one mass. Grace separates him from the rest of the world, and to
this purpose are these usual phrases in scripture, "Such were some of
you," "Once ye were darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord," "Among
whom ye had your conversation in times past, fulfilling the desires of the
flesh." All men are alike by nature and birth, there is no difference.
Grace brought to light by the gospel makes the difference, and separates
the few chosen vessels of glory and mercy from the world, and now "they
are not of the world, as I am not of the world." All the rest of men's
aims and endeavours cannot do this. Learning makes not a man a Christian.
Honour makes not a man differ from a Gentile or Pagan. Riches make you no
better than infidels. Speak of what ye will, you shall never draw a man
entirely out of the cursed race of Adam, never distinguish him from
Gentiles before God, till the Spirit of regeneration blow where he
listeth. And this is grace's prerogative, beyond all other things. All
other excellent gifts, even the gift of preaching, praying, all these are
common, so to speak, and in a manner befall to all alike. Your external
calling is but common, but he gives grace to all his chosen ones. But (2)
Grace puts a man in a new kingdom. It draws a man out of Satan's kingdom,
and makes him a king, who before was a subject. The man was led captive by
sin and Satan at their pleasure. He served his own corrupt lusts and the
prince of this world. Sin reigneth in his mortal body, whatever his
passion and corruption did put him to, he could have no bridle, but as a
horse went on to the battle. And ye may see daily that there is scarce one
of an hundred that is master of himself. He is a servant of sin, but grace
makes him a priest and a king, Rev. i. 6, chap. v. 8, 10. He can now
command himself. Sin reigned before unto death, but now grace reigns
through righteousness unto eternal life, Rom. v. 20, 21. And O! but this
victory over a man's self is more than a man's conquering a strong city.
This victory is more than all the triumphs and trophies of the world's
conquerors. For they could not conquer themselves, the little world, but
were slaves to their own lusts. Some men talk of great spirits that can
bear no injury. Nay, but such a spirit is the basest spirit. The noble
spirit is that spirit which can despise these things, and be above them.
Grace puts men upon a throne of eminence above the world. The Spirit of
God makes a man of a