3. The ancients painted only in _water-colours_; but the moderns (from about A.D. 1320) have added beauty and durability to their pictures, by painting them in _oil_. Applicable to hypocrites and true believers. An _hypocrite_ may outwardly bear something that resembles the image of God; but it is only in fresco, or _water colours_, which do not last; and are, at best, laid on by the hand of dissimulation. But (if I may accommodate so familiar an idea to so high a subject) the Holy Spirit paints in _oil_; he accompanies his work with unction and with power, and hence it shall be crowned with honour, and praise, and glory, at Christ’s appearing. 4. All pictures are _not of one size_. There are various dimensions, from the miniature to the full length. So in grace below. 5. All pictures are _not framed alike_; some are gilt, some are plain, and some have no frames at all. Remember, that as the value of a picture does not depend on the frame, but on the execution of the piece itself, so your happiness and holiness does not depend on your outward station or condition, but on the work of grace wrought in your soul by the Holy Spirit. 6. Some pictures are highly varnished; some not. Some believers are learned, elegant and polite. Others, who yet are believers still, want those unessential embellishments. See this contrasted in Mr. Hervey and Mr. Bunyan, yet both shine alike in the kingdom of God. 7. All pictures do not bear an _equally strong resemblance_ of their original. Nor are all Christians equally conformed, at present, to Christ. In some, the canvass is but preparing; they are only under the first drawings of the Spirit. In others there are rude outlines, or a mere sketch, not yet filled up: but the colours are preparing, and, in due time, they will be laid on. Others are so far advanced, that a few touches more will fit them for the skies. And others, which are completely finished, are in heaven, to be part of the living furniture of God’s palace to all eternity. And, what these are the rest shall be. 8. A fine painting is _seldom finished at once_. Successive sittings are usually required, and repeated touches of the artist. Grace rarely does its work all at once. The thief indeed, on the cross, received the divine image at a single sitting; and in others, whom God may call at the eleventh or even the twelfth hour, the work may be cut short in righteousness. But, generally speaking, our consummation in grace resembles the progress of a building, which is gradually raised, and carried up from the foundation, part by part. Rome was not built in a day.