It is the honor and happiness of some to be thus related to the Lord; "born again not of corruptible seed--but of incorruptible, which lives and abides forever." The Holy Spirit quickens them to feel their malady and misery, and enlightens them to see their danger and desert: he leads them to confess their sin, cry for mercy, plead for pardon, and loathe themselves. They look unto the Lord, as directed in his holy word: they wait upon him, as encouraged by his faithful servants; and, at length, they receive the Holy Spirit as a Spirit of adoption, whereby they cry, "Abba, Father!"
They discover their saving interest in his love, their title to his promises, their right to the provision he has made for his family; and they love him, revere him, adore him, and obey him. His word becomes the man of their counsel, his throne their beloved resort, his people their chosen companions, and his ordinances their delight. The things of time lose their charms, and the things of eternity become all-important. They become dead to the world, and alive unto God; they live by faith, follow on to know the Lord, and walk in the foot-steps of the flock. Sin they hate, holiness they love. A conflict between the flesh and the Spirit they feel, and are often distressed by the hardness, carelessness, and indifference of their minds.
They want to be all light, all love, all joy, and all obedience. The Lord's children are not what they wish to be--but they cannot be what they used to be. Sin plagues them, Satan distresses them, the world tries them, and at times the Lord hides his face from them. Love makes them uneasy when at a distance from the Lord; and an enlightened, sanctified conscience condemns them when they indulge any sin. They admire and wonder at Jehovah's love, depend upon free grace, rest upon the atonement, walk by Bible rules, and surrender themselves entirely to God. Christ is the object of their faith, the subject of their meditation, and the source of their happiness. They are jealous of the Lord's glory, zealous for the extension of his cause, and devoted to his fear. They distrust themselves, and trust alone in the Lord. They want to be always near him, to find him in every ordinance, and enjoy him in every spiritual exercise. Jesus is the light of their eyes, the joy of their hearts, and the rock of their hope.
They are distinct from the world, though living in the world. Unknown and yet well known. Hidden from men in general, who know them not; but manifest to God, who loves them, visits them, and rejoices over them. They are often deeply afflicted--but never for a moment neglected. They are often sorely tempted--but safely protected. Everything at times seems against them--but all is in reality for them, and must work their good. Almighty God watches over them, angels minister to them, devils tremble before them, and heaven is waiting to receive them. The fullness of Christ is intended to supply them, a special providence is over them, and all things are given to them. Things present and things to come are theirs. Every attribute in the divine nature, every letter in Jehovah's name, and every promise in God's book--stand engaged to make them blessed. Their names are in the book of life, their persons are in the Redeemer's hands, and their life is hid with Christ in God. They are heirs of God, and joint-heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord now invites them to the throne of grace, and promises to raise them to the throne of glory. Death for them is unstung, and is changed into a friend. The grave is perfumed, and called a bed of rest. And Jesus has pledged himself to come and receive them unto himself. Christ and they are in vital and eternal union. Immortality is their portion, and eternity the duration of their happiness. They live for Jesus on earth, who lives for them in heaven. They represent him below, he represents them above. They wear his name, his righteousness, and his honors. They possess his nature, his Spirit, and his likeness. Identified with him, they will be glorified together.
Jesus is their present and unchangeable friend; his pity and power secure them at all times. Pity reigns in his heart, and he employs his power to protect, preserve, and keep them. He will not fail them nor ever forsake them--all his goodness shall pass before them, he gives his glory to them, and will be eternally glorified in them.
Happy are the people who are in such a case, yes, blessed are the people who are the children of God. They are safe now, they shall be happy forever. It befits them to be humble--for grace alone distinguished them thus. It befits them to be grateful--for many as good as they are left. It befits them to be dutiful--for their obligations are infinite. It befits them to seek in all things the Lord's glory, who has thus secured their salvation and endless happiness.
But there is another family, the children of the devil. To one or the other of these we must belong. Satan's children possess his spirit, imitate his conduct, walk by his rules, and are led by him at his will. He dwells in them, rules over them, deceives and deludes them, and will eternally torment them. This is the epitome of wretchedness, and the source of misery and distress. Ask, to which family do I belong? Whose image do I bear? Whose spirit do I breathe? Whose conduct do I imitate?
