Copyright©MonergismBooks

ABodyofDivinity

byThomasWatson

TableofContents

BriefMemoirOfThomasWatson

PARTI:INTRODUCTION

APreliminaryDiscourseonCatechizing

Man'sChiefEnd

TheScriptures

PARTII:GODANDHISCREATION

TheOmnipresenceofGod

TheOmniscienceofGod

TheEternityofGod

TheImmutabilityofGod

TheWisdomofGod

TheOmnipotenceofGod

TheHolinessofGod

TheJusticeofGod

TheMercyofGod

TheTruthofGod

TheUnityofGod

TheTrinity

TheCreation

TheProvidenceofGod

PARTIII:THEFALL

TheCovenantofWorks

Adam'sSin

OriginalSin

Man'sMiseryByTheFall

PARTIV:THECOVENANTOFGRACEANDITSMEDIATOR

TheCovenantofGrace

Christ,theMediatoroftheCovenant

Christ'sPropheticOffice

Christ'sPriestlyOffice

Christ'sKinglyOffice

Christ'sHumiliationinHisIncarnation

Christ'sExaltation

ChristtheRedeemer

PARTVTHEAPPLICATIONOFREDEMPTION

Faith

EffectualCalling

Justification

Adoption

Sanctification

Assurance

Peace

Joy

GrowthinGrace

Perseverance

VI:DEATHANDTHELASTDAY

TheDeathoftheRighteous

ABeliever'sPrivilegeatDeath

TheResurrection

Copyright

BriefMemoirOfThomasWatsonCompiledbyC.H.Spurgeon

ThomasWatson’sBodyofPracticalDivinityisoneofthemostpreciousofthepeerlessworksofthePuritans;andthosebestacquaintedwithitprizeit most. Watson was one of the most concise, racy, illustrative, andsuggestive of those eminent divines who made the Puritan age theAugustan period of evangelical literature. There is a happy union ofsound doctrine, heart-searching experience and practical wisdomthroughoutallhisworks,andhisBodyofDivinityis,beyondalltherest,usefultothestudentandtheminister.AlthoughThomasWatsonissuedseveralmostvaluablebooks,comparativelylittleisknownofhim-eventhedatesofhisbirthanddeathareunknown.Hiswritings arehis bestmemorial;perhapsheneedednoother,andthereforeprovidenceforbadethesuperfluity.Weshallnotattempttodiscoverhispedigree,and,afterthemannerofantiquarians,derivehisfamilyfromacertainfamousWat,whosesondistinguishedhimselfintheCrusades,orinsomeotherinsaneenterprise; whether blue blood was in his veins or no is of smallconsequence,sinceweknowthathewastheseed-royaloftheredeemedoftheLord.Somemenaretheirownancestors,and,foroughtweknow,ThomasWatson’sgenealogyreflectednofameuponhim,butderivedallitslustrefromhisachievements.HehadthehappinesstobeeducatedatEmmanuelCollege,Cambridge,whichinthosedaysdeservedtobecalledtheSchoolofSaints, thenursingmotherofgiganticevangelicaldivines.In Kennet’s 'Register and Chronicle,' is a list of eighty-seven names ofPuritan ministers, including many well-known and loved as preachersand commentators; such asAnth. Burgess,W. Jenkyn,RalphVenning,ThomasBrooks,T.White, Samuel Slater, ThomasWatson, JohnRowe,

Dr.W.Bates, StephenCharnock,SamuelClarke,NathanielVincent,DrJohn Collings, William Bridge, Samuel Hildersam, Adoniram Bifield,followedbythisremark,'ThesearemostofthemmentionedinthelistofsufferersforNonconformity,andappearupontheregisterstohavebeenall of Emmanuel College, beside great numbers, no doubt of the samesociety,whowereforwardpreachersupoftheunhappychangesof1641,'etc. In the margin of the book is the following observation on theforegoing:'Itmaynotbeimpropertoobservehowmuchyoungstudents,in both Universities, fell in with the prejudices of their governors andtutors. This was the reason that this single College of Emmanuel, inCambridge,bredmoreofthePuritansandNonconformiststhanperhapsanysevenoftheotherCollegesorHallsineitherUniversity."Suchafactasthisshouldattracttheprayersofallbelieverstoourseminariesforthesonsoftheprophets,sinceuponthemanner inwhichthese institutionsare conducted will depend under God the future well-being of ourchurches.ThePastors,College,fortheuseofwhosestudentsthisworkispublished,earnestlypetitionsforaplaceintheintercessionsofthesaints.

We are not at all surprised to learn that ThomasWatson enjoyed therepute,whileatCambridge,ofbeingamostlaboriousstudent;thegreatPuritanic authors must have been most industrious workers at theuniversity,ortheyneverwouldhavebecomesuchpre-eminentmastersinIsrael. The conscientious student is the most likely man to become asuccessful preacher. After completing his course with honour, Watsonbecame rector of St Stephen’s, Walbrook, where in the very heart ofLondonheexecutedfornearlysixteenyearstheofficeofafaithfulpastorwithgreatdiligenceandassiduity.Happywerethecitizenswhoregularlyattended so instructive and spiritual a ministry. The church wasconstantly filled, for the fame and popularity of the preacher weredeservedlygreat.Going inandoutamonghis flock, firedwithholyzealfortheireternalwelfare,hisyearsrolledonpleasantlyenoughamidthegrowing respect of all who knew him. Calamy, in his NonconformistMemorial,saysofhim:- 'Hewassowellknowninthecity forhispietyandusefulness,thatthoughhewassingledoutbytheFriendlyDebate,heyetcarriedageneralrespectfromallsoberpersonsalongwithhimtohisgrave.Hewas amanof considerable reaming, a popular, but judiciouspreacher(ifonemayjudgefromhiswritings),andeminentinthegiftof

prayer. Of this, the following anecdote is a sufficient proof. Once on alectureday,before theBartholomewAct tookplace, the learnedBishopRichardson came to hear him at St Stephen’s, who was much pleasedwithhissermon,butespeciallywithhisprayerafterit,sothathefollowedhimhometogivehimthanks,andearnestlydesiredacopyofhisprayer."Alas!"(saidMrWatson)"thatiswhatIcannotgive, forIdonotusetopenmyprayers;itwasnostudiedthing,bututtered,prorenata,asGodenabledme,fromtheabundanceofmyheartandaffections."UponwhichthegoodBishopwentawaywondering thatanymancouldpray in thatmannerextempore.

Butthehandwhichofoldhadoppressedthechurchwasagainstretchedforthtovexcertainofthesaints.Themostlearned,holy,andzealousofthe clergy of the Church of England found that the Act of Uniformitywould not allow them to preserve a clean conscience and retain theirlivings,andthereforetheysubmittedtothelossofallthingsforChrist'ssake.ThomasWatsondidnothesitateastothecourseheshouldpursue.He was not a factious hater of royalty, a red republican, or fifthmonarchy-man;infact,hehadinCromwell'sdaybeenalltooloyaltothehouseofStuart;hehadprotestedagainsttheexecutionoftheKing,andhad joined in Love's plot for the bringing in of Charles II; yet all thisavailednothing,hewasaPuritan,andthereforemustnotbetoleratedbythe bitter spirits then dominant in the Establishment. What seeds ofdiscordweresownonthatblackBartholomewhistoryhasnothadspacetorecord;yettheultimateresultshavebeenfraughtwithresultsscarcelythen imaginable.Comprehensionmighthavehindered truth; the crownrights of King Jesus might have lacked advocates had monarchs andpriestsbeenmoretolerant;as itwasgoodmenwere forced intoa truerpositionthantheywouldotherwisehaveoccupied,andthebeginningofarealreformationwasinaugurated.Fromthatcommencementinsufferingwhatprogresshasbeenmade!Everydaythecauseoftheejectedgathersforce andpushes on its adversary towards the brink of the precipice, adownwhichallestablishmentsmustfall.

WithmanytearsandlamentationsthecongregationofStStephen'ssawtheir shepherd about to be removed from his flock, and with achinghearts they listened to his parting words. He himself speaking as one

bereavedofhisdearestdelight, and yet suffering joyfully the loss of allthings,badethemadieu,andwentforth'notknowingwhitherhewent.'

InthecollectionofFarewellSermonstherearethreebyMrWatson,viz.:twodeliveredAugust 17th, and the thirdon theTuesday following.Thefirst,preachedintheforenoon,isonJohn13:34.'AnewcommandmentIgiveuntoyou,thatyeloveoneanother.'Itdiscoversmuchofthespiritofthe gospel, particularly in recommending love to enemies andpersecutors.Thesecond,preachedintheafternoon,ison2Corinthians7:1. 'Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanseourselvesfromallfilthinessofthefleshandspirit,perfectingholinessinthefearofGod.'Intheformerpartofit,heinsistslargelyon'theardentaffections of a right gospel minister towards his people.' This head hecloses thus: 'I have now exercised my ministry among you for almostsixteenyears;and I rejoiceandblessGod that I cannot say, themore Iloveyou,thelessIamloved:Ihavereceivedmanysignaldemonstrationsoflovefromyou.Thoughotherparisheshaveexceededyouinnumberofhouses, yet, I think, none for strength of affection. I have with muchcomfort observed your reverent attention to the word preached; yourejoiceinthislight,notforaseason,buttothisday.Ihaveobservedyourzeal against error in a critical time, your unity and amity. This is yourhonour. If thereshouldbeany interruption inmyministryamongyou,thoughIshouldnotbepermittedtopreachtoyouagain,yetIshallnotcease to love you, and to pray for you. But why should there be anyinterruptionmade?Where is the crime? Some, indeed, say thatwe aredisloyal and seditious. Beloved, whatmy actions and sufferings for hisMajestyhavebeenisknowntonotafewofyou.However,wemustgotoheaventhroughgoodreportandbadreport;anditiswellifwecangettoglory, thoughwe press through the pikes. I shall endeavour that Imaystillapprovethesincerityofmylovetoyou.IwillnotpromisethatIshallstillpreachamongyou,norwillIsaythatIshallnot.Idesiretobeguidedby thesilver threadofGod’swordandprovidence.Myheart is towardsyou.Thereis,youknow,anexpressioninthelateAct,"thatweshallnowshortlybeas ifwewerenaturallydead;’’and if Imustdie, letme leavesome legacy with you. Then follow twenty admirable directions, wellworthy the fervent perusal of every Christian. He closes them thus: 'Ibeseechyou treasure themupas somany jewels in the cabinet of your

breasts.Didyoucarrythemaboutyou,theywouldbeanantidotetokeepyoufromsin,andameanstopreservethezealofpietyflaminguponthealtarofyourhearts.Ihavemanythingsyettosaytoyou,butIknownotwhetherGodwill give another opportunity.My strength is now almostgone.Ibeseechyou, let thesethingsmakedeepimpressionsonallyoursouls.Considerwhathasbeensaid,andtheLordgiveyouunderstandinginallthings.’

The last discourse, August 19th, is on Isaiah 3: 10, 11. 'Say ye t0 therighteous,thatitshallbewellwithhim:fortheyshalleatthefruitoftheirdoings.Woeuntothewicked!itshallbeillwithhim,fortherewardofhishandsshallbegivenhim.’

Afterhisejectment,Watsonpreachedoccasionallywheneverhecoulddoso with safety. Fines and imprisonments were insufficient to close themouthsofthewitnessesofJesus.Inbarns,kitchens,outhouses,ordellsandwoods,thefaithfulfewgatheredtohearthemessageofeternal life.Those little secret assemblies were doubtless charming occasions fordevoutminds: theword of the Lordwas precious in those days. Breadeateninsecretisproverbiallysweet,andthewordofGodinpersecutionispeculiarlydelightful.Littlecanwerealisethejoyfulanticipationwhichprecededtheappointedmeetings,orthelingeringmemorieswhichclungtothemlongaftertheywereover.Afterthegreatfirein1666,whenthechurches were burned, Mr Watson and several other Nonconformistsfittedup large rooms for thosewhohadan inclination to attend.Uponthe Indulgence, in 1672,he licensed thegreat hall inCrosbyHouse, ontheeastsideofBishopsgatestreet,thenbelongingtoSirJohnLangham(aNonconformist). It was a happy circumstance that the worthy baronetfavouredthecauseofNonconformity,andthatsonobleachamberwasathis disposal. Here Watson preached for several years. Rev StephenCharnock,B.D.’becamejointpastorwithhimatCrosbyHallin1675,andcontinued so till his death in 1680.What two shepherds for the flock!Men of such most extraordinary gifts and graces were seldom if everunitedinonepastorate.TheybothattemptedaBodyofDivinity,andthegoodlyvolumeon theDivineAttributeswasCharnock’s first stone of acolossalstructurewhichhewasnotsparedtocomplete.Ourauthorwasmore modest in his attempt and the present volume shows how he

succeeded.

MrWatsonat length returned toEssex,wherehedied suddenly, inhisclosetatprayer,as is supposed,about1689or1690.The timeeitherofhisbirthordeathisnowherementioned.

In the lifeofColonelJamesGardiner, there is this remarkableaccount:'InJuly,1719,hehadspenttheevening,whichwastheSabbath,insomegay company, and had an unhappy assignation with a married lady,whomhewas toattendexactlyat twelve.Thecompanybrokeupabouteleven,andhewentintohischambertokillthetedioushour.Ithappenedthat he took up a religious book, which his goodmother or aunt had,without his knowledge, slipped into his portmanteau, called, "TheChristian Soldier,"written byMrWatson.Guessing by the title that heshouldfindsomephrasesofhisownprofessionspiritualisedinamannerwhichmightaffordhimsomediversion,heresolvedtodipintoit:whilethisbookwasinhishand,animpressionwasmadeuponhismind,whichdrew after it a train of themost important consequences. Suddenly hethoughthe sawanunusual blazeof light fall on thebookwhile hewasreading, and lifting up his eyes, he apprehended, to his extremeamazement,thattherewasbeforehim,asitweresuspendedintheair,avisible representation of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the cross,surroundedwith a glory, andwas impressed as if a voice had come tohim,tothiseffect:"Osinner,didIsufferthisforthee,andarethesethyreturns?" He sunk down in his chair, and continued for some timeinsensible.Hethenaroseinatumultofpassions,andwalkedtoandfroin his chamber, till he was ready to drop, in unutterable astonishmentand agony of heart,which continueduntil theOctober following,whenhisterrorswereturnedintounutterablejoy.’

MrWatsonpublishedavarietyofbooksuponpracticalsubjects,andofauseful nature, for the titles of which, see foot-note.* But his principalwork was a body of divinity, in one hundred and seventy-six sermons,upontheAssembly’sCatechism,whichdidnotappeartillafterhisdeath.Itwaspublished inonevolume folio, in 1692, andaccompaniedwithaportraitoftheauthor,bySturt;togetherwitharecommendatoryprefaceby the Rev William Lorimer, and the attestation of twenty-five otherministers of principal note in that day. For many a year this volume

continued to train the commonpeople in theology, and itmay still teefound very commonly in the cottages of the Scottish peasantry. RevGeorge Rogers, Principal of the Pastors, College, has carefullysuperintended the issue of this present edition, and in a note to us hewrites:'Iknowofnoworkwithsomuchsermonmatterwithinthesamecompass.InHowe,andCharnock,andOwen,wemustoftenreadmuchbeforeweare temptedtoclose thebookandthinkoutawholesermon,but Watson teaches us to make short work of it. The whole may beutilised. On this account it would be, I think, of great value to all ourstudents who have pastorates. It is for their benefit, I suppose, youwishedthereprint.Asseveralselectsermons,whichareusuallyboundupwiththiswork,willappearwithhiswholeworks,afteratime,inNichol’sseries, they are not included here. This is a distinct work by itself andcomplete.Alleditionsextantwhichwehaveseen,abound inerrorsandimperfections. These have been rectified, not entirely we fear, but in adegree as nearly approaching to accuracy as in revision of another'scomposition could be expected. No alteration of sentiment has beenmade, but every shade of the author's meaning has been scrupulouslyretained.Thestylehasbeenmodernised,sofarascouldbedonewithoutdetracting from its own peculiar characteristics. Long sentences havebeendividedintotwoorthree,whereitcouldbedonewithoutinjurytothe clearness or force of the signification. Modern words have beensubstitutedforsuchashadbecomeobsolete;Latinquotationsrestoredtotheir correct form, as far as their sources could be ascertained; anddivisionsofsubjectsmoreperspicuouslyarranged.Thewhole,infact,hasbeen rendered more readable, and consequently more attractive andintelligible, which in our estimation far outweighs all the supposedadvantages that could arise from perpetuating the crudities andvulgarities, as they now appear to us, of former times. By popularisingancientworks,theirreadersaremultipliedandtheirmeaningmayoftenbemorereadilyapprehended'.

PART1:INTRODUCTION

1.APreliminaryDiscourseonCatechizing

"Ifyoucontinueinthefaithgroundedandsettled."Col.1:13.

IntendingnextLord'sday to enterupon theworkof catechizing, itwillnot be amiss to give you a preliminary discourse, to show you howneedful it is for Christians to bewell instructed in the grounds of truereligion."Ifyoucontinueinthefaithgroundedandsettled."

I.ItisthedutyofChristianstobesettledinthedoctrineoffaith.

II.ThebestwayforChristianstobesettledistobewellgrounded.

I. It is the duty of Christians to be settled in the doctrine offaith. It is the apostle's prayer, "May the God of all grace establish,strengthen,settleyou."Thatis,thattheymightnotbemeteorsintheair—butfixedstars.TheapostleJudespeaksof"wanderingstars".Theyarecalledwanderingstars,because,asAristotlesays,"Theydo leapupanddown, andwander into several parts of the heaven; and being but dryexhalations,notmadeofthatpurecelestialmatterasthefixedstarsare,theyoftenfalltotheearth."Now,suchasarenotsettledintruereligion,will, at one time or other, prove wandering stars; they will lose theirformersteadfastness,andwanderfromoneopiniontoanother.Suchasareunsettledareof thetribeofReuben,"unstableaswater," likeashipwithout ballast, overturnedwith everywind of doctrine. Bezawrites ofoneBelfectius,whohisreligionchangedasoftenasthemoon.TheArianshadeveryyearanewfaith.Thesearenotpillars inthetempleofGod—butreedsshakeneveryway.Theapostlecallsthem"damnableheresies."Amanmaygotohellaswellforheresyasadultery!

Tobeunsettledintruereligion,argueslackofjudgment.Iftheirheadswerenotgiddy,menwouldnotreelsofastfromoneopiniontoanother.

To be unsettled in true religion, argues lightness. As feathers will beblown every way, so will feathery Christians. Therefore such arecomparedtoinfants."Thenwewillnolongerbeinfants,tossedbackandforthbythewaves,andblownhereandtherebyeverywindofteachingand by the cunning and craftiness ofmen in their deceitful scheming."

Ephesians4:14.Childrenareficklesometimesofonemindsometimesofanother, nothing pleases them long. Just so, unsettled Christians arechildish; the truths they embrace at one time, they reject at another;sometimes they like theProtestant religion, and soon after they have agoodmindtoturnPapists.

[1] It is the great end of theword preached, to bring us to asettlement in true religion. "And he gave some, evangelists; andsome,pastorsandteachers;fortheedifyingofthebodyofChrist;thatwehenceforthbenomorechildren."Thewordiscalled"ahammer".Everyblowofthehammeristofastenthenailsofthebuilding;sothepreacher'swords are to fasten you themore toChrist; theyweaken themselves tostrengthenandsettleyou.Thisisthegranddesignofpreaching,notonlyfor theenlightening—but for theestablishingofsouls;notonly toguidethemintherightway—buttokeeptheminit.Now,ifyoubenotsettled,youdonotanswerGod'sendingivingyoutheministry.

[2]TobesettledintruereligionisbothaChristian'sexcellenceandhonor. It is hisexcellence.When themilk is settled it turns tocream;nowhewillbezealousforthetruth,andwalkinclosecommunionwithGod.Andhishonor. "Thehoary head is a crown of glory, if it isfoundinthewayofrighteousness."It isoneofthebestsightstoseeanolddisciple;toseesilverhairsadornedwithgoldenvirtues.

[3]Suchasarenotsettled in the faithcanneversuffer forit.Scepticsinreligionhardlyeverprovemartyrs.Thosewhoarenotsettled,hanginsuspense;whentheythinkofthejoysofheaventheywillespousethegospel—butwhentheythinkofpersecution,theydesertit.UnsettledChristiansdonotconsultwhatisbest—butwhatissafest."Theapostate(says Tertullian) seems to put God and Satan in balance, and havingweighedboththeirservices,prefersthedevil'sservice,andproclaimshimtobethebestmaster:and,inthissense,maybesaidtoputChristtoopenshame."Hewillneversufferforthetruth—butbeasasoldierthatleaveshiscolors,andrunsovertotheenemy'sside;hewillfightonthedevil'ssideforpay.

[4]NottobesettledinthefaithisprovokingtoGod.Toespousethe truth, and then to fall away, brings an ill report upon the gospel,

whichwillnotgounpunished."Theyturnedbackandwereasfaithlessastheir parents had been. They were as useless as a crooked bow. TheymadeGodangrybybuildingaltarstoothergods;theymadehimjealouswiththeiridols."Psalm78:57-58.Theapostatedropsasawind-fallintothedevil'smouth!

[5]Ifyouarenotsettledintruereligion,youwillnevergrow.Wearecommanded"togrowupintothehead,evenChrist."Butifweareunsettledthereisnogrowing:"theplantwhichiscontinuallyreplanted,neverthrives."Hecannomoregrowingodliness,whoisunsettled,thanabonewhichisoutofjointcangrowinabody.

[6]Thereisgreatneedtobesettled,becausetherearesomanythings to unsettle us. Seducers are abroad, whose work is to drawaway people from the principles of true religion. "These things have Iwrittenuntoyou,concerningthosewhoaretryingseduceyou."Seducersare the devil's agents. They are of all others, the greatest felons—whowouldrobyouofthetruth.

Seducershavesilvertongues,whichcanpawnoffbadwares;theyhaveasleighttodeceive."Thatwehenceforthbenomorechildren,tossedtoandfro,andcarriedaboutwitheverywindofdoctrine,bythesleightofmen,and cunning craftiness,whereby they lie inwait to deceive."Ephesians4:14.TheGreekwordthereistakenfromthosewhocanthrowdice,andcast them for the best advantage. So seducers are impostors, they canthrowadice;theycansodissembleandsophisticatethetruth,thattheycandeceiveothers.Seducersdeceivebywisdomofwords."Bygoodwordsandfairspeeches theydeceive theheartsof thesimple."Theyhave fineelegant phrases, flattering language, whereby they work on the weakersort.

Anothersleight isapretenseof extraordinarypiety, so thatpeoplemayadmirethem,andsuckintheirpoisonousdoctrine.Theyseemtobemenof zeal and sanctity, and to be divinely inspired, and pretend to newrevelations.

Athirdcheatofseducersis—laboringtovilifyandnullifysoundorthodoxteachers.Theywouldeclipsethosewhobringthetruth,likeblackvapors

which darken the light of heaven; theywould defame others, that theythemselves may be more admired. Thus the false teachers cried downPaul,thattheymightbereceived,Gal4:17.

The fourth cheat of seducers is—to preach the doctrine of liberty; asthoughmenare freed fromthemoral law, theruleaswellas thecurse,andChristhasdoneallforthem,andtheyneedtodonothing.Thustheymakethedoctrineoffreegraceakeytoopenthedoortoalllicensetosin.

Anothermeansis—tounsettleChristiansbypersecution.2Tim3:12.Thegospel is a rose which cannot be plucked without prickles. The legacyChristhasbequeathed,istheCROSS.Whilethereisadevilandawickedmanintheworld,neverexpectacharterofexemptionfromtrouble!Howmany fall away in an hour of persecution! "There appeared a great reddragon, having seven heads and ten horns; and his tail drew the thirdpartof thestarsofheaven."Thereddragon,byhispowerandsubtlety,drewawaystars,oreminentprofessors,whoseemedtoshineasstarsintheskiesofthechurch.

Tobeunsettledingood,isthesinofthedevils.Theyarecalled,"fallingstars;"theywereholy—butmutable.Asthevesselisoverturnedwiththesail,sotheirsailsbeingswelledwithpride,theywereoverturned.1Tim3:3.Byunsettledness,menimitatelapsedangels.Thedevilwasthefirstapostate.ThesonsofZionshouldbe likemountZion,which cannotberemoved.

II.Thesecondpropositionis,thatthewayforChristianstobesettled—is to be well grounded. "If you continue grounded andsettled."TheGreekwordforgroundedisametaphorwhichalludestoabuilding that has the foundation well laid. So Christians should begrounded in the essential points of true religion, and have theirfoundationwelllaid.

Hereletmespeaktotwothings:

[1] That we should be grounded in the knowledge offundamentals.Theapostlespeaksof"thefirstprinciplesoftheoraclesofGod." In all arts and sciences, logic, physics,mathematics, there are

some rules and principles which must necessarily be known for thepracticeofthosearts;so,indivinity,theremustbethefirstprincipleslaiddown.The knowledge of the groundsandprinciples of true religion isexceedinglyuseful.

(1.)Elsewe cannot serveGod aright.We can neverworshipGodacceptably,unlessweworshiphimregularly;andhowcanwedothat, ifweareignorantoftherulesandelementsoftruereligion?WearetogiveGod a "reasonable service." If we understand not the grounds of truereligion,howcanitbeareasonableservice?

(2.)Knowledgeof thegroundsof truereligionmuchenrichesthemind. It is a lamp toour feet; it directsus in thewhole course ofChristianity,as theeyedirects thebody.Knowledgeof fundamentals, isthegoldenkeywhichopensthechiefmysteriesoftruereligion;itgivesusawholesystemandbodyofdivinity,exactlydrawninall its lineamentsandlivelycolors;ithelpsustounderstandmanyofthosedifficultthingswhichoccurinthereadingoftheword;ithelpstountiemanyScriptureknots.

(3.) It furnishes us with unshakable armor; and weapons tofightagainsttheadversariesofthetruth.

(4.)Itistheholyseedofwhichgraceisformed.Itis theseedoffaith. Psalm9:10. It is the root of love."Being rooted and grounded inlove." The knowledge of the fundamental principles conduces to themakingofacompleteChristian.

[2] This grounding is the bestway to being settled: "groundedandsettled."Atree,thatitmaybewellsettled,mustbewellrooted;so,ifyou would be well settled in true religion, you must be rooted in itsprinciples.We read in Plutarch of onewho set up a deadman, andhewould not stand. "Oh," said he, "theremust be somethingwithin." So,that we may stand in shaking times, there must be a principle ofknowledgewithin;firstgrounded,andthensettled.Thattheshipmaybekept from overturning, itmust have its anchor fastened. Knowledge ofprinciplesistothesoul—astheanchortotheship,whichholdsitsteadyin the midst of the rolling waves of error, or the violent winds of

persecution.Firstgroundedandthensettled.

Useone: See the reason why somany people are unsettled, ready toembraceeverynovelopinion,anddressthemselvesinasmanyreligionsasfashions;itisbecausetheyareungrounded.Seehowtheapostlejoinsthese two together, "unlearnedandunstable."Suchasareunlearned inthemainpointsofdivinity, areunstable.As thebody cannotbe strongwhichhas thesinewsshrunk;soneithercanthatChristianbestrong intruereligion,wholacksthegroundsofknowledge,whicharethesinewstostrengthenandestablishhim.

Use two: See what great necessity there is of laying down the maingrounds of true religion in a way of catechizing, that the weakestjudgement may be instructed in the knowledge of the truth, andstrengthened in the love of it. Catechizing is the best expedient for thegroundingandsettlingofpeople.Ifearonereasonwhytherehasbeennomore good done by preaching, has been because the chief heads andarticles in true religion have not been explained in a catechetical way.Catechizingislayingthefoundation.Topreachandnottocatechize,istobuild without foundation. This way of catechizing is not novel, it isapostolic. The primitive church had their forms of catechism, as thosephrasesimply,a"formofsounddoctrine,"and"thefirstprinciplesoftheoraclesofGod."Godhasgivengreatsuccesstocatechizing.Bythuslayingdown the grounds of true religion catechistically, Christians have beenclearlyinstructedandwondrouslybuiltupintheChristianfaith.

Itismydesign,therefore(withtheblessingofGod);tobeginthisworkofcatechizingthenextSabbathday;andIintendeveryotherSabbath,intheafternoon, to make it my whole work to lay down the grounds andfundamentalsof true religion ina catecheticalway. If I amhindered inthisworkbymen,ortakenawaybydeath,IhopeGodwillraiseupsomeother laborer in the vineyard among you, who may perfect the workwhichIamnowbeginning.

2.Man'sChiefEnd

Question1.Whatisthechiefendofman?

Answer: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy himforever.

Herearetwoendsoflifespecified:

1.TheglorifyingofGod.

2.TheenjoyingofGod.

I.TheGLORIFYINGofGod."ThatGodinallthingsmaybeglorified."The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all ouractions."Whetherthereforeyoueatordrink,orwhateveryoudo,doalltothegloryofGod."Everythingworkstosomeendandpurpose;now,manbeing a rational creature,must propose some end to himself, and thatshouldbe—thathemay liftupGod in theworld.Hehadbetter losehislifethantheendofhisliving.Thegreattruthisasserted—isthattheendand purpose of everyman's living should be to glorify God. GlorifyingGod has respect to all the persons in the Trinity; it respects God theFatherwhogaveuslife;GodtheSon,wholosthislifeforus;andGodtheHolySpirit,whoproduces anew life inus.Wemust bring glory to thewholeTrinity.

WhenwespeakofGod'sglory,thequestionwillbeasked,WhatarewetounderstandbyGod'sglory?Thereisatwofoldglory:

[1] The glory that God has in himself, his INTRINSIC glory.Glory isessential to theGodhead,as light is to thesun:he is called the"GodofGlory."GloryisthesparklingoftheDeity;itissonaturaltotheGodhead,thatGodcannotbeGodwithoutit.Thecreature'shonorisnotessentialtohisbeing.Akingisamanwithouthisregalornaments,whenhis crown and royal robes are taken away; but God's glory is such anessentialpartofhisbeing—thathecannotbeGodwithoutit.God'sverylife lies in his glory. This glory can receive no addition, because it isinfinite;itisthatwhichGodismosttenderof,andwhichhewillnotpartwith. "My glory I will not give to another." God will give temporalblessingstohischildren,suchaswisdom,riches,honor;hewillgivethem

spiritualblessings,hewillgivethemgrace,hewillgivethemhislove,hewillgivethemheaven;buthisessentialgloryhewillnotgivetoanother!KingPharaohpartedwitharingoffhisfingertoJoseph,andagoldchain—but hewould not part with his throne! "Only in the throne will I begreaterthanyou."SoGodwilldomuchforhispeople;hewillgivethemthe inheritance; he will put some of Christ's glory, as mediator, uponthem;buthisessentialgloryhewillnotpartwith;"inthethronehewillbegreater."

[2]TheglorywhichisascribedtoGod,orwhichhiscreatureslabor to bring to him. "Give unto the Lord the glory due unto hisname.""GlorifyGodinyourbody,andinyourspirit."TheglorywegiveGod is nothing else but our lifting up his name in the world, andmagnifying him in the eyes of others. "Christ shall bemagnified inmybody."

WHATisittoglorifyGod?

GlorifyingGodconsistsinfourthings:

1.Appreciation.

2.Adoration.

3.Affection.

4.Subjection.

Thisistheyearlyrentwepaytothecrownofheaven.

[1]GlorifyingGodconsists inAPPRECIATION.ToglorifyGod isto set God highest in our thoughts, and to have a venerable esteem ofhim."You,Lord,aremosthighforevermore!""Youareexaltedfaraboveall gods!" There is in God—all that may draw forth both wonder anddelight; there is a constellation of all beauties; he is the original andspringhead of being, who sheds a glory upon the creature. We glorifyGod, when we are God-admirers! Admire his attributes, which are theglistening beams by which the divine nature shines forth! Admire hispromises which are the charter of free grace, and the spiritual cabinet

wherethepearlofpriceishid!Admirethenobleeffectsofhispowerandwisdominmakingtheworld,whichiscalled"theworkofhisfingers."Toglorify God is to have God-admiring thoughts; to esteem him mostexcellent,andsearchfordiamondsinthisrockalone!

[2]GlorifyingGod consists inADORATION,orworship. "Giveunto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in thebeautyofholiness."Thereisatwofoldworship:

(1.)Acivilreverencewhichwegivetopeopleofhonor."Abrahamstoodup and bowed himself to the children of Heth." Piety is no enemy tocourtesy.

(2.) A divineworship which we give to God as his royal prerogative."They bowed their heads, and worshiped the Lord with their facestowardstheground."ThisdivineworshipGodisveryjealousof;itistheappleofhis eye, thepearlofhis crown;whichheguards,ashedid thetreeof life,withcherubimandaflamingsword,thatnomanmaycomenear it to violate it. Divine worship must be such as God himself hasappointed, else it is offering strange fire. The Lord would haveMosesmake the tabernacle, "according to thepattern in themount."Hemustnotleaveoutanythinginthepattern,noraddto it. IfGodwassoexactandspecificabout theplaceofworship,howexactwill hebe about thematterofhisworship!Surelyhereeverythingmustbeaccording to thepatternprescribedinhisword.

[3]GlorifyingGodconsistsinAFFECTION.ThisispartoftheglorywegivetoGod,whocountshimselfglorifiedwhenheisloved.Deut6:6."Youshall lovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheart,andwithallyoursoul."Thereisatwofoldlove:

(1.)Aloveofconcupiscence,whichisself-love;aswhenweloveanother,becausehedoesusagoodturn.AwickedmanmaybesaidtoloveGod,becausehehasgivenhimagoodharvest,orfilledhiscupwithwine.ThisisrathertoloveGod'sblessing,thantoloveGodhimself.

(2.)A loveofdelight, asaman takesdelight ina friend.This is to loveGodindeed;theheart issetuponGod—asaman'sheartissetuponhis

treasure.This love isexuberant, not a fewdrops—but a stream! Thisloveissuperlative;wegiveGodthebestofourlove,thecreamofit."Iwouldcauseyoutodrinkofspicedwineofthejuiceofmypomegranate."Ifthespousehadacupmorejuicyandspiced,Christmustdrinkofit.Itisintenseandardent.Truesaintsareseraphim,burning inholy love toGod.Thespousewasinfaintingfits,'sickwithlove."ThustoloveGodistoglorifyhim.Hewhoisthechiefofourhappiness,hasthechiefofouraffections!

[4] Glorifying God consists in SUBJECTION. This is when wededicateourselvestoGod,andstandreadydressedforhisservice.Thustheangelsinheavenglorifyhim;theywaitonhisthrone,andarereadyto take a commission from him; therefore they are represented by thecherubim with wings displayed, to show how swift they are in theirobedience.WeglorifyGodwhenwearedevotedtohisservice.Ourheadstudies for him, our tonguepleads for him, and our hands relieve hisneedymembers.ThewisemenwhocametoChristdidnotonlybowtheknee to him—but presented himwith gold andmyrrh. Sowemust notonly bow the knee, give God worship—but bring presents of goldenobedience.We glorify God when we stick at no service, when we fightunderthebannerofhisgospelagainstanenemy,andsaytohimasDavidtoKingSaul,"YourservantwillgoandfightwiththisPhilistine!"

A good Christian is like the sun, which not only sends forth heat—butgoesitscircuitroundtheworld.Thus,hewhoglorifiesGod,hasnotonlyhis affections heated with love to God—but he goes his circuit too; hemovesvigorouslyinthesphereofobedience.

WHYmustweglorifyGod?

[1]Becausehegivesusourbeing. "It ishewhohasmadeus."Wethinkitagreatkindnessinamantospareourlife—butwhatkindnessisitinGodtogiveusourlife!Wedrawourbreathfromhim;andaslife,soall the comforts of life are from him.He gives ushealth, which is thesaucetosweetenourlife.Hegivesusfood,whichistheoilthatnourishesthelampoflife.Ifallwereceiveis fromhisbounty, is itnotreasonableweshouldglorifyhim?Shouldwenotlivetohim,seeingwelivebyhim?"For of him, and through him, are all things." All we have, is of his

fullness,allwehaveisthroughhisfreegrace;andthereforetohimshouldbeall.Itfollows,therefore,"Tohimbegloryforever!"Godisnotouronlybenefactor—but our founder, just as rivers which come from the seaemptytheirsilverstreamsintotheseaagain.

[2]BecauseGodhasmadeallthingsforhisownglory."TheLordhasmadeallthingsforhimself:"thatis,"forhisglory."Asakinghastaxoutofcommodities,soGodwillhavegloryoutofeverything.Hewillhavegloryoutofthewicked.Iftheywillnotgivehimglory,hewillgetgloryupon them. "I will gain glory through Pharaoh." But especially has hemade the godly for his glory; they are the lively organs of his praise."This people have I formed for myself, and they shall show forth mypraise."Itistrue,theycannotaddtohisglory—buttheymayexaltit;theycannot raise him in heaven—but they may raise him in the esteem ofothers here on earth. God has adopted the saints into his family, andmadethemaroyalpriesthood,thattheyshouldshowforththepraiseofhimwhohascalledthem.IPet2:2.

[3]BecausethegloryofGodhasintrinsicvalueandexcellence;ittranscendsthethoughtsofmen,andthetonguesofangels.Hisgloryishis treasure,allhis riches liehere;asMicahsaid. "Whathave Imore?"So, what has God more? God's glory is more worth than heaven, andmoreworththanthesalvationofallmen'ssouls.Itwouldbebetterthatkingdomsbe throwndown,bettermenand angelsbe annihilated, thanGodshouldloseonejewelofhiscrown,onebeamofhisglory!

[4]Creaturesbelowus,andaboveus,bringglorytoGod;anddowethinktositrentfree?ShalleverythingglorifyGodbutman?Itisapitythenthatmanwasevermade.

(1.)CreaturesBELOWusglorifyGod,theinanimatecreaturesandthe heavens glorify God. "The heavens declare the glory of God." ThecuriousworkmanshipofheavensetsforththegloryofitsMaker;theskyisbeautifiedandpencilledoutinblueandazurecolors,wherethepowerandwisdomofGodmaybeclearlyseen."Theheavensdeclarehisglory:,wemayseethegloryofGodblazinginthesun,andtwinklinginthestars.Look into the air, the birds with their chirping music, sing hymns ofpraise to God. Every animal in its kind glorifies God. Isa 43:30. "The

beastofthefieldshallhonorme."

(2.)CreaturesABOVEusglorifyGod. "Theangels areministeringspirits."TheyarestillwaitingonGod'sthrone,andbringsomerevenuesof glory into the treasury of heaven. Surelyman should bemuchmorestudiousofGod'sglorythantheangels; forGodhashonoredhimmorethantheangels, inthatChristtookman'snatureuponhim,andnottheangels.Though,inregardofcreation,Godmademan"alittlelowerthantheangels,"yetinregardofredemption,Godhassethimhigherthantheangels. He has married mankind to himself; the angels are Christ'sfriends, not his spouse. He has covered us with the purple robe ofrighteousness, which is a better righteousness than the angels have. IfthentheangelsbringglorytoGod,muchmoreshouldwe,beingdignifiedwithhonoraboveangelicspirits.

[5]Wemust bring glory to God, because all our hopes hanguponhim. Psalm 39:9. "My hope is in you." "My expectation is fromhim."Iexpectakingdomfromhim.Agoodchildwillhonorhisparent,byexpectingallheneedsfromhim."Allmyspringsare inyou."Thesilverspringsofgrace,andthegoldenspringsofglory—areinhim!

InhowmanyWAYSmayweglorifyGod?

[1]ItisglorifyingGodwhenweAIMpurelyathisglory.ItisonethingtoadvanceGod'sglory,anotherthingtoaimat it.Godmustbetheultimateendofallactions.ThusChristsays,"Iseeknotmyownglory—butthegloryofhimwhosentme."Ahypocritehasasquinteye,forhelooksmoretohisownglorythanGod's.OurSaviordecipherssuch,andgivesacaveatagainsttheminMatthew6:2,"Whenyougivealms,donot sounda trumpet."A strangerwouldask, "Whatmeans thenoiseofthistrumpet?"Itwasanswered,"Theyaregoingtogivetothepoor."Andsotheydidnotgivealms—butsellthemforhonorandapplause,thattheymighthavegloryofmen.Thebreathofmenwasthewindwhichblewthesailsof theircharity!"Trulytheyhavetheirreward."Thehypocritemaytakehisbillandwrite,"receivedinfullpayment."Chrysostomcallsvain-gloryoneofthedevil'sgreatnetstocatchmen.AndCypriansays,"WhomSatancannotprevailagainstby intemperance, thoseheprevailsagainstby pride and vainglory." Oh let us take heed of self-worshiping! Aim

purelyatGod'sglory.Wedothis,

(1.)Whenwe preferGod's glory above all other things; abovecredit,estate,relations;whenthegloryofGodcomesincompetitionwiththem—wemust prefer his glory before them. If relations lie in ourway toheaven,wemusteither leapover them,or treaduponthem. "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is notworthyofme;anyonewholoveshissonordaughtermorethanmeisnotworthyofme!"Matthew10:37.Achildmustunchildhimself,andforgethe is a child; hemust know neither father normother in God's cause."Whosaiduntohisfatherandmother,Ihavenotseenhim;neitherdidheacknowledgehisbrethren."ThisistoaimatGod'sglory.

(2.)WeaimatGod'sglory,whenwearecontentthatGod'swillshouldtakeplace,thoughitmaycrossours."Lord,Iamcontenttobealoser—ifyoubeagainer.Iamcontenttohavelesshealth—ifIhavemoregrace,andyoumoreglory.Letitbefoodorbittermedicine—ifonlyyougiveitme.Lord,Idesirethatwhichmaybemostforyourglory!"OurblessedSavior said, "Notas Iwill—butasyouwill."Matt26:69. IfGodmighthavemoreglorybyhissufferings,hewascontenttosuffer."Father,glorifyyourname."

(3.)WeaimatGod'sglorywhenwearecontenttobeoutshinedby others in gifts and esteem—so that his glory may beincreased.AmanwhohasGodinhisheart,andGod'sgloryinhiseye,desires thatGod should be exalted; and if this be effected, letwhoeverwillbethe instrument,he rejoices. "Somearepreachingoutof jealousyand rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. ThoseothersdonothavepuremotivesastheypreachaboutChrist.Theypreachwithselfishambition,notsincerely.Butwhetherornottheirmotivesarepure,thefactremainsthatthemessageaboutChristisbeingpreached,soIrejoice."TheypreachedChristoutofenvy,theyenviedPaulthatthrongofpeople,andtheypreached that theymightoutshinehim ingifts,andget away some of his hearers. "Well," says Paul, "So long as Christ ispreached,andGodislikelytohavetheglory,Iwillrejoice.Letmycandlegoout,iftheSunofRighteousnessmaybutshine!"

[2]WeglorifyGodbyasincereCONFESSIONofsin.Thethiefon

the cross had dishonored God in his life—but at his death he broughtglorytoGodbyconfessionofsin.Luke23:3I."Weindeedsuffer justly."Heacknowledgedhedeservednotonlycrucifixion—butdamnation."Myson,give,Ibegyou,giveglorytoGod,andmakeconfessionuntohim."Ahumble confession exalts God. How is God's free grace magnified, incrowning those who deserve to be condemned! The excusing andmincing of sin casts a reproach upon God. Adam denied not that hetasted the forbidden fruit—but, instead of a full confession, he blamedGod.Gen3:32."Thewomanwhomyougaveme,shegavemeofthetree,andIate.""Ifyouhadnotgivenmethewomantobeatempter—Iwouldnot have sinned." Confession glorifies God, because it clears him; itacknowledgesthatheisholyandrighteous,whateverhedoes.Nehemiahvindicates God's righteousness; chap 9:93. "You are just in all that isbrought upon us." A confession is sincere, when it is free, not forced.Luke15:58."Ihavesinnedagainstheavenandbeforeyou."Theprodigalchargedhimselfwithsin,beforehisfatherchargedhimwithit.

[3]WeglorifyGodbyBELIEVING. "Abrahamwas strong in faith,givingglorytoGod."UnbeliefaffrontsGod,itgiveshimthelie;"hewhobelievesnot,makesGoda liar."But faithbringsglorytoGod; itsets itsseal,thatGodistrue.HewhobelievesfliestoGod'smercyandtruth,astoanaltarofrefuge;heengarrisonshimself in thepromises,andtrustsallhehaswithGod."IntoyourhandsIcommitmyspirit."Thisisagreatway of bringing glory to God. God honors faith—because faith honorshim. It is agreathonorwedo toamanwhenwe trusthimwithallwehave;whenweputourlivesandestatesintohishand—itisasignwehavea good opinion of him. The three Hebrew children glorified God bybelieving."TheGodwhomweserveisabletodeliverus,andwilldeliverus."FaithknowstherearenoimpossibilitieswithGod,andwilltrusthislovingheart,whereitcannottracehismysteriousprovidentialhand.

[4]WeglorifyGod,bybeingtenderofhisglory.God'sgloryisasdear to him as the pupil of his eye. An sincere child weeps to see adisgrace done to his father. Psalm 69:9. "The reproaches of those whoreproachedyouarefallenuponme."WhenwehearGodreproached,itisasifwewerereproached;whenGod'sglorysuffers,itisasifwesuffered.ThisistobetenderofGod'sglory.

[5] We glorify God by FRUITFULNESS. "Hereby is my Fatherglorified,thatyoubearmuchfruit."AsitisdishonoringGodtobebarren,sofruitfulnesshonorshim."Filledwiththefruitsofrighteousness,whichare to the praise of his glory."Wemust not be like the fig tree in thegospel,whichhadnothingbutleaves—butlikethepomecitron,whichiscontinuallyeitherripeningorblossoming,andisneverwithoutfruit.Itisnotmereprofession—but fruitwhichglorifiesGod.Godexpectstohavehisglory fromus in thisway."Whoplantsavineyard,anddoesnoteatthefruitofit?"Treesintheforestmaybebarren—buttreesinthegardenarefruitful.Wemustbringforththefruitsof loveandgoodworks."Letyourlightsoshinebeforemen,thattheymayseeyourgoodworks,andglorify your Father who is in heaven."Faith sanctifies our works, andworkstestifyourfaith.Tobedoinggoodtoothers,tobeeyestotheblind,feettothelame—muchglorifiesGod.ThusChristglorifiedhisFather;"hewentaboutdoinggood."Acts10:08.Bybeingfruitful,wearebeautifulinGod'seyes."TheLordcalledyouathrivingolivetree,beautifultoseeandfullofgoodfruit."Andwemustbearmuch fruit.It ismuchnessof fruitwhich glorifies God: "if you bearmuch fruit." The spouse's breasts arecomparedtoclustersofgrapes,toshowhowfertileshewas.Thoughthelowest degree of gracemay bring salvation to you, yet itwill not bringmuchglorytoGod.Itwasnotasparkoflove,whichChristcommendedinMary—butmuchlove;"shelovedmuch."

[6]WeglorifyGod,bybeingCONTENTEDinthatstateinwhichProvidencehasplacedus.WegiveGodthegloryofhiswisdom,whenwe rest satisfied with whatever portion he carves out to us. Thus PaulglorifiedGod.TheLordcasthimintoasgreatvarietyofconditionsasanyman,"Ihaveworkedharder,beenput in jailmoreoften,beenwhippedtimeswithout number, and faced death again and again. Five differenttimestheJewsgavemethirty-ninelashes.ThreetimesIwasbeatenwithrods.OnceIwasstoned.ThreetimesIwasshipwrecked.OnceIspentawholenightandadayadriftatsea.Ihavetraveledmanywearymiles.Ihave faced danger from flooded rivers and from robbers. I have faceddangerfrommyownpeople,theJews,aswellasfromtheGentiles.Ihavefaceddanger inthecities, in thedeserts,andonthestormyseas.AndIhave faceddanger frommenwhoclaimtobeChristiansbutarenot."2Corinthians 11:23-26. Yet he had learned to be content. Paul could sail

either inastormoracalm;he couldbeanything thatGodwould havehim;hecouldeitherlackorabound.

AgoodChristianarguesthus:"ItisGodwhohasputmeinthiscondition;hecouldhaveraisedmehigher,ifhepleased—butthatmighthavebeenasnaretome.Hehasdoneitinwisdomandlove;thereforeIwillsitdownsatisfiedwithmycondition."SurelythisglorifiesGodmuch;GodcountshimselfmuchhonoredbysuchaChristian."Here,"saysGod,"isoneaftermyownheart;letmedowhateverIwillwithhim—Ihearnomurmuring—he is content!" This shows abundance of grace. When grace iscrowning, it isnotsomuchtobecontent;butwhengraceisconflictingwith inconveniences, then to be content is a glorious thing indeed. Foronetobecontentwhenhe is inheaven isnowonder;but tobecontentunder severe trials, greatly glorifies God. This man must needs bringglorytoGod;forheshowstoalltheworld,thatthoughhehaslittlemealinhisbarrel,yethehasenoughinGodtomakehimcontent!Hesays,asDavid,"TheLordistheportionofmyinheritance;thelineshavefallentomeinpleasantplaces."

[7]WeglorifyGodbyworkingoutourownsalvation. God hastwisted together, his glory and our good.We glorify him by promotingourownsalvation.ItisaglorytoGodtohavemultitudesofconverts;hisdesignof freegracetakeseffect,andGodhasthegloryofhismercy; sothat,whileweareendeavoringoursalvation,wearehonoringGod.Whatan encouragement is this to the service of God, to think, "while I amhearingandpraying,IamglorifyingGod;whileIamfurtheringmyownglory in heaven, I am increasing God's glory!" Would it not be anencouragementtoasubject,tohearhisprincesaytohim,"Youwillhonorandpleasemeverymuch,ifyouwillgotoyondermimeofgold,anddigasmuchgoldforyourselfasyoucancarryaway"?So,forGodtosay,"Goto the ordinances, get as much grace as you can, dig out as muchsalvationasyoucan;andthemorehappinessyouhave,themoreIshallcountmyselfglorified!"

[8]We glorifyGod by living forGod. "Those who live should nolongerliveforthemselvesbutforhimwhodiedforthem.""Whetherwelive, we live unto the Lord." TheMammonist lives for hismoney. TheEpicurelivesforhisbelly.Thedesignofasinner'slifeistogratify lust—

butweglorifyGodwhenweliveforGod.WelivetoGodwhenwelivetohis service, and layourselvesoutwholly forGod.TheLordhas sentusinto theworld,asamerchantsendshisambassadorbeyond theseas totrade for him. We live to God when we trade for his interest, andpropagatehisgospel.Godhasgiveneverymanatalent;andwhenamandoesnothide it in a napkin—but improves it forGod, he lives toGod.Whenamasterinafamily,bycounselandgoodexample,laborstobringhisservantstoChrist;whenaministerspendshimself,andisspent,thathemaywin souls toChrist, andmake the crown flourishuponChrist'shead;whenthemagistratedoesnotweartheswordinvain—but laborstocutdownsin, and to suppress vice; this is to live toGod, and this isglorifyingGod. "That Christmight bemagnified, whether by life or bydeath." Paul had three wishes, and they were all about Christ; that hemightbefoundinChrist,bewithChrist,andmagnifyChrist.

[9]WeglorifyGodbywalkingcheerfully. Itbrings glory toGod,whentheworldseesaChristianhasthatwithinhim,whichcanmakehimcheerfulintheworsttimes;whichcanenablehim,withthenightingale,to singwith a thornat his bosom. The people of God have ground forcheerfulness. They are justified and adopted, and this creates inwardpeace; it makes music within, whatever storms are without. If weconsiderwhatChristhaswroughtforusbyhisblood,andwroughtinusbyhis Spirit, it is a groundof great cheerfulness, and this cheerfulnessglorifiesGod.Itreflectspoorlyuponamasterwhentheservantisalwaysdroopingandsad;surely—he iskept tohardcommons,hismasterdoesnotgivehimwhatisfitting.Justso,whenGod'speoplehangtheirheads,itlooksasiftheydidnotserveagoodmaster,orrepentedoftheirchoice,whichreflectsdishonoronGod.Theuncheerfullivesofthegodlybringascandalonthegospel."ServetheLordwithgladness."Yourservinghimdoes not glorify him, unless it is with gladness. A Christian's cheerfullooksglorifyGod.Truereligiondoesnottakeawayourjoy—butrefinesit;itdoesnotbreakourviolin—buttunesit,andmakesthemusicsweeter.

[10]WeglorifyGod,bystandingupforhistruths.MuchofGod'sglory lies inhis truth.Godhasentrusteduswithhis truth, as amasterentrustshisservantwithhispursetokeep.Wehavenotaricherjeweltotrust Godwith—than our souls; nor has God a richer jewel to trust us

with—thanhistruth.TruthisabeamwhichshinesfromGod.Muchofhisglory lies inhis truth.Whenweareadvocates for truthweglorifyGod."That you should contend earnestly for the truth." The Greek word tocontend signifies great contending, as one would contend for his land,andnotallowhisright tobe taken fromhim;soweshouldcontend forthetruth.Weretheremoreofthisholycontention,Godwouldhavemoreglory.Somecontendearnestlyfortriflesandceremonies—butnotforthetruth.We should count him indiscreet that would contendmore for apicture—thanforhisinheritance;moreforaboxofpennies—thanforhisboxoftitledeeds.

[11]WeglorifyGod,bypraisinghim.Doxology,orpraise,isaGod-exaltingwork. "Whoever offers praise, glorifiesme." TheHebrewwordBara,tocreate;andBarak,topraise;arelittledifferent,becausetheendofcreationis topraiseGod.Davidwascalled thesweetsingerof Israel,andhispraisingGodwascalledglorifyingGod."Iwillpraiseyou,OLordmyGod,andIwillglorifyyourname."ThoughnothingcanaddtoGod'sessentialglory,yetpraiseexaltshimintheeyesofothers.WhenwepraiseGod, we spread his fame and renown, we display the trophies of hisexcellency.Inthismannertheangelsglorifyhim;theyarethechoristersofheaven,andtrumpetforthhispraise.PraisingGodisoneofthehighestandpurestactsoftruereligion.Inprayerweact likemen;butinpraisewe act like angels! Believers are called "temples of God." When ourtonguespraise, then theorgans inGod's spiritual temple are sounding.HowsadisitthatGodhasnomoregloryfromusinthisway!Manyarefull of murmuring and discontent—but seldom bring glory to God, bygivinghimthepraiseduetohisname.Wereadofthesaintshavingharpsintheirhands,theemblemsofpraise.Manyhavetearsintheireyes,andcomplaints in theirmouth—but few have harps in their hand, blessingandglorifyingGod.LetushonorGodthisway.PraiseistherentwepaytoGod;whileGodrenewsourlease,wemustrenewourrent.

[12]WeglorifyGod,bybeingzealousforhisname."Phinehashasturnedmywrathaway,whilehewaszealousformysake."Zealisamixedaffection,acompoundofloveandanger;itcarriesforthourlovetoGod,andourangeragainstsininanintensedegree.ZealisimpatientofGod'sdishonor;aChristianfiredwithzeal,takesadishonordonetoGod,worse

thananinjurydonetohimself!"Youcannotbearthosewhoareevil."OurSaviorChristthusglorifiedhisFather;he,beingbaptizedwithaspiritofzeal,drove themoney-changersoutof the temple. "Zeal for yourhousehasconsumedme."

[13]WeglorifyGod,whenwehaveaneyetoGodinournaturaland in our civil actions. In our natural actions; in eating anddrinking. "Whether therefore you eat or drink—do all to the glory ofGod."Agraciouspersonholdsthegoldenbridleoftemperance;hetakeshis foodasamedicine toheal thedecaysofnature, thathemaybe thefitter, by the strength he receives, for the service ofGod; hemakes hisfood,notfuelforlust—buthelptoduty.

Inbuyingandselling,wedoalltothegloryofGod.Thewickedliveuponunjustgain,byfalsifyingthebalances,"Thebalancesofdeceitareinhishands;"andthuswhilemenmaketheirweightslighter,theymaketheirsins heavier,when by exactingmore than the commodity isworth.WebuyandselltothegloryofGod,whenweobservethatgoldenmaxim,"Todotoothersaswewouldhavethemdotous;"sothatwhenwesellourcommodities,wedonot sellourconsciencesalso. "HereindoIexercisemyself, to have always a conscience void of offence towards God, andtowardsmen."WeglorifyGod,whenwehaveaneyetoGodinallourcivilandnaturalactions,anddonothingthatmayreflectanyblemishontruereligion.

[14] We glorify God by laboring to draw others to God. Byseeking to convert others, and somake them instruments of glorifyingGod.Weshouldbebothdiamondsandmagnets;diamondsforthelusterof grace, andmagnets for attractive virtue in drawing others to Christ.Gal 4:19. "My little children, of whom I travail," It is a great way ofglorifying God, when we break open the devil's prison, and turn menfromthepowerofSatantoGod.

[15]WeglorifyGod inahighdegreewhenwesuffer forGod,andsealthegospelwithourblood."Whenyouareoldyouwillstretchoutyourhands,andsomeoneelsewilldressyouandleadyouwhereyoudonot want to go. Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by whichPeterwouldglorifyGod."God'sgloryshinesintheashesofhismartyrs.

"GlorifytheLordinthefires."Micaiahwasintheprison,Isaiahwassawnasunder,Paulwasbeheaded,Lukewashangedonanolivetree;thusdidthey,bytheirdeath,glorifyGod.Thesufferingsoftheprimitivesaintsdidhonor to God, andmade the gospel famous in theworld.What wouldotherssay?Seewhatagoodmaster theyserve,andhowthey lovehim,that theywillventure the lossofall, inhisservice.ThegloryofChrist'skingdomdoesnotstandinworldlypompandgrandeur,asotherkings";but it is seen in the cheerful sufferings of his people. The saints of old"lovednottheirlivestothedeath."Theyembracedtormentsassomanycrowns. God grant wemay thus glorify him—if he calls us to it.Manypray,"Letthiscupofsufferingpassaway!"Fewpray,"Mayyourwillbedone!"

[16]WeglorifyGod,whenwegiveGodthegloryofallthatwedo. When Herod had made an oration, and the people gave a shout,saying,"It isthevoiceofaGod,andnotofaman,"hetooktheglorytohimself."Immediately,becauseHeroddidnotgiveglorytoGod,anangeloftheLordstruckhimdown,andhewaseatenbywormsanddied."WeglorifyGod,whenwesacrificethepraiseandgloryofallwedo—toGod."Ihaveworkedharderthanalltheotherapostles,"isaspeech,onewouldthink,which savoredofpride.But theapostlepulls the crown fromhisownhead,andsets itupontheheadof freegrace!"Yet itwasnot IbutGodwhowasworkingthroughmebyhisgrace."AsJoab,whenhefoughtagainstRabbah, sent for King David, that Davidmight carry away thecrownofthevictory;soaChristian,whenhehasgottenpoweroveranycorruptionor temptation, sends for Christ, that hemay carry away thecrownofthevictory.Asthesilkworm,whensheweaveshercuriouswork,hides herself under the silk, and is not seen; so when we have doneanythingpraiseworthy,wemusthideourselvesundertheveilofhumility,andtransferthegloryofallwehavedonetoGod.AsoneusedtowritethenameofChristoverhisdoor—soshouldwewritethenameofChristoverourduties.Lethimwearthegarlandofpraise!

[17]WeglorifyGodbyaholylife.AbadlifedishonorsGod."Youarea holy nation, that you should show forth the praises of him who hascalledyou."ThenameofGodisblasphemedamongtheGentilesthroughyou."Epiphaniussays,"ThattheloosenessofsomeChristiansinhistime

mademanyoftheheathensshuntheircompany,andwouldnotbedrawntoheartheirsermons."ByourexactBible-lives,weglorifyGod.Thoughthemainworkoftruereligionliesintheheart,yetourlightmustsoshinethatothersmaybeholdit.Thesafetyofabuildingisthefoundation—butthegloryof it is inthefrontispiece.Justso,thebeautyof faith is inthegodlylife.Whenthesaints,whoarecalledjewels,castasparklinglusterofholiness in the eyes of theworld, then they "walk asChristwalked."When they liveas if theyhad seen theLordwithbodily eyes, andbeenwithhimuponthemount—theyadorntruereligion,andbringrevenuesofglorytothecrownofheaven!

Useone:Admonition.

This subject shows us that our chief end should not be to get greatestates, nor to lay up treasures upon earth;which is the degeneracy ofmankindsincethefall.Sometimestheyneverarriveatanestate,theydonot get the venison they hunt for; or if they do, what have they? thatwhichwillnot fill theheartanymore than themariner'sbreathwill fillthesailsoftheship.Theyspendtheirtime,asIsrael,ingatheringstraw—but remembernot, that theendof living is toglorifyGod. "Whatprofithashewholaborsforthewind?"Thesethingsaresoongone.

Usetwo:Reproof.

(1.)ItreprovessuchasbringnoglorytoGod;whodonotanswertheendoftheircreation;whosetimeisnottimelived—buttimelost;whoare like the wood of the vine, Ezek 15:5; whose lives are, as Bernardspeaks"eithersinfulnessorbarrenness.Auselessburdenonthe earth."Godwill oneday ask such aquestion asKingAhasuerusdid,Esth6:6."Whathonoranddignityhasbeendone toMordecai?"Whathonorhasbeen done to me? what revenues of glory have you brought into mytreasury?Thereisnooneherepresent,butGodhasputinsomecapacityof glorifying him; the health he has given you, the abilities, estate,seasonsofgrace—allareopportunitiesputintoyourhandtoglorifyhim;and,beassured,hewillcallyoutoaccount,toknowwhatyouhavedonewiththemercieshehasentrustedyouwith—whatgloryyouhavebroughttohim.Theparableofthetalents,wherethemenwiththefivetalentsandthetwotalentsarebroughttoareckoning,evidentlyshowsthatGodwill

call you to a strict account, to know how you have traded with yourtalents,andwhatgloryyouhavebroughttohim.Now,howsadwillitbewiththemwhohidetheirtalentsinanapkin—whobringGodnogloryatall! "Cast you the unprofitable servant into outer darkness." It is notenoughforyoutosay, thatyouhavenotdishonoredGod,youhavenotlived in gross sin. What good have you done? what glory have youbroughttoGod?It isnotenoughfortheservantofthevineyardthathedoes no damage in the vineyard, that he does not break the trees, ordestroythehedges;ifhedoesnotdoserviceinthevineyard—heloseshispay.Justso,ifyoudonotdogoodinyourplace,ifyoudonotglorifyGod—youwillloseyourpay—youwillmissofsalvation!Oh,thinkofthis,allyouwholiveworthlesslives!Christcursedthebarrenfigtree.

(2.)ItreprovessuchasaresofarfrombringingglorytoGod,thattheyrobGodofhisglory.Mal3:3."WillamanrobGod?Yetyouhave robbed me." They rob God, who take the glory due to God tothemselves.

1. If they have gotten an estate, they ascribe all to their own wit andindustry, theyset thecrownupontheirownhead,notconsideringthat,"YoushallremembertheLordyourGod,foritishewhogivesyoupowertogetwealth."

2.Iftheydoanydutyofreligion,theylooktotheirownglory."Becarefulnot todoyour"actsofrighteousness"beforemen, tobeseenby them."Theymaybesetuponatheaterforotherstoadmireandcanonizethem.Theoilofvaingloryfeedstheirlamp.Howmanybythewindofpopularbreath have been blown to hell! Whom the devil cannot destroy byintemperance,hedoesbyvainglory.

(3.)ItreprovesthosewhofightagainstGod'sglory."LestyoubefoundtofightagainstGod."SuchasopposethatwherebyGod'sglory ispromoted, fightagainstGod'sglory.Hisglory ismuchpromotedby thepreaching of the word, which is his engine whereby he converts souls.Now,suchaswouldhinderthepreachingofthewordfightagainstGod'sglory."ForbiddingustospeaktotheGentiles,thattheymightbesaved."Diocletian, who raised the tenth persecution against the Christians,prohibited church meetings, and would have the churches of the

Christians to be burned down. Such as hinder preaching—as thePhilistinesthatstoppedthewells—stopthewellofthewateroflife.Theytake away the physicians that would heal sin-sick souls. Ministers arelights,Matt5:14,andwhobutthieveshatethelight?TheydirectlystrikeatGod'sglory;andwhatanaccountwilltheyhavetogivetoGod,whenhe shall charge the blood of men's souls upon them! "You have takenawaythekeyofknowledge;youenterednotinyourselves,andthosewhowereenteringinyouhindered."Ifthereiseitherjusticeinheaven,orfireinhell—theyshallnotgounpunished!

Usethree:Exhortation.

Let every one of us, in our place,make it our chief end and design toglorifyGod.

(1.)Letmespeaktomagistrates.Godhasputmuchgloryuponthem."Ihave said, You are gods;" andwill theynot glorify himwhohasput somuchgloryuponthem?

(2.)MinistersshouldstudytopromoteGod'sglory.Godhasentrustedthemwithtwoofthemostpreciousthings—histruth,andthesoulsofhispeople.Ministers,byvirtueoftheiroffice,aretoglorifyGod.TheymustglorifyGod,bylaboringinthewordanddoctrine."IchargeyoubeforeGodandtheLordJesusChrist,whoshalljudgethelivingandthedead:preach the word, be ready in season, out of season," etc. It wasAugustine's wish, "that Christ, at his coming, might find him eitherpraying or preaching." Ministers must glorify God by their zeal andsanctity. The priests under the law, before they served at the altar,washedinthe laver;so,suchasserve intheLord'shouse,must firstbewashedfromgrosssininthelaverofrepentance.Itismatterofgriefandshame to think how many, who call themselves ministers, instead ofbringing glory to God, dishonor him. Their lives, as well as theirdoctrines, are heterodox! They are not free from the sins which theyreprove inothers.Plutarch's servantupbraidedhim, by saying, "hehaswritten a book against anger—yet he falls into a passion of anger withme."Soisaministerwhopreachesagainstdrunkenness,yethehimselfisdrunk;hepreachesagainstswearing,yethehimselfswears!

(3.)MastersoffamiliesmustglorifyGod,mustseasontheirchildrenandservantswiththeknowledgeoftheLord;theirhousesshouldbelittlechurches. "I know that Abrahamwill command his children, that theymay keep theway of the Lord." Youwho aremasters have a charge ofsouls.Forlackofthebridleoffamilydiscipline,youthrunwild.

Itwillbeagreatcomfortinadyinghour,tothinkwehaveglorifiedGodinourlives.ItwasChrist'scomfortbeforehisdeath:"Ihaveglorifiedyouontheearth."Atthehourofdeath,allyourearthlycomfortswillvanish.If you think how rich you have been, what pleasures you have had onearth;thiswillbesofarfromcomfortingyou,thatitwilltormentyouthemore.What isone thebetter, foranestatewhich is spent?But tohaveconscience telling you, that you have glorified God on the earth, whatsweetcomfortandpeacewillthisletintoyoursoul!howwillitmakeyoulongfordeath!Theservantwhohasbeenalldayworkinginthevineyard,longs for theevening,whenheshall receivehispay.Howcantheywhohave lived, and brought no glory to God, think of dying with comfort?They cannot expect aharvestwhere they sowedno seed.Howcan theyexpectgloryfromGod,whoneverbroughtanyglorytohim?Ohinwhathorror will they be at death! The worm of conscience will gnaw theirsouls,beforethewormscangnawtheirbodies!

IfweglorifyGod,hewillglorifyoursoulsforever.ByraisingGod'sglory,we increase our own: by glorifyingGod,we come at last to the blessedenjoymentofhim.

2.Man'schiefendistoENJOYGodforever.

"WhomdoIhaveinheavenbutYou?AndIdesirenothingonearthbutYou.Myfleshandmyheartmayfail,butGodisthestrengthofmyheart,my portion forever!" Psalm 73:25-26. There is a twofold fruition orenjoyingofGod;theoneisinthislife,theotherinthelifetocome.

[1]TheenjoymentofGodinthis life. It is agreatmatter toenjoyGod'sordinances—but toenjoyGod'spresence in theordinances is that

whichagraciousheartaspiresafter.Psalm63:2,"IhaveseenYOUinthesanctuaryandbeheldyourpowerandyourglory."ThissweetenjoymentofGod, is,whenwe feelhisSpiritco-operatingwith theordinance,anddistillinggraceuponourhearts;when in theWord, theSpirit quickensand raises the affections, Luke 24:42, "Did not our hearts burnwithinus?",whentheSpirittransformstheheart,leavinganimpressofholinessupon it. "We are changed into the same image, from glory to glory."WhentheSpiritrevivestheheartwithcomfort,itcomesnotonlywithitsanointing—butwithitsseal;itshedsGod'sloveabroadintheheart."OurfellowshipiswiththeFather,andwithhisSonJesusChrist."IntheWordwehearGod'svoice, inthesacramentwehavehiskiss.Theheartbeingwarmed and inflamed in a duty—isGod's answering by fire. The sweetcommunications ofGod's Spirit are the first-fruits of glory.NowChristhas pulled off his veil, and showed his smiling face; now he has led abelieverintothebanqueting-house,andgivenhimofthespicedwineofhislovetodrink;hehasputinhisfingerattheholeofthedoor;hehastouched theheart, andmade it leap for joy.Ohhow sweet is it thus toenjoyGod! The godly have, in ordinances, had such divine raptures ofjoy, and soul transfigurations, that they have been carried above theworld,andhavedespisedallthingsherebelow.

Useone:IstheenjoymentofGodinthislifesosweet?HowwickedaretheywhoprefertheenjoymentoftheirlustsbeforetheenjoymentofGod!"The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, the pride of life," is the eviltrinity theyworship.Lust is an inordinatedesireor impulse, provokingthesoultothatwhichisevil.Thereistherevengefullust;andthewantonlust.Lust, likea feverishheat,puts the soul intoa flame.Aristotle callssensual lusts brutish, because, when any lust is violent, reason orconscience cannot be heard. These lusts besot and brutalize the man."Whoredomandwinetakeawaytheheart;"theheartforanythingthatisgood.Howmanymakeittheirchiefend,nottoenjoyGod—buttoenjoytheirlusts!Asthatcardinalwhosaid,"Lethimbutkeephiscardinalshipof Paris, and he was content to lose his part in Paradise." Lust firstbewitches with pleasure, and then comes the fatal dart. "Until a dartstrikesthroughhisliver."Thisshouldbeasaflamingswordtostopmenin the way of their carnal delights.Who for a drop of pleasure—woulddrinkaseaofwrath?

Usetwo:Let itbeourgreatconcern, toenjoyGod's sweetpresence inhisordinances.Enjoying spiritual communionwithGod is a riddle andmystery tomostpeople.Everyonewhohangsabout thecourt,does notspeak with the king. We may approach God in ordinances, and hangaboutthecourtofheaven,yetnotenjoycommunionwithGod.Wemayhave the letter without the Spirit, the visible signwithout the invisiblegrace.ItistheenjoymentofGodinaduty,whichweshouldchieflylookat."MysoulthirstsforGod,forthelivingGod.WhencanIgoandmeetwith God?" Psalm 42:2. Alas! what are all our worldly enjoyments,withouttheenjoymentofGod!What is it toenjoygoodhealth,anobleestate, and not to enjoy God? Job said, "I wentmourning without thesun."Somayyou say in the enjoymentof all creatureswithoutGod, "Iwent mourning without the sun." I have the starlight of outwardenjoyments—but I lack the Sun of Righteousness. "I went mourningwithoutthesun."

Itshouldbeourgreatdesign,notonlytohavetheordinancesofGod—buttheGodoftheordinances.TheenjoymentofGod'ssweetpresencehereisthemost contented life.God isahiveof sweetness,a treasuryofriches,afountainofdelight!Thehigherthelarkflies—thesweeteritsings.Justso,thehigherweflybythewingsoffaith—themoreweenjoyofGod.How is the heart inflamed in prayer andmeditation!What joyandpeaceisthereinbelieving!Isitnotcomfortablebeinginheaven?HewhoenjoysmuchofGodinthislife,carriesheavenwithhim.Ohletthisbe the thing we are chiefly ambitious of—the enjoyment of God in hisordinances!TheenjoymentofGod's sweetpresencehere, isapledge ofourenjoyinghiminheaven!

Thisbringsustothesecondthing:

[2]TheenjoymentofGodinthelifetocome.Man'schiefendistoenjoyGodforever.BeforethefullfruitionofGodinheaven,theremustbesomethingpreviousandantecedent; and that is, ourbeing in a state ofgrace.Wemust have conformity to him in grace, before we can havecommunionwithhim inglory.Grace andglory are linkedandchainedtogether. Grace precedes glory, as themorning star ushers in the sun.Godwillhaveusqualifiedandfittedforastateofblessedness.DrunkardsandswearersarenotfittoenjoyGodinglory;theLordwillnotlaysuch

vipersinhisbosom.Onlythe"pureinheartshallseeGod."Wemustfirstbe,astheking'sdaughter,gloriouswithin,beforeweareclothedwiththerobesofglory.AsKingAhasuerusfirstcausedthevirgins tobepurifiedandanointed,andtheyhadtheirsweetfragrancestoperfumethem,andthenwenttostandbeforetheking;somustwehavetheanointingofGod,andbeperfumedwiththegracesoftheSpirit,thosesweetfragrances,andthen we shall stand before the king of heaven. Being thus divinelyqualifiedbygrace,weshallbetakenuptothemountofvision,andenjoyGodforever;andwhatisenjoyingGodforeverbuttobeputinastateofhappiness?Asthebodycannothavelifebutbyhavingcommunionwiththe soul, so the soul cannot have blessedness but by having immediatecommunionwithGod.

Godisthesummumbonum,thechiefgood;thereforetheenjoymentofhimisthehighestfelicity.

God is a universal good—"a good, in which are all goods." Theexcellenciesofthecreaturearelimited.Amanmayhavehealth,butnotbeauty,norlearning,norparentage,norriches,norwisdom.ButinGodare contained all excellencies.He is a good, commensurate fully to thesoul;asun,aportion,ahornofsalvation;inwhomdwells"allfullness."

God isanunmixedgood.There isno condition in this life buthas itsmixture; for every drop of honey there is a drop of gall. Solomon,whogave himself to find out the philosopher's stone, to search out forhappinessherebelow,foundnothingbutvanityandvexation.

Godisperfect,thequintessenceofgood.Heissweetnessintheflower.

God is asatisfyinggood. The soul now cries out, "I have enough!" "Ishallbesatisfiedwithyourlikeness."Letamanwhoisthirstybebroughttoanoceanofpurewater,andhehasenough.IfthereisenoughinGodtosatisfytheangels,thensurethereisenoughtosatisfyus.Thesoulisbutfinite—butGod is infinite.ThoughGod isagoodwhichsatisfies, yethedoesnotsurfeit.Freshjoysspringcontinuallyfromhisface;andheisasmuch to be desired aftermillions of years by glorified souls—as at thefirstmoment!ThereisafullnessinGodwhichsatisfies,andyetsomuchsweetness,thatthesoulstilldesires.

God is adeliciousgood.Thatwhich is the chief goodmust ravish thesoulwithpleasure;theremustbeinitrapturousdelightandquintessenceof joy. There is a certain sweetness aboutGod's personwhichdelights,nay, rather, ravishes the soul! The love of God drops such infinitepleasure into the soul as is unspeakable and full of glory. If there is somuchdelightinGod,whenweseehimonlybyfaith—whatwillthejoyofvisionbe,whenweshallseehimfacetoface!Ifthesaintshavefoundsomuchdelight inGodwhiletheyweresuffering,ohwhat joyanddelightwilltheyhavewhentheyarebeingcrowned!Ifflamesarebedsofroses,whatwillitbetoleanonthebosomofJesus!Whatabedofrosesthatwillbe!

God is asuperlativegood.He is better than anything you can put incompetition with him. He is better than health, riches, honor. Otherthingsmaintain life, hegives life.Who would put anything in balancewiththeDeity?Whowouldweighafeatheragainstamountainofgold?Godexcelsallotherthingsmoreinfinitelythanthesunexcelsthelightofacandle.

Godisaneternalgood.HeistheAncientofdays,yetneverdecays,norwaxesold.The joyhegives iseternal, thecrownnever fades away.TheglorifiedsoulshallbeeversolacingitselfinGod,feastingonhislove,andsunning itself in the light of his countenance.We read of the river ofpleasureatGod'srighthand;butwillnot this in timebedriedup?No!There is a fountain at the bottomwhich feeds it. "With theLord is thefountainoflife."

Thus God is the chief good, and the enjoyment of God forever is thehighestfelicityofwhichthesouliscapable.

Useone:Letitbethechiefendofourlivingtoenjoythischiefgood hereafter. Augustine reckons up 288 opinions amongphilosophers about happiness—but all were short of the mark. Thehighest elevation of a reasonable soul is to enjoyGod forever. It is theenjoymentofGod,whichmakesheaven."ThenshallweeverbewiththeLord."The soul trembles as the needle in the compass, and is never atrest until it comes to God. To set out this excellent state of a glorifiedsoul'senjoymentofGod:

(1.)Itmustnotbeunderstoodinasensualmanner.Wemustnotconceiveanycarnalpleasuresinheaven.TheTurks,intheirKoran,speakofaparadiseofpleasure,wheretheyhaverichesinabundance,andredwineservedingoldenchalices.Theepicuresofthisagewouldlikesuchaheavenwhentheydie.Thoughthestateofglory iscompared toa feast,andissetoutbypearlsandpreciousstones,yetthesemetaphorsareonlyhelps to our faith, and to showus that there is superabundant joy andfelicity in the highest heaven; but they are not carnal, but spiritualdelights.Ourheavenlyenjoymentwillbeintheperfectionofholiness,inseeing thepure face ofChrist, in feeling the love ofGod, in conversingwith heavenly spirits; which will be proper for the soul, and infinitelyexceedallcarnalvoluptuousdelights.

