Copyright © Monergism Books Knocking at the Door of - John...Christ Knocking at the Door of...

ChristKnockingattheDoorofSinner'sHearts

byJohnFlavel

England'sDuty,UnderthePresentGospel-LibertyFromRevelation3:20

TableofContents

AnEpistletotheReader

ALettertothedearlybelovedMinistersoftheGospel

TotheReader

SermonI-Rev.3:20

SermonII-Rev.3:20

SermonIII-Rev.3:20

SermonIV-Rev.3:20

SermonV-Rev.3:20

SermonVI-Rev.3:20

SermonVII-Rev.3:20

SermonVIII-Rev.3:20

SermonIX-Rev.3:20

SermonX-Rev.3:20

SermonXI-Rev.3:20

ANAPPENDIXTOTHEFOREGOINGTREATISE-ROM.1:18

MOUNTPISGAH-DEUT.3:24,25

ANEPISTLETOTHEREADER

CandidReader,

THE following discourse comes to thy hand in that native plainnesswherein it was preached. I was conscientiously unwilling to alter it,becauseIfoundbyexperience,theLordhadblessedandprospereditinthat dress, far beyond any other composures onwhich I had bestowedmorepains. Let it not be censured as vanity or ostentation, that I hereacknowledgethegoodnessofGodinleadingmeto,andblessingmypoorlabours upon this subject. Who, and what am I that I should becontinued, and again employed in the Lord's harvest, and that withsuccess and encouragement, when somany ofmy brethren, with theirmuch richer furnituresof gifts andgraces,have inmy timebeencalledoutofthevineyard,andarenowsilentinthegrave!Itistrue,theyenjoywhat Idonot; and it is as true, I amcapableofdoing someservice forGod which they are not. In preaching these sermons, I had manyoccasionstoreflectuponthemysticalsenseofthatscripture,Amos9:13."Theplowmanshall overtake the reaper, and the treaderof grapeshimthat soweth seed." Sowing and reaping times trode so close upon oneanother, that (in allhumility I speak it to thepraiseofGod) itwas thebusiestandblessedesttimeIeversawsinceIfirstpreachedthegospel.

England hath now a day of special mercy: there is a wide door ofopportunity opened to it;O that itmight prove an effectual door! It istransporting and astonishing, that after all the high and horridprovocations, the atheism, profaneness, and bitter enmity against lightand reformation: this sweet voice is still heard in England, Behold, Istandat thedoorandknock.Themerciesandlibertiesof thisdayarea

newtrialobtainedforusbyourpotentateAdvocateintheheavens;ifwebringforthfruit,well;ifnot,theaxliethattherootofthetree.Letusnotbe secure. Jerusalem was the city of the great King; the seat of hisworship,andthesymbolsofhispresencewerefixedthere;itwasthejoyofthewholeearth,thehouseofprayerforallnations;thitherthetribeswentup toworship, the tribesof theLordunto the testimonyof Israel.For there were set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house ofDavid, Psal. 122:4, 5. These privileges she enjoyed through thesuccessionsofmanyages,andshehadremainedthegloryofallnationsto this day, had she known and improved in that day, the things thatbelonged to her peace; but they neglected their season, rejected theirmercies,andmiserablyperishedintheirsins:forthereeverwas,andwillbe foundan inseparable connexionbetwixt the final rejectionofChrist,andthedestructionoftherejecters,Matth.22:5,6,7.ThecontemplationwhereofdrewthosecompassionatetearsfromtheRedeemer'seyes,whenhebehelditinhisdescentfromthemountofOlives,Luke19:41,42.

Letall thatarewise inhearthenceforthdepose theiranimosities, sadlyreflectontheirfollies,encourageandassistthelaboursoftheirbrethrenintheLord'sharvest;andrejoicethatGodhathsetthematlibertybylaw,whoseassistanceinsogreatanopportunityisnecessaryanddesirable.Itisagainst the lawsofwisdomandcharity toenvythe liberty,andmuchmore the success of our brethren, 1 Cor. 13:4. If theworkmen contendandscuffleinacatchingharvest,whobuttheownerssuffersdamagebyit?If,aftersomiraculous,recent,andcommonsalvationasthis,westillretainouroldprejudicesandbitterenvyings;ifwesmitewiththetongueandpen,whenwecannotwiththehand;andstudytoblastthereputationand labours of our brethren; and still hate those we cannot hurt: In aword,ifwestillbiteanddevouroneanother,weshallbedevouredoneofanother.Letusnotlaythefaultuponothers,weourselveshavebeentheauthors and instruments of our own ruin; and this must be theinscriptionuponourtombstone,OEngland,thouhastdestroyedthyself.Iammoreafraidoftherootedenmityandfixedprejudicesthataretobefoundinmanyagainstholinessandtheseriousprofessorsof it,andtheinflexibleobstinacyanddeadformality inmanyothers, (thetokensofatremendousinfatuation)thanIamofallthewhisperedfearsfromotherhands,orcommonenemiesuponourborders.

Topreventthesemischiefs,andpromotezealandunanimityamongtheministersofthegospel,Ihavepresumedtoaddresstheminthefollowingepistles.Iamconsciousofmyownunworthinesstobetheirmonitor,andof the defects their judicious eyes will easily discern in the stile it iswritten;andyetcanpromisemyselfabecomingreceptionofwhat issofaithfully,seasonably,andhonestlydesignedfortheirgood.Iamsatisfiedthat no candid and ingenuous person will put words upon the rack,quarrel at a similitude, or expose a trifle, when he finds the designhonest,andthemattergoodandnecessary.

Astothetreatiseitself,thouwiltfinditapersuasivetoopenthyhearttoChrist.Thysoul, reader, isamagnificentstructurebuiltbyChrist; suchstately rooms as thyunderstanding,will, conscience and affections, aretoo good for any other to inhabit. If thou be in thy unregenerate state,thenhesolemnlydemandsinthistextadmissionintothesoulhemade,bytheconsentofthewill;which,ifthourefusetogivehim,thenwitnessistaken,thatChristoncemoredemandedentranceintothysoulwhichhemade,andwasdeniedit.Ifthouhastopenedthyhearttohim,thouwilt,Ihope,meet somewhat in this treatise thatwill clear thy evidences, andcheerthyheart:Prayread,ponder,andapply.Iam

Thineandthe

Church'sServant,

JOHNFLAVEL.

ALETTER*

TothedearlybelovedMinistersoftheGospel,(muchtobereverencedinChrist)nowat length,bythewonderfulProvidenceofGOD,restoredtoLiberty:AddressedasahumbleSupplicationtothemoreaged,andasanExhortationtoyoungerMinistersandCandidates.

ReverendFathers,andBrethreninChristy,

THOUGHitisnotfitforustocoinmetaphorsaccordingtoourfancy,yetwe ought to have a great liking to those which the Spirit himself hathauthorisedinscripture.Therehehathrepresentedandpaintedtothelifethe deliverance of his suffering church, by the sweet delights of theadvancingspring,Cant.2:12.

Inthespring, theearth, likeamostbountifulparent,opensherbosom,produces variety of herbs, adorns the meadows with abundance offlowers;thetreeswhichhadbeenstriptoftheirformergreenleavesareclothedwithnewones;thecoldbeingnowdrivenaway,theairbecomeswarm,andthecattlebringhomeuddersfullofmilk;

Thenjoyousbirdsfrequentthelonelygroves.

DRYDEN'sVirgil.

All nature is renewed and smiles; the season is kindly favourable, andadmirably well adapted to the benefit of all things, chiefly of thoseendued with life. All which things have been, in a very elaborate andingenuousmanner, applied by our learned countryman, Brightman, tothat remarkable period,whenCyrus published that edict of his, (whichcanneverbesufficientlycommended)forsettingGod'speopleatliberty.The enlivening beams of a like providential interposition, like the sunenteringthesignofAries,havemadeuswhowerehalfdeadtorevive.

Wearenotinsensible,asourwoundsareyetgreen,whatgreatandsharpafflictionswehavesufferedformanyyearsby-past,forconsciencesake.Alas,what sad things havewenot seen!what oppressionshavewenotunjustly endured, during this rough, dismal, and every-way destructivewinter?Wehaveseentheseaswellingwithdreadfulstorms,byreasonofwhich, some, being amazed and confounded, have hoisted sail to anywind whatsoever: we have seen trees that excelled others, both infruitfulnessandcomeliness,beatdownandlaidlowbythestormywinds;otherswhichbareneitherfruitnorleaves,havebeen,asitwere,blasted.Mountainshaveweseenbecomewhitewithhoar-frost,rivers lockedupin ice, lands covered, yea, buried in snow; flocksof fowls, andherdsof

cattle starved with hunger, wandering up and down in great want;cunningfowlersspreadingtheirnets,andensnaringmany:Inaword,wehave seen Christ's church (alas!) pierced with arrows winged with herownfeathers;thecivilstatefoundedonlaws,almostsubvertedbylaws;everythinghavingabadaspect,andgrowingdailyworseandworse.

Longandsorehavewebeentossedintheseaoftrouble;inouryouthwewereplungedintoit,wearecomeoutofitinoldage;ourcasehasbeenthe same with what happened at the siege of Tyre, Ezek. 29:18. Everyheadismadebald,andeveryshoulderispeeled;butyetallthesethingsseem troublesome rather than wonderful, to any one who seriouslyconsidersthethingprophesiedbythegreatapostle,2Tim.3:1.Inthelastdays perilous times shall come. Of which perilous times,* Lactantiuswrites thus; 'When the end of this world is approaching, the state ofhumanaffairsmustneedsbegreatlychanged,andgrowworse, throughtheprevalencyofwickedness; insomuchthatthispresentage,whereinsin and wickedness have arrived to the greatest pitch, may, whencomparedwiththatabandonedandincorrigibleage,bejustlydeemedthehappy and golden one. For then righteousness shall decrease, andungodliness,avarice,ambition,andlustincrease:sothatwhosoevershallhappenthentobesoberandreligious,shallbecomeapreytothewicked,and be greatly harassed by the unrighteous; the vicious alone shall beprosperous and happy, while the people of God shall meet with everykindofbadtreatment,andbereducedtoextremepoverty.Allrightshallbe confounded, laws shall perish; thennobody shall possess any thingbutwhat is ill got,orwhathe isobliged todefendby force; rapineandviolence shall carry every thing before them: there shall be no fidelityamong men, no peace, no humanity, no shame, no truth, and neithersafetynororder,noranyrestfromtrouble;forthewholeearthshallbeinconfusion, and thenoise of din andwarheard everywhere; all nationsshallbeupinarms,andattackoneanother;neighbouringstatesshallwaramong themselves; destruction shall run over the face of the earth,cutting down every thing, and laying it along, as corn-fields are inharvest. The reason of which dreadful calamity and strange confusion,willbethis,ThattheRomanName,whichhassubduedthewholeworld,shallthen(Itrembletoutterit,but,sinceitiscertain,utteritImust)bequiteextinct.'

What think you, reader, is not this a description of our own times, ormust we wait longer, till that pernicious and wicked race ofmen shallappearuponthestage?Thatthishathbeenfulfilledinourlatetroubles,nonesurecanhesitatethathathanydiscernment.

But God at length, pitying our distresses, hath raised up aman*, bothzealousforthetruth,andaloverofgodliness,boldlytoasserthiscauseinthefaceofdangerandtoil,andtoputanewfaceonthings.Concerningthis time it shall be said,Whatwonderful things hathGod done?Noweveryimpedimentbeingremoved,andthedreadfulstormcalmed,(whichscattersupanddownlikestubble)ourgraciousGoddothinthismannerbespeak us, Rise up,my love,my fair one, and come away; for lo, thewinterispast,therainisoverandgone,theflowersappearontheearth,the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle isheardinourland.Asifhehadsaid,Youhavebeenlongenoughconfinedat home, come now (for you may safely come) abroad. There is thegreatestappearanceofsafetyandincitementtolaboureverywhere.Thus,theseverityoftheWinterrecommendstousthepleasuresoftheSpring.

For my part, I had no sooner heard the joyful news of Liberty, thanpresentlyIbegantopreparemyself formyproperandmuchlongedforwork; for if somuchpleasure is found in thestudyof themathematics,thatwhenonehas tastedof it, he is so ravishedandbewitchedwith it,thathecannotbetakenofffromthestudyofthem;itwillcertainlybethesweetest pleasure of all, to employ our labours, however much we areexhausted,forthegloryofChrist,andgoodofsouls:itgivesmethereforenosmallpleasurethatatlengthImayputinmysickle,whichhathbeenlongindisuse,intotheLord'sharvest,togetherwiththerestofmyfellow-labourers. Thanks tomy God, who hath not only seasonably opened adoor of opportunity, but hath also (which I earnestly supplicated for)givenme to see thehappyeffectsof sounddoctrine, andhath longagoblessedituntomany.

Thesefirst-fruitsofRestoredLiberty,andwhichmanyhaveimportunedmetopublish,Inowmosthumblyofferuntoyou.Indulgeabrother,theweakest of all, and one who reckons himself justly inferior to all theservants of Christ; if, on this signal and most extraordinary occasion,Christianzealshouldbreakforthalittlemorefreelythanmaybesuitable

toeithermysmallshareoflearningorexperience.

Here your preacher hath not sought after the pomp of eloquence.Through the whole I have used a popular, not polite, stile; pithy, notshowy; for I thought itmight be justly said concerning Theology,whatCicerosaysofPhilosophy,Thattotalkuponsubjectsofthatnatureinanelaboratestile,ischildish;buttobecapableofdeliveringwithplainnessandperspicuity, is thepart of a learnedandknowingman. I shouldbejustly displeased with myself, if I preached the doctrine of a crucifiedChrist,inastileunbecominghiscross;whichsurelyisthecharacterofastilepompousandswelling.

Thesethingsbeingpremised,

I.Letusrejoiceinourliberty,withajoydulymoderated;Imean,withajoyequallybalanced,andguardedonallhandsbygriefforpastsins,anddread of future ones.We read in Jeremiah, of the voice of sighing andweeping, with which the faithful would, about the time of theirdeliverance, confess their sins, by which they had provoked God, andwouldsincerelybewail themwithcontritehearts.Andhowsuitablewasthesongofthechurch,evenatthelayingofthefoundationofthesecondtemple; a song equally composed of joyful shouting, and abundantweeping,Ezra3:10."Manyweepedwithaloudvoice,manyshoutedaloudforjoy;sothatthepeoplecouldnotdiscernthenoiseoftheshoutofjoy,fromthenoiseoftheweepingofthepeople."NorarethesaintsashamedtoconfesstheirfallsandshamefuldeedstothegloryofGod,fornothingisalosstouswhichredoundstohisglory.Ourcountenancemustinhissightbecomelyandamiable,whenheseespenitential tearsmixedwiththose of joy and thanksgiving. It is the character of a true penitent tolamenthisfaults,thathemaynotagaincommitthingstobelamented.

Asaphhathsetbeforeusanillustriousexampleofpenitence,Psal.74:8.Remembernot(sayshe)againstusourformeriniquities.Godissaidtorememberiniquitieswhencallingsinstoanaccount,andjudgingoftheirgreatnessandnumber,heresolvestopunish.AsaphspeaksofGodafterthemannerofmen;forthey,whengreatlyoffended,andabouttopunishtheirchildren,dothencalltomindalltheirformerfaults: letus, inlikemanner, reflectonours,andsincerelybewailourpast slothful conduct,

an unhappy concomitant of liberty: Thus we have neither flamed withardent love on the one hand, nor grieved with that degree of sorrowwhichwasrequisiteontheother:wehaveoftentimesspokenmorefromtheheadthanfromtheheart.Wehavebothprayedandpreachedtootoocoldlyaboutmattersthemostawfulandimportant.Wehavenotfollowedthefootstepsofthoseworthiesthatwentbeforeusinthelastage,soastocomeupwiththem.Wehavebeenatsmallpainstosupportthemajestyofreligion,bythegravityofourconversation,andtheusefulnessofourdiscourses,ForwhichcauseourGodhasconceivedjustangeragainstus,andhathmanifestedthatbythepastcalamities;andbysomanifestingit,hathplainlyadmonishedustobeonourguardforthetimetocome.

II.Thereforebrethren,Iearnestlybegofyou,inthebowelsofChrist,thatyouwillnotforgetthesewordsoftheapostle,Ifitbepossible,asmuchaslieth in you, live peaceably with all men, Rom. 12:8. There is added atwofoldimitation,first,Ifitbepossible,thatis,consistentlywithjustice,piety,andtruth:Sucharegardisnottobehadtotruth,asthatthestudyof peace be entirely neglected; nor is such unity to be sought after asdestroys truth;butspeakthe truth in love,as thesameapostleexhorts,Eph. 4:15. For, as our countrymanMr. Davenant justly observes, theyloveneitherfromtheheart,wholovenotboth.Christianstherefore,whentheybothlivepeaceablyinowningthetruth,andspeakthetruthinlove,areagreatornamenttotheirprofession.Theotherlimitationis,Asmuchasliethinyou,thatis, liveinfriendshipwithall, if itbepossible;andiftheywillnotbefriendlyontheirpart,besureyoubesoonyours.Truthbegetshatredamongthewicked,andgodlinessiseverdespisedbythem;ofwhichLactantius*assignsthisreason,"Thathewhosinswantstohavea free opportunity of sinning, and thinks he can no otherwise enjoysecurely the pleasure of his ill deeds, than when there are many whodelight in the same faults.Hence they study todestroyandcutoff rootandbranchthosewhoarewitnessesoftheirwickedness,andtheycannotendure that goodmen's lives should be a reproof, as it were, of theirs.Thereforebythefriendshipofthewicked,pietyisendangered."

We have some amongst us that put on a form of godliness, but havedeniedthepowerthereof:ofsuch†Bernardinhistimethuscomplained:'WoetothisgenerationwhichhaththeleavenofthePharisees,whichis

hypocrisy:Ifindeedthatshouldbecalledhypocrisy,whichnowthroughitsprevalencycannotbehid,andthroughitsimpudencyseeksnottobehid.Atpresent,rottennessandcorruptionaffects thewholebodyof thechurch, and the wider it spreads, the more desperate; and the moreinwardly it spreads, the more dangerous: for if an heretic, an openenemy,shouldriseup,hewouldbecastout;ifaviolentenemy,she,(i.e.the church) would perhaps conceal herself from him. But now, whomshall the church castout?orwhomshall shehideherself from?All arefriends, andall are enemies: all are inmutual connexions, as relations,yet in mutual contests, as adversaries: all are fellow-members of onefamily, yet none are promoters of peace: all are neighbours, yet all areseekers of their own things: by profession servants of Christ, in realitytheyserveAntichrist:theymakeanhonourablefigurebythegoodthingstheyhavereceived fromtheLord,while,at thesametime, theygivenohonourtotheLord.'Iwillsayofthesemen,Mysoul,comenotintotheircouncil;myglory,benotintheirassembly.

But there are many others, zealous of peace and truth, agreeing infundamentals,andstandingequallyagainstthecommonenemiesofthereformedreligion,who,notwithstanding,differ(alas!)aboutmattersnotnecessary to salvation, and split into opposite parties, and cause strife:whilethisfiercecontentionspreadsitselfamongthebrethren,itaffordsacontinualoccasiontotheirenemiestoinsultandmolestthem.Couldanyone find out a remedy for this epidemical distemper, hewoulddeservewellof thechurch;butsince theexperienceofsomanyyearshasput itbeyond doubt that it is difficult, or indeed impracticable to accomplishthis by scholastic disputes, or by oppressing the conscience withpenalties; it were more advisable to sopite all their debates, than byfruitlessstrifetotearasunderthechurch;andinfine,tohaverecoursetothatwhich is themostuseful, if not theonly rule forpromotingpeace,Phil. 3:16.Wherein we have already attained, let us walk by the samerule: with which agrees well that most wholesome advice given byTossanus to the college of Tubing, in the following words: 'All bitterrailingsandaccusationsoughtjustlytobelaidaside,andthejudgmentsofthesemattersindebateleftwhollytotheSonofGod,ourLordJesusChrist,andtoourownposterity,who,notbeingauthors,butspectatorsof thedebate,will judgemore impartiallyabout it.Ouradversaries still

liveandbecomeboldereveryday;theymakeittheirbusinessnightanddaytoplotandcontrivehowtheymayextinguishthelightofthegospelthathasarisen,andbringbackancientdarkness; in themean time,wewhoatfirstwithoneaccord,byGod'sgrace,preachedthegospel,donow,with weapons of death turned against one another, rush mutually ondestruction;therebyexhibitingadelightfulspectacletoourenemies,whoplacemore of their safety and confidence in our contentions, than theweakfoundationoftheirowncause.'

Letusthereforefrequentlyconsiderthatoftheapostle,Gal.5:15.Butifyebiteanddevouroneanother, takeheedthatyebenotconsumedoneofanother.WhatCicerosaidofthediscordsofgreatmen,ourcountrymanDavenant scruplesnot toaffirmconcerning thoseof thechurches,Thatthey commonly end either in the ruin of both parties, or in the unjusttyrannyofthatsidewhichovercomes.Itisgreatlytobefeared,thateveryone,bythesecontinualandfiercedebates,ishastening(mayGodpreventit)hisownruin:yetIdoubtnotbutthatalldiscordsamongstthegodlymightbeextinguished,whateversomemayallegetothecontrary, if themindsofsomewerefreedfromtheviolentemotionsofsuspicion,anger,and envy. Behold, brethren, what a seasonable and proper softeningplaisterourskilfulPhysicianhathappliedtousallatthistime.Godgrantitthedesiredeffect; lestthescarnotbeingrightlyclosedup,thewoundshouldbreakoutagain.

The godly in every place lament the present deplorable state of thechurch; and, from the destruction of some, do conjecture what dangerhangsoverall.

*Henceletcontendingnationsknow,

Whatdirefulmischiefsfromtheirdiscordsflow.

Certain it is, that all wise and goodmen on both sides, (however theydifferamong themselves)areunanimous in thisat least,That thesearenot times for strife, but times that call for prayer and reformation; for,sucharetheprayerstheyeverywhereofferup:'MayGodturntheheartofthefatherstothechildren,andtheheartofthechildrentothefathers,lesthecomeandsmitetheearthwithacurse.Thesedonotwellconsult

theirowninterest,who,becauseofdisputesamongthelearned,perhapsnever to be ended, will needs be tearing the church by perpetualdivisions. Our brethren, that seriously profess they differ from us insmallermattersofreligion,fornootherreasonthanafearofoffending,theseoughttobeembracedwiththegreatestaffection.Letallcausesofoffencebepresentlyremoved,thatwemaynotstumbletwiceonthesamestone.Ifwefalluponitagain,wearebrokeninpieces.Wewillnotgrantthemthispraise,thattheyaremorestudiousofpeaceandconcordthanourselves. You may re-exact a conformity in fundamentals and thingsnecessary in religion; but inmatters of indifference, andnot absolutelynecessary, you may give a larger liberty. No body should assume tohimselfalibertyofdividingthechurch,anddissolvingbrotherlyunityonsuch a ground as neither Christ, nor the apostles, nor the primitivechurchinitspureststatewouldeverhaveapproved.'

Itmustbeconfessed,thatallkindsofcontroversywillneverbeatanend;neverthelessswecanbid farewell toalldiscord; forvarietyofopinions,andunityamongthosethatholdthem,arenotthingsinconsistent.Whyshould theredwell in thebreastofaChristian, the fiercenessofwolves,themadnessofdogs,thedeadlypoisonofserpents,thecruelsavagenessof beasts? as Cyprian long since complained. That is (saith Gregory) anew and unheard of manner of preaching, that forces a belief, withstripes: therefore let all bitter railing and accusation be gone.May theGodofpeacebringallintoorderandpeace.

III.Especiallyandaboveall,Ihumblybeseechyou,that,havinglaidasidealldesignsofsmallerimportance,youwouldmindthisonethinghowyoumaygaintoChristthesoulscommittedtoyou,towhichallearthlythingsaretobepostponed.Thisisthelabour,thistheworkincumbentonus.

Put far fromyou a vile, niggardly sparing of your gifts, an immoderatecareforworldlythings,anexcessiveindulgenceofthevilebody.Letitnotseemmuch to us to spend a little sweat for the sake of those souls forwhich Christ so willingly and plentifully poured out his own mostpreciousblood. Ifwehide theLord's talent inanapkin,whereshallwefindanapkintodryupourtearsofbloodforsobaseacrime?

Remember,brethren,thatitwillberequiredatourhands,howwehave

spenteveryportionof thattimewhichisgivenus;howmuchof ithavewe already lost in unprofitable silence! But among all the oppressionsunderwhichyouhavelonggroaned,Ipersuademyselfthereisnoneyouhave more sorrowed for than that of being so long with-holden fromfeedingpoorhungrysouls.Thepresentopportunityisslippery,andmaybelost,astowhatconcernsfuturity,thecloudsreturnaftertherain.UpthenyeservantsofGod,mindthisyourbusiness,andtheLordshallbewithyou:donotregardtheusualmurmuringsoftheflesh.Lookforwardtothatheavenlycrown:"Theythatbewiseshallshineasthebrightnessofthefirmament;andtheythatturnmanytorighteousnessasthestarsforeverandever."

With the hopes of this, let us rouse up and fortify our drooping heartsagainst the mockings and troubles we may expect for the sake of thegospel.Whatbowelsofcompassionoughtwetoputon,whenwespeaktosuchmenofsavingtheirsouls,andshunningperdition,intowhichtheymayquickly fall,butwho, in themean time,havenot the least thoughtaboutthesethingsthemselves?AfamousauthorinAmesius*complains,'Thatthewordsoflifeinsomepreachersandteacherslipsdieaway,astoanypower or efficacy: For so coldly andunconcernedly do theydeliverthe word of God, that it seems to die in their lips. Hence, as theythemselvesarecoldanddeadpreachers,sotheyleavetheirhearersinacoldanddeadframe.IknewonewholeftParisforthisreason,becausehesaid,hewasmoreandmorebenumbedwiththelecturesandsermonsheheardfromdaytodayinthatcity;andwasafraid,thatifhestaidmuchlongerthere,hissoulwouldhaveperishedwithspiritualcold:whereforehe joined himself to lively ministers, as unto live-coals, that so byconversingwiththem,hemightnourishandincreaseanholyflameinhisheart.'

Liftupyoureyesandbehold the fieldswhite,andready toharvest; seehowyouareoneverysidesurroundedwithcrowdsofpoorhungrysouls,withopenmouthandearnest looksbeggingspiritualbreadfromyou.Ifwe have the bowels of the chief Shepherd in us, let us feed his sheep.Some are almost worn out with old age and various troubles: otherslessen the majesty of scripture by insisting much on things of littlemoment,andfilltheearsofthemultitudewithavainnoiseofwords,or

tickle themwith smooth speeches. In such a situation, if you, who arefurnishedwithallkindsofgifts,andhavesofullandfairopportunity,donotburnwithzealtoGod,andlovetosouls,Itrembletolookforwardtothedreadfulendofyouall.

IV.Lastly,IwillconcludewithafewthingswhichIthoughtnecessaryforstudentsofTheology, andcandidates for theministry,whohaveat thisneedfultimewillinglydevotedthemselvestothisservice,orareabouttodoit:Wehavelongbornetheburdenandheatoftheday;weareveteransoldiers almost worn out. The next age will possibly produce moretractableminds,andmenofgentlerdispositionsthanourtimesafford.

I congratulate you on account of your birth, especially if your naturalbirthbe,orshallbeennobledandsanctifiedbyregeneration;andthisisthemorereasonable,becauseallourfamouschronologersandsearchersintotimes,whohavebestowedmuchtimeandpainsinthatstudy,arebigwith expectation, like a woman big with child, past the time of herreckoning,whothereforeexpectsherpainstocomeuponhereveryhour.It isveryprobable, that thedaywhichall theprophets foretold,andallgoodmenhave,asitwere,withoutstretchedneck,beeneagerlylookingfor,isnowathand.

Do you, therefore, ye brave youths, thehope anddesire of the revivingchurch, with eagerness lay hold on this favourable opportunity ofenriching your minds with all necessary gifts and endowments. Keepyourselvesclosenightanddayatyourstudiesandmostferventprayers:Hewillmakethebestdivine,thatstudiesonhisknees.Andhowshallwecontend for the truth, or defend it against the adversaries, if we aredestitute of gifts? Neither a good disposition, nor the charms ofeloquence,noragracefulgesture,norgoodmanners,cancompensateforthewantofgifts.

Butontheotherhand,beware,brethren,lestwhilethetreeofknowledgeeverydaythrivesandprospers,thetreeoflifealoneshouldlanguishandbecomebarren,asanexcellentdivine*speaksverypertinently.Takecareyouputnotthat last,whichshouldbefirst;andthat,again, first,whichshouldbelast.Measuressoperniciouslypreposterouswillbefataltothewholeworkofconversion.Aheadwellinstructedismuchtobedesired;

but a sanctified heart is absolutely necessary. "Covet earnestly the bestgifts, and yet shew I unto you amore excellentway," 1 Cor. 12:31. Forgifts,letthemincrease;butgrace,letitoutshinethemall.Letthesewordsofthegreatapostletakedeeprootinyourhearts,1Cor.9:27."ButIkeepundermybody,andbringitintosubjection,lestthatbyanymeans,whenIhavepreacheduntoothers,Imyselfshouldbeacast-a-way."Forwhatwill itprofit,tobelearnedanddamned?It isonethingtobelearnedinthetruthsofChrist,anothertobetaughtbyhim,asthetruthisinJesus.

ContinuallybearinmindthisseriouswarningofourlearnedcountrymanReynolds†,'Letusnotthinkmuchofourselves,thoughGodshouldhaveadorned uswith the finest gifts of nature,with a lively genius,with anelegantdiction,muchreading,longexperienceofthings,skillinthearts,languagesandsciences,solidityofjudgment,quicknessofunderstanding,almostlikethatofangels,unlessatthesametimeheaddtoall,thegiftofhis Spirit to help us to know and delight in the heavenlymystery. Forthough by the exercise of those shining accomplishments, we mayprocuretoourselvesthefavourandesteemofmen,thoughfromthencegreatadvantagemayredoundtothelearnedworld,andtothechurchofChrist,yetdotheynotalltendtoobtainforuseitherthefavourofGod,orthe reward of heavenly happiness.' May God give you ministerial andsanctifying gifts, that you may approve yourselves to be defenders ofChristandhisreligion,andfirmopposersofhisenemies.

Butitistimetoclosethisunpolishedandhomelyletter,which,however,Ihopeyouwillfavourablyacceptasatestimonyofthatrespectduetoyoufrom

Yourfellow-servantin

thegospelofChrist,

JOHNFLAVEL.

TOTHEREADER

THE worthy author of the discourse emitted herewith, is one whosepraiseinthegospelisthroughoutallthechurches.Hisotherbookshavemade his name precious and famous in both Englands. Nor can mytestimony add any thing to one every way greater than myself.Nevertheless,asingularprovidencehavingcastmylottobeatpresentinthisgreatcity;IcouldnotwithstandtheimportunityofthemwhodesiredafewPrefatorylinestomanifesttherespectIowetothisrenownedandlearnedman.

It was a wise reproof which a grave divine administered to a youngpreacher,whoentertainedhisauditorywithanelaboratediscourse:afterhe had commended his parts and pains, there was (said he) one thingwantinginthesermon;IcouldnotperceivethattheSpiritofGodwasinit.Andthoughmoralityisgood,andnecessarytobetaughtandpractised,yet it ismuch to be lamented, thatmany preachers in these days havehardlyanyotherdiscoursesintheirpulpitthanwhatwefindinSeneca,Epictetus, Plutarch, or some such heathen moralist. Christ, the HolySpirit,and(inaword)thegospelisnotintheirsermons.ButblessedbeGod,thattherearesome(andgreatistheircompanyinthislandoflight)whopreachthetruthasitisinJesus:andhewhohastakenthebookoutoftherighthandofhimthatsitsonthethrone,andisworthytoopenthesealsthereof,hasbeenpleasedinwonderfulwaystosetopen,andkeepopenadooroflibertytothegospel,thatthey,untowhomhehasgivenahearttopreachChrist,maydoit.ThisistheLord'sdoing;thisisaSpiritof life fromGod.WhenCyrusproclaimed liberty for the freeexerciseofreligion, the Lord's servants, who for some years had lain dead, werebroughtoutoftheirgraves,Ezek.37:12,13.

Thistreatise isawordinseason:Godhasmadetheauthortobeawisemaster-builder inhishouse, andaccording to thewisdomgivenhimofGod,hehasenlargedonagospelsubjectverypropertobeinsistedonatsuch a day as this. I am informed by unquestionable hands, that therewasaremarkablepouringoutoftheSpiritwhenthesesermonswerevivavoce delivered, a great number of souls having been brought home toChristthereby.TheLordgrantthatthesecondpreachingofthemtofargreatermultitudesby thiswayof thepress,may,by thesameSpirit,bemade abundantly successful for the conversion and salvation of God's

elect. The fruit brought forth by the holy apostles in respect of thewritingsofsome(aswellas thedoctrinepreachedbyall)of them,doesstill remain. The fruitful labours of this faithful servant of Christ willpromote thegloryofGod,and thegoodof souls,whenhehimself shallcease from his labours, and his works shall follow him. Let the Lord'speoplebe thankful tohim for thathehas sent sucha labourer into theharvest,andpraythathemaybecontinuedlongtherein,andthatmanysuch (for there are but few such) may be raised up, and be madeeminentlysuccessfulintheirholyendeavours,totheenlargementofthekingdomofChrist,andofGod;andlethimreigninthislandforeverandever,whichistheheart'sdesireandprayerofonewhois

Lessthantheleastofallsaints,

London,1689.

INCREASEMATHER.

SERMONI-REV.3:20

[Behold]Istandat thedoor,andknock; ifanymanhearmyvoice,andopenthedoor,Iwillcomeintohim,andsupwithhim,andhewithme.

THISdayhath our compassionateRedeemer openeduntous a door ofliberty;libertytoustopreach,andlibertyforyoutohearthegladtidingsof thegospel.This isaday few looked for:howoftenhaveIsaid in theyearsthatarepast,Godhathnomoreworkformetodo,andIshallhavenomorestrengthandopportunitiestoworkforGod?Andhowoftenhaveyousaidinyourhearts,wehavesinnedourministersoutoftheirpulpits,andoureyesshallnomorebeholdthoseourteachers?Butlo,beyondthethoughts ofmost hearts, a wide and (I hope) an effectual door is nowopenedinthemidstofus.Oh!thatitmightbetousasthevalleyofAchorwas to Israel, for a door of hope, Hos. 2:15, i.e. not only making thetroubles theymeetwith in that valley an inlet to theirmercies, as ourshavebeentous;butgivingthemthatvalleypignorisnomine,asapledgeofgreatermercies intended for them.Upon the first appearanceof thismercy, my next thoughts were how to make the most fruitfulimprovementofitamongstyou,lestweshouldtwicestumbleatthesamestone,andsinourselvesbackagainintoouroldbondage.

In the contemplation of this matter, the Lord directed me to thisscripture,whereinthesamehandthatopenedtoyouthedoorofliberty,knocksimportunatelyatthedoorsofyourheartsforentranceintothem,forunionandcommunionwiththem.Itwillbesadindeedifhethathathletyouintoallthesemercies,shouldhimselfbeshutoutofyourhearts:butiftheLordshouldhelpyoutoopenyourheartsnowtoChrist,Idoubtnotbutthisdooroflibertywillbekeptopentoyou,howmanysoevertheadversariesbethatenvy it,andwilldotheirutmost toshut itup,Ezek.39:29. The mercies you enjoy this day, are the fruits of Christ'sintercessionwith the Father for one trialmore: if we bring forth fruit,well;ifnot,"theaxliethattherootofthetree."UnderthisconsiderationIdesiretopreach,andevensotheLorldhelpyoutohearwhatshallbespoken from this precious scripture, Behold, I stand at the door, and

knock,&c.

ThesewordsareabranchofthatexcellentepistledictatedbyChrist,andsent by his servant John to the church of Laodicea, the most formal,hypocritical, and degenerate of all the seven churches; yet the greatPhysician will try his skill upon them, both by the rebukes of the rod,verse 19 and by the persuasive power of the word; verse 20, Behold Istandatthedoor,andknock,&c.

ThistextisChrist'swooingvoice,fullofheavenlyrhetorictowinandgaintheheartsofsinnerstohimself;whereinwehavethesetwogeneralparts.

1.Christ'ssuitforasinner'sheart.

2.Thepowerfulargumentsenforcinghissuit.

First,Christ'ssuit forasinner'sheart,whereinwehave(1.)Thesolemnpreface, ushering it in, behold: (2.) The suit itself. The preface isexceeding solemn: for beside the common use of this word, behold, inother places, to excite attention, or exaggerate and put weight into anaffirmation; it standshere,asa judiciousexpositor*notes,asa termofnotificationorpublicrecord,whereinChristtakeswitnessesofthemostgraciousofferhewasnowabouttomaketotheirsouls,andwillhave itstand in perpetuam rei memoriam, as a testimony for or against theirsoulstoalleternity,tocutoffallexcusesandpretencesfortimetocome.

2.Thesuititself,whereinwehave,

1.TheSuitor,JesusChrist.

2.Hispostureandaction;Istandatthedoorandknock.

3.Thesuititself,whichisforopening,ifanymanopen.

1. The suitor, Christ himself, I stand; I that have a right of sovereigntyover you; I that have shed my invaluable blood to purchase you, andmightjustlycondemnyouuponthefirstdenialordemur:beholdIstand:thisisthesuitor.

2.Hispostureandaction,Istandatthedoor,andknock;thewordisinthe†pretertense,Ihavestood,butbeingherejoinedwithanotherverbofthepresent tense, it is fitly translated, I stand, yet so as that it notes aContinual action. I have stood, and do still stand with unweariedpatience;Ioncestoodpersonallyandbodilyamongyouinthedaysofmyflesh,andIstillstandspirituallyandrepresentativelyinmyambassadorsatthedoor,i.e.themindandconscience,thefacultiesandpowerswhichareintroductiveintothewholesoul.

Theworddoorishereproperlyputtosignifythoseintroductivefacultiesofthesoul,whichareofalikeusetoit,asthedooristothehouse.ThisistheRedeemer's posture, his action is knocking, i.e. his‡ powerful essayandgraciousattemptstoopenthehearttogivehimadmission.Thewordknock signifies a strong and powerful knock; he stands patiently, andknocks powerfully by theword outwardly, by the convictions,motions,impulses,strivings,andinstigationsofhisSpiritinwardly.

3. The design and end of the suit; it is for opening, i.e. consenting,receiving, embracing, and hearty accepting of him by faith. Acts 16:14.TheLord opened the heart of Lydia, i.e. persuadedher soul to believe;implying, that the heart by nature is strongly barred and locked upagainstChrist,andthatnothingbutapowerfromhimcanopenit.

Secondly,ThepowerfulargumentsandmotivesusedbyChristtoobtainhissuit,andgetagrantfromthesinner'sheart;andtheyaredrawnfromtwoinestimablebenefitsaccruingtotheopeningorbelievingsoul,viz.

1.Union.

2.CommunionwithChrist.

1. Union; I will come in to him, that is, I will unite myself with theopening, believing soul; he shall bemystically onewithme, and Iwithhim.

2.Communion;Iwillsupwithhim,andhewithme;that is,Iwill feastthebelievingsoulwiththedelicatesofheaven:suchcomforts,suchjoys,suchpleasures,asnoneintheworldbutbelieversarecapableof.

And,tosethomeall,thesespecialbenefitsareproposedbyChristtoallsortsofsinners,greatandsmall,oldandyoung;Ifanymanhearmyvoiceandopenthedoor:Thatsonosoulmightbediscouragedfrombelieving,bythegreatnessormultitudeofhissins,butthevilestofsinnersmayseefreegracetriumphingoveralltheirunworthiness,upontheirconsenttotakeChristaccordingtothegraciousoffersofthegospel.

Thewordsthusopened,affordmanygreatandusefulpointsofdoctrine,comprehending in them the very sumand substanceof the gospel.Thefirstwhicharisethfromthesolemnandremarkablepreface,Behold,willbethis,

Doct.1.ThateveryofferofChristtothesoulsofsinnersisrecordedandwitnessedwithrespecttothedayofaccountandreckoning.

Hereweshallenquireintothreethings.

1.WhoareGod'switnessestoallgospeltenders.

2.Whataretheobject-matterstheywitnessto.

3.WhyGodrecordseveryofferofChrist,andtakesawitnessthereof.

ThefirstUse

I.WhoareGod'switnessestoallthetendersandoffersmadeofChristbythegospel,andtheywillbefoundtobemorethanastrictlegalnumber;for,

1.Hisministers, bywhomhemakes them, are all witnesses aswell asofficersofChristtothepeople.Acts26:16."Ihaveappeareduntotheeforthis purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness." Here you seeministershaveadoubleoffice, toproposeandofferChrist, and then tobear witness for or against those to whom he is thus offered: they areexpresslycalledGod'switnesses,Rev.11:6,7.Theirlabourswitness,theirsufferings witness, their solemn appeals to God witness; yea, the verydust of their feet shaken off against the refusers of Christ, turns to atestimonyagainst them,Mark6:11.Everygroanandsigh,everydropofsweat,muchmoreofblood,areplacedinGod'sbookofmarginalnotesby

alltheirsermonsandprayers,andwillbeproducedandreadinthegreatdayagainstalltherefusersanddespisersofChrist.

2.Thegospelitself,whichispreachedtoyou,isatestimonyorwitnessforGod,oragainsteveryonethathearsit;John12:48."Hethatrejectethme,andreceivethnotmywords,hathonethatjudgethhim;thewordthatIhave spoken, the same shall judgehim in the last day."And this is thesense of Christ's word, Matth. 24:14. "And this gospel of the kingdomshallbepreached inall theworld forawitness toallnations,and thenshall the end come." Ah, Lord, what a solemn record is here! everysermon you hear, yea, every reproof, persuasion, and conviction, is awitness for God to cast and condemn every soul in judgment thatcompliesnotimmediatelywiththecallsofthegospel:somanysermons,somanywitnesses.

3.Everyman'sconscience isawitness forGod, thathehatha fairofferoncemadehim: the very consciencesof theHeathens thatnever sawaBible, that had no other preachers but the sun, moon, and stars, andother works of nature; yet of them the apostle saith, Rom. 2:15. "Thatthey shew thework of the lawwritten in their hearts, their consciencealsobearingthemwitness,andtheirthoughtsthemeanwhileaccusingorelseexcusingoneanother."CertainlyifsuchvigourandactivitywasputintotheconsciencesofHeathens,whocouldonlyreadthewillofGodbythe dim moon-light of natural reason; how much more vigorous andactivewillconsciencebe in itsaccusingofficeagainstall that liveunderthe bright beams of gospel-light? Their consciences will be swiftwitnesses, and will ring sad peals in their ears another day, Ezek. 2:5."Youshallknowthattherehathbeenaprophetamongyou."ThissinglewitnessisinsteadofathousandwitnessesforGod.

4.Theexamplesofall those thatdobelieveandobey thegospel,aresomanywitnessesforGodagainstthedespisersandneglectersofthegreatsalvation.Everymourning,tremblingsoulamongyouisawitnessagainstall the dead-hearted, unbelieving, disobedient ones, that sit with themunderthesameordinances.Henceitissaid,1Cor.6:2."Knowyenotthatthesaintsshall judgetheworld?"TheyshallbeassessorswithChrist inthegreatday,andcondemntheworldfortheirexamples,asNoahdidtheold world. Thus John, Matth. 21:32 came unto you in the way of

righteousness, and ye believed him not, but the publicans and harlotsbelievedhim;andyewhenyehadseenit,repentednotafterwardsthatyemight believe him, q. d. What shift do you make to quiet yourconsciences, and stifle your convictions, when you saw publicans, theworstofmen,andharlots,theworstofwomen,repenting,believing,andhungering after Christ! their examples shall be your judges. These areGod'switnesses.

II.Next letusconsiderwhataretheobjectmatteruntowhichtheygivetheirtestimony,andthatwillbefoundtwo-fold,accordingtothetwo-foldeventthegospelhathuponthemthathear it:ofbothwhichtheapostlegivesthisaccount,2Cor.2:16."Untosomewearethesavouroflifeuntolife, and unto others the savour of death unto death." Accordingly adoublerecordismade.

1.Oftheobedienceandfaithofsome,whichrecordwillbeproducedtotheir joyandcomfort in thedayof theLord;whenhe shall come tobeglorifiedinhissaints,andtobeadmiredinallthemthatbelieve;becauseour testimony among you was believed in that day. Ministers areinstruments of espousing souls to Christ, and witnesses to thoseespousals and contractsmade betwixt him and them, 2Cor. 11:2. Boththese offices are exceeding grateful and pleasant to every faithfulminister.

2.A record ismade, andwitness takenof all the refusals,disobedienceandslightingsofChristbyothers.ThusMoseswillbetheaccuseroftheJews,John5:45. "Donot think Iwillaccuseyou to theFather; there isone that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom you trust." This is thesaddest part of a minister's work; the fore-thoughts of it are moreafflictivethanallourlaboursandsufferings.Thereisathree-foldrecordmadeinthiscase:(1.)Ofthetimemenhaveenjoyedunderthemeansofsalvation;howmanyyearstheyhavesatbarrenanddead-heartedunderthe labours of God's faithful ministers; Luke 13:7. "Behold these threeyears I come seeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find none." Behold, thesame term of notification with that in the text, applied to the time ofGod'spatiencetowardsthem.Andagain,Jer.25:3."FromthethirteenthyearofJosiah,evenuntothisday,(thatis,thethreeandtwentiethyear)theword of the Lord hath comeuntome, and I have spoken unto you

risingearly,andspeaking,butyehavenothearkened."Oconsider,alltheyearsanddaysyouhavespentunderthegospel,areuponyourdoomsdaybook. (2.) Records are alsomade of all the instruments that ever Godemployed for the conversion and salvation of your souls. So manyministers,whether fixed or transient, as have spent their labours uponyou,areupon thebookof youraccount. Jer.25:4. "TheLordhath sentunto you all his servants, theprophets, rising early, and sending them;but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear." They havewastedtheirlungs,dropttheircompassionatetears,andburntdownoneafteranother,ascandlestodirectyoutoChristandsalvation,butall invain.(3.)Everycall,persuasionandargument,usedbythemtoespouseyou to Christ, is likewise upon the book of account. Prov. 1:24, 25."BecauseIhavecalledandyerefused,"Ihavestretchedoutmyhand,andnomanregarded;butyehavesetatnoughtallmycounsels,andwouldnoneofmyreproof."ThesecallsandcounselsareoftoogreatvaluewithGod(thoughofnonewithyou)tobelostandleftoutofyouraccount.

III.We shall, in the last place, inquire into the grounds and reasonsofthesejudicialproceduresofGod,whyhewillhaveeveryman'sobedienceand disobedience registered, and witnessed for or against him, undergospeladministrations;andtherearetwoweightyreasonsthereof.

1.Thatwherevertheendofthegospelisattainedintheconversionofanysoul, that soul, and all that were instrumentally employed about thesalvationofit,mayhavetheproperrewardandcomfortinthegreatday,2Cor.1:14."Asalsoyouhaveacknowledgedusinpart,thatweareyourrejoicing,evenasyealsoareoursinthedayoftheLordJesus."Thiswillbematterofjoyunspeakable,bothtoyouthatshallreceive,andtothemthat shall give such a comfortable testimony for you. O the joyfulcongratulations that will be in that day between laborious, faithfulministers, and their believing, obedient hearers! Lord, this was theblessed instrument ofmy happy illumination and conversion; though Imighthavetenthousandinstructers inChrist,yetnotmanyfathers; forby the blessing of thy Spirit upon this man's ministry, my soul wasbegotten toChrist.And,on theotherside;Lord, theseare thesouls forwhom I travailed, as in birth, until Christ was formed in them. It is aglorious thing tosay,as theprophet, "HereamI,and thechildrenGod

hathgivenme."

Nay, those thatwerebut collaterallyuseful tohelpon theworkofGodbegunbyothers,mustnotlosetheirrewardinthatday.John4:36."Andhethatreapethreceivethwages,andgatherethfruituntoeternallife,thatbothhethatsowethandhethatreapethmayrejoicetogether."

2.Recordsarenowmade,andwitnessestaken,thattherebythejudicialsentence of Jesus Christ in the last day may be made clear andperspicuous toall theworld; thateverymouthmaybe stopped,andnoplea,orapologyleftinthemouthofanycondemnedsinner.ForChrist,inthatdaycometh,Jude15toconvinceallthatareungodly;toconvincebydemonstration,thatallthatareChristlessnow,maybefoundspeechlessthen,Matth.22:12.Hence it is said,Psal. 1:5That thewicked shallnotstand, or rise up in judgment. And no wonder, when so many fulltestimonies, and unexceptionable witnesses shall come point blankagainstthem,theministersthatpreached,thewordtheypreached,theirown consciences, and the examples of all believers will be producedagainstthem.

Inferences

1st Inference. The undoubted certainty of a day of judgment is henceevinced.Towhatpurposeelsearerecordsmade,andwitnessestaken,butwithrespecttoanaudit-day?Thisisatruthsealedupontheconscienceoftheveryheathens,Rom.2:15Theirconsciencesbearwitness.Butinvainare all these recordsmade,unless therebe aday toproduce andpleadthem; and of that day the prophet Daniel speaks, Dan. 7:10. "Thejudgmentwas set, and thebookswereopened."Andagain,Rev. 20:12."And I saw thedead, small andgreat, standbeforeGod,and thebookswereopened,andanotherbookwasopenedwhichisthebookoflife;andthedeadwerejudgedoutofthosethingswhichwerewritteninthebook,accordingtotheirworks."

Believe it, friends, these are no devised fables, but most awful andinfallible truths; according to the saving effects the gospel nowhath, itwillbea timeofrefreshingtooursouls,Acts3:19toallothersadayofterror,wrath,andamazement,2Thess.1:7,8."ThedayinwhichtheLord

Jesus shall be revealed from heavenwith hismighty angels in flamingfire,takingvengeanceonthemthatknownotGod,andthatobeynotthegospelofourLordJesusChrist."

2dInfer.Whataspurisheretoministerialdiligenceandfaithfulness?Itisanawfulworkthatisunderourhands;theeffectsofthegospelwhichwepreach,willbethesavouroflifeordeathtothemthathearus.IftheLordprosperitinourhands,weshallbewitnessesforyou,itwillbeanaddition to our glory in heaven; Dan. 12:3. "They that turn many torighteousness,shallshineasthebrightnessofthefirmament,andasthestars for ever and ever." But if we be ignorant, lazy,men-pleasers, ourpeoplewillcomeinasswiftwitnessesagainstus,andtheirbloodwillberequiredatourhands;itwillbeanintolerableaggravationtoourmiseryin hell, to have any that sat under ourministry thus upbraiding us! Ocruelman! thou sawestmy soul in danger, and never dealtst faithfullyandplainlywithme;thesametimeandbreaththatwasspentinidleandworldlydiscourse,mighthavebeeninstrumentaltohavesavedmefromthisplaceoftorment.LetministersconsiderthemselvesaswitnessesforGod, and theirpeople aswitnesses foror against them;andunder thatconsideration, so study, preach and pray, that theymaywithPaul takeGodtorecord,thattheyarefreefromthebloodofallmen;nosortofmenuponearthhavemorespurstodiligenceandfaithfulnessthanwehave.

3d Infer.What a pill is this to purge formality out of all that hear us;Every sabbath, every sermon, is recorded inheaven for or against yoursouls;atwhatratesoeveryouattendtotheword,allthatyouhearissetdowninthebookofyouraccount:thinknotyoushallreturnasyoucame,thewordwillhaveitseffectandend,itshallnotreturninvain,Isa.55:11butshallaccomplishtheendforwhichit issent.Thedecreesofheavenare executed by the gospel, some souls shall be quickened, and othersshall be slain by theword ofGod'smouth. The gospel is a river of thewatersoflife,whichquickensandrefresheseverythingthatlives;butthemiry andmarshy places shall not be healed. How weighty therefore isthatcautionofourLord,Luke8:18.Takeheedhowyouhear!Whenyoucome under an ordinance, you are sowing seed for eternity, whichwillspringupintheworldtocome.Preachingandhearingmaybeconsideredtwo ways, physically or morally; in the former respect, these acts are

quicklyoverandpassaway.Ishallbyandbyhavedonepreaching,andyou hearing; this sermon will be ended in a little time, but theconsequencesthereofwillabide forever!Therefore, for theLord'ssake,awaywith formality; nomore drowsy eyes orwandering thoughts.Oh,when you come to attend upon the ministry of the gospel, that suchthoughtsasthesemightprepareyourminds!ThewordIamgoingtohearwill quicken or kill, save or damnmy soul; if I sit dead under it, andreturnbarrenfromit,IshallwishonedaythatIhadneverseenthefaceofthatminister,norheardhisvoicethatpreachedit.

4th Infer.What a dreadful condition are all those in that are real andprofessedenemiestothegospel,andthemthatpreachit!Thatinsteadofembracingandobeyingthemessageof thegospel,rejectanddespise it;instead of opening their hearts to receive it, open their blasphemousmouthsagainstit,toderideit,andhissit(if itwerepossible)outoftheworld.Ah!whatabookofremembrance iswrittenforsuchmen?I fearthere neverwas an age, sinceChristianity blessed this nation, thatwasmoredeeplydrenchedintheguiltofthissinthanthepresentage.Howare themessengers of the gospel slighted and rejected?What have wedonetodeserveit?Isnotourcasethisdaymuchlikethatoftheprophet?"Shallevilberecompensedforgood?Fortheyhavediggeda,pitformysoul;remember thatIstoodbefore thee tospeakgoodfor them,andtoturnawaythywrathfromthem,"Jer.18:20.Whatbrutishmadnesshathpossessed the souls of thesemen? But alas! it is not somuch they, asSatanacting in them;he is a jealousprince, thegospelalarmshim,hissubjects are in, danger of revolting from him: no wonder therefore hemakesanoutcryatthelibertyofthegospel,asisusedtobemadewhenanenemyinvadesakingdom.InthiscaseChristdirectshisministerstoshakeoff thedustof their feet fora testimonyagainst them,Mark6:11.Thesignificationandmeaningwhereofisthis,thatlookasyoushakeoffthedustof your feet, evensoJesusChristwill shakeof thosemen thatdespisethegospel,andabusehismessengers.

5thInfer.Henceitlikewisefollows,ThatthecaseofthePaganworldwillbe easier in the day of judgment, than theirs that live and dieunregenerateanddisobedientunderthegospelofChrist.Therearemorewitnesses prepared, and records filled against the day of your account,

thancanpossiblybeagainstthem;theyhaveabusedbutonetalent, thelight of nature; butwe thousands, even asmany thousands aswehavehadopportunities and calls under the gospel.Upon this accountChristsaith, "Whosoever shallnot receiveyou,norhearyourwords, shakeoffthedustofyourfeet.Verily,Isayuntoyou,itshallbemoretolerableforthe landofSodomandGomorrha in thedayof judgment, than for thatcity,"Mat.10:14,15.

Ah,whatafearfulaggravationdothitputuponoursinandmisery,thatwearenotonlyaccountable forall the lightwehad,but forall thatwemighthavehadinthegospel-day!Capernaumwaslifteduptoheavenintheenjoymentofmeansandpreciousopportunities,Mat.11:23andhadan answerable downfal into the depth of misery from that height ofmercy;asthehigheranyoneisliftedupuponarack,themoreterribleisthejerkhereceivesbythefall.

6th Infer. Lastly, Hence it appears, That the day of judgment mustcertainly takeupavast spaceof time:For ifGodwillbringevery thingintojudgment,Eccl.12:14notonlysinfulactions,butwords,Matth.12:36not only words, but heart-secrets, Rom. 2:16. If all the records andregistersnowmade,shallthenbeopenedandread;allthewitnessesfororagainsteverymanexaminedandheard;judgethenwhatavastspaceoftimewillthatgreatdaytakeup.Somedivinesareofopinionitmaylastaslongastheworldhathlasted;butthisissure,thingswillnotbehudledup,norshuffledoverinhaste:youhavetakenyourtimeforsinning,andGodwilltakehistimeforjudging.

Consider the multitudes, multitudes without number, that are to bejudgedinthatday,evenalltheposterityofAdam,whichareasthesanduponthesea-shore;thatnotonlysomanypersons,butallthattheyhavedone,mustcome into judgment,even thevery thoughtsof theirhearts,which never came to the knowledge of men: their consciences to beinterrogated, all otherwitnesses fullyheardandexamined:howgreatadaymustthisdayoftheLordthenbe?

ThesecondUse

Butthemainuseofthispointwillbeforexhortation,thatseeingallthe

offers of Christ are recorded, and witnessed, with respect to a day ofaccount, every one of you would therefore immediately embrace thepresentgracioustenderofChrist inthegospel,aseveryouexpecttobeacquittedandclearedinthatgreatday:takeheedofdenials,nayofdelaysanddemurs. "For if theword spokenby angelswas stedfast, and everytransgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;howshallweescapeifweneglectsogreatasalvation?"Heb.2:2,3.Thequestionisput,butnoanswermade;Howshallweescape?Thewisdomofmen and angels cannot tell how. To enforce this exhortation, I shallpresentyouwithtenweightyconsiderationsuponthematter,whichtheLordfollowhome,bytheblessingofhisspirituponallyourhearts.

1.Considerhowinvaluableamercyitisthatyouareyetwithinthereachofofferedgrace.Themerciesthatstandinofferbeforeyouthisday,wereneversetbeforetheangelsthatfell;nomediatorwaseverappointedforthem.Oastonishingmercy!thatthosevesselsofgoldshouldbecastintoeverlastingfire,andsuchclayvesselsasweare,thusputintoacapacityofgreater happiness than ever they fell from; nay, themercy that standsbefore you isnotonlydenied to theangels that fell, but to thegreatestpartofyourfellow-creaturesofthesamerankanddignitywithyou:"HeshewethhiswordtoJacob,hisstatutesandhisjudgmentsuntoIsrael,hehath not dealt sowith any other nation, and as for his judgments theyhave not known them: Praise ye the Lord," Psal. 147:19, 20. A mercydeservedlycelebratedwithajoyfulAllelujah.Whatvasttractsarethereinthe habitable world, where the name of Christ is unknown! it is yourspecialmercytobeborninalandofbiblesandministers,whereitisasdifficultforyoutoavoidandshunthelight,asit isforotherstobeholdandenjoyit.

2.Consider thenature,weight,andworthof themercieswhichare thisday freely offered you. Certainly they aremercies of the first rank, themostponderous,precious,andnecessaryamongall themerciesofGod.Christ the first-born ofmercies, and inhimpardon, peace, and eternalsalvation are set before you: it were astonishing to see a starvingmanrefusing offered bread, or a condemnedman a gracious pardon. Lord!whatacompositionofslothandstupidityarewe,thatweshouldneedsomanyentreatiestobehappy.

3.Considerwhoitisthatmakesthesegracioustendersofpardon,peace,andsalvation,toyou;eventhatGodwhomyouhavesodeeplywronged,whose laws you have violated, whose mercies you have spurned, andwhose wrath you have justly incensed. His patience groans under theburden of your daily provocations; he loses nothing if you be damned,andreceivesnobenefitifyoubesaved;yetthefirstmotionsofmercyandsalvation to you freely arise out of his grace and good pleasure. Godintreatsyoutobereconciled,2Cor.5:20.TheblessedLordJesus,whoseblood thy sins have shed, now freely offers that blood for thyreconciliation, justification, and salvation, if thou wilt but sincerelyaccepthimereitbetoolate.

4.Reflectseriouslyuponyourownvileness,towhomsuchgraciousoffersofpeaceandmercyaremade.Thysinshavesettheeatasgreatadistancefromthehopesandexpectationsofpardon,asanysinner in theworld.Considerman,whatthouhastbeen,whatthouhastdone,andwhatvastheapsofguiltthouhastcontractedbyalifeofsin:andyetthatuntotheepardonandpeaceshouldbeofferedinChristaftersuchalifeofrebellion,how astonishing is themercy! the Lord is contented to pass by all thyformer rebellions, thy deep-dyed transgressions, and to sign an act ofoblivionforallthatispast,ifnowatlastthyheartrelentforsin,andthywillbowinobediencetothegreatcommandsandcallsofthegospel,Isa.55:2,&c.and1:18.

5.Considerhowmanyoffersofmercyyouhavealreadyrefused,andthateveryrefusalisrecordedagainstyou:howlonghaveyoutried,andeventriedthepatienceofGodalready,andthatthismaybethelastovertureofgrace that everGodwillmake to your souls.Certainly there is an offerthatwill be the last offer, a striving of the Spirit whichwill be his laststriving;andafterthatnomoreofferswithoutyou,nomoremotionsorstrivingswithinyouforevermore.Thetreatyisthenended,andyourlastneglect or rejection ofChrist recorded against the day of your account;andwhatifthisshouldprovetobethatlasttenderofgracewhichmustconcludethetreatybetwixtChristandyou!Whatundonewretchesmustyou then be, with whom so gracious a treaty breaks off upon suchdreadfulterms.

6.Considerwellthereasonable,mild,andgraciousnatureofthegospel-

terms,onwhichlifeandpardonareofferedtoyou,Acts20:21.Thegospelrequiresnothingofyoubutrepentanceandfaith.Canyouthink ithardwhenaprincepardonsarebel,torequirehimtofalluponhisknees,andstretch forth a willing and thankful hand to receive his pardon? Yourrepentance and faith are much of the same nature. Here is no legalsatisfaction requiredat yourhands,no reparationof the injured lawbyyourdoingsorsufferings,butaheartysorrowforsinscommitted,sincerepurposes and endeavours after new obedience, and a hearty, thankfulacceptationofChristyourSaviour;and foryourencouragementherein,hisSpiritstandsreadytofurnishyouwithpowersandabilities;"Turnyeat my reproof; behold I will pour out my Spirit unto you, I will makeknownmywordsuntoyou,"Prov.1:23.AndIsa.26:12."Lord,thouhastwroughtallourworksinus."

7. Again, Consider how yourway to Christ, by repentance and faith, isbeatenbeforeyou,bythousandsofsinnersforyourencouragement.Youarenotthefirst thateveradventuredyoursouls inthispathmultitudesare gone before you, and that under as much guilt, fear, anddiscouragementasyouthatcomeaftercanpretendunto;andnotamanamong them repulsed or discouraged: here they have found rest andpeace to their weary souls, Heb. 4:3. Acts 13:39. Here the greatest ofsinnershavebeensetforthforanensampletoyouthatshouldafterwardsbelieve on his name, 1 Tim. 1:16. You see if you will not, others willjoyfullyaccept theoffersofChrist;whatdiscouragementshaveyouthattheyhadnot?OrwhatgreaterencouragementshadtheywhichGodhathnotgivenyouthisday?thereforetheyshallbeyourjudges.

8. Consider the great hazard of these precious seasons you now enjoy.Opportunity is the golden spot of time, but it is tempus labile, a veryslippery and uncertain thing: great and manifold are the hazards andcontingencies attending it. Your life is immediately uncertain, yourbreathcontinuallygoinginyournostrils;andthatwhichiseverymomentgoing,will be gone at last. The gospel is as uncertain as your life;Godhathmadenosuchsettlementofit,butthathemayatpleasureremoveit,andwillcertainlydoso ifwethus trifleunder it; it isbutacandlestick,thoughagoldenone,Rev.2:5andthatyouallknowisamoveablething;and not only your life, and themeans of your eternal life, I mean the

gospel, are uncertain things; but even themotions and strivings of theSpirit with your souls are as uncertain as either. "Work out your ownsalvationwithfearandtrembling;foritisGodthatworkethinyoubothtowillandtodoofhisgoodpleasure,"Phil.2:12,13.ThatGodnowworkswith you is matter of great encouragement to your work: but that heworksathisownpleasure,asafreearbitraryagent,whocanceasewhenhe pleases, and never give but one knock at your hearts more, shouldmakeyouworkwithfearandtrembling.

9.Thinkwhatafearfulaggravationitwillbebothofyoursinandmisery,toperishinthesightandpresenceofanofferedremedy;tosinkintohellbetwixttheout-stretchedarmsofacompassionateRedeemer,thatwouldhavegatheredyou,butyouwouldnot.

Heathens,yeadevilswillupbraidyouinhellforsuchunaccountablefollyand desperate madness; heathens will say, Alas, we had but the dimmoon-light ofnature,whichdid indeeddiscover sin, butnotChrist theremedy.Ah,hadyourpreachersandyourbiblesbeensentamongus,howgladlywouldwehaveembracedthem!surelysaithGodtoEzekiel,"hadIsent thee to them, theywouldhavehearkenedunto thee,"Ezek. 3:5, 6.Matth. 11:21. The very devils will upbraid you; O if God had sent aMediatorinournature,wehadneverrejectedhimasyouhavedone;buthetooknotonhimthenatureofangels.

10.Lastly,Howclear aswell as sure,will your condemnationbe in thegreat day, against whom such a cloud of witnesseswill appear! O howmanifestwilltherighteousnessofGodbe!menandangelsshallapplaudthesentence,andyourownconsciencesshallacknowledgetheequityofit. You that are christless now, will be speechless then, Matth. 22:11."KnowingthereforetheterrorsoftheLord,wepersuademen,"2Cor.5:11asonethattremblestothinkofbeingsummonedasawitnessagainstanyofyoursouls.OthatImightbeyourrejoicing,andyoumineinthedayofourLordJesusChrist.

SERMONII-REV.3:20BeholdIstandatthe

door,&c.

HAVING,intheformersermon,ponderedChrist'ssolemnprefacetohisearnest suit; the next thing that comes under our consideration, is theperson soliciting andpleading for admission into thehearts of sinners,whichisChristhimself.

Behold [I] stand. The only difficulty here is rightly to apprehend themannerofChrist'spresenceingospeladministrations;for it ismanifestthepersonofChristwasatthistimeinheaven:hisbodilypresencewasremoved fromthis lowerworldabovesixtyyearsbefore thisepistlewaswrittentotheLaodiceans.John'sbanishmentintoPatmosisbyEusebius,outofIrenæusandClemensAlexandrinus,placedinthefourteenthyearof theemperorDomitian,andunderhissecondpersecution,whichwasabouttheninetyseventhyearfromthebirthofChrist.

Yetherehesaith,BeholdIstand;notmymessengersandministersonly,but I by my spiritual presence among you, I your sovereign Lord andowner,whohave all right and authority by creation and redemption topossess and dispose of your souls: it is I that stands at the door andknocks,IbymySpirit,solicitingandmovingbytheministryofmen.Youseenonebutmen;butbelieveit,Iamreallyandtruly,thoughspirituallyand invisibly, present in all those administrations; all those knocks,motions, and solicitations, are trulymine, they aremy acts, and I ownthem,andsoIwouldhaveyoutoconceiveandapprehendthem.HencethesecondNoteisthis,

Doct. 2. That Jesus Christ is truly presentwithmen in his ordinances,andhathtodowiththem,andtheywithhim;thoughhebenotvisibletotheircarnaleyes.

Thusrunsthepromise;"Wheretwoorthreearegatheredtogetherinmyname,thereamIinthemidstofthem,"Mat.18:20.ThemiddleplacewastheseatofthepresidentintheJewishassemblies,wherehemightequallyhearandbeheardofall.SowillIbeinthemidstoftheassembliesofthefaithful,met together inmynameandbymyauthority, tobless, guide,andprotectthem.Hencethechurchiscalledtheplaceofhisfeet,Isaiah

16:13amanifestallusiontotheark,calledGod'sfootstool,Psal.99:5.Andagreeably hereunto, Christ is said to walk among the seven goldencandlesticks,Rev. 2:1. There are the spiritualwalks of Christ, there hisconversesandcommunionwithmen:andthispresenceofChristwasnotthe peculiar privilege of the first churches, but is common to all thechurchesofthesaintstotheendoftheworld,asappearsbythatgloriouspromisesocomfortablyextended to thechurch fromfirst to last; "Lo, Iamwithyoualwaystotheendoftheworld,"Mat.22ult.Thispromiseisthegroundandreasonofallour faith,andexpectationsofbenefit fromordinances;andthesubjectsofitarenothereconsideredpersonallybutofficially; to you, andall that succeedyou in the sameworkandoffice;not to you only as extraordinary, but to all the succeeding ordinarystandingofficersinmychurch.Asfortheapostles,neithertheirpersonsnor extraordinary office was to continue long, but this promise was tocontinuetotheendoftheworld.

Noristhispromisemadeabsolutely,butconditionally;theconnectionofthepromisewiththecommand,enforcesthisqualifiedsense;as2Chron.15:2 "The Lord is with you, whilst you are with him." Ignorant, idle,unqualifiedpersonscannotclaimthebenefitofthisgraciousgrant.

Oncemore,thispromiseismadetoeveryhourandminuteoftime.Iamwithyou,allthedays,asitisintheGreektext;indarkanddangerous,aswellaspeaceableandencouragingdays:anditisclosedupwithasolemnAmen,Sobeit,or,Soitshallbe.

Toopenthispointdistinctly,wearetoconsiderthatthereisathreefoldpresenceofChrist.

1.Corporeal.

2.Represented.

3.Spiritual.

1.ThereisacorporealpresenceofChrist,whichthechurchonceenjoyedonearth,whenhewent inandout amongsthispeople,Acts 1:21whentheir eyes saw him, and their hands handled him, 1 John 1:1. This

presencewasa singular consolation to thedisciples, and therefore theywere greatly dejectedwhen it was to be removed from them. But afterredemption-work was finished on earth, this bodily presence was nolongernecessarytobecontinuedinthisworld,butmoreexpedienttoberemoved to heaven, John 16:7 as indeed it was, andmust there abideuntilthetimeoftherestitutionofallthings,Acts3:21.Andinthisrespeethe tells the disciples, John 16:28. "I leave the world, and go to myFather."

2.ThereisarepresentedpresenceofChristinordinances.Asthepersonof a king is represented in another country by his Ambassadors, so isChristinthisworldbyhisministers:"WethenareambassadorsforGod;asthoughGoddidbeseechyoubyus,weprayyouinChrist'ssteadbeyereconciled to God," 2 Cor. 5:20. Christ is about other work for us inheaven, but we stand in his stead on earth. And this speaks the greatdignityoftheministerialoffice;whateverabusesorcontemptsarecastonthem, they reflect upon Christ: "He that despiseth you despiseth me,"Luke 10:16. It also teacheth us whence the validity of gospel-administrations is; Christ ratifies and confirms them with his ownauthority. It also instructs us how wise, spiritual, and holy ministersshouldbe,whorepresentChristtotheworld.Adrunkard,apersecutor,asensual worldling, is but an ill representative of the blessed and holyJesus.

3. Besides, and above the two former, there is a spiritual presence ofChristinthechurches,andordinances;andthispresenceofChristbyhisSpirit,who ishisVicegerent, is tobe consideredas that fromwhichallgospel-ordinancesderive,

1.Theirbeautyandglory.

2.Theirpowerandefficacy.

3.Theirawfulsolemnity.

4.Theircontinuanceandstability.

1.FromthepresenceofChristbyhisSpirit,theordinancesandchurches

derivetheirbeautyandglory:"Toseethypowerandthyglory,asIhaveseentheeinthesanctuary,"Psal.27:4.Lookasthebeautyofthebodyisaresult from the soul that animates it: and when the soul is gone, thebeautyofthebodyisgonealso;sothebeautyandgloryofallordinancescomeandgowiththeSpiritofChrist,whichistheverysoulofthem.Thechurchesareindeedgoldencandlesticks,butthecandlestickhathnolightbut what the candle gives it; hence thatmagnificent description of thenewtemple isclosedup in thisexpression, "Thenameof thatcityshallbe,TheLordisthere,"Ezek.48ult.

2.FromthisspiritualpresenceofChrist,allgospel-ordinancesderiveallthatpowerandefficacywhichisbythemexerteduponthesoulsofmen,either in their conversion or edification. This power is not inherent inthem, nor do they act as natural, necessary agents, but as institutedmeans,whichare successful, orunsuccessful accordingasChristbyhisSpiritco-operateswiththem:"Hethatplantethisnothing,neitherhethatwatereth,butGodthatgiveth the increase,"1Cor.3:7.That is, theyarenothing to the purpose, nothing to the accomplishment of men'ssalvation,without the concurrenceof theSpiritofChrist.Forwhen theapostlemakeshimselfandApollos,withallotherministers,nothing,wemust understand him speaking not absolutely, but comparatively, andrelatively;theyarenecessaryintheirplaces,andsufficientintheirkind,for what they are appointed to, else it would be a reflection upon thewisdom of God that instituted them: But singly in themselves, anddisjunctively considered, they are nothing; as a trumpet or wind-instrument is nothing, as to its end and use, except breath be inspiredintoit,andthatbreathmodulatedbytheartandskilloftheinspirer;likeEzekiel'swheelsthatmovednotbutastheSpiritthatwasinthemmoved,anddirected theirmotions. If ordinanceswroughtupon soulsnaturallyand necessarily, as the fire burneth, then they could not fail of successupon all that come under them: But it is with them as it waswith thewaters of thepool atBethesda,whosehealing virtuewas only found atthatseasonwhentheangeldescendedandtroubledthem.

3.ThisspiritualpresenceofChristgivestheordinancesofthegospelthatawfulsolemnitywhichisdue,uponthataccount,tothem.ThepresenceofChristinthemcommandsreverencefromallthatareabouthim."God

is greatly to be feared in the assemblies of his saints, and to be had inreverenceofallthatareroundabouthim:"henceisthatsolemncautionorthreatening,Lev.26:23,24."Ifyouwalkcontraryuntome,thenwillIalsowalkcontraryuntoyou."TheHebrewword in that text signifies towalk rashly, or at an adventure with God, sine personæ discrimine,withoutconsideringwithwhomwehavetodo,andwhatanawfulmajestywe stand before. And the punishment is suitable to the sin; I also willwalk at an adventure with you, making no discrimination in myjudgmentsbetwixtyourpersonsandthepersonsoftheworstofmen.OthatthisweredulyconsideredbyallthathavetodowithGodingospel-institutions!

4.ItisthespiritualpresenceofChristinhischurchesandordinancesthatgivesthemtheircontinuanceandstability:whenevertheSpiritofChristdeparts from them, itwillnotbe longbefore theydepart fromus;or iftheyshouldnot, theircontinuancewillbe little toouradvantage.Whenthegloryof theLorddescended frombetwixt thecherubims,whenthatsadvoicewasheardinthetemple,migremushinc,Letusgohence,howsoon was both city and temple made a desolation! and truly Christ'spresenceisnotsofixedtoanyplace,oranyordinances,butthesinsofthepeoplemaybanish itaway,Rev.2:5.Whowill tarry inanyplace longerthanheiswelcome,ifhehaveanywhereelsetogo?

Butmoreparticularly,letusherediscussthesetwopoints.

I.HowitappearsChrististhusspirituallypresentwithhischurchesandordinances.

II.Whyitisnecessaryheshouldbeso.

First, By what evidence doth it manifestly appear that there is such apresenceofChristwithhischurchesandordinances.Andthiswillappearbytwoundeniableevidencesthereof.

1.Bytheirwonderfulpreservations.

2.Fromtheirsupernaturaleffects.

1. From their wonderful preservations: For it is wholly unaccountable,andinconceivable,howthechurches,ministersandordinancesshouldbesupported and preserved without it, amidst such hosts of potent andenragedenemies.IfChristwerenotamongthem,theyhadcertainlybeenswalloweduplongago.Itishethatholdsthestarsinhisright-hand,Rev.2:1. His walking among the seven golden candlesticks is their bestsecurity. The burning bush, Exod. 3:3 is a rare emblem to open thismystery;thebushburnedwithfire,butwasnotconsumed.Thebushwasa resemblance of the church of God in Egypt, the flames upon it weretheir terrible persecution; the wonder, that no ashes appeared as theeffectsof those terrible flames; thereasonwhereofwas,Godwas in thebush,JesusChristwasinthemidstofhispeople.

Byvirtueofthispresenceweareherethisday,intheenjoymentofgospelliberties;nosocietyofmenintheworldhavesuchsecurityasthechurchhathuponthisaccount.Themightiestmonarchieshavebeenoverturned,nopolicies nor humanpower could preserve them; but the church andordinancesarestillpreserved,andshalleverbe,byvirtueofthatgraciouspromise, Jer. 30:11. "For I am with thee, saith the Lord, to save thee:ThoughImakeafullendofallnationswhitherIhavescatteredthee,yetwillInotmakeafullendofthee."

TheBabylonian,Persian,Grecianmonarchies,havedestroyedandruinedoneanother:

——SicMedusademit

AssyrioSyroquetulitmoderaminaPerses,&c.

butstillthechurchofChristliftsupitshead,andbeholdstheirruins.

2. This presence of Christ in and with his ordinances is undeniablyevinced from their supernatural effects upon the souls of men, 2 Cor.10:4. "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, butmighty throughGod to thepullingdownof strongholds." It is the Spirit ofChrist thatgives them their success and efficacy; the sword of the gospel hath itspointandedge,butitisimpossibletheheartofastupid,hardenedsinnershould ever beprickedorwoundedby it, if theSpirit ofChrist didnot

manageit.Whensinnersfalldownconvincedundertheauthorityoftheword,theyfeel,andreadilyacknowledgethatGodisinitofatruth,1Cor.14:25. Ruffinus reports, that at the council of Nice, a godlyman of nogreat learning,was the instrumentof convertinga learnedphilosopher,whomthebishopswithalltheirargumentscouldnotpersuade:ofwhichthe philosopher himself gave this remarkable account, 'Whilst youreasonedwithme (said he) against words, I opposedwords, andwhatwasspokenIoverthrewbytheartofspeaking;butwheninsteadofwordspower came out of the mouth of the speaker, words could no longerwithstandtruth,normanresistthepowerofGod.'

Andthis,indeed,isthetrueandjustaccountofallthosemarvellousandgracious changesmade upon the souls ofmen by the preaching of thegospel: can the vanishing breath of a dying man, think you, inspirespiritualandeternal life intothesoulsofothermen?Canhesearchtheconscience,breaktheheart,andbowthewillatthisrate?No,thisisthepowerandoperationofChrist;andofthatpresencewemustsay,saithareverendauthor*,asMarthadidtoherSaviourconcerningthedeathofher brother Lazarus, John 11:21. "Lord if thou hadst been here, mybrotherhadnotdied."SosayI,IfthatpresenceandpowerofChristwerefeltbyall,whichhathbeencertainlyexperiencedandfeltbymany,theywouldnot remain in the stateof spiritualdeathas theydo.But thoughtherebethousandsunderordinancesthatneverfeltthispowerofChristuponthem,yetblessedbeGodtherearealsomultitudesofwitnessesandevidencesofthistruth,thatthereisareal,spiritual,energeticalpresenceof Christ in his own appointments; which was the first thing to beevinced.

Secondly, The second thing requiring explication, is the uses and endswhichmakesuchapresenceofChristnecessary.Andtheyare,

1.Topreserveandsupporthisministersandchurchesamidstsuchhostsofpotentandenragedenemies:thispresenceofChrist,isasawalloffireroundaboutthem.ItwastheDivinepresencewithJeremiahthatwasasa life-guard tohimagainst the rageof theprincesandnoblesof Israel;Jer.15:20,21."Iwillmaketheetothispeopleafencedbrazenwall,andtheyshallfightagainstthee,buttheyshallnotprevailagainstthee;forIamwiththeetosavethee,andtodeliverthee,saiththeLord:andIwill

delivertheeoutofthehandofthewicked,andIwillredeemtheeoutofthehandoftheterrible."

ItwaseasierfortheRomanarmytosealethewalls,andbatterdownthetowersofJerusalem,thanforalltheenemiesinJerusalemtodestroythisprophet ofGod, thus immured by theDivine presence.Athanasius andLuther had the power of the empire engaged against them, yet thepresenceofChristwastheirsecurity.Thewitnessescouldnotbeslaintilltheyhad finished their testimony,Rev. 11:7.To this presence alone thefaithfulwitnessesofChristowetheirmarvellouspreservationatthisday;had not Christ said, Lo, I am with you, you had not said at this day,beholdourministersarestillwithus.

2.ThepresenceofChristisnecessarytoassistandenablehisministersintheirwork,foritisaworkquiteabovetheirownstrength;itiswellweareworkerstogetherwithGod,elseweshouldsoonfaintunderourlabours.WhenMosesobjected,Iamnoteloquent,theLordtoldhim,Iwillbewiththymouth,Exod.4:10.WhenGodguidesthetongue,howpowerfulandpersuasivemustthelanguagebe!whentheapostles,illiteratemen,weresentouttoconverttheworld,Christpromisedtogivethemamouthandwisdom,Luke21:15amouthtospeak,andwisdomtoguidethatmouth;andthentheirwordsweredemonstrations;alltheiradversariescouldnotresistthatSpiritandpowerbywhichtheyspake.Empires,andkingdomsfull of enemies, received the gospel; but the reason of this wonderfulsuccess is given us inMark 16:20. "Theywent out and preached everywhere,theLordworkingwiththem."ItissweetandprosperousworkinginfellowshipwithChrist;theSpiritofChristgivesamanifoldassistancetohisministersintheirwork;itishethatguidesanddirectstheirmindinthechoiceof thosesubjectswhereinthey labourwithsuchsuccesstotheirhearers.Hedictates thematter, influences their affections, guidestheirlips,followshometheirdoctrinewithsuccess.AndthisisaspecialuseandendofChrist'spresencewithhisministersandordinances.

3. The spiritual presence ofChrist is necessary for the preparation andopening of the people's heart to receive and embrace the gospel tosalvation;not aheartwill open to receiveChrist till the spirit ofChristunlockthem.PaulandTimothywereextraordinarilycalledtopreachthegospelatMacedonia, thereLydiawasconverted;buthow?Notby their

skill or eloquence, but by the Spirit's influence; "The Lord opened theheartofLydia,"Acts16:14.Thechurchcouldnotbepropagatedwithoutconversion;conversioncouldneverbewroughtwithoutChrist'sinfluenceandspiritualpresence.Sothatthispresenceisofabsolutenecessity;thechurch cannot subsist, nor the great ends of ordinances be attainedwithoutit.

Inferences

Inference 1. 'Is Christ really present in all gospel administrations, howawfullysolemntheniseverypartofgospelworship?wehavingtodowithChristhimself;andnotwithmenonly,ingospelordinances.'Happywereit, if under this consideration, all our people did receive the word wepreach,as theThessaloniansdid,1Thess.2:13notas thewordofman,butasthewordofGod;thenitwouldworkeffectually inusas itdid inthem. But alas! we have loose and low apprehensions of the word; wecometo judgethegiftsof thespeaker,nottohaveourminds informed,ourconsciencessearched,ourlustsmortified,andourlifesregulated.Butoh! that men would realize the presence of Christ in ordinances, andseriously consider that word of his, Rev. 2:23. "All the churches shallknowthatIamhewhichsearcheththereinsandhearts,andIwillgiveeveryoneofyouaccordingtoyourworks."

HowwoulditcomposeVainandwanderingheartsuntoholyseriousness?OifmenwouldbutconsiderthattheyarebeforetheLordJesusChrist,asCorneliusandhisfamilydid,Acts10:33."WeareallherepresentbeforeGod;tohearall thingsthatarecommandedtheeofGod."If theywouldconsider the word, as the executioner of God's eternal decrees, whichreturnsnot invain,butaccomplishes thatwhereuntoGodsends it, Isa.55:11 and eventually proves the savour of life or death eternal to themthatsitunderit,2Cor.2:16.Inaword,wereitbutconsideredastherulebywhich its hearers shall be judged in the great day, John 12:48 thenhowwouldmentrembleattheword?Whatmightyeffectswouldithaveupontheirhearts?Howwould it runandbeglorified?But,alas,asJobspeaks;Job9:11."Hegoethbyme,andIseehimnot;hepassethonalso,but I perceive him not." Few realize the spiritual presence of Christ inordinances.

Inf.2.IfChristbereallypresentwithhischurchesandordinances,'Howvain are all attempts of enemies to subvert and destroy them?' Thatpromise,Mat.28ult supposes the continuanceof a gospel and church-ministrytotheendoftheworld,elsetherewouldbeapromisewithoutasubject;asdeJure,thereoughttobeachurch,sodeFacto,thereshallbeachurchwithministersandordinances,letSatanandantichristdotheirworst.Idonotsaythispromisesecuresthisorthatparticularchurchornation,forthepresenceofChristismoveablefromoneplacetoanother,but still the church is safe. And there are three things that secure itagainstallhazards.

1.TheinvaluabletreasuresGodhathlodgedinthechurch,viz.hisTruths,hisWorship,andhisElect;suchapreciouscargosecuresthevesselthatcarriesit,whateverstormsortempestsmaybefalit.

2. The covenant and promise of God with the church is its abundantsecurity,Mat.16:18."UponthisrockwillIbuildmychurch,andthegatesofhellshallnotprevailagainstit."ThefaithfulnessofGodispawnedforhispeople'ssecurity.If thechurchfail,God's faithfulnessmust failwithit.

3.Butaboveall,thepresenceofChristinthemidstofit,putsitoutofalldanger of miscarrying. In that promise, Lo, I am with you alway, arefoundallmunitionsandfortificationswhatsoever:herewehavehiseyeofprovidence,hishandofpower,andwhatsoeverelseisneedfultosupportand secure it. God accounts his presence our safety, Isa. 61:10. TheenemiesofGodandhispeopleaccountitsotoo,Exod.14:25andshallitnot be so in our account? Provoke not the Lord Jesus towithdraw hispresence,andfearnottheconsultationsandoppositionsofhellorearth.

Inf. 3. From this spiritual presence of Christ all his faithful ministersshould draw encouragement, amidst the manifold difficulties anddiscouragements theydailyencounter inhisworkandservice.Christ iswiththem,theyworkinfellowshipwithhim,letthemnotbedismayed.

The difficulties and discouragements theministers of Christmeet witharegreatandmany;andthemorefaithfulandsuccessfulanyofthemareintheirMaster'swork, the fierceroppositiontheymustexpect:besides,

all the discouragements rising out of their ownhearts,which are not afew,theymustencounter,

First, The opposition of enemies from abroad. Secondly, The obstinacyandstubbornnessoftheheartstheyworkupon.Satanisajealousprince,and will raise all manner of outcries and opposition against thoseheavenlyHeralds,thatcometoproclaimanewprinceinhisdominions,andwithdrawhismiserablesubjectsfromtheircursedallegiancetohim.Whatisittopreachthegospel(saithLuther)buttodrivethefuryoftheworld upon the head of that preacher? But this would be easilysupportable,didourworkbutprosperupontheheartsofourhearers.Butthis,alas;isthekillingconsiderationofall;weknowtheworthofsouls,andhowgreat a service it is to save them fromdeath, James5:20.WealsoknowtheterrorsoftheLord,whichexciteourutmostendeavourstopersuademen,2Cor.5:11.WefeelthecompassionsofChriststirringinour bowels, which makes us long after their salvation, Phil. 1:8. Wepreach,wepray,yea,wetravailagain,asitwere,inbirthuntilChristbeformed in them, Gal. 4:19. And when we have done all, we find theirheartsasironandbrass,Jer.6:28.Wemourninsecretwhenwecannotprevail,andofttimesourhandshangdownwithdiscouragement,andwearereadytosaywiththeprophet,Jer.20:9.Wewillspeaknomoreinhisname.Buthereisourrelief,underalldiscouragementsfromabroadandathome;theworkisChrist's,thepowerishis,heiswithus,andweareworkerstogetherwithhim.Therewasatimewhenthreethousandsoulswere born to Christ, at one sermon, it may be now three thousandsermons may be preached and not a soul converted: yet let us not bediscouraged, a time of eminent conversion is promised, and to beexpected in these latter days, Ezek. 47:9 when the living waters of thegospel shallmake every thing to livewhither they come; andwhen thefishers,i.e.theministersofChrist,shallnotfishwithanglesasnowtheydo, takingnowone, then another single convert, but shall spread forththeirnets,andinclosemultitudesatadraught;"whentheyshallflyasacloud, and as doves to their windows." God now opens a door ofopportunity beyond expectation; O that the hearts of ministers andpeopleweresuitablyenlarged,andthepeoplemadewillinginthedayofhispower.

Infer. 4.Hencewe also infer the great dignity of theministerial office,andthesuitablerespectandhonourduetoallChrist'sfaithfulministers.TheLordJesushimselfisrepresentedbythem,theystandinhisstead,2Cor.5:20hisauthorityisclotheduponthem;thehonouranddishonourgiventhemredoundtothepersonofChrist.TheGalatiansreceivedPaulasanangelofGod,evenasChristJesus,Gal.4:14.

Yethowhave theirpersonsandofficebeenvilifiedanddespised in thisdegenerateage!howmany learned,pious, laborious,peacefulministersofChristhave,inthisage,beenhuntedupanddownintheworldaswildbeasts,beenmadethefilthandoff-scouringofallthingsuntothisday?1Cor. 4:13. The word signifies that dirt and filth which scavengers raketogetherinthestreets,tobecarriedtothedunghill.NodoubtbutSatandrivesagreatdesigninthistoinvalidatetheirministry,discouragetheirlabours,andbreaktheirhearts:butJesusChristwillsupportusunderallthese abuses, wipe off the dirt thrown at us for his name's sake, andreservesomeofusforbetterdays.

Infer. 5. IsChrist present in his ordinances,what a strong engagementthenliesuponyoualltoattendandwaitassiduouslyupontheministryofthe word, and to bring all yours that are capable, there to wait uponChristwithyou?WereadinthedaysofChrist'sflesh,whenheperformedhismiraculouscuresuponthesick,whatthrongingtherewasafterhim;how parents brought their children,masters their servants, pressing inmultitudes, untiling thehouse to let down their sick tohim,Luke 12:1.Ah,shallmenbesoearnestforacurefortheirbodies,andsoindifferentfortheirsouls?Itistrue,theSpiritofChristisnottiedbyanynecessitytoact alwayswith theword; he acts as an arbitrary agent, John 3:8. Thewind bloweth where it listeth: but it is engagement enough to waitcontinually upon his ordinances, that he sometimes graciously andeffectuallyconcurrethwiththem.ItisgoodtolieinthewayoftheSpirit;andthereisablessingpronounceduponthemthatwaitcontinuallyathisgates,Prov.8:34.Othereforeneglectnoseasonwithinourreach;forwhoknowsbutitmaybetheseasonoflifetothysoul!

Infer. 6.What an unspeakable loss is the loss of the gospel, seeing thepresenceofChristcomesandgoeswithit?Whenthegospeldeparts,theSpiritofChristdepartswithitfromamongmen;nomoreconversionsin

God's ordinary way, are then to be expected: well therefore might theLordsay,Hosea9:12.WoetothemwhenIdepartfromthem.TheSpiritmay,insomesense,depart,whilsttheordinancesareleftstandingforatime among the people; but then expect no such blessings or benefitsfromthem.ButwhenGodtakesawayordinancesandtheSpirittoo,woeindeedtothatpeople;andaretherenotsinsamongstuspresagingsuchajudgment?OEngland!reflectuponthybarrennessunderit;wherebethefruitsanswerable tosuchpreciousmeans?Thegospel isagolden lamp,the graces of the Spirit communicated by it are golden oil; as in thatstately vision, Zech. 4. Will God maintain such a lamp, fed with suchpreciousoil,formentotrifleandplayby?

Andno lessominousandportentous is thatbitterenmityto thegospel,andtheseriousprofessorsofit,which(Icannotspeakwithouthorror)isevery where found among us; this great hatred brings on the days ofvisitation,andthedaysofrecompence,withaswiftanddreadfulmotionuponanypeople,Hosea9:7.

Infer. 7. If Christ be present, by way of spirit and energy in hisordinances, then there is no reason to despair of the conversion andsalvationofthegreatestsinnersthatyetliedeadunderthegospel.Whatthough their hearts be hard, their understandings dark, and theirwillsneversoperverseandobstinate?allmustgiveway,andopeninthedayofChrist'spower,whenhisSpiritjoinshimselfwiththeword.Thismakesitanirresistibleword;itisglorioustoobservetheheartsofpublicansandharlots opening and yielding to the voice of Christ,Matth. 21:31.Whatwere those three thousand persons, pricked at the heart by Peter'ssermon, Acts 2:36 but the very men that, with wicked hands, hadcrucified theLordJesus?Andwhatwere theconvertedCorinthiansbutidolaters, turned from dumb idols, whoremongers, adulterers,effeminate?&c.1Cor.12:2and6:11.Godhathhiselectamongthevilestofmen: the gospelwill find them out, and draw them home to Christ,whentheSpiritanimatesandblessethit.Wellmighttheapostlethereforesay, that the gospel preached with the Holy Ghost sent down fromheaven, isanobjectworthy forangels tobeholdwithadmiration,1Pet.1:12.WhatthoughSatanhasstronglyfortifiedtheirsoulsagainstChrist,withignorance,prejudice,andenmity;yettheweaponsofourwarfareare

mighty through God, to pull down these strong holds. Despair nottherefore of your carnal and dead-hearted relations; bring them to thegospelupontheencouragementofthesewordsofChrist,John5:25."Thehour cometh, yea, andnow is, that thedead shall hear the voiceof theSonofGod,andtheythathearitshalllive."

Infer.8. IsChrist spirituallypresent inhisordinances?O thenwhatanendearedaffection shouldeverygracious soulbear to theordinancesofGod!TheyarethewalksofChristandofhisSpirit, theappointedtimesandplacesforyourmeetingandcommunionwithhim;thereyoursoulsfirstmetwithChrist;thereyoubeganyouracquaintancewithhim;thereyouhavehadmanysweetconverseswithhimsince thatday; theyweretheseedofyourregeneration,1Pet.1:23thebreadoflifebywhichyoursoulshavebeensustainedeversince,andthereforetobemoreesteemedby you than your necessary food, Job 23:12. Here you have found therichestcordialstoreviveandrecoveryourdroopingspirits,whenreadytosinkawayinafaintfitundersinwithinyou,andafflictionsuponyou.NowonderDavid'ssoulevenfaintedforthecourtsofGod,Psal.119:50andthatHezekiahdesiredasignonhissick-bed,thatheshouldgouptothehouse of the Lord. Here are the choicest comforts of the saints uponearth;allourfreshspringsareinZion,Psal.88:7.Whatadungeon,whatabarrenwildernesswerethisworldwithoutthem!Prizetheordinances,lovetheordinances,waitassiduouslyupontheordinances,andprayforthelibertyandefficacyofthegospel,thatitmaysetnomoreinyourdays,norinthedaysofyourposterity.

SERMONIII-REV.3:20

BeholdI[stand]atthedoor,andknock,&c.

HAVINGfinishedChrist'ssolemnpreface,andclearedthemannerofhispresence in his churches and ordinances; I now come to a thirdobservationwhichisnecessarilyimpliedinthesewords,"BeholdIstandatthedoorandknock;"andthatsadtruththereinimpliedisthis,

Doct. That the hearts of men are naturally locked up, and fast barredagainstJesusChrist,theironlySaviour.

Ifitwerenotso,whatneedwerethereofallthatpainsandpatienceusedandexercisedbyChrist,inwaitingpatiently,andknockingimportunatelyforentranceintotheheartsofmen?Tokeepaclearmethodinthispoint,threethingsmustbestatedinthedoctrinalpart.

1.Howitappearstheheartsofmenarethusshutup.

2.Whatarethoselocksandbarsthatshutthemup.

3.Thatnopowerofmancanremovethesebars.

First,ThatallheartsarenaturallyshutandmadefastagainstChrist,isasadbutcertaintruth;weread,John1:11,12."Hecameuntohisown,andhisownreceivedhimnot,"&c.Hecameuntohisownpeople,fromwhosestockhesprungup;apeopletowhomhehadbeenprefiguredinallthesacrificesandtypesofthelaw,andinwhomtheymightallclearlydiscernthe accomplishment of them all.His doctrines andhismiracles plainlytold them who he was, and whence he came; yet few discerned orreceivedhimas theSonofGod.Christ found thedoorsofmen'sheartsgenerallyshutagainsthim,saveonlyafewwhoseheartswereopenedbythe Almighty power of God, in the way of faith, ver. 12. These indeedreceivedhim,butalltherestexcludedanddeniedentrancetotheSonofGod.Soagain,John5fromver.33to40.Christreasonswiththem,andgivesundeniabledemonstrations,thathewastheMessiahcometosavethem;provesitfromthetestimonyofJohn,ver.33."YesentuntoJohn,andhebarewitnessuntothetruth:"Tellsthem,thedesignofhiscomingamong themwas their salvation, ver. 34. shews them the great seal ofheaven, his uncontrolablemiracles, ver. 36. "The works that I do bearwitness of me, that the Father hath sent me:" And if that were notenough,heremindsthemoftheimmediatetestimonygivenofhimfromheaven, ver. 37. "The Father himself which hath sent me, hath bornewitness ofme."He did so at his baptism,Matth. 3:17. "And lo a voicefromheaven,saying,ThisismybelovedSoninwhomIamwellpleased."And so again at his transfiguration, upon the holymount,Matth. 17:5."While he yet spake, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them; and

behold a voice out of the cloud,which said, This ismy beloved Son inwhom I am well pleased, hear ye him." He bids them search thescriptures, and critically examine his perfect correspondence to them,John 5:39. Enough, one would think, to open the door of everyman'sunderstandingandheart,toreceivehimwithfullestsatisfaction;andyet,afterall,beholdtheunreasonableobstinacyandresistanceoftheirheartsagainsthim,ver.40."Yewillnotcomeuntome,thatyemighthavelife."

Not a soul will open, with all the reasons and demonstrations in theworld,tilltheAlmightyPowerofGodbeputforthtothatend.Ifanothercomedowninhisownname(saithhe,ver.43)himwillyereceive;anybodyratherthantheSonofGod:Everycheatcanimposeuponyoueasily;it is tomeonly yourheartshave such strongaversions.Now there is atwofoldshuttingupoftheheartagainstJesusChrist.

1.Natural.

2.Judicial.

1. Natural. Every soul comes into this world shut up and fast closedagainsttheLordJesus.Theverywillofman,whichisthefreestandmostarbitraryfaculty,comesintotheworldbarredandboltedagainstChrist,Rom. 8:7 "The carnalmind is enmity againstGod; for it is not subjectunto the law ofGod, neither indeed can be," Phil. 2:13. "It isGod thatworkethinyoubothtowillandtodoofhisowngoodpleasure."Thisisadismaleffectofthefall.Whofeelsnotstrongaversions,violentrebellions,andobstinateresistancesinhisownheart,whenmovingtowardsChristinthefirstweakandtremblingactsoffaith?

2.ThereisajudicialshuttingupoftheheartagainstChrist.ThisisasoreandtremendousstrokeofGod,punishingformerrebellions:Psal.86:11,12."Israelwouldhavenoneofme,soIgavethemuptotheirownheartslusts."Thislookslikeapreludeofdamnation,averynearpreparationtoruin.Israelwouldhavenoneofme;thereisthenaturalshuttingupoftheheart; so I gave themup; there is the judicial shuttingup of theheart;theywouldnot hear, they shall not hear.O fearful judgment! Thus theLord gave up the Heathens, Rom. 1:26 they had abused their naturallight,andnowtheirmindsarejudiciallydarkened;givenuptoasottish

andinjudiciousmind,notabletodistinguishdutyfromsin,safetyfromdanger;amindthatshouldelecttheworstthings,andreprobatethebest.ThiswasthereprobateminduntowhichGodgavethemup;whatsadderwordcantheLordspeakthanthis,unlessitbe,Takehim,devil!Itistrue,thosethatGodshutsuphecanopen,andthosewhomjusticeshutsup,mercycansetfree;butitisbeyondallthepowerofangelsandmentodoit:Job12:14."Heshuttethupaman,andtherecanbenoopening."Thesetwo closures of the heart are not always found together in the samesubject; and blessed be God they are not. Christ meets with many arepulse, and endures with much patience the gainsaying of sinners,beforehepronouncesthatdreadfulsentenceuponthem,Isa.6:9,10."Goand tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see yeindeed,butperceivenot:maketheheartofthispeoplefat,"&c.

Butwhen it comes to this once, dreadful is the case of such souls; andnone are in greater danger of this spiritual judicial stroke ofGod, thanthose thathavesat longunder the light, rebellingagainst it.That is thefirst thing, thehearts ofmenbynature are locked and shut up againstChrist.

Secondly,Inthenextplace,letusexaminewhatthoselocksandbarsarewhich oppose and forbid's Christ's entrance into the hearts of poorsinners.Andtheywillbefoundtobe,

1.Ignorance.

2.Unbelief.

3.Pride.

4.Custominsin.

5.Presumption.

6.Prejudicesagainstthewaysofholiness.

BarsenoughtosecurethesoulinSatan'spossession,andfrustrateallthedesigns of mercy, except an Almighty Power from heaven break themasunder.

1.ThefirstbarmakingfastthesoulofmanagainstChrist, is ignorance,thatobexinfernalis,thathellishbolt,whicheffectuallykeepsChristoutofthesoul.

IfknowledgebethekeythatopensthehearttoChrist,asitisplainitisfromLuke11:52whereChristdenouncethawoetothemthattookawaythe key of knowledge; then ignorance must needs be the shutter thatmakesfastthedooroftheheartagainstChrist.UponthisgroundChristtoldthewomanofSamaria,thatherinfidelitygrewupontherootofherignorance;John4:10."IfthouknewestthegiftofGod,andwhoitisthatsaithtothee,givemetodrink,thouwouldesthaveaskedofhim,andhewouldhavegiventheelivingwater."Ah,sinners,didyoubutknowwhataChrist he is that is offered to your souls in the gospel; did you see hisbeauty,fulness,suitableness,andfeelyourownnecessitiesofhim,alltheworld could not keep you from him: you would break through allreproaches,allsufferings,allself-denials,tocomeuntotheenjoymentofhim.Butalas!itiswithyou,asitwaswiththose,Cant.5:9."Whatisthybeloved (say they to the spouse)more than another beloved, that thoudost so charge us?" Unknown excellencies attract not: ignorance isSatan's sceptre which he sways over all his kingdom of darkness, andholdshisvassalsinmiserablebondagetohim:hencethedevilsarecalled,Eph.6:12."Therulersofthedarknessofthisworld."Alas,weretheeyesofsinnersbutopenedtoseetheirwofulstate,andtheirremedyinChrist,hecouldneverholdtheminsubjectiononedaylonger:theywouldbreakaway from under his cruel government, and run over by thousands toChrist;forsotheydoassoonaseverGodopenstheireyes; inthesamehourtheyareturnedfromdarknesstolight,theyarealsoturnedfromthepowerofSatantoGod,Acts28:16.Othatyoudidbutknowtheworthofyour souls, the dreadful danger they are in, and the fearful wrath thathangsoverthem,thewillingnessandabilityofChristtosavethem,youcouldnotsleeponenightlongerinthestateyouare:thenextcrywouldbe,What shall I do to be saved?Whowill shewme theway toChrist?Help ministers, help Christians, yea, help Lord; these would be thelamentsandcriesofthemthatarenowsecureandquiet.Butthegodofthisworldhathblindedtheeyesof themthatbelievenot:nocries foraphysician, because no sense how their souls are stabbed by sins of

commission,andstabbedbysinsofomission.OthatthegreatPhysicianwouldonceapplyhis excellent eye-salve to yourunderstandings,whichareyetdarkenedwithgrossignorancebothofyourmiseryandremedy.

2.Thesecondbarorlock,thatshutsChristoutofmen'ssouls,isthesinof unbelief. This is one of the strongest holds of Satan wherein hetrusteth;thisisasinthatnotonlylocksuptheheartofasinner,butalsobinds up the hand of a Saviour; Mat. 13:58. "He could do no mightyworksthere,becauseoftheirunbelief."

Itobstructedhismiraculousworkswhenhewasonearth,anditobstructshisgraciouswork,nowheisinheaven.ASaviouriscomeintotheworld,but poor unbeliever, thy soul can neither have union nor communionwith him till this bar of thy unbelief be removed. The gospel is comeamonguswithmightyarguments to convince, andpowerfulmotives topersuade, but little saving effect follows: its main design is to manyfrustrated, and all this through unbelief, shutting up, and hardeningmen'sheartsunderit.Thewordpreacheddidnotprofitthembecauseoftheir unbelief. Ah cursed bar!which shuts up thy hearts, shuts out thySaviour,andwilleffectuallyshuttheeoutofheaven,excepttheAlmightyPower of God break it asunder. "They could not enter in because ofunbelief,"Heb.4:2.Theruinofsoulsislaidatthedoorofunbelief;itisthe damning sin,Mark 16:16 and truly called so, because no other sincoulddamnbutinvirtueofthissin.ThatisthesecondbartoChrist.

3.ThethirdbardenyingentrancetoChristintotheheartsofsinners,isprideandstoutnessofspirit.Thenaturalheart isaproudheart; it livesupon its own stock, it cannot stoop to a sincere and universalrenunciation of its own righteousness: "Being ignorant of therighteousness of God, and going about to establish their ownrighteousness, ουχʼ υπεταγησαν, they have not submitted to therighteousness of God," Rom. 10:3. Pride stiffens thewill that it cannotstooporcondescendtodeclare theirownemptiness,discover theirownshame,andlivewhollyupontherighteousnessofanother.Proudnaturehadaslivebedamned,asdenyitselfinsuchapointasthisis:Thismakesfaithsoexceedingdifficult,because it involvessuchdeeppointsof self-denial in it:To giveup all toChrist, todrawall fromChrist, and tobewillingtopartwithallforChrist.Whatwillcanbebroughttoadeliberate

consenttosuchthingsasthese,unlessanOmnipotentPowerbowit?Itisnatural to men rather to eat a brown crust, or wear a coarse raggedgarment which they can call their own, than to feed upon the richestdainties, or wear the costliest garments which theymust receive as analms or gift fromanother.Ohowhard is it to subdue this pride of theheart,evenafterlightandconvictionsarecomeintothesoul;toconvincemenoftheirundonecondition,andtheabsolutenecessityofanotherandhigher righteousness than their own?When souls are in a treaty withChrist,andthematchisalmostmade;thisisthesinthatmakesthelastopposition. Fainwould they come to Christ, ten thousandworlds for aChrist; but yet they think they must not approach him without somequalifications which are yet wanting. But soul, if ever Christ and thouconclude thematch, thoumust deny self even in this, themost refinedform and interest of it, and come as Abraham did, naked and empty-handedtohimthatjustifieththeungodly.Downwiththishouse-idol,thyself,thyrighteousself,trimmedup,likeanotherAgag,withsuchpreciouspretencesofhumility.

