:

vilege "they who receive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness."

The "righteousness" here intended is that which avails to justification; that which is the ground of a sinner's acceptance in the sight of God. And grace, the "abundance of grace," is the free favour and love of God communicated to sinful men, producing renovation of heart, growth in holiness, and meetness for heaven. This righteousness, and this grace, are in Christ Jesus, and are exhibited by the Gospel. But this is not enough: in order to personal benefit by them, they must be received, cordially and thankfully embraced. Each of these thoughts deserves more distinct notice.

1. "The gift of righteousness."-We cannot speak too highly of this inestimable blessing. It is "the obedience of One" by which many are made righteous; it is "the righteousness of One" unto justification of life. "In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord our Righteousness." Believers, it is this that covers all your pollution, that hides all your deformity, that makes you comely in the eyes of Infinite Purity, that secures your present peace, that fills you with hope in the hour of death, and gives you confidence and triumph at the day of judgment. "Surely shall one say, In the Lord have I righteousness and strength. In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory." How elevated the language of appropriating faith, and of grateful satisfaction in this delightful truth! "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God, for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation; he hath covered me with the

robe of righteousness." It is denominated "the righteousness of faith," as by faith it is received and applied. It is "the righteousness of God"-a Divine righteousness, provided, approved, and accepted of God-" by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all, and upon all them that believe †."

How vastly important the question-Do you believe? Renouncing your own righteousness, as ground of justification with God, is this of the Saviour your only plea? Disclaiming every pretence of merit in yourselves, as entitling you to the Divine favour, is the satisfaction of the Saviour your only reliance, and your hope? Are you looking for all in Him, and depending for all upon Him? Is the perfection of his work the solace of your heart; and are you by faith receiving "the gift of righteousness," that you may" reign in life by Jesus Christ?"- But,

2. It is not enough, in order to spiritual and heavenly happiness, that we be justified; we must also be sanctified; our hearts must be renewed and made holy. Hence this "abundance of grace" of which the text speaks, and the necessity of receiving it.

Grace, abundant grace, shines in the provision of a justifying righteousness, in the whole plan of redemption by the obedience and sacrifice of Christ; but especially it shines in the application of the blessings of redemption, in the work of the Holy Spirit on the heart, in the whole progress of his operation, from its first commencement to its final completion.

What is it that finds the sinner going on in his trespasses; ignorant, heedless, impenitent; seeking death in the error of his way, and fitting himself for + Rom. iii. 22.

* Is. lxi. 10.

destruction? What is it that stops this man in his career of folly and sin; that makes him think; that brings him to reflect on the past, and to dread the future? What is it that melts his hard heart, that humbles his proud spirit, that makes him penitent, that constrains him to weep, and that urges him to pray? What is it that leads him trembling to Jesus Christ, that inclines him to seek salvation by Him, that encourages to trust in Him, to submit to Him, and to give up all for his sake, and for the excellency of the knowledge of Him? These questions admit but of one answer: It is " abundance of grace"-" great grace"-" the manifold grace of God."

We might pursue these inquiries; for it is well to be reminded of the plainest truths, and to trace our blessings to their proper source. Ask the believer, who has come to Jesus, and who lives by Him-what preserves this life; what prevents its utter extinction? Himself so weak and worthless, surrounded with deadly enemies, beset with formidable temptations, what keeps him from falling, and upholds him in vigour and in hope? What is it that wastes the power of corruption, that subdues indwelling sin, that destroys those vile affections and "fleshly lusts which war against the soul?" In short, what is it that gradually prepares a depraved creature for heaven; that performs and perfects the work of holiness; that makes such polluted worms as we meet for the inheritance of saints, the society of angels, the presence of God? The same answer can only be repeated: It is the " abundance of grace"— the riches, the "exceeding riches of his grace."

3. Are you then receiving this "grace" and this " righteousness?" They are displayed in the salvation of man they are set forth and warmly recom

mended in "the glorious Gospel of the blessed God:" but the great inquiry is, What regard do they meet with? Is it that cordial and thankful reception which proves your interest in them, your personal experience of them?

You need not be told that multitudes are ignorant of the grace of God: they slight it, they refuse it. And it may be thus with some of you: it certainly is the case with all who are living in negligence and sin; and if you are thus living, the point is plain; what need of farther proof? "The grace of God bringing salvation, teaches, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." If you have not learnt this, surely the "abundance of grace " has hitherto been rejected!

But you do not class yourselves among despisers and rejectors: you hope better things of yourselves, and things which accompany salvation. Now, bring home the question: Who shall "reign in life by Jesus Christ?" Not the proud and self-righteous: these have always been far from the kingdom of God: they were the most hopeless characters in the days of our blessed Lord. Pride therefore must be abased, self-righteousness renounced, our personal guilt and utter unworthiness confessed; persuaded of the worth and glory of the Redeemer's "righteousness," we must accept it—cordially and thankfully receive it.

Who shall "reign in life by Jesus Christ?" Not they who merely hear of "grace," who only talk of grace; who extol its riches, and seem delighted with its liberality; but they who receive it;-who, conscious of their need, implore it, imbibe it, and manifest its influence on their tempers and lives. Here is the distinction which determines character; the

grand difference between empty professors of religion, and sincere, decided Christians!-These receive abundance of grace, and receive of the gift of righteousness, that they may "reign in life by Jesus Christ."

From this subject learn,

1. The Gospel-way of salvation. "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."-To have a mind enlightened into the meaning of this passage of Scripture, and a heart humbled to acquiesce in it, is worth more than a world. You hope for acceptance with God, but on what ground? You cannot be accepted on the ground of your own worthiness, or for the merit of your own works; it must be in consideration of the "righteousness" of another, and this righteousness provided by the " abundance of grace," and received by the exercise of faith. This is "the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone.” We can account for the ignorance which prevails on this subject, only by adverting to a still more radical evil-the pride and prejudice of the human heart. The essential truths of the Gospel are clear as the light: they are written as with a sunbeam. The way of acceptance with God, of salvation by Jesus Christ, is plain to the most illiterate; "the way-faring men, though fools, shall not err therein:"-" knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ; even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."-Learn,

2. The folly and ruin of refusing this way of sal