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perceives is yet to be known, than possibly can be distinctly and fully comprehended or expressed by mind or tongue. It is with them that feel it in any special degree, as it was with the queen of the South, when she saw Solomon's wisdom, 1 Kings x. 4 - 7. She had a great opinion of Solomon's wisdom, by what she had heard; but when she saw it, she was stricken with such admiration, that it is said she had no more spirit in her; his wisdom was so much beyond her expectation, that she breaks out into words of admiration, saying the half was not told her of Solomon's wisdom, it exceeds the fame thereof; so does the peace of God, being, like the dimensions of the love of Christ, the root thereof, and like the ravishing joy of Christians, the fruit thereof, surpassing all full and distinct knowledge, and all means of full and clear expression, Eph. iii. 18, 19; being, as the Holy Ghost also saith, unspeakable, 1 Peter i. 8. This peace is included amongst those other graces and gifts accompanying the gospel, which are such as eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, so as clearly to perceive them, or fully to express them, 1 Cor. ii. 9.

Thirdly, This peace is commended in respect of the excellent effect thereof, which is a proof that it passes understanding, namely, it keeps the heart and mind, in and through Christ Jesus.

This is an excellent and most useful effect on man's behalf; for it supplies the place and office of a castle or strong garrison, 2 Cor. xi. 32, as the original signifies, to keep the principal forts of the soul from being surprised or annoyed, either by invasion from without, or by insurrection from within.

The parts of man, which are kept by this peace of God, are the heart and mind; by heart is meant the will and affections; by mind, the power of thinking and understanding. For true peace of God does fill the heart with such joy, patience, hope, and comfort in believing, that it keeps it from heart-vexing grief, fear, distrust and despair. It likewise fills the mind so full of apprehension of God's favour, fidelity, and