a new meaning, which they had not before. So if a man thinks that he is in a good estate, because such a text of Scripture comes suddenly to his mind, if the text does not prove it, as it lies in the Bible, and if it would not have proved it, had he only read it, as he was reading along in course, then by such a text coming to his mind, he has no evidence that he is in a good estate. So if anything appears to persons, as though they had a vision of some visible form, and heard some voice, such things are not to be taken as signs of grace, for if they are real and from God, they are not grace, for the extraordinary influence of the Spirit, producing visions and dreams, such as the prophets of old had, are no sure signs of grace. All the fruits of the Spirit, which we are to lay weight upon as evidential of grace, are summed up in charity, or Christian love; because this is the sum of all grace. And the only way, therefore, in which any can know their good estate, is by discerning the exercises of this divine charity in their hearts, for without charity, let men have what gifts you please, they are nothing.

3. If saving grace is more excellent than the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, then we

cannot conclude from what the Scripture says of the glory of the latter times of the church, that the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit will be granted to men in those times. - Many have been ready to think that, in those glorious times of the church, which shall be after the calling of the Jews, and the destruction of Antichrist, there will be many persons that will be inspired, and endued with a power of working miracles. But what the Scripture says concerning the glory of those times does not prove any such thing, or make it probable. For it has been shown, that the pouring out of the Spirit of God, in his ordinary and saving operations, to fill men's hearts with a Christian and holy temper, and lead them to the exercises of the divine life, is the most glorious way of pouring out the Spirit, that can be; more glorious, far more glorious, than a pouring out of the miraculous gifts of the Spirit. And therefore the glory of those times of the church does not require any such thing as those extraordinary gifts. Those times. may be far the most glorious times of the church, that ever have been, without them. Their not having the gift of prophecy, of tongues, of healing, &c., as they had in the

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Apostolic age, will not hinder there being far more glorious times than there were then, if the Spirit be poured out in greater measure in his sanctifying influences; for this, as the Apostle expressly asserts, is a more excellent way, 1 Cor. xii. 31. This glory is the greatest glory of the church of Christ; and the greatest glory which Christ's church will ever enjoy in any period. This is what will make the church more like the church in heaven, where charity or love hath a more perfect reign, than any number or degree of the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit could do. So that we have no reason on this acconnt, and perhaps not on any other, to expect that the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit will be poured out in those glorious times which are yet to come. For in those times, there is no new dispensation to be introduced, and no new Bible to be given. Nor have we any reason to expect our present Scriptures are to be added to and enlarged; but rather in the end of the sacred writings which we now have, it seems to be intimated, that no addition is to be made till Christ comes. See Rev. xxii. 18-21.

4. What cause have they to bless God, and

to live to his glory, who have received such a privilege, as is implied in the influence of the Holy Spirit, working saving grace in the heart. If we do but seriously consider the state of the godly, of those who have been the subjects of this inexpressible blessing, we cannot but be astonished at the wonderful grace bestowed upon them. And the more we consider it, the more wonderful and inexpressible it will appear. When we read in the Scriptures of the great privileges conferred on the Virgin Mary, and on the Apostle Paul, when he was caught up into the third heaven, we are ready to admire such privileges as very great. But after all, they are as nothing compared with the privilege of being like Christ, and having his love in the heart. Let those, then, that hope they have this last blessing, consider more than they ever yet have done, how great a favor God has bestowed upon them, and how great their obligations to glorify him for the work he hath wrought in them, and to glorify Christ who hath purchased this blessing for them with his own blood, and to glorify the Holy Spirit who hath sealed it to their souls. What manner of persons ought such to be in all holy conversation and godli

ness! Consider, you that hope in God's mercy, how highly he hath advanced and exalted you; and will you not be diligent to live for him? Will you dishonor Christ so as to regard him but little, not giving him your whole heart, but going after the world, neglecting him, and his service, and his glory? Will you not be watchful against yourselves, against a corrupt, worldly, proud disposition, that might lead you away from God who has been so kind to you, and from the Saviour who has purchased such blessings for you, at the cost of his own agonies and death? Will you not every day make this your earnest inquiry, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me?" What could God have done more for you than he has done? What privilege could he have bestowed, better in itself, or more worthy to engage your heart in thankfulness? And consider how you are living-how little you have done for him-how much you do for self -how little this divine love hath wrought in your heart to incline you to live for God and Christ, and for the extension of his kingdom? O! how should such as you, show your sense your high privileges, by the exercises of

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