Thus Jehovah, the sovereign Lord of all, who calleth things that be not as though they were, speaketh by his Spirit of his church. By the pen of the royal prophet, the Lord describes the beauty and glory of all his members. They are viewed by God the Father from all eternity, in Christ Jesus the heavenly bridegroom. They are beloved and chosen in him, saved in the Lord Jesus with an everlasting salvation. Is. 45:17. They are made all glorious within; without, they are most richly clothed. What the church is viewed from eternity, that each member is destined to, and shall be made in time. For the establishing and comfort of our faith and hope, which is in God, here is a sweet,…

Do any reproach us concerning our hope of eternal life, that we do not expect it by free grace and promise only, but clogged with terms and conditions which we must fulfill. Do they say we are only dreaming legalists, under the legal yoke, and not Christ’s free-men. We answer. We not only talk of, but we enjoy Christ; we do not merely prate about faith, but we partake of its power; not only hear of love described, but we feel its influence; not barely look for salvation from sin, but we enjoy it by the faith of Jesus now; and we know that we shall partake of salvation with eternal glory. For he who never spoke one word in vain, hath pronounced of all…

‘He that believeth shall be saved:’ this is the immutable decree of the God of truth. As no man shall see the Lord without holiness, so no man can be holy without faith in Jesus. But this is the peculiar blessedness of every believer; he is holy, he is ‘sanctified by faith which is in Christ Jesus.’ Acts 26:18. All such are ‘called to be saints.’ 1 Cor. 1:2, called to holiness of life and conversation. There are no holy unbelievers, nor unholy believers. Gospel exhortations are suited to the spiritual state of regenerate souls. They are subjects of the Prince of peace; are at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. As agreeable to their character, to the will of God, and to…

Jesus, the great prophet of his church, speaks to the hearts of his members. This is his superior excellence above all other prophets, for they can only speak to the ear. To attend a preached gospel is our constant duty; but all our profit and happiness arise from hearing the Saviour’s voice to our souls. Under the outward ministry, inwardly to listen to the teachings of his Lord, should be every Christian’s concern. Many cry, ‘Oh what an excellent preacher, what a charming sermon:’ but why? Didst thou hear Jesus speak; did he teach, and hast thou heard somewhat from him? Thou knowest, disciple, though a Paul plants, though an Apollos waters, yet it is the Saviour’s presence and power that give the increase of…

What poor, low, legal work is this, say some. We are happy in Christ without such a strife. We are perfect, fully born again, perfectly sanctified and freed from all sin; therefore our strife is at an end, say others. Alas, poor, honest, upright Christian, thou art ever in danger; on the right hand, of licentiousness; on the left hand, of pride and delusion, and also from a deceitful heart within. What with the white devil of pride, and the black devil of lust, thou art ever liable to be seduced from the truth. What a mercy to have a true touch­ stone to try men and doctrines by! The experience of Christians of old, as recorded by the Spirit of truth, affords us quite…