nations, and the Waters of Life were poured forth, for the refreshment and satisfaction of every thirsty soul.

Nor shall they cease to supply needful relief, purity, and comfort. The water that JESUS gives, shall be, in every one that receiveth it, “ a well of water, springing up into everlasting life." The graces of the HOLY SPIRIT are effectual for the purposes for which they are bestowed: they are the things that accompany salvation; and whosoever is influenced by them, shall most certainly be saved. Permanency is the attribute of His work in the soul. His influence is not like the early dew or the summer-brook, which soon drieth up, leaving all nature parched and desert; but it is a stream that shall flow throughout the whole course of the Christian's pilgrimage, satisfying his soul, and animating him with renewed vigour, and preserving him unto eternal life. He that begins the good work in us, will assuredly carry it on "until the day of JESUS CHRIST :" (Phil. i. 6.) The HOLY GHOST is God; and therefore His work of Sanctification is certain of being fully and infallibly accomplished. Grace leads to glory.

We may learn from this subject-1st, That real Christianity is an inward and spiritual principle. What CHRIST gives, is a blessing that is in the soul of him who receiveth it. It is a vital influence, infused into the heart, and from thence extending to all the

words of the lip, and all the actions of the life. Names and forms are things of very little value: the great question with every one of us should be-Have we received the HOLY GHOST? Is His grace in our hearts "as a well of water springing up into everlasting life?" Think upon the properties of the emblem here used to set forth the nature and effect of Divine influence; and ask whether your hearts and affections, as well as your words and actions, are rendered fruitful in holy desires, clean from the domineering power of pride, anger, malice, envy, covetousness, and such like; and whether your comforts and purest enjoyments result from the SPIRIT testifying, by His work within you, that you are, and ever shall continue to be, the adopted children of GOD, through faith in CHRIST JESUS.

Learn, 2dly, The importance of feeling our spiritual wants.-Water is suited to none but those who are athirst. The grace of the HOLY GHOST is only for the thirsty soul. While a man remains without the inward feeling of his ignorance, his guilt, his pollution, and his misery, he will never value this precious gift; he will never seek after it in earnest; and he will therefore continue without the SPIRIT OF CHRIST, and exclude himself from all share in the great salvation. "The full soul loatheth the honey-comb;" and a self-satisfied and self-dependent heart shuts up every avenue whereby this "living water" would flow into it.

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3dly, Here is encouragement for the humble and contrite.—You are parched with a heart-felt desire after pardon and peace, purity, and the pleasures which are at God's right hand for evermore: you feel your utter unworthiness of these blessings; and that you can bring nothing in your hand to purchase even a single drop of this water, which alone can prevent you from being tormented with the agonies of eternal thirst, in the fire that never shall be quenched. Is this your case? is this your conviction ? Take comfort! for JESUS says, Blessed are "they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; " for they shall be filled." He says, "I will pour water "upon him that is thirsty-I will give unto him that "is athirst, of the fountain of the water of life freely." And as to any merit or recompence on your part, think not of it; for CHRIST engages to give the water of life to those who have nothing to offer in return. Surely, then, all should be encouraged to ask for this needful, this indispensable, this life-giving and lifepreserving blessing. Oh that all of us, who now hear the gracious words of JESUS, may, like the Woman of Samaria, pray earnestly, "LORD give us this water!" If you have never yet "tasted that the LORD is gracious," oh seek this day to experience the quickening influence of the SPIRIT OF HOLINESS. you have known what it is to drink of the "Wells of Salvation," come yet again, and partake of the abundance of the living stream. We need a daily supply

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for our bodily thirst; and we need also a daily supply of grace for our spiritual sustenance, refreshment, and comfort. Here is the fountain that can never be exhausted. Draw near, and quench your thirst after happiness. "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 take the Water of Life freely."

SERMON XII.

THE COMFORT OF THE HOLY GHOST.

JOHN xiv. 26.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

In a world like this, where "man is born to trouble,” and, in every stage and condition of life, is conversant with manifold afflictions, the very name of consolation is cheering, and the sense and enjoyment of comfort is most welcome. This balm for human woe is what we all need—what we all seek after. Happy for us, if we sought it where alone it can be found! Happy for us, if our souls, parched with the heat and burden of the day of sorrow and suffering, were always disposed to come to "the Fountain of living waters," instead of those miry, and joyless, and comfortless cisterns, of which whoso drinketh shall thirst again! In tender pity, our compassionate REDEEMER here directs our attention to the all-sufficient and everlasting source of consolation. To His sorrowing disciples, who were about to be deprived of His personal presence, He said, "The Comforter, which is the Holy