(2.)Weshallhavealivelysenseofthisgloriousestate.Amaninalethargy,thoughalive,isasgoodasdead,becauseheisnotsensible,nordoeshetakeanypleasureinhislife.ButweshallhaveaquickandlivelysenseoftheinfinitepleasurewhicharisesfromtheenjoymentofGod.Weshall know ourselves to be happy. We shall reflect with joy upon ourdignityand felicity.Weshall tasteeverycrumbof thatsweetness, everydropofthatpleasure,whichflowsfromGod.

(3.)Weshallbemadeabletobearasightofthatglory.Wecouldnot now bear that glory, it would overwhelm us, as aweak eye cannotbeholdthesun;butGodwillcapacitateusforglory;oursoulsshallbesoheavenly,andperfectedwithholiness,thattheymaybeabletoenjoytheblessedvisionofGod.Moses inacleftof therocksawthegloryofGodpassing by. From our blessed rock Christ, we shall behold the beatificsightofGod.

(4.) This enjoyment of God shall be more than a barecontemplation of him. Some of the learned move the question,Whether the enjoyment of God shall be by way of contemplation only.That is something—but it is one half of heaven only; there shall be alovingofGod,anacquiescence inhim,atastinghissweetness;notonlyinspection,butpossession.John17:24."Thattheymaybeholdmyglory;"there is inspection:Verse22. "And thegloryyouhavegivenme, Ihavegiventhem;"thereispossession."Gloryshallberevealedinus,"notonlyrevealedtous—butinus.TobeholdGod'sglory,thereisgloryrevealedto

us;but,topartakeofhisglory,thereisgloryrevealedinus.Asthespongesucksinthewine—soshallwesuckinglory!

(5.)Thereisnointermissioninthisstateofglory.WeshallnotonlyhaveGod'sgloriouspresenceatcertainspecialseasons;butweshallbecontinually inhispresence, continuallyunderdivine rapturesof joy.There shall not be oneminute in heaven,wherein a glorified soulmaysay, "I do not enjoy happiness." The streams of glory are not like thewater of a conduit, often stopped, so that we cannot have one drop ofwater;butthoseheavenlystreamsofjoyarecontinuallyrunning.Ohhowshouldwedespisethisvalleyoftearswherewenoware,forthemountoftransfiguration! how should we long for the full enjoyment of God inParadise!Hadweasightofthatlandofpromise,wewouldneedpatiencetobecontenttolivehereanylonger!

Usetwo:Letthisbeaspurtoduty.HowdiligentandzealousshouldwebeinglorifyingGod,thatwemaycomeatlasttoenjoyhim!IfTully,Demosthenes, andPlato,whohadbut thedimwatch-lightofreasontosee by, imagined a paradise of happiness after this life, and took suchherculeanpainstoenjoyit;ohhowshouldChristians,whohavethelightof Scripture to see by, bestir themselves that they may attain to theeternalfruitionofGodandglory!Ifanythingcanmakeusriseoffourbedofsloth,andserveGodwithallourmight,itshouldbethis—thehopeofour near enjoyment of God forever! What made Paul so active in thesphere of true religion? "I laboredmore abundantly than they all."Hisobediencedidnotmove slow, as the sunon thedial; but swift, as lightfromthesun.WhywashesozealousinglorifyingGod—butthathemightat last center and terminate in him? "Then shall we ever be with theLord."

Usethree:Letthiscomfortthegodlyinallthepresentmiseriesthey feel. You complain, Christian, you do not enjoy yourself, fearsdisquietyou,needsperplexyou.Inthedayyoucannotenjoyease,inthenightyoucannotenjoysleep;youcannotenjoythecomfortsofyour life.Letthisreviveyou—thatshortlyyoushallenjoyGod,andthenshallhavemorethanyoucanaskorthink!Youshallhaveangels"joy,glorywithoutintermissionorexpiration.Weshallneverenjoyourselvesfully—untilweenjoyGodeternally!

3.TheSCRIPTURES

Question2.WhatrulehasGodgiventodirectushowwemayglorifyandenjoyhim?

Answer:TheWordofGod,whichiscontainedinthescripturesoftheOldandNewTestaments,istheonlyruletodirectushowwemayglorifyandenjoyhim.

"AllScriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod."ByScriptureisunderstoodthe sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, theScriptureisnotthecontrivanceofman'sbrain—butisdivineinitsorigin.TheimageofDianawashadinvenerationbytheEphesians,becausetheysupposed it fell from Jupiter. The holy Scripture is to be highlyreverencedandesteemed,becausewearesureitcamefromheaven.ThetwoTestamentsarethetwolipsbywhichGodhasspokentous.

HowdoesitappearthattheScriptureshaveadivineauthoritystampeduponthem?

Because the Old and New Testament are the foundation of all truereligion. If theirdivinitycannotbeproved, the foundationonwhichwebuild our faith is gone. I shall therefore endeavor to prove this greattruth,thattheScripturesaretheverywordofGod.IwonderwhencetheScriptures should come—if not from God. Badmen could not be theauthorsofit.Wouldtheirmindsbeemployedininditingsuchholylines?Would they declare so fiercely against sin?Goodmen could not be theauthors of it. Could theywrite in such a strain? or could it standwiththeirgracetocounterfeitGod'sname,andput,"ThussaystheLord,"toabookoftheirowndevising?Norcouldanyangelinheavenbetheauthorofit,becausetheangelspryandsearchintotheabyssofgospelmysteries,whichimpliestheirignoranceofsomepartsofScripture;andsurely,theycannot be the authors of that bookwhich they themselves do not fullyunderstand. Besides, what angel in heaven dared be so arrogant as to

impersonateGodand,say,"Icreate,"and,"ItheLordhavesaidit,"?Sothat it is evident, thepedigreeofScripture is sacred,and it couldcomefromnonebutGodhimself.

NottospeakoftheharmoniousconsentofallthepartsofScripture,therearesevencogentargumentswhichmayevinceittobetheWordofGod.

[1] Its ANTIQUITY. It is of ancient standing. The grey hairs ofScripture make it venerable. No human histories extant reach furtherthanNoah'sflood:buttheholyScripturerelatesmattersoffactthathavebeenfromthebeginningoftheworld;itwritesofthingsbeforetime.ThatisasureruleofTertullian,"Thatwhichisofthegreatestantiquity,istobereceivedasmostsacredandauthentic."

[2]Wemayknow theScripture tobe theWordofGodby itsmiraculous PRESERVATION in all ages. The holy Scriptures aretherichestjewelthatChristhasleftus;andthechurchofGodhassokeptthesepublicrecordsofheaven,thattheyhavenotbeenlost.TheWordofGodhasneverlackedenemiestooppose,and,ifpossible,toextirpateit.They have given out a law concerning Scripture, as Pharaoh did themidwives,concerningtheHebrewwomen'schildren,tostrangleitinthebirth;butGodhaspreservedthisblessedBookinviolabletothisday.ThedevilandhisagentshavebeenblowingatScripturelight—butcouldneverblow it out; a clear sign that it was lighted from heaven. The letter ofScripture has been preserved, without any corruption, in the originaltongue.TheScriptureswerenotcorruptedbeforeChrist'stime,forthenChrist would not have sent the Jews to them. He said, "Search theScriptures."Heknewthesesacredspringswerenotmuddiedwithhumanfancies.

[3]TheScriptureappearstobetheWordofGod,bythesubjectMATTERcontainedinit.ThemysteryofScriptureissoabstruseandprofound that no man or angel could have known it, had it not beendivinelyrevealed.Thateternity—shouldbeborn;thathewhothundersintheheavens—shouldcryinthecradle;thathewhorulesthestars—shouldsuck the breasts; that the Prince of Life—should die; that the Lord ofGlory—shouldbeputtoshame;thatsinshouldbepunishedtothefull—yet pardoned to the full; who could ever have conceived of such a

mystery,hadnottheScripturerevealedittous?Justso,forthedoctrineof the resurrection; that the same body which is crumbled into athousand pieces, should rise the same individual body, else it were acreation, not a resurrection.How could such a sacred riddle, above allhumandisquisition,beknown,hadnottheScripturemadeadiscoveryofit?

AsthematterofScriptureissofullofgoodness,justiceandsanctity,thatitcouldbebreathedfromnonebutGod;sotheholinessofitshowsittobeofGod.Scriptureiscomparedtosilverrefinedseventimes.TheBookofGod has no errata in it; it is a beam of the Sun ofRighteousness, acrystalstreamflowingfromthefountainoflife.Alllawsandedictsofmenhave had their corruptions—but the Word of God has not the leasttincture—it is ofmeridian splendor. Psalm 119:940, "Yourword is verypure," like wine which comes from the grape, which is not mixed noradulterated. It is so pure that it purifies everything else. John 17:17,"Sanctify them through your truth." The Scripture presses holiness—asnootherbookeverdid. Itbidsus live"soberly, righteously,andgodly;"Soberly, in acts of temperance;righteously, inactsof justice;godly, inactsofpietyanddevotion. Itcommends tous,whatever is "just, lovely,andofgoodreport."ThisswordoftheSpiritcutsdownvice!Eph6:67.OutofthistowerofScripture,isthrownamillstoneupontheheadof sin! The Scripture is the royal law which commands not only theactions—but affections; it binds the heart to good behavior. Where istheresuchholinesstobefound—asisdugoutofthissacredmine?WhocouldbetheauthorofsuchabookbutGodhimself?

[4] That the Scripture is the Word of God is evident by itsPREDICTIONS. It prophesies of things to come, which shows thevoiceofGodspeakinginit.Itwasforetoldbytheprophet,"Avirginshallconceive," and, the "Messiah shall be cut off."Dan 9:96. The Scriptureforetellsthingsthatwouldfalloutmanyagesandcenturiesafter;ashowlong Israel should serve in the iron furnace, and the very day of theirdeliverance. "At the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even theself-same day, it came to pass that the host of the Lord went out ofEgypt." This prediction of future things, merely contingent, and notdepending upon natural causes, is a clear demonstration of its divine

origin.

[5] The impartiality of those men of God who wrote theScriptures, who do not spare to set down their own failings.Whatmanwhowritesahistory,wouldblackenhisownface,byrecordingthosethingsofhimselfwhichwouldstainhisreputation?Mosesrecordshisownimpatiencewhenhestrucktherock,andtellsus,hecouldnotonthat account enter into the land of promise. David relates his ownadultery and bloodshed, which stands as a blot in his escutcheon tosucceeding ages.Peter relates his own cowardliness in denying Christ.Jonahsets downhis own angry passions, "I dowell to be angry to thedeath." Surely had their pennot been guided byGod's ownhand, theywouldneverhavewrittenthatwhichreflectsdishonoruponthemselves.Menusuallyhidetheirblemishes,ratherthanpublishthemtotheworld;butthepenmenofholyScriptureeclipsetheirownname;theytakeawayallgloryfromthemselves,andgivetheglorytoGod.

[6]ThemightyPOWERandEFFICACYthattheWordhashaduponthesoulsandconsciencesofmen.

Ithaschangedtheirhearts.SomebyreadingScripturehavebeenturnedintoothermen;theyhavebeenmadeholyandgracious.Byreadingotherbooks the heart may be warmed—but by reading this book it istransformed. "You are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ,writtennotwithink—butwiththeSpiritofthelivingGod."TheWordwascopied out into their hearts, and they became Christ's epistle, so thatothersmightreadChrist in them.Ifyoushouldsetasealuponmarble,and it shouldmake an impression upon themarble, and leave a printbehind,therewouldbeastrangevirtueinthatseal;sowhenthesealoftheWord leaves a heavenly print of grace upon the heart, there mustneedsbeapowergoingalongwiththatWordnolessthandivine.

Ithascomforted their hearts.WhenChristians have sat by the riversweeping—theWordhasdroppedashoney,andsweetly revivedthem.AChristian's chief comfort is drawnout of thesewellsof salvation. Rom15:5, "That we through comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."Whenapoorsoulhasbeenreadytofaint—ithashadnothingtocomfortitbutaScripturecordial.

When it has been sick—the Word has revived it. "Our light affliction,whichisbutforamoment,worksforusafarmoreexceedingandeternalweightofglory."

When it has beendeserted—theWordhasdropped in the golden oil ofjoy."TheLordwillnotcastoff forever."Hemaychangehisprovidence,nothispurpose;hemayhavethelookofanenemy—buthehastheheartofafather.ThustheWordhasapowerinittocomforttheheart.Thisismy comfort inmy affliction; for your word has quickenedme." As thespiritsareconveyedthroughthearteriesofthebody,sodivinecomfortsare conveyed through the promises of the Word. Now, the Scriptureshaving such an exhilarating, heart-comforting power in them—showsclearly that they are of God—and it is he who has put the milk ofconsolationintothesebreasts.

[7] TheMIRACLES by which Scripture is confirmed. MiracleswereusedbyMoses,Elijah,andChrist,andwerecontinued,manyyearsafter, by the apostles—to confirm the verity of the holy Scriptures. Aspropsaresetunderweakvines,sothesemiraclesweresetundertheweakfaithofmen,thatiftheywouldnotbelievethewritingsoftheWord,theymightbelievethemiracles.WereadofGod'sdividingthewaters,makingapathwayintheseaforhispeopletogoover,theironswimming,theoilincreasingbypouringout,Christ'smakingwineofwater,hiscuringtheblind, and raising the dead. Thus God has set a seal to the truth anddivinityoftheScripturesbymiracles.

ThePapistscannotdenythattheScriptureisdivineandsacred;buttheyaffirmwithrespecttous,itreceivesitsdivineauthorityfromthechurch;andinproofofittheybringthatScripture,1Tim3:15,wherethechurchissaidtobethegroundandpillaroftruth.

Itistrue,thechurchisthepillaroftruth;butitdoesnotthereforefollowthat the Scripture has its authority from the church. The king'sproclamation is fixed on the pillar, the pillar holds it out, that allmayread—buttheproclamationdoesnotreceiveitsauthorityfromthepillar—butfromtheking;sothechurchholdsforththeScriptures—buttheydonotreceivetheirauthorityfromthechurch—butfromGod.IftheWordofGod be divine, merely because the church holds it forth, then it will

follow, that our faith is to be built upon the church, and not upon theWord, contrary to Eph 2:20. "Built upon the foundation (that is thedoctrine)oftheapostlesandprophets."

AreallthebooksintheBibleofthesamedivineauthority?

Thosewhichwecallcanonical.

WhyaretheScripturescalledcanonical?

BecausetheWordisaruleof faith, todirectour lives.TheWord is thejudgeofcontroversies,therockofinfallibility.Thatonlyistobereceivedfortruth,whichagreeswithScripture,asthetranscriptwiththeoriginal.AllmaximsindivinityaretobebroughttothetouchstoneofScripture,asallmeasuresarebroughttothestandard.

AretheScripturesacompleterule?

The Scripture is a full and perfect rule, containing in it all thingsnecessarytosalvation."FromachildyouhaveknowntheholyScriptures,which are able tomake you wise unto salvation." The Scripture showswhatwearetobelieve;andwhatwearetopractice.Itgivesusanexactmodel of true religion, and perfectly instructs us in the deep things ofGod. The Papists, therefore, make themselves guilty, who eke outScripture with their traditions, which they consider equal to it. TheCouncilofTrentsays,thatthetraditionsofthechurchofRomearetobereceivedparipietatisaffectu,withthesamedevotionthatScriptureistobe received; so bringing themselves under the curse. "If anyman shalladd unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that arewritteninthisbook."

WhatisthemainscopeandendofScripture?

Torevealawayofsalvation.ItmakesacleardiscoveryofChrist."Thesethings arewritten, that youmight believe that Jesus is the Christ, andthatbelievingyoumighthave life throughhisname."Thedesignof theWordistobeatestwherebyourgraceistobetried;asea-marktoshowuswhatrocksaretobeavoided.TheWordistopurifyandquickenour

affections;itistobeourdirectoryandconsolatory;itistowaftusovertothelandofpromise.

WhoshouldhavethepowerofinterpretingScripture?

ThePapistsassertthatitisinthepowerofthechurch.Ifyouaskwhomtheymeanbythechurch,theysay,ThePope,whoisheadofit,andheisinfallible. But that assertion is false, because many of the Popes havebeen ignorant and wicked, as Platina affirms, who writes the lives ofPopes. Pope Liberius was an Arian, and Pope John XII denied theimmortality of the soul; therefore Popes are not fit interpreters ofScripture;whothen?

TheScriptureistobeitsowninterpreter,orrathertheSpiritspeakinginit.Nothingcancutthediamondbutthediamond;nothingcaninterpretScripturebutScripture.Thesunbestdiscovers itselfby itsown beams;the Scripture interprets itself to the understanding. But the question isconcerninghardplacesofScripture,wheretheweakChristianisreadytowadebeyondhisdepth;whoshallinterprethere?

The church of God has appointed some to expound and interpretScripture; therefore he has given gifts to men. The several pastors ofchurches, like bright constellations, give light to dark Scriptures. "Thepriest's lipsshouldkeepknowledge,andtheyshouldseekthe lawathismouth."

Butthisistopinourfaithuponmen.

Wearetoreceivenothingastruth,butwhatisagreeabletotheWord.AsGodhasgiventohisministersgiftsforinterpretingobscureplaces,sohehasgiventohispeoplesomuchofthespiritofdiscerning,thattheycantell (at least in things necessary to salvation) what is consonant toScripture, and what is not. "To one is given a spirit of prophecy, toanother discerning of spirits." God has endued his people with such ameasureofwisdomanddiscretion, that they candiscernbetween truthanderror,and judgewhat is soundandwhat is spurious. "TheBereanssearched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Theyweighedthedoctrine theyheard,whether itwasagreeable toScripture,

thoughPaulandSilasweretheirteachers.

Useone:SeethewonderfulgoodnessofGod,who,besidesthelightofnature—hascommittedtousthesacredScriptures.Theheathenareenvelopedinignorance."Asforhisjudgments,theyhavenotknownthem."TheyhavetheoraclesoftheSibyls—butnotthewritingsofMosesandtheapostles.Howmanyliveintheregionofdeath,wherethisbright star of Scripture never appeared!We have this blessed Book ofGodtoresolveallourdoubts,topointoutawayoflifetous."Lord,howisityouwillmanifestyourselfuntous—andnotuntotheworld?"

GodhavinggivenushiswrittenWordtobeourdirectory,takesawayallexcusesfrommen.Nomancansay,"Iwentwrongforlackoflight."GodhasgivenyouhisWordasalamptoyourfeet;thereforeifyougowrong,you do itwillfully.Noman can say, "If I had known thewill ofGod, Iwould have obeyed it." You are inexcusable,Oman, forGod has givenyouaruletogoby,hehaswrittenhislawwithhisownfinger;therefore,if youobeynot, youhavenoexcuse left. If amaster leaveshismind inwritingwithhisservant,andtellshimwhatworkhewillhavedone,andtheservantneglects thework—thatservant is leftwithoutexcuse."Nowyouhavenoexcuseforyoursins."

Usetwo:IsallScriptureofdivineinspiration?

(1.) Is all Scripture of divine inspiration? Then it reproves thePAPISTS, who take away part of Scripture, and so clip the King ofheaven's coin. They expunge the second commandment out of theircatechisms,because it forbids idols "Youshallnotmake foryourselfanidolintheformofanythinginheavenaboveorontheearthbeneathorinthe waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them."Exodus20:4-5.Andit isusualwiththem, if theymeetwithanythinginScripturewhichtheydislike,eithertoputafalseglossuponit,or,ifthatwillnot do, to pretend it is corrupted.They are likeAnanias,whokeptbackpart of themoney. They keep back part of the Scripture from thepeople.ItisahighaffronttoGodtodefaceandobliterateanypartofhisWord,andbringsusunderthatcurse,"Ifanymanshalltakeawayfromthewordsofthebookofthisprophecy,Godshalltakeawayhispartoutofthebookoflife."

(2.) Is all Scripture of divine inspiration? Then it condemns theANTINOMIANS,wholayasidetheOldTestamentasuseless,andoutofdate;andcallthosewhoadheretothemOldTestamentChristians.GodhasstampedadivinemajestyuponbothTestaments;anduntil theycanshowme where God has repealed the Old, it stands in force. The twoTestamentsarethetwowellsofsalvation;theAntinomianswouldstopupone of these wells, they would dry up one of the breasts of Scripture.ThereismuchgospelintheOldTestament.ThecomfortsofthegospelintheNewTestamenthavetheirrisefromtheOld.ThegreatpromiseoftheMessiahisintheOldTestament,"Avirginshallconceiveandbearason."Nay,Isaymore.Themorallaw,insomepartsofit,speaksgospel,"IamtheLordyourGod;"hereisthepurewineofthegospel.Thesaints"greatcharter,whereGodpromisesto"sprinklecleanwateruponthem,andputhisSpiritwithinthem,"istobefoundprimarilyintheOldTestament.SothatthosewhotakeawaytheOldTestament,asSamsonpulleddownthepillars,wouldtakeawaythepillarsofaChristian'scomfort.

(3.) Is all Scripture of divine inspiration? Then it condemns theENTHUSIASTS,who,pretendingtohavetheSpirit,layasidethewholeBible,andsaytheScriptureisadeadletter,andtheyliveaboveit.Whatimpudence is this! Until we are above sin, we shall not be aboveScripture.LetnotmensotalkofarevelationfromtheSpirit—butsuspectittobeanimposture.TheSpiritofGodactsregularly,itworksinandbytheWord;andhewhopretendstoanewlight,whichiseitherabovetheWord, or contrary to it, abuses both himself and the Spirit: his light isborrowedfromhimwhotransformshimselfintoanangeloflight.

(4.) Is all Scripture of divine inspiration? Then it condemns theSLIGHTERSofScripture;suchasthosewhocangowholeweeksandmonthsandneverreadtheWord.Theylayitasideasrustyarmor;theyprefer a play or romance before Scripture. The weightymatters of theScripture,aretotheminsignificant.Ohhowmanycanbelookingattheirfacesinaglassallthemorning—buttheireyesbegintobesorewhentheylook upon a Bible! Heathens die for lack of Scripture, and these incontemptof it. They surelymust needs gowrongwho slight their onlyguide.Suchaslaythereinsupontheneckoftheirlusts,andneverusethecurbingbitofScripturetocheckthem,arecarriedtohell,andneverstop!

(5.) Is all Scripture of divine inspiration? Then it condemns theABUSERS of Scripture. Those who muddy and poison this purecrystalfountainwiththeircorruptglosses,andwhotwisttheScripture.They give wrong interpretations of it, not comparing Scripture withScripture;astheAntinomianspervertthatScripture,"Hehasnotbeheldiniquity in Jacob;" from which they infer that God's people may takelibertyinsin,becauseGodseesnosininthem.Itistrue,Godseesnosinin his people with an eye of revenge—but he sees it with an eye ofobservation.Heseesnotsininthem,soastodamnthem;butheseesit,soastobeangry,andseverelytopunishthem.DidnotDavidfinditso,when he cried out of his broken bones? In likemanner the ArminianswresttheScriptureinJohn5:40,"Youwillnotcometome;"wheretheybringinfreewill.ThistextshowshowwillingGodisthatweshouldhavelife;and that sinnersmaydomore than theydo, theymay improve thetalentsGodhasgiventhem;butitdoesnotprovethepoweroffreewill,forthatiscontrarytothatScripture,"Nomancancometome,excepttheFatherwhohassentmedrawshim."These, therefore,wringthetextsohard,thattheymakethebloodcomeout;theydonotcompareScripturewithScripture.

SomejestwithScripture.Whentheyaresad,theytaketheScriptureastheirluteorminstreltoplayupon,andsodriveawaythesadspirit;asadrunkardIhavereadof,who,havingdrunkoffhiscups,calledtosomeofhisfellows,"Giveusofyouroil,forourlampsaregoneout."InthefearofGod, take heed of jestingwith Scripture. Eusebius tells us of one, whotookapieceofScripturetomakeajestof—butwaspresentlystruckwitha frenzy and ranmad. It is a saying of Luther, "WhomGod intends todestroy,hegivesthemleavetoplaywithScripture."

Usethree:IftheScripturebeofdivineinspiration,thenbeexhorted,

(1.)ToSTUDYtheScripture.ItisacopyofGod'swill.BeScripture-men,Bible-Christians."IadorethefullnessofScripture,"saysTertullian.IntheBookofGodarescatteredmanytruthsassomanypearls."SearchtheScriptures."Searchas foraveinofsilver.ThisblessedBookwillfillyourheadwithknowledge,andyourheartwithgrace!Godwrotethetwotableswithhisownfingers;andifhetookpainstowrite,wellmaywetakepainstoread.ApolloswasmightyintheScriptures.Acts

18:24.TheWordisourMagnaChartaforHeaven;shallwebeignorantofourcharter?"LetthewordofGoddwellinyourichly."ThememorymustbeabookwheretheWordiswritten.

There ismajesty sparkling in every line of Scripture; take but oneinstance, "Who is thiswho comes fromEdom, from the cityofBozrah,withhisclothingstainedred?Whoisthisinroyalrobes,marchinginthegreatnessofhisstrength?ItisI,theLord,announcingyoursalvation!ItisI, theLord,who ismightytosave!"Here isa lofty,magnificentstyle.What angel could speak after this manner? Junius was converted byreadingone verse of John;hebeheld amajesty in it beyondall humanrhetoric.

There is amelody in Scripture. This is that blessed harpwhich drivesawaysadnessofspirit.Hearthesoundingofthisharpalittle."Thisisafaithfulsaying,andworthyofallacceptance,thatChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavesinners."Hetooknotonlyourfleshuponhim—butoursins!And,"Comeuntome,allyouthatareheavy laden—andIwillgiveyourest."HowsweetlydoesthisharpofScripturesound,whatheavenlymusicdoesitmakeintheearsofadistressedsinner,especiallywhenthefingerofGod'sSpirittouchesthisinstrument!

ThereisdivinityinScripture.Itcontainsthemarrowandquintessenceof truereligion.It isarockofdiamonds,amysteryofpiety.The lipsofScripturehavegracepouredintothem.TheScripturespeaksoffaith,self-denial,andallthegraceswhich,asachainofpearls,adornsaChristian.It excites to holiness; it treats of another world, it gives a prospect ofeternity!Oh,then,searchtheScripture!maketheWordfamiliartoyou.HadIthetongueofangels,IcouldnotsufficientlysetforththeexcellencyofScripture.Itisaspiritualtelescope,inwhichwebeholdGod'sglory;itisthetreeoflife,theoracleofwisdom,theruleofmanners,theheavenlyseed of which the new creature is formed. James 1:18. "The twoTestaments," says Austin, "are the two breasts which every Christianmustsuck,thathemaygetspiritualnourishment."Theleavesofthetreeoflifewereforhealing.Rev22:2.SotheseholyleavesofScriptureareforthehealingofoursouls.

The Scripture is profitable for all things. If we are deserted—here is

spicedwinethatcheerstheheavyheart;ifwearepursuedbySatan—hereis the sword of the Spirit to resist him; if we are diseased with sin'sleprosy—hereare thewatersof thesanctuary,both tocleanseandcure.Oh,then,searchtheScriptures!Thereisnodangerintastingthistreeofknowledge.Therewasapenaltylaidatfirst,thatwemightnottasteofthetreeofknowledge."Inthedaythatyoueatthereof,youshallsurelydie."ThereisnodangerinpluckingfromthistreeofholyScripture;ifwedonoteatofthistreeofknowledge,weshallsurelydie!Oh,then,readtheScriptures!TimemaycomewhentheScripturesmaybekeptfromus.

ReadtheBiblewithreverence.Thinkineverylineyouread—thatGodisspeakingtoyou.Thearkwhereinthelawwasputwasoverlaidwithpuregold,andwascarriedonbars, thattheLevitesmightnottouchit.Exod25:14.Whywasthis—buttogivereverencetothelaw?

Readwithseriousness.Itismatteroflifeanddeath;bythisWordyoumustbetried;conscienceandScripturearethejuryGodwillproceedby,injudgingyou.

Read the Word with affection. Get your hearts quickened with theWord;gotoittofetchfire.Luke24:42."Didnotourheartsburnwithinus?"LaborthattheWordmaynotonlybealamptodirect—butafiretowarm.Read theScripture,notonly as ahistory—but as a lovelettersenttoyoufromGod,whichmayaffectyourhearts.PraythatthesameSpiritwhowrotetheWordmayassistyouinreadingit;thatGod'sSpiritwouldshowyouthewonderfulthingsofhislaw."Gonear,"says God to Philip, "join yourself to this chariot." Acts 8:29. So, whenGod's Spirit joins himself with the chariot of his Word, it becomeseffectual.

(2.)BeexhortedtoPRIZEthewrittenWord."Ihavetreasuredthewordsofhismouthmorethanmydailybread."Job23:12.DavidvaluedtheWordmorethangold.WhatwouldthemartyrshavegivenforaleafoftheBible!TheWordisthefieldwhereChristthepearlofpriceishidden!Inthissacredminewedig,not forawedgeofgold—but foraweightofglory! The Scripture is a sacred eye-salve to illuminate us. "Thecommandmentisalamp,andthelawislight."TheScriptureisthechartand compass by which we sail to the new Jerusalem. It is a sovereign

cordial in all distresses.What are the promises but thewater of life torenewfainting spirits? Is it sinwhich troubles you?Here is aScripturecordial. Psalm 65:5, "Whenwewere overwhelmed by sins, you forgaveour transgressions." Do outward afflictions disquiet you? Here is aScripturecordial.Psalm91:15,"Iwillbewithhimintrouble,Iwilldeliverhim."Thus,asmannawaslaidupintheark,sopromisesarelaidupinthearkofScripture.

The Scripture will make us wise. Wisdom is above rubies. "By yourprecepts I get understanding." What made Eve desire the tree ofknowledge?"Itwasatreetomakeonewise."TheScripturesteachamanto know himself. They unmask Satan's snares and stratagems. "Theymakeonewisetosalvation."Oh,then,highlyprizetheScriptures.Ihaveread ofQueenElizabeth, that at her coronation, she received the Biblepresentedtoher,withbothherhands,andkissingit,laidittoherbosom,saying,thatthatbookhadeverbeenherchiefdelight.

(3.) If the Scripture is of divine inspiration, BELIEVE it. TheRomans, that they might gain credit to their laws, reported they wereinspired by the gods of Rome. Oh give credence to the Word! It isbreathed fromGod'sownmouth.Hencearises theprofanenessofmen,thattheydonotbelievetheScripture."Whohasbelievedourreport?"Didyoubelieve thegloriousrewards theScripturespeaksof,wouldyounotgive diligence tomake your election sure?Did you believe the infernaltormentstheScripturespeaksof,woulditnotputyouintoacoldsweat,and cause a trembling at heart for sin?But people are in part atheists,theygivebutlittlecredittotheWord,thereforetheyaresoimpious,anddrawsuchdarkshadowsintheirlives.LearntorealizeScripture,getyourheartswroughttoafirmbeliefofit.

Some think, if God would send an angel from heaven, and declare hismind,theywouldbelievehim;or,ifhewouldsendonefromthedamned,andpreachthetormentsofhellallinflames,theywouldbelieve.But,"IftheybelievenotMosesandtheprophets,neitherwilltheybepersuadedthoughonearosefromthedead."Luke16:61.Godiswise,andhethinksthefittestwaytomakehismindknowntous isbywriting;andsuchasshall not be convinced by theWord, shall be judged by theWord. Thebelief of Scripture is of high importance. It will enable us to resist

temptation.IJohn2:14."TheWordofGodabidesinyou,andyouhaveovercome the wicked one." It conduces much to our sanctification;therefore sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth, are puttogether.2Thess2:13.Ifthewordwrittenisnotbelieved,itislikewritingonwater,whichmakesnoimpression.

(4.)LOVEtheWordwritten."OhhowloveIyourlaw!""Lord,"saidAugustine, "let the holy Scriptures be my holy delight." Chrysostomcompares the Scripture to a garden, every truth is a fragrant flower,which we should wear, not on our bosom—but in our heart. DavidcountedtheWord"moredesirable thangold,eventhe finestgold.Theyaresweeter thanhoney, even honey dripping from the comb." There isthatinScripturewhichmaybreeddelight.Itshowsusthewaytoriches,Deut28:8,Prov3:30;tolonglife,Psalm34:42;toakingdom,Heb12:28.Well then may we count those the sweetest hours, which are spent inreading the holy Scriptures; well may we say with the prophet, "Yourwordswere found, and I ate them.Yourwordsbecameadelight tomeandthejoyofmyheart."

(5.)CONFORMtoScripture.LetusleadScripturelives.OhthattheBiblemightbeseenprintedinour lives!DowhattheWordcommands.ObedienceisanexcellentwayofcommentingupontheBible."Iwillwalkinyour truth."Let theWordbe thesun-dialbywhichyousetyour life.WhatarewethebetterforhavingtheScripture,ifwedonotdirectallourspeechandactionsaccordingtoit?Whatisacarpenterthebetterforhisruleabouthim, ifhesticks itathisback,andnevermakesuseof it formeasuringandsquaringhiswork?So,whatarewethebetterfortheruleoftheWord,ifwedonotmakeuseofit,andregulateourlivesbyit?Howmany swerve and deviate from the rule! TheWord teaches to be soberandtemperate—buttheyaredrunk!TheWordteachestobechasteandholy—buttheyareprofane;theygoquitefromtherule!Whatadishonoris it to true religion, formen to live in contradiction to Scripture! TheWordiscalleda"lighttoourfeet."Psalm119:105.Itisnotonlyalighttooureyestomendoursight—buttoourfeettomendourwalk.OhletusleadBiblelives!

(6.) CONTEND for Scripture. Though we should not be ofcontentious spirits, yetwe ought to contend for theWord ofGod. This

jewelistooprecioustobepartedwith."Holdontoinstruction,donotletitgo;guarditwell,foritisyourlife."TheScriptureisbesetwithenemies;heretics fight against it, wemust therefore "contend for the faith oncedelivered to the saints." The Scripture is our book of evidences forheaven; shall we part with our evidences? The saints of old were bothadvocatesandmartyrsfortruth;theywouldholdfastScripture,thoughitwerewiththelossoftheirlives.

(7.)BeTHANKFULtoGodfortheScriptures.Whatamercy is itthat God has not only acquainted us what his will is—but that he hasmade it known by writing! In the old times God revealed hismind byvisions—but the Word written is a surer way of knowing God's mind."Thisvoicewhichcamefromheavenweheard,wehavealsoamoresurewordofprophecy."ThedevilisGod'sape,andhecantransformhimselfintoanangeloflight;hecandeceivewithfalserevelations.Ihaveheardof one who had, as he thought, a revelation from God to sacrifice hischild,asAbrahamhad;whereupon,followingthisimpulseofthedevil,hekilled his child. Thus Satan deceives people with delusion, instead ofdivinerevelations;thereforewearetobethankfultoGodforrevealinghismind to us by writing. We are not left in doubtful suspense that weshouldnotknowwhattobelieve—butwehaveaninfallibleruletogoby.TheScripture is our pole-star to direct us to heaven, it shows us everystepwearetotake;whenwegowrong,itinstructsus;whenwegoright,it comforts us; and it ismatter of thankfulness, that the Scriptures aremadeintelligible,bybeingtranslatedintocontemporarylanguage.

(8.) Adore God's distinguishing grace, if you have felt thepowerandauthorityof theWorduponyourconscience; if youcan say asDavid, "Yourword has quickenedme." Christian, blessGodthathehasnotonlygivenyouhisWordtobearuleofholiness—buthisgracetobeaprincipleofholiness.BlessGodthathehasnotonlywrittenhisWord—butsealedituponyourheart,andmadeiteffectual.Canyousay it is of divine inspiration, because you have felt it to be of livelyoperation?Oh freegrace! thatGodshouldsendouthisWord,andhealyou; that he should heal you, and not others! That the same Scripturewhichtothemisadeadletter,shouldbetoyouasavoroflife!

GODANDHISCREATION

1.TheBeingofGod

Question3.Whatdothescripturesprincipallyteach?

Answer: The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believeconcerningGod,andwhatdutyGodrequiresofman.

Question4.WhatisGod?

Answer:GodisaSpirit,infinite,eternal,andunchangeable,inhisbeing,wisdom,power,holiness,justice,goodness,andtruth.

Hereis,

1.Somethingimplied.ThatthereisaGod.

2.Somethingexpressed.ThatheisaSpirit.

3.WhatkindofSpirit?

I.SomethingIMPLIED.ThatthereisaGod.

Thequestion,"WhatisGod?"takesforgrantedthatthereisaGod.ThebeliefofGod's existence, is the foundationof all religiousworship. "HewhocomestoGodmustbelievethatheis."Theremustbeafirstcause,whichgivesbeingtoallthingsbesides.

[1]Weknow that there isaGodby thebookofNATURE. Thenotionof aDeity is engravedonman'sheart; it isdemonstrableby thelight of nature. It hard for aman to be a natural atheist; hemaywishtherewerenoGod,hemaydisputeagainstaDeity—buthecannotinhisjudgment believe there is no God, unless by accumulated sin hisconsciencebeseared,andhehassucha lethargyuponhim,thathehas

sinnedawayhisverysenseandreason!

[2]We know that there is aGod by hisWORKS, and this is soevident a demonstration of a Godhead, that the most atheistic spirits,whentheyhaveconsideredtheseworks,havebeenforcedtoacknowledgesomewise and suprememaker of these things.Wewill beginwith thecreationof theglorious fabricofheavenandearth.Surely, theremustbe some architect or first cause. Theworld could notmake itself.Whocouldhangtheearthonnothing,butthegreatGod?Whocouldprovidesuchrichfurniturefortheheavens,thegloriousconstellations,theskiesbespangledwithsuchglitteringlights?WeseeGod'sgloryblazinginthesun,twinklinginthestars.Whocouldgivetheearthitsclothing,coveritwithgrassandcorn,adornitwithflowers,enrichitwithgold?Godalone.Job38:8.WhobutGodcouldmakethesweetmusicintheheavens,causetheangelstojoininconcert,andsoundforththepraisesoftheirMaker?"Themorning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted forjoy."

If amanshouldgo intoa far country, and see stately edifices there,hewouldnever imaginethat thesebuilt themselves—but thatsomegreaterpowerhadbuiltthem.ToimaginethattheworkofthecreationwasnotframedbyGod, is as ifwe shouldconceivean intricate landscape tobedrawn by a pencil, without the hand of an artist. "God whomade theworld,andallthingstherein."TocreateispropertotheDeity.

Thewisegovernmentof all things evinces there is aGod.God is thegreat superintendent of the world, he holds the golden reins ofgovernment in his hand, guiding all things most regularly andharmoniouslytotheirproperend.WhothateyesProvidence,butmustbeforced to acknowledge there is a God? Providence is the queen andgovernessoftheworld,itisthehandwhichturnsthewheelofthewholecreation;itsetsthesunitsrace,theseaitsbounds.IfGoddidnotguidetheworld,thingswouldrunintodisorderandconfusion.Whenonelooksonaclock,andseesthemotionofthewheels,thestrikingofthehammer,the hanging of the plummets—he would conclude that some artificermade it. Just so, whenwe see the excellent order and harmony in theuniverse,thesun,thatgreatluminary,dispensingitslightandheattotheworld,withoutwhich theworldwerebutagraveoraprison; therivers

sending forth their silver streams to refresh the bodies of men, andprevent a drought; and every creature acting within its sphere, andkeepingitsduebounds—wemustneedsacknowledgethereisaGod,whowiselyordersandgovernsallthesethings.

Whocouldsetthisgreatmultitudeofthecreaturesintheirseveralranksandsquadrons,andkeepthemintheirconstantmarch—butHE,whosenameistheLordAlmighty?AndasGoddoeswiselydisposeallthingsinthewholeregimentofthecreatures,so,byhispower,hesupportsthem.DidGodsuspendandwithdrawhisinfluenceeversolittle,thewheelsofthe creation would unpin, and the axle break asunder! Allmotion, thephilosopherssay,isfromsomethingthatisunmoveable.Asforexample,the elements are moved by the influence and motion of the heavenlybodies; thesunandmoon,andtheseplanets,aremovedby thehighestorb, called Primum Mobile; now, if one should ask, Who moves thathighestorb,oristhefirstmoveroftheplanets?ItcanbenootherthanGodhimself!

Manisamicrocosmor lesserworld.Theexcellentcontextandframeofhis body is wrought asmeticulously as needlework. "Youmade all thedelicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in mymother'swomb." This body is endowed with a noble soul. Who but God couldmakesuchaunionofdifferentsubstancesasfleshandspirit?Inhimwelive,andmove,andhaveourbeing.ThelivingmotionofeverypartofthebodyshowsthereisaGod.Wemayseesomethingofhiminthesparklingoftheeye;andifthecabinetofthebodybesocuriouslywrought,whatisthejewel—thesoul?Thesoulhasacelestialbrightnessinit;asonesays,"It is a diamond set in a ring of clay."What noble faculties is the soulendowed with! Understanding, Will, Affections—are a mirror of theTrinity,asPlatospeaks.Thematterofthesoul isspiritual, it isadivinespark lighted fromheaven; andbeing spiritual, is immortal, asScaligernotes; "the soul does notwax old," it lives forever.Who could create asoulennobledwithsuchrareangelicproperties,butGod?WemustneedssayasthePsalmist,"Itishewhohasmadeus,andnotweourselves."

[3]Wemay prove a Deity by our CONSCIENCE. Conscience isGod's deputy or viceregent. Conscience is awitness of aDeity. If therewerenoBibletotellusthereisaGod—yetconsciencewould.Conscience,

as the apostle says, either "accuses" or "excuses." Rom 2:15. It acts inorder to a higher judicatory. Natural conscience, being kept free fromgrosssin,excuses.Whenamandoesvirtuousactions, livessoberlyandrighteously, observes the golden maxim—doing to others as he wouldhavethemdotohim—thenconscienceapproves,andsays,"Welldone!"Likeabeeitgiveshoney.Naturalconscienceinthewickedaccuses.Whenmen go against its light they feel theworm of conscience. "Alas!Whatscorpion lurkswithin?" -Seneca.Conscience,beingsinnedagainst, spitsfire in men's faces, and fills them with shame and horror. When thesinner seesahandwritingon thewallof conscience,his countenance ischanged!

Many have hanged themselves to quiet their conscience. Tiberius theemperor, a bloody man, felt the lashes of his conscience; he was sohauntedwith that fury, thathe told the senate,he suffereddeathdaily.What could put a man's conscience into such an agony, but theimpression of a Deity, and the thoughts of coming before his justtribunal?Thosewhoareabovehumanlaws,aresubjecttothechecksoftheir own conscience. And it is observable, the nearer the wickedapproachtodeath, themore theyare terrified.Whence is thisbut fromtheapprehensionofapproachingjudgement?Thesoul,beingsensibleofits immortal nature, trembles at him who never ceases to live, andthereforewillneverceasetopunish!

[4]That there isaGod,appearsby theconsentanduniversalsuffrageofallmen."Thereisnonationsobarbarous,"saysTully,"asnot tobelieve there is aGod."Though theheathendidnotworship thetrue God—yet they worshiped a god. They set up an altar, "To theunknown God." Acts 17:23. They knew a God should be worshiped,though they knew not the God whom they ought to worship. SomeworshipedJupiter,someNeptune,someMars.Ratherthannotworshipsomething,theywouldworshipanything.

[5]ThatthereisaGod,appearshispredictionoffuturethings—that is, by fulfilled prophecy. He who can foretell things whichshall surely come to pass, is the true God. God foretold, that a virginshouldconceive;heprefixedthetimewhentheMessiahshouldbecutoff.HeforetoldthecaptivityoftheJewsinBabylon,andwhowouldbetheir

deliverer.GodhimselfusesthisargumenttoproveheisthetrueGod,andthat all the gods of the heathens are fictions and nullities. To foretellthings contingent,which depend upon no natural causes, is peculiar toDeity.

[6]ThatthereisaGod,appearsbyhisunlimitedPOWERandSOVEREIGNTY.Hewho canwork, andnone canhinder—is the trueGod.OnlyGodcandoso."Iwillwork—andwhoshallhinderit?"Nothingcanhinderactionbutsomesuperiorpower;butthereisnopoweraboveGod!Allpowerthatis,isbyhim,thereforeallpowerisunderhim.Hehasa"mightyarm."Heseesthedesignswhichmendriveatagainsthim,andplucksoff their chariotwheels;hemakes thedivinersmad.He cuts offthespiritofprinces;hebridlesthesea,giveschecktotheleviathan,andbindsthedevilinchains.Heactsaccordingtohispleasure,hedoeswhathewill."Iwillwork,andwhoshallhinderit?"

[7]Therearedevils,thereforethereisaGod.Atheistscannotdenybuttherearedevils,andthentheymustgrantthereisaGod.Wereadofmany possessed of the devil. The devils are called in Scripture "hairyones",becausetheyoftenappearedintheformofgoatsorsatyrs.Now,ifthereisadevil,thereisaGod.Socrates,aheathen,whenaccusedathisdeath, confessed, that, as he thought there was an evil spirit, so hethoughttherewasagoodspirit.

Useone:SeeingthereisaGod—itreprovessuchatheisticfoolsas deny it. Epicurus denied there was a Providence, saying that allthingshappenedbychance.HewhosaysthereisnoGodisthewickedestcreaturethatis—heisworsethanathief.Thethieftakesawayourgoods—but the atheist would take away ourGod from us! "They have takenawaymyLord."Sowemaysayofatheists,theywouldtakeawayourGodfromus,inwhomallourhopeandcomfortislaidup."Thefoolhassaidinhisheart,ThereisnoGod."Hedarednotspeakitwithhistongue—butsaysitinhisheart—hewishesit.Surely,nonecanbespeculativeatheists."Thedevilsbelieveandtremble."

I have read of oneArthur—a professed atheist—who,when he came todie,criedoutthathewasdamned.Thoughtherearefewfoundwhosay,"ThereisnoGod!"yetmanydenyhimintheirpractices."Inworksthey

denyhim."Theworld is fullofpracticalatheism;mostpeople liveas iftheydidnotbelievetherewasaGod.Wouldthedaretheylie,defraud,beimmoral—if they believed there were a God who would call them toaccount?IfaheathenwhoneverheardofaGodshouldcomeamongus,andhavenoothermeanstoconvincehimofaDeity—butthelivesofmeninourage,surelyhewouldquestionwhethertherewereaGod!

Use two: Seeing there is aGod—hewill deal righteously, andgivejustrewardstomen.Thingsseemtobecarriedonintheworld,veryunequally;thewickedflourish.ThosewhotemptGodaredelivered.Theripeclusterofgrapes is squeezed into their cup. In themeanwhile,thegodly,whoweptforsin,andservedGod—areafflicted."Ihaveeatenasheslikebread,andmingledmydrinkwithweeping."Evilmenenjoyallthegood—andgodlymenendurealltheevil.ButseeingthereisaGod—hewilldealrighteouslywithmen."ShallnottheJudgeofalltheearthdoright?"Offendersmustcometopunishment.Thesinner'sdeath-day,anddooms-dayiscoming."TheLordseesthathisdayiscoming."Whilethereisahell,thewickedshallbescourgedenough;andwhilethereiseternity,they shall lie there long enough! AndGodwill abundantly compensatethe faithful serviceofhispeople.They shallhave theirwhite robesandcrowns."Trulythereisarewardfortherighteous:trulyheisaGodwhojudgesintheearth."BecauseGodisGod,hewillgivegloriousrewardstohispeople.

Use three:Seeing there is aGod,woe toall suchashave thisGodagainst them.He lives forever tobeavengedupon them."Can your heart endure, or can your hands be strong in the day that Ishalldealwithyou?"Suchasopposehissaints,tramplingthesejewelsinthe dust, and such as live in contradiction to God'sWord—engage theInfiniteMajestyofheavenagainst them!Howdismalwill theircasebe!"AssurelyasIlive,whenIsharpenmyflashingswordandbegintocarryout justice, Iwillbringvengeanceonmy enemies and repay thosewhohateme!"ifitbesoterribletohearthelionroar,whatmustitbewhenhebegins to tearhis prey? "Consider this, you that forgetGod, lest I tearyouinpieces!"Ohthatmenwouldthinkofthis,whogooninsin!Shallwe engage the greatGod against us?God strikes slow—but heavy!"Have you an arm likeGod?"Can you strike such a blow?God is the

best friend—but the worst enemy! If he can lookmen into theirgrave,howfarcanhethrowthem?"Whoknowsthepowerofhiswrath?"What fools are they,who, for adropofpleasure—drinka seaofwrath!Paracelsus speaks of a craze some have, which will make them diedancing;sosinnersgodancingtohell.

Usefour:SeeingthereisaGod,letusfirmlybelievethisgreatarticleofourCreed.Whattruereligioncantherebeinmen,iftheydonotbelieveaDeity?"HewhocomestoGodmustbelievethathe is."ToworshipGod,andpraytohim,andnotbelievethereisaGod—istoputahighscornandcontemptuponhim.BelievethatGodistheonlytrueGod—such a God as he has revealed himself in his Word, "A lover ofrighteousness,andhaterofwickedness."TherealbeliefofaDeitygiveslifetoallpiousworship;themorewebelievethetruthandinfinitenessofGod—the more holy and angelic we are in our lives. Whether we arealone,orincompany—Godseesus!Heistheheart-searcher!Thebeliefofthis would make us live always under God's eye. "I have set the Lordalwaysbeforeme."

The belief of a Deity would be a bridle to sin—and a spur to duty. Itwouldaddwingstoprayer,andoiltothelampofourdevotion.Thebeliefof a Deity would cause dependence upon God in all our straits andexigencies."IamGodall-sufficient!"IamaGodwhocansupplyallyourneeds, scatter all your fears, resolve all your doubts, conquer all yourtemptations!ThearmofGod'spowercanneverbeshrunk!Hecancreatemercyforus,andthereforecanhelp,andnotbebeholdentothecreature.DidwebelievethereisaGod,wewouldsodependonhisprovidenceasnottouseanyindirectmeans;weshouldnotrunourselvesintosin,toridourselvesoutof trouble. "Is it notbecause there isnot aGod in Israel,thatyougotoinquireofBaalzebub,thegodofEkron?"Whenmenruntosinful shifts—it is because they either donot believe there is aGod—orthatheisall-sufficient!

Use five: Seeing there is a God, let us labor to get a savinginterest in him. "This God is ourGod." Since the fall we have lostlikeness toGod, and communionwithGod; let us labor to recover thislostinterest,andpronouncethisShibboleth,"MyGod."ItislittlecomforttoknowthereisaGod—unlesshebeours!Godoffershimselftobeour

God."IwillbetheirGod."Faithcatchesholdoftheoffer,itappropriatesGod,andmakesallthatisinhim—overtoustobeours!Hiswisdomtobeours—to teach us; his holiness ours—to sanctify us; his Spirit ours—tocomfort us; hismercy ours—to save us.To be able to say, "God ismine!"ismorethantohavealltheminesofgoldandsilver!

Usesix:SeeingthereisaGod,letusserveandWORSHIPhimasGod.Itwasanindictmentbroughtagainstsome,"TheyglorifiedhimnotasGod."

Letuspraytohimas toGod.Praywith fervency. "Aneffectual ferventprayeravailsmuch."Fervency isboth the fireand the incense;withoutfervencyitisnoprayer.

LetuslovehimasGod."YoushalllovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheart."To lovehimwithall theheart, is to givehimprecedence inourlove, to let him have the cream of our affections; to love him not onlyappreciatively, but intensively, as much as we can. As the sunbeamsunitedinamagnifyingglassburnthehotter—soallouraffectionsshouldbeunited,thatourlovetoGodmaybemoreardent.

LetusobeyhimasGod.Allothercreaturesobeyhim!Thestarsfighthisbattles; thewindandseaobeyhim.Howmuchmore shouldmanobeyGod,whomhehasenduedwithaprincipleofreason.HeisGod,andhasasovereigntyoverus;therefore,aswereceivedlifefromhim,sowemustreceivealawfromhim,andsubmittohiswillinallthings.Thisistokisshimwithakissofloyalty,anditistoglorifyhimasGod.

II. Something EXPRESSED. John 4:24. "God is aSpirit." "God isessentially,spirit."Zanchius.

Whatdoyoumeanwhenyousay,GodisaSpirit?

Byaspirit Imean,God isan immaterial substance,ofapure, unmixedessence,notcompoundedofbodyandsoul,withoutallextensionofparts.Thebodyisadreggishthing.ThemorespiritualGod'sessence,themorenobleandexcellentitis.Thespiritsarethemorerefinedpartofthewine.

WhereindoesGoddifferfromotherspirits?

[1]TheANGELSarespirits.Wemustdistinguishspirits.Theangelsarecreated;GodisanuncreatedSpirit.Theangelsarefinite,andcapableofbeingannihilated;thesamepowerwhichmadethemisabletoreducethemto their firstnothing;butGod isan infiniteSpirit.Theangelsareconfined spirits, they are confined to a place; but God is an immenseSpirit, and in all places at once. The angels, though spirits, are butministering spirits. Though they are spirits, they are servants.God is asuper-excellentSpirit,theFatherofspirits.

[2]TheSOULisaspirit."ThespiritshallreturntoGodwhogaveit."

HowdoesGod,beingaSpirit,differfromthesoul?

Servetus and Osiander thought, that the soul being infused, conveyedintomantheveryspiritandsubstanceofGod.Thisisanabsurdopinion,fortheessenceofGodisincommunicable.

When it is said the soul is a spirit, it means that God has made itintelligible,andstampeduponithislikeness,nothisessence.

But is it not said, that we are made partakers of the divinenature?

Bydivinenaturethere,ismeantdivinequalities.2Pet1:1.Wearemadepartakers of thedivinenature, not by identity or unionwith thedivineessence—butbya transformation into thedivine likeness.Thusyou seehow God differs from other spirits—angels and souls of men. He is aSpiritoftranscendentexcellence,the"Fatherofspirits."

Against this Vorstius and the Anthropomorphites object, that, inScripture,ahumanshapeand figure isgiven toGod;he is said tohaveeyesandhands.

It is contrary to the nature of a spirit to have a corporeal substance."Handleme,andseeme:foraspirithasnotfleshandbones,asyouseeme have." Bodily members are ascribed to God, not properly—butmetaphorically,andinaborrowedsense.BytherighthandoftheLordis

meanthispower;bytheeyesoftheLordismeanthiswisdom.NowthatGodisaSpirit,andisnotcapableofbodilyshapeorsubstance,isclear,forabodyisvisible—butGodisinvisible;thereforeheisaSpirit."Whomnomanhasseen,norcansee;"notbyaneyeofsense.Abodyislocal,canbebutinoneplaceatonce—butGodiseverywhere,inallplacesatonce;thereforehe isaSpirit.Psalm139:9,8.God'scenter iseverywhere,andhiscircumferenceisnowhere.Abodybeingcompoundedofintegralpartsmaybedissolved;buttheGodheadisnotcapableofdissolution.Hecanhave no end—from whom all things have their beginning. So that itclearly appears thatGod is aSpirit,whichadds to theperfectionofhisnature.

Use one: If God is a Spirit, then he is impenetrable; he is notcapableofbeinghurt.Wickedmensetuptheirbanners,andbendtheirforcesagainstGod;theyaresaidtofightagainstGod.Butwhatwillthisfightingavail?Whathurtcan theydo to theDeity?God isaSpirit,andtherefore cannot receive any hurtful impression. Wicked men mayimagineevilagainsttheLord."WhatdoyouimagineagainsttheLord?"ButGodbeingaSpiritisimpenetrable.Thewickedmayeclipsehisglory—but cannot touch his essence. God can hurt his enemies—but theycannothurthim. Julianmight throwuphis dagger into the air againstHeaven—butcouldnottouchtheDeity.

God is aSpirit, invisible.Howcan thewickedwith all their forceshurthim, when they cannot see him?Hence all the attempts of thewickedagainstGodare foolish, andproveabortive. "Thekingsof the earth setthemselvesagainsttheLordandagainsthisanointed.Hewhositsintheheavens shall laugh." God is a Spirit, he can wound them—but theycannottouchhim.

Usetwo:IfGodisaSpirit,itshowsthefollyofthePapists,whoworshiphimbypicturesand images.Asa spirit,wecannotmakeanyimagetorepresenthim.Deut4:12,"TheLordspoketoyououtofthefire. You heard the sound of words but saw no form; therewas only avoice."

GodbeingaSpirit is imperceptible, cannotbediscerned;how then canthere be any picturemade of him? Isa 40:18, "Towhom, then, canwe

compareGod?What imagemight we find to resemble him?"How canyoupainttheDeity?Canwemakeanimageofthatwhichweneversaw?You sawno image.God is a Spirit. Itwere folly to endeavor tomake apictureofthesoul,becauseit isathingspiritual,ortopainttheangels,becausetheyarespirits.

GodisalsoanomnipresentSpirit;heispresentinallplaces"DonotIfillheavenandearth?saystheLord."Therefore,beingeverywherepresent,itisabsurdtoworshiphimbyanimage.Wereitnotafoolishthingtobowdowntotheking'spicture,whenthekingispresent?Soitis toworshipGod'simage,whenGodhimselfispresent.

HowthenshallweconceiveofGodasaSpirit,ifwemaymakenoimageorresemblanceofhim?

We must conceive of him spiritually. In his attributes; his holiness,justice, and goodness, which are the beams bywhich his divine natureshines forth.Wemust conceive of himashe is inChrist. "Christ is theimageoftheinvisibleGod."SettheeyesofyourfaithonChristasGod-man.InChristweseesomesparklingsofthedivineglory;inhimthereistheexactresemblanceofallhisFather'sexcellencies.Thewisdom, love,andholinessofGodtheFather,shineforthinChrist."Hewhohasseenme,hasseentheFather."

Usethree:IfGodisaSpirit,itshowsusthatthemorespiritualwegrow, themorewegrowliketoGod.Howdoearthandspiritagree?Phil3:19.Earthlyonesmaygivefortheirinsignia,themoleorrat,which live in the earth.What resemblance is there between an earthlyheart, andhimwho is aSpirit?Themore spiritual anyone is, themorelikeGod.

Whatisittobespiritual?

Toberefinedandholy,tohavetheheartstillinheaven,tobethinkingofGod and glory, and to be carried up in a fiery chariot of love to God.Psalm73:35."WhomhaveIinheavenbutyou?"whichBezaparaphrasesthus,"Begoneearth!OhthatIwereinheavenwithyou!"AChristian,whoistakenofffromtheseearthlythings,hasanoblespiritualsoul,andmost

resembleshimwhoisaSpirit.

Usefour:ItshowsthattheworshipwhichGodrequiresofus,and is most acceptable to him, is spiritual worship. "Trueworshiperswillworship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are thekind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipersmustworship inspiritand in truth."John4:23-24.Spiritualworship ispureworship.ThoughGodwillhave theserviceofourbodies,oureyesandhandsliftedup,totestifytoothersthatreverencewehaveofhisgloryandmajesty—yethewillchieflyhavetheworshipofthesoul."GlorifyGodin your body, and in your spirit." God prizes spirit-worship, because itcomesneartohisownnature,whichisaSpirit.

WhatisittoworshipGodinspirit?

(1.) To worship him without ceremonies. The ceremonies of the law,whichGodhimselfordained,arenowabrogated,andoutofdate.Christthe substance being come, the shadows fly away; and therefore theapostle calls the legal ceremonies, carnal rites. Ifwemaynotuse thoseJewishceremonieswhichGodonceappointed,thenwemaynotusethosewhichheneverappointed.

(2.)ToworshipGodinspirit,istoworshiphimwithfaithinthebloodoftheMessiah.Heb 10:19. It is toworship himwith the utmost zeal andintensenessof soul.This is toworshipGod inspirit.Themorespiritualanyserviceis,theneareritcomestoGod,whoisaSpirit,andthemoreexcellentitis.Thespiritualpartofdutyisthefatofthesacrifice:itisthesoul andquintessenceof true religion.The richest cordials aremadeofspirits,andthebestdutiesaresuchasareofaspiritualnature.GodisaSpirit, and will be worshiped in spirit; it is not pompof worship—butpurity,whichGodaccepts.

Repentance is not in the outward severities used to the body—such aspenance,fasting,andchastisingthebody—butitconsistsinthesacrificeof a broken heart. Thanksgiving does not stand in church-music, themelody of an organ—but rather in making melody in the heart to theLord. Eph 5:19. Prayer is not the tuning the voice into a heartlessconfession,orcountingoverafewprayerbeads—butitconsists insighs

andgroans,Rom8:26.Whenthefireoffervencyisputtotheincenseofprayer—thenitascendsasasweetfragrancetoGod.Thetrueholywateris not thatwhich the pope sprinkles—but is distilled from the penitenteye.Spirit-worshipbestpleasesthatGodwhoisaSpirit.John4:23,"Trueworshiperswillworship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are thekindofworshipers theFather seeks." See the great acceptance of such,andhowGodisdelightedwithspiritualworship.Thisisthesavorymeatwhich God loves. How fewmind this! They give himmore dregs thansouls; they think it enough to bring their duties—but not their hearts;whichmakes God disclaim the very services he himself appointed. Isa1:12.Ezek33:31.LetusthengiveGodspirit-worship,whichbestsuitshisnature.

A sovereign elixir full of virtuemay be given in a fewdrops. So a littleprayer, if it be with the heart and spirit, may have much virtue andefficacyinit.Thepublicanmadebutashortprayer,"Godbemercifultome a sinner," but it was full of life and spirit; it came from the heart,thereforeitwasacceptedbyGod.

Usefive:LetuspraytoGod,thatasheisaSpirit,sohewillgiveus of his Spirit.The essence of God is incommunicable; but not themotions, thepresenceandinfluencesofhisSpirit.Whenthesunshinesin a room, not the body of the sun is there—but the light, heat, andinfluenceofthesun.GodhasmadeapromiseofhisSpirit."IwillputmySpiritwithinyou."Turnpromises intoprayers. "OLord, youwhoare aSpirit, give me of your Spirit; I beg your Spirit, your enlightening,sanctifying,quickening,Spirit."Melanchthonprayed,"Lord, inflamemysoulwithyourHolySpirit."HowneedfulishisSpirit!Wecannotdoanydutywithoutit,inalivelymanner.Whenthiswindblowsuponoursails—wemoveswiftlytowardsheaven.Letuspray,therefore,thatGodwouldgiveusoftheinfluenceofhisSpirit,thatwemaymovemorevigorouslyinthesphereoftruereligion.

Usesix:AsGodisaSpirit,sotheREWARDSthathegivesarespiritual.As the chief blessings he gives us in this life are spiritualblessings,Eph1:1,notgoldandsilver;ashegivesChrist,hislove;hefillsuswithgrace;sothemainrewardshegivesusafterthislifearespiritual,"a crownof glorywhichdoesnot fade away."Earthly crowns fade—but

the believer's crown being spiritual, is immortal, a never-fading crown."It is impossible," saysone, "for thatwhich is spiritual, tobe subject tochangeorcorruption."ThismaycomfortaChristianinallhislaborsandsufferings;helaysouthimselfforGod,andhaslittleornorewardhere;butremember,God,whoisaSpirit,willgivespiritualrewards—asightofhis face inheaven,white robes, an eternalweightof glory!Benot thenwearyofGod'sservice; thinkof thespiritual reward, thecrownofglorywhichdoesnotfadeaway.

III.WhatkindofSpiritisGod?

Answer: God is infinite. All created beings are finite. Though infinitymaybeappliedtoallGod'sattributes—heisinfinitelymerciful,infinitelywise, infinitely holy—yet, if we take infinity it implies God'somnipresence.

1.TheOMNIPRESENCEofGod.

TheGreekwordfor"infinite"signifies"withoutboundsorlimits."Godisnotconfinedtoanyplace.Heisinfinite,andsoispresentinallplacesatonce. His center is everywhere. "In no place is God's Being eitherconfined or excluded," Augustine. "Behold, the heaven and heaven ofheavenscannotcontainyou."TheTurksbuildtheirtemplesopenatthetop,toshowthatGodcannotbeconfinedtothem—butisinallplacesbyhispresence.God'sessenceisnotlimitedeithertotheregionsabove,orto the terrestrial globe—but is everywhere. As philosophers say of thesoul,"thesoulisineverypartofthebody,"intheeye,heart,foot;sowemaysayofGod,hisessenceiseverywhere;hiscircuitisinheaven,andinearth,andsea,andheisinallplacesofhiscircuitatonce."Thisistobeinfinite."God,whoboundseverythingelse,ishimselfwithoutbounds.Hesetsboundstothesea,"Hithertoshallyoucome,andnofurther!"Hesetsbounds to the angels; they, like the cherubim, move and stand at hisappointment, but he is infinite, without bounds. He who can span theheavens,andweightheearthinscales,mustneedsbeinfinite!

VorstiusmaintainsthatGodisinallplacesatonce—butnotinregardofhisessence;butbyhisvirtueandinfluence:asthebodyofthesunis in

heaven,itonlysendsforthitsbeamsandinfluencestotheearth;orasaking,whoisinallplacesofhiskingdomauthoritatively,byhispowerandauthority—butheispersonallyonhisthrone.

God,whoisinfinite,isinallplacesatonce,notonlybyhisinfluence—butbyhisessence; for, ifhis essence fillsallplaces, thenhemustneedsbethereinperson.Jer23:34."DonotIfillheavenandearth?"

ButdoesnotGodsaythatheavenishisthrone?Isa66:6.

Itisalsosaid,thatahumbleheartishisthrone.Thehumbleheartishisthrone, inregard tohisgraciouspresence;andheaven ishis throne, inregardtohisgloriouspresence;andyetneitherofthesethroneswillholdhim,fortheheavenofheavenscannotcontainhim.

But ifGod is infinite in all places—he is in impureplaces, andmingleswithimpurity.

ThoughGodisinallplaces,intheheartofasinnerbyhisinspection,andinhellbyhisjustice—yethedoesnotminglewiththeimpurity,orreceivethe least tincture of evil. "The divine nature does not intermix withcreated matter, nor is contaminated by its impurities," Augustine. Nomorethanthesunshiningonadunghillisdefiled,oritsbeautyspotted;orthanChrist going among sinnerswas defiled,whoseGodheadwas asufficientantidoteagainstinfection.

Godmustneedsbeinfiniteinallplacesatonce,notonlyinregardtothesimplicity and purity of his nature—but in regard to his power, whichbeingsoglorious,whocansetboundstohim,orprescribehimacircuittowalkin?Itisasifthedropshouldlimittheocean,oracandlesetboundstothesun.

Useone:IfGodisinfinite,presentinallplacesatonce,thenitiscertainhegovernsallthingsinhisownperson,andneedsnoproxiesordeputies tohelphimtocarryonhisgovernment.He is inallplacesinaninstant,andmanagesallaffairsbothintheearthandheaven.Akingcannotbeinallplacesofhiskingdominhisownperson,thereforeheisforcedtogovernbydeputiesandviceregents,andtheyoftenpervert

justice. But God, being infinite, needs no deputies, he is present in allplaces,heseesallwithhisowneyes,andhearsallwithhisownears;heiseverywhereinhisownperson,thereforeisfittobethejudgeoftheworld;hewilldoeveryoneright.

Use two: IfGod is infinite by his omnipresence, then see thegreatnessandimmensenessofthedivinemajesty!WhatagreatGoddoweserve!"Yours,OLord,isthegreatness,andtheglory,andthemajesty,andyouareexaltedasheadaboveall."WellmaytheScripturedisplay the greatness of his glory, who is infinite in all places. Hetranscends our weak conceptions; how can our finite understandingcomprehend himwho is infinite?He is infinitely above all our praises."Blessedbeyourgloriousname,which isexaltedaboveallblessingandpraise." Oh what a poor nothing is man, when we think of God'sinfiniteness!Asthestarsdisappearattherisingofthesun,oh,howdoesamanshrinkintonothing,wheninfinitemajestyshinesforthinitsglory!"The nations are as a drop in the bucket, or the small dust of thebalance!"Oh,whata littleof thatdroparewe individuals!TheheathenthoughttheyhadsufficientlypraisedJupiterwhentheycalledhimgreatJupiter.OfwhatimmensemajestyisGod,whofillsallplacesatonce!

Usethree:IfGodisinfinite,fillingheavenandearth,seewhatafullportionthesaintshave.Theyhavehimwhoisinfinitefortheirportion!His fullness is an infinite fullness; and he is infinitelysweet,aswellasinfinitelyfull.Ifacupisfilledwithwine,thereisasweetfullness—butstillitisfinite;butGodisasweetfullness,anditisinfinite.He is infinitely full of beauty and of love. His riches are calledunsearchable, because theyare infinite,Eph3:8.Stretchyour thoughtsasmuchasyoucan, there is that inGodwhichexceeds; it isan infinitefullness.He is said to do abundantly for us, above all thatwe can ask."Now to himwho is able to do immeasurablymore than all we ask orimagine, according to his power that is at work within us," Ephesians3:20. What can an ambitious person ask? He can ask crowns andkingdoms,millions ofworlds; butGod can givemore thanwe canask,nay,morethanwecanimagine,becauseheisinfinite!

Wecanimagine—whatifallthedustwereturnedtosilver—whatifeveryflowerwerearuby—whatifeverysandintheseaadiamond;yetGodcan

givemorethanwecanimagine,becauseheisinfinite.Ohhowricharethey who have the infinite God for their portion! Well mightDavidsay,"SurelyIhaveadelightfulinheritance!"Psalm16:6.

Wemaygowiththebeefromflowertoflower—butweshallneverhavefull satisfaction until we come to the infinite God! Jacob said: "I haveenough!"IntheHebrewitis,"Ihaveall!"becausehehadtheinfiniteGodforhisportion!Gen33:11.Godbeinganinfinitefullness,thereisnofearoflackforanyoftheheirsofheaven.Thoughtherearemillionsofsaintsandangels,whohaveashareinGod'sriches—yethehasenoughforthemall,becauseheisinfinite!Thoughathousandmenbeholdthesun—thereislightenoughforthemall.Puteversomanybucketsintothesea—thereiswaterenoughtofillthem.ThoughaninnumerablecompanyofsaintsandangelsaretobefilledoutofGod's fullness—yetGod,being infinite,hasenoughtosatisfythem.Godhaslandenoughtogivetoallhisheirs.Therecanbenolack,inthatwhichisinfinite.

Usefour:IfGodisinfinite,hefillsallplaces,andiseverywherepresent.This is dreadful to thewicked.God is their enemy, and theycannotescapehim,norfleefromhim,forheiseverywherepresent!Theyareneveroutofhiseye,noroutofhisreach."Yourhandshallfindoutallyourenemies."Whatcavesorthicketscanmenhidein—thatGodcannotfind them?Gowhere they will, he is present. "Where shall I flee fromyourpresence?"Ifamanowesadebttoanotherhemaymakehisescape,and flee into another land, where the creditor cannot find him. "ButwhereshallIfleefromyourpresence?"Godisinfinite,heisinallplaces;sothathewillfindouthisenemiesandpunishthem!

Butisitnotsaidthat"CainwentoutfromthepresenceoftheLord?"Gen4:16.

Themeaning is,hewentout from the churchofGod,where thevisiblesigns of God's presence were, and where God in a special mannermanifestedhissweetpresencetohispeople;butCaincouldnotgooutofGod's sight; for God being infinite is everywhere present. Sinners canescapefromneitheranaccusingconscience,norfromarevengingGod!

Usefive:IfGodiseverywherepresent,thenforaChristianto

walkwithGodisnotimpossible.Godisnotonlyinheaven—butheis in earth too. Heaven is his throne, there he sits; the earth is hisfootstool, there he stands.He is everywhere present, thereforewemaycometowalkwithGod."EnochwalkedwithGod."IfGodwasconfinedtoheaven,atremblingsoulmightthink,"HowcanIconversewithGod,howcanIwalkwithhimwho livesabove theupper region?"ButGod isnotconfinedtoheaven;heisomnipresent;heisaboveus—yetheisaboutus,heisneartous."Heisnotfarfromeachoneofus."Acts17:27.Heisnotfarfromtheassemblyofthesaints,"GodhastakenHisplaceinthedivineassembly,"Psalm82:1.Heispresentwithus,Godisineveryoneofus;sothathereonearthwemaywalkwithGod.

Inheaventhesaintsrestwithhim,onearththeywalkwithhim.Towalkwith God is to walk by faith.We are said to "draw near to God,"Heb10:22,andtoseehim,Heb11:27,"Asseeinghimwhoisinvisible,"andtohavefellowshipwithhim.1John1:3,"OurfellowshipiswiththeFather."Thuswemaytakeaturnwithhimeverydaybyfaith.ItisslightingGodnottowalkwithhim.Ifakingwasinourpresence,itwouldbeslightinghimtoneglecthim,andplaywiththepet.Thereisnowalkintheworldso sweet as to walk with God. "They shall walk in the light of yourcountenance." "Yes, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord." It is likewalkingamongbedsofspices,whichsendforthafragrantperfume.

Use six: If God is infinite in his glorious essence, learn toadmire—where you cannot fathom. The angels wear a veil, theycovertheirfaces,asadoringthisinfinitemajesty.Isa6:6.Elijahwrappedhimself in a mantle when God's glory passed by. Admire—where youcannotfathom."CanyoubysearchingfindoutGod?"Hereonearth,wesee some beams of his glory, we see him in the looking-glass of thecreation;we seehim inhispicture—his image shines in the saints.Butwhocansearchoutallhisessentialglory?Whatangelcanmeasurethesepyramids?"CanyoubysearchingfindoutGod?"Heisinfinite.Wecannomoresearchouthisinfiniteperfections,thanamanuponthetopofthehighest mountain can take a star in his hand! Oh, have God-admiringthoughts!Adorewhereyoucannotfathom!

Therearemanymysteriesinnaturewhichwecannotfathom;whytheseashouldbehigher than theearth—yetnotdrown it;why theNile should

overflowinsummer,when,bythecourseofnature,thewatersarelowest."Asyoudonotknowthepathofthewind,orhowthebodyisformedinamother'swomb,soyoucannotunderstandtheworkofGod,theMakerofall things." Ecclesiastes 11:5. If these things perplex us, how may theinfinitemysteryoftheDeitytranscendourmostraisedintellectuals!Askthegeometrician,ifhecan,witharuler,measuretheheavens.Justso—weareunable tomeasure the infiniteperfectionsofGod. Inheavenweshall see God clearly—but not fully, for he is infinite. He willcommunicatehimself tous,accordingto thecapacityofourvessel—butnottheimmensenessofhisnature.Adorethenwhereyoucannotfathom!

IfGodisinfiniteinallplaces,letusnotlimithim."TheylimitedtheHolyOne of Israel." It is limiting God to confine him within the narrowcompassofourreason.ReasonthinksGodmustgosuchawaytowork,orthebusinesswillneverbeeffected.ThisistolimitGodtoourreason;whereas he is infinite, and his ways are past finding out. In thedeliveranceofthechurch, it is limitingGod,eithertosethimatime,orprescribehimamethodfordeliverance.GodwilldeliverZion—buthewillbelefttohisownliberty;hewillnotbetiedtoaplace,toatime,ortoaninstrument,whichwereto limithim,andthenhewouldnotbe infinite.Godwillgohisownway,hewillconfoundhumanreason,hewillworkbyimprobabilities, hewill save in such away, aswe thinkwould destroy.Nowheacts likehimself, likeaninfinitewonder-workingGod."Oh,thedepth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! Howunsearchablehisjudgments,andhispathsbeyondtracingout!"Romans11:33.

2.TheOMNISCIENCEofGod.

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything isuncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him towhomwemust giveaccount."Hebrews 4:13. "TheLord is aGod of knowledge, and by himactionsareweighed."Glorious thingsare spokenofGod;he transcendsour thoughts, and the praises of angels.God's glory lies chiefly in hisattributes,which are the several beams by which the divine natureshinesforth.Amongotherofhisorientexcellencies, this isnotthe least

—"theLordisaGodofknowledge;"orastheHebrewwordis,"AGodofknowledges."Hehasafullideaandcognisanceofallthings;theworldisto him a transparent body. Hemakes a heart-anatomy. "I am he whosearchesthethoughtsandtheheart."Thecloudsarenocanopy,thenightis no curtain—to draw between us and his sight. "Even in darkness Icannothidefromyou.Toyouthenightshinesasbrightasday.Darknessandlightarebothaliketoyou."

ThereisnotawordwewhisperbutGodhearsit."Thereisnotawordinmytongue—butlo,OLord,youknowitaltogether."Thereisnotthemostsubtlethoughtthatcomesintoourmind—butGodperceivesit."Iknowtheir thoughts." Thoughts speak as loud in God's ears—as words do inours. All our actions, though ever so subtly contrived, and secretlyconducted, are visible to the eye ofOmniscience. "I know theirworks."Achan hid the Babylonish garment in the earth—butGod brought it tolight.Minervawasdrawninsuchcuriouscolors,andsolivelypencilled,thatwhicheverwayoneturned,Minerva'seyeswereuponhim.Just so,whicheverwayweturnourselves,God'seyeisuponus!

