To abide, in the language of Scripture, means somewhat more than merely the remaining in one place. It implies an adherence to a thing; or an union with, and connection with it. Thus Jesus saith, (John 15:4.) "Abide in me and I in you." So, speaking of the Holy Ghost, he saith, "He shall abide with you for ever." (John 14:16.) And his servants, the apostles, use similar expressions, in the same sense. The apostles, Paul and John, describe the indwelling residence of the Holy Ghost, and a vital union with Christ, under this character of abiding. (See 2 Timothy 2:13; 1 John 2:27; 1 John 5:21.) It is a blessed consideration, in the view of this doctrine, that when Jesus saith, "Abide in me, and I in you;" and a little after; "Continue ye in my love:" (John 15:4; John 15:9.) it is not a mere precept, without imparting with it ability. But it is, willing them into an ability, by virtue of a oneness with them, as the head of efficiency, to the members of his body. He directs the thing to be done and he enables them to do it; according to that blessed promise: "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power." (Psalms 110:3.)