4.Thefourthbar,forbiddingChrist'sentranceintothesoul,iscustominsin.Sinhathsofixeditselfbylongcontinuanceinthesoul,thesoulissosettledandconfirmedinitscourse,thatallargumentsandpersuasionstochangeourway are swept awayby thepowerof custom, as straws andfeathersarebytherapidcourseofamightytorrent;Jer.13:23."CantheEthiopianchangehisskin,ortheleopardhisspots?thenmayyealsodogoodthatareaccustomedtodoevil."Soapandnitremayassoonmakeablackmoorwhite,or fetch thespotsoutof the leopard'sskin(whicharenot accidental, but connate) as the reasonings of men can prevail toremove the mighty power of customary sin. Physicians find it a hardthingtocureacachexiaorillhabitofbody.Itisagraveandseriousnoteof Seneca, a teneris assuescere, multum est. It is a great matter to beaccustomedthiswayorthatfromourchildhood;everyrepeatedactofsinconfirms and strengthens the habit; and hence it is thatwe see so fewconversions in old age. It was a wonder in the primitive times, thatMarcusCaiusVictoriusembracedChristianity in thesixtiethyearofhisage. Take an habituated drunkard, a self-righteousmoralist, lay beforethemthenecessityofachange,andyoushall find itaseasy tostopthecourse of a river with the breath of your mouth, as to stop them in a

customedcourseofsinning.ThatisthefourthbartoChrist.

5.Thefifthbar,opposingandresistingChrist'sentranceintothesoul,isthesinofpresumption;thisisthesinthatpartsChristandthousandsofsoulsintheworld;presumingtheyhope;andhopingtheyperish.Whenmenpresumetheirconditionissafealready,theirsoulsnevermakeoutafteraSaviour.Thiswas theruinofLaodicea,Rev.3:17. "Because thousayest, I am rich, and increasedwith goods, andhaveneed of nothing,and knowest not that thou artwretched, andmiserable, and poor, andblind, and naked." This damning presumption is discovered in threethings, (1.) Many think they have that grace which they have not,mistaking the similar for the savingworksof theSpirit; a fatalmistakeneverrectifiedwithmanythousandstillitbetoolate.(2.)Theypresumeto find thatmercy inGod,which theywillnever find; forall thesavingmercies of God are dispensed to men through Christ, in the way ofregenerationand faith,Jude,ver.21. (3.)Theypresumeupon that timeforrepentanceandfaithhereafter,whichtheireyesshallneversee.Andthus presumption doth lock up the heart against Christ, and leavessinnersperishingeveninthepresenceofaSaviour.Theymakeabridgeoftheirownshadow,andsoperishinthewaters.

6.Thesixthandlastsin,barringuptheheartagainstChrist, isastrongprejudiceagainstholiness,and thestrictdutiesof religion.Thus, in thevery infancy of Christianity, the world was scared and driven off fromreligionbythecommonprejudicesthatlayupontheprofessorsofit;Asconcerningthissect,weknowthateverywhereitisspokenagainst,Acts27:22.

Thus Justin Martyr complains, that Christians were every wherecondemned δια την φημην, by common fame; and upon this accountChristpronouncesawoeupontheworldbecauseofoffences,Mat.18:7.Alas! it will be the ruin of thousands; some have sucked in suchprejudicate opinions and vile notions of religion, and its professors, asmakethemirreconcileableenemiestoit.Satanhathdresseditupintheirfanciesinsuchanodiousformandrepresentation,thatmakethemlotheboth name and thing. These prejudices are drawn from various things;sometimes from the necessary duties of Christianity, which are laid ascrimesuponthepeopleofGod;whenIwept,andchastenedmysoulwith

fasting,that"wastomyreproach,"Psal.69:10.SometimesthegroundlessandmaliciousslandersandinventionsoftheenemiesofChristianityaretheoccasionsofrealprejudicestotheworld;"Come,letusdevisedevicesagainst Jeremiah, and let us smite him with the tongue," Jer. 18:18.Sometimestheinnocentandseriousprofessorsofgodlinessarecensuredand condemned for hypocritical professors sakes, who never heartilyespousedreligion.Andlastly,ThewaysofholinesssufferfortheslipsandinfirmitiesofweakChristians,whocommonlygivetoomanyoccasionstodisgusttheworldagainstthewaysofGod.

Bythesethingsmultitudesarekeptofffromattendanceuponthemeansof grace, andmultitudesmorehave theirhearts shutup fromreceivinganysavingbenefitunderthem.

These are the commonbars and locks bywhich the strongman armedsecures his possession in the souls of sinners; and these bars are toostrong for any power beneath the Almighty Power and arm of God toremoveorbreak. It is said, that theLordopenedadoorof faith to theGentiles,Acts14:27.ThearmoftheLordmustberevealed,ornonewillopentoChristbyfaith,Isa.53:1.

1.Theironbarofthelaw,thatthunderingterriblelaw,cannotforceopentheheart of anunbeliever; all thedreadful curses flying out of its fierymouth, make no more impression than a tennis-ball against a wall ofmarble. You read of them that hear the words of this curse, yet blessthemselvesintheirheart,saying,Theyshallhavepeace,thoughtheywalkin the imaginations of their hearts, to adddrunkenness to thirst,Deut.29:18.

Theyplaywithhellandeternaltorments,rushintoiniquityasthehorserushethintothebattle,actasmeninlovewiththeirowndeath,asthosethat are at an agreement with hell. O the besotting, hardening,infatuatingpowerofsin!

2.Thegoldenkeyof freegracecannot, in itself, removethesebars,andopenmen'sheartstoChrist;"Wehavepipeduntoyou,butyouhavenotdanced,"Matth.11:17.Themelodiousanddeliciousairsofgrace,mercy,peace, and pardon, affect not the dead hearts of unbelievers: like deaf

adderstheystoptheirearsatthevoiceofthecharmer,charmheneversowisely.Thesegospel-melodiesonlydisposethemtoamorequietsleepinsin.

3.Noworksofprovidenceare,inthemselves,sufficienttoopentheheartsofmentoChrist.(1.)ThejudgmentsofGodcannotdoit;thousandshavebeen sick with smiting, that yet cannot be made sick for sin. "I haveconsumedthem,but theyrefused toreceivecorrection; theyhavemadetheir faces harder than a rock, they have refused to return," Jer. 5:3.Messengers of judgment are abroad, smiting some in their estates,scattering in one day the labour of many years; and therein giving awarning-blowattheconsciencetomakesureofChrist,andtheworldtocome,sincetheircomfortandhappinessisscatteredinthisworld.Someare smitten in their dearest relations; death knocks at their doors, andcarriesoutthedelightoftheireyes,andwiththesameadmonisheththeirsouls to place their happiness in more durable comforts: some aresmittenintheirbodieswithdiseases,givingwarningofthenearapproachoftheirlatterend,andbiddingthemprepareforanotherhabitation;butallinvain.(2.)NomerciesofGodareinthemselvessufficienttoopentheobstinate hearts of sinners to Christ. God hath heaped up mercies bymultitudes upon many of you; all these mercies of God lead you torepentance,Rom.2:4,5.Theytakeyouinafriendlywaybythehand,andthuswalkwithyou:Ahsinner!howcanstthougrieveanddishonourthatGod that thus feedeth, clotheth,andcomforteth theeonevery side?Doyouthusrequite theLord,Ofoolishpeopleandunwise?Yetallwillnotdo,neitherjudgmentsnormerciescanfrightorallurethecarnalhearttoJesusChrist.It ishisSpirit,hisAlmightyPoweralone,thatopenstheseeverlasting gates, andmakes these strong bars give way and fly at hisvoice.

Inferences

Infer.1.Beholdherethedismalstateofnature,thewofulconditionofallunregeneratesouls;ChristtheRedeemershutout,sinandSatanshutin.This is the horrid state of nature shut up in unbelief, Rom. 11:32. AhLord, what a condition is this! we should certainly account it anunspeakablemiserytobeshutintoahousehauntedbythedevil,wherewe should be continually scared and frighted with dreadful noises and

apparitions;butalas,whatisanapparitionofthedevilwithoutus,totheinhabitationofthedevilwithinus?Nay,whatisthepossessionofabody,to Satan's possession of the soul? Yet this is the very case of theunregenerate,Luke11:21.Thestrongmanarmedkeepeththepalace,tillChristdispossesseshimbysovereignvictoriousgrace.Poorwretch,canstthoustartatasupposedvisionofaspirit,andnottrembletothinkthatthysoulisthehabitationofdevils?Thereisatwofoldmiserylyinguponallchristless,unregeneratedpersons;Satanis,

1.Theirrulerinthisworld.

2.Theirtormentorinthattocome.

1. He is their ruler in this world, the spirit that now worketh in thechildrenofdisobedience,Eph.2:3.LookastheholySpiritofGoddwellsand rules in sanctified souls, walks in them as in hallowed temples,guiding and comforting the souls of the saints; so Satan dwells inunregenerate hearts, actuating their lusts, inflaming them with histemptations, using their faculties and members as instruments ofunrighteousness.Andthen,

2.Hewillbetheirtormentorintheworldtocome:Hethattemptsnow,will torment then, Matth. 25:41. "Depart from me ye cursed, intoeverlastingfire,preparedforthedevilandhisangels."Fleetherefore,andescape for your lives, sleep not quietly another night in so dismal anddreadfulanestate."IftheSonmakeyoufree,thenareyoufreeindeed."

Infer.2.Whatagloriousandadmirableeffectof sovereign,omnipotentgraceistheeffectualconversionofasinneruntoGod!

If everyheart bynaturebe secured forSatanunder somany locks andbars,thentheopeningofanyhearttoChristisdeservedlymarvellousinour eyes. You all acknowledge that the opening of the graves at theresurrectionwillbeagloriousdisplayofAlmightyPower,andsoitwill:itwill be a wonderful thing to behold the graves opened, and the deadraisedatthevoiceoftheArch-Angel,andthetrumpofGod;butyetgiveme leave to say, that the opening of thy heart, poor sinner, to receiveChrist, is a more glorious work than that of raising the dead; it is

therefore deservedly put into the first rank of the great mysteries ofgodliness,thatChristisbelievedonintheworld,1Tim.3:16.HethatwellviewsandconsidersChrist,may justlywonder thatall thehearts in theenlightenedworlddonotstandwideopentoembracehim;andhe thatshall consider the frame and temper of the natural heart, and howstrongly Satan hath entrenched and fortified himself in it, may justlywonder tohearofaworkofconversion inanage.Obrethren,considerthemarvelsofconversion,thewonderfulworksofGoduponthesoulthatopensuntoChristbyfaith.

1.Thereisaneweyecreatedinthemind:"TheSonofGodiscome,andhathgivenusanunderstanding, thatwemayknowhim that is true," 1John5:20.Othateye,thatpreciouseyeoffaith,whichshewsthesoul,asitwereanewworld,ofnewandravishingobjects,Eph.5:8.Alltheangelsinheaven,ministers,andLibrariesuponearth,cannotcreatesuchaneye,give such an illumination; it is only he that "commanded the light toshineoutofdarkness,thatthusshinethinourhearts,togivethelightoftheknowledgeofthegloryofGodinthefaceofJesusChrist,"2Cor.4:6.

2. And what a glorious supernatural work is the conviction of theconscienceby thepowerful strokeof the savingbeamsof lightupon it?Now the conscience, that lay inadead sleep,begins to startle and lookabout it with fear and horror. Life and sense is got into it, and now itcries,Ah,sick,sick,sickattheheartforsin,sickforaSaviour.

3.AndnolessmarvellousaneffectoftheAlmightyPoweristhebowingofthestubbornwillsoefficaciously,socongruously,andsodeterminatelyandfixedlytotheLordJesus.

Thewillisefficaciouslydetermined,soasnopowerofhellornaturecanresist or frustrate that mighty power which worketh effectually in allthemthatbelieve,1Thes.2:13.Yetitworksnotbywayofcompulsion,butinawaycongruousandagreeabletothenatureofthewill,Hosea11:4."Idrewthemwiththecordsofaman,withthebandsoflove."Satanbidsforthe soul, Christ infinitely out-bids all his offers; eternal, spiritual, andunsearchable riches, instead of sensitive, perishing enjoyments, whichdeterminethechoiceofthewillinitsownnaturalmethod,bythesightoftheexcellinggloryofspiritualthings.Andthusthemighty,supernatural

powerofGodopens thatheartwhichSatanhad secured somanywaysagainstChrist.

Infer.3.Hence it also follows, thatmanhathno free-willofhisown tosupernatural good. The will cannot, by its own power, open itself toreceiveChristbyfaith.Whenitdothopentohim,itisnotvirtuteinnata,sedillata,notbyitsnaturalpower,butbythepowerofGoduponit.Theadmirersofnaturetalkmuchofthesovereignty,virginity,andlibertyofthewill,asifitalonehadescapedthefall,andthatnomorebutamoralsuasionisneededtoopenittoChrist;thatis,thatGoddothneednomoretosavementhanthedevildothtodamnthem.ButifeverGodmakeyousensiblewhattheworkofsavingconversionis,youwillquicklyfindthatyourwillislame,itsfreedomtospiritualthingsgone;youwillcryoutofawoundedwill,aswellasofadarkhead,andahardheart.Youwillquicklyfind,"ThatitisGodalonethatworkethinyoubothtowillandtodoofhisowngoodpleasure,"Phil.2:13.Thatthebirthofthenewcreatureisnotofthewillofman,butofGod,John1:13.

Infer. 4. Learnhence thenecessity of conversion, in order to salvation.Christ and heaven are shut up against you till your hearts be savinglyopeneduntohim."Verily,verily,Isayuntoyou,youmustbebornagain,"John 3:5. O sinner, that hard heart of thine must be humbled; thystubborn and refractorywillmust be bowed; all the powers of thy soulmustbeunlockedandopeneduntoChrist;hemustcomeintothysoul,orthoucanstneverseethefaceofGodinpeace."ItisChristinyouthatisthehopeofglory,"Col.1:27.Tillthyheartbeopened,Christ,withallthehopesofglory,standwithoutthee.AndifhopesfromthedeathofChristwithoutus,withouttheapplicationofhisperson,beenoughsosavemen,thenwhyareanydamned?Consult1Cor.1:30.Adam'ssindamnsnonebut only such as are in him; andChrist's righteousness saves none butthoseonlythatarebyfaithinhim;theeternalpurposeoftheFather,themeritoriousdeathoftheSon,putnomanintothestateofsalvationandhappinesstillbothbebroughthomebytheSpirit'spowerfulapplicationintheworkofsavingconversion.Itisgoodnews,goodindeed,thatChristdiedforsinners;itisgoodnewsthatChristisbroughttoourverydoorsinthetendersofthegospel,andthattheSpiritknocksatthedoorofourhearts,bymanyconvictionsandpersuasions,toopentohim,andenjoy

the unspeakable benefits of his death; these things bring us nigh toChrist,thenextdoortosalvation;andyetallthismaybe,eventually,butadreadfulaggravationofourdamnation,andwillcertainlybesotothemwhoseheartsarebutalmostopenedtoChrist.

Infer. 5. See hence the necessity of fervent prayer to accompany thepreaching of the gospel. Without the Spirit and power of Godaccompanyingtheword,noheartcaneverbeopenedtoChrist:alas,suchbarsasthesearetoostrongforthebreathofmantobreak!letministerspray,andthepeoplepraythatthegospelmaybepreached"withtheHolyGhost sent down from heaven," 1 Pet. 1:12. It greatly concerns us thatpreachthegospeltowrestlewithGoduponourkness,toaccompanyusinthedispensationofituntothepeople;tosteepthatseedwesowamongyouintearsandprayersbeforeyouhearit;andIbeseechyou,brethren,letusnotstrivealone,joinyourcriestoheavenwithours,fortheblessingoftheSpiritupontheword.HowdothPaulbegofthepeople,asabeggarwouldbeg for an alms at thedoor, for their assistance inprayer,Rom.15:30."Ibeseechyou,brethren,fortheLordJesusChrist'ssake,andforthe loveof theSpirit, thatyestrive togetherwithme inyourprayers toGodforme."

ForwantofsuchwrestlingswithGodinprayer,thereissolittleefficacyinordinances.MarthatoldherSaviour,John11:21."Lord, if thouhadstbeenheremybrotherhadnotdied;"andImaytellyou,thatiftheSpirithadbeenhere,yoursoulshadnotremaineddeadunderthewordastheydothisday.Owhenthesabbathdrawsnear,letferventcriesascendfromeveryfamilytoheaven.Lord,pouroutthySpiritwiththyword;makeitmightythroughthypowertoopenthesegatesofiron,andbreakasunderthesebarsofbrass.

SecondUseofExhortation

Seeingthecasestandsthus,thatallheartsbynaturearebarredandshutupagainstChrist;leteverysouldowhatitcan,andstrivetoitsuttermosttogettheheartandwillopenedtoChrist:Strivetoenterinatthestraitgate.Christ is at thedoor,O strivewithyourselvesaswell aswithGodnowtogetitopened,nowthatsalvationiscomesonearyoursouls.

Object.Buthaveyounottoldus,thatnosinnercanopenhisownheart,norbowhisownwilltoChrist?

Ans.True,hecannotconverthimself,butyethemaydomanythingsinordertoit,andwhichhavearemotetendencytoit,whichhedothnotdo;andsoheperishethnot,thoughhecannot,butbecausehewillnot.

Diversthingsmaybedonebypoorsinnerswiththeirownhearts,whicharenot done; and though in themselves they are insufficient, yet beingthewayandmethodinandbywhichtheSpiritofGodusuallyworks,weareboundtodothem.Asforexample,(1.)Thoughitbenotinyourpowerto open your hearts to Christ, yet it is in your power to forbear theexternal acts of sin, which fasten your hearts themore against Christ;who forces thinehands to steal, thy tongue to swearor lie?Who forcesthecupof excessdownyour throat? (2.)Thoughyoucannotopenyourheartsundertheword,yetitisinyourpowertowaitandattendupontheexternaldutiesandordinancesofthegospel:whycannotthosefeetcarrytheetotheassembliesofthesaints,aswellastoanale-house?(3.)Andthoughyoucannotletthewordeffectuallyintoyourhearts,yetcertainlyyou can apply yourminds withmore attention and consideration to itthanyoudo.Whoforcesthineeyestowander,orclosesthemwithsleep,when the awfulmatters of eternal life and death are sounding in thineears? (4.) Though you cannot open your hearts to embrace Christ, yetcertainlyyoucanreflectuponyourselveswhentheobviouscharactersofachristlessstateareplainlyheldforthbeforeyoureyes:Godhathgivenyou a self-reflecting power; "The spirit ofman knoweth the things of aman," 1Cor.2:11.Whenyouhearof convictionsof sin, compunctionofheart for sin, deep concernments of the soul about its eternal state,hungerings and thirstings after Christ; restless and anxious days andnightsaboutsalvation,whichothershave felt;youcancertainly turn inupon yourselves and examinewhether ever it were sowith you: and ifnot,methinksitmightconducetothepreventionofyourmisery,totakeyourpoorsoulsaside,andbemoanthem,saying,Ah,mypoorsoul,canstthouendureeverlastingburnings?WhatwillbecomeoftheeifChristpasstheeby,andhisSpiritstrivenomorewiththee?Whycannotyouthrowyourselves at the feet of God, and cry for mercy? Prayer is a part ofnaturalworship,distressusuallyputsmenuponitthatyethavenograce,

Jonah1:5.Dobutthistowardstheopeningandsavingofyourownsouls,which though it be not in itself sufficient, nor puts God under anymeritoriousobligationornecessitytoaddtherest;yetitputsyouintothewayoftheSpirit.Andisnotthysoul,sinner,worthasmuchasthiscomesto?Haveyounottakenagreatdealmorepainsthanthisforthetriflesofthisworld?Andwillitnotbeadreadfulaggravationofsinandmiserytoalleternity,thatyouareperishedsoeasily.DonotyouseemanystrivingroundaboutyouforChristandsalvation,whilstyousitstillwithfoldedarms as if you had nothing to do for another world? "The kingdom ofheavensufferethviolence,andtheviolenttakeitbyforce,"Mat.11:12.

Why should othermen's souls bedearer to them than yoursunto you?What discouragements have you which other men have not? Or whatencouragementshavetheywhichyouhavenot!

Object. Saynot,Wehaveno assurance that our pains shall prosper, orourstrivingsbemadeeffectualtoconversion;iftherewereanypromiseinthegospelthatsuchendeavoursshouldbesecondedfromheaven,andmadeavailabletosalvation,thenwewouldstrive,aslongasbreathandlifeshouldlast;butallthismaybetonopurpose,wemaybechristless,andhopelesswhenallisdone.

Sol. But yet remember it is possible God may bless these weakendeavours, and come in by his Almighty Spirit with them: nay, it ishighly probable that he will do so: and is a strong probability nothingwithyou?Doyouusetodonoactionsaboutyourcivilcallingswithoutanassuranceofsuccess?Whenthemerchantadventureshislifeorestateatsea,ishesureofagoodreturn?Ordothhenotadventureuponthemerehopes and probabilities of a gainful voyage? When the husbandmanplowshis land,emptiesbothhisbagsandpurseuponit, ishesureofagoodharvest?Maynotablastcomethatshalldefeatallhishopes?Yetheplowethandsowethinhope,andordinarilyGodmakethhimpartakeofhishope:butwithoutsuchindustryhisexpectationswouldbevain.Awaythen with vain excuses; up and be doing in the use of all appointedmeans,andtheLordbewithyou.

ThirdUseforTrial

Before Idismiss thispoint, letus tryourselvesby it,whetherGodhathopened our hearts to Christ, broken these bars of ignorance, unbelief,custom, prejudice, &c. and the will stand wide open to receive ChristJesustheLord.

Thisisasolemnuse,theconsequenceofitgreat;Othatourfaithfulnessandseriousnessinthetrialmightbeanswerable.Tryyourselvesbythesefollowingmarks:

Mark1.Ifyoureyesbenotopenedtoseesininitsvileness,andChristinhis glory, suitableness, andnecessity; then sure yourheartswereneveryeteffectuallyopenedbythegospel.Iconfessmen'seyesmaybeopenedto see sin, and yet their hearts at the same time shut up by unbeliefagainstChrist;butnoman'sheartcanbeopenedtoChristwhilsthiseyesareshut:John4:40."Thisisthewillofhimthatsentme,thateveryonewhichseeththeSonandbelievethonhim,mayhaveeverlastinglife."Theworkoffaithisalwayswroughtinthelightofconviction;thecureoftheheartbeginsattheeyeofthemind,Acts26:18."toopentheireyes,andturnthemfromdarknesstolight,and;fromthepowerofSatantoGod."Godopensmen'sheartsbyshiningintothem,2Cor.4:6.Ifthereforeanyman's eyes be still blinded with ignorance, prejudice, &c. so that heapprehends not his own guilt and misery, nor sees the worth andnecessityofaSaviour;thatman'sheartisstillunderSatan'slockandbar,sinisshutin,andChristisshutoutofthatman'ssoul.

Mark 2. No heart opens to Christ by faith till it be first pricked andwoundedbycompunctionandhumiliation;thisheart-woundingworkisalways antecedent to the work of faith. I doubt not but your thoughtsfore-runmy discourse to that famous scripture, Acts 2:37 where Peterpreaching to those that had crucified Christ, and bringing up hisdiscourse close to their consciences, in the application of that sermon,convincing them not only what a horrid and atrocious crime thecrucifying theSonofGodwas in itself;but also charging ithomeuponthem,"Whomyehavetakenwithwickedhandshavecrucifiedandslain;whentheyheardthistheywereprickedattheheart;andcriedout,menandbrethrenwhatshallwedo?"Uponthisout-crythreethousandsoulsopened in one hour to Christ. Now consider whether your hearts havebeen thus pricked andwounded; hath sorrow for sin pierced thy soul?

Vain sinner, that frothy heart of thine must be made to bleed undercompunctions for sin, or there will be no room for Christ in it. Comesouls,itisinvaintoflatteryourselvesinyourowneyes:reflectupontheframesofyourhearts,callbackthedaysthatarepast,andsay,whenwasthe time, andwherewas theplacewhen thou layest at the footofGod,sobbingandmourningupontheaccountofthysins?DideverGodhearsuch a cry as this from thy soul! Ah Lord,my soul is distressed, I rollhither and thither for ease and comfort, but find none: O theinsupportableweightofguilt!Othebitternessofsin!Mysoulfailsunderit,Lordundertakeforme.Idonotsay,thedegreesofcompunctionandhumiliation are equal in all converts; neither their sins nor abilities tobearsorrowsforthem,areequal;butthisIsay,thyheartmustacheforsin,oritwillneveropentoChrist;hebindsupnonebutbrokenhearts,Isa.16:1.

Mark 3. If Christ be come into thy heart, then the love and delight ofeverysinisgoneoutofthyheart.Christandtheloveofsincannotdwelltogether: what Christ said to the soldiers that apprehended him in thegarden, the likehe saith to every soul that comes to apprehendhimbyfaith,Ifyouseekme,letthesegotheirway;awaywiththesinthatthoumostdelightestin:Christcannotcomeintillthesebegone,Isa.55:6,7,8."Seekye theLordwhilehemaybe found, call yeuponhimwhilehe isnear: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man histhoughts,andlethimreturnuntotheLord,andhewillhavemercyuponhim;andtoourGod,forhewillabundantlypardon."Herebethetermsofyouracceptationandsalvationplainlylaiddown,forsakethywaysandthoughts; the way notes the external acts of sin; and the thoughts theinternalacts,bothofcontrivanceanddelight insin;boththesemustbeforsaken;and that isnotall, for thismakesbutanegativeholiness.LethimreturntotheLord,andhewillhavemercy.It is invainformentomakethedoorofsalvationwiderthanGodhathmadeit;wecannotbringdownChrist'stermslowerthanhehathsetthem;ifwewillnotcomeuptothem,Christandwemustpart.Andthismakesthegreatstruggle,thesharpdebateinthesoulsofconverts.O!itishardtogiveuppleasantandprofitable lusts;butawaytheymustgo,abillofdivorcemustbesignedforthem,oryoucannotbeespousedtotheLordJesus.ThiswillbefoundtobemuchharderthantopartwithallexternalsforChrist'ssake.

Mark4.NoheartcanopentrulytoChrist,thatitisnotmadewillinguponduedeliberationtoreceivehim,withhiscrossofsufferings,andhisyokeofobedience,Mat.16:24and11:29.

AnexceptionagainsteitheroftheseisaneffectualbartothyunionwithChrist;helooksuponthatsoulasnotworthyofhim,thatputsinsuchanexception,Mat.10:38.IfthoujudgestnotChristworthallsufferings,alllosses, all reproaches,he judges theeunworthy tobear thenameofhisdisciple.So for thedutiesofobedience,calledhisyoke;he thatwillnotreceiveChrist'syokecanneverreceivehisperson,noranybenefitbyhisblood.

Mark 5. Every heart that opens sincerely and evangelically to Christ,opens to him in deep humility and sense of its emptiness andunworthiness;allself-righteousnessisgivenupasdunganddross:ThusAbrahamcameuntohimastoonethatjustifieththeungodly,Rom.4:5."Now to him thatworketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth theungodly,hisfaithiscountedforrighteousness,"Yea,hereisthetruewayofjustificationindeed;wheretheimputedrighteousnessofChristcomes,all self-righteousness vanishes before it. By him that worketh not,understandnotan idle, lazybeliever, that takesnocareof thedutiesofobedience;no,anidlefaithcanneverbeasayingfaith:Butthemeaningis,heworkethnot ina lawsense, totheendsandintentionsof thefirstcovenant;tomakeuparighteousnesstohimselfbyhisownworking,tocover himself with a robe of righteousness of his own spinning andweaving, a home-made cloth; no, not a rag of that: Thoumust receiveChrist into an empty, naked, unworthy, soul, or not receive him at all.BlessedPaulheartily rejectedallhisown righteousness, castdown thathouse-idol to the ground, that he might be found in the imputedrighteousnessofChrist,Phil.3:18.Castthatidoloutofdoors,itstandsinthewayofabetterrighteousness.Therebediverswayswhereinsinnersmaintaintheirownrighteousnesstotheirownruin:Thereisagrossandamorerefinedself-righteousness;theonemorepalpableandeasilyliableto conviction, the other much harder to be discovered and cured. Asksomemenuponwhattheirhopesofsalvationaregrounded?andtheywilltell you, they are just in their dealingswithmen, and constant in theirprayerstoGod,thatisall,andthereforetheydoubtnotoftheirsalvation:

Thustheysubstitutearighteousnessoftheirown,intheroomofChrist'sblood,andaretheirowndestroyersbyseekingthiswaytobetheirownsaviours.Butthenthereisamorerefinedwayofself-righteousness,drestupwithsuchpretencesofhumility,thatmenarehardlytobeconvincedofit.Ipitymanypoorsoulsuponthisaccount,whostandofffromChrist,dare not believe because they want such and such qualifications to fitthemforChrist.Osaithone,couldIfindsomuchbrokennessofheartforsin,somuchreformationandpowerovercorruptions,thenIcouldcometoChrist;themeaningofwhichisthis,ifIcouldbringapriceinmyhandtopurchasehim,thenIshouldbeencouragedtogountohim.Herenowlieshorriblepridecoveredoverwithaveilofgreathumility:Poorsinner,eithercomenakedandempty-handed,accordingtoIsa.55:1,Rom4:5orexpectarepulse;forChristisnotthesale,butthegiftofGod.

Mark 6. Lastly,whatever soul opens savingly to Christ, it opens finallyand everlastingly to him; the heart once opened to Christ, must standopen for ever tohim,never to shut outChrist anymore.Andhere is avery observable difference betwixt a man that comes to Christ, in asuddenfrightofconscience,andpartswithhimagainwhenthatfrightisover;andamanthatreceivethChristnottosojourn,buttodwell inhisheart by faith, Eph. 3:17. When Christ comes into the heart, he saith,HerewillIdwellforever;andLord,saiththesoul,soIreceivethee;thisisthedayofunion,Oletmeneverknowadayofseparation;letitneverbe inthepowerof lifeordeath,angels,principalities,orpowers, thingspresentortocome,tomakeaseparationbetwixttheeandme.Soul,saithChrist,thoushaltbeminewhilstIaminheaven;andLord,saiththesoul,Iwill be thinewhilst I amon earth. Iwill never leave theenor forsakethee, saithChrist:OmyLord, saith the soul,holdme fast in thyhand,thatImayneverleavenorforsakethee;myestate,liberty,andlife,may,andmustgo;butitisinthefixedpurposeofmyheartnever,nevertolettheego.TheespousalsbetwixtChristandthesoulareforever,Hos.2:19."Iwillbetroththeeuntomeforever,yea,forever."Andhereliesanothergreat difference betwixt the hypocrite that takes Christ with a politicreserve,thatwillventurewithChristatseanofartherthanhecanseetheshore; and the upright heart that embarks itself with Christ withoutreserves, come what will; that saith to him, as Ittai to David, whenpersuadedtogobackinatimeofdanger;nay,saithhe,wheremyLord

JesusChrist is,whether itbe in libertyor inprison, in lifeor indeath,therealsowillIbe.Fleshmaypersuadetoaretreat,nay,saiththesoul,Icannotretreat;butwhereverthetruthsofChrist,theinterestandgloryofChristare,therealsomustIbe;foruponthesetermsIfirstreceivedhim,andopenedthedoorofmyhearttohim.Thesethingsarenosurprisestome,ChristandIhavedebatedthemlongago;hedealtfairlywithme,andImustdealfaithfullywithhim.

Now,brethren,viewoverthesesixtrials:Haveyoureyesbeenopenedtosee sin in its vileness, Christ in his beauty and necessity? Have yourheartsbeenprickedandwoundedwithcompunctionandsorrowforsin?Are the loves and delights of sin gone out of your souls?Have you noexceptions either to the cross or yoke of Christ?Have you given up allyour own righteousness, whether gross or refined, for dung and dross,andreceivedChristforever?Thenthyheartissavinglyopenedtohim.

FourthUse

Thelastusethatcloseththispoint,willbeconsolationtoallthosewhoseheartstheLordhaththusopenedtoreceiveChristathisknocksandcallsofthegospel.

Hath God indeed opened any of your hearts, and made you sincerelywilling to receive Christ? then there are ten sweet consolations, like somanyboxesofpreciousointmenttobepouredforth,inthecloseofthisdiscourse,uponeverysuchsoul.Andthe

FirstConsolationshallbethis:Theopeningofanyman'shearttoreceiveChrist, is a clear, solid scripture-evidence of the Lord's eternal love to,andsettingapartthatmanforhimselffromalleternity.Idonotsay,thatevery man, whose heart is opened by faith, is thereupon immediatelyassuredandsatisfiedthatGodhathchosenhimtosalvation:Butwhetherhe apprehend it ornot, the thing in itself is certain and real:Consult 1Thes. 1:4, 5. "Knowing, brethren beloved, your election ofGod; for ourgospelcamenottoyouinwordonly,butalsoinpower,andintheHolyGhost,"&c. Their election ofGodwas the thing to be proved; but alas,mighttheysay,whocanknowthatbutGodalone?Itisamongthedivinesecrets;yes,saiththeapostle,weknowit,andbythisweknowit:forour

gospel came not unto you in an empty sound, but in mighty efficacy,effectually opening your hearts to believe. A more clear and certainevidenceofyourelectioncannotbegiveninthisworld.Lookagain intoRom.8:30. "Moreover,whomhedidpredestinate, themhe also called;andwhomhecalled,themhealsojustified;andwhomhejustified,themhealsoglorified."

Therearetwogreatandravishingtruthsclearedinthisscripture;theoneis this, that thewholenumberof thecalled,uponearth, is takenoutofsuchaswerepredestinatedtolifebeforetheworldwas.Theotheristhis,thatasthewholenumberoftheglorifiedsaintsinheaven,ismadeupofsoulscalledandjustifieduponearth;sothecalledsoul, that is, thesoulthat savinglyopens toChristby faith,may, fromthatworkof thespirituponhim,solidlyreasonbackwardtoGod'selectinglovebeforealltime;andforwardtohisglorificationwithGod,whentimeshallbenomore.

Ohowstrong is theconsolationflowingoutof thisgloriousworkof theSpirituponourhearts!thatisonething.

II.Consolation.TheopeningofthehearttoreceiveChrist,isthepeculiareffectofthedivineandAlmightyPowerofGod;thearmofanangelistooweak to break those strong bars before-mentioned. Therefore theexceedinggreatnessofhispower isappliedunto thisworkofbelieving,Eph.1:19."Andwhatistheexceedinggreatnessofhispowertous-wardwho believe, according to the working of his mighty power which hewroughtinChristwhenheraisedhimfromthedead."Hereispower,thepowerofGod,thegreatnessofhispower,theexceedinggreatnessofhispower,theverysamepowerwhichwroughtinChristwhenheraisedhimfromthedead;andallthisnomorethanneedstomaketheheartofmanopenbyfaithtoreceiveChrist.Theonlykeythat fits thecrosswardsofman'swill,andeffectuallyopenshisheart,isinthehandofChrist,Rev.3:7."HehaththekeyofDavid,heopenethandnomanshutteth."

Howlonghavesomeofyousatunderableministers,searchingsermons,androusingprovidences?yetall tonopurpose,till thisAlmightyPowercamewith theword,and then theworkwasdone. "Thypeople shallbewillinginthedayofthypower,"Psal.110:3.WhatagloriouspowerwasthatwhichopenedChrist's gravewhenhe lay in theheart of the earth,

withaweightystonerolleduponhissepulchre?Andhowmightyapoweris that which breaks asunder all those bars which kept thy soul in thestateofsinanddeath?None feel thispower,butonly thosewhomGodintendethforsalvation;andhavingoncewroughtthis,itisengagedtogothroughwithalltherest,whichyetremainethtobedone,toperfectthysalvation.

III.Consolation.TheopeningofthyhearttoChrist,isnotonlyaneffectofAlmightyPower,butsuchaneffectofit,withoutwhich,allthatChristhathdoneandsufferedhadbeenofnoavailtothysalvation;neithertheeternal decrees of God, nor the meritorious sufferings of Christ, areeffectualtoanyman'ssalvation,untilthisworkoftheSpiritbewroughtupon his heart. The offering up of Christ is, in its kind and place,sufficienttopurchaseourredemption;butitisthereceivingofChristbyfaiththatbringshomesalvationtooursouls;wheretheremaybemanyconcausestoproduceoneeffect,thateffectisnotproduceduntilthelastcausehavewrought.Thusitishere;themovingcause,viz.thefree-graceofGodhathwrought;andthemeritoriouscause,thedeathofChrist,hathalsowrought;butstill theheart,evenofanelectman,remainethunderguiltandcondemnation,untiltheSpirit,whoistheapplyingcause,havealsowroughtthisblessedeffectwenowspeakof.ItisChristinus,i.e.inunionwithour souls,which is tous thehopeof glory,Col. 1:27, 1Cor.1:30. Behold then the last stroke given in this opening of the heart byfaith; herein electing love hath brought home Christ, with all thepurchasesandbenefitsofhisdeath,intotheactualpossessionofthysoul.Ohowtransportingandravishingaconsiderationisthis!

IV.Consolation.Inthiswork,theopeningoftheheartbyfaith,thegreatdesign and main intention of the gospel is also answered andaccomplished.Youbehold in thechurchaglorious frameofordinancesset up by Divine institution, ministers appointed to preach sermons,sacraments,prayers,singing,varietyofordinancessetup,excellentgiftsgiven tomen, as the fruit ofChrist's ascension intoheaven.Now,whatwas thedesignofGod in the institutionof all these things, but that bythem,asinstrumentsinhishand,ourignorant,dead,unbelievingheartsmightbeopenedtoChrist,inactsofrepentanceandfaith,andbuiltuptoa perfect man? Ministers are sent "to open your eyes, turn you from

darknesstolight,andfromthepowerofSatantoGod,"Acts26:18.Theyarenot sentbyChrist into thisworld toget a living, todrive sopooratradeas that for themselves,but tobringyouto faith,1Cor.3:5.WhenGod'selectarethusbrought inandbuiltupinChrist,youshallseethisglorious frame of ordinances taken down; there will be no morepreachingnorhearing,theendofallthesethingsbeingaccomplished;1Cor. 15:24. "Thencometh theend,whenhe shallhavedeliveredup thekingdom to God, even the Father," &c. Now the consideration of theaccomplishmentof thegreatandprincipaldesignof thegospel thus farupon thy heart, ismatter of transporting joy.Ministersmay, andmustdie,ordinancesmayberemoved,butthisblessedeffectofthemuponthysoul shall never die: God will perfect what he hath begun. That is thefourthconsolation.

V.Consolation.And then, 5thly,Thatdaywherein thyheart is savinglyopened to receive Christ, that, very day is salvation come to thy soul.When Zaccheus' heart was opened to Christ, he tells him, Luke 19:9."This day is salvation come to thyhouse." Salvationwas come into theworldbeforethouwastborn;yea,salvationwascometothydoorsinthetendersof thegospelbefore,but itnevercame into thysoul till thedaywherein thy heart opened to Christ by faith. And is not thismatter ofsingular consolation? If salvation be not, what is? no wonder that theeunuchwenthomerejoicingwhenhehadreceivedChristby faith,Acts8:39thatthejailorrejoicedwithallhishouse,Acts16:34.Neitherblamenorwonderatmenforrejoicing, for it is thedayof theirsalvation.It istrue,theirsalvationisnotfinishedthatday,theremaybemanythingsyetto be done and suffered by them before the completing of it; but it isbegunthatday, the foundation is laid inthesoul thatday,andthetop-stoneshallbesetupwithshoutinginduetime,crying,grace,grace,untoit.

VI.Consolation.The opening of a sinner's heart toChristmakes joy inheavenatriumphinthecityofourGodabove;Luke15:7."Isayuntoyou,likewise,thatjoyshallbeinheavenoveronesinnerthatrepenteth,morethanoverninety-ninejustpersonswhichneednorepentance."Aswhenayoung prince is born, all the kingdom rejoices, the conduits run withwine,andthereisalldemonstrationofjoyandthankfulnessineverycity

and town: It ismuchmore so inheaven,whena soul is born toChristunderthegospel.It isasatisfactiontotheheartof theLordJesus,whonew beholds more of the travail of his soul; and to all the angels andsaintsthatanothersoulisespousedtohim.

Beloved,whenthegospeliseffectuallybroughthomebytheSpirittotheheart of a sinner, andwounds him for sin, sends him home, crying, Osick, sick of sin, and sick for Christ; the news thereof is presently inheaven,andsetsthewholecityofGodarejoicing.Christneverrejoicedover thee before; thou hast wounded him and grieved him a thousandtimes,butheneverrejoicedintheetillnow;andthatwhichgivesjoytoChristmaywellbematterofjoytothee.Andthatisthesixthconsolation.

VII. Consolation, And then 7thly, That day thy heart is unlocked,unbarred, and savingly opened by faith, that very day an intimate,spiritual,andeverlastingunionismadebetwixtChristandthysoul;fromthatdayChrist is thine, and thouarthis.Christ is a great andgloriousperson, but how great and glorious soever he be, the small and feeblearmsof thy faithmaysurroundandembracehim;andthoumayestsaywiththechurch,"Mybelovedismine,andIamhis:"Formarkwhathesaithinthetext,"Ifanymanopentome,Iwillcomeuntohim."Thatsoulshallbemyhabitation,therewillIdwellforever.ThuswillChristdwellinyourheartsbyfaith.WhatsoulfeelsnotitselfadvancedbythisunionwiththeSonofGod?Herebythebelieverbecomesamemberofhisbody,flesh andbones; this is anhonour bestowedupon thy soul, above, andbeyondallthathonourthateverGodbestoweduponanyangelinheaven;tothemChristisanheadbywayofdominion,buttotheebywayofvitalinfluence.Angels are as the barons andnobles of his kingdom, but thebelieverhisspouse,andalltheangelsofheavenministeringspiritsuntosuch.Thatistheseventhconsolation.

VII. Consolation. And then, 8thly, The opening of thy heart to Christbrings thee not only into union with his person, but into the state ofsweet, soul-enriching communionwithhim.Sohe speaketh in the text,"If anymanopen thedoor, Iwill supwithhim,andhewithme."Poorsoul, thou hast lived many years in the world, and never hadst anycommunion with God till this day. Christ and thy soul hath beenstrangerstillnow.Itistrue,thouhasthadcommunionwithordinances,

and communion with saints, but for communion with Christ thoucouldestknownothingofit,tillthoureceivedsthimintothysoulbyfaith.Nowthoumayestsay,"TrulymyfellowshipiswiththeFather,andwithhisSonJesusChrist,"1John1:3.

Andthenceforththycommunionwithmenispleasantanddesirable.

IX.Consolation.Theopeningofaman'ssoultoChristbyfaithisaspecialandpeculiarmercy,whichfallstotheshare,butofaveryfew.Godhathdonethatfortheewhichhehathdeniedtomillions;"Whohathbelievedour report? and towhom is the armof the Lord revealed?" i.e. to howsmallaremnantintheworld,Isa.53:1.Andtheapostleputstheworkoffaith among the great mysteries of godliness, among the wonders ofreligion, 1 Tim. 3:16. "Preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in theworld."

The soundof thegospel is gone forth into theworld; "Manyare called,but few are chosen. There weremany widows in Israel, in the days ofElias, but to none of themwas Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city ofSidon,untoawomanthatwasawidow,"Luke4:25,26.Toalludetothis,thereweremanyhundredsthatsatunderthesamesermonwhichopenedthyhearttoChrist,butitmaybeuntononeofthemwastheSpiritofGodsentthatday,toopentheirheartsbyfaith,butuntothee;thouwiltfreelyacknowledgethyselfasunlikelyandunworthyasthevilestsinnerthere.Oastonishingmercy!

X.Consolation.Andthenlastly,inthesamedaythyheartopensbyfaithtoChrist,allthetreasuresofChristareunlockedandopenedtothee.InthesamehourGodturnsthekeyofregenerationtoopenthysoul,thekeyoffree-graceisalsoturnedtoopenuntotheetheunsearchablerichesofChrist;thentherighteousnessofChristbecomesthinetojustifythee,thewisdomofChristtoguidethee,theholinessofChristtosanctifythee;inaword, he is that day made of God to thee, "Wisdom, righteousness,sanctification, and redemption," 1 Cor. 1:30. "All is yours, for ye areChrist's, andChrist isGod's," 1Cor. 3ult.And thus Ihave shewedyousomeofthosegreatthingsGoddothforthosesoulsthatwillbutdothisone thing for him, viz. open their hearts to receive Christ upon thetendersandtermsofthegospel.

SERMONIV-REV.3:20

BeholdI[stand]atthedoorandknock,&c.

THEverbεστηκαhererenderedIstand,isofthepretertense,andwouldstrictly be rendered I have stood; but being joined with a verb of thepresent tense, is here rendered I do stand, a frequent Hebraism inscripture: And it notes the continued patience and long-suffering ofChrist; I have stood and still do stand, exercising wonderful patiencetowardsobstinatesinners.Whichgivesusthisfourthobservation.

Doct. 4. That great and admirable is the patience of Christ, in waitingupontriflingandobstinatesinners.

Thuswisdom,i.e.Christexpresseshimself,Prov.1:24."Ihavecalled,andye refused; Ihave stretchedoutmyhand,andnoman regarded."HereyouhavenotonlyChrist'searnestcalls,butsuitablegesturesalso,togainattention. The stretching out of the handwas a signal given to procureattention,Acts21:40.Yetnoneregards;andthistheLorddothnotonceortwice,butallthedaylong,Isa.65:2shewingforthalllong-suffering,astheapostle speaks, 1Tim. 1:16. In theopeningof thispoint Iwill shewyou,

1.WhatDivinepatienceis.

2.Whereinitisevidenced.

3.Whyitisexercisedtowardssinners.

First,OfthenatureofDivinepatience;itisanabilityinGodnotonlytodelaytheexecutionofhiswrathforatimetowardssome,buttodelayitinorder to theeternal salvationofothers.Letme speak to thepartsofthisdescriptionofDivinepatience.

1.ItisanabilityofpowerinGod,nottheeffectofimpotence,orwantofopportunity:Allsinnersarecontinuallywithinthereachofthearmofhisjustice,andhecanstrikewhenandwherehewill.Esauhadarevengeful

mindagainstJacob,butwantedopportunity,andthereforewasforcedtodelaytheexecutionofhisconceivedwrath,untilthedaysofmourningforhis fatherwerecome;andthensaithhe,"Iwill slaymybrotherJacob,"Gen.27:41.ButinGoditisagloriouseffectofpower,Nah.1:3."TheLordisslowtoanger,andgreatinpower."

Thegreatnessofhispatience flows fromthegreatnessofhispower:Sotheapostlespeaks,Rom.9:22. "What, ifGodwilling toshewhiswrath,and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering thevesselsofwrath,fitted,ormadeuptodestruction?"AndthereforewhenMoses prays for the exercise of Divine patience towards the provokingIsraelites, he doth it in this form,Num. 14:17, 18. "And now I beseechthee, let thepowerofmyLordbegreat,accordingas thouhastspoken,saying, theLord is long-suffering,"&c.He could exercise thisAlmightypoweruponthee,andcrushtheebyitasamothiscrushed:butbeholdheexercisesituponhimselfinstoppingthepropensionsofhisownjustice,which daily solicit him to cut thee off; it is the power of God over hiswrath,bridlingandrestrainingitfromdaytoday.

2.Thispatienceisexercisedtowardsuchasperish,inatemporarydelayof their damnation; and though this be but a mere suspension of hiswrath for a time, yet it is a glorious act of patience in him; as thatforecitedtext,Rom.9:22shews.Itisnothingforasinnercondemnedassoonasborn,tobereprievedsomanyyearsoutofhell?Thouhastbeenprovokinghimdailyandhourlytocuttheeoff,andsendtheetothyownplace;andyet tobeon this side theeverlastingburnings, this iswhollyowingtotherichesofhisforbearance.Ah,howisGodtobeadmiredinthishisgloriouspoweroverhisownwrath!whenwelookabroadintotheworld,andseeeverywheresinnersripefordestruction,daringtheGodofheaventohisface,yetforborne,howadmirableisthispowerofGod!

3.Goddothnotonlyexercisethispowerinatemporarysuspensionofhiswrath against some, who, alas, must feel it at last; but he delays theexecutionofhiswrathinadesignofmercytowardsothers,thattheymayneverfeelit,Isa.48:8,9.Thushebearswithhisownelectalltheyearsoftheirliveswhereintheylayinthestateofnature,andwentoninacourseof rebellion against God; and this long-suffering of God towards themprovestheirsalvation,asyouhaveitin2Pet.3:15."Andaccountthatthe

long-sufferingofourLordissalvation."Whatisthemeaningofthat?Ah,Christianthoumayesteasilyknowthemeaningofit,withoutturningovermanyCommentarics: thou art now in Christ, Safely escaped out of thedangerofwrathtocome;butthouowestthisthysalvationtothepatienceandlong-sufferingofGodtowardsthee.Forwhatifhehadcuttheeoffinthedays of thy ignorance and rebellion against him (and thouknowestthoudidstgivehimmillionsofprovocationssotodo)wherehadstthounowbeen?ThouhadstneverseenChrist,northeleastdawninghopeofsalvationbyhim.Rememberhowoftyoulayinthosedaysuponbedsofsickness,upon thebrinkof thegrave;whatwas it that saved thee frometernalwrathbutthisadmirablepatienceofChrist?Well,therefore,maytheapostlesay,"Accountthelong-sufferingofGodtobesalvation."

ThispatienceofGodseemstobeabranchspringingoutofhismercyandgoodness;onlyitdiffersfrommercyinthis,thatmanasmiserableistheobjectofmercy,butmanascriminalistheobjectofpatience.ThusbrieflyofthenatureofDivinepatience,apowerofGodoverhisownwrath,notonly tosuspend it fora timetowards themthatperish,but todelay theexecutionofitinadesignofsalvationtowardsothers.

Secondly, Next we come to shew the various evidences of this Divinepatience, or wherein it appears in its glorious manifestations towardsprovokingsinners;andtherearesevenfullevidencesanddiscoveriesofit,whichshouldmaketheheartsofsinnersmeltwithinthem,whilsttheyaresoundingintheirears.Ah,methinks,suchastheseshouldmeltdownyourhardheartsbeforetheLord!

Evidences

1.Andthefirstevidenceoftherichesofhispatienceshallbetakenfromthemultitudeofsins thatmenandwomenareguiltyofbeforehim,theleastofwhichisaburdentooheavyforanycreaturetobear;thePsalmistsaith,Psal.40:12."Innumerableevilshavecompassedmeabout."Itwastrue,asappliedtothepersonofDavid;andthoughitbethereappliedtothe person of Christ, yet not one of themwere his own sins, but ours;calledhis,byGod'sreckoningorimputingthemtohim.Mencannumbervast sums,millions ofmillions, but noman can number his own sins,theypassallaccount.Thereisnotamemberofthebody,thoughneverso

small,buthathbeen the instrumentof innumerableevils.For instance,the tongue, the apostle tells us, is aworld of iniquity, Jam. 3:6.And iftherebeaworldofsininonemember,whatthenarethesinsofall?Howmanyidle,frothy,vainwords,haththytongueuttered?Andyetforthem,Christ saith, "Men shall give an account in the day of judgment,"Mat.12:36. And what have the sins of thy thoughts been? "The thoughts offoolishness is sin," (saith Solomon,) Prov. 24:9.Owho can understandhis errors? Yet the patience of God hath not failed under suchinnumerableevils.Ogloriouspatience!wellmayitbeusheredin,inthetextwithatermofadmiration,Behold,Istand!

2. The second evidence of the Divine patience shall be taken from theheinousnatureofsomesinsaboveothers,wherebysinnersfly,asitwere,in the very face of God; and yet he bears with long-suffering, lets notloosehishandstocutthemoff.Allsinsarenotofonesize;somehaveaslighter tincture, and somearedeeper; calledupon thataccount scarletandcrimsonsins,Isa.1:18double-dyedabominations,sinsingrain;suchare sins against knowledge, sins committed after convictions, andcovenants, and rebukes of providence. I do not only speak of outwardgross acts of sin; for as the schoolmenwell determine, thoughoutwardsins are sins of greater infamy, yet inward sinsmay be sins of greaterguilt;eventhosesinsthatnevertookairtodefametheeintheworld:butwhatever theybe, reader,whetheroutwardor inward, thyconscience isprivytothem,andthysoulmaystandamazedatthepatienceofGodinforbearing thee all this while under such provocations and horridrebellions against him; especially, considering howmany there be thisdayinhellthatneverprovokedGodbysinningwithsuchanhighhandasthouhastdone.

3.ItisyetagreaterevidenceofthepatienceofGodinbearingwith,andforbearing us under the guilt of that special sin, viz. The slighting andneglecting of Jesus Christ: here is a sin that goes to the very heart ofJesusChrist;hecanbearanyothersinratherthanthat;andyetthishathChrist borne fromevery soul of you.You are themen andwomen thathave spurned at the yearning bowels of hismercies, slighted his grace,trampled his precious blood under foot, and yet he hath forborne youunto thisday; readMatth.22:5and let thy conscienceanswer,whether

thouartnotequallydeepintheguiltofmakinglightofChristwiththosewretchesuponwhomitistherecharged.ChristhathsufferedthewrathofGod in thy room, brought home salvation in gospel-offers to thy door:and then to be slighted! no patience but his own could bear it. Everysermonandprayeryouhavesatunderwithadeadheart;everymotionofhisSpiritwhichyouhavequenched,whatisthisbutthemakinglightofChrist, and the great salvation! here the deepest project of infinitewisdom, and the richest gift of free-grace, wherein God commends hislove tomen, are vilely undervalued as small things: and thus have youdonedayswithoutnumber;andyethishandisnotstretchedout,tocuttheeoffinthyrebellion:WhoisaGodlikeuntothee!WhatpatiencelikethepatienceofChrist!

4.ThelengthoftimethepatienceofChristhathenduredthee,speakstheperfectionandrichesofpatiencetowardsthee.

Consider sinner, what age thou art of, how many years thou canstnumber, and that all thishathbeena timeofpatience, for thouwast atransgressor fromthewomb,Isa.48:8,9yet forhisnamesakehathhedeferredhisanger,andhathnotcuttheeoff.HowsoondidthewrathofGodbreakforthupontheangelswhentheysinned inheaven!Andhowlong hath it borne with thee, whilst thou hast been provoking him onearth?WasthereeverpatiencelikethepatienceofGod!Manythousandshavebeensentawaytohellsincethyday,butthouartyetspared:Othatthelong-sufferingofGodmightbesalvationtothee!

5.Itisagreatevidenceofthepowerofdivinepatiencethatmaybedrawnfrom the grievousness of our sins toGod, during thewhole time of hisforbearance;itistrue,thereisnoproperpassionintheDivinenature,norealperturbation,hisangerisamildandholyflame;yetthecontrarietyofsintotheholinessofhisnatureiswhatmakeshispatiencemiraculousintheeyesofmen.Thescripturespeakinginacondescendinglanguagetotheunderstandingof thecreature,representsGodaswoundedtotheheartbythesinsofmen;soinEzek.6:9."Iambrokenwiththeirwhorishheart, which hath departed from me;" and Amos 2:13. "Behold I ampressedunderyou,asacartispressedthatisfullofsheaves,"whentheaxle-tree isreadytocrackunderthe load;and2Chron.36:16 it issaid,"ThewrathoftheLordaroseagainsthispeopletilltherewasnoremedy;"

his patiencewould bear no longer, and thereforewhen he executes hiswrathuponprovokingsinners,thatexecutionisrepresentedinthenatureofaneaseor relief tohisburdenedpatienceand justice, Isa. 1:24. "Ah,saithhe,Iwilleasemeofmyenemies,andavengemeofmyadversaries."Yet,observe,itcomesinwithan(ah)withakindofregretandreluctancy;so in Isa. 10:25. "Yetavery littlewhileand the indignation shall cease,andmyangerisintheirdestruction,"Godcouldhavegiveneaseandrestthiswaytohisangerlongago,buthechusesratherstilltobearwiththee,thanonthesetermstoeasehimselfofthee.

Evidence6.Thevastexpencesofhisrichesandbountyuponus,duringthe whole time of his forbearance and patience towards us, speak himinconceivable and infinite inhis long-suffering towardsus,Rom.2:4, 5"Despisest thou the riches of his goodness, and forbearance, and long-suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee torepentance?" q. d. Vile sinner, canst thou compute the treasures ofbountyandgoodness,thouhastbeenriotouslyspendingandwastingallthiswhile?DostthouknowwhatvastsumsChristhathspentupontheeto preserve thee so long out of hell? There be two treasures spendingupon sinners all the time of God's forbearance of them; there is theprecious treasure of thy time wasted, and the invaluable streams ofgospel-grace running all this while at the waste spout: thy time isprecious;thewholeofthytime,whichisbetwixttheeandeternity,isbutlittle,andthemostthereofhastbeenwastedinsin,andcastawayuponvanity:butthatisnotall,thetreasuresofgospel-gracehavebeenwastingall this while upon thee. In Zech. 4:12 it is compared to golden oil,maintainingthelampsofordinances;soitissetforthtousinthatstatelyemblem.Whowouldmaintainalampwithgoldenoilforwantonchildrentoplayby?YetthishathGoddonewhilethysoulhathdalliedandtrifledwith him. The witnesses and ministers of Christ, in Rev. 11:3, 4 arecompared to those olive-trees that drop their precious oil, their gifts,graces,yea,andtheirnaturalspiritswiththem,intothislamp,tokeepitburning;allthiswhilethebloodofChristhathbeenrunninginvain,theministersofChristpreachingandbeseechinginvain,theSpiritofChriststrivingwithyouinvain.Youburnawaygoldenoil,andyetyourlampisnotgoneout.Omarvellouspatience!OtherichesofGod'sforbearance!

7. Lastly, The riches of divine patience towards you, are greatlyheightenedandaggravatedbythequickdispatchtheLordhathmadeofothersinners,whilsthehathsparedandpastoveryou.Thiscomparativeconsideration calls upon you in the apostle's language, Rom. 11:22."Behold thegoodnessandseverityofGod;on themwhich fell, severity;but towards thee,goodness, if thoucontinue inhisgoodness,otherwisethoushaltbecutoff."Somesinnershavebeencutoffinthebeginningoftheirdays,many in thevery actsof sin, and thosenot greater than thysins;theyaregonetotheirownplace,andthoustillleftforamonumentof the patience and forbearance of God. The sin of Achan was not agreatersinthanthycovetousness,andtheearthlinessofthyheartis;thesinofNadabandAbihu,inofferingupstrangefire,thanthysuperstition,andofferingupuncommandedservicestoGod:yetthehandofGodfellupon them, and smote them dead in the place; in the day and placewherein they sinned, they perished; they were taken away in theiriniquities, but thou reserved. O that it might be for an instance andexampleof therichesofDivinepatience,whichmayat last leadthee torepentance!

Thus I have given you seven evidences of the wonderful patience ofChrist,whohathstood,andstilldothstandatthedoorandknock.Nextwewillenquireintothegroundsandreasonsofthismarvellouspatienceof Christ, this astonishing long-suffering of God towards sinners; andthere are divers obvious reasons of the long-suffering of God towardsmen.

Reasons

Reason 1. The exercise of his patience is a standing testimony of hisreconcilable and merciful nature towards sinful man. This he shewedforthinhispatiencetowardPaul,agreatexampleofhismercifulnature,for apattern to them that shouldhereafterbelieveonhim, 1Tim. 1:16.Thelong-sufferingofGodisaspecialpartofhismanifestativeglory;andtherefore when Moses desired a sight of his glory, Exod. 34:6 heproclaims his name, "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious,long-suffering, and abundant in-goodness and truth." He would havepoorsinnerslooktowardshimasanatoneableDeity,aGodwillingtobereconciled,aGodthatretainethnothisangerforever;butifpoorsinners

will takeholdofhisstrength,andmakepeacewithhim,theymayhavepeace,Isa.27:4.Thislong-sufferingisanattributeveryexpressiveoftheDivine nature; he is willing sinners should know, whatever theirprovocationshavebeen,thereisroomforpardonandpeace,iftheywillyetcome in toaccept the terms.Thispatience isadiadembelonging totheimperialcrownofheaven;theLordgloriesinit,aswhatispeculiartohimself,Hos.11:9.Iwillnotexecutethefiercenessofmyanger;forIam"Godandnotman;"q.d.HadIbeenasman, theholiest,meekest,andmortifiedstman upon earth, I had consumed them long ago; but I amGodandnotman,mypatienceisaboveallcreatedpatience;nohusbandcanbearwithhiswife,noparentwithhischild,asGodhathbornewithyou.That isonereasonofChrist'swaitingupon triflingsinners, togiveproofofhisgracious,merciful,andreconcilablenaturetowardstheworstofsinners.

Reason 2. The Lord exercises this admirable patience towards sinners,withdesigntherebytoleadthemtorepentance;thatisthedirectaimandintentionofit.TheLorddesires,anddelightstoseeingenuousrelentingsandbrokennessofheartforsin;andthereisnothinglikehisforbearanceand patience for promoting such an evangelical repentance. All theterrorsofthelawwillnotbreaktheheartofasinner,asthepatienceandlong-suffering of God will do; therefore it is said, Rom. 2:4. "That thegoodness, forbearance, and long-suffering of God lead men torepentance:" these are fitted to work upon all those principles ofhumanitywhichinclinementorepentance;reason,conscience,gratitude,feel the influences of the goodness of God herein, and melt under it;Saul'sheartrelentedinthiscase,1Sam.24:17."Isthisthyvoice,mySonDavid?andSaulliftuphisvoiceandwept:andhesaidtoDavid,ThouartmorerighteousthanI, forthouhastrewardedmegood,whereasIhaverewardedtheeevil."ThusthegoodnessandforbearanceofGoddoth,asitwere,takeasinnerbythehand,leadshimintoacorner,andsaith,come,lettheeandmetalktogether,thusandthusvilehastthoubeen,andthusandthuslong-sufferingandmercifulhaveIbeentothee;thyhearthathbeen full of sin, theheart of thyGodhathbeen full of pity andmercy:Thisputsthesinnerintotears,breakshisheartinpieces;ifanythingintheworldwillmelt a hard heart, thiswill do it.O how good hathGodbeentome!HowhaveI triedhispatiencetotheuttermost,andstillhe

waitethtobegracious,andisexaltedthathemayhavecompassion;thesobs and tears, the ingenuous thaws and relentings of a sinner's heart,under the apprehensions of the sparingmercy and goodness ofGod, isthemusicofheaven.

Reason3.TheLordexercisesthislong-sufferingtowardssinners,toclearhis justice in the damnation of all the obstinate refusers, of Christ andmercy.Christwaitsatourdoorsnow,thathemaybeclearinhissentenceagainstushereafter.ThispatienceofChristtakesawayallapologiesandpleasoutofthemouthsofimpenitentsinners;themoreChrist'spatiencehathbeen,thelessdefenceorpleatheywillhaveforthemselves.

Thinkwiththyself,sinner,whatwiltthouanswerinthegreatday,whenChristshallsay,DidInotstandatthydoorfromdaytoday,fromsabbathto sabbath, from year to year, calling, wooing, persuading thee to bereconciled,andacceptpardonandmercy in theproperseasonof them,and thouwouldestnot?Rev. 2:21. "I gaveher space to repent, and sherepentednot."Well,theLordgivesyoutimenow,aspaceforrepentance,such a space as millions of souls, gone out of time into a miserableeternity,neverhad.WithwhomsoeverChristhathbeenquickandsevere,tobesurehehathnotbeensowithyou.ThistimeofChrist'spatiencewillbe evidence enough to clear Christ and condemn you;men and angelsshallapplaudthesentenceasdreadfulasitis,andsay,righteousartthou,OLord,injudgingthus.

Reason 4. The Lord draws forth and exercises his admirable patiencetowardssinnersforthecontinuationandpropagationofthechurch.Thechurchmust be continued andpropagated fromage to age; and ifGodshouldbequickincuttingoffsinnersassoonasevertheyprovokehim,WhenceshouldtheelectofGodriseinthisworld?TherearethousandsofGod'selectintheloinsofGod'senemies.ManythatwillheartilyembraceChrist,mustrisefromsuchasrejecthim.

Now ifGod should cutoff these in thebeginningof theirprovocations,How should the church be continued? Where had good Abijah andHezekiah been, ifwicked JeroboamandAhaz had been cut off in theirfirsttransgressions?TheLordsuffersmanyawickedparenttostandforatimeunderhispatience;becausechildrenare to spring fromthemwho

will obey and embrace thatChristwhom theirwickedparents rejected:yea, the wicked do not only propagate the church, but are useful topreserveanddefendit:astheuselesschaffisadefencetothewheat,Rev.12:16."Theearthshallhelpthewoman."

Reason 5. To conclude, The Lord exerciseth this long-suffering towardsinners,inagraciouscondescensiontotheprayersofhispeople."Wereitnot that theLordhad left a small remnant,wehadbeenasSodom,wehadbeenlikeuntoGomorrha,"Isa.1:9.

Theprayersand intercessionsof the saintsarea skreenbetwixtwickedmenandthewrathofGodforatime,Job22:30.Theinnocentpreservetheisland.Theworldstandsbytheprayersofthesaints;whatmultitudesofrebelliousChrist-despisingsinnersswarmthisdayineverypartofthisnation?Suchasdeclare,bytheiropenpractice,theywillnothaveChristtoreignoverthem,nowcontemnhisoffers,despisehismessengers;butblessed be God, yea, and let them bless him too, that there are othersmourning to the Lord for them, beseeching his forbearance towardsthem. Little do the wicked know how much they are beholden to theprayersof thesaints.Theseandsuch likereasonsprevailwith theLordJesustostandinawaiting,patientposture,atthedoorsofsinners.Ah,howlothishetogivethemup!Wenowproceedtotheusesofthispointbywayof,

1.Information.

2.Exhortation.

3.Consolation.

Uses

Use. And First, This point will be very fruitful for information of ourunderstandings in divers great and useful points, both doctrinal andpractical, wherein every soul among you is deeply concerned; andtherefore, I beseech you, let them be heard and pondered with ananswerable attention and seriousness of Spirit; And the first inferenceshallbethis.

Inferences

Infer. 1. If theLord Jesusdo exercise such admirablepatience towardssinners,ThenhowmuchbetterisitforpoorsinnerstobeinthehandsofChrist, than in the hands of the best and holiestman in the world? Osinner,itisbetterfortheetofallintothehandsofthemeekandmercifulJesus,thanintothehandsofthedearestfriendthouhastuponearth;nocreature can bear what Christ bears: no patience like the patience ofChrist:ItissaidofMoses,Numb.11:12."NowthemanMoseswasmeekaboveallmenuponthe faceof theearth."Therewasneversuchamanbornintotheworld,forpatience,meekness,and-long-sufferingasMoseswas; and yet for all that, this mirror of meekness could not bear theprovocationsofIsrael:Yourebels,saithhe,mustIdrawwaterforyououtof the rock?Thuswashis spirit ruffledwith the provocations of Israel,andthislosthimthelandofCanaan.Jonahwasagoodman,aprophetofthe Lord; yet because the Lordwould not be so quick and severe withNineveh,asJonahwouldhavehadhim,inwhatuncomelylanguagedothhisangrysoulreturnuponhisGod?Jonah4:2."OLord,(saithhe)wasnotthismysayingwhenIwasyetinmycountry;ThereforeIfledbeforeuntoTarshish,forIknewthouwertagraciousGodandmerciful,slowtoanger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil; therefore,now,OLord,take,Ibeseechthee,mylifefromme,foritisbetterformetodiethantolive;"q.d.Ah,Lord,Iknewitwouldcometothis,Iknewthygraciousnature,howinclinablethouarttomercy,andthatuponthefirstappearanceoftheirrepentance,thouwouldstrepentoftheevil,andsofree-gracewouldmakemeasaliaramongthem.

Nay,givemeleavetospeakahigherwordthanallthis,andletitnotseemstrange, that thepatienceof theglorified saints inheaven isnothing tothe patience of Christ towards provoking sinners upon earth. Thoseglorified souls that be above, though they have patience among othergraces,perfectedinitskind,yetstillitisbutcreated,finitepatience,anditcannotbearwhatChrist'spatiencebears:TakeaninstanceofitoutofRev.6:9,10,11."Isawunderthealtarthesoulsofthosethatwereslainfor the word of God, and for the testimony which they held; and theycriedwithaloudvoice,saying,Howlong,OLord,holyandtrue,dostnotthoujudgeandavengeourbloodonthemthatdwellontheearth:Andit

wassaidunto them,That theyshouldrest fora littleseason."Hereyouseeglorifiedsoulslessabletobeartheslowpaceofjusticetowardstheirenemies,thanChristwas.Itistrue,herewasnosinfulimpatience,butyetapatience short ofChrist's infinitepatience.Ah, if youwere todependuponthepatienceofanycreatureinheavenorearth,youhadwornitoutlongago. Iwillnotexecute the fiercenessofme inanger, for IamGodand notman, Ah, it is well we have to dowithGod; if aman find hisenemy,willhelethimgoaway?1Sam.24:19.No,hewillreckonbeforehepartwithhim.Sinner,theLordfindstheedailyinthysins,andyetletsthee go; yet beware thou try not his patience too far, lest vengeanceovertaketheeatlast,andpaythejusticeofGodwithallthearrearsduetopatience.

Infer. 2. Hence it follows, that convinced and broken-hearted sinnersneed not be discouraged in going to Jesus Christ formercy, seeing heexercises such wonderful patience towards obstinate and refusingsinners.

Thisinferencebreathespuregospel;itisacordialtocheertheheartthatismovingtowardsChristwithfearandtrembling.Itisagreatartificeofthedeviltodauntanddiscouragepoorconvincedsinners,bytellingthemthereisnohopeofmercyforthem;thattheyshallfindthearmsofmercyclosed,thebowelsofcompassionshutup;thatthetimeofmercyisnowpast, they come too late.Ohowbusy isSatanwith such suggestions astheseinmanyofyoursouls!ButIamcometotellyouthisday,thatthesearebuttheartificesoftheenemy,youaregoingtothefountainofmercy,patience, goodness, and long-suffering; go on, and you shall findabundantlymorethanyouexpect.Hewillnotcastoffasoulthatcomesmourning and panting towards him, and is willing to subscribe thegospel-articles of reconciliation: No, he will not shut out such a soul,whatever its rebellions and provocations have been. Sinner, thou artgoingtothemeekandmercifulJesus,Matth.11:28."Comeuntomeallyethat labourandareheavy laden, and Iwill give you rest; takemyyokeuponyou,and learnofme, for Iammeekand lowly."Youaregoing tomeeknessandmercyitself;heistheLambofGod,thatishisname:Goonthen,poortremblingsinner,donotstandany longerat,shall I,shall I?with Christ; butmake a bold but necessary adventure of faith; try him

once, and then reportwhat you findhim tobe:Certainly if he exercisesuch patience towards the vessels of wrath, whilst they are fitting todestruction,ashedoth,Rom.9:22hewillnotwantpatienceforavesselofmercy,preparingbyhumiliationandfaithforChristandglory.Dothheforbearthosethatstandindefiance,andwillhefalluponthosethataremourningtohimuponthekneeofsubmission?Shalladamnedwretch,thatispreparingforhell,findsomuchforbearance,andapoorbroken-heartedsinnernone?Itcannotbe.IfJesusChristforboretheewhenthyheartwashardasarock,andcouldnotyieldonetear,onesighforsin,willheexecutehiswrathuponthee,willheshewtheenomercy,whenthyheart is broken all to pieces with sorrow, and filled with loathing anddetestationagainstsin,andthyselfforsin?Didheforbeartheewhensinwasthydelight?Andwillhedestroytheenowitisthyburden?Itcannotbe.

Moreover, if theLordJesushadnot amind to shewmercy to thypoorsoul, now that thine eyes are opened, and thine heart touched to thequick,whyhathheforbornetheexecutionofhiswrathsolong?Hemighthave taken his own time to cut you off when hewould, hemight havemadeanydaytheexecution-day:Butsure,amongallthedaysofthylife,thedayof thyhumiliation, thedayof thy faith, isnot like toprove thatday.

Again,asgreatandvilesinnersasthyselfhaveadventureduponthegraceofChrist,andfounditinfinitelybeyondtheirexpectation.ThesetheLordJesushath set forth as encouraging examples to all the broken-heartedsinners that are coming after; that they, seeing how it hath fared withtheir fore-runners to Christ,might be encouraged to come onwith themore confidence, 1 Tim. 1:16. "But I obtained mercy, that in me firstChrist might shew forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them thatshouldhereafterbelieveonhimtolifeeverlasting."Wellthen,shutyourearsagainstallthewhispersofSatan,entertainnoevilreportsofChrist;thedevillovestodrawafalsepictureofChrist,andrepresenthiminthemostdiscouragingformtopoortremblingsinners;butyouwillnotfindhimso.WhatcanChristsaymoretoconvinceandsatisfysouls thanhehath done?He hath left the bosom of the Father, he hath taken unionwiththynature,hehathpouredouthissouluntodeath;hehathtoldus,

"Thosethatcomeuntohim,hewill innowisecastout."Thousandsaregone before us in the paths of repentance and faith, and found itaccording tohisword: youhavebeen sparedall your life to thisdayofmercy.Odonotstandoffnowuponsuchweakobjections.

Infer. 3. The long-suffering of Christ towards sinners instructeth andteachethhisministers to imitate theirLord in a christlikepatience andlong-suffering. Christ is our pattern of patience; if hewait,muchmoremay we:We think it much to stand from sabbath to sabbath, wooing,pleading,andinviting,andareapttobediscouragedwhenweseenofruitfollow.ThewantofsuccessisapttocastusunderJeremiah'stemptation,"To speak nomore in his name;" and to lament with Isaiah, "That wehavelabouredinvain."It isahardcasetostudy,pray,andpreach,andseeallourlaboursreturninvain.Itisnotsomuchtheexpendingasthereturningofour laboursupon,us invain, thatdiscouragethourhearts.Ministerswouldnotdieso fast,saithMr.LockieronColossians,norbegrey-headed so soon,did they see the fruits of their laboursupon theirpeople.Butletuslooktoourpatterninthetext,"Behold,Istandatthedoorandknock." If themasterwait, letnot the servantbeweary: "TheservantoftheLordmustnotstrive,butbepatienttowardall;waiting,ifatanytimeGodwillgivethemrepentance,"2Tim.2:24.

Though the beginnings be small, our latter end may greatly increase:Thoughwenowfishwithangles,andtakebutnowone,andthenanother,thetimemaycome,andwehopeitisatthedoor,whenweshallspreadour nets, and inclose multitudes, Aretius, a pious Divine, comfortethhimself thus,under theunsuccessfulnessofhis labours,Dabitposteriorœtastractabilioresfortasseanimos,mitiorapectoraquamnostrahabenttempora. 'Perhaps, future days will afford more tractable spirits, andeasiertempersofmind,thanourpresenttimesafford.'Beside,thefruitofourlaboursmayspringuptoablessedharvestwhenwearegone,John4:37.Onemansoweth,andanotherreapeth;but ifnot,ourrewardwillnot be measured by the success, but the sincerity of our designs andlabours.Our zeal for conversionof souls toChristwillbeaccepted,butourdiscouragementinhisservicewillcertainlydispleasehim.IfIsraelbenotgathered,yetshallwebegloriousintheeyesoftheLord.However,letthisbea caution toyou thathearus, that youcastnotour soulsunder

suchdiscouragements. If Imayspeak thesenseofothers frommyownexperience,thenIcanassureyouthatthefixednessofyourheartsintheways of sin, and youruntractableness to the calls ofGod, are a greaterburden and discouragement to us than all the sufferings we have metwithalfromtheworld;yetarewecontentedtoprayinhope,andpreachinhope,encouragingourselves(theLordgrantitbenotwithoutground)thatacropshallyetspringup,whichshallmaketheharvest-menlaugh.

Infer.4.FromthepatienceandlongsufferingofChrist,wemaylearntheinvaluable preciousness of souls, and the high esteem Christ hath forthem.

Thoughyoursoulsbecheapinyourowneyes,andyouarecontentedtosellthemforatrifle,foralittlesensualpleasureandease,(someofyouwillhazard them for a shilling;) yet certainlyJesusChristhathanhighesteem of them, else he would never stand knocking with suchimportunity,andwaitingwithsuchwonderfulpatienceforthesalvationofthem.Christknowstheirworth,thoughyoudonot;heaccounts,andsoshouldyou,oneofyoursoulsmoreworththanthewholeworld,Mat.16:26.Thesoulofthepoorestchildormeanestservantthathearsmethisday,isofgreatervalueinChrist'seyethanthewholeworld;andhehathgiventhreegreatevidencesofit,(1.)Thathethoughtitworthhisheart-blood to redeem and save it: 1 Pet. 1:19. "youwere not redeemedwithsilverandgold,butwiththepreciousbloodoftheSonofGod."Hadtheynotbeenpreciousinhiseyes,hewouldneverhaveshedhismostpreciousbloodtoransomthem.(2.)Weretheynothighlyvaluableinhiseyes,hewouldneverwaitwithsuchunweariedpatiencetosavethemashedoth.Hehathbornethousandsofrepulsesandunreasonabledenialsfromyou:Sinner, Christ hath knocked at thy door inmany a sermon, inmany aprayer, inmany a sickness, in all which thou hast put him off, deniedhim, or delayedhim; yet still he continues knocking andwaiting.ThoucouldstnothavemadethepoorestbeggarintheworldwaitatthydoorsolongasthyRedeemerhathbeenmadetowait,andyetheisnotgone;atthisdayhisvoicesoundsinthineears,"Behold,Istandatthedoor,andknock."HereiscleardemonstrationofthepreciousnessofthysoulintheRedeemer'seyes.Andthen,lastly,whenChristendsthetreaty,andgivesup the souls ofmen for lost and unpersuadable, with what regret and

sorrowdothhepartwiththem!Neverdidonefriendpart fromanotherwith suchdemonstrations of sorrow asChrist partethwith the souls ofsinners.Thebowelsofhiscompassionrolltogether;forheknowswhatiscominguponthem,andwhatthateternalmiseryisintowhichtheirwilfulrejectionofhimwill cost them: InLuke 19:42you find theRedeemer'stearsweptoverobstinateJerusalem;"Andwhenhecamenightothecity,heweptoverit,andsaid,OJerusalem,Jerusalem,ifthouhadstknown,atleastinthisthyday,thethingsthatbelongtothypeace:butnowtheyarehidfromthineeyes."Likeuntothisisthatexpression,Isa.1:24."Ah,Iwilleasemeofmineenemies,"&c.Thoughitbeaneasetohisjustice,yethe cannot give themupwithout anAh, an interjectionof sorrow; so inHos.11:8."HowshallIgivetheeup,Ephraim?HowshallIdeliverthee,Judah?" Imustdo it,buthowshall Igoabout it?All theseexpressionsshewthegreatvalueGodhathforyoursouls;anddidyouknowitalso,certainlyyouwouldnotmakeChristwaitonehourlonger.

Infer.5.Henceitfollows,Thatgreateristhesin,andsevererwillbethecondemnation of them that perish under the gospel, than of all otherpeople in theworld. Letme speak freely to you that hearme this day.JesusChristhathspentmoreoftherichesofhispatienceuponyouinoneyear,yea,inthisveryday,thanhehathspentupontheheathenworldinall the days of their lives; they never heard of Christ, and the greatsalvation; they have had no calls to faith and repentance, as you havehad;donotthinkGodhathdealtatthisratewithothernations.Youhavehissabbaths,ministers,calls;hehathnotdealtsowithothernations,andas for these things they have not known them, Psal. 147:19. God hathdealt in a peculiar way with us, and these special favours will makedreadfulaccounts.HetoldtheJews,amongwhomhehadpreachedandwrought his miracles, "It would be more tolerable for Sodom andGomorrhainthedayofjudgmentthanforthem;"andinhisnameIwilltell you this day, that barbarous Indians and Americans will have amilderhell thanyou;Mitiusardent:AndastheLordtoldEzekiel,chap.3:5,6. "Thouartnotsent toapeopleofastrangespeechandofahardlanguage,whosewordsthoucanstnotunderstand;surelyhadIsenttheeto them, theywouldhavehearkenedunto thee:But thehouseof Israelwouldnothearkenuntothee,fortheywillnothearkenuntome:ForallthehouseofIsraelareimpudentandhard-hearted."

Ah, brethren, it is a sad truth, that theministers of Christ have foundmorefruitoftheirlaboursamongthesavageAmericansthaninEngland,people born andbredupunder the gospel.Had aheathenpeople yoursabbaths,yourministers,andbibles,theywouldnotdealbyChristasyouhavedone:Butlookyoutoit,forcertainlytheseverityofhisjusticewillat last recompense the expence of his patience: There are two glassesturned up this day, and both almost run down; the glass of the gospelrunningdownonearth,andtheglassofChrist'spatiencerunningdowninheaven.Besureofit,thatforeverysandofmercy,everydropoflovethatrunsdowninvaininthisworld,adropofwrathrunsintothevialofwrathwhichisfittinginheaven.

Infer. 6. If Christ hath exercised such admirable patience and long-suffering towards you, before he could gain entrance into your hearts;then you have all the reason in theworld to exercise your patience forChrist, and account all long-suffering to be your unquestionable duty.Christwasnotweary inwaitinguponyou,benot youweary inwaitinguponhim,orforhim.Now,therearethreethingswhereinthepeopleofGodwill havemuch occasion to exercise their patiencewith respect toChrist.

(1.) You will need a great deal of patience to wait for the returns andanswersofyourprayers;youknockandwaitatthedoorofmercy,andnoanswer comes; hereupon discouragement and weariness seizeth yourspirits.Possiblysomeofyouhaveprayersmanyyearsgoneuponthefileinheaven,someuponspiritualaccounts,andsomeupontemporal;andbecause the answer is not dispatched, your eyes are ready to fail withwaiting:For theLordmaybear longwithhisownelect,Luke18:7.Theseed of prayer lies under the clods, and will at last spring up, "For heneversaidtotheseedofJacob,seekmeinvain:"NoneseekGodinvain,but those that seek him vainly. Now, you should not be too quick andshort-breathedinwaitinguponGodforthereturnsofprayer,consideringhowlongyoumadeChristwaituponyou.

(2.) You will have occasion to exercise your patience in bearing theburdenofreproaches,andsufferingsforChrist;"FortoyouitisgiveninthebehalfofChrist,notonly tobelieve,butalso tosuffer forhis sake,"Phil. 1:29. Sufferings, you see, are the gifts of Christ, the comfort of

sufferingishisgift,andsoaretheabilitiestosufferalso;andthatwhichwill increase your suffering ability,will be the consideration of Christ'slongsufferingtowardsyou,andthehardthingsheenduredforyouandfromyou.

(3.)Youwillhaveoccasiontoexerciseyourpatienceforthedayofyourcompleteredemptionandsalvation.IfyouloveChristfervently,thetimeof your separation from him will be borne difficultly; vehement loveneedstheallayofpatience,2Thes.3:5."TheLorddirectyourheartsintothe love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ." Others needmuch patience to die, but suchwill need asmuch patience to live; butwherever theexercisesofyourpatienceshallbe,whether inwaiting forthereturnsofyourprayers,inbearingthecrossandsufferingsofChrist,orinwaitingforthedayofyourcompleteredemptionandenjoymentofChrist: This single consideration, that Christ stood and waited so longuponyou,isenoughtofortifyyourpatienceagainstallthedifficultiesitshallencounter.

Infer. 7.Lastly, IfChrist thuspatientlywaitupon trifling andobstinatesinners; then let no godly person be discouraged, because theirunregeneraterelationshavenotyetmadetheirfirststeptowardsChrist,inthewayofrepentanceandsavingfaith.

Itmaybeyouhavelaidupagreatstockofprayersforthem,thebelievinghusbandhathprayedforhisunbelievingwife,andthebelievingwifeforherunbelievinghusband; godly parents for their ungodly children, andthegraciouschild forhisungodlyparents;andyetnoreturnsofprayerappear. Many cries are gone up to heaven like that of Abraham, Gen.17:18."OthatIshmaelmightlivebeforethee."Well,benotdiscouraged,Christ is contented towait, and thereforewellmay you. Those cries ofparents,Lord,mypoorchildisinthestateofnature,lookinmercyuponhim,openhiseyes,breakhisheartforsin,drawhiswilltoChrist;thesecriesmaynotbelost, thoughthefruitofthemyetappearnot:Considerhow longChristwaiteduponyou.Therebe three things thatencouragehope: (1.) That your hearts and theirs were of the same naturalcomplexionandtemper;andthesamepowerwhichopenedyourheartscanopentheirs;thyunderstandingwasonceasdark,thyheartashard,andthywillasinflexibleasthycarnalrelationsnoware.Thesamehand

thatopenedthyheartcanopentheirs.DonotthinkChristhadaneasiertask to win thy heart, than hewill have to win theirs. Almighty powerwroughtuponyou,andthesamepowercanworkeffectuallyuponthem;the Lord's hand is not shortened. (2.) You have reason to wait, for asmuchas it isprobable youyourselveshaveput stumbling-blocks in thewayoftheirsoulstoChrist,andhinderedthereturnsofyourownprayersfor the conversion of your carnal relatives. O Christians; there ismoredue to themthanyourprayers,prayersmustbebackedwithexamples;hadtheynotonlyheardyourcriestoGodforthem,butseenyoursuitableencouraging pattern set before them also, you and yours might haverejoicedtogetherlongago.But(3.)considerthatGodmanytimesmakesthe fruit of such prayers to spring up after those that sowed them aredeadandgone.TheLordmaygivelifetoyourprayerswhenyouaredead:certainly your prayers die notwith you. It is the opinion of some, thatPaul'sconversionwasthereturnofStephen'sprayer,"Lord, laynotthissin to their charge." Stephen died, but his prayers lived, and wereanswered upon one that stood by and consented to his death. Buthoweveritbe,waiton;ifyourprayerscomenotintotheirbosoms,theywillcertainlyreturnintoyourown.Hereisdutydischarged,lovetoChristand their souls manifested; which will be your comfort, however Goddisposetheevent.

II.Use

Secondly, The doctrine of Christ's patience puts a great and seriousexhortation intomymouth thisday, topress oneof the greatestdutiesuponyouthateverIpressedinthewholecourseofmyministryamongyou: And could I deliver this exhortation to you uponmy knees, withtearsofbloodmingledwithmywords,mightthatprevail,Iwouldsurelydoit.Myexhortationistoallthatareinanunregeneratestate,thattheypresume not to try the patience of Christ any longer. If you have anyregard to your eternal happiness, exercise not his patience beyond thishour. O that this hourmight put an end to Christ's waiting, and yourdanger!Hitherto you have weariedmen, but will you weary God also?Christhathcalledbutyouhaverefused;hehathstretchedouthishands,but you have not regarded. Your thoughts have been wandering aftervanity,whilst the voice of the gospel hath been sounding in your eyes;

some of you have been sottish, and incapable to apprehend spiritualtruths,othersofyousensual,givenuptothepleasuresoftheworld,andabandoning all serious thoughts about theworld to come. Someof youhavebeenburiedaliveinthecaresoftheworld,andotherssettleduponadeadformalityinreligion:AndtothisdayChristhathcalleduponyouinvain.Nowthatwhich Iexhortyou to is, thatyouventurenot to try thepatience of Christ one day longer; if you have any regard to theeverlastinghappinessofyoursouls,comenotundertheguiltanddangerofonedenialordelaymore.Ifyouaskmewhy?Whymaywenotventurealittlelonger?Christhathborneallthiswhile,andwillhenotbearalittlelonger?Maywenottakealittlemorepleasureinsin?Maywenothazardonesermonorsabbathmore,andyetnotperish? Ianswer,No! Ifyoursoulsbepreciousinyoureyes,lettherebenomoredenials,nordelaystoChrist'ssuit.For,

Exhortations

1.Howpatient,andlong-sufferingsoeverChristhathbeen,yettherewillbeanendofthedayofhispatience;atimewhenhewillwaitnolonger,whenhisSpiritshallstrivenomorewithyou.ThereisaknockofChristattheheart,whichwillbethelastknockthateverhewillgive;andafterthatnomoreknocks:atimewhenthemasterofthehousewillriseup,andthedoorbeshut.YouhavehadtodowithameekandpatientChristhitherto;but believe it, sinners, there is a day called theday of thewrath of theLamb,andthatdayisdreadful,Rev.6:16whereyoufindsinnerscryingtothe rocks and mountains to full upon them, and hide them from thewrathof theLamb.O if thiswrathbeoncekindled, thoughbuta little;blessedaretheythattrustinhim,thathavefinishedtheiragreementwithhim.ThedayofChrist'spatiencetowardsJerusalem,wasalongday,butithadanend,Mat.23:37anditendedintheirdesolation:thereforetrythepatienceofChristnofurther;youknownotthelimitsofit,itmayendwithyournextrefusal,andthenwhereareyou?2.ThelongerChristhathexercised his patience already towards you, the more terribly will heavenge the abuse of it in hell upon you. It is past doubtwithme, thattherearedifferentdegreesof torment inhell; thescripturesareplainly,andclearlyforit.Nowamongalltheaggravationsofthetormentsofhell,nonecanbegreaterthanthereflectionsofdamnedsoulsupontheabused

patienceandgraceofChrist:thosethathadthebestmeans,theloudestcalls,andthelongestdayunderthegospel,willcertainlyhavethehottestplaceinhell,ifthegoodnessandlong-sufferingofChristdonotnowleadthemtorepentance;thecriesofsuchsoulswillbeheardabovethecriesof all other miserable wretches that are cast away. "It shall be moretolerableforSodomandGomorrah,thanforCapernaum,"Mat.11:23.Ofriends,youlittleknowthesmartreflectionsofconscience inhell,uponsuch hours as you now enjoy; such wooing, charming voices andallurements to Christ as you now hear. There are many thousands ofsouls inhell, that came thitheroutof thedark,heathenishparts of theworld, where they never heard of Christ; but your misery will be farbeyondtheirs,yourreflectionsmoresharpandbitter:thereforedelaynolonger, lest you perish with peculiar aggravation of misery. 3. Try thepatienceofChristnofurther.Ibeseechyou,forasmuchasyouseeeverydaythepatienceofChristendingtowardsothers;patiencecomingdown,and justice ascending the stage, to triumph over the abusers ofmercy.You do not only read in Scripture the finishing and ending of God'spatiencewithmen,butyoumaysee iteverydaywithyourowneyes. IfyoulookintoScripture,youmayfindthepatienceofGodendedtowardsmultitudesofsinners,whopossiblyhadthesamepresumptions,andvainhopes,forthecontinuanceofit,thatyounowhave;ifyoulookinto1Pet.3:19,20youshalltherefind,thatChristwentandpreachedtothespiritsin prison, which sometimes were disobedient, when once the long-sufferingofGodwaitedinthedaysofNoah.Themeaningofitisthis,thatin the days before the flood, Christ by his Spirit strove with thedisobedient and rebellious sinners in the ministry of Noah, who thenwereIivingmenandwomen,asnowweare,butnowarespiritsinprison,i.e.damnedsoulsinhell,fortheirdisobedience:andtruly,brethren,youmayfrequentlybeholdtheglassofpatiencerundown,theverylastsandin it spent upon others.Whenever you see awicked, christlessman orwomandie,youseetheendofGod'spatiencewiththatmanorwoman;andallthisforawarningtoyou,thatyouadventurenottotrifleanddallywithitastheydid.4.Lastly,DonottryGod'spatienceanylonger(ifyoulove your souls) for this reason, because when men grow bold, andencouragethemselvesinsin,upontheaccountofGod'sforbearanceandlong-sufferingtowardsthem,therecannotbeamorecertainsignthathispatienceisverynearitsendtowardsthatsoul.ItistimeforGodtoputan

endtohispatience,whenitismadeanencouragementtosin;Godcannotsuffersovileanabuseofhisgloriouspatience,norenduretoseeitturnedinto wantonness: this quickly brings up sin to its finishing act andperfection,andthenpatienceisjustuponfinishingalso.Thatpatienceisthusabused,appearsfromEccl.8:11andwhenitissoabused,lookforasuddenchange.O,therefore,bewareofprovokingGod,fornowthedayofpatience is certainly near its end with sinners, Prov. 1:24, 25, 26."BecauseIhavecalled,andyerefused,Ihavestretchedoutmyhand,andnomanregardeth;butyehavesetatnoughtallmycounsel,andwouldnoneofmy reproof: I alsowill laughat your calamity, andmockwhenyour fear cometh; when your feareth cometh as desolation, and yourdestructioncomethasawhirlwind."Ah,whensinnersscoffandmockatthe threatenings ofGod, and bear themselves up upon his patience, asthatwhichwillnevercrackunderthem;thenlookoutforawhirlwind,asudden tempest of wrath, which will hurry such souls into hell. Thenmiserycomeslikeastormblowingfuriouslyfromallquarters.Well,theheavensareyetclearoveryou,butastormisnigh,andmaycertainlybepresagedfromsuchvileabusesofthegloriouspatienceofChristtowardsyou. This is the first exhortation, try not the patience of Christ, by anyfurtherdelays.

Exhort. 2. Admire Christ's patience and forbearance of you until now,thathehathnotcutyouoff inyoursin,butlengthenedouthispatienceunto this day, and brought about your salvation by his long-sufferingtowardsyou.HerenowImust changemyvoice,and turn itunto thosewhose hearts the Lord hath opened. Stand amazed at the riches of hisgracetowardsyou,andseethatyouaccountthislong-sufferingofGodtobeyoursalvation;forinplaintruthitisso:yoursalvationwasboundupin Christ's forbearance. If Christ had not borne as he did, you had notbeen where you are. I could heartily wish, that all the time you canredeemfromthenecessaryemploymentsyouhaveintheworld,maynowbespentinanhumble,thankfuladmirationofthisadmirablegraceandpatience of Christ, and answerable duties to the intentions and endsthereof.TothisendIshallsubjoindiversweightyconsiderations,which,methinks,shouldmelteveryheartwhereintheleastdramofsavinggraceisfound.

Considerations

Consideration 1. Bethink yourselves of the great and manifoldprovocationsyouhavegiventheLordtoputanendtoallfurtherpatiencetowardsyou;notonly in thedaysofyourvanityandunregeneracy,buteven since your reconciliation to him.Do you not believe thousands ofsinnersarenowinthedepthsofhell,whoneverprovokedtheLordatahigher rate than youhavedone?Were younotherdedonce among thevilestofsinners?1Cor.6:11."Andsuchweresomeofyou;"asvileasthevilestamong them:yetyouarewashed in thebloodofChrist,andyourcompanionsroaring in the lowesthell;or ifyour livesweremoreclean,sureyourheartsandnatureswereasfilthyastheirs.Andcertainly,yoursins, since the time of reconciliation have had special aggravations inthem,enoughtoputanendtoallfurthermerciestowardsyou.Lightandlovehaveaggravatedthesesins,andyettheLordwillnotcastyouoff.

Consid.2.Howoftenhaveyoubeenupon theverybrinkofhell, in thedaysofyourunregeneracy?Everysickness,andeverydangeroflifewhichyou have escaped in those days, was a marvellous escape from theeverlastingwrathofGod.Had thydiseaseprevailedonedegree further,thou hadst been past hope, and out of the reach of mercy's arm now.Doubtlesssomeofyoucanremember,wheninsuchandsuchadisease,youwere likea ship riding ina furious stormbyone cable, and twoorthreeofthestrandsofthatcableweresnaptasunder.Soithathbeenwithyou,thethreadoflife,howweaksoever,hathheldtillthebondsofunionbetwixtChristandyoursoulswerefastened,andtheeternalhazardover.Thisisadmirablegrace.

Consideration 3. How often hath death come up into your windows,entered intoyourhouses, fetchedoffyournearestrelations;buthadnocommissiontocarryyououtwiththem,becausetheLordhadadesignofmercyuponyoursouls?

This cannot but affect a graciousheart, thatGod should smite sonear,andyetspareyou.

Consid.4.Lastly,Thisisaffecting,yea,verytransporting,thatGodhathnot only given you time beyond others, but in that time the precious

opportunities andmeans of your salvation, both external and internal;there is theverymarrowandkernelof themercy.HadGod lengthenedout his patience for a while, but given you no means of salvation, oraffordedyouthemeans,butdeniedyoutheblessingandefficacyofthem;atthemostitcouldhavebeenbutareprievefromhell:ButfortheLordto give you the gospel, andwith the gospel to send down his Spirit, topersuadeandopenthyhearttoChrist;hereistherichesofhisgoodness,aswellasforbearance.

Exhort.3.ThisdoctrineofthepatienceofChristexhortsallthathavefeltit,toexerciseaChrist-likepatiencetowardsothers;asyouhavefoundthebenefitofdivinepatienceyourselves,seethatyouexercisethemeeknessand long-suffering of Christians towards those that have wronged andinjuredyou.Whoshouldshewpatiencemorethanthosethathavefoundit? Do not be severe, short, and quick with others, who have livedyourselves somanyyearsupon the long-sufferingofGod.Wearepoor,short-spiritedcreatures,quicktorevengeinjuries;butoh,hadGodbeenso tous,miserablehadour conditionbeen.Christhathmade thisdutythe very scope of that excellent parable,Mat. 18 from ver. 25. onward,wherethekingtakesanaccountofhisservants,reckoningwiththemoneby one, and amongst them finds one which owed him ten thousandtalents,andhavingnottopay,commandshim,hiswifeandchildren,andall hehad, tobe sold, andpayment tobemade;but the servant fallingdown,andbeggingpatience,hisLordwasmovedwithcompassion,andloosedhim,andnotonlyforbore,butforgavethedebt.Onewouldthinktheheartofthismanshouldhavebeenafountainofcompassiontowardsothers;but see thedeep corruptionofnature; the same servant findingone of his fellow-servantswhich owed him but an hundred pence, laidhandsonhim,andtookhimby the throat.Alas, thewrongsdone tousare but trifles, compared with our injuries done to God; where othershave wronged you once, you have wronged God a thousand times.MethinksthepatienceofChristtowardsyou,shouldmeltyourheartsintoan ingenuous easiness to forgive others, especially, considering that anunforgivingspiritisadreadfulsignofanunforgivenperson.

Exhort.4.BurdennotthepatienceofChristafteryouradmissionofhimand reconciliation to him; let it suffice that you tried his patience long

enoughbefore;givehimnonewexercisesnowheiscometodwellin,andwith you for ever. There are two ways wherein God's own people dogreatlyprovokehimaftertheirreconciliation.

1.Bysluggishnessinduty.

2.Bysinningagainstlight.

1. By sluggishness and deadness of spirit in the ways of duty andobedience, turningadeaf ear to the calls andmotionsofChrist'sSpiritexcitingthemtothesweetandpleasantdutiesofreligion.Wehaveasadinstanceofthisinthespouse,Cant.5:2,3."Itisthevoiceofmybelovedthat knocketh, saying, open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, myundefiled:formyheadisfilledwithdew,andmylockswiththedropsofthenight."Onewould think thatChristmighthaveopenedtheheartofhisownspousewithlesssolicitationandimportunateargumentsthanhehereuseth;whatwifecouldshut thedooruponherowndearhusband,andbarhimoutofhisownhouse?Andyetseethelazyexcuseshemakes,ver.3."Ihaveputoffmycoat,howshallIput iton?Ihavewashedmyfeet,howshallIdefilethem?"

Oh thesluggishnessof the flesh,even in regeneratepersons! those thathaveopenedthedoortoChristbyregeneration,eventheydooftenshutthedooragainstChristinthehoursandseasonsofcommunionwithhim.Strange,thatsuchasuitorasChristshouldbeputby,movingandcallingtosuchheavenly,pleasantexercises,ascommunionwithhimis;butfleshwillbeflesh,eveninthemostspiritualChristians:LittledoweknowwhatagriefthisistoChrist,andlosstous.

2. Many grieve Christ's Spirit, and sorely try his patience, even afterreconciliation,bysinningagainstlightandlove.Thatcaution,Eph.4:30isnotwithoutweightycause."AndgrievenottheHolySpiritofGod,bywhichyouaresealedtothedayofredemption."

Dowethusrequite theLord?Is this thereturnwemakehimforallhisadmirablekindness, andunparalleled love towardsus?CertainlyChristcan put up a thousand injuries from his enemies, easier than suchaffrontsfromhisownpeople.Didyounotpromisehimbetterobedience?

Did younot engage tomoreholiness andwatchfulness, in theday thatyou sued out your pardon, andmade up your peace with him? Are allthose vows and covenants forgotten? If you have forgotten them, Godhathnot.

Exhort. 5. Improve the time that remains in this world with doublediligence,becauseyoumadeChristwaitsolong,andcastawaysogreatapart of your life, before you opened your hearts to receive him. Themorningofyourlife,whichwascertainlythefreshestandfreestpartofit,was no better than time lost with many of us; all the days of yourunregeneracyChristwasshutout,andvanityshut intoyourhearts;youneverbeganto live tillChristgaveyou life,andthatwas late inthedaywithmanyofyou.Howshouldthisprovoketoextraordinarydiligenceinthose few remains of time we have yet to enjoy? It was Austin'slamentation,O Lord it repentsme, (saith he) that I loved thee so late.This consideration excited Paul to extraordinary diligence for Christ. Itmadehim flyupanddown theworld,asaSeraphim ina flameofholyzealforChrist.Thosethathavemuchtowrite,andarealmostcometotheendoftheirpaper,hadneedwriteclose.Friends,youhavesomethingtodoforGodonearth,whichyoucannotdoforhiminheaven,Isa.38:18,19.You thathavecarnal relations,havesomething todo for themhere,whichyoucannotdoinheaven.Youcannowcounsel,exhortandpray,inordertotheirconversionandsalvation;butwhenyouaregonedowntothegrave,theseopportunitiesofservicearecutoff.

Exhort. 6. Let us all be ashamed and humbled for the baseness of ourheartsandnatures,whichmadeChristwaitatthedoorsolong,beforeweopened to him. O what wretched hearts have we! that are no moreaffectedwiththegroansofChrist'sheart,thanwiththegroansofabeast,norsomuchneither,ifthatbeastwereourown.Othevilenessofnature,to make the Prince of the kings of the earth, bringing pardon andsalvationwithhim,tostandsolongunanswered!LetwhowillcryupthegoodnessofnatureIamsurewehavereasontolookuponthevilenessofitwithamazementandhorror.Youcouldnothavefoundinyourheartstomake the poorest beggar wait so long at your door, as you havemadeChristwaituponyou.

Exhort. 7. Lastly, Let us all bless and admire the Lord Jesus for the

continuation of his patience, not to ourselves only, but to that wholesinfulnation inwhichwe live.Wethought thetreatyofpeacehadbeenended with us; many good men looking upon the iniquities andabominationsofthesetimes,consideringthevanitiesandbackslidingsofprofessors, the heaven-daring provocations of this atheistical age,concluded in their own hearts, that God wouldmake England anotherShiloh. Many faithful ministers of Christ said within themselves, Godhathnomoreworkforustodo,andweshallhavenomoreopportunitiestoworkforGod:whenlo,beyondthethoughtsofallhearts,themercifuland long-suffering Redeemermakes one returnmore to these nations,renewsthetreaty,andwithcompassionsrolledtogether,speakstousthisday,astoEphraimofold,howshallIdeliverthee?Lookuponthisday,this unexpected day of mercy, as the fruit and acquisition of theintercessionofyourgreatAdvocate inheaven,answerable to that,Luke13:7, 8, 9.Well,Godhathputusuponone trialmore; if nowwebringforth fruit, well; if not, the axe lies at the root of the tree. OncemoreChrist knocksat ourdoors, the voiceof thebridegroom isheard; thosesweetvoices,Comeuntome,opentome:youropeningtoChristnow,willbeuntoyouasthevalleyofAchor,foradoorofhope.Butwhatifallthisshouldbeturnedintowantonnessandformality?Whatifyourobstinacyandinfidelityshouldwearouttheremainsofthatlittlestrengthandtimeleft you, and that former laboursand sorrowshave left yourministers?Then actum est de nobis, we are gone for ever: then farewell gospel,ministers, reformation, and all, because we knew not the time of ourvisitation.WhatwasthedismaldoomofGoduponthefruitlessvineyard?Isa.5:5."Iwilltakeawaythehedgethereof,anditshallbeeatenup;andbreak down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: I will alsocommandthecloudsthattheyrainnotuponit."ThehedgeandthewallarethespiritualandprovidentialpresenceofGod;thesearethedefenceandsafetyofhispeople;thecloudsandtherainarethesweetinfluencesofgospel-ordinances.Ifthehedgebebrokendown,God'spleasantplantswillsoonbeeatenup;andifthecloudsrainnotuponthem,theirrootwillbe rottenness, and their blossomgoupasdust; our churcheswill soonbecome as the mountains of Gilboa: therefore see that you know andimprovethetimeofyourvisitation.

III.UseofConsolation

Ishallwindupthisfourthdoctrine,intwoorthreewordsofconsolation,tothosethathaveanswered,andarenowpreparingtoanswerthedesignand end of Jesus Christ in all his patience towards them, by theircompliancewithhisgreatdesignandendtherein.OblessedbeGod,andlethishighpraisesbeforeverinourmouths,thatatlastChristisliketoobtainhisenduponsomeofus,andthatalldonotreceivethegraceofGod in vain. And there be three considerations able to wind up yourhearts to the height of praise, if the Lord hath nowmade them indeedwillingtoopentotheLordJesus.

Considerations

Consideration1.Thefaithandobedienceofyourheartsmakeitevident,thattheLord'swaitinguponyouhithertohathbeeninpursuanceofhisdesign of electing love. What was the reason God would not take youawaybydeath, thoughyoupassedsooftenupontheverybrinkof it, inthedaysofyourunregeneracy?Andwhatthinkyou,wastheveryreasonof the revocation of your gospel-liberties when they were quite out ofsight,andalmostoutofhope?whysurelythiswasthereason,thatyou,andsuchasyouare,mightbebroughttoChristatlast.ThereforethoughtheLord letyou runonso long in sin,yet stillhecontinuedyour lives,andthemeansofyoursalvation,becausehehadadesignofmercyandgraceuponyou.Andnowthe timeofmercy,even theset time iscome,PraiseyetheLord.

