Sermon c 57 Conversion

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Acts 16:14 Whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

Conversion

Though the Lord's people are thinly scattered, and sometimes throughout large cities, yet they have a way of finding one another out. True religion serves as a sort of magnet to draw their hearts together, and those who were strangers before, now become friends and associates. After abiding certain days at Philippi, Paul found that prayer was wont to be made out of the city by the river side, and thither therefore lie resorted to preach the gospel. " And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard : whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul." Whether Lydia had been a true worshipper or not, she from this time worshipped God in spirit and in truth, and became a follower of the Lord Jesus. Considering the text as descriptive of true conversion, I shall offer a few remarks on the nature of the change denoted by the Lord's opening the heart.

1. It is a divine work, a work which God performs, and which none else can perform.
2. It is God's first work, that which is descriptive of true conversion. Transient impressions, partial convictions, and powerful restraints, are common to all; but the opening of the heart is the effect of special grace, and the commencement of true religion.
3. The opening of the heart is an instantaneous work. It is done in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, without any previous exertions or endeavours, preparations or qualifications. In our apprehension it may be gradual, like Christ's opening the eyes of the blind man, who first saw men as trees walking, and afterwards, upon a fresh touch from his hand, all things clearly: but in itself the change is quick and powerful.
4. Powerful as this work is, it is not effected violence, but in a way perfectly consistent with human liberty. God opens the heart by engaging and inclining it to that which is good. ... Divine influence is not compulsive, but attractive.
5. It is an internal work, the opening of the heart.
6. Though the work itself is invisible, yet its effects are not so. Grace cannot be seen but by its fruits. Where the heart is changed, the conduct will be changed. New duties will result from new principles, ....
Three blessed effects of God's opening the heart of Lydia are here mentioned.
(1) '' She attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul." She might have heard the gospel before, but now it is in a different manner. Her eyes were fixed on the preacher, her heart was raised to God, she hears with judgment and affection, desiring the sincere milk of the word that she may grow thereby. It comes not unto her in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance
(2) She manifested her regard to the commands of our Saviour by being immediately baptized in the name of the Sacred Three in whom she had believed, and to whom she had now acknowledged obedience and subjection. This was the answer of a good conscience, and her alacrity shewed the fervour of her zeal. " I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments."
(3) Her love to the brethren, especially those who had been the honoured instruments of her conversion. "If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord (says she), come into my house, and abide there : and she constrained them." No sooner had she received Christ into her heart than she received his friends into her house: one door being opened, the other did not remain shut. Perhaps she had been penurious and selfish before: now she is generous and hospitable: she had partook of their spiritual things, and was willing that they should partake of her carnal things. .... 7. It is a work that shall be abiding: He openeth, and no man shutteth: he shutteth, and no man openeth. I know that what God doth shall be for ever, and it shall never be undone.
8. The work we have been considering is absolutely necessary to salvation. As we cannot be saved without the death of Christ, so neither without the work of the Spirit.
More particularly,
(1) Satan, that unclean spirit, had usurped the dominion of our hearts, and it is necessary to put an end to his influence and deprive him of his power. The prey must be taken from the mighty, and the lawful captive delivered. There must he a pulling down of strong holds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringeth into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, if ever we be saved. The spread of the gospel expelled Satan from the heathen temples, and the power of divine grace expels him from our heathenish hearts.
(2) Our souls must be cleansed and purified, and this is done by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. Christ comes into our hearts by water for our sanctification, and by blood for our justification. Thus he came personally into the world, and thus he comes spiritually into the souls of his people. In this way he restores both peace and holiness; that image which sin had defaced, and that comfort which sin had destroyed.
(3) The heart must be opened in order to its being beautified and adorned with every grace, with integrity and humility, patience and temperance, charity and heavenly-mindedness. If when Christ puts in his hand by the hole of the door, the handles of the lock drop with sweet-smelling myrrh; how much more when he opens the door and enters,in ! Wherever he comes he brings with him a fullness of grace and truth.
(4) By all these means the Lord makes us a fit habitation for himself. Wisdom now enters into the heart, and knowledge is pleasant to the soul. Whatever Christ has done for us is now applied, and whatever he has purchased is brought home. He dwells in us, and we in him : he sups with us, and we with him. Adorable grace! Inexplicable mystery! Men of humour may deride the saints, man of power may persecute them, and their worst enemies may be those of their own household; but they have that which will more than counterbalance all the evils that they may either feel or fear. Christ is in them the foundation of present peace, and the pledge of future glory.
CONCLUSION
(1) Let those consider their miserable condition whose hearts are still shut against the gospel and against the Saviour. God will one day shut you out of heaven. If you remain deaf to his calls, he will be deaf to your entreaties. If Christ be not in you the hope of glory then Satan will be in you the prelude of misery. May the blessed Saviour open his heart, his loving heart to you, and open your hearts, your stubborn heart to him!
(2) If there be any whose hearts the Lord has opened, let them assume nothing to themselves, but give him all the glory. All the evil that is in us is from ourselves, and all the good is from God alone "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us; but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake."

