It is a well known law in the natural world, that the streams which flow from a fountain, cannot rise higher than the fountain itself. Exactly so it is with the flow of thought in the soul of man. While it remains in its natural state, such as it is when man is born of the flesh, it cannot ascend higher in the current of its meditations, desires, and affections, than the pursuits and gratifications of the body. If left to pursue its native propensities, God, and heaven, and holiness, would not be in all its thoughts. Or should it at any time be forced, by external causes, to think for a few moments of eternity and the world beyond the grave; it is unhappy till again it be allowed to follow its favourite theme, and to dwell in its meditations on the things which are on earth. So true is the testimony of our Lord; "Where a man's treasure is, there will his heart be also."*

The same principle holds good with respect to the soul which is born from above. While "that which is born of the flesh, is flesh; that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit."+ As naturally in this case, as in the former, does the heaven-born soul ascend to that world from which it derived its spiritual life, and delights to dwell in meditating on those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. In that world lies the inheritance of the sons of God, the inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and which fadeth not away. In that world are gathered many of their dear brethren in the Lord; and there

the whole family, in due time, shall be collected. In that world dwells Christ their Redeemer, the object of their supreme delight; "whom having not seen, they love; and in whom, though now they see him not, yet believing, they rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory."* In that world they expect to see him face to face, to abide for ever in his presence, and to be assimilated to him in holiness, glory, and bliss. Say then, is it wonderful that they should be heavenly-minded? Rather, would it not be wonderful were it otherwise? Sooner shall the captive in a foreign land cease to think of the dear country and home from which he is severed; the wretched miser cease to think of his hoarded treasures; or the heir apparent of a crown and kingdom cease to think of the period when he shall ascend his throne,-than the children of God will live day after day, without feeling their hearts ascend to heaven. The cares, and business, and temptations of the world, may for a time fix their attention, engross their thoughts, and chain them to the dust. But anon they spring on high, like a bird escaped from the snare of the fowler, and enter the world where they desire eternally to dwell. Their meditations of heaven, and heavenly things, are so sweet and refreshing to their souls, that they delight to return to them, and break them off with reluctance. With the prophet they can appeal to God himself; "O Lord, the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee." †

12. The last evidence of a gracious state which I shall here mention, is sincere concern for the salvation of others. It is possible, indeed, that something which resembles this may be found in unregenerate men. They whose office it is to preach the gospel, though themselves in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity, unavoidably must sometimes utter verbal lessons, which call sinners to turn from the evil of their ways. And persons who are under qualms of conscience, or who wish to be thought very religious, may, on some rare occasions, manifest a kind of momentary desire to prevent the everlasting misery of the giddy and wicked around them. But neither of these can experience a sincere and settled concern for the salvation of any one. The truth is, that no man can be truly desirous of this, while he himself continues under the thraldom of sin. Whatever he may say to the contrary, his conscience must bear witness against him.

They, on the contrary, who have experienced the riches of Divine mercy, are made deeply and abidingly solicitous that all about them should participate of the same blessings. Taught of God to see their own perilous condition while without Christ, they cannot shut their eyes against the awful danger to which others in that state are exposed, and refrain from earnestly warning them to escape. And knowing, as they do, the preciousness of Christ, the value of the blessings of his grace, and the free offer of them which is made to the chief of sinners; they are constrained to beseech them not to neglect this great

salvation. As Moses said to Hobab, so they speak to every careless sinner around them; "We are journeying to the place of which the Lord has said, I will give it you; come thou with us, and we will do thee good; for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel." * Like the woman of Samaria, their language to all such is, “Come, see a man who told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?”+ And like Andrew they study to act, concerning whom it is testified, that, as soon as he had become acquainted with Christ, "he first findeth his own brother, Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus." ‡

Like these characters, my reader, if you have tasted that the Lord is gracious, you will experience and manifest a concern for the salvation of others, especially those of your own house. You will find it impossible to be silent and unconcerned, day after day, and year after year, while you behold them heedlessly travelling in the broad way which leads to destruction. Unwelcome though your friendly counsel and reproof may be, and requited though your love to them should be with hatred; you will warn them of their danger, and endeavour to prevent their everlasting ruin. If a husband, you will discover solicitude for the salvation of your wife, or if a wife, you will be fervently desirous of the salvation of your husband. If a parent, you will travail as in birth for your children, that Christ may

• Numb. x. 29.

+ John iv. 29.

[ John i. 41, 42.

be formed in them, the hope of glory. In fine, in every relation of life, whether as a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, a master or a servant, as far as you are able, you will seek to commend Christ to your kindred and connections. By frequent instruction and affectionate counsel,-by putting into their hands suitable books,-by bringing them in the way of religious company and conversation,-by taking them along with you, when you can, to the public ordinances of the gospel,-by the light of your own pious example, and by frequent and fervent prayer to the Lord, you will endeavour to bring them to Christ.

Thus I have set before you, I trust, a sufficient number of plain Scripture evidences of a gracious state, to enable you to judge what is your true character.* Though you may not be able to lay claim to all of them, yet if you see that some of them are descriptive of your condition and habitual practice, you are a child of God, and have much cause to give glory to the Lord for his rich and distinguishing grace to your soul. Watchfully guard against spiritual pride, and indolent security. More and more aspire after higher attainments in the divine life, and fuller and clearer evidences that you are an heir of a celestial crown and kingdom. Press on towards the mark of Christian perfection, and after a few more efforts you shall obtain possession of glory, honour, and immortality, eternal life.

But should you, after careful and repeated trials,

• See a number of additional evidences in Chapter Ninth.

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