, 3. Sometimes to those who are called by providence to go through huge and uncommon trials and sufferings, in order to support their spirits, and bear up their courage, faith, and pa- tience. It is true, the more general and common way whereby God prepares his people for heaven, is by leading them through several steps of advancing holiness, sincere re- YOL. II. 2 BI
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