With arguments profound,

Diffuse among the listening throng,
In vain does Paul's persuasive tongue,

The gospel's joyful sound.

Apollos, fam'd for eloquence,

Tries all his arts in vain;

Tho' sweet his voice, and strong his sense,

Sinners unchanged remain.

Jesus, the work is wholly thine,

To form the soul anew;

And nothing short of grace divine

Can stubborn hearts subdue.

These concluding lines are very similar to Hymn 588

In vain does Paul's persuasive tongue,

With arguments profound,

Diffuse among the listening throng,

The gospel's joyful sound.

Apollos, famed for eloquence,

Exerts his powers in vain;

For sinners still enslaved to sense,

In unbelief remain.

Jesus, the work is wholly thine,

To form us all anew;

Oh may thine influence divine,

Our stubborn hearts subdue!

Sermon c 56 Peace with God

Peter 3:14 Be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace.

Peace with God

The generality of mankind are forming a thousand imaginary schemes of happiness, eagerly pursuing the inviting prospect, and gadding about to change their way as often as they meet with disappointment. But the good man is a man of one business: his heart, like the needle touched by the magnet, tends to one point; his affections and desires are towards one object; his resolutions and endeavours terminate in one end - to " be found of God in peace." 1. Observe, that whatever be our state or character, we shall all be found of God. If we are sinners, and live and die such, our sins will find us out. 2. As all will be found of God at last, so there are some who will be "found of him in peace." 3. In order to be found in peace at last, it is needful that we seek it here with diligence. Let us carefully mine into the state of our souls. Be solicitous to know how matters stand between God and you. See that a foundation be laid for spiritual comfort. Let us now enquire who they are that will be found of God in peace. 1. Those only whom God finds in this world, and brings into a state of grace. Our state by nature is that of lost sheep, and our recovery is by the interposition of the good Shepherd, who came to seek and save that which was lost. 2. Those shall be found of God in peace who have found him. 3. Those only will be found of God in peace who are found in Christ. 4. Those only will be found of him in peace in whom some good thing is found towards the Lord God of Israel. 5. Those only will be found of God in peace who he finds walking in the paths of peace. Religion d not so much consist in talking of God as in acting for him, not in theory but in practice.

