Ephesians 4:32

REFLECTIONS

READER! pause over the very blessed things contained In this Chapter, in setting forth the oneness and unity in Christ, and his Church. And then say, what powerful persuasions are continually arising from thence, that there should be one heart, and one affection, in everything which can contribute to the spiritual union, among the people. If one God and Father, one Lord Jesus Christ, one Holy Ghost, one Church, one faith, one baptism of the Spirit; how can it be otherwise, while under the sweet and gracious influences of those principles, but that oneness of affection, like a golden chain, must link the whole together; and the whole Church of God, be as brethren, dwelling together in unity!

Blessed be the glorious Head of his Church, who hath sent down his ascension-gifts upon his Church, and thereby manifested the fullest assurance, that redemption-work is finished. God the Father hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand: and sent down, according to his own most sure promise, the Holy Ghost, And God the Holy Ghost hath graciously given his gifts, to every man, severally as he will! Lord! let the whole manifestations, whether to Apostles, or Prophets, or Evangelists or Pastors, or Preachers, be accompanied with thy blessing! Let the work of the ministry, and the perfecting of the saints, and the edifying of the body of Christ, be carried on in the earth, until the whole Church be brought home to Jesus our perfection! And do thou, blessed Spirit, for to thee the blessed work belongs, do thou put off the old man, in all the Lord's redeemed ones, and put on the new man, which after God, is created in righteousness, and true holiness; for then shall we speak every man truth with his neighbor. Then shall we not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, whereby we are sealed unto the day of redemption; but walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us; and forgive one another, as God for Christ's sake, hath forgiven us.