A Body of Practical Divinity

3. Grace in Christ is Communicative: His Grace is for us; the holy Oil of the Spirit was poured on the head of this Blessed Aaron, that it might run down upon us. The Saints have not Grace to bestow on others: when the foolish Virgins would have bought Oil of their Neighbour-Virgins, Matth. 25.9. Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. The wise Virgins answered, Not so, least there be not enough for us and you. The Saints have no Grace to spare to others; but Christ diffuseth his Grace to others. Grace in the Saints is as Water in the Vessel, Grace in Christ is as Water in the Spring, Joh. 1.16. Of his fullness have we received grace for grace. Set a Glass under a Still or Limbeck, and it receives Water from the Limbeck drop by drop: So the Saints have the Drops and Influences of Christ's Grace distilling upon them. What a rich Consolation is this to those who either have no Grace, or their Stock is but low; they may go to Christ the Mediator, as to a Treasury of Grace; Lord, I am indigent, but whether should I carry my empty Vessel but to a full Fountain, Psal. 87.7. all my fresh Springs are in thee; I am guilty, thou hast Blood to pardon me; I am polluted, thou hast Grace to cleanse me; I am sick unto death, thou hast the Balm of Gilead to heal me, Gen. 41.56. Joseph opened all the Store-houses of Corn: Christ is our Joseph that opens all the Treasuries and Store-houses of Grace, and communicates to us. He is not only sweet as the Honey-comb, but drops as the Honey-comb. This is a great comfort, in Christ our Mediator there is a Cornucopia, and fullness of all Grace, and Christ is desirous that we should come to him for Grace, like the full Breast that aches till it be drawn.

3. Grace in Christ is Communicative: His Grace is for us; the holy Oyl of the Spirit was poured on the head of this Blessed Aaron, that it might run down upon us. The Saints have not Grace to bestow on others: when the foolish Virgins would have bought Oyl of their Neighbour-Virgins, Matth. 25.9. Give us of your oyl, for our lamps are gone out. The wise Virgins answer'd, Not so, least there be not enough for us and you. The Saints have no Grace to spare to others; but Christ diffuseth his Grace to others. Grace in the Saints is as Water in the Vessel, Grace in Christ is as Water in the Spring,