"Himwhoisperfectinknowledge."Godknowswhateverisknowable;heknows futurecontingencies.He foretoldIsrael'scomingoutofBabylon,and the virgin's conceiving. By this the Lord proves the truth of hisGodhead,againstidolgods."Tellusthecomingevents,thenwewillknowthatyouaregods."TheperfectionofGod'sknowledge isprimary.He istheoriginal, thepattern,andprototypeofallknowledge;othersborrowtheirknowledgeofhim;theangelslighttheirlampsatthisglorioussun.

God'sknowledgeispure.Itisnotcontaminatedwiththeobject.ThoughGod knows sin—yet it is to hate and punish it. No evil can mix orincorporate with his knowledge, anymore than the sun can be defiledwiththevaporswhicharisefromtheearth.God'sknowledgeisfacile;itiswithoutanydifficulty.Westudyandsearchforknowledge.Prov2:2."Ifyou seek for her as for silver." The lamp of God's knowledge is soinfinitelybright,thatallthingsareintelligibletohim.

God's knowledge is infallible; there is no mistake in His knowledge.Human knowledge is subject to error. A physician may mistake thetreatmentofadisease;butGod'sknowledgeisunerring.Hecanneither

deceive,norbedeceived.Hecannotdeceive--becauseheistruth;norbedeceived—becauseHehasinfinitewisdom.

God's knowledge is instantaneous. Our knowledge is successive, onething after another.We argue from the effect to the cause. God knowsthingspast,present,andtocome—atonce;theyareallbeforehiminoneentireprospect.

God'sknowledge isretentive;henever losesanyofhisknowledge;heremembersaswellasunderstands.Manythingselapseoutofourminds—butGod'sknowledgeiseternalized.Thingstransactedathousandyearsago,areasfreshtohimasiftheyweredonebutthelastminute.Thusheisperfectinknowledge.

Butisitnotsaid,"Iwillgodownandseeifwhattheyhavedoneisasbadastheoutcrythathasreachedme.ThenIwillknow."

ItcouldnotbethatGodwasignorant;becausethereismentionmadeofacry;buttheLordspeaksthereafterthemannerofajudge,whowillfirstexaminethecausebeforehepassesthesentence.Whenheisuponaworkofjusticeheisnotinahurry,asifhedidnotcarewherehehits;buthegoes straight against offenders. "He lays judgement to the line, andrighteousnesstotheplummet."

Hos 13:12, "The iniquity ofEphraim is boundup, his sin is hid." ("Theguilt of Ephraim is stored up, his sins are kept on record." NIVtranslation.)

Not thathis sin ishid fromGod—buthis sin ishid; that is—thesins ofEphraimhavebeencollectedandstoredawayforpunishment.Thatthisis themeaning, isclearbythe foregoingwords,his iniquity iscollected.As the clerk of the court binds up the indictments of malefactors in abundle, and at the trial brings out the indictments and reads them incourt; so God binds up men's sins in a bundle, and, at the day ofjudgment,thisbundleshallbeopened,andalltheirsinsbroughttolightbeforemenandangels!

God is infinite in knowledge. He cannot but be so; for he who gives

being to things, must needs have a clear inspection of them. "He whoplantedtheear,shallhenothear?Hewhoformedtheeye,shallhenotsee?"Hewhomakesawatchorengine,knowsalltheworkmanshipinit.God,whomadetheheart,knowsallitsmovements.Heisfullofeyes,likeEzekiel'swheels,and,asAustinsays,Totusoculus,"Alleye."Itoughttobeso;forheisthe"Judgeofalltheworld."Therearesomanycausestobebroughtbeforehim,andsomanypeopletobetried,thathemusthaveaperfectknowledge, orhe couldnotdo justice.Ahuman judge cannotproceedwithout a jury, the jurymust search the cause, and give in theverdict;butGodcanjudgewithoutajury.Heknowsallthingsinandofhimself, and needs nowitnesses to informhim.A human judge judgesonly matters of fact—but God judges the heart. He not only judgeswickedactions—butwickeddesigns.Heseesthetreasonoftheheart,andpunishesit.

Useone:IsGodinfiniteinknowledge?Ishelight,andinhimistherenodarkness?Thenhowunlike are they toGodwhoaredarkness,andinwhomisnolight,whoaredestituteofknowledge,suchastheheathenwhoneverheardofGod!Andare therenotmanyamongus,whoarenobetter thanbaptizedheathen?whoneed to seekthefirstprinciplesoftheoraclesofGod.Itissad,thatafterthesunofthegospelhasshinedsolonginourhorizon,thattheveilshouldstillbeupontheir heart. Such as are enveloped in ignorance cannot give God areasonable service. Rom 12:2. Ignorance is the nurse of impiety.Theschoolmensay,"Everysinisfoundeduponignorance".Jer9:3,"Theyproceedfromoneeviltoanother,andtheydonottakeMeintoaccount."Whereignorancereignsintheunderstanding,lustragesintheaffections.Prov 19:2, "That themind bewithout knowledge, it is not good." Suchhave neither faith nor fear: no faith; for knowledge carries the torchbeforefaith."Thosewhoknowyournameshallputtheirtrustinyou."Aman can no more believe without knowledge, than the eye can seewithout light. He can have no fear of God; for how can they fear himwhomtheydonotknow?ThecoveringofHaman'sfacewasasadpresageof death. When people's minds are covered with ignorance, it is acoveringof the face,which is a fatal forerunnerofdestruction. "Theoxknows itsowner,and thedonkey itsmaster’s feeding-trough,but Israeldoesnotknow;Mypeopledonotunderstand."Isaiah1:3

Use two: If God is a God of infinite knowledge, then see thefollyofhypocrisy. "Hypocrites do not actuallydogood, theymerelymakeashowof it,"Melanchthon.Theycarry it fairwithmen—butcarenothowbadtheirheartsare;theyliveinsecretsin."Theysay—HowcanGod know?Does theMostHigh have knowledge?" Psalm 73:11. "WhatdoesGodknow?CanHejudgethroughthickdarkness?"Job22:13"Godhas forgotten, he hides his face, he will never see it." But, "Hisunderstandingisinfinite!"Hehasawindowtolookintomen'shearts!Hehasakeytoopenuptheheart;hebeholdsallthesinfulworkingsofmen'sspirits,asinaglassbee-hivewecanseethebeesworkingintheircombs.Matt 6:6, "Your Father who sees in secret." God sees in secret. As amerchantentersdebtsinhisbook,soGodhashisdebt-book,inwhichheenters every sin. Jeroboam'swife disguisedherself, so that theprophetwould not know her; but he discerned her. "When Ahijah heard herfootstepsatthedoor,hecalledout—Comein,wifeofJeroboam!Whyareyou pretending to be someone else? I have bad news for you!" 1Kings14:6.ThehypocritethinkstodisguiseandjugglewithGod—butGodwillunmask him. "God shall bring every work into judgement, with everysecretthing.""FortheyhavedoneoutrageousthingsinIsrael;theyhavecommitted adultery with their neighbors' wives and in my name havespoken lies, which I did not tell them to do. I know it and am awitnesstoit—declarestheLord."Jeremiah29:23

Ay—butthehypocritehopesheshallcoloroverhissin,andmakeitlookvery good. Absalom masks over his treason with the pretense of areligiousvow.JudascloakshisenvyatChrist,andhiscovetousness,withthepretenseof"charitytothepoor."Jehumakesreligionacloakforhisselfishdesign.ButGodseesthroughthesefig-leaves!Youmayseeajadeunder his gilt trappings. "My eyes are on all their ways; they are nothiddenfromme,noristheirsinconcealedfrommyeyes.Jeremiah16:17.Hewhohasaneyetosee—willfindahandtopunish!

Use three: Is God so infinite in knowledge? Then we shouldalways feel as under his omniscient eye. "We ought to live as ifalwaysinfullviewofGod,"Seneca.LetusplaceDavid'sprospectbeforeour eye, "I have set the Lord always before me." Seneca counseledLucilius, that whatever he was doing, he should imagine some of the

Roman nobles stood before him, and then he would do nothingdishonorable. The consideration of God's omniscience would bepreventiveofmuchsin.Theeyeofmanwill restrain fromsin; andwillnotGod'seyesmuchmore?"Willheevenassaultthequeenrighthereinthepalace,beforemyveryeyes?thekingroared."Esther7:8.WillwesinwhenourJudgelookson?Wouldmenspeaksovainly,iftheyconsideredGodoverheardthem?

Latimertookheedtoeverywordinhisexamination,whenheheardthepenwritebehind the curtains. Just so,what carewouldpeoplehaveoftheirwords,iftheyrememberedthatGodheard,andhispenwaswritingeverything down in heaven?Would people commit immorality, if theybelievedGodwasaspectatoroftheirwickedness,andwouldmakethemdopenanceinhellforit?Wouldtheydefraudintheirdealings,andusefalseweights, if theyknewGodsawthem,andformakingtheirweightslighterwouldmaketheirdamnationheavier?

Viewing ourselves as under the eye of God's omniscience, would causereverenceintheworshipofGod.Godseestheframeanddemeanorofourhearts,whenwecomebeforehim.Howwouldthiscallinourstragglingthoughts?Howwoulditanimateandinvigorateduty?Itwouldmakeusput fireto the incense.WemustworshipGodwith theutmostzealandintensenessofspirit.TothinkthatGodisinthisplacewouldaddwingstoprayer,andoiltotheflameofourdevotion!

Usefour:IsGod'sknowledgeinfinite?Studysincerity,bewhatyou seem. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Manlooks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1Samuel16:7.Menjudgetheheartbytheactions.Godjudgestheactionsbytheheart.Iftheheartissincere,Godwillseethefaithandbearwiththefailing.Asahadhisblemishes—buthisheartwasrightwithGod.God saw his sincerity, and pardoned his infirmity. Sincerity in aChristianislikechastityinawife,whichexcusesmanyfailings.Sinceritymakesourdutiesacceptable,likemuskamonglinen,whichperfumesit.AsJehusaidtoJehonadab,"Isyourheartrightwithme?Andhesaid,Itis.Ifitis—givemeyourhand;andhetookhimupintothechariot."Justso, ifGod sees thatourheart is right, thatwe lovehim,andaimathisglory—hesays,"Givemeyourprayersandtears;nowyoushallcomeup

with me into the chariot of glory!" Sincerity makes our services to begolden, andGodwill not cast away the gold, though itmay lack someweight.IsGodomniscient,andhiseyechieflyupontheheart?Wearthebeltoftruthaboutyou,andneverleaveitoff.

Use five: Is God a God of infinite knowledge? Then there iscomfort,(1.)Tothesaintsinparticular.(2.)Tothechurchingeneral.

(1.)Comfort toSAINTS inparticular. In case of privatedevotion.Christian, you set hours apart forGod, your thoughts runuponhimasyourtreasure;Godtakesnoticeofeverygoodthought."Hehadabookofremembrancewrittenforthosewhothoughtuponhisname."Youenterintoyour closet, and pray to your Father in secret; he hears every sighandgroan!"Mygroaningisnothiddenfromyou."Youwatertheseedofyourprayerwithtears—Godbottleseverytear!"Youkeeptrackofallmysorrows.Youhavecollectedallmytearsinyourbottle.Youhaverecordedeachoneinyourbook!"Psalm56:8.Whenthesecretsofallheartsshallbeopened,Godwillmakeanhonorablementionofthezealanddevotionof his people, and he himself will be the herald of their praises. "ThenshalleverymanhavepraiseofGod."

The infiniteness of God's knowledge is a comfort, in the case of saintswho have not a clear knowledge of themselves. They find so muchcorruption,thattheyjudgetheyhavenograce."Ifitisso--whyamIthus?If I have grace, why is my heart in so dead and earthly a frame?" Ohremember, God is of infinite knowledge—he can spy grace where youcannot; he can see gracehidden under corruption, as the starsmay behiddenbehindacloud.Godcanseethatholinessinyou,whichyoucannot discern in yourself.He can spy the flower of grace in you, thoughovertoppedwithweeds."Becausethereissomegoodthinginhim."Godsees some good thing in His people--when they can see no good inthemselves; and though they judge themselves harshly, He will forgivetheirsinsandinfirmities!

Itiscomfortinrespectofpersonalinjuries.Itisthesaints' lot tosuffer.Theheadbeingcrownedwiththorns,thefeetmustnottreaduponroses.Ifsaintsfindarealpurgatory,itisinthislife;butthisistheircomfort—thatGod sees thewrongwhich is done to them; thepupil of his eye is

touched,andishenotsensibleof it?Paulwasscourgedbycruelhands."Thrice was I beaten with rods;" as if you should see a slave whip theking's son! God beholds it. "I know their sorrows." The wicked makewounds in the backs of the saints, and then pour in vinegar; but Godwritesdowntheircruelty.BelieversareapartofChrist'smysticalbody;andforeverydropofasaint'sbloodspilt—Godputsadropofwrathinhisvial!

(2.)ComforttotheCHURCHofGodingeneral.IfGodisaGodofknowledge, he sees all the plots of the enemies against Zion, and canmakethemabortive.Thewickedaretreacherous,havingborrowedtheirskillfromtheoldserpent!Theydigdeep,tohidetheircounselsfromGod—but he sees them, and can easily counterwork them. The dragon isdescribedwith seven heads—to show how he plots against the church;butGodisdescribedwithseveneyes—toshowthatheseesall theplotsandstratagemsoftheenemies;andwhentheydealtreacherously,hecaneasilyconfoundthem."Come,"saysPharaoh,"letusdealwisely."Buthenevermoreplayedthefool,thanwhenhethoughttodealwisely."Duringthe lastwatchof thenight theLord lookeddown from thepillarof fireand cloud at the Egyptian army, and threw it into confusion." Exodus14:24.Howmaythis, likesap inthevine,comfort thechurchofGodinher earthly state! The Lord has an eye in all the councils andmachinationsof theenemy;hesees them in theirefforts,andcanblowthemupintheirownmine!

3.TheETERNITYofGod.

Thenextattribute is, "God iseternal." "Fromeverlasting to everlasting,youareGod."

Therearethreekindsofbeings:

1. Such beings as had abeginning—and shall have an end.Such as allanimatecreatures—theanimals,birds,fish—whichatdeatharedestroyedandreturntodust.Theirbeingendswiththeirlife.

2.Suchbeingsashadabeginning—butshallhavenoend.Suchasangelsand the souls of men, which are eternal once they are brought intoexistence—theyabideforever.

3.Suchasiswithoutbeginning—andwithoutending.ThisisproperonlytoGod.Heisfromeverlasting—toeverlasting.ThisisGod'stitle,ajewelof his crown. He is called "the King eternal." Jehovah is a word thatproperlysetsforthGod'seternity.Itisawordsodreadful,thattheJewstrembled to name or read it; and used Adonai, 'Lord,' in its place.Jehovahcontains in it timepast,present,andtocome."IamtheAlphaandtheOmega—saystheLordGod—whois,andwhowas,andwhoistocome, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8. This verse illustrates the wordJehovah;(whois)hesubsistsofhimself,havingapureandindependentbeing;(whowas)Godalone,wasbeforetime;thereisnosearchingintotherecordsofeternity;(whoistocome).

"Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever!" Psalm 45:6. Thedoubling of the word ratifies the certainty of it, as the doubling ofPharaoh'sdream.Hiskingdomhasnoend;hiscrownhasnosuccessors.

IshallprovethatGodalonecouldbeeternal—withoutbeginning.Angelscould not be eternal; they are but creatures, and though spirits—theywere created. Therefore their beginningmay be known; their antiquitymaybesearched into. Ifyouask,whenwere theycreated?Some thinkbefore theworldwas;butnotso: forwhatwasbeforetimewaseternal.Thefirstoriginofangelsreachesbacknofurther,thanthebeginningoftheworld.Itisthoughtbythelearned,thattheangelsweremadeontheday on which the heavens were made. "When the morning stars sangtogether,andallthesonsofGodshoutedforjoy."Jerome,Gregory,andvenerableBedeunderstandit,thatwhenGodlaidthefoundation-stoneoftheworld,theangelsbeingthencreated,sanganthemsofjoyandpraise.

ItispropertoGodonlytobeeternal,withoutbeginning.HeisAlphaandOmega, the firstand the last.Nocreaturecanwrite itselfAlpha, that is

onlyaflowerofthecrownofheaven.Exod3:14."IamwhoIam,"thatis,"Iamtheonewhoalwaysis.Iamhewhoexists from,andtoeternity!""TheLordwillreignforeverandever!"Exodus15:18."TheLordisKingforeverandever!"Psalm10:16.

Useone:Here is thunderandlightningtotheWICKED."Thenone of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven goldenbowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever!"Revelation15:7.Godiseternal,thereforethetormentsofthewickedareeternal!Godlivesforever;andaslongasGodlives,hewillbepunishingthe damned! This should be as the handwriting upon the wall, whichshouldhavethiseffect—"andhisfaceturnedpalewithfear.Suchterrorgripped him that his knees knocked together and his legs gave waybeneathhim."Daniel5:6.Thesinnertakeslibertytosin;hebreaksGod'slaws, like a wild beast that breaks over the hedge, and leaps intoforbiddenpasture;hesinswithgreediness,asifhethoughthecouldnotsin fast enough. "They don't care anymore about right andwrong, andtheyhave given themselves over to immoralways. Their lives are filledwithallkindsofimpurityandgreed."Ephesians4:19.Butremember,oneof God's names is Eternal, and as long as God is eternal he has timeenoughtoreckonwithallhisenemies.Tomakesinnerstremble,letthemthink of these three things: the torments of the damned are withoutintermission,withoutmixture,andeternal.

(1.)Withoutintermission.Theirpainsshallbeacuteandsharp,andno relaxation; the fire shall not be slackened or abated. "They have norestdaynornight;" likeonewhohashis jointsstretchedcontinuallyontherack,andhasnoease.ThewrathofGodiscomparedtoastreamofbrimstone. Isa30:33.Why toa stream?Becauseastreamrunswithoutintermission; soGod'swrath runs like a stream,andpoursoutwithoutintermission. In the pains of this present life, there is some abatementandintermission;thefeverabates;afterafitofthestone,thepatienthassomeease;butthepainsofhellareintenseandviolent.Thedamnedsoulneversays,"Iamnowmoreatease."

(2.)Withoutmixture.Hellisaplaceofpurejustice.Inthislife,Godinanger remembers mercy, he mixes compassion with suffering. Asher'sshoewasofiron—buthisfootwasdippedinoil.Afflictionistheironshoe

—butmercyismixedwithit;thefootisdippedinoil.Butthetormentsofthedamnedhavenomixture."TheyshalldrinkofthewineofthewrathofGod,whichispouredoutwithoutmixture."Nomixtureofmercy.

Howisthecupofwrathsaidtobemixed?"FortheLordholdsacupinhishand;itisfulloffoamingwinemixedwithspices.Hepoursthewineoutin judgment,andall thewickedmustdrinkit,draining it to thedregs!"Psalm75:8.Yet in theRevelation it is said tobewithoutmixture. It ismixed,thatis,itisfullofalltheingredientsthatmaymakeitbitter;theworm, the fire, the curse ofGod, all these arebitter ingredients. It is amixedcup—yetitiswithoutmixture;thereshallbenothingtoaffordtheleast comfort, no mixture of mercy, and so without mixture. In thesacrificeofjealousy,Numb5:15,nooilwasputtoit;so,inthetormentsofthedamned,thereisnooilofmercytoabatetheirsufferings.

(3.)Withoutcessation,eternal.Thepleasuresofsinarebutfora season—but the torments of thewicked are forever! Sinnershave a short feast—but a long reckoning! Origen erroneously thought,that after a thousand years, thedamnedwouldbe releasedout of theirmisery;buttheworm,thefire,theprison—arealleternal."Thesmokeoftheir torment rises foreverandever,and theywillhavenoreliefdayornight."Revelation 14:11. "The torments of hell keep on punishing, theynever end,"Prosper.Eternity is a seawithout bottom and banks. Aftermillions of years, there is not one minute in eternity spent; and thedamnedmustbeeverburning—butneverconsumed,alwaysdying—butneverdead."Theyshallseekdeath—butshallnotfindit."

The fire of hell is such, as multitudes of tears will not quench it; andlength of timewill not finish it! The vial ofGod'swrathwill be alwaysdropping upon the sinner! As long as God is eternal, he lives to beavenged upon the wicked. Oh eternity! eternity! who can fathom it?Marinershavetheirplummetstomeasurethedepthsofthesea;butwhatlineorplummetshallweusetofathomthedepthofeternity?Thebreathof the Lord kindles the infernal lake, Isa 30:33; where shall we havebucketstoquenchthatfire?

Oheternity!Ifallthebodyoftheearthandseawereturnedtosand,andalltheairuptothestarryheavenwerenothingbutsand,andalittlebird

should come every thousand years, and fetch away in her bill but thetenth part of a grain of all that heap of sand; what numberless yearswouldbespentbeforethatvastheapofsandwouldbefetchedaway!Yet,if at the end of all that time, the sinnermight come out of hell, therewould be some hope. But that word "Forever" breaks the heart. "Thesmokeoftheirtormentascendsupforeverandever."Whataterroristhistothewicked--enoughtoputthemintoacoldsweat,tothink,aslongasGodiseternal,helivesforevertobeavengeduponthem!

Herethequestionmaybeasked—Whyshouldsinthatiscommittedinashorttime,bepunishedeternally?

WemustholdwithAugustine,"thatGod'sjudgmentsonthewicked,maybesecret—but neverunjust." The reasonwhy sin committed in a shorttimeiseternallypunished,is,becauseeverysiniscommittedagainstaninfinite essence, which nothing less than eternity of punishment cansatisfy.Whyistreasonpunishedwithdeath—butbecauseitisagainsttheking'sperson,whichissacred;muchmorethatoffencewhichisagainstGod'scrownanddignityisofaheinousandinfinitenature,andcannotbesatisfiedwithlessthaneternalpunishment.

Usetwo:OfcomforttotheGODLY.Godiseternal,thereforehelivesforever to reward the godly. "To those who seek for glory and honor,eternallife."ThepeopleofGodarenowinasufferingcondition."Bondsand afflictions await me." The wicked are clad in purple, and faredeliciously,whilethegodlysuffer.Thegoatsclimbuponhighmountains,whileChrist'ssheepareinthevalleyofslaughter.Buthereisthecomfort—God is eternal, and he has appointed eternal recompenses for thesaints. Inheavenare freshdelights,andsweetnesswithout excess.Thatwhich is the crown and zenith of heaven's happiness, is—that it is"eternal."Weretherebuttheleastsuspicionthatthisglorymustcease,itwouldmucheclipse,yes,embitterit;butitiseternal."Aneternalweightofglory."

What angel can span eternity?The saints shall bathe themselves in theriversofdivinepleasure;andtheseriverscanneverbedriedup."Atyourrighthandarepleasures forevermore."This is thehigheststrain in theapostle's rhetoric, "Forever with the Lord!" In heaven, there is peace

without trouble,easewithoutpain,glorywithoutend; "foreverwith theLord!"

Let this comfort the saints in all their troubles; their sufferings are butshort—but theirreward iseternal!Eternitymakesheaventobeheaven!Eternityisthediamondinthering!Ohblessedday,whichshallhavenonight!Thesunlightofgloryshallriseupon the soul, andnever set!Ohblessedspring,thatshallhavenoautumn,orfalloftheleaf.TheRomanemperorshave three crowns setupon their heads—the first of iron, thesecondof silver, the thirdofgold; so theLord sets three crownsonhischildren—grace, comfort, and glory. The saints' crown is eternal, "Youshallreceiveacrownofglorywhichneverfadesaway!"Thewickedhaveanever-dyingworm;andthegodlyanever-fadingcrown!Ohhowshouldthis be a spur to virtue! How willing should we be to work for God!Thoughwehavenothinghereonearth,Godhastimeenoughtorewardhispeople.Thecrownofeternityshallbesetupontheirhead!

Use three: Of exhortation. Study eternity. Our thoughts shouldchieflyrunuponeternity.Weallwishforsomethingthatmaydelightourmind.Ifwecouldhave lived,asAugustinesays, fromthe infancyof theworldtotheworld'soldage,whatisthis—comparedtoeternity?Whatistime,measuredwitheternity?Astheearthisbutasmallpoint,comparedto the heavens. Just so, time is scarcely a moment—compared toeternity!And then,what is this poor lifewhich crumbles away so fast?Oh,thinkofeternity!

Brethren,weareeverydaytravelingtoeternity;andwhetherwewakeorsleep—we are going our journey. Some of us are upon the borders ofeternity.Ohstudytheshortnessoflife—andlengthofeternity!

MoreparticularlythinkofGod'seternityandthesoul'seternity.ThinkofGod'seternity.HeistheAncientofDays,whowasbeforealltime.ThereisafigurativedescriptionofGod,"AsIkeptwatching,thronesweresetinplace,andtheAncientofDaystookHisseat.Hisclothingwaswhitelikesnow,andthehairofHisheadlikewhitestwool.Histhronewasflamingfire; itswheelswereblazingfire.Ariverof firewasflowing,comingoutfromHispresence.ThousandsuponthousandsservedHim;tenthousandtimestenthousandstoodbeforeHim.Thecourtwasconvened,andthe

books were opened." Daniel 7:9-10. His clothing was white like snow,which signifies his majesty. His hair, like the pure wool, signifies hisholiness.Histitle,theAncientofDays,signifieshiseternity.

ThethoughtofGod'seternityshouldmakeushavehighadoringthoughtsofGod.Weareapttohavelow,irreverentthoughtsofhim."YouthoughtIwassuchaoneasyourself,"weakandmortal.ButifwewouldthinkofGod'seternity,whenallourpowerceases—heisKingeternal,hiscrownflourishes forever, he can make us happy or miserable forever—thiswouldmake us have adoring thoughts of God. "The twenty-four eldersfalldownbeforehimwhositsonthethrone,andworshiphimwholivesforever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne."Revelation4:10.The saints falldown, to signify by that humbleposture, that theyarenotworthytositinGod'spresence.Theyfalldownandtheyworshiphimwholivesforeverandever;theydoasitwere,kisshisfeet.Theycasttheir crownsbefore the throne, they layall theirhonorathis feet; thustheyshowhumbleadorationtotheeternalessence.StudyGod'seternity,itwillmakeusadorehim—wherewecannotfathomhim.

Thinkofthesoul'seternity.AsGodiseternal,sohehasmadeuseternal.Wearenever-dyingcreatures;weare shortly enteringuponoureternalstate—either of eternal happiness or eternal misery. Have seriousthoughtsofthis.Say,"Omysoul,whichofthesetwoeternitiesislikelytobeyourportion?Imustshortlydeparthence,andwherethenshallIgo—to which of these eternities, either of glory or misery shall I go?" Theseriousmeditationon theeternal stateweare topass into,wouldworkstronglywithus.

(1.)Thoughtsofeternal torments,areagoodantidoteagainstsin.Sintemptswith itspleasure;butwhenwethinkofeternity, itmaycool the intemperate heat of lust. Shall I, for the pleasure of sin for aseason—endure eternal pain? Sin, like those locusts, Rev 9:7, seems tohaveonitsheadacrownlikegold—butithasinitataillikeascorpion,verse10,andastinginitstail;andthisstingcanneverbepluckedout.ShallIventureeternalwrath?Issincommittedsosweet—aslyinginhellforeverisbitter?Thisthoughtwouldmakeusfleefromsin,asMosesfledfromtheserpent!

(2.) The serious thoughts of eternal happiness would verymuch take us off fromworldly things.What are these sublunarythings,comparedtoeternity!Theyarequicklygone.Theygreetus—andthentaketheir farewell.ButIamtoenteruponaneverlastingestate;Ihope to livewithhimwho is eternal.What then, is thepresent fleetingworld tome? To those who stand upon the top of the Alps—the greatcities below are small things in their eyes. Just so, to himwho has histhoughtsfixedonhiseternalstateafterthislife—alltheseearthlythingsseemasnothinginhiseye.Whatisthegloryofthisworld?Howpoorandcontemptible,comparedwithaneternalweightofglory!

(3.) The serious thoughts of an eternal state, either ofhappiness ormisery, should have a powerful influence uponwhatever we take in hand. Every work we do promotes either ablessed eternity,or a cursed eternity. Every goodaction sets us a stepnearertoaneternityofhappiness.Everybadactionsetsusastepnearerto an eternity of misery. Oh what influence should the thoughts ofeternityhaveuponourpiousduties!Itshouldmakeusdothemwithallourmight.Dutywellperformed,liftsaChristianhighertowardsheaven,andsetsaChristianastepnearertoablessedeternity!

4.TheIMMUTABILITYofGod.

ThenextattributeisGod'sunchangeableness.

"IamtheLord,andIdonotchange."Malachi3:6

Godisunchangeableinhisnature,andinhisdecree.

I.GodisunchangeableinhisNATURE.

1.Thereisnoeclipseofhisbrightness.

2.Noendputtohisbeing.

[1]Thereisnoeclipseofhisbrightness.Hisessenceshineswitha

fixed luster. "Who does not change like shifting shadows," James 1:17."Youremainthesame,andyouryearswillneverend,"Psalm102:27.Allcreatedthingsarefullofvicissitudes.Princesandemperorsaresubjecttochange. Sesostris, an Egyptian prince, having subdued many kings inwar,madethemdrawhischariot, likehorses,as ifhe intendedthemtoeat grass, as God did King Nebuchadnezzar. The crown has manysuccessors. Kingdoms have their eclipses and convulsions. What hasbecome of the glory of Athens? The pomp of Troy? [Now corn grows,wherethegreatcityofTroyoncestood].Thoughkingdomshaveaheadofgold,theyhavefeetofclay.

Theheavenschange."Theywillperish,butyouremain;theywillallwearout likeagarment.Likeclothingyouwill change themand theywillbediscarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end."Psalm102:26-27.Theheavensarethemostancientrecords,whereGodhaswrittenhisglorywitha sunbeam—yet these shall change.ThoughIdonotthinktheyshallbedestroyedastotheirsubstance—yettheyshallbechangedastotheirqualities;theyshallmeltwithferventheat,andsobe more refined and purified. 2 Peter 3:12. Thus the heavens shall bechanged—butnothewhodwellsinheaven."IamtheLord,andIdonotchange."

Thebestsaintshavetheireclipsesandchanges.LookuponaChristianinhisspiritualestate,andhe is fullofvariation.Thoughtheseedofgracedoesnotdie—yetitsbeautyandactivityoftenwither.AChristianhashisanguish fits in piety. Sometimes his faith is at a high tide—andsometimes low ebb; sometimes his love flames—and at another time islike fire in the embers, and he has lost his first love. How strong wasDavid'sgraceatonetime!"Godismyrock,inhimwillItrust."Atanothertimehesays,"IshallonedayperishbythehandofSaul."WhatChristiancansayhedoesnotfindachangeinhisgraces;thatthebowofhisfaithnever unbends, the strings of his violin never slacken? Surely we shallnevermeetwithsuchChristiansuntilwemeettheminheaven!ButGodiswithoutanyshadowofchange.

Theangelsweresubjecttochange;theywerecreatedholy—butmutable."The angels which kept not their first estate." Jude 6. Thesemorningstars of heaven were falling stars. But God's glory shines with a fixed

brightness.InGodthereisnothingwhichcanchange,forbetterorworse.He cannot change for the better—because then he would not now beperfect.Hecannotchange for theworse—for thenhewouldcease tobeperfect.He is immutably holy, immutably good; there is no shadow ofchangeinhim.

ButwhenChrist,who isGod, assumed thehumannature—was there achangeinGod?

If thedivinenaturehadbeen converted into thehuman, or thehumanintothedivine,therewouldhavebeenachange—buttheywerenot.Thehumannaturewasdistinct from thedivinenature.Therefore therewasnochange.Acloudoverthesunmakesnochangeinthethesun.Justso,thoughthedivinenatureiscoveredwiththehumannature,itmakesnochangeinthedivinenature.

[2]Thereisnoendputtohisbeing."Whoalonehas immortality."The Godhead cannot die. An infinite essence cannot be changed intofinite;andGodisinfinite.Heiseternal,consequentlyheisnotmortal.Tobeeternalandmortalisacontradiction.

Use one: See the excellence of the divine nature in itsimmutability.This is the glory of theGodhead.Mutableness denotesweakness,andisnotinGod,whois"thesame,yesterday,andtoday,andforever."Menare fickle andmutable, likeReuben, "unstable aswater."Men are changeable in theirprinciples. If their faces altered as fast astheir opinions—we would not recognize them. Men are changeable intheirresolutions;justasthewindthatblowsintheeast,presentlyturnsabout to the west. They resolve to be virtuous—but quickly give up oftheir resolutions. Theirminds are like a sickman's pulse, which alterseveryhalfhour.TheapostleJudecomparesthemtowavesofthesea,andwanderingstars.TheyarenotpillarsinGod'stemple—butreedsshakenbythewind.Othersarechangeableintheirfriendship.Theyquicklylove—andquicklyhate.Sometimes theywillpressyou to theirbosom; laterthey will excommunicate you out of their favor. They change as thechameleon, into several colors. But God is immutable—he does notchange.

Use two: See the vanity of the creature. There are changes ineverything,butinGod."Lowbornmenarebutabreath,thehighbornarebutalie;ifweighedonabalance,theyarenothing;togethertheyareonlyabreath."Psalm62:9.Welookformorefromthecreature,thanGodhasputinit.Thecreaturehastwoevilsinit—itpromisesmorethanwefind—and it fails us when wemost need it. A man desires to have his cornharvested—but the rain falls; themariner is for a voyage—but thewinddoesnotblow,oriscontrary;onedependsuponanotherforthepaymentofapromise,andhefails,andislikeafootoutofjoint.Whocanfindafixedstabilityinthevaincreature?Itisasifoneshouldbuildhousesonthesand,where theseacomes inandoverflows.Thecreature is true tonothingbutdeceit—andisconstantonly in itsdisappointments.It isnomore astonishing to see changes in the creature, than to see themoondressingitselfinanewshapeandfigure.Expecttomeetwithchangesineverything,butGod.

Usethree:Comforttothegodly.

(1.) In case of losses. If an estate, you are almost boiled away tonothing,and ifyou lose friendsbydeath—there isadouble eclipse.Butthe comfort is—God is unchangeable. I may lose these things—but Icannot lose my God; he never dies. When the fig-tree and olive-treefailed,Goddidnotfail."IwillrejoiceintheGodofmysalvation."Flowersinthegardendie—butaman'sportionremains.Justso,outwardthingsdieandchange—but "youare the strengthofmyheart, andmyportionforever."

(2.) In caseof sadnessof spirit.God seems to cast off the soul indesertion. "My Beloved had withdrawn himself." Yet, God isunchangeable. He is immutable in his love; he may change hiscountenance—but not hisheart! "I have loved youwith an everlastinglove." Jer 31:1. Hebrew—a love of eternity. If once God's electing loverisesuponthesoul—itneversets."Thoughthemountainsbeshakenandthehillsberemoved,yetmyunfailingloveforyouwillnotbeshakennormycovenantofpeacebe removed—says theLord,whohas compassiononyou."Isaiah54:10.God's lovestandsfirmerthanthemountains.HislovetoChristisunchangeable;andhewillnomoreceaselovingbelievers,thanhewillceaselovingChrist.

Usefour:Ofexhortation.Get a saving interest in theunchangeableGod, then youare as a rock in the sea—immoveable in themidst of allchanges.

HowshallIgetapartintheunchangeableGod?

Byhaving a changewrought in you. "But you arewashed—but you aresanctified."BythischangewearesavinglyinterestedintheunchangeableGod.

Trust to thatGod,who alone is unchangeable. "Cease fromman," stoptrusting to the reed—but trust to theRockof ages. He who is by faithengarrisonedinGod,issafeinallchanges;heislikeaboatthatistiedtoan immoveablerock.Hewhotrusts inGod, trusts in thatwhich cannotfail him; for God is unchangeable. "I will never leave you, nor forsakeyou."Healthmayleaveus,riches,friendsmayleaveus;"but,"saysGod,"I will never leave you; my power shall support you; my Spirit shallsanctifyyou;mymercyshallsaveyou!Iwillneverleaveyou!"OhtrustinthisunchangeableGod!

Godisjealousoftwothings;ofourlove,andofourtrust.Heisjealousofourlove,lestwelovethecreaturemorethanhim;thereforehemakesitprove bitter. God is jealous of our trust, lest we should place moreconfidence in the creature, than in him, therefore he makes it proveunfaithful. Outward comforts are given us as food along the way—torefreshus, not as crutches to lean on. Ifwemake the creature an idol,what we make our trust, God will make our shame. Oh trust in theimmortalGod!LikeNoah'sdove,wehavenofootingforoursouls,untilweget intothearkofGod'sunchangeableness. "Thosewhotrust intheLordshallbelikemountZion,whichcannotberemoved."

II.GodisunchangeableinhisDECREE.Whathehasdecreedfrometernity is unalterable. "My purpose will stand, and I will do all that Iplease."Isaiah46:10.God'seternalcounselordecree,isimmutable.Ifhechangedhisdecree,itmustbefromsomedefectofwisdomorforesight,forthatisthereasonwhymenchangetheirpurposes;theyseesomethingafterwards,which theydidnot seebefore.But this cannotbe the cause

whyGod should alter his decree, because his knowledge is perfect—heseesallthingsinoneentireprospectbeforehim.

ButisnotGodsaidtorepent?Thisseemstobeachangeinhisdecree?"TheLordrepentedoftheevilthathesaidhewoulddountothem."

RepentanceisattributedtoGod,figuratively."Heisnotaman,thatheshouldrepent."TheremaybeachangeinGod'swork—butnotinhiswill.He may will a change—but not change his will. "God may change hissentence—but not his decree."A kingmay cause sentence to be passedupon a malefactor whom he intends to save; so God threateneddestructiontoNineveh—butthepeopleofNinevehrepenting,Godsparedthem.HereGod changed his sentence—but not his decree; itwaswhathadlaininthewombofhispurposefrometernity.

ButifGod'sdecreeisunchangeable,andcannotbereversed,thentowhatpurpose should we use themeans? Our endeavors towards salvationcannotalterhisdecree.

ThedecreeofGoddoesnotaffectmyendeavor; forhewhodecreedmysalvation, decreed it in the use ofmeans; and if I neglect themeans Ireprobatemyself.Nomanarguesthus:"GodhasdecreedhowlongIshalllive,thereforeIwillnotuseanymeanstopreservemylife,Iwillnoteatanddrink."AsGodhasdecreedthelengthofmylife,intheuseofmeans—soGodhasdecreedmysalvationintheuseoftheWordandofprayer.Asamanwhorefuses foodmurdershimself—justso,hewhorefuses toworkouthissalvationdestroyshimself.Thevesselsofmercyaresaidtobeprepareduntoglory.Howaretheyprepared,butbybeingsanctified?and that cannot be, but in the use of means. Therefore let not God'sdecree,takeyouoff fromholyendeavors.It isagoodsayingofPreston,"HaveyouahearttopraytoGod?itisasignthatnodecreeofwrathhaspassedagainstyou."

Useone:IfGod'sdecreeiseternalandunchangeable,thenGoddoes not elect upon our foreseen faith, as the Arminiansmaintain. "The children being not yet born, that the purpose of Godaccording toelectionmightstand, itwassaid,JacobhaveI loved,EsauhaveIhated."Romans9:11,13.Wearenotelectedforourholiness—but

toholiness.Eph1:1.Ifwearenotjustifiedforourfaith,muchlessareweelected for our faith. We are said to be justified through faith as aninstrument—but not for faith as a cause; and, if not justified for faith,thenmuchlesselected for faith.God'sdecreeofelection, iseternalandunchangeable,andthereforedependsnotuponforeseenfaith."Asmanyaswereordainedtoeternallife,believed."Theywerenotelectedbecausetheybelieved—buttheybelievedbecausetheywereelected.

Use two: If God's decree is unchangeable, it gives comfort intwocases.

(1.) Concerning God's providence towards his church. We arereadytoquarrelwithProvidence,ifeverythingdoesnotaccordwithourdesire.RememberGod'sworkgoeson,andnothinghappens,butwhathehasdecreedfrometernity.

(2.)Godhasdecreedtroublesforthechurch'sgood.ThetroublesofGod'schurch,areliketheangel'stroublingthewater,whichmadewayforhealinghispeople.Godhasdecreedtroublesinthechurch."Hisfireis in Zion, andhis furnace in Jerusalem."Thewheels in awatchmovecontrary tooneanother—but theyall carryon themotionof thewatch.Justso,thewheelsofProvidenceoftenmovecontrarytoourdesires—butstill they carry on God's unchangeable decree. "Many shall be madewhite." God lets thewaters of affliction be poured on his people—tomakethemwhite.Therefore,donotmurmuratGod'sdealings!Hisworkgoeson;nothinghappens,butwhathehaswiselydecreedfrometernity.EverythingshallpromoteGod'sdesign,andfulfillhisdecree.

Usethree:ComforttotheGODLYinregardoftheirsalvation."The foundation ofGod stands sure, having this seal—The Lord knowsthose who are his." God's counsel of election is unchangeable. Onceelected—foreverelected."Iwillnotblothisnameoutofthebookoflife."The book of God's decree has no errata in it, no blottings out. Oncejustified,neverunjustified."Repentanceshallbehidfrommyeyes."Hos13:14.Godneverrepentsofhiselectinglove."Helovedthemtotheend."Therefore, if you are a believer, comfort yourself with this—theimmutabilityofGod'sdecree.

Usefour:ToconcludewithawordtotheWICKED,whomarchfuriouslyagainstGodandhispeople—letthemknowthatGod'sdecreeisunchangeable.Godwillnotalter it,nor can theybreak it!WhiletheyresistGod'swill,theyfulfillit.Thereisatwo-foldwillofGod—thewillofGod'sprecept,andthewillofhisdecree.While thewickedresist the will of God's precept, they fulfill the will of his permissivedecree. Judas betrays Christ, Pilate condemns him, the soldiers crucifyhim;whiletheyresistthewillofGod'sprecepts,theyfulfillthewillofhispermissive decree. "For, in fact, in this city both Herod and PontiusPilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, assembled togetheragainst Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, to do whateverYourhandandYourplanhadpredestinedtotakeplace."Acts4:27-28.

Godcommandsone thing, theydo thecontrary.While theydisobeyhiscommand, they fulfill his permissivedecree. If aman sets up twonets,oneofsilk,theotherof iron,thesilkennetmaybebroken,nottheironone.Justso,whilemenbreakthesilkennetofGod'scommand,theyaretaken in the iron net of his decree; while they sit backward to God'sprecepts, they row forward to his decrees. God decrees topermit theirsin,andthentopunishthemfortheirsinpermitted.

5.TheWISDOMofGod.

ThenextattributeisGod'swisdom,whichisoneofthebrightestbeamsofthe Godhead. "He is wise in heart." The heart is the seat of wisdom.Among the Hebrews, the heart is put for wisdom. "Men ofunderstanding,"Job34:34.TheHebrewis"Menofheart."Godiswiseinheart,thatis,heismostwise.

Godaloneiswise—hesolelyandwhollypossessesallwisdom;thereforeheiscalled,"theonlywiseGod."Allthetreasuresofwisdomare lockedupinhim,andnocreaturecanhaveanywisdombutasGodispleasedtogiveitoutofhistreasury.

Godisperfectlywise;thereisnodefectinhiswisdom.Menmaybewiseinsomethings—butinotherthingstheyshowimprudenceandweakness.ButGodistheexemplarandpatternofwisdom,andthepatternmustbeperfect. "As your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48. God'swisdomappearsintwothings:

I.Hisinfiniteintelligence.

II.Hisexactworking.

I.HisinfiniteINTELLIGENCE.Heknowsthemostprofoundsecrets."Our Lord is great, vast in power;His understanding is infinite."Psalm147:5."There isaGodinheavenwhorevealssecrets,andhehasshown King Nebuchadnezzar whatwill happen in the future." Daniel2:28.Heknowsthethoughts,whicharethemostintricatesubtlethings."Iknowfullwellwhatyouarethinking."Job21:27."TheLordknowsthethoughtsofman."Psalm94:11.Letsinbecontrivedeversosecretly,Godwill pull off all masks and disguises, and make a heart-anatomy. Heknows all future contingencies; all things are before him in one clearprospect.

II.His exact andmeticulousWORKING.He iswise in heart; hiswisdom lies in hisworks. These works of God are bound up in three

greatvolumes,wherewemayreadhiswisdom.

[1] The work of CREATION. The creation is both a monument ofGod'spower,andalooking-glassinwhichwemayseehiswisdom.NonebutawiseGodcouldsometiculouslycontrivetheworld.Beholdtheearthdeckedwithvarietyofflowers,whicharebothforbeautyandfragrance.Behold the heaven bespangled with lights. We may see the gloriouswisdomofGodblazinginthesun,twinklinginthestars.Hiswisdomisseen in marshaling and ordering everything in its proper place andsphere.Ifthesunhadbeensetlower,itwouldhaveburntus;ifhigher,itwould not have warmed us with its beams. God's wisdom is seen inappointingtheseasonsoftheyear."Youhavemadesummerandwinter."Ifithadbeenallsummer,theheatwouldhavescorchedus;ifallwinter,thecoldwouldhavekilledus.ThewisdomofGodisseeninchequeringthedarkandthelight.Ifithadbeenallnight,therewouldhavebeennolabor;ifallday,therewouldhavebeennorest.Wisdomisseeninmixingtheelements, as theearthwith thesea. If ithadbeenall sea,wewouldhave lackedbread; if ithadbeenallearth,wewouldhave lackedwater.ThewisdomofGod is seen inpreparingand ripening the fruitsof theearth,inthewindandfrostwhichpreparethefruits,andinthesunandrainwhichripenthefruits.God'swisdomisseeninsettingboundstothesea,andsowiselycontrivingit,thatthoughtheseaishigherthanmanypartsoftheearth—yetitshouldnotoverflowtheearth.Wemaycryoutwith the Psalmist, "O Lord, how manifold are your works! in wisdomhaveyoumadethemall."There isnothingtobeseen inthisworld,butmiraclesofGod'swisdom.

God'swisdomisseeninorderingsocialthings,thatoneshallhaveneedofanother.Thepoorneed therichman'smoney,and the richneed thepoorman's labor.Godmakesonetradedependuponanother—thatonemaybehelpfultoanother,andthatmutuallovemaybepreserved.

[2]ThesecondworkwhereinGod'swisdomshinesforthistheworkofREDEMPTION.

(1.)Redemption is themasterpiece of divinewisdom. God hascontrivedawayforhappinessforsinfulman—andstillupholdhisjustice!Wemaycryoutwiththeapostle, "Othedepthof therichesbothof the

wisdomandknowledgeofGod!"Thishasastonishedmenandangels.IfGod had left us to find out a way of salvation when we were lost—wecouldneitherhavehadaheadtodevise,norahearttodesire—whatGod'sinfinitewisdomhadplannedforus.

Mercyhadamindtosavesinners,andwasloaththatthejusticeofGodshouldbewronged."Itisapity,"saysMercy,"thatsuchanoblecreatureasmanshouldbeeternallyundone;andyetGod's justicemustnotbealoser.Whatway then shall be found out? Angels cannot satisfy for thewrongdonetoGod'sjustice;norisitfitthatonenatureshouldsin—andanothernaturesuffer.Whatthen?Shallmanbeforeverlost?"Now,whileMercywasthusdebatingwithitself,whattodofortherecoveryoffallenman,theWisdomofGodsteppedin—andthustheoraclespoke:"LetGodbecomeman;lettheSecondPersonintheTrinitybecomeincarnate,andsuffer;andsoforfitnessheshallbeman,andforabilityheshallbeGod!Thusjusticemaybesatisfied,andmansaved!"OthedepthoftherichesofthewisdomofGod—thustomakejusticeandmercytokisseachother!Greatisthismystery,"Godmanifestintheflesh."Whatwisdomwasthis—that Christ should be made sin—yet know no sin; that God shouldcondemnthesin—yetsavethesinner!Herewaswisdom—tofindoutthewayofsalvation.

(2.)Themeansbywhichsalvationisapplied—setsforthGod'swisdom—that salvation should be by faith, not by works. Faith is ahumblegrace—itgivesalltoChrist;itisanadoreroffreegrace.Andfreegrace being advanced here, God has his glory; and it is his highestwisdomtoexalthisownglory.

(3.) The way of working faith—declares God's wisdom. It iswrought by the word preached. "Faith comes by hearing."What is theweakbreathofaman—toconvertasoul?Itislikewhisperingintheearsofadeadman.This is foolishness in theeyeof theworld;but theLordlovestoshowhiswisdombythatwhichseemsfolly."Hehaschosenthefoolish things of theworld to confound thewise."Why so? "So thatnoonecaneverboastinthepresenceofGod."

IfGodweretoconvertbytheministryofangels—thenwewouldbereadytogloryinangels,andgivethathonortothemwhichisduetoGod;but

when God works by weak tools, makes use of men who are of likepassionswithourselves,andbythemconverts,thenthepowerisplainlyseentobeofGod."Butwehavethistreasureinearthenvessels,toshowthat this all-surpassingpower is fromGod andnot fromus!"Herein isGod'swisdomseen,thatnofleshmaygloryinhisPresence.

[3]ThewisdomofGodwonderfullyappearsintheworksofhisPROVIDENCE.Everyprovidencehasamercyorawonderenraptupinit.ThewisdomofGod,inhisworksofprovidence,appears:

(1.)Byeffectinggreatthings—bysmallcontemptiblemeans.HecuredthestungIsraelites,byabrazenserpent.Ifsomesovereignantidotehadbeenused,ifthebalmofGileadhadbeenbrought,therewouldhavebeensomelikelihoodofacure;butwhatwasthereinabrazenserpent?Itwas a meremodel—and not a real serpent; and it was not physicallyapplied tohimwhowaswounded;hewasonlyto lookupon it; yet thiswroughtacure!Thelessprobabilityintheinstrument—themoreisGod'swisdomseen!

(2.)ThewisdomofGodisseenindoinghiswork,bythatwhichtotheeyeoffleshseemsquitecontrary.GodintendedtoadvanceJoseph, and tomake all his brethren's sheaves bow to his sheaf. Now,whatwaydoeshe take?FirstJoseph is thrown into the pit; then soldintoEgypt; thenafter thatput inprison.Butbyhis imprisonmentGodmadeway for his advancement. ForGod to save in anordinaryway—wouldnot somuchdisplayhiswisdom.Butwhenhe goes strangely towork,andsavesinthatverywayinwhichwethinkhewilldestroy—hiswisdomshinesforthinamostconspicuousmanner!

God would make Israel victorious, and what way does he take? HelessensGideon'sarmy."Thepeoplethatarewithyouaretoomany."Hereducesthearmyofthirty-twothousand,tothreehundred;andbytakingawaythemeansofvictory,makesIsraelvictorious.

GodhadadesigntobringhispeopleoutofEgypt,andastrangecoursehe takes to effect it! He stirred up the hearts of the Egyptians to hatethem. "He turned their heart to hate his people." Themore they hatedandoppressedIsrael,themoreGodplaguedtheEgyptians,andthemore

gladtheyweretoletIsraelgo.TheEgyptianswereurgentthattheymightsendthemoutofthelandinhaste.

GodhadamindtosaveJonahwhenhewascastintothesea—soheletthefishswallowhimup,andsobroughthimtotheshore.

Godwould savePaul, and allwhowere in the shipwith him—but theshipmustbewrecked,sothattheycouldallcamesafelytolanduponthebrokenpiecesoftheship.Acts27:74.

In reference to the church, God often goes by contrarymeans, andmakes the enemy do hiswork. God canmake a straight stroke, with acrooked stick. He has often made his church grow and flourish bypersecution. "The showers of blood havemade hermore fruitful," saysJulian.Exod1:10."Come,wemustdealshrewdlywiththemortheywillbecome even more numerous." But the way the Egyptians took tosuppress them,madethemmultiply.Verse12. "But themore theywereoppressed, themoretheymultipliedandspread;so theEgyptianscametodread the Israelites." Just like the soil—themore it isharrowed, thebettercropitbears.Theapostleswerescatteredbypersecution,andtheirscatteringwas like the scatteringof seed.Theywentupanddown, andpreachedthegospel,andbroughtdailyconverts.Paulwasputinprison,andhischainswerethemeansofspreadingthegospel."NowIwantyoutoknow,brothers,thatwhathashappenedtomehasactuallyresultedintheadvancementofthegospel."Philippians1:12.

(3.)ThewisdomofGod isseen inmaking themostdesperateevils, to work to the good of his children. As several poisonousingredients, wisely tempered by the skill of the apothecary, make asovereign medicine—so God makes the most deadly afflictions worktogetherforthegoodofhischildren.Heusessevereafflictionstopurifythem,andpreparethemforheaven."Forourmomentarylightafflictionisproducingforusanabsolutelyincomparableeternalweightofglory!"2Corinthians 4:17. Thesehard frosts hasten the spring flowers of glory!ThewiseGod,byadivinechemistry, turnsourafflictions intocordials.He makes his people gainers by losses; and turns their crosses intoblessings.

(4.) Thewisdom of God is seen in this—that the sins ofmenshallcarryonGod'swork;yethehimselfshouldhavenohandintheirsin.TheLordpermitssin—butdoesnotapprove it.He has ahandintheactioninwhichsinis—butnotinthesinoftheaction.AsinthecrucifyingofChrist,sofarasitwasanaturalaction,Godconcurred;ifhehadnotgiventheJewslifeandbreath,theycouldnothavedoneit;butas it was a sinful action, so God abhorred it. Amusician plays upon aviolinwhich isoutof tune; themusician is thecauseof thesound—butthe jarring and discord is from the violin itself. Just so,men'snaturalmotionisfromGod—buttheirsinfulmotionisfromthemselves.Whenamanridesona lamehorse,hisriding is thecausewhythehorsegoes—but the lameness is fromthehorse itself.Herein isGod'swisdom—thatthesinsofmencarryonhiswork—yethehasnohandinthem!

(5.)ThewisdomofGod is seen inhelping indesperatecases.God loves to show his wisdom—when human help and wisdom fail.Exquisite lawyers love to wrestle with difficult law cases, as this moreshowstheirskill.God'swisdomisneverataloss;butwhenprovidencesare darkest, then the morning star of deliverance appears. "Herememberedusinourlowestate."SometimesGodmeltsawaythespiritsofhisenemies."TheLordhassurelygiventhewholelandintoourhands;allthepeoplearemeltinginfearbecauseofus."Joshua2:24.Sometimeshefindsthemotherworktodo,andsoundsaretreattothem,ashedidtoSaulwhenhewaspursuingDavid."ThePhilistinesareintheland."Whenthechurchseemstobeupondestruction,andherpeaceandlibertyreadytobesacrificed,thenthedeliverancecomes.

(6.)God'swisdomisseeninbefoolingwisemen,andinmakingtheirwisdomthemeansoftheiroverthrow.Ahithophelhaddeepunderstanding. "The counsel Ahithophel gavewas like that of onewhoinquiresofGod;"butheconsultedhisownshame."TheLordturnedhiscounsel into foolishness." "God takes thewise in their own craftiness;"thatis,whentheythinktodealwisely,henotonlydisappointsthem—butensnaresthem.The snares they lay for others, catch themselves! "Theyhave fallen into the pit they dug for others. They have been caught intheir own trap." God loves to counterplot politicians; he makes use oftheirownwittoundothem.HehangsHamanuponhisowngallows.

Useone:AdorethewisdomofGod.Itisaninfinitedeep;theangelscannotsearchintoit."Oh,thedepthoftherichesbothofthewisdomandtheknowledgeofGod!HowunsearchableHisjudgmentsanduntraceableHisways!"Romans11:33.AsweshouldadorethewisdomofGod—soweshouldrestinthewisdomofGod.Godseeswhatconditionisbestforus.Didwe believe thewisdom ofGod, it would keep us frommurmuring.RestinGod'swisdom.

(1.)Rest inGod'swisdom—in lackof spiritual comfort.God iswise; he sometimes sees it good, that we should be without comfort.Perhapswewouldbeliftedupinprideifwehadspiritualenlargements;as Paul, with his revelations. "Especially because of the extraordinaryrevelations. Therefore, so that I would not exaltmyself, a thorn in thefleshwasgiventome,amessengerofSatantotormentmesoIwouldnotexaltmyself."2Corinthians12:7.Itishardtohavetheheartlow—whencomfortishigh.Godseeshumilitytobebetterforusthanjoy.Itisbettertolackcomfort,andbehumble—thantohaveit,andbeproud!

(2.) Rest in God's wisdom—in lack of bodily strength, rest inGod'swisdom.He seeswhat is best. Perhaps the lesshealth—themoregrace. Perhaps the weaker in body—the stronger in faith. "Though ouroutwardmanisperishing—yettheinwardmanisreneweddaybyday."AtRome there were two laurel trees; when the one withered, the otherflourished.WhenGod shakes the treeof the body, he is gathering thefruitsof righteousness. "Nodiscipline seems enjoyable at the time, butpainful.Lateron,however, ityieldsthefruitofpeaceandrighteousnesstothosewhohavebeentrainedbyit."Hebrews12:11.SicknessisGod'slance—toletoutthepoisonofsin."TheLorddidthistopurgeawayIsraels'sin."Isaiah27:9.

(3.)RestinGod'swisdom—incaseofGod'sprovidencestohischurch.WhenwewonderwhatGodisdoingwithus,andareready tokill ourselves with worry—let us rest in God's wisdom. He knows bestwhat he has to do. "Your way went through the sea, and Your paththrough the great waters, but Your footprints were unseen." Psalms77:19.Trusthisheart—whereyoucannottracehishand.Godismostinhisway,whenwethinkheismostoutoftheway.WhenwethinkGod's church is, as itwere, in the grave, and there is a tombstone laid

uponher,hiswisdomcanrollawaythestonefromthesepulcher."Christcomes leaping over mountains." Either his power can remove themountain,orhiswisdomknowshowtoleapoverit!

(4.)RestinGod'swisdom—incasewearelowintheworld,orhavebutlittleoilinourcruse—letusrestinGod'swisdom.Heseesthat thiscondition isbest forus.Perhaps it is tocureus fromprideorworldliness.Godknewifyourestatehadnotbeenlost—yoursoulwouldhavebeenlost.Godsawthatricheswouldbeasnareuntoyou."Butthosewhowant to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, andmany foolish andharmfuldesires,whichplungepeople intoruinanddestruction.Fortheloveofmoneyisarootofallkindsofevil,andbycraving it,somehavewanderedawayfromthefaithandpiercedthemselveswithmanypains."1Timothy6:9-10.AreyoutroubledthatGodhaspreventedasnare?Godwillmakeyourichinfaith.Whatyoulackintemporals,shallbemadeupinspirituals.Godwillgiveyoumoreofhislove.Youareweakinestate—butGodwillmakeyoustronginassurance.OhrestinGod'swisdom!Hewillcarvethechoicestpieceforyou!

(5.)RestinGod'swisdom—incaseofthelossofdearfriends,awife,orchild,orhusband,letusrestsatisfiedinGod'swisdom.Godtakes away these, because he would have more of our love; he breaksthesecrutches,thatwemaylivemoreuponhimbyfaith.Godwouldhaveuslearntogowithoutcrutches.

Usetwo:IfGodisinfinitelywise—letusgotohimforwisdom.Solomonprayed,"Sogiveyourservantadiscerningheart . . .TheLordwas pleased that Solomon had asked for this." 1 Kings 3:9-10. Here isencouragementforus;"Ifanyonelackswisdom,lethimaskofGod,whogives liberally,andupbraidsnot."Wisdomis inGod—aswater is in thefountain.Thatis,hiswisdomisimparted,butnotimpaired—hisstockisnotspentbygivingit.GothentoGod."Lord,givemewisdom,toknowthefallacyofmyheart;thesubtletiesoftheoldserpent;towalkcarefullytowardsmyself;piouslytowardsyou,prudentlytowardsothers;guidemebyyourcounsel,andafterwardsreceivemetoglory."

6.TheOMNIPOTENCEofGod.

ThenextattributeisGod'spower."IfIspeakofstrength,lo,heisstrong."In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. "Lo, he isstrong."TheHebrewword forstrongsignifiesaconquering,prevailingstrength."Heisstrong."Thesuperlativedegreeisintendedhere;namely,He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, 'God Almighty'. Hisalmightiness lies in this—that he can do whatever is feasible. Divinesdistinguishbetweenauthorityandpower.Godhasboth.

I.HehasasovereignrightandAUTHORITYoverman.Hecando with his creatures as he pleases.Who shall dispute with God? whoshall ask him a reason of his doings? "All the people of the earth arenothingcomparedtohim.Hehas thepower todoashepleasesamongtheangelsofheavenandwiththosewholiveonearth.Noonecanstophimorchallengehim,saying—Whatdoyoumeanbydoingthesethings?"Daniel4:35.Godsitsasjudgeinthehighestcourt;hecallsthemonarchsof the earth to the bar, and is not bound to give a reason of hisproceedings. "He puts down one, and raises up another." He hassalvationanddamnation inhispower.Hehas thekeyof justice in hishand,tolockupwhomeverhewill,inthefieryprisonofhell!Andhehasthe key of mercy in his hand, to open heaven's gate to whomever hepleases!Thenameengraveduponhisvestureis,"Kingofkings,andLordoflords!"HesitsLordparamount,andwhocancallhimtoaccount?Theworld isGod's house, and shall not he dowhat desireswill in his ownhouse? "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will havecompassiononwhomIhavecompassion.Itdoesnot,therefore,dependon man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." Romans 9:15-16. "Mypurpose will stand, and I will do all that I please!" Isaiah 46:10."Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns!" Revelation19:6."OurGodisinheavenanddoeswhateverHepleases."Psalm115:3."TheLorddoeswhateverHepleasesinheavenandonearth,intheseasandallthedepths."Psalm135:6.

ItwasGodwhomadeKingNebuchadnezzartoeatgrass;andwhothrewtheangelstohellwhentheysinned."Howyouarefallenfromheaven,Oshining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the

earth." Isa 14:12. "He sets bounds to the sea, and bridles the proudwaves."God is the suprememonarch, all power is seated originally inhim."Thepowersthatbe,areordainedofGod."Kingsholdtheircrownsofhim."Bymekingsreign."

II. As God has authority, so he has infinite POWER. What isauthoritywithoutpower?"Heismightyinstrength."ThispowerofGodisseen.

[1]IntheCREATION.Tocreaterequiresinfinitepower.Alltheworldcannotmakeafly.God'spowerincreatingisevident;becauseheneedsno instruments to work with; he can work without tools; because heneedsnomattertoworkupon;hecreatesmatter,andthenworksuponit;andbecauseheworkswithoutlabor;"Hespoke,anditwasdone."

[2]ThepowerofGodisseenintheCONVERSIONofsouls.ThesamepowerdrawsasinnertoGod,whichdrewChristoutofthegravetoheaven. Eph 1:19. Greater power is put forth in conversion, than increation.WhenGodmade theworld,hemetwithnoopposition; ashehadnothingtohelphim,sohehadnothingtohinderhim.Butwhenheconvertsasinner,hemeetswithopposition.Satanopposeshim,andthesinner'sheartopposeshim;asinnerisangrywithconvertinggrace.Theworldwasthe"workofGod'sfingers."Conversionisthe"workofGod'sarm." In the creation,Godwroughtbutonemiracle,heonly spoke theword.But,inconversion,heworksmanymiracles;theblindmanismadetosee,thedeadmanisraised,thedeafmanhearsthevoiceoftheSonofGod. Oh, the infinite power of Jehovah! Before his scepter, angels veilandprostratethemselves,andkingscasttheircrownsathisfeet!

"Hetouchestheland,anditshallmelt.""Heremovestheearthoutofherplace."Anearthquakemakestheearthtrembleuponherpillars—butGodshakesitoutofitsplace;hecanremovetheearthfromitscenter.Hecandowhathewill;hispower isas largeashiswill.Weremen'spower aslargeastheirwill,whatworkwouldtheymakeintheworld!God'spowerisofequalextentwithhiswill.Hewithawordcanunpinthewheels,andbreaktheaxleof thecreation.Hecando"morethanwecanthink."Hecansuspendnaturalagents.Hesealedupthelions'mouths;hemadethefirenottoburn;hemadethewaterstostanduponaheap;hecausedthe

suntogotendegreesbackwardinthedialofAhaz.WhatcanovercomeOmnipotence? "He humbles the spirit of leaders; He is feared by thekingsoftheearth."Psalm76:12.

Hecounter-workshisenemies;hepullsdowntheirflagsandbannersofpride, frustrates their counsels, breaks their forces; andhedoes itwithease,withtheturningofhishand;"withhisbreath,"a look,aglanceofhiseyeisallitneedscostGodtodestroyhisenemies."TheLord lookeddown on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and hethrew them into confusion." Exod 14:24. Who shall stop him in hismarch?Godcommands,andallcreaturesinheavenandearthobeyhim.

Xerxes, thePersianmonarch, threwfetters into thesea,whenitswavesswelled, as if hewouldhave chained thewaters;butwhenGodspeaks,thewindandseaobeyhim.Ifhesaysbuttheword,thestarsfightintheircoursesagainstSisera;ifhestampswithhisfoot,anarmyofangelsshallpresentlybeinbattalia.Whatcanomnipotentpowernotdo?"TheLordisamanofwar.""Hehasamightyarm.""God'spowerisagloriouspower."

Itisanirresistiblepower."Whohasresistedhiswill?"Tocontestwithhim, isas if thethornsshouldset themselves inbattlearrayagainstthefire;or,asifaninfirmchildshouldfightwithanarchangel.IfthesinnerisoncetakeninGod'sironnet,thereisnoescape."Thereisnonewhocandeliveroutofmyhand."

God'spower is inexhaustible; it isnever spent orwasted.Men,whiletheyexercisetheirstrength,weakenit;butGodhasaneverlastingspringofstrengthinhimself.Thoughhespendshisarrowsuponhisenemies—yethedoesnotspendhisstrength."Iwillheapcalamitiesuponthemandspendmyarrowsagainst them."Deut32:23. "Haveyouneverheardorunderstood? Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, theCreatorofalltheearth?Henevergrowsfaintorweary."Isaiah40:28.

Godcannotdoallthings,becausehecannotdenyhimself.

ThoughGodcandoallthings,hecannotdothatwhichstainsthegloryofhis Godhead. He cannot sin; he cannot do that which implies acontradiction. To be a God of truth, and yet deny himself, is a

contradiction.

Useone: IfGod is infinite inpower, letusFEARhim.We fearsuchas are inpower. "Doyounot fearMe?Doyounot tremblebeforeMe?"Jer5:52.Hehaspowertocastoursoulsandbodiesintohell."Whoknows the power of his wrath?" The same breath that made us—candissolveus!"Hisfuryispouredoutlikefire;therocksarethrowndownbyhim."Solomonsays,"Theking'scommandisbackedbygreatpower.No one can resist or question it;" howmuchmore is the command ofGod!Oh let us fear thismightyGod!The fear ofGodwill drive out allotherbasefear.

Usetwo:SeethedeplorableconditionofWICKEDmen.(1.)Thispower of God is not for them. (2.) This power of God is against thewicked.

(1.)ThispowerofGod isnot for them. They have no unionwithGod,thereforetheyhavenowarranttolayclaimtohispower.Hispoweris no relief to them.He has power to forgive sins—but hewill not putforthhispowertowardsanimpenitentsinner.God'spowerisaneagle'swing, to carry the saints to heaven; but what privilege is that to thewicked?Thoughamanwillcarryhischildinhisarmsoveradangerousstream—yethewill not carry anenemy.God's power is not engaged tohelp those who fight against him. Letmiseries come upon the wicked,theyhavenone to help them; they are like a ship in a stormwithout apilot,anddrivenupontherocks.

(2.)ThispowerofGodisagainstthewicked.God'spowerwillnotbethesinner'sshieldtodefendhim—butaswordtowoundhim!God'spower will bind the sinner in chains. His power serves to revenge thewrongdonetohismercy.HewillbeAlmightytodamnthesinner.Now,inwhatadreadfulconditioniseveryunbeliever?God'spowerisengagedagainsthim!"ItisafearfulthingtofallintothehandsofthelivingGod!"

Use three: It reproves such as do not BELIEVE the power ofGod.WesaywedonotdoubtofGod'spower—buthiswill.Butindeeditishispowerthatwequestion."IsanythingtoohardforGod?"Westaggerthroughunbelief,asifthearmofGod'spowerwereshrunk,andhecould

not help in desperate cases. Take away a king's power, andwe unkinghim; takeaway theLord'spower, andweungodhim.Yethowguiltyofthisarewe!DidnotIsraelquestionGod'spower?"Canheprepareatablein the wilderness?" They thought the wilderness was a fitter place formaking graves, than spreading a table. Did notMartha doubt Christ'spower? "He has been dead four days." If Christ had been there whileLazaruswassick,orwhenhehadjustdied,Marthadidnotquestionbuthecouldhaveraisedhim;buthehadlaininthegravefourdays,andnowsheseemedtoquestionhispower.Christhadasmuchtodo,toraiseherfaithastoraiseherdeadbrother.

Moses, though a holyman, limitedGod's power throughunbelief. "ButMosessaid,"Thereare600,000footsoldiersherewithme,andyetyoupromise them meat for a whole month! Even if we butchered all ourflocksandherds,wouldthatsatisfythem?Evenifwecaughtallthefishinthesea,would thatbeenough?"Then theLordsaid toMoses, "Is thereanylimittomypower?Nowyouwillseewhetherornotmywordcomestrue!"Numbers11:21-23.ThisisagreataffronttoGod,todenyhispower.ThatmendoubtofGod'spower,appearsbytheirtakingindirectcourses;fortheywouldnotdefraudintheirdealings,andusefalseweights,iftheybelieved the power of God could provide for them; and by dependingmore upon second causes than upon God. "Even when the diseasebecamelifethreatening,hedidnotseektheLord'shelpbutsoughthelponlyfromhisphysicians."2Chronicles16:12.

Use four: If God is infinite in power, let us take heed ofhardening our hearts against him. "Who has hardened himselfagainst him and prospered?" Job sends a challenge to all creatures inheavenandearth.WhoevertookuptheswordagainstGod,andcameoffconqueror? For a person to go on daringly in any sin, is to harden hisheartagainstGod,andtoraiseawaragainstheaven.LethimrememberGod isEl-Shaddai,almighty; hewill be too hard for thosewho opposehim. "Have you an arm like God?" Such as will not bow to hisgoldenscepter,shallbebrokenwithhisironrod.

JulianhardenedhisheartagainstGod,heopposedhim tohis face;butwhat did he get at last? Did he prosper? Being wounded in battle, hethrewuphisbloodintotheair,andsaidtoChrist,"OGalilean,youhave

overcome! I acknowledge your power, whose name and truth I haveopposed." Will folly contend with wisdom;weaknesswith power; thefinitewith the infinite? Oh take heed of hardening your heart againstGod!Hecansend legionsofangels toavengehisquarrel. It isbettertomeetGodwithtearsinyoureyes—thanweaponsinyourhand.Youmayovercomehimsoonerbyrepentance—thanbyresistance.

Use five:Get a saving interest inGod, and then this gloriouspowerisengagedforyou.Hepromisesunderoath, thathewillputforth thewhole power of hisGodhead for the good of his people. "TheLord Almighty is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel." ThisalmightinessofGod'spower is awonderful support and comfort to thebeliever. It was Samson's riddle. "Out of the strong came forthsweetness;" so out of the attribute of God's power, out of this strong,comesforthsweetness.ItisCOMFORTinseveralcases.

(1.)Incaseofstrongcorruption."Mysins,"saysachildofGod,"arepotent.Ihavenopoweragainstthisarmythatcomesagainstme.Ipray,andhumblemysoulbyfasting;butmysinsreturnuponme!"Ay,butdoyoubelievethepowerofGod?ThestrongGodcanconqueryour strongcorruption;thoughsinistoohardforyou—yetnotforhim!Hecansoftenhardhearts,andquickenthedead."IsanythingtoohardfortheLord?"Sethispowertowork,byfaithandprayer.Say,"Lord!it isnot foryourhonorthatthedevilshouldbesoprevalentwithinme;oh,breaktheheadofthisleviathan!Abba,Father,allthingsarepossibletoyou!"

(2.)Incaseofstrongtemptation.Sataniscalledthestrongman;butremember the power ofGod. Christ is called, "TheLionof the tribe ofJudah," he has broken the serpent's head upon the cross. Satan is achained enemy, and a conquered enemy.OurMichael is stronger thanthedragon.

(3.) Comfort in case ofweakness of grace, and fear of fallingaway. "I pray—but I cannot send out strong cries. I believe—but thehand of my faith shakes and trembles." Cannot God strengthen weakgrace?""Mystrengthismadeperfectinweakness:mostgladlythereforewill I rather glory inmy infirmities, that the power of Christmay restupon me." "I fear I shall not hold out!" Christian, do you believe the

powerofGod?HasnotGodpreservedyourgracethusfar?MayyounotsetupyourEbenezer?Godhaskeptyourgracehitherto—asasparkinthemidstoftheocean;andisnotheablestilltokeepit?"God,inhismightypower,willprotectyouuntilyoureceivethissalvation."1Peter1:5.God'smercypardons us—but his power preserves us. He who by his powerkeepsthestars,thattheydonotfallfromtheirorbs—keepsourgracethatitdoesnotfail.

(4.)Comfortincaseofdeficiencyinyourestate.Godcanmultiplytheoilinthecruse;miraculouslyhecanraiseupsupplies.Cannothewhoprovidesforthebirdsoftheair,provideforhischildren?Cannothewhoclothestheliliesclothehislambs?

(5.) Comfort in regard of the resurrection. It seems difficult tobelieve,thatthebodiesofmen,afterbeingeatenupbyworms,devouredbybeastsandfish,orburnedtoashes,shouldberaisedthesamebodies;butifwebelievethepowerofGod,itisnogreatwonder.Whichisharder—tocreate,orraisethedead?Hewhocanmakeabodyofnothing,canrestore it to itspartswhenmingledandblendedwithother substances."With God all things are possible." If we believe the first article of thecreed—thatGodisalmighty;wemayquicklybelievetheotherarticle—theresurrectionof thebody.God can raise thedeadbecauseofhispower,andhecannotbutraisethembecauseofhistruth.

(6.)ItiscomfortinreferencetothechurchofGod.Hecansaveanddeliver itwhen it is brought low.The enemieshavepower in theirhand—but God will restrain them. He can either confine the enemy'spower,orconfoundit."IfGodisforus,whocanbeagainstus?"Godcancreate rejoicing inJerusalem.Thechurch inEzekiel is comparedtodrybones—butGodmadebreathtoenterintothem,andtheylived.Theshipof the churchmay be tossed, because sin is in it—but it shall not beoverwhelmed, because Christ is in it. All the church's pangs shall helpforwardherdeliverance."Godisourrefugeandstrength,alwaysreadytohelpintimesoftrouble.Sowewillnotfear,evenifearthquakescomeandthemountains crumble into the sea.Let theoceans roar and foam.Letthemountainstrembleasthewaterssurge!"Psalm46:1-3.

7.TheHOLINESSofGod

The next attribute isGod's holiness. "Glorious in holiness."Holiness isthemost sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God isknown."Holyandreverendishisname."Heis"theholyOne."Seraphimcry,"Holy,holy,holyistheLordAlmighty,thewholeearthis fullofhisglory."Hispowermakes himmighty; hisholinessmakes him glorious.God's holiness consists inhis perfect love of righteousness, and perfectabhorrenceof evil.He is "ofpurereyes than tobeholdevil,andcannotlookoniniquity."

I.GodisholyINTRINSICALLY.He isholy inhisnature; his verybeing ismadeupofholiness,as light isof theessenceof thesun.He isholyinhisWord.TheWordbearsastampofhisholinessuponit,asthewax bears an impression of the seal. "Your Word is very pure." It iscomparedtosilverrefinedseventimes.EverylineintheWordbreathessanctity,itencouragesnothingbutholiness.Godisholyinhisworks.Allhe does is holy; he cannot act but like himself; he can nomore do anunrighteousaction,thanthesuncandarken."TheLordisholyinallhisworks."

II. God is holy PRIMARILY. He is the original and pattern ofholiness.HolinessbeganwithhimwhoistheAncientofDays.

III.GodisholyEFFICIENTLY.Heisthecauseofallthatisholinessinothers."Everygoodandperfectgiftcomesfromabove."Hemadetheangelsholy.He infusedallholiness intoChrist's humannature.All theholinesswehave, isbutacrystalstreamfromthis fountain.WeborrowallourholinessfromGod.Asthelightsofthesanctuarywerelightedfromthe middle lamp, so all the holiness of others is a lamp lighted fromheaven."IamtheLordwhomakesyouholy."Godisnotonlyapatternofholiness—but he is a principle of holiness. His spring feeds all ourcisterns;hedropshisholyoilofgraceuponus.

IV.GodisholyTRANSCENDENTLY."There isnoneasholyasthe

Lord."NoangelinheavencanmeasurethedimensionsofGod'sholiness.The highest seraphim is too low of stature tomeasure these pyramids;holinessinGodisfaraboveholinessinsaintsorangels.

