"How shall we know that ours is a true peace?
"(1.) True peace flows from union with Christ. The graft or scion must first be inoculated into the tree before it can receive sap or nourish-
ment from it; so we must first be ingrafted into Christ, before we can receive peace from Him. Have we faith? By holiness we are made like Christ; by believing we are made one with Christ, and being in Christ we have peace, (John 16:33).
"(2.) True peace flows from subjection to Christ. Where Christ gives peace, there He sets up His government in the heart: 'Of His government and peace there shall be no end,' (Isa. 9:7). Christ is called, 'A priest upon His throne,' (Zech. 6:13). Christ as a priest makes peace; but He will be a priest upon His throne--He brings the heart in subjection to Him. If Christ be our peace, He is our Prince, (Isa. 9:6). Whenever Christ pacifies the conscience, He subdues the lust.
"(3.) True peace is after trouble. First, God lets loose a spirit of bon-
dage. He convinces and humbles the soul; then He speaks peace. Many say they have peace, but is this peace before a storm, or after it? True peace is after trouble. First there was the earthquake, and then the fire, and then the still small voice, (1 Kings 19:12). God pours the gol-
den oil of peace into broken hearts."
