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Sermon 6.

THE BLESSED EFFECTS OF THE LOVE OF GOD IN THE SOUL.

Romans, 5th. Chap. 5th. Verse.

And hope maketh not ashamed; beecause the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

NOTHING

can be more evident, from the general scope, and tendency, of those exceeding great and precious promises, which are given to believers in the gospel of Christ; than that it is the intention of our heavenly Father, his people, should enjoy, every possible consolation, in their passage thro' this world, to a better. It should seem indeed, as if a gracious God, not satisfied, with giving the positive assurance, that there is a rest which remaineth for

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the

the people of God; determined to afford them, many refreshing springs of comfort by the way, which might beguile the tediousness of the path, and sometimes make the desert through which they are passing, to blossom as the rose.

Laying this for a foundation, that the great work of the conversion of the heart to God, hath been wrought by the Holy Ghost on the believer, (and this you know, is the pre-requisite of all happiness,) and then, all the sweet properties, resulting from such an act of grace, must eventually follow. And depend upon it, in proportion, as the love of God, is shed abroad in the heart, by his divine power; so exactly corresponding to this, will be the influence, suited to every occasion. And for this plain reason. As the love of God flows in, creature dependencies, and the comforts, or conflicts, arising from all creature dependencies, go out. When this grand principle, of divine love, is shed abroad in the heart; that is, is diffused in every part of it; enters in to every recess; and fills up the whole space; there will be little, or no room, for other tenants, to occupy.

And

while the soul, thus derives all its resources, from this one principle alone, which is a fixed, and settled principle, and liable to no fluctuation, there will be a hope that maketh not ashamed, as Paul calls it, in the worst of times;

and

and let what will vary without, a peace is secured within, which keeps the heart, and mind thro' Christ Jesus.

But let the Apostle speak his own words. He tells us, in the opening of this Chapter, some of the many precious Effects, which flow from a state of justification before God. He considers, (as I have done, in what I have already said) the soul, to be taken out, of that state of enmity with God, in which every man is born; and brought into reconciliation and favor with God, through the merits, and death of the Lord Jesus. And then, enumerates various blessed consequences, which immediately arise out of it. Therefore (says he) being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also, we have access by faith, into this grace, wherein we stand; and rejoice in hope, of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribuations also, knowing that tribulation worketh, patience, and patience, experience: and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God, is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto

us.

How very beautiful, and unanswerably conclusive, is this reasoning, of the Apostle. He

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takes

takes up the subject, from the beginning, and having presupposed, that original quarrel, which sin hath made, between God, and his people, to have been made up, and peace restored; he therefrom proves, that not only the distance, and enmity between the parties, are removed, but the greatest favor, and affection, follows: and thus rises, by a sweet climax, step by step, until he beholds the sinner, leaping into the very bosom of God, with an holy familiarity and affection, unbounded, and without shame.

And what I would principally desire you to observe, in this passage of scripture, which introduceth the words of my text, is the delightful view it affords, of the gracious concern, which each person of the Godhead, in their several operations, are intimated as taking, for the accomplishment of this happy purpose. It is with God, that we are said to have peace.

And this

is wrought, through the sole merits, of that Almighty Peace-Maker, our Lord Jesus Christ. But, that the part, which God the Holy Ghost bears, in this great work, may not be overlooked, or forgotten; the access of this grace, wherein we are said to stand, manifests his gracious leadings, by whom it is accomplished. For while we have this access, the same Apostle elsewhere tells us, that it is by one Spirit unto the Father. *

And

*Ephes. 2. 18.

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