[1]TheholinessofGodisaboveholinessinSAINTS.Itisapureholiness. The saints' holiness is like gold in the ore, imperfect; theirhumilityisstainedwithpride;hewhohasmostfaithneedspray,"Lord,helpmy unbelief!" But the holiness of God is pure, likewine from thegrape;ithasnottheleastdashortinctureofimpuritymixedwithit.Itisanunchangeableholiness.Thoughthesaintscannotlosetheprincipleofholiness(fortheseedofGodremainsinthem)—yettheymaylosesomedegreesoftheirholiness."Youhaveleftyourfirstlove."Gracecannotdie—yettheflameofitmayburnverydim.Holinessinthesaintsissubjecttoebbing—butholiness inGod isunchangeable;henever lostadropofhis holiness. As he cannot havemoreholiness, because he is perfectlyholy;sohecannothavelessholiness,becauseheisunchangeablyholy.

[2] The holiness of God is above the holiness of ANGELS.Holiness intheangels isonlyaquality,whichmaybe lost,aswesee inthe fallenangels;butholiness inGod ishisessence,he isalloverholy,andhecanaswelllosehisGodheadashisholiness.

But is he not privy to all the sins of men? How can he behold theirimpurities,andnotbedefiled?

Godseesallthesinsofmen—butisnomoredefiledwiththemthanthesunisdefiledwiththevaporswhichrisefromtheearth.Godseessin,notasapatrontoapproveit—butasajudgetopunishit.

Useone:IsGodsoinfinitelyholy?ThenseehowunliketoGod,sinis. Sin is an unclean thing, it is hyperbolically evil. Sin is called anabomination.Godhasnomixture of evil in him; sinhas nomixture ofgood. Sin is the quintessence of evil, it turns good into evil. Sin hasdefloweredthevirginsoul,madeitredwithguilt,andblackwithfilth.Sinis called the accursed thing. No wonder, therefore, that God hates sin,beingsounliketohim;nay,socontrarytohim.Sinstrikesathisholiness;itdoesallitcantospiteGod;ifsincouldhelpit—GodwouldbeGodnolonger.

Usetwo:IsGodtheHolyOne,andisholinesshisglory?Howimpiousare those who are HATERS of holiness! As the vulture hatesperfumes,sotheyhatethesweetperfumeofholinessinthesaints;theirheartsriseinantipathyagainstholiness.Thereisnotagreatersignofapersondevotedtohell,thantohateoneforthethingwhereinheismostlikeGod.

Othersaredespisersofholiness.TheydespisethegloryoftheGodhead."Gloriousinholiness."Thedespisingholinessisseeninderidingit;andisitnotsadthatmenshouldderidethatwhichshouldsavethem?Surely,thatpatientwilldiewhoderidestheonlyremedy.Deridingthegraceofthe Spirit comesnear to despising the Spirit of grace. Scoffing IshmaelwascastoutofAbraham'shouse.Suchasscoffatholiness,shallbecastoutofheaven.

Use three: Is God so infinitely holy? Then let us endeavor toimitateGodinholiness."Beholy, forIamholy."There isa twofoldholiness;aholinessofequality,andaholinessofsimilitude.Aholinessofequality,noman or angel can reach to.Who can be equally holy withGod? Who can parallel him in sanctity? But there is a holiness ofsimilitude, and that we must aspire after—to have some analogy andresemblance of God's holiness in us—to be as like him in holiness asmuchaswecan.Thoughacandledoesnotgivesomuchlightasthesun—yetitresemblesit.WemustimitateGodinholiness.

IfwemustbelikeGodinholiness,whereindoesourholinessconsist?

Intwothings.InoursuitablenesstoGod'snature,andinoursubjectiontohiswill.

Our holiness consists in our suitableness to the nature of God.Hence the saints are said to partake of the divine nature,which is notpartaking of his essence—but his image. Herein is the saints' holiness,when they are the lively pictures of God. That is—when they bear theimage ofGod'smeekness,mercifulness, heavenliness;when they areofthe same judgment with God, of the same disposition; when they lovewhatheloves,andhatewhathehates.

Our holiness consists also in our subjection to thewill of God. AsGod'snatureisthepatternofholiness;sohiswillistheruleofholiness.Itisourholiness,whenwedohiswill;whenwebearhiswill;whenwhatheinflictswiselywesufferwillingly.Ourgreatcareshouldbe,tobelikeGod in holiness. Our holiness should be like God's; as his is a realholiness,oursshouldbe."Righteousnessandtrueholiness."Itshouldnotbethepaintofholiness—buttherealityofholiness.Itshouldnotbelikethe Egyptian temples, beautified on the outside merely—but likeSolomon'stemple, goldwithin, Psalm45:13. "The king's daughter is allglorious within." That I may press you to resemble God in holinessconsider,

(1.)Howillustriouseveryholypersonis.Heisamirror inwhichsomeofthebeamsofGod'sholinessshineforth.WereadthatAaronputon his garments for glory and beauty.Whenwewear the embroideredgarmentofholiness,itisforgloryandbeauty.AgoodChristianisruddy,being sprinkled with Christ's blood; and white, being adorned withholiness.Asthediamondtoaring,soisholinesstothesoul.Thosewhoopposeourholiness,cannotbutadmireit.

(2.)ItisthegreatdesignGodcarriesonintheworld,tomakeapeople like himself in holiness. What are all the showers ofordinances for—but to rain down righteousness upon us, andmake usholy?Whatarethepromisesfor—buttoencourageholiness?Whatisthesendingof theHolySpirit into theworld for—but toanointuswith theholy unction?What are allafflictions for—but tomake us partakers ofGod's holiness? What are mercies for—but magnets to draw us toholiness? What is the end of Christ's dying—but that his blood mightwash away our unholiness? "Who gave himself for us—to purify untohimself a peculiar people." So that if we are not holy—we cross God'sgreatdesignintheworld.

(3.)OurholinessdrawsGod'shearttous.HolinessisGod'simage;andGodcannotchoosebutlovehisimagewhereheseesit.Akinglovestoseehiseffigiesuponcoins."Youloverighteousness."Andwheredoesrighteousnessgrow—butinaholyheart?"YoushallbecalledHephzibah,fortheLorddelightsinyou."ItwasherholinessthatdrewGod'slovetoher. "They shall call them theholypeople."Goddoesnot value any for

theirhighbirth—butonlyfortheirholiness.

(4.)Holiness is the only thing that distinguishes us from thereprobatepartoftheworld.God'speoplehavehissealuponthem."The foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, the Lord knowsthosewhoarehis.AndletallwhonamethenameofChristdepartfrominiquity."ThepeopleofGodaresealedwithadoubleseal.Election,"TheLordknowswhoarehis;"andSanctification,"Leteveryonedepartfrominiquity." As a virtuous woman is distinguished from a harlot by herchastity; so holiness distinguishes between the believer and theunbeliever.AllwhoareofGod,haveChristfortheircaptain,andholinessisthewhitecolortheywear.Heb2:20.

(5.)Holiness is ourhonor.Holiness and honor are put together. IThess 4:4. Dignity goes along with sanctification. "He haswashed usfromoursinsinhisblood,andhasmadeuskingsuntoGod."Whenwearewashed andmade holy, thenwe are kings and priests to God. Thesaintsarecalledvesselsofhonor;theyarecalledjewels,forthesparklingoftheirholiness,becausefilledwithwineoftheSpirit.Thismakesthemearthlyangels.

(6.) Holiness gives us boldness with God. "You shall put awayiniquityfarfromyourtabernacles,andshallliftupyourfaceuntoGod."Lifting up the face is an emblem of boldness.Nothing canmake us soashamed to go toGod, as sin. Awickedman in prayermay lift up hishands—buthecannotliftuphisface.WhenAdamhadlosthisholiness,helosthisconfidencewithGod;hehidhimself.ButtheholypersongoestoGodasachildtoitsfather;hisconsciencedoesnotupbraidhimwithallowinganysin, thereforehecangoboldly to the throneofgrace,andhavemercytohelpintimeofneed.

(7.)Holinessgivespeace.Sinraisesastormintheconscience;wherethere is sin, there is tumult. "There is no peace to the wicked."Righteousness and peace are put together. Holiness is the root whichbearsthissweetfruitofpeace;righteousnessandpeacekisseachother.

(8.)Holinessleadstoheaven.ItistheKingofheaven'shighway."Anhighway shall be there, and it shall be called the way of holiness." At

Romethereweretemplesofvirtueandhonor,andallweretogothroughthetempleofvirtue—tothetempleofhonor.Justso,wemustgothroughthe temple ofholiness to the temple ofheaven. Glory begins in virtue."Whohascalledustogloryandvirtue."Happinessisnothingelsebutthequintessence of holiness; holiness is glory militant, and happinessholinesstriumphant.

WhatshallwedotoresembleGodinholiness?

(1.)HaverecoursetoChrist'sbloodbyfaith.Thisisthewashingofthesoul.Legalpurificationsweretypesandemblemsofit.TheScriptureisamirrortoshowusoursins;Christ'sbloodisafountaintowashthemaway.

(2.)Prayforaholyheart. "Create inmeacleanheart,OGod."LayyourheartbeforetheLord,andsay,"Lord,myheartisfullofleprosy;itdefilesallthatittouches!Lord,Iamnotfittolivewithsuchaheart,forIcannot honor you; nor diewith such a heart, for I cannot see you. Ohcreateinmeacleanheart;sendyourSpiritintome,torefineandpurifyme,thatImaybeatemplefitforyou,theholyGodtoinhabit!"

(3.)Walkwith thosewho are holy. "Hewhowalks with the wiseshallbewise."Beamongthespices—andyouwillabsorbtheirfragrance.Associationbegetsassimilation.Nothinghasagreaterpowerandenergytoeffectholiness,thanthecommunionofsaints.

8.TheJUSTICEofGod

Thenextattribute isGod's justice.AllGod'sattributesare inunity,andarethesamewithhisessence.Thoughhehasseveralattributeswherebyhe ismadeknown tous—yethehasbutone essence.A cedar treemayhave several branches—yet it is but one cedar. So there are severalattributes of God whereby we conceive of him—but only one entireessence.Well,then,concerningGod'sjustice."Justandrighteousishe.""His justice and great righteousness." God is said to dwell in justice.

"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne." Psalm89:14. In God, power and justicemeet. Power holds the scepter, andjusticeholdsthebalance.

I.WhatisGod'sjustice?

"Justiceistogiveeveryonehisdue."God's justiceistherectitudeofhisnature,wherebyheiscarriedtothedoingofthatwhichisrighteousandequal."Shallnotherendertoeverymanaccordingtohisworks?"Godisanimpartialjudge.Hejudgesthecause.Menoftenjudgetheperson—butnot thecause;which isnot justice—butmalice. "Iwillgodownandseewhethertheyhavedoneaccordingtothecrywhichiscomeupuntome."WhentheLordisuponapunitiveact,heweighsthingsinthebalance;hedoesnotpunishrashly.ConcerningGod's justice,Ishall laydownthesesixpositions:

[1]God cannotbutbe just.His holiness is the cause of his justice.Holinesswillnotallowhimtodoanythingbutwhatisrighteous.Hecannomorebeunjust,thanhecanbeunholy.

[2]God'swill is thesupremeruleof justice; it is the standardofequity.Hiswilliswiseandgood.Godwillsnothingbutwhatisjust;andthereforeitisjust,becausehewillsit.

[3]Goddoesjustice,naturally.Justiceflowsfromhisnature.Menmayactunjustly,becausetheyarebribedorforcedto.ButGodwillnotbebribed,becauseofhisjustice;hecannotbeforced,becauseofhispower.Hedoesjusticeoutoflovetojustice."Youloverighteousness."

[4]Justice is theperfectionof thedivinenature.Aristotle says,"Justicecomprehendsinitallvirtues."TosayGodisjust,istosay,heisallthatisexcellent;allperfectionsmeetinhim,aslinesinacenter.Heisnotonlyjust—butjusticeitself.

[5]Godneverdidnorcandotheleastwrongtohiscreatures.God'sjusticehasbeenwronged—buthisjusticeneverdidanywrong.Godmaynotactaccordingtotherigorofthelaw;heabatessomethingofhisseverity. He might inflict heavier penalties than he does. "You have

punisheduslessthanouriniquitiesdeserve."Ourmerciesaremorethanwedeserve,andourpunishmentsless.

[6]God'sjusticeissuchthatitisnotfitforanymanorangeltoexpostulatewithhim,ordemanda reasonofhisactions.Godhas not only authority on his side—but equity. "I willmake justice themeasuringlineandrighteousnesstheplumbline."Isa28:17.It isbelowhim to give an account to us, of his proceedings. Which of these twoshouldprevail—God'sjusticeorman'sreason?"Whoareyou,Oman,totalkbacktoGod?Shallwhat is formedsay tohimwho formed it—Whydidyoumakemelikethis?"Romans9:20.Theplumblineofourreasonis too short—to fathom thedepth ofGod's justice.Rom 11:33. "Oh, thedepthoftherichesbothofthewisdomandtheknowledgeofGod!HowunsearchableHisjudgmentsanduntraceableHisways!"WearetoadoreGod'sjustice,wherewecannotseethereasonofit.

II.God'sjusticerunsintwochannels.Itisseenintwothings,thedistributionofrewardsandpunishments.

[1] In rewarding the virtuous. "Truly there is a reward for therighteous."Thesaintsshallnotservehimfornothing;though theymaybe losers forhim,theyshallnotbe losersbyhim."Godisnotunjusttoforgetyourworkandlaboroflove,whichyouhaveshowedtohisname."Hegivesareward,notbecausewehavedeservedit—butbecausehehaspromisedit.

[2]He is just in punishing offenders.He is just. (1.) Because hepunishes sinners by a law. "Where there is no law, there is notransgression."ButGodhasgivenmenalaw,andtheybreakit,thereforehepunishesthemjustly.(2.)Godisjustinpunishingthewicked,becauseheneverpunishedthem,butuponfullproofandevidence.Whatgreaterevidence than for a man's own conscience to be witness against him!ThereisnothingGodchargesuponasinnerbutconsciencesetsitssealtothetruthofit.

Use one: See here another flower of God's crown—he is justandrighteous.Heistheexemplarandpatternofjustice.

How can it be consistent with God's justice, that the wickedshould prosper in the world? "Why does the way of the wickedprosper?Whydothetreacherousliveatease?"Jeremiah12:1.Suchasarehighest in sin--are often highest in prosperity. This has led many toquestion God's justice. Diogenes seeing a thief live on affluently, said,"SurelyGodhascastoffthegovernmentoftheworld,anddoesnotcarehowthingsgoonherebelow."

(1.)ThewickedmaybesometimesinstrumentstodoGod'swork.Thoughthey do not design his glory—yet they may promote it. Cyrus wasinstrumentalinthebuildingofGod'stempleinJerusalem.Thereissomekindof justice, thattheyshouldhaveatemporalreward.Godletsthoseprosper underwhosewinghis people are sheltered.Godwill not be inanyman'sdebt."Whohaskindledafireonmyaltarfornothing?"

(2.)Godletsmengooninsin,andprosper,thathemayleavethemmoreinexcusable."Igaveherspacetorepentofherfornication."Godadjournsthe sessions, spins out hismercies towards sinners; and if they repentnot, his patiencewill be awitness against them, and his justicewill bemorecleared in their condemnation. "Thatyoumightbe justifiedwhenyouspeak,andbeclearwhenyoujudge."

(3.) God does not always let the wicked prosper in their sin. Some hepunishes openly, that his justice may be taken notice of. "The Lord isknownbythejudgmentwhichheexecutes;"thatis,hisjusticeisseenbystrikingmendeadintheveryactofsin.ThushestruckZimriandCozbiintheactofuncleanness.

(4.)IfGodletsmenprosperawhileintheirsin,hisvialofwrathisallthiswhile filling; his sword is all this time sharpening. Though God mayforbear with men a while—yet long forbearance is no forgiveness.ThelongerGodisintakinghisblow,theheavieritwillbeatlast!Aslongasthereiseternity,Godhastimeenoughtoreckonwithhisenemies!

God's justicemaybe as a sleeping lion—but the lionwill awakeat last,androaruponthesinner!DonotNero,andJulian,andCain,nowmeetwithGod'sjustice?

But God's own people often suffer great afflictions; they areinjured and persecuted. "This is what the wicked are like—alwayscarefree, they increase in wealth. Surely in vain have I kept my heartpure;invainhaveIwashedmyhandsininnocence.ForIamafflictedalldaylong,andpunishedeverymorning."Psalm73:12-14.HowcanthisbeconsistentwithGod'sjustice?

(I,)ThatisatrueruleofAustin,"God'swaysofjudgmentaresometimessecret—butneverunjust!"TheLordneverafflictshispeoplewithoutacause; he cannot be unjust towards them. There is some good in thegodly, therefore the wicked afflict them; there is some evil in them,therefore God afflicts them. God's own children have their blemishes."But aren't you also guilty of sins against the Lord your God?" 2Chronicles28:10.Thesespiritualdiamonds—havetheynoflaws?DowenotreadofthespotsofGod'schildren?Arenottheyguiltyofmuchpride,censoriousness, passion,worldliness? Though, by their profession, theyshould resemble the birds of paradise, to fly above, and feed upon thedewofheaven;yet,astheserpent,theylickthedust.ThesesinsofGod'speople,domoreprovokeGodthanthesinsofothers."TheLordsawthisandwasfilledwithloathing.Hewasprovokedtoangerbyhisownsonsanddaughters."Deut 32:19. The sins of others pierceChrist's side; thesinsofHispeoplewoundhisheart.Therefore isnotGod just inall theafflictionswhichbefallthem?"YouonlyhaveIchosenofallthefamiliesoftheearth;thereforeIwillpunishyouforallyoursins."Amos3:2.Iwillpunishyousooner,surer,sorer,thanothers.

(2.)Thetrialsandsufferingsofthegodly,aretorefineandpurifythem.God'sfurnaceisinZion.IsitanyinjusticeinGodtoputhisgoldintothefurnacetopurifyit?IsitanyinjusticeinGod,byafflictinghispeople,tomake them partakers of his holiness? What more proclaims God'sfaithfulness, than to take such a course with them asmaymake thembetter?"Infaithfulnessyouhaveafflictedme."

(3.)What injustice is it inGod to inflict a lesspunishment; in order toprevent a greater punishment? The best of God's children have that inthemwhich ismeritorious of hell.DoesGod do them anywrong, if heusesonlytherod,where theyhavedeservedthescorpion?Isthefatherunjust,ifheonlycorrectshischild,whohasdeservedtobedisinherited?

IfGoddeals so favorablywithhis children,heonlyputswormwood intheircup,whereashemightput fireandbrimstone!Theyshouldratheradmirehismercythancomplainofhisinjustice.

HowcanitstandwithGod'sjustice,thatallmenbeingequallyguiltybynature,hedoespassbyoneand saveanother?Whydoeshenotdealwithallalike?

"Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid." "Does the Almightypervertjustice?"

(1.)Godisnotboundtogiveanaccountofhisactionstohiscreatures.Ifnonemayquestionaking,muchlessGod.ItissufficientthatGodisLordparamount;hehasasovereignpoweroverhiscreatures,thereforecandonoinjustice."Hasnotthepotterpowerovertheclay,ofthesamelumptomakeonevessel tohonor,andanothertodishonor?"Godhas liberty inhisownbosom,tosaveone,andnotanother;andhisjusticeisnotatallimpeachedorblemished.If twomenoweyoumoney,youmay,withoutany injustice, remit the debt to one, and exact it of the other. If twomalefactorsarecondemnedtodie,thekingmaypardontheoneandnottheother:he isnotunjust ifhe letsonesuffer,becauseheoffendedthelaw;norifhesavestheother,becausehewillmakeuseofhisprerogativeasheisking.

(2.) Though some are saved and others perish—yet there is nounrighteousnessinGod;because,whoeverperishes,hisdestructionisofhimself. "OIsrael,youhavedestroyedyourself."Godoffersgrace—andthesinnerrefuses it. IsGodboundtogivegrace?Ifasurgeoncomestohealaman'swound,andhewillnotbehealed—isthesurgeonboundtohealhim?"Ihavecalled—andyourefused.""Israelwouldnotsubmit tome."Psalm81:11.Godisnotboundtoforcehismerciesuponmen.Iftheywillfullyopposetheofferofgrace,theirsinistoberegardedasthecauseoftheirperishing,andnotGod'sjustice.

Usetwo:SeethedifferencebetweenGodandagreatpartoftheworld.

(1.) They are unjust in their courts of law—they pervert justice. "They

decree unrighteous decrees." The Hebrew word for a judge's robesignifiesprevarication,deceit,orinjustice,whichismoreoftentrueofthejudge than of the robe. What is a good law without a good judge?Injusticeliesintwothings—eithernottopunishwherethereisafault,or,topunishwherethereisnofault.

(2.)Menareunjust in theirdealings.This is, [1] Inusingfalseweights."Thebalancesofdeceitareinhishand."ItissadtohavetheBibleinonehand,andfalseweightsintheother.Or,[2]Inadulteratingcommodities."Yourwineismixedwithwater,"orwhenbadgrainismixedwithgood,andsoldforpuregrain.Icanneverbelieveheisgoodinthefirsttableofthelaw—whoisnotgoodinthesecond.Hecannotbegodly,whoisnotjust.ThoughGoddoesnotbidyoubeasomnipotentasheis—yethebidsyoubeasjustasheis.

Use three: Imitate God in justice. Let Christ's golden maxim beobserved, "ineverything,do tootherswhatyouwouldhave themdo toyou."Matt7:12.Youwouldnothavethemwrongyou—neithermustyouwrong them; rather suffer wrong—than do wrong. "Why do you notrather bewronged?" Oh be exemplary for justice! Let justice be yourornament. "I put on righteousness (namely, justice) as a robe and adiadem."Arobeforitsgracefulbeauty;andIputiton,[andIwasclothedinrighteousness].Ajudgeputsonhisrobe,andtakesitoffagainatnight;but Job did so put on justice, as he did not take it off untildeath.Wemustnot layoff thisrobeof justiceuntilwe laydownourbodies in thegrave.IfyouhaveanythingofGodinyou,youwillbelikehim.Byeveryunjustaction,youdenyyourselvestobeChristians,youstainthegloryofyourprofession.Heathenwillriseupinjudgementagainstyou.Thesunmight sooner alter his course, than God could be turned from doingjustice.

Usefour:IfGodis just, therewillbeadayof judgement.Nowthings are out of course; sin is rampant, saints are wronged, they areoftendefeated ina righteouscause, theycanmeetwithno justicehere,justice is turned intowormwood.But there is aday coming,whenGodwill set things right; he will do every man justice; he will crown therighteous,andcondemnthewicked."Hehasappointedadayinwhichhewilljudgetheworld"IfGodisajustGod,hewilltakevengeance.Godhas

givenmenalawtoliveby,andtheybreakit.Theremustbeadayfortheexecutionofoffenders.Alawnotexecutedisbutlikeawoodendagger—for a show. At the last day, God's sword shall be drawn out againstoffenders;thenhisjusticeshallberevealedbeforealltheworld."Godwilljudgetheworldinrighteousness.""ShallnottheJudgeofalltheearthdoright?" Thewicked shall drinka seaofwrath—butnot siponedropofinjustice!At thatday shall allmouthsbe stopped,andGod'sjusticeshallbefullyvindicatedfromallthecavilsandclamorsofunjustmen.

Usefive:Comforttothetruepenitent.AsGodisajustGod,hewillpardonhim.Ifmanacknowledgeshissin—Godspareshim."Ifweconfessour sins (that is confess and forsake),he is justto forgive us our sins."Godisnotonlymerciful,butjust.Whyjust?Becausehehaspromisedtoforgive such. "Hewho conceals his sins does not prosper, butwhoeverconfessesandrenouncesthemfindsmercy."Proverbs28:13.Ifyourhearthasbeenbrokenforandfromsin—youmaynotonlypleadGod'smercy—buthisjusticeforthepardoningofyoursin.Showhimhispromise,andhecannotdenyhimself.

9.TheMERCYofGod.

Thenext attribute isGod's goodness ormercy.Mercy is the result andeffect—of God's goodness. So then this is the next attribute, God'sgoodnessormercy.ThemostlearnedoftheheathensthoughttheygavetheirGodJupitertwogoldencharacterswhentheystyledhimgoodandgreat. Both these meet in God, goodness and greatness; mercy andmajesty. God is essentially good in himself, and relatively good to us."Youaregood,anddogood."Thisrelativegoodness isnothingelsebuthismercy,whichisaninnatepropensityinGodtopityandsupportsuchasareinmisery.

I. Concerning God's mercy, I shall lay down these twelvepositions.

[1] It is the greatdesignof theScripture to representGodasmerciful.Thisisaloadstonetodrawsinnerstohim."IamtheLord,IamtheLord,themercifulandgraciousGod.Iamslowtoangerandrichin unfailing love and faithfulness. I show this unfailing love to manythousandsbyforgivingeverykindofsinandrebellion.EvensoIdonotleave sin unpunished." Exodus 34:6-7. Here are six expressions to setforthGod'smercy,andbutonetosetforthhisjustice."God'smercyisfarabovetheheavens."Godisrepresentedasaking,witharainbowabouthisthrone.Rev4:4.Therainbowwasanemblemofmercy.TheScripturerepresentsGodinwhiterobesofmercy—moreoftenthanwithgarmentsrolledinblood;withhisgoldenscepter—moreoftenthanhisironrod.

[2] God is more inclined to mercy, than wrath. Mercy is hisdarlingattribute,whichhemostdelightsin."WhoisaGodlikeyou,whopardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of hisinheritance?Youdonot stay angry foreverbutdelight to showmercy."Micah 7:18. Mercy pleases him. "It is delightful to the mother," saysChrysostom, "to have her breasts drawn; so it is to God to have thebreastsofhismercydrawn.""Furyisnotinme,"thatis,Idonotdelightin it. Acts of severity are rather forced from God; he does not afflictwillingly."Forhedoesnotwillinglybringafflictionorgrieftothechildrenofmen."Lamentations3:33.

Thebeenaturallygiveshoney,itstingsonlywhenitisprovoked.Justso,Goddoesnotpunishuntilhecanbearnolonger."SothattheLordcouldbearnolonger,becauseoftheevilofyourdoings."MercyisGod'srighthandthatheismostusedto;inflictingpunishmentiscalledhis"strangework."Heisnotusedtoit.WhentheLordwouldshaveofftheprideofanation,heissaidtouseahiredrazor,asifhehadnoneofhisown."OnthatdaytheLordwillusearazorhiredfrombeyondtheEuphratesRiver—the king of Assyria—to shave the head, the hair on the legs, and toremovethebeardaswell."Isaiah7:20."Heisslowtoanger,"but"readytoforgive."

[3]Thereisnocondition—butwemayspymercyinit.Whenthechurchwasincaptivity,shecriedout,"ItisoftheLord'smerciesthatwearenotconsumed."GeographerswriteofSyracuse inSicily, that it issosituated that the sun isnever out of sight. In all afflictionswemay see

somesunshineofmercy.Thatoutwardandinwardtroublesdonotcometogetherismercy.

[4] Mercy sweetens all God's other attributes. God's holinesswithoutmercy,andhisjusticewithoutmercy—wouldbedreadful.Whenthewaterwasbitter,andIsraelcouldnotdrink,Mosescastatreeintothewaters,andthentheyweremadesweet.HowbitteranddreadfulweretheotherattributesofGod—didnotmercysweeten them!MercysetsGod'spoweronworktohelpus;itmakeshisjusticebecomeourfriend.

[5]God'smercyisoneofthemostorientpearlsofhiscrown;itmakeshisGodheadappearamiableandlovely.WhenMosessaidtoGod,"Ibeseechyou—showmeyourglory;"theLordansweredhim,"Iwillmakeallmygoodnesspassbeforeyou,andIwillshowyoumercy."God'smercy is his glory.His holinessmakeshim illustrious;hismercymakeshimendearing.

[6]EventheworstpeopletasteGod'smercy.SuchasfightagainstGod's mercy, taste of it; the wicked have some crumbs frommercy'stable."TheLordisgoodtoall."Sweetdewdropsareonthethistle,aswellas on the rose. The diocesewheremercy visits is very large. Pharaoh'sheadwascrowned,thoughhisheartwashardened.

[7]Mercycomingtousinsalvation,issweetest.ItwasmercythatGodwouldgiveIsraelrain,andbreadtothefull,andpeace,andvictoryover theirenemies—but itwasagreatermercy thatGodwouldbe theirGod. To have health is amercy—but to haveChristand salvation is agreatermercy.Savingmercy,islikethediamondinthering,whichcastsamoresparklingluster.

[8]OneactofmercyengagesGodtoanother.Menarguethus,"Ihave shown you kindness already, therefore troubleme nomore." But,because God has shown saving mercy, he is more ready still to showmercy.Hismercyinelectionmakeshimjustify,adopt,glorify;oneactofmercy engages God to more. A parent's love to his child makes himalwaysgiving.

[9]All themercy in the creature is derived fromGod, and is

butadropfromthisocean.Themercyandpityamotherhastoherchild, is from God; he who puts the milk in her breast puts thecompassioninherheart.Godiscalled,"TheFatherofmercies,"becausehebegetsall themercies intheworld.IfGodhasputanykindness intothecreature,howmuchkindnessisinhimwhoistheFatherofmercy!

[10]AsGod'smercymakesthesaintshappy—soitshouldmakethemhumble.Mercy isnotthefruitofourgoodness—but the fruitofGod'sgoodness.MercyisagiftwhichGodbestows.Theyhavenocausetobeproud,wholiveuponthealmsofGod'smercy."IfIamrighteous—yetwill Inot liftupmyhead."That is,allmyrighteousness is theeffectofGod'smercy,thereforeIwillbehumbleandwillnotliftupmyhead.

[11]MercystaysthespeedyexecutionofGod's justice. SinnerscontinuallyprovokeGod,andmake"thefurycomeupinhisface."Whyisit, that God does not immediately arrest and condemn them? It is notthatGodcannotdoit, forheisarmedwithomnipotence—but it is fromhis mercy. Mercy gets a reprieve for the sinner—and stops the speedyprocess of justice. God would, by his goodness, lead sinners torepentance.

[12]Itisdreadfultohavemercyasawitnessagainstanyone.ItwassadwithHaman,whenthequeenherselfaccusedhim.Sowill itbewhen this queen of mercy shall stand up against a person and accusehim! It is onlymercy that saves a sinner; how sad then to havemercybecomeanenemy!Ifmercyisanaccuser,whoshallbeouradvocate?Thesinnerneverescapeshell,whenmercydrawsuptheindictment.

Imightshowyouseveralkindsofmercy—aspreventingmercy,sparingmercy,supplyingmercy,guidingmercy,acceptingmercy,healingmercy,quickeningmercy,supportingmercy,forgivingmercy,correctingmercy,comfortingmercy,deliveringmercy,crowningmercy;butIshallspeakof,

II.ThequalificationsorPROPERTIESofGod'smercy.

[1]God'smercy isFREE.To set upmerit—is to destroymercy.Wecannotdeservemercy,becausewearepollutedinourblood;norcanweforceGodtoshowmercy—forthenitwouldnotbemercy.Wemayforce

Godtopunishus—butnottoloveus."Iwilllovethemfreely."Everylinkin the chain of salvation is wrought and interwoven with free grace.Electionisfree."Hehaschosenusinhim,accordingtothegoodpleasureof his will." Justification is free. "Being justified freely by his grace."Salvationisfree."Accordingtohismercyhesavedus."Donotsay,"Iamunworthy,thereforeIcannotbesaved;" formercy is free. IfGodwouldshowmercytosuchonlyasareworthy—hewouldshownomercyatall.

[2] God's mercy is an overflowing mercy; it is INFINITE."Plenteousinmercy.""Richinmercy.""Multitudeofmercies."Thevialofwrathdrops—butthefountainofmercyrunsinstreams.Thesunisnotso full of light—as God is of mercy. God hasmorningmercies. "Hismerciesareneweverymorning."Hehasnightmercies."Inthenighthissongshallbewithme."Godhasmerciesunderheaven,whichwe taste;andinheaven,whichwehopefor.

[3]God'smercyisETERNAL."ThemercyoftheLordisfrometernityto eternity." Psalm 103:17. "His mercy endures forever," is repeatedtwenty-six times in Psalm 136. The souls of the blessed shall be everbathing themselves in this sweet and pleasant ocean of God's mercy!God'sangertohischildrenlastsbutawhile,"buthismercylastsforever."As long as he is God, he will be showing mercy. As his mercy isoverflowing,soitisever-flowing.

Use one: We are to look upon God in PRAYER, not in hisjudgmentrobes—butclothedwitharainbowfullofmercyandclemency. Add wings to prayer. When Jesus Christ ascended up toheaven, that which made him go up there with joy was, "I go to myFather!"Justso, thatwhich shouldmakeourheartsascendwith joy inprayer,is,"WearegoingtotheFatherofmercy,whositsuponthethroneofgrace!"GotoprayerwithconfidenceinGod'smercy;asacoldpersongoestoafire,saying,"itwillwarmme,notburnme."

Use two:BELIEVE inhismercy. "Iwill trust in themercy ofGodforever."God'smercyisanopenfountain.Letdownthebucketoffaith—and you may drink of this fountain of salvation. What greaterencouragementtobelieve—thanGod'smercy?Godcountsithisglorytobe scattering pardons; he is desirous that sinners should touch the

golden scepter of his mercy, and live. This willingness in God toshowmercyappearstwoways:

(1.)Byentreatingsinnerstocomeandlayholdonhismercy."Whoeverwill,lethimcome,andtakethewateroflifefreely."Mercywoossinners,itevenkneelsdowntobegthem.Itwouldbestrangeforaprincetobegacondemnedmantoacceptofpardon.Godsays,"Poorsinner,allowmetoloveyou,bewillingtoletmesaveyou."

(2.)Byhis joyfulnesswhensinners layholdonhismercy.What isGodthe better, whether we receive hismercy or not?What is the fountainprofited that others drink of it? Yet such is God's goodness, that herejoices at the salvation of sinners, and is glad when his mercy isaccepted!When the prodigal son came home the father was glad, andmade a feast to express his joy; so, God rejoices when a poor sinnercomesin,andlaysholdofhismercy.Whatanencouragementisheretobelieve inGod!He is aGodofpardons. "Youare aGodof forgiveness,graciousandmerciful, slow tobecomeangry, and full of unfailing loveandmercy."Neh 9:17.Mercy pleases him. "Where is anotherGod likeyou,whopardonsthesinsofthesurvivorsamonghispeople?Youcannotstay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showingmercy."Micah7:18.

Nothingharmsusbutunbelief.UnbeliefstopsthecurrentofGod'smercyfrom running. It shuts upGod's affections, closes the orificeofChrist'swounds,sothatnohealingvirtuewillcomeout."Hedidnotmanymightyworksthere,becauseoftheirunbelief."Whydoyounotbelieve inGod'smercy?Doyoursinsdiscourageyou?God'smercycanpardongreatsins,nay,becausetheyaregreat."Forthesakeofyourname,OLord,forgivemyiniquity,thoughitisgreat."Psalm25:11.Theseacoverstherocksaswell as the sands. Some who had a hand in crucifying Christ, foundmercy.As faras theheavensareabove theearth, so far isGod'smercyaboveoursins!Whatwillenticeustobelieve,ifnotthemercyofGod?

Usethree:TakeheedofABUSINGthemercyofGod.Donotsuckpoison,outofthesweetflowerofGod'smercy.DonotthinkthatbecauseGodismerciful,youmaygooninsin;thisistomakeGod'smercyyourenemy.Nonemighttouchthearkbutthepriests,whobytheirofficewere

moreholy.Justso,nonemaytouchthearkofGod'smercy,butsuchasare resolved to be holy. To sin because God's mercy abounds—is thedevil's logic! He who sins because of God's mercy—is like one whowoundshisheadbecausehehasaplaster.HewhosinsbecauseofGod'smercy—shall have judgement without mercy. Mercy abused, turns tofury. "Let none of those who hear the warnings of this curse considerthemselvesimmune,thinking,'Iamsafe,eventhoughIamwalkinginmyown stubborn way.' This would lead to utter ruin! The Lord will notpardonsuchpeople.Hisangerand jealousywillburnagainst them.Allthecurseswritteninthisbookwillcomedownonthem!"Deuteronomy29:19-20.

Nothing is colder than leadwhen taken out of the mine; and nothingmore scalding when it is heated. Nothing is blunter than iron—yetnothing is sharperwhen it iswhetted. Just so, nothing is sweeter thanmercy—whenitisimproved;yetnothingisfiercerthanmercy—whenitisabused!"Themercyof theLord isupon thosewho fearhim."Mercy isnot for thosewhosinand fearnot—but for thosewho fearandsinnot.God'smercyisaholymercy;whereitpardonsitsanctifies.

WhatshallwedotobesavinglyinterestedinGod'smercy?

(1.)Besensibleofyourneeds.Seehowmuchyoustand inneedofpardoning, saving mercy. See yourselves as orphans. "In you, thefatherless findmercy."Godbestows thealmsofmercy onlyon suchasareindigent.Beemptiedofallopinionofself-worthiness.Godpoursthegoldenoilofmercyintoemptyvessels.

(2.)GotoGodformercy."Havemercyuponme,OGod!""Donotputme off with commonmercy, which reprobates may have! Giveme notonlyacornsbutpearls!Givemenotonlymercytofeedandclotheme—butmercytosaveme!Givemethecreamofyourmercies!Lord! letmehavesavingmercy and loving-kindness.Giveme suchmercy as speaksyourelectinglovetomysoul."

"Whocrownsyouwithloving-kindnessandtendermercies."Ohprayformercy!Godhastreasuresofmercy!Prayeristhekeywhichopensthesetreasures;andinprayer,besuretocarryChristinyourarms,forallthe

mercycomesthroughChrist!"SoSamueltookayounglambandofferedittotheLordasawholeburntoffering.HepleadedwiththeLordtohelpIsrael—andtheLordanswered."1Samuel7:9.Carry the lambChrist inyourarms,goinhisname,presenthismerits;say,"Lord!hereisChrist'sblood,which is thepriceofmypardon!Lord! showmemercy,becauseChristhaspurchased it!"ThoughGodmayrefuseuswhenwecome formercyinourownname—yethewillnotwhenwecomeinChrist'sname.PleadChrist'satonement;thisisanargumentwhichGodcannotdeny.

Use four: Such as have found mercy are exhorted to threethings—

(1.) TobeuponGerizim—themount of blessing andpraising.TheyhavenotonlyheardtheKingofheavenismerciful—buttheyhavefound it so! The honeycomb of God's mercy has dropped upon them!Wheninneeds,mercysuppliedthem;whentheywerenearunto death,mercy raised them from the sick-bed; when covered with guilt, mercypardoned them. "Bless the Lord, Omy soul, and all that is withinme,blesshisholyname!"Oh,howshouldthevesselsofmercyrunoverwithpraise!"IusedtoscoffatthenameofChrist.Ihunteddownhispeople,harming them in every way I could. But God had mercy on me." 1Timothy1:13."Iamamiracleofmercy!Astheseaoverflowsandbreaksdown thebanks, so themercyofGodbrokedown thebanksofmy sin,andmercysweetlyflowedintomysoul!"

YouwhohavebeenmonumentsofGod'smercy—shouldbetrumpetsofpraise! You who have tasted the Lord is gracious, tell others whatexperiencesyouhavehadofGod'smercy,thatyoumayencouragethemtoseektohim,formercy."IwilltellyouwhatGodhasdoneformysoul.""WhenIfoundmyheartdead,God'sSpiritcameuponmemightily,andtheblowingofthatwindmadethewitheringflowersofmygracerevive!"OhtellothersofGod'sgoodness, thatyoumaysetothersblessinghim,andthatyoumaymakeGod'spraiseslivewhenyouaredead.

(2.)To loveGod.Mercy should be the attraction of love. "Iwill loveyou,OLord,mystrength."TheHebrewwordforlovesignifies,toloveoutoftheinwardaffections.God'sjusticemaymakeusfearhim,hismercymakesus lovehim.IfGod'smercywillnotproduce love,whatwill?We

aretoloveGodforgivingusourfood,muchmoreforgivingusgrace.WearetoloveGodforsparingmercy,muchmoreforsavingmercy.Surely,thatheart ismadeofmarble,which themercyofGodwill notdissolveintolove."Iwouldhatemyownsoul,"saysAugustine,"ifIdidnotfinditlovingGod."

(3.) To imitate God in showing mercy. As God is the Father ofmercy, showyourselves tobehis children—bybeing likehim.Ambrosesays, "The sum and definition of true religion is—Be rich in works ofmercy,behelpful to thebodiesandsoulsofothers.Scatteryourgoldenseeds; let the lamp of your profession be filledwith theoil of love. Bemercifulingivingandforgiving.""Bemerciful—asyourheavenlyFatherismerciful."

10.TheTRUTHofGod.

Thenext attribute isGod's truth. "AGodof truthandwithout iniquity;justandrighteousishe.""Foryourmercyisgreatuntotheheavens,andyourtruthuntotheclouds.""Plenteousintruth."

Godisthetruth.Heistrueinaphysicalsense;trueinhisbeing:hehasarealsubsistence,andgivesabeingtoothers.Heistrueinamoralsense;heistruthwithouterror;truthwithoutdeceit.Godisprimaveritas, thepatternandprototypeoftruth.ThereisnothingtruebutwhatisinGod—orcomesfromGod.

I shall speak of God's truth, as it is taken from his veracity inmakinggood his promises. "There has not failed one word of all his goodpromise."Thepromise isGod'spledge;God'struth is thesealset tohispledge.

TherearetwothingstobeobservedinthepromisesofGodtocomfortus.

[1]ObservehePOWERofGod,wherebyheisabletofulfillthe

promise.Godhaspromisedtosubdueourcorruption."Hewillsubdueouriniquities."Oh,saysabeliever,mycorruptionissostrong,thatIamsureIshallnevergetthemasteryofit.AbrahamlookedatGod'spower."Being fully persuaded that what God had promised he was able toperform."He believed that God, who couldmake a world, couldmakeSarah'sdrybreastsgivesuck. It is faith's support—that there isnothingtoohardforGod.Hewhocouldbringwateroutofarock,isabletobringtopasshispromises.

[2]ObservetheTRUTHofGod,inthepromises.God'struthisthesealsettothepromise."Inhopeofeternal life,whichGod,whocannotliehas promised." 'Eternal life'—there is the sweetnessof the promise.'God which cannot lie'—there is the certainty of it. Mercymakes thepromise;truthfulfillsthepromise.God'sprovidencesareuncertain—buthispromisesarethe 'suremerciesofDavid.""Godisnotamanwhoheshouldchange."Thewordofaprincecannotalwaysbetaken—butGod'spromiseisinviolable.God'struthisoneoftherichestjewelsofhiscrown,andhehaspawned it inapromise. "AlthoughmyhousebenotsowithGod—yet he hasmadewithme an everlasting covenant, ordered in allthings and sure." 'Althoughmy house be not so,' that is, though I failmuchofthatexactpuritytheLordrequires—yethehasmadewithmeaneverlastingcovenant,thathewillpardon,adopt,andglorifyme;andthiscovenantisorderedinallthingsandsure.

"The elements shallmeltwith fervent heat;" butGod's covenantabidesfirm and inviolable, being sealed with the truthof God. Nay, God hasadded to his word his oath—wherein he pawns his being, life, andrighteousnesstomakegoodthepromise.IfasoftenaswebreakourvowswithGod,hewouldbreakpromisewithus, itwouldbeverydeplorable.Buthistruthisengagedinhispromise,thereforeitislikethelawoftheMedes and Persians, which cannot be altered. "We are not," saysChrysostom, "to believe our senses so much as we are to believe thepromises."Our sensesmay failus—but thepromise cannot,being builtuponthetruthofGod.Godwillnotdeceivethefaithofhispeople;nay,hecannot."God,whocannotlie,haspromised."HecanaswellpartwithhisDeity—ashisverity.Godissaidtobeabundantintruth.Exod34:6.What does that signify? If God has made a promise of mercy to his

people,hewillbesofar fromcomingshortofhisword—thathewillbebetter than his word.He often doesmore than he has said—but neverless.Heisabundantintruth.

(1.) The Lord may sometimes delay a promise—but he willneverdenyapromise.Hemaydelayapromise.God'spromisemaylieagoodwhile,asseedunderground—butatlastitwillspringupintoacrop. He promised to deliver Israel from the iron furnace—but thispromise was over four hundred years in travail, before it gave birth.Simeonhadapromisethatheshouldnotdepart,"untilhehadseentheLord'sChrist."Butitwasalongtimecoming.Butalittlebeforehisdeath—hedidseeChrist.ThoughGoddelaysthepromise—hewillneverdenyapromise.Havinggivenhisbond—induetimethemoneywillbepaid.

(2.) God may change his promise—but he will not break it.Sometimes God changes a temporal promise, into a spiritual promise."TheLord shall give thatwhich isgood."Thismaynotbe fulfilled in atemporal sense—but a spiritual sense. God may let a Christian be cutshort in temporals—but he makes it up in spirituals. If he does notincreasethebasketandthestore,hegives increaseof faith, and inwardpeace.Herehechangeshispromise—buthedoesnotbreak it;hegivesthatwhich isbetter. If aman promises to payme in farthings, and hepaysmeinabettercoin,asingold,hedoesnotbreakhispromise."Iwillnotallowmyfaithfulnesstofail."IntheHebrewitis,"Iwillnotallowmyfaithfulnesstolie."

Howdoes it consistwith the truth ofGod, that he "wants allmentobesavedandtocometotheknowledgeofthetruth"—andyetsomestillperish?

Augustineunderstandsit,notofeveryindividualperson—butsomeofallkinds of people shall be saved. As in the ark, God saved all the livingcreatures;noteveryindividualbirdorfishwassaved,formanyperishedintheflood;butall,thatis,someofeverykindweresaved.Inthissense,Godwillhavealltobesaved,thatis—someoutofeachofnations.

Itissaid,Christdiedforall."HeistheLambofGodwhotakesawaythesinsoftheworld."HowdoesthisconsistwithGod'struth,whensome

arevesselsofwrath?Rom9:92.

(1.) We must qualify the termworld. The world is taken either in alimitedsense,fortheworldoftheelect;orinalargersense,forbothelectand reprobates. "Christ takes away the sins of the world," that is, theworldoftheelect.

(2.) We must qualify also Christ's dying for the world. Christ diedsufficiently for all, not effectually. There is thevalueof Christ's blood,and the virtue of Christ's blood. Christ's blood has value enough toredeemthewholeworld—butthevirtueof it isappliedonly tosuchasbelieve.Christ'sbloodhasthevaluetosaveall,butitisnotefficaciousforall.Allarenotsaved,becausesomeputawaysalvation fromthem,"WehadtospeakthewordofGodtoyoufirst.Sinceyourejectitanddonotconsideryourselvesworthyofeternal life,wenowturntotheGentiles."Acts13:46.OthersvilifyChrist'sblood,countingitanunholything.

Useone:ThetruthofGod,isagreatpillarforourfaith.Werehenot a God of truth—we could not believe him—our faith would be anemptydream.Butheistruthitself,andnotawordwhichhehasspokenshallfalltotheground.

ThetruthofGod,istheobjectoftrust.ThetruthofGodisanimmovablerock,onwhichwemayventureoursalvation.Isa59:15,"Truthfails,"thatis—truthonearthfails—butnottruthinheaven.GodcanaswellceasetobeGod, as cease tobe true.HasGod said,he "willdogood to the soulwho seeks him," and he will "give rest to the weary." Here is a safeanchor-hold,hewillnotalterthethingwhichhasgoneoutofhislips.Thetruthof theGodofheaven isengaged forbelievers.Canwehavebettersecurity? The whole earth hangs upon the word of God's power—andshallnotourfaithhanguponthewordofGod'struth?Wherecanwerestour faith, but upon God's faithfulness? There is nothing else we cansecurelybelievein,butthetruthofGod.Totrustinourselvesistobuilduponquicksands;butthetruthofGodisagoldenpillarforfaithtorestupon.Godcannotdenyhimself."Ifwebelievenot—yetheabidesfaithful;hecannotdenyhimself."NottobelieveGod'sveracity,istoaffrontGod."Hewhobelievesnot,hasmadeGodaliar."Apersonofhonorcannotbemoreaffrontedorprovoked, thanwhenhe isnotbelieved,andcalleda

liar.HewhodeniesGod'struth,saysthatGod'spromiseisnobetterthanaforgeddeed.CantherebeagreateraffrontofferedtoGod?

Use two: If God is a God of truth, he is true to hisTHREATENINGS.Thethreateningsareaflyingscrollagainstsinners.Godhasthreatened,"SurelyGodwillcrushtheheadsofhisenemies,thehairy crowns of those who go on in their sins." Psalm 68:21. He hasthreatened to judge adulterers. Heb 13:3. To be avenged upon themalicious.Psalm10:14,"Youbeholdmischiefandspite,torequiteitwithyourownhand;"andto"rainfireandbrimstoneuponthesinner."Godisastruetohisthreateningsastohispromises.Toshowhistruth,hehasexecutedhisthreatenings,andlethisthunderboltsofjudgmentfalluponsinners in this life. He struck Herod in the act of his pride. He haspunished blasphemers. Olympius, an Arian bishop, reproached andblasphemed the blessed Trinity, and immediately lightning fell downfrom the heaven upon him and consumed him. Let us fear thethreateningthatwemaynotfeelit.

Usethree:IsGodaGodoftruth?LetusbelikeGodintruth.

(1.)WemustbetrueinourWORDS.Pythagorasbeingaskedwhatmade men like God, answered, "When they speak truth." It is thedistinctionofamanwhoshallgotoheaven,that"Hespeaksthetruthinhisheart."

Truthinourwords,isopposedtoallLYING."Puttingawaylying,speakeveryonetruthtohisneighbor."Lyingiswhenonespeaksthatastruth,whichheknows tobe false.A liar ismostopposite to theGodoftruth. There are, as Augustine says, two sorts of lies. There is anofficiouslie—whenamantellsalieforhisprofit;as,whenatradesmansayshiscommoditycosthimsomuch,whenperhapsitdidnotcosthimhalf somuch.Hewhowill lie in his trade—shall lie in hell. There is ajesting lie—when aman tells a lie in sport, tomake othersmerry—andgoeslaughingtohell.Hewhotellsaliemakeshimselflikethedevil."Thedevil is a liar, and the father of lies." John 8:44.He deceived our firstparents by a lie. Some are so wicked, that they will not only speak anuntruth—butwillsweartoit;nay,theywillwishacurseuponthemselves,ifthatuntruthisnottrue.

Ihavereadofawoman,oneAnneAvarie,whoin1575,beinginashop,wishedthatshemightdie,ifshehadnotpaidforthewaresshetook,andfell down speechless immediately and died. A liar is not fit to live in acommonwealth.Lyingtakesawayallsocietyandconversewithmen.Howcan you converse with aman—when you cannot believewhat he says?Lyingshutsmenoutofheaven."Outsidearedogs,andwhoeverlovesandmakesalie."

As it is a great sin to tella lie—so it is aworse sin to teacha lie. "Theprophetthatteacheslies."Hewhoteacheserror,teacheslies.Hespreadstheplague;henotonlydamnshimself—buthelpstodamnothers!

Truth in our words, is opposed to all DECEIT. The heart andtongueshouldgotogether,asthedialgoesexactlywiththesun.Tospeakfairtoone'sface,andnottomeanwhatonespeaks,isnobetterthanalie."Hiswordsweresmootherthanoil—butwarwasinhisheart."Somehaveanarttoflatteranddeceive.Jerome,speakingoftheArians,says,"theypretendedfriendship,theykissedmyhands—butplottedmischiefagainstme.""Amanwhoflattershisneighbor,spreadsanetforhisfeet."Deadlypoisoncanbehiddenundersweethoney.Falsehoodinfriendship,isalie.Counterfeitingfriendship,isworsethancounterfeitingmoney.

(2.) We must be true in our PROFESSION of religion. Letpractice go along with profession. "Righteousness and true holiness."Hypocrisy in religion is a lie. The hypocrite is like a face in a mirror,whichisthe'showofaface'—butnotrueface.Hemakesshowofholiness—buthasnotruthinit.Ephraimpretendedtobethatwhichhewasnot;andwhatdoesGodsayofhim?"Ephraimcompassesmeaboutwithlies."Bya lie inourwords,wedeny the truth;bya lie inourprofession,wedisgracethetruth.NottobetoGodwhatweprofesstoothers—istellingalie;andtheScripturemakes it littlebetterthanblasphemy."IknowtheblasphemyofthosewhosaytheyareJews—andarenot."

Oh!Ibeseechyou,labortobelikeGod.HeisaGodoftruth.HecanaswellpartwithhisDeity—ashisverity.BelikeGod,betrueinyourwords,be true inyourprofession.God'schildrenare children thatwillnot lie.When God sees "truth in the inward parts," and "lips in which is nodeceit," he sees his own image—which draws his heart towards us.

Likenessproduceslove.

11.TheUNITYofGod.

Question5:AretheremoreGodsthanone?

Answer:Thereisbutoneonly,thelivingandtrueGod.

ThatthereisaGodhasbeenproved;andthosewhowillnotbelievetheunityofhisessence,shall feel theseverityofhiswrath."Hear,OIsrael,theLordourGodisoneLord."Heis"theonlyGod.""Knowthereforethisday, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord he is God in heavenabove,andupontheearthbeneath,thereisnoneelse.""AjustGodandaSavior;thereisnonebesideme."Therearemanyceremonialgods.Kingsrepresent God; their regal scepter is an emblem of his power andauthority.Judgesarecalledgods."Ihavesaid,Youaregods,"Psalm82:6,namely,"setinGod'splacetodojustice;butthesearedyinggods."Butindeath you aremeremen. Youwill fall as any prince, for allmust die."Verse7."Therearethosewhoarecalledgods—buttousthereisbutoneGod."

I.ThereisbutoneFirstCausethathasitsBeingof itself, andonwhichallotherbeingsdepend.As in theheavens, theprimummobile moves all the other orbs; so God gives life and motion toeverythingthatexists.TherecanbebutoneGod,becausethereisbutoneFirstCause.

II. There is but one infiniteBeing, therefore there is butoneGod.Therecannotbetwoinfinites."DonotIfillheavenandearth,saystheLord?" Jer23:34. If there is one infinite, filling all places at once—howcantherebeanyroomforanotherinfinitetosubsist?

III. There is but one Omnipotent Power. If there be two

Omnipotents,thenwemustalwayssupposeacontestbetweenthesetwo:thatwhich onewould do, the other power, being equal, would oppose,andsoallthingswouldbebroughtintoconfusion.Ifashipshouldhavetwopilotsofequalpower,onewouldbeevercrossingtheother;whenonewould sail, theotherwould cast anchor; therewouldbe confusion, andthe ship must perish. The order and harmony in the world, or theconstantanduniformgovernmentofallthings—isaclearargumentthatthereisbutoneOmnipotent,oneGodwhorulesall."Iamthefirst,andIamthelast,andbesidemethereisnoGod."

Useone:INFORMATION.

(1.) If there be but one God, then it excludes all other gods.Some have imagined that therewere two gods; others, that thereweremany gods; as the Polytheists. The Persians worshiped the sun; theEgyptians the lionandelephant; theGreciansworshipedJupiter.These"areinerror,notknowingtheScriptures."Theirfaithisafable."Godhasgiven them up to strong delusions, to believe a lie, that they may bedamned."

(2.)IftherebebutoneGod,thentherecanbebutonetruetruereligionintheworld."OneLord,onefaith."Ifthereweremanygods,thentheremightbemanyreligions,andeveryGodwouldbeworshipedinhisway;butifthereisbutoneGod,thereisbutonetruereligion;oneLord, one faith. Some say, we may be saved in any religion; but it isabsurdtoimaginethatGodwhoisOneinessence,shouldappointmanydifferentreligionsinwhichhewillbeworshiped.Itisasdangeroustosetupafalsereligion,astosetupafalseGod.Therearemanywaystohell;menmaygotherewhicheverwaytheirfancyleadsthem;butthereisonlyonetrueroadtoheaven,namely,faithandholiness.Thereisnowaytobesaved,butthis.AsthereisbutoneGod,sothereisbutonetruereligion.

(3.) If therebebutoneGod, then there isbutOnewhomyouneed chiefly to study to please—and that is God. If there weremany gods, we would be hard put to it to please them all. One wouldcommand one thing, another the contrary; and to please two contrarymastersisimpossible;butthereisonlyoneGod.ThereforeyouhavebutOnetoplease.Asinakingdomthereisbutoneking,thereforeeveryone

seeks to ingratiate himself into his favor. Just so, there is but one trueGod; therefore ourmainwork is to please him.Be sure to pleaseGod,whoever else you displease. This was Enoch's wisdom. He had thistestimonybeforehedied,that"hepleasedGod."

WhatdoesthispleasingGodimply?

(1.)WepleaseGodwhenwe complywithhiswill. ItwasChrist's foodanddrink to do his Father'swill, John 4:44, and so he pleased him,Avoicecamefromheaven,saying,"ThisismybelovedSon,inwhomIamwellpleased.""It is thewillofGodthatweshouldbeholy."Now,whenwe are bespangled with holiness, our lives are walking Bibles. This isaccordingtoGod'swill,anditpleaseshim.

(2.)WepleaseGodwhenwedotheworkthathesetsusabout."Ihavefinished the work which you gave me to do," namely, my mediatorialwork.Manyfinishtheirlives—butdonotfinishtheirwork.TheworkGodhascutoutforusis,toobservethefirstandsecondtablesofthelaw.Inthe first is set down our duty towards God; in the second our dutytowards man. Such as make morality the chief and sole part of truereligion,setthesecondtableabovethefirst;nay,theytakeawaythefirsttable;for,ifprudence,justice,temperance,isenoughtosave,thenwhatneeddowehaveforthefirsttable?ThusourworshiptowardsGodwillbequiteleftout;butthosetwotableswhichGodhasjoinedtogether,letnomanputasunder.

(3.)WepleaseGodwhenwededicateourheartstogivehimthebestofeverything. Abel gave God the fat of the offering. Gen 4:4. Domitianwouldnothavehisimagecarvedinwood,oriron—butingold.WepleaseGod when we serve him with love, fervency, and alacrity. These aregoldenservices.There isbutoneGod,thereforethere isbutOnewhomwehavechieflytoplease,namely,God.

(4.) If there is but oneGod, thenwemustpray to none butGod. ThePapistspraytosaintsandangels.

(a.)ThePapistspraytosaints.APopishwritersays, "whenwepray tothedeparted saints, theybeing touchedwith compassion, say the same

prayertoGodforus.Thesaintsaboveknownotourneeds;eveniftheydid,wehavenowarrant to pray to them. "Abraham is ignorant of us."Prayerisapartofdivineworship,whichmustbegiventoGodalone.

(b.)ThePapistspraytoangels.Angel-worshipisforbidden.Col2:18,19.ThatwemaynotpraytoangelsisclearfromRom10:14."Howshalltheycallonhiminwhomtheyhavenotbelieved?"Wemaynotpray toany,but whom we may believe in; but we may not believe in any angel,thereforewemaynotpraytohim.ThereisbutoneGod,anditisasintoinvokeanybutGod.

(5.) If therebebutoneGod,who is"aboveall," thenhemustbelovedaboveall.Wemustlovehimwithaloveofappreciation.Thisistosetthehighestestimateonhim,whoistheonlyfountainofbeingandbliss.Wemustlovehimwithaloveofdelight."Thelover'sefforttopleasethebeloved, this is love." Aquinas. Our love to other thingsmust bemoreindifferent. Some drops of love may run to the creature—but the fullstreammust run towards God. The creaturemay have themilkof ourlove—butwemustkeepthecreamforGod.Hewhoisaboveall,mustbeloved above all. "Whom do I have in heaven but You? And I desirenothingonearthbutYou.Myfleshandmyheartmayfail,butGodisthestrengthofmyheart,myportionforever."Psalms73:25-26.

Usetwo:CAUTION.IftherebebutoneGod,thenletustakeheedofsettingupmoregodsthanone."Thosewhochaseafterothergodswillbefilledwithsorrow.Iwillnottakepartintheirsacrificesorevenspeakthenamesof theirgods."Psalm16:4.God isa jealousGod,andhewillnotendure that we should have other gods. It is easy to commit idolatrywiththecreature.

(1.)Somemakeagodofpleasure."LoversofpleasuresmorethanloversofGod."WhateverwelovemorethanGodwemakeaGod.

(2.) Others makemoney their god. The covetous man worships theimageof gold, thereforehe is called an idolater.Eph5:5.Thatwhichaman trusts to, hemakes his God; but hemakes the wedge of gold hishope; hemakesmoney his creator, redeemer, and comforter.Money ishis creator; if he has money, he thinks he is made. Money is his

redeemer; if he be in danger, he trusts in his money to redeem him.Moneyishiscomforter; ifatany timehe issad, thegoldenharpdrivesawaytheevilspirit.ItisclearthatmoneyishisGod.Godmademanoutof the dust of the earth; andmanmakes a god out of the dust of theearth.

(3.)Anothermakesagodofhischild,setshischildinGod'splace,andsoprovokesGod to take itaway. If you lean tooharduponglass itwillbreak,somanybreaktheirchildrenbyleaningtooharduponthem.

(4.)Othersmake a god of theirbelly. "Whose god is their belly." Phil3:19.ClementofAlexandriawritesofafishthathasitsheartinitsbelly;this is a fit emblemof epicures—theirheart is in their belly; theymindnothingbutindulgingthesensualappetite;theirbellyistheirGod,andtothistheypourdrink-offerings.

Thusmenmakemanygods.Theapostlenamesthewickedman'strinity,"The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and thepride of life," 1 John2:16.The lust of the flesh is pleasure; the lust of the eye ismoney; thepride of life is honor. Oh take heed of this!Whatever you deify besideGod,willproveabramble—andfirewillcomeoutof itanddevouryou!Judg9:15.

Use three: REPROOF. If the Lord Jehovah is the only true God, itreproves those who renounce the true God, I mean such as seek tofamiliar spirits, which is too much practiced among those who callthemselvesChristians.ItisasincondemnedbythelawofGod."Anddonot let yourpeoplepractice fortune-tellingor sorcery, or allow them tointerpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function asmediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. Anyonewhodoes these things is an object of horror and disgust to the Lord."Deuteronomy18:10-12.Howcommon is this! Ifpeoplehave lostanyoftheir goods, they send to wizards to know how they may obtain themagain.Whatisthisbutconsultingwiththedevil!What!becauseyouhavelostyourgoods,willyouloseyoursoulstoo?"ThussaystheLord,Isitnotbecause there is not a God in Israel, that you send to enquire ofBeelzebub?"So,isitnotbecauseyouthinkthereisnotaGodinheaven,that you ask counsel of the devil? If any here are guilty, be deeply

humbled,youhaverenouncedthetrueGod.Betterbewithoutthegoodsyouhavelost,thanhavethedevilhelpyoutothemagain!

Usefour:EXHORTATION.

(1.) If there be but one God, as God is one, so let thosewhoservehimbeone.ThisiswhatChristprayedsoheartilyfor."Thattheyallmaybeone."Christiansshouldbe—

(a.)Oneinjudgment.Theapostleexhortstobeallofonemind."Now,dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the LordJesusChristtostoparguingamongyourselves.Letthereberealharmonyso therewon'tbedivisions in thechurch. Ipleadwithyou tobeofonemind,unitedinthoughtandpurpose."1Corinthians1:10.Howsadisittosee true religionwearing a coat ofmany colors; to see Christians of somany opinions, and going somany differentways! It is Satanwho hassownthesetaresofdivision."Theenemywhoplantedtheweedsamongthewheat is theDevil"Matthew13:39.He firstdividedmen fromGod,andthenonemanfromanother.

(b.) One inaffection. They should have one heart. "Themultitude ofthose who believed were of one heart, and of one soul." As in music,though there are several strings of a violin—yet all make one sweetharmony; so, though there are several Christians—yet there should beonesweetharmonyofaffectionamongthem.ThereisbutoneGod,andthosewhoservehimshouldbeone.There isnothingthatwouldrenderthetruetruereligionmorelovely,ormakemoreproselytestoit,thantosee its professors tied together with the heart-strings of love. "Beholdhowgoodandhowpleasantathingitis,toseebrethrenlivetogetherinunity!" It is as the sweet dew on Hermon, and the fragrant ointmentpouredonAaron'shead.IfGodisone,letallwhoprofesshimbeofonemind,andoneheart—and thus fulfillChrist'sprayer, "that theyallmaybeone."

(2.)IftherebebutoneGod,letuslabortomakeclearthetitlethatthisGodisours."ThisGodisourGod."Whatcomfortcanitbetohear that there isaGod, and thathe is theonlyGod—unless he isourGod?What isDeity—withoutproperty inhim?Oh let us labor tomake

clearthetitle!BegtheHolySpirit.TheSpiritworksbyfaith.ByfaithweareonewithChrist,andthroughChristwecometohaveGodforourGod,andthusallhisgloriousfullnessismadeovertousbyadeedofgift.

Use five:GRATITUDE.What causehavewe tobe thankful—thatwehave theknowledgeof theonly trueGod!Howmanyarebroughtupinblindness! Some worship Mahomet. Many of the Indians worship thedevil;theylightacandletohim,thathemaynothurtthem.SuchasknownotthetrueGod—mustneedsstumbleintohellinthedark!Ohletusbethankfulthatweareborninsuchaland,wherethelightofthegospelhasshone. To have the knowledge of the true God ismore than if we hadminesofgold,rocksofdiamonds,islandsofspices;especiallyifGodhassavinglyrevealedhimselftous;ifhehasgivenuseyestoseethelight;ifwesoknowGodastobeknownofhim,tolovehim,andbelieveinhim."Blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because theyhear."Matthew13:16.WecanneverbethankfulenoughtoGod—thathehashidden theknowledge of himself from thewise andprudent of theworld,andhasrevealedituntous!"Ipraiseyou,Father,Lordofheavenand earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise andlearned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this wasyourgoodpleasure."Matthew11:25-26.

12.TheTRINITY.

Question6.HowmanyPersonsarethereintheGodhead?

Answer:Threepersons—yetbutoneGod.

"Thereare threewhobear record inheaven, theFather, theWord, andtheHolySpirit,andthesethreeareone."

God is but one—yet are there three distinct persons subsisting in oneGodhead. This is a sacred mystery, which the light within man couldneverhavediscovered.AsthetwonaturesinChrist—yetbutoneperson,isawonder;sotherearethreepersons—yetbutoneGodhead.Hereisa

greatdeep—theFatherisGod,theSonisGod,theHolySpiritisGod—yetnotthreeGods,butoneGod.ThethreepersonsintheblessedTrinityaredistinguished—butnotdivided; threesubstances—butoneessence.Thisis a divine riddle where one makes three, and three make one. Ournarrow thoughts cannomore comprehend theTrinity inUnity, thananut-shell will hold all the water in the sea. Letme shadow it out by asimilitude.

Inthebodyofthesun,thereare—thesubstanceofthesun,thebeams,andtheheat.

Thebeamsarebegottenbythesun,theheatproceedsbothfromthesunandthebeams;butthesethree,thoughdifferent,arenotdivided;theyallthree make but one sun. Just so in the blessed Trinity—the Son isbegotten of the Father, theHoly Spirit proceeds fromboth; yet thoughtheyarethreedistinctpersons,theyarebutoneGod.First,letmespeakoftheUnityinTrinity;thenoftheTrinityinUnity.

I.Of theUnity inTrinity.TheUnity of thepersons in theGodheadconsistsoftwothings.

[1]The identityofessence.In theTrinity there is aoneness inessence.The threepersonsareof the samedivinenatureandsubstance; so thattherearenodegrees in theGodhead;oneperson isnotGodmore thananother.

[2] The Unity of the persons in the Godhead consists in the mutualinbeingofthem,ortheirbeinginonetogether.Thethreepersonsaresounitedthatonepersonisinanother,andwithanother."You,Father,areinme,andIinyou."

II.LetmespeakoftheTrinityinUnity.

[1]The firstperson in the Trinity isGod theFather.He is called thefirstperson, in respectoforder,notdignity: forGod theFatherhasnoessential perfection which the other persons have not; he is not more

wise,more holy,more powerful than the other persons are. There is apriority—notasuperiority.

[2]ThesecondpersonintheTrinityisJesusChrist,whoisbegottenofthe Father before all time. "I was set up from everlasting, from thebeginning,beforeever theearthwas.Whentherewerenodepths Iwasbrought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.Beforethemountainsweresettled,beforethehills,wasIbroughtforth."This Scripture declares the eternal generation of the Son of God. ThissecondpersonintheTrinity,whoisJehovah,hasbecomeourJesus.TheScripturecallshimthebranchofDavid,andImaycallhimtheflowerofournature."Byhimallthatbelievearejustified."

[3] The thirdperson in the Trinity is theHolySpirit, who proceedsfromtheFatherandtheSon,whoseworkistoilluminatethemind,andenkindle sacred motions. The essence of the Spirit is in heaven, andeverywhere; but his influence is in the hearts of believers. This is thatblessedSpiritwhogivesustheholyunction."ButyouhaveananointingfromtheHolyOne,andallofyouknowthetruth."1John2:20.ThoughChristmeritsgraceforus,itistheHolySpiritwhoworksitinus.ThoughChristmakesthepurchase,itistheHolySpiritthatmakestheassurance,andsealsustothedayofredemption.

ThusIhavespokenofall thethreepersons.TheTrinityofpersonsmaybeproved,"AssoonasJesuswasbaptized,hewentupoutofthewater.At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of Goddescending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heavensaid,"ThisismySon,whomIlove;withhimIamwellpleased."Matthew3:16-17.Herearethreenamesgiventothethreepersons.Hewhospokewith a voice fromheavenwasGod the Father; hewhowas baptized inJordanwasGodtheSon;hewhodescendedinthelikenessofadovewasGodtheHolySpirit.ThusIhaveshownyoutheUnityofessence,andtheTrinityofpersons.

Useone:Forconfutation.

(1.)ThisconfutestheJewsandTurks,whobelieveonlythefirstpersonintheGodhead. Take away thedistinctionof thepersons in

the Trinity, and you overthrow man's redemption; for God the Fatherbeing offended with man for sin, how shall he be pacified without amediator?Thismediator isChrist,whomakesourpeace.Christhavingdied,andshedhisblood,howshallthisbloodbeapplied,butbytheHolySpirit?Therefore, if there are not three persons in theGodhead,man'ssalvation cannot be wrought out; if there is no second person in theTrinity, there isno redeemer; if no thirdperson, there isno comforter.Thustheplankistakenawaybywhichwegettoheaven.

(2.) It confutes the execrable opinion of the Socinians, whodenytheDivinityoftheLordJesus,andmakehimtobeacreatureonly—but of a higher rank. As the Papists blot out the secondcommandment, so the Socinians blot out the second person in theTrinity.IftoopposeChrist'smembersisasin,whatisittoopposeChristhimself?JesusChrist isco-equalwithGodtheFather.Hethought itnorobbery tobe equalwithGod.He is co-eternalwithGod theFather: "Iwasfromthebeginning,"ifnot,therewasatimewhenGodwaswithoutaSon,andsohewouldbenoFather;nay,therewasatimewhenGodwaswithouthisglory,forChristis"thebrightnessofhisFather'sglory."Jesusisco-essentialwithGodtheFather.TheGodheadsubsists inChrist."Inwhomdwellsall thefullnessof theGodheadbodily."It issaid,notonlythat Christ was with God before the beginning—but that he was God.John1:1,and1Tim3:16."Godmanifestintheflesh."ThetitleofLord,sooften given to Christ, in the New Testament, answers to the title ofJehovah in theOld.Christ has a co-eternity, and co-substantialitywithhisFather."IandmyFatherareone."Itwereblasphemyforamereangeltospeakthus.YetfurthertoproveChrist'sGodhead,consider:

(a.)ThegloriousincommunicableattributesbelongingtoGodtheFather,areascribedtoChrist.IsGodtheFatheromnipotent?SoisJesusChrist.He is the almighty,Rev 1:1, andhe creates,Col 1:16. IsGod theFatherinfinitelyimmense,fillingallplaces?SoisJesusChrist.WhileChristwasontheearthbyhisbodilypresence,hewasatthesametimeinthebosomoftheFatherbyhisdivinepresence.

(b.)Thesameroyalprerogatives,whichbelongtoGodtheFather,belongalso to Christ. Does God the Father seal pardons? This is a flower ofChrist's crown. "Your sins are forgiven." Nor does Christ remit sin as

ministersdo,by virtueof apowerdelegatedto them fromGod; but hedoesitbyhisownpowerandauthority.IsGodtheFathertheadequateobjectoffaith?Ishetobebelievedin?SoishisSon."TrustinGod;trustalso inme." John 14:1Does adoration belong toGod the Father? So itdoes to the Son. "Let all the angels of God worship him." Howsacrilegious therefore is the Socinian, who would rob Christ of hisGodhead,thebestflowerofhiscrown.TheywhodenyChristtobeGod,mustgreatlytwist,orelsedenytheScripturetobetheWordofGod.

(3.)ItconfutestheArians,whodenytheHolySpirittobeGod.TheeternalGodheadsubsistsintheHolySpirit."Heshallguideyouintoall truth."Christspeaksnot thereofanattribute—butofaperson.ThattheGodheadsubsistsinthepersonoftheHolySpiritappearsinthis;thattheSpirit,whogivesdiversityofgifts,issaidtobethesameLord,andthesameGod.Theblackandunpardonablesinissaid,inaspecialmanner,tobecommittedagainsttheGodheadsubsistingintheHolySpirit."Andso I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but theblasphemyagainst theSpiritwillnotbe forgiven.Anyonewhospeaksaword against the Son ofMan will be forgiven, but anyone who speaksagainsttheHolySpiritwillnotbeforgiven,eitherinthisageorintheagetocome."Matthew12:31-32.

Themighty power of God is mademanifest by the Holy Spirit; for hechangestheheartsofmen.ThedevilwouldhaveChristprovehimself tobe God, by turning stones into bread; but the Holy Spirit shows hisGodheadby turningstones into flesh. "Iwill takeaway thestonyheart;andgiveyouaheartofflesh."Yetfurther,thepowerandGodheadoftheHoly Spirit appeared in effecting the glorious conception of our LordJesusChrist."TheHolySpiritwillcomeuponyou,andthepoweroftheMostHighwillovershadowyou.ThereforetheholyOnetobebornwillbecalledtheSonofGod."Luke1:35.

TheHoly Spirit worksmiracles, which transcend the sphere of nature;suchas raising thedead.Tohimbelongsdivineworship;our soulsandbodies are the temples of theHoly Spirit, inwhich temples he is to beworshiped.WearebaptizedinthenameoftheHolySpirit;thereforewemust believe his Godhead, or renounce our baptism in his name.Methinks it were better for such men not to have so much as heard

whetherthereisanyHolySpirit,thantodenyhisDeity.Theywhowouldwittinglyandwillinglyblotoutthethirdperson—shallhavetheirnamesblottedoutofthebookoflife!

Usetwo:Forexhortation.

(1.)BelievethisdoctrineoftheTrinityofpersonsintheunityofessence.The Trinity is solely an object of faith; the plumbline of reason is tooshorttofathomthismystery.Butwherereasoncannotwade—therefaithmayswim!Therearesometruthsinreligionthatmaybedemonstratedbyreason;asthatthereisaGod.ButtheTrinityofpersonsintheUnityofessence, is wholly supernatural, and must be believed by faith. Thissacred doctrine is not against reason—butabove it. Those illuminatedphilosophers,whocould findout the causesof things, anddiscourseofthemagnitudeand influenceof the stars, thenature ofminerals; couldnever,bytheirdeepestsearch,findoutthemysteryoftheTrinity.Thisisofdivinerevelation,andmustbeadoredwithhumblefaith.WecannotbegoodChristians,withoutthefirmbeliefoftheTrinity.HowcanwepraytoGodtheFatherbutinthenameofChrist,andthroughthehelpoftheSpirit?

How are the Quakers to be abhorred, who go under the name ofChristians,andyetundervalueandrenounceJesusChrist!IhavereadofsomeQuakerswho speak thus: "Wedeny thepersonofhimwhomyoucallChrist, andaffirm,That theywhoexpect tobe savedby thatChristwithout works, will be damned in that faith!" Could the devil himselfspeakworseblasphemy?Theywouldpullupalltruereligionbytheroots,and take away that corner stone, onwhich thehope of our salvation isbuilt.

(2.)IftherebeoneGodsubsistinginthreepersons,thenletusgiveequalreverencetoallthepersonsintheTrinity.ThereisnotonewhoismoreorlessintheTrinity;theFatherisnotmoreGodthantheSonandHolySpirit.ThereisanorderintheGodhead—butnodegrees;onepersonhasnotamajorityorsupereminenceaboveanother; thereforewemustgiveequalworship to all the persons. "That all men should honor the SonevenastheyhonortheFather."AdoreUnityinTrinity.

(3.)ObeyallthepersonsintheblessedTrinity;forallofthemareGod.ObeyGodtheFATHER.Christhimself,asman,obeyedGodtheFather,muchmoremustwe.

ObeyGodtheSON."KisstheSon,lesthebeangry."Kisshimwithakissof obedience. Christ's commands are not grievous. Whatever hecommands,isforourinterestandbenefit.OhthenkisstheSon!Whydothe elders throwdown their crownsat the feet ofChrist, and fall downbefore the Lamb? To testify their subjection, and to profess theirreadinesstoserveandobeyhim.

