11. With this peace of God, wherever it is fix’d in the soul, there is also _joy in the Holy Ghost_: joy wrought in the heart by the Holy Ghost, by the ever blessed Spirit of God. He it is that worketh in us that calm, humble rejoicing in God, through Christ Jesus, _by whom we have now received the atonement_, καταλλαγὴν, the reconciliation with God; and that enables us boldly to confirm the truth of the royal Psalmist’s declaration, _Blessed is the man_ (or rather _happy_) _whose unrighteousness is forgiven, and whose sin is covered_. He it is that inspires the Christian soul, with that even, solid joy, which arises from the testimony of the Spirit, that he is a child of God; and that gives him to _rejoice with joy unspeakable, in hope of the glory of God_: Hope, both of the glorious image of God, which is in part and shall be fully _revealed in him_; and of that crown of glory, which fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for him. 12. This holiness and happiness joined in one, are sometimes stiled in the inspired writings, _the kingdom of God_, (as by our Lord in the text) and sometimes, _the kingdom of heaven_. It is termed _the kingdom of God_, because it is the immediate fruit of God’s reigning in the soul. So soon as ever he takes unto himself his mighty power, and sets up his throne in our hearts, they are instantly filled with this _righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost_. It is called _the kingdom of heaven_, because it is (in a degree) heaven opened in the soul. For whosoever they are that experience this, they can aver, before angels and men, “Everlasting life is won: Glory is on earth begun:” According to the constant tenor of scripture, which every where bears record, _God hath given unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son_ (reigning in his heart) _hath life_, (even life everlasting) _1 John_ v. 11, 12. _For this is life eternal, to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent_, John xvii. 3. And they to whom this is given, may confidently address God, tho’ they were in the midst of a fiery furnace, “Thee――Lord, safe shielded by thy pow’r, Thee, Son of God, _Jehovah_, we adore; In form of man descending to appear: To thee be ceaseless hallelujah’s given. Praise, as in heaven thy throne, we offer here; For where thy presence is display’d, is heaven.”