Consid.2.Youmayalsoseethesovereigntyandfreenessofdivinegraceinyourvocation:yourheartsresistedallalongthemostpowerfulmeans,and importunate calls of Christ; andwould have resisted still, had notfree and sovereign grace overpowered themwhen the time of lovewascome.Ah,itwasnotthetractablenessofthineownwill,theeasytemperofthyhearttobewroughtupon;theLordlettheestandlongenoughinthe state of nature to discover that; there was nothing in nature butobstinacy and enmity. Thou didst hear as many powerful sermons,meltingprayers,anddidstseeasmanyawakeningprovidencesbeforethyheartwasopenedtoChrist,asthouhastsince:yetthyheartneveropenedtillnow;andwhydiditopennow?BecausenowtheSpiritofGodjoinedhimselftotheword;victoriousgracewentforthinthewordtobreakthehardness, and conquer the rebellions of thy heart. The gospelwas now

preached (as the apostle speaks, 1 Pet. 1:12) "with the holy Ghost sentdown from heaven, which things, (saith he) the angels desire to lookinto." Ah friends, it is a glorious sight, worthy of angelical observationand admiration, to behold the effects of the gospel preached, with theHolyGhostsentdownfromheaven;toseewhentheSpiritcomesalongwiththeword,theblindeyesofsinnersopened,andtheybroughtintoanewworldof ravishingobjects; tobehold fountainsof tears flowing forsin, out of hearts lately as hard as the rocks; to see all the bars ofignorance, prejudice, custom, and unbelief, fly open at the voice of thegospel; to see rebels against Christ laying down their arms at his feet,comeuponthekneeofsubmission,crying,"Lord,Iwillrebelnomore;"to see theproudheart centeredandwraptup in itsown righteousness,now stripping itself naked, loading itself with all shame and reproach,andmadewillingthatitsownshameshouldgototheRedeemer'sglory.These,Isay,aresightswhichangelsdesiretolookinto.

Certainlyyourheartsweremoretender,andyourwillsmoreapttoyieldandbendinthedaysofyouryouth,thantheywerenow,whensinhadsohardened them,and longcontinued-customrivetedand fixed them,yetthentheydidnot,andnowtheydoyieldtothecallsandinvitationsofthegospel.Ascribealltosovereigngrace,andsay,"Notuntous,notuntous,but to thynamegive theglory."Theobservationandexperienceof ourown hearts will furnish us with arguments enough to resist alltemptationstoself-glorifyingandconceit.

Certainlyyouwerebornnotofflesh,norofblood,norofthewillofman,butofGod.

Consid.3.Lastly,Thisisacomfortableconsideration,thathethatwaiteduponyousolong,andwonyourheartsatlast;thathathgainedyouattheexpenceof somuchpainsandpatience,willnotnow forsakeyou.Poorsouls,Iquestionnotbuttherearemanyfearsandjealousieswithinyou,that all this will come to nothing, and you shall perish at last. Diversthingsfomentthesejealousieswithinyourhearts:Theweaknessofyourown graces,which alas, are but in their infancy; the sense you have ofyourowncorruptions,andthegreatstrengththeystillretain:ThesubtiltyofSatan,whoemploysallhispoliciestoreduceyou;sometimesroaringafterhisescapedpreywithhideousinjections,whichmakeyoursoulsto

tremble;sometimesthediscouragingapprehensionsofthedifficultiesofreligion,howfarthespiritualityofactiveobedience,andthedifficultyofpassive obedience is above your strength; sometimes feeling withinyourselvessadalterations,bythehidingofGod'sface,andwithdrawmentofsweetandsensiblecommunionwithhim.These,andsuchlikethingsas these, causemany a qualm to come over your hearts; but cheer up,Christ will not lose at last what he pursued so long; he that waited somanyyearsforthysoul,willnevercast itawaynowthathehathseatedhimselfinthepossessionofit.

SERMONV-REV.3:20

BeholdIstandatthedoor[andknock]&c.

IN the formerpointwehave seen theRedeemer'sposture,apostureofcondescendinghumility,ratherthepostureofaservantthantheLordofall;Behold I standat thedoor.Wenowcome to considerhis actionormotion for entrance, I stand and knock: This metaphorical action ofknocking, signifies nothing else but the motions made by Christ forentranceintothesoulsofsinners;andaffordsusthisfifthobservation,

Doct. 5. That every conviction of conscience, and motion upon theaffectionsofsinners, isaknockofChrist fromheaven forentrance intotheirsouls.

This action of knocking is ascribed sometimes to the soul, and isexpressive of its desires to come into the gracious presence andcommunionofGod;soMat.7:7."Tohimthatknocks,itshallbeopened,"i.e.tohimthatseeksbyimportunateprayer,fellowshipandcommunionwith the Lord. But here it is applied to Christ, and is expressive of hisimportunatedesiretocomeintounionandcommunionwiththesoulsof

sinners.HereIshallopentoyouthefollowingparticulars.

1.WhatarethedoorsofthesoulatwhichChristknocks.

2.Whathisknockingatthesedoorsimplies.

3.Bywhatinstrumentsheknocksatthem.

4.Inwhatmannerheperformsthisaction.

First,WhatarethedoorsofthesoulatwhichChristknocks.Youallknowthat term Christ here used, cannot be proper butmetaphorical; it is afigurative speech, the door is that part which is introductive into thehouse,andwhateverisintroductiveintothesoul,thatisthedoorofthesoul.Now in the soul ofman there aremanypowers and faculties thathavethisuse,andareofanintroductivenaturetoletthingsintothesoulofman. Some aremore outward, as wemay speak comparatively; andsomemoreinward,asthedoorsofourhousesare.

Christknocksorderlyatthemall,oneafteranother,fortheoperationsoftheSpiritdisturbnottheorderofnature.

1.The firstdoor thatopensand lets into the soul is theunderstanding;nothingpassesintothesoul,butitmustfirstcomethroughthisdooroftheunderstanding;nothing can touch theheart ormove the affections,butwhathathfirsttouchedtheunderstanding.Hencewereadsoofteninscriptureoftheopeningoftheunderstanding,thatbeing,asitwere,thefore-doorofthesoul.

2.Withinthisistheroyalgateofthesoul,viz.Thewillofman,thatnobleand imperial power. Many things may pass into the mind, orunderstandingofaman,andyetbeabletogetnofurther;thedoorofthewillmaybeshutagainstthem.ThereweremanyprecioustruthsofGodlet into theunderstandings of theHeathens, by the light of nature, butcouldnever get further, their hearts andwillswere locked and shutupagainstthem;asyoumaysee,Rom.1:18."TheyheldthetruthsofGodinunrighteousness;" that is, they bound and imprisoned those commonnotices the law of nature impressed upon their minds, concerning the

beingandnatureofGod,andthedutiesofbothtables.Thesetruthscouldget no further into their souls, and, which is of sad and dreadfulconsideration,Christhimselfstandsbetwixtthesetwodoors,inthesoulsof many persons; he is got into their understandings and consciences,they are convinced of the possibility and necessity of obtaining JesusChrist,but still thedoorof theirwill isbarredagainsthim,whichdrewfromhimthatsadcomplaint,John5:40."Yewillnotcomeuntomethatyemighthavelife."Whenthisdoorofthewillisonceeffectuallyopened,thenalltheinnerdoorsoftheaffectionsarequicklysetopentoreceive,andwelcomehim;desire,joy,delight,andalltherest,standopentohim.ThesearethedoorsatwhichtheRedeemerknocks.

Secondly,Nextwemustconsiderwhat ismeantbyChrist'sknockingatthe doors, and what that action implies. In the general, knocking isnothing else but an action significative of the desires of one that iswithout, to come in; it is a sign appointed to that end: And what isChrist'sknocking,butasignificationtothesoulofhisearnestdesirestocomeintoit;anoticegiventothesoulofChrist'swillingnesstopossessitforhis ownhabitation?And it is asmuchas ifChrist should say, Soul,thouart thehousethatwasbuiltbymyhand,purchasedandredeemedby my blood; I have an unquestionable right to it, and now demandentrance,Moreparticularly,therearediversgreatthingsimpliedinthisgraciousactofChrist'sknockingatthedoorofthesoul.

1.ItimpliesthespecialfavouranddistinguishinggraceandgoodnessofJesusChrist,thathewillstandandknockatourdoorswhenhepassesbysogreatapartoftheworld,nevergivingonesuchknockorcallatothermen'sdoors;itiscertainlyamostgloriousandadmirablecondescensionand favour of heaven, and wherever it is successful, it speaks a manhighly favouredofGod.O amazing!whenChrist passes by the souls ofthousandsandmillions, thatwould certainly affordhimas comfortableanhabitationasoursoulscando,andwillnotgiveoneeffectualknockorcallattheirdoorsallthedaysoftheirlife;thathewillpleasetoturnasideto thysoul,andwaitandknockthere forentrance: Isay,here isoneofthegreatestactsoffavourthatcanbeshewntothesoulofasinner.Howmanysoulsbethereintheworldequalinnaturaldignitytoyours,andofsweeternaturaltempers,whomyettheLordJesusletsaloneinthequiet

possessionofSatan,Luke 11:21.There is adeep silenceand stillness intheir consciences, no stirrings nor disturbances by convictions, but,throughadreadfuljudgmentofGod,theyareleftinadeepsleep;andiftheirconsciencesatanytimebegintogrumble,howsoonaretheyhushedand quieted again by Satan? What the condition of the world was informer ages,wemay see inActs 14:16. "Who in times past suffered allnationstowalkintheirownway."O!itisthegreatestmercyintheworldforthesleepyconscienceofasinnertoberousedbyconvictions,becauseitisintroductivetoallotherspiritualmercies.Iconfessthisactofgraceislittleapprehendedbythesonsanddaughtersofmen;muchratherwouldpoor sinners be let alone, than be thus disturbed by troublesomeconvictions; andwhenChrist disturbs their rest, howdo they startle attheknocksofhisWordandSpirit?Howangryaretheythattheycannotbeletalonetoenjoytheirquietsleepinsintilltheflamesofhellawakenthem? Mr. Fenner, that great and eminent instrument of God in thiswork,tellsus,inoneofhissermons,howitfaredwithacertainmanthatcame to hear him preach: It seems theword had got entrance into hisconscience,andgaveitaterriblealarm,andashewasgoinghome,somethat followedhim, heard him thus blaming and bemoaning himself: 'Owhatafool,whatabeastwasItocomeunderthissermonto-day?Ishallneverhavepeaceandquietnessanymore.'Andwhat is the reason thatsmoothandgeneralpreachingissomuchapplaudedandaffectedintheworld, and close convincing doctrine somuch shunned and hated, butthis, that sinners are very loth to be disquieted, and have theirconsciences thoroughly awakened? Well, whatever your apprehensionsbe,certainlyitisanunspeakablemercyforChristtoknock,anddisquietthesoulsofsinnersbyhiscalls.Thatisthefirstthing.

2. The next thing implied in this action of Christ is this, That the firstmotions towards the recovery and salvation of sinners begin not inthemselves,butinChrist:Weneverknockatheaven'sdoorbyprayertillChristhathfirstknockedatourdoorsbyhisSpirit:DidnotChristmovefirst,therewouldbenomotionsafterhiminourhearts;wemovetowardshim,becausehehath firstmoveduponour souls.Christmight sit longenoughunsoughtandundesired,didhenotmakethefirstmotion.Allourmotionsaresecondaryandconsequentialmotions,Isa.65:1."Iamfoundofthemthatsoughtmenot."Aswelovehimbecausehefirstlovedus,so

we seek after himbecause he first sought us. Alas! poor sinners are aswell satisfiedas anypeople in theworld canbe to lie fast asleep in thedevil's arms. When the Spirit of God goes forth with the word ofconviction,hefindsthesoulsofmenintheverysameposturewhichtheangels that had surveyed the world reported the whole earth to be in,Zech. 1:11. "Behold all the earth sitteth still and is at rest." Everymansettled and satisfied in his own way. What a strange stillness andmidnight silence is there amongst sinners? Not a sigh, not a cry to beheard forsin:So thePsalmist,Psal. 14:2represents thecaseofsinners,"TheLordlookeddownfromheavenuponthechildrenofmen,toseeifthere were any that did understand and seek God. They are all goneaside,"&c.Thereisonethingthatisadmirablystrangeinthiscase,thateven those men and women, whose rattles of earthly pleasures anddelights,whichbroughtthemintothissleepandsecurity,aretakenawayfrom them by the hand of Providence, I mean their estates, health,children,&c.yettheyawakenot;therearenostirringsafterGod.Owhatadeadsleephath sin cast the soulsof sinners into!Youhaveanotablescripture to this purpose, in Job 35:9, 10 they are the words of Elihu,concerning men and women under grievous oppression, personssqueezedandgroundbythecruelhandsofwickedmen:"Byreasonofthemultitudeofoppressionstheymaketheoppressedtocry;theycryoutbyreasonofthearmofthemighty:Butnonesaith,whereisGodmyMaker,whogivethsongsinthenight?"i.e.Succour,comfort,andrefreshmenttothe afflicted. Here are men turned out of their estates, thrown intoprisons,castuponallextremitiesandmiseries;andwhatdo thesepoorcreaturesdo?Why,saithhe,theycrybyreasonoftheiroppression:Omyfather,ormymother,mywife,mychild,myestate,myliberty;butnonesaith,whereismyGod?Omysin,ormymiserybyreasonofsin!"Whereis he that giveth songs in the night?" The people ofGodwhen they hemusing upon their beds under affliction, they have their "songs in thenight;" in themidst of themultitude of their troubled thoughts withinthem,thecomfortsofGoddelighttheirsouls.Thesearetheirsongsinthenight,butnosuchwordorthoughtincarnalmen.Howplainisit,thatallthefirstmotionsofsalvationhavetheirfirstspringandriseinGod,andnotinus?ThatisthesecondthingimpliedinChrist'sknocking.

3. Christ's knocking at the door of the heart implies themethod of the

Spiritinconversiontobecongruousandagreeabletothenatureofman'ssoul. Mark Christ's expression in the text; he doth not say, "Behold Icome to the door," and break it open by violence; no, Christmakes noforcibleentries,whethersinnerswillornot;hewillcomeinbyconsentofthewill,ornotatall.Istandandknock;ifanymanopenthedoorIwillcomeintohim.Thereisagreatdifferencebetweenafriendlyadmissionbyconsent,andaforcibleentrance:Inaforcibleentrancebarsofironarebroughttobreakopenthedoor;butinafriendlyadmissiononeknocks,andtheotheropens.Forcibleactionsareunsuitabletothenatureofthewill,whosemotionsarefreeandspontaneous;thereforeitissaid,Psalm110:3."Thypeopleshallbewillinginthedayofthypower."Itistrue,thepowerofGodisuponthewillofmaninthedayofhisconversion,orelseit would never open to Christ; but yet that power of God doth not actagainst the freedom of man's will, by co-action and force; no, but ofunwillinghemakesitwilling;takingawaytheobstinacyandreluctancyofthe will by the efficacy of his grace, which some Divines call victrixdelectatio,asweetandpleasantvictory;andso thedoorof thewill stillopens freely,Hos. 11:4. "Idrew themwith thecordsofaman,with thebandsof love." Idrew them, there isAlmightyPower;buthowdid thispowerdrawthem?withthecordsofaman,i.e.withrationalargumentsconvincing the judgment. Beasts are driven and forced, but men aredrawnbyreason,andwillnotmovewithoutit,iftheyactlikethemselves.Itmustbeconfessed, thatwhenthedayofGod'spower iscomefor thebringinghomeofapoor sinner toChrist,hecannot resist thepowerofGod'sSpirit,thatdrawshimeffectually:"EveryonethathathheardandlearnedoftheFathercomethuntome;"yetstillthesoulcomesfreelybytheconsentofhiswill;forthisisthemethodofChristindrawingsoulstohim.Thereisinthedayofasinner'sconversionakid,anoffermadeforthe will, both by Satan and Christ; Satan bids riches, honours, andpleasures,witheaseandquietnesstothefleshintheenjoymentofthem:Abidewherethouart,saithSatan,remainwithme,andthoushaltescapeall thepersecutions, losses,andtroublesof theworld,whichconscienceentangles other men in; thou shalt draw thy life through peace andpleasuretothydyingday.O,saiththeflesh,thisisagoodmotion,whatcanbebetterforme?Butthen,saithChrist,dostthounotconsiderthatalltheseenjoymentswillquicklybeatanend,andwhatshallbecomeoftheethen?Behold,Ioffertheethefree,full,andfinalpardonofthysins;

peaceandreconciliationwithGod;treasuresinheaven;alltheseshallbethine with troubles, reproaches, and persecutions in this world. Theunderstandingandconscienceofasinnerbeingconvincedofthevanityofearthlythings,andtheindispensiblenecessityofpardonandpeacewithGod;Isay,whenaconvincedjudgmenthathdulybalancedthesethings,andlaidthembeforethewill,andtheSpiritofGodputsforthhispowerin the renovation of it; itmoves towards Christ freely, and yet cannot,accordingtoitsnaturalorder,actotherwisethanitdoth.And,doubtless,thisisthetruemeaningofthatexpressionsooftenmistakenandabused,inLuke14:23."Compelthemtocomein."What!byforcingmenagainstthelightoftheirconsciences?No;totheshameofmanyProtestantsletushear the gloss of Stella, a Popish commentator upon the place. 'Christ(saith he) compels men to come in, by shewing to their will such anexcellinggoodas itcannotbutembrace:'Forvoluntasnaturaliter ferturin bonum, the will is naturally carried to the best good. And thus theSpirit works upon the soul harmoniously, and agreeably to its ownnature.ThatisthethirdthingimpliedinChrist'sknocking.

4. Christ's knocking at the door of the soul, manifestly implies theimmediateaccessof theSpiritofGoduntothesoulofman,thathecancome to the very innermost door of the soul at his pleasure, andmakewhat impression upon it he pleaseth. As for other instruments used inthiswork,theyhavenosuchprivilegeorpower;Ministerscanbutknockat theexternaldoorof thesenses.Thineeyesshall see thy teachers,wecanseetheirpersonsandheartheirvoices;wecanreasonwithsinners,andpleadwiththeirsouls;butawakenthemwecannot,opentheirheartswecannot;wecanonlylodgeourmessagesintheirears,andleaveittotheSpiritofGodtomakeiteffectual.ThisisaroyaltybelonginguntotheSpiritofGod,incommunicabletoangelsormen;ifanangelfromheavenwere the preacher, he could not give one immediate stroke to theconscience, much less can man; we have no dominion over yourconsciences.Thekeyof thedoorsofyoursoulshangnotatourgirdles,but are in the hands ofChrist,Rev. 3:7. "Hehath the key ofDavid, heopeneth, and noman shutteth; and he shutteth and noman openeth."Theconscienceandall the faculties lienakedandopen to the strokeofGod's Spirit; he can wound them and heal them, and make whatimpressionshepleasethuponthem.Learnhencewhatneedthereisboth

forministersandpeoplebeforetheyenteruponthesolemnordinancesofGod, to lift up their hearts by prayer for the blessing andpower of theSpirituponthem.Lord,sendforththySpirit,pouritforthupon,andwiththyword.Ah!howmanysermonshavewepreached,andyouheard,andyet there is no opening! These are the four things implied in Christ'sknockingatthedoor,viz.condescendinggrace:AllfirstmotionsbeinginGod,themotionsofhisSpiritarecongruousandagreeabletothenatureof the soul; and that his Spirit can have immediate access to theinnermost faculties and powers of the soul at his pleasure.Now in thenextplaceletusconsider,

Thirdly, By what instruments Christ knocks at the doors, that is, thejudgment,conscience,andwillofasinner.Andthesearetwo,viz.

1.Hisword.

2.Hisprovidence.

HeremyworkwillbetoshewyouhowtheSpiritofGodmakesusebothof theword andworks of God, to rouse and open the consciences andhearts of sinners. These are the two hammers or instruments of theSpirit,bywhichheknocksatthedooroftheheart.

1.Thewordwrittenorpreached,butespeciallypreached; to thisChristgives the preference above all other instruments employed about thiswork;and,answerably,thewordiscalledGod'shammer,Jer.22:29."Isnotmyword like fire, and as the hammerwhich breaketh the rocks inpieces?"BythishammerChristrapsatthedoorofasinner'ssoul,togivewarning that he is there. The Spirit of God can open the heartimmediatelyifhepleaseth;buthewillhonourhiswordinthiswork.Andtherefore,whenLydia'sheartwas tobeopened,Paul, the great gospel-preacher,mustbeinvited,evenbyanangel,tocomeovertoMacedonia,andassistinthatblessedwork,Acts16:9.Lydiawastobeconverted,herheartmustbeopenedtoChrist;theangelcouldnotdoit,butcallsforthehelpoftheapostle,God'sappointedinstrumenttocarryonthatwork."Ihavemadethee(saithGodtoPaul)aministerandawitnesstoopentheireyes,andturnthemfromdarknesstolight,andfromthepowerofSatantoGod,"Acts26:13.NowtherebethreewaysinwhichtheSpiritusesthe

wordashishammerinknockingatthedoorofthesoul.

(1.) He knocks by the particular convictions of the word upon theconscience; this knock by conviction, rings and sounds through all therooms and chambers of the soul; particular and effectual convictionwounds to the very centre of the soul. Ah, when the word shall comehomebytheSpirit'sparticularapplication,likethatofNathan'stoDavid,Thouarttheman;thenallthepowersofthesoularerousedandalarmed;nowitpiercesasatwo-edgedsword,Heb.4:12dividesthesoulandspirit,thesuperiorandinferiorfacultiesofit;cutsdownbytheback-bone,laysopen the secret guilt and innermost thoughts of a man's heart, beforewhich the sinner cannot stand. The secrets of his heart are mademanifest;andfallingdownonhisfacehemustacknowledgethatGodisin thewordofa truth, 1Cor14:24.O theseconvictionsof thewordaresucha rap, suchaknockat thedoorof the conscienceaswillneverbeforgotten,nonotinheaven,toalleternity.

(2.) Christ knocks in the word by its terrible comminations and awfulthreatenings,menacing the soul thatopensnotwitheternal ruin; thesearedreadfulknocks:Osinner,saithChrist,wiltthounotopen?Shallallthetendersofmygracemadetotheebeinvain?Knowthenthatthisthyobstinacyshallbethydamnation.Thustheworlddenouncesruin,inthenameofthegreatandterribleGod,toallwilfulimpenitentsandobstinateunbelievers,John3:36."HethatbelievethnottheSon,shallnotseelife;butthewrathofGodabidethonhim."Odreadfulsound!likeuntowhichis that, John 8:24. "If ye believe not that I amhe, ye shall die in yoursins:"q.d.Thymittimusforhellshallbemadeandsigned.Willyounotcometomethatyoumighthavelife?ThenwillIforetelwhatdeathyoushalldie,youshallevendieinyoursins.Oitwerebetterfortheetodieanykindof death than todie in thy sins.These are loudknocks of theword, terrible sounds, yet no more than needs to startle the drousyconsciencesofsinners.Andthen,

(3.)TheSpiritknocksbythegracious invitationsof theword, thesweetallurements and gracious insinuations of it; andwithout this, no heartwouldeveropentoChrist.Itisnotfrostsandsnow,stormsandthunder,but the gentle distilling dews and cherishing sun-beams thatmake theflowersopeninthespring.Theterrorsofthelawmaybepreparative,but

thegraceofthegospelisthatwhicheffectuallyopensthesinner'sheart.Theobdurateflintwillsoonerflywhensmittenuponthesoftpillow,thanupontheanvil.Nowthegospelaboundswithalluringinvitationstodrawthewill,andopentheheartofasinner;suchisthat,Mat.11:28."Comeuntomeallyethatlabour,andareheavyladen;andIwillgiveyourest,"Owhat a charming voice is here!he that considers itmaywellwonderwhatheartintheworldcanresistit:likeuntothisisthatinIsa.55:1."Ho,every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath nomoney lethimcome;yea, lethimcomeandbuywineandmilkwithoutmoneyandwithoutprice."q.d.Come,sinner,come;thoughthouhavenoqualificationsnorworthiness,norrighteousnessofthyown;thoughthoubebutaheapofsinandvileness,yetcome:mygraceisagift,notasale:andsuchisthatinJohn7:37."Inthelastday,thatgreatdayofthefeast,Jesusstoodandcried,ifanymnnthirstlethimcometomeanddrink."q.d.Mygraceisnotasealedfountain,itisfreeandopentothegreatestofsinners;iftheythirst,theyareinvitedtocomeanddrink.Thisisthatoilofthegospelgracewhichmakesthekeyturnsopleasantlyandeffectuallyamongstallthecrosswardsofman'swill.AndthusyouseehowthewordpreachedbecomesaninstrumentintheSpirit'shand,toopenthedoorofa sinner's heart, at which it knocks by itsmighty convictions, dreadfulthreats,andgraciousinvitations.

2.WenextcometothesecondhammerbywhichtheSpiritknocksatthesinner's heart, and that is the providential works of God. These, insubserviency to the word, are of excellent use to awaken sinners, andmake them open their hearts to Christ. God hath magnified his wordaboveallhisname;yettherearesomeoftheprovidentialworksofGodgreatly serviceable in this case; the word sanctifies providences, andprovidencesassisttheword,andmakeitwork.Nowtherearetwosortsofprovidential dispensations which the Lord Jesus makes use of to gainentranceforhimintotheheartsofmen,viz.

(1.)Judgments.

(2.)Mercies.

(1.)Judgmentsandafflictions;theWordofGodmanytimesworksnottillsomestrokeofGodcometoquickenandassistit;thusdidtheLordopen

theheartof thatmonsterofwickedness,Manasseh, thewordcouldnotworkalone,butasmartrodquickeneditsoperation:2Chron.33:10,11,12."AndtheLordspaketoManasseh,andtohispeople;buttheywouldnothearken.WhereforetheLordbroughtuponthemthecaptainsofthehostofthekingofAssyria,whichtookManassehamongthethorns,andboundhimwithfetters,andcarriedhimtoBabylon.Andwhenhewasinaffliction he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatlybeforetheGodofhisfathers."

Thustheheartofthismanrelentedunderthewordassistedbytherod.Ah it is good thatGod takes such a coursewith some sinners, else thewordwoulddothemnogood:andtothispurposeisthatinJob36:8,9,10."Andiftheybeboundinfetters,andholdenincordsofaffliction;thenhe sheweth them their work and their transgression, that they haveexceeded;andopeneththeirearstodiscipline."Thisisthatroughcoursethe obstinacy of men's hearts makes necessary for their recovery, andthereforeitisveryobservable,thatsomewordsofGodhavelaindeadinsome sinners hearts for years together, and at last have begun toworkundersomesmartandcloserod.Alas,whileall thingsarepleasantandprosperous aboutus, thewordhathbut little operation and effect: Jer.22:21,22."Ispakeuntotheeinthyprosperity,butthousaidstIwillnothear:thishathbeenthymannerfromthyyouth,thatthouobeyedstnotmyvoice.Thewindshalleatupall thypastures,andthyloversshallgointocaptivity;surelythenshaltthoubeashamedandconfoundedforallthywickedness."q.d.Youreyesaresodazzledwiththebeautifulflowers,andyourearssocharmedwiththeSyrensongsorearthlydelights, thatmywordcantakenoplaceuponyou.Letaneast-windblow,andwitherup these flowers; then the word shall work, and conscience resent theconcernments of eternity.This courseGod is fain to takewithmanyofyou;hereyousit fromsabbath tosabbathunder theword,andnothingtakesplaceuponyourhearts.Willyounothearthevoiceofmyword?Go,death,saithGod,smitethatman'schilddead,Iwilltrywhatthatwilldo;go,poverty,andblasthisestate,andseewhatthatwilldo;go,sickness,andsmitehisbody,andshakehimoverthegrave'smouth,Iwillseewhatthatwill do. ThusGod sends to sinners, asAbsalom sent to Joab,whorefused to come near him, till he set fire to his field of corn, and thenaway comes Joab, 2 Sam. 14:29, 30, 31.And thus theLord opened the

heartoftheJailor,byputtinghimintoafright,apanicfearofdeath,Acts16:27.AndthusdoththeLorddevisemeanstobringbackhisbanished.

(2.)AsGodmakesuseofthehammerofjudgments,sohemakesuseofmerciestomakewayforChristintotheheartsofmen.Everymercyisacall, a knock of God: and truly if there be any ingenuity leftunextinguishedintheheart,onewouldthinkmercywouldprevailmorethanallthejudgmentsintheworld,Rom.2:4."KnowestthounotthatthegoodnessofGodleadeththeetorepentance?"q.d.Dostthounotseethehandofmercy stretchedout to lead thee into a corner, there tomournoverthysinscommittedagainstsograciousandmercifulaGod?Byeverymercyyoureceive,Christdoth,asitwere,sueyoutoopenyourheartstohim;theyaresomanygiftssentfromheaventomakewayforChristintoyour hearts. It would be an endless task to enumerate all the merciesbestowedtothisendupontheunregenerate:butsurelythisistheerrandofthemall;andtheLordtakesitveryillwhenhisendisnotansweredinthem:henceisthatcomplaint,Jer.5:24."Neithersaytheyintheirheart,letusnowfeartheLordourGod,thatgivethusrain,boththeformerandthelatter,inhisseason."Someofyouhavebeenmarvellouslypreservedintimesofcommoncontagionanddeath,whenthousandshavefallenatyour right hand and left: then have you been preserved or recovered,according to that, Exod. 15:26. "I will put none of those diseases uponthee,forIamtheLordthathealeththee."IamJehovahRophe,theLordthe physician; many of you have been at the grave's mouth, in manydiseases,othersuponthedeeps;yetthehandofmercypulledyouback,andsufferedyounottodropintothegraveandhellintheSamemoment.Owhataknockwasheregivenbythehandofmercyat thyhardheart!Certainlyifmenwouldbutobserve,theymightseeastrange,marvellousworking and moulding of things by the hand of providence, for theproductionsofthousandsofmerciesforthem:andifmercywoulddothework,andwinyouovertoChrist,manyrodshadbeenspared,whichyourobstinacy hath made necessary. O ungrateful sinners! doth yourRedeemerthuswooandfeeyoubysomanygiftsofmercy,andyetwillyou shut him out? Do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people andunwise?Forwhich of all his benefits do your ungrateful souls shut thedoorsuponhim?

(3.)YouseewhatChrist'sknockingatthesoulofasinnerimplies,andbywhat instruments it isperformed.Inthe lastplace,wewillconsiderthemanner how this action is performed in the ten following particulars,wherein much of the mystery of conversion will be opened; the Lordgrant your experience may answer them. We cannot indeed exactlydescribeandmarkall the footstepsof theSpirit, in thiswork,uponthesoulsofmen;yetthesethingsseememinentlyobservable.

1. The knocks ofChrist at the sinner's heart are silent and secret to allpersonsintheworld,exceptthesoulitselfatwhosedoorheknocks;herebemanyhundredsofyouthisdayundertheword;iftheLordshallthisdayknockby conviction at anyman'sheart, nonewill hear that knock,butthatmanonly;foritisaknockwithoutsoundornoisetoanybuttheparticularsoulconcernedinit.Itwasfore-prophesiedofourRedeemer,and of this very act of his, Isa. 42:2. "He shall not cry, nor lift up, norcausehisvoicetobeheardinthestreet."ThekingdomofGodcomethnotintothesoulsofmenwithpublicobservation:youreadin1Cor.2:11."Nomanknoweththethingsofaman,savethespiritofamanthatisinhim."None knows what convictions anotherman's conscience feels, until hehimselfshalldiscoverthem;youhearthesamesoundofthegospel,butyou hear not the inward strokes it gives to another man's conscience.Christ'sapproachestothesoulmakenonoise;littledoweknowwhattheSpiritofChristwhispersintheearofhimthatsitsnextus.ItissaidoftheinwardcomfortsoftheSpirit,Iwillgivehimthehiddenmannawhichnomanknowsbuthethateatethofit.Thisistruealsoofinwardterrorsandtroubles. Christ's knocks by conviction are but a secret whisper of hisSpirit in the ear of a sinner, saying,Thouart theman, this is thy case.That is the first thing in themanner of Christ's knocking, it is a silentknockwithoutpublicsound.

2. These silent inward knocks of the Spirit of Christ, though they areheardbynonebutthesoulitself,yetdotheygreatlydifferastotheterror,or mildness of them in different subjects. Some hear them with moreterrorandastonishment,othersinamildandgentlemanner.WhentheLordknockedat theJailor's conscience,Acts 16:29,30 itwasa terriblestroke; he called for a light, and sprang in like a man distracted; andtrembling and astonished fell down at the apostles feet, crying, "Sirs,

whatmust I do to be saved?"Herewas a terrible knock indeed,whichalmostaffrightedhissouloutofhisbody;itisasifhehadsaid,Tellme,for the Lord's sake, and tell me quickly, whether there be any way ofsalvation, and where it lies, for I am a lost man, an undone soul. ButwhentheLordopenedtheheartofLydia,therewerenosuchterrors,theLordspaketoherinamoremildandgentlevoice;asyouseever.14.TheSpirit ofGod varies hismethod according to the temper of the soul heworkethon.Knottypiecesneedgreaterwedgesandharderblowstorivethem asunder, and as he directs his ministers, Jude 22 to make adifference, todeal tenderlyandcompassionatelywithsome;butothers,tosavewithfear;andsohehimselfobservethlikedifferentmethods.

3.SomeknocksofChristaresuccessful,andobtainthedesiredeffect.Heknocks,andthesoulopens;butothersareunsuccessful;heknocksonce,and again, by convictions, which may cause the conscience, for thepresent, to startle a little, but there is no opening to Christ by faith.Ofriends! this is of dreadful consideration; Prov. 1:24. "I called, and yerefused;Istretchedoutmyhand,andnomanregarded."Thereisacallwithoutananswer, aknock, andnoopening; and these thingsareverycommon, especially among the unconverted, that live under a lively,rousing gospel-ministry. Of this Christ complains, Mat. 16:17."Whereunto shall I liken this generation? They are like unto childrensitting inthemarket-place,andcallingtotheir fellows,saying,Wehavepipeduntoyou,andyehavenotdanced;wehavemourneduntoyou,andye have not lamented:" q. d. Neither the delicious airs and melody ofgospel-grace, nor the mournful and dreadful threats of damnation tounbelievers,availanythingtoopenyourheartstoembraceme;novoicesfrom mount Gerizzim, or mount Ebal, will prevail with you. Ah! howmanysadwitnessesuntothistruthhaveInowbeforemineeyes!butGodforbiditshouldbethusallround:no,no,therebesomesoulswhohear,and open, even every one that hath heard, and learned of the Father,John 6:45when the Spirit of God puts forth his powerwith theword,then,andnottillthen,itbecomessuccessful.

4. Sometimes Christ knocks with a thick succession of convictions, aquickrepetitionofhiscalls.Somemenhavehadthousandsofconvictionsinafewyears;forinthiscasetheLordsaith,asit isExod.4:8."Ifthey

will not hearken to the voice of the first sign, yet theymay believe thevoice of the latter sign."And yet sometimesneither the formernor thelatteravailanything."HowoftwouldIhavegatheredthychildren,andyewouldnot?"Mat.23:37.Howoften?IntimatingthemanycallsChristgave Jerusalem to come unto him, yet all in vain. Obstinate sinners,Christhathbeenknocking,andcallingatsomeofyourconsciences,fromyourverychildhood;thousandsofconvictionshavebeentrieduponsomeofyou,andyet,tothisday,yoursoulsareshutfastagainsthim.TheLordhathwaited, fromyear to year, for your answer, by this signifyinghowlothheistopartwithyou;suchatimethouwastuponasick-bed,nighuntodeath;atsuchatimeundersuchasermon,andthenChristknockedatthysoul:ifallthisbeinvain,somanyconvictionsasyouhavestifled,somanyfaggotsyoucarrywithyoutohell,toincreaseyourflames,andtorments.Yetcommonlythosequickrepetitions,andredoublingsofthestrokesofconvictionsendwell;anditisagoodsign,whenoneconvictionrevives another, and the Lord keeps the soul still waking. But O takeheed, and try not his patience too long, lest the next stroke be moredreadfulthanalltheformer;nottoopenyourhearts,butsmitedeadyourhopesforheaven.

5.SometimesChristknocksintermittingly,knockingandstopping,acalland silence, and that at a considerable time and distance: a convictionthis day, and, itmay be, not another inmanymonths. There be someaged sinners that have not had more than one or two remarkablerousingsofconscienceinfiftyorsixtyyearstime,andthennomore;donotthinkthattheLordwillmakehisSpiritalwaysstrivewithmen,Gen.6:3no,thereisatimewhenGodsaithtotheword,convicttheconscienceofthatmanorwomannomore,notastrokemorebywayofconviction,buthenceforthbethouforobduration,nottoopen,buttoshuthimup,Isa. 6:10.Reader, bethink thyself, how longwas it since thy consciencewas rousedandawakened?O saithone, sevenor tenyears ago Iheardsuch a sermonwhich toremy conscience to pieces; I fell under such aprovidence,whichrousedandawakenedallmyfears;butsincethattime,allhathbeenstillandquiet;theLordgiveasecondawakening, lestyouawakewith the flames ofGod'swrath about you. I observe, it is usual,whenGodworksuponanyveryearly,heknocksthusintermittingly:nowthe conscience is active, and full of trouble, then the vanities of youth

extinguishtheseconvictionsagain;buttheLordfollowshisdesign,andatlasttheconvictionsettles,andendsinconversion.

6.Christsometimesknockswithbothhandsatonce,withthewordandwiththerodtogether;thelatterinsubserviencytotheformer;andifeverthesoulbeliketoopen,itwillopenthen,whenordinancesandafflictionsworktogether.Thewordsmitestheconsciencewithconviction,andatorabout the same time providence smites the outward man with someaffliction, to make the word work effectually; or, under some smartaffliction, a suitableword is seasonably directed to the conscience: andthusjunctajuvant,theoneassisteththeother,andbothtogetherproducethedesiredeffect.ThustheLordwroughtupontheThessalonians,1Thes.1:6."Andyebecamefollowersofus,andoftheLord,havingreceivedtheword in much affliction." A child dies, an estate is lost, or a sicknessseizethatthetimewhenconscienceispreparedbyaconvictionfromtheword,orafflictionshaveprepareditfortheword:theroduponthebackhelps the word to work upon the heart, and if both these working infellowshipwillnotdothework,thereislittlehopethatanythingwilldoit.

7. Every knock of Christ disturbs the sinful rest of the soul; it rousethguilt in the conscience, and puts the innerman into great distress andtrouble.BeforeChristcomesandknocksatthedooroftheheartallisstillandquietwithin;thesoulisinaquietsleepofsinfulsecurity,nofearsortroublesmolestitsrest.Luke11:21."Whenastrongmanarmedkeepethhispalace,hisgoodsareinpeace;butwhenastrongerthanheshallcomeuponhim,andovercomehim,hetakethfromhimallhisarmourwhereinhe trusted."ThearmourwhichSatanputs into thehandsof sinners, todefend themselves against the convictive strokes of the word, are thegeneral mercy of God, the outward duties of religion, partialreformations, &c. But when Christ comes by effectual conviction, hedisarmsthesinnerofallthesepleas,andthenthesoulseeswhatbrokenreeds it leaned upon. "When the commandment came, (saith Paul) sinrevived,andIdied,"Rom.7:9i.e.allmyvainhopesexpired;noartificeofSatan can any longer quiet the sinner's conscience; he apprehendshimself in amiserable condition,meditates an escape; farewell now tosoundandquietsleep:nopeacetilloutofdanger.

8.EveryeffectualknockofChristgivesanalarmtohell,andputsSatantoall his shifts and arts to secure the possession of the convinced sinner.Thedevilisajealousspirit,andwhenhisinterestisindangerhebestirshimselftopurpose;thetimeofconvictionisanhouroftemptation."Wewrestle not with flesh and blood, (saith the apostle) but againstprincipalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of thisworld,againstspiritualwickedness,(orwickedspirits)inhighplaces,"oraboutheavenlies,Eph.6:12.ThestrifebetwixtSatanandthesoulisnowfornolessthantheprizeofeternallife;itisnowforall,ornone,forlifeor death, for heaven or hell: The powers of hell are now all in arms todestroyconvictions,andsecurethepossessionofthesoulagainstChrist;aswhenagranadofallsintoagarrison,thefirstcareofthedefendantsis,to stifle and choak it before it break. Whilst Christ is speaking by hisSpirit inoneear, thedevil iswhispering intheother;andthethingshewhispers to quench convictions are usually such as these: It is timeenough yet, what need such haste? Enjoy thy pleasures a little longer,thoumayestcometoChristandbesavedatlast.Ifthatwillnotdo,thenhechangethhisvoice:TowhatpurposewiltthougotoChrist?Itisnowtoolate,thetimeofgraceisover;hadstthoucometohiminthyyouth,and obeyed his first call, it had been somewhat, but now it is to nopurpose. If thiswill not quiet the soul, then he saith, Thy sins are twogreat to be pardoned, there is no hope for such a prodigious sinner asthouart.IftheLordhelpthesoultoovercomethisbydiscoveringtoittherichesofmercy,pardoningthegreatestofsinners;thenherepresentsthemultitudeswhichareinthesamecasewiththeconvincedsinner;Come,fear not, if it go illwith thee, itwill be as bad formillions ofmen andwomen;ifthougotohell,thousandswillgowiththee:Butifthesoulbeloth to be damned for company, then he bids it look upon the train oftroubles and afflictions that come along with Christ, and will certainlyfollow him, if the door be open to let him in: If Chirst come in,reproaches,losses,andsufferingswillcertainlycomeinwithhim;troopsofmiseriesandcalamitiesfollowhim;himselfhathtoldtheeso,andartthoumadtoruinallthycomfortsintheworld,andplungethyselfintoaseaoftroubleforwhatthineeyesneversaw?Butifthesoulreply,thesearemoretolerablethandamnation;bettermyfleshsufferforatime,thanmy soul be cast away for ever. Then he represents the insuperabledifficultties of religion;What a hard thing it is to be saved, howmany

painfuldutiesandactsofmortificationthesoulmustpassthrough!Thusyouseewhatanalarmconvictiongivestothepowersofhell.

9. Every effectual knock of Christ is followed on, and new convictionsreviveoldand formerones, and theLordnever leavesknocking till thedoorbeopened;ifonesermonwillnotdo,anothershall;ifonewoundbeplaisteredandhealedbytheartofSatan,afreshwoundshallbemade;ifa former convictionvanish, thenext shall be sealedupon the soul; andwhentheSpiritoftheLordsealethaconvictionupontheconscience,razeitoutwhocan?Andhere is thedifferencebetwixt specialandcommonconvictions; common convictions come and go, they put the soul in afright for a day or amonth, and then trouble it nomore for ever; butspecialconvictionswillbecontinued,onethingbacksanother;forChristisinpursuitofthesoul,andwillgiveitchase,tillatlastheovertake,andcomeupwithit.

10.Lastly,AlltheknocksofChristceaseandendwhenthesinner'sdayofgraceisended;thisisofdreadfulconsideration;whenthetimeofmercyisover,nomorestrivingsoftheSpiritwithamanafterthat.Christsaithtothedrowsysinner,ashespaketo thedrowsydisciples inthegarden,Sleeponnow,andtakeyourrest.Sohere,Icalledtheeinsuchasermon,butthouheardestnot;bysuchaprovidence,butthouobeyedstnot;sleeponnow, and take thy rest: "Mypeoplewouldnot hearken tomy voice,andIsraelwouldnoneofme;soIgavethemuptotheirownheartslust,towalkintheirowncounsels,"Psal.81:11,12q.d.Ihavedonewiththem,thetreatyisended,Iwillmakenomoreessaystowardstheirconversionandsalvation.SoIgavethemup.Methinksitsoundsasmuchasthis,—Takethemsin,takethemdevil,Iwillhavenomoretodowiththem:—soHosea4:17."Ephraimisjoinedtoidols,lethimalone."Hisheartisgluedfasttosin,heisenamoureduponotherlovers,lethimalone.Obeloved,itisadreadfulthingforGodtosay,Letthismanaloneinhisformality,andthat man in his carnal security. Let not this be misapplied by poortrembling souls under conviction: I know the fear of this judgment isupontheirhearts,nothingmakesthemtremblemorethanlestthedayofgracebeendedwiththem.Butthereisnogroundforthisfear,whilsttheSpirit continues convincing and the soul trembling lest his convictionsshould prove ineffectual. Thus much of the nature, instruments, and

mannerofChrist's knockingat thedoorof a sinner'sheart.Ourway isnowopenedtoafruitfulapplicationofthispoint,whichIwillwindupindiversnecessaryuses.

I.Use,forInformation

And first, The point before us will be useful for information in thefollowinginferencesanddeductions.

Infer. 1. Into how deep a sleep hath sin cast the souls of sinners, thatChristmuststandso long,andgivesuchloudrepeatedknocksbefore itwillawakeandopentohim?Thereisthespiritofadeepsleepfallenuponmen, like that intowhichGod castAdam;God speaksonce, yea, twice,butmanregardsitnot; it isthehardestthingintheworldtorouseandawakenamanoutofhiscarnalsecurity.LookoverSatan'skingdom,andyoushallfindageneralstillnessandquietnessamonghissubjects;thereisno trouble for sin,no strivings after salvation,no cryingsout, "Whatshallwedotobesaved?"Gointothecrowdsofcarnalmenandwomen,and you shall find them all intent and busy about othermatters. Howlongshallyoubeintheircompanybeforeyouhearonegroanforsin,orseeonetearslidefromtheireyesonthataccount?Oh!whatamarvellousthingishere!donottheirconsciencesknowtheguiltthatliesuponthem?Are theynot aware of a day of reckoningwhich approacheth?Yes, yes,thesethingsarenothidfromtheirconsciences:Whatartthenisusedtokeep them so still and quiet?Why, there are divers rattles to still theconsciencesof sinners, and theydo it effectually.Thereare four causesandoccasionsofthiswonderfulstillnessinthesoulsofsinners.

1. Ignorance of the nature of regenerating grace, taking that forregeneration, which is none of it; thus did the Jews, John 8:25confidentlyaffirmGodtobe theirGod,andyet theydidnotknowhim.Howmanypoor ignorant creatures think there is noneedof any otherworkofregeneration,butwhatpassedupontheminbaptism?Theywereborn and baptized Christians, and that is enough, they think, to savethem: Mat. 3:9. "We have Abraham to our father." They thought itsufficientthatAbraham'sbloodranintheirveins,thoughtherewerenotasparkofAbraham'sfaithkindledintheirsouls.TheLordforgivethesinofthosementhatleadpoorsoulsintosuchfatalmistakes.Oifmenwere

butawareofthenecessityofagreaterandfartherworktopassupontheirsouls than their baptism, common powerless profession, or the similarworkswhichappearuponformalhypocrites,heavenandearthwouldringwith their cries. But ignorance of the nature and necessity of specialregeneratinggrace, likeadoseofopium, casts the consciencesofmanyintothisdeepsleep.

2.Freedomfromgrossersinsandpolluionsoftheworld,stillsandquietsthe consciences of thousands; they have had a civil, sober, and faireducation; and though there be no grace and regeneration, yet whatsaints do they seem to themselves, being adorned with sobriety andcivility! This stilled the conscience of the Pharisee, Luke 18:11. "God, Ithank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust,adulterers,orevenasthispublican."Thus,likedelicateAgag,theyspruceup themselves withmoral homolitical virtues, whereinmany thousandHeathensweremore gay than themselves; but justicewill hew them topiecesasAgagwas,foralltheirmoralornamentsandendowments.

3. The strict performance of the external duties of religion quiets theconsciencesofmany;theyquestionnotbutthosethatdosowellshallfarewell, and that God will never damn men and women that keep theirchurch and say their prayers as they do. Thus the carnal Jewsdeludedthemselves,crying,"ThetempleoftheLord,thetempleoftheLord:"Asmalefactors, in some of our neighbouring kingdoms, fly to the churchfromthehandofjustice,sodothese;butGodwillpluck,themfromthehornsofthealtar,andconvincethemthattheemptynameofreligionisnosecurityfromdamnation.

4.Many consciences are still and quieted in a natural, sinful state, bymisinterpreting the voices of providence; itmay be God prospers yourearthlyaffairs,succeedsandsmilesuponyourundertakings;andthisyouconcludemustbeatokenofhisloveandfavour:Butalas!thisisagreatmistake,theLordgiveyoubetterevidencesofhislovethanthese;forwhoprospermoreintheworldthanwickedmen?AndwhoaremorecrossedthanthepeopleofGod?ReadJob21andPsal.73andcomparebothwithEccl.9:1,andyouwillquicklyfindthevanityofallhopesbuiltuponsuchafoundation.

However,bysuchthingsastheseare,thegodofthisworldblindstheeyesofmultitudes.

Infer.2.IfeveryconvictionbeaknockofChrist,howdeeplyareallsoulsconcernedinthesuccessandissueofthem?

Convictionisanembryoofthenewcreature;ifitgooutitsfulltime,andcome toaperfectnewbirth, itbrings forthsalvation toyoursouls; if itmiscarry finally, you are finally lost. It is of infinite concernmentthereforetoeverymanandwomantobetenderovertheseconvictionsoftheir consciences. It is true, conviction and conversion are two things:there may be conviction without conversion, though there can be noconversionwithoutconviction.Theblossomsuponthetreesinthespringoftheyearcannotproperlybecalledfruit,theyarerathertherudimentsoffruit,orsomethinginordertofruit.Iftheyopenkindly,andknitorsetfirmly, perfect fruit follows them; but if a blast or frostymornings killthem,nofruitistobeexpected.Thusitishere,greatcarethereforeoughttobetakenabouttheprservationandsuccessofconvictions,bothby

1.Thesoulitselfthatisunderthem.

2.Andbyallothersthatareconcernedaboutthem.

1. What care should the soul itself have, upon whom convictions arewrought;haveacare,friends,howyouquenchthem,divertorhindertheoperations of them, lest you hinder as much as in you lies, the veryconceptionofChrist inyoursoulsbythem.Irememberit issaid,Exod.21:22."Ifmenstriveandhurtawomanwithchild,andmischief follow,lifeshallbegivenforlife."Thelifeofyoursoulsisboundupinthelifeofyourconvictions.Iknowitishardformenandwomentodwellwiththeirownconvictions;guiltandwratharesadsubjects formen's thoughts todwellupon;butyet it is farbettertodwellwiththethoughtsofsinandwrathhere,thantolieswelteringundertheminhellforever.Youmayberidofyourconvictionsandyoursalvationtogether;benottooeagerafterpeace,agoodtroubleisbetterthanafalsepeace.Andontheotherside,bewarethatyourconvictionsandtroublesturnnotintodiscouragementsto faith; this will cross the proper intention of them; they are Christ'sknocks for entrance, andwerenever intended to be bars or stumbling-

blocksinyourwaytohim;notstops,butstepsinyourwaytoChrist.

2.Letallothersthatareconcernedaboutconvincedsouls,bewarewhatcounselstheygive,andwhatrulestheyprescribe, lest theyrenderthemabortive,anddestroyall inthebud.Therearetwoerrorstoocommonlycommitted,one inexcess,persuadingsoulsunder troubleofconsciencethat there is no coming for them to Christ, unless they be so and soprepared, humbled just to such a degree; this is dangerous counsel, itoverheatsthetroublesofconscience,andkeepsthesoulfromitsproper,presentdutyandremedy.IamsurePaulandSilas tooknosuchcoursewith the convinced Jailor, nor Peter with the three thousandwoundedconsciences,Acts 2.Nor do I findwhereGodhath stated the time anddegreeofspiritualtroubles,sothattheremustbenoaddressestoChristinthewayoffaith,untiltheyhavesufferedthemsolongandtosuchanheight: if they have imbittered sin to the soul, and made it see thenecessityofaSaviour,IthinktheycannotmovetoosoonafterChristinthewayoffaith.LetnomansetboundswhereGodsetsnone.

Thereisanothererrorcommittedindefect,whenpromisesandcomfortsarepresentlyapplied,before thenatureof faith isknown,oroneactofrecumbency put forth towards Christ: these hasty comforts come tonothing;theywillnot,theycannotstand.Itisadangerousthingtoapplygospel-cordials,andpouroutthepreciousointmentofthepromisesuponthem thatwere never heartsick for sin;whenupon every slight troublewhich is but as an early dew, the peculiar consolations of penitent andbelieving souls are hand over-head applied to them. How many suchunskilfulempericsarethereineveryplace?SuchastheprophetJeremiahcomplainsof, "Theyhavehealed thehurt of thedaughter ofmypeopleslightly, crying, peace, peace, where there is no peace." Remember thefoundation is now laying for eternity, and that is the time of deepconsideration; men and womenmust ponder the terms and count thecost, and deliberately accept and close with Christ, before theconsolationsofthepromisescanberegularlyadministeredtothem.

Infer.3.Whatasingularblessingisarousingfaithfulministryamongthepeople?By such aministryChrist knocks powerfully; this is one of thegreatest blessings God can bestow upon a people, next to the savingeffectsofit,whenhesendsamongthempowerful,judiciouspreachersof

thegospel,underwhoseministrytheirconsciencescannotsleepquietly.ThesearetheproperinstrumentsChristknocksatmen'sheartsby:andasforthoseprophetsthatsewpillowsfordrowsysinnerstosleepquietlyupon, the Lord owns them not for his; Lam. 2:14. "Thy prophets (notmine,butthine)hathseenvainandfoolishthingsforthee,theyhavenotdiscoveredthineiniquity."

Itistrue,thoseministersthatgivemennorestnorquietnessintheirsins,must expect but little rest and quietness themselves. What is it forministerstopreachhometotheconsciencesofothers,buttopulldowntherageoftheworldupontheirownheads?ButcertainlyyouwillhavecausetoblessGodtoeternity,forcastingyourlotundersuchaministry;and the Lord accounts such a mercy sufficient to recompense anyoutward affliction that lies upon you, Isa. 30:20. You fare richly undersuch doctrine, though the Lord should feed you with the bread ofaffliction, and give you the waters of adversity to drink; this makesamends forall, "Thineeyes shallbehold thy teachers,and they shallbedrivennomore into corners."OblessedbeGod thatEngland's cornersarethisdayemptied,thatitspulpitsmaybefilledwithlaborious,faithfulministers.OthattheknocksofChristmightthisdaybeheardinallthecities,towns,andvillagesofthisnation!thekingdomofGodiscomenighuntous, thismercy is invaluable;pray that theLordwould continue it,andmakeallyourministersandmeans,whethermorepublicorprivate,successful.

Infer.4.Andthen, lastly, letallmenbewareof thosethingsthatdeafentheirears,anddrownthesoundofChrist'sknocksandcallsinthegospel.

What pernicious enemies to the souls of men are those persons, andthings,thatturnawaymen'searsfromattendingtotheknocksandcallsof Christ in his word? Such are, (1.) Profane, wicked men, who, likeElymas the sorcerer, make it their business, by wicked insinuations,shouts,andjeers,toturnawaymen'searsfromthegospel.Acts13:10."Ofullofallsubtilty,andallmischief,thouchildofthedevil,thouenemyofall righteousness; wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of theLord?" All opposition to godliness hath a spice of devilishness, and nochild more resembles his father, than a scoffing enemy resembles hisfather,thedevil.ButblessedbeGodforthatgoodprovidencewhich,ina

greatmeasure,hathstoptthemouthsbothofthefatherandhischildren,thisday.(2.)Takeheedofcarnalandungodlyrelations,whichdiscourageand threaten their chosen servants, and all that depend on them, fromattendinguponthemeans,orgivingwaytotheconvictionswhichGodbythemhathsetupontheirhearts.Cruelparents,whohadratherseetheirchildren turned into their graves, than turning to the ways of seriousgodliness!O thatany shoulddare toquench thebeginningsof spirituallife, in those towhomtheywere instruments toconveynatural life. (3.)Take heed of the world, its distracting cares, and charming pleasures;whatadin,whataconfusedbuzandnoisedo these thingsmake in theearsofmen!Mark4:19."Thecaresofthisworldchoaktheword,anditbecometh unfruitful." Tell not them of getting Christ, theymust studyhow to get bread. These are some of those distracting and divertingsounds,whichdrownthevoiceofChrist'sknocksandcallsinthegospel.Asyouvalueyoursouls,bewareofthem.

II.Use,forExhortation

Christ isnowcomenearusinthegospel,"Beholdhestandsatthedoorandknocks:"andIamherethisdaytodemandyouranswer,andinhisnameIdosolemnlydemandit;whatshallIreturntohimthatsentme?Whatsayestthou,sinner?WiltthouopentoChrist,orwiltthoushuthimout;andwithhimthyownpardon,peace,andsalvation?Oncemore,letme try the forceofa fewmoreargumentsuponyourhearts,andrefuteyour vain pleas to the contrary; methinks, no heart should be able toresist suchmotives,and rationalpersuasions,as these followingwillbefoundtobe.

Motive 1. "Youare in extremeneedofChrist, youwanthimmore thanbread or breath; many things are conYou are in extreme need ofChristvenient for your bodies, butChrist is the one thing necessary foryoursouls."Necessityisanenginethatwillopenanythingintheworldthat canbeopened;necessitywillmakeall flybefore it.Now there isaplain,presentabsolutenecessitylyinguponeveryoneofyoutoopenyourheartstoChrist,andthatwithoutdelay.NecessitygoesbeforethefaceofChrist,toopenthewayforhimintotheheart;thoumusthavehim,orbelostforever.Christandfaitharenotamongthemaybees,butthemustbees, to the happiness of thy soul. A man may be poor, and happy;

reproached, and blessed; but he cannot be christless and safe; norchristlessandcomfortable:youmusthaveChrist,oryoucannothavelife,John 3:36 you must have Christ, or you can have no hope, Col. 1:27.Christandlife,Christandhope,gotogether:NoChrist,nolife;noChrist,nohope:Sinner, thoumusthaveChrist,or thoucansthavenopardon;forChristandpardonareundivided,Eph.1:7.Inaword,youmusthaveChrist,oryoucanhavenosalvation,Acts4:12.Well, then, if thoucansthave no life nor hope, no pardon nor salvation without Christ; then aplain necessity goes before Christ, to open his way into thine heart;methinks,thoushouldstnowsay,thenwillIopentoChristwhateverthetermsbe.Comesufferings,losses,reproaches,yea,deathitself,allisone;ChristImusthave,andChristIwillhave:necessityislaiduponme,andmyheartisopenedtoChristbyit:woetomeforever,ifImissofChrist.

Motive2.TheLordJesusisthisdaycomenightoeveryoneofyoursouls.ImaysaytoyouasChristdidtothem,Luke10:9."ThekingdomofGodiscomenighuntoyou."TheLordgranthebenotasnightosomeofyouaseverheshallbe;forhemustcomenearer,orelseyouarelostforever.ItisnotChristamongyouinthemeansofgrace,butChristwithinyoubytheworkofgrace,whichmustbeuntoyouthehopeofglory,Col.1:27.Heisnotonlyamongyouwithrespecttoexternalmeans,butheiscomeintoyourunderstandingsandconsciences;yea,somemotionsofhisyoumayfeel upon your affections; there wants but a little more to make youeternally happy. O what would one effectual touch upon your wills beworthnow!thehead-workisdone,butOthattheheart-workweredonetoo. You are almost saved, but to be almost saved, is to bewholly andeternallylost,ifitgonofurther.Itisasadthingforamanthathathonefootinheaventoslidefromthenceintohell;itissadtobeshipwreckedattheharbour'smouth.

Motive 3. Jesus Christ hath unquestionable right to enter into, andpossesseveryoneof your souls:Satan isbutanusurper:Christ is yourlawfulownerandproprietor;thysoul,sinner,hathnotsofullatitletothybody,asChristhathtothysoul:SatankeepsChristoutofhisright.Christknocksatthedoorofhisownhouse;hebuilt it,andthereforemaywellclaimadmissionintoit;itishisowncreature,Col.1:16."Byhimwereallthingsmade,whether theybe visible or invisible;" bodies or souls.The

invisiblepart,thysoul,ishisworkmanship,astatelystructureofhisownraising.Hehathalsoarightbyredemption,Christhathboughtthysoul,andthatattheinvaluablepriceofhisownblood.WhothencandisputetherightofChristtoenterintohisownhouse?Butalas!hecomethtohisown,buthisownreceivehimnot.

Motive 4.Open thedoor toChrist, for a train of blessings andmerciescomeinwithhim;atroopofprivilegesfollowhim.InthesamedayandhourthatChristcomesintothineheart,byafullconsentanddeliberatechoice, a pardon comes with him of all the sins that ever thoucommittedstinthought,word,oraction.Willsuchapardonbewelcometothysoul?ThenletChristbewelcome,Eph.1:7forwhereChristcomes,pardoncomes.IfyouopentoChrist,youopentopeace,andwhowouldshutthedoorofhissoulagainstpeace?Ifpeacebewelcome,letChristbewelcome;forpeacefollowsfaithinChrist,Rom.5:1.WhereChristcomesliberty comes,John8:36. "If theSon thereforemakeyou free, thenareyoufreeindeed."Areyouinlovewithbondsandfetters?Satan'slawsarewritteninblood.Christ'syokeiseasy,andhiscommandsnotgrievous.Ifyou love liberty, love Christ. In a word, where Christ comes, salvationcomes; "for he is the author of eternal salvation to all them that obeyhim."Ifthereforeyoulovepardon,peace,liberty,andsalvation,shutnotthedooragainstChrist;forallthesefollowhimwhereverhegoes.

Motive 5. Christ this day solemnly demands entrance into thy soul; hebegs thee to open tohim,2Cor. 5:20he commands thee to openuntohim,1John3:23.Hedenouncetheternaldamnationtothosethatrefusehimentrance.Nowconsiderwell,hereisentrancedemandedunderpainoftheeternalwrathofGod:Thisdemandisfiledandrecordedinheaven;atyourownperilbeit,ifyoushutthedooragainsthim:OnlythuswillIsayinmyRedeemer'sbehalf,ifyourefuse,bearwitnessheavenandearththisday,thatChristsolemnlydemandedentranceintothysoul,andwasrefused;bearwitness,thatthedoorwasshutagainsttheonlyRedeemer,who intreated, commanded, and threatened eternal damnation to therejectors of him.Oh!methinks, that scripture, Prov. 1:24, 25 is able tostrike terror into the very centre of that soul that refuses the offers ofChrist!

Motive6.AndsoIhavedonemymaster'serrand,ifyounowrefusethe

knockofChristatyourhearts,hemayneverknockmore;andwhereareyouthen?Thereisaknockwhichwillbethelastknock,acallwhichwillbe his last call; and after that nomore knocks or calls, but an eternalsilenceastoanyovertureofmercyorgrace.

Object.1.ButifIdoopentoChrist,hewillnevercomeintosuchafilthypollutedsinfulsoulasmineis.

Answ.Who saith so?Who dare affirm so impudent a falsehood in theveryfaceofthetext?"Ifanymanopentome,Iwillcomeintohim."

Object.2.IfIopentoChrist,Imustbidfarewelltoeaseandrestinthisworld;reproaches,sufferings,lossesfollowhim.

Answ. If Christ, pardon, and salvation, be not worth the enduring andsufferingthesesmallthings,surethouvaluestChristandthysoulatalowrate.Owhocansufficientlybewailtheignoranceandfollyofunbelieversthatwillselltheirsoulsandhopesofheavenforsuchtrifles!AndifChristandthysoulmustpartupontheseterms,thenhearme,sinner,andletitsinkintothineheart;thydamnationwillbeboth,

1.Justandrighteous.

2.Unavoidableandsure.

1. Thy damnation will be just; for thou hadst thy own choice, anddeliberatelypreferredsttheinsignificanttriflesofthisworldbeforeChristand salvation. It was plainly told thee what the issue of thy rejectingChristwouldbe;andyet,aftersufficientwarningthouadventuredstuponit:Whatever other sinnerswill plead, I know not, but as for thee thoumustbespeechless,Matth.22:12.Ifthoudiechristlessthoumustappearat his bar speechless; and the day of judgment will be the day of therevelationoftherighteousjudgmentofGod,Rom.2:5.

2. Itwillalsobeunavoidable, for there isnootherway tosalvationbutthis,Acts4:12.NoChrist,noheaven;nofaith,noChrist:"Howshallweescape ifweneglect sogreata salvation;"Heb.2:3.Mercy itself cannotsave thee out ofChrist, for all the savingmercy ofGod is dispensed to

menthroughhim,Jude21.Itistonopurposetocrymercy,Lord,mercy!when Christ, inwhom all themercies of God are dispensed tomen, isrejectedbythee.

III.Use,forConsolation

Thispointwindsupinconsolationtoallsuch,as,hearingtheknocksofChrist,haveopenedorarenowresolved toopen theirheartsuntohim;andthatnothinghenceforthshallkeepChristandtheirsoulsasunder:TosuchIshalladdressthefollowinggroundsofcomfort.

Consolation1.AnopeninghearttoChristisaworkwhollyandaltogethersupernatural;aspecialworkof theSpiritofGod,neverfounduponanybut an elect soul. There are common gifts of the Spirit, such asknowledge, vanishing convictions, &c. but the opening of the heart byfaith is the special, saving, and peculiar work of the Spirit, John 6:29."This is the work of God that ye believe." Yea, it is the effect of theAlmightyPowerofGod,theexceedinggreatnessofhispowerisexertedintheworkoffaith,Eph.1:19.Itrisesnotoutofnature,ascommongiftsdo;butofthisit isexpresslysaid,Eph.2:8."Itisnotofyourselves,it isthegift ofGod."Where thiswork is effectuallywrought,wemay reason assolidlyascomfortablyfromit,bothbackward,totheelectingloveofGod,andforward,tooureternalglorificationwithhim,Rom.8:30.

Consolat.2.TheopeningofthyhearttoChristbysavingfaith,givestheeinterestinChristtheverysamehour;therelationisthenconstituted,theconjugaltieorbondisfastenedbetwixthimandthysoul;John1:12."Toasmanyasreceivedhim,tothemgavehepower,(viz.rightorprivilege)tobecomethesonsofGod,eventoasmanyasbelieveonhisname."Youneitherneed,normayexpectanextraordinarymessengerorvoicefromheaventotellyouthatChristisyours,andyouarehis;youhaveabetterfoundation inthiswordandworkof faith:Formypart, ifGodwillgiveme the clear and satisfying experience of this work upon my heart, Iwouldneverdesiremoresatisfactiononthissideheaven.Iknownotbutthedevilmaycounterfeitanextraordinaryvoice,andcheatthesoulbyalying oracle; but if I really feelmy heart and will sincerely opening toChristupongospel-terms,Iamsurethereisnodeceitinthat.

Consolat. 3. The opening of thy heart to Christ by faith is a goodassurance that heaven shall be opened to thy soul hereafter:Heaven isshut against none but those that shut their heart against Christ byunbelief.WillyoubarChristoutofyoursoulsbyignoranceandunbelief,andthencry,Lord,opentous?No,Godwillopentononebutthemthatopen to Christ. Eternity itself shall but suffice to bless God for thisopeningactoffaith:"Hethatbelievethshallbesaved,"Mark16:16.

Consolat.4.Theopeningof thysoul toChristby faithmakes itChrist'shabitation for ever; in that hour out goes sin and Satan, and in comesChristandgrace:"Ifanymanopenuntome,Iwillcomeintohim,"saiththe text. Of such a soul Christ saith as it was said of the temple, Psal.132:13,14."TheLordhathdesireditforhishabitation.Thisismyrestforever;herewill Idwell, for Ihavedesired it."The soulnowbecomesanhallowedtempletotheLord:ashehathsaid,"Iwilldwell inthem,andwalkinthem,andwillbetheirGod,andtheyshallbemypeople,"2Cor.6:16.Owhataheavenuponearth ishere!Christdwelling in thesoul isthegloryofthesoul;asGod'sdwellinginthetemplewasthegloryofthetemple.

Consolat. 5. In aword, the opening of the heart to Christ is that workwhichanswersthegreatdesignofthegospel.WhereforehathGodsetupordinances andministers, yea,wherefore is the Spirit sent forth but toopentheheartsofsinnerstoChristbyfaith?Whenthisisdone,themainend and intention of the gospel is attained and answered; the union iseffected betwixt Christ and the soul; it is now put out of hazard. Thewhole work of the gospel after that is but to build up, confirm, andcomfortthesoul;ripenitsimplantedgraces,andmakeitmeetforglory.

And thus, through the assistance of the Spirit, I have finished the fifthobservation, That every conviction of conscience, andmotion upon theaffections,isaknockorcallofChristforentranceintothesinner'sheart.

SERMONVI-REVEL.3:20

BeholdI[stand]atthedoorandknock,&c.

[Istandandknock.]

HERE ispains andpatience, allmeansusedbyChrist to gain entranceinto the souls of sinners. It speaks the earnestness of his suit, andvehemencyofhisdesiretobeinunionwiththesoulsofmen.Thesixthobservationthereforewillbethis,

Doct.6.ThatJesusChristisanearnestsuitorforunionandcommunionwiththesoulsofsinners.

Thispointliesdirectlyandfullyintheveryeyeandintentionofthetext.Intheopeningofit,twothingsmustbespokento,inthedoctrinalpart,viz.

I.Thedemonstrationofthistruth,thatheisso.

II.ThemarvellousandadmirablegraceandcondescensionofChrist,thatheshouldbeso.

I. For demonstration of this truth, that Christ is an earnest suitor forunionandcommunionwith the soulsof sinners. I shalldrawdown thedemonstration of this truth, from a view and consideration of thedispositions, carriages, and actions of the Lord Jesus towards poorsinnersfromfirsttolast:Andwhenyouhavecomparedthemalltogether,andbythemseenthetemperofhisheart,howgreatandclearalightwillshine upon this point! That his heart hath still inclined towards unionand communionwith sinfulman, will evidently appear by Consideringhiminafourfoldstateandtime.

1.Beforehisincarnation.

2.Inthedaysofhisflesh.

3.Athisdeath.And,

4.At,andsincehisascensionintoheaven.

First,Considerhimbeforehisincarnation,andyouwillfindtwothingsinthatstatewhichplainlyspeakhisdesireafterunionwithus.

Demonstrations

1.Demonst.InthecovenantofredemptionhemadewithGodconcerningus before thisworld had a being; for such covenants and promises didreallypassbetwixthimandtheFatherbeforealltime,orelseIknownothowtounderstandthatscripture,Tit.1:2."Inhopeofeternallife,whichGod,thatcannotlie,promisedbeforetheworldbegan."Towhomcouldthat promise be made but unto Christ, which bears date before thecreation?Whatelsecanthismeanbutthecovenantofredemptionmadebetwixt theFatherandtheSon?the termswhereofaresetdown inIsa.53:10,11whereyoufindwhatChristwastodo,viz.Tomakehissoulanofferingforsin.Andwhatshouldbehisrewardforpouringouthissoulunto death, viz. To see his seed, to see the travail of his soul, even achurch purchased with his own blood? Whether this be not a greatdemonstration of the propension and inclination of Christ's heart anddesire towards union and communion with poor sinners, let all menjudge.OwhatavaluedidChristsetuponoursouls,thatuponsuchcostlytermshewould consent to redeem them!Unto this agreementGod theFatherheldhim,Rom.8:32.GodsparednothisownSon.Andthisverycovenant Christ pleadedwith the Father, John 8:6. "I havemanifestedthynametothemenwhichthougavestmeoutof theworld; thinetheywere,andthougavestthemme."ThisplainlyshewsthevehementdesireofChrist'sheart tobe inunionwithmen; according to thatProv.8:31."Rejoicinginthehabitablepartsofhisearth,andmydelightswerewiththe sonsofmen."BlessedJesus!nothingbut the strengthof thineowndesireandlovecouldeverhavedrawntheeoutofthatbosomofdelightstosuffersomanythingsforthesakeofpoorsinners.

2. Demonst. Secondly, Let us consider Christ's temper and dispositiontowards union and communion with sinners, within time; and everythingdonebyChristcarriesandconformsthisconclusion.

1.Hisassumptionofournatureplainlyspeaksit.

2.Hiswholelifeuponearthevidentlydiscoversit.

3.Hisdoctrineisaclearproofofit.

4.Hisjoyattheconversionofsoulsprovesit.

5.Hissorrowsformen'sunbeliefevidenceit.

6.Hisindefatigablelaboursplainlyshewit.

7.Hisadmirableencouragementstocomingsinners.

8.Hisdreadfulmenacestoobstinatesinners.

9.Hissendingandencouragingministerstodrawandgathertheworldtohimself.

All these things, which were transacted in the life of Christ, plainlydemonstratehowgreatlyandearnestlyhisheartdidpropendandinclinetowardsthisdesirableunionwiththesonsofmen.

1. Christ's assumption of our naturemanifesteth his desire after unionwithus.Hereinhegavetwoincomparableproofsofhistranscendentlovetous,anddesireafterus.

(1.)Inpassingbyamoreexcellentnature.

(2.)Inmarryingournaturetohimself.

(1.)Hepassedbyasuperiorandmoreexcellentnature,Heb.2:6."Verilyhetooknotonhimthenatureofangels."Angelswereexcellentcreatures,butbeholdvesselsofgoldcastintothefire,andearthenpotsherdsfittedfor glory! It is true, the angels that kept their integrity aremembers ofChrist'skingdom;heisaheadtothembywayofdominion,butuntousbywayofvitalunion.Christ takesthebeliever intoanearerunionwithhimself than any angel in heaven; but for the multitudes of apostateangels, he never designed their recovery, but left them, as they were

before,boundinchainsofdarknessuntothejudgmentofthegreatday,Jude,ver.6.ThispreteritionofChristheightenshislovetopoorman.

(2.)Inmarryingournaturetohimself,andthataftersinhadblasteditsbeauty,andletinsomanydirefulcalamitiesuponit,Rom.8:3."Hewasfoundinthelikenessofsinfulflesh,"i.e.Fleshsubjecttoweariness,painsanddeath,whichthoughtherebenosininthem,yetaretheeffectsandconsequencesofsin:suchanatureheassumedintoapersonalunionwithhimself, not to experience any new pleasure in it, but to capacitatehimselftosufferandsatisfyforus;andthereintogiveaconvincingproofof the strength of his love, and vehemency of his desire to us. Hispersonal unionwith ournature shewshis desire after amystical unionwithourpersons.HewouldneverhavebeentheSonofman,buttomakeusthesonsanddaughtersofthelivingGod:hecameinourlikeness,thatwe, by sanctification, might bemade in his likeness. Behold how nearChristcomestousbyhisincarnation!Owhatastoopdidhemakethereinto recover us! Rather than lose us, he was contented to lose hismanifestative glory for a time; for his incarnation made him of noreputation, Phil. 2:7. Behold the desire of a Saviour after union withsinners!

2. The whole life of Christ upon earth was an evident proof anddemonstrationof thedesireofhisheart tobe inunionandcommunionwithus;John17:19."FortheirsakesIsanctifymyself."ThelifeofChristwaswhollysetapartforus;thereforeitissaid,Isa.9:6."Untousachildisborn, unto us a son is given."Whatwas the errand and business uponwhichChristcameintothisworld,buttoseekandtosavethatwhichwaslost.

All themiracleshewroughtonearthwere somanyworksofmercy;hecould havewrought hismiracles to have destroyed and ruined such asreceivedhimnot;buthisAlmightyPowerwasemployedtohealandsavethebodiesofmen,thattherebyhemightwintheirsoulsuntohim;Acts10:38. "God anointed Jesus of Nazarethwith theHoly Ghost andwithpower;whowentaboutdoinggood,andhealingallthatwereoppressedof the devil; for God was with him." When the apostles desired acommission from him to fetch fire from heaven to destroy theSamaritans,herebukedthem,saying,"Yeknownotwhatmannerofspirit

yeareof;fortheSonofmancamenottodestroymen'slives,buttosavethem," Luke 9:54, 55, 56. The whole life of Christ in this world wasnothing else but awooing, drawingmotive to the hearts of sinners; herejectednotthevilestofsinners,Luke7:39.Herejectednonethatcameuntohim;hewouldnothavelittlechildrenforbiddentobebroughtuntohim,Mark10:13.Whathiswinningcarriageshouldbe,was longbeforepredictedby theprophet, Isa.42:3. "Abruised reed shallhenotbreak,and smoking flax shall he not quench." Lentulus, the proconsul, in hisepistle,ad.S.P.Q.R.havinggraphicallydescribedthepersonofChrist,givesthisaccountofhiscarriageanddeportment;"Inhisreproofshewasterrible, inhisadmonitionsfairandamiable,cheerfulwithout levity;hewas never seen to laugh, but often to weep; his words grave, few, andmodest,"&c.

Christ was in the world as a load-stone drawing all men to him; hisdeportment was every way suitable to his commission, which was "topreach good tidings to the meek, to bind up the broken-hearted, toproclaimlibertytothecaptive,andtheopeningoftheprisontothemthatarebound,"Isa.51:1.

3.Ashislife,sohisdoctrinewasawooingandinvitingdoctrine:amostpathetical invitation unto sinners: Never man spake as he spake;wheneverheopenedhis lips,heavenopened,theveryheartofGodwasopenedinittosinners;thewholestreamandcurrentofhisdoctrinewasonecontinuedpowerfulpersuasivetodrawsinnerstohim.Thiswashislanguage,"Comeuntomeallye that labour,andareheavy laden,andIwillgiveyourest,Mat.11:28. In the lastday, thegreatdayof the feast,Jesus stood up and cried, If any man thirst, let him come to me anddrink,"John7:37.Himselfresemblesittothecluckingofahen,togatherherchickensunderherwings,Luke13:34."OJerusalem,Jerusalem,howoftenwouldIhavegatheredthychildrentogether,asahendothgatherherbroodunderherwings!"Certainlythewholestreamofthegospel isnothingelsebutthecharmingvoiceoftheheavenlybridegroom.

4.Thejoyhealwaysexpressedforthesuccessofthegospel,speakshimtobeanearnestsuitorfortheheartsofsinners.Itisveryremarkable,thatalltheevangelistswhohaverecordedthelifeofChrist,nevermentionedonelaughorsmilethatevercamefromhim,forhewasamanofsorrows.

Yet once you read, that he rejoiced in spirit; and you shall see theoccasion of it, in Luke 10:21. In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit. Andwhatwasit thatgladdenedhisheart,butthereportbroughthimbytheseventy,whoreturnedwithjoy,saying,Lord,eventhedevilsaresubjectto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan aslightningfall fromheaven,ver.17,18.Satan'skingdomwasgoingdownin the world, and the mysteries of salvation revealed unto babes; thismadehisholyheartleapwithjoywithinhim,tobeholdthesuccessofthegospeldestroyingSatan'skingdom;andthepoorest,meanestamongmenenlightenedandconvertedbyit.Thiswasacordialtohisverysoul,andspake the earnestness of his desire after union and communion withsinners.

5. His sorrows and mourning upon the account of the obstinacy andunbeliefofsinners,speaksthevehemencyofhisdesireafterunionwiththem; it is said,Mark 3:5. "Whenhe had looked round about on themwithanger,beinggrieved for thehardnessof theirhearts,"&c.You seefromhence, thatahardheart isagrief toJesusChrist.OhowtenderlydidChristresentit,whenJerusalemrejectedhim!Itissaid,Luke19:41."ThatwhenJesuscamenightothecity,heweptoverit."TheRedeemer'stearsweptoverobstinate Jerusalem, spake the zeal and fervencyofhisaffectiontotheirsalvation;howlothChrististogiveupsinners.WhatamournfulvoiceisthatinJohn5:40."Andyouwillnotcomeuntome,thatyoumighthavelife."HowfainwouldIgiveyoulife?butyouwouldratherdie than come untome for it.What can Christ domore to express hiswillingness?All the sorrows that ever touched the heart of Christ frommen,wereupon thisaccount, that theywouldnotyield tohis callsandinvitations.

6.ThisappearstobethegreatdesignofChrist,bytheunweariedlabourshe underwent day and night to accomplish it: Many weary journeysChristtook,manysermonsandprayershepreachedandpouredout,andall upon this design, to open the hearts of sinners to him, andwin theconsent of their wills, to become his; this was the work which hepreferredtohisnecessaryfood;John4:34."Mymeatistodothewillofhim that sentme, and to finish hiswork:" q. d.My bringing home theelectofGod, and saving them fromwrath to come, ismore tome than

meat and drink. So vehement and intense were his desires after thewinningofsinners,thathewouldlosenooccasiontoaccomplishit.Ifhewere never so weary with his travels and labours, yet if any occasionoffered tosavea lostsoul,hewouldbesure to improve it.YouhaveaninstanceofthisinJohn4:6."ThencomethhetoacityofSamaria,calledSychar,&c.nowJacob'swellwasthere.Jesusthereforebeingwearywithhisjourney,satthusonthewell,"&c.Christwaswearywithhisjourney,andsatonthewellforalittlerestandrefreshment,intheheatoftheday.At the same time comes a woman of Samaria, to draw water; a greatsinnershewas:Christcompassionatelybeholding thismiserableobject,forgetshisownweariness,presentlyfallsapreachingrepentancetothissinner,andopensherheart;agreaterrefreshmenttohimthanthatwellcouldaffordhim,bygivinghimaseattositon,orwatertodrink.

7.ThegreatandadmirableencouragementsChristalwaysgavetocomingandwillingsouls,plainlyspeaktheearnestdesireofhisheartafterunionwiththem;neverwerethelikeencouragementsgiventhatChristgavetodrawthesoulsofmentohim.Itisremarkableinwhatgeneraltermsandformsofexpressionhedeliveredthem,thatnonemightbediscouraged,but come on in hope towards him: Come unto me all ye that labour,Matth. 11:28. If any man thirst, John 8:7. All along, the terms ofinvitationareexceedinglarge,whichspeakthedesireofhishearttobesoalso; andhispracticewasanswerable tohis invitation;hismercies andcompassionsnever failedwhen thevilestof sinners came tohim in thewayofrepentanceandfaith.YoureadinLuke7:41,42thatwhenChristsat at meat in the house of Simon the Pharisee, there came in a poorconvinced sinner,whohadguilt enoughuponher to sink ten thousandsouls to thebottomofhell; thispoorwretchcomeswithagreatdealofhumility unto Christ, not presuming to come before his face, but fallsdownbehindhim,kissethhis feet,washeth themwith tears, andwipesthemwiththehairofherhead;alldemonstrationsofabrokenheart.Andhow did the merciful Jesus welcome this poor sinner? He seals herpardon, commends the fervour of her affections, and sends her away ajoyful soul; hereinmaking good that gracious promise,He that comethuntomeIwillinnowisecastout.

8. The dreadful threatenings of Christ against all that refuse him, and

shutthedoorsoftheirheartsagainsthim,speakhisvehementdesiretopreventthelossandruinofsouls.ThethreatsofChristarenotintendedtodiscourageanyfromcomingtohim,tofrightawaysoulsfromhim;no,thatisnottheirintention;buttobringthemunderablessednecessityofcompliancewithhisterms.Othedreadfulthreatenings,which,likeclapsofthunder,brakefromthemouthofChristagainstallthatshouldrefuseordelaytocomeuntohim!"Ifyoubelievenot,youshalldieinyoursins:he that believeth not shall not see life," John 3:36. What a terriblethunder-clap is that against all unbelievers! So Mark 16:16. He thatbelieveth not shall be damned.All these, andmanymore arewarning-piecesshotoff fromheaven toprevent theruinanddamnationofmen;the very threatenings of the gospel carry a design of mercy in them;damnationisthreatened,thatitmaybeprevented.

9.AndtheninthelastplacehereinappearstheearnestnessofChristafterunionwith sinners, thatwhenhe couldbeno longer apreacher to thisworld in his own person, he ordained a succession ofministers, in hisbodilyabsencefromus,togatherandbuildthechurch,andtocontinuetotheendoftheworld;tocarryonthesuitthatChristhadbegun,aslongas there was one elect soul in the world lying in the state of sin andnature.

Reader,Christcouldnotalwaysabidehere;hemustdie,orwecouldnotlive;hemustriseagain,orwecouldnotbejustified;ourbusinesscalledhim to another place and state: Now when Christ was to ascend toheaven,whatdothhedo?Why,hechoosethandcallethmen,menmadeofthesameclaywithourselves,whosepresenceandappearanceshouldnotaffrightordiscourageus;whoshouldtreatwithusinafamiliarwayabout thegreatconcernsofoursalvation inhisnameandstead:2Cor.5:20. "We thenareambassadors forChrist; as thoughGoddidbeseechyou,weprayyouinChrist'sstead,beyereconciledtoGod."Hedidnotcommissionateangels tobehisLegates, theirpresencewouldconfoundand terrify us; butmen cast into the samemouldwith yourselves,whomaysaytoyouasElihusaidtoJob,Job33:6,7."Behold,IamaccordingtothywishinGod'sstead;Ialsoamformedoutoftheclay.Behold,myterror shallnotmake theeafraid,neither shallmyhandbeheavyuponthee."Uponthesecommission-officersofChristhepouredforthexcellent

gifts,ingreatdiversityandusefulvariety,tofitthecapacitiesandvariousdispositionofmen's souls:Whenheascendeduponhigh,hegavegiftsuntomen;thisministerialofficeisbyhimestablishedinthechurch,"tillweallcomeintheunityofthefaith,andoftheknowledgeoftheSonofGod, toaperfectman,untothemeasureof thestatureof the fulnessofChrist,"Ephes.4:11,12,13.Untothesehisministershegivesthehighestencouragementstoquickenthemtotheirlabours:Ifonedobutonepartofthework,andanothertheother;onesoweth,anotherreapeth;hetellsthemboth,"Hethatreapethreceivethwages,andgatherethfruituntolifeeternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoicetogether,"John4:36.Hetellsthemthateverysoultheywintohimshallbeasa jewel in their crownofglory;Dan. 12:3. "And they thatbewiseshallshineasthebrightnessofthefirmament;andtheythatturnmanytorighteousness,asthestarsforeverandever".WhatisChrist's intentioninalltheseencouragementstohisministers?Surelyit isasifheshouldsay to his servants, study hard, pray earnestly, plead with sinnersaffectionately; every soulyouwin tomeshallmakeanaddition toyourgloryinheaven.

WeighnowtheforceofthisseconddemonstrationfromthelifeofChrist;willyouhaveaproofofChrist'searnestsuittogaintheheartsofsinners?hiswhole lifeuponearthwasagreatproofof it;hisdoctrine, so fullofpatheticalinvitations,provesit;thejoyofhisheartatthesuccessofthegospel;histearsandsorrowsfortheobstinacyofunbelievers;hislaboursandtravelstogathersinnerstohim;hisadmirableencouragementsputinto general invitations; his dreadful threatenings to all that reject hismotions; his commissionating and qualifying, continuing andencouraginghisministerstocarryonhissuitinhisname:allthesethingsmakeup a full demonstration that JesusChrist is an earnest suitor forunionandcommunionwiththesoulsofsinners;whichwasthethingtobeproved.

3.Demonst.Thirdly,thedeathofChrististhefullestdemonstrationthateverwasorcanbegivenofhislovetosinners,anddesireafterunionandcommunionwith them.His doctrine and life discoveredmuch, but hisdeath and sufferings abundantly more; in his doctrine he spent hisbreath,butuponthecrosshespenthisblood.Herehecomesasuingto

thesoulsofsinnersinhisscarletrobes,hisredgarments;garmentsdiptin his ownblood. Youmaynowpropound the same admiring questionthe church propounded, Isa. 63:1, 2. "Who is this that cometh fromEdom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? This that is glorious in hisapparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength?Wherefore art thouredinthineapparel,andthygarmentslikehimthattreadethinthewine-fat?"Wiltthouknow,sinner,whyhecomestotheeinredgarments?Itistogive thee suchademonstrationofhis loveasmaydraw forthall theloveofthyhearttohim;bythisbloodhehathboughtandpurchasedthysoulforaspouseforhimself,Acts20:28.NowtherearetwothingsinthedeathofChristevidentialofthefervencyofhisdesiresafterus.

1.Thegreatnessofthesufferingswhichheendured.

2.Theuseandendtowhichtheyweredesigned.

BoththeseshewhowtheheartofChristisheatedwiththevehemencyofhisowndesiresafterunionwithourpoorsouls.

1. The greatness of the sufferings of Christ discover the ardency of hisaffection.Christ'ssufferingsaretwofold.

(1.)External,inhisbody.

(2.)Internal,inhissoul.

Both together making up the fulness of his sufferings: when you shallhearwhatChristhathenduredinbothkinds,topurchaseyoutohimself,thenyoumayguesswhatavalueheputuponyou,whatdesirehehathafteryou.Now(1.)astotheexternalsufferingsofChristinhisbody,theywereexceedinggreat,forthedeathhediedwasnotanaturalbutviolentdeath;indeedhecouldnotdieanaturaldeath,fortherewasnosininhisnature to open a door to death that way: his body was intended for asacrificetoGod,andasasacrificeitdied;thereforeitissaid,1Pet.3:18.Hewasput todeath in the flesh;his soul andbodywere violently rentasunderinthefulnessandperfectionofhisstrengthandvigour.Andthisviolentdeathwasalsoacurseddeath;hewasmadeacurseforus,Foritis written, cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree, Gal. 3:13. A

ceremonialcursewasaffixedtothedeathofthecross;HethatishangedisaccursedofGod,saiththelaw:theintentionofthatdeathwastoshewthepersonthatdiedtobesovile,thathewasnotworthytotouchheavenorearth,andthereforewashangedbetwixtboth.Moreover, thisviolentdeathChristdiedwasamostpainfuldeath;fulloftorture,andveryslowandlingering:thecrosswasaracktothebodyofChrist;Imaytellallmybones,saithhe,theylookandstareuponme,Psal.21:17.Butyet(2.)thesufferings of his body were but the body of his sufferings; it were thesufferings of his soul that were the very soul of his sufferings. TheseinwardsufferingsofChristmaylikewisebeconsideredtwoways.(1.)Inhisbitterpropassionsinthegarden;Owhatagoniesandconflicts,whatsharp encounters and distresses did his soul theremeet with from thewrathofGodthereenduredforyoursakes!onceandagainhecriedout,Abba Father, all things are possible, let this cup pass; Father, if it bepossible, let this cuppass; thricehe returned to the sameplace, rollinghimself on the ground. The sufferings of his soul cast his blessed bodyintoabloodyagony:"Hissweatwasasitweregreatdropsofbloodfallingtotheground,"Luke20:43,44.(2.)Inthefulnessofhispassiononthecross,therewashisblessedsoulforatimedesertedoftheFather,astoany sensible communications of joy and comfort from him; whichoccasionedthatbitteroutcry,Matth.27:46,"MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?"Neverwastheresuchacryheardsincetheheavenswere spread over the earth; never had Christ seen one frown in hisFather'sface,frometernity,beforethistime;butnowthesmilingfaceofGodwashid,andastrongimpressionofhiswrathmadeuponhim.Andnow,brethren,youseewhatChristhathenduredbothinhisbodyandinhissoul;andallforthesakeofsinners.Whatthinkyounow,isnotChristanearnestsuitor?Dothnotallthisfullyandplainlyspeaktheardourofhislove,thefervencyofhisdesireafterunionandcommunionwithus?Ifthis do not, then nothing can demonstrate love and desire. That is thefirstthing,thegreatnessofthesufferingswhichheendured,

2.LetusnextconsidertheuseandintentionofthesesufferingsofChrist,and how this also demonstrates the earnestness of his desire afterconjugal union with us. Now there was a double use and end of thesufferingsofChrist,

(1.)Tomakeusfree,thatwemightbecapableofespousals.

(2.)Towinouraffectionsbytheargumentofhissufferings.

(1.) One end of Christ's death was, to purchase our freedom, that wemightbecapableofbeingespoused tohim; foryoumustknowthatwewerenot in a capacitywhilst under the curse of the law, to bemarrieduntoChrist:theapostle,Rom.7:2,3,4comparesthelawtoahusband,towhomthewifeisboundaslongasheliveth,andnotcapableofasecondmarriageuntilherhusbandbedead.ThedeathofChristwasthedeathofthelaw,asacovenantofworksholdingusunderthebondofthecurseofit; and so it gave us amanumission or freedom from that bond, and acapacity of espousals to Christ, as ver. 4. "Wherefore,my brethren, yealsoarebecomedeadtothelawbythebodyofChrist,thatyeshouldbemarriedtoanother,eventohimwhoisraisedfromthedead."Aslavetoanotherisnotcapableofbeingdisposedinmarriage,untilmadefree;youwereinbondagetothelaw;theslavesofsinandSatan;Christboughtoutyourliberty(forhisbloodiscalledaransom,Mat.20:28)andsoputyouintoacapacityofbeingespouseduntohimself:hereyouseeChristlovedyounotforanyadvantagehecouldhavebyyou,foryouhadnothingtobring him; nay, he must purchase you, and that with his own blood,beforehecanbeunitedtoyou.Oincomparablelove!Oferventdesires!

(2.)Anotherdesignandendof thedeathofChristwas towinandgainourheartsandaffectionstohimself,bytheargumentsofhisdeath;thishimselfhathdeclaredtobetheveryendandintentionofit,John12:32."AndI,ifIbeliftedupfromtheearthwilldrawallmenuntome:thishesaid, signifying what death he should die." Christ endured all that youhave heard, and infinitely more than the tongue or pen of man canexpress;andalltodrawthysoul,andwinthyconsenttocomeuntohim:theLordJesus,byhissufferings,castsathreefoldcordoverthesoulsofsinners,todrawthemtohimself.

1.ThedeathofChristobtainscompleterighteousnessforguiltysinners;andifanythingintheworldwilldrawtheheartofasinner,thiswill.Theanxious search and enquiry of a convinced sinner is after a perfectrighteousness to justify him beforeGod.O, that is it the sinnerwants!consciencesaith,thouhastbrokenallthelawsofGod,andartthereforea

law-condemnedwretch;thesentenceof the lawcaststheeforhell.Nowwhatwouldapoorsinnergiveforareleasefromthissentenceofthelaw?Oh,tenthousandsworldsforapardon?Whyhereitis,saithChrist;comeuntome,and thoushalt receivea free, full,and finalpardon;mybloodcleansethfromallsin,myrighteousnessanswersallthedemandsofthelaw.Ihavetakenawaythehand-writingthatwasagainstthee,andnailedit to my cross, Gal. 2:14. Come unto me, and take up thy bonds, thycancelled bonds; come unto me, and that dreadful attribute of DivineJustice shall never scare or fright thy conscience any more; nay, thoushalt build thy hope upon it. You read, Rom. 3:25. "ThatGod hath setforthChristtobeapropitiationthroughfaithinhisblood,todeclarehisrighteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through theforbearanceofGod:todeclare,Isay,atthistimehisrighteousness;thathemightbejustandthejustifierofhimthatbelievethinJesus."Hereyouseethejustificationandpardonofasinnerbuiltuponthatveryattributewhichwassofrightfulanddreadfultohimbefore.Wellthen,poorsinner,isthereguiltuponthyconscience?AnddoththysoulshakeandquivertothinkhowitshallstandbeforethejustandterribleGodinthegreatday?HearkentothevoiceofChristcrucified,whocallstheetohimtoreceivethydischarge;whichifthourefuse,thelawstillstandsinitsfullforceandvirtueagainstthysoul.ThisisonecordChristcastsfromthecrossoverthesoulsofguiltysinners,todrawthemtohim.

2.ThedeathofChristpurchasesandprocuresperfectcleansingfromthefilthandpollutionofsintowashthedefiledsoulsofsinnersfromalltheiruncleanness. For, "this is he that came by water and by blood; not byblood only, but by water also," 1 John 5:6. He comes by way ofsanctification,aswellasbywayof justification.Lord,saithaconvincedsinner,whatanuncleannature,heart,andlifehaveI?Oh!Iamnothingbutaheapofuncleanness,anabhorrencetoGodandmyself?howshallsuchaheartasmine,suchanAugeanstablebecleansed?Comeuntome,saithChrist; I came bywater aswell as blood; inme thou shalt find afountain for sanctification as well as justification: come unto me, mySpirit shallundertake thecleansingof thyheart;heshall takeaway thepollutions of sin perfectly, so that it shall be presented toGodwithoutspot.

3. And, lastly, the transcendent love of Christ shines out in its fullstrengthupon the soulsof sinners from the cross; and there isnothinglikelovetodrawlove.WhenChristwasliftedupuponthecross,hegavesuch a gloriousdemonstrationof the strength of his love to sinners, asonewouldthinkshoulddrawlovefromthehardestheartthateverlodgedinasinnersbreast."Hereinislove,(saiththeapostle)notthatwelovedGod,but thathe lovedus,andsenthisSon tobeapropitiation foroursins,"1John4:10q.d.Hereisthetriumph,therichesandgloryofDivineLove; never was such love manifested in the world. There is much ofGod'sloveintemporalprovidences,butallisnothingtothis;thisisloveinitshighestelevation;loveinitsmeridianglory;beforeitwasnonelikeit, and after it shall none appear like unto it. And thus you see Christ,fromthecross,castingforthathreefoldcord(whichisnoteasilybroken)todrawtheheartsofsinnerstohim.

4. Demonst. Fourthly, to conclude; what mighty demonstration of thedesire of his heart towards us, did ourRedeemer give at and since hisascension into heaven? As the whole life of Christ upon earth was apersuasiveargumenttodrawsinnerstohim,sohisascensiontoheavenhathmanythingsinitwhicharemightyattractivestotheheartsofmen.Iwillonlymentiontwo:

1.Thegiftshebestowedathisascension.

2.Theendsanddesignsofhisascension.

1.Thegiftshebestowedonmenathisascension, for thisveryendandpurpose;whereofthePsalmistgivesthisaccount,Psal.68:18."Thouhastascendedonhigh;thouhastreceivedgiftsformen,yea,fortherebelliousalso, that the Lord God might dwell among them." He alludes to theRomanconquerors,whointhedayoftheirtriumphdidspargeremissilia,scatter their largesses among the people. Thus Christ at his ascensionshedforththegiftsoftheSpiritinvariouskinds,qualifyingmenfortheworkoftheministry;toenablethemtopleadwithyoursouls,andcarryonhissuitwhenheshouldbeinheaven.Thesegiftswereextraordinaryinthefirstage;asthegiftsoftonguesandmiracles,&c.andordinary,tocontinuetotheendoftheworld,Eph.4:8,9.Tosomehegivesdepthoflearning and judgment, to others amighty Pathos, amelting influence

upon the affections; but all designed towin over your hearts toChrist.This shewswhat carehe took, andwhatprovisionhe answerablymadeforthesuccessofhisgreatdesigntodrawtheheartsofsinnerstohim.

2. The ends of his ascension, as they are declared in scripture, plainlyspeak the vehemency of Christ's desire to draw souls to him. Now thedeclared ends of his ascension were, (1) To make way for the Spirit'scomingtoconvince,convert,andcomfortthesoulsofallthatcomeuntohim;John16:7."NeverthelessItellyouthetruth,itisexpedientforyouthatIgoaway;forifIgonotaway,theComforterwillnotcometoyou;but if Idepart, Iwill sendhimuntoyou:Andwhenhe is come,hewillreprovetheworldofsin,andofrighteousness,andofjudgment."Withoutthe convictionof these thingsnomancan come toChrist; andno suchconvictionscanbewroughtupontheconscienceofanyman,withouttheSpirit; and the Spirit could not come to effect these things uponmen'shearts, ifChristhadnotascended;John7:39. "But this spakeheof theSpirit,whichtheythatbelieveonhimshouldreceive;fortheHolyGhostwasnotyetgiven,becausethatJesuswasnotyetglorified."ThusChristprovidedfor thecarryingonhisgreatdesignuponyourheartswhenhewasenteringintohisownglory:the.thoughtsofthatglorymadehimnotto forget his great design upon earth. (2.) Another end of Christ'sascensionwas,tomakeintercessionwiththeFatherforallandeverysoulthatshouldcomeuntohim;thattheirfuturesinsmightmakenobreachof the bond of the covenant betwixt God and them: a privilege able todraw theheartsof all sinners tohim; 1John2:1,2. "My little children,thesethingsIwriteuntoyouthatyesinnot."Markit,theintercessionofChristmustencourageandemboldennomantosin;thatwouldbeavileabuseofthegraceofGod:"Butifanymansin,wehaveanadvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous;andheisthepropitiationforoursins;"i.e.Ifsinsurprizeanddeceiveanygracioussoul,thebentofwhoseheartisagainstit,lethimnotbediscouraged;hehathapotentadvocateascended into theheavens, to continue thepeacebetwixtGod and thatsoul.Owhatanencouragement ishere togain theconsentofa sinnersheart to embrace Jesus Christ! (3.) Another declared end of Christ'sascensionwas, to lead captivity captive, as in the forecited place, Psal.68:17thatis,tocaptivateandtriumphoverSatanasaconqueredenemy,wholeduscaptiveinthedayofourvanity:heconqueredSatanuponthe

cross,Col.2:15andhetriumphedoverhimathisascension:andwithoutsuchaconquestandtriumphnosoulcouldcometoChrist.(4.)Inaword,Christ ascended into heaven to preparemansions of rest and glory foreverysoulthatshouldembracehiminthewayofrepentanceandfaithinthis world; John 14:2. "Inmy Father's house aremanymansions; if itwerenotso,Iwouldhavetoldyou:Igotoprepareaplaceforyou,"q.d.Itsatisfiesmenottoenjoymygloryinheavenalone;allthatcomeuntome by faith, shall be with me where I am; let them know, for theirencouragement, that the glory which God hath givenme, I have giventhem, John 17:22. All these things loudly speak the fervent desire ofChrist's soul afterunion and communionwithpoor sinners;whichwasthethingtobedemonstrated.

II.Havingprovedthepoint,thatChristisanearnestsuitorforunionandcommunion with the souls of sinners; we next come to shew themarvellous and admirable grace and condescension of Christ that itshouldbeso.Andthiswillappearfivewaystotheastonishmentofeveryconsideringsoul.

1.ThoughChristbethusintentandearnestinhissuitforyourconsent,yet he gaineth nothing by you when you do consent; the gain is toyourselves,butnottohim:Heisoverall,Godblessedforever,Rom.9:5.above all accessions from the creature. What doth the sun gain byenlightening and animating the lower world? Or what doth a fountaingainwhenmen drink and are refreshed by itswaters? If any soul thathearethmethisdayshouldpresentlyresolvehenceforthtobreakasunderallthetiesandengagementsbetwixthimandsin;tosubscribethearticlesof the gospel; to give away himself, soul and body to Christ; to livehenceforth as a hallowed, dedicated creature to the Lord Jesus; thisindeed would turn to the infinite and everlasting advantage of such asoul;butyetChristcannotbeprofitedthereby.

2. And thatwhich still increases thewonder is this, that thoughChristmake no gain or profit by our conversion, yet hath he impoverishedhimself to gain such unprofitable creatures as we are to him. He hathmadehimselfpoortomakeusrich;sospeakstheapostle in2Cor.8:9."ForyeknowthegraceofourLordJesusChrist,thatthoughhewasrich,yet foroursakeshebecamepoor, thatye throughhispovertymightbe

rich." He expends his riches, makes no advantage unto himself; hisincarnationimpoverishedhisreputation,Phil.2:7.HowpoorwasChristwhenhesaid,Psal.22:6."ButIamaworm,andnoman,areproachofmen,anddespisedofthepeople?"Howpoorintemporalcomforts,whenhesaid,Matth.8:20."Thefoxeshaveholes,andthebirdsoftheairhavenests;buttheSonofmanhathnotwheretolayhishead."Yea,howpoorwas he in spiritual comforts,when that astonishing out-cry brake fromhimuponthecross,Matth.27:46."MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?"Oletitastonishus,thatChristshouldearnestlydesireunionwithoursoulsupontermsofsuchdeepself-denialtohimself.

3.ThoughChristgainnothingbyyou,andimpoverishedhimselfforyou;yetdothheenduremanyvilerepulses,delays,anddenialsofhissuit,andwillnotleaveitforallthat:Oastonishinggrace!Onewouldthinkthattheleast delay, andmuchmore a refusal of an overture fromChrist, uponsuchtermsasyouhaveheard,shouldmakehisindignationpresentlytosmokeagainstsuchasoul;andthatheshouldsay,Thouhastrefusedmyoffer,sofullofself-denyingandcondescendinggrace,nevershallanotherofferbemadetosounworthyasoul;andyetyouseeheiscontentedtowaitaswellasknock,Behold,Istandatthedoorandknock.

4.Hereintheadmirablegraceofthisheavenlysuitorappears,thatJesusChrist passeth by millions of creatures, of more excellent gifts andtemperaments,andnevermakesthemoneofferofhimself,neverturnethaside to giveoneknockat theirdoor: but comes to thee, the vilest andbasest of creatures, and will not be gone from thy door without hiserrand'send.

Knowest thou not, sinner, that among the unsanctified there are to befoundmultitudesofmenandwomenofmoreraisedandexcellentparts,nimblewits,strongmemories,solidjudgments;yea,menandwomenofcleanerconversations,strictmorality,adornedwithexcellenthomoliticalvirtues,capable, if called, todohimabundantlymoreservice than thoucanst; yet these are past by, and he becomes a suitor to such a poorworthlessthingasthouart;yea,andrejoicesinhischoice.Matth.11:25."Ithankthee,OFather,Lordofheavenandearth,becausethouhasthidthese things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them untobabes."Hereisthetriumphoffree-grace.

5. And lastly, This justly increases the wonder, that ever Jesus Christshould desire and delight to dwell in such an unclean heart as thine,which,fromthebeginning,hathbeentheseatandthroneofSatan,fullofall uncleanness and abominations. O that ever Christ should make anovertureoflovetosuchapollutedsoul!Thatheshouldchusetoerecthisthronewhere Satan's seat was! Look into thine own heart, sinner, andthinkwhat canChrist see there to be desired?Thou knowest thy hearthathbeenasinkofsin,thyconsciencelikethecommonsewer,intowhichallthefilthofthylifehathbeencast;yetChristpassethbythee,asthouliest in thybloodand filthiness, and casteth loveupon thee, anddesiretowardsthee,asitis,Ezek.16:6,8.Allthesethingsputtogethermakeitjustlyadmirable,andastonishinginoureyes,thateverJesusChrist,theLord from heaven, should become an earnest suitor for union andcommunionwiththesoulsofsinners.


Infer. 1. If Christ be such an earnest suitor for union and communionwith thesoulsof sinners, then it follows,Thatsinnerscan justlychargetheir damnation upon none but themselves. Your bloodmust be uponyourownheads;salvationbyChristisnotonlyfreelyoffered,butyouarewithgreatimportunitypersuadedtoacceptit.Christoffersyoulife,youchuse rather to die than accept it uponhis terms;wherenow can yourdamnationbechargedbutuponyourownwilfulobstinacy?Hosea13:9.OIsrael,thydestructionisofthyself!Thouarttheauthorofthineownruin;Iwouldhavegathered thychildren, saithChrist toJerusalem,but thouwouldestnot;yourruin, therefore, liesuponyourselves,anduponnonebeside.Indeed,iftheministersofChristbenegligentintheirduty,theymaycomeinasaccessoriestoyourdestruction;butthatisapoorrelieftoyou;as formyself, IhopeImaywithPaul, takeGodtorecordthisday,that I am free from thebloodof allmen.Now, considerwhat adismalaggravation of your destruction will this be, that you perished by yourownhands:thiscutsoffallpleaandapology.