Obey God the HOLY SPIRIT. Our souls are breathed into us by thegloriousSpirit."TheSpiritofGodhasmademe."OursoulsareadornedbytheblessedSpirit.Everygraceisadivinesparklightedinthesoul,bytheHolySpirit.Nay,more,theSpiritsanctifiedChrist'shumannature;heunited itwith thedivine,and fitted themanChrist tobeourMediator.WellthendoesthisthirdpersonintheTrinity,theHolySpirit,deservetobeobeyed;forheisGod,andthistributeofhomageandobedienceisduetohimfromus.

13.TheCreation.

Question7:WhataretheDECREESofGod?

Answer: The decrees of God are his eternal purpose, according to thecounsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he has foreordainedwhatevershallcometopass.

I have already spoken something concerning the decrees of God undertheattributeofhisimmutability.Godisunchangeableinhisessence,andheisunchangeableinhisdecrees;hiscounselshallstand.Hedecreestheoutcomeofallthings,andcarriesthemontotheiraccomplishmentbyhisprovidence.Ishallproceedthereforetotheexecutionofhisdecrees.

Question8:WhatistheworkofCREATION?

Answer: It isGod'smaking all things fromnothing, by thewordofhispower."InthebeginningGodcreatedtheheavenandtheearth."

The creation is glorious to behold, and it is a pleasant and profitablestudy. Some think that when Isaac went abroad into the fields tomeditate,itwasinthebookofcreation.

Creation is the heathen's Bible, the ploughman's primer, and thetraveler'smap,throughwhichtheyreceivearepresentationoftheinfiniteexcellencieswhichare inGod.The creation is a large volume, inwhichGod'sworksareboundup;andthisvolumehasthreegreatpagesinit—heaven,earth,andsea.

TheauthorofthecreationisGod,asitisinthetext,"Godcreated."Theworld was created in time, and could not be from eternity. The worldmusthaveamaker,andcouldnotmakeitself.Ifoneshouldgointoafarcountry,andseestatelyedifices,hewouldneverimaginethattheycouldbuild themselves—but that there had been someartificer to raise suchmajesticstructures.Justso,thisgreatfabricoftheworldcouldnotcreateitself, it must have some builder or maker, and that is God. "In thebeginningGodcreated."Toimaginethattheworkofthecreationwasnotframed by the Lord Jehovah, is as if we should conceive a beautifulpaintingtobedrawnwithoutthehandofanartist."Godmadetheworldandallthingstherein."

Intheworkofcreationtherearetwothingstobeconsidered:

1.Themaking.

2.Theadorning.

I.TheMAKINGoftheworld.Hereconsider,

[1]Godmadetheworldwithoutanypre-existentmatter.Thisisthe difference between generation and creation. In generation there issuitable material at hand, some matter to work upon; but in creationthereisnopre-existentmatter.Godbroughtallthisgloriousfabricoftheworld,outofthewombofnothing.Ourbeginningwasofnothing.Some

bragoftheirbirthandancestry;buthowlittlecausehavetheytoboast,whocamefromnothing.

[2]Godmadetheworldwithaword.WhenSolomonhadtobuildatempleheneededmanyworkmen,andtheyallhadtoolstoworkwith—but God wrought without tools. "By the word of the Lord were theheavens made." Psalm 33:3. The disciples wondered that Christ couldcalmtheseawithaword;butitwasmoretomaketheseawithaword.

[3]Godmadeallthingsatfirstverygood,withoutanydefectordeformity.ThecreationcameoutofGod'shandsasapurepiece;itwasa spotless copy, without any blot, written with God's own fingers. Hisworkwasperfect.

II. The ADORNING of the world. God made this great lump andmass,withneithershapenororder;andthenbeautifiedit.Hedividedtheseaandtheearth,hedeckedtheearthwithflowers,thetreeswithfruit.But what is beauty when it is masked over? Therefore, that we mightbeholdthisglory,Godmadethelight.Theheavenswerebespangledwiththesun,moon,andstars—sothattheworld'sbeautymightbebeheldandadmired.God,inthecreation,beganwiththingslessnobleandexcellent,rocks and vegetables; and then the rational creatures, angels andmen.Man is themost exquisite piece in the creation.He is amicrocosm, orlittleworld.Manwasmadewithdeliberationandcounsel."Letusmakeman."It is themannerofartificers tobemore thanordinarilyaccuratewhentheyareabouttheirmasterpieces.Manwastobethemasterpieceofthisvisibleworld,thereforeGodconsultedaboutmakingsorareapiece.AsolemncouncilofthesacredpersonsintheTrinitywascalled."Letusmakeman,and letusmakehiminourownimage."Ontheking'scoin,hisownimageisstamped;soGodstampedhisimageonman,andmadehimpartakerofmanydivinequalities.

[1]Ishallspeakofthepartsofman'sBODY.

(1.) Thehead, themost excellent architectural part, is the fountain ofthought,andtheseatofreason.Innaturetheheadisthebestpiece—butingracetheheartexcels.

(2.)Theeyeisthebeautyoftheface;itshinesandsparkleslikealessersuninthebody.Theeyeoccasionsmuchsin,andthereforewemaywellhavetearsinit.

(3.)Theear is the conduit-pipe throughwhichknowledge is conveyed.Betterloseourseeingthanourhearing,for"faithcomesbyhearing."TohaveanearopentoGodisthebestjewelontheear.

(4.) The tongue. David calls the tongue his glory, because it is aninstrumenttosetforththegloryofGod.ThesoulatfirstwasaviolinintunetopraiseGod,andthetonguemadethemusic.Godhasgivenustwoears—butonetongue,toshowthatweshouldbeswifttohear—butslowtospeak.Godhassetadoublefencebeforethetongue—theteeth,andthelips—toteachustobewarythatwedonotsinwithourtongue.

(5.)Theheartisanoblepart,andtheseatoflife.

[2]IshallspeakoftheSOULofman.Thisisthemanoftheman.Man,inregardofhissoul,partakeswiththeangels.Theunderstanding,will,andconscience,arealooking-glasswhichresemblestheTrinity.Thesoul is the diamond in the ring, it is a vessel of honor; God himself isservedinthisvessel.Itisasparkofcelestialbrightness,saysDamascene.Davidadmiredtherarecontextandworkmanshipofhisbody."Foryoucreatedmyinmostbeing;youknitmetogether inmymother'swomb.IpraiseyoubecauseIamfearfullyandwonderfullymade;yourworksarewonderful, Iknow that fullwell.Psalms139:13-14. If thecabinetof thebodyissowonderfullymade,whatisthejewelofthesoul?Howrichlyisthesoulembroidered!Thusyouseehowgloriousaworkthecreationis,andmanespecially,whoistheepitomeoftheworld.

ButwhydidGodmaketheworld?

(1.)Negatively.Not forhimself; forhedidnotneed it,being infinite.He was happy in reflecting upon his own sublime excellencies andperfectionsbeforetheworldwas.

Goddidnotmaketheworldtobeamansionforus,sincewearenottoabide here forever. Heaven is ourmansion house. The world is only a

passage-room to eternity; the world is to us as the wilderness was toIsrael,not to rest in—but to travel through to thegloriousCanaan.Theworldisadressing-roomtodressoursoulsin,notaplacewherewearetostay forever. The apostle tells us of the world's funeral. "The elementsshallmeltwithferventheat,theearthalsoandtheworksthatarethereinshallbeburntup."2Pet3:10.

(2.)Positively.Godmadetheworldtodemonstratehisownglory.Theworldisalookingglass,inwhichwemayseethepowerandgoodnessofGodshineforth."TheheavensdeclarethegloryofGod."Theworldislikeawonderfulpieceoftapestry,inwhichwemayseetheskillandwisdomofhimwhomadeit.

Useone:DidGodcreatethisworld?

(1.)This convincesusof the truthofhisGodhead. To create ispropertoaDeity.PlatowasconvincedofaDeitywhenhesawthatnotallthepeopleintheworldcouldnotmakeafly.ThusGodproveshimselftobethetrueGod,anddistinguisheshimselffromidols."Saythistothosewho worship other gods: Your so-called gods, who did not make theheavensandearth,willvanishfromtheearth."Jeremiah10:11.WhobutGod can create? The creation is enough to convince the heathen, thatthere is a God. There are two books out of which God will judge andcondemntheheathen,namely,thebookofConscience,"Whichshowsthework of the lawwritten in their hearts," and the book of the Creation,"From the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, Hiseternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, beingunderstood throughwhatHehasmade.Asa result,people arewithoutexcuse." Romans 1:20. The world is full of divine emblems andhieroglyphics.Every star in the sky, every bird that flies in the air, is awitnessagainsttheheathen.Acreaturecouldnotmakeitself.

(2.) It is a mighty support of faith, that God creates.He whomadeallthingswithaword,whatcanhenotdo?Hecancreatestrengthinweakness;hecancreateasupplyofourneeds.Whatafoolishquestionwas that, "Can he prepare a table in the wilderness?" Cannot he whomadetheworlddomuchmore?"OurhelpisinthenameoftheLord,whomadeheavenandearth."RestonthisGodwhomadeheavenandearth,

forhelp.AstheworkofcreationisamonumentofGod'spower,soitisasupporttofaith.Isyourhearthard?Hecanwithawordcreatesoftness.Isitunclean?Hecancreatepurity."Createinmeacleanheart,OGod."IsthechurchofGodlow?HecancreateJerusalemapraise.Thereisnosuchgoldenpillarforfaithtorestupon,asacreatingpower.

(3.) Did God make this world full of beauty and glory,everything very good?Then,what an evil thing is SIN,whichhasputoutofframethewholecreation!Sinhasmucheclipsedthebeauty,souredthesweetness,andmarredtheharmonyoftheworld.Howbitter is that gall, a drop whereof can embitter a whole sea! Sin hasbroughtvanityandvexationintotheworld,yes,acurse.Godcursedthegroundbecauseofman'ssin.Therewereseveralfruitsofthecurse—

"Cursedisthegroundbecauseofyou;throughpainfultoilyouwilleatofit all the days of your life." By painful toil is to be understood all thetroublesandcaresofthislife.

"By thesweatofyourbrowyouwilleatyour food." In innocenceAdamtilledtheground,forhemustnotliveidly;butitwasratheradelightthana labor. That tillingwaswithout toiling. The eating in sorrow, and thesweatofthebrow,cameinaftersin.

"Thornsandthistlesshall thegroundbringforth."Didtheearth in inastateof innocencebear thorns, though theywereafterwardsthreatenedasapunishment?Itislikelyitdidbearthorns;for,whenGodhaddonecreating,hemadenonewspeciesorkindsofthings;butthemeaningis—Now, after sin, the earth should bring forthmore plentifully of thorns,and now those thorns should be hurtful, and choke the corn, whichhurtfulqualitywasnotinthembefore.Eversincethefall,allthecomfortsofthislifehaveathornandathistleinthem!

Thefourthfruitofthecursewasthedrivingofmanoutofparadise."Sothe Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden." God at firstbroughtAdamintoparadiseasintoahousereadyfurnished,orasakinginto his palace. "Have dominion over every living thing that moves."God's driving Adam out of paradise signified his dethroning andbanishinghim,thathemightlookafteraheavenlyandabetterparadise.

Afifthfruitof thecursewasdeath."Bythesweatofyourbrowyouwilleatyourfooduntilyoureturntotheground,sincefromityouweretaken;fordust youare and todust youwill return."Deathwasnotnatural toAdam—but came in after sin.As the apostle says. "By sin camedeath."See then how cursed a thing sin is, which has brought somany cursesuponthecreation.Ifwewillnothatesinforitsdeformity, letushate itforthecurseitbrings!

(4.)DidGodmakethisgloriousworld?Didhemakeeverythinggood? Was there in the creature so much beauty andsweetness?Oh!thenwhatsweetnessisthereinGod?Thecauseisalwaysmorenoble thantheeffect.Thinkwithyourselves—is theresomuch excellence inhouse and lands?Thenhowmuchmore is there inGod, whomade them! Is there beauty in a rose?What beauty then isthere inChrist, theRoseofSharon!Doesoilmake the faceshine?Howwill the light ofGod's countenancemake it shine!Doeswine cheer theheart?Oh!whatvirtue is there in the truevine!Howdoes thebloodofthisgrapecheertheheart!Isthefruitofthegardensweet?HowdeliciousarethefruitsoftheSpirit!Isagoldminesoprecious?Howpreciousishewhofoundedthismine!WhatisChrist,inwhomarehidalltreasures?

We should ascend from the creature to the Creator. If there is anycomfort below, how much more is there in God, who made all thesethings!Howunreasonable is it thatweshoulddelight intheworld,andnotmuchmore in himwhomade it!How should our hearts be set onGod,andhow shouldwe long tobewithGod—whohas infinitelymoresweetnessinhimthananycreature!

Usetwo:OfEXHORTATION.

(1.)DidGod create theworld?Letuswiselyobserve theworksofcreation.GodhasgivenusnotonlythebookoftheScripturestoreadin—but the book of the creation. Look up to the heavens, for they showmuch of God's glory. The sun gilds the world with its bright beams.Behold the stars, their regular motion in their orbs, their magnitude,theirlightandtheirinfluence.WemayseeGod'sgloryblazinginthesunandtwinklinginthestars.Lookintothesea,andseethewondersofGodinthedeep.Psalm107:74.Lookintotheair,therethebirdsmakemelody,

andsingforththepraisesoftheirCreator.Lookintotheearth,therewemaywonder at the nature ofminerals, the power of the loadstone, thevirtueofherbs.Seetheearthdeckedasabridewithflowers.AllthesearethegloriouseffectsofGod'spower.Godhaswroughtthecreationaswithcuriousneedlework,thatwemayobservehiswisdomandgoodness,andgivehimthepraiseduetohim."OLord,howmanifoldareyourworks!inwisdomhaveyoumadethemall!"

(2.)DidGodcreateallthings?LetusobeyourMaker.Wearehisbyright of creation, we owe ourselves to him. If another gives us ourmaintenance,wethinkourselvesboundtoservehim;muchmoreshouldweserveandobeyGodwhogivesusour life."Inhimweliveandmoveand have our being." God has made everything for man's service; thegrain for nourishment, the animals for usefulness, the birds formusic,thatmanshouldbeforGod'sservice.Theriverscomefromthesea—andthey run into the sea again.Allwehave is fromGod.LetushonorourCreator,andlivetohimwhomadeus.

(3.) Did God make our bodies out of the dust, and that dust out ofnothing?Letthiskeepdownpride.WhenGodwouldhumbleAdamheuses thisexpression, "Outof thedustwereyou taken."Whyareyouproud, O dust and ashes? You are made but of dirt. "Since you arehumble, why do you notwalk humbly?" Bernard.David says, "I praiseyou because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works arewonderful, I know that full well." Your being wonderfully made, maymakeyouthankful;butbeingmadeofthedust,maykeepyouhumble.Ifyouhavebeauty,itisbutwell-coloreddirt!Yourbodyisbutairanddustmingledtogether,andthisdustwilldeterioratebackintothedust.Whenthe Lord had said of the judges, they were gods, Psalm 82:6, lest theyshouldgrowproudhetoldthemtheyweredyinggods."Butyouwilldielikemeremen."Verse7.

(4.) Did God create our souls after his image—but we lost it?Let usneverrestuntilwearerestoredtoGod'simageagain.Wehavenow got thedevil's image in pride,malice, and envy. Let us getGod'simagerestored,whichconsistsinknowledgeandrighteousness.Graceisour best beauty, itmakes us like God and angels. As the sun is to theworld,soisholinesstothesoul.LetusgotoGodtorestorehisimagein

us."Lord!youhaveoncemademe,makemeanew;sinhasdefacedyourimageinme,ohdrawitagainbythepenciloftheHolySpirit!"

14.ThePROVIDENCEofGod.

Question11:WhatareGod'sworksofProvidence?

Answer:God'sworks of providence are the acts of hismost holy,wise,andpowerfulgovernmentofhiscreatures,andoftheiractions.

OftheworkofGod'sprovidenceChristsays,"MyFatherisalwaysathisworktothisveryday,andI,too,amworking."Godhasrestedfromtheworks of creation, he does not create any new species of things. "Herested fromallhisworks;"and therefore itmustneedsbemeantofhisworksofprovidence: "MyFather isalwaysathiswork to this veryday,and I, too, am working." "His kingdom rules over all;" that is, hisprovidentialkingdom.Now,fortheclearingofthispoint,Ishall—

I.Showyouthatthereisaprovidence.

2.Whatthatprovidenceis.

3.LaydownsomemaximsorpropositionsconcerningtheprovidenceofGod.

I. That there is a providence.There is no such thing as chance orblindfate—butthereisaprovidencewhichguidesandgovernstheworld."Thelotiscastintothelap,butitseverydecisionisfromtheLord."Prov16:33.

II.Whatthisprovidenceis.Ianswer,ProvidenceisGod'sorderingalloutcomes and events of things, after the counsel of hiswill, to his ownglory.

[1] I call providence—God's ordering things, to distinguish it from hisdecrees. God's decree ordains things that shall happens, God's

providenceordersthem.

[2]IcallprovidencetheorderingofthingsafterthecounselofGod'swill.

[3]Godordersalleventsofthings,afterthecounselofhiswill,tohisownglory;hisglorybeing theultimateendofallhisactings,and thecenterwhere all the lines of providence meet. The providence of God is "thequeenandgovernessoftheworld."Itistheeyewhichsees,andthehandwhichturnsallthewheelsintheuniverse.Godisnotlikeanartificerwhobuildsahouse,andthen leaves it—but likeapilot,hesteerstheshipofthewholecreation.

III.PropositionsaboutGod'sprovidence.

[1]God'sprovidencereachestoallplaces,persons,andaffairs.

(1.)God'sprovidencereachestoallPLACES."AmIaGodathand,and not a God afar off?" The diocese where Providence visits, is verylarge;itreachestoheaven,earth,andsea."IcanneverescapefromyourSpirit!Icannevergetawayfromyourpresence!IfIgouptoheaven,youarethere;ifIgodowntotheplaceofthedead,youarethere.IfIridethewingsof themorning, if Idwellby the farthestoceans, even there yourhandwillguideme,andyourstrengthwillsupportme."Psalm139:7-10.Now,thatthesea,whichishigherthantheearth,shouldnotdrowntheearth,isawonderofProvidence.TheprophetJonahsawthewondersofGodinthedeep,whentheveryfishwhichdevouredhimandswallowedhimbroughthimsafetoshore.

(2.) God's providence reaches to all PERSONS, especially thepersonsof the godly,who in a specialmanner are takennoticeof.Godtakescareofeverysaintinparticular,asifhehadnoneelsetocarefor."Hecares for you," that is,Godcares for the elect ina specialmanner."TheButtheLordwatchesoverthosewhofearhim,thosewhorelyonhisunfailinglove.Herescuesthemfromdeathandkeepsthemaliveintimesof famine." Psalm 33:18-19. God by his providential care shields offdangersfromhispeople,andsetsalife-guardofangelsaboutthem."Theangelof theLordencampsaround thosewho fearhim, andhedeliversthem."Psalm34:7.God'sprovidencekeepstheverybonesofthesaints.

"Therighteousfacemanytroubles,buttheLordrescuesthemfromeachandeveryone.FortheLordprotectsthemfromharm—notoneoftheirboneswillbebroken!Psalms34:19-20. Itbottles their tears. "Youkeeptrackofallmysorrows.Youhavecollectedallmytearsinyourbottle.Youhave recorded each one in your book." Psalm 56:8. It strengthens thesaints intheirweakness.Heb11:34.Itsuppliesall theirneedsoutof itsalmsbasket."Youprepareafeastformeinthepresenceofmyenemies."Psalm23:5.ThusProvidencewonderfullysuppliestheneedsoftheelect.

WhentheProtestantsinRochellewerebesiegedbytheFrenchking,Godbyhisprovidencesentagreatnumberofsmallfishtofeedthem,suchaswere never seen before in that haven. So the raven, that unnaturalcreature (that will hardly feed its own young), providentially broughtsustenancetotheprophetElijah.TheVirginMary,throughbearingandbringing forth the Messiah, helped to make the world rich—yet sheherself was very poor; and now, being warned of the angel to go intoEgypt, she had scarce enough to bear her expenses there; but see howGodprovidesforherbeforehand.Byhisprovidencehe sendswisemenfromtheeast,whobringcostlygifts,gold,myrrh,andfrankincense,andpresentthemtoChrist;andnowshehasenoughtodefrayherexpensesinto Egypt. God's children sometimes scarce know how they are fed,exceptthatprovidencefeedsthem."Trulyyoushallbefed."Psalm37:3.IfGodwillgivehispeopleakingdomwhentheydie,hewillnotdenythemdailybreadwhiletheylive.

(3.)God'sprovidencereachestoallAFFAIRSandoccurrencesintheworld.ThereisnothingthatstirsintheworldbutGodhas,byhisprovidence,theover-rulingofit.Isittheraisingofamantohonor?"ButitisGodwhojudges:Hebringsonedown,heexaltsanother."Psalm75:7.Success and victory in battle is the result of providence. Saul had thevictory—butGodwrought thesalvation.Thatamongallvirginsbroughtbeforetheking,Esthershouldfindfavorintheeyesoftheking,wasnotwithoutGod'sspecialprovidence;for,bythismeans,theLordsavedtheJewsalive,whoweredestinedtodestruction.

Providence reaches to the least of things, tobirds andants. Providencefeedstheyoungraven,whenthemotherbirdforsakesit,andwillgiveitnofood."Heprovidesfoodforthecattleandfortheyoungravenswhen

theycall."Psalms147:9.Providencereachestotheveryhairsofourhead."The hairs of your head are all numbered." Matt 10:30. Surely ifprovidencereachestoourhairs,muchmoretooursouls.Thusyouhaveseen that God's providence reaches to all places, to all persons, to alloccurrences and affairs. Now there are two objections against thisdoctrine.

Some say,There aremany thingsdone in theworldwhichareverydisorderlyandirregular;andsurelyGod'sprovidenceisnotinthesethings.

Yes, the things that seem tous irregular,Godmakesuseof tohis ownglory.Supposeyouwere inasmith'sshop,andshouldseethereseveralsorts of tools, some crooked, some bowed, others hooked, would youcondemnallthesethings,becausetheydonotlookhandsome?Thesmithmakesuseofthemallfordoinghiswork.ThusitiswiththeprovidencesofGod;theyseemtoustobeverycrookedandstrange—yettheyallcarryonGod'swork.Ishallmakethiscleartoyouintwoparticularcases.

God's people are sometimes in a low condition. It seems to be out oforder, that those who are best, should be in the lowest condition; butthereismuchwisdominthisprovidence,asappearsthus:

1. Perhaps the hearts of the godly were lifted up with riches, or withsuccess;nowGodcomeswithahumblingprovidencetoafflictthemandfleecethem.Betteristhelossthatmakesthemhumble,thanthesuccessthatmakesthemproud.Again,

2.Ifthegodlywerenotsometimesafflicted,andgivenaneclipseintheiroutwardcomforts,howcould their gracesbe seen, especially their faithandpatience?Ifitwerealwayssunshinewewouldseenostars;soifweshouldhavealwaysprosperity,itwouldbehardtoseetheactingofmen'sfaith.ThusyouseeGod'sprovidencesarewiseandregular,thoughtoustheyseemverystrangeandcrooked.

Hereisanothercase.Thewickedflourish.Thisseemstobeverymuchoutof order; but God, in his providence, sometimes sees it good, that theworst ofmen should be exalted; that theymay do somework forGod,

thoughitbeagainsttheirwill."Butthisisnotwhatheintends,thisisnotwhathehas inmind;his purpose is todestroy, to put an end tomanynations."Isaiah10:7.Godwillbeinnoman'sdebt.Hemakesuseofthewicked sometimes to protect and shield his church; and sometimes torefine and purify it. "O Lord, you have appointed them to executejudgment;ORock,youhaveordainedthemtopunish."Hab1:12.Asiftheprophet had said, "You have ordained the wicked to correct yourchildren." Indeed, as Augustine says well, "We are indebted to wickedmen,whoagainsttheirwillsdousgood,"Asthecornis indebtedtotheflailtothreshoffitshusks,orastheironisindebtedtothefiletobrightenit;justso,thegodlyareindebtedtothewicked,thoughitbeagainsttheirwill,tobrightenandrefinetheirgraces.Now,then,ifthewickeddoGod'sownwork,thoughagainsttheirwill,hewillnotletthembelosersbyit;hewillraisethemintheworld,andgivethemafullcupofearthlycomforts.Thusyouseethoseprovidencesarewiseandregular,whichtousseemstrangeandcrooked.

But, somemay say, "ifGodhas a hand in ordering all thingsthatfallout,hehasahandinthesinsofmen."

Ianswer,No,bynomeans,hehasnohandinanyman'ssin.Godcannotgocontrarytohisownnature,hecannotdoanyunholyaction,anymorethanthesuncanbesaidtobedarkened.Hereyoumusttakeheedoftwothings:

youmusttakeheedofmakingGodignorantofmen'ssins;

youmusttakeheedofmakingGodtohaveahandinmen'ssins.

IsitlikelythatGodisboththeauthorofsin,andtheavengerofsin?Isita likely thing thatGod shouldmakea law against sin, and thenhave ahandinbreakinghisownlaw?Godinhisprovidencepermitsmen'ssins."He allowed all nations to walk in their own ways." Acts 14:16. Godpermittedtheirsin,whichheneverwould,ifhecouldnotbringgoodoutofit.Hadnotsinbeenpermitted—God'sjusticeinpunishingsin,andhismercy in pardoning sin, had not been so well manifested. The Lord ispleasedtopermitsin—buthehasnohandinsin.

ButisitnotsaidthatGodhardenedPharaoh'sheart?Hereismorethanbarelypermittingsin.

God does not infuse evil into men, he withdraws the influence of hisgraces, and then the heart hardens of itself; even as the light beingwithdrawn,darknesspresentlyfollowsintheair?Butitwouldbeabsurdto say, that therefore the light darkens the air; and therefore you willobserve,thatPharaohissaidtohardenhisownheart.Exod8:85.Godisthecauseofnoman'ssin.ItistrueGodhasahandintheactionwheresin is—but no hand in the sin of the action. A man may play upon ajarring instrument—but the jarring is from itself. Just so here—theactionsofmen,sofarastheyarenatural,arefromGod;butsofarastheyaresinful,theyarefromthementhemselves,andGodhasnohandatallinthem.Somuchforthefirstposition,thatGod'sprovidencereachestoallplaces,toallpersons,andtoalloccurrences.

[2]Asecondpropositionis,thatprovidences,whicharecasualandaccidentaltous,arepre-determinedbytheLord.Thefallingofatileuponone'shead,thebreakingoutofafire,iscasualtous—butitisorderedbyaprovidenceofGod.Youhaveaclearinstanceofthis inIKings22:34."AnArameansoldier,however,randomlyshotanarrowattheIsraelitetroops,andthearrowhitthekingofIsraelbetweenthejointsofhisarmor."Thisaccidentwascasualastothemanwhodrewthebow;but itwasdivinelyorderedby theprovidenceofGod.God'sprovidencedirectedthearrowtohitthemark.Thingsthatseemtohappencasually,andbychance,aretheoutcomeofGod'sdecrees,andtheinterpretationofhiswill.

[3]God'sprovidenceisgreatlytobeobserved—butwearenottomake it the rule of our actions. "Whoever is wise will observethesethings."Itisgoodtoobserveprovidence—butwemustnotmakeitourruletowalkby.ProvidenceisaChristian'sdiary—butnothisBible.Sometimesabadcauseprevailsandgetsground;but it isnottobe liked because it prevails. We must not think the better of what issinful, because it is successful.Providenceno rule forour actions tobedirectedby.

[4] Divine providence is irresistible. There is no standing in the

way of God's providence, to hinder it.When God's time was come forJoseph'srelease,theprisoncouldholdhimnolonger."Thekingsentandloosed him." When God would indulge the Jews with liberty in theirreligion,Cyrus,byaprovidence,putsforthaproclamationtoencouragetheJewstogoandbuildtheirtempleatJerusalem,andworshipGod.IfGodwillshieldandprotectJeremiah'spersonincaptivity,theverykingofBabylonshallnurseuptheprophet,andgivechargeconcerninghim,thathelacknothing.Jer39:11,12.

[5] God is to be trusted when his providences seem to runcontrarytohispromises.GodpromisedtogiveDavidthecrown,tomakehimking;butprovidence ran contrary tohispromise.DavidwaspursuedbySaul,andwas indangerofhis life—butall thiswhile itwasDavid's duty to trust God. Pray observe, that the Lord by crossprovidences, often brings to pass his promise. God promised Paul thelives of all who were with him in the ship; but the providence of Godseemedtorunquitecontrarytohispromise,forthewindsblew,theshipsplit and broke in pieces. Thus God fulfilled his promise—upon thebroken pieces of the ship they all came safe to shore. Trust Godwhenprovidencesseemtorunquitecontrarytopromises.

[6] The providences of God are chequer-work, they areintermingled. In the life to come, there shall be nomoremixture; inhelltherewillbenothingbutbitter;inheavennothingbutsweet.ButinthislifetheprovidencesofGodaremixed,thereissomethingofthesweetin them, and something of the bitter. Providences are just like Israel'spillarofcloud,whichconductedthemintheirmarch,whichwasdarkonone side and light on the other. In the ark were laid up the rod andmanna, so areGod'sprovidences tohis children; there is somethingoftherodandsomethingofthemanna;sothatwemaysaywithDavid,"Iwill sing ofmercyand judgement."When Joseph was in prison, therewasthedarksideof thecloud;butGodwaswithJoseph,therewasthelight side of the cloud. Asher's shoes were of brass—but his feet weredippedinoil.Soafflictionistheshoeofbrasswhichpinches;butthereismercymingledwiththeaffliction,forthereisthefootdippedinoil.

[7]Thesameaction,asitcomesfromGod'sprovidence,maybegood;andasitcomesfrommen,maybeevil.Forinstance,Joseph

beingsoldintoEgyptbyhisbrethrenwasevil,verywicked,foritwasthefruitoftheirenvy.ButasitwasanactofGod'sprovidenceitwasgood;forbythismeansJacobandallhisfamilywerepreservedaliveinEgypt.Another instance is in Shimei's cursing David. Shimei cursed David, itwaswickedandsinful,foritwasthefruitofhismalice.ButashiscursingwasorderedbyGod'sprovidence,itwasanactofGod'sjusticetopunishDavid,andtohumblehimforhisadulteryandmurder.AsthecrucifyingofChristcamefromtheJews,itwasanactofhatredandmalicetoChrist;andJudas'sbetrayinghimwasanactofcovetousness.ButaseachwasanactofGod'sprovidence,sotherewasgoodinit;foritwasanactofGod'sloveingivingChristtodiefortheworld.ThusIhavemadecleartoyou,thedoctrineofGod'sprovidence in theseseveralpositions.Letmenowspeaksomethingbywayofapplication.

Useone:Bywayofexhortationintheseparticulars.

(1.) ADMIRE God's providence. The providence of God keeps thewholecreationuponthewheels,orelse itwouldsoonbedissolved,andthe very axle of the world would break in pieces. If God's providenceshould be withdrawn but for amoment, creatures would be dissolved,and run into their first nothing.Without this wise providence of God,there would be anxiety and confusion in the whole world, just like anarmy when it is routed and scattered. The providence of God infusescomfortandvirtueintoeverythingweenjoy.Ourclotheswouldnotwarmus,ourfoodwouldnotnourishus,withoutthespecialprovidenceofGod.Anddoesnotallthisdeserveyouradmirationofprovidence?

(2.) Learn quietly to SUBMIT to divine providence. Do notmurmurat things thatareorderedbydivinewisdom.Wemaynomorefind faultwith theworksof providence thanwemaywith theworks ofcreation.ItisasinasmuchtoquarrelwithGod'sprovidence,astodenyhis providence. If other people do not act aswewould have them act,theyshallactasGodwouldhavethemact.Hisprovidenceishismaster-wheel,whichturnstheselesserwheels,andGodwillbringhisgloryoutofallatlast."Iwassilent;Iwouldnotopenmymouth,foryouaretheonewhohasdonethis."Psalm39:9.Itmaybe,wethinksometimeswecouldorderthingsbetter,ifwehadthegovernmentoftheworldinourhands;but alas! shouldwe be left to our own choice, we should choose those

thingsthatarehurtfulforus!Davidearnestlydesiredthelifeofhischild,whichwasthefruitofhissin—buthadthechildliveditwouldhavebeenaperpetualmonumentofhisshame.LetusbecontentthatGodshouldrule the world; learn to acquiesce in his will, and submit to hisprovidence.Doesanyafflictionbefallyou?RememberGodseesitisthatwhichisfitforyou,oritwouldnotcome.Yourclothescannotbesofitforyouasyourcrosses.God'sprovidencemaysometimesbesecret—butitisalwayswise;andthoughwemaynotbesilentunderGod'sdishonor—yetweshouldlearntobesilentunderhisdispleasure.

(3.)YouwhoareChristians,believe thatallGod'sprovidenceshall conspire for your good at last. The providences of God aresometimesdark,andoureyesdim,andwecanhardlytellwhattomakeof them;butwhenwecannotunriddleprovidence, letusbelieve that itwillwork together for thegoodof theelect.Rom8:28.Thewheels inaclockseemtomovecontraryonetotheother—buttheyhelpforwardthemotion of the clock. Just so, the providences of God seem to be crosswheels; but for all that, they shall carry on the good of the elect. Theprickingofavein is in itselfevilandhurtful;butas itpreventsa fever,andtendstothehealthofthepatient,itisgood.Justso,afflictioninitselfisnotjoyous—butgrievous;buttheLordturnsittothegoodofhissaints.Poverty shall starve their sins, andafflictions shall prepare them for akingdom.Therefore,Christians,believe thatGod lovesyou,and thathewillmakethemostcrossprovidencestopromotehisgloryandyourgood.

(4.) Let it be an antidote against immoderate FEAR, thatnothing comes to pass butwhat is ordained byGod's decree,and ordered by his providence. We sometimes fear what theoutcomeofthingswillbe,whenmengrowhighintheiractings;butletusnotmakethingsworsebyour fear.Menare limited in theirpower,andcannotgoonehair'sbreadthfurtherthanGod'sprovidencepermits.Hemight let Sennacherib's armymarch towards Jerusalem—but they shallnotshootonearrowagainstit."ThentheangeloftheLordwentoutandput to death a hundred and eighty-five thousandmen in the Assyriancamp.Whenthepeoplegotupthenextmorning--therewereallthedeadbodies!"Isa37:36.WhenIsraelwasencompassedbetweenPharaohandtheRedSea,noquestion,someoftheirheartsbegantotremble,andthey

lookeduponthemselvesasdeadmen;butProvidencesoorderedit—thattheseawasasafepassagetoIsrael,andasepulchertoPharaohandallhishost.

(5.) Let the merciful providence of God causeTHANKFULNESS. We are kept alive by a wonderful-workingProvidence.Providencemakesour clothes towarmus, andour food tonourish us. We are fed every day out of the alms-basket of God'sprovidence.Thatweare inhealth, thatwehaveanestate, isnotbyourdiligence—butGod'sprovidence."ButremembertheLordyourGod,foritishewhogivesyoutheabilitytoproducewealth."Deut8:18.Especiallyifwe go a step higher, wemay see cause for thankfulness, that we werebornandbredinagospelland,andthatweliveinsuchaplacewheretheSunofRighteousnessshines,whichisasignalprovidence.WhymightwenothavebeenborninsuchplaceswherePaganismprevails?ThatChristshouldmakehimselfknowntous,andtouchourheartswithhisSpirit,when he passes by others; whence is this but from the miraculousprovidenceofGod,whichistheeffectofhisfreegrace?

Use two: Comfort in respect of the church of God. God'sprovidencereachesinamorespecialmannertohischurch."Singaboutafruitfulvineyard:ItheLord,watchoverit;Iwateritcontinually.Iguarditdayandnightsothatnoonemayharmit."Isa27:2-3.Godwatersthisvineyardwithhisblessings,andwatchesoveritbyhisprovidence.Suchasthinktotallytoruinthechurch,mustdoitinatimewhenitisneitherday nor night, for the Lord keeps it by his providence night and day.WhatamiraculousconductofProvidencehadIsrael!Godledthembyapillaroffire,gavethemmannafromheaven,andwaterfromtherock.

Godbyhisprovidencepreserveshischurchinthemidstofenemies;asaspark iskeptalive intheocean,ora flockofsheeparekeptalive in themidstofwolves.Godsaveshischurchstrangely.

(1.) By giving unexpected mercies to his church, when sheanticipatednothingbutruin. "WhentheLordrestoredhisexilestoJerusalem,itwaslikeadream!Wewerefilledwithlaughter,andwesangfor joy.And theothernations said, 'What amazing things theLordhasdone for them.' Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!" Psalm

126:1-3.HowstrangelydidGodraiseupQueenEsther topreservealivethe Jews, when Haman had got a bloody warrant signed for theirexecution!

(2.)Strangely,bysavinginthatverywayinwhichwethinkhewilldestroy.Godworkssometimesbycontraries.Heraiseshischurchbybringingitlow.Thebloodofthemartyrshaswateredthechurch,andmadeitmorefruitful.Exod1:12."Themoretheyafflictedthem—themoretheymultiplied."Thechurchis likethatplantwhichGregoryNazianzenspeaksof—itgrowsbycutting.

(3.)Strangely,inthathemakestheenemytodohiswork.Whenthe people of Ammon andMoab andMount Seir came against Judah,Godsettheenemyoneagainstanother."TheLordcausedthearmiesofAmmon,Moab,andMountSeirtostartfightingamongthemselves.ThearmiesofMoabandAmmonturnedagainsttheiralliesfromMountSeirandkilledeveryoneofthem.AftertheyhadfinishedoffthearmyofSeir,they turned on each other. So when the army of Judah arrived at thelookout point in the wilderness, there were dead bodies lying on theground for as far as they could see.Not a single one of the enemyhadescaped."2Chronicles20:22-24.Godmadethe traitors tobe theirownbetrayers. God can do his work by the enemy's hand. God made theEgyptianssendawaythepeopleofIsraelladenwithjewels.ThechurchisthepupilofGod'seye,andtheeyelidofhisprovidencedailycoversanddefendsit.

Usethree:Seehere,thatwhichmaymakeuslongforthetimewhen the great mystery of God's providence shall be fullyunfolded to us. Now we scarcely know what to make of God'sprovidence,andarereadytocensurewhatwedonotunderstand;butinheavenweshallseehowallhisprovidences(sickness,losses,sufferings)contributedtooursalvation.HereweseebutsomedarkpiecesofGod'sprovidence,anditisimpossibletojudgeofhisworksbypieces;butwhenwecometoheaven,andseethefullbodyandportraitofhisprovidencedrawn out into its living colors—it will be glorious to behold. ThenweshallseehowallGod'sprovidenceshelpedtofulfillhispromises.Thereisnoprovidence,butweshallseeawonderoramercyinit!

THEFALL

1.THECOVENANTOFWORKS

Question 12:What special act of providence did God exercise towardsman,intheestatewhereinhewascreated?

Answer:WhenGodhadcreatedman,heentered intoacovenantof lifewithhimupon conditionofperfect obedience, forbiddinghim to eat ofthetreeofknowledgeuponpainofdeath.

"And theLordGodcommanded theman—Youare free toeat fromanytreeinthegarden;butyoumustnoteatfromthetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevil,forwhenyoueatofityouwillsurelydie."Genesis2:16-17.

I. This covenant was made with Adam and all mankind; forAdamwasapublicperson,andtherepresentativeoftheworld.

ForwhatreasondidGodmakeacovenantwithAdamandhisposterityininnocence?

(1.)Toshowhissovereigntyoverus.Wewerehiscreatures,andashewasthegreatMonarchofheavenandearth,hemightimposeuponustermsofacovenant.

(2.)Godmade a covenantwithAdam to bind him fast to him: asGodboundhimselftoAdam,soAdamwasboundtohimbythecovenant.

Whatwasthecovenant?

GodcommandedAdamnottoeatofthetreeofknowledge;butgavehimpermission toeatofall theother treesof thegarden.Goddidnot envyhim any happiness; but said, "You are free to eat from any tree in thegarden;butyoumustnoteatfromthetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevil" because he would test Adam's obedience. As King Pharaohmade

Josephchiefrulerofhiskingdom,andgavehimaringoffhisfinger,andachainofgold—butsaidhemustnot"touchhisthrone."Inlikemanner,GoddealtwithAdam.Hegavehimasparklingjewel,knowledge;andputupon him the garment of original righteousness; "Only," said he, "youmustnoteatfromthetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevil,"forthatisaspiringafteromniscience.Adamhadpowertokeepthislaw:hehadthecopyofGod'slawwritteninhisheart.

Thiscovenantofworkshadapromiseannexedtoit,andathreatening.

1. Thepromisewas, "Do this and live." In case man had stood, it isprobable hewouldnot have died—butwould have been translated to abetterparadise.

2.The threatening, "Whenyou eat of it youwill surelydie;"Hebrew,"Indyingyoushalldie;"thatis,youshalldiebothanaturaldeathandaneternal,unlesssomeexpedientbefoundoutforyourrestoration.

WhydidGodgiveAdamthislaw,seeingheforesawthatAdamwouldtransgressit?

(1.)ItwasAdam'sfaultthathedidnotkeepthelaw.Godgavehimastockofgracetotradewith—butbyhisownneglecthefailed.

(2.) Though God foresaw Adam would transgress—yet that was not asufficientreasonthatnolawshouldbegivenhim;for,bythesamereason—GodshouldnothavegivenhiswrittenWordtomen,tobearuleoffaithand manners, because he foresaw that some would not believe, andothers would be profane. Shall laws notbe made in the land, becausesomewillbreakthem?

(3.)ThoughGodforesawAdamwouldbreakthelaw,heknewhowtoturnittogreatergood—insendingChrist.Thefirstcovenantbeingbroken,heknewhowtoestablishasecond,andabettercovenant.

II.Concerningthefirstcovenant,considerthesefourthings:

[1]TheformofthefirstcovenantininnocencewasbyWORKS."Do this and live." Working was the ground and condition of man's

justification.Gal3:12,"Howdifferentfromthiswayoffaithisthewayoflaw, which says—If youwish to find life by obeying the law, youmustobey all of its commands." Not but that working is required in thecovenantofgrace,forwearebidtoworkoutoursalvation,andberichingoodworks.Butworks in the covenantofgracearenot requiredunderthe same notion, as in the first covenant with Adam. Works are notrequiredforthejustificationofourpersons—butasanattestationofourlovetoGod;notasthecauseofoursalvation—butasanevidenceofouradoption.Works are required in the covenant of grace, not somuch inourown strength as in the strength of Christ. "It isGodwhoworks inyou."Phil2:13.Astheteacherguidesthechild'shand,andhelpshimtoform his letters, so that it is not so much the child's writing as themaster's. Just so, our obedience is not so much our working as theSpirit'sco-working.

[2]Thecovenantofworkswasverystrict.GodrequiredofAdamandallmankind,

(1.)Perfectobedience.Adammustdoallthingswritteninthe"bookofthe law," and not fail, either in thematter ormanner of the works."Cursed is everyonewhodoes not continue to do everythingwritten intheBookoftheLaw."Gal3:10.Adamwastoliveuptothewholebreadthofthemorallaw,andgoexactlyaccordingtoit,asawell-madedialgoeswiththesun.Onesinfulthoughtwouldhaveforfeitedthecovenant!

(2.)Personalobedience.Adammustnotdohisworkbyaproxy,orhaveanysuretyboundforhim;butitmustbedoneinhisownperson.

(3.)Perpetualobedience.Hemustcontinueinallthingswritteninthelaw."CursediseveryonewhodoesnotcontinuetodoeverythingwrittenintheBookof theLaw."Gal3:10.Thus itwasverystrict.Therewasnomercyincaseoffailure.

[3]Thecovenantofworkswasnotbuiltuponaveryfirmbasis;and thereforemustneeds leavemen fullof fearsanddoubts.The covenant of works rested upon the strength of man's inherentrighteousness;whichthoughininnocencewasperfect—yetwassubjecttochange.Adamwas createdholy—butmutable; having a power to stand

andapowertofall.Hehadastockoforiginalrighteousnesstobegintheworldwith—but he was not sure he would not break. He was his ownpilot,andcouldsteer right, in the timeof innocence;buthewasnotsosecured but that hemight dash against the rock of temptation, and heand his posterity be shipwrecked; so that the covenant of works mustneeds leave jealousies and doubtings in Adam's heart, as he had nosecuritygivenhimthathewouldnotfallfromthatgloriousstate.

[4] The covenant of works being broken by sin, man'scondition was very deplorable and desperate. He was left inhimself, helpless; therewasnoplace for repentance; the justice ofGodbeingoffended,setalltheotherattributesagainsthim.WhenAdamlosthisrighteousness,helosthisanchorofhopeandhiscrown;therewasnowayforrelief,unlessGodwouldfindoutsuchawayasneithermannorangelcoulddevise.

Useone:

(1.)SeethecondescensionofGod,whowaspleasedtostoopsolowastomakeacovenantwithus.FortheGodofglorytomakeacovenantwithdustandashes;forGodtobindhimselftous,togiveuslifeincaseofobedience;forhimtoenterintocovenantwithuswasasignoffriendship,andaroyalactoffavor.

(2.) See what a glorious condition man was in, when Godentered into covenant with him. He was placed in the garden ofGod,whichforthepleasureofitwascalledparadise.Hehadhischoiceofallthetrees,oneonlyexcepted;hehadallkindsofpreciousstones,puremetals, richcedars;hewasakinguponthe throne,andall thecreationdid obeisance to him, as in Joseph's dream all his brethren's sheavesbowed to his sheaf. Man, in innocence, had all kinds of pleasure thatmightravishhissenseswithdelight,andbeasbaitstoallurehimtoserveandworshiphisMaker.Hewas fullofholiness.Paradisewasnotmoreadornedwithfruit,thanAdam'ssoulwaswithgrace.Hewasthecoinonwhich God had stamped his lively image. Light sparkled in hisunderstanding, so that he was like an earthly angel; and hiswill andaffectionswerefulloforder,tuningharmoniouslytothewillofGod.

Adam was a perfect pattern of sanctity. Adam had intimacy ofcommunion with God and conversed with him, as a favorite with hisprince.HeknewGod'smind,andhadhisheart.Henotonlyenjoyedthelightofthesuninparadise—butthelightofGod'scountenance.ThiswasAdam'sconditionwhenGodentered intoa covenantwithhim;but thisdidnotlongcontinue;for"manbeinginhonorabidesnot,"lodgednotforanight.His teethwatered at the apple, and ever since it hasmade oureyeswater.

(3.)LearnfromAdam'sfall,howunablewearetostandinourown strength. If Adam, in the state of integrity, did not stand, howunablearewenow,whenthelockofouroriginalrighteousnessiscut.Ifpurifiednaturedidnot stand,how then shallcorruptnature?Weneedmorestrengthtoupholdusthanourown!

(4.)Seeinwhatasadconditionallunbelieversandimpenitentpersonsare.Aslongastheycontinueintheirsinstheycontinueunderthecurse,underthefirstcovenant.Faithentitlesusto themercyof thesecondcovenant;butwhilemenareunder thepowerof theirsins, theyareunderthecurseofthefirstcovenant;andiftheydieinthatcondition,theyaredamnedtoeternity!

(5.)SeethewonderfulgoodnessofGod,whowaspleasedwhenman had forfeited the first covenant, to enter into a newcovenantwithhim.Wellmayitbecalledacovenantofgrace;foritisbespangledwith promises—as the heavenwith stars.When the angels,those glorious spirits, fell, God did not enter into a new covenantwiththemtobetheirGod—butheletthosegoldenvesselsliebroken;yethashe entered into a second covenant with us, better than the first. It isbetter,because it is surer; it ismade inChrist, andcannotbe reversed.Christ has engaged his strength to keep every believer. In the firstcovenant we had a power of standing; in the second we have animpossibilityoffallingfinally.

(6.) Whoever they are, who look for righteousness andsalvation by the power of their freewill, or the inherentgoodness of their nature, or by virtue of their merit, as theSocinians and Papists—they are all under the covenant of

works.Theydonotsubmittotherighteousnessof faith, thereforetheyare bound to keep the whole law, and in case of failure they arecondemned.Thecovenantofgracesays,"BelieveintheLordJesus,andbesaved";butsuchaswillstandupontheirowninherentrighteousness,free-will andmerit, fall under the first covenant ofworks, and are in aperishingestate.

Usetwo:Letuslaborbyfaith,togetintothesecondcovenantofgrace,andthenthecurseofthefirstcovenantwillbetakenawaybyChrist.Ifweoncegettobeheirsofthecovenantofgrace,weare in a better state than before. Adam stood on his own legs, andtherefore he fell; we stand in the strength of Christ. Under the firstcovenant,thejusticeofGod,asanavengerofblood,pursuesus;butifwegetintothesecondcovenantweareinthecityofrefuge,wearesafe,andthejusticeofGodispacifiedtowardsus.

Question14.WhatisSin?

Answer:SinisanylackofconformitytothelawofGod,ortransgressionofit.

"Sinisthetransgressionofthelaw."Ofsiningeneral:

Sin is a violation or transgression. The Latin word, to transgress,signifies togobeyondone'sbounds.Themoral lawis tokeepuswithintheboundsofduty.Sinisgoingbeyondourbounds.

ThelawofGodisnotthelawofaninferiorprince—butofJehovah,whogiveslawsaswelltoangelsasmen;itisalawthatisjust,andholy,andgood. Rom 7:12. It is just, there is nothing in it unequal. It is holy,nothinginitimpure.Itisgood,nothinginitharmful.Sothatthereisnoreasontobreakthislaw,nomorethanforabeast,thatisinafatpasture,tobreakoverthehedge,ortoleapintoabarrenheathorquagmire.

I shall show what a heinous and execrable thing sin is. Sin is thedistillation of all evil. The Scripture calls it the "accursed thing." It iscompared to the venom of serpents, and the stench of sepulchers. The

apostleusesthisexpression,"sinmightbecomeutterlysinful,"Rom7:13,or,asitisintheGreek,"Hyperbolicallysinful."Thedevilwouldpaintsinwiththepleasingcolorofpleasureandprofit, thathemaymake it lookfair;butIshallpulloffthepaintthatyoumayseeitsuglyface.Weareapttohaveslightthoughtsofsin,andsaytoit,asLotofZoar,"Isitnotalittleone?"Butthatyoumayseehowgreatanevilsin is,considerthesefourthings:

I.Theoriginofsin,fromwhenceitcomes.Itfetchesitspedigreefromhell;sin isof thedevil."Hewhocommitssin isof thedevil."Satanwasthe firstactorofsin,andthe first tempter tosin.Sin is thedevil's first-born.

II.Theevilnatureofsin.

[1]Itisadefilingthing.Sinisnotonlyadefection—butapollution.Itistothesoulasrustistogold,asastaintobeauty.Itmakesthesoulredwith guilt, and black with filth. Sin in Scripture is compared to a"menstruouscloth,"andtoa"plague-sore."Joshua's filthygarments, inwhichhestoodbeforetheangel,werenothingbutatypeandhieroglyphicofsin.SinhasblottedGod's image,andstainedtheorientbrightnessofthesoul.SinmakesGodloatheasinner;andwhenasinnerseeshissin,heloatheshimself!

Sindropspoisononourholythings,itinfectsourprayers.Thehighpriestwas to make atonement for sin on the altar, to typify that our holiestservicesneedChrist tomakeanatonement for them.Dutiesof religionareinthemselvesaregood—butsincorruptsthem,asthepurestwaterispollutedbyrunningthroughmuddyground.Iftheleper,underthe law,had touched the altar—the altar would not have cleansed him—but hewouldhavedefiledthealtar.Theapostlecallssin,"Filthinessoffleshandspirit." 2Cor 7:1. Sin stamps the devil's image on aman.Malice is thedevil'seye,hypocrisyhisclovenfoot.Sinturnsamanintoadevil."Oneofyouisadevil!"John6:70.

[2]SinisgrievingGod'sSpirit."GrievenottheHolySpiritofGod."Togrieveismorethantoanger.

HowcantheSpiritbesaidtobegrieved?For,seeingheisGod,hecannotbesubjecttoanypassion.

Thisisspokenmetaphorically.SinissaidtogrievetheSpirit;becauseitisaninjuryofferedtotheSpirit,andhetakes itunkindly,and,as itwere,lays it to heart. And is it notmuch thus to grieve the Spirit? TheHolySpirit descended in the likeness of a dove; and sinmakes this blesseddovemourn!Wereitonlyanangel,weshouldnotgrievehim,muchlesstheSpiritofGod.Isitnotsad—togrieveourComforter?

[3]SinisanactofrebellionagainstGod;awalkingdirectoppositeto heaven. "If you will walk contrary to me." A sinner tramples uponGod's law, crosses hiswill, and does all he can to affront, yes, to spiteGod. The Hebrew word for sin, Pasha, signifies rebellion; there is theheartofa rebel, ineverysin. "Wewilldowhateverproceedsout of ourownmouth, toburn incense to thequeenofheaven."Sin strikesat theveryDeity.SinisGod'swould-bemurderer.SinwouldnotonlyunthroneGod—butun-Godhim.Ifthesinnercouldhelpit,GodwouldnolongerbeGod.

[4] Sin is an act of ingratitude and unkindness. God feeds thesinner, keeps off evils from him, be-miracles him with mercy; but thesinnernotonlyforgetsGod'smercies—butabusesthem.Heistheworseformercy;likeAbsalom,who,assoonasDavidhadkissedhim,andtakenhimintofavor,plottedtreasonagainsthim.Likethemule,whokicksthemotheraftershehasgivenitmilk."Isthisyourkindnesstoyourfriend?"Godmayupbraidthesinner."Ihavegivenyou,"hemaysay,"yourhealth,strength,andestate;butyourequitemeevilforgood,youwoundmewithmyownmercies!Isthisyourkindnesstoyourfriend?DidIgiveyoulifetosinagainstme?DidIgiveyouwagestoservethedevil?"

[5]Sin isadisease. "Thewholehead is sick;" Isa 1:1. Some are sickwith pride, otherswith lust, otherswith envy. Sin has distempered theintellectual part, it is a leprosy in the head, it has poisoned the vitals."Their conscience is defiled." Tit 1:15. It iswith a sinner aswith a sickpatient,hispalateisdistempered,thesweetestthingstastebittertohim.Thewordwhichis'sweeterthanthehoney-comb,"tastesbittertohim;heputs'sweetforbitter."Thisisadisease,andnothingcancurethisdisease

butthebloodofthePhysician!

[6]Sinisanirrationalthing.Itmakesamanactnotonlywickedly—but foolishly. It is absurd and irrational to prefer the less before thegreater. The sinner prefers the pleasures of life, before the rivers ofpleasures at God's right-hand for evermore. Is it not irrational to loseheaven—forthesatisfyingorindulgingofalust?AsLysimachus,who,fora draught of water, lost a kingdom. Is it not irrational to gratify anenemy?Insinwedoso.Whenlustorrashangerburnsinthesoul,Satanwarmshimselfatthisfire.Men'ssinsfeastthedevil.

[7] Sin is a painful thing. It costsmenmuch labor to pursue theirsins.How do they tire themselves in doing the devil's drudgery! "Theyweary themselves to commit iniquity." What pains did Judas take tobringabouthisdamnation!Hegoestothehighpriest,andthenaftertothebandofsoldiers,andthenbackagaintothegarden.Chrysostomsays,"Virtueiseasierthanvice."Itismorepainstosometofollowtheirsins,thantootherstoworshiptheirGod.Whilethesinnertravailswithhissin,insorrowhebringsforth;whichiscalled'servingdiverslusts."Notenjoytheirlusts—butservetheirlusts.Whyso?Becausenotonlyoftheslaveryinsin—butthehardlabor;itis'servingdiverslusts."Manyamangoestohellinthesweatofhisbrow.

[8]SinistheonlythingGodhasanantipathyagainst.Goddoesnothateamanbecauseheispoor,ordespisedintheworld;asyoudonothate your friend because he is sick. The only thingwhichwhich drawsforth the keenness ofGod's hatred, is sin. "Oh, donot this abominablethingwhichIhate."Andsure, if thesinnerdiesunderGod'shatred,hecannotbeadmittedintothecelestialmansions.WillGodletthemanlivewithhim,whomhehates?Godwillneverlaysuchaviperinhisbosom!Untilsinisremoved,thereisnocomingwhereGodis.

III.Seetheevilofsin,inthepricepaidforit.ItcostthebloodofGod to expiate it. "Oman," says Augustine, "consider the greatness ofyour sin, by the greatness of the price paid for sin." All the princes onearth, or angels in heaven, could not satisfy for sin; only Christ. Nay,Christ'sactiveobediencewasnotenoughtomakeatonementforsin—buthemustsufferuponthecross;for,withoutbloodisnoremissionofsin.

Ohwhatanaccursedthingissin,thatChristshoulddieforit!Theevilofsin isnotsomuchseeninthemultitudewhoaredamnedfor it,asthatChristdiedforlt.

IV.SinisevilinitsEFFECTS.

[1] Sin has degraded us of our honor. Reuben by incest lost hisdignity;andthoughhewasthefirst-born,hecouldnotexcel.Gen49:4.Godmadeusinhisownimage,alittlelowerthantheangels;butsinhasdebasedus.BeforeAdamsinned,hewaslikeaheraldthathashiscoatofarmsuponhim:all reverencehim,becausehecarries theking's coatofarms;butletthiscoatbepulledoff,andheisdespised,nomanregardshim.Sinhasdonethis,ithaspluckedoffourcoatofinnocence,andnowit has debased us, and turned our glory into shame. "And there shallstand up a vile person." Dan 11:21. This was spoken of AntiochusEpiphanes, who was a king, and his name signifies illustrious; yet sindegradedhim,hewasavileperson.

[2]Sindisquietsthepeaceofthesoul."Butthewickedarelikethetossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud."There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked." Isaiah 57:20-21.Whateverdefiles,disturbs.Aspoisoncorruptstheblood,sosincorruptsthesoul.Sinbreedsatremblingattheheart;itcreatesfears,andthereis"torment in fear." Sinmakes sad convulsions in the conscience. Judaswassoterrifiedwithguiltandhorror,thathehangedhimselftoquiethisconscience.Inordertoeasehisconscience—hethrewhimselfintohell.

[3] Sin produces all temporal evil. "Jerusalem has grievouslysinned, therefore she is removed." It is the Trojan horse, which hassword, and famine and pestilence, in its belly. Sin is a coal, which notonlyblackens--butburns.Sincreatesallourtroubles;itputsgravel intoourbread,andwormwoodinourcup.Sinrots thename,consumestheestate,burieslovedones.SinshootstheflyingscrollofGod'scursesintoafamilyandkingdom.It isreportedofPhocas,thathavingbuiltawallofmightystrengthabouthiscity,therewasavoiceheard,"Siniswithinthecity,andthatwillthrowdownthewall."

[4]Sinunrepentedof,bringsfinaldamnation.Thecankerwhich

breeds in the rose is the causeof itsperishing; just so—thecorruptionswhichbreedinmen'ssoulsarethecauseoftheirdamning.Sin,withoutrepentance,bringsthe'seconddeath,"thatis"adeathalwaysdying,"Rev20:14.Sin'spleasurewillturntosorrowatlast;likethebooktheprophetate, sweet in themouth—butbitter in thebelly.Sinbrings thewrathofGod,andwhattearscanquenchthatfire?"Itisbetterforyoutoenterlifelame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell—the unquenchablefire,wheretheirwormdoesnotdie,andthefireisnotquenched."Mark9:45-46

Use one: See howdeadly an evil sin is, andhow strange is itthatanyoneshould love it! "How longwill you love vanity?" Psalm4:2. "The people have turned to other gods, and love flagons ofwine."Hos3:1: Sin is adishwhichmen cannot refrain from, though itmakesthemsick.Whowouldpourrose-waterintoafilthykennel?Whatpityitis, that so sweet an affection as love shouldbepouredupon so filthy athingassin!Sinbringsastingintheconscience,acurseintheestate;yetmen love it.Asinner is thegreatest self-denier; forhis sinhewilldenyhimselfapartinheaven.

Usetwo:Doanythingratherthansin.Oh,hatesin!Thereismoreevilintheleastsin—thaninthegreatestbodilyevilswhichcanbefallus.Theermineratherchoosestodiethandefileherbeautifulskin.There ismoreevilinadropofsin—thaninaseaofaffliction.Afflictionisbutlikearipinacoat—butsinastabattheheart.Inafflictionthereissomegood—in this lion there is somehoney tobe found. "It isgood forme that Iwasafflicted."Psalm119:71.Augustine,"AfflictionisGod'sflailtothreshoffourhusks.Afflictiondoesnotconsume—butrefines."Thereisnogoodinsin;itisthequintessenceofevil.Sinisworsethanhell;forthepainsofhellareaburdentothecreatureonly;butsinisaburdentoGod."Iampressedunderyouriniquities,asacartispressedunderthesheaves."

Usethree:Issinsogreatanevil?ThenhowthankfulshouldyoubetoGod,ifhehastakenawayyoursin!"Ihavetakenawayyoursins."Zech3:4. If you had a disease on your body—how thankfulwould you be tohaveittakenaway!Muchmoretohavesintakenaway.Godtakesawaytheguiltof sinbypardoninggrace, and thepowerof sinbymortifyinggrace.Ohbethankfulthatthissicknessis"notuntodeath;"thatGodhas

changedyournature,and,bygraftingyouintoChrist,madeyoupartakeofthesweetnessofthatolivetree;thatsin,thoughitlive,doesnotreign—buttheelderservestheyounger;sintheelder—servesgracetheyounger.

2.ADAM'SSIN

Question 15:Whatwas the sinwhereby our first parents fellfromtheestatewhereintheywerecreated?

Answer: That sin was eating the forbidden fruit. "She took of the fruitthereof, and did eat, and gave also to her husband." Gen 3:3. Here isimplied,

1.Thatourfirstparentsfellfromtheirestateofinnocence.

2.Thesinbywhichtheyfell,waseatingtheforbiddenfruit.

I.Ourfirstparentsfellfromtheirgloriousstateofinnocence."God made man upright—but they have sought out many inventions."Adamwasperfectlyholy,hehadrectitudeofmind,andlibertyofwilltogood;buthisheadacheduntilhehadinventedhisown—andourdeath!Hesoughtoutmanyinventions.

1.His fallwasvoluntary.He had a power not to fall. Free-will was asufficientshieldtorepeltemptation.Thedevilcouldnothaveforcedhimunless he had given his consent. Satanwas only a suitor towoo, not akingtocompel;butAdamgaveawayhisownpower,andallowedhimselftobedecoyedintosin;likeayounggallant,whoatonethrowlosesafairlordship. Adam had a fair lordship, he was lord of the world. "Havedominionoverthefishofthesea,andoverthefowloftheair,andovereverylivingthingthatmoves."Buthelostallatonethrow!Assoonashesinned,heforfeitedparadise!

2.Adam'sfallwassudden;hedidnotlongcontinueinhisroyalmajesty.

HowlongdidAdamcontinueinparadisebeforehefell?

Themostprobableandreceivedopinionis,thathefelltheverysamedayin which he was created. So Irenaeus, Cyril, Epiphanius, and manyothers.Thereasonswhichinclinemetobelievesoare,

(1.)It issaid,Satanwasamurderer,"fromthebeginning."Now,whomdidhemurder?Nottheblessedangels,hecouldnotreachthem;northecursedangels, for theyhadbeforedestroyed themselves.HowthenwasSatanamurdererfromthebeginning?AssoonasSatanfell,hebegantotempt mankind to sin; this was a murdering temptation. By which itappearsAdamdidnotstay long inParadise;soonafterhiscreation thedevilsetuponhim—andmurderedhimbyhistemptation!

(2.)Adamhadnotyeteatenofthetreeoflife."Andnow,lestheputforthhishand,andtakealsoofthetreeoflife,andeat;theLordsenthimforthof the garden." This tree of life, being one of the choicest fruits in thegarden,andbeingplacedinthemidstofParadise,itisverylikelyAdamwouldhave eatenof this treeof lifesoon,hadnot the serpent beguiledhimwith the treeofknowledge. So that I conclude,Adam fell the verydayofhiscreation,becausehehadnotyettastedthetreeoflife,thattreethatwasmostinhiseye,andhadsuchdeliciousfruitgrowinguponit.

(3.) "Manbeing inhonor, abidesnot."Psalm49:12.TheRabbis read itthus,"Adambeinginhonor,lodgednotonenight."TheHebrewwordforabide,signifies,"Tostayorlodgeallnight."Adamthen,itseems,didnottakeuponenight'slodginginParadise.

Use one: From Adam's sudden fall—learn the weakness ofhumannature.Adam,inastateofintegrity,quicklymadeadefectionfromGod,hesoonlosttherobeofinnocenceandthegloryofParadise.Ifournaturewasthusweakwhenitwasatthebest,whatisitnowwhenitisattheworst?IfAdamdidnotstandwhenhewasperfectlyrighteous,how unable are we to stand when sin has cut the lock of our originalrighteousness!Ifpurifiednaturedidnotstand,howshallcorruptnature?If Adam, in a few hours, sinned himself out of Paradise, how quickly

wouldwesinourselvesintohell—ifwewerenotkeptbyagreaterpowerthanourown!ButGodputsunderneathhiseverlastingarms.Deut33:27.

Use two: FromAdam's sudden fall—learn how sad it is for amantobe left tohimself.Adambeing left tohimself, fell.Oh then,whatwillbecomeofus,howsoonfall,ifGodshouldleaveustoourselves!A man without God's grace, left to himself, is like a ship in a storm,withoutpilotoranchor—andisreadytodashuponeveryrock.Makethisprayer to God, "Lord, do not leave me to myself! If Adam, who hadstrength, fell sosoon—howsoonshall I fallwhohavenostrength!"Oh!urgeGodwithhishandandseal. "Mystrengthshallbemadeperfect inweakness."2Cor12:9.

II. The sin by which our first parents fell was eating theforbiddenfruit;where,considertwothings:

[1] The occasion of it was the serpent's temptation. The devilcreptintotheserpent,andspokeintheserpent.Consider:

(1.)ThesubtletyofSatan'stemptation.Hiswilesareworsethanhisdarts.Satan'ssubtletyintempting;(1.)Hedealtallalongasanimpostor,heusheredinhistemptationbylies.

1stLie."Youshallnotsurelydie."

2nd Lie. That God did envy our first parents their happiness. "Godknows,thatinthedayyoueat,youreyesshallbeopened."Thatis,"ThereasonwhyGodforbidsyoutoeatofthistree—isbecauseheenviesyourfelicity."

3rdLie.ThattheywouldbetherebymadelikeuntoGod."Youshallbeasgods."Herewashissubtletyintempting.Thedevilwasfirstaliar,thenamurderer!

(2.)Inthathesetuponourfirstparentssoquickly,beforetheywereconfirmedintheirobedience.Theangels inheavenare fullyconfirmedinholiness;theyarecalledstarsofthemorning,Job38:7,andthey are fixed stars; but our first parents were not confirmed in their

obedience,theywerenotfixedintheirorbofholiness.Thoughtheyhadapossibilityofstanding,theyhadnotanimpossibilityoffalling;theywereholy—butmutable. There was Satan's subtlety, in tempting our firstparentsbeforetheywereconfirmedintheirobedience.

(3.) His subtlety in tempting was, that he set upon Eve first,becausehethoughtshewas lessabletoresist.Satanbroke overthehedgewhereitwasweakest;heknewhecouldmoreeasilyinsinuateand wind himself into her, by a temptation. An expert soldier, whenabout to storm or enter a castle, carefully observes where there is abreach, or how he may enter with more ease; so did Satan tempt theweaker vessel.He temptedEve first, becauseheknew, if oncehe couldprevail with her, she would easily draw her husband. Thus the devilhandedover a temptation toJobbyhiswife. "CurseGodanddie." Job2:9. Agrippina poisoned the Emperor Commodus, with wine in aperfumedcup;thecupbeingperfumedandgivenhimbyhiswife,itwasthe less suspected. Satan knew a temptation coming to Adam fromhiswifewouldbemoreprevailing, andwouldbe less suspected.Ohbitter!sometimesrelationsprovetemptations.Awifemaybeasnare,whenshedissuadesherhusbandfromdoinghisduty,orenticeshimtoevil."Ahabsold himself to work wickedness, whom his wife Jezebel stirred up." IKings 21:25. She blew the coals, andmade his sin flame out themore.Satan'ssubtletywasintemptingAdambyhiswife;hethoughtshewoulddrawhimtosin.

(4.)Satan'ssubtlety in temptingwas inassaultingEve's faith.Hewould persuade her that God had not spoken truth: "You shall notsurelydie."Gen3:4.ThiswasSatan'smasterpiece, toweakenher faith.When he had shaken that, and had brought her once to distrust: then"sheyielded,"shepresentlyputforthherhandtoevil.

Satan'sCRUELTYintempting.AssoonasAdamwasinvestedinallhis glory, thedevil cruelly, as itwereon thedayofAdam's coronation,woulddethronehim,andbringhimandallhisposterityundera curse!SeehowlittleloveSatanhastomankind;hehasanimplacableantipathyagainst us; and antipathies can never be reconciled. So much for theoccasionofAdam'ssin,orhisbeingtemptedbytheserpent.

[2]Thesinitself."Eatingtheforbiddenfruit."Thiswasveryheinous,andthatappearsthreeways:

(1.)Inrespectofthepersonwhocommittedit.

(2.)Theaggravationofthesin.

(3.)Thedreadfulnessoftheeffect.

(1.)Itwasveryheinousinrespectofthepersonwhocommittedit. Adam had excellent and noble endowments; he was illumined withknowledge, embellishedwith holiness; he knew his duty, and itwas aseasy for him to obey God's command, as to know it; he might havechosen whether he would sin or not; yet he willfully did eat of theforbiddentree.

(2.)TheaggravationofAdam'ssin.

Why isAdam's sin so great? Itwas but the seizing of an apple!Was itsuchagreatsin—topluckanapple?"Whenthewomansawthatthefruitofthetreewasgoodforfoodandpleasingtotheeye,andalsodesirableforgainingwisdom,shetooksomeandateit.Shealsogavesometoherhusband,whowaswithher,andheateit."Genesis3:6.

Itwas sin against an infiniteGod. Itwas a voluminous sin, thereweremanysinstwistedtogetherinit.AsCicerosaysofparricide,"Hewhoisguiltyofit,hecommitsmanysinsinone;"sothereweremanysinsinthisone sinofAdam. Itwasabig-bellied sin, a chainwithmany links.Tensinswereinit.

(1.)Unbelief.Our first parents did not believewhat God had spokenwastruth.Godsaid,"Youmustnoteatfromthetreeoftheknowledgeofgood and evil, forwhen you eat of it youwill surely die."Theydidnotbelieve that theywoulddie; they couldnot be persuaded that such fairfruithaddeathatthedoor.Thus,byunbelieftheycalledGodaliar;nay,whichwasworse,theybelievedthedevilratherthanGod!

(2.)Unthankfulness,which is theepitomeofall sin.Adam's sinwascommittedinthemidstofParadise.Godhadenrichedhimwithvariety

ofmercies;hehadstampedhisownimageuponhim;hehadmadehimlordoftheworld;gavehimofallthetreesofthegardentoeat(oneonlyexcepted).Andnowtotakeofthattree!Thiswashighingratitude;itwaslikethedyetothewool,whichmakesitcrimson.WhenAdam'seyeswereopened,andhesawwhathehaddone—wellmighthebeashamed, andhide himself. How could he who sinned in themidst of Paradise, lookGodinthefacewithoutblushing!

(3.)InAdam'ssinwasdiscontent.Hadhenotbeendiscontented,hewouldneverhavesoughttohavealteredhiscondition.Adam,onewouldthink,hadenough;hedifferedbutlittlefromtheangels,hehadtherobeofinnocencetoclothehim,andthegloryofParadisetocrownhim.Yethewas not content, hewould havemore; hewould be above the ordinaryrankofcreatures.HowwidewasAdam'sheart,thatawholeworldcouldnotfillit!

(4.)Pride, in that he would be like God. Thisworm, which was butnewly crept out of the dust, now aspired after Deity! "You will be likeGod,"saidSatan,andAdamhopedtohavebeensoindeed;hesupposedthe tree of knowledge would have anointed his eyes, and made himomniscient.But,byclimbingtoohigh,hegotadreadfulfall!

(5.)Disobedience. God said, "Youmust not eat from the tree of theknowledgeofgoodandevil;"buthewouldeatofit,thoughitcosthimhislife!Disobedienceisasinagainstequity.Itisrightweshouldservehimfrom whom we have our existence. God gave Adam his allowance,therefore itwasbut righthe shouldgiveGodhisallegiance.HowcouldGodenduretoseehis lawstrampledonbeforehisface?Thismadehimplaceaflamingswordattheendofthegarden.

(6.)Curiosity.Hemeddledwiththatwhichwasoutofhissphere,anddidnotbelong tohim.God smote themenofBethshemesh for lookinginto theark. ISam6:19.Adamwouldbeprying intoGod's secrets, andtastingwhatwasforbidden.

(7.)Wantonness.ThoughAdamhadachoiceofalltheothertrees—yethispalategrewwanton,andhemusthavethistree.LikeIsrael,Godsentthemmanna,angels' food,ay—but theyhadahankeringafterquails.It

wasnot enough thatGod supplied theirneeds, unlesshe should satisfytheirlusts!Adamhadnotonlyeverythingfornecessity—butfordelight;yethiswantonpalatelustedafterforbiddenfruit.

(8.)Sacrilege.The treeofknowledgedidnotbelong toAdam—yethetook of it, and did sacrilegiously robGod of his due. It was counted agreatcrimeinHarpalustorobthetemple,andstealthesilvervessels;soitwasagreatcrimeinAdam,tostealfruitfromthattreewhichGodhadpeculiarlyenclosedforhimself.Sacrilegeisdoubletheft.

(9.) Murder. Adam was a public person, and all his posterity wereinvolvedandwrappedupinhim;andhe,bysinning,atoncedestroyedallhisposterity!(iffreegracedidnotinterpose.)IfAbel'sbloodcriedsoloudinGod'sears,"Thevoiceofyourbrother'sbloodcriesuntomefromtheground,"howlouddidthebloodofallAdam'sposteritycryagainsthimforvengeance!

(10.) Presumption. Adam presumed of God's mercy; he blessedhimself, saying he would have peace; he thought, though he didtransgress,hewouldnotdie; thatGodwouldsoonerreversehisdecree,thanpunishhim.Thiswasgreatpresumption.Whataheinoussin,wasAdam'sbreachofcovenant!

Onesinmayhavemanysinsinit.Weareapttohaveslightthoughtsofsin,andsay"itisbutalittleone."HowmanysinswereinAdam'ssin!Ohtakeheedofanysin!Asinonevolumetheremaybemanyworksboundup,sotheremaybemanysinsinonesin.

[3]Thedreadfulness of the effect. It has corruptedman's nature.How deadly is that poison—a dropwhereof, could poison a whole sea!AndhowdeadlyisthatsinofAdam,whichcouldpoisonallmankind,andbringacurseuponthem—untilitbetakenawaybyhimwhowasmadeacurseforus!

3.ORIGINALSIN

Question 16: Did all mankind fall in Adam's firsttransgression?

Answer:ThecovenantbeingmadewithAdam,notonlyforhimself—butfor his posterity, all mankind descending from him, by ordinarygeneration,sinnedinhim,andfellwithhiminhisfirsttransgression.

"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through oneman, and deaththroughsin,andinthiswaydeathcametoallmen,becauseallsinned."Romans5:12

Adambeingarepresentativeperson,whilehestood,westood;whenhefell,we fell,We sinned inAdam; so it is in the text, "Inwhomallhavesinned."

Adamwas theheadofmankind, andbeing guilty,we are guilty, as thechildrenofatraitorhavetheirbloodstained."Allofus,"saysAugustine,"sinnedinAdam,becausewewerepartofAdam."

IfwhenAdamfell,allmankind fellwithhim;why,whenoneangel fell,didnotallfall?

Thecaseisnotthesame.Theangelshadnorelationtooneanother.Theyare called morning-stars; the stars have no dependence one uponanother;butitwasotherwisewithus,wewereinAdam'sloins;asachildis a branch of the parent, we were part of Adam; therefore when hesinned,wesinned.

HowisAdam'ssinmadeours?

(1.)Byimputation.ThePelagiansofoldheld,thatAdam'stransgressionishurtfultoposteritybyimitationonly,notbyimputation.Butthetext,"Inwhomallhavesinned,"confutesthat.

(2.)Adam'ssinisoursbypropagation.NotonlyistheguiltofAdam'ssin imputed to us—but the depravity and corruption of his nature istransmitted tous, aspoison is carried from the fountain to the cistern.This is thatwhichwe call original sin. "In sin didmymother conceiveme."Psalm51:5.Adam'sleprosycleavestous,asNaaman'sleprosydidtoGehazi.2Kings5:27.Thisoriginalsiniscalled,

(1.)The"oldman."Eph4:22. It issaid tobe theoldman,not that it isweak,asoldmenare—butforitslongstanding,andforitsdeformity.Inold age the fair blossoms of beauty fall; so original sin is the oldman,becauseithaswitheredourbeauty,andmadeusdeformedinGod'seye.