Improvement (1) The subject administers reproof to the careless, who content themselves with some faint and sluggish attempts, but who are never in earnest about salvation. Strange infatuation! to be anxious for the trifles of a day, and indifferent about the all-important concerns of eternity! To strive to be rich, and not strive to be truly happy; to court the applause of men, and be unconcerned about the favour of God. Egregious folly! to gain the whole world, if possible, and lose our own souls! (2) We may hence learn that it is possible for persons to be satisfied about themselves, and to have a kind of peace in their own minds, and yet not be found of God in peace. This was the case with the Laodiceans, who thought themselves increased in goods, and had need of nothing, and knew not that they were wretched, and miserable, and blind, and naked. ''Woe to them that are at ease in Zion!" It were better to have no peace at all than a false one. Disappointed hope will turn to aggravated misery. On the other hand, it is possible for persons to be very doubtful of their state, and even much distressed about it, and yet be found of God in peace at 1ast. The gloomy darkness of the day is sometimes followed by a bright evening. "At eventide it shall be light". Or if the sun set in a cloud, it may rise on the other side the horizon with greater splendour. Some who knew but little of holy joy in their life-time, have at death entered into the joy of their Lord. The days of their mourning have been ended, and God has become their glory. (3) We see the suitableness and importance of the advice given us in the text: "Be diligent, that you may be found of him in peace." How awful will be the day of judgment, if not found in peace! And to be thus found is a blessing that will more than compensate all our pains and labour in order to obtain it. To be found in peace, what is it but to escape from hell, and be admitted into heaven; to be delivered from the tormenting power of Satan, and received into the embraces of God! How should this excite our desires, animate our endeavours, enliven our hopes, inflame our zeal, and set the whole soul in motion towards heaven!

Some editions close with Watts' hymn 'No more, my God, I boast no more'.

Letter 06

Again from the Evangelical Magazine and again containing a hymn not found, as far as I am aware, elsewhere.

December 13, 1760

’Tis sin disorders all my frame,
Nor can this world afford me rest;
The law does nothing but condemn,
In Christ alone can I be blest.

’Tis his grace, ’tis in his blood,
I sweet refreshment hope to find;
His blood can cleanse my crimson guilt,
His grace can bow my stubborn mind.

Prostrate beneath his feet I wait,
For a kind look, or quick’nng word;
Shine in on my distressed soul
My King, my Saviour, .and my Lord.

Here you have the language of my lips, the language of my pen, and I trust the language of my heart. Though I find it hard to pray to God, and harder still to wait for God. “I waited patiently for the Lord,” says David. O that is not as easy a thing as some may account it. We are apt to kick against the pricks, to rebel under the smarting rod, and accuse God of severity, when he does not immediately bestow the promised and expected blessings. I have much reason to complain of a stubborn and untractable heart, an unsubmissive temper of mind.

Yours, etc BB

Letter 05

Again this is from the Evangelical Magazine, in 1800. The hymn quoted is presumably by Beddome himself. There is no record of it appearing elsewhere.

September 27, 1760

With respect to your spiritual concerns, what shall I say? Your soul is in the best hand; your most important interests are lodged with the great Redeemer; to him the Father hath committed them; to him you have been enabled, by divine grace, to commit them; and eh will be faithful to his trust. A sense of an interest is desirable, but there may be an interest where there is not a sense of it. I wish I had your evidences. This I can say, that I mourn - I look upwards. All that is dark and distressing in your letter, I feel; all that is other wise, I want.

O God all-holy and all-wise,
Open my heart, open my eyes;
Reveal thyself, reveal thy Son,
And make thy great salvation known.

As once of old, so now proclaim
Thy wond'rous love, thy gracious name;
To me thy pard’ning mercy show,
And spread the joys of heav'n below.

My tuneful voice I then will raise,
And all my powers shall tune thy praise;
I'll in thy church thy works declare,
And celebrate thy glories there.

It has been a consolitary thought to me, that God is more glorified in the salvation of one soul through Christ, than in the destruction of a whole world. O for a savory spirit, an evangelical temper of mind! Dear friend, pray for me, that while I want I may experience and then you shall meet with the same return from your unworthy, though affectionate friend,