Inf. 2.Hence it also follows, That distressed sinners have no reason toquestionChrist'swillingnesstoreceivethem,whentheirheartsaremadewillingtocomeuntohim.Itwerenolessthanablasphemousimputation

of insincerity to Christ himself, to question his willingness to receivebroken-heartedsinners,aftersomanyprotestationsashehathmade inthegospel,ofhiszealandearnestnessfortheirsalvation;thatscripture,John6:37puts itoutofdoubt, "Himthat comethuntome, Iwill innowisecastout."Iknowguiltbreedsmanyfearsandjealousiesintheheartsofsinners;willChristeveracceptandreceivesuchaoneasI?Tryhim,soul,hehathsaidhewill; lethimhavebutthedeliberateconsentofthyhearttohisterms,andthen,ifthouberejected,thouwiltbethefirstsoulintheworldthatevermetwitharepulsefromhim.

Inf.3.ByChrist'searnestsuitforthesoulsofsinners,youmayestimatethe invaluableworth,andpreciousnatureof thesoulofman.Werenotthe soul of a creature of great value, Jesus Christ would never be sodeeplyconcernedaboutthewinningandsavingofit.Sinnershaveavileesteem of their own souls, they will sell them for nought; but Christknowstheirtrueworth,andhissolicitudetosavethemisanswerabletohis estimationof them;he countswhenhehath gained a soul, hehathgainedatreasure.Thereforehepleads,woosandwaitssoearnestlyandassiduouslyforthesalvationofthem.Twothingsspeakthegreatvalueofthesoulofman.

1.ThatitisamarriageablecreaturetoChristnow.

2.ThatitiscapableofglorywithChristhereafter.

1.ItisamarriageablecreaturetoChristnow,capableofespousalstotheSon ofGod; uponwhich account it is that Christ so earnestly seeks itslove, and sues for its consent. Now this is a dignity beyond all othercreatures inheavenorearth;noangel inheaven,noother creaturebutthesoulofmanonearthiscapableofespousalstoChrist;itisadignityabove that of angels, for Christ took not on him their nature, and thehypostatical union is the ground and foundation of themystical union.TheyaremembersindeedofChrist'skingdom,andheistothemaheadof dominion; but this honour was never conferred upon angels to bemembersofhisbody,flesh,andbones,asthesaintsare,Eph.5:30.

2.AsthesouliscapableofespousalstoChristonearth,soitiscapableofglorywith Christ in heaven throughout eternity, John 17:24. "Father, I

willthattheyalsowhomthouhastgivenme,bewithmewhereIam,thattheymaybehold theglorywhich thouhastgivenme." Ithathanaturalcapacity of enjoying eternal blessedness which the souls of othercreatureshavenot.Andthiswillbetheaggravationofhell-torments,thatmen capable of the highest happiness, should, as it were, receive thatcapacity in vain; but that which constitutes an actual right to theeverlasting enjoyment of Christ in glory, is the soul's espousals to himhereinthewayofgrace.Uponthesetwoaccountsit is,thatChristputssuchapriceuponthem,courts their lovesopassionately; laments theirloss so pathetically; and encourages his ministers to all diligence inpersuadingandwooingthemforhimwithsuchabundantrewards,Dan.12:3.Know then your ownworth and dignity, neither pawnnor sell sopreciousathingasthysoulforanythingSatancansetbeforetheebywayofexchangeforit;Whatshallamangiveinexchangeforhissoul?

Inf. 4. Is Christ such an earnest suitor for union with sinners? thencertainly,theyaretheenemiesofChrist,andthesoulsofmen,thatanywayendeavourtohinderorbreakoffthematchbetwixtChristandthem?

Some thereare that labour tocreate jealousies,andbegetdistastesandprejudicesinthesoulsofmenagainstChristandhisways;menthatbringupanevilreportuponChrist,andstrictreligion,asthatwhichwillbeggarthem,andexposethemtoallthemiseriesoftheworld:WhoinstigatedbySatan,whispersuchstoriesintothesoul'sear,whomChristiswooingforhimself,thattheseverityofreligionwillcertainlyextinguishalltheirjoysandpleasures;theyshallneverlaughmore,neverbemerrymore;beside,itwill expose all their comforts upon earth tohazard, their estates andlivesmust fall a prey to their enemies, and this is the estate in whichChristwilljointerthemin,iftheyconsenttohisterms:andthatthisisnogroundless jealousy of their own, but that Christ himself hath openlydeclaredasmuch;"Thathethatwillcomeafterhimmusthatefatherandmother,wifeandchildren,yea,andhisownlifealso."This iswhattheymustexpectasthefruitoftheirconsenttoChrist'sproposals.But,Owhatwill these men have to answer, and how will they stand before Christanother day, who are such professed enemies to his cross, and setthemselvessodirectlyinoppositiontothegreatdesignChristisdrivingonintheworld!Is itnotenoughthatyouwillnotenteryourselves,but

you will hinder them that Would? Mat. 23:13. Thus carnal parentsdiscouragetheirchildren,onerelationanother.But,tohelpsoulsunderthis discouragement, I will leave only this one caveat with them, Thatsuch seeming friends are their real mortal enemies, their words arepoison to your souls: Satanhath fee'd them todohiswork,hired theirtongues forhisservice.But if theseriouscaresofsalvation,andferventloveofChristbeinthyheart,thouwiltresolve,asJeromdid,'Ifmyfatherwhobegatme,andmymotherwhobareme,shouldhangaboutmyneckwith tears and entreaties, to keepme fromChrist, Iwould fling offmyfather,andtreaduponmymother,togotoChrist.'

TothisheadalsobelongallthosescandalsandoffenceswhichlooseandcarelessprofessorscastinthewaytodiscourageothersfromcominguntoChrist;Wo to theworld (saithChrist) because of offences,Matth. 18:7.Wototheworld,thiswillbetheirruinandundoing;bythismeanssuchprejudiceswillbebegotten in their soulsagainstChrist and religion,asthey will never be able to free themselves from. "But woe to them bywhomsuchoffencecometh;itwerebetteramill-stonewerehangedabouttheir necks, and theywere cast into the bottomof the sea." Christians,look carefully to your conversations; for besides the evil effects of sinuponyourselves,yousee themischievouseffectsof ituponothers.Andthus we may understand those words, Cant. 2:7. "I charge you, O yedaughtersofJerusalem,bytheroes,andbythehindsofthefield,thatyestir not up, nor awake my love till he please." Roes and hinds aretimorouscreatures,theleastcrackofastickwillstartleandfrightthemaway;sucharecomersontowardChrist;youngbeginnersinthewaysofreligion,howsmallamattermaydampanddiscouragethem?Ofriend,you have sins enough of your own, bring not the sin and ruin of othermenuponyouraccountalso.

Inf.5.Toconclude,Howgreatistheblindnessandignoranceofsinners,thatneedsomuchentreatyandimportunitytobemadehappy?Itisyourignorance,sinners,thatmakesallthegospel-importunitynecessary;didyouknowyourownmisery,andseeChristinhisnecessity,suitableness,and excellency, all these persuasions might be spared; nay, youyourselveswouldbecome importunate suitors forChrist:Hewouldnotneedtobetwiceoffered:thereisaconscienceineverymanandwoman,

set thereonpurposeby theLord to give themanalarm;but the alarmgoesoffforwantofaspring,towit,theknowledgeofyoursinandmisery.Ah soul! didst thoubut knowwho it is that sues for thy love,what thebenefits of union with Christ are, thou wouldst answer his first call insuchlanguageasthis:LordJesus,writedownthineownterms;betheywhat theywill, Iamreadytosubscribe themwith the fullestconsentofheart and will; and then, how soon would thematch bemade betwixtChrist and you! Yea, youwouldwatch for, and hang on half aword ofencouragement fromChrist'smouth,asBenhadad's servantdidon thatwordofAhab,MybrotherBenhadad,1Kings20:32,33.Thereisnoneedofrhetoric topersuadeacondemnedmalefactor toaccepthispardon,ahungrymantositdownatafulltable;but,alas!Sinisnotfelt,Christisnotknown;thereforetheoneisnotbewailed,northeotherdesired.


Inthenextplace,thepointnaturallyleadsustoanuseofexhortation,topersuade sinners to embrace Christ'smotion, subscribe his terms, anddebatenomorewithhim,butendthetreatyinacordialpresentconsent;and so close up thematch betwixt him and your own souls.How longsinner,wilt thoube at shall I, shall I? and thywill hangundeterminedbetwixt Christ and sin, bivious and unresolved in so great and deep aconcernment?OthatChrist'snextoverturemightbringthemattertoanissue!Whywillyoutrifleanddallywithhimatthisrate?Thereis,indeed,atreatyonfootbetwixtChristandyou;butyoumayperishforall that;thereisnoconclusionoragreementmade;Christandyoumayyetpart.TheLordhelpyouthereforetoponderanddeliberate,withallspeedandseriousness, thetermspropoundedbyChrist inthegospel; tocountthecost,andyetnotalwaystobedeliberatingneither,buttobringmatterstoan issue, and that, with all the convenient speed you can: in orderwhereunto,Iwill laytwothingsbeforeyou;weighandseriouslyponderthem.

1.WhataretheadvantagesyouwillgainbyChrist?

2.Whatisthemostyoucanlosebyyourconsenttohisterms?andthenbringthoughtstoanissue.

First, Ponder well the advantages you will gain by Christ; these are sogreat andmanifold, that it is impossible forme to enumerate or valuethem:itshallsufficeinthisplace,toshewyouoneofthosebunchesofthegrapes ofEshcol, that by it youmay estimate the riches and fertility ofthat good land, settled upon you byChrist as a dowry or jointure; andthesearefour.

1.Thepaymentofallyourdebtstothelaw.

2.Anhonouraboveangels.

3.Aneternalinheritanceinheaven.

4. A glorious and joyful presentation of you to the Father, in the greatday,byChrist,ashisspouseandwife.

1. The same day and hour you give your cordial consent to takeChristupongospel-terms,thatistosay,Christwithhisyokeofobedience,andChristwithhiscrossofsufferings,allyourdebtstothelawaredischargedandpaid.Whathaveyoubeendoing,eversinceyoucameintotheworld,butrunninguponscoretoGod,deeperanddeepereveryday?Oh,whatavast sumowest thou tohis justice! andnot able topay one farthing. IfthouconsentnottoChrist'soffer, thebailiffandexecutioner,deathandthe devil, will shortly be upon thy back, and hurry thee away to thatprison, fromwhence thou shalt not come until thou hast paid the lastfarthing,Mat. 5:25, 26. If thou consent toChrist's terms, thy debts arepaid upon thymarriage-day, thy bonds cancelled, and thy discharge inheaven sealed; Rom. 8:1. "There is therefore now no condemnation tothemthatareinChrist;"andthereasonisgiven,ver.4.Inthis,"Thattherighteousness of the law is fulfilled in us that believe." But how in us?certainlythemeaningisnotthattheτοcredere,theactoffaithdoth,asitis a work of ours, satisfy the demand of the law, and fulfil itsrighteousness;no,butitapprehendstherighteousnessofChrist,appliesit,andmakesitours,andso"therighteousnessofthelawisfulfilledinusthatbelieve."Itisanease,itisacomforttobeoutofdebt?ThenembracetheofferofChrist; forafter thyespousals tohim, the lawcannot touchtheebyanactofcondemnation;itgoestothehusband,Christ;thouartdischarged. Well then, resolve what to do: shall the debt run on and

increasetilljusticecometolevyituponyouinhell-torments?OrwillyouacceptofChristandtherichesofrighteousnessthatareinhim,andsobefullyandfinallyacquittedfromallyourdebtsatonce,andbeabletoliedown inpeace, andenjoy your liveswithout slavish fear?He thatowesnothing,fearsnobailiffs,butmay(asweusetosay)whethisknifeuponthecompterthreshold.

2.Your consent toChrist's terms,will advanceyou to anhonouraboveand beyond the honour of angels. It is said, that the children of theresurrectionshallbeequaluntoangels;anditismostsure,thatinsomerespect theirunionwithChrist advances them faraboveangels; for theapostletellsus,Heb.1:14."Theyareministeringspirits,sentforthforthegood of them that shall be heirs of salvation:" as the great peers andnoblesinakingdom,countitnodishonourtoperformtheirservicetotheheir apparent. The ministry of angels is a mystery which we littleunderstand; but by itwe receive great andmanifold advantages, and itcertainlyputsagreatdealofhonouruponallthemembersofChrist.

3.Christwillnotonlypayallyourdebts,andexaltyoutoadignityaboveangels;butinthatdaywhereinyoucordiallyconsenttohistermshewillentitleyoutothemostgloriousinheritancepurchasedbyhisblood;"YoushallbeheirsofGod,andjointheirswithChrist,"Rom.8:17.Oh,whataninducement isheretoclosethematchbetwixtChristandoursouls!IfIconsenttotakeChristupongospel-terms,Ishalltherebybeentitledtoalltheglorythatisinheaven;itshallbemineastrulyasitisChrist's.ItistruethegloryofChristwillinsomerespectsfarsurpassthegloryofthesaints;hewillshineamongthemasthesuncomparedwiththestars;butyettheglorywhichGodgavehim,thatis,thecommunicablegloryshallbetrulytheirs,asitishis,John17:22."Theglorywhichthougavestme,Ihavegiventhem."Tellmybrethren(saithhe)John20:17."IascenduntomyFather,andyourFather; tomyGod,andyourGod."This,youshallgainalsobyclosingthistreatywithaheartyconsenttoChrist'stermsandproposals.

4.IfyouwillconsiderandConsent,youshallbepresentedbyhimtotheFather, pure and spotless,with exceeding joy andgladness in the greatday.ThiswillbesuchapresentationofyourpersonstoGodaswillmakeyourheartsleapforjoytoreadwhatthescripturesspeakaboutit.This,

methinks, should induce every soul, without further delay, to presenthimself, soulandbody,cheerfullyandwillingly toJesusChrist.For, (1)ChristwillbringyouinthegreatdaytohisFather,intheshiningbeautyofperfectholiness,notaspotorwrinkleuponyoursouls,Eph.5:27.ThebloodofChristperfectlywashesoffeveryspotofguilt;forthen,theSpiritofChristhathperfectlycleansedthesoulfromallthedefilementandfilthofsin; so that it shall cometoGodapureandbeautifulcreatureoutofChrist's hand. (2.) This presentation will be made with the greatesthonour and solemnity;we little think inwhat state and triumphChristintends to bring the poorest believer to his Father, Psal. 45:14, Psal.45:15."Withjoyandgladnessshalltheybebrought,"&c.SoJude,ver.24."They shallbepresented faultlessbefore thepresenceofhisglory,withexceeding joy:" Joy running over joy, upon all hands;God himselfwillrejoice,thateverhecreatedsuchasoulashathsincerelybestoweditselfuponChrist:JesusChristwillrejoicethateverheshedhisbloodforthatsoul thatnowplaceshis sole righteousness therein: theHolySpiritwillrejoice,thateverhecamewithacommissionfromtheFatherandtheSontodrawsuchasoultoChrist,whohathobeyedhisvoice.Theangelswillrejoicewithjoyunspeakable,Luke15:10."ThereisjoyinthepresenceoftheangelsofGodoveronesinnerthatrepenteth."IftheconsentofanyofyoursoulsshallbethisdaygainedtoChrist;ifthewordyouhaveheardthis day shall send any poor soul hence to his closet, or into a corner,theretomakehiscovenantwithChrist,(forthatisthewayofmakingupthematchwithChrist)inthathourthenewsofitwillbeinheaven,andexcitejoyamongtheangelsofGod.Laytheseandmanyotherprivilegestogether, which I want time to mention, but the scriptures willabundantly furnish you with them; and then consider what a richbargain,whatanadvantageousmatch,JesusChristisforyoursouls.

Secondly,Upontheothersidecastuptheaccount,whatyoumaylosebyyour consent to be Christ's; and whether these losses be sufficient tobalanceorpreponderate thegain thatcomesbysuchaconsent; thatsoyour choice ofChristmaybe adeliberate and full choice, and youmayneverrepentafterwardsof thechoiceyouhavemade. It isa rule in thecivil law,Nonconsentitquinonsentit.Hecannotconsentthatdothnotthink, understand, and deliberate: and this is the reason of so muchflinching from Christ, and shameful apostasy in times of persecution;

mendidnotthinkofsuchsufferingsandlosses;theyaremeresurprisalstothem.Topreventallsuchoccasionsofoffence,ourLorddealscandidlyandopenlywithus, and tells usbefore-handwhat are theworst thingsthatmaybefalusforhissake,John16:1,2."ThesethingshaveIspokenuntoyou,thatyoushouldnotbeoffended:Theyshallputyououtofthesynagogues;yea,thetimecometh,thatwhosoeverkillethyou,willthinkhedothGodservice."But,ver.4headds,"ThesethingshaveItoldyou,thatwhenthetimeshallcome,yemayrememberthatItoldyouofthem:"q.d.Rememberyourselves intimesofpersecution, thatall thesethingswere propounded, considered, and consented to; they were the verytermsyou subscribed tome;hadyounot liked them,youmight, at theeverlasting damage and ruin of your immortal souls, have refused andrejectedthem.NowthethingsyouaretobalancewiththegainofChrist,mustbyyoubesortedintotworanks.

1.Thingsthatmustbepartedwith.

2.ThingsthatmaybepartedwithforChrist.

1.Thethingsthatyoumustpartwith,viz.yourlusts,andalltheviciouspleasuresyouhavehadinthem;howmuchprofitorpleasuresoevertheyhave brought you in, away they must go; they must be devoted todestructionandmortification,oryoucanhavenointerestinChrist,youmustshakehandsforeverwithallyoursinfulcoursesandcompanions,Rom.6:16."Hisservantsyouare,towhomyouobey."Betheyaspleasantandprofitableasyour righthandoreye, theymustbepluckedoutandcut off, Mat. 5:22, 30. Doth this sound harsh and unpleasant to yourears?Doththiscausethedemur?O,consider,whatitistopartwithsin;itisbuttopartwiththediseaseofyoursouls,andtheinstrumentsofyoureverlastingruin.Whichofyouwouldnotbegladtopartwithafever,thestone, or dropsy?What is passion, but the fever of the soul?What is ahardheart,buta stone?What is covetousnessandearthly-mindedness,buttheinsatiabledropsyofthesoul?Now,ifmenwouldbegladtoberidofsuchdreadfuldiseasesintheirbodies,andtoberestoredtosoundness,case, andhealth; howmuchmore should yoube glad to be rid of yourcorruptions, and have the rectitude, ease, and pleasure of your soulsrestored again? yea, instead of these impure, vicious, brutish pleasuresyou have taken in sin, you shall enjoy the pure, divine, suitable and

everlasting pleasures of holiness. Consider now, and accordingly makeyourchoice,whetheryouwilltakethepleasuresofsin,whicharebutforaseason,inexchangefortheeverlastingjoyswhichareatGod'srighthandforever.

2.Thereareotherthingswhichyoumaybecalledtopartwith,andgiveup forChrist. It isuncertainwhetherGodmayactually call you topartwithyourliberties,estates,relations,andlivesforChrist:Manyareneveractuallycalledforthtosuchsufferings;butbecausemanyare,andeveryone of youmaybe so called, youmust realize them,ponder them, andsubscribethoseveryterms,makingfullaccountofthesethingsasiftheywerenowbefore you,Luke9:23.For soChristhathpropounded them:But thenwithal,weigh these troubleswith thegainandadvantagesyoushallhavebythem,andnotsinglyandalonebythemselves;forsoChristhath presented them to you, Matth. 19:28. "And every one that hathforsakenhouses,orbrethren,orsisters,orfather,ormother,orwife,orchildren,orlands,formyname'ssake,shallreceiveahundredfold,andshallinheriteverlastinglife."

Now, if you think such gainful troubles, such soul-enriching losses, beworthacceptingforChrist's,sake;thenclosethematchwithChrist,andbring thematter to a conclusion:Do not befool yourselveswith a fondandgroundlesspresumptionthatthesethingswillneverbefalyou.Ifearmanyflatterthemselveswithsuchvainhopes;theLordknowshowsoonthesesuppositions,atadistance,maybeturnedintorealitiesbeforeyoureyes:Youhavemuchreasontoexpectthem,andmuchmoretoembracethem,wheneverChristshallcallyoutothem.Thisisthegreatworkyouhave now to do; and really you cannot safely demur any longer; thismattermust come to a conclusion, and the sooner the better. For youknow, (1.) that your lives are immediately uncertain, and it is anunaccountablemadnesstoletthegreatconcernofyoursalvationlieonedayornightathazard;yourbreathiscontinuallycomingandgoing,andthat which is goingmust at last be gone, James 4:14. Your souls hangovereverlastingdangersbythesinglethreadofthatfeeblebreathwhichplaysinyournostrils,andeverydiseaseisliketheflameofacandleheldunder that thread; and can it either be safe or comfortable to delay sogreat a work as this, upon which all your expectations and eternal

blessedness depend? (2.) Not only your lives are hazardous anduncertain,buttheenjoymentofthegospel,andalltheopportunitiesandmeansofyourconversion,areasuncertainasthey.Itistrue,andtothegloryofGodbeitacknowledged,wenowenjoythefreedomandfulnessofgospel-mercies:butwherehasGodmadeanysuchsettlementoftheseblessings upon you, as puts the enjoyment of them out of hazard? Therainisover,butyetthecloudsmayreturnaftertherain;weareuponourgoodbehaviour:ifitbringforththefruitsofyourconversion,well;ifnot,the ax lieth at the rootof the tree,Matth. 3:10.And ifGod remove thegospelfromamongus(asourdelaysandtriflingsmayprovokehimtodo)then the treaty is ended, and there is little probability that any thingfurtherwill bedonebetwixtChrist and you,Luke 13:25. (3.)Bring thismattertoanissuewithallduespeed,becauseyouarenotcapabletogiveone sound reason for a moment's delay of so great and weighty aconcernment. Can you be safe too soon? Can you be happy too soon?Certainlyyoucannotbeoutofthedangerofhelltoosoon;andthereforewhyshouldnotyourclosingwithChristuponthetermspropoundedbeyour very next work? For certainly if the business, themainwork andbusinessofeveryman'slifebetoflyfromthewrathtocome,asindeeditis,Matth.3:7and to fly for refuge toJesusChrist, as indeed it is,Heb.6:18thencertainly,alldelaysarehighlydangerousinsuchabusinessasthis:theman-slayer,whenflyingtotherefuge-citybeforetheavengerofblood,whenhisheartwashotwithinhim,didnotthinkhecouldrecoverthe city too soon. And now set all your own reason to work upon thismatter;putthecaseasreallyitis:Iamfleeingfromwrathtocome:thejustice of God, and the curses of the law are closely pursuingme: is itreasonablethatInowsitdowninthewaytogatherflowers,orplaywithtrifles?Forsuchareallourotherconcernmentsinthisworld,comparedwithour salvation. (4.)Bring this treaty toan issuewithalldue speed,becausemost souls that perish, perish by delays;men think they havetimeenoughbefore them,and that to-morrowwillbeas to-day,andsoSatan gets part by part, what he had not confidence to demand in thewhole lump. Most that perish under the gospel had convictions upontheir consciences, and vain purposes in their hearts; but not bringingthem to a speedy execution, that was their undoing; James 1:24. "Hebeholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgets whatmanner of person hewas." It is an allusion to aman that looks in the

morningintoaglass,wherehediscernsaspotuponhisface,andresolveswith himself anon to wash it off; but some diversion or other falls in,othermatterstakeuphisthoughts,andsothespotremainsallday,andhecarries it tobedatnight.Othesedelaysaretheundoingofmillions!(5.)DelaynottoclosethistreatywithChrist,becausealldelayincreasesthe difficulty; and the longer you neglect, themorewill your hearts behardenedbythedeceitfulnessofsin,Heb.3:13.Continuanceinsin,andquenchingofconvictions,doinsensiblyhardentheheart,andstiffenthewill.Underthefirstconvictionstheheartistender,theaffectionsflowing:Oifthisadvantagewereapprehendedandpursued,howsoonmightthework come to a comfortable conclusion! but after a while, those soul-affectingwords,sin,Christ,heaven,hell,death,andeternity,willbecomewords of a common sound. (6.) And lastly, beware of delays in thismatter,becauseyoucanneverexpectafitterandfaireropportunityandseason for the dispatch of this great concernment, than, by the specialindulgence of heaven, you enjoy this day, 2 Cor. 6:1, 2. "Now is theacceptedtime,nowisthedayofsalvation."Youhavenowthewindandtidewithyou;ifyouwillnotweighanchornow,youmayliewind-boundto your dying day.What advantages can you reasonably expect, whichGodhathnotfurnishedyouwithatthisday?Youhavethemeansofgraceamong you; you have liberty and freedom to attend on those meanswithoutfear.Saynot,Ihavesuchorsuchtroublesandencumbrancesinthe world; for you must never expect to be without them, except you,only,shallfindtheworldanotherthingthanallothersfindit.Haveyouhealth?Owhatapreciousseasonandadvantageisthat?artthousick!Owhataspuristhat!Whatistobedonemustbedonequickly.

III.Use,forDirection

Butitmaybesomesoulsmaypleadignorance,thattheyknownothowtomanageand transact sogreataconcernmentwithChrist,and thereforesetnotaboutit;anditisverylikelytheremaybemuchtruthinthatplea.Forthehelpandassistanceofsuchsouls,Iwillgatherupthesumofwhathath been, and ought to be further spoken about this matter, in thefollowing directions; so that nothing but your unwillingness andslothfulnessshallremaintohinderyou.

Direct. 1. Ifeveryoubring the treatybetwixtChristandyoursouls toa

happyissueandconclusion,youmust,asbeforewasnoted,sitdownandcountthecost,Luke14:28itwillbevainelsetoengageyourselvesintheprofessionofreligion: it isnotChrist'sdesigntodrawyouunderarashinconsiderate engagement, and so to reap more dishonour by yourapostasyandhypocrisythaneverheshallhaveglorybyyourprofession.No,hewouldhaveyouforeseeandseriouslybethinkyourselvesofalltheoutwardtroublesand inconveniencesyoumayafterwardsmeetwith forhissake.YouaretoembarkyourselveswithChrist,andabidewithhiminstorms as well as in halcyon days; you must follow the Lambwhithersoever he goeth, Rev. 14:4. There is no retreating afterengagement to Christ: "If any man draw back, my soul shall have nopleasure in him,"Heb. 10:38. It is eternal death by thatmartial law ofheaven,torunfromChrist'scoloursinthedayofbattle.Wellthen,retirethyselfintotheinnermostclosetofthysoul;sitquietandpatientlythere,untilthouhastdebatedthismatterfullywiththyownthoughts,andhastbalancedthegoodandtheevil,theprofitsandlossesofreligion;forwantof this the church is filledwith hypocrites, and hell with inconsiderateandrashprofessors;themorewedeliberatethebetterweshallconclude.

Direct. 2.Having debated thematter over and over in thymost sedateandseriousthoughts,letnotSatandiscouragetheefromcastingthysoulatChrist'sfeetwithaheartyconsenttoallhisterms,forwantofsuchandsuchqualificationsasthoucanstnotfindinthineownsoul.ItisusualforSatantosuggestatthistime,thewantofgreatersorrowandhumiliationforsin;thatthesoulhathnotlainlongenoughunderthehumblingworkofthelaw;thattheaggravationsofitssinshavebeensuch,thatthereisnohopeofacceptance.Free thysoul fromthesesnaresofSatan,by theconsiderationofthisunquestionabletruth;thatChristexpectsfromtheeno more humiliation than what produceth such a hearty deliberateconsent as thywill is now to give; and such a consent once gained, noaggravationofsinispleadableagainstthedutyofbelieving.

Direct.3.Distrustnot thesincerityofChrist in thosegraciousoffershemakesuntocomingsouls.Besatisfied,hespeakshisveryheartinthemtothee;thedevillabourstosowjealousyandbegetsuspicionsintheheartsof poor convinced sinners, that they will not find such a welcomeentertainment with Christ as he seems to promise them in those

encouragingscriptures,Mat.11:28,29.John6:37butthatsomethingelselieshidinthosescriptures,asamysterywhichtheyunderstandnot,andso by shaking the assenting act, labours to hinder the accepting act offaith.Thisisacaseascommonasit issad.TheLordhelppoorsoulstoavoidthissnare,lestinsteadofhonouringChrist,byaresolvedadherencetohim,theymakehimaliar,andimputeinsinceritytotheGodoftruth:Forhethatbelievethnothathmadehimaliar.

Direct.4.Lookup toGod forpower toenableyou to come toChrist inthissupernaturalanddifficultworkof faith.Donotthinkfaith isof thegrowth of thine own heart; "Noman can come untome, (saith Christ)exceptmy fatherwhichhathsentme,drawhim."There isa legalspiritworking under evangelical pretences in many souls; they look withinthemtofindthatwhichisquiteabovethem.Theapostlepointsyoutothefountainoffaith,inEph.2:8."Itisnotofyourselves;itisthegiftofGod".It is one of the greatest difficulties in the world to believe. For if thepowerofGodmustbeownedasthecauseofeverynewdegreeoffaithinthegreatestbelievers in theworld, as isplain,Luke 17:5. "TheapostlessaiduntotheLord,increaseourfaith;"howmuchmoreistheproductionoffaithitself,andthefirstvitalactthereoftobeascribedtotheAlmightyPowerofGod?

Direct. 5. Keeping thine eye of expectation upon that Almighty Power,pray and plead with the Lord assiduously and importunately for theexertingthatpoweruponthysoul;andgivenotoverthysuit,untilthoufeel that power coming upon thee. The time of believing is a time ofearnest pleading thine own danger and necessity; and the Spirit of theLord, improving them, will abundantly furnish thee with pleas andargumentstoenforcethissuit.Suchasthese;(1.)Lord,Ihavethycallandinvitation;yea,Ihavethycommandtoencouragemetobelieve;itisnotpresumption, therefore, in thy poor creature, to come after thou hastinvitedandcommandedme;hadstthounotencouragedme,Idurstnothavemoved towards thee:Lord,whoseword is it? 1John3:23 is itnotthineown?Thismakesmyfaithanactofobedience.(2.)Yea,Lord,Ihavethypromise,aswellasthycommand,madeuponnootherconditionbutmycoming to thee.BlessedJesus,hast thounot said, John6:37. "Himthatcomethuntome,Iwill innowisecastout?"Aninvitationismuch,

but thypromise ismore. (3.)OmyGod, Ihavenotonly thycommand,making itmyduty tobelieve, and thypromise to encourageme to thatduty,butIhavetheexamplesofothersinnersthatcameuntotheelongago, and thou didst not reject them: nor do I abuse these examples indrawing encouragement from them; for it was thy very design inrecording them, that theymightbe somanypatterns to all that shouldhereafterbelieveonthee,1Tim.1:16.(4.)OmyGod,Iamshutupunderaplainnecessity;Ihavenootherwaytotake:thusstandsthecasewithme, I am beaten off from all other refuges; there is no help forme inangelsnor inmen, indutiesor self-righteousness; in theeonlymysoulcanfindrest.Iamshutuptotheeastotheonlydoorofhope,Gal.3:23hereImustspeedorperish;mysoulisburdenedandwearied;Iknownothowtodisposeof it,but intothyhands;norwhereto laytheburdenofmyguilt,butuponthee:IfImisshere,Iamgoneforever.(5.)Lord,Iamwilling to renounce and abandon all other hopes, refuges, andrighteousness, and to stick to and rely upon thee only. Duties cannotjustifyme, tears cannotwashme, reformationcannot saveme;nothingbut thy righteousnesscananswermyend; I come to theeapoornakedcreature,sayingasthechurch,Hos.14:3."Ashurshallnotsaveus,&cforin thee do the fatherless findmercy." Thus plead itwithGod, and stillrememberyouarepleadingforlife,yea,foryoureternallife.

Direct. 6. Labour tomake a resolved adventureuponChrist, amidst allthose encouragements, let the issue bewhat it will; resolve to venture,though you have not the least degree of assurance that you shall beacceptedandpardoned.This is thatbraveandnobleactof faith,whichcarriesthesoultoChrist:muchasEsthercametotheKing,"YetwillIgointo theking; and if I perish, I perish,"Esth4:16. It pitiesme to thinkhowthefaithoftheferventloveofChristaloneshouldbeenoughtosavea sinner, andmake him justifiedwithout any act of belief; but you seefaith is another matter. O there are great difficulties and mightywrestlings in the work of believing: it is a great matter for a poorconvinced sinner, in the faceof somuchguilt andvileness, andamidstsuch manifold damps and discouragements from Satan, to cast andadventurehimself uponChrist, and that upon such self-denying terms:but thepinchofnecessitywillbring the soul to this, fornow it reasonswith itself as the lepersdid,2Kings7:4,5. Ifwego to thecampof the

Assyrians,we canbut die; and ifwe abidehere,wemust certainly die:thushere,ifIsitstillinthestateofnature,andstillcontinuedemurring,anddelaying,mydamnation is unavoidable; to hell Imust go: and if IcastmyselfuponChrist,Icanbutberejected.Buthehathsaid,Hewillnot cast out those that come unto him: in this way of faith there is apossibilityofsalvation,yea,theredawnsfromitastrongprobability:thisthereforeismyonlyway;TohimIwillgo,andifIperish,Iperish.

Direct.7.NevermeasurethegraceofGod,northemercyofChrist,bytherule of your own narrow conception and apprehensions of him; butbelieve them to be far greater than your contracted and narrowunderstanding represents them to you. Our casting of the pardoningpower andmercy ofGod in themould of our own thoughts, disfiguresand alters them, so that they look not like themselves, butwith a verydiscouragingaspectuponoursouls;bythis,SatankeepsoffmanyasoulfromcomingtoChrist:theLordknowshowtoforgivethee,thoughthouscarce knowest how to forgive thyself for the injuries thou hast doneagainsthim.Thatisaveryconsiderablescripturetothispurpose,inIsa.55:7,8,9."Letthewickedforsakehisway,andtheunrighteousmanhisthoughts,andlethimreturnuntotheLord,andhewillhavemercyuponhim;andtoourGod,forhewillabundantlypardon.Formythoughtsarenotyourthoughts,neitherareyourwaysmyways,saiththeLord.Forastheheavensarehigherthantheearth,soaremywayshigherthanyourways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Man lies under a doublemisery, one by reason of affliction, another by reason of transgression;concerningboththese,God'sthoughtsarenotasours,butfarabovewhatwecanthink:Either(1.)withsimplecogitation:i.e.wecannotthinksuchthoughts to others, undermisery in themselves, or under transgressionagainst us, as God doth towards us. Or (2.) by way of reflectivecomprehension; i.e.wecannotconceivewhatthosethoughtsofGodaretowardsus,whenweareundermiseryorsin,justashethinksthem;stillhisthoughtswillbeaboveours,astheheavensareabovetheearth.Suchisthealtitudeofheavenabovetheearth,thatthevastbodyofthewholeearth is but a small, inconsiderable point to it; the highest cedars,mountains, clouds, cannot reach it: God's thoughts are infinite, oursfinite;histhoughtsarecontinued,oursinterruptedandatastand;hisareimmutable,ourschangeable;hisare intuitive,oursdiscursive: therefore

nevermeasurehisbyyourown;thethoughtsofpardoninggraceinhim,are rich, plenteous and glorious; butwhen our unbelieving hearts havepractiseduponthem,theyarequiteanotherthing.Thousayest,howcansuch a wretch as I obtain mercy? Thou knowest not, but the Lordknoweth.O ifwecould take in suchaproper ideaandapprehensionofthe mercy and goodness of God, as he hath given of them himself, inExod.34:6,7thiswouldbringyoutoChristwithmuchencouragement.

Direct. 8. Be not discouraged in thework of faith, though no peace orcomfortshouldcomeinbythefirstactofit:nay,thoughthereshouldbeanincreaseoftroubleforthepresent;thefirstsavingactoffaithcertainlyputsyouintoastateofpeace,butitmaynotpresentlyproducethesenseofpeace;youmay,afteryouhavebelievedandreallyclosedwithChrist,meetwithsomediscouragementswhichmaymakeyouquestionwhetherChristhasreceivedyouorno,whetherhehasanyloveforyoursoulsorno? Yet hold on, whether comfort come or not; though Christ andcomfortare inseparable,yetChristandthesenseofcomfortarenotso:thinknotthatallyourtroublesshallbeoverassoonaseveryoubelieve,because it is said,Heb.4:3.Wewhichhavebelieveddoenter into rest:That scripture speaks of a state of rest, and not of the present orcontinued sense of rest. The woman of Canaan, in Mat. 15:26, 27 didreallybelieveinChrist,yetmetwithsoretrialsunderthefirstactofherfaith; yet this took her not off from the work of faith; but ratherquickened and inflamed her the more; she was glad of a word fromChrist,andsheexpecteddeeds.Obutthewordswerediscouraging;itisnotmeet to take thechildren'sbread,andgive it todogs;yet thisbeatsnotoffherfaith;thedogbelongstothefamily,andcrumstothedog.Owoman,saithChrist,greatisthyfaith.IfyouresolveforChrist,youmustnotbediscouraged;aresolute faithovercomesalldifficulties.Youpray,you believe, and yet no comfort; well, the vision of peace is for anappointedtime,attheenditwillspeak,andnotlie.

Direct.9. Inyour treatingwithChrist,haveacareofall secret reservesthatwillspoilthetreatybetwixtChristandyou;IfIregardiniquityinmyheart,Godwillnothearmyprayer,saithDavid:Iftherebebutareserveofone lust, that reservewillbreakoff the treaty:behonestwithChrist,and saynotof any sin, theLordbemerciful tome in this; andbe sure

therebenosecretpurposeorreserveinthyheartforaretreatintimeofdanger;butembarkthyselfwithChristforstormsandtempests,troublesand afflictions, aswell as peace and prosperity. Christ bestows himselfwhollyuponyou,andheexpectsthesamefromyou:giveupall,oryouwillgetnothingfromhim.

Direct. 10. Close up your treatywithChrist by a solemn covenantwithhim;engageyourselvestobetheLord's:"Oneshallsay,IamtheLord's:AndanothershallsubscribewithhishandtotheholyOneofIsrael."Hereyouhavetwothingstodo:(1.)TogiveyourselvesuptoChrist,accordingto that expression, 2Cor.8:5.They gave themselves to theLord.Makeyoursoulandbody,timeandtalents,henceforthtobededicatedthingstohisservice.(2.)TakeChristinbothhisnatures,andinallhisofficestobeyours;andtothiscovenantyouaretostandtothelastbreath,whatevertimesortroublesshallcome.ThisconsentofthyhearttobeChrist's,thischoiceofthywillintakinghimforthine,isbuttheechoofChrist'schoiceofthee;andIwouldratherhavesuchanevidenceofmyinterestinhim,thanavoicefromheaventoassuremethatChristismine.

SERMONVII-REVEL.3:20

Behold I standat thedoorandknock; [if anyman]hearmyvoice, andopenthedoor,Iwillcomeintohim,andwillsupwithhim,andhewithme.

Ifanyman*.

THISexpressionextendsthegraciousofferofChrist,andbringsinhopetoeveryhearer.ItisaproclamationwithaSiquis,ifanyman;asifChristshould say, I will have this offer of my grace to go round to everyparticular person; if thou, or thou, or thou, the greatest, the vilest of

sinners, of what quality or condition soever, old or young, profane orhypocritical,will hearmy voice, andopen tome, Iwill come into theirsouls. Andhereby all objections are obviated; as for example, I am thegreatestofsinners,saithone;Ihavebeenaself-cozeninghypocrite,saithanother; Ihave resistedgrace too long, anddoubt the timeofmercy ispast, saith a third. The ground of all these, and a thousand moreobjections, is taken away by the gracious extent of Christ's offer in thetext: forwhoishethatcanlimitwhereChristdothnot?ThisgivesusaseventhprofitableandcomfortableObservation,whichisthis,

Doct. 7. That JesusChristwill not refuse to come in to the soul of thevilestsinner,whenonceitismadehighlywillingtoopentohim.

If any man open, I will come in to him. It is not unworthiness, butunwillingness,thatbarsanymanfromChrist:thousandshavemissedofChrist by their unwillingness, but Christ never put off one soul uponaccountofitsunworthiness;ChristisnotthesalebutthegiftofGod;youcomenottomakeabargain,buttoreceivea,freegift:faithisamarriagewithChrist,whereinnothingbutourheartyconsentisexpected;sorunsthestrainofthewholeScriptures,Isa.55:1."Ho,everyonethatthirsteth,come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, (i.e. no merit, noworthinessofhisown)lethimcome."BeholdthefreegraceofChristtothe vilest and unworthiest of sinners. So Rev. 22:17. "Let him that isathirstcome;andwhosoeverwill,lethimcome,andtakethewateroflifefreely."And,intheveryphraseofmytext,hespeaksagain,John7:37."Ifany man thirst, let him come to me and drink." It is very observable,throughout the whole gospel, that Christ never made any objectionagainstanysoulthatcametohimupontheaccountofitssinfulnessandunworthiness;butallthecomplaintsofChristarestillupontheaccountoftheirunwillingness.SoinhiscomplaintoverJerusalem,Luke13:34."Iwould,butyouwouldnot;"soagain,John5:40."Youwillnotcomeuntome, that you might have life." The complaint is still upon theirunwillingness.Instatingthispoint,Ishalldoctrinallydiscoursethesetwothings:

First,WhatitistobetrulywillingtoreceiveJesusChrist.

Secondly,Howitappearsthattheywhoareso,shallcertainlybereceived,

andgraciouslyacceptedofhim.

First, What it is to be truly willing to receive Jesus Christ; for this ismeantbyopeningtohim.Nowthisimplies,andinvolvesinit,manygreatandweightythings.

1. It implies,andnecessarily includes, therightunderstandingand trueapprehension of gospel terms and articles: these must be known,pondered,anddulyconsidered,before thewill cansavinglyopen, inanactofconsent,toChrist'soffer.Idesirethismaybeespeciallyobserved,becausemultitudesaremistakenanddeceivedabout this thing:he thatdoth not consider, doth not consent; you must exercise yourunderstandingsuponthetermsandarticlesofChristianity,orelseyourconsent is rash, blindfold, and unstable. This in Luke 14:31 is calledconsulting; the consent of faith is the result of many previousconsultationsanddebatesinthemind;thesoulthatcomestoChristmusttakeupreligioninhismostsedateandseriousthoughts;turnbothsidesofit,thedarkaswellasthebrightsideofreligion,totheeyeofhismind;balancealltheconveniencesandinconveniences,lossesaswellasgains.IfIopentoChrist,thisIshallgain,butthatImustlose;IcannotseparateChrist from sufferings, Christ will separateme frommy sins; if I seekhim,Imust let themgo; if IprofessChrist,providencewillonetimeorotherbringmetothisdilemma,eitherChristorearthlycomfortsmustgo.ItisnecessarythereforethatInowpropoundtomyselfwhatprovidencemay, one time or other, propound tome; he hath set down his terms,Mat. 16:24. "If anymanwill come afterme, let him deny himself, andtake up his cross and follow me." This self-denial deserves seriousconsideration;forChristextendsittonaturalself,righteousself,andcivilself; and requires that I give up my life, my liberty, my estate, myrelations,andmyownrighteousness,ashardtobepartedwithasanyoftheformer.Imusttakeupmycross,that is, thesufferingsandtroublesGodshallappointforme,andwhichIcannotavoidorescapewithoutsin;andImustfollowChrist,followhimwhithersoeverhegoes.Iknownotwhat religionmaycostmebefore Idie; all this ithath costothers; andthereisnobringingdownChrist'stermslowerthanhehathlaidthem.Imustcomeuptothem,theywillnotcomedowntome:ifIlikethemnotasChristhath left them, the treatybetweenhimandme isended;Mat.

10:37,38."Hethatlovethfatherormothermorethanme,isnotworthyofme;andhethatlovethsonordaughtermorethanme,isnotworthyofme,andhethattakethnothiscross,andfollowethafterme,isnotworthyof me." Where, by worthiness, we are not to understand themeritoriousnessoftheseacts,butthenecessaryqualificationofthewill,and due qualification of a comer unto Christ; these previousconsultations and debates in the mind prepare and enable the will tomake a serious andwell-advised choice of Christ; and forwant of this,therearesuchswarmsofhypocritesandapostatesintheworld.

2. It implies such a sense of misery in us, and of the necessity andexcellency of Christ, as determines the will to the choice of him,notwithstanding all thosedifficulties and troubleswhichhave fallen, orcanfallunderconsiderationanddebateinthemind.Whenthesoulseesthat in Christ which preponderates all sufferings, all losses, allreproaches,&c.andthendetermines,IwillhaveChrist,thoughIsacrificeall that isdear tome in theworld forhim, this is tobe trulywilling toopentoChrist.Itistrue,theenjoymentsofthisworldareunderstoodbyChristians as much as other men; they have a feeling sense of thesweetnessandcomfortsofearthlyenjoyments;theirsoulshaveasmuchaffection to the body as other men; they understand the charminglanguage of theworld, and their dear relations in it, as well as others;onlytheyseeagreaternecessityofChrist,andagreaterworthinChristthan they do in these things. You read, Lam. 1:11 that in the famine ofJerusalemtheygave theirpleasant things formeat to relieve their soul;jewels, bracelets, gold, silver, any thing for bread: they understood theworthofthosethings,knewthepriceandcostofthem;butawaytheygotopreservelife.Soitishere,noearthlyenjoyment,ofwhatvaluesoeveritbe,hathsuchanexcellencyinit,suchanabsolutenecessityofenjoyingitasChristhath.

Object.Butoh!saiththepoorsoul,whocandothis?IamwillingtohaveChrist,andtocomeuptoeverytermhehath laiddowninthegospel;Iamwillingtopartwitheverysin,andtoendureanysufferingforChrist:Butoh!Itrembletothink,ifitshouldcometoaprison,toastake,toanactualseparationfromall thecomfortsandrelations intheworld,whatshallIdoforstrengthtogothroughsuchhardanddifficultworkasthis!

Here is thegreat rub in thewayofmanysouls; they findawillingness,butfearthewantofstrength.

Answ.Howorwhereyoushall findstrength toendureandsuffer thesethingsforChrist, isnotthequestionnowbeforeyou:Godwilltakecareforthat,anditshallbegivenyouinthathour,andsoothershavefoundwho have had the very same fears you have. I say, the question is notwhetheryoubeable,butwhetheryoubeheartilywilling?Christasksbutyourwill,hewillprovideability:Thegreatestbelieverintheworldcannotsay,IamabletosufferthisorthatforChrist;buttheleastbelieverintheworldmustsay,Iamwilling,theLordassistingme,toendureandsufferallthingsforhissake.AndthisisthesecondthingincludedinopeningtoChrist.

3.Thethirdthingwhichperfectsandconsummatesthewholeact, isanentirechoiceofJesusChristuponallthosetermsprescribedbyhim;theentireness of the choice, without halving or dividing, excepting orreserving, making the consent full and effectual. There is a twofoldconsentofthewilltoChrist.

(1.)Onepartial,andwithexception.

(2.)Theotherentire,andwithoutanyreservation.

(1.) There is a partial consent, which is always hypocritical, defective,lame,and ineffectual; thusthehypocriteconsents to theofferofChrist:He is really willing to have the pardons of Christy, and the glorypurchasedbyChrist;buttopartwithhisbelovedlusts,andtogiveuphisearthlyenjoyments,thathiswillcannotconsentto.

(2.)Thereisafullandentireconsentofthewill,called,Abelievingwithalltheheart,Acts8:34.Nowthisintegrityandfulnessofthewill'schoice,is thatwhichcloseth thematchbetwixtChristand thesoul,and freesaman from the danger of hypocrisy. And there are three things whichmaketheconsentto,andchoiceofChristcompleteandfull.

1.Whenwegiveupallweareandhavetohim.

2.Whenwederiveanddrawallwewantfromhim.

3.Whenwearereadytodenyanythingforhissake.

1.WedothenheartilyconsenttobeChrist's,whenwegiveupallweareand have to him; so that after this choice of Christ, we look uponourselves thenceforth as none of our own, but bought with a price, toglorifyGodinourbodyandsoul,whicharehis,1Cor.6:19,20.Soulandbodyareallthatweare,andboththesepartsofourselvesdonowpass,byanactofourownconsent,intotheRedeemer'sright;wearenottohavethedisposeofthem;thatbelongstohimthatpurchasedthem.Youknowinallpurchases,property isaltered:Youdid liveasyourown, followedyourownwills,lusts,passions,wereunderthedominion,andatthebeckof every lust; but now the case is altered; Tit. 3:3, "We ourselvesweresometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts andpleasures."Somanylusts,somanylords.Butnowthecaseisaltered,wehave given ourselves to Christ, nomore to be swayed this way or thatagainsthisword, and thevoiceofourownconsciences.Thusour soulsandbodiesarehis,halloweddedicatedthingstoChrist,templesforGodtodwellin.Andthenallotherthingsfollowofcourse;ifIamtheLord's,thenmytime,mytalents,andallthatIhavearehis.

2.Asyoumustgiveupall toChrist,sowemustderiveanddrawallwewantfromhim;elseyourchoiceofChristisnotentireandfull:GodhathstoredupinChristallthatyouwant,asuitableandfullsupplyforeveryneed;andmadeitallcommunicabletoyou,1Cor.1:30."WhoofGodismade unto us, wisdom and righteousness, sanctification andredemption." All the believer's fresh springs are in Christ. Have I anydifficultbusinesstodothatrequirescounsel?thenImustrepairtoChristthe fountain of wisdom: Am I under any guilt? then I must repair toChristforrighteousness:Ismysouldefiledbycorruption?thenmustIgoto Christ for sanctification:Do I groan under troubles of soul or body,temptations,afflictions?&c. thenmust I relievemyselfby the faithandhope of that complete redemption, and final deliverance, procured byChristfromallthese.IfyouconsenttobeChrist's,youmustnotlookforjustification, partly upon his righteousness, and partly upon your owngracesandduties;butmustmakementionofhisrighteousness,evenofhisonly.Iftherebebutoneconduitinatown,andnotadropofwaterto

behadelsewhere,thenalltheinhabitantsofthattownrepairthitherforwater.InthewholecityofGodthereisbutoneconduit,onefountain,andthatisChrist;thereisnotonedropofrighteousness,holiness,strengthorcomforttobehadelsewhere.ThenwefetchallfromChrist,whenweliveuponhim,asthenew-borninfantdothuponthemothersbreast.

3.Then isourconsent to,andchoiceofChristentireandfull,whenwearereadytodeny,giveup,andpartwithanythingwehaveforhissake;reckoningnothingtobelosttous,whichgoestothegloryofChrist.Howdearsoeverourliberties,estatesorlivesaretous,iftheLordhaveneedofthem,wemustletthemgo.Thusyouread,Rev.12:11."Theylovednottheir lives unto the death." These three things shew saving faith to beanothermannerof thing than theworldgenerallyunderstands it tobe;anditisimpossibleforanymanswilltoopento,andreceiveChrist,upontermsofsuchdeepself-denialasthese,untiltherebe,

1.Aconvictionofoursinandmisery.

2.AdiscoveryofChristinhisgloryandnecessity.

3.ThedrawingpoweroftheSpirituponthesoul.

1. Conviction of our sin and misery makes these terms of religionacceptable; poor sinners stand debating with Christ, excepting andobjecting against his terms, until the Lord hath shaken them byconvictionoverhell,made themto see thedreadfuldanger theyare in;andthenthenextcryis,Menandbrethren,whatshallwedo?Acts2:37.q.d.Prescribeanymeans,imposeuponusthegreatestdifficulties,wearewillingtocomplywiththem.

2. Nor will souls ever comply with those terms of the gospel, until adiscovery hath been made to them of Jesus Christ in his glory andnecessity.Whenamanfeelshiswants,andseesacompleteremedy,hiswillthencompliesandbowsreadilyandfreely;theconvincedsinnerseesafullandsuitablesupplyinChristforallhiswants,acompleteSaviour,inwhom there isnothingdefective, but in all respects according to thewishofasinner'sheart,1Cor.1:24.

3.ToallthismustbesuperaddedthepowerfuldrawingsoftheSpirit,inthe virtuewhereof thewill comeshome toChrist, John6:44. "Nomancan come unto me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him."Whenthesethingsarepastuponthesoul,thenithearsChrist'svoice,hispowerfulcall,whichbreaksasunderallthetiesandbondsbetwixtamanandhislusts;amanandhisearthlyenjoyments;andwithoutthesethingsthewillisunpersuadabletocomplywiththedifficultiesandseveritiesofreligion.Thisisthefirstthing,whattheopeningofthedoor,orconsentofthewilltoreceiveChristis.

Secondly,Thenext thing tobe opened inorder is,How it appears thatJesusChristwillnotrefusetocomeintothesoulofanysinner,behissinsorunworthinesseversogreat,whenonceheismadeheartilywillingthustoembraceandreceiveChristuponhisownterms.Oh,sinner!whatgoodtidingsare these to thy soul, thatChristwillnotdisdain tobe inunionandcommunionwiththee,asvileasthouart,ifthywillstandthusopentohim!Thetidingsaresweet,andIhopethouwiltfindthemassureandcertain, as they are sweet and comfortable, when thou shalt haveseriouslypursuedandponderedthefollowingevidences.

Evidences

Evidence1.Thetruthofthissweetassertionclearlyevidencethitselffromtheformandmannerofgospel-invitations.Theyaredesignedlyputintolarge, general, free, and most extensive terms, to assure sinners thatChristwillnotbeshyoftheworstsinnerintheworld,thusmadewillingtoembracehim;theyaresoframedonpurposetoanticipateortakeawayallobjections fromsinners.Noothercondition isput in thegospel,butthisonly,ArtthouheartilywillingtotakeChristuponhisownterms?TheoffersofChristareextendedtoallthatthirstanddesireafterhim,John7:37 to the greatest of sinners, upon this only condition, that they bewilling and obedient, Isa. 1:18, 19. "Go preach the gospel to everycreature:Hethatbelievethshallbesaved,"Mark16:15,16.Itisextendedto all nations, "For in Christ Jesus there is neither Greek nor Jew,circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free,"Col.3:11.Iftherebeanypoorsoulofanyqualityorconditionwhatsoever,under the cope of heaven, whose will is wrought up to a heartycompliancewiththetermsofthegospel,Christwillnotbeshyofcoming

into that soul, though it hath been never so vile and abominable; theheart of aMaryMagdalen,whichhadbeen anhabitation of devils; thesoul of a Saul, a bloody, raging persecutor, will make as delightfulhabitations for Christ, as the soul of the most civilized person in theworld,whenoncethewillisthusopened.

Evidence 2. The truth of this assertion further appears from theencouragingpromisesmadebyChristuntoallwhoarethusmadewillingto comeuntohim.All thepromiseswithonemouth, assure thewillingsinnerofawelcomewithChrist;sodoththatgloriouspromise,towhichsomanythousandsoulshavebeenbeholdenforencouragementandhelpattheirfirstcomingtoChrist;John6:37,38."AllthattheFathergivethme,shallcometome;andhimthatcomethtome,Iwillinnowisecastout:ForIcamedownfromheavennottodomineownwill,butthewillofhimthatsentme."Notehere,(1.)ThatthisisnotapromisemadetothemthatarealreadyinChrist,thattheyshallneverbecastoutbyapostasy,orfinaldesertion;butit isapromisemadetocomingsouls,tosuchasaremoving towards Christ, under great discouragements, fears andtremblings. When a poor sinner looks to Christ, sees his fulness andsuitableness, and sees the pinchingneed andwant of him;O, saith he,thatIhadaninterest inhim,thoughIshouldbegmybreadindesolateplaces!But looking into his ownheart, and seeing such a heap of guiltandunworthiness there, then saithhe,how can I think that ever JesusChristwill come into such a heart as this?These are the persons uponwhom this promise casts an encouraging aspect. (2.) And because thefears of such poor creatures are double to the fears that others have,Christ hath put a double negative into this promise for the soul'sencouragement; "Iwill not, in no case, or at anyhand, cast out such asoulasthis."(3.)Andtoputalloutofdoubt,hedothnotonlyassurethesoulthathewillnot,butcondescendstogiveitthereasonwhyhewillnotcast itout,ver.38."Icamedownfromheavennottodomineownwill,but thewillofhimthatsentme."As ifheshouldsay, thiswas theveryerranduponwhichIcamedownfromheaven;itwasmygreatbusinesstoreceive all that were made willing to embrace me; for this I had myFather'scommission,Isa.61:1."Topreachgoodtidingstothemeek;andto bindup the broken-hearted; and to comfort all them thatmourn." Icannotbe faithful to the trust committed tomebymyFather, should I

shut the door upon such souls. How can Christ comfort the soul thatmourns,butbyopeninghisarmsofmercytoreceiveit?IfChristshouldsay to the convincedmourning sinner, hold thy peace, soul, I will givethee riches, honours, and pleasures in the world; but as for me, thoucanstnothaveunionwithme.Isay,thiswouldnevercomforttheheartofa convinced sinner; it is Christ, and none but Christ, can quiet it. Likeunto this, is that testimony and promise made on purpose for theencouragementofwillingsouls,Acts10:44"Tohimgivealltheprophetswitness,thatthroughhisname,whosoeverbelievethonhimshallreceiveremissionofsins."Thisyouseeisatruthconfirmedbythetestimonyofalltheprophets,whoforetoldwhathisgraciousreadinesstoreceivepoorbroken-hearted sinners shouldbe; and sure theyneitherdid,nor couldconspire to deceive theworld. These gracious assurances and promisescutoffallpleasagainstfaith, fromthegreatnessofsin;andwhyshouldweexcept,whereGodhathnotexcepted?HadChristsaid,allsinnersofsuchasizeanddegreemaycomeuntome,butletallothersstandback,the case had been otherwise; but this promise assures us, that all thesincerelywilling,shallbetrulywelcometoJesusChrist.Moreover,theseuniversal promises take away all fear and doubt of presumption incomingtoChrist.Thatisthecaseofmanyapoorsoul.IamafraidIamrunningoutofdespairintopresumption;IdoubtIamanunbidden,andthereforeshallbeanunwelcomeguesttoChrist.Allthisispreventedandcut off by these sweet universal terms inserted on purpose in thesepromises for our encouragement. That is the second evidence of thistruth.

Evidence 3. The willingness of Christ to receive the willing soul, howmany and great soever its sins and unworthiness be, appears from theactual grants of pardon andmercy, even to the vilest sinners that everwereupontheearth,whentheythuscameuntohim.Hereyouseehowthewatersoffree-gracerisehigherandhigher.Aninvitationismuch;apromise of welcome is more; but the actual grant of mercy is mostsatisfying of all. Come on, poor trembling soul, do not be discouraged,stretch out the smallweak arms of thy faith to that great and graciousRedeemer;openthyheartwidetoreceivehim;hewillnotrefusetocomein.Hehathsealedthousandsofpardonstoasvilewretchesasthyself;heneveryet shut thedoorofmercyuponawilling,hungering soul. It is a

greatmatter tohave thewaybeaten,and the icebrokenbefore thee, inthywaytoChrist.IfthouwertthefirstsinnerthathadcasthissouluponChrist,IconfessIshouldwantthisencouragementIamnowgivingthee;but when so many have gone before thee, and all found a welcomebeyondtheirexpectation,whatencouragementdoththisbreatheintothytrembling,discouragedhearttogoonandventurethyselfuponChrist,astheydid?WhatanexamplehaveweinManasseh,2Chron.33fromver.3to12.Anidolater,onethatusedenchantmentsanddivinations,familiarspirits, shed innocent blood in the streets of Jerusalem! A manmightraketheworld,andhardlybringtosightavilerwretch,agreatermonsterinsinandwickedness:yethisheartbeingbroken,andhiswillbowed,thismanfoundmercy.HowgreatasinnerwasMary, thatcametoChrist inthehouse of Simon thePharisee, Luke 7:39 sonotorious a sinner, thatSimon tookoffenceatChrist for sufferingsovileawretch tocome intohis presence. "If this man were a Prophet, (saith he) he would haveknownwho,andwhatmannerofwomanthisisthattouchedhim,forsheisa sinner".YetMary'sheartbeingbroken for sin,andmadewilling toacceptofaSaviour,whatagraciousdemonstrationofwelcomedidChristgive her, and to all other sinners a singular encouragement in herexample? Once more, you have an eminent example of the abundantwelcomeofanothersinnertoChrist,whoownedhimselfforthegreatestofsinners;apersecutor,ablasphemer,injurious;butsaithhe,Iobtainedmercy,1Tim.1:16.AndtheexampleofhisgraciousentertainmentwithChrist,isrecordedonpurposeforanencouragementuntoallthatshouldhereafterbelieve.Howmanythousandsarenowinhellthatneverstoodguilty of greater enormities than the Corinthians did? Fornicators,idolaters,adulterers,thieves,covetous,drunkards,revilers,extortioners,suchweresomeofthem;yetsanctified,washed,justified,inthenameoftheLordJesus, andby theSpiritofourGod. If everChristwouldhaveshutthedoorofmercyuponany;ifeverhewouldhavebeencoyandshyof coming into any souls, certainly thesewere the souls hewould havedisdained to come near. O what a demonstration is here of thatcomfortablepointbeforeus!ThatChristwillnotrefusetocomeintothesoulofthevilestsinner,whenonceitismadeheartilywillingtoopentohim.

Evidence 4. A further evidence of this comfortable truth shall be taken

from the scriptural-resemblances of the abundant grace of God, andrichesofmercyinChrist,towardsallbroken-heartedandwillingsinners.Therearesomechosenresemblancesandexcellentemblems,whichbringdown the grace of God before the eyes of men; amongst which I willsingle out three glorious resemblances of free-grace, chosen by hiswisdomonpurpose for theencouragementofpoordrooping sinners.Aresemblance from the heavens, a resemblance from the sun, and aresemblance from the sea; all such as the wisdom of men and angelscouldneverhavechosenforsuchapurposeasthisis.

1. A resemblance from the heavens, those vast extended heavens thatcoverandcompassthisearth.Whataninconsiderablespot is thewholeterrestrial globe, to those high and all-surrounding heavens? And yetthese heavens are not at so vast a distance above the earth, as thepardoninggraceofGodisabovetheguilt,yea,andtheverythoughtsofpoorsinners.For,ofthepardoninggraceofGodtopenitentandwillingsouls,thatpreciousscripturespeaks,Isa.55:8,9."Letthewickedforsakehisway,andtheunrighteousmanhisthoughts,andlethimreturnuntotheLord,andhewillhavemercyuponhim;andtoourGod, forhewillabundantlypardon."O,saiththesoul,IcannotthinkGodwilleverhavemercyonsuchawretchasI:why,saithhe,ver.8."Mythoughtsarenotyourthoughts,"anditiswelltheyarenot;butastheheavensarehigherthan the earth, so are my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Youcannottaketheheight,norsoundthedepthofmypardoninggrace.Thatisoneemblem, fromtheunconceivableheightof theheavensabovetheearth.

2.Anotheristakenfromthesunintheheavens,acreatureofadmirablepowerandvirtue.Youknow,thatanonthispartoftheworldwillbethethroneofdarkness;thesablecurtainsofthenightwillbespreadoverallthebeautiesofthispartoftheearth,anditmaybeinthemorningathickfogormistwillcoverit;thickanddarkcloudsmaydarkentheheavens:But, behold this glorious creature the sun chasing before him thedarknessofthenight,breakingupthemistsandcloudsofthemorning,scattering the dark and thick clouds of heaven; they are all gone, andthere is no appearanceof them: Just so, saithGod, shall it bewith thysins,andthycloudyfearsarisingoutofsin,Isa.44:22."Ihaveblottedout

asathickcloudthytransgressions,andasacloudthysins."Thysoulisbeclouded, thy fearshavebemisted thee, so that thou canstnot see thegroundsofthyencouragement;butmygraceshallriseupontheelikethesunintheheavens,andscatterallthesedismalcloudsbothofguiltandfear, andmake a clear heaven over thee, and a clear soul within thee."Unto you that fearmy name shall the sun of righteousness arisewithhealingunderhiswings,"Mal.4:2.

3.Anotherresemblanceyouhavefromthesea,thegreatabyss,thatvastcongregation of waters, whose depth no line can fathom: Veer out asmuchlineasyouwill,youcannottouchthebottom.TothisunfathomableoceanthepardoninggraceofGodisalsoresembled,Micah7:18,19."Whois a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by thetrangressionoftheremnantofhisheritage:Heretainethnothisangerforever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will havecompassionuponus;hewillsubdueouriniquities,andthouwiltcastalltheir sins into thedepthsof the sea." If the loftiestpyramid,orhighestmountainwerecastintothedepthofthesea,itwouldneverbeseenmoreby the eyes ofmen.Godhathonpurpose chosen these emblemsofhisgrace,toobviatethatcommondiscouragementofSatan,takenfromthegreatnessandaggravationofsin;and,inthatcase,thouarttomakeuseof them, and bless the Lord for them: He never designed them forencouragement to sin, but, for encouragement to repentance and faith.Thatisthefourthevidenceofthetruthbeforeus.

Evidence5.The truthof thisconclusionwillalsoevidentlyappear fromtheinnatecharactersandpropertiesofthegraceandpardoningmercyofGod towards penitent and hungering sinners. Now there are threeglorious characters ofDivine grace,whichdoall assure such sinnersofwelcome toChrist,whatever theyhavebeenordone.The graceofGodshinesforthinscriptureinthreeillustriouscharacters.

1.Assuperaboundinggrace.

2.Asfreegrace.

3.Asgraceexercisedwithdelight.

1.Itissuperaboundinggrace.Watersdonotsoaboundintheocean,norlightinthesun,asgraceandcompassiondointhebowelsofGodtowardsbroken-heartedandhungry sinners, Isa.55:6. "Lethimreturnunto theLord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he willabundantlypardon."ThecompassionsofourGodinsertedthatwordonpurposetorelievepoorsouls,faintingunderthesenseoftheiraboundinginiquities.Here is abundantpardon for aboundingguilt; andyet, lest adesponding sinner should not find enough here to quiet his fears, theLordgoesyet farther in theexpressionofhisgrace,Rom.5:20."Wheresin abounded, grace did much more abound." It overflowed all thebounds, it rose quite above the high-water mark of sin and guilt: butthese overflowings of grace run only through that channel of all grace,JesusChrist,tobroken-heartedandobedientsinners.

2. The grace ofGod to such souls is free; everyway free; it is the verydesignofthegospeltoexhibititinthisitsglory.Itcostsyounothingbutacceptance; it is free without merit; yea, free against merit. You candeservenothingofGod,thereforehisgraceisfreewithoutmerit;yea,youhavedeservedhellasoftenasyouhavesinnedagainsthim,andso it isfree againstmerit. If a pardonwere to be purchased by us, wewant astock forsuchapurchase;neithercanweborrowfrommenorangelsasufficientsumforsuchapurchase;blessedbeGodtherefore,thatitflowsfreelytouswithoutmoneyandwithoutprice,Isa.55:2.

3.Gracegloriesinanotherpropertyalso,whichisveryencouragingtothesoulofadroopingsinner,viz.Thatit isthedarlingattributewhichGodgreatlydelightstoexercise.Thetendermotherdrawsnotoutherachingbreastwithsuchdelighttoherhungrycryingchild,astheLorddothhismercy and compassion to broken-hearted and hungry sinners. In thisattribute, and in this property of it, his people therefore admire him,Micah7:18. "Who is aGod likeunto thee, thatpardoneth iniquity, andpassethbythetransgressionoftheremnantofhisheritage?heretainethnothisanger forever,becausehedelighteth inmercy."YoucannotputJesus Christ upon a more delightful employment, than to bind up thewounds, and set the broken bones of poor convincedhumbled sinners.LeteverysuchsoulcometoChristandwelcome;forhegreatlydelightsinsuchemployments.

Evidence 6. Such sinners need not doubt a welcome reception withChrist; forshouldhereject,andturnbacksuchasthese, thennonecanhavethebenefitofhisblood;and,consequently,itmustbeshedinvain,aswaterspiltupontheground.ThebloodofChristisinvaluablyprecious,anditcannotbelost;itwereadesperateimpeachmentofthewisdomandgoodness of God to think so; yet so it must be, if broken-hearted andwilling souls be rejected and turned back fromhim. There are but twosortsinalltheworld,viz.hardened,andbroken-heartedsinners;willingandunwillingsinners.Thewholeworldfallsintothesetworanks.Asforimpenitent,hardened, andobstinate sinners, it is certain they canhavenobenefitbythebloodofChrist; theyshalldie intheirsins; thegospelcuts themoff (so continuing) fromall expecationofpardonandmercy.Nowthereisbutonesortofsinnersmoreleftintheworld,andtheyareconvincedandhumbledsinners,whoaremadeheartilywillingtoreceiveChristuponhisownterms;whostretchforththehandsoftheirdesirestohim, and pant after an interest in him. ShouldChrist reject these also,whothenshallreceivethebenefitofhisblood?didChristdieinvain?orcanthecounselsofheavenproveabortive?No;fearnotthereforetogotoChrist,thoubroken-heartedsinner,thoupoorpanting,longingsoul;fearnot,hewillnotcasttheeout.

Evidence7.Moreover,fortheencouragementofallsuchsouls,mercyandpardon are designed for, and bestowedupon, the greatest and vilest ofsinners;toenhanceandraisethegloryoffreegracetothehighestpitch.Godpicksoutsuchsinnersasyouare,onpurposetoillustratethegloryofhis grace in and upon you: he knows that you, to whom so much isforgiven,will lovemuch,Luke7:47.Ye thathavedonesomuchagainsthisnameandglory,willexcelothers inzealandobedience,1Cor.15:9,10. You will go beyond others in service for God, as you have done insinning against him. All these things laid together make up a fulldemonstrationofthepoint,ThatJesusChristwillnotrefusetocomeintothesoulofthevilestsinner,whenonceitismadeheartilywillingtoopenuntohim:whichwasthethingtobeproved;andnowourwayisopentothe application of the point, which will be exceeding useful forinformation,exhortation,andconsolation.


Infor.1.Learnhence,whataninvaluablemercyitistoenjoythegospelinitslightandliberty,whichissogreatarelieftothedistressedconsciencesofsinners.

Hereonlythatbalmistobefoundthathealsyourspiritualwounds.Thegospelhathbeena low-pricedcommodity inEngland:TheLordpardonthe guilt thereof to us. Ah! brethren, if youwere in the heathenworldwithyoursickandwoundedconsciences,whatwouldyoudo?TherearenoBibles,ministers,orpromises,notabreathofChrist,orthebloodofsprinkling,whicharethetrueandproperremediesofsicksouls.Thatisapitifulcry,Micah6:6."WherewithshallIcomebeforetheLord,andbowmyself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased withthousands of rams, or ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I givemy first-bornformytransgression;thefruitofmybodyforthesinofmysoul?"Beholdheretheanguishofadistressed,sinburdenedconscience;itwouldgiveupanythingintheworldforpeaceandease;theywouldcasttheirchildren,theirdearestchildren,theirfirst-bornintotheburningflames,ifthatmightbeanatonementfortheirsins.Otheefficacyofconscience!and the misery of an unrelieved conscience! but the gospel which youenjoy leads you to the fountain of pardon and peace, Isa. 53:5. "By hisstripeswearehealed."Thevoiceofthegospelispeace,peacetoeveryonethat believeth; a rational peace, founded upon the full satisfaction ofChrist,Eph.1:7."Inwhomwehaveredemptionthroughhisblood,eventheforgivenessofsins,accordingtotherichesofhisgrace."Hereyouseejustice and mercy kissing each other; God satisfied, and the sinnerjustified:forconsciencedemandsasmuchtosatisfyit,asGoddemandstosatisfyhim;ifGodbesatisfied,conscienceissatisfied."Oblessedarethepeoplethathearthisjoyfulsound,"Psalm89:15.And,doubtless,itisa joyful sound to every convinced humbled soul. "Beautiful upon themountains are the feet of them that bring good tidings, that publishpeace."Itisagospelworthyofallacceptation,1Tim.1:15.Itbringswithit a fulness of blessings among the people. O England! O Dartmouth!Provoke not thy God to extinguish this blessed light. Great is ourwantonness,andominousisourbarrennessandingratitude."Yetalittlewhile the light iswith you,walkwhilst ye have the light, lest darknesscomeuponyou;forhethatwalkethindarknessknowethnotwhitherhe

goeth," John 12:35.ShouldGodblowout this light,whitherwill ye go?Whoshallpourinbalmtoyourdistressedbleedingconsciences?

Infor. 2. Hence, in like manner it follows, that the greatness orheinousnessofpastsinsisnobartobelievingandacceptingChristupongospel-terms.Letnosinnerbedismayedbytheatrocityandheinousnessofsinspast,fromcominguntoJesusChristforremissionandpeace.Iamawarewhatmischievous use Satanmakes of former sins to discouragesouls fromtheworkof faith.Byheapingthemtogether,heraisethupamountain betwixt Christ and the distressed soul; but behold this dayChristleapingoverthesemountains,andskippingoverthesehills.Couldthisobjectionberolledoutoftheway,sinnerswouldgooninhope:but,certainly, ifGodhathgiventheeabrokenheartandawillingmind, thegreatness of thy sin needs not discourage thee from believing. For (1.)thouhastsufficientencouragementfromthesufficiencyofthecausesofpardon, whatever thy particular enormities have been. There is asufficiencyintheimpulsivecase,thefreegraceandmercyofGod,Exod.34:6,7.Mic.7:18,19. Isa.55:7,8,9. It iswell there ismercyenough inGod to heal and cover all; and there is no less sufficiency in themeritoriouscauseofpardon,thebloodofJesusChrist,whichtakethawayall sin, 1 John 1:7. John. 1:29. And it must needs be so because of itsdivine blood, Acts 20:28. Neither is there any defect in the applyingcause,theSpiritofGod,whohathalreadybeguntoworkuponthyheart,andisabletobreakitandbowit,andbringithomefullytoChrist,andtocompletetheworkoffaithupontheewithpower.Thoucomplainest,thoucanstnotmournnorbelieveasthouwouldst;buthewantsnoabilitytosupplyallthedefectsofthyrepentanceandfaith.Wellthen,ifthemercyofGodbesufficienttopardonthesinofacreature;ifthebloodofChrist,thetreasuresandrevenuesofaking,beabletopaythedebtsofabeggar,iftheSpiritofGod,whoworksbyanAlmightypower,beabletoconvincethee of righteousness, aswell as sin, John 16:9. I say, if all these threecausesofforgivenessbesufficient,everyoneinitskind,thefirsttomove,the second to purchase, and the third to apply; what hinders but thytremblingconscienceshouldgotoChrist,andthydiscouragedsoulmoveonward with hope, in the way of believing, whatever thy formerenormities have been? (2.) If God raise glory to his name, out of thegreatnessof the sinshepardoneth, then the greatnessof sin canbeno

discouragementtobelieving;butsoGoddoth;heraiseththegloryofhisname from themultitudeandmagnitudeof the sinshepardoneth, Jer.33:8, 9. "Iwill cleanse them from all their iniquity,whereby they havesinned againstme; and will pardon their iniquities whereby they havesinned,andwherebytheyhavetransgressedagainstme;anditshallbetomeanameof joy, a praise and anhonourbefore all thenations of theearth,whichshallhearall thegoodIdounto them.Andtheyshall fearandtrembleforallthegoodness,andforalltheprosperitythatIprocureunto it."As a cureperformeduponaman labouringunder adesperatedisease; itmagnifies thephysician, and spreadshisname far andnear.ThedevilenviesGodthisglory,andthysoulthiscomfort;andthereforescares thee off from Christ, by the aggravations of thy sins. David waswilling togiveGod thegloryofpardoninghisgreat iniquities,andwiththat very argument moves him for a pardon, Psal. 25:11. "Pardon myiniquity, for it is great." You see there are strange ways of arguing inscripture,whicharenotinuseamongmen;thisisone,"Lord,pardonmysin,forit isgreat."Hedothnotsay,Lordpardonit,forit isbutasmalloffence; no, but pardon it because it is great; and the greater it is, thegreater glorywilt thouhave in pardoning it. And then there is anotherwayofarguingforpardoninthescripture,whichispeculiar;andthatis,to argue from former pardons unto new pardons.Whenmen beg theirpardononeofanother,theyusetosay,Ineverwrongedyoubefore,andtherefore forgive now; but here it is quite otherwise; Lord, thou hastsignedthousandsofpardonsheretofore,thereforepardonmeagain.Suchis that plea, Numb. 14:19. "Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of thispeople,accordingtothegreatnessofthymercy,andasthouhastforgiventhem fromEgypt even until now." (3.) As great sins as those that nowstare in the face of thy conscience, havebeen actually forgiven tomen,upon their humiliation and closing with Christ. Poor sinners, undertrouble of conscience, are apt to think there is no sin like theirs. Godforbid I should diminish and extenuate sin; but certain I am that freegracehathpardonedasgreatsinnersasthouart,upontheirrepentanceandfaith.Whatthinkyou,hadyouhadahandinputtingChristtodeath,would not that sin have been as dreadful as any that now discouragesyou? Yea, certainly you would have thought that an unpardonable sin;andyetbeholdthatverysinwasnobartotheirpardonwhenoncetheywereprickedattheirheart,andmadewillingtocometoChrist,Acts2:36,

37,38.(4.)IfitbethedesignandpolicyofSatantoobjectthegreatnessofyoursins,topreventthepardoningofthem;thencertainlyitisneitheryourdutynorinteresttopleadittothesameendthedevildoth,tosayaconfederacy, and join with your mortal enemy in a plot against thehonourofChrist, and salvationof yourown souls.Takeheedwhat youdo,sealnotSatan'sconclusions.Doyou think it isasmallmatter tobeconfederatewiththedevil?Certainlythisishisdesign,hemagnifiesyoursinsonpurposetodiscourageyoufromfaith.Whileyouweresecureandcarnal, thedevilneveraggravated,butdiminishedyoursins toyou;butnowtheLordhathopenedyoureyes,andyouarecomeneartothedoorofhope,mercy,andpardon,nowhemagnifies them,hoping thereby tolameandweakenthyfaith,thatitshallnotbeabletocarrytheetoChrist.(5.)Ifthysinbereallyunpardonable,thenGodhathsomewhereexceptedit in the gospel-grant. He hath somewhere said, The man that hathcommitted this sin, or continued so many years in sin, shall never beforgiven: but now in the whole gospel there is but one sin that isabsolutelyexceptedfromthepossibilityofpardon,andthatsuchasinasthy sorrowsanddesiresafterChristdo fullyacquitandclear thee fromtheguiltof.Thissinindeedisexcepted,Mat.12:31."ButthesinagainsttheHolyGhostshallneverbeforgiven."Thisisthatwhichthescripturecalls a sin unto death. Let apostate professors, transformed intopersecutors, scoffers, and haters of godliness, and the professors of it,look to themselves; the dreadful symptoms of this sin seem to appearuponsuch.Butthehumbled,thirstysoulafterChrist,standsclearoftheguilt of that sin. (6.) If there were no forgiveness with God for greatsinners,thengreatsinnershadneverbeeninvitedtocometoChrist.Theinvitations of the gospel are no mockeries, but things of most awfulsolemnity. Now such sinners are called and invited under theencouragementofapardon.ConsultIsa.1fromver.10to17andseethehorrid aggravations of thypeople's sins; and yet at ver. 17, 18 youmayread the gracious invitations of God, with conditional promises of aplenaryremission.SoinJer.3from1to13whatasadcatalogueofsins,withtheirhorridaggravations,doyoufindthere?andyetit issaid,ver.12."Goandproclaimthesewordstowardsthenorth,andsay,returnthoubackslidingIsrael,andIwillnotcausemineangertofalluponyou,forIam merciful." (7.) If thy sins had not been capable of remission, Godwould never have given thee conviction and compunction for sin, nor

havedrawnforththedesiresofthyheartinthismannerafterChrist.Hehath tacked remission to repentance, Acts 5:31 a blessing to graciousdesiresandhungerings,Mat.5:6Thereisthereforehope,thatwhenGodhath given thee one, he will not long with-hold the other. This verywounding of thy heart by compunction, and drawing forth thy will byinclination, shews that remission is not only possible, but even at thedoor.(8.)Andlastly,Letthisbethineencouragement,(whateverSatanorthine own heart suggests to discourage thee) that great sinners aremoving inthewayofrepentanceandfaithtoagreatSaviour,whohathmeritenoughinhisblood,andmercyenoughinhisbowels,tosavetotheuttermostallthatcomeuntoGodbyhim,Heb.7:25.TheLordopentotheeyesofyourfaiththatrichtreasuryoffree-grace,Exod.34:6,7andgiveyouasightofthatplenteousredemptionandforgivenessthatiswithGod,Psal. 130:4, 7 that you may not at once cast reproach upon the mostgloriousattributeofGod,impeachthepreciousbloodofChrist,andstabyourownsoulswithadeath-woundofdesperation;whichisthatthedevilintends,andthewholestrainofthegospel-designstoprevent.

Infor.3.Ifthevilestofsinnersstandasfairforpardonandmercy,upontheir closing with Christ by faith, as the least of sinners do: then,certainly, the pardon and salvation of sinners is not built upon anyrighteousness in themselves,butpurelyandonlyuponthe free-graceofGodinJesusChrist.DonotthinkGodhathsetthebloodofChristtosale,and that thoseonlyarecapableof thebenefitsof it,whohave lived thestrictestandsoberestlives.No;thoughsobriety,morality,andstrictnessinreligiousdutiesbethingscommandedandcommendedinthegospel;yetnomanbythesethingscanpurchaseapardonfortheleastsin,Rom.11:6."Andifbygrace,thenitisnomoreofworks,otherwisegraceisnomoregrace;butifitbeofworks,thenitisnomoregrace,otherwiseworkis nomore work." See how these exclude one another: thus Titus 3:5."Notbyworksofrighteousnesswhichwehavedone,butaccordingtohismercyhesavedus."NomancansatisfyGodbyanythinghehimselfcandoorsuffer;notbydoing, forallwedoismixedwithsin,Job14:4andthatwhichissinfulcanbenoatonementforsin.Allwedoorcando,isadebtduetoGod,Luke17:10andonedebtcannotsatisfyforanother.Noryet by suffering, for the sufferings awarded by the law are everlasting;andtobeeversatisfying isnever tosatisfy:so thenby theworksof the

law shall no flesh living be justified in his sight. The saints in allgenerations have fled to mercy for remission, Psal. 130 ult. The twodebtors, Luke 7:43, 44, 45 though there were a vast difference in thedebts;yetofthelesser,aswellasofthegreater,itissaidtheyhadnothingto pay.Nothing but the satisfaction ofChrist can quit your scoreswithGod.

Infor.4.IfthegraceofChristbethusfreetothegreatestofsinners,thenitisbothoursinandfollytostandofffromChrist,anddrawbackfrombelieving,forwantofsuchandsuchqualifications,whichweyetfindnotto bewrought in our hearts. Poor convinced souls think,O if they hadmorehumility, tenderness, love toGod, spiritualityofmind, thiswouldbe some encouragement to believe; but because they have no suchornamentstodressuptheirsoulswithal,theyarenotfittogotoChrist.Nowtoremovethisgreatmistake,lettwothingsbeconsidered.

1.Thatsuchaconceitasthiscrossestheverystreamofthecovenantofgrace,wherenothingissold,butallfreelygiven.Thisistheveryspiritofthecovenantofworks;fainwewouldfindsomethinginourselvestobringtoGod,toprocurehis favourandacceptance;butthegospel tellsuswemustcomenakedandempty-handed, tobe justified freelybyhisgrace,Rom.3:24.Wemustbe justifiedasAbrahamwas,whobelieved inhimthat justifieththeungodly;Rom.4:5."But tohimthatworkethnot,butbelieveth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted forrighteousness."Themeaningis,tohimthatworkethnotinalaw-sense,to procure pardon and acceptance by and for working. Go then, poorsinner,untoGodthroughChrist,andtellhimthouhastnothingtobringhim;thoucomestnottobring,buttoreceive:Lord,Iamavilesinner,Ihavenothingtopleadbutthymercy,andChrist'smerit.Thisisthespiritofthegospel.

2.Bystandingofffromfaith,forwantofthesequalifications,youinvertthe settled order of the gospel: by putting consequents in the place ofantecedents,andantecedentsintheplaceofconsequents.Itisasifamanshouldsay,ifIwerecuredofsuchandsuchdiseases,thenIwouldgotothe physician; alas, could you otherwise procure the healing of yourcorruptions,orthegraciousqualificationsyouspeakof,youwouldhavenoneedtogotoChristatall.Nothingisrequiredofusinourcomingto

Christ, but such a sense of, and sorrow for sin, as makes us heartilywillingtoacceptChrist,andsubscribethetermsonwhichheisofferedinthegospel.

Infor. 5. Behold the admirable condescension of Christ, that he wouldcomeintotheheartofthevilestsinner,andnotdisdaintotakehisabodeinthatsoulwhichhathbeentheseatofSatan,wherehehathruled,andeveryuncleanlusthathbeenharboured!

There are two things wherein the admirable condescension of Christappears. (1.) In taking union with our nature after sin had blasted thebeautyof it.Thiswasamarvellousstoop indeed,and justlyadmiredbytheapostle,Phil.2:7."Hemadehimselfofnoreputation,andwasmadein the likeness ofman." Yea, "God sent his own Son in the likeness ofsinful flesh," Rom. 8:3. But (2.) it is justly admirable in our eyes, thatChrist shouldalso takeunionwithourpersons,and takehishabitationandabode inourhearts, afterSatanandsinhad so long inhabitedanddefiledthem;thatheshouldacceptthosemembersasinstrumentsofhisservice;thatverytonguetopraisehimthathadblasphemedhim,&c.yetsoheiswillingtodo,andcommandsustodeliverthemuptohim,Rom.6:19."Asyehaveyieldedyourmembersservantstouncleanness,andtoiniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants torighteousness unto holiness." One would have thought Jesus Christshouldhavesaid,vilewretch,Satanhathhadtheuseandserviceof thysoulandbody,fromthebeginningtothisday;thymemoryhathbeenhisstore-house,thymouthhisshop,thywillhisthrone,andallthymembershis tools and instruments to sin againstme; thou hast been a creaturededicatedtoSatan,andtohimthoushaltgo.No;butthemercifulLorddeclares his willingness, if thou wilt open thy soul to receive him, tocleanse itbyhisSpirit,andmake ithis templetodwell in.Oadmirablegrace!

Infor. 6. Lastly, How just and inevitable will their damnation be, whoconsentnottothenecessaryandreasonabletermsofthegospel,whichistheonlypointonwhichChristandtheirsoulspartforever.

Thetermsrequiredbythegospelareeverywayequalandreasonable.Ifagraciousprincewillbestowapardonuponatraitor,uponthiscondition,

thathelaydownhisarms,acknowledgehisoffence,andlisthimselfintohisprince's service, andhe shall refuse so todo,how justandunpitiedwould his destruction be?Andwhat else dothGod require of thee, butonlythis?"Letthewickedforsakehisway,andtheunrighteousmanhisthoughts,andlethimreturnuntotheLord,andhewillhavemercyuponhim;andtoourGod,forhewillabundantlypardon,"Isa.55:7.Andasthedamnationofsuchisjust,soitwillbeinevitable;for,iftherebenowaytoglorybutbyChrist,asyouknowthereisnot,Acts4:12."Neitheristheresalvationinanyother."AndiftherebenowaytoChrist,butbyacceptinghimupontheseveryterms,asitplainlyappearsfromLuke14:26thereisnot;whatthenremainsbutinevitabledamnationtoallthatcomenotuptothetermsofthegospel?IfyouthinknotChristagoodbargain,withallthesufferings, losses,andreproachesthatattendhim,yourmouthswillbe stopped;nopleawill be left you in thegreatday.You refuseda fairoffer,whenitwasseasonablyandgraciouslymadeyoubythegospel,andnowyoumustexpectnomoresuchofferstoeternity.Thyblood,sinner,beuponthineownhead;thefreenessandimportunityofthetendersofgracewillthenonlyservetoillustrateandcleartherighteousnessofGodinthycondemnation.


Inthenextplace,thepointnaturallyleadsmetoavehementpersuasiveunto all sinners, ofwhat rank or size soever they be, to hearken to thevoice of Christ, who takes them all within the compass of his graciousinvitationinthetext,saying,Ifanymanopen,Iwillcomein.LetallsortsofsinnersblessGodfortheextensivenessofthisinvitation,andthattheyfindthemselvesbyit,asyet,withinthereachandcompassofthearmsofamercifulRedeemer; and that there is nothingwanting to secure theirsalvation, but the hearty consent of their wills to the reasonable andnecessarytermsofthegospel.LookoverthewholebookofGod,andyoushall there findbutonecaseabsolutelyexcepted from thepossibilityofforgiveness;butonewoundabsolutelyincurable,ofwhichChristspeaks,Mat.12:31,32.Andwhatmaybethereasonthatthisonlyisanincurablewound?Certainly it cannotbebecause themalignityof thissinexceedsthemeritoriousandpardoningvirtueof thebloodofChrist;but rather,because there is no sacrifice appointed by the Lord for it. God never

designedthatthebloodofChristshouldbeanexpiatorysacrificeforthatsin, as the apostle plainly speaks, Heb. 6:4, 5, 6, 7. All other sins andblasphemies shall be forgiven untomen, saith Christ; that is, they arecapableofforgiveness,uponsincereandactualrepentanceandfaith;yea,theyhavebeenactuallypardoneduntomany:nowthegreateranyman'ssinshavebeen,thegreaterneedhehathtohastentoChrist forpardon.Therearesomeofyougreatersinnersthanothers;forthoughnosinbevenial,lightandtrivialinitself,yetcomparedonewithanother,thereisavast difference found betwixt them in the weight and aggravations ofthem.Now,Iwill labourtoshewyoubywhatrulesmenaretoestimatethegreatnessandaggravationsofsin;andthen,toconvinceyouthatthegreatest of sinners stand yet fair for mercy as well as the lesser, andsometimesmuch fairer. "Publicans and harlots go into the kingdom ofGodbeforeyou,"saithChrist,Mat.22:31.Nowtherulestoestimatetheaggravationsandgreatnessofsinby,arethese:

1.Therebe sinsof infirmity, committedoutofweakness; and therearecryingsins in theearsof theLord.Of the formersort,sinsof infirmity,youread,Gal.6:1whereitiscalledabeingovertakeninafault.Hereisnopremeditation,nordeliberateconsent,butasurprize:thesegonottotheaccountofgrossandheinousenormities,calledinScripture,cryingsins,suchisthesinofoppression,Hab.2:10,11."Thestoneshallcryoutofthewall, and the beamout of the timber shall answer it." Themeaning is,that the injustice and oppressionwhichmenhave used in raising theirownhouses,shallcryintheearsoftheLordforvengeance.Thestoneinthewallshallsay,Iwasdiggedoutofthequarry,hewn,andlaidherebythe unrewarded labours of the poorMason; and the timber out of thebeamshallsay,Iwashewn,squared,andplacedherebytheunrewardedhands of the poor Carpenter. This is a crying sin; so also is the sin ofmurder, when our hands have been defiled with innocent blood. Thismakesadismalcrytoheaven;Gen.4:10."Thevoiceofthybrother'sbloodcriethuntomefromtheground."Asinthatmakesahorridoutcryinbothworldsatonce;inheaven,andinthesinner'sconscience.Suchalsoisthesin of unnatural lusts. The sin of Sodommade a crywhich cameup toheaven,Gen. 18:20. "Because the cryofSodomandGomorrah isgreat,and their sin is very grievous." Compare these sins with the sins ofcommoninfirmity,whichcomebywayofinvoluntarysurprise,andwhat

vastoddswillbefoundintheweightandaggravationsofthem?

2. You find in Scripture a great difference put betwixt sins committedagainst the clear shining light of knowledge in the sinner's conscience,andsinsofignorance,whicharecommittedforwantofknowledge.Christhimselfputsagreatdifferencebetwixtthem,Luke12:47,48andsodoththe apostle, James 4:17. "To him that knoweth to do good, and doth itnot,tohimitissin."Sinwithawitness!

3.Therearesingleactsofsin,andcontinuedorrepeatedactsofsin;sinscommittedafterconvictions,promises,andresolutions.Nowthereisnotso much of guilt in a single act of sin as there is in a repeated andcontinuedcourseofsin,called,Deut.29:19."Theaddingofdrunkennesstothirst;"andIsa.30:1."Addingsintosin."For,asitisinnumbering,soitisinsinning;ifthefirstfigurebe1,thesecondis10,thethird100,thefourth1000;andeveryadditionmakesagreatermultiplication.Owhatadreadfulreckoningwilltherebefortheconsciencesofpoorsinners!

4.ContriversandstudiersofsinarealwaysinScriptureplacedinthefirstrankofsinners.ThebestservantGodhathintheworldmaybesurprisedbythedeceitfulnessofsin,againstthegraciousbentandresolutionofhissoul; but the contrivance and plotting of sin is quite another thing;thereforeitissaidofthewicked,Job15:35."Theyconceivemischief,andbring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit." This sin, like thefœtusinthewomb,hathitstimeofconception,growth,andbirth;andallthisbythedeliberateconsentofthenaughtyheartandwill,whichfostersandcherishesit.

5.Therearering-leadersinsin,andsinglepersonalsins,whichspreadnofarther than ourselves: a ring-leader in sin, is in Scripture reckonedamongst the greatest sinners; so,Rev. 2:14. "Thouhast them that holdthe doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-blockbefore the children of Israel." Thus Jeroboam, the son of Nebat,madeIsrael to sin. There is the same difference betwixt these and singlepersonalsins,asthereisbetwixtachain-shot,andasinglebullet.Mindthis,youthathaveinducedotherstosinbyyourcounselorexample.

6. There are sins in which men glory and take pleasure; and sins for

whichmengroanandmourn.Now,themorepleasureanymantakesinsin,thegreaterdoththesinariseinitsaggravation.Wereadofsome,Job20:12. "In whose mouths wickedness is sweet, and they hide it undertheir tongue." That is, they draw a great deal of contemplative delightbeforeandafterthecommissionofsin,aswellasinthecommissionofit.Itisbadenoughtosinandsigh,tosinandweep;buttosinandboast,tosinandmakeamockofsin,whataprodigiouswayofsinningisthis!Osinner!whatahearthastthou,thatcanstplayandsportwiththatwhichgrieves God, crucified Christ, and which, without deep and soundrepentance,willdamnthineownsoul!

7.Themorebondsof restraint anymanbreaks asunder to commit sin,the greater andmore aggravated always that sin is in the sight ofGod.TherebesomepersonsuponwhomGodhathlaidmorerestraintstokeepback their souls from iniquity, than he hath upon others. The moremercies he hath bestowed upon you, the more restraints from sin. Somanymercies, somany ties, Jer. 2:5, 6 especially spiritualmercies; aslightinyourminds,pardonssealedtoyourconsciences,lovemanifestedto your souls. Such also are your ownvows, promises, and resolutions;Jer.2:20."Thousaidst,Iwillnomoretransgress.Didstnotthoupromiseme", saith God, more care and circumspection for time to come? Andsuch are all the examples and warnings God hath given us by hisjudgmentsuponothers,1Cor.10:11.Thesethingsputanaccentuponsin,andmakeitoutofmeasuresinful.

Andnowmyfriends,whathaveIbeendrivingatallthiswhile,inopeningthe greatness and aggravations of sin?Thedesign of all this is to shewyou the indispensable need of repentance, and faith, to carry you toChrist.

Object.ButIamthepersonuponwhomthesecryingaggravatedsinsarefound.YoutellmeofgoingtoChrist;alas!thereisnohopeofmercyforsuch a wretch as I am! There it sticks. Poor sinners think it is to nopurpose, they had as good go on in sin; for they conclude, there is nohopeforthem.

Answ.Comesinners,givemeleavetotellyou,youhaveatextbeforeyou,thatclearsthewayofyourdutyandsalvationatonce;Ifanyman,behe

whathewill,behissinsneversogreat,yetifhehearmyvoice,andopenthe door, I will come in to him, saith Christ. There is mercy in JesusChrist, for theewho art guilty of crying sins: for thee, that hast sinnedagainst light and knowledge: for thee, that hast added drunkenness tothirst; for thee, that hast contrived sinwith deliberation: for thee, thathastinducedotherstosinbycounselorexample:forthee,thathasttakenpleasureininiquity,andmadeasportofsin;yea,andfortheealso,thathastbrokenasunderthebondsofmercies,vowsandwarnings,providedthouwiltnowhear thevoiceofChrist, and thywill open tohimwithahearty firmconsent, Isa.55:4.Youaregreatandheinoussinners;but IshewthisdayagreatandAlmightySaviour,onethatisabletosavetotheuttermostallthatcomeuntoGodbyhim,Heb.7:25.Thereisasacrificelaidoutandappointed for thesesins.OblessGod for that! theyarenowhere excepted from the possibility of forgiveness. Nothing but theimpenitencyof thyheart,andobstinacyof thywill,canbar thee fromafullandfinalpardon.JESUSCHRISTcansavetheetotheuttermost.Saynot within thyself, Can the virtue of his blood extend itself to theremissionof thisor thatsin?Hecansave to theuttermost.Lookroundabout thee to theuttermosthorizonofall thyguilt,andChristcansavetheetotheuttermostthattheeyeofthyconsciencecandiscern,yea,andbeyond it too; but then thou must come unto him. You speak of thegreatnessofsin,andyouhavecausetohavesadthoughtsaboutit;but,inthemeantime,youconsidernot,thatyourunbelief,bywhichyoustandofffromChrist,youronlyremedy,iscertainlythegreatestofallthesinsthateveryoustoodguiltyofagainst theLord.This is thesin thatbindstheguiltofallyourothersinsuponyou.Letmethereforeaddressmyself,(1.)ToyouwhocryoutofthegreatnessofsinthatdiscouragesyoufromgoingtoChrist.(2.)Tolessersinners,whobecausetheyareclearofgreatenormities,seenottheirneedofChrist.

1. This exhortation speaketh to you,whose consciences are searedwiththehorridandhideousaggravationsofyoursins,byreasonwhereofyourown misgiving hearts, assisted by the policy of Satan, discourage youfromallattemptstogainChristandpardon,inthewayofrepentanceandfaith.Letme,atthistime,hintthreeorfourconsiderationstoyou,bywayofencouragement.

(1.) The sparing goodness ofGod, till now, gives some encouragement,thatGodmayhave a reserve ofmercy for so great and vile a sinner asthou art. Owhat amercy is it, that thy life hath been spared hitherto!Manyofthycompanionsinsinarebeyondhopeandmercy,whilstthouartleft.Iconfess,thisisnosuresignofGod'sgraciousintentiontothee,unlesshisgoodnessandforbearancedoleadtheetorepentance:ThenthegraciousintentionofGod,inprolongingthylife,wouldevidentlyappear.But, however, it is in itself a very greatmercy; because, without it, nospiritualmercycouldbeexpected.

(2.)Itismatterofencouragementandhope,thatthoughyourdiseasebedreadful,yetitisnotdesperateandincurable.Thetexttakesitwithinthecompassofmercy:OblessGodforthat,Ifanyman,&c.

(3.)Asgreatsinnersasyouhavebeenhavefoundmercy,1Tim.1:16andGod would have it to be recorded for your encouragement. If now theLordshallmakethyhearttobreak,andthywilltobow,whateverthysinshavebeen,theyshallnotbartheefrommercyandforgiveness.Butifthouresolvetogooninsin,orsitdowndespondingordiscouraged,andwiltnot come in at the invitation and call of Christ, then thy wound isincurable indeed; and there is but one way with thee, thy mittimus isalready made for hell; and that scripture in 1 Cor. 6:9 will tell theewhither thou art going.ButGod forbid that this should be the issue ofChrist's gracious invitations to thee, and forbearance of thee. Seeingmercy is tendered to any man that will accept it upon Christ's terms,excludenotthyselfwhenhehathnotexcludedthee.

2.Iwillcloseupthisuseofexhortationtoanothersortofpersons,whoarenotofthenotorious,infamousrankofprofanesinners,buttheirliveshavebeendrawnmoresmoothlythroughacourseofcivility.Thesehaveasgreatneedtobepressedtorepentanceandfaith,asthemostnotorioussinnersintheworld.Theseareagenerationthatblessthemselvesintheirowneyes,andthankGodwiththePharisee,Luke18:11.Theyare"notasothermen."Theyacknowledgeconversiontobethedutyoftheprofane;thatsuchsinnersasIlastdealtwithstandinapparentneedofit.But,asforthemselves,theyscarceknowwheretofindmatterforrepentance;nordo they feel any need of Christ. Now, I would lay three considerationsbefore such persons, to convince them that their case is as sad and

hazardous,yea,andinsomerespect,morehazardousthanthestateofthemost notorious sinners in theworld; and that a changemust also passuponthem,orelseithadbeengoodforthemtheyhadneverbeenborn.

Considerations

Consideration1.Letthecivilizedpartoftheworldlaythisthoughtcloseto their hearts, That, though their sins be not so gross and horrid toappearance as other men's are, yet, continued in, they will prove asmortal anddestructiveas thosegreaterabominationsofothermen.Nosin, absolutely considered, is small. Every sin is mortal and damningwithoutChrist,Rom.6ult.Thewagesofsinisdeath.Itisnogreatodds,if a man be killed, whether it were by a broad sword, or by a smallpenknife. The least sin violates the whole law, James 2:10. "He thatoffendethinonepoint,isguiltyofall."Theleasttransgressionofthelawpullsdowntheguiltandcurseof thewhole lawuponthesinner'shead.Andthis isyourmisery, thatyouareoutofChrist,andstandundertherigoroustermsofthefirstcovenant.Moreover,thelawofGodisviolatedgrossly and externally; or spiritually, and more internally. Thus everyunchastethoughtisadultery:Andtheveryinwardburningofmaliceandanger in the heart ismurder.Now, if the Lord shall bring the spiritualsenseofthelawhometoyourconsciences,ashedidtoPaul's,Rom.7:9youwill certainly give up that plea, and youhavenot somuchneed ofconversionasother sinnershave.Thereare sinsof greater infamy, andsinsofdeeperguilt.Theremaybemoreguiltinthosesinsthatarestifledinthyheart,andneverdefamedthee,thantheremaybeinsomesinsthatmakealoudernoiseintheword.

Consid.2.Youareguiltyofonesin(howcivilandblamelesssoeveryourlivesare)whichiscertainlymoregreatandheinousthananyoutwardactof sin can ordinarily be, and that is, your trusting to your ownrighteousness, as the Pharisees did, Luke 18:9. "He spake this parableunto certainwhich trusted in themselves that theywere righteous, anddespisedothers."HereisanidolofjealousysetupintheroomofChrist.Itistrue,thissinmakesnotsoloudanoiseintheworld,raisesnotsuchadustas thesinsofprofaneonesdo.Butcertainly it isasabominable intheeyesofGodas thesins thatstinksomuch in thenostrilsofnature.Civilizedpersons,thustrustingtotheirowncivility,andneglectingJesus

Christ,will be one day put into the van of thatwretched crew that aregoingtohell;aportionwithunbelievers,asthescripturespeaks.

Consid. 3. Lastly, it hath been always found a more rare and difficultthingtoconvinceandbringhometoChristthecivilizedpartoftheworld,thanitistoconvinceandworkupontheprofanepartofit,Matth.21:31."PublicansandharlotsgointothekingdomofGodbeforeyou."Publicanswere reckoned the vilest sort of men, and harlots the worst sort ofwomen:yet,eitherofthesewereeasiertobebroughttoChristthanself-righteous Pharisees. Well then, away with your own vain and idlepretensions,thatyourcaseissaferandbetterthanothers.Bywhathathbeensaid,itevidentlyappears,thatyoustandinasmuchneedofChristasthemostinfamoussinnersintheworlddo.

III.Use

Thispointwindsupinencouragementtoeverywillingandobedientsoul,whom the Lord shall persuade to comply with the call of the gospel,whateverhis formerrebellionshavebeen.TherearesomewhoseheartstheLordhathtouchedwithadeepsenseoftheirsinandmisery,andofthe all-sufficient remedy that is in Christ; but the sense of formerrebellionsappalsanddauntsthem;theycannothopeforanyacceptancewith him.Here is good news for such souls; Christ is at the door, andformer rebellions are no bar to him, provided there be now a heartycompliance with his voice; I will come unto him. A glorious promise,comprising five inestimable benefits and mercies in it. (1.) This is themost glorious work of God that ever was, or can be wrought upon theheartofapoorsinner,toopenitbyrepentanceandfaith,andputChristinto the full possession of it. The power of all the angels in heaven,ministersonearth,dutiesandordinances,cannoteffect this; this is thepeculiarwork of God, 1 Cor. 1:30. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus."Look, as it were themarvellous work of God to unite our nature untoChrist,byanhypostaticalunion;soitisnolessamarvellousworkofGodtouniteourpersonstoChristbyamysticalunion,topreparethesoulasahabitationforChrist,andgivehimthepossessionofit.(2.)ThiscomingofChrist into the soul is thevery foundationof all ourhopes forglory;until this be done, we are without hope. But in the same hour Christcomesintothesoul,asolidfoundationofthehopesofgloryislaidinthat

soul, Col. 1:27 "which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." I know theunregenerate world is full of hope; but their hopes are built upon thesand.UnionwithChrist is thesteady foundationonwhichthehopesofheavenarelaid.(3.)Iwillcomeuntohim;thatis,todwellinhissoulforever,nevertoleavehimmore;therefore(Eph.3:17)heissaidtodwellinour hearts by faith; not sojourn for a night, but abide there for ever.Nothing can separate Christ and that soul, Rom. 8:35. Thy soul shallnever be an habitation for Satan anymore.When Christ comes in, hesaith,asofthetemple,"HerewillIdwellforever."(4.)ThiscominginofChrist entitles the soul to all spiritual privileges, 1 John 5:12. "He thathaththeSon,hathlife:"and,1Cor.3ult."Allisyours,foryeareChrist's."(5.)This isthehighesthonourthateverGodputuponacreature,Iwillcome in tohim.O,howshould the soul feel itself advancedby suchanhonourasthis!What,tobethelivingtempleofJesusChrist!forChristtodwell,andwalkinthysoul!asitis2Cor.6:16.Itellyou,thisisanhonourbeyondandabovethehonourdonetoangels.

And,hownearartthoutoalltheseblessedprivilegesinthedaythatthyheart is wounded for sin! Thy thoughts become solicitous about unionwithChrist,andthywillbeginstobowandyieldafteraseriousdebateofthetermsofthegospelinthymostsolemnthoughts.Nowisthedoorhalfopen,andChristreadytomakehisfirstentranceintothysoul.Godforbidanythingshouldnowhinderthecompletingofsogreatwork.

SERMONVIII-REVEL.3:20

Behold,Istandatthedoor,andknock;[ifanymanhearmyvoice,]andopenthedoor,Iwillcomeintohim,andwillsupwithhim,andhewithme.