(2.)Originalsiniscalled"thelawofsin."Rom7:25Originalsinhasthepowerofalawwhichbindsthesubjecttoallegiance.Menmustneedsdowhat sin will have them, when they have both the loveof sin to drawthem,andthelawofsintoforcethem.

I. Inoriginal sin there is somethingprivative, and somethingpositive.

[1]Somethingprivative.Thelackofthatrighteousnesswhichshouldbeours.Wehavelostthatexcellentquintessentialframeofsoulwhichoncewehad.Sinhascutthelockoforiginalpurity,whereourstrengthlay.

[2]Somethingpositive.Original sinhas contaminated anddefiledourvirginnature.Original sinhaspoisoned thespringofournature, ithasturned beauty into leprosy; it has turned the azure brightness of oursouls,intomidnightdarkness.

Originalsinhasbecomenatural tous.Amanbynaturecannotbut sin;though there were no devil to tempt, no bad examples to imitate—yetthereissuchaninnateprincipleinhimthathecannotforbearsinning.2Pet 2:14.We cannot cease to sin, as a horse that is lame, cannot walkwithouthalting.Inoriginalsinthereis,

(1.) An aversion from good. Man has a desire to be happy—yetopposes that which would promote his happiness. He has a disgust ofholiness, he hates to be reformed. Sincewe fell fromGod, we have no

mindtoreturntohim.

(2.)A propensity to evil. If, as the Pelagians say, there is somuchgoodnessinussincethefall,whyistherenotasmuchnaturalpronenesstogoodasthereistoevil?Ourexperiencetellsus,thatthenaturalbiasofthesoul,istothatwhichisbad.Theveryheathensbythelightofnaturesawthis.Hieroclesthephilosophersaid,"it isgraftedinusbynaturetosin."Men roll sin as honeyunder their tongue. "Theydrink iniquity aswater,"Job15:16.Likeapersonwhothirstsfordrink,andisnotsatisfied;theyhaveakindofdroughtonthem,theythirstforsin.Thoughtheyaretiredoutincommittingsin—yettheysin."Havinglostallsensitivity,theyhavegiventhemselvesovertosensualitysoastoindulgeineverykindofimpurity,with a continual lust formore." Ephesians 4:19. "Theywearythemselvestocommitiniquity";asamanwhofollowshisgamewhileheisweary—yetdelightsinit,andcannotleaveitoff.Jer9:5.ThoughGodhassetsomanyflamingswordsinthewaytostopmenintheirsin—yettheygooninit;whichallshowswhatastrongappetitetheyhavetotheforbiddenfruit.

II.Thatwemayfurtherseethenatureoforiginalsin,consider,

[1]TheUNIVERSALITYofit.Ithas,aspoison,diffuseditselfintoallthepartsandpowersofthesoul."Thewholeheadissick,andthewholeheartisfaint."Isa1:5.Likeasickpatient,thathasnopartsound,hisliverisswelled,his feetaregangrened,his lungsarewithered;suchinfected,gangrened soulshavewe,untilChrist,whohasmadeamedicineofhisblood,curesus.

(1.)Originalsinhasdepravedtheintellectualpart—theMIND.Asinthecreation"darknesswasuponthefaceofthedeep,"soitiswiththeunderstanding;darknessisuponthefaceofthisdeep.Asthereissaltin every drop of the sea, bitterness in every branch of wormwood, sothereissinineveryfaculty.Themindisdarkened,weknowlittleofGod.EversinceAdamateofthetreeofknowledge,andhiseyeswereopened—welostoureye-sight!Besidesignoranceinthemind,thereiserrorandmistake;wedonotjudgerightlyofthings,weputbitterforsweet,andsweetforbitter.Isa5:20.Besidesthis,thereismuchpride,disdainfulnessand prejudice, andmany fleshly reasonings. "How long shall your vain

thoughtslodgewithinyou?"Jer4:14.

(2.) Original sin has defiled the HEART. The heart is deadlywicked."Thehumanheartismostdeceitfulanddesperatelywicked.Whoreallyknowshowbaditis?"Jeremiah17:9.Itisalesserhell.Intheheartare legions of lusts, obdurateness, infidelity, hypocrisy, sinful lusts. Itboils as the sea—with passion and revenge. "The hearts of men,moreover,arefullofevilandthereismadnessintheirheartswhiletheylive." Ecclesiastes 9:3. The heart is "the devil's workshop," where allmischiefisframed.

(3.) Original sin has defiled theWILL.Contumacy is the seat ofrebellion.ThesinnercrossesGod'swill,tofulfillhisown."Wewillburnincense to the queen of heaven." There is a rooted enmity in the willagainstholiness;itislikeanironsinew,itrefusestobendtoGod.Whereisthen,thefreedomofthewill,whenitissofullnotonlyofindisposition—butoppositiontowhatisspiritual?

(4.) Original sin has defiled the AFFECTIONS. These, as thestringsofaviolin,areoutoftune.Theyarethelesserwheels,whicharestronglycarriedby thewill, themaster-wheel.Ouraffectionsaresetonwrongobjects.Ourloveissetonsin,ourjoyissetonthecreature.Ouraffectionsarenaturallyasasickman'sappetite,whodesiresthingswhicharenoxious andhurtful tohim.Sowehave impure lustings, instead ofholylongings.

[2]TheADHESIONoforiginalsin.Itcleavestous,asblacknesstotheskinof theEthiopian,sothatwecannotgetridof it.Paulshookofftheviperonhishand—butwecannotshakeoffthisinbredcorruption.Itmaybecomparedtoawildfig-treegrowingonawall,therootsofwhichare pulled up, and yet there are some fibers of it in the joints of thestonework,whichwillnotbe eradicated—butwill sprout forthuntil thewallispulledinpieces.Originalsincomesnot,asalodger,foranight—butasanindweller."Sinwhichdwellsinme."Rom7:17.

Itisanevilspirit,whichhauntsuswhereverwego."TheCanaanitewoulddwellinthatland."Josh17:12.

[3]OriginalsinretardsandhindersusintheexerciseofGod'sworship.Whenceis"allthatdullnessanddeadnessinreligion?Itisthefruitoforiginalsin.This it is,whichrocksusasleep induty. "ThegoodthatIwould,Idonot."Rom7:17.Siniscomparedtoaweight.Heb12:2.Amanwhohasweightstiedtohislegscannotrunfast.ItislikethatfishPlinyspeaksof,asealamprey,whichcleavestothekeeloftheship,andhindersitsprogresswhenitisundersail.

[4] Original sin, though latent in the soul, and as a springwhich runs under ground, often breaks forth unexpectedly.Christian,youcannotbelievethatevilwhichisinyourheart,andwhichwillbreakforthsuddenly—ifGodshouldleaveyou."Isyourservantadogthatheshoulddothismonstrousthing?"2Kings8:13.Hazaelcouldnotbelieve he had such a root of evil in his heart, that he should rip uppregnant women. "Is your servant a dog?" Yes, and worse than a dog,when that original corruption within is stirred up. If one had come toPeterandsaid,Peter,withinafewhoursyouwilldenyChrist,hewouldhavesaid,"Isyourservantadog?"Butalas!Peterdidnotknowhisownheart, norhow far that corruptionwithinwouldprevail uponhim.Theseamaybecalm,andlookclear;butwhenthewindblows—howitragesandfoams!Sothoughnowyourheartseemsgood—yet,whentemptationblows,howmayoriginalsinrevealitself,makingyoufoamwithlustandpassion.Whowouldhavethoughttohavefoundadultery inDavid,anddrunkenness in Noah, and cursing in Job? If God leaves a man tohimself,howsuddenlyandscandalouslymayoriginal sinbreak forth intheholiestmenontheearth!

[5]Original sinmixes and incorporates itselfwithourdutiesandgraces.

(1.)With our duties. As the hand which is paralyzed cannot movewithoutshaking—asit lackssomeinwardstrength;sowecannotdoanyholy action without sinning—as we lack a principle of originalrighteousness. As whatever the leper touched became unclean; such aleprosy isoriginal sin; itdefilesourprayersand tears.Wecannotwritewithoutblotting.ThoughIdonotsaythattheholydutiesandgoodworksoftheregeneratearesins, forthatweretoreproachtheSpiritofChrist,bywhomtheyarewrought;yetthisIsay—thatthebestworksofthegodly

havesincleavingtothem.Christ'sbloodalone,makesatonementforourholythings.

(2.)With our graces. There is some unbelief mixed with our faith,some lukewarmness mixed with our zeal, some pride mixed with ourhumility.Asbad lungscauseshortnessofbreath,sooriginalcorruptionhasinfectedourhearts,sothatourgracesbreatheveryfaintly.

[6]Originalsinisavigorousactiveprinciplewithinus. Itdoesnot lie still—but is ever exciting and stirring us up to evil; it is a veryrestless inhabitant. "What Ihate—that I do!"HowcamePaul todo so?Original sin irritated and stirred him up to it. Original sin is likequicksilver, always inmotion.Whenwe are asleep, sin is awake in theimagination. Original sin sets the head plotting evil, and the handsworkingit.Ithasinit,aprincipleofrestlessactivity;itislikethepulse—everbeating.

[7]Original sin is the cause of all actual sin. It is the kindling-woodofsin;itisthewombinwhichallactualsinsareconceived.Hencecome murders, adulteries, rapines. Though actual sins may be morescandalous—yet original sin ismoreheinous; the cause is alwaysmorethantheeffect.

[8]Original sin isnotperfectlycured in this life.Though gracedoes subdue sin—yet it does notwholly remove it. Though we are likeChrist,havingthefirstfruitsoftheSpirit—yetweareunlikehim,havingthe remainders of sinful flesh. There are two nations in the womb.Original sin is like that tree, inDan4:23, though thebranches and themain body of it were hewn down—yet the stumps and root of the treewereleft.ThoughtheSpiritisstillweakeningandhewingdownsininthegodly—yetthestumpoforiginalsinisleft.Itisaseathatwillnot,inthislife,bedriedup.

But why does God leave original corruption in us afterregeneration?Hecouldfreeusfromitifhepleased.

(1.)He does it to show the power of his grace in theweakest believer.Grace shallprevail against a torrentof corruption.Whence is this?The

corruptionisours—butthegraceisGod's.

(2.)God leavesoriginalcorruption tomakeus longafterheaven,wherethereshallbenosintodefile,nodeviltotempt.WhenElijahwastakenuptoheavenhismantledroppedoff;so,whentheangelsshallcarryusup to heaven, this mantle of sin shall drop off. We shall never morecomplainofanachinghead—oranunbelievingheart.

Use one: If original sin be propagated to us, and will beinherentinuswhilewelivehere,itconfutestheLibertinesandQuakers, who say they are without sin. They hold to sinlessperfection;theyshowmuchprideandignorance;butweseetheseedsoforiginal sin remain in the best. "There is not a justman lives and sinsnot."AndPaul complainedof a "bodyof death."Though gracepurifiesnature,itdoesnotperfectit.

Butdoesnottheapostlesayofbelievers,thattheir"oldmaniscrucified;"andtheyare"deadtosin?"

(1.)Theyaredeadspiritually.Theyaredeadastotheguiltofit;andastothepowerofit;theloveofsiniscrucified.

(2.)Theyaredeadtosin legally.Asamanwhoissentencedtodeath isdeadinlaw,sotheyarelegallydeadtosin.Thereisasentenceofdeathgone out against sin. It shall die, and drop into the grave; but at thepresent,sinhasitslifelengthenedout.Nothingbutthedeathofthebodycanquitefreeusfromthebodyofthisdeath.

Usetwo:Letuslaytoheartoriginalsin,andbedeeplyhumbledforit.Itcleavestousasadisease,itisanactiveprincipleinus,stirringusuptoevil.Originalsinisworsethanallactualsin;thefountainismorethan the stream. Some think, as long as they are civil, they are wellenough;ay—butthenatureispoisoned.Arivermayhavefairstreams—butverminatthebottom.Youcarryahellaboutyou,youcandonothingbutyoudefileit;yourheart,likemuddyground,defilesthepurestwaterthatrunsthroughit.Nay,thoughyouareregenerate,thereismuchoftheoldmaninthenewman.Ohhowshouldoriginalsinhumbleus!

ThisisonereasonGodhasleftoriginalsininus,becausehewouldhaveitasathorninoursidetohumbleus.AsthebishopofAlexandria,afterthepeoplehadembracedChristianity,destroyedalltheiridolsbutone,thatthesightofthatidolmightmakethemloathethemselvesfortheirformeridolatry; so God leaves original sin to pull down the plumes of pride.Underoursilverwingsofgrace,areblackfeet.

Usethree:Letthesenseofthismakeusdailylookuptoheavenforhelp.BegChrist'sbloodtowashawaytheguiltofsin,andhisSpirittomortify thepowerof it; beg further degrees of grace. Though gracecannotmake sin not to be—yet it makes it not to reign; though gracecannotexpelsin,itcanrepelit.Andforourcomfort,wheregracemakesacombatwithsin—deathshallmakeaconquestofsin.

Usefour:Letoriginalsinmakeuswalkwithcontinualjealousyandwatchfulness over ourhearts.The sin of our nature is like asleepinglion,theleastthingwhichawakensit,makesitrage.Thoughthesinofournatureseemsquiet,andliesasfirehiddenundertheembers—yetifitbealittlestirredandblownupbyatemptation,howquicklymayit flame forth into scandalous evils! therefore we need always to walkwatchfully. "I say to you all—Watch!" A wandering heart, needs awatchfuleye!

4.Man'sMiseryByTheFall

Question19:WhatistheMISERYofthatestateintowhichmanfell?

Answer:Allmankindby their fall lost communionwithGod,areunderhiswrathandcurse,andsomadeliabletoallthemiseriesinthislife,todeathitself,andtothepainsofhellforever.

"Asforyou,youweredeadinyourtransgressionsandsins,inwhichyouusedtolivewhenyoufollowedthewaysofthisworldandoftherulerof

the kingdomof the air, the spiritwho isnowatwork in thosewhoaredisobedient.Allofusalso livedamong thematone time,gratifyingthecravingsofoursinfulnatureandfollowingitsdesiresandthoughts.Liketherest,wewerebynatureobjectsofwrath."Ephesians2:1-3.

Adam leftanunhappyportion tohisposterity—SinandMisery.Havingconsidered the first of these, original sin, we shall now advert to themiseryofthatstate.Inthefirst,wehaveseenmankindoffending;inthesecond,weshallseehimsuffering.Themiseryensuingfromoriginalsinistwo-fold.

I.Privative.Bythis firsthereditarysinwehavelostcommunionwithGod.AdamwasGod'sfamiliarfriend,hisfavorite;butsinhasputusalloutoffavor.WhenwelostGod's image,welosthisacquaintance.God'sbanishing Adam out of paradise, hieroglyphically showed how sin hasbanishedusoutofGod'sloveandfavor.

II.Positive.Infourthings.

1.UnderthepowerofSatan.

2.HeirsofGod'swrath.

3.Subjecttoallthemiseriesofthislife.

4.Exposedtohellanddamnation.

[1]Thefirstmiseryis,thatbynatureweareunderthepowerofSatan,whoiscalled"theprinceofthepoweroftheair."Beforethefallmanwasa freecitizen,nowhehasbecomeaslaveofSatan.Before thefallmanwaskingonthethrone,nowheisinfetters.Andwhomismanenslaved to?To onewho is a hater of him. Thiswas an aggravation ofIsrael'sservitude."Thosewhohatedthemruledoverthem."BysinweareenslavedtoSatan,who isahaterofmankind,andwritesallhis laws inblood. Sinners before conversion are under Satan's command; as thedonkeyatthecommandofthedriver,sohedoesallthedevil'sdrudgery.NosoonerSatantempts—butheobeys.Astheshipisatthecommandofthepilot,whosteersitwhichwayhewill,soisthesinneratthecommand

ofSatan;andheeversteerstheshipintohell'smouth!Thedevilrulesallthepowersandfacultiesofasinner.

(1.)HerulestheUNDERSTANDING.Heblindsmenwithignorance,andthenrulesthem;as thePhilistines firstputoutSamson's eyes, andthen bound him. Satan can do what he will with an ignorant man;becausehedoesnotseetheerrorofhisway,thedevilcanleadhimintoanysin.Youmayleadablindmananywhere.Everysinisfoundeduponignorance.

(2.)Satanrules theWILL.Thoughhe cannot force thewill—yet hecan,bytemptation,drawit."Thelustsofyourfather,youwilldo."Hehasgot your hearts, and him you will obey. "We will burn incense to thequeenofheaven."Whenthedevilspursasinnerbyatemptation,hewilloverhedgeandditchbreakallGod'slaws,thathemayobeySatan.Wherethenisfreewill,whenSatanhassuchpoweroverthewill?"Hislustsyouwilldo."There'snotanymemberofthebodybutisatthedevil'sservice:the head to plot sin, the hands to work it, the feet to run the devil'serrand. Satan is theworst tyrant; the cruelty of a cannibal, orNero, isnothingcomparedtohis.Other tyrantsdobutruleover thebodies,butSatanovertheconscience.Othertyrantshavesomepityontheirslaves;thoughtheyworkinthegalley,theygivethemfood,letthemhavehoursforrest;butSatanisamercilesstyrant,heletsthemhavenorest.WhatpainsdidJudastake!Thedevilwould lethimhavenorestuntilhehadbetrayedChrist,andafterwardsimbruedhishandsinChrist'sownblood.

Useone:seehereourmiserybyoriginalsin;enslavedtoSatan.Satanissaidtoworkeffectually inthechildrenofdisobedience.Whatasadplagueisitforasinner,tobeatthewillofthedevil!Justlikeaslave,iftheTurksbidhimdiginthemines,hewinthequarries,tugattheoar—the slavemust do it, he daresnot refuse. If the devil bids aman lie orsteal, he does not refuse; and, what is worse, he willingly obeys thistyrant.Otherslavesareforcedagainsttheirwill:"Israelsighedbyreasonoftheirbondage,"butsinnersarewillingtobeslaves,theywillnottaketheirfreedom;theykisstheirfetters!

Use two: Let us labor to get out of this deplorable conditioninto which sin has plunged us, and get out from under the

powerofSatan. If any of your children were slaves, you would givegreatsumsofmoneytopurchasetheirfreedom;andwhenyoursoulsareenslaved,willyounot labor for their freedom?Improve thegospel.Thegospel proclaims a jubilee to captives. Sin binds men—but the gospelloosesthem.Paul'spreachingwas"toturnmenfromthepowerofSatantoGod."Thegospelstar leadsyou toChrist;and ifyougetChrist, thenyou are made free, though not from the indwelling of sin—yet fromSatan'styranny."IftheSonmakesyoufree,youshallbefreeindeed."Youhopetobekings toreign inheaven,andwill you letSatanreign inyounow?Never think to bekingswhen you die, and slaveswhile you live.The crown of glory is for conquerors, not for captives. Oh get out ofSatan'sjurisdiction;getyourfettersofsinfiledoffbyrepentance!

[2] The second misery is, by nature we are "the children ofwrath."Bychildrenofwrath,theapostlemeansheirsofwrath,exposedtoGod's displeasure.Godwas once a friend—but sin broke the knot offriendship;nowGod'ssmileisturnedintoafrown;wehavenowbecomechildren of wrath. "Andwho knows the power of God's wrath?" Psalm90:2."Thewrathofakingisastheroaringofalion."HowdidHaman'sheart tremble, when the king rose up from the banquet in wrath! ButGod'swrath is infinite,allotherwrath, isbutasa sparkcompared toaflame!Wrath inGod isnotapassion,as inus;but it isanactofGod'sholywill,wherebyheabhorssin,anddecreestopunishit.Thiswrathisverydreadful; it is thiswrathofGodwhich embitters afflictions in thislife, for when sickness comes attended with God's wrath, it putsconscienceintoanagony.Theminglingofthefirewiththehailmadeitmostdreadful.Exod9:24.SominglingGod'swrathwithaffliction,makesit torturing; it is the nail in the heart. God's wrath, when but in athreatening(asashowerhanginginthecloud),madeEli'searstotingle;whatisitthen,whenthiswrathisexecuted!Itisdreadfulwhenthekingexaminesandjudgesatraitor;butitismoredreadfulwhenhecauseshimtobesetupontherack!"WhoknowsthepowerofGod'swrath?"

Whilewe are childrenofwrath,wehavenothing todowith any of theprecious promises; they are as the tree of life, bearing several sorts offruit—but we have no right to pluck one leaf. "Children of wrath.""Strangerstothecovenantsofpromise."Thepromisesareasafountain

sealed.Whileweareinthestateofnature,weseenothingbuttheflamingsword; and, as the apostle says, "There remains nothing but a fearfullookingforoffieryindignation!"Whilechildrenofwrath,weare"heirstoallGod's curses."How can the sinner eat and drink in that condition?LikeDamocles'banquet—whowhilehesatattablewithaswordhangingoverhisheadbyasmall thread,couldhave littlestomachtoeat;sothesword of God'swrath and curse hangs every moment over a sinner'shead.We read of a flying scroll,writtenwith curses. Zech 5:3.A scrollwrittenwithcursesgoesoutagainst everypersonwho livesanddies insin.God'scurseblasts,whereveritcomes.Thereisacurseonthesinner'sname,acurseonhissoul,acurseonhisestateandposterity,acurseontheordinances.Sad,ifallamaneatsshouldturntopoison;yetthesinnereats and drinks his own damnation at God's table. Thus it is beforeconversion. As the loveof Godmakes everybitter thing, sweet; so thecurseofGodmakeseverysweetthing,bitter.

Use one: See ourmisery by the fall. Heirs of wrath. And is thisestatetoberestedin?Ifamanisfallenundertheking'sdispleasure,willhenotlabortore-ingratiatehimselfintohisfavor?Ohletusfleefromthewrath of God! Andwhere shouldwe fly—but to Jesus Christ? There isnoneelsetoshieldoffthewrathofGodfromus."Jesushasdeliveredusfromthewrathtocome."

[3] The third misery is, that by nature we are subject to alloutwardmiseries.Allthetroublesincidenttoman'slife,arethebitterfruits of original sin. The sin of Adam has "subjected the creature tovanity."Isitnotapartofthecreature'svanity,thatallthecomfortsbelowwillnotfilltheheart,anymorethanthemariner'sbreathcanfillthesailsofaship?"Inthemidstofhissufficiencyheshallbeinstraits."Thereisstillsomethinglacking,andamanwouldhavemore;theheartisalwaysrestless; it thirsts—but is never satisfied. Solomon put all the creaturesintoacrucible;andwhenhecametoextractthespiritandquintessence,therewasnothingbutfroth,"allwasvanity."Nay,itisvexingvanity;notonly emptiness—but bitterness. Our life is labor and sorrow.We comeinto theworldwithacry—andgooutwithagroan!Psalm90:10.Somehave said, that they would not live the life they have lived over again,because their life has had morewater in it thanwine; more water of

tears,thanwineofjoy."Longlifeismerelylongtorment."Augustine.

"Man is born to trouble." Everyone is not born heir to land—but he isborn heir to trouble. As well separate weight from lead, as separatetroublefromman.Wedonotfinishourtroublesinthislife—butchangethem.Troubleisthevermin,whichisbredoutoftheputridmatterofsin.Whencecomeallourfears,butfromsin?"Thereistormentinfear."Fearis theplagueof thesoul—fearsets it shaking;somefearpoverty,othersalarms,othersfearlossofrelations;ifwerejoice,itiswithtrembling.

Whencecomeallourdisappointmentsofhopes,butfromsin?Wherewelookforcomfort—thereisacross;whereweexpecthoney—therewetastewormwood.Whence is it, that the earth is filledwithviolence, that thewicked oppresses the man who is more righteous than he? Hab 1:13.Whence is there somuch fraudulence in dealing, somuch falseness infriendship, such crosses in relations?Whence is it, that children proveundutiful,andtheythatshouldbeasthestaffoftheparents'oldage,areaswordtopiercetheirhearts?Whenceisit,thatservantsareunfaithfultotheirmasters?Theapostlespeaksofsomewhohaveentertainedangelsintheirhouses;Heb13:3;buthowoften,insteadofentertainingangelsintheirhouses,dosomeentertaindevils!Whencecomeallthemutiniesanddivisionsinakingdom?"Inthosedaystherewasnopeacetothosewhowent out, nor to him that came in."All this is but the sour core in theapplewhichourfirstparentsate—thefruitoforiginalsin!Besides,allthedeformitiesanddiseasesofthebody—arefromsin!Therehadneverbeenastoneinthekidneys—iftherehadnotbeenfirstastoneintheheart!

Yes, the death of the body is the fruit and result of original sin. "Sinentered into the world, and death by sin." Adam was made immortal,conditionally, if he had not sinned. Sin dug Adam's grave! Death isdreadful tonature.Louis,kingofFrance, forbadeallwhocameintohiscourt tomention the word, 'death' in his ears. The Socinians say, thatdeathcomesonlyfromthe infirmitiesof thebody.Buttheapostle says,Sinusheredindeathintotheworld:bysincamedeath.Certainly,hadnotAdamateof thetreeofknowledge,hewouldnothavedied."Inthedayyoueat,youshallsurelydie;"implying,ifAdamhadnoteaten,hewouldnot have died. Oh then, see themisery ensuing upon original sin! Sindissolvestheharmonyandwell-beingofthebody,andpullsitsframein

pieces.

[4]Thefourthmiseryis,thatoriginalsinwithoutrepentance,exposestohellanddamnation.Thisistheseconddeath.Rev20:14.Twothingsareinit:

(1.) Punishment of LOSS. The soul is banished from the beatificpresenceofGod,inwhosepresenceisfullnessofjoy.

(2.)PunishmentofSENSE.The sinner feels scalding vials ofGod'swrath. It ispenetrating,abiding,John3:36,andreserved,2Pet2:17. IfwhenGod'sangeriskindledbutalittle,andasparkortwoofitfliesintoaman'sconscienceinthislife,itissodreadful;whatwillitbewhenGodstirsupallhisanger?Inhellthereisthewormandthe fire.Mark9:44.Hell is the very epitome ofmisery! In hell, there is judgementwithoutmercy.Ohwhatflamesofwrath,whatseasofvengeance,whatriversofbrimstone—are poured out there upon the damned! Bellarmine is ofopinion, That one glimpse of hell-fire were enough to make the mostflagitious sinner to turnChristian; nay, live like a hermit, amost strictmortified life. What is all other fire compared to the fire of hell—butpaintedfire?Tobearitwillbeintolerable,toescapeitwillbeimpossible!Andthesehelltormentsareforever,theyhavenoendputtothem."Theyshall seekdeath,andshallnot find it."Origen fancieda fiery stream inwhichthesoulsofsinfulmenweretobepurgedafterthislife,andthentopass intoheaven.But themiseriesofhellare forever!Thebreathof theLordkindlesthatfire;andwhereshallwefindbucketstoquenchit?"Andthesmokeoftheirtormentascendsupforeverandever,andtheyhavenorestdaynornight."Wecanthankoriginalsinforallthismisery.

Use one:What dreadful thoughts should we have of originalsin, which has created so many miseries!What honey can begottenoutofthislion?Whatgrapescanwegatheroffthisthorn?Itsetsheavenandearthagainstus.Whilewechoose thisbramble to rule, firecomesoutofthebrambletodevourus!

Usetwo:HowareallbelieversboundtoJesusChrist,whohasfreedthemfromthatmiserytowhichsinhasexposedthem!"Inwhomwehave redemption throughhisblood."Sinhasbrought trouble

andacurseintotheworld:Christhassanctifiedthetrouble,andremovedthe curse. Nay, he has not only freed believers from misery—butpurchased for thema crownof glory and immortality! "When the chiefShepherdshallappear,youshallreceiveanunfadingcrownofglory!"

TheCovenantofGraceanditsMediator

1.TheCovenantofGrace

Question20:DidGodleaveallmankindtoperishintheestateofsinandmisery?

Answer:No!Heenteredintoacovenantofgracetodelivertheelectoutofthatstate,andtobringthemintoastateofgracebyaRedeemer.

"I will make an everlasting covenant with you." Man being by his fallplunged into a labyrinth ofmisery, and having no way left to recoverhimself,Godwaspleasedtoenterintoanewcovenantwithhim,andtorestorehimtolifebyaRedeemer.

The great proposition I shall go upon is, that there is a new covenantratifiedbetweenGodandtheelect.

Whatisthenewcovenant?

It is a solemn compact and agreement made between God and fallenman, wherein the Lord undertakes to be our God, and tomake us hispeople.

Whatnamesaregiventothecovenant?

(1.)ItiscalledthecovenantofpeaceinEzek37:26,because itsealsupreconciliation between God and humble sinners. Before this covenant

therewas nothing but enmity. God did not love us, for a creature thatoffendsGodby its sin, cannotbe lovedbyaholyGod.Also,wedidnotlovehim,sinceaGodwhocondemnscannotbelovedbyaguiltycreature;sothattherewaswaronbothsides.ButGodhasfoundoutawayinthenew covenant to reconcile differing parties, so that it is fitly called thecovenantofpeace.

(2.)Itiscalledacovenantofgrace,andwellitmay;for,

(1) Itwas of grace, that,whenwehad forfeited the first covenant,Godshould enter into a new one, after we had cast away ourselves. Thecovenantofgraceisasaplankaftershipwreck.OhthefreegraceofGod,that he should parley with sinners, and set his wisdom and mercy towork,tobringrebelsintothebondofthecovenant!

(2)Itisacovenantofgrace,becauseitisaroyalcharter,allmadeupoftermsofgrace;that"Godwillcastoursinsbehindhisback;"that"hewilllove us freely;" that hewill give us awill to accept of themercy of thecovenant, andstrength toperform theconditionsof thecovenant.Ezek36:27.Allthisispuregrace!

WHYshouldGodmakeacovenantwithus?

Itisoutofindulgence,favor,andregardtous.Atyrantwillnotenterintoa covenant with slaves, he will not show them such respect. God'senteringintoacovenantwithus,tobeourGod,isadignityheputsuponus. A covenant is the mark of distinction between God's people andheathens. "Iwill establishmy covenantwithyou."When the Lord toldAbraham that he would enter into a covenant with him, Abraham felluponhisface,asbeingamazedthattheGodofgloryshouldbestowsuchafavoruponhim.Gen17:2.

Godmakes a covenant with us, to tie us fast to him; as it is called inEzekiel,the"bondofthecovenant."Godknowswehaveslipperyhearts,therefore hewill have a covenant to bind us. It is horrid impiety to goawayfromGod,aftercovenant.Ifoneofthevestalnuns,whohadvowedherself to religion,wasdeflowered, theRomans causedher tobe burntalive.ItisperjurytodepartfromGodaftersolemncovenant.

HowdoesthecovenantofgracedifferfromthefirstcovenantmadewithAdam?

(1.) The TERMS of the first covenant were more strict andsevere.For,

(a)The least failingwouldhavemadethecovenantwithAdamnullandvoid—butmanyfailingsdonotannulthecovenantofgrace.Igrant, theleastsinisatrespassuponthecovenant—butitdoesnotmakeitnullandvoid.Theremaybemanyfailingsinthemaritalrelation—buteveryfailingdoesnotbreakthemarriagebond.Itwouldbedreadful, if,asoftaswebreak covenant with God—that he should break covenant with us; butGodwillnottakestrictjusticewitheveryfailing—butin"angerremembermercy."

(b) The first covenant being broken, allowed the sinner no remedy, alldoors of hope were shut; but the new covenant allows the sinner aremedy. It leavesroomforrepentance,andprovidesamediator. "Jesusthemediatorofthenewcovenant."Heb12:24.

(2.) The first covenant ran all upon "working," the second isupon"believing."Rom4:5.

Butarenotworksrequiredinthecovenantofgrace?

Yes. "This isa faithful saying, that thosewhobelieve inGod, shouldbecareful to maintain good works." But the covenant of grace does notrequireworks in thesamemanneras thecovenantofworksdid.Inthefirstcovenant,workswererequiredastheconditionoflife;inthesecondcovenant,theyarerequiredonlyasthesignsoflife.Inthefirstcovenant,workswererequiredasgroundsofsalvation; in thenewcovenant, theyarerequiredasevidencesofour love toGod. In the firstcovenant, theywererequiredtothejustificationofourpersons;inthenewcovenant,tothemanifestationofourgrace.

Whatistheconditionofthecovenantofgrace?

Themain condition is FAITH. "For it is by grace youhave beensaved,

throughfaith—andthisnotfromyourselves,itisthegiftofGod--notbyworks, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9. "Jesus said to thewoman—Yourfaithhassavedyou;goinpeace."Luke7:50.

Why is faith more the condition of the new covenant, than any othergrace?

To exclude all glorying in the creature. Faith is a humble grace. Ifrepentanceorworkswere the condition of the covenant, amanwouldsay, "It is my righteousness which has savedme!" But if it is of faith,whereisboasting?FaithfetchesallfromChrist,andgivesalltheglorytoChrist!Faithisamosthumblegrace.HenceitisthatGodhassingledoutthisgracetobetheconditionofthecovenant.

If faith is the condition of the covenant of grace, it excludes desperatepresumptuoussinnersfromthecovenant.Theysaythereisacovenantofgrace,andtheyshallbesavedeveniftheyhavenofaith.Buttheconditionofthecovenantisfaith,andifyouhavenofaith,youhavenomoretodowiththecovenant,thanaforeignerhastodowiththecitycharter.

Useone:Of INFORMATION.See the amazing goodness of God, toenterintocovenantwithus!Heneverenteredintocovenantwithangelswhentheyfell.ItwasmuchcondescensioninGodtoenterintocovenantwithusinastateofinnocence—butmoresowhenwewere inastateofenmity. In this covenant of grace,wemay see the creamofGod's love,andtheworkingofhisaffectionstosinners.Thisisamarriagecovenant."I am married to you—says the Lord." Jeremiah 3:14. In the newcovenant,Godmakeshimselfovertous,andwhatcanhegivemore?Hemakesoverhispromisestous,andwhatbetterbondscanwehave?

Usetwo:OfTRIAL.WhetherweareincovenantwithGod.TherearethreecharacteristicsofGod'scovenantpeople.

(1.) God's covenant people are aHUMBLE people. "Be clothedwith humility." 1 Pet 5:5. God's people esteem others better thanthemselves; they shrink into nothing in their own thoughts. Phil 2:3.Davidcriesout,"Iamaworm,andnoman:"Psalm22:6.Thoughasaint,thoughaking—yetaworm!WhenMoses'faceshined,hecovereditwith

aveil.WhenGod'speopleshinemostingrace,theyarecoveredwiththeveil of humility. Pride excludes from the covenant, for "God resists theproud." Surely, such as whom God resist, He will not take to be withHimself in glory. Abraham the father of the faithful, confesses, "I amnothingbutdustandashes."Genesis18:27.

(2.) A people in covenant with God are a WILLING people.ThoughtheycannotserveGodperfectly--theyserveHimwillingly.TheydonotgrudgeGodalittletimespentinhisworship.Theydonotmurmuratsufferings.Theywillgo throughaseaandawilderness—ifGodcalls."Yourpeopleshallbeawillingpeople."ThisspontaneityandwillingnessisfromtheattractivepowerofGod'sSpirit.TheSpiritdoesnotforce--butsweetly draws the will. This willingness in makes all our servicesaccepted.Goddoes sometimesacceptofwillingnesswithout thework--butnevertheworkwithoutwillingness.

(3.)God's covenantpeopleareaCONSECRATEDpeople. Theyhave"holinesstotheLord"writtenuponthem."YouareaholypeopletotheLordyourGod."Deut7:6.God'scovenantpeopleareseparatedfromtheworld,andsanctifiedbytheSpirit.Thepriestsunderthelawwerenotonlytowashinthegreat laver—butwerearrayedwithgloriousapparel.Exod28:2.Thiswas typical, to showGod'speople arenot onlywashedfromgrosssins—butadornedwithholinessofheart.TheybearnotonlyGod'sname—butHis image. Tamerlane refused a pot of gold,when hesawithadnothisfather'sstampuponit—buttheRomanstamp.HolinessisGod'sstamp;ifhedoesnotseethisstampuponus,hewillnotownusforhiscovenantpeople.

Usethree:OfEXHORTATION.Tosuchasareoutofcovenant—labortogetintocovenant,andhaveGodforyourGod.Howgladwouldtheoldworldhavebeenofanark!How industriousshouldwebe togetwithinthearkofthecovenant!

(1.) Consider—the misery of such as live and die outside ofcovenantwithGod. Such have none to go to in an hour of distress.When conscience accuses, when sickness approaches (which is but aharbingertobespeakalodgingfordeath),thenwhatwillyoudo?Wherewillyouflee?WillyoulooktoChristforhelp?Heisamediatoronlyfor

such as are in covenant. Oh, how will you be filled with horror anddespair!andbeasSaul,whenhesaid,"ThePhilistinesmakewaragainstme, and the Lord has departed!"Until you are in covenantwithGod—there is no mercy. The mercy-seat was placed upon the ark, and themercy-seatwasnolargerthantheark.Thiswastoshow,thatthemercyofGodreachesnofurtherthanthecovenant.

(2.)Consider—theexcellencyofthecovenantofgrace.

1.ItisabettercovenantthanthecovenantmadewithAdam—becauseitis more friendly and acceptable. Those services which would havebeenrejected in the firstcovenantareaccepted in thesecondcovenant.HereGodacceptsof thewill for thedeed, 2Cor8:12;here sincerity iscrowned in the covenant of grace.Whereinweareweak, Godwill givestrength;andwhereinwecomeshort,Godwillacceptofasurety.

2.Itisabettercovenant—becauseitissurer."Youhavemadewithmean everlasting covenant, ordered in all things—and sure." The firstcovenant was not sure, it stood upon a tottering foundation ofworks.Adamhadnosoonerastockofrighteousnesstotradewith—thanhelostit!But the covenantof grace is sure; it is confirmedwithGod's decree,and it restsupon twomightypillars—theoathofGod,and thebloodofGod.

3.Itisabettercovenant—becauseithasbetterprivileges.Thecovenantofgracebringsgreatblessings.Ournaturenowismoreennobled,weareraised to higher glory than in innocence, we are advanced to sit uponChrist's throne. Rev 3:21. We are, by virtue of the covenant of grace,nearertoChristthantheangels!Theyarehisfriends,wehisspouse!Godiswillingtobeincovenantwithyou.WhydoesGodwooandbeseechyouby his ambassadors to be reconciled, if he were not willing to be incovenant?

IwouldgladlybeincovenantwithGod—butIhavebeenagreatsinner,andIfearGodwillnotadmitmeintocovenant.

Ifyouseeyoursins,andloatheyourselfforthem,Godwilltakeyouintocovenant."I,evenI,amhewhoblotsoutyourtransgressions."Asthesea

covers great rocks, soGod's covenantmercy covers great sins. Some oftheJewswhocrucifiedChrist,hadtheirsinswashedawayinhisblood.

ButIamnotworthythatGodshouldadmitmeintocovenant.

ItnevercameintoGod'sthoughtstomakeanewcovenantupontermsofworthiness. IfGod should showmercy tononebut suchasareworthy,then must he show mercy to none! But it is God's design in the newcovenant—toadvancetherichesofgrace,toloveusfreely;andwhenwehavenoworthinessofourown,toacceptusthroughChrist'sworthiness.Therefore let not unworthiness discourage you; it is not unworthinesswhichexcludesanyfromthecovenant—butunwillingness.

WhatshallwedothatwemaybeincovenantwithGod?

(1.) Seek God by prayer. "Demand compassion from the Lord,"Augustine."Lord,bemyGodincovenant."TheLordhasmadeanexpresspromise,that,uponourprayertohim,thecovenantshouldberatified,hewillbeourGod,andweshallbehispeople."TheywillcallonMyname,andIwillanswerthem.Iwillsay:TheyareMypeople,andtheywillsay:The Lord is ourGod." Zechariah 13:9.Only itmust be an importunateprayer;comeasearnestsuitors,resolvetotakenodenial.

(2.) If you would be in covenant with God, break off thecovenant with sin. Before the marriage-covenant, there must be adivorce. "If you are returning to theLordwith all yourhearts, then ridyourselvesoftheforeigngodsandtheAshtorethsandcommityourselvestotheLordandservehimonly,andhewilldeliveryououtofthehandofthePhilistines."1Samuel7:3.Willanykingenterintocovenant,withthatmanwhoisinleaguewithhisenemies?

(3.)Ifyouwouldenterintothebondofthecovenant,getfaithin the blood of the covenant. Christ's blood is the blood ofatonement. Believe in this blood—and you are safely arked in God'smercy!"YouaremadenearbythebloodofChrist."

Usefour:OfCOMFORTtosuchascanmakeouttheircovenantinterestinGod.

(1.) You that are in covenant with God, all your sins arepardoned.Pardonisthecrowningmercy."Whoforgivesyour iniquity,whocrownsyou."Thisisabranchofthecovenant."IwillbetheirGod,and Iwill forgive their iniquity." Sin being pardoned, allwrath ceases.How terrible is it when but a spark of God's wrath flies into a man'sconscience!Butsinbeingforgiven,thereisnomorewrath.Goddoesnotappearnowinthefireorearthquake—butcoveredwitharainbowfullofmercy!

(2.) All your temporal mercies are fruits of the covenant.Wickedmen havemercies by Providence, not by virtue of a covenant;theyhave theirmercieswithGod's leave,notwithhis love.But suchasareincovenanthavetheirmerciessweetenedwithGod'slove—andtheyswim to them in thebloodofChrist!AsNaaman said toGehazi, "Taketwotalents,"sosaysGodtosuchasareincovenant,taketwotalents,takehealth—andtakeChristwithit;takeriches—andtakemylovewiththem;takethevenison—andtaketheblessingwithit;taketwotalents.

(3.)Youmayuponalloccasionsplead thecovenant. If you arehauntedwithtemptations,pleadthecovenant,"Lord,youhavepromisedtobruiseSatanundermyfeetshortly;willyouallowyourchildtobethusharassed? Take off the roaring lion." If in need, plead the covenant,"Lord, youhave said, I shall lacknogood thing;will you saveme fromhell, and not from poverty?will you giveme a kingdom, and denymedailybread?"

(4.)IfincovenantwithGod,allthingsshallco-operateforyourgood.Psalm25:10.Notonlygoldenpaths—buthisbloodypathsareforgood.EverywindofProvidenceshallblowthemnearerheaven.Afflictionshall humble andpurify.Heb 12:10.Out of thebitterestmedicine,Goddistills your salvation.Afflictionsadd to the saints, glory.Themore thediamondiscut,themoreitsparkles;theheavierthesaints'cross is, theheaviershallbetheircrown.

(5.)Ifyouareincovenantonce,thenforeverincovenant.Thetextcallsitan"everlastingcovenant."Suchasareincovenantareelected;and God's electing love is unchangeable. "I will make an everlastingcovenantwiththem,thatIwillnot turnawayfromthem;but Iwillput

myfearintheirheart,thattheyshallnotdepartfromme."Jer32:40.Godwillsolovethesaints,thathewillnotforsakethem;andthesaintsshallsofearGodthattheyshallnotforsakehim.Itisacovenantofeternity.Itmustbeso;forwhomisthiscovenantmadewith?Isitnotwithbelievers?and have not they coalition and unionwith Christ? Christ is the head,they are the body. Eph 1:22, 23. This is a near union, much like thatunionbetweenGodtheFatherandChrist."Asyou,Father,areinme,andI in you, that they alsomay be one in us." John 17:2I.Now, the unionbetween Christ and the saints being so inseparable, it can never bedissolved,orthecovenantmadevoid;sothatyoumaydiewithcomfort.

(6.)Youare incovenantwithGod,andyouaregoing toyourGod. Behold a death-bed cordial; death breaks the union between thebodyand the soul—butperfects theunionbetweenChrist and the soul.Thishasmadethesaintsdesiredeathasthebridethewedding-day.Phil1:23."Leadme,Lord,tothatglory,"saidone,"aglimpsewhereofIhaveseen,asinaglassdarkly."

Use five:OfDIRECTION.To showyouhowyouwhohave tastedofcovenant-mercyshouldwalk,andliveasapeopleincovenantwithGod.As youdiffer fromothers in respect ofdignity, so youmust inpoint oflife-style.

(1.) Youmust love this God. God's love to you calls for love. It isAmorgratiatus—a free love.Why shouldGodpass byothers, and takeyou intoa leagueof friendshipwithhimself? In the law,Godpassedbythe lion and eagle, and chose the dove; so he passes by the noble andmighty. It is Amor plenus—a full love. When God takes you intocovenant,youarehisHephzihah;Isa62:4;hisdelightisinyou;hegivesyou the key of all his treasure, he heaps pearls upon you, he settlesheavenandearthuponyou;hegivesyouabunchofgrapesbytheway,and says, "Son, all I have is yours!"Anddoesnot all this call for love?Who can tread upon these hot coals, and his heart not burn in love toGod?

(2.)Walkholily.Thecovenanthasmadeyouaroyalnation, thereforebeaholypeople.Shineaslightsintheworld;liveasearthlyangels.Godhas taken you into covenant, that you and he may have communion

together; and what is it that keeps up your communion with God, butholiness?

(3.)Walk thankfully. Psalm 103:1.God is yourGod in covenant; hehasdonemoreforyouthanifhehadmadeyourideuponthehighplacesof the earth, and given you crowns and scepters! Oh take the cup ofsalvation,andblesstheLord!Eternitywillbelittleenoughtopraisehim.Musicians love toplayon theirmusicwhere there is the loudestsound,and God loves to bestow his mercies where he may have the loudestpraises.Youthathaveangels'reward—doangels,work.Beginthatworkofpraisehere,whichyouhopetobealwaysdoinginheaven.

2.Christ,theMEDIATORoftheCovenant

"JesustheMediatoroftheNewCovenant."Hebrews12:24

JesusChrististhesumandquintessenceofthegospel!Heisthewonderofangels;andthejoyandtriumphofsaints.ThenameofChristissweet—itisasmusicintheear,honeyinthemouth,andacordialattheheart!

I shall waive the context, and only speak of that which concerns ourpresent purpose. Having discoursed of the covenant of grace, I shallspeaknowoftheMediatorof thecovenant,and therestorerof lapsedsinners,"JesustheMediatorofthenewcovenant."

ThereareseveralnamesandtitlesinScripturegiventoChrist,asthegreatrestorerofmankind:

[1] Sometimes he is called a SAVIOR. "His name shall be calledJesus."Matt 1:21. TheHebrew word for JESUS signifies a Savior, andwhomhesavesfromhell,hesavesfromsin;whereChristisaSaviorheisasanctifier."Heshallsavehispeoplefromtheirsins."Matt1:21.ThereisnootherSavior. "Neither is there salvation in anyother."Acts 4:12. Astherewasbutonearktosavetheworld fromdrowning—sothere isbutoneJesustosavesinnersfromdamning.AsNaomisaidtoherdaughters-

in-law,"Arethereyetanymoresonsinmywomb?"Ruth1:11,sohasGodno other sons in the womb of his eternal decree, to be saviors to us,besidesChrist."Whereshallwisdombefound?Thedepthsays,Itisnotin me; and the sea says, It is not with me." Where shall salvation befound?Theangelsays,Itisnotinme;mortalitysays,Itisnotinme;theordinancesays,Itisnotinme.Christaloneisthewell-springoflife;theordinanceistheconduit-pipewhichconveyssalvation—butChrist is thespringwhichfeedsit."Neitheristheresalvationinanyother."

[2] Sometimes Christ is called a REDEEMER. "The RedeemershallcometoZion."SomeunderstanditofCyrus,othersofanangel;butthemostancientJewishdoctorsunderstooditofChrist,theRedeemeroftheelect."MyRedeemerlives."TheHebrewwordforRedeemersignifiessuchaoneasisnearakin,andhasrighttoredeemamortgage;soChristisnearofkintous,beingourelderbrother,thereforehasthebestrighttoredeemus.

[3]ChristiscalledaMEDIATORinthetext."JesustheMediatorofthe new covenant." The Greek word for Mediator signifies a middleperson,onewhomakesup thebreachbetween twodisagreeing parties.Godandwewereatvariancebysin;nowChristmediatesand becomesumpirebetweenus;hereconcilesustoGodthroughhisblood,thereforehe is called the Mediator of the new covenant. There is no way ofcommunionandfellowshipbetweenGodandman,butinandthroughaMediator.Christtakesawaytheenmityinus,andthewrathofGod,andso makes peace between us and God. Nor is Christ a Mediator ofreconciliation only—but intercession. "Christ has entered, not into theholyplacemadewithhands—butintoheavenitself,nowtoappearinthepresenceofGodforus."Whenthepriesthadslainthesacrifice,hewastogo with the blood before the altar and mercy-seat, and show it to theLord.Now, inChrist, our blessedMediator, consider two things. 1.Hisperson.2:Hisgraces.

I.Christ'sPERSON.Hisperson isamiable;he ismadeupofall loveand beauty. He is the effigy of his Father. "The express image of hisperson."Consider,

[1]Christ'spersonintwoNATURES.

(1.)LookuponhisHUMANnatureas incarnate.Somedenyhishuman nature; but John 1:14 says "The Word was made flesh." It isspoken of Christ the promisedMessiah. Christ took our flesh, that thesamenaturewhichsinned,mightsuffer;and"TheWordwasmadeflesh,"thatthroughtheglassofhishumannaturewemightlookuponGod.

WhyisChristcalledtheWord?

Because,asawordistherevealerofthemind,andmanifestswhatisinaman'sheart; soJesusChrist revealshisFather'smind tous concerningthe great matters of our salvation. John 1:18. Were it not for Christ'smanhood, the sight of the Godhead would be formidable to us; butthroughChrist'sfleshwemaylookuponGodwithoutterror.

AndChristtookourflesh—thathemightknowhowtopityus;heknowswhatitistobefaint,sorrowful,tempted."Heknowsourframe."Andhetook our flesh, that he might (as Augustine says) ennoble our humannaturewithhonor.Christhavingmarriedourflesh,hasexalteditabovetheangelicnature.

(2.) Look upon Christ's DIVINE nature. Christ may be fitlycompared to Jacob's ladder, which reaches from earth to heaven. Gen28:12. Christ's human nature was the foot of the ladder, which stoodupon earth; his divine nature the top of the ladder, which reaches toheaven.Thisbeingagrandarticleofour faithIshallamplify it. IknowtheArians,Socinians,andEbioniteswouldrobChristofthebestjewelofhis crown, hisGodhead; but the Apostolic, Nicene, Athanasian creeds,affirmChrist'sDeity.TheScriptureisclearforit.Heiscalled"themightyGod.""AndinhimdwellsthefullnessoftheGodhead."Heisofthesamenatureandessencewith theFather. IsGodtheFathercalledAlmighty?So is Christ. "The Almighty." Rev 1:8. Is God the Father the heart-searcher?So isChrist. "Heknewtheir thoughts."John2:25.IsGod theFather omnipresent? So is Christ. "The Son ofManwho is in heaven."John3:13.ChristasGodwastheninheaven,whenasmanhewasupontheearth.

IsChristeternal?Christ istheeverlastingFather,Isa9:6,maybeurgedagainsttheCerinthianheretics,whodeniedthepre-existenceofChrist's

Godhead,andheldthatChristhadnobeinguntilhederiveditfromtheVirginMary.

DoesdivineworshipbelongtothefirstpersonintheTrinity?SoitdoestoChrist.John5:23."LetalltheangelsofGodworshiphim."Heb1:6.IscreationpropertotheDeity?this isa flowerofChrist'scrown."Byhimwere all things created."Col 1:16. Is prayer proper to theDeity? this isgiventoChrist."LordJesus,receivemyspirit."IsfaithandtrustpeculiartoGod theFather? this is given toChrist. "You believe inGod, believealso inme."ChristmustneedsbeGod,not only that thedivinenaturemight support the human from sinking underGod'swrath—but also togivevalueandweighttohissufferings.

ChristbeingGod,hisdeathandpassionaremeritorious.Christ'sbloodiscalledsanguisDei, thebloodofGod, inActs20:28,becausethepersonwhowasofferedinsacrificewasGodaswellasman.Thisisaninvinciblesupporttobelievers; itwasGodwhowasoffended,anditwasGodwhosatisfied.ThusChrist'spersonisintwonatures.

[2]ConsiderChrist'stwonaturesinoneperson,God-man."Godmanifestintheflesh."1Tim3:16.Christhadatwofoldsubstance,divineand human—yet not a twofold subsistence; both naturesmake but oneChrist.Ascionmaybegraftedintoanothertree—likeapear-treeintoanapple tree; which, though it bears different fruits, is but one tree; soChrist'smanhood is united to theGodhead in an ineffablemanner; yetthoughtherearetwonatures—yetbutoneperson.Thisunionofthetwonatures inChristwasnotby transmutation, the divine nature changedinto thehuman,or thehuman into thedivine;norbymixture, the twonatures mingled together, as wine and water are mixed; but both thenaturesofChristremaindistinct,andyetmakenottwodistinctpersons—butoneperson;thehumannaturenotGod—yetonewithGod.

II.ConsiderChrist,ourMediator,inhisGRACES.Thesearethesweetsavorofhisointments,whichmakethevirginslovehim.Christ,ourblessedMediator,issaidtobe"fullofgraceandtruth."John1:14.HehadtheanointingoftheSpiritwithoutmeasure.John3:34.GraceinChristisafteramoreeminentandgloriousmanner,thanitisinanyofthesaints.

[1] Jesus Christ, our Mediator, has PERFECTION in everygrace.Col1:19.Heisapanoply,treasuryandstorehouseofallheavenlytreasure, all fullness. This no saint on earth has; he may excel in onegrace—but not in all; as Abraham was eminent for faith, Moses formeekness;butChristexcelsineverygrace.

[2]ThereisaNEVER-FAILINGfullnessofgraceinChrist.Graceinthesaintsisebbingandflowing,itisnotalwaysinthesamedegreeandproportion;atonetimeDavid'sfaithwasstrong,atanothertimesofaintandweak,thatyoucouldhardlyfeelanypulse."Isaid,Iamcutofffrombefore your eyes." Psalm 31:22. But grace in Christ is a never-failingfullness, it never abated in the leastdegree;henever lost adropofhisholiness. What was said of Joseph in Gen 49:23, may more truly beapplied to Christ. "The archers shot at him—but his bow abode instrength."Menanddevilsshotathim—buthisgraceremainedinitsfullvigorandstrength;"hisbowabodeinstrength."

[3]Grace inChrist isCOMMUNICATIVE.Hisgrace is for us; theholyoiloftheSpiritwaspouredontheheadofthisblessedAaron,thatitmightrundownuponus!Thesaintshavenotgracetobestowonothers.Whenthefoolishvirginswouldhaveboughtoiloftheirneighborvirgins,saying,"Giveussomeofyouroil, forour lampsaregoneout," thewisevirginsanswered,"Notso,lesttherebenotenoughforusandyou."Thesaintshavenogracetospare forothers;butChristdiffuseshisgracetoothers.Graceinthesaints isaswaterinthevessel,graceinChristisaswater in the spring. "Ofhis fullness have allwe received and grace forgrace."John1:16.Setaglassunderastill,anditreceiveswater fromit,dropbydrop;sothesaintshavethedropsandinfluencesofChrist'sgracedistillinguponthem.Whatarichconsolationisthistothosewhoeitherhavenograce,ortheirstockislow!TheymaygotoChrist,theMediator,asa treasuryofgrace:"Lord, Iam indigent;butwhereshall I carrymyempty vessel—but to a full fountain? 'Allmy springs are in you.' I amguilty, youhave blood to pardonme; I ampolluted, you have grace tocleanseme;Iamsickuntodeath,youhavethebalmofGileadtohealme!Joseph opened all the storehouses ofgrain; Christ is our Joseph, thatopensallthetreasuriesandstorehousesofgrace,andbestowstous.Heisnotonlysweetas thehoney-comb—butdropsas the honey-comb. In

ChristourMediator there isa cornucopiaand fullnessofall grace;andChrist is desirous that we should come to him for grace, like the fullbreastwhichachesuntilitbedrawn.

Useone:AdmirethegloryofthisMediator;he isGod-man,he isco-essentiallygloriouswiththeFather.AlltheJewswhosawChristintheflesh, did not see hisGodhead; all who saw theman did not see theMessiah. The temple of Solomon within was embellished with gold;travelers,astheypassedalong,mightseetheoutsideofthetemple—butonlythepriestssawtheglorywhichsparkledwithinthetemple.Justso,believers only, who are made priests unto God, see Christ's gloriousinside,theGodheadshiningthroughthemanhood.Rev1:16.

Use two: If Christ is God-man in one person, then look untoJesus Christ alone for salvation.Theremust be something of theGodhead to fasten our hope upon; in Christ there is Godhead andmanhoodhypostaticallyunited.Ifwecouldweepriversoftears,out-fastMoses on the mount, if we were exact moralists, touching the lawblameless,ifwecouldarriveatthehighestdegreeofsanctificationinthislife—allthiswouldnotsaveus,withoutlookingtothemeritsofhimwhoisGod.Ourperfectholinessinheavenisnotthecauseofoursalvation—buttherighteousnessofJesusChrist.TothisthereforedidPaulflee,astothehornsofthealtar."ThatImaybefoundinhim,nothavingmyownrighteousness." Phil 3:9. It is true, we may look to our graces asevidences of salvation—but to Christ's blood only as the cause ofsalvation. In timeofNoah's flood, allwho trusted to thehighhillsandtrees, and not to the ark,were drowned. "Looking unto Jesus;" and solookuntohim,astobelieveinhim,sothatChristmaynotonlybeunitedto our nature—but to our persons.Heb 12:2. "That believing, youmayhavelifethroughhisname."John20:31.

Use three: Is Jesus Christ God andman in one person? Thisshowsthedignityofbelievers, that theyaresocloselyrelatedand united to Christ. "In him dwells the fullness of the Godheadbodily," so it is of unspeakable comfort. Col 2:9. Christ's two naturesbeingmarriedtogether,thedivineandhuman,allthatChristineitherofhisnaturescandoforbelievers,hewilldo.Inhishumannaturehepraysforthem,inhisdivinenaturehemeritsforthem.

Use four: Admire the love of Christ our Mediator; that heshould humble himself, and take our flesh, that he mightredeemus. Believers should put Christ in their bosom, as the spousedid."Liebetweenmybreasts."Cant1:13.WhatwassaidofIgnatius,thatthenameofJesuswas foundwritten inhisheart, shouldbeverifiedofeverysaint;heshouldhaveJesusChristwritteninhisheart.

3.Christ'sPROPHETICOffice

"TheLordyourGodwillraiseupuntoyouaProphet,"etc.Deut18:15.

Having spoken of the PERSON of Christ, we are next to speak of theOFFICESofChrist.TheseareProphetic,Priestly,andRegal.

"TheLordyourGodwillraiseupuntoyouaProphet."ThisisspokenofChrist.ThereareseveralnamesgiventoChristasaProphet.Heiscalled"the Counselor" in Isa 9:6. "The Angel of the covenant." Mal 3:1. "ALamp."2Sam22:19."TheMorningStar."Rev22:16.JesusChrististhegreatProphetofhischurch.ThewomanofSamariagaveashrewdguess.John4:19.He is thebest teacher;hemakesallother teachingeffectual."Heopened their understanding." Luke 24:45 He not only opened theScriptures—butopenedtheirunderstanding.Heteachestoprofit."IamtheLordyourGod,whoteachesyoutoprofit."Isa48:17.

HowdoesChristteach?

(1.)Externally,byhisWord."Yourwordisalamptomyfeet."SuchaspretendtohavealightorrevelationabovetheWord,orcontrarytoit—neverhadtheirteachingfromChrist.Isa8:20.

(2.) Christ teaches these sacred mysteries, inwardly, by theSpirit. John 16:13. The world knows not what this teaching is. "ThenaturalmanreceivesnotthethingsofGod,neithercanheknowthem."1Cor2:14.Heknowsnotwhat it is tobetransformedbytherenewingof

themind, Rom 12:2, or what the inward workings of the Spirit mean;theseareriddlesandparadoxestoHim.Hemayhavemoreinsight intothe things of theworld, than a believer—but he does not see the deepthingsofGod.Aswinemayseeanacornunderatree—buthecannotseeastar.HewhoistaughtofChristseesthethesecretsofthekingdomofheaven.

WhatarethelessonswhichChristteaches?

Heteachesus tosee intoourownhearts.Take themost soaringwits,thegreatestpoliticians,whounderstandthemysteriesofstate,theyknownotthemysteriesof theirownhearts, theycannotbelievetheevilthatisinthem."Isyourservantadog—thatheshoulddosuchathing?"Theheartisagreatdeep,whichisnoteasilyfathomed.ButwhenChristteaches,heremovestheveilof ignorance,andilluminatesthewayforamantoseeintohisownheart.Andnowthatheseesswarmsofvileandvainthoughts,heblushestoseehowsinmingleswithhisduties,hisstarsaremixedwith clouds; he prays, as Augustine, that God would deliverhimfromhimself!

ThesecondlessonChristteachesisthevanityofthecreature.Anaturalman sets up his happiness in earthly things, and worships thegolden image;buthewhoChristhasanointedwithhis eye-salve,hasaspiritofdiscerning;helooksuponthecreatureinitsnight-dress,sees ittobe empty andunsatisfying, andnot commensurate to aheaven-bornsoul.Solomonhadputallthecreaturesintoastill,andwhenhecametoextractthespiritandquintessence,allwasvanity.Eccles2:11.Theapostlecallsitashoworapparition,havingnointrinsicgoodness.1Cor7:31.

Thethirdlessonistheexcellencyofunseenrealities.Christgivesthe soul a sight of glory, a prospect of eternity. "We look not at thingswhichareseen—butatthingswhicharenotseen."Mosessawhimwhois"invisible."Heb11:27.Andthepatriarchssawabettercountry,namely,aheavenlyone,wherearedelightsofangels;riversofpleasure; theflowerofjoy,fullyripeandblown.Heb11:16.

HowdoesChrist'steachingdifferfromotherteaching?

Severalways.

(1.)Christteachestheheart.Othersmayteachtheear,Christteachesthe heart. "Whose heart the Lord opened." Acts 16:14. All that thedispensers of theword can do is but toworkknowledge; Christworksgrace.Theycanbutgivethelightofthetruth;Christgivestheloveofthetruth.Theycanonlyteachwhattobelieve,Christteacheshowtobelieve.

(2.)Christgivesusatasteoftheword.Ministersmaysetthefoodofthewordbeforeyou,andcarveitouttoyou;butitisonlyChrist,whocan cause you to taste it. "If so be you have tasted that the Lord isgracious.""TasteandseethattheLordisgood."Itisonethingtohearatruth preached, another thing to taste it; one thing to reada promise,another thing to taste it.David had got a taste of theword. "You havetaughtme:Howsweetareyourwordsuntomy taste! yes, sweeter thanhoneytomymouth."Theapostlecalls it thesavorofknowledge.2Cor2:14.Thelightofknowledgeisonething,thesavoranother.Christmakesustasteasavourinessintheword.

(3.)WhenChristteaches,hemakesusobey.Othersmayinstruct—but cannot command obedience. They teach to be humble—but menremainproud.TheprophethadbeendenouncingjudgmentsagainstthepeopleofJudah—buttheywouldnothear."Wewilldowhatevergoesoutofourownmouth,toburnincenseuntothequeenofheaven."Mencomeasitwere,withthickarmor,whichtheswordofthewordwillnotenter;butwhenChristcomesto teach,heremoves thisobstinacy;henotonlyinformsthemind—butinclinesthewill.Hedoesnotonlycomewiththelight of hisword—but the rod of his strength, andmakes the stubbornsinneryieldtohim.Hisgraceisirresistible.

(4.) Christ teaches easily. Others teach with difficulty. They havedifficulty in finding out a truth, and in inculcating it. "Preceptmust beuponprecept,andlineuponline."Somemayteachalltheirlives,andthewordtakenoimpression.Theycomplain,"Ihavespentmylaborinvain!"Ihaveplowedonrocks!ButChrist thegreatProphetteacheswithease.HecanwiththeleasttouchofhisSpiritconvert;hecansay,"Lettherebelight;"withawordhecanconveygrace.

(5.)WhenChrist teaches,hemakesmenwilling to learn.Menmay teach others—but they have no mind to learn. "Fools despiseinstruction." They rage at the word, as if a patient should rage at thephysicianwhenhebringshimaremedy;thusbackwardarementotheirownsalvation.ButChristmakeshispeoplea"willingpeople."Theyprizeknowledge, and hang it as a jewel upon their ear. Those who Christteachessay,"ComeletusgouptothemountainsoftheLord,andhewillteach us of his ways, andwewill walk in them;" and "We are all herepresentbeforeGod,tohearallthingscommanded."

(6.)WhenChristteaches,henotonlyilluminatesbutanimates.He so teaches—that he quickens! "I am the light of the world: he whofollowsme shall have lumen vitae—the light of life." By nature we aredead,thereforeunfittobetaught.Whowillmakeanorationtothedead?ButChristteachesthosewhoaredead!hegivesthelightoflife.AswhenLazaruswas dead, Christ said, "Come forth," and hemade the dead tohear, for Lazarus came forth. Just so, when he says to the dead soul,"Comeforthofthegraveofunbelief!"hehearsChrist'svoice,andcomesforth! The philosophers say, "heat and light increase together."WhereChristcomeswithhislight,thereistheheatofspiritual lifegoingalongwithit.

Useone:OfINFORMATION.

(1.)SeehereanargumentofChrist'sDivinity.Had he not beenGod,hecouldneverhaveknownthemindofGod,orrevealedtousthosesecrets ofHeaven, those deepmysteries,which noman or angel couldfindout.WhobutGodcananointtheeyesoftheblind,andgivenotonlylight—but sight?Who but he, who has the key of David, can open theheart?WhobutGodcanbowtheironsinewofthewill?HealonewhoisGod,canenlightentheconscience,andmakethestonyheartbleed!

(2.)Seewhatacornucopia,or infinityofwisdomis inChrist,who is the great teacher of his church, andwho gives savingknowledgetoalltheelect.Thebodyofthesunmustneedsbefullofclearnessandbrightness,whichenlightensthewholeworld.Christisthegreatluminary;inhimarehiddenalltreasuresofknowledge.Col2:3.Themiddlelampofthesanctuarygavelighttoalltheotherlamps;soChrist

diffuseshisgloriouslighttoothers.WeareapttoadmirethelearningofAristotle andPlato; alas!what is this poor sparkof light, compared tothatwhichisinChrist,fromwhoseinfinitewisdombothmenandangelslighttheirlamps!

(3.)See themiseryofman in the stateofnature. Before Christbecomes their prophet they are enveloped in ignorance and darkness.Men know nothing in a sanctifiedmanner, they know nothing as theyoughttoknow.ICor8:2.Thisisdreadful.Meninthedarkcannotdiscerncolors;sointhestateofnaturetheycannotdiscernbetweenmoralityandgrace they take one for the other. In the dark the greatest beauty ishidden.Letthereberareflowersinthegarden,andpicturesintheroom,in the dark their beauty is veiled over. Just so, though there is suchtranscendentbeauty inChristasamazes theangels,man in thestateofnatureseesnoneofthisbeauty.WhatisChristtohim?orheaventohim?Theveil isuponhisheart.Amaninthedark is indangereverystephetakes;somaninthestateofnatureisindanger,ateverystep,offallingintohell.ThusitisbeforeChristteachesus;nay,thedarknessinwhichasinneris,whileinanunregeneratestate,isworsethannaturaldarkness;for natural darkness affrights. "A horror of great darkness fell uponAbraham." But the spiritual darkness is not accompanied with horror,men tremble not at their condition; nay, they like their condition wellenough. "Men loved darkness." This is their dreadful condition, untilJesusChrist comes as a prophet to teach them, and to turn them fromdarknesstolight,andfromthepowerofSatantoGod.

(4.)See thehappy conditionof the childrenofGod. They haveChristtobetheirprophet."AllyourchildrenshallbetaughtoftheLord.""He ismadetouswisdom."Onemancannotseebyanother'seyes;butbelieversseewithChrist'seyes."Inhis lighttheysee light."Christgivesthemthelightofgrace,andthelightofglory.

Use two: Labor to have Christ for your prophet. He teachessavingly: he is an interpreter of a thousand, he can untie those knotswhichpuzzleangels.UntilChristteaches,weneverlearnanylesson;untilChristismadetouswisdom,weshallneverbewisetosalvation.

WhatshallwedotohaveChristforourteacher?

(1.) See yourneedofChrist's teaching.You cannot see your waywithout thismorning star. Some speakmuch of improving the light ofreason; alas! the plumb-line of reason is too short to fathom the deepthingsofGod;thelightofreasonwillnomorehelpamantobelieve,thanthelightofacandlewillhelphimtounderstand.AmancannomorebythepowerofnaturereachChrist,thananinfantcanreachthetopofthepyramids, or the ostrich fly up to the stars. See your need of Christ'sanointingandteachinginRev3:18."Icounselyoutobuyfrommegoldrefinedinthefire,soyoucanbecomerich;andwhiteclothestowear,soyoucancoveryourshamefulnakedness;andsalvetoputonyoureyes,soyoucansee."

(2.)GotoChristtoteachyou."Leadmeinyourtruth,andteachme."As one of the disciples said, "Lord, teach us to pray," I, so say, "Lord,teachmetoprofit.Lightmylamp,Ogreatprophetofyourchurch!Giveme a spirit ofwisdom and revelation, that Imay see things in anothermannerthanIeversawthembefore;teachmeintheWordtohearyourvoice,andinthesacramenttodiscernyourbody.Givelighttomyeyes!"Psalm13:3.

ThatwemaybeencouragedtogotoourgreatProphet:

(1.)JesusChristisverywillingtoteachus.Whyelsedidheenterinto the calling of theministry—but to teach themysteries of heaven?"Jesuswent about teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom."Whydidhetakethepropheticofficeuponhim?WhywasChristsoangrywiththosewhokeptawaythekeyofknowledge?"Woetoyouexpertsinthe law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. Youyourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who wereentering."Luke 11:52.WhywasChrist anointedwith theSpiritwithoutmeasure—butthathemightanointuswithknowledge?Knowledge is inChrist,forusasmilkinthebreastforthechild.OhthengotoChristforteaching. None in the gospel came to Christ for sight—but he restoredtheir eyesight; and surelyChrist ismorewilling towork a cure upon ablindsoul,thaneverhewastodosouponablindbody.

(2:)Therearenonesodullandignorant,butChristcanteachthem.Everyoneisnotfittomakeascholarof;butthereisnonesodull

butChristcanmakehimagoodscholar.Evensuchasareignorant,andof low abilities, Christ teaches in such amanner that they know morethanthegreatsagesandwisemenoftheworld.Theunlearnedmenriseup,andtakeheaven; theyknowthe truthsofChristmoresavingly thanthe great admired Rabbis. The duller the scholar, themore is his skillseen that teaches. Hence it is, that Christ delights in teaching theignorant, to get himself more glory. "The eyes of the blind shall beopened,and theearsof thedeaf shallbeunstopped."Whowouldgo toteachablindoradeafman?YetsuchdullscholarsChristteaches.Suchasareblindedwithignorance,shallseethemysteriesofthegospel,andthedeafearsshallbeunstopped.

(3.)WaituponthemeansofgracewhichChristhasappointed.Though Christ teaches by his Spirit—yet he teaches in the use ofordinances.Wait at the gates of wisdom's door.Ministers are teachersunder Christ. "Pastors and teachers." We read of pitchers, and lampswithinthepitchers.Judges7:16.Ministersareearthenvessels—butthesepitchershavelampswithinthemtolightsoulstoheaven.Christissaidtospeaktousfromheavennow,byhisministers,asthekingspeaksbyhisambassador. Heb 12:25. Such as wean themselves from the breast ofordinancesseldomthrive;eithertheygrowfaintintheirhead,orlameintheir feet. The word preached is Christ's voice in the mouth of theminister; and thosewho refuse tohearChrist speaking in theministry,Christwillrefusetohearspeakingontheirdeath-bed.

(4.)IfyouwouldhavetheteachingsofChrist,walkaccordingto the knowledge which you have already. Use your littleknowledgewell,andChristwill teachyoumore."Ifanymanwilldohiswill, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it is of God, or whether Ispeakofmyself."Amasterseeinghisservantimprovealittlestockwell,giveshimmoretotradewith.

Use three: If you have been taught by Christ savingly, beTHANKFUL.ItisyourhonortohaveGodforyourteacher,andthatheshould teach you, and not others, is a matter of admiration andcongratulation.Ohhowmanyknowledgeablemenareignorant!TheyarenottaughtofGod;theyhaveChrist'sWordtoenlightenthem—butnothisSpirittosanctifythem.Butthatyoushouldhavetheinwardaswellasthe

outward teaching, that Christ should anoint you with the heavenlyunctionofhisSpirit,thatyoucansay,"OnethingIknow,thatwhereasIwasblind,nowIsee."Oh,howthankfulshouldyoubetoChrist,whohasrevealedhisFather'sbosomsecretsuntoyou!"NomanhasseenGodatanytime;theonlybegottenSon,whichisinthebosomoftheFather,hehas revealed him." If Alexander thought himself so much obliged toAristotle for thephilosophic instructionhe received fromhim—oh,howareweobligedtoJesusChrist, thisgreatProphet, foropeningtous theeternal purposes of his love, and revealing to us the mysteries of thekingdomofheaven!

4.Christ'sPRIESTLYOffice

Question35:HowdoesChristexecutetheofficeofapriest?

Answer: In his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divinejustice,andreconcileustoGod,andinmakingcontinualintercessionforus.

"Nowonceintheendoftheworldhasheappearedtoputawaysinbythesacrificeofhimself."Heb9:26.

WhatarethepartsofChrist'spriestlyoffice?

Christ'spriestlyofficehastwoparts—hissatisfactionandintercession.

I.Christ'sSATISFACTION;thisconsistsoftwobranches.

[1]HisACTIVEobedience."Hefulfilledallrighteousness."Christdideverythingwhichthelawrequired;hisholylifewasaperfectcommentaryuponthelawofGod;heobeyedthelawforus.

[2]HisPASSIVEobedience.Ourguiltbeingtransferredandimputedtohim,hesufferedthepenaltywhichwasduetous;heappearedtoputawaysinbythesacrificeofhimself.Thepaschallambslain,wasatypeofChristwhowasofferedupinsacrificeforus.Sincouldnotbedoneaway

withoutblood. "Withoutblood there isno remissionof sin."Christwasnotonlyalambwithoutspot—butalambslain.

Whywasitrequisitethereshouldbeapriest?

Thereneededapriesttobeanumpire(amediator),tomediatebetweenaguiltycreatureandaholyGod.

HowcouldChristsuffer,beingGod?

Christsufferedonlyinthehumannature.

ButifonlyChrist'shumanitysuffered,howcouldthissufferingsatisfyforsin?

Thehumannaturebeingunitedtothedivine,thehumannaturesuffered,thedivinesatisfied.Christ'sGodheadsupportedthehumannaturethatitdid not faint, and gave virtue to his sufferings. The altar sanctifies thething offered on it. Matt 23:19. The altar of Christ's divine nature,sanctifiedthesacrificeofhisdeath,andmadeitofinfinitevalue.

WhereindoesthegreatnessofChrist'ssufferingsappear?

(1.) In the sufferings of hisbody.He suffered truly, not in appearanceonly. The apostle calls it the death of the cross. Phil 2:8. Cicero, whenspeakingofthiskindofdeath,says,"HowcanIdescribebeingraiseduponacross?"Thoughhewasagreatoratorhelackedwordstoexpressit.The thoughts of this made Christ sweat great drops of blood in thegarden.Luke22:24.Itwasanignominious,painful,curseddeath.Christsuffered in all his senses. His eyes beheld two dreadful objects, hisenemiesinsulting,andhismotherweeping.Hisearswerefilledwiththerevilingsof thepeople. "Hesavedothers,himselfhecannotsave."Matt27:42.Hissmellwasoffendedwhen their spittle fell uponhis face.Histaste;whentheygavehimgallandvinegartodrink.Hisfeeling;whenhishead sufferedwith thorns,hishandsand feetwith thenails.Hiswholebody was one great wound; now was thiswhite lily dyed with purplecolor.

(2.)Inthesufferingsofhissoul.Hewaspressedinthewine-pressofhis

Father'swrath.Thiscausedthatvociferationandoutcryonthecross,"MyGod, my God, why have you forsaken me!" Christ suffered a doubleeclipseuponthecross,aneclipseofthesun,andaneclipseofthelightofGod'scountenance.Howbitterwasthisagony!Theevangelistsusethreewordstoexpressit."Hebegantobeamazed.""Hebegantobefaint.""Tobeexceedingsorrowful."Christ felt thepainsofhell inhissoul, thoughnotlocally—yetequivalently.

WhydidChristsuffer?

Surelynot foranydesertofhisown."TheMessiahshallbecutoff—butnot for himself," it was for us. One man sins, another takes thepunishment;hesuffered,thathemightsatisfyGod'sjusticeforus.We,byoursins,had infinitelywrongedGod;and,couldwehaveshedriversoftears, offered up millions of holocausts and burnt-offerings, we couldneverhavepacifiedanangryDeity;thereforeChristmustdie,thatGod'sjusticemaybesatisfied.

