cation of scriptural metaphors to the divine life in believers.

As the works of the great Jehovah are always worthy of himself, we should take very great care not to limit him, as it respects either his power or the quickness of its operations. If he speak, it is done; if he command, it stands fast; his word producing those effects in the mind which prepare it for doing his will, with all its ransomed powers. Look at the dying thief: he longed for heaven; and Jesus said, "To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise;" and who doubts that his soul was prepared for it, or that he now possesses a place in the promised inheritance?

I have been rather more particular in this matter, because of its importance; and from a desire to set aside, if possible, the false notion of growth in those that are declining; for there are too many that profess to grow in grace, who in reality do not; that is, their love, zeal, gratitude, and joy, are no greater, months or years after, than they were at their conversion, and in numerous instances not so great. Now, whatever refreshings they may receive from the presence of the Lord, though they manifest his compassion, they do not prove an actual progress in the divine life. This instability prevents their advancement in holiness and conformity to God. Alternately to conquer, and be conquered by, their inward corruptions, if it does not justify us in saying that

there is no grace, leads us to believe that it is very feeble. A man is not blameable for being born with bad tempers, but for giving way to them, especially in frivolous cases; because it principally arises from being unwatchful, and neglecting to request divine aid in the moment of temptation. Such are perpetually throwing hindrances in their own way, and darkening their prospects of entire sanctification. What! shall the warmth of our hearts, the lightness and trifling of our lives, gain ground upon us; and, because we are now and then favoured with sensible comfort, shall we still say, that we are growing in grace? Are such likely to attain the summit of Christian holiness, the depth of humble love? It is a melancholy truth, and no breach of Christian charity to say, that some who have been professors of religion for many years, have less inclination to be thus holy, are more easily irritated and offended, are less serious and heavenlyminded, and afford less probability of being wholly given to God, than those who are but newly converted.

I fear many consider that to be the work of time, which is properly the work of the Holy Spirit. Thus, because St. John writes to believers under the three estates of childhood, youth, and mature age, many seem to speak as though as much time were requisite to perfect holiness in the soul, as is required to raise us from infancy to manhood. Now though time is requisite for the attain

ment of holiness, our establishment in it, and uniform practice of it; yet our growth is not to be measured by years, but by the exercise of our faith in the Lord Jesus, who is the fulfiller of the promises; in whom they are all yea and amen. Spiritual blessings, according to the Scripture, are proportioned to our faith, and not to the time we profess to spend in seeking them: "According to thy faith," says our Lord, "be it done unto thee." By this rule, then, we ought always to expect that the Lord will proceed with us.

However great the blessings may be which the promises hold forth, they are all to be considered as free gifts; and so liberal is the Lord in his favours, that the more enlarged our desires after his fulness are, the more graciously are we received. He delights in pouring the sacred effusions of his grace into the thirsty soul, and in bestowing his benefits according to the greatness of his infinite mercy.

I have known many who have represented the work of holiness as merely gradual; but I do not remember having met with any who professed to have attained entire sanctification, or who affirmed that God had cleansed their hearts, and borne testimony to the truth of his own work, in that way.

If it be objected that their humility kept them from speaking of it, lest it should have the appearance of boasting, I confess I do not see the excellency of their having

hidden the righteousness of God in their hearts. In my opinion, the acknowledgment and profession of it would have been a powerful objection to the doctrine of an instantaneous deliverance from indwelling sin. I think indeed that it is the more necessary for those who may profess to have been saved from sin in this way, to declare it; since such a cloud of witnesses assure us that God baptized their souls with sacred fire, and cleansed them as in a moment.

When you were freely justified by the grace of God, you may remember that you received at the same time a measure of sanctifying grace. And how did you receive it? Was it not in the same instant in which you received pardon? Was it not by faith, and were not both equally instantaneous ? Just in the same manner expect the greater blessing, and you will receive the end of your faith, this full deliverance, this glorious rest, and join the numerous witnesses of an instantaneous salvation; ascribing nothing to yourself, but giving all the glory to him to whom it is due.

B. The Lord, who made heaven and earth by his creating word, and said, "Let there be light, and there was light," is able to effect this change in me with equal ease and speed. O that my Lord may suddenly come to his temple, and make it his everlasting habitation !

P. A thousand years with the Lord are as one day.-Farewell, for the present. Re

member our Lord's words: "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation."

CONVERSATION IV.

P. In what state do you find your soul? Have you found the pearl of great price, that love of God which casteth out fear? B. I bless his name, I have.

P. I am glad to hear it. Tell me how it was; give me the particulars: your account of it may afford encouragement to others.

B. After our last conversation, I was led closely to meditate upon what had passed, and clearly saw that I must either possess this invaluable treasure, or be poor after all. I saw it was the gift of God through Jesus Christ and that, as I was a believer in him, the promise was for me. I was convinced also, that I must not expect any thing but in union with him; and that this union must be effected by my receiving a larger measure of the Holy Spirit. Love,-such love as that described by the Apostle, which suffereth long and is kind; envieth not; vaunteth not itself; is not puffed up; doth not behave itself unseemly; seeketh not her own; is not easily provoked; thinketh no evil rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth, believeth, hopeth, and endureth all things,"-was the very thing I wanted. All else appeared very little in my