IN the former sermons, Christ's free and general invitation to sinnershathbeenconsidered;inthenextplacewearetotakeintoconsiderationthe principal means or instrument by which the heart of a sinner isopenedtoreceiveChrist;andthatisnotbythenativepowerofhisownwill,notbythealoneefficacyofthegospelpreached,butbythevoiceof

Jesus Christ, which opens the will, and makes the persuasions of thegospeleffectual.Ifanyman,hearmyvoice.

Hearingiseitherexternalorinternal;forthesoulhathitsear,aswellasthebody."Hethathathanear,lethimhearwhattheSpiritsaithuntothechurches,"Rev.2:17i.e.HethathathaspiritualeartoperceiveandjudgethevoiceoftheSpiritby.AnditisasorejudgmentwhenGoddeniessuchan ear to the soul, Isa. 6:9. "Go tell this people, hear ye indeed, butunderstand not." Spiritual hearing is the work of the inner man. Andthoughwehavemanyauditors,yet, inthissense,nomorehearersthanbelievers.Wordsofsensedoinscriptureconnoteaffections.ThishearingofChrist'svoiceimpliesnotonlythereceivingofthesoundofthegospelintotheexternalorgan;butitnotestheworkoftheunderstanding,whichby the ear triethwords, as themouth tastethmeat, Job 12:11. And theworkof theaffections,which receive the truth in love,2Thess.2:10. Italsoimpliestheobedienceofthesoultowhatwehear.Wecannotbesaid,inthissense,tohearwhatweobeynot.Ourmindsmaybedelightedwiththepleasant air andmelodyof the gospel, and yet it is all one as ifwehearditnot,whenobediencedothnotfollowhearing,Ezek.33:32."Thouartuntothemaverylovelysong,&c.fortheyhearthywords,buttheydothem not." But in this place it especially signifies the vital sound ofChrist'sefficaciousinternalvoice,whichistheprincipleofspirituallifetothe souls of dead sinners; according to that expression of Christ, John5:25."Verily,verilyIsayuntoyou,thehouriscoming,andnowis,whenthedeadshallhearthevoiceoftheSonofGod,andtheythathearshalllive."

FromhencetheeighthObservationwillbethis,

Doct. 8. That no man's will savingly and effectually opens to receiveChrist,untilthespiritualquickeningvoiceofChristbefirstheardbythesoul.

Now,touchingthisalmightyspiritualvoiceofChrist,bywhichtheheartsofsinnersareeffectuallyopened,sixthingsmustbeexplainedinorder.

1.ThediverssortsandkindsofChrist'svoices.

2.Thegeneralnatureofthisinternalvoice.

3.Theinnatecharactersandspecialpropertiesofit.

4.Theobjectstowhomitisdirected.

5.ThemotivesinducingChristtospeaktoone,andnottoanother.

6.Thespecialeffectswroughtandsealedbyituponeverysoulthathearsit.

First,WewillspeakofthediverssortsandkindsofChrist'svoices.Iamhereonlyconcernedabouttwo,viz.

1.Hisexternal.

2.Hisinternalvoice.

1.ThereisanexternalvoiceofChrist,whichwemaycallhisministerialvoice in the preaching of the gospel. The scriptures are his word, andministershismouth,Jer.15:19.Hethatheareththem,hearethChrist.

2.There isalsoan internalenergeticalvoiceofChrist, consistingnot insound, but power: and betwixt these two, there are two remarkabledifferences.(1.)TheexternalorministerialvoiceofChristisbuttheorganorinstrumentofconveyinghisinternalandefficaciousvoicetothesoul;in the formerhespeaks to theear,and inorby thatsoundconveyshisspiritualvoicetotheheart.(2.)Theexternalvoiceisevermoreineffectualandsuccessless,whenitisnotanimatedbythatinternalspiritualvoice.Itwasmarvellous to see the walls of Jericho falling to the ground at thesound of rams-horns; there was certainly more than the force of anexternalblasttoproducesuchaneffect;butmoremarvellousitis,toseeatthesoundofthegospel,notonlytheweaponsofiniquityfallingoutofsinner'shands,buttheveryenmityitselfoutoftheirhearts.Hereyouseeis a voice ina voice, an internal efficacy in the external sound;withoutwhichthegospelmakesnosavingimpression.

Secondly,ThisspiritualvoiceofChristmustbeconsideredinitsgeneralnature,whichimpliestwothingsinit:

1.Almightyefficacy.

2.Greatfacility.

1.Almightyefficacy,toquickenandopentheheartwithaword;Owhatmannerofvoiceisthis,whichcarriessuchavitalpoweralongwithit!InallthemightyworksofChrist,hispowerwasstillputforthinsomevoice,asattheresurrectionofLazarus,John11:43."Hecriedwithaloudvoice,Lazaruscomeforth;andhethatwasdeadcameforth."Soincuringthedeafman,Mark 7:34. "He saith unto him,Ephphatha, and straightwayhis cars were opened." Thus, in the exerting of his Almighty gloriouspower inquickeninga soul spirituallydead,andopening theheart thatwas lockt up by ignorance and unbelief; an internal almighty efficacypasseth from Christ, along with the voice of the gospel, to effect thisgloriousworkuponthesoul:anemblemwhereofwehaveinEzek.37:9,10. "Then said he unto me, prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son ofman,unto thewind, saith theLordGod;Come from the fourwinds,Obreath,andbreatheupontheseslain,thattheymaylive.SoIprophesiedashecommandedme,andthebreathcameintothem,andtheylived,andstoodupupontheir feet,anexceedinggreatarmy."Theanimatingvitalbreath which quickened the dead, came in, or with the four winds ofheaven, as this almighty power of Christ doth with the sound of thegospel;andbeforeittheheartopens,thewillbows,Psal.110:3.Mancanno longer oppose the power of God; man and man stand upon equalground; thepowerofmancanrepel thepowerofa fellow-creature;butwhenthepowerofChristcomesalongwiththevoiceofman,thereisnomorepowertoresist.*ThisvoiceofChristthen,ofwhichthetextspeaks,isanalmighty impressionmadeuponthesoulofasinner fromheaven,which is to thatsoul insteadofavoice;andas fullyexpressiveofGod'smind concerning it, as any articulate voice in theworld can be. It is abeam of light shining immediately from the Spirit, into the soul of asinner;asplainlyandevidentlydiscoveringbothitsdangerandduty,asifavoicefromheavenhaddeclaredthem.Thusitissaid,Isa.8:11.TheLordspaketoIsaiahwithastronghand,thatis,byamightyimpressionupontheprophet'sspirit,whichwasasavoicetohim.Thushere,theLordnotonlydirectsasuitablewordtoasinner'scondition;butalsoimpressesitwithsuchastronghanduponhisheart,asleavesnodoubtbehindit,but

thatitwastheLordhimselfthatspaketohissoul.ThisisChrist'swayofspeaking by his spirit, to the inner spiritual ear of the soul; not byoraculous voices, which I take to be but the suppositions of anovertroubled fancy;butbyanefficacious impressionupontheheart.Astooraculousvoices,wemaysoonermeetsatanicaldelusions,thandivineilluminations in that way. The learned Gerson speaks of a good man,who,beinginprayer,seemedtohearsuchavoiceasthis;Iamcomeinperson to visit thee, for thou art worthy. But he justly suspecting adelusionofSatan,shuthiseyesandsaid,NolohicvidereChristum,&c.'IwillnotseeChristhere,itshallsufficemetoseehiminglory.'IamsureChrist'svoiceinthewrittenwordismoresurethanavoicefromheaven,2Pet.1:19.ThisinwardspiritualimpressionisChrist'seffectualcallfromheaven; and it is a voice sine strepitu syllabarum, without sound orsyllable.

2.As thisvoiceofChrist impliesalmightyefficacy, so it implies, in likemanner,thefacilityofconversionuntoChrist;hecandoiteasilywithawordofhismouth:Asinthebodilycuresperformedbyhiminthedaysofhisflesh,howsuddenlyandeasilydidChristeffectthem?Speakthewordonly, said the Centurion, andmy servant shall be healed. Thus, let theSpiritbutspeakinternallytothedeadestsoul,anditlives.Elijahdidbutcast his mantle upon Elisha, as he was plowing in the field, and hepresentlyintreatstheprophettogivehimleavetogohome,andbidhisfriends farewel,andhewould followhim:Thus it ishere; letabeamofsaving light shine from the Spirit into a man's heart; let an effectualimpressionbemadeuponhis soul, andhe is presentlymadewilling toquit and give up his dearest lusts and interests, and to embrace Christupontheseveresttermsofthegospel.Conversionistoodifficultaworkforangelsormentoeffectintheirownstrength;butChristcandoitwithaword.AndthusmuchofthegeneralnatureofChrist'sspiritualinternalvoice; but all this gives us but a remote imperfect knowledge of it:Therefore,

Thirdly, I shall endeavour to open the innate characters and specialpropertiesofthisinternalspiritualvoiceofChrist,whichmustbeheard,ortherecanbenoopeningthedoorofthehearttoreceivehim.

Characters

I.Character.Andthefirstcharacteristhis;itisasecretandastillvoice,whereby somewhat is, as it were, whispered into the ear of the soul,makingaparticular applicationofwhat is spokenexternally to the ear,much like that of Nathan to David, Thou art the man. This still voicesounds throughout the whole soul, yet none hear it but the soulconcernedinit;itissaid,1Sam.9:15."TheLordtoldSamuelinhisear,thenightbefore,"&c. that is,hewhisperedthesecret intotheprophet'smind: So the Spirit of Christwhispers aword into the ear of a sinner,whichmakeshishearttotremble,afterthismanner,Thisisthyverystateandcondition;thisisthysin,whichisnowopenedbythegospelinthineears. This is a voice without sound or noise to any others, but veryintelligibletothesouluntowhomitisspoken.Youreadin1Kings19:11,12 when Elijah stood upon the mount before the Lord, there came "agreatandstrongwind,whichrentthemountains,andbrakeinpiecestherocks before the Lord, but the Lordwas not in thewind; and after thewindanearthquake,but theLordwasnot in the earthquake; andaftertheearthquakeafire,buttheLordwasnotinthefire;andafterthefireastillsmallvoice:Anditwasso,whenElijahheardit,thathowrappedhisface in his mantle," &c. So it is here; dreadful things are thunderedagainstmen by the voice of the law, the terrors of the Lord aremadeknown,hell anddamnationare setbefore theeyesof sinners;butuntiltheLordcomeinthestillvoiceofhisSpirit,andapplythosethingstotheconscience, the sinnernever covershis facewith shameand confusion,norgoesasidetomournandlamenthismisery.ThisvoiceofGodsoundstotheverycentreofthesoul.Asfortheoutwardvoiceofthegospelalone,itsignifieslittle;inhearing,menhearnot,Mat.13:13.Theyhearthevoiceofman,butnot thevoiceofGod:Theyhear thesound,but feelnot thepoweroftheword.Whatisspokenexternally,diesintheearthathearsit:But this still voiceof theSpirit by secretpassagesmakes itsway to theheart,andnoneknowswhatGodspeaksbutthesoultowhomhespeaks.Thatisthefirstcharacter.

II. Character. The internal spiritual voice of Christ is a personal andparticularvoice,speakingdistinctlyandparticularlytothecaseandstateof the soul, as if it were by name. Ministers do, and must speak ingeneral; they draw the bow of the gospel at a venture, not knowing to

whomGodwilldirectthearrow;buttheSpiritguidesittothemark.Heappliesgeneraltruthsuntoparticularpersons,soasthesoul,towhomhedirectsit,isfullyconvincedandsatisfiedtheLordintendsandmeansit,insuchaconvictiveandthreateningexpression.Oh,saiththesoul,haththeLordsingledmeout in special?This ismyvery stateandcase.Youread,John10:5thatChristcallethhissheepbyname.Howdothhecallthem by name? But by speaking directly and particularly to theircondition and case, as if he called them by their particular names. Hedothnotnowinanextraordinaryway,asofold,callSamuel,Samuel;orSaul,Saul;buthesendsabeamofconvincing light intotheconscience,plainlydiscoveringthisorthattobeoursin,danger,orduty;andsoastotheeffect, it isalloneasifGodnamedhim:Andtruly,until itcomestothis, thewordhathnosavingoperationuponthesoul.Amanmayheartenthousandgeneraltruths,assenttothem,andneverbethebetterforthem.HowstillandquietwasDavid'sconscience,untilNathanstruckthenail upon the head, by a home personal application, and then hisconscience startled? Thus God singles out one man or woman fromamonga thousand in the congregation, speaks to theheart, ripsup thesecure conscience; the rest hear the samewords, but feel not the sameefficacy. And truly, it is a choicemercy when God shall please thus tosingleoutoneperson fromamongmany, after thismanner to speak tohisheart.AsChristsaidinLuke4:25,26."ManywidowswereinIsraelinthe days. of Elias, &c. but to none of them was Elias sent, save untoSarepta a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow." So here,multitudessatwithyouunderthesameprayerorsermon,butuntononeofthem,atthattime,wastheSpiritsent,tomakeaparticularconvictiveapplication thereof,butunto thee. In this thepeculiargoodnessofGodshinesout,andshouldforeverbeadmiredintheeyesofthatsoul.

III.Character.Thisspiritual,internalvoiceofChristisdistinguishablebythe soul thathears it fromallothervoices;John10:4."Thesheepknowhisvoice."Asinthestileofthescriptures,thereisaweightandmajestywhich distinguishes it from all human composures; so in this voice ofChrist, there is a majesty, a peculiar efficacy, a Divine and awfulauthority,bywhichthesouldistinguishesitfromallhumanvoices.ItwassaidofChrist inthedaysofhisflesh,John7:46."Nevermanspakelikethis man." The samemay we say of his spiritual voice, the soul never

heardsuchavoicebefore;itsealsthetruthupontheheartsofirmly,thatnoobjectionsareleftagainstit.Itwasnotsowhenheheardthevoiceofman. And there are two things in this inward voice of Christ, whichapparently difference it from all human voices. (1.) A marvellous lightcomes into thesoulwith it,whichdiscoversall the secretsof theheart.Godshinesintotheheartthesametimehespeaksuntoit,2Cor.4:6andnowthesecretoftheheartsaremanifest,andGodisacknowledgedtobeinthatwordoftruth,1Cor.14:25.(2.)Amarvellouspoweraccompanieththisvoice, tomakeadeepand firm impressionofwhat is spokenuponthe soul: and this power is an innate character of the voice of God,wherebythesoulreceives itashis,withmuchassurance,as theapostlespeaks,1Thes.1:5."Ourgospelcamenottoyouinwordonly,butalsoinpower,andintheHolyGhost,andinmuchassurance."Theycouldnotbemorecertainofanythingintheworld,thantheywereofthis,thatitwastheLordthatspaketotheminthatword.Itistrue,atthefirstinstant,thesoulmaybeamazedandataloss,asPeterwhenhewasdeliveredoutofprison,Acts12:11thoughtatfirsthehadseenavision;butwhenhewascome tohimself, "Now, (saidhe) Iknowof a surety that theLordhathsenthisangel,"&c.Thusitiswiththesoul,itisamazed,anddoubtswhatmannerofcallorpowerthisis,sureitis,itneverheardsuchavoice,norneverfeltanythinglikethisbefore.Butthematterisquicklyclearedup,whenthesoulhathreflecteddulyuponit,andfinds(as itquicklydoth)suchawonderfulchangeoftheframeandtemperoftheheartfollowinguponit.Inowspeaknotofthoseintowhomgraceisdistilledinthewayof godly education in their tender years, but of adult persons, andespeciallysuchashavebeengrossersinners.

IV.Character.ThisspiritualinternalvoiceofChristisasurprisingvoice,altogetherunexpectedbythesoulthathearsit;"Iamfoundofthemthatsoughtmenot,"Isa.65:1.LittledoweforeseethedesignsGodhathuponus inbringingus to suchaplace, andunder sucha sermon, at suchorsuch a time; even as little as Saul thought of a kingdomwhen he wasseekinghis father'sasses. It ismuchwithusas itwaswith theapostleswhen Christ called them; little did Matthew think when he sat at thereceiptof custom,orSaul thinkwhenpostinguntoDamascusupon thedevil's errand, that Christ and salvation had then been so near them.Somehavecometoscoffandderide themessengersand truthsofGod;

others to gratify their curiosity; and many in a customary course, notknowingwhereelse,withpeacetothemselvesorreputationwithothers,tospendthathour.ButGod'sthoughtswerenottheirs;thetimeofmercywasnowcomeandwhateversinfulorlowendsbroughtthemthither,theLord'sdesignwasthenandtheretomanifesthimselftothem.It iswithsuchsouls,insomerespect,asitwaswiththespouse,Cant.6:12towhoseexpressionImayhereallude,"OreverIwasaware,mysoulmademeasthechariotsofAbinadab."Iwenttothecongregationforcompany,Iwassittingunderthewordwithacarelesswanderingheart,asatothertimes;whenlo,aboveall thethoughtsofmyheart,anarrowofconvictionwassuddenly shot into my conscience, which startled, wounded, anddisquietedit,asit isnowbeyondthepowerofanybutChristhimselftosettleandsatisfyit.

V. Character. This spiritual internal voice of Christ is energetical, greatandmighty in power; piercing the heart, cleaving, as it were, the veryreins; full of efficacy to the soul thathears it.ThepowerofGod comesalongwith this voiceofGod.You read,Heb.4:12. "ThewordofGod isquick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword; piercingeven to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, of the joints andmarrow."

Nowthisefficacyisnotinherentintheworditself,itworksnotthusasanaturalagent;thenallwouldfeelthispower,thatcomeswithinthesoundofit.No,thiscomesfromtheSpiritofChrist,speakinginittothesinner'sconscience;when it is the administrationof theSpirit, then it becomesthusefficacious.YoureadinPsal.29fromver.3to10ofthewonderfulefficacyofGod'sprovidential voice; "The voiceof theLord ispowerful;thevoiceof theLord is fullofmajesty; itbreaks thecedars,divides theflamesoffire,shakesthewilderness,makeththehindstocalve."ThistheprovidentialvoiceofGod,inthewinds,thunders,andlightnings,cando;but, alas!what is this to the efficacy of his spiritual voice?What is thebreaking of the cedars of Lebanon to the breaking of the heart of asinner?Whatistheshakingofthetreesinthewildernesstothefearsofwrath to come, which shake the souls of convinced sinners, andmaketheir very hearts to tremble? Acts 16:30. What is the dividing of theflames of fire, to the dividing of a soul from its beloved lusts? "The

weaponsofourwarfare(saiththeapostle)aremightythroughGod,tothepullingdownofstrongholds,castingdownimaginations,andeveryhighthingthatexaltethitselfagainsttheknowledgeofGod,andbringingintocaptivityeverythoughttotheobedienceofChrist,"2Cor.10:4,5.Herebethe glorious effects of this voice, which plainly discover from whom itcomes.ThevoiceofGodisnolesstobeadmiredinitsmagnificenteffectsin the new creation, than in the first creation, with which the apostlecompares it,2Cor.4:6. "God thatcommanded the light toshineoutofdarkness,hath shined intoourhearts." Itwasmarvellous to see, at thewordofChrist,Lazarus,thatwasdeadinhisgrave,tocomeforthboundinhis graveclothes; andno less to see a soul dead in sin, bound in thebonds of corruption, at a word of Christ, to arise and come forthwithspirituallife;John5:25."ThedeadshallhearthevoiceoftheSonofGod;andtheythathearitshalllive."

VI. Character. This spiritual voice of Christ is so convictive to theconscienceofasinner,thatitputsafinalendtoallshiftsandevasions:Whilstmanonlyspake,thesoulhadathousandshiftstoevadeandputoffwhatwasspoken;butnowalldisputesanddebatesareatanend;nomoresubterfugesandcunningevasionsnow.TheSpiritwhenhecometh,"he shall convince the world of sin," John 16:8. The word signifies toconvincebydemonstration;andthatis,toshewathingimpossibletobeotherwisethanwerepresentittobe.Formerly,whentheterrorsofGodwere threatened against sin, the shuffling heart was wont to say, thisconcernsmenomorethananother;ifitgoillwithme,itwillgoillwiththousands aswell asme. It is true, this ismy evil, andwho iswithoutthem? I have some evils inme, but yet I have some good too. But nosooner doth the Spirit speak conviction to the conscience, but all thesepleas are out of doors. It may be, the state of the sinner's soul wasdoubtfultohimbefore;butitisnotsonow:Ithadsomefearsofhell,butbalancedwithsomevainhopesofheaven:Butnowthedebateisended,thegreatquestiondetermined.WhateverIam,orhave;WhateverdutiesI have done, and whatsoever sins I have avoided, I see I am notregenerated,Iaminmynaturalchristlessstate;andexceptIbechanged,Imust bedamned.Thiswas the effect ofChrist's convictive voiceuntoPaul, Rom. 7:9. "I was alive without the law once, but when thecommandmentcame,sinrevived,andIdied."Hehadreadthelawmany

a time, and had the literal knowledge of it: But under these things hisvainhopeslivedandflourished,untilthespiritualsenseofthelawcamehometohisheart,by the teachingvoiceof theSpirit,andthenhisvainhopes gaveup the ghost, andhis sin and guilt stared in the face of hisconscience.

VII. Character. The voice of Christ whereof we now speak, is generallyandordinarilyconveyedtothesoulsofmenthroughthewordpreached,which is the chosen organ or instrument of its conveyance.We cannotabsolutely and universally affirm thatChrist always speaks tomen thisWay:butcertainly this ishis standingandordinarycourse; 1Thes. 1:5."Ourgospelcamenottoyouinwordonly,butinpower,andintheHolyGhost."Ourgospel,becausepreachedandministeredbyus;buthadthatbeenall, ithadcome toyou inwordonly, as itdoth tomany thousandothers in theworld,whohear and feel nothing in itmore thanwhat ishuman;Butuntoyouitcameinpower,andintheHolyGhost;thatis,ourwordswere the vehicle andorgan throughwhich the vitalpowerof theSpiritwasconveyedintoyoursouls.Providenceshavetheirvoicesaswellas the word; and sometimes the voice of Christ hath accompanied thevoice of Providence, to the conversion ofmen's souls; but this ismorerareandunusual:TheestablishedandordinarywayofChrist'sspeakingtotheheartsofsinners,isbytheword,andespeciallythewordpreached,which upon that very account and consideration, as it is the organ ofconveyingthevoiceandpowerofChristtothesoul,isthereforecalledthepower of "God to salvation," Rom. 1:16. This instrument the Lordgenerally uses andhonours for the conveyance of spiritual life into thesouls ofmen, though it be despised and contemned in theworld. "Thepreaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto uswhich are saved, it is the power of God," 1 Cor. 1:18 i.e. the choseninstrumentbywhichthesavingpowerofGodcommunicatesitselftothesouls of men: And although God may exert his saving power throughprovidences,yetweseldomorneverfindhedothsowherethewordmaybehad,butisdespisedandneglected.AndtrulyhereinGodconsultsour-peace and satisfaction; for, suppose he should make use of anothermedium,asavoicefromheaven,&c.andaftercalling(whichisanusualcase)thecalledsoulshouldquestionall,andsay,howdoIknowbutallthismaybeadelusion?MaynotSatan imposeuponpoormortals, and

thisvoicefromheavenbeacounterfeitvoice?Myeternalestatedependsuponit,andIhadneedtobesureitwastheveryvoiceofGodhimself.Insuch a case as this, it would be hard to give such clear distinguishingcharacters as might be to the satisfaction of the soul, and clearlydifferenceone from theother.Butnow,whenGodmakes thewordhisinstrument in this matter, it yields abundantly more satisfaction; "Wehaveamoresurewordofprophecy,"surer thanavoice fromheaven,2Pet.1:19.AndthoughPaulwasconvertedbyavoicefromheaven,yettheLord sendshim toAnanias to preach the gospel to him,Acts 9:17. TheLordwillhonourhisword.Providencemaymakeway,andprepare theheart; but theword is the instrument bywhich theLordputs forthhispowerordinarilytosalvation.

VIII. Character. The voice of Christ leaves abiding effects and lastingimpressionsuponthesoulthathearsit.Thewordsofmenarescatteredinto the wind, but the effects of Christ's voice are durable and lastingthings; Psal. 119:93. "I will never forget thy word, for by it thou hastquickened me." How many hundred sermons have we heard, and allthose excellent truths vanished away as a dream?Oh, but if ever thouheardstChristspeakingtothyheartinanysermon,orprayer,tobesurethat will stick by thee for ever; his words are sealed upon the soul forever; they are written in the heart, Jer. 31:33. What Job wished,concerning his word, that is really performed in the words of Christ,"They arewritten as in the rock for ever."Wehave slipperymemories,buttheweakestmemorywill,andmustretainthewordsofChrist,spokento the heart by his Spirit; for they are sealed upon it. Job 32:16. "Hesealeth their instructions;" and this secures them. Thus you have theinnatecharactersofChrist'svoice.

Fourthly, I shall next speak to the personal objects unto whom Christordinarily directs this his internal, efficacious, and saving voice or call.AndalthoughitbetruethattheSpiritofChristisafreeagent,actingwiththegreatestliberty,andcallethwhomhewill,accordingtothat,John3:8."Thewindblowethwhere it listeth."And it is truede facto, thatChristhathmadesomeofallsortsandranksofmentohearhisvoice;yetifweconsiderthewayhecommonlytakes,weshallfindthatitisverytrueandseldom,thatChristdirectsthissavingvoiceorcallofhistothegreatand

wiseofthisworld:1Cor.1:26."Youseeyourcalling,brethren,howthatnotmanywisemenaftertheflesh,notmanymighty,notmanynoblearecalled."Hesaithnotany,butnotmany.SomeChristdothcall; 'lest (asonenotes)theworldshouldthinkthatChristiansweredeceivedthroughtheir simplicity and weakness.' One rich Joseph of Arimathea; onehonourable Nicodemus, but not many. Men of the greatest fame andrenownintheworldhavebeenthegreatestandfiercestenemiesagainstChrist: Galen the chief physician, Porphyry the chief Aristotelian,PlotiniusthechiefPlatonist,LybanusandLucianthechieforators,wereallprofessedenemiesofChrist.Twothingsmakeagreatmanintheeyesoftheworld;theexternalendowmentsofProvidence,heapinguprichesandhonoursupontheoutwardman;andinternalgiftsandendowmentsofthemind,adorningtheinwardman,asstrongreason,sharpnessofwit,&c.Whenboththesemeet(asmanytimestheydo)inoneandthesameperson,theymakehimgreatintheeyesoftheworld,andusuallyinhisowneyestoo;yea,toogreattostooptothesimplicityofthegospel,andthehumblingself-denying terms thereof.These theLordusuallypassesby, anddirectshis voice to thepoor: thepoor receive the gospel; "Godhath chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of thekingdom," James 2:5. And this choice of God, Christ blesseth him for,Matth.11:25."Ithankthee,OFather,Lordofheavenandearth,becausethouhasthidthesethingsfromthewiseandprudent,andhastrevealedthemuntobabes; even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight."And, indeed, the wisdom of God deserves our admiration in thisdispensation:For,

(1.)Herebythefreenessofhisgraceisvindicated.NonecannowpretendthatanyearthlyexcellencycommendsanymantoGod,orthatthefavourofheavenisengagedbythesamemotivesthattherespectsofthisworldare: Fornowyou see the truth of that scripture, Job34:19before youreyes, "He accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the richmorethanthepoor;fortheyarealltheworkofhishands."Earthlyrichesandhonours, as empty thingsas theyare, yetare toomuch idolizedbymen:Whatwouldtheybe,couldtheyprocureourfavourandacceptancewith theLord? (2.)By such a choice as this theLordplainly shewsus,that religion needs not worldly props to support it. As at first it wasspreadbythepowerofGodintheworld,bypoorcontemptiblemen,soit

is still upheldwithouthumanpolicy or riches.The church is called theCongregationof thepoor,Psal.74:20.TheLordwillhaveusknow,thatheisabletomaintainandcarryonhiscounselsintheworld,withoutthewealth of richmen, the authority of greatmen, or the policies of wisemen; he needs them not. (3.) By this choice he pours contempt uponthose thingswhicharemostadmiredamongmen:Sohe tellsus,1Cor.1:27. "Godhath chosen the foolish things of theworld to confound thewise; and theweak things of theworld to confound the things that aremighty."And,certainly,shameandconfusionoffacewillcoverthegreatonesof thisworld in theworld tocome,whentheyshallsee thesepoorChristianswhomtheycontemnedandscorneduponearth,asnotworthytocome into theirpresence, tobeso infinitelypreferredbefore theminthe favourofGod. Inaword, thisefficaciousspiritualvoiceofChrist isdirectedbuttoafew,evenofthemanythatsitwithinthesoundandcallof the gospel, Matth. 22:14. "Many are called, but few are chosen."Christ'sflockisalittleflock.Therebemanybirdsofpreytoonebirdofparadise:Manycommonpebblestoonesapphireordiamond.Itisnotforus to dispute the reason, but to adore the sovereignty of God in thismatter.Andofthosefewwhomhecalleth,thegreatestpartisofthelowerrankandorderofmen.Theglitteranddazzleofthisworldblindstheeyesofthegreatest.Extremityofpinchingwantsdivertsthemindsoftheverylowest; but, betwixt these two extremes there is a third sort of personswhomtheLordmostusuallycalls.

Fifthly,IfitbequeriedwhythevoiceandcallofChristshouldbedirectedtothispersonratherthantothat?Certainly,itisnotfromanydignityorexcellencyoutwardorinward,thatChristseesinoneaboveanother;forall are shutupunder the samecommonsinandmiseryof the fall; andtherefore the apostle told the Ephesians,who had heard and answeredthevoiceofChrist,"thattheywerebynaturethechildrenofwrathevenasothers,"Eph.2:3.Ifitwerenotso,manwouldhavesomethingtogloryinbeforeGod;butChristresolvesthiswholedispensationintoitspropercause,thegoodpleasureoftheDivinewill,Mat.11:26."Evenso,Father,forsoitseemedgoodinthysight."ThisgoodpleasureofthewillofGodsometimesordersthosetohearthevoiceofhisSon,thatseemtostandata far greater distance and improbability to hear it than others do. It issaidoftheEphesians,thattheywereafaroff,Ephes.2:13yettheyheard

thevoiceofChrist,whenthatdiscreetscribe,Mark12:34whowasnotfarfromthekingdomofGod,andAgrippa,Acts26:28whoalmost,orwithinaverylittle,waspersuadedtobeaChristian,neverheardit;thereforeitis said,Matth. 8:11, 12. "Many shall come from the cast andwest, andshall sit downwithAbraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom ofheaven: But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outerdarkness." O marvellous dispensation! many a poor soul under thegreatest disadvantages, a poor servant that hath but little time, andmultitudesofincumbrances;yetsuchaoneisoftencalledeffectuallybythis voice ofChrist;when those that enjoymultitudes of opportunities,andhaveabundanceoftimelyingupontheirhandswhichtheyknownotwhat to do with; who have the choicest books at command, yet hearnothing,andfeelnothingamidstalltheseadvantagestoanypurpose;allthisiswhollytoberesolvedintothegoodpleasureofthewillofGod.

Sixthly, In the next place, let us view the effects of this voice of Christupon the souls of men, and we shall find divers remarkable effectswroughtupontheheartbyit.

Effects

I.Effect.AndthefirsteffectofthevoiceofChrist,isconvictionupontheconscience; conviction both of sin and misery, John 16:9. "The Spiritwhenhecometh,shallconvincetheworldofsin."Thisisavoiceofterror;itstrikesdeadthevainhopesofasinner,Rom.7:9.Nowthesoulthatwasbefore secure and quiet, becomes the seat of trouble and anxiety; It istrue,therewasageneralconvictionofsinbefore,theyknewthatallaresinners; that they denied not. But alas! this general conviction is quiteanother thing towhat thesoul feelsnow;now itcanshiftandwave thematterno longer.ThisvoiceofChrist "shews themtheir iniquities,andhow theyhave exceeded," as the expression is, Job36:8,9 exceeded innumber, and exceeded in heinousness of aggravation. A generalconvictionofsinaffectsamannomore thanthesightofapainted lionuponasignpost;butwhenaparticularconvictionissethomeupontheconscience,bythisspecialinwardvoiceofChrist,sinisthenlikealivinglion,meetingamanintheway,androaringdreadfullyuponhim.ThisisthefirsteffectofChrist'svoice,andisintroductiveuntothe,

II. Effect. Which is humiliation, and Contrition of heart for sin; thosethreats of scripture against sin and sinners, which were wont to beslighted, are now trembled at; those Jews, Acts 2:37 to whose heartsChrist spake in Peter's sermon, as soon as ever they heard his voice,soundingconvictionintheirconsciences,theywerepresentlyprickedattheheart;noswordorponiardcanmakesuchawound,andputapoorcreature into suchpain, as a sight of sinwill do; therefore, Zech. 12:10they are said tomourn for Christ, as for an only son. Now this is thegloriousprerogativeof JesusChrist, tobeable to reachandwound theheartwithaword:Thevoiceofmancannotdoit;butthespiritofamanliesnakedandopen,bothtobewoundedandhealedbyawordfromthemouthofChrist.Nosoonerhathapoorsinnerheardtheawfulvoiceofconviction spoken to his conscience, by the Lord Jesus, but he feelshimself sick at heart; home he goes from that sermon bywhich Christspake effectual conviction to him, crying, O sick! sick! my soul isdistressed,becauseofsin!Thereis,indeed,agreatdifferenceinthedepthanddegreesofthiscontritionandhumiliation;itpenetratesdeeperintosomeheartsthanothers,andholdsthemlongerunderit:Butcertainitis,who ever hath heard the convincing voice of Christ, he feels so muchsorrowforsin,asforeverseparateshimfromtheloveofit.

III. Effect. This voice of Christ rouses and awakens the careless andsluggish mind to the greatest solicitude and thoughtfulness afterdeliverance, andescape from thedanger thathangsover it;Acts 16:30."Trembling and astonished, he cried out, Sirs, what must I do to besaved?" All the powers of the soul run into solicitude and care aboutdeliverance. You shall generally observe in convinced and humbledsinners, three evident signs of extraordinary solicitude about salvation.(1.)There is a strong intentionof theirmindsand thoughts, they standnightandday likeabowat the fullbent; their thoughtsarestillporingupon this matter, their sleep departs, for their sin and danger is everbeforethem.(2.)Itappearsbytheirsearchinginquisitivenessaboutthewayofescape; thequestion theystill carrywith themfromcompany tocompany,wheretheymeetwithanywhomtheyjudgeabletoresolveordirect them, is this:Whatcourseshall I take?Whatshall Ido? Is thereanyhopeforsuchaoneasI?Didyoueverknowasoulinmycondition?(3.)Itappearsbythelittlenoticetheytakeatthistimeoftheiroutward

troublesandafflictions;which,itmaybe,arestrongandsharpenoughtooverwhelmthematanothertime:butnowtheytakelittlenoticeofthem.Sinliessoheavy,thatitmakesheavyafflictionslielight.

IV. Effect. A fourth effect of the voice of Christ, is encouragement andhope,puttingthesoulupontheuseofmeansinordertotheattainmentofChristandsalvation;for,itisaninvitingaswellasaconvictingvoice:and this is a remarkable difference betwixt the voice of Christ and thevoiceofSatan,withrespecttosin.Satanlabourstocutoffallhope,andstrikethesouldeadunderthedespairofmercy;aswellknowing,thatifhecancutoffhope,allemotionsandendeavoursofthesoulafterChristare effectually stopt, and at a dead stand: But how much convincingterrorssoeverthereareinthevoiceofChrist,thereisalwayssomethingleft behind it upon the heart to breed and support hope.And truly thesoul amidst these sad circumstances, hath great need of someencouragement;buttheLordusually,aftersharpconvictions,setshomeuponthesoulsuchawordasthat,John6:37."HimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout:ForIcamedownfromheavennottodomineownwill, but thewill of him that sentme."Wherein Christ offers themostrationalsatisfaction,andgreatestencouragementimaginable,thatapoorconvinced sinner, if he be made willing, shall certainly find a heartywelcome and acceptation with Christ. For mark how he argues it onpurposeforthesatisfactionofsuchsouls;"Icamenotdownfromheaventodomineownwill,but thewillofhimthatsentme,"The forceof theencouragementlieshere,"IandmyFatherareone,"oneinwill,andonein design, our wills never did, nor possibly can jar and clash one withanother; that would be utterly repugnant to the perfect unity that isbetwixtus.Now,saithhe,Icamedownfromheaven,notonlytodomineown will,) which must necessarily be supposed to be intently set, andstrongly inclined to receive and save all convinced andwilling sinners,thisbeing theveryendofmy incarnationanddeath)butalso todo thewillofmyFather,whohathsentmetobindupthebroken-hearted,andanointedmetopreachgoodtidingstothemeek,Isa.61:1.Andthereforenosuchsoulcanrationallydoubtofawelcomereceptionwithme.Andbecausethefearsandjealousiesofaconvincedconsciencearegreatandmany, and the devil sets in with them to aggravate them beyond thehopesofmercy;thereforeitisusualwiththeLord,atsuchatimeasthis,

todirecttheconvincedandtremblingsinnertosuchascriptureasthat,Heb.7:25."Whereforeheisalsoabletosavethemtotheuttermost,thatcomeuntoGodbyhim,"&c.MakingthefulnessofChrist'ssavingpowerto shine with a cheerful beam into the dark and distressed soul of asinner,fromsuchawordasthat.

V. Effect. A fifth effect or consequent of Christ's powerful voice, is anattractive efficacy, or sweet alluring of the soul toChrist by that powerandefficacywhichitcommunicatestothesoul,John6:44,45."Nomancan come unto me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.Everyman,therefore,thathathheardandlearnedoftheFathercomethunto me." Mark it, this voice speedily puts the soul into motion afterChrist;comingfollowshearing;whenoncethesoulhathheardthevoiceofGod,awayitcomesfromallsinfulengagementsintheworld;allbondsandtiesbetwixtthesoulandsinbreakasunderandgiveway;nothingcanhold it fromChrist.There isa strange restlessness in thespiritofman,nothingbutChristcancentreandquietit.

VI.Effect.Andthenlastly,thelasteffectofChrist'svoiceorcallissweetrestandconsolationtotheinnerman.WhenoncethesouliscomehometoChristbytheefficacyofhisheavenlycallorvoice,itentersintopeace,Heb.4:3. "We,whichhavebelieved;do enter into rest;"not only shall,butdoenter intorest.AsthefirsteffectofChrist'svoicewasterrorandgreat troubletothesoul,sothe lasteffect ispeace; itputs thesoul intothemost excellent position in the world, for comfort and joy; it neverstood upon such ground before; for this vocation stands betwixtpredestination and glorification, Rom. 8:30. "Moreover, whom he didpredestinate, them he also called, and whom he called, them he alsojustified; andwhom he justified, them he also glorified." See here intowhat a blessedmount of vision, the voice of Christ calleth the souls ofsinners!where, let the soul lookbackwardor forward, frometernity, toeternity,thereisnothingbutavisionofpeacebeforeitseyes.ThiscallofGodpointsitbackwardtoGod'seternalchoice,whichbythisverycallitisnowmanifest,hemadeof that soulbefore theworldwas;and italsopoints forwardto thateternalgloryuntowhichGod is leading it.Theseare the effects of this Almighty voice of Christ, and these the specialinstructionssealedbyitupontheheartsofmen.

Butnow,thisvoiceofChristisnotheardatalltimes;butinsomespecialseasonorhour,asChristcallsit,John5:25."Thehourcomethwhenthedead shall hear the voice of the Son of God." And, elsewhere, by theapostle, it iscalled"theacceptedtime, thedayofsalvation,"2Cor.6:2.AndtheconjunctionoftheSpiritofChristwiththeword,ordinances,orprovidencesofGod,butespeciallytheword,makesthisblessedhour.Thewordalone, thoughneversoexcellentlypreached,conducesnomore totheconvictionandsalvationofasinnerthanthewatersofBethesdadid,whentheangelcamenotdowntotroublethem,John5:4.ButwhentheLordpoursouthisSpiritwiththeword,accordingtothatpromise,Prov.1:33. "I will pour outmy Spirit upon you, andmake knownmywordsuntoyou," thenChristspeaksto theheart; thisgreatconjunctionof thewordandSpiritmakesthatblessedtimeandseasonofsalvationthetimeoflove,thetimeoflife.NowthevoiceofChrist isheardwitheffect;theordinances impregnatedwith convincing and converting efficacy.TherewasanabundanteffusionoftheSpiritinthefirstageofChristianity,andthenthevoiceofChristwasheardbymultitudesofsoulsatonce.TherehathsincebeenarestraintoftheSpirit,comparativelyspeaking;whereasthreethousandsoulswerethenconvertedatonesermon,possiblythreethousandsermonshavesincebeenpreached,andnotonesouleffectuallycalled.Thishathmade the church like awilderness; a landofdrought;andso it is like to remain, "until theSpiritbepoureduponus fromonhigh, and thewilderness be a fruitful field;" according to that promise,Isa.32:15.Andsuchatimeweexpect;Lordhastenit,whenthewaters,ofthe ordinances shall be healed, "and every thing that liveth, whichmovethwhithersoever the river shall come, shall live.And fishers shallstanduponitfromEn-gedievenuntoEn-eglaim;theyshallbeaplacetospreadforthnets;theirfishshallbeaccordingtotheirkind,asthefishofthegreat sea, exceedingmany,"Ezek.47:9, 10.Thenministers shallnolonger fish with angles, catching now one, and then another; but shallspreadforththeirnets,andinclosewholeshoals,multitudesofconverts.In the mean time there are some signal periods, and happy seasons,whereinChristutterethhisalmightyvoiceintheword;butthatseasonisutterlyunforeknowntoman;wecannotsaywhenitwillcome,butaretowaitforit,asthemandidatthepoolofBethesda.Ministersmustpreachinhope,waitinhope,ifatanytimeGodwillgivethepeoplerepentance,2 Tim. 2:25.We are oftenmistaken in our conjectures; when we have

madethebestpreparations,andfindamorethanordinaryenlargednessofspirit,weareapttoconclude,certainlythisistheblessedhourwhereinChristwill speak to theheartaswedo to theear;butweoft-times findourselvesmistaken; yetwemustwait inhope, and somustourpeople.Suchahappytimemaycome,andwhenitdoth,itwillbeadayforevertoberemembered;becausethenthefirstactualapplicationofChristwillbemade to your souls; without which all that the Father hath done inelection, and the Son in his meritorious redemption, had been of nobenefitoradvantagetoyoursouls,And,therefore,youshallfindthatthisworkoftheSpiritstandsbetwixtboththoseworks,andmakesthembotheffectualtooursalvation,1Pet.1:2.Thisisthatblessedhouruponwhichoureternalblessednessdepends;eternitywillbetakenupinblessingGodforthishour:itwillbecelebratedforeverinyourpraises,intheworldtocome.Owhataninfluencehaththishourtoalleternity!ThehearingofthisvoiceofChristeffectuallyopensthecabinet-counselsofheaven,andbringstolighttheeternalcounselsofGodconcerningyou;1Thes.1:4,5."Knowing brethren, beloved, your election ofGod: for our gospel camenot unto you inword only, but also in power, and in theHolyGhost."This gives greater assuranceof the eternal loveofGod to aman's soul,thanthesweetestsmileofprovidenceoranyoraculousvoicefromheavencould do. This is the time of life, the day of our spiritual resurrection,John5:25.Agreaterandmoreglorious resurrectionby far than thatofyourbodiesatthelastday;somuchgreater,asthevalueofyoursoulsisabove your bodies. As, also, because the blessedness of your corporealresurrectiondependsuponthisyourspiritualresurrection,bythevoiceofChrist. Dreadful will the voice of Christ be at the resurrection of yourbodies, except you first hear this vital voice of Christ quickening yoursouls on earthwith spiritual life.To conclude; this is the greatÆra, orheadofaccount,fromwhichyouaretoreckonanddateallyourspiritualsanctifiedmercies;forastheLordsaiduntotheJews,Hag.2:19."Fromhenceforth will I bless you;" so saith the Lord to you, from this hourwhereinyouhaveheardandobeyed thevoiceofChrist,will Iblessyouforeverwithallspiritualblessingsinheavenlyplacesinhim.

I.Use,forLamentation

This point presents us with abundant matter of lamentation and

mourningoverthegreatestpartofthosethatsitunderthesoundofthegospel; but yet asChrist speaks of the Jews, John 5:37. "whohave notheardthevoiceofGodatanytime:"theministerialvoiceofChrist theyheardaily;butthisefficaciousinternalvoice,whichmakestheministerialvoicethewordoflifeandpower,theyhavenotheard.Thegospel,tothemostofourhearers,isbutanemptysound:thisisasadsymptom,2Cor.4:3."Ifourgospelbehid,itishidtothemthatarelost:inwhomthegodofthisworldhathblindedthemindsofthemthatbelievenot,"&c.Thishidingofthegospelisnotopposedtotheexternalministrationofit,noryet to the understanding of the true sense and meaning of the truthsdeliveredbyit;butonlytothatinternalefficacywhichisherecalledthehearing of Christ's voice. Our people are generally well satisfied whentheyhaveheardasermon,muchmoreiftheycanremembersomethingofit, thoughtheLordhathnotspokenonetruth theyhaveheardhometotheir hearts. Now this is a sad case, andGod grant it be not that veryjudgmentthreatened,Isa.6:9."Hearyeindeed,butunderstandnot;andseeyeindeed,butperceivenot."Sothathearingthemerevoiceofman,without feeling the power ofGod, is all one as ifwe heard not.Reflectsadlyuponthisyouthatsitasunconcernedunderthewordastheseatsyou sit upon.God speaketh once, yea twice, butmanperceiveth it not.Well,theeternaldecreesandcounselsofGodarenowexecutinguponthesouls ofmenunder the gospel. Asmany as are ordained to eternal lifeshall believe and feel thepower ofGod's truthsupon their hearts,Acts13:48.Andmethinksitshouldbeofastartlingconsideration,whenyoushallseeothersstrucktotheheart,castintofearsandtremblingsbythesameword that doth not in the least touch your hearts. Itmay be youthinkthisisbutfancyandmelancholy;thatverythoughtisanartificeofSatantoblindyoureyes.IamsureChristmadeanotheruseofit,whenhetoldthesecureandself-righteousJews,Mat.21:32."Johncameuntoyouin thewayof righteousness,andyebelievedhimnot;but thepublicansand harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented notafterward, thatyemightbelievehim,"q.d.Whatshiftdidyoumake toquiet your consciences, when you saw other poor sinners so humbled,andbroughttofaithunderJohn'sministry?Itisstrangethereshouldbenoreflectionsinyourconsciencesuponyourownstateandcondition;butthusitmustbe,oneshallbetakenandanotherleft;tosomeitshallbethesavourof lifeunto life,and toothers thesavourofdeathuntodeath.O

who can look over so great a part of a congregation without meltingbowelsofcompassion!ConsideringthatuntothisHaytheLordhathnotgiventhemeyestosee,norearstohear:Theyhaveheardmultitudesofsermons; they have heard also what effects they have had upon othermen'shearts,butnoneupontheirs.Othatsychpoorsuchwouldcry tothe Lord Jesus, in such language as that, Cant. 8:13. "The companionshearkentothyvoice,causemetohearit."Lord,letmenotsitunderthewordanylongerdeaftothevoiceofthySpiritinit.Openandunstoptheearsofmysoul,thatImayhearthyvoice,andfeelthypower;otherwisetheexternalministerialvoicewillbeineffectualtomysalvation;itwillbebut a rattle to still and quiet my conscience for a little while, and adreadfulaggravationofmymiseryintheissue.

II.Use,forInformation

Secondly, The point before us presents five other truths with equalclearnesstooureyes.

Infer.1. Inthe firstplace,hence it follows, thatwehavethisdaybeforeoureyesagreatsealandconfirmationofthetruthofthescriptures.Nomiraclescansealitfirmerthantheeventsofitdo,whicharevisibletoallthatwillobservethem.Whatyonreadinthewordyoumayseeeverydayfulfilledbeforeyoureyes.Youread,2Cor.2:15,16."WeareuntoGodasweetsavour,ofChrist,inthemthataresaved,andinthemthatperish.To theoneweare the savourofdeathuntodeath,and to theother thesavourof lifeuntolife."Andagain,Acts28:24it isobserved,thatwhenPaulinhislodgingshadexpoundedandtestifiedthekingdomofGodtothepeople,andpersuadingthemtobelievefrommorningtoevening;itisobserved,Isay,thatsomebelievedthethingsthatwerespoken,andsomebelievednot.Hereyou see thedifferent, yea, the contraryeventsof thepreaching of the gospel, according to the scripture-account of it; itquickenssome,andkillsothers;itbringssometofaith,andleavesothersstillfixedinunbelief.Comparethisaccountwithwhatisdailybeforeyoureyes;doyounotseesoulsdifferentlyinfluencedtocontraryeffectsunderthe sameword?Onemelting and tender, anotherhardened andwhollyunconcerned? Tell me, you that are apt to ascribe all to nature, howcomesittopassthatmenexercisingreasonalike,menthathavethesameinbredfearsandhopeofthingseternal,whohavethesamepassionsand

affections, andare in the self-sameconditionandstatewithothers; yetoneman'sheartshallbewounded,andgoawaytremblingfromundertheself-same word, which affects the other no more than if it had beenpreachedamongthetombstothedeadthatliethere?Saynot,somehavemore courage than others, or clearer understandings; for it is mostcertain thewordhath convinced as rational and courageouspersons asthoseuponwhomithashadnosucheffect.Idoubtnotbutthejailorthatwascastintosuchtremblingsandastonishment,Acts16:30wasasstoutand rugged a person as any to whom Paul usually preached: his veryofficebespakehim suchaman.Wondernotwhat it is thatmakesmenfrightatsuchasound,whichyouhearaswellasthey,butitaffectsyounot:TheLordspeaksinthatvoicetotheirhearts,butnottoyours;andsoitmustbeaccordingtotheaccountthescripturesgivesusofthecontraryeventsofthegospeluponthemthathearit;whichis,Isay,afairandfirmsealofthetruthofthescriptures,andhighlyworththedueobservationofallmen.

II. Infer. What dignity hath God stamped on gospel-ordinances, inmaking them the organs and medium through and by which Christspeakslifetodeadsouls.Thisgreatlyexaltsthedignityofthegospel,anddeservedly endears it to all our souls: I deny not but God can conveyspiritual life immediatelywithout them;but thoughhehathnot tieduphimself,yethehathtiedusuptoadiligentandconstantattendanceuponthem, and that with the deepest respect and reverence to them; Luke10:16. "He that heareth you, heareth me: and he that despiseth you,despisethme, and he that despisethme, despiseth him that sent me."Behold how this sin is graduated and aggravated to the height ofsinfulness.The contemptof thegospel runsmuchhigher thanmenareawareof.WethinkitnogreatmattertoneglectandcontemnamessengerofJesusChrist;butthatcontemptfliesintheveryfaceandauthorityofChrist,whogavethemtheircommissions;yea,intheveryfaceofGodtheFather, who gave Christ his commission. Christ speaks in and by hisministers,theyarehismouth,Jer.15:19.Moreover,thesinstrikesatourownsouls,andweinjurethemaswellasChrist.Forthewordpreachedishisappointedinstrumenttoconveyspirituallife,thebestofblessings,toour souls.Uponwhich account it is called "theword of life," Phil. 2:16and"thepowerofGodtosalvation"Rom.1:16.Wethenmilitateagainst

our life and salvation, when we despise and neglect the ordinances ofGod.Itisgoodformentolieunderthem,andcontinuallywaitonthem;whoknowswhentheSpiritofGodwillbreathelifetoyoursoulsthroughthem?Whatifyetyouhavefoundnosuchbenefit fromthem?Theverynext opportunitymay be the time of life, the appointed season of yoursalvation.Bringyourcarnalrelationstothem,astheydidtheirsickanddiseasedfriends,inthedayswhenChristwasonearth,layingtheminthewayhewastopass.Christwillhonourhisordinances;seethatyoudonotdespisethem.Ithinknoagewaseverdeeperdrenchedintheguiltofthissinthanthepresentageis.

III. Infer. What a fearful judgment is the removing the gospel from anation,seeingitisinandbythegospelChristspeakethlifetothesoulsofmen!

The Spirit ofGod, and theword ofGod usually come and go together;whenthereforethesearegone,nomoreconversionsaretobeexpected;dreadful isthecaseofthatpeople,Prov.29:18."Wherenovisionis,thepeople perish." Those are direfulmenaces, Isa. 8:16. "Bind up the law,sealupthetestimonyamongmydisciples."AndRev.2:5."Iwillremovethycandlestickoutofitsplace."Betterthesunweretakenoutofheaventhan the gospel out of the church.O England! provoke not thyGod toexecute upon thee the judgment here threatened. Think not God hathmade such a settlement of the gospel, that it shall never be removed,howeveryouuseit.YourAdvocateinheavenhathobtaineditforyouforatimeupontrial;ifyoubringforthfruit,well;youandthegenerationstocome shall be happy in it; if not, this blessed tree,which hath broughtforthsomanymerciestoyouandyours,mustandwillbecutdown,Luke13:8.Yea,andevennow"istheaxlaidattherootofthetree,"Mat.3:13.It is anallusion toa carpenter that throwsdown theaxand sawat therootof thetreehe intendstocutdown.Theonlygroundofhopewhichremainswithus thisday, is, that there are somebudsappearing, somefruitsputting forth; and if therebe ablessing in thebud, theLordwillspareit,accordingtoIsa.65:8.Butthesehopesarebalancedwithmanysadsymptoms,whichmaymakeustrembletothinkwhatGodisabouttodowithsuchasinfulnation.

IV.Infer.ThosethathaveheardChrist'svoiceandcallinthegospel,have

no reason to be discouraged from going to Christ in the way of faith;Christ's call is a sufficient warrant to believe. Many poor souls arestaggered in their work of faith, by the fear of presumption; an uglyobjectionwhichtheyknownothowtoclearthemselvesof:butcertainly,this, above all considerations in the world, enervates this objection ofpresumption. Then men presume, when they act without a call orwarrant;butifChristhavespokentoyourheartsbythevoiceofhisSpirit,youhave thebestwarrant in theworld to go tohim.What though youknow not the issue? yet your obedience is due to his call. "By faithAbraham,whenhewascalledtogooutintoaplace,whichheshouldafterreceiveforaninheritance,obeyed;andhewentout,notknowingwhitherhe went," Heb. 11:8. Somust you. It is not necessary to your going toChrist, that you must be ascertained before-hand what the event andissuethereofshallbe.YourbelievingisanactofobediencetothevoiceofChrist that calls you. When therefore Satan shall object, what, such awretched soul as thou go to Christ! Canst thou imagine to findentertainmentwithhim,whomthouhastsoabusedanddeeplywronged?Thyanswershallbeready:Itistrue,Ihavebeenavilewretch,anddeeplywronged the Lord Jesus; but Christ hath spoken tomy heart, he hathcalledme,andthereforeitcanbenopresumptioninmetogoathiscall;but contrariwise, it would be flat rebellion against his Sovereigncommand to refuse to believe, and come unto him; yea, it would be agreatersinthananyofmyformersins,havebeen.Besides,hadtheLordJesusnointentionofmercy(asthoumaliciouslyinsinuatest)towardsmysoul, he would never have spoken to my heart by conviction andpersuasion,ashehathdone.

V.Infer.IfnosoulcanopentoChristuntilithearhispowerful,spiritualvoice, then the change made upon men by conversion is whollysupernatural.

TheriseoffaithisfromthispowerofChrist,notfromthenatureofman,John 1:13. Proud nature arrogates this power and honour to itself, butwithoutanyground;forthoughsomethingsmaybedonebymenintheirnaturalstate,whichhavearemotetendencytoconversionandspirituallife, yet it can never open to Christ savingly, without a powercommunicated from himself. There is a total impotence in nature to

producesuchaneffectasthis.Thescripturespeaksitroundly;tellingus,"Thenaturalmancannot(ofhimself)knowthethingsthatareofGod,"1Cor.2:14.Cannotbelieve;forfaithisnotofourselves,itisthegiftofGod,John6:44.Cannotobey;Rom.8:7."Thecarnalmindisnotsubjecttothelaw of God, neither indeed can be." Cannot speak a good word, Mat.12:34. Cannot think a good thought, 2 Cor. 3:5.What a poor impotentthingthenisthenaturalman,whocanneitherbelieve,norobey,speakagoodword,northinkagoodthought,byanynaturalpowerofhisown?

Say not it is against reason for God to require men to do what theycannot,andthendamnthemfornotdoingit.For,(1.)thoughmanhathlosthisabilitytoobey,yetGodhathnotlosthisrighttocommand.Foratthat rate any man might shake off the yoke of God's sovereignty bydisabling himself through his own sin, for the duties of obedience. (2.)Thoughmanhathnotsufficientpower,yetthereisinhimanintolerablepride,whichpuffshimupwithaconceitthathehathwhathehathnot,and can dowhat he cannot. The command is therefore of great use tocheckthispride,andconvincemanofhisimpotency,Rev.3:17.(3.)Everyman can do more than he doth towards his own conversion. Andtherefore it is good formen to be urged by the commands to all thoseduties, in the use and observancewhereof Christ ordinarily comes intothesoul,byasupernaturalpower.

III.Use,forExhortation

Thisvoicegivesaloudcalltoallthatarewithinthesoundofthegospel,especiallytosuchasbegintofeelsomepoweraccompanyingthewordtotheirhearts,diligentlytohearkentothevoiceofChrist,andobeyhisfirstcallwithoutfurtherdelay;Rev.2:7."Hethathathaneartohear,lethimhear."Itisadreadfulanddangerousthingtoturnawaytheearfromhimthat speaks from heaven;Heb. 12:25. "See that ye refuse not him thatspeaketh; for if they escapednot that refused him that spake on earth,muchmore shallwe not escape, ifwe turn away fromhim that speaksfromheaven."Seethatyerefusenot.Thecautionimpliesthemattertobevery weighty, and a neglect or refusal in this matter, to be highlydangerous. Turn not away your car, be not guilty of the least aversion,slight, or neglect, in so great or important a concern. And truly thiscaution is nomore than needs; for Satan is nevermore busy with the

soulsofmenthanwhenChristgivesthemtheirfirstcalltohimself.

Owhatathicksuccessionofdiscouragementsdoimpetuouslyassaultthesoulatthistime!Artthouyoung?Thenheinsinuatesthatit istoosoonfortheetomindtheseriousthingsofreligion.Thiswillextinguishallthypleasureinadullmelancholy;thoumayesthavetimeenoughhereaftertomind thesematters.This temptationAugustine confessethkepthimoffmany years from Christ. But certainly, if thou art old enough to bedamned,thouartnottooyoungtomindChristandsalvation.Therearegraves justof thy length,andabundanceofyoungsprigs,aswellasoldlogs burning in hell-flames. Besides, all those godly young ones whichturnedtotheLordbetimes,asJosiah,Abijah,Timothyandmanymore,will be your judges, and condemn you in the great day. Never anyrepentedthattheyopenedtoChristtoosoon:Thousandshaverepentedthattheykepthimoutsolong.Artthouold?thenhescarestheewiththemanifoldsinsofthyyouth,androllsthemasblocksinthywaytoChrist.And whether young or old, he will be sure to present the sufferings,reproaches, and persecutions of godliness, to discourage thee fromhearkeningto thevoiceofChrist.Butwhatare thesufferings forChristhere, to those sufferings from Christ hereafter?What are the pains ofmortification to the pains of damnation? Besides, all the promises ofChrist, promises of strength, comfort, success, &c. go along with thecommand of Christ to believe, and shall surely be performed to theobedientsoul.Seethereforethatthourefusenothisvoice.

IV.Use,forTrial

Butyouwillsay,allthathearthisspiritualvoiceofChristaresaidtolive,John5:25.Now I ammuch in thedarkwhether ever this vital voiceofChrist hath sounded intomy soul. Alas! I feel little of any thing of thespirituallifeinmysoul.Iamdeadanddark.

Quest.BywhatsignsdoththelifeofChristdiscoveritselfinthesoulsofmen?

Answ.Ianswer,therearediversesignsofspirituallife,andblessedisthesoulthatfindsthem.

1.Thereisaspiritualsenseandfeelingflowingfrom,andaccompanyingthespirituallife.Ispeaknotonlyofthesenseandfeelingofcomfort,formanyasoul that is inChrist, feels littleof that;butcertainly, there isasenseandfeelingoftheburdensomenessofsin,Rom.7:24.Anditiswellthatwecanfeelthat;fortherearemultitudesintheworldthatarepastfeeling,Isa.6:9,10.ItisasignChristhathspokentothyheart,ifsorrowsforsinbegintoloadit.

2. Spiritualmotions towards Christ are a sign of spiritual life: at least,thatGodisaboutthatquickeningworkoffaithuponthysoul,John6:45."EverymanthathathheardandlearnedoftheFathercomethuntome."TheeffectualvoiceofGodsetsthesoulinmotiontowardsChrist;thewillismoving after him; the desires are panting for him. The voice ofGodmakes thesoul thathears it restless.As forothers, theirwillsare fixed,thereisnomovingofthem,John5:40.Nowconsiderhowitiswiththee,reader: Art thou one that artweighing and pondering the terms of thegospel,strugglingthroughdiscouragementsandtemptations tocometoChrist upon his own terms, lifting up thy heart to him for power tobelieve,cryingwiththespouse,Drawme,Iwillrunafterthee?ThisisacomfortablesignChristhathspokentothyheart.

3.Aspiritofprayerisanevidenceofspirituallife,astheeffectofChrist'svoice to thy soul. As soon as ever Christ hath spoken effectually untoPaul'sheart,thefirsteffectthatappearedinhimasasignofspirituallife,wasprayer-breath,Acts9:11.Beholdheprayeth!Godhathnostill-bornchildren.Measurethyselfbythisrule:Timewas,whenthoucouldstsayaprayer, and wert very well satisfied with it, whether thou hadst anycommunionwith God in it or no; but is it so still? Is there not a holyrestlessnessofspiritafterGod,sincethetimethathiswordcamehometothyheart?Surelythoucanstrememberwhenitwasnotwiththeeasitisnow.

4.Thereisaspiritualrelish,adivinegustresultingfromthespirituallife,which is also evidential of it; Omnis vita gustu ducitur. If God havespoken life to thy soul, there will be in it an agreeable pleasure anddelight inspiritual things,Psal.63:5."Mysoulshallbesatisfiedaswithmarrowandfatness,"&c.Nowthythoughtscanfeedwithpleasureuponspiritualthingswhichtheynauseatedbefore.

5.Spiritualaversationsaswellasspiritual inclinationsspeakaspirituallife. Every creature hath an aversation to that which is noxious anddestructive to it.Now there is nothing so destructive and dangerous tothespirituallifeassin;thatisthedeadlypoisonwhichtherenewedsouldreads,Psal.19:13."Keepbackthyservantalsofrompresumptuoussins."Itcriesoutasamanthatfindshimselfuponthebrinkofapit,oredgeofa precipice: Keep back thy servant. Such aversations to sin, andtremblingsundertemptationstendingthereunto,areacomfortablesignChristhathspokenlifetothysoul.

Lastly,Heavenly tendenciesandpropensionsafterGodareanexcellentsignthysoulhathheardhisvoice,andbeenquickenedwithspirituallifeby it. Sanctification is awell ofwater springingup into everlasting life,John 4:24. If thou hast seen the beauty, felt the power, and heard thevoiceofChrist,thysoullikeanuncenteredbody,willbestillpropending,gravitating, and inclining Christward.When thou hast once heard thiseffectual call, Matt. 11:28. Come unto me, thy soul will be continuallyechoingwiththespouse,Rev.22:17."ComeLordJesus,theSpiritandthebridesaycome,andlethimthathearethsaycome."AsweetersignofthyhearingChrist'svoicecanhardlybefoundinasoulofman,thanrestlesslongingtobewithChristinthestateofperfectfreedomfromsin,andfullfruitionofthebelovedandblessedJesus.

SERMONIX-REV.3:20

Ifanymanhearmyvoice,[andopenthedoor.]

THEpowerfulvoiceofChrististhekeythatopensthedoorofthesoultoreceivehim.TheopeningofthehearttoreceiveChrististhemaindesignaimedatinalltheexternalandinternaladministrationsofthegospelandSpirit.

The gospel hath two great designs and intentions. One is to open theheartofGodtomen,andtoshewthemtheeverlastingcounselsofgraceandpeacewhichwerehidinGodfromagesandgenerationspast:thatallmenmaynowseewhatGodhathbeendesigningandcontrivingfortheirhappinessinChristbeforetheworldwas;Ephes.3:9."TomakeallmenseewhatisthefellowshipofthemysterywhichfromthebeginningoftheworldhathbeenhidinGod,whocreatedallthingsbyJesusChrist,totheintent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places,mightbeknownby the church themanifoldwisdomofGod."Thenextintentionandaimofthegospelis,tosetopentheheartsofmantoreceiveJesus Christ, without which all the glorious discoveries of the eternalcounselsandgraciouscontrivancesofGodforandaboutus,wouldsignifynothingtoourrealadvantage.Christ'sstanding,knocking,andspeakingbyhisSpirit(ofwhichwehavebeforetreated)receivetheirsuccess,andattaintheirend,whentheheartopensitselfbyfaithtoreceivehim,andnottillthen.Hencenote,

Doct. 9.That theopeningof theheart to receiveChrist, by faith, is thegreatdesignandaimofthegospel.

Thisisthemarktowhichallthearrowsinthegospel-quiverarelevelled;thecentreintowhichthoseblessedlinesaredrawn.John20:31."Thesethingsarewrittenthatyoumightbelieve,and,believing,mighthavelifethrough his name." All those precious truths that are written in thescriptures are to bring you to faith. The great aim of the Spirit in hisilluminations, convictions, humiliations, &c. are the very same thing,John6:29."ThisistheworkofGod,thatyoubelieve."ItisnotonlyOpus

Deo dignum, aworkworthy of such an author, but it is that onwhichGod'seyeisfixedinhisworkingsuponus;theendandaimofhiswork.

Greatpersonshavegreatdesigns.ThisisthegloriousprojectofthegreatGod,andeverypersonintheGodheadisengagedandconcernedinit.(1.)TheFatherhathhishandinthiswork,andsuchahandaswithoutitnoheartcouldeveropenormoveintheleasttowardsChrist;John6:44."Nomancancomeuntome(saithChrist)excepttheFatherwhichhathsentmedrawhim."NonebuthethatraisedupChristfromthedeadcanraiseupadeadheartunto saving faith inhim. (2.)TheSon'shand is in thiswork,heisnotonlytheobject,buttheauthorofourfaith,1John5:20."We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us anunderstandingthatwemayknowhimthatistrue,andweareinhimthatis true, even inhisSonJesus "Christ.This is the trueGod, andeternallife."(3.)AndthenfortheSpirit,hecomesfromheavendesignedlyandexpressly to convince sinnersof theirneedofChrist, andbeget faith inthem,John16:9.Sothatthisappearstobethegreatdesignofheaven,thedriftandlevelbothofthewordandworksofGod.Touchingthisdesignofthe gospel, I shall here speak, endeavouring to open this great andgloriousprojectofheavenintheensuingpropertiesofit;whichare,

1.Thegreatnessofit.

2.Thedifficultyofit.

3.Theinstrumentsemployedinit.

4.Thescopeandaimofit.And,

First,OfthegreatnessofthisdesignofGod.Welittleunderstandwhatamarvellous thing is done on the earth, when the heart of a sinner isbrought to close with Christ by faith. It would transport us withadmiration,didwethoroughlyconsiderit.Wellmaytheapostleplaceitin the first rank of all the glorious andwonderful works of God, as hedoth,1Tim.3:16."Greatisthemysteryofgodliness,Godwasmanifestintheflesh,justifiedintheSpirit,seenofangelspreacheduntotheGentiles,believed on in theworld." Observewithwhat works of wonder faith ishere ranked and associated. It is an astonishingwork ofGod that ever

Godshouldbemanifestedintheflesh,thathethatthundersinthecloudsshouldbeheardcryinginacradle;thathewhoisoverallGodblessedforever, should become aman. It is astonishing, that when he was takendown dead from the cross, laid in the sepulchre, and the stone sealeduponit,heshouldriseonthethirddayfromthedeadbyhisownpower:ThateverthegospelshouldbepreachedtosuchamiserableandforlornpeopleastheGentileswere,thescornandcontemptoftheJews.Andnolessmarvellousisittoseetheheartsofsuchpoorcreatures,gluedsofastto idolatry, so perfectly dead in sin, to open to Christ upon such self-denying terms, as to let go all they had in the world for a blessedinheritancewhichtheyneversaw.AndwerenotthisamarvellousworkofGodindeed,therewouldneverbesuchjoyandtriumphinheavenamongtheholy angels, as there is upon the opening of every sinner's heart toChrist,Luke15:7.ThewholecityofGod ismovedwith it.Heavenringsagainwiththejoyfultidings.AssoonaseverthewillbeginstobowandopentoChrist, thenews isquickly inheaven,andall theangelsofGodrejoiceat the tidings.Aswhenayoungprince isborn, theconduits runwithwine;thereisjoyineverycitythroughoutthekingdom:Soalsothereisinheaven,whenChristhathgottenanewhabitationinthesoulofanysinneruponearth.Moreover, thegreatnessof thisdesignappears fromthegreatrewardspromisedbytheLordtoeveryservantofhis,whohathbuttheleasthandtohelpiton.Godwouldneverrewardtheinstrumentssorichly,ifthesuccessoftheworkwerenotofgreatvalueinhiseyes.Theministers of Christ may be ill-rewarded by men, persecuted andreproached for their labour; but God will bountifully repay their painsand faithfulness, Dan. 12:3. "They that turn many unto righteousness,shallshineas thestars,andas thebrightnessof the firmament foreverandever."Allthesethingsbespeakitaverygreatandimportantdesign;uponwhichtheheartofGodismuchset.

Secondly, And then, in the next place, as it is an exceeding great andimportantdesignandworkofGod,soitisaveryhardanddifficultworkin itself; a work whose difficulties surmount the ability of angels. It iscertainly a work carried on by the mighty power of God, through thegreatestoppositionsimaginable:andthereforeitisnoted,Rev.3:7thatitis thepeculiarprerogativeofJesusChrist,whoonlyhaththekeyof thehouseofDavid,toopentheheartofasinnerbyfaith.Menthinkitisan

easythingtobelieve;butifyouconsultthescriptures,youwillquicklybeinformedhowgrossly youmistake thenatureof thiswork. InGal.2:12the believing soul is said to "rise with Christ, through the faith of theoperationofGod,whoraisedhimfromthedead."IntheresurrectionofChrist therewas a glorious operation of the power of God indeed! youknow it astonished the world to hear of it. The very same power thatwroughtthat,mustalsobeputforthtoworkthis,orelseitwouldneverbewrought.Soagain,Eph.2:8."Bygraceareyesavedthroughfaith,andthatnotofyourselves,itisthegiftofGod;"notofyourselves.YouarenomoreabletobelieveinChrist,thanyouweretoraisehimfromthedead:nomoreabletocomeonesteptowardshimbyfaith,inyourownpower,than Lazaruswas able to unbind himself in the grave, and come forth.Yea, in Eph. 1:18, 19, 20 the work of believing is ascribed unto theexceedinggreatnessofthepowerofGod.Nothingbutpowercandoit;noother power but the Almighty power of God can do it: it exceeds thepowerofministers,yea,ofangels.Threethingswillevincethedifficultyofthiswork,viz.

1.Thenatureofit.

2.Thesubjectofit.

3.Theenemiesofit.

1.Thenatureoftheworkof faith,whichiswhollysupernatural; it isnolessthangainingovertheheartyandfullconsentofthewilltotakeJesusChrist with his yoke of obedience, Mat. 11:29 and with his cross ofsufferings,Mat.16:24.Andhowfarthesewillcarryamanintooutwarddangers,losses,torments,andsufferings,whoCantell?andallthisuponthe account of an unseen happiness and glory. Dearest lusts andcorruptions must be mortified, sweetest pleasures and profits in theworld abandoned and forsaken: all reproaches, losses, pains andpenaltiesthedevilandtheworldcanlayuponusforChrist'ssake,mustbe embraced and welcomed. And can it be supposed that any powerbeneaththealmightypoweroftheLord,anyvoiceexcepttheefficaciousvoiceofChrist,canprevailwiththewilltogiveitsfirmexplicitconsenttosuchdifficultandself-denyingtermsasthese?

2.ConsidertheSubjectwroughtupon,viz.thedead,hard,obstinateheartofablindperversesinner;aheartharderbynaturethanthenethermill-stone.Itisaseasytomeltthemostobduraterockintoasweetsyrup,asitistomelttheheartofasinnerintopenitentialsorrowsforsin.What,tobringadeadhearttolife!tomakethatmanbitterlybewailthesinsthatwerehispleasureanddelight,more thaneverhebewailed thedeathofhis nearest and dearest relation in the world! to make a proud heartrenounce its own self-righteousness, which it dotes upon, and take allshameandreproachto itselfupontheaccountofsin! this iswonderful.Youwouldthink itastrangethingtosee thecourseof the tidestoppedwiththebreathofaman;butoh,whatamarvellousthingishere,thatatthepreachingofthegospelbyapoorworm,theLordshouldturnthetideofthewill,andthusworkaboutthesoultoareadycompliancewithhismostself-denyingtermsandproposals!

3.Andthatwhichfartherincreaseththedifficultyofbelievingisthefierceandobstinateoppositionmadebytheenemiesoffaith.Allthepowersofhellandearth,devilsandmenwithoutus,areconfederateandinleaguewiththecorruptionswithinus,toresistandhinderthisworkofbelieving.NeveristhedevilmorebusythanwhenChristandthesoularetreatingabout union. Oh, the discouragements, objections, and difficulties thatarerolledintothewayoffaith!onewhile it isthehighestpresumption;another while it is impossible, and utterly too late: sometimesblasphemous injections, like fierydarts,areshot reekinghotoutofhellinto the soul; other while the invincible difficulties of religion areobjected, all losses, torments,&c. opposedunto thiswork.The temptercastshimself intoa thousandshapestohinderthesoul'spassageoutofnature unto Christ; sometimes objecting the greatness of sin, andsometimes the lapse and loss of the proper season and opportunity ofmercy, togetherwith thewant of due qualifications, to come to Christ.Thus,andmanyotherways,heendeavourstorapoffthefingersoffaithfromtakingholdofChrist:Andaseverydevilinhellopposesthiswork,so every carnal interestwehave in theworld, is an enemy to faith.Wehave enemies enoughwithin us, aswell aswithout us, both conspiringtogether to obstruct this work: all things increase the difficulty ofbelieving.

Thirdly,Wearenexttospeakoftheinstrumentsemployedinthisgreatdesign;andtheseare,

1.Principal;or,

2.Subordinate.

1.Theprincipalinstrument,bywhoseefficacytheheartisopened,istheSpirit of God, without whom it is impossible the design should everprosper: neither ordinances, providences, orministers can successfullymanage it without him. If the Lord will make use of any man for theconversionandsalvationofanother'ssoul,hemayrejoiceinit;butwithalmustsay,asPetertotheJews,Acts3:12."Whylookyesoearnestlyonus,asthoughbyourownpowerorholinesswehadmadethismantowalk?"Somaytheablestministerintheworldsay,whenGodblesseshislabourstotheconversionofanysoul;looknotuponmeasthoughbythestrengthofmyreason,orpowerofmygifts,IhadopenedthysoultoChrist:thisistheworkofGod'sSpirit, inwhosehandIaman instrument,1Cor.3:7."He that plants is nothing, and he that waters is nothing." Nothing inhimself; the very first stroke of conviction,which is introductive to thewholeworkofconversion,isjustlyascribedtotheSpirit;John16:9."TheSpiritwhenhecometh,shallconvincetheworldofsin."HeistheLordofallsanctifyingandgraciousinfluences.Ordinancesarebutasthesailsofaship;ministersastheseamenthatmanagethosesails:theanchormaybeweighed,thesailsspread,butwhenallthisisdone,thereisnosailingtillagalecome.Wepreachandpray,andyouhear;butthereisnomotionChrist-ward, until the Spirit of God (compared to the wind, John 3:8)blow upon them. Until he illuminates the understanding with divinelight,andbowsthewillbyanalmightypower, therecanbenospiritualmotionheaven-ward.NowtheSpiritoftheLordisafreeagent,nottiedtomeans, time or instruments; but as at a certain time an angel camedownuponthewatersofBethesda,andputahealingvirtueintothem,soit ishere:thereforenevercometoanygospel-ordinance,withoutaneyeto the Spirit, onwhom all their blessing and efficacy depend.O lift upyour hearts for his blessing upon themeans, as ever you expect savingbenefitsfromthem.

2. The subordinate instrumentalmeans bywhich this blessed design is

effectuallymanagedintheworld,isthegospel-ministry,1Cor.3:5."Whothen is Paul, and who then is Apollos, but ministers by whom yebelieved?" This is the ordinary stated method of begetting faith; andthoughGodhathnottiedhimselftothisorthatminister,time,orplace,yet he hath tied us to a diligent and constant attendance upon them;Rom. 10:14. "How then shall they call on him in whom they have notbelieved? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have notheard?andhowshalltheyhearwithoutapreacher?"Iconfess,itseemsaveryunlikelymeans,aweakandfoolishmethod,accordingtothedictateofcorrupthumanwisdom;yetbythefoolishnessofpreaching,itpleasesGodtosavethemthatbelieve,1Cor.1:20.Thatwhichthewisdomofmenderides,Godmakeseffectualuntosalvation.Andoh,howmanyaretherethatwillhavecause toblessGod toall eternity, forgiftingandsendingsuchministers among them,whose doctrine the Lord blessed unto theconversionoftheirsouls!

Fourthly,Inthenextplaceletusconsiderthescopeandintentionofthisgreatdesignwhereintheseinstrumentsareemployed:therearenogreatdesigns in theworldbutaimat someend tobeaccomplishedby them.Nowthereare two things in theeyeand intentionof thisdesign,whichareworthyofit.

1.TheExaltationofhisowngrace,andtherichesofhisgoodnessbeforeangelsandmentoalleternity.ThenameofGodisnevermadesogloriousin thisworld,as it isbybringingover theheartsofmenandwomentobelieve. God reaps more glory from the faith of a poor creature thatcomestoChristemptyandweary,thanhedothfromtheotherworksofhishands.Hehathnot the likeglory fromthesun,moon,andstars,asfrom such poor creatureswhose hearts open to Jesus Christ under thegospel-call.Thus theyare fitted tomanifest thegloryofhisgrace,Eph.1:5,6."Tothepraiseofthegloryofhisgrace,"&c.Godwillhavehisrichandgloriousgracepraisedandadmiredbyangelsandmenforevermore;and every converted soul is as it were a monument erected unto thepraiseofhisgrace.Heavenwillringwithpraisesforever,thatthegreatGodwouldhumblehimself to come into theheart of a vile sinner, anddwell and walk therein, as the expression is, 2 Cor. 6:16. O this isadmirable,thatthehighandloftyOne,whoinhabitseternity,willtakeup

his dwelling-place in a poor contrite sinner, that trembles at his word,Isa.57:15.

2.TheeternalsalvationandblessednessofthesoulsoopenedtoChristisalso the design and aim of this work of opening the heart. Luke 19:9.WhenthesoulofZaccheuswasopenedbyfaith,"Thisday,saithChrist,issalvationcometothyhouse."YoudonotonlybelievetothegloryofGod,but to the salvation of your own souls,Heb. 10:39.The opening of ourheartstoChristnow,isinordertotheopeningofheaventoushereafter.Thisisboththefinisoperisetoperantis,endofthework,andintentionoftheworker.1Cor.1:21."ItpleasedGodbythefoolishnessofpreaching,tosave them that do believe." It presently puts them into a state ofsalvation,thoughtheybenotyetactuallyandcompletelysaved.Thereisanecessaryconnectionbetwixtconversionandsalvation;thoughbetwixtconversionandcomplete salvation, theremaybemanygroaninghours,sickandsaddaysandnights;butfulldeliverancefromsinandmiseryissecured to the soul in thework of faith,Col. 1:27. "Christ in you is thehopeofglory."

Thusyouseethisgreatandgloriousdesignprojectedandmanaged;andthis is the very scope, aim, and intentionof thewhole gospel, even theopening theheartsofsinnersuntoChristby faith,willevidentlyappearbyconsideringtheseveralpartsofthegospelwhichhaveadirectaspectuponthisdesign,andthedeclaredendoftheSpirit,whoissentforthtomakeiteffectualtothisveryendandpurpose.

1.To this thecommandsof thegospel look; it lies full in theeyeof thepreceptivepartofthegospel,1John3:23."Andthisishiscommandment,thatweshouldbelieveonthenameofhisSonJesusChrist."Andit isaverygreatencouragement(ifrightlyconsidered)thatfaithisconstitutedadutybyaplaingospel-precept;forthiscutsoffthatvainpretenceandplea of presumption; What! such a vile wretch as thou (saith Satan)presume to believe in Christ? But this cuts off the plea; here is acommandfromthehighestsovereignty,thecontemptwhereofmenshallanswerattheirutmostperil.

2. This also is the declared end and scope of the gospel promises andthreatenings,wherebythesoulsofsinnersareassaultedonbothsides.As

forpromises,howareallthesacredpagesoftheBibleadornedwiththemas the firmament with radiant stars! Amongst which that in the textseemstoexcel inglory."Ifanymanopentome,Iwillcomeintohim."Like untowhich is that, John 6:35, 37. "I am the bread of life; he thatcomethtomeshallneverhunger;andhethatbelievethinmeshallneverthirst;himthatcometh tomeIwill innowisecastout."Suchrichandexcellentencouragementstofaithhadneverbeenputintothepromises,butforfaith'ssake.Andthenforgospel-threatenings,thoughtheyhaveadreadfulsound,yettheyhaveagraciousdesign.Whataterriblethunder-clapisthat,John3:36."HethatbelievethnottheSon,shallnotseelife;but the wrath of God abideth on him." To which another threateningechoeswithaliketerriblevoice,Mark16:16."Hethatbelievethnotshallbedamned."Therebedreadfulthings,yousee,threatenedinthegospelagainstunbelievers;butwhatistheintentionofthosethreateningsbuttoscaremenoutoftheirunbeliefandcarnalsecurityuntoChrist?Andthusboththepromisesandthethreatenings, thoughof fardifferentnatures,conspire and meet in the self-same design, even to open the heart toChristbyfaith,

3. For the sake of this design all gospel-ordinances and officers areinstituted and appointed,maintained and continued in the world untothis day. Why did Christ at his triumphant ascension shed forth suchvarietyofgiftsuponmen,but thatGodmightdwellamong them?Psal.68:18."Thouhastascendedonhigh,thouhastledcaptivitycaptive;thouhastreceivedgiftsformen;yea,fortherebelliousalso,thattheLordGodmight dwell among them." The whole frame of gospel-ordinances isdeclaredlysetupforthispurposetobringmentoChrist,andbuildthemupinChrist,Eph.4:12.

4.Allthescripture-recordsofconvertedsinners,whoseheartsGodhathinanyageopened,weremade for thisverypurpose toencourageothersoulsbytheirexamplestobelievein,oropenuntoChristastheydid.Forthis purpose that famous and memorable conversion of Paul wasgraciously recorded, 1 Tim. 1:16. "Howbeit, for this cause I obtainedmercy, that inme firstJesusChristmightshew forthall long-suffering,for a pattern to them that should hereafter believe on him to lifeeverlasting." Never was any man's heart bolted and made fast with

strongerprejudicesagainstChrist than thisman'swas;yet theSpiritofthe Lord opened it. O how flexible was his will! "Lord, what wilt thouhavemetodo?"Thisgivesgreatencouragementtoothersinnerstocomein to Christ as he did; and thereforewhenmen shall see other sinnersreceivingChrist,andthemselvescontinuestillobstinateandunbelieving,thoseveryexampleswhichGodhathsetbeforetheireyesputadreadfulaggravationupontheirunbelief?asyoumaysee,Mat.21:32."Johncameunto you in thewayof righteousness, andyebelievedhimnot;but thepublicansandharlotsbelievedhim;andye,whenyehadseenit,repentednot afterward, that you might believe him." q. d. Though you sawpublicans, reputed the worst ofmen, and harlots the worst of women,convinced, humbled, and brought unto faith; yet these sights no wayaffectedyoursouls;youneverhadonesuchreflectionasthis,Lord!havenotIasmuchneedtoflyfromthewrathtocome,andmindthesalvationof my own soul as these? will it not be a dreadful aggravation of mymisery,thatsuchastheseshouldobtainChristandheaven,andIbeshutout?

5. To conclude: The opening of the heart to Christ is the very end anderrand of the Spirit of God, upon whose concurrence and blessing thesuccessofallordinancesdepends;uponthisdesignhe issentexpresslyfrom heaven to open the understanding and consciences of sinners byconviction, John 16:9. For it is not in the power of the word alone toproducethiseffect;thousandsofexcellentsermonsmaybepreached,andnotoneheartopenedbyconviction.He isexpressly set to thisendandpurpose.Whatremainsistheapplicationofthispoint.


Inf. 1. If the opening of the heart to Christ be the great and directintention and end of the gospel, How are they deceived that blessthemselves in the attainment of some lesser end and intentions of thegospel,whilstthegreatend(theeffectualpersuasionofthewilltoChrist)isnotatalleffecteduponthem.Therearesomecollateralstrokes,someby-effectsasImaycallthem,whichthegospelhathuponmen.Itwouldpityawiseconsideratemantoseehowpoorsoulshugthemselveswithaconceitedhappinessintheselesserthings,whilsttheystillstickfastinthestate of unregeneracy. I would fain undeceive such mistaken wretches

whobowdownunder thepowerof self-deceit, and that in sogreatandimportantapoint,inwhichtheireternalsalvationisconcerned.Therebetwothingswhichareexceedingapttodeceivemeninthismatter;viz.

1.Partialconvictionsontheunderstanding.

2.Transientmotionsupontheaffections.

Inthesetwothingsmultitudesdeceivethemselves,asifthewholedesignof the gospel were accomplished upon them therein. (1.) Partialconvictionsupon theunderstanding; lightandknowledgebreaking intothe mind, producing orthodoxy of judgment; this seems to be theeffectualopeningoftheunderstandingtoChrist,thoughalas!tothisdaythey never saw sin in its vileness,much less their own special sin; norChristinhissuitablenessandnecessity.Peoplethatliveunderthegospelcan hardly avoid the improvement of their understandings by the lightthatshinesuponthem:knowledgegrows,partsthrive;theseenablethemtodiscourseanddefendthepointsofreligionexcellently.Yea,itmaybefromthestrengthofthesegifts,theycanpraywithcommendablevarietyandlargenessofexpression:thesethingsbegetapplausefrommen,andconfidence in yourselves, whilst all the while no saving influences aresheddowntoquicken,change,andspiritualize theheart. (2.)Therearetransientmotions and touches of the gospel upon the affections,whichgivesomementheirmeltingpangsandmoodsnowandthenundertheword, though it never settles into a spiritual frame, an habitualheavenlinessoftemper;ofsuchtheapostlespeaks,Heb.6:5.Andthisisthemoredangerous,because theynowseemtohaveattainedall that isessentialtoreligion,ornecessarytosalvation.Forwhenuntothelightoftheirunderstandingsthereshallbeaddedmeltingaffections,amannowseems to be complete in all that the gospel requires to the being andconstitutionofaChristian,asagreatdivinespeaks*:forthuspoorsoulsare apt to reason; If I hadonly light inmymind, andnever found anymeltings of my affections, I might suspect myself justly to be anhypocrite; but there are times when my affections, as well as myunderstanding,seemtofeelthepowerofthegospel.AndyetthesethingsmaybewheretheheartnevereffectuallyopenstoChrist;allthismaybebut amorning dew, an early cloud, that vanisheth away; as is plain inJohn'shearers,John5:35andinPaul'shearers,Gal.1:14,15.Forexcept

theconvictionsupontheunderstandingbeparticularandeffectual,andthemotionsupontheaffectionssettled toaheavenlyhabitandtemper,themanisbutwherehewasbeforeastotherealstateandconditionofhis soul. Were thy understanding so convinced of the evil nature anddreadful consequences of sin, and thy affections andwill thereupon soeffectually determined to choose and embrace the Lord Jesus, upon aconsiderate and thorough examination of his own terms and articlespropoundedinthegospel;thenthoumightestconcludethegreatdesignofitwereaccomplisheduponthysoul:buttorestingeneralconvictionsandtransientaffectionswithoutthisisbuttomockanddeceivethyownsoul.Alas!thiscomesnothometothemainendofthegospel,

Inf.2.Learnfromhencetheprodigiousstubbornnessandhardnessoftheheartsofmenlivingdailyunderthegospel,whichstillresistit,thoughitbearupontheminpartofit.

You have heard how all its commands, promises, threatenings, andexamples,beardirectlyandjointlyupontheheartsofsinnerstogetopenthewilltoChrist:andyethowfewarethere,comparatively,thatobeyandanswer this great design of it! all these are like heaven's great artilleryplanted against the unbelief and stubbornness of the hearts ofmen, tobatter down their carnal reasonings, overthrow their vain hopes, andopen a fair passage for Christ into their souls. 2 Cor. 10:4, 5. "For theweapons of our warfare are not carnal butmighty through God to thepullingdownofstrong-holds,castingdownimaginations,andeverythingthatexaltsitselfagainsttheknowledgeofGod,andbringingintocaptivityeverythoughttotheobedienceofChrist."Ifamountberaised,andmanycannon planted thereon, and all played against the wall of a fort,thousandsofshotsmade,andyetnobreach,notonestonemovedoutofitsplace,youwillsay,thatisastrongwallindeed.Beloved,Godhath,asImay say, raised a mount in the gospel, planted the great ordnance ofheavenuponit,dischargedmanydreadfulvolliesofthreatenings;nay,hehathasitwere,comeunderthewallsoftheunbelievingsoul,withtermsof grace andmercy, and yet no opening; O prodigious obstinacy! "Wehavepipeduntoyou,butyehavenotdanced:wehavemourneduntoyou,butyehavenotlamented,"Matth.11:17.Neitherthesweetairsofgospel-grace,nor thedreadful thundersof the law,makeany impressionupon

you. O what an obdurate rock is the heart by nature! Certainly, everyChristianmayseeenoughinothers,andfindenoughinhimself,withoutthehelpofotherbookstoconfutetheArminiandoctrine,whichsoextolsand flatters thenature ofman. It is as possible tomake an impressionwithyourfingeruponawallofbrass,asforthebestsermonintheworld,in its own strength, to make an effectual saving impression upon asinner'swill.

Infer.3.Itisthegreatdesignofthegospel,toopentheheartsofmentoChrist? Then wonder not that it meets with such strong and fierceoppositionfromSatan,whereveritissincerelyandpowerfullypreached.As forgeneraland formalpreaching,whichcomesnot to thequick, thedevilisnotsomuchconcernedaboutit,heknowsitwilldohimnogreatdamage;nay,itfastensandsecureshisinterestsinthesoulsofmen.Butwherever thegospel comeswithSpirit andpower, laying theaxe to theroot, shewingmen the vanity of their ungrounded hopes, pressing thenecessityofregenerationandfaith,thispreachingquicklygivesanalarmtohell,andraisesallmannerofoppositionagainstit.'Whatisittopreachthe gospel, (saith Luther) but to drive the rage and fury of the wholeworlduponus?'Satanisthegodofthisworld,allmenbynaturearehisborn subjects: no prince on earth is more jealous of the revolt of hissubjectsthanhe;anditistimeforhimtobestirhimself,whenthegospelcomes to dethrone him, as it doth in the faithful preaching of it, John12:31. "Now is the judgment of thisworld, now shall the prince of thisworld be cast out."Now he falls as lightning fromheaven, Luke 10:18.Now sinners are made sensible of the cruel tyranny and bondage ofSatan'sgovernment,andofthegloriouslibertyofferedtothembyJesusChrist. Satan suspecting the issue of these things, bestirs himself topurpose.Owhat showersof calumnies, and stormsofpersecutiondothhe pour upon the names and persons of Christ's faithful ambassadors!Certainly,heowesChrist'sministersaspite,andtheyshallknowandfeelit, if ever he get them within the compass of his chain. But let thisdiscouragenoneemployedinthisgloriousdesign;theLordiswiththemtoprotecttheirpersonsandrewardtheirdiligence.

Infer. 4. If the opening of the heart be themain design of the gospel,Christandfaithoughttobetheprincipalsubjectsthatministersshould

insistonamongtheirpeople.

There are many other useful doctrines which may, and ought to beopenedandpressedintheirtimeandplace.Moralduties,&c.havetheirexcellencies;butChrist and faithare thegreat thingsweare topreach.LetmenbeoncebroughttoChrist,andtherestwillfollow;but,tobeginand end with morality, will never make men gospel-Christians. Graceteaches morality, Tit. 2:11 but morality without grace saves no man. Idoubtnotbutithasbeenagrandartificeofthedevil,toconfoundgracewithmorality,andmakemenbelievethatnothingismorerequireduntomen'ssalvation,butacivilsoberconversationintheworld,andsolaybytheprincipalpartofthegospel,whichopensandpressesthenecessityofregeneration,repentance,andfaithinthebloodofChrist.Suchpreachingas this answers not the end and design of Christ in the conversion ofsouls; such kind of preaching disturbs not the consciences ofmen: theLordhelpallhisambassadors tomind theexampleandchargeof theirRedeemer, and laying aside all carnal interest, to apply themselvesfaithfully unto the souls and consciences of their hearers, "not asmen-pleasers,butastheservantsofChrist."

II.Use,ofConviction

Inthenextplace,thisdoctrineisofexcellentusetoconvincemenofthedreadfuldamningnatureof thesinofunbelief:asinwhichdefeatsandfrustrates the main design of the blessed gospel of Christ on theunbeliever'ssoul.

This isthesinthatkeepstheheartfastshutagainsthim.Asfaithistheradicalgrace,sounbeliefistheradicalsin.WhatshallIsayofit?Itisthetraitor'sgate,throughwhichthosesoulspassthataretoperishforever.Thegospel candoyounogood, thebloodofChrist canyieldnosavingbenefit,whilstyoursoulsremainunderthedominionandpowerof thissin. When we consider the mighty arguments of the gospel, we maywonderthatall thathearthemarenot immediatelypersuadedtoChristbythem.And,ontheotherside,whenweconsiderthemightypowerofunbelief,howstronglyitholdsthesoulinbondagetosin;wemayadmirethatanysoul isbroughtovertoChristbythegospel.ItwasnotwithoutcausethattheapostleputsfaithinChristamongthegreatmysteriesand

wonders of the gospel, 1 Tim. 3:16. Now the intrinsic evil and fearfulconsequences of this sin of unbelief will appear in these followingparticulars:

1.Unbelieffixestheguiltofallothersinsonthepersonoftheunbeliever;itbindsthemallfastuponhissoul,John8:24."ForifyebelievenotthatIamhe,yeshalldieinyoursins."Dieinthysinsman?itwerebetterfortheetodieanyotherdeath.WhatmoreterriblecanGodthreaten,ormanfeel?Thisisthesinthatmakes"thedeathofChristofnoneeffecttous,"Gal. 5:4. There is indeed a sovereign virtue in the blood of Christ topardon sin, but thy soul cannot have the benefit of it,while it remainsunderthedominionofthissin.AsitwassaidofthemiraculousworksofChrist, "He could do nomightyworks there because of their unbelief,"Matth.13:58sononeofhisspiritualworks,noordinancescandothysoulgood, until the Lord break the power of this sin; Heb. 4:2. "The wordpreached did not profit them, not beingmixedwith faith in them thatheard it." If a man were dangerously sick, or wounded, the richestcordialsandmostsovereignplaistersintheworldcanneverrecoverhim,unlessreceivedandapplied.Unbeliefspillsthemostsovereigncordialsofthe gospel as water upon the ground. The greatest sins that ever thoucommittedstmightbepardoned,didnotthissinlieintheway;werethisgone, all the restwere gone too: butwhilst unbelief remains, they alsoremainuponthee.

2.Ofallthesinsthatareuponthesoulsofmen,thisisthemostdifficultsintoberemovedandcured:othersinsliemoreopentoconviction,butthishaththemostspeciouspretencestocountenanceanddefendit.Mencommitthissinoutofafearofsin.Theywillnotbelieve,lesttheyshouldpresume: they dare not believe, because they are not qualified. Thestrengthofothersinsmeetsinthissinofunbelief:itisthestrongestfortwhereinSatantrusteth.Takeanadulterer,oraprofaneswearer,andyouhaveafairopenwaytoconvincehimofhissin;shewhimthecommandhehathviolated,andhehathnothingtosayinhisowndefence;buttheunbelieverhathathousandplausibledefences.

3.This is thegreatdamningsinof theworld. Idonot saybutallothersinsdeservedamnation,(forthewagesofsinisdeath)butthisisthesinin the virtue whereof other sins damn and ruin the soul. This is the

condemnation,John3:19.Andasitisadamningsin,soitisasinwhichdamnswith aggravated damnation, 2 Thess. 1:8. O then, let usmournover, and tremble at this dreadful sin which opposes and so oftenfrustratesthegreatdesignandmainendofthewholegospel.

III.Use,forExhortation

IsitthemainscopeofthegospeltobringmentoChristbyfaith?thenbepersuadedheartily to complywith this great design of theFather, Son,and Spirit, ministers, ordinances, and providences, in opening yourheartstoreceiveChristthisdaybyfaithunfeigned.

And, O that I could suitably press this great point, which falls in sodirectlywiththemainstreamandscopeofthewholegospel:andOthatwhilstIampressingit,youwouldliftupaheartycrytoheaven,'Lordgivemefaith,whateverelsethoudenyme;openmyhearttoChristunderthegospel-calls.'Idonotonlypressyoutoageneralandcommonassenttothetruthsof thegospel, 'thatChrist iscomeinthe flesh,and laiddownhislifeforsinners;'butunto'aheartyevangelicalconsenttoreceivehimupongospel-terms; to closewithhim in all his offices, subjectingheartand life unto his authority, living entirely upon him for righteousness,and to him by holiness.' The value of such a faith as this is above allestimation. For, (1.) this is the grace which God hath dignified andcrownedwith glory and honour above all its fellow-graces. Its singularpraises and encomiumsare in all the scriptures.This is calledpreciousfaith,2Pet.1:1.Soul-searchingfaith,Jam.2:5.That isamiserablepoorsoul indeed that is destitute of it, whatever the largesses of providencehave been to him. And he is truly rich to whomGod hath given faith,whateverhehathdeniedhimofthecomfortsofthislife.ThisChristcallstheworkofGod,John6:22."ThisistheworkofGod,thatyoubelieve."Whyso,areallotherthingsthatyoureyesbehold;theyaretheworksofGod; the earth, the sea, the sun,moon, and stars, they are his handy-work.True,theyareso;butthisisthework,themosteminent,glorious,andadmirableworkofGod,sinepare,excellingallhisotherworkswhichyour eyes behold. And, (2.) that which exalts and dignifies it not onlyabovealltheworksofGod'shands,butevenaboveitsfellow-graces,thework of his Spirit, is that high office untowhich it is appointed in thejustificationofasinner.Godhathsingledoutthisgracefromamongall

the other graces, to be the instrument of receiving and applying therighteousnessofChristforthejustificationofaguiltysoul,Rom.5:1.Youarenever said tobe justifiedby love,hope,ordesire,butby faith. It istrue, all other graces are supposed in the person justified; but noneapprehendsandappliestherighteousnessofChrist for justification,butthisonly.Andthejustifyingactoffaithbeingareceivingact,thegloryofGod is thereinsecured; therefore it isof faith that itmightbebygrace.(3.)Thegraceoffaith,whichIamrecommendingtoyouthisday,isnotonly the instrumentofyour justification,but it isalso thebondofyourunionwithChrist, Eph. 3:17. "That Christmay dwell in your hearts byfaith." It is the uniting grace, themarriage-knot; it is that which givesinterestin,andtitletothepersonandbenefitsofChrist;thegreatthingupon which the eyes of all the awakened world are intently andsolicitously fixed. Whatever apprehensions you have of an interest inChrist,andwhateverhisbenefitsbeworth inyoureyes,neitherhimselfnor they can ever be obtainedwithout faith.O brethren, there is a daycomingwhentheythatnowslightandneglectthisinterestandconcernoftheirsouls,wouldgladlypartwithtenthousandworldsforagoodtitletoChrist, could it be purchased therewith: but it is faith, and nothingwithout faith, that intitles you to Christ, and to his benefits. (4.) Thatwhichshouldyetmoreendearthisgraceoffaithtoyouisthis,thatit isthe hand which receives your pardon from the hand of Christ, themessengerthatbringsasealedpardontoatremblingsinner.Acts10:43."Andbyhimallthatbelievearejustifiedfromallthings,fromwhichtheycouldnotbejustifiedbythelawofMoses."Clearedofallthosesinsfromwhich the law could never clear them, nor any repentance, restitution,norobedienceoftheirownwithoutfaith.Owhatawelcomemessengerisfaith,andwhatjoyfultidingsdothitbring!youwouldsaysoifeveryouhad felt the efficacy of the law upon your consciences; if ever you hadlain,assomesinnershave,withacoldsweatinghorroruponyourpantingbosoms,undertheapprehensionsofthewrathofGod.Thisfruitoffaithisrather tobeadmiredthanexpressed,Psal.32:1. (5.)Faith isnotonlythemessengerthatbringsyouapardonfromheaven;butitis,asImaysay, thatheavenlyheraldthatpublishespeace inthesoulofasinner.Opeace, how sweet aword art thou! howwelcome to a poor condemnedsinner!"Beautifuluponthemountainsarethe feetof themthatpublishpeace."Now it is faith thatbrings thisblessednewsandpublishes it in

the soul, without which all the publishers of peace without us, canadministerbut little support,Rom.5:1.Faithbrings the souloutof thestormsandtempestswithwhichitwastossed,intoasweetrestandcalm,Heb. 4:3. "We which have believed do enter into rest." Is the quietharbour welcome to poor weather-beaten seamen, after they have pastfuriousstormsandmanyfearsupontheragingsea?Ohowwelcomethenmustpeacebe to thatsoul thathathbeentosseduponthe tempestuousoceanofitsownfearsandterrors,blownupandincensedbytheterribleblastsofthelawandconscience?ItwasacomfortablesighttoNoahandhis family, to see anolive-leaf in themouthof thedove, bywhich theyknewthewaterswereabated.But,oh!whatis ittohearsuchavoiceasthisfromthemouthoffaith,Furyisnotinme,saiththeLord;hisangeristurnedaway,andhecomforteththee?Fearnotthou,poortempestuatedsoul, the God of peace is thy God. (6.) Faith doth not only bring thetempestuoussoulintoacalm,butitisthegracealsowhichopenstothesouladoorofaccessintothegraciouspresenceofGod;withoutitthereisnocomingtohimacceptably;Heb.11:6."HethatcomethuntoGodmustbelieve." This liberty and access to God is indeed the purchase of thebloodofChrist;heprocureditatagreatsum:butfaithisthegracethatbrings the soul actually into the presence ofGod, and there helps it toopen and ease its griefs, and, with liberty of speech, to discover all itsgrievances,fears,andburdenstotheLord.Andtruly,thisworldwerenotworththelivinginwithoutsuchablessedventtoourtroublesasthisis.ThebelieveronlyhathgottenthekeythatopensthedoorofaccessuntoGod; if he have any sins, wants, burdens, afflictions, temptations, &c.herehecaneasethem.Ah!Christian,thetimemaycomewhenthyheartmay be filledwith sorrows to the brim, and theremay not be found apersonof thyacquaintance inall theworld towhomthoucanst turn toease thy sorrows, or give vent to thy troubles.Now,blessedbeGod forfaith;Otheeaseoneactoffaithgivesatroubledsoul,whichislikebottlesfullofnewwine,andmusteitherventorbreak!Wellmayitbesaid,Thejust shall live by faith: how canwe imaginewe should live without it?Certainlyourafflictionsandtemptationswouldswallowusup,wereitnotforthesweetassiduousreliefsthatcomeinbyfaith.(7.)Andyetfartherto enflame your desires after faith, this is the grace that gives you thesoul-reviving sights of the invisible world, without which this worldwouldbeadungeontous,Heb.11:1.Itisnotonlythesubstanceofthings

hopedfor,buttheevidenceofthingsnotseen.Oitisapreciouseye!howtransportingarethosevisionsoffaith!1Pet.1:8."Whomhavingnotseen,welove;whomthoughnowweseehimnot,yet,believing,werejoicewithjoy unspeakable and full of glory." We that preach of heaven to you,cannot shew you the glorious person of Christ there, nor the thrones,crowns,andpalmsthatareabove;butfaithcanmakethesethingsvisible.Thatisaneyethatcanpenetratetheclouds,andshewyoutohimthatisinvisible,Heb.11:27.(8.)Thegraceoffaith,whichIamrecommendingtoyouthisday,isinstrumentallythelivelihoodofyoursoulsinthisworld,Hab.2:4."Thejustshalllivebyhisfaith."WhenGodgivesasoulfaith,hegives it him for a livelihood, and expectshe shouldkeephouseupon itwhile he lives in this world; and God reckons he hath made plentifulprovision for your souls,whenhehathgiven them faith, and furnishedout such variety of precious promises for your faith to feed upon.Abraham, Moses, David, and all the saints, kept house upon no otherprovisionbutwhatfaithbroughtin;andatwhatahighandexcellentratedid they live? Here man eateth angels food. It is a storehouse ofprovision; it isashopofcordials; "Ihad faintedunless Ihadbelieved,"Psal27:13.Abelieverlivesthehighestlifeofallmenuponearth;andasthebeliever'ssoulisdailyfedbyfaith,soalltheothergracesinhissoularemaintainedanddailysupportedbytheprovisionfaithbringsthemin.Theothergraces(asonesaith)liketheyoungbirdsinthenest,liveuponthat provision this grace of faith gathers for them, and puts into theirmouths.Takeawayfaith,andyouquicklystarvethesoulofaChristian.Willnotall thisengageyourdesiresafter faith?Why then(9.)considerthisisthegracewherebywediesafelyaswellaslivecomfortably:asyoucannot live comfortablywithout it in thisworld, soneither can youdiesafelyorcomfortablywithoutitwhenyougooutofthisworld;Heb.11:13."Thesealldiedinfaith,nothavingreceivedthepromises;buthavingseenthemafaroff,andwerepersuadedof them,andembracedthem."Markhere, how these excellent persons died; they all died embracing thepromises in the arms of their faith. An allusion to two dear friends,hugging one another at their parting. O precious promises, saith thedyingbeliever;ofwhatunspeakableuseandbenefithaveyoubeentomeallthedaysofmypilgrimage!YouaretheytowhomIwaswonttoturninall my troubles and distresses; but I am now going into the life ofimmediatevision;farewellblessedpromises,scriptures,ordinances,and

communion of imperfect saints; I shall walk no more by faith, but bysight. (10.) In aword, and that a greatword too, this is the grace thatsaves you, Eph. 2:8. "By grace are you saved through faith." Yoursalvationisthefruitoffree-grace;butgraceitselfwillnotsaveyouinanyothermethodbutthatofbelieving.ThegraceofGodrunsdownthroughthechannelof faith; faith is thegrace thatespousesyour soul toChristhere, andaccompanies it every stepof thewayuntil it comes to its fullenjoymentinheaven,andthenisswallowedupinvision.Itembarksyouwith Christ, and pilots you through the dangerous seas, till you dropanchorinthehavenofeverlastingrestandsafety;whereyoureceivetheendofyourfaith,thesalvationofyoursouls.Othen,inconsiderationofthe incomparable worth and absolute necessity of this precious grace,makeityourgreatstudy,makeityourconstantcrytoheaven,nightandday,Lordgivemeabelievingheart,anopeninghearttoJesusChrist.Ifyoufailofthis,youcomeshortofthegreatendanddesignofthewholegospel,whichistobringyoutofaith,andbyfaithtoheaven.