BB

Letter 04

From the Evangelical Magazine once more

July 17, 1760

I am obliged to you for your last kind letter and heartily wish I could answer it with the same humble, savoury and spiritual frame with which you seem to have written it but this what I want, and sometimes fear I never shall attain,to have my pen, my tongue, proclaim aloud the Lord Jesus Christ, the wonders of his dying love and riches of his sovereign grace.
I want more of that poverty of spirit whereby a Christian sees his own sin and misery, and yet hopes in God’s mercy; performs duties, and yet does not trust in them; assigns all his failings to himself, and all his excellencies to Jesus Christ: but why should I multiply particulars?
In all the lives that I have read and they are not a few, I never met with so wanting, and yet so undeserving a creature as myself. The Lord lead me to the fulness of Jesus Christ, not to make use of him as a man does of his deeds, bonds, and other securities for money, which he looks upon, perhaps, once in a long season, to see whether they are safe, and then takes no further thought about them; but I would live upon Jesus Christ as a man does upon his daily bread. I am satisfied that religion will never flourish in my soul till I am enabled so to do for all religion begins in the knowledge of him, thrives by communion with him and is compleated in the enjoyment of him. Christ is the Christian’s All. Sometimes I think I can say as the Church - Isa 26:18 "Yea in the way of thy judgments,etc" but I want to say as she does - Cantic 3:4 "It was but a little that I passed, etc." Yet will I wait God’s time, for that is best, and the longer the mercy is delayed the more welcome will it be when it comes. Besides, we are told the Lord is good to them who wait for him, to the soul which seeketh him. May you know but little of the distresses I sometimes feel and much of the comforts for which I long and wait."

BB

Diary Timothy Thomas

In The Baptist Magazine in 1817 a review appeared of a reprint of the book referred to by Beddome in his third letter. See here. Beddome would have known the Pershore congregation. The review was as follows

The hidden Life of a Christian, exemplified in the Diary, Meditations, and Letters, of a young Minister, published from authentic Manuscripts, by Thomas Gibbons; with a recommendatory Preface, by the Rev W B Crathern, Dedham, Essex. Sold by Manden, Colchester; Simpkin and Marshall, London, &c. 1816
These memoirs were first published by Dr Gibbons, in 1752, from manuscripts delivered to him by the sister of the deceased, in his own hand, with an injunction to conceal his name.* A great part of the Diary was drawn up at a very early period of life. He was the subject of serious impressions when very young; and, at twelve years of age, he made a solemn dedication of himself to the Lord. "I am resolved," says he, "in God's strength, otherwise of myself I can do nothing, for the future, to make the glory of God my aim and end in every thing I go about. I have ventured my soul on Christ, and given up my all to him. I cannot, but abhor the thought of going back. He giveth more grace. The Lord give me more as 1 need it. I would not forget this day, wherefore I date it June 3,1711."
When he was fourteen he joined his father's church. While he felt the deepest sense of unworthiness, he rested his hope with firmness on the sure foundation. "On thee," says he, "О Jesus, who art almighty to save, whom God hath made strong for himself, but no venture at all on such a sure foundation. Here I rest, and stay my whole soul, a sinking soul, under whose weight the shoulders of an archangel would bow." When he was about eighteen, he was desired by some friends to tum his thoughts to the work of the ministry, for which his father had designed him, if God so inclined his heart; in reference to which, he observes, "By reason of some conversation with my friends, my thoughts were this evening especially led to what my relations have desired I might be, if it were the will of God, even and with awe do I speak it, (trembling at my own unworthiness) a minister of Jesus Christ. Though unworthy of so great an office, and high calling, yet in an humble manner, I am willing, if God would touch my lips with a coal from the altar, to say, Here am I, send me. And when God sends, he gives qualifications, which I humbly and entirely expect from him. Here is learning of divers kinds, in the prosecution of which, I rise up early, and sit up late; yet I hope I can say with my whole heart, that ray dependence is ten thousand times more upon the teaching of the Spirit, than all this learning."**
We regret that our limits will not allow of more extracts, highly interesting, from this valuable work; for the Diary, Meditations and Letters, are all excellent. They are adapted to the young, and especially to those who in the bloom of life are sinking into the grave - and young ministers will find much to edify and improve them. We can only notice the happy manner in which he finished his short course. The day before he died, he tuned, as far as he was able, an anthem, and said, "My soul doth rejoice, and therefore I sing." About four o'clock the next morning, having turned his eyes to one of his friends, he whispered, in a feeble, interrupted voice, but yet distinct enough to he heard, "Peace - Praise - I have peace," and so expired.
*It may gratify some of our readers to be informed, that the worthy young minister was Mr Timothy Thomas, the son of the Rev Timothy Thomas, Baptist minister, at Pershore, in Worcestershire. The father was grandson of the Rev John Evans, of Wrexham, whose son was Dr John Evans, the author of two volumes of sermons on the Christian Temper. Mr. Timothy Thomas, (the father) was very popular and useful at Pershore, for 20 years. He died January 10, 1716, aged 40 years. The son survived him but about four years, and died of a decline, in his 22d year, 1720. Both father and son were buried in the parish church-yard at Pershore, where a handsome tomb-stone records their names. The worthy sister, to whom Dr. Gibbons dedicated the work, was Mrs Gillam, the mother of the late Mr Gillam, of Worcester, whose widow, and some of his children, now reside in that city; a family well known, and highly respected.
**In the preface, Dr Gibbons intimates,"that he finished his course quickly, after his entrance upon the ministerial office." It appears that he preached at Pershore, more or less, as his state of declining health would allow, for two or three years.