It ishotlydebatedamongdivines,whetherGodcouldhave forgiven sinfreelywithoutasacrifice.NottodisputewhatGodcouldhavedone,whenhewasresolvedtohavethelawsatisfied,andtohavemansavedinawayofjusticeaswellasmercy;itwasnecessarythatChristshouldlaydownhislifeasasacrifice.

(1.)TofulfillthepredictionsofScripture."ItwaswrittenlongagothattheMessiahmust suffer anddie and rise again from thedeadon the thirdday."

(2.) To bring us into favorwithGod. It is one thing for a traitor to bepardoned,andanotherthingtobemadeafavorite.Christ'sbloodisnotonly called a sacrifice, whereby God is appeased—but a propitiation,wherebyGodbecomesgraciousand friendly tous.Christ isourmercy-seat,fromwhichGodgivesanswersofpeacetous.

(3.)Christdied,thathemightmakegoodhislastwillandtestamentwithhis blood. There were many legacies which Christ bequeathed tobelievers,whichwouldallhavebeennullandvoidhadhenotdied,andbyhisdeath confirmed thewill.Heb9:16.A testament is in force after

menaredead;themissionoftheSpirit,thepromises,thoselegacies,werenotinforceuntilChrist'sdeath;butChristbyhisbloodhassealedthem,andbelieversmaylayclaimtothem.

(4.)Hediedthathemightpurchaseforusgloriousmansions; thereforeheaveniscallednotonlyapromised—buta"purchasedpossession."Eph1:14.Christdiedforourpreferment;hesufferedthatwemightreign;hehunguponthecrossthatwemightsituponthethrone.Heavenwasshuttous—butthecrossofChrististheladderbywhichweascendtoheaven.Hiscrucifixionisourcoronation!

Useone:InthebloodysacrificeofChrist,seethehorridnatureofsin.Sin,itistrue,isodiousasitbanishedAdamoutofparadise,andthrew the angels into hell; but that whichmost of all makes it appearhorrid is this, that itmadeChrist veilhis glory, and losehis blood.Weshouldlookuponsinwithindignation,andpursueitwithaholymalice,andshedthebloodofthosesinswhichshedChrist'sblood.ThesightofCaesar'sbloodyrobe incensed theRomansagainst thosewhoslewhim.ThesightofChrist'sbleedingbodyshouldincenseusagainstsin.Letusnot parleywith it; let not that be our joy,whichmadeChrist amanofsorrow.

Use two: IsChristourpriest sacrificed?SeeGod'smercyandjusticedisplayed.Imaysayastheapostle,"BeholdthegoodnessandseverityofGod."

(1.) The goodness of God in providing a sacrifice. Had not Christsuffered upon the cross, we must have lain in hell forever, satisfyingGod'sjustice.

(2.) Theseverityof God. Though it were his own Son, the Son of hislove,andoursinswerebutimputedtohim—yetGoddidnotsparehim—buthiswrathdidflameagainsthim.Rom8:32.IfGodwasthusseveretohisownSon,howdreadfulwillhebeonedaytohisenemies!Suchasdiein wilful impenitence, must feel the same wrath as Christ did; andbecausetheycannotbearitatonce,thereforetheymustendureitforever.

Usethree:IsChristourpriest,whowassacrificedforus?Then

see the endeared affection of Christ to us sinners. "The cross,"saysAugustine, "was a pulpit, inwhichChrist preached his love to theworld."ThatChristshoulddie,wasmorethanifalltheangelshadbeenturned to dust; and especially that Christ should die as a malefactor,havingtheweightofallmen'ssinslaiduponhim,andthatheshoulddieforhisenemies.Rom5:10.Thebalm-treeweepsoutitspreciousbalm,tohealthosewhocutandmangleit; justso,Christshedhisblood,tohealthosewhocrucifiedhim.

Hedied freely. It is called theofferingof thebodyofJesus.Heb10:10.Thoughhissufferingsweresogreat,thattheymadehimsigh,andweep,andbleed;yettheycouldnotmakehimrepent."Heshallseeofthetravailofhis soul, andbe satisfied." Isa53:1.Christhadhard travailupon thecross—yethedoesnotrepentof it—but thinkshissweatandbloodwellbestowed, because he sees redemption brought forth to the world. Ohinfinite, amazing love of Christ! a lovewhich passes knowledge! a lovewhichneithermannorangel canparallel.Eph3:19.Howshouldwebeaffectedwith this love! If Saulwas soaffectedwithDavid's kindness insparing his life, how should we be affected with Christ's kindness inpartingwithhislifeforus!AtChrist'sdeathandpassion,theverystonescleaveasunder,"Theearthshook,rockssplitapart."Matt27:51.NottobeaffectedwithChrist'sloveindying,istohaveheartsharderthanrocks.

Usefour:IsChristoursacrifice?Thenseetheexcellenceofhissacrifice.

(1.)Christ'ssacrificeisperfect."Byoneoffering,hehasperfectedthosewho are sanctified." Therefore, how impious are the Papists, in joiningtheirmerits and theprayers of saintswithChrist's sacrifice!Theyofferhim up daily in the mass, as if Christ's sacrifice on the cross wereimperfect.ThisisablasphemyagainstChrist'spriestlyoffice.

(2.)Christ'ssacrificeismeritorious.Henotonlydiedforourexample—but to merit salvation. The person who suffered beingGod as well asman, put virtue into his sufferings; our sins were expiated, and Godappeased.Nosoonerdidthemessengerssay,"Uriahisdead,"butDavid'sanger was pacified. No sooner did Christ die—but God's anger waspacified.

(3.) Christ's sacrifice isbeneficial. Out of the dead lion, Samson hadhoney.Christ'ssacrificeprocuresjustificationofourpersons,acceptanceof our service, access toGodwith boldness, and entrance into the holyplaceofheaven.Heb10:19.ThroughthesideofChrist,awaytoHeavenliesopentous.IsraelpassedthroughtheRedseatoCanaan;sothroughtheredseaofChrist'sblood,weenterintotheheavenlyCanaan.

Use five: Let us apply this blood of Christ. All the virtue of amedicineisintheapplication;thoughthemedicineismadeofthebloodofGod,itwillnotheal,unlessappliedbyfaith.Asfireistothechemist,soisfaithtotheChristian;thechemistcandonothingwithoutfire,sothereisnothingdonewithoutfaith.FaithmakesChrist'ssacrificeours."ChristJesusmyLord."Itisnotgoldintheminewhichenriches—butgoldinthehand.FaithisthehandwhichreceivesChrist'sgoldenmerits.Itisnotacordial in theglass that refreshes the spirit—but a cordial drunkdown."ByfaithwedrinkthebloodofChrist,"Cyprian.FaithopenstheorificeofChrist's wounds, and drinks the precious cordial of his blood.WithoutfaithChristhimselfwillnotavailus.

Usesix:LetusloveableedingSavior,andletusshowourlovetoChrist,bybeingreadytosufferforhim.ManyrejoiceatChrist'ssuffering for them—butdonotdreamof theirsuffering forhim.Josephdreamedofhispreferment—butnotofhis imprisonment.WasChristasacrifice?DidhebearGod'swrath forus?Weshouldbearman'swrathforhim.Christ'sdeathwasvoluntary."Lo,Icometodoyourwill,OGod.""Ihaveabaptismtobebaptizedwith,andhowitconsumesMeuntilitisfinished!"Christcallshissufferingsabaptism;hewastobe(as itwere)baptized inhisownblood,andhowdidhe thirst for that time! "How itconsumesMe!"Ohthen,letusbewillingtosufferforChrist!Christhastaken away the venom and sting of the saints' sufferings: there is nowrathintheircup.OursufferingsChristcanmakesweet.Astherewasoilmixedinthepeace-offering,soGodcanmixtheoilofgladnesswithoursufferings.Lifemust bepartedwith shortly;what is it to partwith it alittlesooner,asasacrificetoChrist,asasealofsincerity,andapledgeofthankfulness!

Use seven: This sacrifice of Christ's blood may infinitelycomfortus.Thisisthebloodofatonement.Christ'scrossisthehingeof

ourdeliverance;thehingeandfountainofourcomfort.

(1.) This blood comforts in case of guilt! "Oh, says the soul, my sinstroubleme!"ButChrist'sbloodwas shed for the remissionof sin.Matt26:28.LetusseeoursinslaidonChrist—andthentheyarenomoreours,buthis.

(2.)Incaseofpollution.Christ'sbloodisahealingandcleansingblood.Itishealing."Withhisstripeswearehealed."Itisthebesthealing-salve,ithealsatadistance.ThoughChristisinheaven,wemayfeelthevirtueofhisbloodhealingourcorruptions.

Christ'sbloodiscleansing. It is thereforecomparedtofountain-water.Zech13:1.Thewordisaglasstoshowusourspots,andChrist'sbloodisafountain towash themaway; it turns leprosy intopurity. "ThebloodofJesuscleansesusfromalloursin."IJohn1:7.Thereisindeedonespotsoblack,thatChrist'sblooddoesnotwashaway,namely,thesinagainsttheHolySpirit.NotbutthatthereisvirtueenoughinChrist'sbloodtowashitaway;buthewhohassinnedthatsin,willnotbewashed;hedespisesChrist'sblood,andtramplesitunderfoot.Heb10:29.Thusweseewhatastrong cordial Christ's blood is; it is the anchor-hold of our faith, thespringofourjoy,thecrownofourdesires,andtheonlysupportbothinlife and death! In all our fears, let us comfort ourselves with the sinatoningsacrificeofChrist'sblood.Christdiedbothasapurchaserandasa conqueror: as a purchaser in regard of God, having by his bloodobtainedoursalvation,andasaconquerorinregardofSatan, thecrossbeinghistriumphantchariot,whereinhehasledhellanddeathcaptive.

Use seven: Bless God for this precious sacrifice of Christ'sdeath."BlesstheLord,Omysoul!"AndforwhatdoesDavidblesshim?"Who redeems your life from destruction!" Christ gave himself a sin-offering for us; let us give ourselves a thank-offering to him. If amanredeemsanotheroutofdebt,willhenotbegrateful?HowdeeplydowestandobligedtoChrist,whohasredeemedusfromhellanddamnation!"Andtheysanganewsong,sayingYouareworthytotakethebook,andopentheseals;foryouwereslain,andhaveredeemedustoGodbyyourblood."LetourheartsandtonguesjoininconcerttoblessGod,andletusshow thankfulness toChrist by fruitfulness; let us bring forth (as spice

trees)thefruitsofhumility,zeal,andgoodworks.Thisistoliveuntohimwhodiedforus.2Cor5:15.ThewisemennotonlyworshipedChrist—butpresentedhimwithgiftsofgold,andfrankincense,andmyrrh.Matt2:11.LetuspresentChristwiththefruitsofrighteousness,whichareuntothegloryandpraiseofGod.

II.Christ's INTERCESSION. "Who alsomakes intercession for us."Rom8:34.

WhenAaronenteredintotheholyplace,hisbellsgaveasound;soChristhavingenteredintoheaven,hisintercessionmakesamelodioussoundintheearsofGod.ThoughChrist isexaltedtoglory,hehasnot laidasidehis affectionsof compassion—but is stillmindful ofhismysticbody, asJosephwasmindfulofhis fatherandbrethren,whenhewasexalted tothecourt."Whoalsomakesintercessionforus."Tointercedeistomakerequest in behalf of another. Christ is the great Master of requests inheaven.

WhataretheQUALIFICATIONSofourintercessor?

(1.) He is holy. "For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy,innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above theheavens."Heb7:26."Christknewnosin."Heknewsininitsweight,notintheact.Itwasrequisite,thathe,whowastodoawaythesinsofothers,should himself be without sin. Holiness is one of the precious stoneswhichshineonthebreast-plateofourhighpriest!

(2.)Heisfaithful."Forthisreasonhehadtobemadelikehisbrothersineveryway,inorderthathemightbecomeamercifulandfaithfulhighpriestinservicetoGod,andthathemightmakeatonementforthesinsofthepeople."Heb2:17.Moseswasfaithfulasaservant,ChristasaSon.Hedoesnotforgetanycausehehastoplead,nordoesheuseanydeceit inpleading. An ordinary attorneymay leave out some word whichmighthelp the client; or put in aword against him, having received a fee onboth sides;butChrist is true to the causehepleads.Wemay leaveourmatterswithhim,wemaytrustourlivesandsoulsinhishand.

(3.)Heneverdies.Whiletheofficeofthepriestsunderthelawlived,they themselvesdied. "Theywerenotallowed tocontinue,by reasonofdeath."But"Christeverlivestomakeintercession."Hehasnosuccessioninhispriesthood.

WhomdoesChristintercedefor?

Not for all people—but only for the elect. "I pray for them. I am notpraying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they areyours."John17:9.TheefficacyofChrist'sprayer,reachesnofurtherthantheefficacyofhisblood;hisbloodwasshedonlyfortheelect,thereforehisprayersreachthemonly.Thehighpriestwentintothesanctuarywiththenamesof the twelve tribesonlyuponhisbreast; soChrist goes intoheavenwiththenamesoftheelectonlyuponhisbreast.Christintercedesfortheweakestbelievers,andforallthesinsofbelievers.John17:20.Inthe law, therewere some sins forwhich the high priest was neither tooffer sacrifice, nor prayer. "Anyonewhosins defiantly, whether native-bornoralien,blasphemestheLord,andthatpersonmustbecutofffromhis people."Numb 15:30. The priestmight offer up prayers for sins ofignorance—but not of defiance; but Christ's intercession extends to allthesinsoftheelect.OfwhatabloodycolorwasDavid'ssin;yetitdidnotexcludehimfromChrist'sintercession!

WhatdoesChristdointheworkofintercession?

Threethings.

(1.)HepresentsthemeritofhisbloodtohisFather;and,inthevirtue of that price paid, pleads formercy. The high priest washereinalivelytypeofChrist.Aaronwastodofourthings:

Killtheanimals.

Enterwiththebloodintotheholyofholies.

Sprinklethemercy-seatwiththeblood.

Kindle the incense,andwiththesmokeof itcauseacloudtoariseoverthemercy-seat.Thusatonementwasmade.Lev16:11-16.

Christourhighpriestexactlyansweredtothistype.Hewasofferedupinsacrifice,whichanswerstothepriest'skillingthebullock;andheisgoneupintoheaven,whichanswerstothepriest'sgoingintotheholyofholies;andhespreadshisbloodbeforehisFatherwhichanswerstothepriest'ssprinklingtheblooduponthemercy-seat;andhepraystohisFather,thatforhisblood'ssake,hewouldbepropitioustosinners,whichanswerstothe cloud of incense going up; and through his intercessions God ispacified,whichanswerstothepriest'smakingatonement.

(2.) Christ by his intercession answers all bills of indictmentbroughtinagainsttheelect.Dowhattheycan,sin,andthenSatan—accusesbelieverstoGod,andconscienceaccusesthemtothemselves.ButChrist,byhisintercession,answersalltheseaccusations."WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGod'select?itisChristwhomakesintercessionforus!"WhenEsculuswasaccusedforsomerebellion,hisbrotherstoodupforhim,andshowedthemagistrateshowhehadlosthishandintheservice of the state, and so obtained his pardon. Thus, when Satanaccuses the saints, or when the justice of God lays anything to theircharge, Christ shows his own wounds, and by virtue of his bloodysufferings answers all the demands and challenges of the law, andcounterworksSatan'saccusations!

(3.)Christ,byhisintercession,callsforacquittance."Father,"hesays,"letthesinnerbeabsolvedfromguilt!"Inthissenseheiscalledanadvocate.1John2:1.Herequiresthatthesinnerbesetfreeinthecourt.An advocate differs much from an orator; an orator uses rhetoric topersuade and entreat the judge to show mercy to another; but anadvocatetellsthejudgewhatislaw.ThusChristappearsinheavenasanadvocate,herepresentswhatislaw.WhenGod'sjusticeopensthedebt-book,Christopensthelaw-book."Father,"sayshe,"Youarea justGod,and will not be pacified without payment; lo, here my blood is shed,therefore in justice, givemeadischarge for thesedistressedcreatures!"Thelawbeingsatisfied,thesinnermustbeacquitted.UponChrist'splea,Godsetshishandtosealthesinner'spardon!

InwhatmannerdoesChristintercede?

(1.)Freely.Hepleadsourcauseinheaven,andtakesnofee.Anylawyerwillhavehisfee,andsometimesabribetoo;butChristisnotmercenary.How many causes does he plead every day in heaven—and will takenothing!AsChristlaiddownhislifefreely—soheintercedesfreely.John10:15,18.

(2.)Feelingly.Heisassensibleofourconditionashisown."Forwedonothaveahighpriestwhoisunabletosympathizewithourweaknesses,butwehaveonewhohasbeentemptedineveryway,justasweare—yetwas without sin." Heb 4:15. Jesus pleads for us—as a tender-heartedmotherwouldpleadwithajudgeforachildreadytobecondemned!Oh,howwouldheraffectionswork!Howwouldhertearstrickledown!Whatweepingrhetoricwould sheplead to the judge, formercy! So theLordJesusisfullofsympathyandtenderness,thathemightbeamercifulhighpriest."Forthisreasonhehadtobemadelikehisbrothersineveryway,in order that he might become amerciful and faithful high priest inservice to God, and that hemightmake atonement for the sins of thepeople." Hebrews 2:17. Though he has left his passion—yet not hiscompassion.Anordinarylawyerisnotaffectedwiththecausehepleads,nordoeshe carewhichway it goes; it isprofitwhich alonemakes himplead, not affection. But Christ intercedes feelingly; and that whichmakes him intercede with affection is—it is his own cause which hepleads.Hehasshedhisbloodtopurchaselifeandsalvationfortheelect;andiftheyshouldnotbesaved,hewouldlosehispurchase!

(3.)Efficaciously.Itisaprevailingintercession.Christneverlostanycause he pleaded. Christ's intercession must needs be effectual, if weconsider,

(1.) The excellency of his person. If the prayer of a saint is soprevalentwithGod,asMoses'prayerboundGod'shand,"Nowleavemealone so my anger can blaze against them and destroy them all. ButMosespleadedwiththeLordhisGodnottodoit.Turnawayfromyourfierce anger. Change your mind about this terrible disaster you areplanningagainstyourpeople!SotheLordwithdrewhisthreatanddidn'tbringagainsthispeople thedisasterhehad threatened."Exodus32:10-14.

Jacob, as a prince, prevailed with God, Gen 32:28. Elijah by prayeropenedandshutheaven,James5:17.ThenwhatprevalencehasChrist'sprayer!He is theSonofGod, theSon inwhomhe iswellpleased.Matt3:17. What will not a father grant a son! "I know that you hear mealways."IfGodcouldforgetthatChristwereaPriest,hecouldnotforgetthatheisaSon!

(2:)ChristpraysfornothingbutwhathisFatherhasamindtogrant.ThereisbutonewillbetweenChristandhisFather.Christprays,"Sanctify them through your truth;" and "This is the will of God, evenyoursanctification."Sothen,ifChristpraysfornothingbutwhatGodtheFatherhasamindtogrant,thenheissuretosucceed.

(3:) Christ prays for nothing but what he has power to give.Whathepraysforasheisman, thathehaspowertogiveashe isGod."Father, Iwill."John17:24. "Father," therehepraysasaman; "Iwill,"therehegivesasGod.Itisagreatcomforttoabeliever,whenhisprayerisweak,andhecanhardlyprayforhimself,thatChrist'sprayerinheavenismightyandpowerful.ThoughGodmayrefuseprayerasitcomesfromus—yethewillnotasitcomesfromChrist!

(4:)Christ's intercessionisalwaysreadyathand.ThepeopleofGod have sins of daily occurrence; and, besides these, they sometimeslapse into great sins, and God is provoked, and his justice is ready tobreakforthuponthem.ButChrist'sintercessionisreadyathand,hedailymakesupthebreachesbetweenGodandthem;hepresentsthemeritsofhisblood tohisFather, topacifyhim.WhenthewrathofGodbegantobreakout upon Israel,Aaronpresently stepped inwithhis censer, andofferedincense—andsotheplaguewasstayed.Numb16:47.Justso,nosooner does a child of God sin, and God begins to be angry—butimmediatelyChrist steps in and intercedes! "Father," he says, "it ismychildwhohassinned;thoughhehasforgottenhisduty,youhavenotlostyour affections.Oh, pity him, and let your anger be turned away fromhim!"Christ'sintercessionisreadyathand,and,upontheleastfailingsofthegodly—hestandsupandmakesrequestfortheminheaven!

WhataretheFRUITSofChrist'sintercession?

(1.) Justification. In justification there are two things. Guilt isremitted, and righteousness is imputed. "The Lord our righteousness."Wearecountednotonlyasrighteousastheangels—butasrighteousasChrist,havinghisrobesputuponus!2Cor5:21.Butwhenceisit,thatwearejustified?ItisfromChrist'sintercession."WhowillbringanychargeagainstthosewhomGodhaschosen?It isGodwho justifies.Who ishethatcondemns?ChristJesus,whodied--morethanthat,whowasraisedtolife--isattherighthandofGodandisalsointercedingforus."Romans8:33-34."Father,"saysChrist,"thesearethepeopleIhavediedfor!Lookupon them as if they had never sinned, and count them as perfectlyrighteous!"

(2.)Theunctionof theSpirit. "Youhaveanunction fromtheHolyOne." This unction or anointing is nothing else but the work ofsanctificationintheheart,wherebytheSpiritmakesuspartakersof thedivinenature.2Pet1:4.Suchasspeakofthephilosopher'smagicstone,imagine it to have such a property, that when it touches anymetal—itturns it intogold.Suchapropertyhas theSpiritofGodupon the soul;whenHetouchesthesoul—itputsintoitadivinenature;itmakesittobeholyandtoresembleGod!ThesanctifyingworkoftheSpiritisthefruitofChrist'sintercession!"TheHolySpiritwasnotyetgiven,becauseJesuswasnotyetglorified."Christbeingglorified,and inheaven,heprays tothe Father—and the Father sends the Spirit, who pours out the holyanointingupontheelect!

(3.) The purification of our holy things. It is Christ's work inheaven,notonlytopresenthisownprayerstohisFather—buthepraysourprayersoveragain!"Anotherangel,whohadagoldencenser,cameand stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with theprayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne."Revelation8:3.ThisangelwasChrist;he takes thegoldencenserof hismerits,andputsourprayersintothiscenser,andwiththeincenseofhisintercessionmakesourprayersgoupasasweetperfumeinheaven!Itisobservable inLev16:16."AaronwillmakeatonementfortheMostHolyPlace,becauseofthedefilingsinandrebellionoftheIsraelites."Thiswastypical, to show that ourholydutiesneed to have atonementmade forthem.Ourbestservices,astheycomefromus,aremixedwithcorruption,

aswinewhich tastesof thecask.Ourbest servicesare filthymenstrousrags.Isa64:6.ButChristpurifiesandsweetenstheseservices,mixingthesweet incense of his intercessionwith them; and thenGod accepts andcrowns them. What would become of our duties, without such a highpriest? Christ's intercession is to our prayers, as the fan to the chaff,which winnows it from the grain. Just so, Christ winnows out all thechaff,whichintermixeswithourprayers.

(4.)Accesswithboldnessunto the throneof grace. "Forwe donothaveahighpriestwhoisunabletosympathizewithourweaknesses,butwehaveonewhohasbeentemptedineveryway,justasweare—yetwas without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace withconfidence,sothatwemayreceivemercyandfindgracetohelpusinourtimeofneed."Hebrews4:15-16.Wehaveafriendatcourt,whospeaksagoodwordforus,andisfollowingourcauseinheaven; letthisanimateandencourageus inprayer.Dowe think it toomuchboldness for suchsinnersasweare,tocomeforpardon,andthatweshallbedenied?Surelythisisasinfulmodesty.Didweindeedcomeinourownnameinprayer,itwouldbesinfulpresumption!ButChrist intercedesforusintheforceand efficacy of his blood! To be afraid to come to God in prayer, is adishonortoChrist'sintercession.

(5.)SendingtheComforter."IwillasktheFather,andheshallgiveyou another Comforter." The comfortof the Spirit is distinct from theanointing.Hereissweetcomfort,sweeterthanthehoney-dropsfromthehoney-comb; it is themanna in thegoldenpot!Adropof thisheavenlycomfort is enough to sweeten a seaofworldly sorrow! It is called the"pledgeoftheSpirit."Apledgeassuresusofthewholesum.2Cor1:22.The Spirit gives us a pledge of heaven in our hand. Whence is thiscomfortingworkof theSpirit?ThankChrist's intercession for it! "IwillasktheFather,andheshallgivetheComforter."

(6.)Perseveranceingrace."Iwillremainintheworldnolonger,buttheyarestillintheworld,andIamcomingtoyou.HolyFather,protectthem by the power of your name." John 17:11. It is not our prayer, orwatchfulness, or grace which keeps us—but it is God's care andpreservation!Hepreservesus,thatwedonotfallaway.WhenceisitthatGodpreservesus?It is fromChrist's intercession."HolyFather,protect

them."TheprayerofChristforPeter,"Simon,Simon,Satanhasaskedtosiftyouaswheat.ButIhaveprayedforyou,Simon,thatyourfaithmaynotfail."Luke22:31-32.ThisisthecopyofChrist'sprayernowinheaven.Peter's faithdid fail in somedegree,whenhedeniedChrist; but Christprayed that itmight not totally fail. The saints persevere in believing,becauseChristperseveresinpraying!

(7.)Absolutionatthedayofjudgment.Christshalljudgetheworld."GodhascommittedalljudgmenttotheSon."ThoseforwhomChristhassoprayed—hewillabsolvewhenhesitsuponhisthroneofjudgment.WillChristcondemnthoseforwhomheprays?Believersarehisspouse—willJesuscondemnhisownspouse?

Useone:OfINSTRUCTION.

(1.)Seehere theconstancyofChrist's love to theelect.He notonlydiedforthem—butintercedesfortheminheaven.WhenChristhasdonedying,hehasnotdoneloving.Heisnowatworkinheavenforthesaints,hecarriestheirnamesonhisbosom,andwillneverstoppraying,untilthatprayerbegranted."Father,IwantthoseyouhavegivenmetobewithmewhereIam,andtoseemyglory,thegloryyouhavegivenmebecauseyoulovedmebeforethecreationoftheworld."John17:24.

(2.) See whence it is, that the prayers of the saints are sopowerfulwithGod.Jacob,struggledwithGod,andprevailed.Moses'prayer tied God's hands. By his prayers he held God bound as if bychains!"LetMealone!"Exod32:10.Whenceisthis?ItisChrist'sprayerinheaven,whichmakes the saints' prayers soprevalent.Christ's divinenatureisthealtaronwhichheoffersupourprayers,andsotheyprevail.Prayer,asitcomesfromthesaintsisbutweakandlanguid;butwhenthearrowofasaint'sprayerisputintothebowofChrist'sintercession—itpiercesthethroneofgrace!

(3.) It shows that aChristianwhenheprays,must chiefly fixhiseyeonChrist'sintercession.Wearetolookuptothemercy-seat—buttohopeformercythroughChrist'sintercession.WereadinLev16thatAaronmadeatonementbytheincense,aswellasbytheblood.Sowemust look to the cloud of incense, namely, the intercession of Christ.

Christian,lookuptoyourAdvocate,onetowhomGodcandenynothing.AwordfromChrist'smouth,ismorethanifalltheangelsinheavenwerepleadingforyou!IfamanhadanimportantsuitintheCourt—andhadaskillful lawyer to plead, it wouldmuch encourage him. Christ is at thecourt appearing for us, "For Christ has entered into heaven itself toappearnowbeforeGodasourAdvocate!"Heb9:24.Hehasgreatpowerinheaven,whichshouldmuchencourageustolookuptohim,andhopeforaudienceinprayer.Wemightindeedbeafraidtoofferourpetitions,ifwedidnothaveChristtopresentthem!

(4.)Seethedreadfulconditionofanunbeliever.Hehasnoneinheaventospeakawordforhim."Idonotprayfortheworld."Asgoodbeshutoutofheaven—asshutoutofChrist'sprayer!Christpleadsforthesaints, as Queen Esther did for the Jews, when they would have beendestroyed. "Letmypeople be spared atmy request."When thedevilshowstheblacknessoftheirsins—Christshowstherednessofhiswounds!HowdreadfulistheconditionofthatmanforwhomChristwill not pray, nay, against whom he will pray! Then Queen EstherpetitionedagainstHaman,andhegrewpalewithfright,andwasledawaytoexecution.It isdreadfulwhenthe law,andconscience,andthe judgeshallbeagainstthesinner—andnofriendtospeakawordforhim;thereisnoway,then—butforthejailertotaketheprisoner.

(5.) IfChristmakes intercession, thenwehavenothing to dowithotherintercessors.TheChurchofRometeachesthattheangelsintercede forus—andtheypray to them!ButChristalonecan intercedeforus!Godhasconsecratedhimashighpriest."Youareapriestforever."Christ intercedesbyvirtueofhismerit—in thevirtueofhisshedblood.HepleadshismeritstohisFather;buttheangelshavenomeritstobringto God, and therefore cannot be intercessors for us. Whoever is ouradvocatemust be our atoning sacrifice, to pacify God. "But if anyonedoes sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ therighteousOne.HeHimself is theatoningsacrifice foroursins." 1 John2:1-2.Theangelscannotbeouratoningsacrifice,andnotthereforeouradvocates.

Usetwo:OfTRIAL.HowshallweknowthatChristintercedesforus?Theyhave littleground to thinkChristprays for them—whoneverpray

forthemselves!Well—buthowshallweknow?

(1.)IfChristisprayingforus,hisSpiritisprayinginus."Hehassent forth his Spirit into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." The Spirithelpsuswithsighsandgroans;notonlywithgiftsbutgroans."AndtheHoly Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what weshouldprayfor,norhowweshouldpray.ButtheHolySpiritpraysforuswithgroanings that cannotbe expressed inwords.And theFatherwhoknowsallhearts,knowswhattheSpiritissaying,fortheSpiritpleadsforusbelieversinharmonywithGod'sownwill."Weneednotclimbuptheskies,toseeifthesunisthere;wemayseethebeautyofitupontheearth.Justso,weneednotgoupintoheaventoseeifChrististhereintercedingforus;butletuslookintoourhearts,iftheyarequickenedandinflamedinprayer,andwecancry,"Abba,Father!"BythisintercedingoftheSpiritwithinus,wemayknowChristisintercedingaboveforus.

(2.)IfwearegiventoChrist,thenheintercedesforus. "Iprayforthosewhomyouhavegivenme."ItisonethingforChristtobegiventous;itisanotherthingforustobegiventoChrist.

HowdoweknowthatwearegiventoChrist?

Ifyouareabeliever,thenyouareonegiventoChrist—andhepraysforyou.Faithisanactofrecumbency.WerestonChristasthestonesinthebuilding rest upon the corner-stone. Faith throws itself into Christ'sarms; it says, "Christ ismy priest, his blood ismy sacrifice, his divinenatureismyaltar,andhereIrest!"Thisfaithisseenbyitseffects;itisarefiningwork and a resigningwork. It purifies the heart, there is therefiningwork;itmakesadeedofgifttoChrist,itgivesupitslovetohim,thereistheresigningworkoffaith.TheywhobelievearegiventoChrist,andhaveapart inhisprayer."Iamprayingnotonlyforthesedisciplesbutalsoforallwhowill everbelieve inmebecauseof their testimony."John17:20.

Usethree:OfEXHORTATION.Itstirsusuptoseveralduties.

(1.) If Christ appears for us in heaven—thenwemust appearforhimuponearth.Christisnotashamedtocarryournamesonhis

bosom,andshallwebeashamedofhistruth?Doeshepleadourcause,andshallwenotstandupinhiscause?Whatamightyargumentisthistostand up for the honor of Christ, in times of apostasy! Christ isintercedingforus.Doeshepresentournamesinheaven,andshallnotweprofesshisnameonearth?

(2.) If Christ lays out all his interest for us at the throne ofgrace,wemustlayoutallourinterestforhim."ThatChristmaybemagnified."TradeyourtalentsforChrist'sglory;thereisnomanbuthas some talent to trade—one learning, another estate. Oh, trade forChrist's glory! Spend and be spent for him. Let your heart study forChrist,yourhandsworkforhim,yourtonguespeakforhim.IfChrist isan advocate for us in heaven—we must be agents for him on earth;everyoneinhisspheremustactvigorouslyforhim.

(3.)Believe in this glorious intercessionofChrist; that he nowintercedesforus,andthatforhissakeGodwillacceptus,asinthetext,"Whomakesintercessionforus."Ifwebelievenot,wedishonorChrist'sintercession. If a poor sinner may not go to Christ as his high priest,believinginhisintercession,thenweareChristiansinaworseconditionunder the gospel—than the Jews were under the law. When they hadsinned theyhad their highpriest tomake atonement; and shall notwehaveourHighPriest? Is notChrist ourAaron, who presents his bloodand incense before the mercy seat? Oh look up by faith to Christ'sintercession!Christdidnotonlyprayforhisdisciplesandapostles—butfortheweakestbeliever.

(4.)Loveyour Intercessor. "If anyone does not love the Lord, thatpersoniscursed."ICor16:22.God'skindness,invitesourlove.Hadyouafriendatcourt,who,whenyouwerequestionedfordelinquencyordebt,should plead with the judge for you, and bring you off your troubles,would you not love that friend? How often does Satan put in his billsagainstus in thecourt!NowChrist isat the judge'shand;hesits athisFather'srighthand,evertopleadforus,andtomakeourpeacewithGod.Oh,howshouldourheartsbefiredwithlovetoChrist!Lovehimwithasincere and superlative love—above your possessions, and your family.Ourfireofloveshouldbeasfireonthealtar—nevertogoout.Lev6:13.

Use four:OfCOMFORT to believers. Christ is at work for you inheaven;hemakesintercessionforyou.

"Oh!ButIamafraidChristdoesnotintercedeforme.Iamsuchasinner!ForwhomdoesChristintercede?"

"Hemadeintercessionforthetransgressors."DidChristopenhissideforyou,andwillhenotopenhismouthtopleadforyou?

"ButIhaveoffendedmyHighPriest,bydistrustinghisblood,abusinghislove,grievinghisSpirit!Willheeverprayforme?"

Whichofusmaynotsayso?But,Christian,doyoumournforunbelief?Be not discouraged, you may have a part in Christ's prayer. "Thecongregation murmured against Aaron;" but though they had sinnedagainst their high priest, Aaron ran in with his censer, and "stoodbetweenthedeadandtheliving."IfsomuchaffectionsinAaron,whowasbut a type of Christ, howmuchmore affections are in Christ, whowillprayforthosewhohavesinnedagainsttheirHighPriest!Didhenotprayforthosewhocrucifiedhim,"Father,forgivethem"?

"ButIamunworthy.WhatamI,thatChristshouldintercedeforme?"

TheworkofChrist'sintercessionisaworkoffreegrace.Christ'sprayingfor us is from hispityingus.He looks not at ourworthiness—but ourwants.

"ButIamfollowedwithdreadfultemptations."

But though Satan tempts, Christ prays; and Satan shall be vanquished.Youmayloseasinglebattle—butnotthevictory.Christpraysthatyourfaithwillnotfail;therefore,Christian,say,"Whyareyoucastdown,Omysoul?" Christ intercedes. It is man who sins, it is God that prays. TheGreekwordforadvocatesignifiescomforter. It isasovereigncomfort—thatChristmakesintercession.

5.Christ'sKINGLYOffice

Question26:HowdoesChristexecutetheofficeofaKING?

Answer: In subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and inrestrainingandconqueringallhisandourenemies.

LetusconsidernowChrist'sregaloffice."Andhehasonhisvesture,andon his thigh, a name written, "King of kings, and Lord of lords!" Rev19:16.JesusChristisofmightyrenown,heisaking:

(1.)Hehasakinglytitle."HighandLofty."Isa57:15.

(2.)Hehashisensignsofroyalty.

Hehashiscrown;Rev6:2;[acrownisthesymbolofroyalpower].

Hehashissword,"Girdyoursworduponyourthigh."

He has his scepter, "A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of yourkingdom."

(3.)Hehashis escutcheon, orcoatofarmor;he inserts the lion in hiscoatofarms."ThelionofthetribeofJudah."Thetextsays"heisKingofkings." He has a pre-eminence of all other kings, and is called, "ThePrinceofthekingsoftheearth."Hemustneedsbeso,for"byhimkingsreign."TheyholdtheircrownsbyimmediatetenurefromthisgreatKing.Christ infinitelyoutviesallotherprinces;hehasthehighestthrone, thelargestdominions, and the longestpossession. "Your throne,OGod, isforeverandever."Hehasmanyheirs—butnosuccessors.Wellmayhebecalled"Kingofkings,"forhehasanunlimitedpower!Thepowerofotherkingsislimited—butChrist'spowerisunlimited."Iknowthegreatnessofthe Lord—that our Lord is greater than any other god. The Lord doeswhateverpleaseshimthroughoutallheavenandearth,andon the seasandintheirdepths!"Psalm135:5-6.Christ'spowerisaslargeashiswill.

Theangelstaketheoathofallegiancetohim."Letall theangelsofGodworshiphim."

HowdidChristcometobeking?

Notbyusurpation—butlegally.Heholdshiscrownbyimmediatetenurefromheaven.GodtheFatherhasdecreedhimtobeking."Ihaveplacedmychosenkingonthethrone."Godhasanointedandsealedhimtohisregal office. "Him has God the Father sealed." God has set the crownuponhishead.

InwhatsenseisChristking?Twoways:

1.Inreferencetohispeople.

2.Inreferencetohisenemies.

I.InreferencetohisPEOPLE.

[1.]Togovernthem. ItwasprophesiedofChristbeforehewasborn,"Andyou,Bethlehem,arenotthe leastamongtheprincesofJudah; foroutofyoushallcomeagovernorwhoshallrulemypeopleIsrael."Itisavainthingforakingtohaveacrownonhishead,unlesshehasascepterinhishandtorule.

WheredoesChristruleasking?

Hiskingdom is spiritual.He rules in thehearts ofmen.He sets up histhrone where no other king does; he rules the will and affections; hispowerbindstheconscience;hesubduesmen'slusts."Hewillsubdueouriniquities."Mic7:19.

WhatdoesChristruleby?Bylaw,andbylove.

(1.)HerulesbyLAW.Itisoneoftheflowersofthecrown,toenactlaws.Christasakingmakeslaws,andbyhislawsherules;asthelawoffaith;"believeintheLordJesus;"andthelawofsanctity;"youmustbeholyineverything you do, just as God—who chose you to be his children—isholy"1Pet1:15.ManywouldadmitChristtobetheiradvocatetoplead

forthem—butnottheirkingtoruleoverthem.

(2.)HerulesbyLOVE.Heisakingfullofmercyandclemency;ashehasascepterinhishand,soanolivebranchofpeaceinhismouth.ThoughheistheLionofthetribeofJudahformajesty—yetheistheLambofGodformeekness.Hisregalrodhashoneyattheendofit.Heshedsabroadhis love into thehearts ofhis subjects; he rules themwithpromisesaswellasprecepts.Thismakesallhissubjectsbecomevolunteers;theyarewilling to pay their allegiance to him. "Your people shall be awillingpeople."

[2.]ChristisakingtoDEFENDhispeople.AsChristhasasceptertorulethem,sohehasashieldtodefendthem."You,OLord,areashieldforme."Christpreserveshischurch—asasparkintheocean,asaflockofsheepamongwolves.That theseashouldbehigher than theearth,andyet not drown it, is a wonder; so, that the wicked should be so muchhigherthanthechurchinpower,andnotdevourit,is,becauseChristhasthis inscription on his vesture and his thigh, KINGOF KINGS. "If theLord had not been on our side when people rose up against us, theywouldhaveswallowedusalivebecauseoftheirburningangeragainstus."Psalms124:2-3.Theysaythatlionshavelittleornosleep;itistrueoftheLionofthetribeofJudah,heneverslumbersorsleeps—butwatchesoverhischurchtodefendit."Inthatdaywewillsingofthepleasantvineyard.I,theLord,willwatchoveritandtendits fruitfulvines.EachdayIwillwater them;dayandnight I will watch to keep enemies away." Isaiah27:2-3.Iftheenemiesdestroythechurch,itmustbeatatimewhenitisneithernightnorday,forChristkeepsitdayandnight.

Christ issaid tocarryhischurch,as theeagleheryoungonesuponherwings.Exod19:4.Thearrowmustfirsthittheeaglebeforeitcanhurttheyoungones,andshoot throughherwings: theenemiesmust first strikethrough Christ, before they can destroy his church. Let the wind andstormsbeup,andthechurchalmostcoveredwithwaves—yetChristisintheshipofthechurch,andthereisnodangerofshipwreck!

NorwillChristdefendhischurchonly,asheisking—butdeliver it."Hedeliveredme out of themouth of the lion," namely,Nero. 2 Tim 4:17."TheLordsavedthembyagreatdeliverance."IChron11:14.Sometimes

Christissaidtocommanddeliverance.Psalm44:4.Sometimestocreatedeliverance. Isa45:8.ChristasaKingcommandsdeliverance, andasaGodcreates it.Anddeliverance shall come inhis time. "I theLordwillhastenitinhistime."Isa60:22.

Whenisthetimethatthiskingwilldeliverhispeople?

Whentheheartsofhispeoplearemosthumble,whentheirprayersaremostfervent,whentheirfaithisstrongest,whentheirforcesareweakest,when their enemies arehighest; then is theusual time thatChrist putsforthhiskinglypowerfortheirdeliverance.Isa33:2,8,9.

[3.]ChristisakingtoREWARDhispeople.Thereisnothinglostbyserving thisking.Herewardshis subjects in this life.Hegives theminwardpeaceandjoy;abunchofgrapesbytheway;andoft-timesrichesandhonor."Godlinesshasthepromiseofthislife."Butthegreatrewardis to come. "An eternal weight of glory!" Christ makes all his subjectskings!"Iwillgiveyouacrownof life!"Thiscrownwillbefullof jewels,anditwill"neverfade."

II.ChristisakinginreferencetohisENEMIES,insubduingandconqueringthem.Hepullsdowntheirpride,befoolstheircarnalpolicy,restrainstheirmalice.Thatstonecutoutofthemountainwithouthands,whichsmotetheimage,wasanemblem,saysAugustine,ofChrist'skinglypower, conquering and triumphing over his enemies. Dan 2:34. Christwillmake his enemies his footstool. Psalm 110:1.He can destroy themwithease."Itisnothingforyou,Lord,tohelp."2Chron14:11.Hecandoitwithweakmeans,orwithoutmeans.Hecanmaketheenemiesdestroythemselves.HesetthePersiansagainsttheGrecians;andthechildrenofAmmon helped to destroy one another. 2 Chron 20:23. Thus Christ iskinginvanquishingtheenemiesofhischurch.

ItisagreatgroundofcomforttothechurchofGodinthemidstofallthecombinationsoftheenemy,that"Christisking;"andhecannotonlybindthe enemies' power—butbreak it.The church hasmorewith her—thanagainst her; she has Emmanuel on her side, even that great KING towhomallkneesmustbend!

Christiscalled"amanofwar."Exod15:3.Heunderstandsallthepolicyofwarfare;heisdescribedwithseveneyesandsevenhorns.Rev5:6.Theseveneyesaretodiscerntheconspiraciesofhisenemies,andthesevenhornsaretooverpowerandvexhisenemies.

Christisdescribedwithacrownandabow."Hewhosatuponthewhitehorsehadabow, and a crownwas given unto him, and hewent forthconqueringandtoconquer."Thecrownisanensignofhiskinglyoffice,andthebowistoshoothisenemiestodeath.

Christ isdescribedwitha vesturedipped inblood.Rev 19:13.Hehas agoldensceptertorulehispeople—butanironrodtobreakhisenemies!"The ten horns you saw are ten kings; these shall make war with theLamb—but theLambshallovercomethem; forhe is theKingofkings."The enemies may set up their standard—but Christ will set up histrophiesat last. "So theangel swunghis sickleon theearthand loadedthegrapesintothegreatwinepressofGod'swrath.Andthegrapesweretrodden in the winepress, and blood flowed from the winepress." Rev14:19,20.TheenemiesofChristshallbebutassomanyclustersofripegrapes,tobecastintothegreatwine-pressofthewrathofGod,andtobetroddenbyChristuntiltheirbloodcomesout.Christwillatlastcomeoffvictor,andallhisenemiesshallbeputunderhisfeet.

Useone:

(1.)ItisnodisparagementtoserveChrist;heisaking,anditisnodishonortobeemployedinaking'sservice.Someareapttoreproachthesaints for their piety; but they serve the Lord Christ, he who has thisinscriptionuponhisvesture,KINGOFKINGS.Theodosius thought it agreater honor to be a servant of Christ than the head of an empire.Christ's servants are called vessels of honor; 2 Tim 2:21; and a royalnation,IPet2:9.ServingChristennoblesuswithdignity; it isagreaterhonortoserveChrist—thantohavekingsserveus!

(2.) IfChrist is king, it informsus, that allmattersmust onedaybebroughtbeforehimforjudgment.Christhas thepoweroflifeanddeathinhishand."TheFatherhascommittedalljudgmenttotheSon." He who once hung upon the cross shall sit upon the bench of

judicature;kingsmustcomebeforehimtobejudged;theywhooncesatupon the throne must appear at Christ's bar. God has committed alljudgmenttotheSon,andChrist'sisthehighestcourtofjudicature;ifthisKingoncecondemnsmen,thereisnoappealtoanyothercourt.

(3.)WhenwearefoiledbycorruptionwemustgotoChrist,forhe is king; desire him by his kingly power to subdue ourcorruptions,tobindthesekingswithchains.Psalm149:8.Weareapttosayofoursins,"ThesesonsofZeruiahwillbetoostrongforus!""We shall never overcome our corruptions!" Go to Christ—he is king.Thoughourlustsaretoostrongforus—theyarenotforChristtoconquer;for by his Spirit he can break the power of sin. When Joshua hadconqueredfivekings,hecausedhisservantstosettheirfeetonthenecksofthosekings;soChristcanandwillsethisfeetonthenecksofourlusts!

Usetwo:IsChristKingofkings?Letallthesegreatonestakeheedhow they employ their power against him. He gives themtheirpower, and if thispower shall bemadeuseof for suppressing hiskingdomandordinances,theiraccountwillbedreadful.GodhaslaidthekeyofgovernmentuponChrist'sshoulders,Isa9:6,andtoopposeChristinhiskinglyofficeisasifthethornsshouldsetthemselvesinbattlearrayagainstthefire,orachildfightwithanarchangel!Christ'sswordonhisthighisabletoavengeallhisquarrels.Itisnotgoodtostiralion;letnomanprovoketheLionofthetribeofJudah,whoseeyesarealampoffire,and"therocksarethrowndownbyhim.""LeteveryonebringtributetotheAwesomeOne.Forhebreaksthespiritofprincesandisfearedbythekingsoftheearth."Psalm76:11-12.

Use three: If Christ is a great king, submit to him. Say not, asthose Jews, "We have no king but Caesar!" "We have no king but ourlusts!" This is to choose the bramble to rule over you, and "out of thebramblewillcomeforthafire."SubmittoChristwillingly.AllthedevilsinhellsubmittoChrist;butitisagainsttheirwill;theyarehisslaves,nothis subjects. Submit cheerfully to Christ's person and his laws. ManywouldhaveChristtheirSaviortosavethemfromhell—butnottheirKingto rule them; such aswill not haveChrist to be their king to rule overthem,shallneverhavehisbloodtosavethem.ObeyallChrist'sprincelycommands;ifhecommandslove,humility,goodworks,beastheneedle

whichpointswhicheverwaytheloadstonedraws.

Use four: Let those admire God's free grace—whowere onceunder thepower,andslaveryand tyrannyofSatan—andnowChristhasmadethemtobecomethesubjectsofhiskingdom.Christdidnotneedsubjects,hehaslegionsofangelsministeringtohim;butinhislovehehashonoredyoutomakeyouhissubjects.Oh,howlongwas it before Christ could prevail with you to come under his banner!How much opposition did he meet with before you would wear thisprince'scolors!Atlastomnipotentgraceovercameyou!WhenPeterwassleepingbetweentwosoldiers,anangelcameandtookoffhischains,Acts12:7;so,whenyouweresleepinginthedevil'sarms,ChristbyhisSpiritsmoteyourheart,andcausedthechainsofsintofalloff,andmadeyouasubjectofhiskingdom.Ohadmirefreegrace!YouareasubjectofChrist,andaresuretoreignwithhimforever!

6.Christ'sHumiliationinHisIncarnation

"Great is the mystery of godliness, God was manifest in the flesh." 1Timothy 3:16. "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbledHimself,andbecameobedientuntodeath,eventhedeathof thecross."Philippians2:8

Question27:InwhatdidChristshumiliationconsist?

Answer:Inhisbeingborn,andthat ina lowcondition,madeunderthelaw,undergoingthemiseriesofthislife,thewrathofGod,andthecurseddeathofthecross.

Christ's humiliation consisted in his incarnation, his takingflesh,andbeingborn.ItwasrealfleshthatChristtook;nottheimageof a body (as the Manichees erroneously held) —but a true body;thereforeheissaidtobe"madeofawoman."Asbreadismadeofwheat,andwine ismadeof thegrape;soChrist ismadeofawoman:hisbody

was part of the flesh and substance of the virgin. This is a gloriousmystery,"Godmanifest in the flesh." In thecreation,manwasmade inGod'simage;intheincarnationGodwasmadeinman'simage.

HowdidChristcometobemadeflesh?

ItwasbyhisFather'sspecialdesignation."GodsentforthhisSon,madeofawoman."GodtheFatherinaspecialmannerappointedChristtobeincarnate;whichshowshowneedfula call is, toanybusinessofweightandimportance:toactwithoutacall,istoactwithoutablessing.Christwouldnotbeincarnate,andtakeuponhimtheworkofamediatoruntilhehadacall."GodsentforthhisSon,madeofawoman."

Butwastherenootherwayfortherestoringoffallenman,butthatGodshouldtakeflesh?

WemustnotaskareasonofGod'swill;itisdangeroustopryintoGod'sark.Wearenottodispute,butadore.ThewiseGodsawittobethebestwayforourredemption,thatChristshouldbeincarnate.Itwasnotfitforany to satisfy God's justice but a man; none could do it but God;therefore,ChristbeingbothGodandman,isthefittesttoundertakethisworkofredemption.

WhywasChristbornofawoman?

(1.) That God might fulfill that promise in Gen 3:15, "The seed of thewomanshallbreaktheserpent'shead."

(2.)Christwasbornofawoman, thathemightrollaway that reproachfrom the woman, which she had contracted by being seduced by theserpent. Christ, in taking his flesh from the woman, has honored hergender;thatas,atthefirst,thewomanhadmademanasinner;sonow,tomakehimamends,sheshouldbringhimaSavior.

WhywasChristbornofavirgin?

(1.)Fordecency. Itwasnotbefitting forGod tohave anymother but avirgin; and itwasnotbefitting for a virgin tohave anyother sonbutaGod.

(2.)Fornecessity.Christwastobeahighpriest,mostpureandholy.Hadhe been born after the ordinary course of nature, he would have beendefiled, since allwho spring out ofAdam's loinshave a tincture of sin.ThatChrist'ssubstancemightremainpureandimmaculate,hewasbornofavirgin.

(3.)Toanswerthetype.MelchisedecwasatypeofChrist,whoissaidtobe "without father andwithoutmother." Christ being born of a virgin,answered the type; hewaswithout father andwithoutmother;withoutmotherashewasGod,withoutfatherashewasman.

HowcouldChristbemadeofthefleshandbloodofavirgin,andyetbewithoutsin?Thepurestvirginisstainedwithoriginalsin.

ThisknottheScriptureunties."TheHolySpiritwillcomeuponyou,andthepoweroftheMostHighwillovershadowyou.Sothebabyborntoyouwillbeholy,andhewillbecalledtheSonofGod."Luke1:35."TheHolySpirit will come upon you," that is, theHoly Spirit did consecrate andpurify that part of the virgin's flesh whereof Christ was made. As thealchemistextractsanddrawsawaythedross fromthegold,so theHolySpiritrefinesandclarifiesthatpartofthevirgin'sflesh,separatingitfromsin.Though theVirginMaryherself had sin—yet that part ofher flesh,whereofChristwasmade,waswithoutsin;otherwise itmusthavebeenanimpureconception.

What is meant by the power of the Most High overshadowing thevirgin?

The Holy Spirit having framed Christ in the virgin's womb, did, in awonderfulmanner,uniteChrist'shumannature tohisdivine,andsoofbothmadeoneperson.Thisisamystery,whichtheangelspryintowithadoration.

WhenwasChristincarnate?

In the fullnessof time. "When the fullnessof timewas come,God sentforth his Son, made of a woman." By the fullness of time we must

understand,thedeterminatetimewhichGodhadset.Moreparticularly,this fullness of time was when all the prophecies of the coming of theMessiahwereaccomplished;andall legalshadowsandfigures,wherebyhewas typified,were abrogated. Thismay comfort us, in regard to thechurchofGod,thatthoughatpresentwedonotseethatpeaceandpurityin the churchwhichwe could desire—yet in the fullness of time,whenGod's time is comeandmercy is ripe, then shalldeliverance springup,andGodwillcomeridinguponthechariotsofsalvation.

WhywasJesusChristmadeflesh?

(1.)Theprimecausewasfreegrace.ItwasloveinGodtheFather,tosendChrist;andloveinChristthathecametobeincarnate.Lovewasthe intrinsicmotive. Christ is God-man, because he is a lover of man.Christcametous,outofpityandlove.Notourdeserts—butourmisery,madeChristtakeflesh.Christ'stakingfleshwasaplotoffreegrace,andadesign of pure love.Godhimself, thoughAlmighty,was overcomewithlove!Christincarnate,isnothingbut'love'coveredwithflesh!AsChrist'sassumingourhumannaturewasamaster-pieceofwisdom,soitalsowasamonumentoffreegrace!

(2.)Christtookourfleshuponhim,thathemighttakeoursinsupon him. "He was," says Luther, "maximus peccator, the greatestsinner,havingtheweightofthesinsofthewholeworldlyinguponhim."Hetookourfleshthathemighttakeoursins,andsoappeaseGod'swrathforus.

(3.)Christtookourfleshthathemightmakethehumannatureappear lovely to God, and the divine nature appear lovely toman.

(1:)Thathemightmakethehumannature lovelytoGod.Uponour fallfromGod,ournaturebecameodioustohim;noverminissoodioustousas the human nature was to God. When once our virgin nature wasbecome sinful, it was like flesh imposthumated, or running into sores,loathsometobehold.ItwassoodioustoGodthathecouldnotenduretolookuponus.Christ takingour flesh,makes thishumannature appearlovelytoGod.Aswhenthesunshinesontheglassitcastsabrightluster,

soChristbeingcladwithour fleshmakes thehumannature shine, andappearamiableinGod'seyes.

(2:) As Christ being clothed with our flesh makes the human natureappearlovelytoGod,sohemakesthedivinenatureappearlovelytoman.ThepureGodheadisterribletobehold,wecouldnotseeitandlive;butChrist clothing himself with our flesh, makes the divine nature moreamiable and delightful to us.We need not be afraid to look uponGodthroughChrist'shumannature.Itwasacustomofoldamongshepherdstoclothethemselveswithsheepskins,tobemorepleasingtothesheep;soChristclothedhimselfwithourflesh,thatthedivinenaturemaybemorepleasing tous.Thehumannature isaglass, throughwhichwemayseetheloveandwisdomandgloryofGodclearlyrepresentedtous.Throughthe lantern of Christ's humanity wemay behold the light of the Deity.Christbeing incarnatemakesthesightof theDeitynot formidable—butdelightfultous.

(4.) Jesus Christ united himself toman, "thatmanmight bedrawnnearertoGod."Godbeforewasanenemy tousbyreasonofsin;butChristhavingtakenourflesh,mediatesforus,andbringsusintofavorwithGod. Aswhen a king is angrywith a subject, the king's sonmarries his daughter, and somediates for the subject, and brings himintofavorwiththekingagain;sowhenGodtheFatherwasangrywithus,Christmarriedhimself toournature,andnowmediates foruswithhisFather,andbringsustobefriendsagain,andGodlooksuponuswithafavorableaspect.AsJoabpleadedforAbsalom,andbroughthimtoKingDavid,andDavidkissedhim;soJesusChristingratiatesusintotheloveandfavorofGod.Thereforehemaywellbecalledapeacemaker,havingtakenourfleshuponhim,andsomadepeacebetweenusandhisFather.

Useone:OfINSTRUCTION.

(1.)Seehere,asinaglass,theinfiniteloveofGodtheFather;thatwhenwehad lost ourselvesby sin,God, in the richesofhis grace,sent forth his Son, made of a woman, to redeem us! And behold theinfinite loveofChrist, in thathewaswillingthustocondescendtotakeourflesh!Surelytheangelswouldhavedisdainedtohavetakenourflesh;itwouldhavebeenadisparagementtothem.Whatkingwouldbewilling

towearsackclothoverhisclothofgold?ButChristdidnotdisdaintotakeour flesh. Oh the love of Christ! Had not Christ been made flesh—wewould have beenmade a curse! Had he not been incarnate, we wouldhave been incarcerate, andhadbeen forever in the prison of hell.Wellmight an angel be the herald to proclaim this joyful news of Christ'sincarnation:"Ibringyougoodnewsofgreatjoyforeveryone!TheSavior—yes, theMessiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, thecity of David!" The love of Christ, in being incarcerated, will themoreappearifweconsider—

(1:)ConsiderwhereChristcamefrom.Hecamefromheaven,andfromtherichestplaceinheaven,hisFather'sbosom,thathiveofsweetness.

(2:)ConsiderforwhomChristcame.Wasittohisfriends?No!Hecamefor sinfulman!Man who had defaced his image, and abused his love;manwhowasturnedrebel!Yethecametoman,resolvingtoconquerourobstinacywith his kindness. If he would come to any, why not to theangelswhichfell?"Hetooknotonhimthenatureofangels."Heb2:16.Theangels areof amorenobleorigin,more intelligent creatures,moreable for service! But behold the love of Christ—he did not come to thefallenangels—buttosinfulmankind!Amongtheseveralwondersof themagnet, is that it will not draw gold or pearl—but despising these, itdrawstheirontoit,oneofthemostinferiormetals.Justso,Christleavesangels, those noble spirits, the gold and the pearl—and comes to poorsinfulman,anddrawshimintohisembraces!

(3:)Considerinwhatmannerhecame.Hecamenotinthemajestyofaking,attendedwithhisroyalretinue—buthecamepoor;notliketheheirofheaven—butlikeoneofaninferiordescent.Considertheplacehewasborn in,waspoor;not the royal cityJerusalem—butBethlehem,apoorobscure place. A feeding trough was his cradle, the cobwebs were hiscurtains,thebeastswerehiscompanions;hedescendedofpoorparents.Onewould have thought, if Christwould have come into theworld, hewould havemade choice of some queen or personage of honor to havedescended from; but he comes of lowly obscure parents, for that theywerepoorappearsby theiroffering. "Apairof turtle-doves,"whichwastheusualofferingofthepoor.Lev12:8.Christwassopoor,thatwhenheneededmoney,hehadtoworkamiracletoobtainit.Matt17:27.Whenhe

diedhemadenowill.Hecameintotheworldpoor.

(4:)Considerwhyhecame.Thathemighttakeourflesh,andredeemus;that he might instate us into a kingdom. He was poor—that he mightmakeusrich.2Cor8:8.Hewasbornofavirgin—thatwemightbebornofGod.Hetookourflesh—thathemightgiveushisSpirit.Helayinthemanger—thatwemightlieinparadise.Hecamedownfromheaven—thathemightbringustoheaven.Andwhatwasallthisbutlove?Ifourheartsare not rocks, this love of Christ should affect us. Behold love whichpassesknowledge!"MayyouexperiencetheloveofChrist,thoughitissogreatyouwillneverfullyunderstandit!"Ephesians3:19

(2.)SeeheretheastonishinghumilityofChrist.Christwasmadeflesh. That Christ should clothe himself with our flesh—a piece of thatearthwhichwetreadupon—ohinfinitehumility!Christ'stakingourfleshwasoneoftheloweststepsofhishumiliation.Hehumbledhimselfmoreinlyinginthevirgin'swombthaninhanginguponthecross.Itwasnotsomuch for man to die—but for God to becomeman was the wonder ofhumility. "Hewasmade in the likenessofmen."ForChrist tobemadeflesh,wasmorehumilitythanfortheangelstobemadeworms.Christ'sfleshiscalledaveil,"Throughtheveil,"thatis,hisflesh.Christ'swearingourfleshveiledhisglory.Forhimtobemadeflesh,whowasequalwithGod—ohwhat humility! "Who being in the form ofGod thought it notrobbery to be equal with God." He stood upon even ground with theFather,hewasco-essential andcon-substantialwithhisFather—yet forallthat,hetakesflesh.Hestrippedhimselfoftherobesofhisglory,andcoveredhimselfwiththeragsofourhumanity.

If Solomon wondered that God should dwell in the temple which wasenrichedandhungwithgold—howmaywewonderthatGodshoulddwellinman'sweakand frailnature!Nay,which isyetmorehumility,Christnot only took our flesh—but took it when it was at the worst, underdisgrace; as if a servant should wear a nobleman's livery when he isimpeachedofhightreason.

Besides all this he took all the infirmitiesof our flesh. There are twosortsofinfirmities;suchasaresinfulinfirmitieswithoutpain;andsuchasarepainfulinfirmitieswithoutsin.Thesesinfulinfirmities(suchasto

becovetousorambitious)Christdidnottakeuponhim.Buthetookuponhimpainfulinfirmities,suchas—

(1.)Hunger.Hecametothefig-treeandwashungry.Matt21:18,19.

(2:)Weariness,aswhenhesatonJacob'swelltorest.John4:6.

(3:)Sorrow. "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death."Matt26:38.Itwasasorrowguidedwithreason—notdisturbedwithpassion.

(4:)Fear."Hewasheardinthathefeared."Heb5:7.

AfurtherdegreeofChrist'shumilitywas,thathenotonlywasmadeflesh—butinthelikenessofsinfulflesh."Godmadehimwhohadnosin—tobesin forus!"2Corinthians5:21.Hewas likeasinner;hehadall sin laidupon him—but no sin lived in him. "He was numbered amongtransgressors." Isa 53:12.Hewhowasnumbered among thepersonsoftheTrinity,issaid"tobearthesinsofmany."Heb9:28.Now,thiswasthelowestdegreeofChrist'shumiliation;forChristtobereputedasasinner,wasthegreatestpatternofhumility.ThatChrist,whowouldnotenduresinintheangels,shouldhimselfenduretohavesinimputedtohim,isthemostamazinghumilitythateverwas!

Fromall this, learn tobehumble.Doyou seeChristhumblinghimself,and are you proud? It is the humble saint, who is Christ's picture.Christians,donotbeproudofyourfinefeathers.Haveyouanestate?Donotbeproud.Theearthyoutreadon,isricherthanyou.Ithasminesofgoldandsilverinitsdepths.Haveyoubeauty?Donotbeproud.Itisbutairmingledwithdirt.Haveyouskillandabilities?Behumble.Luciferhasmoreknowledgethanyou.Haveyougrace?Behumble.It isnotofyourownmaking—itwasgiventoyoubyGod.Would itnot folly, tobeproudofaringthatismerelylenttoyou?"Whatmakesyoubetterthananyoneelse?WhatdoyouhavethatGodhasn'tgivenyou?AndifallyouhaveisfromGod,whyboastasthoughyouhaveaccomplishedsomethingon your own?" 1 Corinthians 4:7. You havemore sin than grace,morespotsthanbeauty.OhlookonChrist, thisrarepatternofhumility—andbe humbled! It is a sad sight, to see God humbling himself and manexaltinghimself; to seeahumbleSaviorandaproudsinner.Godhates

theverysemblanceofpride!Godwouldhavenohoney in the sacrifice.Lev2:11.Indeed,leavenissour;butwhynohoney?Because,whenhoneyis mingled with meal or flour, it makes the meal to rise and swell;thereforenohoney.Godhatestheresemblanceofthesinofpride!"Ihatepride and arrogance!" Proverbs 8:13. It is better to lack abilities—thanhumility."IfGod,"saysAugustine,'sparednottheangels,whentheygrewproud,willhespareyou,whoarebutdustandrottenness?"

(3.)Beholdhereasacredriddleorparadox—"Godmanifestintheflesh."ThatmanshouldbemadeinGod'simagewasawonder—butthatGodshouldbemadeinman'simageisagreaterwonder.ThattheAncientofDaysshouldbeborn,thathewhothundersintheheavensshouldcryin thecradle; thathewhorules thestars shouldsuck thebreast; that avirgin should conceive; thatChrist shouldbemadeof awoman, and ofthatwomanwhichhehimselfmade;thatthebranchshouldbearthevine;thatthemothershouldbeyoungerthanthechildshebore,andthechildinthewombbiggerthanthemother;thatthehumannatureshouldnotbeGod—yet onewithGod; this is themost astonishingmiracle! Christtakingfleshisamysteryweshallneverfullyunderstanduntilwecometoheaven,whenourlightshallbeclear,aswellasourloveperfect.

(4.)Fromhence, "Godmanifest in the flesh,"Christbornofavirgin,athingnotonlystrangeinnature—butimpossible,learn—Thatthereareno impossibilitieswithGod.God canbring about thingswhich areimpossible; as that iron should swim, that the rock should gush outwater,andthatthefireshouldlickupthewaterinthetrenches.IKings18:38.Itisnaturalforwatertoquenchfire—butforfiretoconsumewater—isimpossibleinthecourseofnature;butGodcanbringaboutallthis."Thereisnothingtoohardforyou.""ThisiswhattheLordAlmightysays—Allthismayseemimpossibletoyou.Butdoyouthinkthisisimpossibleforme,theLordAlmighty?"Zech8:6.

HowshouldGodbeunited toour flesh? It is impossible tous—butnotwithGod;hecandowhattranscendsreason,andexceedsfaith.HewouldnotbeourGodifhecouldnotdomorethanwecanthink.Eph3:20.Hecanreconcilecontraries.Howaptarewetobediscouragedwithseemingimpossibilities!Howdoourheartsdiewithinuswhenthingsgocontraryto sense and reason!We are apt to say as that prince in 2Kings 7:1-2,

"Even if theLord shouldopen the floodgatesof theheavens, could thishappen?"Itwasatimeoffamine—sohowcouldabushelofwheatbesoldforsuchacheapprice—howcanthisbe?So,whenthingsarecontrary,orstrange, God's own people are apt to question—how they could bebroughtaboutwithsuccess?

Moses,whowasamanofGod,andoneofthebrighteststarswhichevershone in the skies of God's church, was apt to be discouraged withseeming impossibilities. "But Moses said—There are 600,000 footsoldiersherewithme,andyetyoupromisethemmeatforawholemonth!Even ifwebutcheredallour flocksandherds,would that satisfy them?Evenifwecaughtallthefishinthesea,wouldthatbeenough?"Numbers11:21-22. As if he had said, in plain language, he did not see how thepeopleofIsrael,beingsonumerous,couldbefedforamonth."ThentheLord said toMoses—Is there any limit tomy power?Now youwill seewhetherornotmywordcomestrue!"Verse23.

ThatGodwhobroughtIsaacoutofadeadwomb,andtheMessiahoutofavirgin'swomb—what can he not do?Oh let us rest upon the arm ofGod'spower,andbelieveinhim,inthemidstofseemingimpossibilities!Remember,therearenoimpossibilitieswithGod!Hecansubdueaproudheart.Hecanraiseadyingchurch.Christbornofavirgin!Thewonder-workingGodwhowrought this, can bring to pass the greatest seemingimpossibility.

Usetwo:OfEXHORTATION.

(1.)SeeingChristtookourflesh,andwasbornofavirgin—letuslaborthathemaybespirituallyborninourhearts.Whatwillitprofitus,thatChristwasbornintotheworld—unlessheisborninourhearts? Marvel not that I say unto you—Christ must be born in yourhearts."UntilChristisformedinyou."Now,then—seeifChristisborninyourhearts.Howshallweknowthat?

Aretherepangsbeforethebirth?SobeforeChrist isbornintheheart,there are spiritual pangs; pangs of conscience, and deep convictions."Theywereprickedattheirheart."Igrantinthenewbirth—somereceivemore, some less pangs—all have not the same pangs of sorrow and

humiliation;yetallhavesomepangs!IfChristisborninyourheart,youhave been deeply afflicted for sin. Christ is never born in the heartwithoutpangs.ManythankGodtheyneverhadanytroubleofspirit,theywerealwaysquiet;butthisisasignthatChristisnotyetformedinthem.

WhenChristwasbornintotheworld,hewasmadeflesh;so,ifheisborninyourheart,hemakesyourheartaheartofflesh."Iwillsprinklecleanwater on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all yourimpuritiesandfromallyouridols.Iwillgiveyouanewheartandputanewspiritinyou;Iwillremovefromyouyourheartofstoneandgiveyouaheartof flesh!"Ezekiel36:25-26. Isyourheart flesh?Before, itwasarockyheart,andwouldnotyield toGod,or take the impressionsof theword;now it is fleshyandtender likemeltedwax, to takeanystampofthe Spirit. It is a sign that Christ is born in our hearts, when they areheartsofflesh,whentheymeltintearsandinlove.WhatisitthebetterthatChristwasmadeflesh,unlesshehasgivenyouaheartofflesh?

AsChristwasconceivedinthewombofavirgin;so,ifheisborninyou—yourheartisavirgin-heart,inrespectofsincerityandsanctity.Areyoupurified from the love of sin? If Christ is born in your heart, it is aSanctumSanctorum—aholyofholies.Ifyourheart ispollutedwiththepredominant love of sin, never think Christ is born there, Christ willnever lie any more in a filthy stable. If he is born in your heart, it isconsecratedbytheHolySpirit.

IfChristisborninyourheart,thenitiswithyou,asinabirth.Thereislife.Faithisthevitalorganofthesoul."ThelifeIliveinthebody,IlivebyfaithintheSonofGod,wholovedmeandgavehimself forme."Gal2:20.Thereisappetite."Asnew-bornbabes,desirethesinceremilkoftheword."Thewordislikebreast-milk—pure,sweet,nourishing;andthesoulinwhichChrist isformed,desiresthisbreast-milk.Bernard, inoneofhissoliloquies,comfortshimselfwiththis,thathesurelyhadthenewbirth inhim,becausehe found inhisheart such strongbreathings andthirstings after God. After Christ is born in the heart, there is greatmotion; there is a striving to enter in at the strait gate, and offeringviolence to the kingdom of heaven. Matt 11:12. By this we may knowChristisformedinus.Thisistheonlycomfort—thatasChristwasbornintotheworld,soheisborninourhearts!

(2.)AsChristwasmadeinourimage—letuslabortobemadeinhisimage."Leavingyouanexample,sothatyoushouldfollowinHissteps." 1Peter2:21. "Theonewhosayshe remains inHimshouldwalkjust as He walked." 1 John 2:6. "I have set you an example that youshoulddoasIhavedoneforyou."John13:15.Christbeingincarnatewasmade likeus—letus labor tobemade likehim.Thereare five things inwhichweshouldlabortobelikeChrist.

(1:) Be like Christ in DISPOSITION. He was of a most sweetdisposition."Hewasthedelightofhumanity,"TitusVespasian.Heinvitessinnerstocometohim.Hehasahearttopityus,breaststofeedus,wingstocoverus.Hewouldnotbreakourheart—butwithmercy.WasChristmadeinour likeness?Letusbelikehiminsweetnessofdisposition;benotofamorosespirit.ItwassaidofNabal,"He'ssoill-temperedthatnoonecaneventalktohim!"1Samuel25:17.Somearesoill-tempered,asiftheywereakintothebeasts—theyarefiredwithrage,andbreatheforthnothing but revenge! Or they are like those two men in the gospel,"possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs. They were so violentthat no one could pass that way." Matt 8:28. Let us be like Christ inmildnessandsweetness.Letusprayforourenemies,andconquerthembylove.David'skindnessmeltedSaul'sheart.ISam24:16.Afrozenheartwillbethawedwiththefireoflove.

(2:) Be like Christ in grace and HUMILITY.He was like us inhavingourflesh,letusbelikehiminhavinghisgrace.WeshouldlabortobelikeChrist,inhumility."Hehumbledhimself."Heleftthebrightrobesof his glory—tobe clothedwith the rags of our humanity—awonder ofhumility!LetusbelikeChristinthisgrace."Humility,"saysBernard,"isa despising of self-excellence," a kind of a self-annihilation. This is thegloryofaChristian.WeareneversolovelyinGod'seyes—aswhenweareblackinourowneyes.InthisletusbelikeChrist.TruetruereligionistoimitateChrist.Andindeed,whatcausehavewetobehumble—ifwelookwithinus,aboutus,

belowus,andaboveus!

If we lookwithin us—here we see our sins represented to us in the

looking-glassofconscience;lust,envy,passion.Oursinsarelikevermincrawlinginoursouls."Howmanyaremyiniquities!"Job13:23.Oursinsareasthesandsoftheseafornumber;astherocksoftheseaforweight!Augustinecriesout, "Myheart,which isGod's temple—ispollutedwithsin!"

Ifwe lookaboutus—there is thatwhichmayhumble us.Wemay seeotherChristians outshiningus in gifts and graces, as the sunoutshinesthelesserplanets.Othersareladenwithfruit—andperhapswehavebuthereand thereanolive-berrygrowing, to show thatweareof the rightkind.Isa17:6.

If we look below us—there is that may humble us. We may see themother earth, out of which we came. The earth is the most ignobleelement:"Theywerevilerthantheearth."Job30:8.

"Then theLordGod formed themanoutof thedust from the ground."Genesis2:7."Youwillreturntothegroundfromwhichyoucame.Foryouweremadefromdust,andtothedustyouwillreturn."Genesis3:19.Youwhoaresoproud,beholdyourpedigree—youarebutwalkingdirt!Andwillyoubeproud?Whatisman?Thesonofdust.Andwhatisdust?Thesonofnothing.

Ifwelookaboveus;thereisthatwhichmayhumbleus.Ifwelookuptoheaven,therewemayseeGodresistingtheproud.Godpursuestheproudinvengeance.Theproudmanis themarkwhichGodshootsat—andhenevermissesthemark.HethrewproudLuciferoutofheaven;hethrustproudNebuchadnezzaroutofhisthrone,and"hewasdrivenawayfrompeopleandategrass likecattle.Hisbodywasdrenchedwiththedewofheavenuntilhishairgrewlikethefeathersofaneagleandhisnails liketheclawsofabird!"Daniel4:33.Ohthen—belikeChristinhumility!

(3:)DidChristtakeourflesh?Washemadeliketous?Letusbemadelike him in ZEAL. "Zeal for Your house has consumedMe, and theinsultsofthosewhoinsultYouhavefallenonMe!"Psalm69:9.Hewaszealous when his Father was dishonored. In this let us be like Christ,zealousforGod'struthandglory,whicharethetwoorientpearlsofthecrownofheaven.ZealisasneedfulforaChristianassaltforthesacrifice,

orfireonthealtar.Zealwithoutprudenceisrashness;prudencewithoutzealiscowardliness.Withoutzeal,ourdutiesarenotacceptabletoGod.Zealislikethebow-strings,withoutwhichthelutemakesnomusic.

(4:)BelikeChrist,inthecontemptoftheWORLD.WhenChristtook our flesh, he came not in the pride of flesh, he did not descendimmediately fromkingsandnobles—butwasof lowlyparentage.Christwas not ambitious for titles or honor.He declinedworldly dignity andgreatness—asmuchasothersseekit.Whentheywouldhavemadehimaking,he refused it; he chose rather to rideupon the foal of andonkey,thanbedrawn in a chariot; and to hang upon awooden cross, than towearagoldencrown.He scorned thepompandglory of theworld.Heignored secular affairs. "Whomademe a judge?" His work was not toarbitrate matters of law; he did not come into the world to be amagistrate—but a Redeemer. He was like a star in a higher orb, heminded nothing but heaven.WasChristmade like us? Let us bemadelike him, in heavenliness and contempt of the world. Let us not beambitious of the empty honors and glories of the world. Let us notpurchase theworldwith the lossoursoul.Whatwisemanwoulddamnhimself—to grow rich? or throw down his soul to hell—to build up anearthlyestate?BelikeChristinaholycontemptoftheworld.

(5:)BelikeChristinHOLINESSoflife.WasChristincarnate?Washe made like us? Let us be made like him in holiness of life. Notemptationcouldfastenuponhim."Theprinceofthisworldcomes,andhasnothinginme."John14:30.TemptationtoChrist,waslikeasparkoffireuponamarblepillar,whichglidesoff.Christ'slife,saysChrysostom,wasbrighterthanthesunbeams.Letusbelikehiminthis."AstheOnewhocalledyouisholy,youalsoaretobeholyinallyourconduct."1Peter1:15."Wearenot,"saysAugustine,"tobelikeChristinworkingmiracles—butinaholylife."AChristianshouldbebothamagnetandadiamond;amagnet—indrawingotherstoChrist;adiamond—incastingasparklinglusterofholinessinhislife.Ohletusbesojustinourdealings,sotrueinourpromises,sodevoutinourworship,sounblamablyinourlives—thatwemaybethewalkingpicturesofChrist!ThusasChristwasmadeinourlikeness,letuslabortobemadeinhis.

