January 24

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." — Romans 8:14.

THIS chapter contains some of the deep things of God; the mysteries of our holy religion. I have somewhere met with a beautiful sentiment, in substance as follows: — The Gospel condescends to argue and reason on some of its truths, but not on others; they are the topmost boughs of the tree of life, whose fruits are apparent to us, but not their relation, and the ground of their fitness and propriety, — they must be received on the veracity of their Author. The passage before us is plain and simple, and leads us to take two views of believers.

THEIR PECULIARITY. "As many as are led by the Spirit of God." This implies that all are not led by Him. Some are led by another spirit, that of the world. But Christians are led by the Spirit of God into the way of truth. They are led, not driven, — sweetly inclined, not forced. They have a pliable, tender, and humble spirit. They are led in the path of duty, — the Spirit leads them to the Cross, the throne of grace, the wells of salvation, and to the performance of relative as well as religious duties. They are led into the pleasures of holiness, and finally to the glories of heaven. But mark

THEIR PRIVILEGE. "They are the sons of God." Adoption is spiritual in its character, — being connected with spiritual objects, desires, and associations; as it concerns the spiritual part of our nature, and as it is the peculiar work of the Spirit. It is extensive in its nature. It is not a nominal privilege, or an empty title: "if children, then heirs." The riches and titles of this world do not always go together; but they do here. It is eternal in its duration. God does not adopt children into his family, and then discard them. The child of God may be cast down, but he cannot be cast off.