Thomas Gibbons (1720-1785) was a Calvinistic dissenting minister in Haberdasher's Hall, London and a tutor at the Dissenting Academy at Mile End. He wrote a life of Isaac Watts.

Letter 03

From the Evangelical Magazine again

May 19, 1760

“________ When you lent Sister H_______ Mr Thomas’s diary*, she promised not to let it go from her, and she scrupulously fulfilled her promise, so that I could not get a sight of it. Since that I borrowed it of Mr S and read it with great delight, and indeed amazement, that a person about the age of twelve or thirteen should be able to write with such propriety.
‘Peace! - Praise! I have peace.’ That there is peace procured, though we should have no personal interest in it, is matter of praise. That we have peace, peace with God, peace within, that peace that passeth all understanding, and which the world cannot give nor take away, lays a foundation for loftier praises still; and peace in a dying hour should raise our notes to the highest pitch: then one dram of true peace is worth all the world; the one we leave behind us, the other we take with us. ‘The work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and of assurance for ever.’ That we might often meet at the throne of grace in this world, remembering each other there, and finally meet before the throne of glory above, is the earnest desire and I would hope, fervent prayer of

“Yours affectionately BB”

*A young minister who died at Pershore. I have discovered that the minister in question was a Timothy Thomas (c 1700-1720). Beddome quotes Thomas's dying words at the beginning of his final paragraph. Thomas was preceded in the Pershore pastorate by his father, also Timothy Thomas, pastor from 1696/7 until his death in 1716. Thomas senior and his wife Anne were Welsh. She tried to procure Philip Doddridge as pastor of the open communion church, following her son's death. By 1760 John Ash was pastor (he came in 1746). Thomas junior died prematurely in 1720, only three years into the pastorate and no more than twenty years of age. His personality continued to speak, in his diary and letters, which, a generation later were handed by his sister to Thomas Gibbons (1720-1785), minister of the Independent Church at Haberdashers Hall, London, who in 1752 published them anonymously as The Hidden Life of a Christian. It is interesting that the young man's eager, devout spirit evidently made an instant appeal to those caught up in th Evangelical Revival (a second edition was soon called for and it was translated into Welsh) even though he wrote in the years 1710-1720, a time when religion in England is often supposed to have been at a low ebb. See also my blog entry here.

Letter 02

This posthumous letter also appeared in the Evangelical Magazine

October 18, 1759

Dear Cousin
Though the motions of the wheels of Providence are rough and intricate, nay, though they are retrograde, and sometimes seem to go back, yet there are eyes within and without, and I doubt not but all thing are ordered by an infinitely wise God for your good and advantage. I hope you have found the school of affliction to be the school of Christ, and that you can say with David, in very faithfulness thou hast afflicted me.
In your last you told me of a promise that had been sweet to you: by that God was by preparing you for the sorrowful scene that followed. He allured you, and brought you into the wilderness, and I trust he has there spoken comfortably to you. The bitter cup is sometimes as necessary as the cordial draught; and when God teaches us, as Gideon did the men of Succoth, by the briars and thorns of the wilderness, his lessons often often make the deepest impression. I shall be heartily glad to hear of the perfect restoration of your health and above all, of your spiritual welfare, I am, etc. BB

Letter 01

The following posthumously published letter is found in The Evangelical Magazine for 1800. There is a preamble first:
The following original letter of that excellent and ingenious man, the late Rev. B. Beddome, pastor of the Baptist Church at Bourton on the water, having lately been put into my hands by one of his relations to whom it was addressed; I obtained leave to make an extract, which you are at liberty to insert in the Evangelical Magazine, if it pleases you as well as it has done your correspondent. S C.

