Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applied unto unconverted sinners, and saints…Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applyed unto unconverted sinners, and saints…

4. THAT which remains, is to declare the particular Way whereby in the Exercise of Faith, we may obtain the Fruit of this and all other Promises of the like Nature, unto the End so often proposed; namely, of being flourishing and fruitful even in Old Age. Now supposing a due Attendance unto the Duties mentioned, I shall give some Directions, with respect unto that which gives Life, Power and Efficacy unto them all, and which will infallibly bring us unto the full Enjoyment of this Signal Mercy: And they are these that •ollow.

1. ALL our Supplies of Grace are from Jesus Christ. Grace is declared in the Promises of the Old Testament, but the way of it's Communication, and our receiving of it, is revealed unto us in the New. This belongs to the Mystery of it, that all Grace is from Christ, and shall be in vain expected any other way. He hath assured us, that without him we can do nothing; we can no more bring forth Fruit, than a Branch can that is separated from the Vine, John 15. 3, 4, 5. He is our Head, and all our ⟨image 142⟩Spiritual Influences, that is, Divine Communication of Grace; are from him alone. He is our Life efficiently, and liveth in us effectively, so as that our Ability for vital Acts is from him, Gal. 2. 20. Col. 3. 1, 2. Are we then any of us under Convictions of Spiritual Decays? or do we long for such Renovations of Spiritual strength, as may make us flourish in Faith, Love and Holiness, we must know assuredly, that nothing of all this can be attained, but it must come from Jesus Christ alone. We see what Promises are made, what Duties are prescribed unto us; but however, we should endeavour to apply our selves unto the one on the other, they would yield us no Relief, unless we know how to receive it from Christ himself.