SERMONX-REVEL.3:20

——Ifanymanhearmyvoice,andopenthedoor,[Iwillcomeintohim,andsupwithhim.]

IN the former sermons, we have considered Christ's suit for a sinner'sheart:wenowcometothepowerfulargumentsandmotivesusedbyhimtoobtainhissuit,whicharetwo:

1.Union,"Iwillcomeintohim,andsupwithhim."

2.Communion,"andhewithme."

Thesearestrongandmightyargumentsandencouragements,able,onewouldthink,toopenanyheartintheworldtoChrist,andyetconsideringhow fast theheartsofmenareglued to their lusts, fixedand riveted in

their sins, until the Spirit come upon them with powerful convictions;and when under conviction, whatmighty discouragements they labourunderfromtheirformersinfulnessandpresentunworthiness,all this islittle enough to bring them to faith; nay, in itself utterly insufficient,withoutthealmightypowersecondandsetthemhomewitheffectontheheart;foritisnotmeremoralsuasionwilldothework.Itistrue,Christwill notmake a forcible entrance into the soul, hewill come in by theconsentof thewill;but thewill consentsnot,until it feels thepowerofGoduponit,Psal.110:3.Almightypoweropenstheheartanddeterminesthewill,butstillinawaycongruoustothenatureofthewill;Hos.11:4."Idrewthemwiththecordsofaman,withthebandsoflove."When,underthe influenceof thispower, thesoulopensuntoChrist,hewillcomein,takethatsoulforhiseverlastinghabitation,refreshandfeastitwiththesweetestconsolationsandprivilegespurchasedbyhisblood,whencethetenthobservationis,

Doct.10.ThatChristwillcertainlycomeintothesoulthatopenstohim;andwillnotcomeempty-handed,butwillbringrichentertainmentwithhim.Iwillcomeintohim,andsupwithhim.

Whentheprodigal(theemblemofaconvert)returnedtohisfather,Luke15:22 his father not only received, but adorned and feasted him. Inopeningthispoint,Ishallshew,

First,WhatChrist'scomingintothesoulintends.

Secondly,HowitappearsChristwillcomeintotheopeningsoul.

Thirdly,Whatthatrichentertainmentishebringswithhim.

Fourthly,Whyhethusentertainsthesoulthatreceiveshimandopenstohim.

First,WhatChrist'scomingintothesoulintends;andingeneralImustsay, this is a greatmystery, which will not be fully Understood till wecometoheaven;John14:20."AtthatdayyoushallknowthatIaminmyFather,andyouinme,andIinyou."ThentheessentialunionofChristandhisFather,andthemysticalunionbetweenbelieversandChrist,will

bemoreclearlyunderstood thanweare capable tounderstand them inthis imperfect state: yet for the present somuch is discovered, asmayjustlyastonishpoorsinnersatthemarvellouscondescensionoftheLordJesustothem.Moreparticularly,thisexpression,Iwillcomeintohim,importsno less thanhisunitingsuchasoul tohimself; forhecomes inwithadesigntodwellinthatsoulbyfaith,Eph.3:17tomakesuchamanamysticalmemberofhisbody, fleshandbones,Eph.5:30which is thehighesthonourthesoulofmaniscapableof.IndeedthiscomingofChristintothesoulofasinner,dothnotmakehimonepersonwithChrist:thatis the singular honour to which our nature is advanced by thehypostaticalunion:But thismakesapersonmysticallyonewithChrist;and though it be beneath the hypostatical union, yet it ismore than amerefœderalunion.Christ'scomingintothesoul,signifiesmorethanhiscomingintocovenantwithit, for it isthetakingofsuchapersonintoamysticalunionwithhimself,bytheimpartingofhisSpirituntohim.Asthe vital sap of the stock coming into the graft, makes it one with thestock,John15:15sothecomingofChrist'sSpiritintothesoul,makesitamemberofhismysticalbody;andthisisaglorioussupernaturalworkofGod, 1Cor. 1:30mosthonourable,most comfortable, and for ever sureandindissoluble;asIhaveelsewhere*morefullyshewed.

Secondly, I shall evidence the truth and certainty of this mostcomfortable point, that Christ will come in, and that with singularrefreshmentsandcomforts,toeverysoulthathearshisvoiceandopensto him. No present unworthiness, or former rebellions shall bar outChrist,orobstructhisentranceintosuchasoul.Whateverthouhastbeenordone;all thatnotwithstanding,Christwillcomeintothee,anddwellwiththee,andmakethysoulanhabitationforhimselfthroughtheSpirit,Eph.2:22. I say, let thyheartbeopen tohim,andhewillboth fill andfeastthee,withanonobstante,astoallthyformermiscarriages.

I know it is the common discouragement thatmultitudes of convincedhumbledsinnersheunder,whoseeingsomuchvilenessintheirnaturesandpractices,cannotbepersuadedthatevertheLordJesuswillcastaneyeoffavouronthem,muchlesstakeuphisabodeinthem.What,dwellinsuchaheartasmine,whichhathbeenanhabitationofdevils,asink,apuddleofsinfrommybeginning!thisishardtobebelieved;but,sinner,

thouhastthewordofaKingfromheavenforit,awordwhosecredithasnever failed from the first moment it was spoken, that whatever thyformerorpresentvilenessorunworthinesshathbeen,oris,hewillnotbeshyofsuchasoulasthouart,ifthoubebutwillingtoopentohim.Thygreatunworthiness shall benobar tohisunionwith thee. "If anymanopen,Iwillcomeintohim,"&c.For,

1.IfpersonalunworthinessweresufficienttobarChristoutofthysoul,itwould equally bar him out of all the souls in the world: for all areunworthy as well as thyself.Wherever Christ finds sinfulness, he findsunworthiness; and to be sure he finds this wherever he comes. Christnever expected to findworthiness in thee, but it highly pleases him tofindtheeunderabecomingsenseofthypersonalunworthiness,Jer.3:13."Onlyacknowledgethineiniquity,thatthouhasttransgressedagainsttheLordthyGod,"&c.Thereturningprodigalacknowledgedtohisfather,"Iamnotworthytobecalledthyson,"Luke15:18,19.Butthisdidnotbarhisaccessto,orhinderhisacceptancebyhisfather.AllthatcometoGodtobejustified,mustseeandconfesstheirownvileness,andcometohimasonethatjustifieththeungodly,Rom.4:5.

2.ThyformervilenessandpresentunworthinesscanbenobartoChrist'sentrance, because it can be no surprize to him.He knew thouwast anunworthy soul when he made the first overture of grace andreconciliation to thee; and if thy unworthiness hindered not thebeginning of his treaty with thee, it shall not hinder the closing andfinisting act thereof in his union with thee. "I knew that thou wast atransgressorfromthewomb,"Isa.47:8.

3.ChristneveryetcameintoanysoulwhereSatanhadnotthepossessionbeforehim.Every soul inwhichChristnowdwells,wasonce inSatan'spowerandpossession,Acts26:18."Toturnthemfromdarknesstolight,andfromthepowerofSatantoGod."SoLuke11:21,22."Whenastrongman armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: but when astrongerthanheshallcomeuponhim,andovercomehim,hetakethfromhimallhisarmourwhereinhetrusted,anddividethhisspoil."

4. Thy present vileness and unworthiness can be no bar to Christ'sentranceintothysoul,becauseChristneveryetobjectedtoanymanhis

unworthiness,buthisunwillingnesstocomeuntohim;John5:40."Youwillnotcomeuntome,thatyoumighthavelife."Andagain,Mat.23:37."HowoftwouldIhavegatheredthychildren,andyewouldnot?"Indeed,you findsomething likea repulse fromChrist to thatpoorCanaanitess,Mat. 15:24,26. "Lord,helpme," said thatpoordistressed soul; "butheansweredandsaid,itisnotmeettotakethechildren'sbread,andtocastit todogs."Howeverharshlyanddiscouragingly thesewordssound,yetcertainlyitwasnoneofChrist'sintenttodampanddiscourageherfaith,buttodrawitforthtoamoreexcellentandintensedegree:whicheffectisproduced,ver.27.

5. Neither would Christ have made the tenders of mercy so large andindefinite, had he intended to have shut out any soul upon the singleaccountofpersonalunworthiness,provideditbebutwillingtocomeuntohim.Castthineeye,poordiscouragedsoul,uponChrist'sinvitationsandproclamationsofgraceandmercyinthegospel,andseeifthoucanstfindanythingbesideunwillingnessasabarbetwixttheeandmercy;hearkentothatvoiceofmercy,Isa.55:1."Ho,everyonethatthirsteth,comeyetothewaters;andhethathathnomoney,comeye,buyandeat;comebuywineandmilkwithoutmoney,andwithoutprice," i.e.withoutpersonaldesertorworthiness.Soagain,Rev.22:17."TheSpiritandthebridesaycome,andlethimthatisathirstcome;andwhosoeverwill, lethimtakethewateroflifefreely."HereyouseepersonalvilenessandunworthinessisnoobstacleinthewayofChrist.Oncemore,seeJohn7:37."Inthelastday,thatgreatdayofthefeast,Jesusstoodandcried,saying,Ifanymanthirst,lethimcometomeanddrink."ThusyouseewhatChrist'scomingintothesoulis,andwhatevidencesthereare,thatwhenoncethesoulismade truly willing, Christ will certainly come into it; and no formervilenessorpresentunworthinessshallbeabartoobstructhisentrance.

Thirdly,InthenextplaceIshallshewyou,ThatwhenChristcomesintothesoulhewillnotcomeempty-handed.ItisChrist'smarriage-day,andhewillmake itagoodday,a festival-day;bringingsuchcomfortsalongwithhim,asthesoulnevertastedbefore.Hespreadsas itwereatable,furnishes itwith the delicates of heaven: Iwill supwith him, saith thetext.WhatthosespiritualmerciesarewhichChristbringsalongwithhimtotheopening,willingsoul,comesnextinordertobespokento.And,

1.WhenChristcomesintothesoulofasinner,hebringsapardonwithhim, a full, a free, and a final pardonof all the sins that ever that soulcommitted.Thisisafeastofitself,goodcheerindeed:Christthoughtittobe so when he told the poor palsy-man, Matth. 9:2. "Son, be of goodcheer,thysinsareforgiventhee."Hedothnotsay,Beofgoodcheer,thypalsyiscured,thybodyrecoveredfromthegrave;but,"beofgoodcheer,thysinsarepardoned."Ohowsweetlymaythepardonedsoulfeeduponthis! And this is not any peculiar mercy designed for some specialfavourites, butwhat is common to all believers,Acts 13:43. "Byhimallthat believe are justified from all things." Christ and pardon cometogether; and without a pardon no mercy would relish: no feast, nomusic,nomoney,nohonour,haveanyfavourorcomfortwiththemtoacondemnedman;butthecomfortofapardonreachestotheveryheart,Isa. 40:1, 2. "Comfort ye, comfort yemy people, saith the Lord: speakcomfortably to Jerusalem;" or, as in theHebrew, speak to the heart ofJerusalem.ButwhataretheingredientsofthatcordialthatwillcomfortJerusalem'sheart?Why,"Sayuntoher,thatheriniquitiesarepardoned;"thatcarriesalongwithitthespiritofallconsolation.

Andtherearethreethingsinthepardonofsinthatmakesitthesweetestmercy that ever the soul tasted; comfort which is impossible to becommunicated to another with the same sense that the pardoned soulhathofit,Rev.2:17.

(1.)Thatwhichmakesthepardonofsinravishinglysweet,isthetroublethatwentbefore it.The labouringsandrestless tossingsof the troubledsoul,whichwereantecedenttohispardon,maketheeaseandpeacethatfollow it incomparablysweet.As thebitternessofhellwas tasted in thesorrowsofsin,sothesweetnessofheavenistastedinthepardonofit.

(2.)Thenatureofthemercyitselfisincomparablysweet;foritisamercyof the first rank.Pardon is suchamercyasadmitsnocomfort to comebeforeit,noranyjustcauseofdiscouragementcanfollowafterit.IfGodhathnotspokenpardontothesoul,itcanhavenosettledgroundforjoy,Ezek. 33:10. And if he have, there can be no just ground for dejection,whatever the troubles be that lie upon it. Isa. 33:24. "The inhabitantsshall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiventheiriniquities."

(3.)Thethirdthingthatmakesthismercydeliciousandravishinglysweettothesoul,arethepropertiesofit,whicharefour.(1.)Godwritesuponthypardon,Frank:itisafreemercywhichcoststheenothing,Rom.3:24."Being justified freelybyhisgrace.Thouhastboughtmenosweetcanewithmoney,yetI,evenIamhethatblottethoutthytransgressionformyownname'ssake."(2.)Godwritesuponthypardonfull,aswellas free;thepardonextendstoallthesinsthateverthoucommittedst,Acts13:39."By him all that believe are justified from all things." The sins of thynatureandpractice; the sinsof thyyouthand riperage; great sinsandlesser sins are all comprehendedwithin thypardon.Thouart acquittednotfromone,butfromall!Certainly,thejoyofheavenmustcomedowninthemercyofremission.Owhatafeastoffatthingswithmarrowisthissingle mercy, a pardon free without price, full without exception! Andthen, (3.) it is final, without revocation; the pardoned soul nevermorecomesintocondemnation:"Thineiniquitiesareremovedfromtheeasfarastheeastisfromthewest."Asthosetwooppositepointsofheavencannevermeet,sothepardonedsoulanditspardonedsinscannevermoremeetuntocondemnation,Psal.103:12.(4.)Godwritesuponthepardonanotherword,assweetasanyoftherest,andthatissure.Itisastandingmercynevertoberecalled,vacatedorannulled,Rom.8:33,34,35.Thechallenge is sent to hell and earth,men anddevils: "Who shall lay anythingtothechargeofGod'select?ItisGodthatjustifies,whoishethatcondemneth?ItisChristthatdied,"&c.Whocanarrestwhenthecreditordischargeth?Who can sue the bondwhen the debt is paid? It is Christthatdied.Thetableisspread,andthefirstmercyservedinisthepardonofsin."Eat,Ofriends,drink,yea,drinkabundantly,Obeloved."Nowthelabouringconsciencethatrolledandtosseduponthewavesofathousandfears,maydropanchor, and ridequiet in thepacific seaof apardonedstate.Whatjoymuststreamthroughtheconsciencewhenthesweetnessof thatscripture,Rom.8:1shallbepressed into thycupofconsolation!Thepardonedsoulmayspeakandthinkofdeathandjudgmentwithoutconsternation; yea,may look upon it "as a time of refreshing from thepresenceoftheLord,"Acts3:19.Thisisheavenlymanna,thesweetnessofitswallowsupallexpressions,allconceptions;nowords,nothoughtscancomprehendtherichesofthismercy.

2.Andyetthisisnotall;beholdanothermercy,inconsequenceuntothis,brought in to refresh and cheer the consenting soul, and that is, peacewith God. Pardon and peace go together, Rom. 5:1."Being justified byfaith,wehavepeacewithGod."Peaceisawordofavastcomprehension;peace, in the languageof theOldTestament, comprehendsall temporalgoodthings,1Sam.25:6.AndpeaceintheNewTestamentcomprehendsallspiritualmercies,2Thess.3:16theblessingsofheavenandeartharewrapt up in this word. The soul that opens to Christ hath peace ofreconciliationinheaven;theenmitythatwasbetwixtGodandthatsoulistakenawaythroughJesusChrist,Isa.12:1,2."OLord,Iwillpraisethee;though thouwast angrywithme, thine anger is turnedaway, and thoucomfortestme."Thismustbeaninvaluablemercy,forthepurchaseofitcost the blood of Christ, Isa. 53:5. "The chastisement of our peacewasuponhim."Hemadepeaceby thebloodofhiscross,Col. 1:20andthispeace of reconciliation is settled byChrist upon a firm foundation.Hisbloodgives itamore firmandsteadybasisandfoundationthanthatofthehillsandmountains,Isa.54:10.Andthatwhichmakesitsofirmandsure,istheadvocateshipofJesusChristinheaven,1John2:1,2."Ifanymansin,wehaveanadvocatewiththeFather."Thereisalsopeaceinthebeliever'sconscience;peaceasitwerebyproclamationfromheaven;andthisisbuiltuponthepeaceofreconciliation.Wecannothavethesenseofpeace,tillwearebroughtintoastateofpeace;thelatteristheresultofthe former. And this is a special part of that supper Christ provides toentertain the soul that receives it.How sweet this is, is better felt thanspoken. A dreadful soundwas lately in the ears of the law-condemnedsinner;butnowhisheart istheseatofpeace.Andthispeaceis,(1.)thesoul'sguardagainstallinwardandoutwardterrors,Phil.4:7.ThepeaceofGod shall keepφρουρησει or, as theword is, guard your hearts andminds.Thepersonsofprincesaresecuredbyguardsofarmedandvaliantmen, who watch while they sleep. Thus Solomon had his royal guard,becauseoffearinthenight,Cant.3:7,8.ThispeaceofGod,Christian,isthylife-guard,andsecurestheebetterthanSolomon'sthreescorevaliantmenthatwereabouthim.Timewaswhenthouwastafraidtosleep, forfearthoushouldstawakeinhell:NowthoumayestsaywithDavid,"Iwillboth lay me down and sleep, for thou, Lord, makest me to dwell insafety."Nowcomelife,comedeath;thesoulissafe,thepeaceofGodisitsroyal guard. (2.) This peace is ease as well as safety to the soul: it is

hearts-ease:NosoonerdothGodspeakpeacetotheconscience,butthesoulfindsitselfateaseandrest,Heb.4:3."Wewhichhavebelieved,shallenterintorest."It iswithsuchasoulasitwaswiththedoveNoahsentout of the ark; that poor creature wandered in the air, as long as herwingscouldcarryher;hadherstrengthfailed,therewasnothingbutthewaterstoreceiveher.Ohowsweetwasrestintheark?(3.)Thispeaceisnews fromheaven, and the sweetest tidings that ever blest the sinner'sear, next untoChrist;Heb. 12:24. "The blood of Christ speaketh betterthings thanthatofAbel."Andyouarecometo thisbloodofsprinkling,the same day and hour that Christ is come into your souls. This is thevoiceofthatblood,'Thouhastsinned,Ihavesatisfied;ThouhastkindledthewrathofGod,andIhavequenched it.'Theangelsofheavencannotfeed higher; their joys are not more delicious than those prepared forbelievers are, whereof this is a foretaste: Whatever circumstances oftroubleamanmaybein,thiseffectuallyrelieveshim.PaulandSilaswereinsadcircumstances,shutupintheinnerprison,theirfeetmadefastinthestocks,theircruelkeepersatthedoor,theirexecutiondesignedinafewdays:Goddidbutset thisdishuponthe tablebefore theprisoners,and they couldnot forbear to singat the feast,Acts 16:25.Atmidnighttheysang,&c.

3.After thesetworoyaldishes,pardonandpeace,a thirdwillcome, in,viz.JoyintheHolyGhost.Thisissomewhatbeyondpeace,itistheveryquintessenceandspiritofallconsolation.ThekingdomofGodissaidsoconsistinit,Rom.14:17itissomewhatneartothejoyoftheglorified,1Pet.1:8itisheavenuponearth.Allbelieversdonotimmediatelyattainit,butonetimeorotherGodusuallygivesthematasteof it;andwhenhedoth,itisasitwereashortsalvation.O,whocantellwhatthatiswhichtheapostlecalls,"ThesheddingabroadoftheloveofGodintheheart,bytheHolyGhost,whichisgiventous!"Rom.5:5.Itisajoythatwantsanepithettoexpressthesweetnessofit,1Pet.1:8."Joyunspeakableandfullofglory."Ithaththeveryscentandtasteofheaveninit,andthereisbutagradualdifferencebetwixt itandthe joyofheaven.This joyof theHolyGhostisaspiritualcheerfulnessstreamingthroughthesoulofabelieverupontheSpirit'stestimony,whichclearshisinterestinChrist,andglory.No soonerdoth theSpirit shed forth the loveofGod into thebeliever'sheart,but it streamsandoverflowswith joy.Joy isnomoreunder that

soul's command. And this will evidently appear, if you consider thematterofit;itarisesfromthelightofGod'scountenance,Psal.4:6,7theheavenlyglory,1Pet.1:8."Whomhavingnotseenwelove,"&c.Thesoulistransportedwithjoy,ravishedwiththegloryandexcellencyofChrist.DidstthoueverseethisChristwhomthysoulissoravishedwith?No,Ihavenotseenhim;yetmysoulistransportedwithsomuchlovetohim,whomhavingnotseenwelove.Butifthouneversawesthim,howcomesthysoul tobesodelightedandravishedwithhim?why, thoughIneversawhimbytheeyeofsense,yetIdoseehimbytheeyeoffaith;andbythatsightmysoulisfloodedwithspiritualjoy.Believingwerejoice.Butwhatmannerofjoyisthatwhichyoutaste?why,notonguecanexpressthat,foritisjoyunspeakable.ButhowareChristandheaventurnedintosuch ravishing joys to the soul? why, the Spirit of the Lord gives thebelievingsoulnotonlyasight todiscern the transcendentexcellencyofthesespiritualobjects,butasightofhisinterestinthemalso.ThisismyChrist,andthistheglorypreparedforme.Withoutinterest,heavenitselfcannotbe turnedunto joy, "Mysoul rejoices inGodmySaviour,"Luke1:47.We read, Luke 13:28 of some that shall have a sight ofAbraham,Isaac,andJacob,andalltheprophetsinthekingdomofGod,andyetasightwithout joy; a dreadful sight to them, forwant of a joint interestwiththeminthatglory.Theyshallsee,andyetwailandweep,andgnashtheirteeth:Butaninterestsealed,givesjoyunspeakable.Now,astotheexcellencyofthisjoy,itwillbefoundtobethepleasantlightofthesoul.Lightandjoyaresynonymoustermsinscripture,Psal.97:11.Itisasthecheerfullightofthemorningafterasadanddismalnight.Youthathavesatindarknessandtheshadowofdeath,youthathavesatmourninginthedark,withoutoneglimpseofapromise,youthathaveconversedwithnothingbutdismal thoughtsofhellandwrath;Oh!Ishallbecastawayforever!Whatwillyousay,whenafterallthisdarkness,theday-starshallariseinyourhearts,thejoyofheavenshallbeamuponyoursouls?Willnotthisbeagloriousrewardforallyourself-denialforChrist,andfullyrecompenseforthefrownsofcarnalrelationsforgivingentertainmenttoChrist?ThisjoyoftheLord,iftherewerenootherheaven,isanabundantrecompence.This joyof theLordshallbeyour strength,Neh.8:10.LetGod but give a person a little of this joy into his heart, and he shallpresentlyfeelhimselfstrengthenedbyit,eithertodoortosufferthewillofGod.Nowhecanpraywithenlargement,hearwithcomfort,meditate

withdelight:andifGodcallhimtosuffer,thisjoyshallstrengthenhimtobear it.Thiswas it thatmade themartyrs go singing to the stake.Thistherefore transcends all the joys of this lower world. There are sinfulpleasuresmen find in fulfilling their lusts.There are sensitive joys thatmenfindinthegoodcreaturesofGod,fillingtheirheartswithfoodandgladness:Therearealsodelusivejoys,falsecomfortsthathypocritesfindin their ungrounded hopes of heaven. The joys of the sensualist arebrutish, the joys of the hypocrite are ensnaring and vanishing; but thejoys of the Holy Ghost are solid, sweet, and leading to the fulness ofeverlastingjoy.Thisisthethirdheavenlydaintyyoumayexpecttofeedon,ifyouopenyourheartstoreceiveChristbyfaith,elseyouhavealltheconsolationthateveryoumustexpect.

4.WereadinscriptureofthesealingsoftheSpirit,achoiceandblessedprivilege of believers, consequent upon believing; Eph. 1:13. "In whomafterthatyebelieved,yeweresealed,"&c.ThisthenmaybeexpectedbyeverysoulthatopenstoChrist,howrichsoeverthecomfortsofitbe.TheSpirit indeed sealsnot before faith, for then shouldhe sethis seal to ablank: but he usually seals after believing, and that as the Spirit ofpromise.Notehere,theagentorpersonsealing,theSpirit,heknowsthecounselsandpurposesofGod,1Cor.2:10,11.Healsoisauthorizedtothiswork;andbeingtheSpiritoftruth,hecannotdeceiveus.Thereisatwo-fold seal spoken of in scripture; one referring to God's eternalforeknowledge and choice of men, 2 Tim. 2:19. "Nevertheless, thefoundationofGodstandethsure,havingthisseal,theLordknowethwhoare his;" i.e. The Lord perfectly knows every soul that belongs to himthroughtheworld.Butnowwhatcomfortisthistoapoorbeliever,thatGodknowswhoarehis?Therefore there is another sealing referring totheSpirit,ashisactuponbelievers,tomakethemknowthattheyarehis.Thefirstisgeneral,TheLordknowethwhoarehis.Butthisisparticular,TheLordknoweththeetobehis.Thisisjoyfulnewsindeed.Theformermakesitsureinitself, thelattermakesitsuretous.Nowthis isamostglorious privilege, a work of the Spirit, which hath a most ravishing,delicioussweetnessinit;andthatwhichmakesitso,is,

(1.)Theweightinessofthemattersealedto,whichisnolessthanChrist,andtheeternalinheritancepurchasedbyhisblood.Thissealsecuresour

title to Christ, and to the eternal glory: We are sealed to the day ofredemption.Thesealedbelievercansay,Christ,howgreat,howglorioussoeverhebe, ismyChrist; thecovenantofgrace,andall the invaluablepromisescontainedinitaremine.

(2.)Therestandquietnesswhichfollowit,makeitaninvaluablemercy.Thisbringstheanxioussolicitousmindandconsciencetorestandpeace.O what a mercy is it to have all those knots untied, those objectionsanswered, those fears banished, underwhich thedoubting soul so longlaboured,andwhichkeptitsomanynightswakingandrestless!Godonlyknowsatwhatratesomepoorcreatures liveunder thescaringsof theirownconsciences,andfrequentfearsofhell:Andwhatanunconceivablemercywoulditbetothemtobedeliveredatoncefromtheirdangersandfears,which hold themunder a spirit of bondage?Open toChrist, andthouartinthewaytosuchadeliverance:"ComeuntomeandIwillgiveyourest,"saithChrist,Mat.11:28,29.

(3.)ThissealingoftheSpirit,whichfollowsuponbelieving,willestablishthesoulinChrist,confirmitandsettleitinthewaysofGod,whichisanunspeakable privilege; 2Cor. 1:22. "Nowhewhich establishethuswithyouinChristisGod,whoalsohathsealedus."Markhowestablishmentfollowssealing.Nowtemptationsmaycome,greatpersecutionsandsoreafflictionsmaycome;buthowwellisthatsoulprovidedforthemall,thathath thesealingsof theSpiritunto thedayof redemption?Yea, thoughthesoul thatwas sealed should for thepresentbeundernewdarkness,newtemptationsandfears,yettheformersealingwillgiveestablishmentand relief, when the thoughts run back to the sealing day, and a manremembershowclearGodoncemadehistitletoChrist.Wellthen,opentoChrist, ifeveryouexpecttobesealedtosalvation.Ifyoucontinuetodespiseandreject thetendersofChrist in thegospel,whilstothers thatembracehimaresealedtothedayofredemption;yourunbeliefandfinalrejectionofChrist,willsealyouuptothedayofdamnation.

5. And lastly, we read likewise in the Scriptures, of the Earnest of theSpirit;thisisthreetimesmentionedintheScriptures.Eph.1:14."Whichis the earnest of our inheritanceuntil the redemptionof thepurchasedpossession." 2 Cor. 1:22where it is joinedwith the former privilege ofsealing,"Whohathalsosealedus,andgiventheearnestof theSpirit in

ourhearts."Andagain,2Cor.5:5."Hethathathwroughtusfortheself-samethingisGod,whohathalsogivenuntoustheearnestoftheSpirit."Thewordisαρραθων,originallyaSyriacword;theGreeksaresupposedtoget it fromthePhœnicianmerchants,withwhomthey traded,and itnotesapartpaidinhand,toconfirmabargainforthewhole.Therearetwo things in an earnest. (1.) It is part of the sum, or inheritance; if itwereacontractforasumofmoney,thenitwasasmallpartofagreaterparcel: if for an inheritance, then the earnest is taking a part of theinheritance,asa twig,or turf,partof thewhole.Now theSpiritofGodchusesthiswordonpurposetosignifytwogreatthingstohispeoplebyit:

(1.)That thosecomfortscommunicatedby theSpirit tobelievers,areofthesamekindwiththejoysofheaven,thoughinafarinferiordegree.1Pet. 1:8called there, joyunspeakable, and fullofglory:AndRom.8:23calledthere,ThefirstfruitsoftheSpirit.Thefirst-fruits,andthecroporharvest,areone inkind;surely there issomethingofheaven,aswellashell,tastedbymeninthisworld:hellisbegunhereintheterrorsofsomemen'sconsciences,andheavenalsoisbegunhereintheabsolution,peaceandcomfort,ofothermen'sconsciences.

(2.)Asanearnestispartofthesumorinheritance,sotheuseandendofitisconfirmationandsecurity;asmuchastosay,takethisinparttillthewholebepaid;yea, take it for thysecurity that thewholeshallbepaid.Believershaveadoublepledge,orearnestforheaven,oneinthepersonofChrist,whoisenteredintothatgloryforthem,John14:2,3theotherin the joys and comforts of the Spirit, which they feel, and taste inthemselves. These are two great securities, and the design of God ingivingus theseearnests,and foretastesofheaven,arenotonly tosettleourmindsbuttowhetourindustry,thatwemaylongthemoreearnestly,andlabourthemorediligentlyforthefullpossession.TheLordseeshowaptwearetoflaginthepursuitofheavenlyglory,andthereforegiveshispeopleataste,anearnestofit,toexcitetheirdiligenceinthepursuitsofit.Goddealswithhispeople in this case, aswith Israel; theyhadbeenforty years in the wilderness, many sore temptations they had thereencountered;atlasttheywerecomeupontheverybordersofCanaan,butthentheirheartsbegantofaint;therewereAnakims,giantsintheland,

poorIsrael fearedtheyshouldnotstandbeforethem:butJoshuasendsspies into the land, who returning, bring the first-fruits of Canaan tothem,wherebytheysawwhatagoodlycountryitwas;andthenthefearof theAnakimsbegantovanish,andaspiritofcourage torevive in thepeople. Thus it is, evenwith the borderers uponheaven; thoughwebenearthatblessedlandofpromise,yetourheartsareapttofaintuponaprospect of those great sufferings without us, and those conflicts withcorruptionswefeelwithinus:butonetasteofthefirst-fruitsofheaven,likethosegrapesofEschol,reviveourspirits,rouseourzeal,andquickenourpursuits of blessedness. For these reasons,Godwill not have all ofheaven reserved till we come thither. And now tell me, you that havetasted these first-fruits of theSpirit, (1.) Is therenot something of thatglorifiedeye,infaith,bywhichthepureinheartdoseeGodinheaven?Mat.5:8.O thateyeof faith! thatpreciouseye!whichcomesasnear totheglorifiedeye,asanythinginthisimperfectstatecancome,1Pet.1:8."Whomhavingnotseenyelove,inwhomthoughnowyeseehimnot,yetbelieving,yerejoicewithjoyunspeakableandfullofglory."(2.)Istherenotsomethingofthatglorifiedlovetobefeltinaninferiordegreebythesaints in this world? What else can we make of that transport of thespouse,Cant. 2:5. "Staymewith flagons, comfortmewith apples, for Iam sick of love!" It is true, our love to God, in heaven, is muchmorefervent, pure, and constant; yet these high-raised acts of spiritual lovehave a taste and relish of it. (3.) Is there not something here of thatheavenlydelightwherewiththeglorifieddelightinGod?AsthevisionsofGod are begun on earth, so the heavenly delights are begun here also.Some drops of that delight, are let fall here, Psalm 94:19. "In themultitudeofthethoughtsIhadwithinme,thycomfortsdelightmysoul."David'sheart,itislike,hadbeenfullofsorrowandtrouble;aseaofgallandwormwoodhadoverflowedhissoul:Godletsfallbutadroportwoofheavenly delight, and all is turned into sweetness and comfort. (4.) Isthere not something here of that transformation of the soul into theimageofGod,whichiscompleteinheaven,andaspecialpartoftheglorythereof? It is said in 1John3:2. "Weshallbe likehim, forweshall seehimasheis."Thisisheaven,thisisglory,tohavethesoulmouldedintofullconformitywithGod:somethingthereofisexperiencedinthisworld:Othatwehadmore!2Cor.3:18."Butweallwithopenface,beholdingasinaglass thegloryof theLord,arechanged into thesame image, from

glorytoglory,asbytheSpiritoftheLord."(5.)Istherenotsomethingfelthere of the ravishing sweetness of God's presence in ordinances andduties, which is a faint shadow, at least, of the joys of his gloriouspresenceinheaven?ThereiscertainlyafeltpresenceofGod,asensiblenearnessuntoGodatsometimesandinsomedutiesofreligion,whereinhis name is as ointment poured forth, Cant. 1:3 something that is feltbeyond,andabove,allthecomfortsofthisworld.(6.)Inaword,thejoysofheavenareunspeakablejoys,nowordscanmakeknowntootherswhattheyare.WhenPaulwascaughtup intoparadiseheheardunspeakablewords,2Cor.12:4andaretherenottimes,eveninthislife,whereinthesaintsdofeelthatwhichnowordscanexpress?1Pet.1:8,Rev.2:17.

NowifsuchearnestsoftheSpiritdofollowafterbelieving,ifopeningthesoultoChristdobringituntothesesuburbsofheaven;whothenwouldnotreceiveChristintohissoul,andsuchanheavenuponearthwithhim?AndthusIhaveshewedyouwhatsomeofthoseheavenlyraritiesarewithwhichChristentertainsbelieversuponearth, the fulnessandperfectionwhereof is reserved for heaven, and hereby secured to the opening orbelievingsoul:whichwasthethirdthingtobediscovered.

Fourthly, Next we shall enquire into the reasons why Christ thusentertains,feasts,andrefreshesthesoulthatreceiveshim.And,

Reasons

Reason1.Thishedothtoexpress thegreat joyandsatisfactionhissoulhathinthefaithandobedienceofpoorsinners.Weread,Isa.53:11ofthehardtravailofChrist'ssoul,andthegreatsatisfactionhehathinthefruitand issue thereof: "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall besatisfied."Owhatpleasureandsatisfactiondothitgivehimtobeholdtheeternal counsels ofGod and sore travails of his soul brought to such abirth!thereisnosuchpleasurelikeittothesoulofChristinthisworld.Asitisabundantsatisfactiontoaman,tobeholdtheaccomplishmentofadesignuponwhichhehath laidoutmanythoughtsandmuchcost,atlasthappilyfinished:orasitistoawomanthathashadahardlabour,asoretravailforachild,tobeholdthefruitofherwomb,toembraceandsmileuponthatchildshetravailedfor;so,andmuchmorethanso,itistoChrist;andtherefore,astheFatheroftheprodigalmanifestedthejoyof

hisheartforthereturnofhisson(whowastohimasdead,andlost)byafeastandmusic,sodothChristhereanswerablymanifestthecontentandsatisfaction of his soul by entertaining the believer with these royaldaintiesofheaven:itisthesoul'swelcomehometoChrist.

Reason 2. This Christ doth to relieve and refresh poor distressed soulswhohaveenduredsomanyfearsandsorrowsfromthetimeoftheirfirstconvictionuntil thisdayof theirunionwithChristby faith.Thewayoffaith is a very humble way; there is much cutting work in antecedentconvictions andhumiliations, sadnights and sickdayswithmanypoorsouls;andthesethingsbringthemverylow:theyseethelawbrokenbysin,wrathhangingovertheminthethreatenings,thebittertastethereoftheyhave in theirconsciences; theyhavedealtwith fearsandhorrorsalong time, and theyneed succourand support,which theLordJesus isnowresolved togive them, lest the spirit failbeforehim, Isa.57:16.Hedelights to comfort them that are cast down, 2 Cor. 7:6. Christ is of acompassionate nature, he is as ready as able to succour them that aretempted,Heb.2:18.Thatwordwhichwerendersuccour,signifiestoruninbywayofhelpat the cryofone that is indistress.Manyemphaticalcrieshavegoneuptoheavenfromthedistressed,sin-sicksoul;thesethecompassionateJesushears,andnowcomesinseasonablytosuccourandrefresh it; he hath rich cordials for fainting hours; the soul hath had abitterbreakfast,andthereforeChristwillgiveitacomfortablesupper;"Iwillcomeintohim,andsupwithhim."

Reason 3. Those that open their hearts to Christ must expect to meetgreattroubles,sufferings,andtemptations,inthatnewcoursewhereintotheyareentered: theirway toheaven lies throughmuch tribulation;allour troubles are not over when we are got into Christ; nay, thencommonly our greatest outward troubles begin. Heb. 10:32. "After yebelieved ye endured a great fight of afflictions." Carnal relations nowscoff,frown,andcastoff;theworldhatesthem,andmarksthemoutforpersecution. Now that poor Cristians may not utterly be discouragedwhentheymeetwiththosetroubles inthewayof theirduty,Christwillcheer and hearten themby these spiritual refreshments: this is a stocklaid in for a rainy day. Christ himself had a voice fromheaven,Matth.17:5. "This is my beloved Son," a little before his great combat; much

more do his poor people need such consolations, to support andencourage them.ThewiseGod foresees, andby thisprovision fore-laysthetroublestheyaretomeetwith:anhourofsealingfortifiesthesoulforan hour of suffering. It hath been the observation of some ChristianswhentheyhavefeltmorethanordinarycomfortsoftheSpirit,thatsomegreat trial hath been near them; and the event hath confirmed it.WhatevercomfortsChristgiveshispeopleattheirfirstentranceintohisservice, theywill have need enough of them all before they finish theircourse.Tothesefirstsealingstheywillneedoftentorunbackandhavefrequentrecoursetothem,andalllittleenoughtosupporttheminafter-trials.

Reason4.ChristcomesintotheopeningsoulwithsuchdivinecordialsandrefreshmentstodefeatandcounterminetheplotofSatan,whohathsooftenandsolatelybeendiscouragingthembyrepresentingthewaysofChristassad,melancholyways;tellingthemtheyshallneverlaughmore,neverbemerrymoreaftertheyhaveembracedandespousedthewaysofholiness:SpiritusCalvinianusestSpiritusmelancholicus.Well,theirownexperiences shall now confute it, for they now taste that pleasure inChrist,infaithandobedience,whichtheynevertastedinthewaysofsin:thus that scandalous libel of the devil is experimentally confuted. Theyfind they were never truly merry till now, Luke 15:24 all true mirthcommencesfromourclosingwithChrist;"andtheybegantobemerry."

Now these spiritual refreshments are by Christ here called a supper,becausethesupperamongtheJewswastheirbestmeal,Luke14:17andbecause it is the last meal. This is not only the best meal that ever abeliever made, but upon these spiritual comforts (though much morerefinedandperfect)theyaretofeedforeverinheaven.OChristian,wellmayestthoubecontentedwiththineoutwardlotofprovidence,howeverit shall fall in this worldwith respect to thy outwardman; will a Kingfromheavencomeandsupwiththee?Dothhefeedthysoulwithpardon,peace, and joy in theHolyGhost, seal anearnestof futureglory?Thenthoulivestatahigherandnoblerratethananyofthycarnalneighboursdo. "Blessedbe theGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist,whohathblesseduswithallspiritualblessingsinheavenlyplacesinChrist,"Eph.1:3.ThesamepersonthatthusblessesGodwithaheartoverflowingwith

joyandcomfort,enduredasmanypersecutions,feltasmanywantsandstraitsasanyman.Whatifprovidencedobutmeanlyclotheyourbodies,sothatyoucannotruffleitoutinthatsplendorandgallantryothersdo?Yetmayest thousaywith thechurch, "Iwill greatly rejoice in theLord,my soul shall be joyful in my God: for he hath clothed me with thegarmentsofsalvation,hehathcoveredmewiththerobeofrighteousness,asabridegroomdeckethhimselfwithornaments,andasabrideadornethherselfwithjewels,"Isa.61:10.Whatifthoufarenotsodeliciouslyasthegreatonesofthisworlddo?YetifChristwillgivetheetoeatofthehiddenmannawhichhepromiseth,Rev.2:17.artthounotbetterclothedandfedthan any of the grandees or nobles of the world? This takes away allgrounds of complaint. Itmay be youwill say,O butwehave bodies aswell as souls; if God had created us angels, that we could live withoutmaterialfood,itwereanothercase.Ireply,Christneverthusintendedtofeastthysoulandstarvethybody;hethatfeedsthysoulwithbreadfromheavenwilltakecareforallnecessaryprovisionsonearth,Isa.41:17.Youhave soughtand found thekingdomofGodandhis righteousness; fearnotbutallotherthingsshallbeaddedtoyou.


Thepointbeforeus is fullofuses; Ishallbeginwith information in thefollowinginferences.

Infer. 1. Hence learn, That it is a vile and groundless slander uponreligion,tosayorinsinuatethatitdeprivesmenofthecomfortandjoyoflife.

The devil, in design to discourage men from the ways of God, puts afrightfulmaskuponthebeautifulfaceofreligion,pretendingthereisnopleasure or joy to be expected therein; but this is abundantly confutedand refelled in the text, "I will come in to him, and sup with him.Solomontellsus,Eccl.10:19.Afeastismadeforlaughter."IamsurethatsoulthatsitswithChristatsuchafeastashasbeendescribedabove,hasthe best reason of anyman in the world to bemerry. Religion indeeddeniesusallsinfulpleasure,butitaboundswithallspiritualpleasure.Norational, solidmirth cancomebeforeChrist: theunsanctified rejoice inthingsofnought,andtheirjoywillbesoonended;theyarehasteningto

that place where they will find that to be verified of the wages of sin,whichtheynowfalselyimputetothewagesofholiness;theyshallneverrejoicemore,neverbemerrymore:Butbelieversshallfindthatscriptureattested by their daily experience, Prov. 3:17. "Her way are ways ofpleasantness, and all her paths are peace." And that there are suchpleasures in theways ofGod, as theynever experienced in theways ofsin;forisitasolidgroundofcomforttoamantobeoutofdebtandallfearsofarrests,andisitnotmuchgreatertohaveourdebtspaidtoGodbyChristoursurety?Matth.9:2."Beofgoodcheer,thysinsareforgiventhee."Isitmatterofjoytohaveasufficiencyofallthingsforthesupplyofeverywant?Hethat is inChristhathso.1Cor.3:22,23."Allareyours,and ye areChrist's." Is it a joyful life to be a borderer uponheaven, toconfineuponblessednessitself?ThenitisajoyfullifetobeinChrist;fortheythataresomayrejoiceinthehopesofglory,Rom.5:2.IsitmatterofalljoytohavetheComforterhimself,whoistheSpiritofallconsolation,takinguphisresidenceinthyheart,cheering,comforting,andrefreshingitwithsuchcordialsasareunknownthingsinalltheunbelievingworld?Then,certainly, the lifeofaChristianandthewaysofholinessmustbemostpleasantandcomfortable:And therefore letnone thatare lookingtowardsChristbediscouragedintheirwaybytheslanderousreproachesdesignedly cast upon religion for that end. Christ and comforts dwelltogether.

Infer. 2.Hence, in likemanner it follows, ThatChristians usuallymeetthegreatestdifficultiesattheirfirstentranceintoreligion.

Thefirstworkofreligioniscuttingwork,woundingwork,groaningandweepingwork:Thus religionusuallybegins,Acts2:37.Acts 16:29.Nowthesoul seems tobestruckdead, in thegivingupofall its formervainhopes, Rom. 7:9. "When the commandment came, sin revived, and Idied;"butafterwardcomepardon,peace,joyintheHolyGhost.Theythatgo forth weeping, bearing precious seed, now come back rejoicingsbringing their sheaves with them, Psal. 126:6. Now that blessing takesplaceuponthesoul,Mat.5:4."Blessedaretheythatmourn,fortheyshallbecomforted.Lightissownfortherighteous,andjoyfortheuprightinheart."Itisquitecontraryinthewaysofsin;allthepleasuresofsincomefirst, the terrors and gripes of conscience come after. Sin comes with

smiles in its face,butasting in its tail.Pleasures lead thevan,hellanddestructionbringuptherear,Job20:12,13,14."Thoughwickednessbesweet inhismouth, thoughhehide itunderhis tongue;yethismeat inhisbowelsisturnedintothegallofaspswithinhim."Buthereconvictionand humiliation come first, these prepare theway for Christ; and afterhimcomerestandpeace."Theirsorrowisturnedintojoy,"John16:20.

Object.Butisthisalwaystrue?Donottheworstthingsofreligionmanytimes come last?HowmanyChristians goout of theworld in a bloodywindingsheet?

Sol.Whatevertheafter-sufferingsofChristiansmaybe,theworstispastwhen they are once in Christ. Great and sharp sufferings they mayendure,buttheLordsweetensthemwithanswerableconsolations,2Cor.7:4."Iamfilledwithcomfort,Iamexceedingjoyfulinallourtribulation."Thelowestebbsarefollowedwiththehighesttides;thegreatesttroublesneednotgiveaninterruptiontotheirpeace.

Infer.3.Henceitfollows,thatnomancanbeownerofanytruecomforttillhebeinChrist.

Comfort and refreshment, in the natural order follow faith; it is thevainestimaginationintheworldtoexpectsolid,spiritualcomfortbeforeunionwithChrist;youmayaswellexpectanharvestbeforeaseed-time.Ido confess there are two sorts of comforts found in the world withoutChrist. (1.) Men may have sensitive and sinful comforts and delightswithoutChrist;thesearecommonintheunregenerateworld,whereyoumaydailyseerichmentakingcomfortintheirriches,voluptuousmenintheirpleasures,James5:5."Youhavelivedinpleasureuponearth."Butthese are the pleasures common to brutes, and beneath the noble,immortalspiritofaman.(2.)Hypocriteshavetheirdelightsandcomfortsinafalseimaginaryhappiness,whichtheyfancytothemselves;butthisisa vanishing shadow: They take comfort from their groundless hope ofheaven,whithertheyshallnevercome;itisafeastinadream,Isa.44:20.Thus theymake abridgeof their own shadow, and aredrowned in thewaters.Suchsensitiveand falsecomfortsandpleasuresmenmayhave;but no true, solid, spiritual joy takes place in any man's heart beforeChristcomeintoit.

Infer.4.Guessfromhencewhatheavenis,iftherebesuchafeasttothesoulintheveryforetastesofit.

Ifarelish,atasteofheaven,intheearnestthereof,besotransportingandravishing,what then is the full fruitionofGod! If thesebeunutterable,whatmustthatbe!Givemeleavetosay,whateverthecomfortsandjoysofanybelieverinthisworldmaybe,yetheavenwillbeasurprizetohimwhenhecomesthither.The joysofGod'spresenceareothermannerofthings thanourpresentcomfortsare; thoughthesebeof thesamekindwith them, yet in a far inferior degree. There is a six-fold differencebetwixtthespiritualcomfortsofbelieversonearth,andthejoysthatareabove.Theydiffer,

1.Inquantity.

2.Inconstancy.

3.Inpurity.

4.Inefficacy.

5.Inthesociety,and

6.Inthedurabilityofthem.

1.Theydifferinquantity."Hereweknowbutinpart,butwhenthatwhichisperfectiscome,thenthatwhichisinpartshallbedoneaway,"1Cor.13:9, 10. When the scripture speaks of the comforts communicated tosaints on earth, it usually expresses them in some diminutive terms orother, calling them first-fruits, earnests, and the like; and indeed it isnecessarywe should receive them herewith such allays, and in remissdegrees,becausetheimperfectionandweaknessofourpresentstatewillnotbearthemintheirplenitudeandperfection.HerethejoyoftheLordentersintous,buttherewearesaidtoenterintothatjoy,Mat.25:21.Itistoogreattoenterintous,thereforeweenterinto,andareswallowedupinit.

2.Theydifferinconstancy;thebestcomfortsuponeartharefoundtobeintermittingcomforts;asun-blastandacloud;agooddayandabad.You

know house-keepers feed upon two sorts of meat, daily-bread anddainties; rarities comenoteveryday to the table.Thedaily-breaduponwhich believers live, is there cumbence and affiance of faith; as forassuranceandjoy,thosecomebutnowandthen.

3.Theydifferinpurity,aswellasconstancy;herewehavethecomfortsoftheSpirit,butweminglesinwith them,andusually thesinof spiritualpride,whichspoilsall.Yea,manytimes,theLordsuffersSatantominglehis temptations and injections with them, lest we should be exalted, 2Cor.12:7.Butabove, thecomfortsof thesaintsareas thepurewateroflife,clearaschrystal,Rev.22:1.

4.Theydifferinefficacy,aswellasinpurity.ThehighestcomfortsoftheSpiritherearenotperfectlytransformativeofoursoulsintotheimageofGod,astheyareinheaven;1John3:3."Weshallbelikehim,forweshallsee him as he is." Here, after we are comforted by him, we grieve theComforter himself by sin.Neither do the comforts of the Spirit, in thisstate,producethefruitsofobedienceintheirperfectmaturity,astheydoabove;thereisthesamedifferenceinpointofefficacyasthereisbetwixtthe influenceof thesunbeams in thewintermonths,and those inMayandJune.

5.Thereisagreatdifferenceinrespectofsociety.Here,thebeliever,forthemost part, eats his pleasantmorsels alone; one Christian eats, andanother hungers; but in heaven they all feast and feed together at onetable,Mat.8:11."Theyshallsitdown"withAbraham,Isaac,andJacob,inthe kingdom of God." O what is it to rejoice in the fellowship ofpatriarchs,prophets,andapostles,wherethejoyofoneisthejoyofall.

6.Theydifferalsoindurability;sinhereputsastoptoourcomforts,butinheaven as there is no comma, so there shall never be a full point orperiod. Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads. There is an eternalfeast,notakingawaythecloth,norisingfromthatfeast,2Thes.2:16.Itiseverlastingconsolation:WeshallbeeverwiththeLord.

II.Use

Thispointputs seriousmatterof exhortation intomymouth.TheLord

directittotheheartsofall,whethertheybeinChrist,oroutofChrist.

First, To those that are out of Christ, andwill not yet be persuaded toopentheirhearts,andconsenttohisterms.Owhataspiritualinfatuationis here! What, shut the door of thy heart against Christ and all thedelights and comforts of this and the coming world!Whatmadness isthis!Hearme, thoupoordeluded sinner, thatwilt notbepersuaded topart with thy sinful, sensual delights in exchange for Christ, and thepeace,comfort,andjoythatfollowhim:IhaveafewthingstospeakonChrist'sbehalfatthistime;Othattheymightprevail,OthatbythemtheSpirit of the Lord might persuade thy spirit, thou poor unregeneratecreature! Let me offer four or five considerations or pleas on Christ'sbehalf, ifhaplytheymayprevailandmakewayforhisentertainmentinthysoul.And,

Plea1.Letmepleadthineownnecessitywiththee;amightyargument;whichinothercasesusethtomakeitswaysthroughalloppositions,andmake all difficulties fly before it; thou art a poor necessitous, pining,famishingsoul;however thybodybeaccommodated, thouhastnotonebit of spiritual bread for thy famishing soul to live upon. Christ is thebreadthatcomethdownfromheaven.Thestarvingprodigal,Luke15:16,17isthelivelyemblemofthysoul;hefeedsuponhusks,andthoufeedestuponthatwhichisnotbread,Isa.55:2.Thouartwretchedandmiserable,poor, blind, and naked, Rev. 3:17. Thy body hath often been filled andrefreshedwith thegoodcreaturesofGod,but thysoulnever tastedonebit of spiritual bread since it came into thy body; it never relished thesweetness of a pardon, the deliciousness of a promise, the joy andcomfortofChrist;thechoicestfoodthateverthoutasted,wassuchasthysoulcannotliveupon.

Plea2.Christisatthedoorofthysoulwithplentyandvarietyofheavenlycomforts,costlydainties,purchasedbyhisblood;ifthouwiltbutopentohim, "Thou shalt be abundantly satisfiedwith the fatness of his house,anddrinkoftheriversofhispleasure,"Psal.36:7,8."Hethatbelieveth,"as the scripture hath said, "out of his belly shall flow rivers of livingwater,"John7:38meaningthegracesandcomfortsoftheSpirit.

Plea3.IfChristbeputoffandrefusednow,youmaynevertasteofthose

invaluablemerciesforever,Luke14:24."ForIsayuntoyou,thatnoneofthose men which were bidden shall taste of my supper." They werebidden, invited to this feast, andsoareyou; they refused tocome,Godgrant you may not; for methinks this sentence of Christ, "Those menwhichwerebiddenshallnottasteofmysupper,"islikeasentenceuponamalefactorthatistobehangedinchains,andwhomthelawpermitsnonetorelieve.O,itwillbedreadfultoseethesaintssittingattheroyalfeastin heaven, and yourselves shut out as a company of starving beggarsstandinginthestreets,andaboutthedoorswherethemarriage-supperiskept;theyseethelights,theybeholdtherichdishescarriedup,theyhearthemirthandmusicoftheguests,butnotabitcomestotheirshare.

Plea4.TherefusalofChrist'sinvitation,asitisthegreatestofallsins,soit will be avengedwith the sorestwrath and greatest punishment; it issaidofthosegueststhatwerebidden,Mat.22:5thattheymadelightofit,but it fell heavy upon them, ver. 7. "He was wroth, and sent forth hisarmiesanddestroyedthosemurderers,andburntuptheircity."HaveacareofmakinglightofChrist.

Plea5.What lightandvain thingsareall thosepleasuresofsin, for thesakewhereofyoudepriveyoursoulsoftheeverlastingcomfortsofJesusChrist? Deluded soul, it is not the intent of Christ to rob thee of thycomfort, but to exchange thy sinful for spiritual delights, to thyunspeakableadvantage.Itistrue,youshallhavenomorepleasureinsin,butinsteadofthatyoushallhavepeacewithGod,joyintheHolyGhost,and solid comforts for evermore. What are the sensitive or sinfulpleasuresoftheworld?Youhavethetotalsumofthemin1John2:16,17."Allthatisintheworld,thelustoftheflesh,thelustoftheeyes,andthepride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the worldpasseth away, and the lusts thereof; but he that doth the will of Godabidethforever."

Quest.Buthowmayapoor,unregeneratesoulbeprevailedwithtomakesuchablessedexchange,topartwiththepleasuresofsininexchangeforthecomfortsofJesusChrist?

Answer.Besidesallthathathbeenofferedbefore,letmebrieflyaddthesethreefollowingdirectionsandcounselstosuchasoul.

1.LabourtoseeandfeelthyneedofChrist,andthenthouwiltquicklybewillingtogiveupallthepleasuresofsinfortheenjoymentofhim.Whatmakesmensotenaciousoftheirlusts,sohardtobepersuadedtogiveuptheirsinfulpleasures,butthis,thattheyneverfelttheneedofaSaviour!Oh,sinner,didst thoubut feel thyneedofChrist,wert thoubuthungryand thirsty for him, thouwouldst never standupon such trifles for theenjoymentofhim.Weread,inthefamineofJerusalem,howtheypartedwith their pleasant things for bread to relieve their souls; jewels, rings,bracelets,thingswhichcostdear,andwerehighlyvaluedatanothertime,nowwerewillinglypartedwithforbread.Christismorenecessarytotheethanthynecessarybread.

2.Consider the spiritual and immortalnatureof thineown soul,whichcannotliveuponmaterialthings,andmustover-livealltemporarythings.Nowifthysoulcannotliveuponthem,andmustcertainlyover-livethem;what amiserable conditionwill it unavoidably fall into, when all thesesensual,andsinfulenjoymentsarevanishedandgone,as thouknowesttheyshortlywillbe?1John2:17."Thesethingspassaway:"andthenhaththysoulnothingtoliveupontoalleternity.

3.Hearken to the reportsandexperiencesof the saints,whohave triedboth sorts of pleasures, which you never did: They have tried thepleasuresofsin,andtheyhavetastedthepleasuresofChrist,andsoarebestabletomakeatruejudgmentuponboth;andtheyhaveaccordinglydetermined, "That one glimpse of the light of God's countenance, putsmoregladnessintotheirhearts,thaninthetimethattheircornandtheirwineincreased,"Psal.4:7.Nay,thewisestChristians,upontrialofboth,haverightlydetermined,Thattheworstthingsinreligionareinfinitelytobepreferred to thebest thingsbelonging tosin; theverysufferingsandafflictions of the people ofGod, have been pronounced better than thepleasures of sin for a season,Heb. 11:25. Could you but see with theireyes,andwereyoubutcapableofmakingaright judgmentas theydid,thereneedednotawordmoretobesaidtopersuadeyouto letgoyourmost pleasant, and profitable lusts, in exchange for Christ and hisbeneficial,comfortablesufferings.

Secondly, The point affords variety of counsels and exhortations to theregenerate, who have opened their wills to Christ, and are thereupon

admittedintothiscomfortablestate.

Itisfound,inexperience,adifficultthingforasoul,afterconversion,tobearanddulymanage theirowncomforts,as itwas tobearandrightlymanagetheirtroublesatconversion.Mybusinesshereistoadvisesouls,undertheirfirstcomfortsandfeelingsoftheSpirit,howtomanageandimprovetheirspiritualcomforts,thattheymayabidewiththem,andbegrowingthingscontinuallyintheirsouls.

Advices

Advice 1. And first, See that you humbly admire and adore thecondescendinggoodnessofGod toyou, inall thecomfortsof theSpiritwhichrefreshyou.

OthateverGodshouldcomfortsuchasoulas thine, thathathsooftengrievedhim!ThatChristshouldbeajoytothee,whohastbeenasorrowto him! If you look into Eph. 1:3 youwill find the spirit of the apostlethere filledwith the sense and admiration of thismercy, which breaksforth into this rapturousexpression, "Blessedbe theGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist,whohathblesseduswithallspiritualblessingsinheavenlyplaces(orthingsinChrist)."Sometherearethatneverenjoyanordinary degree of earthly comforts, Job 30:3, 4, 5 others enjoyabundance of earthly comforts, but no spiritual comforts, Psal. 17:14.Some there are for whom God intends everlasting consolations in theworld to come; but they are kept low, as to spiritual comforts in thisworld,Psal.88:15.O,whatcausehaveyoutoadmirethebountyofGodtoyou, forwhomthere isnotonly fulnessof joysprepared inheaven,butsuch precious foretastes and earnests of it communicated in the waythither.

Advice2.CleavefasttoChristandthosesweetandcomfortabledutiesofreligion,whereinyouhavefound,andtastedthebestcomfortsthateveryoursoulswereacquaintedwith.

This is one thing God aims at in the communication of these spiritualrefreshments,toglueyoursoulsfastbythemtothewaysofholiness.TheLord knows temptations will befal you, discouragements enough you

shallbesuretomeetwith;buttheseenjoymentsofGod,whichyouhavemetwith in prayer and hearing, inmeditation, sacraments, &c. shouldengage your hearts for ever to theways of obedience. Younever foundthat sweetness in thewaysof sin,whichyouhave found in repentance,andfaith.Whenatemptationcomesbaitedwithsinfulpleasures,sayastheolivetreeandthevine,inJotham'sparable,Judg.9:9,10,11.ShallIleavesuchsoul-refreshingcomfortsasthese,fortheinsipidpleasuresofsin?Godforbid.

Advice3.Becommunicativeof thespiritualcomfortsyouenjoy, for thebenefitandrefreshmentofothers.

TheLordneverintendedyoushouldengrossthecomfortsofhisSpirittoyourselves,noreatyourpleasantmorselsalone.2Cor.1:4."Hecomfortsus, thatwemaybeable tocomfort themthatare inanytrouble,by thecomfortwherewithweourselvesarecomfortedofGod."Itistrue,religionlaysnotallopen,noryetdothitconceal,andhideall.Thereneedsagreatdealofwisdom,humility,andcaution,tosecureusfrompride,andvanityinspirit,whilstwecommunicateourcomfortstoothers:Asostentation,soalsoimpropriationofourcomforts,areagainstscripture-law;hemaybe justly suspected that opens all, and somay he too that conceals all.Spiritual comforts are not diminished, but improved by a wise, andhumblecommunication.

Advice 4. Be much in renewing the acts, and exercises of faith; befrequentinthatwork.

Your first faith hath brought in your first comfort; your renewing, andrepeatingthosepreciousactsof faith,willbringyou ingreaterstoresofcomfort,thanyouyetenjoy.Wearenottolookuponfaithasasingle,butacontinuedact,1Pet.2:4."Towhomcomingasuntoalivingstone."Thysoul,Christian, is tobe ina continualmotion towardsChrist; themoreyoubelieve, themore youwill rejoice. You see the door throughwhichcomfort,comes intoyoursouls.Joy is thedaughterof faith,Rom.15:13your present comfort is the first birth of faith; but there are manycomfortsmoreinthewomboffaith,whichwillyetbeborntoyoursouls,ifunbeliefcausenotamiscarriage.

Advice 5. Take heed you be not a grief to Christ, who hath alreadybroughtsomuchcomforttoyou.

Itwillbeasadrequital, ifafterhehathgivenyouthe joysofheaventodrink,youshallgivehimthatwhichisaswormwoodandgall; theLordwritethatcautionuponthysoul,reader,Eph.4:30."Andgrievenottheholy Spirit of God,whereby you are sealed to the day, of redemption."Theargumentof the apostle, in thisplace, strongly infers caution fromcomfort.Christhathbeenalljoy,allpeace,rest,andcomforttoyou;takeheedyoubenotagriefandshametohim.Theintermissionofthyduties,the falling and flatting of thy affections in duties, thy rash adventuresuponsin,willbeagrief to theheartofChrist,whohathfilledthyheartwithsomuchcomfort;andifyougrievehim,youcannotexpectheshouldcomfortyou.Alittlesinmayrobyouofagreatdealofcomfort.

Advice6.Benotstaggeredordejected, if the firstcomfortsChristgivesyoushouldafterwardsabate,orbetakenawayforatime.

This is a very common thing in the experience ofmost Christians; youmust not think your first comforts are such fixed, settled things, thatthereisnohazardoflosingthem;alas!nothingismorevolatilethanthejoysofaChristian.Youwillbeapttoloseyourfirstlove,Rev.2:4andifyouloseyourfirstlove,nowonderthatyouloseyourfirstcomforts:Yetifitshouldsofallout,benotcastdownanddiscouraged;Christisnotgone,thoughcomfortbegone;andthoughcomfortbegone, it isnotgoneforever;renewthyrepentance,faith,andobedience,andtryifGodwillnotrenewthycomfort.Thereisaformer,andthereisalatterspringofjoy;God will make thy comforts spring again. Besides, thy justification isstedfast, though thy consolation be not so. There are two things thatbelongtoaChristian,onetohisbeing,viz.unionwithChrist;anothertohis well-being, viz. Comfort from Christ: The latter is uncertain andcontingent,theformerfixedandstedfast.

Advice 7.Be filledwith compassion to otherswhowant those comfortsyouenjoy,especiallysuchasGodhathknittoyouinthebondsofnaturalrelations.

Artthouafather,oramother,towhomGodhathgiventhosecomforts,

and soul-refreshments, that have been opened in this discourse? Andhastthounocompassionforthypoorchildren,whoneveryettastedonedropofthesespiritualconsolations;Certainlyitwilldoamanlittlegoodtobe feastedabroad,whilsthiswifeandchildrenarestarvingathome:Saytothem,asPaulinanothercase,"WouldtoGodyouwereallasIam,except these corruptions."Religionbreedsbowelsof compassion.O tellthemwhat sweetness there is in the ways of godliness; counsel, plead,andpray,thatthosethatareyoursmayalsobeChrist's.

Advice 8. As ever you expect the continuance or enlargement of yourcomforts,seethatyouwalkcircumspectly.

It is as much as all your comfort is worth to give way to a littlecarelessness:ThatisaremarkableexpressionofthePsalmist,Psal.85:1."IwillhearkenwhatGodtheLordwillspeak,forhewillspeakpeacetohispeople,andtohissaints;butletthemnotreturnagaintofolly."Sin,inthistext,isfitlycalledbythenameoffolly;forindeeditisthegreatestfolly and madness in the world to forfeit and divest ourselves of suchsweet peace and comfort by returning unto sin, which hath cost us somuch sorrow and trouble before. Are you willing to be in your formerdarknessandfears,tearsandtroubles;toexchangethepleasantlightyounowenjoy,forthehorrorsyouhaveformerlyfelt?Thisyoumustdoifyoureturnagaintofolly.

Advice 9. Long for heaven, where the fulness of those joys is, whereofthoseyoutastearebuttheearnestandfirst-fruits.

OnedesignofGod ingivingthem, is tosetusa longingafterheaventohelpourconceptions,andraiseouraffections:ifthesebesosweet,whatmust they be?Rom.8:23. "Wewhichhave the first-fruits of the Spirit,even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, towit, the redemptionofourbody."Wearenot to sitdownsatisfied,andsaywe have enough of these first-fruits; but they are given to set us agroaningafterthefulnessofthoseenjoyments.ThisanswersGod'sendingiving.

Advice10.Lastly,ImproveeveryspiritualcomfortyouhavefromChristuntogreatercheerfulnessinthepathsofobediencetoChrist.

This is another end forwhichGod communicates them, that our soulsbeingrefreshedbythem,wemightpluckupourfeetthemorenimblyinthe paths of duty. Psal. 119:32. "Then will I run the ways of thycommandments when thou shalt enlarge my heart." Now God expectsthatyoupraymore frequently,meditatemoredelightfully,andperformevery duty more cheerfully; and this is the way to perpetuate yourcomforts.HowmanyChristiansgoondroopinglyinthewaysofdutyforwantofthoseencouragementsyouenjoy?

SERMONXI-REV.3:20

—Iwillsupwithhim,andhewithme.

WE have heard the first encouragement or argument of Christ topersuadetheheartsofsinnerstoopentohim,viz.Thathewillcomeintothem, and that not empty-handed;Hewill also supwith them:And tomaketheencouragementcomplete,and full,hehereadds,Andhewithme.Thislastclausesetsforththatspiritual,soulrefreshingcommunionwhichisbetwixtChristandbelievers;beguninthisworld,completedandperfectedintheworldtocome.Henceoureleventhobservationis,

Doct.11.Thatthereisamutual,sweet,andintimatecommunionbetwixtJesusChristandbelieversinthisworld.

Communnion with Christ is frequent in the lips of many men, but ahiddenmystery to the soulsofmostmen.This atheistical age scoffs at,and ridicules it as enthusiasm and fanaticism; but the saints find thatrealityandincomparablesweetnessinit,thattheywouldnotpartwithitfortenthousandworlds.WhentheRomansoldiersenteredthetempleatJerusalem,andfoundnoimagethere,astheyusedtohaveintheirownidolatroustemples;theygaveoutinajeer,thattheJewsworshippedtheclouds. Thus profane Atheists scoff at the most solemn, awful, andsweetest part of internal religion as amere fancy; but the thing is real,sure, and sensible: if there be truth in any thing in theworld, there istruth in this, that there are real intercourses betwixt the visible andinvisibleworld;betwixtChristandthesoulsofbelievers,whichweherecallcommunion:1John1:3."TrulyourfellowshipiswiththeFather,andwithhisSonChristJesus."It isreallyandtrulyso,weimposenotupontheworld, we tell you nomore thanwe have felt. The life of Enoch iscalled hiswalkingwithGod,Gen. 5:24.O sweet and pleasantwalk! allpleasures,alljoysareinthatwalkwithGod."Blessedarethepeoplethathear the joyful sound; they shall walk, O Lord, in the right of thycountenance," Psal. 89:15. The joyful sound there spoken of was thesoundofthetrumpet,whichcalledthepeopletothesolemnassemblies,where they walked in the light of God's countenance, the sweet

manifestationsofhis favour;andbecause theworld issoapt tosuspecttherealityandcertaintyofthisdoctrine,theapostleagainassertsit,Phil.3:20. "Truly our conversation is in heaven."We breathe below, butweliveabove;wewalkonearth,butourconversationisinheaven.Toopenthispoint,threethingsmustcomeunderconsideration.

1.WhatcommunionwithChristis.

2.Thatthereissuchacommunionbetwixthimandbelievers.

2.Theexcellencyofthiscommunion.

First,WhatcommunionwithChristis,inthegeneralnatureofit.Toopenthisitmustbeconsideredthatthereisatwofoldcommunion.

1.Astateofcommunion.

2.Actualcommunion.

Thefirstisfundamentaltothesecond;wecanhavenoactualcommunionwith the Father, Son, or Spirit, till we be first brought into a state ofcommunion.Thisstateofcommunionisinscripturecalledκοινονια,ourfellowship or partnership with Christ: such a fellowship as merchantshave in one and the same ship and cargo; where one hath more andanotherless,but,however,ajoint,thoughunequalinterest;onelivesinonekingdom,anotherinanotherkingdom,buttheyarejointlyinterestedin the same goods. This comparisonmust not be stretched beyond itsintention,whichistoshewnothingbutthis,thatChristandbelieversarecopartners, or co-heirs in the same inheritance:Hence they are called,Psal.45:7hisfellows;"God,eventhyGod,hathanointedtheewiththeoilofgladnessabove thy fellows:"Andagain,Rom.8:17. "If children, thenheirs;heirsofGod,andjointheirswithChrist."Christstateshispeople,gives themarightandtitlenotonly tohimself,but to thosegoodthingpurchasedbyhim,yea,andtheverygloryhenowenjoysinheaven,John17:22."Theglorywhichthougavestme,Ihavegiventhem."

It is true, therearesomethings inChristwhicharepeculiar tohimself,and incommunicable to any creature, as his eternity, con-substantiality

withhisfather,&c.neitherhavewefellowshipinhismediatorialworks;wehavethefruitsandbenefitsof them,butnopartnershipwithhiminthegloryandhonourofthem;thatispeculiarlyhisown:Andthoughitbesaidinthescriptures,thatbelieversarerighteousasheisrighteous,yetthemeaningisnotthattheycanjustifyothersasChristdoth;no,theyarejustified by him, but cannot communicate righteousness to others asChrist doth to them. But there are other things wherein there is apartnership betwixt Christ and his people; among others, they partakewithhiminthespiritofsanctificationonearth,andgloryinheaven:thesame spirit of holiness which dwells in Christ without measure, iscommunicated by him to the saints inmeasure, 1 John 4:13. "He hathgivenusofhisSpirit"AndasChristcommunicateshisSpirittothesaints,sohecommunicatesthegloryofheaventothem;notthattheyshallbeasgloriousinheavenasChristis:no,hewillbeknownamongthesaintsinglory,asthesunisknownfromthelesserstars.Thusbrieflyofthestateof communion, which is called in scripture our beingmade nigh, Eph.2:13andindeedwemustbemadenighbeforewecanactuallydrawnigh.WemustbeputintoastateoffellowshipbeforeeverwecanhaveactualcommunionwithGod.2.Besidethisstateofcommunion,thereisalsoanactual communionwhich the saints have in thisworldwith the Fatherand theSon in thedutiesof religion.This is that I amhere engaged toopen:thisisoursuppingwithChrist,andhiswithus;and,forclearnesssake,Ishallopenitboth.

1.Negatively,whatitisnot.

2.Positively,whatitis.

1.Negatively,whatitisnot;forIfindpersonsarehugelyapttomistakeinthismatter, taking that for communionwithGodwhich is not so: andhereletitbenoted,

(1.)ThatcommunionwithGoddothnotconsistinthebareperformanceofreligiousduties.IdonotsaythatmenmayhavecommunionwithGodinthisworldwithoutduties,itisadelusionofSatantothinkso;butthisis what I say, that communion with God consisteth not in the mereperformanceofduties.Communionanddutiesofreligionaretwothings,separable one from the other. Men may multiply duties, and yet be

strangerstocommunionwithGodinthem;evenhumiliationandfastingdaysmaybekeptbysoulsthatareestrangedfromcommunionwiththeLord, Zech. 7:5. "Speak unto all the people of the land, and unto thepriests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventhmonth, even these seventy years, did ye at all fast untome, even untome?"q.d.Hadyoursoulspureintentionsandrespectsinthosedutiestomyglory?Hadyou special communionwithme,or Iwithyou in thoseduties?Didyoueverfeelyoursoulsinthesedayswoundedforsin?Ordidyounotfastoutofcustom,andmournforcompany?Godmaybenearinmen's mouths and at the same time far from their reins. Jer. 12:2.Religiouswordsmayflowoutofmen'slipswhennotonedropofreligiontouchestheirreinsandhearts;thatis,thesecretinwardpowersoftheirsouls; you cannot therefore safely depend upon this, Christ rejects thisplea,Matth. 7:22. Get a better evidence of communion with God thanthis,oryouwillcertainlycomeshortofyourexpectation.Iknowyounot,saith Christ; there was never any spiritual acquaintance betwixt yoursoulsandme;Iknowyounotinawayofapprobation.

(2.) Neither do all stirrings and workings of the affections in dutiesinfallibly evidence and prove communion betwixt Christ and that soul;foritispossible,yea,common,tohavetheaffectionsraisedinanaturalway,andbyexternalmotivesinthedutiesofreligion;thisyouseeinthatexample,Ezek.33:32."Andlo,thouartuntothemasaverylovelysongofone thathathapleasantvoice, andcanplaywellonan instrument: fortheyhearthywords,buttheydothemnot."Thesweetmodulationoftheprophet's voicewas like the skilful touch of a raremusical instrument,whichinanaturalway,movedandexcitedtheiraffections.ThusJohn'shearersrejoicedinhisministryforaseason.Iconfessthisisveryapttocastsoulsintoamistakeoftheircondition.Theydistinguishnotbetwixtthe influences that come upon their affections from without, fromextrinsic things and those that are purely inward, divine, and spiritual.Butthen,

2.To shewyoupositivelywhat communionwithGod is.Herewemustconsidertwothings,

1.Whatthingsitpre-supposesinus.

2.Whereinthenatureofitconsists.

1.Therearediversthingspre-requiredandpre-supposeduntoallactualcommunionwithGodinduties;andwherethesethingsarewanting,menhave no communion with God. You may have communion with hispeople, and communionwith his ordinances, but not communionwithGodandChristinthem.Andthesepre-requisitesarethree.

(1.)UnionwithChristisfundamentallynecessarytoallcommunionwithhim.All communion is founded inunion;andwhere there isnounion,therecanbenocommunion.'Youknow(saithanexcellent*person),thememberreceivesnothingfromtheheadunlessitbeunitedtoit;northebranchfromtheroot.'"Allisyours,andyeareChrist's,"1Cor.3:23.'Hereis a vast possession, but all founded upon union: as all communion isfounded upon union, so all union terminates in communion: and theclosertheunionthefulleristhecommunion.'

BeforeourunionwithChristwearestrangersuntoGod,Eph.2:13."WelivewithoutGodintheworld,"itisinChristthatwearemadenigh;itisin the beloved we are made accepted. Whilst we are in the state ofalienationfromChrist,wehavenomoretodowiththecommunicationsof joyandpeace,withthesealsandearnestsof theSpirit, thananativeIndianhathwiththeprivilegesofLondon."Ifanymanopentome,(saithChrist)Iwillcomeintohimandsupwithhim,andhewithme."

(2.)CommunionwithGodpre-supposesthehabitsofgraceimplantedinthe soul by sanctification; a sound and sincere change of heart Nosanctification,nocommunion;1John1:6."Ifwesaywehavefellowshipwithhim,andwalkindarkness,welie,anddonotthetruth."Theapostlegives the lie to such bold pretenders. "The Lord is nigh to all that calluponhim,untoallthatcalluponhimintruth;"thelatterclauserestrainsall spiritual communionuntoupright souls. "For anhypocrite shallnotcomebeforehim,"Job13:16.

(3.) CommunionwithGod doth not only suppose grace implanted, butalsoimplantedgraceexcited,graceinact:foramanmayhavethehabitsof faith, love,anddelight inhim;andyetbewithoutactualcommunionwithGod;forbythisgraceisawakenedandputintoact.Abelieverwhen

heisasleep,andactsnograce,isinastateofcommunionwithGod;butifhe will have actual communion, his faith, love, and delight must beawakened;theymustnotlieasleepinthehabit."Thousaidst,Seekyemyface;myheartsaiduntothee,ThyfaceLordwillIseek,"Psal.27:8.Itwasin order to actual communionwith Christ that the church so earnestlybegsfreshinfluencesoftheSpirittoexcitehergracesintoact,Cant.4:16."Awake,Onorthwind,andcomethousouth,blowuponmygarden,thatthe spices thereofmay flow out, Letmy beloved come into his garden,andeathispleasant fruits."And thoughbelieversarenotso towait forthe influences of the Spirit, as in the mean time to neglect all properoutward means of exciting their own graces, engaging their hearts toapproachuntoGod,Jer.30:21yetcertainlyitistheworkofGod'sSpirit,andwithouthimwecandonothingtoanypurpose.Theseamenmaytrimthe sails,weigh theanchor,putall intoa sailingposture;but till a galecomefromheaventhereislittleornomotion.ThesameSpiritthatplantsthe habits, is he also that excites the acts of grace. These three thingsthereforearepre-requisitesuntoallcommunionwithGod.

2. Next let us consider wherein this heavenly privilege of communionwith God doth consist; andmore generally it will be found to lie in aspiritual correspondency betwixt Christ and the soul. God lets forthinfluencesuponoursouls,andwe,by theassistanceofhisSpirit,makereturnsagainuntoGod.Communionisamutualaction;sointhetext,"Iwillsupwithhim,andhewithme."WecrytoGod,andGodanswersthatcrybytheincomesofspiritualgraceuponthesoul:Psal.138:3.InthedaythatIcried,thouansweredstme,andstrengthenedstmewithstrengthinmysoul."Moreparticularly, therearemanywaysandmethodswhereinmenhavethisspiritualcorrespondenceorcommunionwithGod,viz.

1.Inthecontemplationofhisattributes.

2.Intheexercisesofourgracesinreligiousduties.

3. In his various providences. In all these the saints have communionwithhim.

1.ThereisasweetandsensiblecommunionbetwixtGodandhispeople,in the contemplationof theDivine attributes, and the impressionsGod

makes by them upon our souls, whilst we meditate oil them. As forinstance,

(1.)SometimestheLorddiscoversandmanifeststothesoulsofhispeoplehis immense greatness; themanifestation of which attributemakes anawful,humblingimpressionuponthesoul,makesthemseemasnothingto themselves. Thus when Abraham, that great believer considered thegreatnessofthatGodwithwhomhehadtodo;thatsightofGodseemstoreducehim tohis first principles, to crumblehim, as itwere, intodustand ashes again,Gen. 18:27. "I that ambut dust and ashes have takenuponme to speakuntoGod."Henow looks uponhimself as a heap ofvileness and unworthiness; so David, Psal. 8:3. "When I consider theheavens,theworkofthyhands,themoonandthestarswhichthouhastmade,"(fromhenceheinferredthegreatnessoftheCreator)"Lord,whatismanthatthouartmindfulofhim?"q.d.WhenIconsiderwhatagreatGodtheCreatoroftheworldis,Iamjustlyastonishedthateverheshouldsethisheartuponsovileathingasman.Whenmencomparethemselvesamong themselves,andmeasure themselvesby themselves, theirspiritsareapttoswellwithpride;butwouldtheylookuptoGod,astheseholymendid, theywouldadmirehiscondescension.Andthis iscommunionwithGodinthemeditationofhisimmensegreatness.

(2.) The representation and meditations of the purity and holiness ofGod,workingshameanddeepabasement in thesoul, for thepollutionsandsinful filthiness thatare in it.This iscommunionwithGod,andanexcellentwayoffellowshipwithhim.Thus,whenarepresentationofGod,inhisholiness,wasmadeuntotheprophet,Isa.6:3,4,5thereweretheseraphims, covering their faces with their wings, and crying one toanother,saying,"Holy,holy,holyistheLordofhosts;thewholeearthisfull of his glory." The effect this produced, or the return made by theprophet to this manifestation of God in his holiness, was a deepabasementofsoulforhisunsuitablenesstosoholyaGod;ver.5."ThensaidI,woeisme,forIamundone,becauseIamamanofuncleanlips,"&c.AndthisisrealcommunionwithGodinhisholiness.ThusJobwhohadstifflydefendedhisownintegrityagainstmen,yetwhenGodentersthe listswithhim,andhe sawwhatagreat andholyGodhehad todowith,criedout,Job40:4,5."Behold,Iamvile,whatshallIanswerthee?I

will lay my hand uponmymouth. Once have I spoken, but I will notanswer;yea,twice,butIwillproceednofarther."q.d.Ihavedone,Lord,I have done; I could answermen, but I cannot answer thee: Thou artholy,butIamvile.

2. There are sometimes representations of the goodness and mercy ofGod, made unto the souls of his people; when these produce aningenuous thaw and melting of the heart, into an humble, thankfuladmirationof it,andananswerablecareofpleasinghim in thewaysofobedience, then have men communion with God in his goodness. ThegoodnessofGodrunsdowntomeninadoublechannel,hisgoodnesstotheir bodies, in external providences; his goodness to their souls, inspiritualmercies.WhenthegoodnessofGod,eitherway,drawsforththeloveandgratitudeofthesoultotheGodofourmercies,thenhavewerealcommunionwithhim!ThusJacob,Gen.32:9,10."AndJacobsaid,OGodofmyfatherAbraham,andGodofmyfatherIsaac;whichsaidstuntome,returnuntothycountry,andtothykindred,andIwilldealwellwiththee.Iamnotworthyoftheleastofallthemercies,andofallthetruthwhichthouhast shewedunto thy servant: forwithmystaff Ipassedover thisJordan,andnowIambecometwobands."Ah,Lord,Iseeamultitudeofmerciesroundaboutme,andtheleastofthemisgreaterthanI.SoDavid,1Chron.17:16,17."AndDavidthekingcameandsatbeforetheLord,andsaid,Who am I, O Lord God, and what is mine house, that thou hastbroughtmehither?Andyetthiswasasmallthinginthineeyes,OGod,&c.whatcanDavidspeakmoretothee?"Youseeintheseinstances,whateffects the goodness ofGod, even in inferior, outwardmercies useth toproduce in sanctifiedhearts.But then, if youcome to spiritualmercies,andponderthegoodnessofGodtoyoursouls, inpardoning,accepting,andsavingsuchvile,sinfulcreaturesasyouhavebeen;thismuchmoreaffectstheheart,andoverwhelmsitwithholyastonishment:asyouseeinPaul, 1 Tim. 1:16. "The grace of our Lord was abundant: I was apersecutor,ablasphemer,yetIobtainedmercy."SoMary,thatnotorioussinner,whenpardoninggraceappearedtoher,intowhatafloodoftears,into what transports of love did the sight of mercy cast her soul! Shewept, andwashedherSaviour's feetwith tearsof joyand thankfulness,Luke7:44.Noterrorsofthelaw,nofrightsofhell,thawtheheartliketheapprehensionsofpardoningmercy.

(4.) Sometimes there are special representations of the veracity andfaithfulness of God, made unto his people, begetting trust and holyconfidence in their souls; and when they do so, then have mencommunionwithGodinhisfaithfulness.Thus,Heb.13:5,6."Iwillneverleave thee,nor forsake thee."There is adiscoveryof the faithfulnessofGod,andwhatfollowsuponthis?Seever.6."Sothatwemayboldlysay,theLordisourGod;wewillnotfearwhatmancandountous."HereisfaithfulnessinGod,producingtruthandconfidenceinthebeliever;thisisthatreciprocation,thatsweetfellowshipandcommunionbetwixtGodandabeliever,withrespecttohisfidelity."Behold,Godismysalvation:Iwilltrustandnotbeafraid,"Isa.12:2.Andtruly,friend,thisiswhattheLordjustlyexpectsfromthee,eventhytruthandconfidenceinhim,thysteady dependence on him, in return to all the discoveries of hisfaithfulnesstotheebothinhiswordandprovidences.

(5.)Therearemanifestationsoftheanger,anddispleasureofGod,bythehiding of his face from them, and the frowns of his providence:Whentheseproducerepentance,anddeephumiliationforsin,anunquietness,a restlessness of spirit till he restore his favour, and manifest hisreconciliation to the soul; even here, also is a real communion betwixtGod and the soul. Psal. 30:7. "Thou didst hide thy face, and I wastroubled."Norwill agracious soul rest there,butwill takepains to sueouta freshpardon.Psal.51:8. "Makeme tohear joyandgladness, thattheboneswhichthouhastbrokenmayrejoice;restoreuntomethejoysofthysalvation,"ver.12.

I cannot here omit to detect a greatmistake even amongst God's ownpeople;manyofthemunderstandnotwhatcommunionthereshouldbewithGodunderthemanifestationsofhisdispleasureforsin:Theyknowthe affectionate meltings of their souls into love, praise, &c. to becommunionwithGod,butthatintheshame,griefandsorrowproducedin them by themanifestations of God's displeasure; I say that even inthesethingstheremaybecommunionwithGodtheyunderstandnot.Butletmetellthee,thatevensuchthingsasthesearethechoicefruitsofthespiritofadoption,and that in themthysoulhathas realandbeneficialcommunionwithGod as in the greatest transports of spiritual joy andcomfort.OitisablessedframetobebeforetheLord,asEzrawas,after

conviction of thy looseness, carelessness, and spiritual defilements, theconsequentsof thosesins; sayingwithhim,"OmyGod, Iamashamed,and even blush to lift up my face unto thee," Ezra 9:6. Shame andblushingareas excellent signsof communionwithGodas the sweetestsmiles.

Lastly, There are representations and special contemplations of theomniscience of God, producing sincerity, comfort in appeals, andrecoursetoitindoubtsofourownuprightness:Andthisalsoisachoiceand excellent method of communion with God. (1.) When theomniscienceofGodstronglyobligesthesoultosincerityanduprightness,as it didDavid, Psal. 139:11, 12 comparedwith Psal. 18:23. "Iwas alsouprightbeforehim."TheconsiderationthathewasalwaysbeforetheeyeofGodwashispreservativefrominiquity,yea,fromhisowniniquity.(2.)Whenitproducethcomfortsinappealstoit,asitdidHezekiah,2Kings20:3."Remembernow,OLord, thatIhavewalkedbeforethee intruth,andwith aperfectheart." So Job 10:7he also appeals to this attribute,"Thou knowest that I amnotwicked." So did Jeremiah, Jer. 12:3. "Butthou,OLord,knowestme,thouhastseenme,andtriedmyhearttowardsthee."(2.)Whenwehaverecoursetoitunderdoubtsandfearsofourownuprightness.ThusdidDavid,Psal.139:23."Searchme,OGod,andtrymyheart;proveme,andseemyreins:seeiftherebeanywayofwickednessin me." In all these attributes of God, Christians have real and sweetcommunion with him.Which was the first thing to be opened, to wit,communionwithGodinthemeditationofhisattributes.

2. The nextmethod of communionwith God is in the exercises of ourgraces in the various duties of religion; in prayer, hearing, sacraments,&c.inallwhichtheSpiritoftheLordinfluencesthegracesofhispeople,andtheyreturnthefruitsthereofinsomemeasuretohim.AsGodhathplantedvariousgracesinregeneratesouls,sohehathappointedvariousdutiestoexerciseanddrawforththosegraces;andwhentheydoso,thenhavehispeoplesweetactualcommunionwithhim.And,

(1.) To begin with the first grace that shews itself in the soul of aChristian, towit, repentance, and sorrow for sin. In theexerciseof thisgraceofrepentance,thesoulpoursoutitselfbeforetheLordwithmuchbitternessandbrokennessofheart;castsforthitssorrows;whichsorrows

areassomuchseedsown,and,inreturnthereto,theLordusuallysendsananswerofpeace.Psal.32:4,5."Isaid,Iwillconfessmytransgression,andthouforgavesttheiniquityofmysin."Hereisavoiceofsorrowsentup,andavoiceofpeacecomingdown,whichisrealcommunionbetwixtGodandmanintheexercisesofrepentance.

(2.) As there are seasons in duty wherein the saints exercise theirrepentance,andtheLordreturnspeace;solikewisetheLordhelpsthemintheirdutiestoacttheirfaith,inreturnwhereunto,theyfindfromtheLord inward support, rest, and refreshment. Psal. 27:13. "I had faintedunless I had believed." And oft-times an assurance of themercies theyhaveactedtheirfaithabout,1John5:14.

(3.)TheLordmanytimesdrawsfortheminentdegreesofourlovetohim,in the course of our duties; the heart is filled with love to Christ. Thestrength of the soul is drawn forth to Christ in love, and this the Lordrepaysinkind, loveforlove.John14:21."Hethatlovethme,myFatherwill lovehim;andwewillcomeandmakeourabodewithhim."HereissweetcommunionwithGodintheexerciseoflove.OwhatarichtradedoChristiansdrivethiswayintheirdutiesandexercisesofgraces?

(4.) Tomentionnomore in the duties of passive obedience, Christiansare enabled to exercise theirpatience,meekness, and long-suffering forChrist,inreturntowhich,theLordgivesthemthesingularconsolationsofhisSpirit,doublereturnsofjoy."TheSpiritofgloryandofGodrestethupon them," 1 Pet. 4:13, 14. The Lord strengthens them with passivefortitude,withallmightintheinnerman,untoalllong-suffering;buttherewardofthatlong-sufferingisjoyfulness,Col.1:11.Thisisthetradetheydrivewithheaven.

3. Beside communion with God in the contemplation of his attributes,andgracesexercised inthecourseofduties, there isanothermethodofcommunionwithGodinthewayofhisprovidences, forthereinalsohispeoplewalkwithhim.Togiveatasteofthis,letusconsiderprovidenceinafourfoldaspectuponthepeopleofGod.

(1.) There are afflictive providences, rods and rebukes wherewith theLordchastenshischildren, this is thedisciplineofhishouse; inanswer

whereuntogracioussoulsreturnmeekandchildlikesubmission,afruitoftheSpiritofadoption;theyarebroughttoacceptthepunishmentoftheiriniquities. And herein lies communion with God under the rod; thisreturn to the rod may not be presently made, for there is muchstubbornnessunmortifiedinthebesthearts,Heb.12:7butthisisthefruitit shall yield; andwhen it doth, there is real communion betweenGodandtheafflictedsoul.LetnotChristiansmistakethemselves,ifwhenGodissmiting,theyarehumbled,searchingtheirhearts,andblessingGodforthediscoveriesof sinmadeby theirafflictions;admiringhiswisdom intiming, moderating, and chusing the rod; kissing it with a childlikesubmission,andsaying,itisgoodformethatIhavebeenafflicted:ThatsoulhathrealcommunionwithGod,thoughitmaybeforatimewithoutjoy.

(2.)TherearetimeswhenprovidencestraitensthepeopleofGod;whenthewatersofcomfortebbandrunverylow,wantspinch;ifthenthesoulreturns filial dependence upon fatherly care, saying with David, Psal.23:1. "TheLord ismy shepherd, I shall notwant;" it belongs tohim toprovide,andtometodepend:IwilltrustmyFather'scareandlove.HerenowissweetcommunionwithGodunderpinchingwants.Thewantsofthebodyenrichthesoul,outwardstraiteningsaretheoccasionsofinwardenlargements.OseefromhencehowgooditistohaveaninterestinGodasaFather,whateverchangesofprovidencemaycomeuponyou.

(3.)ThereareseasonswhereintheLordexposeshispeopletoimminentandvisibledangers,whentotheeyeofsensethere isnowayofescape.NowwhenthisproducestrustinGod,andresignationtothepleasureofhiswill,hereiscommunionwithGodintimesofdistressanddifficulty.ThusDavid,Psal.56:3."AtwhattimeIamafraidIwilltrustinthee."q.d.Father,Iseeastormrising,thypoorchildcomesunderhisFather'srooffor shelter; for whither should a distressed child go but to his Father?Andthen,astotheissuesandeventsofdoubtfulprovidences,whenthesoul resigns and leaves itself to thewise disposal of thewill ofGod, asDavid in2Sam. 15:24,26. "Heream I, lethimdowithmeas seemethgood in his sight:" This is real and sweet communion with God in hisprovidences.AndsomuchforthenatureofcommunionwithGod.

Secondly,InthenextplaceIshallevidencetherealityofcommunionwith

God,andprove it tobenofancy.Iconfess itgrievesmetobeputupontheproofof this,but theatheismandprofanenessof theagewe live inseemstomakeitnecessary;formanymenwillallownothingforcertainbutwhat fallsunder thecognizanceofsense.AndOthat theyhadtheirspiritualsensesexercised;thentheywouldsensiblydiscerntherealityofthese things.But toput thematteroutofquestion, I shall evidence thetruthandrealityofthesaintscommunionwithGoddiversways.

Evidences

Evidence 1. From the saints' union with Christ. If there be an unionbetwixt Christ and believers, then of necessity there must be acommunionbetweenthemalso.NowthewholewordofGodwhichyouprofess to be the rule of your faith, plainly asserts this union betwixtChrist andbelievers; anunion like thatbetwixt thekbranches and theroot, Job 15:4, 5 or that betwixt thehead and themembers,Eph. 4:16.NowifChristbetobelieversastheroottothebranches,andastheheadtothemembers: thenofnecessity theremustbeacommunionbetweenthem: For if there were not a communion, there could be nocommunications; and if no communications no life. For it is by thecommunicationofvitalsapandspiritsfromtherootandfromtheheadthatthebranchesandmemberssubsistandlive.

Evid.2.Thereisaco-habitationofChristwithbelievers;hedwellswiththem,yea,hedwellsinthem,2Cor.6:16."Iwilldwellinthem,andwalkin them." The soul of a believer is the temple of Christ: yea, his livingtemple,1Pet.2:5.AndifChristdwellwiththem;yea,ifhedwellinthemandwalkinthem,thencertainlytheremustbecommunionbetwixthimandthem;iftheylivetogethertheymastconversetogether.Amanindeedmaydwellinhishouse,andyetcannotbesaidtohavecommunionwithit;butthesaintsarealivinghouse,theyarethelivingtemplesofChrist;and he cannot dwell in such temples capable of communionwith him,andyethavenocommunionwiththem.

Evid. 3. The reality of communion betwixt God and the saints isundeniably evinced fromall the spiritual relations intowhichGodhathtakenthem.Everybeliever is thechildofGodandthespouseofChrist.God is the believer's Father, and the church is the Lamb's wife. Christ

callsthebelievernotonlyhisservant,butfriend;henceforthIcallyounotservants, but friends,&c.Now, ifGodbe the believer's Father, and thebelieverbeGod'sownchild,certainlytheremustbecommunionbetweenthem. If Christ be the believer's husband, and the believer be Christ'sspouse, there must be communion between him and them. What, nocommunion between the Father and his children, the husband and thewife?Wemust either renounceanddenyall such relations tohim,andthereinrenounceourBibles;orelseyieldtheconclusion, that there isarealcommunionbetwixtChristandbelievers.

Evid.4.TherealityofcommunionwithGodevidentlyappears fromtheinstitution and appointment of so many ordinances and duties ofreligion,onpurposetomaintaindailycommunionbetwixtChristandhispeople. As to instance but in that one institution of prayer, a dutyappointedonpurpose for thesoul'smeetingwithGod,andcommunionwithhim:James4:8."DrawnightoGod,andhewilldrawnightoyou."Now,towhatpurposecanitbeconceivedsuchanordinanceisappointedforthesoul'sdrawingnightoGod,andGodtoit;iftherebenosuchthingascommuniontobeenjoyedwithhim?IfcommunionwithGodwereamerephantom,asthecarnalworldthinksit tobe,whatencouragementhave the saints to bow their knees to the God and Father of our LordJesusChrist?ButsurelythereisanaccesstoGodinprayer,Eph.3:12."Inwhomwehaveboldness,andaccesswithconfidence."Accesstowhat?IfGodbenot there,and that therecanbenocommunionwithhim,whatmeans that access? "I will meet with you, saith the Lord, and I willcommunewithyouineveryplacewhereIrecordmyname,"Exod.25:22.Certainly duties had never been appointed, but for the sake of God'scommuningwithus,andwewithhim.

Evid. 5. This is yet further evidenced from the mutual desires both ofChristandhispeople tobe insweetand intimatecommuniononewiththeother.ThescripturespeaksmuchofthesaintsvehementdesiresaftercommunionwithChrist,andofChrist'sdesiresaftercommunionwiththesaints,andofbothjointly.Thesaints'desiresaftercommunionwithhimare frequent in all the scriptures, see Psal. 63:1, 2, 3. Psal. 42:1. Psal.119:20andthelikethroughouttheNewTestament.AndChristisnolessdesirous,yea,heismuchmoredesirousofcommunionwithusthanwe

arewithhim.Considerthatexpressionofhistothespouse,inCant.8:13."O thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thyvoice; cause me to hear it." As if he should say, O my people, youfrequentlyconverseonewithanother,youtalkdailytogether!whyshallnotyouandIconverseonewithanother:Youspeakoftentomen,Othatyouwouldspeakmorefrequentlytome!"Letmeseethycountenance,letmehearthyvoice;forthyvoiceissweet,andthycountenanceiscomely."And then these desires are mutually expressed one to another, Rev.22:20. Surely (saithChrist) I come quickly, amen:Even so come, LordJesus, saith the church.Now if there be such vehementmutual desiresafter communion betwixt Christ and his people in this world; thencertainlythereissuchathingasrealcommunionbetweenthem,orelsebothmustliveaveryrestlessanddissatisfiedlife.

Evid. 6. The mutual complaints that are found on both sides of theinterruption of communion, plainly prove there is such a thing. IfGodcomplainofhispeoplefortheirestrangementsfromhim,andthesaintscomplain toGod about his silence to them, and the hidings of his facefrom them; surely then theremust be a communion between them, orelse there could beno groundof complaints for the interruptions of it.But it is manifest God doth complain of his people for theirestrangementsfromhim,Jer.2:5."ThussaiththeLord,Irememberthee,the kindness of thy youth, and the love of thy espousals.What iniquityhaveyourfathersfoundinme,thattheyaregonefarfromme?"Asifheshould say, You and I have been better acquainted in days past; whatcausehaveIgivenforyourestrangementsfromme?AndthusChrist inlike manner complains of the church of Ephesus; after he hadcommendedmanythingsinher,yetonethinggrievesandtroubleshim,Rev.2:4."NeverthelessIhavesomewhatagainstthee,becausethouhastleft thy first love."And thenon theotherside,when theLordhideshisface, and seems to estrange himself from his people; what sadlamentationsandmoansdotheymakeaboutit,asanafflictiontheyknownothow tobear?ThusHeman,Psal.88:14. "Lord,whycastest thouoffmysoul?Whyhidestthouthyfacefromme?"SoPsal.27:9."Hidenotthyface from me? put not thy servant away in anger." This is what theycannotbear.

Evid.7.TherealityofcommunionwithGodismadevisibletoothers,inthe sensible effects of it upon the saints that enjoy it. There are visiblesigns and tokens of it appearing to the conviction of others. Thus thatmarvellouschangethatappearedupontheverycountenanceofHannah,aftershehadpouredoutherheartinprayer,andtheLordhadansweredher;itisnoted,1Sam.1:18."Shewentaway,andhercountenancewasnomoresad."Youmighthaveread inher face thatGodhadspokenpeaceand satisfaction to her heart. Thus, when the disciples had been withChrist,themarkofcommunionwithhimwasvisibletoothers,Acts4:13."NowwhentheysawtheboldnessofPeterandJohn,theymarvelled,andtook knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus." It is sweet,Christian, when the heavenly cheerfulness and spirituality of thyconversationswithmen, shall convinceothers that thouhastbeenwithJesus.

Evid. 8. We may prove the reality of communion with God, from theimpossibility of sustaining those troubles the saints do without it, Ifprayersdidnotgoup,andanswerscomedown,therewerenolivingforaChristianinthisworld.Prayeristheout-letofthesaintssorrows,andthein-letoftheirsupportsandcomforts,Rom.8:26.Saynot,othermenhavetheirtroublesaswellasthesaints,andyettheymakeashifttobearthemwithout the help of communion with God, It is true, carnal men havetheir troubles, and those troubles are often too heavy for them. Thesorrowsoftheworldworkdeath;butcarnalmenhavenosuchtroublesasthesaintshave, for theyhavetheir inward,spiritual troubles,aswellastheiroutwardtroubles.Andinwardtroublesarethesinkingtroubles;butthiswaythestrengthofGodcomesintosuccourthem:AndexcepttheyhadaGodtogoto,andfetchcomfortfrom,theycouldneverbearthem.Psal.27:13."IhadfaintedunlessIhadbelieved."PaulhadsunkunderthebuffetingsofSatan,unlesshehadgoneonceandagain tohisGod,andreceivedthisanswer,"Mygraceissufficientforthee,"2Cor.12:9.

Evid.9.WeconcludetherealityofcommunionwithGod,fromtheendofthe saints vocation.We read frequently in scripture of effectual calling;nowwhatisthatto.whichGodcallshispeople,outofthestateofnature,butuntofellowshipandcommunionwithJesusChrist?1Cor.1:9."Godisfaithful,bywhomyearecalleduntothefellowshipofhisSonJesusChrist

ourLord."Theyarecalled,yousee,intoalifeofcommunionwithChrist;thereforecertainlythereis,suchacommunion,elsethesaintsarecalledto theenjoymentofa fancy, insteadofaprivilege,which is thegreatestreproachthatcanbecastuponthefaithfulGodthatcalledthem.

Evid.10.Lastly, Inaword, thecharactersanddescriptionsgivento thesaintsinscripture,evidentlyprovetheirlifeofcommunionwithGod.ThemenofthisworldaremanifestlydistinguishedfromthepeopleofGodinscripture; they are called, The children of this world; the saints, ThechildrenoflightsLuke16:8.Theyaresaidtobeaftertheflesh,saintstobe after the Spirit, Rom. 8:5. Theymind carthly things, but the saintsconversation is in heaven, Phil. 3:19, 20. By all which it undeniablyappears that there is a reality in the doctrine of communion betwixtChrist and his people. We are not imposed upon, it is no cunninglydevised fable; but a thing whose foundation is as sure as its nature issweet.

Thirdly,Inthelastplace,Ishallshewyouthetranscendentexcellencyofthis lifeof communionwithGod: it is the lifeofour life, the joyofourhearts;aheavenuponearth,aswillappearbythesetwentyexcellenciesthereoffollowing.

Excellencies

I. Excellency. It is the assimilating instrument whereby the soul ismouldedandfashionedaftertheimageofGod.This istheexcellencyofcommunion with God, to make the soul like him. There is a two-foldassimilation, or conformity of the soul to God, the one perfect andcomplete, the other inchoate and in part. Perfect assimilation is theprivilege of the perfect state, resulting from the immediate vision andperfectcommunionthesoulhathwithGodinglory,1John3:2."Whenheshallappear,weshallbelikehim,forweshallseehimasheis."Perfectvision produceth perfect assimilation; but the soul's assimilation orimperfect conformity to God in this world, is wrought and graduallycarriedon,bydailycommunionwithhim.AndasourcommunionwithGodhere,growsupmoreandmoreintospiritualityandpower,soinananswerabledegreedothourconformitytohimadvance:2Cor.3:18."Butweall,withopenface,beholding,asinaglass,thegloryoftheLord,are

changedintothesameimage,fromglorytoglory,asbytheSpiritoftheLord."Allsortsofcommunionamongmenhaveanassimilatingefficacy;hethatwalksinvaincompanyismadevainerthanhewasbefore:andhethatwalksinspiritual,heavenlycompany,willbeordinarilymoreseriousthan he was before: But nothing so transforms the spirit of a man ascommunionwithGoddoth.ThosearemostlikeuntoGodthatconversemostfrequentlywithhim.ThebeautyoftheLordisuponthosesouls;itfigures the spirit of a man after the divine pattern That is the firstexcellencyofcommunionwithGod,itassimilatesthemtoGod.

II.Excellency.Itisthebeautyofthesoul,intheeyesofGodandallgoodmen;itmakesthefacetoshine.Nooutwardsplendorattractslikethis;itmakesamanthemostdesirablecompanion inthewholeworld:1John1:3."ThesethingshaveIwrittenuntoyou,thatyoumighthavefellowshipwith us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his SonJesusChrist."Thiswasthegreatandonlyinducementtheapostlemakesuse of to draw the world into fellowship with the saints, that theirfellowship is with God. And if there were ten thousand otherinducements,yetnonelikethis.Youreadofablessedtime,Zech.8whentheearthshallbefullofholiness;whentheJews,thatarenowasalostgenerationtotheeyeofsense,shallbecalled,andaneminentdegreeofsanctificationshallbevisibleinthem;andthenseetheeffectofthis,ver.23. "In those days, tenmen shall take hold, out of all languages of thenations,evenshalltakeholdoftheskirtsofhimthatisaJew,saying,Wewill go with you, for we have heard that God is with you." This is thepowerful attractive, theLord iswith you; it is the effect of communionwithGod,whichmakestherighteousmoreexcellentthanhisneighbour,Prov. 12:26.Whata vast andvisibledifferencedoth thismakebetweenone man and another! How heavenly, sweet, and desirable are theconversationsandcompanyofsomemen!Howfrothy,burthensome,andunprofitableisthecompanyofothers!andwhatmakesthedifferencebutonly this, theonewalks incommunionwithGod, theother isalienatedfromthelifeofGod.

