OF THOSE THAT RECEIVE NOT THE SPIRIT.

Read 1 Cor. ii.

I. My Spirit shall not always strive with man. Gen.

vi. 3.

"For he is flesh," given up to thoughts and desires of the flesh. The Holy Spirit strives awhile; but if we will resist, it must be to our ruin. He cannot dwell in a fleshly mind. What is mine? Is it given up to Him? Gal. v. 17; Is. lxiii. 10.

II. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within Mine house. Ps. ci. 7.

Nor will he, who hateth lies, abide with the deceitful-with those who deceive others-who deceive themselves, but who cannot deceive God. Worst of all is evil under the garb of good. Flee this, O my soul. Ps. v. 5, &c.

III. The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive. S. John xiv. 17.

The things of heaven are true and eternal; those of earth are false and temporal. The world offers these last, riches, honours, pleasures; but the things of the Spirit, which are contrary, it cannot abide. Which do I choose? Heb. xi. 24-26.

Text.

Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God. Quench not the Spirit. Eph. v. 30; 1 Thes. v. 19.1

THE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY TRINITY.

Read 1 John v.

I. The Lord our God is One Lord.

Deut. vi. 4. Infinite in all perfections. The Beginning, the End of all things. The only God, beside whom there is none other. Him we cannot comprehend, but we may believe, adore, love. How have I set up other gods for myself! Be Thou only my God. Is. xlv. 22.

II. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. S. Matt. xxviii. 19.

Here is the mystery. THREE IN ONE. One in essence, yet Three Persons. The Son begotten of the Father. The Holy Ghost proceeding from the Father and the Son. This 1 cannot comprehend, yet I believe and receive it, O God triune! Make me to know Thee. S. Matt. iii. 16, 17.

III. Holy, holy, holy, Lord God. Rev. iv. 8.

Yet they aimed at

But holiFrom this

In all perfections infinitely perfect. cry "Holy." The angels and man His greatness and wisdom, and fell. ness becometh His house for ever. we have fallen. This alone He bids us imitate. In this, oh, how have I failed! 1 Pet. i. 15, 16.

Text.

THESE THREE ARE ONE.

Levit. xi. 44;

1 John v. 7.

For thoughts on the Gospel of the day, see pp. 239, 240.

THE PERSON OF THE FATHER.

Read S. John v. 17-31.

I. Shall I bring to the birth, and not [beget, marg.]. Is. lxvi. 9.

The Father is the fount and origin of all divine perfections; proceeding from none Himself, but of whom all proceed. Who above all begat the Eternal Son, one with the Father. Give us, O Father Almighty, to be one with Thee and in Thee; to believe and adore. 2 Cor. x. 5.

II. The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. Eph. iii. 14, 15.

Within the Eternal Godhead is the only-begotten Son; but beyond and beneath, a family innumerable-sons begotten in Christ. Here is enough to make me glory and be ashamed, rejoice and fear. What honour! How abused! 1 John iii. 1.

III. In Thine hand is power and might. 1 Chron.

xxix. 12.

Not but that power is equally in all the Godhead; but it is attributed to the Father the fount of all. We are of nothing; whatever we are, we are His. Render, then, thyself to Him, and Him only, O my soul. Hast thou done so? Wilt thou? Ps. c. 3.

Text.

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Eph. iv. 6.

THE PERSON OF THE SON.

Read S. John i. 1-18.

I. The only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father. Ib. 18.

The express image of the Father; in nature, in substance, in perfections one.

He lives and loves and is blessed with Him; and from Him and the Father proceedeth the Spirit. And I too am made in His image. Oh, how fallen! Gen. i. 27.

II. The firstborn among many brethren. Rom. viii.

29.

By the taking of our nature He has made Himself our brother. By the shedding of His blood and the grace of adoption He has made us His brethren. Have I fully entered into and sufficiently esteemed this marvellous grace? Heb. ii. 11.

III. In wisdom hast Thou made them all. Ps. civ. 24.

By Him were all things made, and He is the true wisdom of God,-the light and life of the world. Let me, then, seek of Thee, O Lord, true wisdom, contempt of earthly things, desire of heavenly. So may I attain to Thy presence and glory. Prov. iii. 19, &c.

Text.

To the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever.

Heb. i. 8.

THE PERSON OF THE HOLY GHOST.

Read S. John xv. 26, 27; xvi. 7-15.

I. The Comforter, the Spirit of truth. Ib. 26.

He who proceedeth from the Father and the Son,-sent forth of the Son from the Father,He is the Spirit of love, the Spirit of truth, the Spirit of God, knitting both in one, Himself one with the Father and the Son. By Him may we also be one with God. 1 Cor. vi. 17.

II. Ye have received the Spirit of adoption. Rom.

viii. 15.

The children of God, the brethren of Christ, -these are sanctified of the Spirit; these He perfects for glory. Yet how often have I resisted and grieved Him, unworthy of my heavenly calling! 1 Thess. iv. 8.

III. Let Thy loving Spirit lead me. Ps. cxliii. 10.

Equally with the Father and the Son is He filled with love, pity, compassion. To Him all thanks are due for my guidance, comfort, peace. Blessed be God! Eph. iv. 30.

Text.

That Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance. Eph. i. 13, 14.