The extract is as follows:

Bourton, July 23, 1759

I lament that my conversation when you were at Bourton was not more instructive. Alas! I often think of the words of one of the first Reformers: “Old Adam is too cunning for Melanchthon”. If my preaching has been blessed to others, if it was so in the least measure to you, not the preacher, but God must have the glory. Whatever I hear from others, I see, I feel, enough in myself to keep me humble. May your good wishes in your letter be continually turned into fervent prayers to God, in my behalf: for I may say of the things wished, as David does of the well-ordered covenant, they contain all my salvation, and are all my desire; and I return them by wishing you all needful supplies of grace here, and a well-grounded soul-enlivening hope of glory hereafter - O may we be more and more prepared for that state where all the endearments of friendship will be felt, without those unhappy mixtures which embitter all its sweets upon earth.

Thus prays, yours, &tc. B B

Sermon 65 The Christian Conqueror

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Rom 8:37 In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

The Christian Conqueror

The character here given to Christ is that which distinguishes him from all others; for he only hath loved us. Others may indeed have loved us; but no one ever did or can love like him, and all other love is such as scarcely deserves the name. "Herein is love! Not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." Paul does not speak of Christ by name, but of " Him that loved us," as if there were no other who deserved that character, and as if all other friendships were lost in this. And of all the properties ascribed to the Saviour, his love is the most wonderful, the most distinguishing, and the most endearing. This it is that raises the admiration of the saints on earth - "Who loved me, and gave himself for me." And this it is that fills the joy and triumph of the redeemed above - "Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." In the verse preceding the text, the apostle sets forth the difficulties and dangers to which the followers of Christ are exposed. "As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter." Then it follows, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors;" not only in the things just before mentioned, but in all other things, some of which occur in the former parts of this chapter. We are more than conquerors but neither the victory nor the glory are to be ascribed to us: it is "through him that loved us." Rev 1:3.

I. Christians are described as Conquerors A conqueror is one that overcomes and gains the victory, and this supposes a conflict, or striving for the mastery. So there are several circumstances in the Christian life in which he is thus engaged, and in which he is crowned with victory. 1. Christians are made conquerors at their first conversion, when through grace they obtain deliverance from the power of darkness and unbelief. 2. When grace gains the ascendancy, and particular corruptions are weakened and subdued. 3. Believers are conquerors at a throne of grace. God fulfils their requests, and often exceeds them, as he did those of Solomon. 4. Believers overcome the afflictions and trials of the present life, and such as they are called especially to endure for Christ's sake, and so are conquerors. 5. The saints are conquerors in a dying hour. II. Christians are not only conquerors, but more than conquerors. 1. They conquer those enemies which none besides can conquer, and which to all others would be invincible. 2. The means by which they overcome are such as enhance the glory of their conquests. 3. There is also something in the manner in which they overcome that makes them more than conquerors. Improvement (1) Let not believers be dismayed at any opposition. "A troop may overcome them, but they shall overcome at last." Does the world molest, or Satan exult over the Christian? Even out of the dust he may lift up his head, and say, "Rejoice not over me, O mine enemy; for when I fall, I shall arise." The strong expression in our text is well adapted to excite strong confidence, and the believer may sing with the Psalmist, " The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear ? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise up against me in this will I be confident." Ps 27:1-3. (2) The most successful Christian should take heed of pride and self-sufficiency. Let him say with the apostle, "Not I, but Christ who dwelleth in me." We are but striplings at best in the field of battle have no might or power of our own to encounter the great multitude that is coming up against us: Jesus is a great king, against whom there is no rising up. The best of men, if left to themselves, would be in a very unsafe condition. Our conquest over Satan, death and hell, is not by any policy or power that we can exercise, but by the abounding grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The comforts arising from our hopes of victory belong to us, but the crown must be placed on the Redeemer's head, and let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord. If we are conquerors, more than conquerors, it is only through Him that hath loved us. The ransomed of the Lord shall return to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads: the days of their mourning shall be ended, their warfare shall be accomplished. May it be happiness to join their society, and swell the triumph of that day!