III.Excellency.Itisthecentrewhichreststhemotionsofawearysoul:itistherestandrefreshmentofaman'sspirit,Psal.116:7.Returnuntothyrest,Omysoul.WhenweattainperfectcommunionwithGodinheaven,

weattaintoperfectrest,andalltherestthespiritofmanfindsonearth,is found in communion with God. Take a sanctified person, who hathintermittedforsometimehiscommunionwiththeLord,andaskhim,Isyoursoulatrestandease?Hewill tellyou,no!Themotionsofhissoularelikethoseofamemberoutofjoint,neithercomelynoreasy.Letthatman recoverhis spiritual frameagain, and,with it,he recovershis restandcomfort.Christians,youmeetwithvarietyoftroublesinthisworld;many a sweet comfort is cut off,many ahopeful project dashedby thehandofprovidence;andwhatthinkyouisthemeaningofthoseblasting,disappointing providences? Surely this is their design and errand, todisturbyourfalserestinthebosomofthecreature;topluckawaythosepillows you were laying your heads upon, that thereby you might bereduceduntoGod,andrecoveryourlostcommunionwithhim;andsay,withDavid,"Returnuntothyrest,Omysoul."Sometimeswearesettlingourselvestorestinanestate,inachild,orthelike;atthistimeitisusualforGodtosay,go,losses,smiteandblastsuchaman'sestate;go,death,andtakeawaythedesireofhiseyeswithastroke,thatmychildmayfindrestnowherebutinme.Godistheark;thesoul,likethedoveNoahsentforth,letitflywhereitwill,itshallfindnoresttillitcomebacktoGod.

IV.Excellency.Itisthedesireofallgracioussoulsthroughouttheworld.Where-everthereisagracioussoul,thedesiresofthatsoulareworkingafter communion with God. As Christ was called, The desire of allnations, so communion with him is the desire of all nations: and thisspeaks the excellency of it, Psal. 27:4. "One thinghave I desired of theLord,thatwillIseekafter;thatImightdwellinthehouseoftheLordallthedaysofmy life, to see thebeautyof theLord,and toenquire inhistemple;" i.e. to enjoy communion with him in the public duties of hisworship. One thing have I desired, that is, one thing above all otherthings; suchaone, as, ifGod shall giveme, I can comfortablybear thewantofallotherthings.Lethimdenymewhathewill,ifsobehewillnotdenymethisonething;thisonethingshallrichlyrecompensethewantofallotherthings.Hencethedesiresofthesaintsaresointenseandferventafterthisonething;Psal.42:1."Mysoulpantethafterthee,OGod;"andPsal.119:81."Mysoulfaintethforthysalvation."Psal.101:2."Whenwiltthou come untome?"No duties can satisfy without it, the soul cannotbearthedelays,muchlessthedenialsofit.Theyreckontheirlivesworth

nothingwithout it.Ministersmay come, ordinances and sabbathsmaycome;but there isno satisfaction to thedesiresof a graciousheart, tillGodcomestoo;Owhenwiltthoucomeuntome?

V.Excellency.Asitisthedesire,soitisthedelightofallthechildrenofGod, both in heaven and earth. As communion with the saints is thedelight of Christ, Cant. 2:14. "Letme hear thy voice:" and again, Cant.8:13. "The companions hearken to thy voice; cause me to hear it:" SocommunionwithChrististhedelightofhispeople.Cant.2:3."Isatunderhisshadowwithgreatdelight,andhisfruitwassweetuntomytaste."Itisthe pleasure of Christ to see the yearning countenances, the blushingcheeks, the dropping eyes of his people upon their knees; and it is thedelightofthesaintstoseeasmileuponhisface,tohearavoiceofpardonandpeacefromhislips.ImusttellyouChristians,youmustlookfornosuchdelightsasthese,inanyearthlyenjoyment,nonebetterthanthese,till you come home to glory; communion with God then appearsmostexcellent in as much as it is found to be the desire and delight of allgracioussouls.

VI. Excellency. It is the envy of Satan, that which cuts and grates thatwickedspirit.Ohowitgratesandgallsthatproudandenviousspirit,tosee men and women enjoying the felicity, and pleasure of thatcommunion with God, fromwhich he himself is fallen, and cut off forever! toseethesaints imbosomedindelightfulcommunionwithChrist,whilst himself feels the pangs of horror, and despair! this is what hecannot endure to behold. And therefore you should find in yourexperience,thattimesofcommunionwithGodareusuallybusytimesoftemptation from the devil. Zech. 3:1, "And he shewed me Joshua thehigh-priest standing before the Lord, and Satan standing at his right-hand to resist him." It is well for thee, Christian, that thou hast anadvocatestandingatGod'srighthandtoresist,andfrustratehisattemptsuponthee;otherwiseSatanwouldthiswaydestroyyourcommunionwithGod,andmake thatwhich isnowyourdelight, tobeyour terror.ManywaysdoththedevilopposethesaintscommunionwithGod;sometimeshe labours to divert them from it: this, business shall fall in, or thatoccasionfallout,onpurposetodivertthysoul'sapproachtoGod;butifhe cannot prevail there, then he labours to distract your thoughts, and

breakthemintoathousandvanities;orifhesucceednotthere,thenheattacks you in your return fromduty,with spiritual pride, security,&c.these fierce oppositions pf hell discover the worth, and excellency ofcommunionwithGod.

VII.Excellency.Itistheendofallordinances,anddutiesofreligion.Godhath institutedeveryordinance, andduty,whetherpublicorprivate, tobeget,andmaintaincommunionbetwixthimselfandoursouls.Whatareordinances,duties,andgraces,butperspective-glassestogiveusasightof God, and help us to communion with him? God never intended hisordinancestobeourrest,butmediums,andinstrumentsofcommunionwithhimself,whoisourtruerest.Whenwegointoaboat,itisnotwithan,intentiontodwell,andrestthere,buttoferryusoverthewater,whereour business lies. If a man miss of communion with God in the bestordinances,orduty, ityieldshim littlecomfort.Hecomesback fromit,likeamanthathathtravelledagreatmanymilestomeetadearfriend,uponspecialandimportantbusiness;butmetwithdisappointment,andreturns sad and dissatisfied. God appoints ordinances to be meeting-placeswith himself in thisworld, Exod. 25:21, 22. "Thou shalt put themercy-seat above upon the ark, and in the ark thou shalt put thetestimonythatIshallgivethee;andthereIwillmeetwiththee,andIwillcommunewith thee, fromabove themercy-seat, frombetween the twocherubims." Itwasnot the sightof thegolden-cherubims, orof thearkoverlaid with pure gold, that could have satisfied Moses, had not thespecial presence of God been there, and he had had communion withhim."OGod,(saithDavid)mysoulthirstethforthee,thatImightseethybeauty,andthyglory,soasIhaveseentheeinthesanctuary,"Psal.63:1,2.Magnificientstructures,artificialornamentsof theplacesofworship,areof littleaccountwithagracious soul; it is thepresenceofGod,andcommunionwithhim,whichisthebeautyandglorythesaintsdesiretobehold.

VIII.Excellency.ItistheevidenceofourunionwithChristandinterestinhim.All unionwithChristmust evidence itself by a life of communionwithhim,orourpretensionstoitarevainandgroundless.Therebemanyof you (Iwish thereweremore) enquiring after evidences and signs ofyourunionwithChrist;why,hereisanevidencethatcanneverfailyou:

do you live in communionwithhim?May your life be called awalkingwithGod, asEnoch'swas?Then youmaybe sure youhaveunionwithhim,andthisissosureasign,asdeathitself(whichusestodiscovertheVanity of false signs) will never be able to destroy. 2 Kin. 20:2, 3."Remembernow,OLord,(saithHezekiah)thatIhavewalkedbeforetheeintruth,andinaperfectheart."Oprofessors!itwillbeadreadfulthing(whatever ungroundedhopes and false comforts younowhave) to findthemshrinkingawayfromyou,ascertainlytheywilldoatdeath;andalluponthisaccount:Ihavebeenamanofknowledge,Ihavebeenfrequentintheexternaldutiesofreligion,butmyheartwasnotinthem;IhadnocommunionwiththeLordinthem,andnowGodisaterrortomysoul.Iam going to his awful bar, and have not one sound evidence to carryalongwithme. That is a remarkable place,Gal. 5:25. "Ifwe live in theSpirit, let us alsowalk in the Spirit;" that is, let us evidence the life ofgrace in us by exercising that grace in a life of communion with God.Whenallissaid,thisisthesurestevidenceofourunionwithChrist;andno gifts or performanceswhatsoever can amount to an evidence of ourunionwithChristwithoutit.

IX.Excellency.Itiseaseinallpains,sweetandsensibleeasetoatroubledsoul.Look,asthebleedingofaveincools,eases,andrefreshesafeverishbody; so theopeningof the soulbyactsof communionwithGod,givessensibleeasetoaburdenedsoul:griefsareeasedbygroansheavenward.Manysoulsaredeeply ladenwiththeirownfears,cares,anddistresses;no refreshment for sucha soul,nosuchanodyne in thewholeworldascommunionwithGodis,Psal.32:1,2,3.HowdidtroublesboilinDavid'ssoul? night and day God's hand was heavy on him; his soul, as Elihuspeaks,was likebottles fullofnewwine;hemust speak toGod thathemayberefreshed:andsohedid,andwasrefreshedby it, "I said, IwillconfessmytransgressionsuntotheLord,andthouforgavesttheiniquityofmy sin." Itwould grieve one to see howmany poor distressed soulscarrytheir troublesupanddowntheworld,makingtheircomplaints tooneandanother;butnoease.AwaytothyGod,poorChristian,gettheeinto thy closet,pourout thy soulbeforehim;and that easewhich thouseekestinvainelsewhere,willtherebefound,ornowhere.

X. Excellency. It is food to the soul, and the most delicious, pleasant,

proper,andsatisfying food thatever it tasted; it ishiddenmanna.Rev.2:17."Bythesethings,OLord,domenlive,andinthemisthelifeoftheirsoul,"Isa.28:16.Aregeneratesoulcannotlivewithoutit;theirbodiescanlive aswell without bread or breath as their soulswithout communionwithGod:itismorethantheirnecessaryfood.Heretheyfindwhattheytruly call marrow and fatness, Psal. 63:5, 6. O the satisfaction andsupport they suck out of spiritual things by thoughts and meditationsupon them! "Tobe spirituallyminded is lifeandpeace,"Rom.8:6.Thedelicacies upon princes tables are husks and chaff to this. Crows andvultures can live upon the carrion of this world, but a renewed soulcannotsubsist longwithoutGod.Let suchasoulbediverted fora timefromitsusualrefreshmentsthisway,andheshallfindsomethingwithinpaining him like the sucking and drawing of an empty stomach. It isangel'sfood,itisthatyoursoulsmustliveuponthroughouteternity,andmosthappilytoo.

XI. Excellency. It is the guard of the soul against the assaults oftemptation. It is like a shield advanced against the fiery darts of thatwicked one. Your safety and security lie in drawing nigh to God. Psal.73:27,28."Theythatarefarfromtheeshallperish:butitisgoodformetodrawneartoGod."Itisgoodindeed;notonlythegoodofcomfort,butthe good of safety is in it. Deut. 33:12. "The beloved of the Lord shalldwell insafetybyhim."YouknowthegraciouspresenceofGod isyourshieldandsafety;andifyouwillhavetheLordthuspresentwithyouinallyourfears,straits,anddangers,seethatyoukeepneartohiminthedutiesofcommunion:"FortheLordiswithyouwhilstyouarewithhim,"2Chron15:2.

XII.Excellency.Itisthehonourofthesoul,andthegreatesthonourthateverGodconferredonanycreature. It is thegloryof theholyangels inheaven,tobealwaysbeholdingthefaceofGod,Matth.18:10.OthatGodshould admit poor dust and ashes unto such a nearness to himself! towalkwithaking,andhavefrequentconversewithhim,putagreatdealofhonouruponasubject;butthesaintswalkwithGod;sodidEnoch,sodoall the saints. 1 John 1:3. "Truly our fellowship iswith the Father, andwithhisSonChristJesus."Theyhavelibertyandaccesswithconfidence;theLordasitweredeliversthemthegoldenkeyofprayersbywhichthey

maycomeintohispresenceonalloccasionswiththefreedomofchildrentoafather.

XIII. Excellency. It is the instrument of mortification, and the mostexcellentandsuccessfulinstrumentforthatpurposeinalltheworld,Gal.5:16."ThisIsaythen,walkintheSpirit,andyeshallnotfulfiltheworksof the flesh." Walking in the Spirit is the same thing with walking incommunionwith God. Now, saith that apostle, if youwalk thus in theSpirit,intheactingsoffaith,love,andobedience,throughoutthecourseofholyduties,theeffectofthiswillbe,thatyeshallnotfulfilthelustsoftheflesh.Hedothnotsay,Youshallnotfeelthemotionsofsininyou,ortemptations to sin assaulting you; but he saith, You shall not fulfil thelustsof the flesh,sinshallnothavedominionoveryou; thiswill letoutthelife-bloodofsin.Atemptationovercomethiswayismoreeffectuallysubdued than by all the vows, resolutions, and external means in theworld: as a candle that is blown out with a puff of breathmay be re-kindledbyanotherpuff:butifitbequenchedinwateritisnotsoeasilylighted again: so it is here; you never find that power or success intemptationswhenyourheartsareupwithGodintheirexercisesoffaithand love, as you do when your hearts hang loose from him, and deadtowardshim.Theschoolmenassignthisasonereasonwhythesaintsinheavenare impeccable,nosincan fastenuponthem,because,say they,they there enjoy the beautiful vision of God. This is sure, the morecommunionanymanhathwithGodonearth,thefreerhelivesfromthepowerofhiscorruptions.

XIV. Excellency. It is the kernel of all duties and ordinances: words,gestures, &c. are but the integuments, husks, and shells of duties.CommunionwithGod is the sweet kernel, the pleasant andnourishingfoodwhich lieswithin them:yousee the fruitsof theeartharecoveredanddefendedbyhusks,shells,andsuch like integuments;withinwhichliethepleasantkernelsandgrains,andthesearethefood.Thehypocritewho goes no further than the externals of religion, is therefore said tofeedonashes,Isa.44:20tospendhismoneyforthatwhichisnotbread,andhislabourforthatwhichsatisfiethnot,Isa.55:2.Hefeedsbutuponhusks,inwhichthereisbutlittlepleasureornourishment.Whatapoorhouse doth a hypocrite keep?Words, gestures, ceremonies of religion,

will never fill the soul; but communion with God is substantialnourishment. "My soul (saithDavid), shall be satisfied aswithmarrowandfatness,whilstIthinkandmeditateonthee,"Psal.63:5,6.Itwouldgrieveone'shearttothinkwhatairythingsmanysoulssatisfythemselveswith;feedinglikeEphraimuponthewind,wellcontentediftheycanbutshuffleoverafewheartlessemptyduties;whilstthesaints,feedingthusuponhiddenmanna,arefeastedasitwerewithangel'sfood.

XV.Excellency.Itisthelightofthesoulindarkness;andthepleasantestlight thatevershoneuponthesoulofman.There ismanyasoulwhichwalkethindarkness;someinthedarknessofignoranceandunbelief,themostdismalofalldarkness,exceptthatinhell.Thereareotherswhoarechildrenof light ina stateof reconciliation, yetwalk in thedarknessofoutwardafflictions,andinwarddesertionsandtemptations;butassoonaseverthelightofGod'scountenanceshinesuponthesoulinthedutiesofcommunionwithhim,thatdarknessisdissipatedandscattered;itisalllightwithinhimandroundabouthim,Psal.34:5."Theylookeduntohimandwereenlightened;"Theylooked,thereisfaithactedinduty;andwereenlightened,thereisthesweeteffectoffaith.Thehorrorsandtroublesofgracioussoulsshrinkawayupontherisingofthischeerfullight.Aswildbeasts come out of their dens in the darkness of the night, and shrinkbackagainintothemwhenthesunariseth,Psal.104:20,21,22.Sodothefears and inward troubles of the people of God when this light shinesupon their souls. Nay more, this is a light which scatters the verydarknessofdeathitself.ItwasthesayingofaworthydivineofGermanyuponhisdeath-bed,whenhiseye-sightwasgone,beingaskedhowitwaswithin?Why,saidhe,thoughallbedarkaboutme,yet,pointingaswellashecouldtohisbreast,hicsatlucis,hereislightenough.

XVI. Excellency. It is liberty to the straitened soul, and the mostcomfortable and excellent liberty in thewholeworld.He onlywalks atlibertythatwalkswithGod,Psal.119:45."Iwillwalkatliberty,forIseekthyprecepts."Wickedmen cry out of bands and cords in religion, theylookuponthedutiesofgodlinessasthegreatestbondageandthraldominthewholeworld,Psal. 2:3. "Letusbreak their bands asunder, and castawaytheircordsfromus."q.d.Awaywiththisstrictnessandpreciseness,itextinguishesthejoyandpleasureofourlives;giveusourcupsinstead

of bibles, our profane songs instead of spiritual psalms, our sports andpastimes instead of prayers and sermons. Alas, poor creatures, howdothey dance in their shackles and chains! when, in reality, the sweetestliberty is enjoyed in those duties at which they thus snuff. The law ofChrististhelawofliberty,thesoulofmanneverenjoysmorelibertythanwhenit isboundwiththestrictestbandsofdutytoGod.Hereis libertyfromenthrallinglusts,andfromenslavingfears."ThelawoftheSpiritoflife inChrist Jesus hathmademe free from the law of sin and death,"Rom.8:2.Andhere is freedom indeed; "If theSonmakeyou free, thenareyefreeindeed,"John8:36.Andhereisfreedomfromfears,Luke1:74,75. Those that will not endure any restraint from their lusts, will havetheirfreedomtosin;afreedomtheyshallhave,suchasitis.Rom.6:20."Whenyeweretheservantsofsin,yewerefreefromrighteousness."Letnone therefore be prejudiced at the ways of duty and strict godliness."ThelawofChrististheperfectlawofliberty,"James1:25notlibertytosin;butlibertyfromsin.

XVII. Excellency. It is a mercy purchased by the blood of Christ forbelievers,andoneoftheprincipalmerciessettleduponthembythenewcovenant-grant.A peculiarmercy,whichnone but the redeemed of theLordpartakeof;amercywhichcostthebloodofChristtopurchaseit.Idonotdenybuttherearethousandsofothermerciesbestowedupontheunregenerate;theyhavehealth,wealth,children,honours,pleasures,andall the delights of this life; but for communion with God, and thepleasuresthatresult therefrom,theyare incapableof these.NosuppingwithChrist,uponsuchexcellentprivilegesandmerciesas these, till theheartbeopenedtohimbyfaith;youcannotcomenightoGod,untilyoube firstmade nigh by reconciliation, Eph. 2:13.Heb. 10:19, 20, 21, 22.Whatwouldyourlives,Christians,beworthtoyou,ifthismercywerecutoff from you? There would be little sweetness or savour in all youroutwardmercies,wereitnotforthismercythatsweetensthemall.Andthere is this difference, amongmany others, betwixt thismercy and alloutwardmercies: youmaybe cut off from the enjoyment of those, youcannotfromthis;noprisoncankeepouttheComforter.OblessGodforthisinvaluablemercy.

XVIII.Excellency. It isnatural to thenewcreature; the inclinationand

instinct of the new creature leadeth to communion with God. It is asnatural to thenewcreature todesire it,andworkafter it,as it is to thenew-born babe to make to the breast, 1 Pet. 2:2. "As new-born babesdesirethesinceremilkoftheword,thatyemaygrowthereby."Thereisalawupontheregeneratepart,whichinwardlyandpowerfullyobligesittoactsofduty,andconversewithGodinthem.CommunionwithGodisathingthatarisethoutoftheprinciplesofgrace.Youknowallcreaturesinthislowerworldactaccordingtothelawsofnature;thesunwillrise,andtheseawillflowattheirappointedtimes;andthegracioussoulwillmaketowardsitsGodinthetimesandseasonsofcommunionwithhim.Theyare not forced on to those duties by the frights of conscience, and thefearsofhell, somuchasby thenatural inclinationof thenewcreature.Two things demonstrate communion with God to be co-natural to theregeneratepart,calledtheinner-man,andthehidden-manoftheheart,viz. (1.) The restlessness of a gracious soul without it, Cant. 3:2, Thechurch, in the first verse, had sought her beloved, but found him not.Dothshesitdownsatisfied inhisabsence?No;"Iwill risenow,andgoaboutthecity,inthestreets,andinthebroadways;Iwillseekhimwhommysoul loveth." (2.)The satisfactionandpleasure, the rest anddelightwhichthesoulfindsandfeelsintheenjoymentofcommunionwithGod,plainly shew it to be agreeable to the new nature: Psal. 63:5. "My soulshallbesatisfiedwhenIthinkonthee."Andwhenitisthus,thendutiesbecomeeasyandpleasant to thesoul: 1John5:3. "Hiscommandmentsarenotgrievous."Yea,andsuchasoulwillbeconstantandassiduousinthoseduties.Thatwhichisnatural,isconstantaswellaspleasant.Whatis the reason hypocrites throw up the duties of religion in times ofdifficulty, but because they have not an inward principle agreeable tothem?Themotivestodutyliewithoutthem,notwithinthem.

XIX.Excellency.It is theoccupationandtradeofallsanctifiedpersons,and the richest trade thatwas everdrivenbymen.Thisway they growrich in spiritual treasures; the revenues of it are better than silver andgold.Therebemanyofyouhavetradedlongforthisworld,anditcomestolittle;andhadyougainedyourdesignsyouhadgainedbuttrifles.Thisistherichandprofitableoccupation:Phil.3:20."Ourconversationis inheaven."Our commerce and trade lies thatway, so thatword signifies.There be few Christians that have driven this soul-enriching trade any

considerabletime,butcanshewsomespiritualtreasureswhichtheyhavegotten by it, Psal. 119:50. "This I had, because I kept thy precepts."Asmerchants can shew thegoldand silver, the landsandhouses, the richgoods and furniture, which they have gotten by their successfuladventuresabroad;andtelltheirfriends,somuchIgotbysuchavoyage,andsomuchbyanother:SoChristianshaveinvaluabletreasures,thoughtheir humility conceals them, which they have gotten by this heavenlytradeofcommunionwithGod.Theirsoulsareweak,andbycommunionwith God they have gotten strength. Psal. 138:3. "I cried, and thoustrengthenedstmewithstrengthinmysoul."Theyhavegottenpeacebyit,atreasureinestimable.Psal.119:165."Greatpeacehavetheythatlovethy law, andnothing shall offend them."Theyhave gottenpurity by it.Psal. 119:3. "They do no iniquity that walk in thy ways." O what richreturnsarehere!nay,theygetsometimesfullassurancebyit.Therichesof both the Indieswill not purchase fromaChristian the least of thesemercies.Thesearetherichrewardsofourpainsinthedutiesofreligion;Inkeepingthycommandmentsthereisgreatreward.

XX.Excellency.ItisOiltothewheelsofobedience,whichmakesthesoulgooncheerfullyinthewaysoftheLord:Psal.119:32."ThenwillIruntheways of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart." Nontardatuncta rota.Oiledwheels runnimbly.Howprompt and ready foranydutyofobedience, isasoulundertheinfluenceofcommunionwithGod! Then, as Isaiah, having gotten a sight of God, "Here am I, Lord,sendme,"Isa.6:8.Nowthesoulcanturnitshandtothedutiesof,

1.Active;And

2.Passiveobedience.

1. Hereby the soul is prepared and fitted for the duties of activeobedience,towhichitappliesitselfwithpleasureanddelight;Psal.43:3,4."ThenwillIgountothealtarofGod,untoGodmyexceedingjoy;"or,as it is in the Hebrew, the gladness of my joy. It goes to prayer as ahungrymantoafeast,orasacovetousmantohistreasures:Psal.119:14."Ihaverejoicedinthewayofthycommandmentsasmuchasinallriches.

2. Itprepares thesoul forpassiveobedience:makesamantorejoice in

his sufferings,Col. 1:24. ItwillmakeaChristian stand ready to receiveanyburdenor load thatGod shall lay uponhis shoulders, and evenbethankfultobesoemployed;"ThisjoyoftheLordistheirstrength,"Neh.8:10.AChristianunderthecheerfulinfluencesofnearcommunionwithGod, can, with more cheerfulness, lay down his neck for Christ, thanothermencanlayoutashillingforhim.Inall thesetwentyparticulars,youhaveanaccountoftheexcellencyofthisprivilege;but,Ohowshortan account have I given of it!What remains, is the application of thispoint,inadoubleuse:

1.Ofinformation.

2.Ofexhortation.

First,Forinformationinthefollowinginferences.

Inferences

Inference1.Howsureandcertainathingitis,thatthereisaGod,andastateofglorypreparedinheavenforsanctifiedsouls.

Thesethingsareundeniable.Godhathsetthembeforeourspiritualeyesandsenses:Besidetherevelationofitinthegospel,whichsinglymakesitinfallible; the Lord, for our abundant satisfaction, hath brought thesethingsdowntothetouchandtestofourspiritualsensesandexperiences.YouthathavehadsomanysightsofGodbyfaith,somanysweettastesofheaveninthedutiesofreligion,Owhataconfirmationandsealhaveyouof the reality of invisible things! Youmay say of heaven, and the joysabove,astheapostledidofhimthatpurchasedit,1John1:1."Thatwhichour eyes have seen, and our ears have heard, and our hands havehandled,"&c.ForGodhathset thesethings insomedegreebeforeyourveryeyes,andputthefirst-fruitsofthemintoyourownhands.ThesweetrelishofthejoyoftheLordisupontheverypalateofyoursouls.TothisspiritualsenseofthebelievingHebrews,theapostleappealed,Heb.10:34when he said, "Ye took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing inyourselves thatyehave inheavenabetter,andanenduringsubstance."This knowing in ourselves is more certain and sweet than all thetraditional reports we can get from the reports of others, 1 Pet. 1:8.

"Whomhavingnotseenyelove;whom,thoughnowyouseehimnot,yetbelieving, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory." There ismoreofheavenfeltandtastedinthisworldthanmenareawareof;itisone thing to hear of such countries as Spain, Italy, Smyrna, by thediscoursesandreportsweheardof theminourchildhood,andanotherthing to understand those countries by the rich commodities importedfrom them, in thewayof our trade and commerce.Odidwebut knowwhat other Christians have felt and tasted, we would not have suchstaggering thoughts about invisible things! but the secret comforts ofreligionare,andought tobe for themostpart inclosedthings.Religionlaysnotallopen;theChristianlifeisahiddenlife.

Infer.2.IfsuchaheightofcommunionwithGodbeattainableonearth,thenmostChristianslivebelowthedutiesandcomfortsofChristianity.

Alas,thebestofusarebutatthefootofthispleasantmountPisgah.Aswearebutintheinfancyofourgraces,sowearebutintheinfancyofourcomforts. What a poor house is kept by many of God's own children;livingbetweenhopesandfears,seldomtastingtherichesandpleasures,thejoysandcomfortsofassurance!Andwillyouknowthereasonsofit?Therearefivethingswhichusuallykeepthempoorandlowastospiritualjoysandcomforts.(1.)Theincumbrancesoftheworld,whichdivertthemfrom, or distract them in their duties of communionwithGod, and sokeep them low in their spiritual comforts:Theyhave somuch todoonearth,thattheyhavelittletimeforheavenlyemployments.OwhatanoiseanddindothetriflesofthisworldmakeintheheadsandheartsofmanyChristians!Howdeardowepayforsuchtriflesasthese?(2.)Aspiritofmoralitycreepingintothedutiesofreligion,impoverishesthevitalspiritthereof,likethewantonembracesoftheivy,whichbindsandstarvesthetree it clasps about. Religion cannot thrive under formality; and it isdifficulttokeepoutformalityinasettledcourseofduty,andmuchmorewhenduties are intermitted. (3.)Thebusinessof temptationspesteringthe minds of many Christians, especially such as are of melancholyconstitutions.How importunateandrestlessare these temptationswithsomeChristians?Theycanmakelittlecomfortoradvantageoutofduty,byreasonofthem.(4.)Heart-apostasy,inwarddecaysofourfirstlove,isanotherreasonwhyourdutiesprospersolittle,Rev.2:14."Thouhastleft

thyfirstlove."YouwerenotwonttoserveGodwithsuchcoldness.(5.)Inaword,spiritualprideimpoverishesourcomforts;thejoysoftheSpirit,like brisk wines, are too strong for our weak heads. For these causes,manyChristiansarekeptlowinspiritualcomforts.

Infer. 3. How sweet and desirable is the society of the saints! it mustneedsbedesirabletowalkwiththem,whowalkwithGod,1John1:3.Nosuchcompanionsas thesaints.Whatbenefitorpleasurecanwe find inconverses with sensual worldlings? All we can carry away out of suchcompany is guilt or grief. "Allmydelight (saithDavid) is in the saints,and in theexcellentof theearth,whichexcel invirtue,"Psal. 16:3.Andtheirsocietywouldcertainlybemuchmoresweet,anddesirable,thanitisdidtheylivemoreincommunionwithGodthantheydo.Therewasatimewhenthecommunionofthesaintswasexceedinglovely,Mal.3:16.Acts2:46,47theLordrestoreittoitsprimitiveglory,andsweetness.

Infer. 4.What anunspeakablemercy is conversion,which lets the soulintosuchastateofspiritualpleasure?

Here is the beginning of your acquaintance with God, the first tale ofspiritualpleasures,ofwhichthereshallneverbeanend.Allthetimemenhave spent in the world in an unconverted state, hath been a time ofestrangementandalienation fromGod;when theLordbringsaman toChrist, in the way of conversion, he then begins his first acquaintancewithGod. Job 22:21. "Acquaint now thyselfwithhim, andbe at peace,therebygoodshallcomeuntothee."Thisisyourfirstacquaintancewiththe Lord, which will be a growing thing; every visit you give him, inprayer increaseth your acquaintance, and begets more intimacy, andhumble,holyfamiliaritybetwixthimandyou.And,Owhataparadiseofpleasure doth this let the soul into! the life of religion abounds withpleasures, Psal. 16:11. "All his ways are ways of pleasantness, and hispathsarepeace,"Prov.3:17.Nowyouknowwheretogo,andunloadanytroublethatpressethyourhearts;whateverprejudicesandscandalSatan,andhis instruments,castuponreligion, thisIwillaffirmof it, that thatmanmustnecessarily be a stranger to truepleasure, and emptyof realcomfort,who isastrangertoChrist,andthedutiesofcommunionwithhim.Itistrue,hereisnoallowanceforsinfulpleasures,noranywantofspiritual pleasures. Bless God, therefore, for converting grace, you that

haveit,andliftupacrytoheavenforit,youthatwantit.

Infer. 5. Lastly, If there be so much delight, and pleasure in ourimperfect,andofteninterruptedcommunionwithGodhere;Othenwhatisheaven!whataretheimmediatevisionsofhisfaceintheperfectstate?1Cor.2:9. "Eyehathnotseen,norearheard,neitherhaveentered intotheheartofman,thethingswhichGodhathpreparedforthemthatlovehim." You have heard glorious, and ravishing reports, in the gospel, ofthatblessedfuturestate,thingswhichtheangelsdesiretolookinto.Youhavefelt,andtastedjoysunspeakable,andfullofglory,intheactingsofyourfaith,andlove,uponChrist;yetallthatyouhaveheard,andallthatyou have felt, and tasted in the way to glory, falls so short of theperfectionandblessednessofthatstate,thatheavenwill,andmustbeagreat surprise to them thathavenow the greatest acquaintancewith it.Thoughthepresentcomfortsofthesaintsaresometimesasmuchastheycanbear, for they seem to reel, and stagger, under theweight of them,Cant. 2:5. "Staymewith flagons, comfortmewith apples, I am sick oflove:"Yet,Isay,thesehightidesofpleasantjoys,arebutshallowstothejoysofhisimmediatepresence,1Cor.13:12.Andastheyrunnotsodeep,so they are not constant and continued, as they shall be above; 1 Th4:17ult."EverwiththeLord."Andthusmuchforinformation.


Thelastimprovementofthispointwillbebywayofexhortation.

1.Tobelievers.

2.Tounbelievers.

First,Isthistheprivilegedstate,intowhichallbelieversareadmittedbyconversion? Then strive to come up to the highest attainment ofcommunionwithGod in this world, and be not contentedwith just somuchgraceaswillsecureyoufromhell;butlabouraftersuchaheightofgraceandcommunionwithGod,intheexercisethereof,asmaybringyouintothesuburbsqfheavenonearth.

Forget the things that are behind you, as to satisfaction in them, and

presstowardsthemark,fortheprizeofyourhighcalling.Itisgreatlytoyour loss, thatyou liveat suchadistance fromGod,andare soseldomwithhim; thinknot the ablestministers, or choicest bookswill ever beabletosatisfyyourdoubtsandcomfortyourhearts,whilstyouletdownyour communion with God to so low a degree. O that you might bepersuadednowtohearkenobedientlytothreeorfournecessarywordsofcounsel.

Counsels

I. Counsel.Make communionwith God the very level and aim of yoursouls in all your approaches to him in the ordinances and duties ofreligion. Set it upon the point of your compass, let it be the very thingyoursoulsdesign; letthedesiresandhopesofcommunionwithGodbethethingthatdrawsyoutoeverysermonandprayer.Psal.18."OnethinghaveIdesiredoftheLord,thatwillIseekafter,thatImayseethebeautyof the Lord, and enquire after him in his temple." That was themarkDavidaimedat; andmen's success induties isusuallyaccording to thespiritualaimsand intentionsof theirhearts in them:bothsincerityandcomfortliemuchinmen'sends.

II.Counsel.InallyourapproachestoGod,begandpleadhardwithhimfor the manifestations of his love, and further communications of hisgrace. "Hear,OLord,when I crywithmy voice; havemercy also uponme, and answerme.When thou saidst, seek yemy face,myheart saiduntothee,Thyface,Lord,willIseek.Hidenotthyfacefarfromme,putnot thy servant away in anger," Psal. 27:7, 8, 9. How full and thick ofpleasandargumentsforcommunionwithGodwasthisprayerofDavid?Lord,Iamcome,inobediencetothycommand;thousaidst,Seekyemyface,thoubiddestmecometothee,andwiltthouputawaythyservantinanger? Thou hast been my help, I have had sweet experience of thygoodness,thoudostnotusetoputmeoff,andturnmeawayempty.

III. Counsel. Desire not comfort for comfort's sake; but comforts andrefreshments for service and obedience sake; that thereby youmay bestrengthenedtogoon in thewaysofyourdutywithmorecheerfulness,Psal.119:32."ThenwillIrunthewaysofthycommandments,whenthoushalt enlargemyheart."As ifhe should say,OLord, the comforts thou

shaltgiveme,shallbereturnedagainincheerfulservicestothee.Idesirethemasoiltothewheelsofobedience,notfoodformypride.

IV.Counsel.AseveryouexpecttobeownersofmuchcomfortinthewaysofyourcommunionwithGod,seethatyouarestrictandcircumspectinthecourseofyourconversations. It is the loosenessandcarelessnessofour hearts and liveswhich impoverishes our spiritual comforts. A littlepride,alittlecarelessness,dashesandfrustratesagreatdealofcomfort,whichwasverynearus,almost inourhands; toallude that,Hosea7:1."When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim wasdiscovered."Sohere, justwhen thedesireof thyheartwascome to thedoor, some sin stept in theway of it. "Your iniquities (saithGod) haveseparated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his facefrom you," Isa. 59:2. The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, is sensible andtender;hehathquickresentmentsofyourunkindnessesandoffences.Asever,therefore,youexpectcomfortfromhim,bewareofhim,andgrievehimnot.

Secondly,Inthelastplace,thispointspeaksnecessarycounselandadvicetounbelievers; to all that live estranged from the life ofGod, andhavedone so from thewomb, Psal. 58:3. To you the voice of theRedeemersoundsasummonsoncemore,"Behold,Istandatthedoorandknock."Othatatlastyoumightbeprevailedwithtocomplywiththemercifultermspropounded by him. Will you shut out a Saviour bringing salvation,pardon andpeacewithhim!Christ is thy rightful owner, anddemandspossessionofthysoul:ifthouwiltnowhearhisvoice,thyformerrefusalsshallneverbeobjected.Ifthoustillrejecthisgraciousoffers,mercymaynevermorebetenderedtothee;thereisacallofChristwhichwillbethelastcall,andafterthatnomore.Takeheedwhatyoudo;ifyoustilldemuranddelay,yourdamnationisjust,inevitable,andinexcusable.Hearme,therefore, you unregenerated souls, in what rank or condition soeverprovidencehathplacedyou in thisworld,whether yoube richorpoor,young or old, masters, or servants, whether there be any stirrings ofconviction in your consciences or not. For however your conditions inthisworlddifferfromeachotheratpresent,thereisonecommonmiseryhangingoveryouall,ifyoucontinueinthatstateofunbeliefyouarenowfixedin.

And, 1.Hearken to the voice and call ofChrist, you that are exaltedbyprovidence above your poorer neighbours; you that have your heads,hands,andheartsfulloftheworld;menoftradeandbusiness,Ihaveafewsolemnquestionstoaskyouthisday.

(1.)Youhavemademanygainfulbargainsinyourtime,butwhatwillallprofit you if theagreementbenotmadebetwixtChristandyour souls?Christ is a treasure which only can enrich you,Mat. 13:44. Thou art apoor andmiserablewretch,whatever thou hast gained of thisworld, ifthouhast not gainedChrist, thou hast heaped up guiltwith thy riches,which will more torment thy conscience hereafter, than thy estate canyieldtheecomforthere.

(2.) You have made many insurances to secure your floating estates,whichyoucallpolicies;butwhatinsurancehaveyoumadeforyoursouls?Are not they exposed to eternal hazards? O impolitic man! to be soprovident to secure trifles, and so negligent in securing the richesttreasure.

(3.)Youhaveadjustedmanyaccountswithmen,butwhoshallmakeupyouraccountswithGod,ifyoubeChristless?"Whatshallitprofitamantogainthewholeworld,andlosehisownsoul?"Mat.16:26.Saynot,youhavemuchbusinessunderyourhands,andcannotallow time;youwillhavespaceenoughhereaftertoreflectuponyourfolly.

2.Youthatarepoor,andmeanintheworld,whatsayyou,willyouhavetwohells,onehere,andanotherhereafter?Nocomfortinthisworld,norhopeforthenext?Yourexpectationsherelaidinthedust,andyourhopesforheavenbuiltuponthesand?OifyouwereonceinChrist,howhappywereyou,thoughyouknewnotwheretofetchyournextbread!"Poorintheworld, but rich in faith; and heirs of the kingdomwhichGod hathpromised,"Jam.2:5.Oblessedstate! IfyouhadChrist,youhad thenarighttoall things,1Cor.3:22,23youhadthenafathertotakecareforyou:Buttobepoor,andchristless,nocomfortfromthisworld,norhopesfromthenext;thisistobetrulymiserableindeed.Yourverystraits,andwants, shouldpromptyou to thegreatduty I amnowpressingonyou;and methinks it should be matter of encouragement that the. greatestnumber of Christ's friends, and followers, come out of that rank, and

orderofmen,towhichyoubelong.

3.You thatare seamen, floating sooftenupon thegreatdeeps, youarereckoned a third sort of persons between the living and the dead; youbelongnot to thedead,becauseyoubreathe, and scarcely to the living,becauseyouarecontinuallysoneardeath.Whatthinkyou,friends,haveyou no need of a Saviour? Do you live so secure from the reach anddangerofdeath?Haveyourlivesbeensopure,righteous,andinnocent,whohavebeeninthemidstoftemptationsintheworldabroad?Ponderthat scripture, 1Cor. 6:9, 10. "Benot deceived, neither fornicators, noridolaters,noradulterers,noreffeminate,norabusersofthemselveswithmankind,"&c.ponderit,Isay,andthinkwhetheryouhavenotasgreatandpressinganecessityofJesusChrist,asanypoorsoulsunderheaven?You have hadmany temporal salvations from God, great and eminentdeliverances,andwillthesesatisfyyou?Isitenoughthatyourbodiesaredeliveredfromthedangerofthesea,thoughyoursoulssink,andperishintheoceanofGod'swrathforever?IfyouwillyetacceptChristuponhisterms,all thatyouhavedoneshallbeforgiven,Isa.55:2.TheLordnowcalls to you in a still voice; if you hear his voice, well; if not, youmayshortly hear his voice in the tempestuous storms without you, and aroaringconsciencewithinyou.Poorman,thinkwhataninterestinChristwillbeworth,wertthounow(asshortlythoumayestbe)floatinguponapieceofwreck,orshiveringuponacoldanddesolaterock,crying,mercy,Lord,mercy!Well,mercyisnowofferedthee,butinvainwiltthouexpecttofindit,ifthoucontinuethustodespiseandrejectit.

4.Youthatareagedandfullofdays,hearkentothevoiceofChrist,Godhath calleduponyoua long time:Whenyouwere youngyou said, it istimeenoughyet,wewillmind these thingswhenweareold,andcomenearer to thebordersofeternity.Well,now,youareold,and justuponthe borders of it;will you indeedmind it now?Youhave left the greatconcernmentsofyoursoulstothistime,thisshort,veryshorttime:Anddothetemptationsofyouryouthtakeholduponyourage?What!delayandputoffChrist stillasyouwerewont todo?Poorcreatures,youarealmostgoneoutoftime,youhavebutashorttimetodeliberate;whatyoudomustbedonequickly,oritcanneverbedone.Yournightisevencomeuponyouwhennomancanwork.

5.Youthatareyoung,inthebudorflowerofyourtime,Christisasuitorforyourfirstlove;hedesiresthekindnessofyouryouth;yourspiritsarevigorous,yourheartstender,youraffectionsflowingandimpressive,youare not yet entered into the incumbrances and distracting cares of theworld:Hereafter a crowd and thick succession of earthly employmentsand engagements will come on; sin will harden you by custom andcontinuance.Now isyour time;youare in theconvertibleage; few thatpass the season of youth (comparatively speaking) are brought over toChrist afterwards. It is a rarity, the wonder of an age, to hear of theconversion of aged sinners. Besides, you are the hopes of the nextgeneration: Should you be Christ-neglecting and despising souls; howbadsoeverthepresentageis,thenextwillbeworse.Saynotwehavetimeenoughbeforeus,wewillnotquenchthesprightlyvigourofouryouthinmelancholythoughts:RememberthereareskullsofallsizesinGolgotha;graves of all lengths in the churchyard: Youmay anticipate those thatstandnearerthegravethanyouseemtodo.Oyoucannotbehappytoosoon: As young as you are, did you but taste the comforts that be inChrist, nothing would grieve you more than that you knew him nosooner. Behold he standeth at thy door in the morning of thy age,knockingthisdayforadmissionintothyheart.

6.Youthathavehadsomeslight, ineffectual,andvanishingconvictionsuponyou formerly; theLordJesusoncemore renewshis call:Will younowatlasthearhisvoice?Itisaninfinitemercytohaveasecondcall.Idoubtnotbuttherearemanyamongyou,whilstyouhavesatundertheword,havehadsuchthoughtsastheseinyourhearts:Suremyconditionisnotright,norsafe;theremustanothermannerofworkpassuponmysoul,orIamlostforever.ExternaldutiesofreligionIdoperform,butIamastrangertoregeneration.SuchinwardconvictionsastheseweretheknocksandcallsofChrist,buttheypassedawayandwereforgotten:yourconvictions are dead, and your hearts the more hardened; for it is inputtingasoulunderconvictionas it is inputting iron intothe fire,andquenching it again,whichhardens it themore.Youhavebeennear thekingdomofGod,but themoremiserable for that, if yoube shutout atlast.Thequickeningofyourconvictionsistherightwaytothesavingofyoursouls.TheLordmakeyouthisdaytohearhisvoice.

7.Suchashavecomehitheruponvileorvainaccounts,formerenoveltyor worse ends; to catch advantages, or reproach the truths of God;scoffingatthemostsolemnandawfulvoiceofChrist.Thewordthatyouhaveslightedandreproached,thesameshalljudgeyouinthatgreatday,except the Lordwill give you repentance unto life, andmake the hearttrembleunderitthathathscoffedatit."Benotmockers,lestyourbondsbemadestrong,"Isa.28:22.

8.Toconclude;letallwhoseheartstheLordhathopenedthisday,fortheenjoymentsofthegospel,theblessedinstrumentoftheirsalvation,blessthe Lord that hathmade it a key by regeneration to open the door ofsalvationtoyoursouls,AndasyouhavereceivedChristJesustheLord,sowalkyeinhim.

ANAPPENDIXTOTHEFOREGOINGTREATISE-ROM.1:18

ForthewrathofGodisrevealedfromheavenagainstallungodlinessandunrighteousnessofmen,whoholdthetruthinunrighteousness.

INalltheforegoingsermonsIhavebeenpleadingandwooingforChrist.And as Abraham's servant, to win the damsel's consent, told her whattreasureshismaster'ssonhad,soIhavelabouredtoshewyousomepartoftheunsearchablerichesofChrist,ifbyanymeansImightallureyourhearts, and be instrumental to close the happymatch betwixt him andyou; and (as the apostle speaks) espouse you to one husband, even toChrist.

But alas!How few stir towardshim?Themost seem tobe immoveablyfixed in their natural state, and sinful courses. All our arguments andentreaties return tous again, and effect nothing. It is amazing to thinkwhat is thematter, thatsoulswhichhave inthemthe inbredhopesandfearsoftheworldtocome,andself-reflectingpowerscannot,forallthis,

be prevailed with to quit the way of sin, and to embrace the way ofholiness, though their consciences mean while stand convinced, thateternal damnation is the issue and result of the one; life, peace, andeternaljoysoftheother.

This hath put me upon a serious search what may be the cause andreason of this fixed and unreasonable obstinacy; and in this it seemsevidently to lie withmost that live in an unregenerate state under thegospel,thattheyputaforceupontheirownconsciences,anddoimprisonand hold the truth in unrighteousness, though the wrath of God berevealedfromheavenagainstallthatdoso.

If by this discourse I can but set truth at liberty, and loose the Lord'sprisonerswhich lie bound in your souls, I shall not doubt the value ofChrist will quickly rise among you, and free convictions will make thework of yourministersmuchmore easy and successful than they nowfindit.Itishardlyimaginablebutthethingsyouhaveheardmustleaveyour souls under convictions: but if you suppress and stifle them, theyproducenothingbutaggravationsofsinandmisery.Now,inordertothefree and effectual working of all your convictions, and begetting thatreverencewhichisduetothemfromeverysoul,astothevoiceofGod,Ihavechosenthisscripture,thescopeandsensewhereofIshallnextgiveyou.

The true scope and aim of this context is to prove the justification ofsinners tobeonlyby the imputed righteousnessofChrist in thewayoffaith.Tomakethisevident,hedistributesthewholeworldintoGentilesandJews;theoneseekingrighteousnessbythedimlightofnature,orthelawwritten in theirhearts; theother,viz. theJews,by theworksof thelaw,orexternalconformitytothelawofMoses:Butthatneithercanfindwhattheyseek,hedistinctlyandfullyproves.HeprovesitfirstupontheGentilesfromthisversetothe17thverseofthesecondchapter;andthenhe proves it upon the Jews also from thence to the end of the thirdchapter. As for the Gentiles, he acknowledges that they had inbrednotionsofGod imprinted in theirnature; theyhadalso thebookof thecreaturesbeforethem,enoughtoleavethemwithoutexcuse,ver.20theyhavenopretenceofignorance:ButthesecommonnoticesofGod,andofgoodandevil,theydidnotobeyandputinpractice,butactedagainstthe

very lightanddictatesof theirnaturalconsciences.ForwhichcausethewrathofGodwasrevealedfromheavenagainstthem,asthetextspeaks.Whereinnote,

1.AclearanddreadfulrevelationofDivinewrath.

2. The object or impulsive cause thereof, ungodliness andunrighteousness.

3.Thespecialaggravationofthisungodlinessandunrighteousness,thattheyheldthetruthinunrighteousness.

1.Here isaclearanddreadfulrevelationofDivinewrath, the"wrathofGod (saith the apostle) is revealed from heaven;" οργη Θεου, theindignation or vengeance of God. It is a word of deep and dreadfulsignification;thedamnedthatfeeltheweightofit,havethefullestsenseof it. It is said, Psalm 90:11. "Who knows the power of thine anger?Accordingto thy fear,so is thywrath."That is, the fearsofan incensedDeityarenovainbugbears,northeeffectsofignoranceandsuperstitionasathcistsfancy;butletmen'sfearsofitbewhattheywill,theyshallfind,except they repent, the wrath of God to be according to, yea, and farabove their fears of it. If the wrath of a king be as the messengers ofdeath,whatthenisthewrathofthegreatandterribleGod?ThisWrathisheresaidtoberevealed,Αποκαλυπτεται,discovered,ormademanifest;and so it isdiversways: Itwas revealed to themby the lightofnature,their own consciences gave themnotice andwarning of it. Thus itwasrevealedtothembyaninternaltestimony,awitnesswithinthem;anditwasalsorevealedtothembytheinstancesandexamplesofstrokesandpunishmentsofsininallagesbytheimmediatehandofajustlyincensedGod.Theycamenotbychance,butDivinedirection:thereforeitisadded,απʼουρανου,fromheaven,orfromGodinheaven.

2. Here is the object, or impulsive cause of this revealed and inflictedwrath, it is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness andunrighteousness of men. Επι πασαν ασεθειαν και αδικιαν. The formerασεθεια, ungodliness, compriseth all sins against the first table; theirreligiouslivesandpracticesofmen,livingintheneglectofthedutiesofreligion: the other word αδικια, unrighteousness, compriseth all sins

againstthesecondtable,actsoffraud,uncleanness,&c.againstmen.Andbecause these two general comprehensivewords are branched out intomanyparticulars,thereforehesaith,"thewrathofGodisrevealedagainstallungodlinessandunrighteousness."Thereisnotoneofthemanysinsinto which ungodliness and unrighteousness are branched out, butincenseththeLord'swrath:andthoughheonlymentionsthesinsintheabstract,wearetounderstandtheabstractputherefortheconcrete;thesinsforthesinnersthatcommitthem,orGod'spunishingthesesinsuponthepersonsofthesinners.

3.Lastly,Wehaveherebeforeusthespecialaggravationofthesesins,orthatwhichmadethemmuchmoreprovokingtoGodthanotherwisetheyhad been. And it was this, that whilst they committed these sins, oromittedthoseduties,theyheldthetruthinunrighteousness:κατεχοντων,thewordsignifiestodetain,stop,hinderorputaRemorainthatwayofthetruthofGod,orthosecommonnotionstheyhadofhisbeing,power,goodness, truth,&c. as also of hisworship, and the difference betweengood and evil. These truths struggled in their consciences; conscienceinstigatedthemtoduty,andlabouredtorestrainthemfromsin;butallinvain,theyoverbeartheirownconsciences,andkeepthosesentimentsandconvictionsprisoners,thoughtheystruggledforlibertytobreakforthintopractice and obedience. Their convictions were kept down under thedominion and power of corruptions, as a prisoner is shut up by hiskeeper.Theirlustsweretoohardfortheirlight.Thusyouhaveboththescopeandsenseofthetext.Thepointfromitisthis.

Doct.ThatthewrathofGodisdreadfullyincensedagainstallthosethatlive in any course of sin, against the light and dictates of their ownconsciences.

SinsofignoranceprovokethewrathofGod,yetaretheynotofsoheinousa nature as sins against light and conviction are, nor shall they bepunished so severely, Luke 12:47. "That servantwhich knew his Lord'swill,andpreparednothimself,neitherdidaccordingtohiswill,shallbebeatenwithmanystripes."

Itexcuses,atanto,Consciamensutcuiquesuaestinsomemeasure,whenamancansay,Lord,hadIknownthistobeasin,Iwouldnothavedone

it: but when the conscience is convinced, and strives to keep us from,suchanactorcourseof sinfulactions,andwestopourearsagainst itsvoiceandwarnings;here isahighandhorridcontemptofGodandhislaw,andgivesthesinascarletdyeortincture.Sinsofignorancecannotcompare with such sins as these, John 3:19. John 16:22, To open thispoint,letme.

1.Shewyouwhatconscienceis.

2.Whatthelightofconscienceis,andwhatitskindsare.

3.Howthislightbindstheconscience,andmakesitstriveinus.

4.Theninstanceinsomecaseswhereinitdothso

5. And, Lastly, how and why the imprisoning of these convictions sodreadfullyincenseththewrathofGod.

First, It will be needful to speak a little to the nature of conscience ingeneral. Conscience (as ourDivines well express it) is the judgment ofmanuponhimself,asheissubjecttothejudgmentofGod.Ajudgmentitis,andapracticaljudgmenttoo;itbelongstotheunderstandingfaculty,1Cor. 11:13. If we would judge ourselves, &c. This self-judgment is theproper office, of the conscience, and, to enable it for this its work andoffice,thereare(asisgenerallyobserved)threethingsbelongingtoeveryman'sconscience.

1.Aknowledgeoftheruleorlaw,accordingtowhichitistojudge,calledtheSynteresis,whichisatreasuryofrulesandprinciples,withoutwhichconscience can no more do its work, than an artificer that wants hissquareorlevelcandohis.

2.Knowledgeofthefacts,ormatterstobejudged,calledtheSyneidesis.Theconscienceofeverymankeepsaregisterofhisactions,thoughts,andtheverysecretsoftheheart.

3. An ability or delegated authority to pass judgment on ourselves andactions, according to the rule and law of God, called Crisis, judgment.HereitsitsuponthebenchasGod'svicegerent,absolvingorcondemning,

asitfindsthesincerityorhypocrisyoftheheartupontrial,1John3:20,21.

Conscience, therefore, is a high and awful power, it is soloDeominor;next,andimmediatelyunderGod,ourJudge;riding,asJosephdidinthesecondchariot.Andconcerningconscience,hesaithtoeveryman,asheoncedidtoMoses,withrespecttoPharaoh,See,IhavemadetheeaGodtoPharaoh,Exod.7:1.ThevoiceofconscienceisthevoiceofGod.Whatitbindethor loosethonearth,Clavenonerrante, isaccordinglyboundorloosed in heaven, 1 John 3:21 the greatest difference and preciseobedience is due to its command. Its consolations are, of all, themostsweet, and its condemnations (only excepting those by the mouth ofChrist in the last judgment)most terrible. Zuinglius spake notwithoutground, when he said, "What death would I not rather chuse? WhatpunishmentwouldInotratherbear?Yea,intowhataprofoundabyssofhellwouldInotratherenter,thantowitnessagainstmyconscience?"Itislikehehadfelttheterrorsofittobemorebitterthandeath.Howmanyhavechosenstrangling,ratherthanlife,undertheterrorsofconscience?Whereveryougo,conscienceaccompaniesyou;whateveryousay,do,orbutthink, itregistersandrecords, inordertothedayofaccount.Whenallfriendsforsakethee,yea,whenthysoulforsakesthybody,consciencewillnot,cannotforsakethee.Whenthybodyisweakestanddullest,thyconscienceismostvigorousandactive?Nevermorelifeintheconsciencethanwhendeathmakesitsnearestapproachtothebody.Whenitsmiles,cheers, acquits and comforts, oh,what aheavendoth it createwithinaman!Andwhenitfrowns,condemns,andterrifies,howdothitbecloud,yea, benight all the pleasures, joy, and delights of this world? Oconscience! how glad would the damned be to have taken their lastfarewellofthee,whentheybidthisworldandallitsinhabitantsfarewell,at death! Andwhat had become of all the sufferers andmartyrs,whenshut up from friends in dungeons, had it not been for the cheeringcordials and comforts thou there administered to support them! It iscertainly the best of friends, or the worst of enemies in the wholecreation.This isconscience, theseare itspowersandoffices;whichwasthefirstthing.

Secondly,Ournextenquirymustbeintothelightofconscience,andthe

variouskindsofthatlight.

TheLorddidnot frame suchanexcellent structureas the soulofman,withoutwindows to let in light,nordothhedeny thebenefitof light toanysoul;butthereisatwofoldlightwhichmenhavetoinformandguidetheirconsciences.

1.Thelightofnaturalreason,whichiscommon.

2.Thelightofscripturerevelation,whichisspecial.

1.Thereisacommonlightofnaturalreason,whichisconnate,calledbySolomon,Prov.20:27."Thecandleof theLord.Thespiritofmanis thecandle of the Lord." This is affirmed by him that had an extraordinaryportion of intellectuals, a brighter lamp of reason, and wisdom, thanothermen; and this is not only true of the soul in general, but of thatspecial power of it,which is called conscience,which isGod's spy, andman'soverseer.TheHeathenshadthislightshiningtotheirminds,andconsciences;someofthem,bythealonehelpofthisnaturallight,madewonderful discoveries of the mysteries of nature; yea, they found itsefficacy and power, great in their consciences, to raise their hopes orfears,accordingtothegoodoreviltheyhaddone.

*Consciamensutcuiquesuaest,itaconcipitintra

Pectoraprofacto,spemquemetumquesuo.Ovid.

AndtotheshameofmanythatarecalledChristians,someamongthempaidgreatreverencetotheirownconsciences.

†Imprimisreverereteipsum,

Turpequidausurus,tesinetestetime.

Buthowever,thegeneralityofthemdidnotso,andaretaxedforitinthetext;andbesides,thislightcanmakenodiscoveriesofChrist,andofthewayofsalvationbyhim.Themosteagle-eyedphilosophersamongthemwereinthedarkhere.Andtherefore,

2.Godhathaffordedmenamoreclear,andexcellentlighttoshineintotheir minds, and consciences, even the light of the gospel, which,comparedwiththelightofnaturalreason,isasthelightofthesuntothedimmoon-light.Psal.147:19,20."HeshewethhisworduntoJacob,hisstatutes and his judgments unto Israel: he hath not dealt so with anynation;andasforhisjudgmentstheyhavenotknownthem.PraiseyetheLord."EverycreaturehaththenameofGodengravenonit,buthehathmagnifiedhiswordaboveallhisname,Psal.138:2.God,whobestknowstherateandvalueofhisownmercies,accountsthisasingularfavourandprivilege to anynation.Without revelationwe couldnever have knownthecauseofourmisery,thefallofAdam,ortheonlywayandmeansofour recoverybyChrist: by this apeople are liftedup toheaven,Matth.11:21inrespectofmeansandadvantagesofsalvation;andconsequentlythecontemptorneglectof such lightand love,will certainlyplunge theguiltyintoproportionablemisery.John3:19."Thisisthecondemnation,that light is come into the world, and men love darkness rather thanlight."

Moreover, God doth not only afford the light of natural reason andexternalgospel-revelationtosomemeninaneminentdegree;buttoboththesehe super-adds the internal illuminationofhisSpirit,which is theclearestandmostgloriouslightinthewholeworld."HeshinethintotheirheartstogivethelightoftheknowledgeofthegloryofGodinthefaceofJesus Christ." 2 Cor. 4:6. These are the three sorts of light that Godmakestoshineintothesoulsandconsciencesofmentodirectandguidethem; the first a commonandgeneral light, the two last themost clearand transcendent in excellency, especially that of the Spirit with thegospel:Forthoughthesunberisen,yetmenmaydrawthecurtainsaboutthem,andlieindarkness;buttheSpiritopensthem,andmakesitshinein.

Thirdly,Howthislightshiningintotheconsciencesofmenobligeththemtoobedience,andhowmen's lustsstruggleagainsttheobligationsofanenlightenedconscience,isthenextthingtobespokento.

Itismanifestandbeyondallcontroversy,thatanenlightenedconsciencelaysstrongandindispensibleobligationsandengagementsonthesoultoobedience;forthewillofGodisthesupremelaw,1Tim.6:15itisthewill

of "the only potentate, theKing of kings, and Lords of lords:" And thepromulgation and manifestation of it, so binds the conscience of thecreaturetoobedience,asnoauthorityorpoweronearthcanloosethosebands;nomancangrantaSupersedeasinthiscase,orrelievethesoulsobound by a noli prosequi: For conscience, as God's vicegerent, in hisname requireth obedience, and theman that heareth the voice of Godfrom themouth of his own conscience presently thereupon becomes adebtor,Rom.1:14putunderanecessity,1Cor.9:16.

Nowconscience,byreasonof the light thatshineth into it, feeling itselfundersuchstrongbandsandnecessities,stimulatesandurgeththesoultoobedience,warns,commands,andpressesthesoultoitsdutyagainstthecontraryinterest,andinclinationsoftheflesh:andhencearisethosecombats and conflicts in the bosoms of men. Sometimes conscienceprevails,andsometimeslustsandcorruptionsprevail,andthatwithgreatdifficulty;foritisnotalikeeasytoallmentoshakeoff,orburstthebandsoftheirownconsciences,thoughotherscandoiteasily.WhatahardtaskhadSaultoconquerhisownconscience?Iforcedmyself,saithhe,1Sam.13:12 he knew it belonged not to him to offer sacrifice, his conscienceplainly told him it would be his sin; but yet the fear of the Philistinesbeing stronger than the fear of God, he adventured upon it, renitenteconscientia,againsttheplaindictatesofhisownconscience.ThusHerodgives sentence to put John to death, Mat. 14:9. "The king was sorry,nevertheless,forhisoath'ssake,and"themwhichsatwithhimatmeat,hecommandedittobegivenher."Hishonourweighedupallhisfearofsin, his ownwordweighedmore with him thanGod's word; Nemo itaperplexus tenetur inter duo vitia, quin exitus patent absque tertio: 'Noman is held so perplexed between two vices, but hemay find an issuewithoutfallingintoathird.'

Pilate'sconsciencewasconvincedofChrist'sinnocency,Matth.27:18,19yetthefearofCæsarhurrieshimontothegreatestofwickedness,eventogive sentenceagainst innocentblood, yea, thebloodof theSonofGod.Darius, in like manner, Dan. 6:14 knew that Daniel was not only anexcellent person, but that hewas entrapt by the nobles,merely for hisconscience, and that to put him to death was to sacrifice him to theirmalice:Thisheandhisconsciencedebatedalltheday,manyencounters

hehadwith it; for the text saith,He "wassoredispleasedwithhimself,andhesethisheartonDanieltodeliverhim,andlaboureduntilthegoingdownofthesuntodeliverhim;"butafteraday'ssharpfightbetwixthimandhis conscience, lustprevails at last against light, and returnsvictoroutof the field in the evening.So itwaswithpoofSpira;he seemed tohears,asitwere,aninwardvoice,Donotwrite,Spira,donotwrite:butthe love of his estate, wife, and children, drew his hand to the paper,thoughconsciencestruggledhardtoholditback.

Thus,astherestlessseastrivestobeatdown,orbreakoveritsbounds,sodoimpetuouslustsstrivetoover-bearlightandconviction;videomelioraproboque,deteriorasequor:Theyknowthisorthattobeasin,andthattheyhazardtheirsoulsbyit;butyettheywilladventureonit,andrushintosinasthehorseintothebattle.

Fourthly, Ipromisedtogiveyousome instancesof theconflictsbetwixtmen's consciences and their corruptions, wherein conscience isvanquished and over-borne, and by what weapons the victory overconscienceisobtained.Nowtheconvictionsofmenaretwofold,viz.

1.General,respectingtheirstate.

2.Particular,respectingthisorthataction.

1. There are general convictions and notices given to some men andwomen by their consciences, that their condition, or state of soul isneitherrightnorsafe;thattheywantthemainthingswhichconstitutesaChristian,viz.regeneration,oragraciouschangeofheartandlife:Theyhearandreadthesignsandeffectsofthesethings;buttheirconsciencesplainlytellthemitcannotfindtheminthem;thattheyenjoytheexternalprivileges of the saints, but they belongnot to them; that something isstillwanting,andthatthemainthingtoo.Omysoul,thouartnotright;thouhast gifts, thou hast a name to live, but for all that thou art deadsome further work must be done upon thee, or thou art undone toeternity:thoupassestforagoodChristianamongmen,butwoetotheeifthoudieinthestatethouart.These,andsuchasthesearethewhispersofsome men's consciences in their ears; and yet they cannot so yieldthemselves up into the hands of their convictions, as to confess and

bewailtheirhypocrisyandgrossmistake,andseekforabetterfoundationtobuildtheirhopeon.Felix'sconsciencegavehimsuchaterriblerouzeandmonitionasthis,andmadehimtotremblewhilstPaulreasonedwithhimabout righteousness, and temperance, and judgment to come,Acts24:25itwhisperedinhisearsuchlanguageasthis,Opoorsoul,howshallsuchanoppressor,suchanintemperatewretchasthouart,standbeforeGod in this day of judgment,whichPaul proves in thy face is certainlyfuture? For, as Tacitus saith of him, He was inexplebilis gurges, aninsatiablegulphof covetousness:So itwaswithAgrippa,Acts26:28hestood at half-bent, dubious, and unresolved what to do: he saw theheavenly doctrine of Christianity evidently confirmed by doctrines andmiracles, his conscience pleadedhardwith him to embrace it, and hadalmost prevailed; almost, or within a little, as the word is, thoupersuadestme tobeaChristian:butAgrippahad toomuchwealthandhonours to deny and forsake for Christ; the love of the present worldoverboreboth thehopes and fearsof theworld to come.And thus thatexcellent fisher for souls, who had thoroughly converted so many toChrist,caughtbutapieceofAgrippa;almostisagreatdealforsogreataperson.Thegospelisadrag-net,andbringsupallsorts,wholeChristians,and half Christians. The conscience is caught, and the will begins toincline; butO the power and prevalence of sin!which, like the rudder,commandsalltoacontrarycourse.

Ifwecomealittlenearer,andenquirewhatarethoseRemora'sthatstopconscience in its course, bind and imprison, stifle and suppress itsconvictions; that although aman strongly suspect his foundation to bebutsand,hishopesforheavenastrongdelusion,yetwillhenotthrowuphis vain hopes, confess his self-deceits, and begin all anew.What is itwhich over-bears conscience in this case? Letmen impartially examinetheir hearts, and it will be found that these three things bind andimprison these convictions of conscience, and hold the truth inunrighteousness,viz.Shame,fear,andprideofheart.

(1.) Shame.Men that have been professors, and of good esteem in theworld,areashamedtheworldshouldknowthemistakesanderrorsofalltheirlifepast,andwhatdeludedfoolsandself-deceiverstheyhavebeen:this is a powerful restraint upon conviction; how shall they look their

acquaintanceintheface?whatwillmenthinkandsayofthem?"Howcanyebelievewhichreceivehonouroneofanother?"saithChrist,John5:44q.d.What!youbeChristians,andyetnotabletoendureacensure,orascoffuponyournames;thatstandmoreuponyourreputationthanyoursalvation:howcanyoubelieve?

Owhatmadnessandexaltedfollyappears inthiscase!menwillchooserathertogoon,thoughconsciencetellsthemtheendofthatwaywillbedeath,thansuffertheshameofajustandnecessaryretraction,whichyetindeedisnottheirshame,buttheirdutyandgloryYouthataresotenderof theshameofmen,howwill youbeable toendure thecontemptandshamethatshallbecastonyoufromGod,angelsandmen, inthegreatday? Luke 9:26. It is no shame to acknowledge your mistake, but topersistinit,afterconviction,isshamefulmadness.

Iknewanexcellentminister,whoprovedaneminent instrument in thechurch of God, who in the beginning of hisministerial coursewas notupon the right foundation of regeneration. Thisman had rare abilities,excellent natural and acquired gifts, and could preach of regeneration,faith,andheavenly-mindedness,thoughhefeltnothingofthesethingsinhisownexperience.Hislifewasveryunblameable,andhehadnomeaninterest and esteem among goodmen. It pleased the Lord, whilst thisman was studying an excellent spiritual point to preach to others, hisconsciencefirstpreacheditinhisstudytohimself,andthatwithsuchacloseandrousingapplication,asmadehimtotremble, tellinghim,thatthoughhehadgiftsabovemany,andsobrietyinhisconversation,yetonething,andthatthemainthing,sanctifyinggrace,waswanting.Hereuponthepangsofthenewbirthseizedhissoul,andtheLordmadehimamostinward,searching,experimentalminister,andcrownedhis labourswithunusualsuccess.Thisminister,tohisdyingday,wasnotashamedinallcompanies to acknowledge hismistake, and bless God for his recoveryout of it; and inmost of his sermons, hewould endeavour to convinceprofessorsofthenecessityofasecondconversion.

(2.)Fearisanotherpull-back,whichwith-holdsmenfromexecutingtheconvictionsof theirownconsciences,andobeying itscalls in thisgrandcase and concern of the soul. They are pretty easy and safe under theexternalprofession,anddutiesofreligion,andareafraidofthrowingup

their vain hopes, and engaging themselves heartily and thoroughly inreligion;andtherebetwothingsthatscarethem.

1st. The inward pains and troubles of Spirit attending the new birth;whichtheyhavereadandheardof,andseentheeffectsofinothers.Oitisadreadfulthingtolieundertheterrorsthatmanyhavefelt!andsoitiswiththemaswithonethathathaboneill-set,who,ifhehaveanyease,will rather endure a little daily pain, and be content to halt all his life,than undergo the pain of another fraction or dislocation in order to aperfectcure.

2dly,Theyareafraidofexternalsufferings.Theformofgodlinessleavesmena latitude to takeor leave, according as the times favouror frownuponthewaysofreligion;butthepowerofgodlinesswillengageandputthem beyond retreat: Theymust then stand to it come what will. But,soul,letmetellthee,ifthejustfearsandapprehensionsofhell,andtheeternal wrath of God were upon thee, to which thy hypocrisy andformalitywillexposethee;all these fearsof inwardoroutwardtroubleswouldvanishthesamehour.

(3.)Prideofheartsuffersnotthisconvictionofconsciencetoworkoutitseffects,butholdsthistruthinunrighteousness,tothehazardandruinofmanysouls.Menthatliveupontheirowndutiesandself-righteousness,are not easily brought to renounce all this, and live upon therighteousness of Christ alone for justification. Proud naturewill ratherventure, the hazard of damnation than such self-denial, Rom. 10:3. Asyousee it commonamongpoorpeople to livemeanlyoncoarse fareoftheirown,thanuponthealmsandbountyofanother.

ObutifoncethedayofGod'spowerbecome,andamanbeginstofeelthecommandmentcomehometohisconscience,asPauldid,Rom.7:9whenhecomestorealizetheworldtocome,thevalueofhissoul,andthedanger it is in; then all these remora's are as easily swept away, as somanystrawsbytherapidcourseofamightytorrent.Thenletmensayorthinkwhattheyplease,Imustnotthrowawaymyownsoultomaintainavainestimationamongmen.Letinwardoroutwardsufferingsbeeversogreat,itisbetterformetofeelthem,thantosuffertheeverlastingwrathofthegreatandterribleGod.Letmyownrighteousnessbewhat itwill,

allisbutdunganddrosstothepureandperfectrighteousnessofChrist.

2.Asthisgeneralconviction,withrespecttomen'sstateandcondition,isheld in unrighteousness, and men and women go with grumblingconsciences,andfrequentinwardfearsbyreasonofit;sotherearemanyparticular convictions bound and imprisoned inmen's souls. Particularconvictions,Isay,bothastosinscommitted,andknowndutiesomitted,againstbothtablesofthelawofGod;calledinthetext,ungodlinessandunrighteousness.Consciencelaboursandstrivestobringmentoconfess,bewail,andreformthem,butcannotprevail;contrarylustsandinterestsoverpower them, and detain them in unrighteousness.What these are,andhowtheyarewith-heldbythoselusts,Ishallgiveinsomeinstances.

Instances

Instance1.Andfirst,forconvictionsofungodliness.TherearemanythatcallthemselvesChristians,whoseconsciencestellthemGodistobedailyanddulyworshipped by them, both in family and closet-prayer. It setsbefore them Joshua's pious practice, Joshua 24:15. "As forme andmyhouse,wewillservetheLord."TheyknowGodisthefounder,theowner,themasterof their families; thatall family-blessingsare fromhim,andtherefore he is to be owned, acknowledged, and sought, in daily familyprayersandpraises.IttellsthemthecurseofGodhangsoverprayerlessfamilies,Jer.10:25andthattheyliveintheinexcusableneglectsoftheseduties, seldomworshippingGodwith their families, or in their closets;andthatthereforetheylivewithoutGodintheworld.Anddreadfulwilltheaccountandreckoningbeatthegreatday,fortheirownsouls,whichtheyhavestarvedforwantofcloset-prayer,andforthesoulscommittedtotheircharge,whichperishforwantoffamily-duties.Thisisthecaseofmany,whoyetwillneedspassforprofessorsofChristianity.

Lord, how sad a case is here? How canmen possibly live in the dailyneglect of so great, so necessary a duty? Certainly it is not forwant oflight and conviction; the very light of nature, if we had no Bibles,discoverstheseduties.ButthreethingsholdthistruthofGoddictatedbymen'sconsciencesinunrighteousness,viz.

1.Theloveoftheworld,

2.Consciousnessofinability.

3.Adisinclinedheart.

1.Theloveoftheworldchokesthisconvictioninthesoulsofsome:andtheythinkitenoughtopleadfortheirexcuse,thewantofopportunities,andmanyencumbrances theyhave,whichwillnot allow them time fortheseduties.Theworldisaseveretask-master,andfillstheirheadsandhandsallthedaywithcaresandtoils.

Andmust themouthofconscience thenbestoppedwithsuchapleaasthis?No;Godand consciencewill notbe answeredandputoff so.Thegreatestnumberofpersonsintheworld,fromwhomGodhaththemostspiritual and excellentworship, are of the lower andpoorer rank, Psal.74:20.James2:5.Anditishighlyprobableyournecessitieshadbeenless,if yourprayershadbeenmore.Andwhat sweeteroutletandvent toallthese troubles can you find than prayer? This would sweeten all yourlaboursandsorrowsintheworld,

2. Consciousness and sense of inability and want of gifts, restrain thisconvictioninothers.Shouldtheyattemptsuchdutiesbeforeotherstheyshallbutexposetheirownignoranceandshame.

But this is a vainpretence to shakeoff duty.Theneglect of prayer is aprincipal causeof that inability youcomplainof; gifts, aswell asgrace,growbyexercise.Tohimthathathshallbegiven,andheshallhavemoreabundantly.Andbesides,itisthefruitofpride,andarguesyoureyetobemoreuponyourownhonourthanGod's.TheLordregardsnotoratoryinprayer;yourbrokenexpressions,yea,yourgroansandsighspleasehimmorethanalltheeloquenceintheworld.

3. But the principal thing that restrains men from obeying theirconvictionsas to familyandclosetprayer, isadisinclinedheart; that istherootandtruecauseofthesesinfulneglectsandomissions.Yousavournotthesweetnessofthesethings,andwhatamanrelishesnosweetnessin,orfindsnonecessityof,iseasilyomittedandletpass.

Butwoetoyouthatgofromdaytodayself-condemnedfortheneglectof

soknown,sosweet,andsonecessaryaduty; ifourheartscondemnus,Godisgreaterthanourhearts,1John3:20.Hethatliveswithoutprayeris dead whilst he lives; and let men talk what they please of secretcommunionwith God, I am sure, if religion did thrive in the closet, itwouldneverbebanishedoutofthefamily.Thetimeiscomingalsowhendeathwilldisbandandbreakupyourfamilies,separatethewifefromthehusband, the child from the parent, the servant from the master; andthenwhereshallyou findreliefandcomfort,whohavespentyour timetogether so sinfully and vainly, I cannot tell, norwhat account you cangivetoGodinthegreatday.Thinksadlyonthesethings,theyareworththinkingon.

Instance 2. A second instance of ungodliness continued in under theconvictionsofconscience,isformalityinalltheexternaldutiesofreligionandordinancesofGod.Havenot theconsciencesof someofyouoften,and plainly told you, that though you be often engaged in the publicdutiesofhearing,prayer,&c.yetyourheartsarenotwithGod in thoseduties? They do not work after communion and fellowship with himtherein. It is nothing but the force of education, custom, and care ofreputationbringsyouthere.

Suchaconvictionasthiscoulditworkhome,anddoitsworkthoroughly,would be the salvation of thy soul; were power added to the form, asconsciencewouldhaveit,thouwertthenarealChristian,andoutofthedangerofhell.Thewantofthisthyconscienceseeswillbethyruin,andaccordingly gives thee plain warning of it. O what pity is it such aconvictionasthisshouldbeheldinunrighteousness!Butsoitisinverymanysouls,andthatonseveralaccounts.

1.Becausehypocrisyissoodiousandabominableasin,thatmenarelothto own and acknowledge it, how guilty soever they be of it. What,dissemblewithGod,andplay thehypocritewithhim! it issoblackandfoulacrime,thatmencannoteasilybebroughttochargethemselveswithit.Theymayhavetheinfirmitieswhicharecommontothebestofmen,but yet they arenot hypocrites. Thuspride of heart casts a chainuponconviction,andbindsit,thatitcannotdoitswork.

2.ItisacheapandeasywaytogiveGodtheexternalserviceandworship

ofthebody,butheart-workishardwork.Tositorkneelanhourortwoisno greatmatter: but to search, humble, and break the heart for sin; toworkupthedeadandearthlyaffections intoaspiritualheavenlyframe,thiswillcostmanyahardtug.ItisnoseveretasktositbeforeGodashispeople,whilstthefancyandthoughtsareleftatlibertytowanderwhichway they please, as the thoughts of formal hypocrites use to do, Ezek.33:31but to set awatchupon theheart, to summon in the thoughts ofGod,toretracteverywanderingthoughtwithasigh;thisisdifficult,andthedifficultyover-powersconvictionofduty.

3. The atheism of the heart quenches this conviction in men's souls.Formalityisasecretinvisiblesin,notdiscerniblebyman;theoutsideofreligionlooksfairtoaman'seye,andsolongitiswellenough,asiftherewasnotaGodthattrieththeheartsandthereins.Thus,whenabeamoflightandconvictionshinesintothesoul,acloudofnaturalatheismover-shadowsanddarkensit.

But, poor self-cozening hypocrite, these things must not pass so; thyconscience, as well as the word, tells thee that it is not the place ofworship,but the spiritualityof it thatGod regards, John4:23,21.Thattheyarehypocrites inscripture-accountwhohaveGod in theirmouths,butheisfarfromtheirreins,Jer.12:2andthathypocriteswillhavethehottestplaceinhell,Matth.24:51.

Instance 3. A third instance of convictions of ungodliness held inunrighteousness,isindecliningordenyingtoconfesstheknowntruthsofGod, which we ourselves have professed, when the confession of theminfersdanger.

Intimesofdanger,consciencestruggleshardwithmentoappearforthetruths of God, and upon no account whatsoever to dissemble or denythem;andenforcethitscounselsandwarningsuponuswithsuchawfulscriptures as these, Luke 9:62. "No man having put his hand to theplough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." And Matth.10:33. "Butwhosoever shall denyme beforemen, himwill I also denybeforemy Fatherwhich is in heaven." In this case conscience useth tostruggle hard withmen, yet ismany times overborne by the prevalenttemptationsoftheflesh:As,

1.Bycarnalfears.ThefearofsufferinggetstheascendantofthefearofGod;men choose rather to adventure their souls upon wrath to come,than the present wrath of incensed enemies, They vainly hope to findmercywithGod,butexpectnonefrommen.Thusthefearofmanbringsa snare, Prov. 29:25 and so the voice of conscience is drowned by thelouderclamoursandthreatsofadversaries.

2.As the fear ofman's threatenings, so the distrust ofGod's promises,defeats the design of conscience. If men believed the promises, theywouldneverbeafraidoftheirduties;faithinapromisewouldmakemenasboldaslions,ifsuchawordasthatwasminded,Isa.57:11."Ofwhomhast thou been afraid, or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast notrememberedme?"Men would say, as Zuinglius in the like case,Whatdeathwould I not rather choose to die?What punishmentwould I notratherundergo?Yea,intowhatvaultofhellwouldInotratherchoosetobecast,thantowitnessagainstmyownconscience?

3. The immoderate and inordinate love of the world, over-powersconscience, and drowns its voice in such an hour of temptation. SoDemasfoundit,2Tim.4:10.Owhatadangerousconflict is there inanhouroftemptation,betwixtanenlightenedheadandaworldlyheart?

Lastly,Theexampleofotherswhocomplyandembracethesinfultermsof libertytoescapethedanger,emboldenmentofollowtheirexamples,andSatanwillnotbewantingtoimprovetheirexamples.Donotyouseesuch and such men, beating the road before you? Learned men, andprudentmen,who,itmaybe,havelessheart,butmorewisdomthanyou.Why will you be singular, why will you hazard all for that, for whichotherswillhazardnothing?

Butcertainlysuchsinsasthesewillcostyoudear,itisadreadfulthingtobetraythetruthsandhonourofGodforbase,secularends;andyouwillfind it so when you and your consciences shall debate it together in acalmhour.

Secondly,Therearealsosinsofunrighteousnessagainstthesecondtable,inwhichmanyliveagainsttheplaindictatesandwarningsof theirownconsciences,thoughtheyknowthewrathofGodisrevealedfromheaven

against all unrighteousness of men who hold the truth inunrighteousness.Togivesomeinstancesofthis,

Instance1.Andfirst,letmeinstanceinthatsinofdefraudingandgoingbeyond others in our civil commerce and dealings with them: over-reaching,cozening,andcheatingtheignorantorunwary,who,itmaybe,would not be so unwary as they are, did they not repose trust andconfidenceinyourdeceitfulwordsandpromises.Consciencecannotbutstartleatsuchsins,theverylightofnaturediscoverstheevilofit,andthesoberHeathensabhorit:butwethatliveunderthegospelcannotbutfeelsometerrorandtremblinginourconscienceswhenwereadsuchasevereandawfulprohibition,backedwithsuchadreadfulthreateningasthatisin1Thess.4:6. "Thatnomandefraud,orgobeyondhisbrother inanymatter,becausethattheLordistheavengerofallsuch."Thewordis,τομη υπερθαινειν, that no man overtop, viz. by power, or by craft andpolicy. To this sin a dreadful threatening is annexed, the Lord is theavenger of all such. The word is, εκδικος, but once more, that Iremember,usedintheNewTestament,Rom.13:4andisthereappliedtothecivilmagistrate,whomustseeexecutiondoneuponmalefactors;butheretheLordhimselfwilldoit,hewillbethisman'savenger.Thisrod,orrather this ax, conscience shewsmen, andgiveswarningof thedanger,andyetitsconvictionsareover-poweredandboundasprisoners,by

1.Theexcessive loveof gain; 1Tim.6:9. "But they thatwill be rich fallinto temptation, and a snare; and intomany foolish and hurtful lusts,which drownmen in destruction and perdition."When a resolution ismade for theworld,menwillbe richbyrightorwrong; thispowerfullyarms the temptation. Set gain before such a man, and he will breakthroughthelawofGodandconvictionsofconscience,buthewillhaveit;this drowns them in perdition and destruction, that is, it surely,thoroughly, and fully ruins them: As he is a dead man that is onlydrowned; but to be drowned in destruction, yea, in destruction andperditiontoo, thismustneedsmakehisruinsure,assureaswordscanmakeit,andsoallsuchpersonsshallsurelyfindit,whopersistinsuchacourse.

2. Pinching necessities and straits over-bear conscience in others;necessity hath no ears to attend the voice of theword and conscience.

Hereconscienceandpovertystruggletogether,andifthefearofGodbenotexaltedinthesoul,itnowfallsapreytotemptation.ThisdangerwiseAgurforesaw,andearnestlyentreatedtheLordforacompetencytoavoidthesnareofpoverty,Prov.30:8,9.Poorwretch!howmuchbetterwereitfortheetoendurethepainsofagripingstomachthantheseofagripingconscience? Such gains may be sweet in thy mouth, but bitter in thybowels.

3.Theexamplesofotherswhodailyventureonsuchsinswithoutscruple,and laugh at such squeamish consciences as keck at such things; thisemboldens others to follow them, Psal. 50:18 and thus the voice ofconscience is drowned, and convictions buried for a time; but it willthunderatlast,andthyburiedconvictionswillhavearesurrection,anditshallbeoutofthypowertosilencethemagain.

Instance2.ThetruthofGodisheldinunrighteousness,whenmen'slustswill not suffer them to restore what they have sinfully, and unjustlygotten into theirhands.This sin liesboking in the consciencesof somemen, makes them very uneasy, and yet they make a hard shift to rubalongundertheseregretsofconscience.Nowthosethingswhichmakeaforcibleentry into theconscience, take the truthsofGodprisoners,andbindthem,thattheycannotbreakforth,intothedutyofrestitution,are,

1. The shame which attends and follows the duty to which God andconscience,callthesoul.Oitisashameandreproach,theythink,togetthe name of a cheat; loth, loth they are, that these works of darknessshould come into theopen light;menwillpoint, andhiss at them;andsay, There goes a thief, a cheat, an oppressor: This keeps many fromrestitution.

Butdostthounotherecommitagreatercheatthantheformer?Whichisthegreatershame,thinkestthou,tocommitsin,ortoconfessandreformit?Totiethesnareuponthysoulbycommission,orlooseitofffromthyconscience by repentance and restitution? to be the derision of wickedmen,(fornoneelsewillderidetheeforthyduty),orbethecontemptandderision of God, angels, and all good men for ever? To attain inwardpeaceatthishazard,orto lieunderthecontinual lashesandwoundsofthyownconscience?

2. Poverty, and inability, is sometimes pleaded, to quiet the troubledconscience;andindeedthisisajust,andveryfrequentblastofGoduponill-gottengoods:ThecurseofGodisuponthem;theymeltaway.Owhatamiserablesnarehaveyounowentangledyoursouls in!Onceyoucould,butwouldnotrestore,aworldlyheartwouldnotpartwithunjustgains;nowyouwould,but cannot.Thusaworldlyheart, andanemptypurse,holdyoufirstandlast,undertheguiltofaknownsin.Alamentablecase!

3.Vainpurposesdooftensuppressandsilenceconvictions:Myconditionmay alter, Imay be in a capacity hereafter,when I can better spare it,than,atpresent;orIwilldoitinmylastwill,whenIdie,andchargemyexecutors with it. Thus do men bribe their consciences, to get a littlequiet,whilsttheycontinueunderknownguilt,andcannottellhowsoondeathshallsummonthemtotheawfulbarofajustandterribleGod.

Sirs,asyouvalueyourpeace,and,whichismore,yoursouls;releasetheLord's prisoner which lies bound within you with cords and chains ofSatan'smaking;doit,Isay,asyouhopetoseethefaceofGodinpeace:You know, without repentance there, can be no salvation; andwithoutrestitution no repentance: For how can you repent of a sin you stillknowinglycontinuein?Repentanceisthesoul'sturningfromsin,aswellasitssorrowforsin.Youcannotthereforerepentofsin,andstillcontinuein it; "Howshallwe thataredead to sin, continueany longer therein?"Rom.6:2.Trustprovidenceforthesupplyofyourwants,andthewantsofyours, in the ways of duty, and righteousness. A little that a righteousmanhath isbetter than the richesofmanywicked.Youwillhavemorecomfortinbreadandwater,withpeaceofconscience,thaninfulltableswithGod'scurse.Youwillliemoreateaseonaburdenofstraw,thanonabedofdownwithagrumblingconscience.

Instance 3. How many lie under the condemnations of their ownconsciences, forthelustsofuncleannessinwhichtheylive:Andthoughtheyread,andtheirconsciencesapplytothemsuchscripturesasthat,1Cor. 6:9. "Be not deceived, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, noradulterers,noreffeminate,norabusersofthemselveswithmankind,&c.shall inherit the kingdomofGod;" a dreadful sentence!And that,Heb.13:4."WhoremongersandadulterersGodwilljudge;"Yetconvictionsareoverborne,andstifledby,

1. The impetuous violence of carnal lusts, which permit not of calmdebates,buthurrythemontothesin,andleavethemtoconsidertheevilanddangerous consequences afterward.Thus they go, "As an ox to theslaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks," Prov. 7:22. Lustbesotsthem.Togivecounselnowisbuttogivephysicinaparoxism,orcounsel to him that is running a race. Lust answers conscience asAntipater did one that presented him a book treating of happiness, ουσχολαζω,Ihavenoleisuretoreadsuchdiscourses.

2.Otherswouldfainsolvetheirscrupleswiththesinful failingsofgoodmen,asDavid,Solomon,&c.notconsideringwhatbrokennessofheartitcostDavid,Psal.51and theother,Sorrowmorebitter thandeath,Eccl.7:26.LœtavenireVenus,tristisabircsolet.Thisisapresumptuouswayofsinning,andhowdreadfulthatis,seeNumb.15:30.

Instance4.Truthisoftenheldinunrighteousnessbysinfulsilence,innotreprovingothermen'ssins,andtherebymakingthemtheirown.Wearesometimes cast into the company of ungodly men, where we hear thename of our God blasphemed, the truth, worship, or sevants of Godreproached;andhavenotsomuchcouragetoappearforGod,asothershave to appear against him: in such cases conscienceuseth to instigatementotheirduty,andchargeithomeuponthemintheauthorityofsucha scripture as that, Lev. 19:17. "Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thyheart, thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sinuponhim."O,saithconscience,thysilencenowwillbethysin,Thispoorwretchmayperish forwant of a seasonable, plain, and faithful rebuke.Thy silence will harden him in his wickedness. No sooner doth such aconvictionstirintheconscience,butmanythingsarereadytolayholdonit.As,

1. A spirit of cowardice, which makes us afraid to displease men, andchusesratherthewrathofGodshouldfallonthem,thanthattheirwrathshould fall on us. We dare not take as much liberty to reprove sin asothersdotocommitit.Theygloryintheirshame,andweareashamedofwhatisbothourgloryandourduty.

2.Dependenceon,ornearrelationtothepersonsinning.Itisafather,an

husband, a superior, onwhose favour Idepend; and should Idispleasehim, I may ruin myself; this is the voice of the flesh. Hence duty isneglected,andthesoulofafriendbaselybetrayed;ourinterestpreferredtoGod's,andtherebyfrequentlylost:forthereisnobetterwaytosecureourowninterestinanyman'sheart,thantosettleitbyourfaithfulnessinhis conscience, and by beingwilling to hazard it forGod's interest andglory.TheLordblessethmen's faithfulness above all their sinful carnalpolicies, Prov. 28:23. "He that rebuketh a man, afterwards shall findmorefavourthanhethatflatterethwithhislips."

3. Men's own guilt stops their mouths and silences them. They areashamedandafraidtoreproveothermen'ssins,lesttheyshouldhearoftheir own.Fearof retortionkeeps them from thedutyof reprehension.Thus we fall into a new sin for fear of reviving an old one. "He thatreprovethascornergettethhimselfshame;andhethatrebukethawickedmangettethhimselfablot,"Prov.9:7.

Butthisisthefruitofourprideandignorance.Whatwefearmightturntoourbenefit.Thereproofgivenisdutydischarged;andtheretortioninreturn,afreshcalltorepentanceforsinpast,andacautionagainstsintocome.

Instance 5. Another instance of convictions of unrighteousnessimprisonedinmen'ssouls,isnotdistributingtothenecessitiesofothers,especiallysuchasfearGodwhenitisinthepowerofourhandstodoit,andconscienceaswellasscripturecallsustoourduty.

Men cannot be ignorant of that text, Matth. 25:40, 41 where, by aSynecdoche, charity to the saints is by Christ put for the whole ofobedience;andmen'seternalstatesarecastaccordingtotheirobservanceofthiscommand;thoughIfearfew,veryfewstudyandbelieveitastheyought. Thou canst, saith conscience, if thouwilt relieve such or such apoor Christian, and therein express thy love to Christ, yea, refresh thebowelsofChrist;doit,Godwillrepayit:ifthourefusest,"howdwelleththe love of God in thee?" 1 John 3:17. This is the voice of God andconscience, but divers lusts are ready to lay hold on, and bind thisconvictionalsoassoonasitstirs,viz.

1.Theexcessiveloveofearthlythings.Theworldisgotsodeepinmen'shearts, that they will rather part with their peace, yea, and with theirsoulstoo,thanpartwithit.Hencecomethosechurlishanswers,likethatof Nabal, 1 Sam. 25:11. "Shall I takemy bread, andmywater, andmyflesh,andgiveittomenwhomIknownotwhencetheybe?"

2.Unbelief,whichdeniestogivehonourandduecredittoChrist'sbillsofexchangedrawnupon them in scripture, andpresented to themby thehands of poor saints. They refuse, I say, to credit them, thoughconscience protest against them for their non-compliance. Christ saith,Mark9:41."Whosoevershallgiveyouacupofcoldwatertodrinkinmyname,becauseyebelongtoChrist,verilyIsayuntoyou,heshallnotlosehisreward."Heshallgainthatwhichhecannotlose,bypartingwiththatwhichhecannotkeep.

3.Thewantof love toJesusChrist.Didwe loveChrist insincerity,andwerethatlovesoferventasitoughttobe,itwouldmaketheemorereadytolaydownthyneckforChrist,thanthounowarttolaydownashillingforhim,1John3:16.Itisourduty,insomecases,tospendourbloodforthe saints. So itwas in theprimitive times: behold (said theChristiansenemies) how they love one another, and are willing to die one foranother.Butthatspiritisalmostextinguishedinthesedegeneratedays.

Instance6.Howmanystandconvinced,bytheirownconsciences,whatasinitistospendtheirprecioustimesoidlyandvainlyastheydo?Whenadayislostinvanity,dutiesneglected,nogooddoneorreceived;atnightconsciencereckonswiththemforit,andasksthemwhataccounttheycangive of that day to God, how they are able to satisfy themselves to liedownandsleepundersomuchguilt?Andyetwhenthemorrowcomes,the vanity of their hearts carries themon in the same course again thenext day; and whilst they keep themselves in vain company, they arequiet, till conscience finds themat leisure todebate itagainwith them.Nowthethingswhichmastertheseconvictionsare,

1. In somemen their ignorance and insensibility of thepreciousness oftime. They know it is their sin to spend their time so vainly, but littleconsider that eternity itself hangs upon this littlemoment of time: andthatthegreatworkoftheirsalvationwillrequireallthetimetheyhave;

and if it benot finished in this small allotment of time it cannever befinished,John9:4.

2. The examples of other vain persons that are as prodigal of theirprecioustimeasthemselves,andenticethemtospenditastheydo.

3.Thecharmingpowerofsensuallustsandpleasures.Ohowpleasantlydoth time slide away in plays, ale-houses, in relating or hearing takingstories,news,&c.

4. Inconsideratenessof thesharpandterriblerebukesofconscience forthisonadeath-bed,ortheterrorsoftheLordinthedayofjudgment.

Inall theseinstancesyouseehowcommonthisdreadfulevilofholdingthe truth in unrighteousness is; yet these are but a few selected fromamongmany.

Fifthly, In the next place I am obliged to shew, how and why theimprisoning of convictions, or holding the truths of God inunrighteousnesssodreadfullyincensethhiswrath.Andthisitdothuponseveralaccounts.

1.Knowledgeandconvictionofsinisanexcellentmean,orchoicehelptopreservemenfromfallingintosin:Therebethousandsofsinscommittedintheworld,whichhadneverbeencommittedifmenhadknownthemtobesinsbeforetheycommittedthem.Everysinnerdurstnotmakesoboldwithhisconscienceasyouhavedone.Theapostletellsusthereasonwhythe princes of thisworld crucified the Lord of glory,was, because theyknewhimnot,1Cor.2:8hadtheyknownhimtheywouldnothavedaredtodoastheydid.Andsoitisinmultitudesoflowerandlessersinsthanthat, Satanblinds their eyeswith ignorance, thenuses their hands andtonguesinwickedness;heistherulerofthedarknessofthisworld,Eph.6:12.Butwhenmendoknowthisorthattobesin,andyetventureonit,then an excellent antidote against sin is turned into a dreadfulaggravationofsin,whichhighlyincensesthewrathofGod.

2. Knowledge and conviction going before add presumption to the sinthat follows after it; and presumptuous sin is the most provoking and

daring sin; from this way of sinningDavid earnestly beseeches God tokeep him, "Keep back thy servant (saith he) from presumptuous sins".Whenamanseessin,andyetadventuresonit,insuchsinningthereisadespisingofthelawofGod:amanmaybreakthelawwhilstheapproves,reverences, and honours it in his heart, Rom. 7:12, 13 but here thecommandment isdespised,asGod toldDavid,2Sam. 12:9. It is as if amanshallsay,IseethecommandofGodarmedwiththreateningsinmyway,butyetIwillgoonforallthat.

3.Knowledgeandconvictionleavetheconscienceofasinnernakedandwhollywithoutexcuseorapologyforhissin:inthiscasethereisnoplealefttoextenuatetheoffence,Job15:22."Nowtheyhavenocloakfortheirsin."Ifamansinsignorantly,hisignoranceissomeexcuseforhissin,itexcusesitatleastatanto,asPaultellsus,thusandthusIdid,butIdiditignorantly: here is a cloak or covering, an excuse or extenuation of thesin:butknowledgetakesawaythiscloak,andmakesthesinappearnakedinalltheodiousdeformityofit,nothinglefttohideit.

4. Light or knowledge of the law andwill of God, is a very choice andexcellentmercy; it isa choiceandsingular favour, forGod tomake thelightofknowledge to shine intoaman'smindorunderstanding; it is amercywith-heldfrommultitudes,Psal.147:19andthosethatenjoyitareunderspecialengagementstoblessGodforit,andtoimproveitdiligentlyandthankfullytohisserviceandglory;butforamantoarmsuchamercyasthisagainstGod,tofightagainsthimwithoneofhischoicestmercies,thismustbehighlyprovokingtotheLord;itisthereforementionedasahighaggravationofSolomon'ssin,in1Kings11:9thathesinnedagainsttheLord,"aftertheLordhadappeareduntohimtwice."

5. This way of sinning argues an extraordinary degree of hardness ofheart: it is a sign of little tenderness, or sense of the evil of sin. Somemen,whenGod shews them theevil of sin in theglassof the law, theytremble at the sight of it: so did Paul, Rom. 7:13. "When thecommandmentcame,sinrevived,andIdied;"hesunkdownatthesightofit.ButGodshewstheetheevilofsinintheglassofhislaw,andthoumakestnothingofit:Oobdurateheart!WhentherodwasturnedintoaserpentMoses fled from it,wasafraid to touch it;but thoughGod turnthe rod intoa serpent,anddiscovers thevenomousnatureof sin inhis

word, thoucansthandleandplaywith that serpent, andput it into thybosom:thisshewsthyhearttobeofastrangecomplexion.

6.Togoagainsttheconvincing,warningvoiceofconscience,violatesandwoundsaman'sconsciencemorethananyotherwayofsinningdoth;andwhenconscienceissowounded,who,orwhatshallthencomfortthee?itisatruerule,maximaviolatioconscientiæ,estmaximumpeccatum:themoreanysinviolatesaman'sconscience,thegreaterthatsinis:thesinofdevils is the most dreadful sin, and what makes it so, but the horridviolationof theirconsciences,andmaliciousrebellionagainst theirownlight and clear knowledge; Jam. 2:19. They know and sin, they believeandtremble;Φρισσουσι, theyroarunder the torturesofconscience liketheroarofthesea,orthenoiseoftherocksbeforeastorm.

Othen,iftherebeanydegreeofsenseandtendernessleftinyou,ifanyfear of God or regard of salvation; let go all God's prisoners which lieboundandareimprisonedinthesoulsofanyofyouthisdayBlesssdbeGod some have done so, and are at ease and rest in their spirits by sodoing: they could have no ease till they unbound them, and yieldedobedience to them. It is said,Acts 16:38.Thatwhen themagistrates atPhilippi understood that those men whom they had bound andimprisoned were Romans, they feared; and well they might, for thepunishmentwas great for anyman that injured a citizenor freemanofRome: but every conviction you imprison is a messenger of heaven, acommissioned-officerofGod,andwoetohimthatbindsorabusethit.Doyou know what you do? Are you aware of the danger? Wast thou notafraid (saith David to the Amalekite) to stretch forth thine hand todestroytheLord'sanointed?SosayI,ArtthounotafraidtodestroytheimmediatemessengerofGod,sent to thysoul forgood?Conviction isakind of embryo of conversion; the conversion and salvation of thy soulwouldbe the fruit of it,were it obeyed: thy strivingwith it causes it tomiscarry,rendersitabortive,andthylifemustgoforit,exceptGodreviveand recover it again; as you know the law is for striking a pregnantwoman, Exod. 21:22, 23. Loose then everyman the Lord's prisoners, Imeanyourrestrained,stifledconvictions,stifle themno longer;youseewhat a dreadful aggravation of sin it is, and that the wrath of God isrevealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of

men,thatholdthetruthinunrighteousness.

I.Use,forinformation

Infer. 1. This will prove a fruitful doctrine to inform us, First, Thatknowledgeinitselfisnotenoughtosecurethesoulofanymanfromhell.

Nogifts,noknowledge,but thatonlywhich isoperativeand influentialupontheheartand life,andtowhichwepayobedience,cansecureanymanfromwrath,John13:17. "Ifyouknowthese things,happyareye ifyou do them." The greatest sinsmay be found in conjunctionwith thegreatest knowledge, as you see in the fallen angels: light is then only ablessing, when it guides the soul into the way of duty and obedience:thereismanyaknowingheadinhell.Yetfromhenceletnomanindulgehimself in ignorance,or shun themeansofknowledge, thathemaysinmorefreelyandlessdangerously;foryoumustaccountwithGodforallthatknowledgeyoumighthavehad,aswellas forthatyouhad; forthemeansofknowledgehegaveyou,aswellas for thatknowledgeyoudidactuallyattainbythem.

Infer. 2. What a singular and choice mercy is a tender conscience! Aconscienceyieldingobediencetoconviction!Adropofsuchtendernessintheconscienceisbetterthanaseaofspeculativeknowledgeinthehead,1Cor.12:31.ManypoorChristiansareashamedtoseethemselvessoout-strippedandexcelledbyothersingifts,andapttobediscouraged;butifGodhas blessed theewith a tender andobediential heart to thewill ofGod,sofarasheispleasedtomanifestittothee,thouhastnoreasontobediscouragedforwantofthoseexcellentgiftsandpartsothersdoenjoy.You cannot discourse floridly, or dispute subtilely; but can you obeyconscientiously, and comply with themanifested will of God tenderly?Thenhappy art thou.Oh! it is far better to feel a truth, thanmerely toknowit.ItwasthehighcommendationoftheRomans,thattheyobeyedfrom the heart that form of gospel-doctrinewhichwas delivered them,Rom. 6:17* or rather intowhich theywere delivered, asmeltedmetalsinto the moulds. Two learned divines travelling to the Council ofConstance,wereaffected,eventotears,atthesightofashepherdinthefields,mourningandmeltingatthesightofatoad,andblessingGodthathehadnotmadehimsuchaloathsomecreature;whereupontheyapplied

Austin'swordstothemselves,surguntindocti,&c.Theunlearnedwillriseandtakeheavenfromthelearned.Thylittleknowledgemadeeffectualbyobedience, ismore sanctified,more sweet, andmore saving than othermen's;andthereforeofmuchgreatervalue.Itismoresanctified;fortheblessingofGodisuponit,Gal.4:16.It ismoresweet;foryourelishthegoodness,aswellasdiscernthetruthofgospel-doctrines,Psal.119:103.Itisnotaninsipid,dryspeculation.Andthenitismoresaving,beingoneofthosebetterthingsthataccompanysalvation,asitis,Heb.6:9.

Infer. 3. Learn hence, in the third place, What an uncomfortable life,knowing,butunregeneratemenandwomendolive:Theyarefrequentlyinwars and combatswith their ownconsciences. Is 57:21. "There isnopeacetothewicked,saithmyGod."Theyandtheirconsciencesareeverandanonatdaggersdrawing,theyhavelittlepleasureinsin,andnoneatallinreligion;theyhavenoneinreligion,becausetheyobeynotitsrules;andlittleinsin,becausetheirconsciencesarestillgallingandterrifyingthemforimprisoningtheirconvictions.

Itistrue,somemen'sconsciencesaresearedaswithanhotiron,1Tim.4:2 but most have grumbling, and some have raging, and roaringconsciences; they seldom come under the word, or rod, but theirconsciences lash them: Andwhen death approaches, the terrors of theAlmightydoshakeandterrifythem.Altogethertoneglectduty,theydarenot,andhowtoescapealashfromtheirconsciences,theyknownot:Faintheywouldhavethepleasuresofsin,butthen,likeBalaam,theymeetasword in the way; they plunge themselves into earthly diversions, likeCain,toberidofafurywithinthem,butallwillnotdo.Isthisalifeforthee,reader,tolive?NopeacewithGod,noranywiththyself?No;expectno peace whilst thy convictions lie bound, and imprisoned in thyconscience. Sin for amoment is sweet in thymouth, but it is presentlyturned into the gall of aspswithin thee, Job 20:14.O that you did butknow the pleasures of a pure, peaceable conscience, and howmuch itexcelsallthedelightsofsenseandsin!

Infer.4.Ministershadneedoftentorepeat,andinculcatethesametruthstotheirhearers;fortheworkisnothalfdone,whentruthisgotintothemindsandconsciencesofmen.

Ourworksticksattheheart,morethanatthehead;theunderstandingismanytimesopened,whentheheartandwillarelocked,andfastbarredagainstit:Toopenthepassagesbetwixttheheadandheartisthegreatestdifficulty;thisistheworkofAlmightypower.Thereisknowledgeenoughinsomemen'sheadstosavethem,butithathnotits liberty;restrainedtruthcannotdoitsoffice.Itismucheasiertoconvincethemindthantochangetheheart,orbowthewill.Thehardestpartoftheministerialworkis to preach truths into the hearts and lives of men. This makes thefrequent inculcations of the same truths necessary and safe to thepeople'ssouls.Phil.3:1."Towritethesamethingsuntoyou,tomeindeedisnotgrievous",butforyouitissafe.

Infer.5.Howastonishingandwonderfulisthepowerandstrengthofsin,whichcanholdmenfastaftertheireyesareopenedtoseethemiseryanddangerithathinvolvedthemin.

Onewouldthink,ifaman'seyeswerebutonceopenedtoseethemoralevilthatisinsin,andtheeverlastingtrainofpcnalevilsthatfollowsin,togetherwithawayofescapefromboth;itshouldbeimpossibletoholdthatsinneradaylongerinsuchastateofbondage:theworkwerethenasgood as done: But, alas!we aremistaken; sin can hold thosemen andwomenfastthatseeallthis.TheyknowitisanhorridviolationofGod'sjustandholylaws;theyknowitbringsthemunderhiswrathandcurse,andwilldamnthemtoalleternityiftheycontinueinit;theyknowChristisabletosavethemtotheuttermostthatcomeuntoGodbyhim,andthatheisaswillingasheisable;andyetnoargumentscanprevailwiththemtopartwithsin.Shewbutabeasta flameof fire,andyoucannotdrivehimintoit,ifheseeanywaytoescapeit.Tellamanthisisrankpoison,andwillkillhim;andyoucannotmakehimswallowit,thoughwraptupinsugar,orputintothemostpleasantvehicle.Butletasinnerseedeathanddestructionbeforehim,andsincanmakehimrushon, "asahorseinto thebattle,"Jer.8:9.Hegoesasanox to theslaughter;hisheart isfullysetinhimtodoevil,Eccl.8:11asonesaid,whenhisphysiciantoldhim,'Ifhefollowedsuchacourseofsinhewouldinalittletimelosehiseyes;then,saithhe,Valelumenamicum,Farewell,sweetlight;"Icannotpart with this practice: So it is with others, rather than forego theirpleasures,andbreaktheircustomsinsin,farewellheaven,Christ,andall.

