1. “THE kingdom of God,” saith our blessed Lord, “is within you.” It is no outward, no distant thing: “but a well of living water” in the soul, “springing up into everlasting life.” It is “righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” It is holiness and happiness.
2. The general manner wherein it pleases God to set it up in the heart is this. A sinner, being drawn by the love of the Father, enlightened by the Son (“the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world”) and convinced of sin by the Holy Ghost; through the preventing grace which is given him freely, cometh weary and heavy laden, and casteth all his sins upon him that is “mighty to save.” He receiveth from him, true living faith. Being justified by faith he hath peace with God: he rejoices in hope of the glory of God, and knows that sin hath no more dominion over him. And the love of God is shed abroad in his heart, producing all holiness of heart and of conversation.
3. This work of God in the soul of man is so described in the following treatise, as I have not seen it in any other, either antient or modern, in our own or any other language. So that I cannot but value it next to the holy scriptures, above any other human composition, excepting only the Christian pattern, and the small remains of Clemens Romanus, Polycarp, and Ignatius.
4. Yet this great servant of God at some times fell back from the glorious liberty he had received, into the spirit of fear and sin and bondage. But why was it thus? Because the hand of the Lord was shortened? No verily: but because he did not abide in Christ; because he did not cleave to him with all his heart: because he grieved the holy Spirit, by some, perhaps undiscerned, unfaithfulness; who thereupon for a season departing from him, left him weak and like another man.
5. But it may be said, “The gospel covenant does not promise entire freedom from sin.” What do you mean by the word sin? Those numberless weaknesses and follies, sometimes (improperly) termed sins of infirmity? If you mean only this, we shall not put off these but with our bodies. But if you mean, “It does not promise entire freedom from sin, in its proper sense, or from committing sin:” this is by no means true, unless the scripture be false: for thus it is written: “whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin:” (unless he lose the spirit of adoption, if not finally, yet for awhile, as did this child of God) “for his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” He cannot sin so long as “he keepeth himself;” for then “that wicked one toucheth him not.” 1 John iii. 9, 5, 18.
6. We see then how to judge of that other assertion, “That the mercy of God to his sons in Christ Jesus, extends to all infirmities, follies and sins, multiplied relapses not excepted.” We grant many of the children of God find mercy, notwithstanding multiplied relapses. But tho’ it is possible a man may be a child of God, who is not fully freed from sin, it does not follow that freedom from sin is impossible; or, that it is not to be expected by all; for it is promised. It is described by the Holy Ghost as the common privilege of all. And “God will be mindful (O let us be so!) of his covenant and promise, which he hath made to a thousand generations.”
7. This caution is necessary to be remembered, that ye who are weak be not offended. Neither be ye offended, when ye hear the wisdom of the world pronounce all this, mere enthusiasm: a hard word, which most of those who are fondest of it, no more understand [♦]than they do Arabic. Ask, in the spirit of meekness, him who calls it so, “Is the kingdom of God set up in your soul? Do you feel that peace of God which passeth all understanding? Do you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory? Is the love of God shed abroad in your heart, by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in you?” If not, you are no judge of these matters. You cannot discern the things of the spirit of God. They are enthusiasm, madness, foolishness to you: for they are spiritually discerned.
[♦] duplicate word “than” removed
8. Ask such a one (but with meekness and love) “Are you taught of God? Do you know that he abideth in you? Have you the revelation of the Holy Ghost (they are the words of your own church) inspiring into you the true meaning of scripture?” If you have not, with all your human science and worldly wisdom, you know nothing yet as you ought to know. Whatever you are in other respects, as to the things of God, you are an unlearned and ignorant man. And if you are unstable too, you will wrest these, as you do also the other scriptures, to your own destruction.
9. Be not then surprized, ye that wait for peace, and joy, and love, thro’ faith in the blood of Jesus, that such judges, as these are continually crying out “Enthusiasm!” if you speak of the inward operations of the Holy Ghost. And as to you who have already peace with God, thro’ our Lord Jesus Christ, who now feel his love shed abroad in your hearts, by the Holy Ghost which is given unto you; with whose spirit the spirit of God beareth witness, that ye are the sons of God; it is your part to confirm your love toward them in all lowliness and meekness: (for who is it that maketh thee to differ? Or what hast thou, which thou hast not received?) And to plead earnestly for them at the throne of grace, that the day-star may appear in their hearts also, and the sun of righteousness at length arise upon them, with healing in his wings!