most conflict with spiritual corruptions; when he not only
place. "There was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other." 1 Sam 14:4. It requires much strength to climb up this rocky way. That grace which will carry us through prosperity, will not carry us through sufferings. The ship needs stronger tackling to carry it through a storm, than a calm. Now, when we are so strong in grace, that we can bear up under affliction without murmuring or fainting, the kingdom of grace is increased. What mighty strength of grace had he, who told the emperor Valentinian, "You may take away my life—but you cannot take away my love to the truth!"
3. The kingdom of grace increases when a Christian has most conflict with spiritual corruptions; when he not only abstains from gross evils—but has a combat with inward, hidden, heart corruptions; such as pride, envy, hypocrisy, vain thoughts, carnal confidence, which are spiritual wickedness, and both defile and disturb. "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit." 2 Cor 7:1. There are two sorts of corruptions, one of the flesh, the other of the spirit. When we grieve for and combat with spiritual sin, which is the root of all gross sins, then the kingdom of grace increases, and spreads its territories in the soul.
4. The kingdom of grace flourishes when a Christian has learned to live by FAITH. "I live by faith in the Son of God." Gal 2:20. There is the habit of faith, and the drawing of this habit into exercise. For a Christian to graft his hope of salvation, only upon the stock of Christ's righteousness, and make Christ all in justification; to live on the promises, as a bee on the flower, and suck out the sweetness of them; to trust in God's heart—where we cannot trace his hand; to believe his love through a frown; to persuade ourselves, when he has the face of an enemy, that he has the heart of a Father— when we are arrived at this, the kingdom of grace is flourishing in our souls.