Otheenchantingefficacyofsin!Jer.18:11,12."Andtheysaid,thereisnohope, but we will walk after our own devices."When aman considerswhatvisionsofmiseryandwrathconvictionsgivemen,hemaywonderthatallconvincedmenarenotconverted;and,ontheotherside,whenheconsidersthestrongholdssinhathgottenupontheheartsofsinners, itmayjustlyseemasgreatawonderthatanyareconverted.

Infer.6.Howdreadfulisthestateandcaseofapostates,whohavetheireyes opened, their consciences awakened, their resolutions for Christseeminglyfixed;andyet,afterallthis,returnagaintotheirformercourseofsin!

Yousee,brethren,sinhathnotonlypowertoholdmeninbondagetoitslustsaftertheireyeshavebeenopened,butithathpowertorecoverandfetchbackthosethatseemedtohavecleanescapedoutofitshands,2Pet.2:18,19.Theuncleanspiritmaydepartforatime,andmakehisre-entryinto the same soulwith seven spiritsworse thanhimself,Matth. 12:43.RestraintsbyconvictionandformalitydonotwhollydispossessSatan,hestill keeps his propriety in the soul, for he calls it my house; and thatproprietyhekeepsunderallthoseconvictions,andpartialreformations,openstohimandallhishellishretinueadoorforhisreturn.Butohhowdolefulwill theendofsuchmenbe!andhowjust is thatmartial lawofheaven thatdooms the apostate to eternalwrath!Heb. 10:38.Sucharetwicedead,andwillbepluckedupbytheroot,Jude,ver.12.

Infer. 7. To conclude this use, How sure and dreadful will be thecondemnationofallthose,inthedayoftheLord,whoobstinatelypersistand continue in sin, under the convictions and condemnations of theirownconsciences!

Poorwretches,youarecondemnedalready,John3:18condemnedbythelawofGod,andbythesentenceofyourownconsciences.Whatthyownconscience saith according toGod's law,Godwill confirm andmake itgood, 1 John 3:20. "If our hearts condemnus,God is greater than ourhearts,andknowethallthings."Hissentencewillbeasclearasitwillbeterrible; for in the lastday thebookswillbeopened, thebookofGod'somniscience, and the book of thine own conscience. Now the book ofconscienceisasitwereatranscriptorcounterpartofGod'sbookforthee

to keep in thine ownbosom.NowwhenGod's book and thy ownbookshall be compared, and found exactly to agree, there can be no fartherdispute of the equity of the account. O when God shall charge thee,saying, Thou knewest this and that to be sin, and yet thy lusts hurriedtheeontocommitit;Isitnotso?Looksinnerintothineownbook,andseeifthyconsciencehasnotsochargedittothyaccount.Thouknewestprayer was thy duty when thou neglectedst it; and over-reaching theignorant, credulous, and unwary, was thy sin, when the love of gaintempted thee to it.YouknewIhadplainly toldyou, theft,uncleanness,drunkenness,andextortion,wouldbaryououtofthekingdomofChrist,andofGod,1Cor.6:9,10andyetputtingthat to theventure,youhavelivedinthosesins;isitnotso?Examinethebookinyourownbosom,andsee.TheLordmakemensensibleofcomingwrathforthosesinstheyliveinunderlight;forthewrathofGodisrevealedfromheavenagainstthem.

II.Use

IsthewrathofGodrevealedfromheavenagainstallthatholdthetruthinunrighteousness?Thenletmeexhortandpersuadeyoubyalltheregardandloveyouhaveforyoursouls,byallthefearsyouhaveoftheincensedwrath of the great and terrible God; that you forthwith set yourconvictions at liberty, and loose all the Lord's prisoners that lie boundwithinyou:Becausethereiswrath,beware,Job36:18.Ostiflethevoicesof your consciences no more, slight not the softest whisper, or leastintimationofconscience;reverenceandobeyitsvoice.Motivespressingandpersuadingthisaremany,yetestimatethembyweightratherthanbynumber.

Motive 1. Thewrath ofGod is revealed fromheaven against them thathold the truth in unrighteousness; and because there iswrath, beware.Are you truly informed what the wrath of God is! "Who knoweth thepowerofthineanger?Accordingtothyfear,soisthywrath,"Psal.90:11.O,ifthewrathofaking,(whoinallhisgloryisbutamortalworm)beasthe roaringofa lion,andas themessengersofdeath,Prov.20:2.Prov.16:14.Whatthenisthepowerofhiswrath,atwhosefrownsthekingsofthe earth tremble, the captains and themightymen shrink likewormsintotheirholes?Ifthelesserexecutionsofitbyprovidenceinthisworldbesodreadful,thatmen,yea,goodmenhavedesiredanhiding-placein

thegravetill itbepast,Job14:13thenwhatisthefullexecutionthereofupon the ungodly in the place of torments? If the threats anddenunciations of it against others have made an Habakkuk, thoughassured of personal safety, to quiver with his lips, and tremble in hisbowels,asyouseeitdid,Hab.3:16howmuchmoreshouldthosetrembleandquiverwhoaretobethesubjectsofit,andnotthemereheraldsofitashewas?And,(whichismorethanall)ifJesusChrist,whowastofeelitbutafewhours,andhadthepoweroftheGodheadtosupporthimunderit,did,notwithstanding, sweatas ithadbeengreatdropsofblood, andwas sore amazed; think with thyself, poor wretch how shall thy heartendure,or thyhandsbe strong,when thouhast todowithan incensedDeity?

Motive2.Till you let your convictions go, Satanwill not let you go; hebindsyouwhilst youbind them:Here is the commandofGod,and thecommandof Satan, in competition. Let gomy truths, saithGod,whichthouholdestinunrighteousness;bind,andsuppressthem,saithSatan,ortheywilldeprivetheeofthelibertyandpleasureofthylife.Now,whilstthou slightest the voice of God and conscience, (for the voice ofconscienceisthevoiceofGod)dostthounotavowedlydeclarethyselfthebond-slaveofSatan?"Hisservantsyearetowhomyouobey,"Rom.6:16.Dare not to make one step further in the way of known sin, saithconscience; continuenot, at thyperil, in suchadangerous state, after Ihavesoclearlyconvincedandwarnedtheeofit:Fearnot,saithSatan,ifitbe bad with thee, it will be as bad with millions: God will wound theheadsofsuchasgoonintheirtrespasses,saiththescripture,Psal.68:21.Tush,othersdoso,andescapeaswellasthemostnice,andtender,saithSatan.Now, I say, thy obedience to Satan's commands plainly declaresthee,allthiswhile,tobeapoorenslavedcaptivetohim,actedandcarriedaccording to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that nowworkethinthechildrenofdisobedience.

Motive 3. Nay, further, until you obey your convictions, you areconfederateswith the devil in a desperate plot against your own souls;you join with Christ's great and avowed enemy to dishonour him, anddamnyourselves.

Twothingsmakeyouconfederateswiththedevilagainstyourownsouls:

(1.) Your consent to this project for your damnation; for so your ownconsciencesoutof the scriptures informyou it is: consentmakes youaparty. (2.) Your concealment of this plot brings you in as a party withhim.Confess thysin,andbewail it,saithconscience;notso,saithprideandshame,howshallIlookmeninthefaceifIdoso?Donotyou,inallthis,believeSatan,andmakeGodaliar?Donotyouactasmenthathateyourownsouls, and lovedeath?Prov.8:36.O it isadreadful thing formentobeaccessorytotheirowneternalruin,andthatafterfairwarningand notice given them by their own consciences. Satan (be his powerwhatitwill)cannotdestroyyouwithoutyourownconsent.

Motive 4.Whilst you go on stifling your own convictions, and turningawayyourearsfromitscallstorepentanceandreformation,youcannotbepardoned;youare inyoursins,andtheguiltof themall liesatyourdoor. Youmay seewhat the terms of remission are, Isa. 55:7. "Let thewicked forsakehisway, and the unrighteousmanhis thoughts, and lethimturnuntotheLord,andhewillhavemercyonhim;andtoourGod,and he will abundantly pardon." So again, Prov. 28:13. "He thathardeneth his neek shall not prosper, but he that confesseth andforsakethshallfindmercy."Youseebythese,andmayseebymanymoreplainscripture-testimonies,therecanbenohopeofremissionwhilstyougo on in this path of rebellion; concealing, yea, and persisting in yourknown wickedness. There is a necessary and inseparable connectionbetwixtrepentanceandremission,Acts5:31andLuke24:47andcanyouendureguilttobeyourbed-fellowduringlife,andyourgrave-fellowafterdeath?

Motive5.Youcanneverhavepeacewithyourownconscienceswhilstyoukeepconvictionsprisoners.Nowaman'sconscienceishisbestfriend,orhisworst enemy: thence are the sweetest comforts, and thence are thebitterest sorrows. It is a dreadful thing for a man to lie with a coldsweating horror upon his panting bosom. Tum pallida mens estcriminibus, tacitasudantprœcordiaculpa.And this (orwhich isworse)obdurationandstupiditymustbethecaseofthemthatholdthetruthinunrighteousness.TherecanbenosoundingaretreattotheseterrorstillSheba's head be thrown over the walls; I mean, till that sin yourconscience convinceth you of, be delivered up. As Israel could have no

peacetillAchanwasdestroyed;sothoushalthavenopeacewhilstthysiniscoveredandhid.Menmaycrypeace,peace,tothemselveswhilsttheycontinue in sin,Deut. 29:18, 19but the sharpest troublesof conscienceare better than suchpeace.Deliver up thyself,man, if thou love peace,into the hands of thy own convictions, and thou art in the trueway topeace.Thyrejoicingmustbeinthetestimonyofthineownconscience,astheapostlespeaks,2Cor.1:12orthourejoicestinadream,inadelusion,inathingofnought.

Motive 6.What dreadful charges are you like to meet with upon yourdeath-beds, on the account of those sins you have lived in, againstknowledgeandconviction!conscienceisnevermoreactiveandvigoiousthaninthelasthoursandmomentsoflife.Nowitwillbestifledandover-rulednolonger.Itwhisperedbefore,butnowitthunders.Ifamanhaveaclearandquietconscience,hiseveningisclear,andhissunsetswithoutclouds.SeePsal.37:37Theendofthatmanispeace.IncontemplationofthisfelicityitwasthatBalaamutteredthatwish,Letmylastendbelikehis.Thispeaceistheresultofaman'sintegrityandobediencetothevoiceofconscience,thisbeingtheevidencewecanmostsafelyrelyuponofouruprightnessand interest inChrist;but the resultof suchviolationsandabuses to thy conscience, cannot be peace to thy soul. It is true, somewickedmen die in seeming peace, and some goodmen in trouble, butboththeoneandtheotheraremistaken:thefirst,astothegoodestatehefancieshimselfin,andtheotherastohisbadestate;andafewmomentswillclearupthemistakeofboth.

Motive7.Obediencetoconvictionwillnotonlyproducepeaceatdeath,butitwillgiveyoupresentease,presentreliefandrefreshmentinhand.NosoonerdidDavidresolvetoobeythevoiceofconscience,inconfessinghissin,buthehadsensibleeaseinhisownspirit,Psal.32:5.SoIsa.32:17."The fruitof righteousness ispeace,quietness, andassurance for ever."Onthecontrary,youfindinJob20:20wickedmenhavenorestintheirbellies,thatis,intheirconsciences:forguiltliesbokingthereasathornintheflesh.Andwhatislifeworthwithoutease?Toliveeverinpain,toliveupon the rack, isnotworthwhile to live. If thenyou loveeaseandquietness,obeyyourconsciences;pulloutthatthorn,Imeanthatsinthatsticksfastinthysoul,andachesinthyconscience.Whowouldendureso

muchanguishforalltheflatteringpleasuresofsin?

Motive8.Convictionsfollowedhomeandobeyed,aretheinletstoChrist,andeternalsalvationbyhim;theyarethefirstleadingworkoftheSpirit,in order to union with Christ, John 16:8. Till you obey and yield upyourselvestothem,Christisshutoutofyoursouls;heknocks,butfindsno entrance. At your peril therefore be obedient to their calls: all thewhile you parley with your convictions, and demur to their demands,Christ stands without, offering himself graciously to you, but notadmitted;sothatnolessthanyoureternalhappinessormiserydependson your obedience or disobedience to the voices and calls of yourconvictions.

Motive9.Obeyyourconvictions,honourtheirvoices,andrestrainthemnot; then shall your consciences give a fair testimony for you at thejudgment-seatofChrist.Youread,1Pet.3:21."Of theanswerofagoodconsciencetowardsGod;"thanwhichnothingcanbemorecomfortable:thisgivesamanboldnessinthedayofjudgment,1John4:17.Believeit,sirs,itisnotyourbaptism,yourchurchprivileges,theopinionmenhaveofyou;butthetestimonyofyourconsciencesthatmustbeyourcomfort.IknowmenarenotjustifiedatGod'sbarbytheirownobedience,noranyexactnessoflife,itisonlyChrist'srighteousnessthatisthesinner'splea;butyetyourobediencetothecallsandvoicesofGodandconscience,areyourevidencethatyouareinChrist.

Motive 10. Lastly, considerwhat a choicemercy it is to be under suchcallsandconvictionsofconscienceasareyetcapableofbeingobeyed;itisnotsowithmen'sconvictionsafterthis life.Conscienceconvincethinhell as well as here, but all its convictions there are for torment, notrecovery.O it is a choicemercy your convictionsare yetmedicinal,notpurelypenal;thatyouarenotmaloobfirmati,sofixedinthestateofsinandmisery as thedamnedare, but yet enjoy the savingbenefit of yourconvictions;butthisyouwillnotenjoylong,thereforeIbeseechyou,byallthatisdearandvaluableinyoureyes,reverenceyourconsciences,andletgotheLord'sprisonersthatlieboundwithinyou.

III.Use

I next come to expostulate the matter with your consciences, andpropound a few convictive queries to your souls this day: I cannot butlookuponthisassemblywithfear,jealousy,andcompassion.Iamafraidtherebemanyofyou in thiswretchedcase,menandwomen, thatholdthe truths of God in unrighteousness, though the wrath of God berevealedfromheavenagainstallthemthatdoso.Letmedemand,

Demand1.Donotsomeofyoustandconvincedbyyourownconsciencesthis day, that your hearts and lives, your principles and practices, arevastlydifferentfromthepeopleofGodamongwhomyoulive,andwhosecharactersyoureadinScripture?Donotyourownconsciencestellyou,thatyounevertookthatpainsforyoursalvationyouseethemdailytake;that there be some it may be in your families, nay, possibly in yourbosoms, thatare seriousandheavenly,whilst youarevainandearthly;thatare in their chambersupon theirknees,wrestlingwithGod,whilstyou are in your beds, or about the things of the world? And doth notconscience sometimes whisper thus into thine ear, Soul, thou art notright;something iswantingtomaketheeaChristian;thouwantestthatwhichothershave;andexceptsomethingfurtherbedoneuponthee,thouwilt be undone for ever? If it be so, let me advise thee to hearkendiligently to this voice of conscience: do not dare to venture to thejudgment-seatofGodinsuchacase:ponderthattext,Mat.21:32andletthe disparity your conscience shews you betwixt your own course andthatofothers,awakenyoutomorediligenceandseriousnessaboutyourown salvation: how canst thou come from the alehouse, or thy vainrecreations, and find a wife or child in prayer, and thy conscience notsmitethee?Itmaybetheyhavebeenmourningforthysins,whilstthouhast been committing them. It may be there lives not far from thee agodly,poorman,whooutofhishardandpressinglaboursredeemsmoretimeforhissoulinaweek,thaneverthoudidstinthylife.Ohearkentothe voice of thy conscience! else thou art he that holdest truth inunrighteousness.

Demand2.Didthyconsciencenevermeettheeinthewayofsin,astheangel of the Lord met Balaam, with a drawn sword, brandishing thethreateningsofGodagainstthee?Diditnotsaytothee,asacaptainoncesaid tohis soldiers about to retreat, he casthimself down in theirway,

saying, If you go this way, you shall go over your captain, you shalltramplehimfirstunderyour feet?Stop,soul, stop,said thyconscience;this and that word of God is against thee: if thou proceed, thoumusttrampleupon the sovereignauthorityofGod, in thisor that command;yet thy impetuous lusts have hurried thee forward: thou wouldst notfairly debate the case with thy conscience; and then did not thyconscience say to thee, as Reuben spake to his brethren, Gen. 42:22."SpakeInotuntoyousaying,Donotsinagainstthechild,butyouwouldnot hear; therefore also his blood is required of you?" If this has beenyour course of sinning, verily you are the persons that have held thetruths of God in unrighteousness, and against you thewrath of God isrevealedfromheaven.

Demand 3.Have you not seen thewrath of God revealed from heavenagainst other sinners that have gone before you in the very same trackand course of sin in which you now go, and yet you persist in it,notwithstandingsuchdreadfulwarnings?ThusdidBelteshazzar,thoughhesawallthattheGodofheavenhaddonetohisfather,Dan.5:20,21,22.Youhaveseengreatestatesscattered,andtheirownersthatgotthembyfraudandoppressionreducedtobeggary;andyetwhenatemptationisbeforeyou,youcannotforbeartotaketheadvantage(asyoucallit)toget the gainof oppression.Youhave seendrunkards clothedwith rags,andbroughttomiserableends:adulterersseverelypunished,theirnamesand estates, souls and bodies blasted, and wasted by a secret, but juststroke of God. Have you taken warning by these strokes of God, andhearkened to the monitions and cautions your consciences havethereupongivenyou? Ifnot, thouart theman thatholdest the truthofGodinunrighteousness.

Demand4.Donotyouinwardlyhate,anddonotyourheartsriseagainstnecessaryandduereproofsgivenyoubythosethatloveyoursoulsbetterthan yourselves? If you hate a faithful reprover, though you know youjustly deserve the reproof, and are guilty of the sin he reproves; if yourecriminate,ordeny insuchcases,youarecertainlyso farconfederateswithSatanagainstyourownsouls,andimprisonyourownconvictions.

Demand5.Havenotsomeofyouapostatizedfromyourfirstprofession,andarenotthosehopefulblossomsthatonceappeareduponyoursouls

blasted and gone? You had quick convictions, and melting affections,tenderness in your consciences, and zeal for duties: but all is nowvanished; your affections are grown cold, your duties omitted, thoughconscienceoftenbidsyourememberfromwhenceyouarefallen,anddoyourfirstworks.Youarethepersonsguiltyofthissin.

Demand 6. Do none of you presume upon future repentance, and somakeboldwithyourconsciencesforpresent,thinkingtocompoundthatwaywithit?Thisarguestheetobeaself-condemnedman,andonethatboldest truth in unrighteousness: thy sin is present and certain, thyrepentancebutaperadventure,2Tim.2:25.Thisisanhighandadaringwayofpresumptuoussinning.

Demand7.Lastly,HavenoneofyoutakenthevowsofGoduponyou,toreform your course, and break off your iniquities by repentance, whenyouhavebeenunderdangeroussicknessonshore,ordreadfultempestsatsea?Haveyounotsaid,Lord, if thouwiltbutspareandsavemethisonce,IwillneverliveattherateIhavelivedanymore:tryme,OLord,thisonce;andyetwhenthatafflictionhathvanished,yourpurposesandpromisestoGodhavevanishedwithit:youarethepersonsthatholdtheknowntruthsofGodprisonersinyoursouls;andtoallthesesevensortsofsinners,thistextmayjustlybeasthehand-writinguponthewalloncewas,evenaMeneTekel,thatmaymakethyveryloinstoshake.

IV.Use

This doctrinewinds up and finishes in directions for the prevention ofsuchpresumptuoussinsinmenfortimetocome,thattruthmayhaveitsfreecoursethroughyoursouls.

Direction1.Andtothisendmyfirstcounselanddirectionis,thatyoufailnot to put every conviction into speedy execution.Do not delay, it is avery critical hour, and delays are exceeding hazardous: convictions arefixed and secured in men's souls four ways. 1. By deep and seriousconsideration,Psal.119:59."Ithoughtuponmyways,andturnedmyfeetto thy testimonies." 2. By earnest prayer; thus Saul, under his firstconvictions,fellpresentlyonhisknees,Acts9:11Behold,heprayeth:Thewarmbreathofprayer foments andnourishes the sparksof conviction,

thattheybenotextinct.3.Bydiligentattendanceontheword.Thewordbegets it, and the word can, throughGod's blessing preserve it, James1:23,24.4.Presentexecution,falling,withoutdelay,onthedutythouartconvinced of. James 1:24. "Be not forgetful hearers, but doers of theword;otherwiseamanisasonethatlooksintoaglass,andstraightwayforgetswhatmannerofmanhewas."Take thesense thus,aman looksinto the glass in themorning, and there perhaps he sees a spot on hisface,adisorderinhishairorclothes;andthinkswithhimself,well,Iwillrectifyitanon;butbeinggonefromtheplace,onethingorotherdivertshismind,heforgetswhathesaw,andgoesallthedaywiththespotonhisface,nevermindingitanymore.Obrethren,delaysaredangerous,sinisdeceitful,Heb. 3:13. Satan is subtle, 2 Cor. 11:3 and thisway gains hispoint.Thismottomaybewrittenonthetombofmostthatperish,Hereliesonethatwasdestroyedbydelays.Yourlifeisimmediatelyuncertain,soarethestrivingsoftheSpiritalso.Besides,thereisamightyadvantageintheprimusimpetus,thefirstheatofthesoul.Whenthyheartisonceupinwarmaffectionsandresolutions,theworkmaybeeasilydone;asabell,ifonceup,goeseasily,butishardtoraisewhendown.See2Chron.29:36 what advantage there is in a present warm frame! Beside, thenature of these things is too serious and weighty to be postponed anddelayed.Youcannotgetoutofthedangerofhell,orintoChristtoosoon.Moreover, every repetition of sin after conviction greatly aggravates it.Foritisinsinningasitisinnumbering,ifthefirstbeone,thesecondisten, the third a hundred, and the fourth a thousand. And to conclude,thinkwhatyouwill,youcanneverhaveafitterseasonthanthepresent:the same difficulties you have to-day, you will have to-morrow, and itmaybegreater.Fallonpresently,therefore,toexecuteyourconvictions.

Direct.2.Ifyouwouldbeclearfromthisgreatwickednessofholdingthetruthinunrighteousness,thenseethatyoureverencethevoice,andstandin awe of the authority of your own consciences; and resolvewith Job,"MyheartshallnotreproachmeaslongasIlive,"Job27:6.Therearetwoconsiderations apt to beget reverence inmen to the voice of their ownconsciences.

1.Itisourbestfriendwhenpureandunviolated.

2.Itisourworstenemy,whenwoundedandaffronted.

1.Conscienceobeyed,andkeptpureand inviolate, is thybest friendonearth. 2 Cor. 1:12. "This is our rejoicing, the testimony of ourconsciences."TheveryHeathenscouldsay,

*Nilconsciretibi,nullapallescereculpa,

Hicmurusaheneusesto.

What comforted Hezekiah on his supposed death-bed but the fairtestimonialhis consciencegave inofhis integrity?2Kings2:3 "Agoodman(saithSolomon)shallbesatisfiedfromhimself;butthebacksliderinheartshallbefilledwithhisownways."Marktheopposition,consciencegivesthebacksliderhisbellyfullofsorrow,andtheuprightmanhisheartfull of peace. He is satisfied from himself, that is, from his ownconscience,whichthoughitbenottheoriginalspring,yetitistheconduitatwhichhedrinkspeace,joy,andencouragement.

2.Consciencewoundedandabused,willbeourworstenemy;noponiardssomortalasthewoundsofconscience."Awoundedspiritwhocanbear?"Prov. 18:14. Could Judas bear it, or could Spira bear it? What is thetormentofhell,butthewormthatdiesnot?andwhat is thatwormbutthe remorse of conscience? Mark 9:44. Oh, what is that fearfulexpectationmentioned,Heb.10:27.Seehowyoulikethatlifedescribed,Deut.28:65,66.TheprimitiveChristians chose rather tobe cast to thelions than into the paws of an enraged conscience; ad Icones, potiusquamadlenones.Everylittletroublewillbeinsupportabletoasickandwoundedconscience,asaquartofwaterwouldbetoyourshoulderinagreatleadenvessel.

O, if men did but fear their own consciences, if they did reverencethemselves,asthemoralistspeaks,iftheydidhereinexercisethemselvestohavealwaysaconsciencevoidofoffence,asPauldid,Acts24:16thenwould you be clear of this great sin of holding the truth inunrighteousness.

Direct. 3. If you would escape the guilt, and danger of holding God'struthsinunrighteousness,thenkeepyourheartsundertheawfulsenseof

thedayofjudgment,wheneverysecretthingmustcomeintojudgment,andconscience likea register-book, is tobeopenedandexamined.Theconsiderationofthatdaygivesyourconsciencesaseven-folddefensativeagainstsin.1.Itprovokeseverymantogetreal,solidgrace,andnotrestin an empty profession, Matth. 25. and this secures us from formalhypocrisy, that we be not found foolish virgins. 2. It excites us to thediligent improvement of our talents, that we be not found slothfulservants, neglecting any duty God and conscience calls us to, Matth.25:21. 3. It confirms, and establishes us in the ways of God, that wewound not conscience by apostasy, 1 John 2:28. 4. It is a loud call toeverymantorepentance,andnottoliestupid,andsenseless,underguilt,Acts 17:30, 31. 5. It is apowerful antidote against formality in religion,the general, and dangerous disease of professors, Mat. 7:22, 23. 6. Itexcitesholyfearandwatchfulness,inthewholecourseoflife,1Pet.1:17.7.Itputsusnotonlytoourwatch,buttoourkneesinferventprayer,1Pet4:7.

Andhethatfeelssucheffectsasthese,fromtheconsiderationofthatday,is fortified against that sinmy textwarns of, and dares never hold thetruthsofGodinunrighteousness.Itisourregardlessnessofjudgmenttocome,andignoranceofthenatureofitwhichsoemboldensustoneglectknown duties, and commit known sins, Amos 6:3. 2 Pet 3:3, 4. If ourthoughtsandmeditationswereengagedmore frequently,andseriously,on such an awful subject, you would rather choose to die than to doviolencetoyourconsciences.

Direct.4.Getrightandtrueapprehensionsofthemoralevilthatisinsin,and of the penal evil that follows sin; then no temptation shall prevailwithyoutocommitasin,toescapeapresenttrouble,orneglectaknownduty,toaccommodateanyearthlyinterest,andconsequentlytoholdnotruthofGod inunrighteousness. It is fearof lossandsufferings thatsooften overbears conscience; but if men were once made thoroughlysensiblethattheleastsinisworseforthemthanthegreatestafflictionorsuffering,thepeaceofconsciencewouldbewellsecured.Andthatthisisreallyso,appearsthus:1.AfflictionsdonotmakeamanvileintheeyesofGod. Amanmay be undermanifold afflictions, and yet very dear, andprecious,inGod'saccount,Heb.11:36,37,38butsinmakesmanvilein

theeyesofGod,Dan.11:2.2.Afflictionsdonotputmenunderthecurseof God, blessings and afflictions may go together, Psal. 94:12 but sinbringsthesoulunderthecurse,Gal.3:10.3.AfflictionsmakemenmorelikeuntoGod,Heb. 12:10but sinmakesusmore like thedevil, 1 John3:8. John8:34. 4.Afflictions for conscience sake are but the creature'swrathinflamedagainstus;butsinistheinflamerofGod'swrathagainstus,asinthetext.5.Afflictionsarebutoutwardevilsuponthebody,butsin isan internaleviluponthesoul,Prov.8:36.6.Afflictions fordutiessakehavemanysweetpromisesannexedtothem,Mat.5:10butsinhathnone.7.Theeffectsofsufferings forChristaresweet to thesoul,2Cor.7:4butthefruitsofsinarebitter;ityieldsnothingbutshameandfear.8.Afflictions forChrist are theway to heaven, but sin is the broadway tohell,Rom.6.ult.9.Sufferingsfordutyarebutforamoment,2Cor.4:17butsufferingsforsinwillbeeternal,Mark9:44.

If such thoughts might be suffered to dwell with us, now would theyguard the conscience against temptations, and secure their peace andpurity?

Direct. 5. Be thoroughly persuaded of this great truth, that God takesgreatpleasureinuprightness,andwillownandhonourintegrityamidstall the dangers that befal it, Psal. 11:7. Prov. 11:20. When he wouldencourageAbrahamtoalifeof integrity,heengageshisalmightypowerfortheprotectionofhiminthatway.Gen.17:1."IamGodAlmighty,walkthoubeforeme,andbeperfect."SoPsal.84:11. "TheLordGod isasunand a shield; he will give grace and glory, and no good thing will hewithholdfromthemthatwalkuprightly."

Anuprightmanis theboastofheaven,Job1:8he isGod'sdarling;andthereasonis,becausehebearstheimageofGod.Psal.11:7."TheuprightLord lovethuprightness;"yea,and if integritybrings them into trouble,theymaybesuretheLordwillbringthemout.Psal.34:19."Manyaretheafflictionsoftherighteous,buttheLorddelivereththemoutofthemall."How safely thenmay they leave themselves in the hands of his infinitewisdom,power,andfatherlycare?Nay,Godisnotonlytheprotector,buthe is also the rewarder of conscientious integrity, Psal. 18:20 and thatfourways.1.Intheinwardpeaceityieldsthem;Isa.32:17."Theworkofrighteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness

andassuranceforever."Buttheeffectofsinfulshiftsandcarnalpoliciesareshameandsorrow.2.Inthesuccessandissueofit;itnotonlyturnstoGod's glory, but it answers and accommodates our owndesigns andendsfarbetterthanoursinfulprojectscando,Prov.28:23.3.Greatisthejoy and encouragement resulting from it in the day of death, 2 Kings20:3. Psal. 37:37. 4. In the world to come, Psal. 49:14.Were this dulyconsidered and thoroughly believed, men would choose rather to partwithlifethanthepurityandpeaceoftheirownconsciences.Theywouldsufferallwrongsandinjuriesratherthandoconsciencetheleastinjury.

Direct.6.Donotidolizetheworld,norover-valuethetriflesofthislife;itistheloveoftheworldthatmakesmenwarpfromtherulesoftheirownconsciences,2Tim.4:10itisthisthatmakesmenstrainhardtogetloosefrom the ties and bonds of their own consciences. The youngmanwasconvinced,buttheworldwastoohardforhisconvictions,Luke18:23thedegree of his sorrow was according to the degree of his love to thecreature.Itisnotthehaving,buttheover-lovingoftheworldthatruinsus; it is a worldly heart whichmakesmen twist and turn, shuffle anddissemble at that rate they do, in time of temptation. Could you oncedethronethis idol,howsecureandsafewouldyourconsciencesbe!Thechurch is described, Rev. 12:1 as clothed with the sun, and the moonunderherfeet;themostzealousageofthechurchwastheageofpoverty.Try these few considerations upon your hearts to loose them from theinordinate love of theworld. 1.What goodwill theworld dowhen youhave lost your integrity for its sake, and peace is taken away from theinner man? What joy of the world had Judas, and what comfort hadSpira?Ifyoupartwithyourintegrityforit,Godwillblastit,anditshallyieldyounojoy.2.Exceptyourenouncetheworld,youarerenouncedbyChrist: disclaim it, orhewill disclaimyou,Luke 14:33.Noman canbeadmittedintoChrist'sservice,butbysealingthoseindentureswithhim.3.Whatever lossordamageyoushall sustain forChrist andconsciencesake, he stands obliged to repair it to you, and that with an infiniteoverplus,Mark10:29,30.4.Inaword,alltheriches,pleasures,honours,and liberties in the world are not able to give you that joy and heart-refreshing comfort that the acquitting and cheering voice of your ownconsciences can do. Settle these things in your hearts as defensativesagainstthisdanger.

Direct. 7. Lastly,Beg ofGod, and labour to getmoreChristian courageandmagnanimity;forwantofthis,conscienceisoftoverborneagainstitsownlightandconviction;Christianmagnanimityisconscience'ssecurity.It isexcellentandbecomingaChristiantobeabletofaceanythingbutthefrownsofGodandhisownconscience.Allthefamouschampionsoftruth andwitnesses for God, that came victorious out of the fieldwithtemptation,withsafeandunwoundedconsciences,weremenofcourageand resolution: SeeDan. 3:16.Heb. 11:27. Acts 21:13. Andwhat is thisChristian courage but the fixed resolution of the soul to encounter alldangers,allsufferings,allreproaches,painsandlossesinthestrengthofassisting grace, that shall assault us in theways of our duty; and so itstands opposed in scripture to the spirit of fear, Heb. 11:27 to shame,Mark 8:38 to apostasy, Heb. 10:39. He must neither be afraid norashamed,norloseoneinchofgroundforthesakeofwhatsoeverdangershe meets with, and that because he hath embraced Christianity uponthoseterms,andwastoldofallthisbefore,John16:1becausethereisnoretreating,buttoourownruin,Heb.10:38becauseheowesallthis,andmuchmore than this, to Christ, Phil. 1:29 because he understands thevalue of his soul above his body, and of eternals above and beyond alltemporals,Matth.10:28and,inaword,becausehebelievesthepromisesofGod'sassistanceandrewards,Heb.11:25,26,27.

Omy friends,were our fears thus subdued, and our faith thus exalted,howfree,andsafe,wouldtruthbeinourconsciences!hethatownsanytruthtoliveuponit,oraccommodateacarnalinterestbyit,willdisownthat truthwhenitcomesto liveuponhim, letconsciencepleadandsaywhatitwill:buthethathathagreedwithChristupontheseterms,tobecontenttobemiserableforeveriftherebenotenoughinChristtomakehimhappy,thismanwillbeasteadyChristian,andwillratherlieintheworstofprisons,thanimprisonGod'sknowntruthsinunrighteousness.

THECONCLUSION

Ihavenowdonemymessage.IhavesetbeforeyoutheLordJesusintheglory of his free grace and condescending love to sinners,O that I hadskill and ability to have done it better! I havewooed and expostulatedwith you on Christ's behalf: I have laboured according to my littlemeasure of strength, to cast up and prepare the way by removing the

stumblingblocksanddiscouragementsoutofit.Thishathbeenatimeofconviction to many of you, some have not been able to hold theirconvictions any longer under restraints, but many, I fear, do so; andthereforeIhave in thecloseofallhandledthisstartlingandawakeningscriptureamongyou,toshewyouwhatanhorridevilitistodetainGod'struthsinunrighteousness.Ihavealso,inthenameandauthorityofGod,demandedalltheLord'sprisoners,hissuppressedandrestrainedtruthsatyourhands: ifyouwillunbindyourconvictionsthisday,cutasunderthebondsofcarnalfear,shame,&c.withwhichyourestrainthem;thosetruthsyoushallsomakefree,willmakeyoufree:ifnot,butyouwillstillgoonstiflingandsuppressingtheminyourownbosoms,rememberthattherearesomanywitnessespreparedtogiveevidenceagainstyouinthegreatday.AndO thatwhilst youdelay thisduty, the soundof this textmayneverbeoutofyourears,norsufferyou torest: "For thewrathofGodisrevealedfromheavenagainstallungodlinessandunrighteousnessofmen,whoholdthetruthinunrighteousness."

MOUNTPISGAHASERMON-DEUT.3:24,25

Preached at the PUBLIC THANKSGIVING, Feb. 14th, 1688–9, forENGLAND'SDeliverancefromPopery&c.

UponDEUT.3:24,25

THEEPISTLEDEDICATORY

To the Right Honourable GEORGE Earl of Southerland, LordStrathnaver, Heritable Lord of Regality, and Sheriff in the Shire ofSoutherland.

MYLORD,

IT was a sweet refreshment to me in the days of our late exile, to beprovidentially cast into your Lordship's company and acquaintance. Isavoured in yourself and your most accomplished Lady, those thingswhicharerarelyfoundinpersonsofyoureminentstationandqualityintheworld.

IhaveneitherforgottenyourtendersympathywithpoordistressedSion,normyweak endeavours to propup your faith,with respect to amorecheerfulaspectofprovidenceuponthechurches.

Andnow,mylord,wethatmournedfor,andsufferedwithSion,arethisday called to rejoice with her. Yea, you are called to rejoice with a joyabovethecommonjoy,inasmuchasyourLordshipisnotonlyapartakerof the common mercy with others, but God hath honoured you inaccompanyingaddassistingthegloriousinstrumentofourdeliverance.

Mylord,itisagreaterhonourtobeserviceabletotheinterestofChrist,thantodescendfromthebloodofnobles.Itisthehonourofangelsthatthey are ministering Spirits for the church's good. What myapprehensions of, and expectations from this providence are, your

lordshipwillmeasurefromthefollowingdiscourse.

LetEnglandrejoicetobeholdaProtestantkinguponherthrone;akingthatgivesmorehonourtothethronethanitiscapabletoreflectonhimthat sits thereon. His soundness in Protestant principles his prudenceandequityingovernment,hiszealfortheinterestofChristatthelowestebb,speakhimsuchablessingtothisnationasforagespastithathnotenjoyed:Andnow,mylord,wemayexpect, ifever,tofindthatgloriousdescriptionofajustandholykingansweredinhim,that"heshallbetousasthelightofthemorning,whenthesunariseth,evenamorningwithoutclouds,"2Sam.23:4.

Mylord,havinginmyplaceperformedthedutyofthanksgivingtoGod,enjoinedbypublic authoritywith the samealacrity thatMoses'motherobeyedthecommandofPharaoh'sdaughtertonurseherownchild;Iambold (notwithstanding the imperfections that attend it) to offer it in allhumilitytoyourlordship'shands;beingconfidentthedesignofitwillbeagreeabletoyourspirit,thoughtherebenothingofexternalornamenttocommendittoyourfancy.Soheartilycongratulatingyourlordship'ssafeandhappyreturn,withyourpiousandingenuouslady,inthememorableyearofEngland'sdeliverancefromtheRomishyoke,Ibegyourhonour'spardonforthis,presumption,andremain

YourHonour'smostobliged

Servanttocommand,

J.FLAVEL.

MOUNTPISGAH-DEUT.3:24,25

OLordGod,thouhastbeguntoshewthyservantthygreatness,andthymighty hand; for what God is there in heaven, or in earth that can doaccordingtothyworks,andaccordingtothymight?IpraytheeletmegooverandseethegoodlandthatisbeyondJordan,thatgoodlymountain,

andLebanon.

ITistheobservationofalearned†man,thattherevolutionofahundredyears hathproduced (especially in these latter times) newmotions andalterations in the church, like unto those that fell out a hundred yearsbefore. So it was in Germany and Bohemia; John Huss, at the stake,about the year 1417, uttered this remarkable speech, After an hundredyears, youPapists shallbe called toanaccount.TheBohemians causedpostcentumannostobestamptupontheircoinforthepreservationofsomemorableaprediction;andaccordinglyinahundredyears,1517,Lutherarose, and with him the reformation. It hath been so in England. Ourfathersdeservedlysetasignalremembranceupontheyear1588,Annusoctogesimus octavus est annus mirabilis; the year eighty-eight is awonderful year; and it was so indeed, for then the Lord defeated theformidableenemiesofhiscauseandpeoplewithamightyhand,andanoutstretched arm upon the great waters: then did England sing hispraises,saying,"Whoislikeuntothee,OLord,amongthegods?Whoislike unto thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doingwonders?"Exod.15:11.

Afullcenturyisnowrunoutsincethatyearofwonders,whereinwehavereaped the precious and inestimable fruits of that year's mercy. Andnotwithstanding thegreat ingratitudeof thisnation forall the civil andspiritualmerciesithathenjoyedinconsequenceofthatmercy,wherebyGod hath been highly provoked to say to England as he did to Israel,Judg.10:13.Iwilldeliveryounomore;yet,behold!anothereighty-eightcrownedandenrichedwithmercies,nolessadmirableandgloriousthantheformer;ayearforwhichthechildrenyetunbornshallpraisetheLord.

Youarecalledthisdaytorejoice;Iamnotonlycalledtorejoicewithyouinthepublicmerciesofthisday,butalsotodirectyoutothebestwayofimprovingthemerciesyourejoicein,thattheymayproveintroductivetogreatermerciesthanthemselves.TothatendIchosethisscripture,whichcontainsbothpartsoftheworkanddutyoftheday.ThetextcontainsthesumofMoses'prayeratEdrei,afterthesignalvictoryGodtheregavehimover the lastenemy that forbadehispassage to theconfinesofCanaan.ThisEdreiwasatownonthissideJordan,situateinthefruitfulcountryofBashan,nearuntothatfamousriverbywhichitwasdividedfromthe

landofpromise,andafterwardsfelltothelotofManasseh.HitherMoseshadledthepeople,andnowitwasbutoneremovemore,(theirpassageoverJordan)andtheyshould finishtheirwearisomeperegrination,andarriveatthedesireoftheirhearts,evenrestandsettlementinthatgoodlandtheLordhadpromisedthem.Andhereyoumayseehowswiftandstrong themotionsofMoses' spirit inprayerwere,now itwas comesonighthecentre,almostinsightofthatpleasantlandwhereGodintendedtosettlehisworship,andrecordhisname."OLord, thouhastbeguntoshewthyservantthygreatness,"&c.Ipray"theeletmegoover,andseethe good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, andLebanon."Whereinnote,

1.Themercyprayedfor.

2.Theargumentpleadedtoobtainit.

1. ThemercyMoses prays for, that hemight go over and see the goodland,&c.Thegood landwasCanaan,called thegloryofall lands,Ezek.20:6.Itwasagloriouslandinrespectofitsnaturalfertilityandamenity;but much more glorious in respect of the presence of God in hisordinances. And therefore above all the pleasant sights of Canaan, hedesires to see that goodly mountain, that is, MountMoriah, on whichAbraham offered up his only son Isaac, and whereon, by the spirit ofprophecy,Mosesfore-sawtheglorioustemplewastobebuilt,whitherthetribes should go up to worship, even the tribes of the Lord, unto thetestimonyofIsrael.Thereweretobethesymbolsofhispresence,andthehouse of prayer for all people. There the ark was to rest, and all thepromisesmadetoAbrahamandhisseedtobefulfilled.Thisinflamesthedesires of Moses (now upon the very borders) to have a sight of thatgoodly mountain, and Lebanon, that famous forest so renowned inscripture, ofwhose stately cedars theglorious templewas tobebuilt, 1Kings5:5,9.ThisdesireofMoseswasnotfromanysuperstitiousopinionhe had of the holiness of the place, in respect of the patriarchs whoseboneswerelaidinthatland,(assomePopishglosseswouldhaveit)butheearnestlydesiredtoseetheaccomplishmentof thepromises,nowsonigh thebirth,by theactualpossessionof thatgood land.Thiswas themercyheprayedfor.

Objection.ButhowcouldMosesdesiretogooverJordanintothisgoodland,whenGodhadbeforesoexpresslytoldhimheshouldnot?Numb.20:12."AndtheLordspakeuntoMosesandAaron,Becauseyebelievedmenot, tosanctifyme in theeyesof thechildrenof Israel, thereforeyeshallnotbringthiscongregationintothelandwhichIhavegiventhem."Didthisholymansufferhisdesirestotransporthimbeyondhisduty,togofurtherthanGodwouldhavehim?

Sol. No, he did not; not being sure the threatening was absolute, butmightbesuchaoneaswasmadeofHezekiah'sdeath,2Kings20:1orofNineveh'sdestruction,Jonah3:4therewasroomforprayer.YouseethemercyMosesprayedfor.

2.Letusnextconsidertheargumentbyhimpleadedfortheobtainingofhissuit,andthatistakenfromthewholeseriesofformermercies,whichwere all introductive to this remaining and completing mercy, theplantingoftheminthelandofpromise."OLordGod,thouhastbeguntoshewthyservantthygreatness,andthymightyhand,"&c.Wherenote,

1.Hismostthankfulacknowledgmentandmagnifyingofpastandpresentmercies.Hiseyeswerenotsodazzledwiththesplendorofmercytocome,andinanearexpectation,astooverlooktheformerorpresentmerciesassmallandinconsiderable.No,heliftsupthenameofGodinhispraisesforthem,andtellshim,hehadbeguntoshewhimhisgreatnessinthem.TheyaregreatinMoses'eye,andheexpressesasuitablesenseofthem.He well knew the way to engage further mercies, is thankfully toacknowledgeandmagnifypastandpresentones.But,

2. He rests not there, but improves these beginnings of mercies, andpleads them in his argumentative prayer for the consummating andperfectingmercies yet to come; q. d. Lord, thyworks are perfect, thoudostnotusetobeginandnotfinishasmendo;tobringtothebirth,andnotcausetobringforth;thegodsoftheheathenarealieandvanity,butthou art the trueGod, and thy promises are truth itself.Now, Lord, inpursuance of thy promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, thou hastbegun to fulfil the mercy promised; Israel is brought with signs andwonders,andamightyhandoutofEgypt,andupontheverybordersoftheland?Lord,completetheworknow,ingivingthemthepossessionof

it;andforme,Lord,Ipraythee(ifitbethywill)letmeenterwiththem;andasIhavehadmypartinthetroublesofEgypt,straitsandtrialstheseforty years in the desart, letme takemy part also in the joy, rest, andcomfortofthatblessedlandtowhichIamnowcomesonigh.ThisseemstobethesenseandmeaningofMoses'prayer.Diversexcellentpointsofdoctrinenaturallyofferthemselvesfromthetext,as,

Doct. 1. That the rest and prosperity of the church is a very desirablemercyintheeyesofthesaints.

IfanythingwillmakeaChristiandesiroustoabideonearth,nexttothefinishingoftheworksofgraceonhim,andtheworkofobediencebyhim,thisisthething:Psal.106:4,5."Rememberme,OLord,withthefavourthat thoubearest unto thypeople;O visitmewith thy salvation: that Imayseethegoodofthychosen,thatImayrejoiceinthegladnessofthynation:thatImayglorywiththineinheritance."

Doct. 2. How desirable soever it be to see the church's glory andprosperityonearth,yetthegreatestandbestofsaintsmaybedeniedit

Moses, the saint of God, the favourite of heaven, earnestly desired thesightofthismercy,andwasdeniedit.GettheeuptomountNebo,saithGod,anddiethere,thoushaltnotgooverJordan;andyetMoseswasnoloserbyit.ThoughGodshuthimoutofCanaan,hetookhimintoheaven.Weread,Mat.13:17of thatblesseddaywhenChristwasamongmenintheflesh,preaching,praying,andworkingmiracles,thatmanyprophetsand righteousmen desired to see those thingswhich they saw (amongwhomhewalked)andsawthemnot,and tohear the thingswhich theyheard,butdidnothear them.DemarathusofCorinth,waswont tosay,thatthoseGrecianslostagreatpartofthecomfortoftheirlives,thathadnot seen great Alexander sitting upon Darius' throne. St. Augustinewishedtohaveseenthreethings,Romeinitsglory,Paultotheface,andChristintheflesh.Butwemustnotbeourownchusers,itshallbegivento them for whom it is appointed. But I stay not upon either of these,there are two other points in the text which invite my thoughts anddiscoursethisday;viz.

Doct. 3. That greatmercies received (though there be yet greater than

theytobeexpected)callforananswerablesenseandacknowledgmentinthesaints.

Doct.4.Thatthebeginningsofmercyanddeliverancetothechurchareconvertible into somepleas and arguments in prayer for the perfectionandconsummationthereof.Ibeginwiththeformer,viz.

Doct. 3. That greatmercies received (though there be yet greater thantheytobeexpected)callforananswerablesenseandacknowledgmentinthesaints.

MosesmagnifiesthemerciesreceivedinEgypt,andinthewilderness,attheredsea,andatEdrei;asthingswhereinGodhadbeguntoshewhimhis greatness, and his mighty hand, things on which God had visiblystamped and impressed his greatness; though he still expected greaterthings to come. It was Elihu's counsel to Job, with respect to God'sprovidential proceedings with him, Job 36:24. "Remember that thoumagnifyhisworkwhichmenbehold."Elihu thought it tobeJob'sduty(and doubtless it was so) tomagnify or lift up the name of God, evenunderafflictedprovidences, toexaltGodwhenGodcasthimdown;butyou are called this day to magnify the work of God in comfortableprovidences, and to lift up his name, whilst he is lifting you up indeliverancesandcheerfulprovidences. It is truewecannotmagnifyanyworkofGodbymakinganyadditiontoit,ormakingitgreaterthanitis;butweshouldmagnifyeveryworkofGodbygivingititsfulldimensionsinourconsiderationsofit,andsuitableaffectionstoit."TheworksoftheLordaregreat, soughtoutofall themthathavepleasure therein,"Psal.111:2. We then magnify them, when we search them out, ponder andweigh them in all their circumstances; and this must needs affordsingularpleasuretoasanctifiedsoul.OitissweettotracethefootstepsofGodalongthesepleasantpathsofmercyandsalvation,whereinhehathwalkedtowardshischurch,orourselves inparticular.Twothings inviteourthoughtstodwelluponthematthistime.

1.Whatmakesaworkofmercytrulygreat.

2.Whatisthatsuitablesenseweshouldhaveofsuchworks.

1.Whatarethethingsthatmakeanyworkofmercytrulygreat.

Now there are seven considerations or properties of a work of mercy,whichmakeitgreatindeed.Ifbutoneortwoofthesebefounduponsuchawork, it deserves the name of great; but if there be a concurrence ofthemallinanyworkofGod,asthereisinthatworkwhichwecelebratethisday,Ohowgreatwillitthenappear!

(1.)Thendothaworkofmercyordeliverancedeservethenameofgreatandmagnificent,when it involvesour spiritual, aswell asour civil andnatural comfortsandenjoyments in it, and rescuesour soulsaswell asourbodiesfromruinandmisery.

Temporal mercies have their value, it is no small mercy to have ourestates, liberties, and lives secured from rapine and violence. Deborahcelebratedthismercyinhersongofpraise,Judges5:6,7,11."Inthedaysof Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the high-ways wereunoccupied,andthetravellerswalkedthroughby-ways.TheinhabitantsofthevillagesceasedinIsrael,untilthatI,Deborah,arose,thatIaroseamotherinIsrael.Theythataredeliveredfromthenoiseofarchersintheplaces of drawingwater; there shall they rehearse the righteous acts oftheLord,eventherighteousactstowardstheinhabitantsofhisvillagesinIsrael: thenshall thepeopleof theLordgodownto thegates." Itwasasad time in Israel, when they were barred from their fountains, andforced to creep through by-ways and woods by night, for fear of theenemy;whenthecourseofjusticewasstopt,andtherewerenojudgesinthe gates: Therefore the people are here excited to praise the Lord fortheirdeliverancefromthesecalamities.

But it is a far greatermisery to be cut off from the wells of salvation,barred from the springs of ordinances; forced to creep through by andobscurewaystogetbreadtorelieveoursouls;tohaveourteachersdrivenintocorners;whichhathbeenthecaseofGod'speopleformanyyearsinEngland.Now to be delivered from suchmiseries, is amercy above allvalue.

LibertytoservetheLordwithoutfear,libertywithoutasnare,orhookinit,andawellsettleddurableliberty,forsuchisthatwemaynow(ifever)

promiseourselves;whatsoulcandilateitselfwideenough,totakeintheadequate sense of such a mercy? We were glad of liberty from ourenemies,whenwesoughtitnot;wepeaceablyandthankfullyimprovedit,though just fearsand jealousiesmuchdarkenedthe lustreof it:But theLordinthisdispensationofhisprovidencewill, Ihope,soestablishthejust libertiesofhispeople, that it shallneverbe in thepowerofviolentandwickedmenanymoretooppressthem.TherewasatimewhenthewitnessesofChrist laydead, and their enemies rejoicedover them; theLordhathbeguntorevivethem,andthetime(Itrust)eventheappointedtime is at hand, when they shall hear a great voice from heaven jussusupremimagistratus, saith learnedMede) saying, come up hither; andbothEnglandandFranceshallrejoicetogetherintheirspiritual,aswellas civil liberties and mercies. What soul that loves Jesus Christ insincerity, doth not feel itself cheered and raised in proportion to thehopesandevidences ithathof theapproachofsogreatanddesirableamercy?

(2.)Thenisanyworkofmercyanddeliverancetothechurchdeservedlystiled great; when it is wrought out in an extraordinary way, and thefinger of God evidently seen therein. Thus it was with Israel in theirintroductionintothelandofpromise,Psalm44:3."Fortheygotnottheland in possessionby their own sword, neither did their own arm savethem; but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thycountenance;becausethouhadstafavouruntothem."Itwasnotbythestrength of their own arm, or the length of their own sword, that theysubdued and conquered; no, it was a smile of providence that did thework.ThefingerofGodinprovidenceappearsinthesecretinfluencesofGodupon the spirits ofmen, infusing courage into the hearts of some,andsendingfaintnessintothespiritsofothers;sothatthefeeblebecomeasDavid,whilethemenofmightcannotfindtheirhands.Thisliftsupthewheelsabovetheearth,asEzek.1:19.

(3.)Thesuddenproductionofmercymagnifies it.Merciesarehighly tobe prized, how long soever we wait for them; but when they comesurprisingly,theycomewithgreatadvantageuponus,andhaveforthatthemoreravishingsweetnessinthem,Psalm126:1,2,3."WhentheLordturnedagain the captivityofSion,wewere like them thatdream.Then

was ourmouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing; thensaid they among the heathen, the Lord hath done great things for us,whereofweareglad."Thechangewassogreat,sosudden,thatitamazedthem;theytookitratherforaphantomthatdeludedtheirsensesthanfora reality. The deliverance was incredible, they could not believethemselvestobedelivered,whentheyreallyweredelivered.Theyfanciedwhen they came to Jerusalem, that it was rather a pleasing dream ofJerusalem in Babylon, than so indeed. Are we indeed set at liberty toworshipGodatJerusalem?Orarewemockedwithadream,anddeludedwith a pleasant fancy of such amercy? So againwe read, Isa. 66:8, 9."Who hath heard such a thing?Who hath seen such things? shall theearth bemade to bring forth in one day?Or shall a nation be born atonce? For as soon as Sion travailed, she brought forth her children."What,sowandreapinthesameday!Thebirthtoanticipatethepangsoftravail!Who hath seen or heard such things, saith the prophet? SurelyEnglandhathseenitthisday.CardinalPoolonceabusedthisscriptureinhis leter to pope Julius the third, applying it to the sudden change ofEngland to popery in the beginning of queenMary's reign. But we arecalled this day to sanctify the name of God in a work of providence,wherein the Lord hath indeed fulfilled it before our eyes! So great andsudden!"Greatandmarvellousarethyworks,OLordGodAlmighty;justandtruearethyways,OthouKingofsaints."Generationstocomewillthink we do but hyperbolize, when they shall read the one half of thewondersofourdays.

(4.)Whenonemercyisanintroductiveleadingmercytomanymorethatare greater than itself; thatmercy which is so, though in itself it wereneversosmall,welldeservesthetitleofagreatmercy,andmaywenotjudge thepresentmercy tobe such? In the rendingoff thesekingdomsfrom Antichrist, the tenth part of the great city is visibly fallen. Romehath paid her tenths to Christ already, and that as an earnest of thewhole,whichisshortlytofallintohishands.Rome'sglasswasturnedupbyChristmorethan1200yearspast,andinthejudgmentofverylearnedandsearchingmen,isnowalmostrundown.Antichristhathlatelyhadatriumph,andsaid,Isitasaqueen,andshallnotseewidow-hood,orlossof children any more. The kings of the earth hath: given δυναμιν καιεξουσιαν,theirforceofarms,andpowerof lawsuntothebeast.Butthe

Lord hath begun to shake heaven and earth, that the thingswhich aremademaybeshakendown,andsotoruinhimbythesamemeanshefirstarose.Heistakingtohimselfhispowerandreign,thatthekingdomanddominionunderthewholeheavensmaybetheLord's;andthattheworkof providence which we celebrate this day appears to me a great steptowardsit.CallitGad,foratroopfollowsit.Theworldhathfound,andshallstillfindmuchtruthinthatobservationofthelearned*Dr.More:'Iam not ashamed (saith he) to profess that I think it clear, out of theApocalypse,thatthesceneofthingsinChristendomwill inashorttimebeverymuchchangedforthebetter;thetimeofthechurchsappearing,that is truly apostolical both in life and doctrine, appears by thecomputationofprophesies tobeverynearathand,when thewitnessesshallarise,andthewomancomeoutofthewilderness,andthekingdomsof theworld shall be the kingdoms of the Lord, and his Christ, and heshall reign foreverandever.There isno stability tobeexpected in thekingdomofmen(butvengeancewilleverandanon flow inupon them)till that city be raised,whose foundation is not only laid in twelve, butwhose gates, tribes, angels, the breadth andheight of thewall, and thesolidcontinentofthewholecity,arenothingelsebutareplicationstilloftwelvethroughout;Thatistosay,tillthatchurchappearwhichispurelyapostolicalindoctrineandworship.'

Englandissaidtobethefirstkingdomthatreceivedthegospelwiththecountenance of supreme authority. This was its honour; and to be thefirst that breaks off from Antichrist, will be as great an honour as theformer.Therestaretofollowintheirorder.Owhataleadingmercyisthemercyofthisday!

(5.)ThenmayaworkofGodbestiledgreatandmagnificent,when theLordcarries itonthroughgreatdifficultiesandseeming impossibilities.The greater the difficulties in the way, the greater must the mercy bewhenitarrivestousthroughthemall.ThuscametheIsraelitesintothelandofpromise,Psal.66:12."Thoucausedstmentorideoverourheads;wewentthroughfire,andthroughwater;butthoubroughtestusoutintoawealthyplace."Topass through fireandwater isaproverbial speech,notingthegreatestdifficulties,anddeadlydangers:suchwasthatattheRed Sea. A deliverance out of such dangers may be called life out of

death,andsuchhaveourdeliverancesbeen.Ourenemieshadgraspedallpower into their hands, and were full of confidence; they were foldedtogetherasthorns,anddrunkasdrunkards,astheprophetexpressesit,Nah.1:10.Strongcombinations,andanswerableconfidence,andsecurityof the event; but when the time of mercy was come, armies, navies,counsels, foreign confederates, andall giveway to thedesignofmercy.AndwhatareallthemountainsbeforeZerubbabel?

(6.) That which exceedingly greatens a mercy or deliverance is theseasonableness thereof, when it nicks the proper season, comes in themostopportunetime.Deut.32:36."TheLordshalljudgehispeople,andrepenthimself forhisservants;whenheseeth that theirpower isgone,and that there is none shut up or left." The Lord suffers the danger tocometoanextremity,andtheninthemountofdifficultiesandstraitsheappears;ifdeliveranceshouldcomesooner,itwouldbelessvalued;andiflater, itwould come too late forour comfort.He is aGodof judgment,and all hisworks aremade beautiful by their seasonableness.How thecasestoodwiththeprotestantinterestinEuropewhenGodbegantostirupthespiritsof theprinces tocommiserateandrelieve it,weallknow:ourenemieslookeduponusastheirsureprey,andwecouldnotbutlookuponourselvesingreathazard.TheLordsufferedthemischiefconceivedtogototheparturientfulnessofitstime,andthengaveitamiscarryingwomb.WhoislikeuntotheLord?Andwhatworksarelikehisworks?

(7.) Inaword, then isaworkofmercy trulygreat,when itbrings forthinvaluable blessings at a cheap rate, when enjoyments and comforts,moreworththanourlives,comeateasyratestoourhands.

Youread,Isa.9:5."Everybattleofthewarrioriswithconfusednoise,andgarmentsrolledinblood."Waristerribleandcostly,especiallycivilwars.Whenanation,likeacandlelightedatbothends,quicklyconsumesandmeltsdowninthemiddle.Thereareconfusednoisesinbattles,terribletohear; the thunderingofdrums, and soundof trumpets; theneighingofhorses, and shouts of armies; the roaring of cannons, and shrieks andgroansofdyingmen;theseareconfusednoisesindeed:andyetitisworthenduringallthis,tohearthejoyfulsoundofthegospel,andpreservethepurereformedreligioninthemidstofus:itwerebettertopartwithourblood,thanthegospel;exhaustourtreasure,andleaveourchildrenpoor,

thandivestthemofthebestofblessings,andleavethemtobetrainedupinidolatry,andstretchouttheirhandstoastrangegod.

Butlo,whathathGodwroughtforEngland!youhavethosemerciesthathave cost others dear, and they have cost you nothing; you have soldyourselves fornothing,andare redeemedwithoutprice:yourGodhathbeen liberal in mercy, but sparing of blood. Such mercies, so manymercieswithout a stroke! according to this time, it shall be said,WhathathGodwrought.

ThusyouseewhatthesemerciesarewhereinGodshewshisgreatness.

Secondly, In thenextplace, letus considerwhat that suitable sense,orthose answerable impressions are, which such great mercies call for.Moses, in the text, expresses a very becoming sense of the great thingsGodhadbegun todo forhimandhispeople;O that therewere suchaheart in us this day. Now there are five things wherein the comelybehaviourofoursoulstowardsGod,undergreatmercies,dothconsist.

(1.)InoureyeingthehandofGodinthemercy,andthankfulascriptionsofallthegloryandpraisetohisname.SodothMosesinthetext,"Thouhastbeguntoshewthyservantthygreatness,andthymightyhand."TheIsraeliteswereagreathost,sixhundredthousandmenthatmarchedoutofEgypt,anarmysufficient to invadeandsubduea fargreatercountrythanCanaanwas;butMoses looksoff fromthem,andascribesall theirsuccessesandvictoriestothehandofGod:notmymightyhost,butthymighty hand. God affects not social glory; the dividing of the praiseforfeits themercy.He that doth all in us and for us, expects justly thepraiseandgloryofallfromus.Psal.115:1."Notuntous,notuntous,butuntothyname,giveglory."Hereisadoublenegative,andnomorethanneed; for there isdoubledangerof the creature's invading the rightsofheaven and sacrilegious usurpation of God's peculiar praise. Let usthereforelookofffromarmiesandnavies,fromtheprudentconductandcourageofmen,andseethehandofGodinallthegreatandmarvellousthingswroughtinthemidstofusthisday.

(2.)Itisdecorous,andsuitabletogreatmercies,tohaveourheartsfilledwith joy and cheerfulness answerable to them praise is comely for the

upright.As itwouldbeoursintomournwhenGodsmitesandrebukesus;sowillitalso,nottorejoicewhenhecheersandcomfortsus.Itisnotourlibertyonly,butourdutytorejoiceinsuchworksofmercyastheseare.Isa.65:18."Butbeyeglad,andrejoiceforeverinthatwhichIcreate;forbeholdIcreateJerusalemarejoicing,andherpeopleajoy."MethinksjoyshouldnotbeunderaChristian'scommand,whenheseeswhatGodiscreatingforJerusalem.Asthemorning-starssangtogether,andallthesonsofGodshoutedforjoyatthecreationoftheworld;soshouldallhissons and daughters sing, and shout at this new creation of the newheavens,andthenewearth.

Mistakenot here, I call younot to rejoice in themiseries or calamitiesthat are upon any this day, much less at the calamities of our latesovereign. He that searcheth my heart, knows I commiserate hiscondition,andfrommysouldesiretheLordtoblesshisafflictionstohisillumination and eternal salvation.But thatwhich you are to rejoice inthis day, is the advancement of Christ's interest in the world, and thesalvationofhischurchfromtheimminentdangersitwassolatelyunder;and the prospect the Lord now gives you of far greater mercies to hispeople, than ever yet they enjoyed.These are theproper objects of ourrejoicing.

(3.)Thenhaveweabecomingsenseofgreatmercies,whenthosemercieskindlythaw,andmeltourheartsintorepentanceforsin,andasenseofourgreatunworthinessofthem;whenweabaseourselvesunderexaltingprovidences. We greatly mistake ourselves, if we think England hathobliged God to be thus peculiarly favourable to it. It is astonishing tothink,thatanationsoswarmingwithdrunkards,persecutors,formalistsin religion, yea, atheists and scoffers at all practical and serious piety,should nevertheless be thus favoured, delivered, and exalted in mercyaboveallthenationsroundaboutus.IknowGodhathagreatnumberofpreciousandupright-heartedonesinEngland,thathavesighedandcriedfortheabominationscommittedinthemidstthereof;butsofararetheyfromarrogating,thattheyareeverywhereadmiringthegoodnessofGodinunexpectedmercies.Theythink,ifhehadgiventhemtheirlivesforaprey in someobscure cornerof theWorld,hehaddonemore for themthantheycouldjustlyhaveexpected;orifhehadfurnishedthemwitha

sufficient stock of faith and patience to stand quietly at the stake, andhaveglorifiedhiminthemidstoftheflames,hehaddonemorethantheyhaddeservedathishands:buttobedeliveredfromallthosefears,tositdown in peace amidst pure gospel-ordinances, and to look on all thesebutasthebeginningsofmercy,thedawningofamorebrightandgloriousdaythaneveryetthisnationenjoyed;this,Isay,ismeltingandhumblingindeed to all gracious spirits. It is a lovely sight to see the tears ofrepentance overtaking the tears of joy and thankfulness; sighs andblushesforsin,mixedwithsmilesandrejoicingsinmercies.

(4.)Thendoweanswerthevoiceofmercy,anddiscoverasuitablesenseofit,whenitstronglyobligesustonewobedience,andmoreexactnessinwalkingwithGod,forthetimetocome.Wefindanexcellentexampleofboththeseeffectsofmercy,viz.repentanceforpastsins,andresolutionsfor newobedience, inPsal. 79:8, 13. "Remembernot against us formeriniquities," saithAsaph; thatwas the frameofhisheartas topast sins;and then, ver. 13 as to the future, if he would let "the sighing of theprisonerscomebeforehim,anddeliverthosethatareappointedtodie,"ashespeaksver.11then,saithhe,"Wethypeople,andthesheepofthypasture,willgivetheethanksforever,wewillshewforththypraisetoallgenerations." O England! England! thy God this day calls thee to thyknees, though itbe thydayof thanksgivingandrejoicing:heexpects toseethytearsuponthycheeksthisdayforthyformeriniquities,andthatthoubindthyselftothyGodwiththesebondsofmercy,nevertoreturnanymoretofolly.Itisnotbellsandbonfires,butrepentanceforthypastfollies,andnewobedience,thyGodlooksforatthyhands.

(5.) Lastly, Then do we act becomingly to the mercies of God, whenmerciesalreadybroughtforth,doencourageandstrengthenourfaithforthosethatremainstillinthewombofthepromises.SoitwaswithMosesinmytext,andohthat itmightbesowithusall!ourgreatestandbestmerciesareyettocome,butthoseweblessGodforthisday,arepledgesandearnestsofthem:Youseethemnot,neitherdidyouseetheseyouarenowpraisinghimfor,sixmonthsago;hathhecausedthesemerciestobebrought forth, andwill he shut up thewomb? hath he done thingswelookednotfor,andshallhenotbetrustedfartherthanwecansee?Lookas the head of Leviathan was served into the Israelites' table in the

wilderness, garnished about with rich experiences of the goodness andfaithfulnessofGod,thatitmightbefoodtotheirfaithinthewilderness:so,muchsoarethemerciesanddeliverancesofthisdaytobeimproved,fortheencouragementoffaithforfurtherandfuturemercies.

Use. The point before us is full of useful instructions, cautions, andcounsels.Timewillpermitme todo littlemore thannote them toyou;because I havenoted to you another point of doctrine,which, should Iomit, I should be wanting to the duties of the day, and your justexpectations.Wellthen,havethemerciesofGodalreadyperformedsuchgreatthings?Anddotheyrequiresuchasenseandimprovementofthemfromus?Then,

(1.) Take heed of slighting and despising themercies ofGodwhich arefresh and new before your eyes this day. There are two special dutiesincumbentonall thesaintsundersuchmerciesasthese,viz. toobservetheLord'sprovidences,andtoresoundhispraises;andthelatterdependsupontheformer.Godcanhavenopraise,wecanhavenocomfortfromunobservedor slightedmereies, "Whoso iswise, andwill observe thosethings, even they "shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord,"Psal. 107:43.Adueobservationofmercieswillbegetaduevaluationofthem;andaduevaluationofmerciesisfundamentaltoallyourpraisesofGodforthem.Lookupontheothersideoftheseprovidences,andthinkwhatyourconditionhadbeen,iftheLordhadleftyourestates,liberties,andlives,tothewillsandmerciesofyourenemies.

(2.) Cheek all atheistical thoughts from this experiment of the hand ofGodsoseasonably interposingbetwixthispeopleand theirdestruction."Verily there is aGod that judgeth in the earth,"Psal. 58:11.Great andnotorious is the atheism of these times: all serious piety is hissed andridiculed;theveryexistenceofaDeity,andDivineprovidenceisdeniedby some.Butwouldmenopen their eyes, andobservewhat it isbeforethemthisday, theywouldseeenough tostop themouthofatheismforever. Are these fortuitous hits and accidents, or the effects andproductions of the wise and steady counsels of heaven? "The Lord isknownbythejudgmentsthatheexecuteth."Butwhenhishandis liftedupmenwill not see. It is convincingly clear, the hand of God, not thepower or policy of men hath done this. There was no power in the

prevailing part, but whatmight, with far greater probability have beenrepelledbytheother;nopolicyintheone,butasgreattocountermineitintheother.Butyouseetheraceisnottotheswift,northebattletothestrong;itisthehandofGodthatdisposeththesegreatevents.

(3.)Benotstaggeredifyoushouldseenewdifficultiesariseinthewayofmercy,afterGodhathbeguntodogreatthingsforhispeople.MosesandhispeopleencounteredmanysuchdifficultiesafterGodhadlifteduphishandingreatsignsandwondersfortheminEgypt:Andsomaywe,evenwhenwearecomeuponthebordersofourexpectedmercies.Letusnotsaywe shallneverbemovedmore; there is a greatdeal of filthiness inEnglandyetunpurged,manycorruptions toberemoved;and letusnotexpectmuchtranquillitytillGodhathrefinedandreformedus.Whenthemorbific matter is not well purged out of the body natural, or politic,there is danger of a recidivation, or relapse into the old disease,whichGod in mercy prevent. Former sins and follies will cast us back intoformerstraitsandmiseries.Oletusnotreturnagaintofolly.Wearenowupon trial oncemore howwewill carry it undermercies and liberties:Godforbidsogreatanopportunityasthisforsettingthechurchandstateuponthetruefoundationsoflibertyandprosperity,shouldbelost.Takeheed of a discontented spirit under, gracious providences, lest youprovoke the Lord to turn his hand of judgment again upon you. Whocould have thought that Jonah, who was so lately in the whale's belly,called the belly of hell, and was so greatly humbled there, and somiraculouslyandgraciouslydeliveredthence,shouldpresentlyfallintoagreatpetofdiscontentwithGod,andthatforatrifle,thewitheringofagourd?Yea,andwhichwasworse,forhismercytoothers.Oweknownotwhatmannerofspiritsweareof.Thegreatestmerciesanddeliverancesdonotlongpleaseusunlessourlittleby-interestbegratified.

(4.) Let England now study to do great things for God, who hathimpressedhisgreatnessuponthemerciesitenjoysthisday.OEngland,Godhathdone great things for thee, saved theewith a great salvation;and he expects returns from thee suitable to thy great mercies andobligations.LetmesaytotheeasElihutoJob,chap.36:2."Suffermealittle,andIwillshewtheethatIhaveyettospeakonGod'sbehalf."

(1.)AnationalreformationisnowexpectedbytheLord;hehathstrongly

obliged us to it this day by so glorious and unparalleled a nationalsalvation.It isourreproach,thata landofministers,a landofbibles,aland of peculiarmercies, should be a land swarming in every part of itwithprofaneswearers, filthyadulterers,beastlydrunkards,andheaven-daring atheists. Do we thus requite the Lord, O foolish people andunwise?ThyGod,OEngland,is.pleadingwiththeethisdaybythevoiceofmercy,drawingtheeoutofthesepuddlesandpollutionsbythecordsoflove, whilst he is pleading against the same sins in the nations roundabout theeby fireandsword.Hehathnowsetupon thy throneagreatexampleofvirtuetocorrect thy lewdness,andeffect thyreformation.OEngland,wilt thounotbemadeclean?Whenshall itoncebe?When, ifnotnow,undersuchstronginducementsandsignaladvantages?

(2.)Theloosingofeveryyokeandundoingofeveryheavyburdenisnowexpectedfromthee.GodhathloosedtheyokeofPoperyfromournecks,whichneitherwenorourfatherscouldbear:and,Godforbidweshouldlayanyotheryokeuponourbrethren'sneck,thanwhatJesusChristhathlaid,byhisplaincommands,uponallhisdisciples,ormakeanythingatermorconditionofcommunionwhichhimselfhathnotmadeso.

O let the groans and cries of oppressed consciences be heard nomorefromhenceforthinEngland.didnottheLordlatelyshaketherodofourcommonenemiesoverusall?Hadwenotanecclesiasticalcourterectedamong us, which made those to tremble, at whose bars others hadtrembled? If ourGod hath been so good to us, beyond all examples orexpectations, todeliverus fromour fearsanddanger;surelyheexpectsthatthosewhohavefound:mercyshouldbereadytoshewmercy;elsewemust expect hewillmake good his threatening against us, James 2:13."He shall have judgment without mercy that shewed no mercy;" orunmerciful judgment, as κρισις ανιλεως may be rendered; and theinstrumentsandexecutionersofhisjudgmentsarenotsofaroff,buthecanquicklyhissforthemagain,ifweanswernottothevoiceandcallofmercy.

(3.)Aheartyand lastingunionamongstall that fearGod, isnow justlyexpected fromus. I never expect union and coalition betwixt the godlyandungodly, itwillbeasmuchasIcanexpecttoseethewickednessofmen restrained and curbed by good laws that they persecute not; but

renewinggracemustchangetheirhearts,anddestroytheirinbredenmitybefore they close with the people of God in love. Nor do I thinksuperciliouspharisees,orsuperstitiousbigots,willinwardlyandheartilyaffectthesincereandspiritualservantsofChrist: itwillbeamercythatthey cannot afflictwhom they donot affect:But I shouldhope that, insuch a time as this, all that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, and areanimated by the same Spirit of grace and adoption, should now everywheredeposetheirwrath,composetheirlittledifferences;andthattheirheartsbenowmeltedinthesenseofthesegreatandcommonsalvationsintomoreloveandunionthanever.Suchreturnsasthesewillbepleasingto the Lord, and the only methods of lengthening out England'stranquillity. And though my infirmities, as well as age, cut off myexpectations of beingmuch longer serviceable, or of enjoying long themercies God is preparing for his people; yet I should account it anextraordinarymercytosee thesebeginningsofmercywell improved, inorder to those greater and better ones. Which brings me to the lastobservationwhichnextcomestobeopenedandapplied,viz.

Observation. That the beginnings of mercy and deliverance to thechurchyareconvertibleintosomanyargumentsandpleasin,prayer,fortheperfectionandconsummationthereof.

Thepointliesclearandobviousinthetext:Toopenitletusconsider,

1.Whatthemercieswerewhichareherecalledthebeginningsofmercy?

2.Whatthegreatermercieswere,heexpectedbeyondJordan?

3.Howtheformerstrengthenfaithinprayerforthelatter?

4.Whythecompletingofmerciesbegunissodesirabletothesaints?

1. What those mercies were which are here called the beginnings ofmercy? And they were great andmanifold: In this catalogue are to beplacedallthemerciestheyhadreceivedforfortyyears,fromthedaytheycameoutofEgypt,untothisgreatdeliveranceatEdreiinclusively.

(1.)Godbegantoshewhisgreatpowerintheirwonderfuldeliveranceout

of Egyptwithmighty signs and an out-stretched arm. This deliverancefrom Egypt was a pattern or model of the future deliverances of hischurchesinNew-Testamentdays,Mic.7:15."AccordingtothedaysofthycomingoutofthelandofEgypt,willIshewuntohimmarvellousthings."Whichseemethtohaverelationtothetimeoftherestitution,andsavingofallIsrael.AfterthemannerofEgyptalsohathGodbeguntosavetheGentilechurchesfromRome,whichisspirituallycalledEgypt,Rev.11:8.And thisbegundeliverance fromthemystical, isgreater than that fromliteralEgypt,andsomuchgreater,byhowmuchspiritualbondageandslaveryofmen'ssouls,isworsethatthatontheirbodies.ThehandofGodwasevidentlyseeninthat,andisnolessadmirableinthis,Thewondersof the reformation are, like those in Egypt, wrought out by themightyhandandpowerofGod.

(2.)ThehandandpowerofGodWasseeninmakingprovisionfortheminalltheirwilderness-straitsaftertheycameoutofEgypt.Therewerenotilled fields or barns, no store-houses in the wilderness, nor shops tofurnishthemwithclothesforfortyyearsinthedesert;yetGodtookcaretosustainthem.Itissaid,Neh.9:21."Fortyyearsdidstthousustainthemin the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing, their clothes waxed notold, and their feet swelled not." And certainly it would furnish anadmirable history of Providence, if the instances ofGod's care over hispoor,scattered,persecutedsaintswerecollected,andhowtheLordhathsustainedthemfromthebeginningofthereformation,thoughnoneweresuffered to buy or sell that received not themark of the beast in theirforeheads, or right-hand,Rev. 13:17.Their enemieswouldhave starvedthem,buttheirGodhathwonderfullyprovidedforthem.

(3.) The Lord frustrated all the plots of their enemies to destroy them,and there was no enchantment against Jacob, nor divination againstIsrael: "Remember,Omypeople (saithGod)whatBalak,kingofMoabconsulted,andwhatBalaamthesonofBeoransweredhimfromShittimuntoGilgal;thatyemayknowthe"righteousnessoftheLord."Theybuiltmanyaltars,andofferedmanysacrifices;whatwouldtheynothavedonetohavegottenbutawordortwooutofGod'smouthagainsthispeople?But theirGodwas trueand faithful to them,andwouldnothearken toBalaam'sinsinuationsagainstthem.Therehavebeenplotsuponplotsto

destroy the begun reformation. Rome and hell have consulted ourdestruction,astheydidtheirs,buttonopurpose.

(4.) The Lord discomfited and defeated the open force, as well as thegreat treachery of their enemies, and no weapon formed against themever prospered. The kings, several kings, bywhose lands they travelledtowardsCanaan,felluponthemintheirway,butstill totheirowncost,theyforfeitedtheirlivesandlandsbytheirquarrelwithIsrael.AndnowthelastofthosekingsandkingdomsthatopposedtheirpassageisfallenintothehandsofIsrael:ThesewerethemercieswhereinGodhadbeguntoshewhisgreatnesstoMosesandhispeople;and,afterthemannerofEgypt,untousalso.

2.ButwhatwerethegreatermerciesheexpectedbeyondJordan,whichhesovehementlydesires tosee,and incomparisonwherewithhestilesall these great things but the beginnings of mercy? Certainly Mosesexpectedbetterthingsthanthese,asgreatandgloriousastheywere:Andthesewere,

(1.)ThefullandfreeenjoymentofallGod'sordinances,whichthepeoplehadnotenjoyedforfortyyearsbefore.Allthatwerebornbythewaywerenotcircumcised,Josh.5:5andforthepassoverwefindbutthreeofthemcelebratedallthatspace,thefirstinEgypt,Exod.12thesecondatmountSinai,Numb.9thethirdatGilgalinJoshua'stime,Josh.5:10andasfortheir other sacrifices and offerings appointed by the Lord, they wereeither omitted, or very disorderly performed, which, because of theirmany troubles, and frequent removes, they could not enjoy: and whentheydid,theywerenotperformedasherequired,whichtheLordsmartlyrebuked them for, Amos 5:25. "Have ye offered untome sacrifices andofferings inthewildernessfortyyears,OhouseofIsrael?"No,theyhadnot,atleastnotinthedueorderasGodrequired.ButwhentheyshouldarrivetoasettledconditioninCanaan,thentheordinancesofGodshouldbemore frequently enjoyed, and that after thedue order, for soMoseshadtoldthem,Deut.12:8,9."Yeshallnotdoafterallthethingsthatwedoherethisday,everymanwhatsoeverisrightinhisowneyes;foryearenotasyetcome to therest,and to the inheritancewhich theLordyourGodgivethyou."WhentheyshouldbesettledinCanaan,andthearkfindrest,Mosesknewthatall thingsshouldthenbereducedtotheruleand

patternGodhadgiventhem.Andtrulynothing ismorebeautiful,moredesirableintheeyesofthesaints.ForsomuchofGod'sorderasisfoundinhisworship, somuch of his presence andblessingmaybe expected,andnomore.Andasheexpectedmorepurityinordinances,so,

(2.)RestandpeacewereexpectedinCanaan,merciesthepeoplehadlongwanted.Thearkhadbeenambulatorya long time, removingnowhere,now there: but in the temple itwas to find rest. Therefore you read inPsal. 132:8 the temple called the place of rest: "Arise,OLord, into thyrest, thou and the ark of thy strength," because there it was to have afixedabode.Andasthearkwastheretofindaplaceofrest,sothepeoplealso,whoinsteadoftents,shouldnowbeplacedintownsandcities.

(3.) But especially thatwhichMoses desired to see in Canaan,was thefulfilling and accomplishment of the promises of God made to thepatriarchs, in the faith and comfort whereof they lived and died. ThisprivilegeJoshuaenjoyed,chap.23:14.NotonethinghathFailed,allarecometopass.Owhatalovelyanddesirablesightwasthis?

Butintheselatterdays,we,forwhombetterthingsareprovided,lookforgreatermerciesthanMosesandthepeoplecouldexpect inCanaan.Forwe,accordingtothepromises,expect,

(1.)Anabundantincreaseofthechurch,bothextensively,inthenumberofconverts;andintensively,inthepowerofreligion.Thebestministersevery where complain with the prophet, that they labour in vain, andspendtheirstrengthfornought.Theynowandthen,atbest,hearbutofasinglesoulwroughtupon:butthetimewillcome,whentheyshallnotfishwith angle-rods, but spread out their nets, and inclose multitudes,according to thatgloriouspromise,Ezek.47:10.Andas to the intensiveincreaseofthechurchinthespirit,andpowerofgodliness,weexpecttoseeagenerationofmorespiritual,active,andlivelyChristianstospringup, such as shall far excel those of this drowsy, lukewarm generation,according to that promise, Isa. 60:21. "Thy people also shall be allrighteous."

(2.)Greaterpeaceandquietness, frompersecutingenemies, isyet tobeexpected.Thepoorchurchhathbeenafflicted,andtossedwithtempests;

persecutorshavebrokenin,everandanon,uponit,andmadehavockofit;a tenderconsciencehathcastmenupongreatdifficulties topreserveit;butthedaysarecoming,whenGodwillgivehischurchrest,eitherbytheconversionorrestraintofallitsenemies;Thewolfshallliedownwiththelamb.Antipathiesshallbedeposed,Isa.11:6notaprickingbriar,orgrievingthorn, thatshallnotberootedup,Ezek.28:24.Surely this isasweet, and desirable mercy to the weary saints; and yet a far sweetermercythanthatistobeexpected,viz.

(3.) The pouring out of the Spirit of unity on the people of God, toconsolidate, and strengthen the poor dilacerated church. For thedivisionsofReubentherehavebeengreatthoughtsofheart;ourdivisionshave darkened the lustre of religion, imbittered, and spoiled thecommunionof saints, prejudiced theworld, andobstructed conversion.ButGodwillmelttheheartsofthesaintsintoone,Jer.32:39theyshallhaveoneheart,andoneway,andservetheLordwithoneconsent.Thenshall religion shine in its native glory. One reason of our justlings oneagainstanother,hathbeenthedarknessthathathbeenuponusall;butthisdarknessshallbreakup.For,

(4.)Weexpectamore spiritual, andexcellentministry than the churchformanyyearshathenjoyed,Jer.3:15."Iwillgiveyoupastorsaccordingtomineheart,whichshallfeedyouwithknowledge,andunderstanding."Itisasoreplague,andjudgmentupontheworld,whenmenshallbesetoverthepeople,thatareignorantofregeneration,strangersandenemiesto practical holiness,men that break their profane jests upon the verySpiritofprayer;buttheseuncleanspiritsshallpassoutoftheland,Zech.13:2.Owhatagoodriddancewillthisbe!whenGodshallsetup,intheirroom, laborious, faithful and godly ministers, full of experimentalknowledgeofChrist;watchmenthatshallseeeyetoeye,ashespeaks,Isa.52:8. Then shall we see anothermost desirable and inestimablemercyperformed to the church,beyondall ithathenjoyed since theprimitivedays;namely,

(5.) The purity of ordinances, and officers in the church, the wholeworship, and œconomy of the church measured by the scripture-reed,accordingtoRev.11:1,2andEzek.43:11allreducedtothepure,primitiverule and standard, which will discover and correct the oblique and

corruptive super-additions of men; things under which men of tenderconsciences,andsuchas trembleat theword, inallageshavegroaned.Andthenwill theordinancesofGodshine forth in theirbeauty,andbemightyinpowerandefficacy;especiallywhen,

(6.)ThereshallbeamoreeminentpresenceofGodamonghispeople;forso it is promised, Ezek. 48. ult. And the name of the city (viz. themeasured regulated church) from that day shall be, The Lord is there.Thisisthetruegloryofthechurch,thismakesthenewheavens,andthenewearth,whichaccordingtohispromise,welookfor,andthegreatandmarvellous things our eyes behold this day are the beginnings andintroductiontoit:Whichbringsustothethirdgeneralhead,namely,

(3.)What influence these begun works of God have to strengthen andencourage our souls in prayer for these greater, and more perfectmercies:Andthistheydouponathree-foldaccount.

(1.)Asthesebegunintroductiveworksofmercy,areindicationsandsignsthatthetimeofmercy,eventhesettime,iscome.

There is an appointed, or set time for the church's deliverance now, aswellasfortheirsoutofEgypt;thatwascalled"thetimeofthepromise,"Acts7:17.Deliverancecanneithercomebeforeit,norwillitlingerwhenthat time is fully come. Promises, like a pregnant woman, have theirappointedmonths,Hab. 2:3 their set and appointed time,Psal. 102:13.Now,whenwebeholdsuchthingsdone,anddoingintheworld,asareatthisdaybeforeoureyes;wemayrationallyconclude the timeofmercy,eventhesettimeisnear;asourSaviourspeaks,Mat.14:32,33."Learnaparableof the fig-tree;whenhisbranch isyet tender,andputteth forthleaves,yeknowthatsummerisnigh:solikewiseye,whenyeshallseeallthesethings,knowthatitisnear,evenatthedoors."

Now,itisasingularencouragementinprayer,whenweknow,orcanbutprobably conjecture that the time is near for the accomplishment andperformance of those very promisedmercies we pray for; as we see inDan. 9:2, 3 when Daniel understood, by searching and studying thesacredrecords,suchpropheciesasthat,Jer.25:11,12thatthetimefore-setwasnearatanend,thenhesethimselfwithextraordinaryfervencyto

prayer.Anddonotthegeneralityoflearnedandgoodmenagree,thatthesettimeforRome'sdestructionisnownear,evenatthedoor?Itisnear1260 years since Christ turned up her glass, and you see this day allthings working towards the accomplishment of the written word. ThiscannotbutbeastrongencouragementtoseekGodbyprayerforthefullaccomplishmentofwhatissonearus.

(2.)Godhathordered thedeliverances andmerciesofhis church tobebirthed out by the cries and prayers of his people. When, therefore,mercies are come to the birth, it is a special season, and singularencouragementtoprayer.Ezek.36:36,37."ItheLordplantthatthatwasdestroyed,Ihavespokenit,andIwilldoit:ThussaiththeLordGod,YetforthiswillIbeenquiredofbythehouseofIsraeltodoitforthem."Soagain, in Jer. 29:11, 12. "I know the thoughts that I think towards you,saiththeLord,thoughtsofpeace,andnotofevil;togiveyouanexpectedend.Thenshallyecalluponme,andyeshallgoandprayuntome;andIwillhearkenuntoyou."Inboththeseplaces,youseeGodwillhaveprayerto assist the birth ofmercy, and never is anymercy so sweet, aswhenprayer comes betwixt our dangers and deliverances, our wants andsupplies.HenceitwasthatHezekiahsentthatseasonablemessagetotheprophetIsaiah,2Kings19:3."Liftupacryfortheremnantthatisleft,forthe children are come to the birth, and there is no strength to bringforth." Ifevermenwill strivewithGod topurpose inprayer, it iswhenthey perceive the greatest mercies are at the birth, and prayer is themidwifetobringitforth.

(3.) When God hath begun a work of mercy, it gives singularencouragement to prayer, because that time is the time of finding aproperandacceptableseason;asitisPsal.32:6."Forthisshalleveryonethatisgodlyprayuntothee,inatimewhenthoumayestbefound;"orinatimeoffinding.Courtiers,whohavegreatrequeststomaketokings,docarefullyobservetheirmolissimafanditempora,astheycallthem;theirconvenient seasons when they find the king most propense, andinclinable to acts of grace. That which is inmotion, is themore easilymoved. God is now in the way of mercy, his goodness is movingspontaneouslytowardsus;andifeverprayerbeliketospeedandprevail,nowisthetime.Andinthelastplace,

(4.)Manifoldandweightyarethereasonsandmotives,thatshouldfullyengage themost ferventdesiresandprayersofall the saints, to see thefull deliverance of Zion; and to pass over Jordan to behold that goodlymountain,andLebanon,Imeanthosesixgloriousmerciesandprivilegesbefore-mentioned.

First, The saints' love to Christ makes it above measure desireable tothem;nothing ismore dear andprecious to aChristian, than the gloryandinterestofChrist,andanswerabletothestrengthoftheirlove,isthefervouroftheirdesires.Itissaid,Psal.102:16."WhentheLordshallbuildupZion,heshallappearinhisglory."

Whilst the church groans under Antichrist, the glory of Jesus Christ isdarkenedandmucheclipsedintheworld.Ithathbeenthechiefpartofthe saints sufferings, to see his ordinances polluted, and the rights ofheaveninvadedbytheusurpationsofmen;thisisitthathathcostthemmoresorrowofheart,thantheirpersonalsufferingshavedone.Buttoseetheaccomplishmentofthatprophecy,Rev.11:19whatwillitbebutaslifefromthedead?"AndthetempleofGodwasopenedinheaven,andtherewas seen in his temple the ark of his testament," &c. As it was anexceedingjoytothegodlyinIsrael,whengoodJosiahcametothecrown,to see the temple opened,which had been neglected in the days of hispredecessors,ManassehandAmmon,inwhosereignsthebookofthelawhad lain in therubbish,butnowtheworshipofGodwasrestored;so itcannotbut ravishagraciousheartwithsingulardelightand joy, to, seethepure,primitiveworshipofGodrestoredto its firstpurityandglory.Andthemoreanymanissanctified,themoreheisinflamedwithdesiresafterit,because,thegloryofChristissomuchinterestedandconcernedtherein.

Secondly, Their love to the church, of which they aremembers,makesthis greatly desirable. Moses was a man who excelled in love to thechurch,witnessthattranscendentraptureofhis,Exod.32:32butthoughhebescarcelyimitabletherein,yeteveryrealChristiandoth,inhisrightframe,preferJerusalemtohischief joy,Psal. 137:5,6and,accordingly,their love to Zion is evidenced in their prayers for, and desires of itsprosperity, Isa. 62:1. "ForZion's sakewill Inotholdmypeace, and forJerusalem'ssakeIwillnotrestuntiltherighteousnessthereofgoforthas

brightness,and thesalvation thereofasa lampthatburneth."Soagain,Psal.122:8.Formybrethren,my"companions'sake,Iwillnowsay,Peacebe within thee." For when the church shall be delivered from theAntichristianyoke,andsettledinpeaceandpurity,greatwillitsincreasebe,Her children shall sayagain inher ears, theplace is too strait, giveroomthatwemaydwell.Shewilllookforthasthemorningandhergloryhefreshinher.

Thirdly,Thepityandcompassionthesaintshaveforthepoor,miserable,perishingworld,cannotbutmakethis,adesirablethingintheireyes.Forwhilst the gospel is restrained in its full liberty, or the ordinancescorruptedbythemixtureofhumaninventionsandtraditions;itisnottobeexpected that thechurchshouldbemuchenlargedbyanadditionofconverts.

ThekingdomofourLordJesus is for thepresentconfinedwithinstraitandnarrowlimits,anditisjustmatterofsorrowtoconsiderhowsmallapart of the habitable world is in subjection to him: So many millionsbowing down to idols, the dark places of the earth are full of thehabitationsofcruelty,Psal.74:20.Thesightofprecioussoulsperishingforwantoftheword,madethebowelsofthecompassionateRedeemertoyearnwithinhim,Matth.9:36andthesameconsiderationandoccasioncannot but affect and melt every soul in which is the Spirit of Christ:proportionably to the compassions men have for the miseries of theperishingworld,will theirdesiresbe for theenlargingandperfectingofthegospel-privilegesandmercies.

Fourthly,Lovetoourselveswillmakeuslongforsuchasightasthis:forwhatisthereinthisworldmorepleasanttoaChristianthantoseeChristwalking amidst the golden candlesticks? The peaceful and sweetenjoymentofGod inhispureordinances,Psal.27:4. "One thinghave IdesiredoftheLord,thatwillIseekafter,thatImaydwellinthehouseoftheLordallthedaysofmylife,tobeholdthebeautyoftheLord,andtoenquireinhistemple."ThiswasDavid'shocunicum,onethingaboveallotherthingsinthisworldinhiseye,andsoitistoallthatseethingswithsuchaneyeasDavidhad;andnexttothatisthesweetandcomfortablecommunion of saints with one heart and mouth glorifying God, andservinghimwithoneconsent.Thesearethethingswhichmakeitworth

while to liveonearth; thepleasureof lifedothconsist inthem.Nowallthesedesirable things cannotbeenjoyed inanyeminentdegreeon thisside Jordan, I mean till the great promises now near their birth beaccomplished.

UseI

Thepoint before us frownsupon, and severely reprehends two sorts ofpersons,viz.

1.Wicked.

2.Thegodly.

(1.) It administers just reprehension to wicked men, who instead ofthankfulacknowledgmentsof thebeginningsofmercies,and improvingtheminprayerfortheobtainingofgreater,doinwardlyrepineandfretattheworkofmercybegun,andareafraidofnothingmorethanafullandcompletereformation.Aretherenotsuchwretchedcreaturestobefoundthis day in England, that would be better pleased to be at their oldpersecutingworkagain,andseegoodmendestroyed,thantoenjoyaduelibertytoworshipGodaccordingtothedictatesoftheirconsciences,aftertheyhaveseriouslystudiedandprayedforreformation?Sometherearewho call themselves Protestants, but (blush O heavens at this, and beastonished) they have not been ashamed to say, rather popery thanpresbytery: And Haman-like, take no comfort in their own liberty,becausethosetheyhateenjoytheirs.

ThusitwaswiththeungodlymurmurersinIsrael,whenGodhadbroughtthemoutofEgyptwithsignsandwonders,andamightyhand;yet,theirlustsbeingcrossed, theywouldneedsmake themacaptain, and returnbacktoEgypt,Num.14:4.Whatmadnesswashere?CouldtheythinkGodwoulddivide the red-sea for them in their return toEgypt ashedid attheirdeparturethence?OrthattheyshouldfindsuchwelcomeinEgypt,which they had deserted, disobliged, and brought somuch ruin upon?Whatstupendousmadnesswashere!

(2.)Itjustlyrebukesthedead-heartednessandingratitudeofgoodmen,

amongmanyofwhomisneitherfoundthatfervencyofprayer,norsenseofpresentmercieswhichGodexpects,andthepresentdispensationsofhisprovidencescallfor.

How inexcusable at this time is a flat, discouraged, and dull spirit inprayer?Tobefoundundersuchatemperasthis,whenthemorningofsoglorious a day is sprung up, and opened upon us, and suchencouragementstoenlivenfaithandhopearebeforeoureyes,thisissad.The saints that are gone to heavenunder the late and former troubles,weremighty wrestlers with God in prayer: They fasted and wept; theypleadedourcauseheartilywithGod;weptandmadesupplicationforthemerciesnowenjoy,thoughitwasnottheirlottoseethem:Andshallwethatareenteredintothefruitsandmerciestheyprayedfor,andareundersuchsignalencouragements,benowremissandcold?

Or shall we ungratefully overlook the beginning ofmercy as small andinconsiderablethings?Shallwesay,all this isnothing,becausewehavenot yet all thatwewouldhave?God forbid!When Israelwas inEgypt,then a little straw would have been esteemed as a great mercy; butafterwardsquailsandmannaweredespisedandslighted.Brethren,threeor four years ago, youwouldhaveaccounted it a specialmercy tohaveenjoyedanhourortwotogetherinprayer,ortohavehadalittlespiritualbreadhandedtoyoubehindyourenemiesbacks:andisitnothinginyoureyes this day to behold the worship of God at liberty? Yea, to see thesuccessof thegospel in thebringinghomeofmany souls toChrist, thefears of Popery vanished, thewitnesses risen, the tenth part of the cityfallen,andsuchaprospectoffargreaterandmoregloriousthingsbeforeyoureyes?OletnottheconsolationsoftheAlmightyseemsmall!

If wicked men envy and grudge at our mercies, and we ourselvesundervalueandslightthem,thenisthereagrievousprovocationgiventotheLordtoturnhishand,andbringallour formermiseriesbackagainuponus.

UseII

Hath God brought us by a mighty hand out of spiritual Egypt by thereformation,andhathnowledussomanyyearsthroughthewilderness

untilhehathbroughtusatlastalmostinsightofthegoodthingshehathpromised? Then let us be exhorted to the duties, and warned of thedangersofourpresentstate.

(1.)TakeheedofprovokingGod in theway:Mosesdidso,and for thatwas shut out of the good land, Numb. 20:12 his heedlessness of thecommanddeprivedhimofthegoodofthepromise.Unbelief,murmuring,and idolatry shut outmany thousands of them that cameout ofEgypt,andforthosesinstheircarcasesfellinthewilderness,1Cor.10:6,7,8,9,10. And these are our examples, not for imitation, but caution. Whenseamen sail along the coastwhere abundance ofwreck is floating, theysailthemorewarily.Youarenotyetsosecureandsafe,butthatyoumayquicklyfallintoasgreatdangersandmiseriesasever,ifyouprovoketheLord in the way of mercies. In the miscarriage of others we may getexperience at a cheap rate. After great deliverances, the greatestjudgmentsaretobefearedifGodbeprovokedbytheabuseofthem.SoJoshuatellsthem,Josh.24:20."Hewillturnagainanddoyouhurtafterhe hath done you good;" for one mercy can never be pleaded as anargumenttoobtainanother,if itbeabusedandtrampledunderfeet.SoJosh.23:15andJude12.

(2.)Benotdiscouragedifyoushouldmeetwithsomedifficulties,evenonthe borders of the land of promise. After all their wilderness straits,deliveranceat thered-sea,andencounterswiththeneighbouringkings,therewasaswellingJordanatlastbetwixtthemandtheplaceofrestandmercy;andsoitmayfalloutwithus:Butletnotourfaithbestaggered;forlook,asthearkofthecovenantstoodinthemidstofJordan,tosecurethetribesintheirpassagethroughit,Josh.3:8sodoththepromisestandthisdayinthemidstofmysticalJordan;Imeanthedangersandtroublesofthechurch,tosecureitspassagethroughthemall.Brethren,followyetheLordinthewayofduty,andyoushallassuredlyfindthatJordanshalldividewhenyoucometoit;andthatalltroubles,allfears,alldifficultiesdooweyouasafepassagethroughthem:Thecovenant,yea,Christ, theMediatorofthecovenant,standsinthemidstofthemalltosecureyou.

(3.)BlessGodforcastingthelotofyournativityuponsuchahappyandextraordinaryperiodof timeas this is.Many saintshavedesired to seethedaysyouarelikelytoseeinalittletime,andhavenotseenthem.The

wholespaceoftime,fromthefirsttothesecondcomingofChrist, isbytheprophetscalledoneday,Zech.14:7andthegreatestpartofthislongday verydoubtful and changeable;neither light,nordark,norday,nornight;peaceandtrouble,truthanderrortakingallalongtheiralternatecourses.Butatevening-timeitshallbelight.Andasthegreatestdarknessis a little before the dawning of themorning, so here the blackest andgloomiest part of thewholeday is to be expectedbefore this lightsomegloriousevening:suchtribulation,immediatelybeforethefallandruinofAntichrist,asagespastneversaw.Lactantiusspeakingofthisverytime,says,'Thatalittlebeforeit,thestateofhumanaffairsmustnecessarilybechanged,andallthingsgrowworseandworse;sothatthesetimesofours(saithhe) inwhich iniquity isgrown,asonewould think, to theheight,yetincomparisonwiththosedays,mayevenbecalledgoldentimes:Thegodlyshallbeeverywheredistressedby thewicked, theyshall flourish,and therighteousbe incontempt:All rightand lawshallperishandbeconfounded; no man shall possess any thing but what is ill gotten, orvaliantly defended; there shall be no faithfulness in men; no peace,humanity,shame,or truth left:Warsshallrageeverywhere;allnationsshall be in arms; neighbouring cities shall make war upon each other;thenshallslaughtersbeinalltheworld,mowingdownalllikeanharvest;ofwhichconfusionsanddestructionthisshallbethecause:Itrembletospeakit,(butitmustbespoken,foritshallsurelycometopass)thattheRomanname,bywhichtheworldisnowruled,shallbetakenawayfromtheearth.

Thesethings,inthemselves,areexceedingdreadful,andyetIsay,letthesaintsrejoiceinthatGodhathcasttheirlotuponthesetimes.For,

1.Thesearethelasttroublesthechurchisliketofeelfromthehandsofthat enemy; and there ismuch comfort in that.Godnever exercised sogreatpatienceandlong-sufferingtowardsanyenemyofhischurchashehathtowardsthis.ButthedayiscometoavengethebloodofthesaintsuponBabylon,anddestructionsarecome,evencometoaperpetualend.

2. The Lord will take care of his people in all these calamities andnational confusions: They shall be reserved as a seed to continue andenlargethechurch,whichistobethesubjectofallthepromisedlibertyandglory.

(4.)Labourtogetsuitableframesofspirittothosegoodtimesyouexpect.Carnalheartswillnotsuitthem,orfindanypleasureinthem.Welook,according to the promise, for new heavens and a new earth, whereindwelleth righteousness; and seeing we look for such things, O whatmannerofpersonsoughtwetobe!2Pet.3:11.Youthatareparents,howareyouconcernednotonlyforyourselves,butforthereligiouseducationofyourchildren:Ifyoulivenottoseethosegooddays,inallprobabilitythey will; the hopes of the next generation depends much upon yourreligiousand zealous careanddiligence.Neverwere childrenborn inamorehappyandencouragingtimethanyoursis.

Andforyouyoungones,Iwouldleaveonewordofcounselthisday.Getprinciples of grace implanted in your hearts betime: For the days arecoming inwhich theworldwillbenoplaceofpleasure forprofaneandcarnalpersons.Asseriouspietyhasbeenhissedat,andridiculedintheselate debauched times, sowill profaneness in future times. "Holiness tothe Lord shall be upon the bells of the horses," Zech. 14:20 that is,husbandmenshallhavetheirheartsinheaven,whilsttheirhandsareontheplow.Merchantsandseamenshalldriveatradeforheavenaswellasearth. Isa. 23:18, Isa. 55:5. If you be profane and ungodly you shall atoncebethecontemptofheavenandearth.

(5.)Lastly,BlessGodforthoseinstrumentsbywhichyouarebroughtoutofspiritualEgypttothebordersofCanaan.

Youmustnotascribemoretoinstrumentsthanisduetothem,norleananddependtoomuchonthem.Manybenumbtheirownarmsbyleaningonthem.Butontheotherside,bewareofingratitudetotheinstrumentsby which God works out your deliverances, and conveys to you suchexcellentmercies.Someknownootherwayofexpressingtheirjoy,butbydrunkenhealthsandhuzzas,asacrificesuitableenoughtoBacchus,butsuchasGodabhors,andhisvicegerentwillnotthankyoufor.Thereareother ways of expressing your joy in the mercy which will be highlyacceptablebothtoGodandtheking;viz.

(1.) Pray for your rulers, that God would make kings to be nursingfathers, and queens nursing mothers to the church, according to that

promise,Isa.49:23.Thathewouldpreserveandsecuretheheartof theking by his wisdom and fear, from those dangerous temptations andsnaresthatsurroundthethrone:"Thathemaybejust,rulinginthefearofGod,andsobeasthelightofthemorningwhenthesunriseth,evenamorningwithoutclouds;asthetendergrassspringingoutoftheearthbyclearshiningafterrain,"2Sam.23:3,4.ThatthezealofGodmayinflamehis soul, and that he may be a second Hezekiah in restoring andreformingtheworshipofGod:ThatGodwouldlengthenthedaysofhislife upon the throne for thepeace andprosperity of his church. In thisyouwillanswerthegreatthingsGodhathdoneforyouandhischurchatthistime.

(2.)Be loyal,peaceable,andobedient subjects.Convince theworld thatreligion breeds the best subjects: "Render to Cæsar the things that areCaesar's,and toGod the things thatareGod's,"Mark12:17.Whereyouenjoy protection, you owe allegiance. Be not murmurers, as theungrateful Israelites were, 1 Cor. 10:10. Understand and value themerciesyouenjoyunderthegovernment,andblessGodforthem;lestheteach you by sad experience the difference betwixt his service and theserviceofthekingdomsofthecountries,ashedidthem,2Chron.12:8.Bewareyouexchangenot thegoldenyokeofChrist for the ironyokeofAntichrist.

(3.)Takeheedtoorderyourconversationaright;letnotyourirreligiouslives make the solemn religious duties of this day to blush, "Whosoofferethpraise,glorifiethme;andtohimthatorderethhisconversationarightwillIshewthesalvationofGod,"Psal.1.ult.Andthusyourpresentmercies,howgreatandglorioussoevertheybeinthemselves,shallbebutas the dawning light of a much more glorious day springing up uponthesenations,andallthechurchesofChrist,aftersolongandgloomyanight of afflictions and sorrows;which the Father ofmercies grant, forthesakeofJesusChrist.Amen.

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