Lord (the Glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of Grace and Truth), are changed into the same Image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of God.' (2 Cor. iii. 17, 18.) Those who receive Christ Jesus the Lord, are begotten again to a lively (or living) Hope of an Inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. (1 Pet. i. 3, 4.) The Holy Spirit is 'the EARNEST of this Inheritance, until the Redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His Glory.' (Eph. i. 13, 14.) 'Ourselves also which have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the Adoption, to wit, the Redemption of the Body.' (Rom. viii. 19-27.)

As the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God is given as the EARNEST, securing the full possession in the appointed time, so is He also given as the SEAL, by which the lawful possessor is secured to all that is covenanted for by God, in Christ Jesus. For all the Promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, to the Glory of God by us. Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; who hath also SEALED us, and given the Earnest of His Spirit in our hearts.' (2 Cor. i. 20-22.) In whom also ("in Christ") after that ye believed ye were SEALED with that Holy Spirit of Promise.' (Eph. i. 13.) Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are SEALED unto the Day of Redemption.' (Eph. iv. 30.)

The Holy Spirit is also the WITNESS by whom the Adoption into the Family of God is confirmed and established. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but have received the Spirit of Adoption, whereby we cry ABBA, FATHER. The Spirit itself beareth

ye

WITNESS with our spirit that we are the Children of God.' (Rom. viii. 14-16.) 'Many will say unto me in that Day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy Name, and in Thy Name cast out Devils, and in Thy Name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me ye that work iniquity.' (Matt. vii. 21.) An outward Profession, without the renewing Grace of the Holy Spirit, is iniquity in the sight of God. (Isa. xxix. 13, 14; Ezek. xxxiii. 30-33.) Ye hypocrites! Well did Esaias prophesy of you saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.' (Matt. xv. 7-9.) No Witness of man is received of God, without the WITNESS of the Spirit. It is the Spirit that beareth WITNESS, because the Spirit is Truth.' (1 John, v. 6.)

We are warned not to resist the Spirit of God. (Acts, vii. 51.) We are warned not to grieve the Spirit of God. (Eph. iv. 30.) We are warned not

to quench the Spirit of God. (1 Thess. v. 19.) And the Lord said, 'My Spirit shall not always strive with man.' (Gen. vi. 3.)

"There is therefore now no Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus; who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.' (Rom. viii. 1.) For through Him we both (Jew and Gentile) have access by One Spirit unto the Father.' (Eph. ii. 10-18.) 'The Spirit and the Bride say, Come; and let him that heareth say, Come; and let him that is athirst Come; and whosoever will, let him come and take the water of life freely.' (Rev. xxii. 17.)

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CHAPTER XI.

THE WORLD.

6

LOVE NOT THE WORLD, NEITHER THE THINGS THAT ARE IN THE WORLD. IF ANY MAN LOVE THE WORLD THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM. FOR ALL THAT IS IN THE WORLD, THE LUST OF THE FLESH, AND THE LUST OF THE EYES, AND THE PRIDE OF LIFE, IS NOT OF THE FATHER, BUT IS OF THE WORLD. AND THE WORLD PASSETH AWAY, AND THE LUST THEREOF; BUT HE THAT DOETH THE WILL OF GOD ABIDETH FOR EVER.'-1 JOHN, II. 15-17.

WHAT is the World that God commands me not to love? This question is often asked, and too often left unanswered. The inquirer finding no ready reply, takes refuge in ignorance, self-persuaded that what is not distinctly seen or understood can only be taken in a general way, or cannot be followed by all; that the habits, the customs, and the pleasures of the World cannot be condemned for those in whose path they are strewn, if only things that are known to be wrong are avoided.

But we are led back to the question, What is Right and Wrong? What is it that constitutes the Nature, the very being of Right and Wrong? Is it our opinion of a thing that can make it Right or Wrong for us? Then there could be nothing really Right or Wrong, because no two persons hold

exactly the same opinions. If there be such a reality as Right and Wrong,-and well we know there is then it must be fixed and judged by some unwavering Law, and the only fixed unwavering Law is the Law of God. That Law is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. If that Law governs a man it reigns in his heart, it directs and restrains his affections; he who has not the Law of God written on his heart is no subject of God's Kingdom. Give Him thy heart, and He receives thee as thou art; withhold from Him thy heart, and nothing else thou canst offer will find any acceptance with Him! My son, give me thine heart.' (Prov. xxiii. 26.)

The Law is, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.' And 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.' (Matt. xxii. 37-40.) 'Love not the World; neither the things that are in the World; if any man love the World, the love of the Father is not in him.' (1 John, ii. 15.) It is plain that these two things, the love of God and the love of the World, cannot be united. If any man love the World, the love of the Father is not in him.' This divine declaration stands like a Rock, a barrier that none can pass over, between the love of God and the love of the World. In some who love the World the waves of natural emotion and sentiment may rise high, but they can only fall back again into the source from which they rose; they cannot pass the barrier