Bless'd is the man, for ever bless'd, Whose trust is in the Lord ; He is of every good possess'd, That 's promised in his word. While he the heavenly path pursues, Amidst a thousand snares, His daily strength the Lord renews, And scatters all his fears. Should powers of earth and hell combine, To make his soul a prey, At once he 'll frustrate their design, Who stronger is than they. Fresh conquests, faith shall still obtain, O'er each rebellious lust; This is the portion of the man, Who makes the Lord his trust. (This hymn appears in some editions. It is 243 in the book.)

Sermon 54 Visibleness of true religion

Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God was glad.

The visibleness of true religion

The occasion of these words, and the manner which they are introduced, may be learned from the context. The persons in whom the grace of God was seen, were the new converts at Antioch, and the person who saw it was Barnabas, who had been sent to the church at Jerusalem to know the certainty of the report concerning them, and to strengthen them in the ways of the Lord. The interview to him was highly satisfactory, and to them it was no less profitable. By "the grace of God" in scripture, is generally meant his favour to the unworthy, in opposition to merit or desert. It supposes that God is under no constraint in exercising mercy, and that man has no claims upon him. It is the only source of all the great things that are done for us in this world, and of all the blessings we shall enjoy in the next. This grace is displayed in our regeneration, sanctification and preservation; and when its subjects are completely glorified, grace will be fully satisfied. Faith is necessary to salvation, but does not lessen its freeness, for that also is matter of free favour. "By grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Eph 2:8, 9). Grace is sometimes put for the effect of God's free favour towards us, and is so to be understood in our text. Considering it as the original cause of our salvation, it is grace in the fountain: in its operations, it is grace in the stream: grace in the principle, and in the product. In both respects it is absolutely free, without money and without price. It prevents our deserts and endeavours, and far exceeds our highest hopes. Let us proceed to notice two things principally arising from the words before us - namely, that where true grace is, it ill be seen - and, that the appearance of it in others is matter of joy to Christians, especially to faithful ministers.

I. Where the grace of God is, it will be seen

1. Sometimes it may be seen even in the countenance. 2. The grace of God will be discovered in their conversation. 3. It may be seen in their conduct and deportment.

II. The appearance of the grace of God in others is matter of joy to Christians, especially to faithful ministers. Barnabas was only a visitor at Antioch, and had not been the instrument of this great work; it was effected chiefly by the preaching of the men of Cyprus and Cyrene; yet he rejoices in it, and afterwards abides with them, and much people were still added unto the Lord. He rejoiced on their account who had received the grace of God, on his account who bestowed it, and also on his own account, as affording a prospect of success in his future labours among them.

1. It was matter of joy that these persons were become real Christians, and not such in name and appearance only. 2. They were such as had appeared openly for Christ, as well as truly believed on him. 3. The converts at Antioch appear to have been eminent in their profession, as well as sincere, and this also was matter of joy to Barnabas.

Reflections (1) If believers may see the grace of God in others, why not in themselves? That which is an evidence of grace in one is so in another, and yet it often happens that what we see in others we cannot see in ourselves, though others cannot see it in us. But we know more of our own defects than others' can know of us, and therefore it is that we are more doubtful of the good that may be in us: yet we should do ourselves the justice to consider that as an evidence of grace which we allow to be so in another. "Let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another." Gal 6:4 (2) If our seeing the grace of God in this world be matter of joy, what will it be hereafter, when its work shall be completed, and every imperfection be done away! If the first-fruits be so sweet, what will be the harvest ? The church is now fair as the moon, but then it will be clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. "The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." Isa 35:10.