(3.)IfJesusChristwassoabasedforus;ifhetookourflesh,whichwasa

disparagementtohim—aminglingdustwithgold;ifheabasedhimselfsofor us—let us be willing to be abased for him. If the worldreproachesusforChrist'ssake,andcastdirtonourname—letusbearitwith patience. The apostles departed from the council, "rejoicing thattheywere countedworthy to suffer shame forChrist'sname!"That is—thattheyweregracedtobedisgracedforChrist.ThatisagoodsayingofAugustine, "those who take away a saint's reputation, shall add to hisreward."While theymake his reputationweigh lighter—theywillmakehis crown weigh heavier. Oh, was Christ content to be humbled andabasedforus,totakeourflesh,andtotakeitwhenitwasindisgrace?LetusnotthinkmuchtobeabasedforChrist.SayasDavid,"Ifthisistobevile—Iwill yetbemorevile!" "If to servemyLordChrist, if tokeepmyconsciencepure—ifthisistobevile—Iwillyetbemorevile!"

Use three:Of COMFORT. Jesus Christ, having taken our flesh, hasennobled our nature.Our nature is now investedwith greater royaltiesandprivileges,thanintimeofinnocence.Before,ininnocence,weweremadeinthe imageofGod;butnow,Christhavingassumedournature,wearemadeonewithGod;ournatureisnowennobledabovetheangelicnature.Christ takingour flesh,hasmadeusnearer tohimself, than theangels. The angels are his friends; believers are flesh of his flesh—hismembers. Eph 5:30, 1:23. The same glory which is put upon Christ'shumannature,shallbeputuponbelievers!

7.Christ'sEXALTATION

"God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that isaboveeveryname."Phil2:9.

WehavebeforespokenofChrist'shumiliation;weshallnowspeakofhisexaltation.BeforeyousawtheSunofRighteousness intheeclipse; nowyou shall see it coming out of the eclipse, and shining in its full glory."Godexaltedhimtothehighestplace;""Aboveallexaltation."

Question28:WhatdoesChrist'sexaltationconsistof?

Answer:Inhisrising fromthedead,hisascending intoheaven, andhissittingattherighthandofGodtheFather,etc.

InwhatsensehasGodexaltedChrist?

NotinrespectofhisGodhead,forthatcannotbeexaltedhigherthanitis:asinhishumiliation,theGodheadwasnotlower;soinhisexaltation,theGodhead is not higher: but Christ is exalted as Mediator, his humannatureisexalted.

HowmanywaysisChristexalted?

Fiveways.GodhasexaltedChrist,

1.Inhistitles.

2.Inhisoffice.

3.Inhisascension.

4.Tohisright-hand.

5.Inconstitutinghimjudgeoftheworld.

I.GodhasexaltedChristinhisTITLES.

[1]He is exalted to be aLORD. "The name of the Lord Jesus wasmagnified."He is a Lord in respect of his sovereignty; he is Lord overangelsandmen."Allpowerisgiventohim."Christhasthreekeysinhishand,thekeyofthegrave,toopenthegravesofmenattheresurrection;thekeyofheaven,toopenthekingdomofheaventowhomeverhewill;thekeyofhell,tolockupthedamnedinthatfieryprison."Iamthelivingonewhodied.Look,Iamaliveforeverandever!AndIholdthekeysofdeathandthegrave."Revelation1:18.

TothisLordallkneesmustbow."ThatatthenameofJesuseverykneeshould bow."Name is here put for person; to that holy Jesus, to the

scepter of that divine person, every knee shall bow. Bowing is put forsubjection.Allmustbesubduedtohimassonsorcaptives,submittohimastotheLordorJudge.Psalm2:12,"KisstheSon"withakissofloveandloyalty.WemustnotonlycastourselvesintoChrist'sarmstobesavedbyhim—butwemustcastourselvesathisfeettoservehim.

[2]ChristisexaltedtobeaPRINCE."AtthattimeMichaelthegreatprincewhostandswatchoveryourpeoplewillriseup."Somethinkitwasacreatedangel—butitwasChristtheangelofthecovenant.Heisagreatprince. "The prince of the kings of the earth."Human kings hold theircrownsbyimmediatetenurefromhim;histhroneisabovethestars,hehas angels and archangels for his attendants. Thus he is exalted in histitlesofhonor.

II.GodhasexaltedChristinhisOFFICE.GodhashonoredhimtobeSalvatormundi—theSavioroftheworld."HimhasGodexaltedwithhisrighthand,tobeaprinceandaSavior."ItwasagreathonortoMosestobeatemporalsavior;butwhatisthat,comparedtotheSaviorofsouls?"HehassentusamightySaviorfromtheroyallineofhisservantDavid."Luke 1:69. He saves from sin,Matt 1:21; fromwrath, I Thess 1:10. Tosave,isaflowerbelongingonlytohiscrown."Neitheristheresalvationinanyother."Acts4:12.Whatanhonor is thistoChrist!Howdid itmakeheavenringwiththepraisesofthesaints!TheysinghallelujahstoChristtheir Savior. "And they sang a new song—You are worthy to take thescrollandtoopenitsseals,becauseyouwereslain,andwithyourbloodyouredeemedmenforGodfromeverytribeandlanguageandpeopleandnation."Revelation5:9.

III. God has exalted Christ in his ASCENSION; for if he isascended,thenheisexalted.TheScriptureplainlysaysheascendedintoheaven. Luke 24:51 and Eph 4:10. "Far above all heavens;" thereforeabove the skies. He is ascended into the highest part of the empyreanheaven,whichPaulcallsthethirdheaven.ConcerningChrist'sascension,twothingsmaybeobserved:

[1]TheMANNERofhisascension.WhenChristascendedheblessedhis disciples. "He lifted up his hands, and blessed them, and while heblessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven."

Luke24:50,51.Hedidnotleavethemhousesandlands—butheleftthemhisblessing.

Heascendedasaconqueror,inawayoftriumph."Youhaveledcaptivitycaptive."He triumphed over sin, hell, and death; and his triumph is abeliever'striumph.Hehasconqueredsinandhellforeverybeliever.

[2] The FRUIT of Christ's ascension. His ascension to heavencauses the descension of the Holy Spirit into our hearts. "When heascendeduponhigh,hegavegifts tomen."Havingascendedup in theclouds,ashistriumphantchariot,hegivesthegiftofhisSpirittous;asakingathiscoronationbestowsgiftsliberallyonhisfavorites.

IV.GodhasexaltedChristtoHisrighthand."AftertheLordhadspokentothem,hewasreceivedupintoheaven,andsatupontherighthandofGod.""Heraisedhimfromthedeadandseatedhimathisrighthandintheheavenlyrealms,faraboveallruleandauthority,poweranddominion,andevery title thatcanbegiven,notonly in thepresentagebutalsointheonetocome."Ephesians1:20-21.

WhatismeantbyChristsittingatGod'srighthand?

Godreallyhasno right-handor left; forbeingaSpirit,he is voidof allbodily parts. This is ametaphor taken from themanner of kings,whowere accustomed to advance their favorites next to their own persons,andsetthemattheirrighthand.Solomoncausedaseattobesetforthequeenhismother,andplacedherathisrighthand.SoforChristtositatthe right hand of God, is to be in the next place to God the Father indignityandhonor.ThehumannatureofChrist,beingpersonallyunitedtothedivinenature, is now setdownon a royal throne inheaven, andadoredevenbyangels!

ByvirtueofthepersonalunionofChrist'shumannaturewiththedivine,there is a communication of all that glory from the Deity of Christ ofwhich his human nature is capable.Not that themanhood of Christ isadvanced toanequalitywith theGodhead—but thedivinenaturebeingjoined with the human, the human nature is wonderfully glorified,thoughnotdeified.Christasmediatorisfilledwithallmajestyandhonor,

beyond the comprehension of the highest order of angels. In hishumiliationhedescendedso low—that itwasnot fit togo lower;andinhisexaltationheascendedsohigh—thatitisnotpossibletogohigher.Inhisresurrectionhewasexaltedabovethegrave;inhisascensionhewasexaltedabovethestarryheavens;inhissittingatGod'srighthandhewasexaltedfarabovethehighestheavens,"Faraboveallheavens."

V. God has exalted Christ in constituting him JUDGE of thewholeworld."TheFatherhascommittedalljudgementtotheSon."Atthe day of judgement Christ shall be exalted supereminently. "He shallcome in the glory of his Father."He shall wear the same embroideredrobesofmajestyastheFather;andheshallcomewithallhisholyangels.Matt25:31.Hewhowas ledto thebarwithabandof soldiers, shallbeattended to the bench with a guard of angels. Christ shall judge hisjudges,heshalljudgePilatewhocondemnedhim;kingsmustleavetheirthronesandcometohisbar.Andthisisthehighestcourtof judicature,fromwhenceisnoappeal.

Useone:OfINFORMATION.

(1.)SeethedifferentstatesofChrist—whenhewasonearth—andnowthatheisinheaven.Ohhowisthescenealtered!Whenhewasonearth,helayinamanger;nowhesitsonathrone!Thenhewashatedandscornedofmen;nowhe is adoredbyangels!Thenhisnamewas reproached; now, "God has given him a name above every name."Thenhecameinthe formofaservant,andasaservant,stoodwithhisbason and towel, and washed his disciples' feet; now he is clad in hisprinces'robes,andthekingsoftheearthcasttheircrownsbeforehim.Onearth he was a man of sorrows; now he is anointed with the oil ofgladness. On earth was his crucifixion; now his coronation. Then hisFather frowneduponhim indesertion;nowhehas sethimathis righthand.Before,heseemedtohavenoformorbeautyinhim;Isa53:2;nowheisinthebrightnessofhisFather'sglory.Heb1:3.Ohwhatachangeishere!"HimhasGodhighlyexalted."

(2.)WasChrist firsthumbledand thenexalted?Hence learn,that theway to truehonor ishumility. "Hewhohumbleshimselfshallbeexalted."Theworldlooksuponhumilityasthatwhichwillmake

contemptible—but it is thesurewaytohonor.Thewaytorise is to fall;thewaytoascendistodescend.Humilityexaltsusintheesteemofmen,and it exalts us to a higher throne in heaven. "Whoever shall humblehimself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom ofheaven."Heshallhaveagreaterdegreeofgloryinit.

(3.) Christ first suffered—and then was exalted. See here, thatsufferingsmustgobeforeglory.ManydesiretobeglorifiedwithChrist—buttheyarenotcontenttosufferforhim."Ifwesufferwithhim,weshallreignwithhim."Thewicked firstreign—andthensuffer; thegodly firstsuffer—and then reign. There is no way to heaven—but throughsufferings. There is no way to the crown—but by the cross. Jerusalemaboveisapleasantcity,streetsofgold,gatesofpearl;butwemusttravelthroughadirtyroadtoit,throughmanyreproachesandsufferings.Acts14:22.Wemustenter intogloryasChristdid;who firstsufferedshameanddeath—andthenwasexaltedtositatGod'srighthand.

Usetwo:OfCOMFORT.

(1.) Christ, being so highly exalted, has ennobled our nature,crowned it with glory, and lifted it above angels andarchangels.Though,asman,hewasmadealittlelowerthantheangels—yetas thehumannature isunited to thedivine, and is atGod's righthand—sothehumannature isabove theangels. IfGodhassodignifiedournature,whatashameisitthatweshoulddebaseit!Godhasexaltedthehumannatureabovetheangels,andthedrunkarddebasesthehumannaturebelowthebeasts!

(2.) Christ being exalted at God's right hand, the key ofgovernment is laid upon his shoulders; he governs all theaffairs of the world for his own glory. Do you think that whenChristissohighlyadvanced,andhasallpowerinheavenandearthinhishand, he will not take care of his elect, and turn themost astonishingprovidences to the good of his church? In a clock, the wheels movecontrary one to another—but all make the clock strike. Just so, ChristbeingathisFather'srighthand,willmakethemostcontraryprovidencestendtothesalvationofhischurch.

(3.)ChristbeingatGod'srighthand,wemaybeassuredhehasnowfinishedtheworkofman'sredemption. "Thisman,afterhehadofferedonesacrifice forsins, foreversatdownontherighthandofGod." If Christ had not fully expiated sin, and satisfied God's law, hewould not have sat down at God's right hand—but had still lain in thegrave;butnowhe isexalted toglory;which isanevident token thathehasdoneandsufferedall thatwasrequiredofhim,forworkingoutourredemption.

(4.)ThoughJesusChristissohighlyexaltedinglory—yetheisnot forgetfulofusonearth.Some,whenraised toplacesofhonor,forget their friends; as the chief butler, when restored to his place atcourt, forgotpoorJoseph inprison.But it isnotsowithChrist; thoughexalted to such glory in heaven, he is not unmindful of his saints onearth.Ourhighpriesthasallthenamesandneedsofhispeoplewrittenupon his breast-plate. Are you tempted? Though Christ is in glory, heknowshow to pity and support you. "Forwedonot have a high priestwhoisunabletosympathizewithourweaknesses,butwehaveonewhohas been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin."Hebrews4:15.Doyoumournforsin?Christ,thoughinaglorifiedstate—hearsyoursighs,andbottlesyourtears!

(5.)ChristbeingexaltedatGod'srighthandisforthecomfortofbelievers—that theywillonedaybeexalted to thatplaceofglorywhereheis!Christ'sexaltationisourexaltation.Hehasprayedforthis."Father,Iwill thatall those,whomyouhavegivenme,bewithmewhereIam.""TherearemanyroomsinmyFather'shome,andIamgoing to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell youplainly.Wheneverything is ready, Iwill comeandget you, so that youwill always be with me where I am." John 14:2-3. Christ is called thehead, and the church is called thebody. Eph 1:22, 23. Theheadbeingexaltedtohonor,themysticbodyshallbeexaltedalso.AssurelyasChristisexaltedfaraboveallheavens—sosurelywillheinstatebelievers inallthatglorywithwhichhishumannature isadorned. "Ihavegiven themthegloryyougaveme,sothattheymaybeone,asweare."John17:22.Ashehereputshisgraceupon the saints, so shortlywill heput hisgloryuponthem!

This is comfort for the poorest Christian. Perhaps you have scarcely ahouse to put your head in—yet you may look up to heaven, and say,"Thereismyhouse,thereismycountry;Ihavealreadytakenpossessionofheaveninmyhead,Christ!Hesitsthere,anditwillnotbelongbeforeIshall sit therewith him; he is upon the throne of glory, and I have hisword for it—I shall sit upon the throne with him" "To him whoovercomes, I will give the right to sit withme onmy throne, just as IovercameandsatdownwithmyFatheronhisthrone."Revelation3:21.

Usethree:OfEXHORTATION.HasGodhighlyexaltedChrist?Letuslabortoexalthim.Letusexalt,(1.)Hisperson.(2.)Histruths.

(1.) Let us exalt Christ in our hearts—believe, adore and lovehim!Wecannotlifthimuphigherinheaven—butwemaylifhimhigherinourhearts.Letusexalthiminourlips; letuspraisehim.Ourbodiesare the temples of theHoly Spirit, our tonguesmust be theorgans inthese temples.BypraisingandcommendingChrist,weexalthim in theesteemofothers.Letusexalthiminourlives,bylivingholylives.Thisistrue true religion—whenmen strive to live blameless lives. Not all thedoxologies and prayers in the world so exalt Christ—as a holy life! ItmakesChristrenowned,andliftshimupindeed,whenhisfollowerswalkworthyofhim.

(2.)LetusexaltChrist'struths.ThenoblesofPolonia,wheneverthegospelisread—theylaytheirhandsupontheirswords,intimatingbythattheyarereadytomaintainthegospelwiththehazardoftheirlives.Letusexalt Christ's truths; maintain the truths of Christ—against error;maintainthedoctrineoffreegrace—againstmerit;maintaintheDeityofChrist—againstSocinianism.

Truth is themostorientpearl inChrist's crown.Letus contend for thetruth, as one would for a large sum of money, that it should not bewrestedoutofhishand.Christtakesittobeexaltinghim—whenweexalthistruths,whereinhisgloryisconcerned.

8.ChristTheREDEEMER

Question 30: How does the Spirit apply the redemptionpurchasedbyChristtous?

Answer:TheSpiritappliestoustheredemptionpurchasedbyChristbyworking faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectualcalling.

In this answer, there are two things. It is implied that Christ is theglorious purchaser of our redemption, in the words, "The redemptionpurchasedbyChrist".AnditisdeclaredthattheSpiritappliestousthispurchasedredemption,byworkinginusfaith,etc.

The thing implied is—that Jesus Christ is the gloriouspurchaserofourredemption.ThedoctrineofredemptionbyJesusChrist is a glorious doctrine; it is themarrow and quintessence of thegospel, in which all a Christian's comfort lies. Great was the work ofcreation—butgreatertheworkofredemption;itcostmoretoredeemusthan tomakeus. In creation, therewasbut the speakingof aword; inredemption, therewas the sheddingofblood.The creationwas but thework of God's fingers. Psalm 8:3. Redemption is the work of his arm.Luke1:51.

"Having obtained eternal redemption for us." Heb 9:12. Christ'spurchasingredemption forus implies thatoursinsmortgagedandsoldus.Hadtherenotbeensomekindofmortgagingtherehadbeennoneedof redemption.Whenwewere thusmortgaged, and sold by sin, Christpurchasedourredemption.Hehadthebestrighttoredeemus,forheisourkinsman.TheHebrewwordforRedeemer,Goel,signifiesakinsman,one who is near in blood. In the old law the nearest kinsman was toredeemhisbrother's land.Ruth4:4.ThusChristbeingnearakin tous,"Fleshofourflesh,"isthefittesttoredeemus.

HowdoesChristredeemus?

Byhis ownprecious blood. "Inwhomwehave redemption through hisblood." Among the Romans, he was said to redeem another, who laiddown a price equivalent for the ransom of the prisoner. In this senseChristisaRedeemer;hehaspaidaprice.Neverwassuchapricepaidtoransomprisoners. "You are boughtwith a price; and this pricewashisownblood."So,inthetext,"byhisownbloodheenteredinonceintotheholyplace,havingobtainedeternalredemptionforus."ThisbloodbeingthebloodofthatpersonwhowasGodaswellasman,isapricesufficientfortheransomofmillions.

FromwhatdoesChristredeemus?

From sin. To be redeemed from slavery is a great mercy—but it isinfinitelymoretoberedeemedfromsin.There isnothing thatcanhurtthesoulbutsin.Afflictioncannothurtit, itoftenmakesitbetter,asthefurnacemakes gold the purer; but it is sin that damnifies.Now, Christredeemsusfromsin."Now,onceintheendoftheworldhasheappearedtoputawaysinbythesacrificeofhimself."

Buthowareweredeemedfromsin?Dowenotseecorruptionstirringintheregenerate?Dowenotseemuchprideandunmortifiedpassion?

Redemptioniseitherbegun—orperfect.Sincannotstandwithaperfectredemption;buthereon earth, redemption isonlybegun, and sinmaystandwithanimperfectredemption.Theremaybesomedarknessintheairatthesun'sfirstrising—butnotwhenthesunisatthefullmeridian.Whileourredemptionisbutbegun,theremaybesin;butnotwhenitisperfectinglory.

InwhatsensehasChristredeemedjustifiedpeoplefromsin?

(1.)Ajustifiedpersonisredeemedfromtheguiltofsin—thoughnotthestain of sin. Guilt is the binding a person over to punishment. Now,Christ has redeemed a justified person from the guilt of sin; he hasdischargedhisdebts.ChristsaystoGod'sjustice,asPaultoPhilemon,"Ifhehaswrongedyouinanyway,orowesyouanything,chargethattomyaccount."Verse18.

(2.)Ajustifiedpersonisredeemedfromthepoweranddominionofsin—thoughnotfromthepresenceofsin.SinmaymayrageinachildofGod—but not reign.Lust raged inDavid, and fear in Peter—but it did notreign; they recovered themselves by repentance. "Sin shall not havedominionoveryou."Rom6:14.SinlivesinachildofGod—butisdeposedfromthethrone;itlivesnotasaking—butacaptive.

(3.)Ajustifiedpersonisredeemedfromthecurseduetosin."Christhasredeemedus fromthecurseof the law,beingmadeacurse forus."Gal3:13.ChristsaidtohisFather,asRebeccatoJacob,"Uponme,uponmebethecurse;lettheblessingbeuponthem—butuponmebethecurse."Andnow,thereisnocondemnationtobelievers."Therefore,thereisnownocondemnationforthosewhoareinChristJesus."Romans8:1.

Anunbelieverhasadoublecondemnation;onefromthelawwhichhehastransgressed,andtheother fromthegospelwhichhehasdespised.ButChristhas redeemed thebeliever from thismalediction,hehas sethimoutsideofthepowerofhellanddamnation.

TowhathasChristredeemedus?

Christhasredeemedustoagloriousinheritance."ForGodhasreservedapriceless inheritance forhis children. It is kept inheaven for you,pureandundefiled,beyondthereachofchangeanddecay!"1Peter1:4.

(1.) Christ has redeemed us to an inheritance. Christ has not onlyredeemed us out of prison—but he has redeemed us to a state ofhappiness,toaninheritance.Heavenisnotaleasewhichsoonexpires—but an inheritance; and a glorious inheritance; called an inheritance inlight.Col1:12.Lightadornsandgildstheworld.Whatwouldtheworldbewithout light—butaprison?Theheavenly inheritance is irradiatedwithlight.Christ,asacontinualsun,enlightensitwithhisbeams.Rev21:23.

(2.)Christhasredeemedustoanincorruptibleinheritance.Itdoesnotmoulder awayor sufferdissolution.Earthly comforts are shadowedoutby the tabernacle, which was transient. But heaven is set out by thetemple,whichwas fixedandpermanent,builtwith stone, overlaidwithgold. This is the glory of the celestial inheritance; it is incorruptible.

Eternityiswrittenuponthefrontispieceofit.

(3.) Christ has redeemed us to an undefiled inheritance. The Greekword forundefiled,alludes to a precious stone calledAmiantus, whichcannotbeblemished.Suchaplaceisheaven,undefiled,nothingcanstainit; there is no sin there to eclipse its purity. For holiness andundefiledness, it is compared to pure gold, and to the sapphire andemerald.Rev21:19."Thesapphirehasavirtue,"saysPliny,"topreservechasteness,theemeraldtoexpelpoison."Thesearethelivelyemblemsofheaven, toshowthesanctityof it;no feverof lust;novenomofmalice;nonebutpurevirginspiritsinhabitit.

(4.)Christhasredeemedustoanunfadinginheritance.TheGreekwordis thenameof a flower,Amarantus,whichkeeps freshandgreen for along time. Such is the heavenly inheritance, it does not lose its orientcolor—butkeepsitsfreshnessandgreennesstoeternity;itsbeautyneverfadesaway.

To this glorious inheritance has Christ redeemed the saints; aninheritancewhichcannotbefullydescribedorsetforthbyallthelightsofheaven,thougheverystarwereasun.Andthatwhichisthediamondinthering,thegloryofthisinheritance—istheeternalsightandfruitionoftheblessedGod!ThesightofGodwillbeamostalluring,heart-ravishingobject;theking'spresencemakesthecourt."Weshallseehimasheis!"Itis comfortable to see God showing himself through the lattice of anordinance,toseehimintheWordandsacrament.Themartyrsthoughtitcomfortabletoseehiminaprison.Ohthen,whatwillitbetoseehiminglory,shiningtenthousandtimesbrighterthanthesun!andnotonlyseehim—butenjoyhimforever!Faith itself isnotable fully to comprehendthisreward.AllthisblessednesshasChristpurchasedforus,throughtheredemptionofhisblood.

Useone:OfINSTRUCTION.

(1.) See into what a wretched deplorable condition we hadbroughtourselvesby sin!Wehad sinned ourselves into slavery, sothatweneededChristtopurchaseourredemption.SaysCicero,"Slaveryistheworstcondition."Butbysinweareintheworstslavery—slavesto

Satan,amercilesstyrant,whosportsinthedamnationofsouls!Wewereinthisdeplorablecondition,whenChristcametoredeemus.

(2.)Seeinthis,as inatransparentglass, the loveofChristtotheelect.Hecametoredeemthem;anddiedintentionallyforthem.Itwouldbegreatloveforakingtopayagreatsumofmoneytoredeemaslave.Butifthekingshouldwillinglybecomeaprisonerinhisstead,anddieforhisransom—thiswouldbeamatterofastonishment!JesusChristhasdoneallthis,hehaswrittenhisloveincharactersofblood!ItwouldhavebeenmuchforChristtospeakagoodwordtohisFatherforus—buthe knew thatwas not enough to redeem us. Though a word speakingmadeaworld—yet itwouldnot redeema sinner. "Without shedding ofbloodthereisnoremissionofsin."

Usetwo:OfTRIAL. IfChristcametopurchaseourredemption,thenlet us test ourselves—to see whether or not we are the people whomChristhasredeemedfromtheguiltandcurseduetosin.Thisisaneedfultrial;forthereisonlyacertainnumberwhomChristhasredeemed."Oh,"say sinners, "Christ is a redeemer, and we shall be saved by him!"Beloved, Christ came not to redeem all, for that would overthrow thedecreesofGod.Redemptionisnotaslargeascreation.IgrantthereisasufficiencyofmeritinChrist'sbloodtosaveall;butthereisadifferencebetweensufficiencyandefficiency.Christ'sbloodisasufficientpriceforall—but it is effectual only to those who believe. A plastermay have asovereignvirtueinittohealanywound—butitdoesnothealany,unlessapplied to the wound. And if it is so, that all have not the benefit ofChrist's redemption—but only some—then it is a necessary question toaskourownsouls,"AreweinthenumberofthosewhoareredeemedbyChrist,ornot?"

Howshallweknowthat?

(1.)SuchasareredeemedareRECONCILEDtoGod.Theenmityis taken away. Their judgments approve of God, and their wills areinclined toGod. Col 1:21. Are they redeemed—who are unreconciled toGod, who hate God and his people, who do all they can to disparageholiness? Are they redeemedwho are unreconciled to God? Christ haspurchasedareprieveforthese;butasinnermayhaveareprieve,andyet

gotohell.John5:6.

(2.) Such as are redeemed by Christ are redeemed from theWORLD. "Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver (orredeem)usfromthispresentevilworld."Gal1:4.Suchasareredeemedby Christ—are risen with Christ, Col 3:1. As birds that land upon thegroundtopickupalittleseed,immediatelyflyuptoheavenagain;sotheredeemedoftheLordusetheworld,andtakethelawfulcomfortsofit—buttheirheartsarepresentlyoffthesethings,andtheyascendtoheaven.Theylivehere—andtradeabove.SuchpeopleasChristhasdiedfor,are"dead to the world." They are dead to its honors, profits, andpreferments.WhatshallwethinkofthosewhosaytheyareredeemedoftheLord—andyet are loversof theworld?Theyare like the tribeswhodesired to have their portion on this side Canaan. "They mind earthlythings."Theypulldowntheirsouls—tobuildupanestate.TheyarenotredeemedbyChrist—whoarenotredeemedfromtheworld.

Usethree:OfCOMFORTtosuchasareredeemed.Youaremostblessed—the lotof freegracehas fallenuponyou!Youwereonce inthedevil's prison—butGod has freed you from that prison! Youwere oncebound in the chainsof sin—butGodhasbegun tobeatoff your chains,andhasfreedyoufromthepowerofsin,andthecurseduetoit.Whatacomfortisthis!IsthereanyconsolationinChrist?Itisshine.Isthereanysweet fruitgrowingupon thepromise?Youmaygather thissweet fruit.Are there any glorious privileges in the gospel? They are yours—justification, adoption, glorification. Is there any glory in heaven? Youshall shortly drink of that river of pleasure. Have you any temporalcomforts?Thesearebutapledgeofmore.Yourmealinthebarrelisbutameal by the way, and a pledge of that angels' food which God haspreparedfor you.Howmay you be comforted in allworldly afflictions,though your fig-tree does not flourish! Death itself has lost its sting.Death shall carry you to your Redeemer! Do not fear dying, since youcannotbeperfectlyhappybutbydying.

Usefour:OfEXHORTATION.Longforthetimewhenyoushallhavea full and perfect redemption in heaven—an eternal jubilee—when youshallbefreednotonlyfromthepowerbutfromthepresenceofsin!Hereabelieverisasaprisonerwhohasbrokenprison—butwalkswithafetter

onhisleg.Whenthebannerofgloryshallbedisplayedoveryou,youshallbeastheangelsofGod!Youshallnevermorehaveasinfulthought;norpain nor grief, nor aching head nor unbelieving heart. You shall seeChrist's face, and lie forever inhis arms!Long for that time,when youshallputoffyourprisongarments,andchangeyourraiment,andputontheembroideredgarmentofglory!Ohlongforit!Yetbecontenttowaitforthisfullandgloriousredemption,whenyoushallbemorehappythanyou can desire! "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and nomind hasimaginedwhatGodhaspreparedforthosewholovehim."1Corinthians2:9.

TheAPPLICATIONofRedemption

1.FAITH

"IhavebeencrucifiedwithChristandInolongerlive,butChristlivesinme.ThelifeIliveinthebody,IlivebyfaithintheSonofGod,wholovedmeandgavehimselfforme."Galatians2:20

TheSpiritappliestoustheredemptionpurchasedbyChrist,byworkingfaithinus.

Christ is the glory of the gospel, and faith in Christ the comfort of thegospel.

Whatarethekindsoffaith?Fourfold:

(1.) A historical or dogmatic faith, which is believing the truthsrevealedintheWord,becauseofdivineauthority.

(2.) There is a temporary faith, which lasts for a time, and thenvanishes. "Yet has he no root in himself—but endures for a while." Atemporary faith is like Jonah's gourd, which came up in a night and

withered.

(3.) Amiraculous faith, which was granted to the apostles, to workmiracles for theconfirmationof thegospel.ThisJudashad;hecastoutdevils—yetwascastouttothedevil.

(4.)A true justifying faith,which is called "A faith of the operationofGod,"andisajewelhungonlyupontheelect.Col2:12.

Whatisjustifyingfaith?Ishallshow,

(1.)What it is not. It is not a bare acknowledgment that Christ is aSavior.Theremustbethisacknowledgment,butthat isnotsufficienttojustify. The devils acknowledged Christ's Godhead. "Jesus the Son ofGod."Theremaybeanassenttodivinetruth,andyetnoworkofgraceontheheart.Manyassentintheirjudgements,thatsinisanevilthing—buttheygooninsin,whosecorruptionsarestrongerthantheirconvictions.ManyassentthatChristisexcellent;theycheapenthepearl—butdonotbuy.

(2.)What justifying faith is. True justifying faith consists in threethings:

(1:)Self-renunciation.Faithisgoingoutofone'sself,beingtakenofffromourownmerits,andseeingwehavenorighteousnessof our own."Nothavingmyownrighteousness."Self-righteousnessisabrokenreed,which the soul dares not lean on. Repentance and faith are bothhumblinggraces;byrepentanceamanabhorshimself;by faithhegoesout of himself. As Israel in their wilderness march, behind them sawPharaoh and his chariots pursuing, before them the Red Sea ready todevour; so the sinner behind sees God's justice pursuing him for sin,before, hell ready to devourhim; and in this forlorn condition, he seesnothinginhimselftohelp—buthemustperishunlesshecanfindhelpinanother.

(2:) Reliance. The soul casts itself upon Jesus Christ; faith rests onChrist's person. Faith believes the promise; but that which faith restsuponinthepromise—isthepersonofChrist:thereforethespouseissaid

to "lean upon her Beloved." Faith is described to be "believing on thenameoftheSonofGod,"namely,onhisperson.Thepromiseisbutthecabinet,Christisthejewelinitwhichfaithembraces.Thepromiseisbutthe dish, Christ is the food in it which faith feeds on. Faith rests onChrist'sperson,"ashewascrucified."ItgloriesinthecrossofChrist.Gal6:14.ToconsiderChristcrownedwithallmannerofexcellencies,stirsupadmirationandwonder;butChristlookeduponasbleedinganddying,istheproperobject of our faith; it is called therefore "faith inhisblood."Rom3:25.

(3:)Appropriation,orapplyingChristtoourselves.Amedicine,thoughitbeeversosovereign,ifnotapplied,willdonogood.Thoughtheplaster ismadeofChrist'sownblood, itwillnotheal,unlessappliedbyfaith;thebloodofGod,withoutfaithinGod,willnotsave.Thisapplyingof Christ is called receiving him. John 1:12. The hand receiving gold,enriches.Justso,thehandoffaith,receivingChrist'sgoldenmeritswithsalvation,enrichesus.

Howisfaithwrought?

BytheblessedSpirit;whoiscalledthe"Spiritofgrace,"becauseheisthespringofallgrace.Zech12:10.FaithisthechiefworkwhichtheSpiritofGodworks in aman's heart. Inmaking theworldGoddidbut speakaword—butinworkingfaithheputsforthhisarm.Luke1:51.TheSpirit'sworking faith is called, "The exceeding greatness of God's power." Eph1:19.Whatapowerwasput forth inraisingChrist fromthegravewhensucha tombstone layuponhimas the sinsofall theworld—yethewasraisedupbytheSpirit.ThesamepowerisputforthbytheSpiritofGod,inworkingfaith.TheSpiritirradiatesthemind,andsubduesthewill.Thewillislikeagarrison,whichholdsoutagainstGod:theSpiritwithsweetviolenceconquers,orratherchangesit;makingthesinnerwillingtohaveChristuponanyterms;toberuledbyhimaswellassavedbyhim.

Whereinliesthepreciousnessoffaith?

(1.)In itsbeingthechiefgospel-grace, theheadof thegraces.Asgoldamongthemetals,soisfaithamongthegraces.Clementcallstheother graces, the daughters of faith. In heaven, love will be the chief

grace; but,whilewe are here, lovemust give place to faith. Love takespossessionofglory—butfaithgivesatitletoit.Loveisthecrowninggracein heaven—but faith is the conquering grace upon earth. "This is thevictorywhichovercomestheworld,evenourfaith."

(2.) In its having influence upon all the graces, and settingthemtowork.Notagracestirs—until faithsets it towork.Faith setshope towork. The heirmust believe his title to the glories of heaven,beforehecanhope for it; faithbelieves its title toglory, and thenhopewaitsforit.Iffaithdidnotfeedthelampofhopewithoil,itwouldsoondie.Faithsets lovetowork. "Faithwhichworksby love."Believing themercy andmerit of Christ, causes a flame of love to ascend. Faith setspatiencetowork."Befollowersofthosewhothroughfaithandpatienceinherit the promises." Faith believes the glorious rewards given tosuffering. This makes the soul patient in suffering. Thus faith is themaster-wheel,itsetsalltheothergracesrunning.

(3.)Faith is the gracewhichGodhonors—to justify and save.Thusindeeditis"preciousfaith,"astheapostlecallsit.Theothergraceshelp to sanctify—but it is faith that justifies. "Being justified by faith."Repentanceorlovedonotjustify—butfaithdoes.

Howdoesfaithjustify?

(1.)Faithdoesnot justifyas it isawork,whichwouldmakeasaviorofourfaith;butfaithjustifies,asitlaysholdoftheobject,namely,Christ'smerits.Ifamanhadapreciousstoneinaringthatcouldheal,weshouldsaytheringheals;butproperlyitisnotthering—butthepreciousstonein the ring that heals. Thus faith saves and justifies—but it is not anyinherent virtue in faith—but only as faith lays hold on Christ, that itjustifies.

(2.)Faithdoesnotjustifyasitexercisesgrace.Itcannotbedenied, thatfaith invigorates all the graces, puts strengthand liveliness into them—butitdoesnotjustifyunderthisnotion.Faithworksbylove—butitdoesnotjustifyasitworksbylove—butasitappliesChrist'smerits.

Whyshouldfaithsaveandjustifymorethananyothergrace?

(1.) Because of God's purpose.He has appointed this grace to bejustifying; and he does it, because faith is a grace that takes aman offhimself,andgivesallthehonortoChristandfreegrace."Stronginfaith,givingglorytoGod."ThereforeGodhasputthishonoronfaith—tomakeitsavingandjustifying.Theking'sstampmakesthecoinpassforcurrent.Just so, God having put his sanction, the stamp of his authority andinstitutionuponfaith,makesittobejustifyingandsaving.

(2.)BecausefaithmakesusonewithChrist.Eph3:17.Faithistheespousing, incorporating grace, it gives us coalition and union withChrist's person. Other graces make us like Christ; faith makes usmembersofChrist.

Useone:OfEXHORTATION.Letusaboveall things laborfor faith."Aboveall,takingtheshieldoffaith."Faithwillbeofmoreusetousthananygrace;asaneye,thoughdim,wasofmoreusetoanIsraelitethanalltheothermembersofhisbody,astrongarm,oranimblefoot.Itwashiseyelookingonthebrazenserpent,whichcuredhim.Itisnotknowledge,though angelic, not repentance, though we could shed rivers of tearswhichcanjustifyus;onlyfaith,wherebywelookonChrist."Withoutfaithit is impossibletopleaseGod."Ifwedonotpleasehimbybelieving,hewill not please us in saving. Faith is the condition of the covenant ofgrace;without faith—without covenant; andwithout covenant—withoutanyhopeofsalvation.Eph2:12.

Use two: Of TRIAL. Let us try whether we have faith. There issomethingthatlookslikefaith,andisnot,asaBristol-stonelookslikeadiamond.Someplantshavethesameleafwithothers—buttheherbalistcandistinguishthembytherootandtaste.Somefaithmaylookliketruefaith—but itmaybedistinguishedbythe fruits.Letusbeserious in thetrial of our faith.Much depends upon our faith; for if our faith is notgood, nothing good comes from us—even our duties and graces areadulterated.

How shall we know if we have true saving faith?By the noblefruitsandeffectsofsavingfaith.

(1.) Faith is a Christ-prizing grace—it puts a high valuation

upon Christ. "To you that believe, he is precious." Paul best knewChrist."HaveInotseenJesusChristourLord?"HesawChristwithhisbodilyeyesinavision,whenhewascaughtupintothethirdheaven;andwith the eye of his faith in the Holy Supper; therefore he best knewChrist.Andseehowhestylesallthingsincomparisonofhim."Icountallthingsbutdung,thatImaywinChrist."DowesetahighestimateuponChrist?Couldwebewillingtopartwiththewedgeofgold—forthepearlofgreatprice?

(2.) Faith is a refining grace. Faith is in the soul as fire amongmetals; it refines and purifies. Morality may wash the outside, faithwashes the inside. "Having purified their hearts by faith." Faithmakestheheartaholyofholies.Faithisavirgin-grace:thoughitdoesnottakeaway the lifeof sin—yet it takes away the loveof sin. Examine if yourhearts are anunclean fountain, sendingout themudandmireof prideandenvy.Iftherearelegionsoflustsinyoursoul,thereisnofaith.Faithisaheavenlyplant,whichwillnotgrowinanimpuresoil.

(3.) Faith is an obediential grace. "The obedience of faith." Faithmelts ourwill intoGod's. It runs atGod's call. If God commands duty(thoughcrosstofleshandblood)faithobeys."ByfaithAbrahamobeyed."Heb11:1.Faithisnotanidlegrace;asithasaneyetoseeChrist,soithasahandtoworkforhim.ItnotonlybelievesGod'spromise—butobeyshiscommand. It is not having knowledge that will evidence you to bebelievers;thedevilhasknowledge—butlacksobedience,andthatmakeshim a devil. The true obedience of faith, is a cheerful obedience.God'scommands do not seem grievous. Have you obedience, and obeycheerfully? Do you look upon God's command as your burden—orprivilege;asanironfetteraboutyourleg—orasagoldchainaboutyourneck.

(4.)Faithisanassimilatinggrace.Itchangesthesoulintotheimageoftheobject;itmakesitlikeChrist.NeverdidanylookuponChristwitha believing eye—but he wasmade like Christ. A deformed personmaylookonabeautifulobject,andnotbemadebeautiful;butfaithlookingonChristtransformsaman,andturnshimintohissimilitude.Lookingonableeding Christ, causes a soft bleeding heart. Looking on a holy Christcauses sanctity of heart. Looking on a humble Christ makes the soul

humble.Asthechameleonischangedintothecolorofthatwhichitlooksupon, so faith, looking on Christ, changes the Christian into thesimilitudeofChrist.

(5.) True faith grows. All living things grow. "From faith to faith."Howmaywejudgeofthegrowthoffaith?

Growth of faith is judged by strength.We can do that now, which wecouldnotdobefore.Whenone isman-grown,he cando thatwhich hecouldnotdowhenhewasachild;hecancarryaheavierburden;soyoucanbearcrosseswithmorepatience.

Growthoffaithisseenbydoingdutiesinamorespiritualmanner,withmore fervency;we put coals to the incense, from a principle of love toGod.Whenanapplehasdonegrowinginbigness,itgrowsinsweetness;soyouperformdutiesinloveandaresweeter,andcomeoffwithabetterrelish.

ButIfearIhavenofaith.

Wemust distinguish betweenweaknessof faith—andno faith. A weakfaithistrue.Thebruisedreedisbutweak—yetitissuchasChristwillnotbreak.Thoughyourfaithisweak,benotdiscouraged.

(1.)AweakfaithmayreceiveastrongChrist.Aweakhandcantietheknotinmarriage,aswellasastrongone.Aweakeyemighthaveseenthe brazen serpent. The woman in the gospel did but touch Christ'sgarment,andreceivedvirtuefromhim.Itwasthetouchoffaith.

(2.)Thepromiseisnotmadetostrongfaith—buttotruefaith.Thepromisedoesnotsay—whoeverhasagiant-faith,whichcanremovemountains,whichcanstop themouthsof lions—shallbesaved.But thepromiseismadetowhoeverbelieves,behisfaitheversosmall.ThoughChristsometimeschidesaweakfaith—yetthatitmaynotbediscouraged,hemakes it a promise. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is thekingdomofheaven."Matthew5:3.

(3.)Aweakfaithmaybefruitful.Weakestthingsmultiplymost;the

vineisaweakplant—butit isfruitful.WeakChristiansmayhavestrongaffections.Howstrongisthefirstlove,whichisafterthefirstplantingoffaith!

(4.)Weak faithmaybegrowing. Seeds spring up by degrees; firstthe blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. Therefore, be notdiscouraged.God,whowouldhaveusreceivethosewhoareweakinfaith,willnothimselfrefuse them.Rom14:1.Aweakbeliever isamemberofChrist;andthoughChristwillcutoffrottenmembersfromhisbody,hewillnotcutoffweakmembers.

2.EFFECTUALCALLING

"And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he alsojustified;thosehejustified,healsoglorified."Romans8:30

Question31:WhatistheNATUREEffectualCalling?

Answer: It is a gracious work of the Spirit, whereby he causes us toembraceChristfreely,asheisofferedtousinthegospel.

In this verse is the golden chainof salvation,madeupof four links, ofwhich one is effectual calling. This calling is nova creatio—"a newcreation,"thefirstresurrection.Thereisatwo-foldcall:

(1.)Anoutwardcall.

(2.)Aninwardcall.

(1.) An OUTWARD call, which is God's offer of grace to sinners,inviting them to come and accept of Christ and salvation. "Many arecalled—but few chosen." This call showsmenwhat they ought to do inordertosalvation,andrenderstheminexcusableincaseofdisobedience.

(2.) There is an INWARD call, when God with the offer of grace,worksgrace.Bythiscall theheart isrenewed,andthewill iseffectually

drawntoembraceChrist.TheoutwardcallbringsmentoaprofessionofChrist,theinwardtoapossessionofChrist.

WhataretheMEANSofthiseffectualcall?

Every creature has a voice to call us. Theheavens call to us to beholdGod'sglory.Psalm19:1.Consciencecallstous.God'sjudgmentscallustorepent. "Hear therod."Buteveryvoicedoesnotconvert.Thereare twomeansofoureffectualcall:

(1.) The preaching of the word, which is the sounding of God's silvertrumpet in men's ears. God speaks not by an oracle, he calls by hisministers.SamuelthoughtithadbeenthevoiceofEliwhichcalledhim;butitwasGod'svoice.So,perhaps,youthinkitisonlytheministerthatspeaks toyou in theword—but it isGodhimselfwhospeaks.ThereforeChristissaidtospeaktousfromheaven.Heb12:25.Howdoeshespeakbutbyhisministers?asakingspeaksbyhisambassadors.Know,thatineverysermonpreached,Godcalls toyou;and torefuse themessagewebring,istorefuseGodhimself.

(2.)TheothermeansofoureffectualcallistheHolySpirit.Theministryofthewordisthepipeororgan;theSpiritofGodblowinginit,effectuallychangesmen'shearts."WhilePeterspoke,theHolySpiritfellonallthosewhoheardthewordofGod."Ministersknockatthedoorofmen'shearts,theSpiritcomeswithakeyandopensthedoor."AcertainwomannamedLydia,whosehearttheLordopened."

FROMwhatdoesGodcallmen?

(1.) God calls men from sin. He calls them from their ignorance andunbelief. I Pet 1:14. By nature the understanding is enveloped withdarkness. God calls men "from darkness to light," as if one should becalledoutofadungeontobeholdthelightofthesun.Eph5:8.

(2.)Godcallsmenfromdanger.AstheangelscalledLotoutofSodom,whenitwasreadytorainfire;soGodcallshispeoplefromthefireandbrimstoneofhell,andfromallthosecursestowhichtheywereexposed.

(3.)Godcallsmenoutoftheworld;asChristcalledMatthewfromthecollection of taxes. "They are not of the world." Such as are divinelycalled,arenotnativesinthisworld—butpilgrims;theydonotconformtotheworld,orfollowitssinfulfashions;theyarenotoftheworld.Thoughthey live here—yet they trade in the heavenly country. The world is aplacewhereSatan's throne is.Rev2:13. It isastageonwhichsineverydayactsitspart.Nowsuchasarecalled—areintheworldbutnotofit.

TOwhatdoesGodcallmen?

(1.)Hecallsthemtoholiness."ForGoddidnotcallustobeimpure,buttoliveaholylife."1Thess4:7.Holinessisthesilverstarwhichthegodlywear."Thepeopleofyourholiness."ThecalledofGod,areanointedwiththeconsecratingoilof theSpirit."YouhaveananointingfromtheHolyOne."

(2.)Godcallsthemtoglory—asifamanwerecalledoutofaprisontositupon a throne. "Whohas called you tohis kingdom and glory."WhomGodcalls,hecrownswithaweightofglory.2Cor4:17.TheHebrewwordfor glory signifies pondus—a weight. The weight of glory adds to theworth, the weightier gold is, the more it is worth. This glory is nottransient—butpermanent,aneternalweight.Thisglorywillbebetterfelt—thanexpressed.

WhatistheCAUSEoftheeffectualcall?

God'selecting love."Andthosehepredestined,healsocalled." Romans8:30. Election is the fountain-cause of our effectual calling. It is notbecause some aremoreworthy to partake of the heavenly calling thanothers—forwewere "all inourblood."Whatworthiness is inus?WhatworthinesswasthereinMaryMagdalene,outofwhomsevendevilswerecast?WhatworthinessintheCorinthians,beforeGodcalledthembyhisgospel? They were "idol worshipers, adulterers, male prostitutes,homosexuals,thieves,greedypeople,drunkards,abusers,andswindlers.""And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you weresanctified,youwerejustifiedinthenameoftheLordJesusChristandbytheSpirit of ourGod." 1Cor6:9-11.Before effectual calling,wearenotonly"withoutstrength,"but"enemiestoGod."Sothatthefoundationof

effectualcallingiselection,andnotmerit.

WhataretheCHARACTERISTICSofthiscall?

(1.)ItisaPOWERFULcall. "ThewordsofGodareworks,"Luther.Godputsforthinfinitepowerincallinghomeasinnertohimself;henotonly puts forth his voice—but his arm. The apostle speaks of theexceedinggreatnessofhispower,whichheexercisestowardsthosewhobelieve.Eph1:19.Godridesforthconqueringinthechariotofhisgospel;heconquerstheprideoftheheart,andmakesthewill,whichstoodoutasa fort-royal, to yield and stoop to his grace; he makes the stony heartbleed.Oh,itisamightycall!WhythendotheArminiansseemtotalkofamoral persuasion, thatGod in the conversion of a sinner onlymorallypersuadesandnomore;setshispromisesbeforementoallure themtogood, and his threatenings to deter them from evil; and that is all hedoes?Butsurelymoralpersuasionsaloneareinsufficienttotheeffectualcall.Howcan thebareproposalofpromisesandthreateningsconvertasoul? This amounts not to a new creation, or that power which raisedChristfromthedead.Godnotonlypersuades—butenables.Ezek36:27.IfGod,inconversion,shouldonlymorallypersuade,thatis,setgoodandevilbeforemen—thenhedoesnotputforthsomuchpowerinsavingmenasthedevildoesindestroyingthem.Satannotonlypropoundstemptingobjectstomen—but inciteswithhis temptations: thereforehe is said to"work in the children of disobedience." The Greek word, to work,signifiesthepowerSatanhasincarryingmentosin.AndshallnotGod'spower in converting, be greater than Satan's power in seducing? Theeffectualcallismightyandpowerful.Godputsforthadivineenergy,nay,akindofomnipotence;itissuchapowerfulcall,thatthewillofmanhasnopowereffectuallytoresist.

(2.)ItisaHIGHcalling."IpresstowardthemarkfortheprizeofthehighcallingofGod."Itisahighcalling,

(1.)Becausewearecalledtohighexercisesofpiety—tobecrucifiedtotheworld, to live by faith, to loveGod, to be living organs of his praise, toholdcommunionwiththeFatherandtheSon.

(2:) It is a high calling, because we are called to high privileges; to

justification and adoption, to be kings and priests unto God. We arecalled to be co-heirswith Christ.Heb 12:22. Rom8:17. Thosewho areeffectually called, are heirs for heaven—they are princes in all lands,thoughprincesindisguise.Psalm45:16.

(3.)It isanIMMUTABLEcall."God’sgraciousgiftsandcallingareirrevocable;"Rom 11:29. That is, those gifts that flow from election (aseffectual callingand justification) are irrevocable.God never repents ofcallingasinnertobeasaint.

Useone:SeetheNECESSITYoftheeffectualcall.Amancannotgotoheavenwithoutit.Wemustbecalledbeforeweareglorified.Rom8:30. A man uncalled can lay claim to nothing in the Bible butthreatening!Aman in thestateofnature isnot fit forheaven,nomorethanamaninhisfilthandhisragsisfittocomeintoaking'spresence.Aman in his natural state is aGod-hater, and is he fit for heaven?Rom1:30.WillGodlayhisenemyinhisbosom?

Use two: Of TRIALwhetherwe are effectually called. This wemayknowbyitsantecedent,anditsresults.

(1.) By the antecedent. Before this effectual call, a humbling workpassesuponthesoul.Amanisconvincedofsin,heseesheisasinnerandnothingbutasinner;thefallowgroundofhisheartisbrokenup.Jer4:3.Asthefarmerbreaksuptheclods,thencastsintheseed;soGod,bytheconvincingwork of the law, breaks a sinner's heart, andmakes it fit toreceivetheseedsofgrace.Suchaswereneverconvincedofsin—arenevercalled."Heshallconvincetheworldofsin."John16:8.Convictionofsinisthefirststepinconversionfromsin.

(2.)Bytheresults,whicharetwo.

(1.)Hewho is savingly called, answers to God's call.When God calledSamuel,heanswered,"Speak,Lord,yourservanthears."WhenGodcallsyoutoanactofpiety—doyourunatGod'scall?"Iwasnotdisobedienttotheheavenlyvision."IfGodcallstodutiescontrarytofleshandblood,weobey his voice in everything; true obedience is like the needle, whichpointsthatwaywhichthemagnetdraws.SuchasaredeaftoGod'scall,

showtheyarenotcalledbygrace.

(2) He who is effectually called stops his ears to all other calls whichwould call him off from God. As God has his call, so there are othercontrarycalls.Satancallsbyatemptation,lustcalls,evilcompanycalls;butastheadderstopsitsearagainstthevoiceofthecharmer,sohewhoiseffectuallycalledstopshisearagainstall thecharmsof the fleshandthedevil.

Use three: Of COMFORT to thosewho are the called of God.This call evidences election. "Those He predestined, He also called."Election is thecauseof our effectually calling; and effectually calling isthesignof our election.Election is the first link of the golden chain ofsalvation,effectuallycallingisthesecond.Hewhohasthesecondlinkofthe chain—is sure of the first link! As by the streamwe are led to thefountain, so by effectually calling we ascend to election. Effectuallycallingisthepledgeofglory."Godhaschosenyoutosalvation,throughsanctification."Wemay readGod's predestinating love—in thework ofgraceinourheart.

Usefour:LetsuchasarecalledbeTHANKFULtoGodforthatunspeakableblessing.BethankfultoallthepersonsintheTrinity,totheFather'smercy, to theSon'smerit, to the Spirit's efficacy. Tomakeyou thankful, consider, when you had offended God—he called you.ConsiderthatwhenGodhadnoneedofyou—buthadmillionsofglorifiedsaints andangels topraisehim,he calledyou.Considerwhat youwerebeforeGodcalledyou!"Youweredead,doomedforeverbecauseofyourmanysins!"WhenGodcalledPaul,he foundhimpersecuting;whenhecalledZacchaeus,hefoundhimusingextortion.WhenGodcallsamanbyhisgrace,hefindshimseekingafterhislusts;aswhenSaulwascalledtothe kingdom, he was seeking the donkeys. Admire his love, exalt hispraise—thatHeshouldcallyouwhenyouwereinthehotpursuitofsin!Whatmercyisthis—thatGodshouldcallyou,andpassbyothers!"Evenso,Father,forsoitseemedgoodinyoursight!"ThatGodshouldpassbywise and noble people, people of sweeter disposition, greater abilities,guiltyoflessvice,andthatthelotoffreegraceshouldfalluponyou—oh,theastonishingloveofGod!

Itwasagreat favor toSamuel thatGodcalled tohim,and revealedhismindtohim,andpassedbyEli,thoughapriestandajudgeinIsrael.Justso,thatGodshouldcalltoyou,amonstroussinner,andpassbyothersofbettermorals—callsaloudforpraise.AsGodsogovernstheclouds, thathemakesthemrainupononeplace,andnotuponanother—justso,atasermontheLordopenstheheartofone,andanotherisnomoreaffectedwith it thanadeafmanwith thesoundofmusic.Here is thebanneroffree gracedisplayed, andhere should the trophies of praisebe erected.Elijah and Elisha were walking together; when suddenly there came achariot of fire, and carriedElijahup to heaven—but leftElisha behind;justso,whentwoarelivingtogether,husbandandwife,fatherandchild,that God should call one by his grace—but leave the other in his sins;carryuponeinatriumphantchariottoheaven—butlettheotherperisheternally—oh infinite rich grace! How should they that are called beaffectedwithGod'ssovereignlove!Howshouldthevesselsofmercyrunover with thankfulness! How should they stand upon Mount Gerizim,blessingandpraisingGod!Ohbegintheworkofheavenhere!Suchasaretrophies of mercy, should be trumpeters of praise. Thus Paul, beingeffectuallycalledbyGod,andseeingwhatadebtorhewastofreegrace,breaks forth into admiration and gratitude, "Thanks be to God for hisindescribablegift!"2Corinthians9:15.

Usefive:Tothecalled.Walkworthyofyourhighcalling."Iurgeyoutolivealifeworthyofthecallingyouhavereceived."Ephesians4:1;intwothings.

(1.)Walkcompassionately.Pity suchasareyetuncalled.Have youachild, or awife, or a friend—whomGod has not yet called?Weep overtheirdyingsouls;theyare"dead,doomedforeverbecauseoftheirmanysins,"and"underthepowerofSatan."Ohpitythem!Lettheirsinsmoretroubleyou—thanyourownsufferings.Ifyoupityanoxordonkeygoingastray, will you not pity a soul going astray? Show yourpiety,by yourpity.

(2.)Walkholily.Yoursisaholycalling.2Tim1:9.Youarecalledtobesaints, Rom 1:7. Show your effectual calling by a Bible life. Shall notflowerssmellsweeterthanweeds?Shallnotthosewhoareennobledwithgrace,havemore fragrance in their lives thanuncalledsinners? "As the

Onewhocalledyouisholy,youalsoaretobeholyinallyourconduct."1Peter 1:15.Oh dishonor not your high calling by any sordid life!WhenAntigonuswas going to defile himselfwithwomen, one told him, "Youareaking'sson!"Ohrememberyourdignity;"calledofGod!"oftheroyalbloodofheaven.Donothingunworthyofyourhonorablecalling.Scipiorefused the embraces of an harlot, because hewas general of an army.Abhor all motions to sin, because of your high calling. It is not fit forthose who are the called of God, to do as others. Though other Jewsdrank wine, it was not fit for theNazarite, because he had a vow ofseparationuponhim,andhadpromisedabstinence.ThoughPagansandnominalChristianstake liberty tosin—yet it isnot fit for thosewhoarecalledoutof theworld,andhavethemarkofelectionuponthem,todoso.Youareconsecratedpeople,yourbodiesarethetemplesof theHolySpirit,andyourbodiesmustbeaholyofholies.

3.JUSTIFICATION

"Beingjustifiedfreelybyhisgrace."Romans3:24

Question23.WhatisJustification?

Answer:JustificationisanactofGod'sfreegrace,wherebyhepardonsallour sins, and accepts us as righteous in his sight—only for therighteousnessofChrist,imputedtous,andreceivedbyfaithalone.

Justification is the veryhinge andpillar ofChristianity.An error aboutjustification isdangerous, like adefect in a foundation. Justification byChrist is a spring of the water of life. To have the poison of corruptdoctrinecastintothisspringisdamnable.ItwasasayingofLuther,"thatafterhisdeath,thedoctrineofjustificationwouldbecorrupted."Intheselatter times, theArminiansandSocinianshave cast adead fly into thisboxofpreciousointment.

Ishallendeavor to followthestarofScripture, to lightmethroughthismysteriouspoint.

WhatisMEANTbyjustification?

It is a word borrowed from law-courts, wherein a person arraigned ispronounced righteous, and is openly absolved. God, in justifying aperson,pronounceshimtoberighteous,andlooksuponhimasifhehadnotsinned.

WhatistheSOURCEofjustification?

Thecause,theinwardimpellantmotiveorgroundofjustification, is thefreegraceofGod:"beingjustifiedfreelybyhisgrace."Ambroseexpoundsthis,as"notofthegracewroughtwithinus—butthefreegraceofGod."ThefirstwheelthatsetsalltherestrunningistheloveandfavorofGod;asakingfreelypardonsadelinquent.Justificationisamercyspunoutoftheaffectionsoffreegrace.Goddoesnotjustifyusbecauseweareworthy—butbyjustifyingusmakesusworthy.

WhatistheGROUND,orthatbywhichasinnerisjustified?

ThegroundofourjustificationisChrist'ssatisfactionmadetohisFather.If it be asked, how can it stand with God's justice and holiness topronounceus innocent—whenweareguilty?Theanswer is, thatChristhaving made satisfaction for our sins, Godmay, in equity and justice,pronounce us righteous. It is a just thing for a creditor to discharge adebtorofthedebt,whenasatisfactionismadebythesurety.

ButhowwasChrist'ssatisfactionmeritorious,andsosufficienttojustify?

In respect of the divine nature. As hewasman he suffered, as God hesatisfied.ByChrist'sdeathandmerits,God's justiceismoreabundantlysatisfiedthanifwehadsufferedthepainsofhellforever.

WhereinliestheMETHODofourjustification?

In the imputation of Christ's righteousness to us. "This is the namewhereby he shall be called, Jehovah Tzidkennu, the Lord ourrighteousness." "He ismade tous righteousness."This righteousnessofChrist, which justifies us, is a better righteousness than the angels; fortheirsistherighteousnessofcreatures,thisrighteousnessisofGod.

WhatistheMEANSorinstrumentofourjustification?

Faith."Beingjustifiedbyfaith."Thedignityisnotinfaithasagrace—butrelatively,asfaithlaysholdonChrist'smerits.

WhatistheefficientCAUSEofourjustification?

ThewholeTrinity.All thepersons intheblessedTrinityhaveahand inthe justificationofa sinner.God theFather issaidto justify. "It isGodwhojustifies."GodtheSonissaidtojustify."Byhimallwhobelievearejustified."GodtheHolySpiritissaidtojustify."Butyouarejustifiedbythe Spirit of our God." God the Father justifies, as he pronounces usrighteous;God theSon justifies, as he imputes his righteousness to us;andGod theHoly Spirit justifies, as he clears up our justification, andsealsusuptothedayofredemption.

WhatistheENDofourjustification?Theendis,

(1.)ThatGodmayinheritpraise."Tothepraiseofthegloryofhisgrace."HerebyGodraisestheeverlastingtrophiesofhisownhonor.HowwillthejustifiedsinnerproclaimtheloveofGod,andmakeheavenringwithhispraises!

(2.)Thatthejustifiedpersonmayinheritglory."Whomhejustified,thosehealsoglorified."Godinjustifying,notonlyabsolvesasoulfromguilt—but advances him to dignity. Just as Joseph was not only loosed fromprison—but made Lord of the kingdom. Justification is crowned withglorification!

Arewejustifiedfrometernity?No,for,

(1.)Bynatureweareunderasentenceofcondemnation.John3:18.Wecouldneverhavebeencondemned,ifwewerejustifiedfrometernity.

(2.)TheScriptureconfinesjustificationtothosewhobelieveandrepent."Repent, that your sinsmay be blotted out." Acts 3:19. Therefore theirsins were uncancelled, and their persons unjustified, until they didrepent. Though God does not justify us for our repentance—yet notwithoutit.TheAntinomianserroneouslyhold,thatwearejustifiedfrometernity.Thisdoctrineisakeywhichopensthedoortoalllicentiousness;forwhatsinsdotheynotcommit,solongastheyholdtheyarejustifiedwhethertheyrepentornot?

BeforeIcometotheuses,Ishalllaydownfourmaximsorpositionsaboutjustification.

[1] That justification confers a real benefit upon the personjustified.Theacquittinganddischargingofthedebtor,byvirtueofthesatisfactionmadebythesurety,isarealbenefittothedebtor.Arobeofrighteousness,andacrownofrighteousness,arerealbenefits.

[2]Allbelieversarealike justified. Justificationdoesnot apply tosomemorethantoothers.Thoughtherearedegreesingrace—yetnotinjustification;oneisnotjustifiedmorethananother.Theweakestbeliever

is as perfectly justified as the strongest. Mary Magdalene is as muchjustified as the VirginMary. Thismay be a cordial to a weak believer.Thoughyouhavebutagrainoffaith,youareastrulyjustified,ashewhoisofthehigheststatureinChrist.

[3]WhoeverGodjustifies,hesanctifies."Butyouaresanctified—butyouarejustified."1Cor.6:2.ThePapistscalumniateProtestants;theyreportthemtoholdthatmencontinuinginsinarejustified;whereasallour Protestant writers affirm, that righteousness imputed, forjustification, and righteousness inherent, for sanctification, must beinseparablyunited.Holinessindeedisnotthecauseofourjustification—butitistheattendant;astheheatinthesunisnotthecauseofitslight—but it is theattendant. It isabsurdto imagine thatGodshould justifyapeople,andtheyshouldstillgooninsin.IfGodshouldjustifyapeopleand not sanctify them—he would justify a people whom he could notglorify.AholyGod cannot lay a sinner inhisbosom.Themetal is firstrefined, before theking's stamp isputupon it. Just so, the soul is firstrefined with holiness, before God puts the royal stamp of justificationuponit.

[4]Justificationisafixedpermanentthing,itcanneverbelost.The Arminians hold an apostasy from justification; today justified,tomorrowunjustified;todayaPeter,tomorrowaJudas;todayamemberof Christ, tomorrow a child of Satan. This is a most uncomfortabledoctrine.Justifiedpeoplemayfallfromdegreesofgrace,theymayleavetheir first love, theymay loseGod's favor for a time—butnot lose theirjustification.Iftheyarejustifiedtheyareelected;andtheycannomorefall fromtheir justification than fromtheirelection. If theyare justifiedtheyhaveunionwithChrist,andcanamemberofChristisbrokenoff?Ifone justified personmay fall away from Christ, all may; and so Christwouldbeaheadwithoutabody.

Use one: See from hence, that there is nothingwithin us that couldjustify us—but somethingwithoutus; not any righteousness inherent—butrighteousnessimputed.Wemayaswelllookforastarintheearth,asforjustificationinourownrighteousness.ThePapistssaywearejustifiedbyworks;buttheapostleconfutesit,forhesays,"notofworks,lestanymanshouldboast."ThePapistssay,"theworksdonebyanunregenerate

manindeedcannotjustifyhim—butworksdonebyaregeneratemanmayjustify."Thisismostfalse,asmaybeprovedbothbyexampleandreason.

(1.)Byexample.Abrahamwasaregenerateman;butAbrahamwasnotjustified by works—but by faith. Abraham "believed God, and it wascountedtohimforrighteousness."

(2.) By reason. How can those works justify us—which defile us? "Ourrighteousnesses are as filthy rags." Goodworks are not an usher to gobeforejustification—butahandmaidtofollowit.

ButdoesnottheapostleJamessaythatAbrahamwasjustifiedbyworks?

Theanswer iseasy.Worksmanifestus toberighteousbeforemen—buttheydonotmakeus righteousbeforeGod.Works areevidencesof ourjustification,notcauses.TheonlynameengraveduponthegoldenplateofChristourHighPriestmustbe,theLordOurRighteousness.

Usetwo:Ofexhortation.

(1.)AdoretheinfinitewisdomandgoodnessofGodthatfoundoutawayto justifyusby"richgraceandpreciousblood."Wewere all involved in guilt; noneof us couldpleadnot-guilty; andbeingguilty, we lay under a sentence of death. Now that the judge himselfshouldfindoutawaytojustifyus,andthecreditorhimselfcontriveawayto have the debt paid, and not distress the debtor—should fill us withwonderandlove!Theangelsadmirethemysteryoffreegraceinthisnewwayofjustifyingandsavinglostman,IPet1:12,andshouldnotwe,whoarenearlyconcernedinit,andonwhomthebenefitisdevolved,cryoutwith the apostle, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom andknowledgeofGod!"

(2.)Laborforthishighprivilegeofjustification.ThereisbalminGilead;Christ has laid downhis blood as the price of our justification;andheoffershimselfandallhismeritstous,tojustify.Heinvitesustocometohim;hehaspromisedtogivehisSpirit,toenableustodowhatisrequired.Whythen,sinners,willyounotlookafterthisgreatprivilegeofjustification?Whystarveinthemidstofplenty?Whyperish,whenthere

isaremedytosaveyou?Wouldnothebethought tobederanged,whohavingapardonofferedhim,onlyupontheacknowledgmentofhisfault,and promising amendment, should bid the prince keep his pardon tohimself;forhispart,hewasinlovewithhischainsandfetters,andwoulddie? You who neglect justification offered you freely by Christ in thegospel,are thisderangedperson. Is the loveofChrist tobeslighted?Isyour soul, is heaven worth nothing? Oh then look after justificationthroughChrist'sblood!

Consider—

(1:)Thenecessityofbeingjustified.Ifwearenotjustified,wecannotbeglorified."Whomhejustified,themhealsoglorified."Rom8:30.Hewhois outlawed, and all his goods confiscated, must be brought into favorwith his prince before he can be restored to his former rights andliberties. Just so, wemust have our sins forgiven, and be brought intoGod'sfavorbyjustification,beforewecanberestoredtothelibertyofthesonsofGod,andhavearighttothathappinessweforfeitedinAdam.

(2:) The utility and benefit. By justification we enjoy peace in ourconscience; a richer jewel than any prince wears in his crown. "Beingjustified by faith, we have peace with God." Peace can sweeten all ourafflictions;itturnsourwaterintowine.HowhappyisajustifiedpersonwhohasthepowerofGodtoguardhim,andthepeaceofGodtocomforthim! Peace flowing from justification is an antidote against the fear ofdeathandhell."ItisGodwhojustifies,whoishethatcondemns?"Rom8:33,34.ThereforelaborforthisjustificationbyChrist.Thisprivilege isobtained by believing in Christ. "By him all who believe are justified.""WhomGodhassetforthtobeapropitiationthroughfaithinhisblood."FaithunitesustoChrist;andhavingunionwithhisperson—wepartakeofhismerits,andtheglorioussalvationwhichcomesbyhim.

Usethree:Comforttothejustified.

(1.)Itiscomfortincaseoffailings.Alas!howdefectivearethegodly!theycomeshortineveryduty;butthoughbelieversshouldbehumbledundertheir defects, they should not despond. They are not to be justified bytheirdutiesorgraces—butbytherighteousnessofChrist.Theirdutiesare

mixedwithsin—but that righteousnesswhich justifies themisaperfectrighteousness.

(2.)Comfort incaseofhardcensures.TheworldcensuresthepeopleofGod as proud and hypocritical, and the troublers of Israel. But thoughmencensureandcondemnthegodly—yetGodhasjustifiedthem,andashe has now justified them, so at the day of judgement he will openlyjustifythem,andpronouncethemrighteousbeforemenandangels.Godisso justandholya judge, thathavingonce justifiedhispeoplehewillnever condemn them. Pilate justified Christ, saying, "I find no fault inhim;"yetafterthishecondemnedhim;butGodhavingpubliclyjustifiedhissaints,hewillnevercondemnthem;for"whomhejustified,themhealsoglorified."

4.ADOPTION

"Asmanyasreceivedhim,tothemgavehepowertobecomethesonsofGod,eventothosewhobelieveonhisname."John1:12.

Havingspokenofthegreatpointsoffaithandjustification,wecomenexttoadoption.

Thequalificationofthepeopleis,"Asmanyasreceivedhim."Receivingisputforbelieving,asisclearbythelastwords,"tothosewhobelieveinhisname." The specification of the privilege is, "to them gave he power tobecome the sonsofGod."TheGreekword forpower,exousia, signifiesdignityandprerogative:hedignifiedthemtobecomethesonsofGod.

Our sonship differs from Christ's. He was the Son of God by eternalgeneration,asonbeforetime;butoursonshipis,

(1.)Bycreation."Wearehisoffspring."Thisisnoprivilege;formenmayhave God for their Father by creation, and yet have the devil for theirfather.

(2.)Oursonshipisbyadoption."HegavethempowertobecomethesonsofGod."Adoptionistwofold.

Externalandfederal:asthosewholiveinavisiblechurch,andmakeaprofessionofGod, are sons. "The childrenof thekingdomshallbecastout."

Realandgracious: as theyare sonswhoareGod's favorites, andareheirsof glory.Before Iproceed to thequestions, I shall laydown threepositions.

I.Adoptiontakesinallnations.Afirstadoptionwasconfinedtothepeopleof theJews,whoaloneweregrafted into the trueolive tree,andwere dignified with glorious privileges. "Who are Israelites, to whompertainstheadoptionandtheglory."Butnow,inthetimeofthegospel,thecharter isenlarged,andthebelievingGentilesarewithin the lineofcommunication,andhavearighttotheprivilegesofadoptionaswellastheJews."IneverynationhewhofearsGodandworksrighteousness isacceptedwithhim."

II.Adoptiontakesinbothsexes,femalesaswellasmales."Iwillbe a father unto you, and you shall bemy sons anddaughters." I haveread, that in some countries, females are excluded from the supremedignity,asbytheSaliquelawinFrance,nowomancaninheritacrown;butofspiritualprivileges,femalesareascapableasmales.Everygracioussoul(ofwhatevergender) laysclaimtoadoption,andhasan interest inGod as a father. "You shall be my sons and daughters, says the LordAlmighty."

III. Adoption is an act of pure grace. "He predestined us to beadopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with Hispleasure andwill." Ephesians 1:5. Adoption is amercy spun out of theaffectionsoffreegrace.AllbynaturearestrangerstoGod,thereforehaveno right to sonship. God is pleased to adopt one, and not another; tomakeoneavesselofglory,anotheravesselofwrath.Theadoptedheirmaycryout,"Lord,howisit,thatyouwillshowyourselftome,andnotuntotheworld?"

Whatisthisfiliationoradoption?

Itistakingastrangerintotherelationofasonandheir;asMoseswastheadoptedsonofKingPharaoh'sdaughter,Exod2:10,andEstherwastheadoptedchildofhercousinMordecai.Esth2:7.ThusGodadoptsusintothefamilyofheaven,andGodinadoptingusdoestwothings:

(1.)Heennoblesuswithhisname.Hewhoisadoptedbearsthenameofhimwhoadoptshim."IwillwriteonhimthenameofmyGod.

(2.)GodconsecratesuswithhisSpirit.Allwhomheadopts—heanoints.Allwhomhemakessons,hemakessaints.Whenamanadoptsanotherforhissonandheir,hemayputhisnameuponhim—buthecannotputhis disposition into him; if he is of amorose ruggednature, he cannotalter it. But thosewhomGodadopts,hesanctifies; he not only gives anewnamebutanewnature.2Pet1:4.Heturnsthewolfintoalamb;hemakes the heart humble and gracious; he works such a change—as ifanothersouldweltinthesamebody.

FromwhatstatedoesGodtakeuswhenheadoptsus?

Fromastateofsinandmisery.Pharaoh'sdaughtertookMosesoutofthearkofbulrushesinthewater,andadoptedhimforherson.Goddidnottakeusoutofthewater—butoutofourblood,andadoptedus.Ezek16:6.He adopted us from slavery; it is amercy to redeema slave—but it ismoretoadopthim!

TowhatdoesGodadoptus?

(1.)Godadoptsus toastateofexcellence. Itwould bemuch forGodtotakeaclodofdust,andmakeitastar.But it ismoreforhimtotakeapieceofclayandsin,andadoptitforhisheir!

(2.) God adopts us to a state of liberty. Adoption is a state offreedom;aslavebeingadopted,ismadeafreeman."Youarenomoreaservant,butason."Howisanadoptedsonfree?Nottodowhathewants;but he is free from the dominion of sin, the tyranny of Satan, and thecurseofthelaw.Heisfreeinthemannerofworship.HehasGod'sfree

Spirit, whichmakes him free and cheerful in the service of God; he is"joyfulinthehouseofprayer."

(3.) God adopts us to a state of dignity. He makes us heirs ofpromise,heinstallsusintohonor."Sinceyouwerepreciousinmysight,youhavebeenhonorable."TheadoptedareGod'streasure;Exod19:5;his jewels;Mal 3:17; his first-born;Heb 12:23. They have angels fortheirlife-guards.Heb1:14.Theyareoftheroyalbloodofheaven.IJohn3:9.TheScripturehas set forth their spiritualheraldry; theyhave theirescutcheon or coat-armor; sometimes the lion for courage; Prov 28:1;sometimes the dove formeekness; Cant 2:14; sometimes the eagle forflight;Isa40:31.Thusyouseetheircoatofarmsdisplayed.

(4.)God adoptsus to a glorious inheritance.God adopts all hissonstoaninheritance."It isyourfather'sgoodpleasuretogiveyouthekingdom!"Luke12:32.It isnodisparagementtobethesonsofGod.Toreproachthesaints, is likewhenShimeihadreproachedDavidwhenhewasgoing tobemadeking.Adoptionends incoronation.ThekingdomGodgivestohisadoptedsonsandheirs,excelsallearthlymonarchies.

(1:)Inriches."Thegatesareofpearl,andthestreetsofpuregold,asitweretransparentglass."

(2:)Intranquility.Itispeaceable,andthewhitelilyofpeaceisthebestflower in a prince's crown. One peace is better than innumerabletriumphs.Nodivisionsathome,orinvasionsabroad;nomorethenoiseofthedrumorcannon;butthevoiceofharpersharpingistheemblemofpeace.Rev14:2.

(3:) In stability. Other kingdoms are corruptible; though they haveheads of gold, they have feet of clay; but the kingdom into which thesaintsareadoptedrunsparallelwitheternity,itisakingdomthatcannotbe shaken.Heb 12:28. The heirs of heaven reign forever and ever.Rev22:5.

Whatistheorganicorinstrumentalcauseofadoption?

Faithinterestsusintheprivilegeofadoption."Youareallthechildrenof

Godbyfaith inChristJesus."Beforefaith iswrought,wearespirituallyillegitimate,wehaveno relation toGodas a father.AnunbelievermaycallGod judge—but not father. Faith is the affiliating grace; it confersuponusthetitleofsonship,andgivesusrighttoinherit.

Whyisfaiththeinstrumentofadoptionmorethananyothergrace?

Faithisaquickeninggrace,thevitalarteryofthesoul."Thejustshallliveby faith." Life makes us capable of adoption; dead children are neveradopted. It makes us Christ's brethren, and so God comes to be ourFather. "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that weshouldbecalledchildrenofGod!Andthatiswhatweare!Thereasontheworld does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1. "Hepredestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, inaccordancewithhispleasureandwill."Ephesians1:5

Use one: (1.) See the amazing love of God, in making us hissons.PlatogaveGodthanksthathehadmadehimaman,andnotonlyamanbutaphilosopher;butitisinfinitelymore,thatheshouldinvestuswiththeprerogativeofhissons!ItisloveinGodtofeedus—butmoretoadoptus."Behold,whatmanneroflovetheFatherhasbestoweduponus,that we should be called the sons of God!" Behold the wonder! ThewonderofGod'sloveinadoptinguswillappearthemoreifweconsiderthesesixthings:

(1:)ThatGodshouldadoptus,whenhehadaSonofhisown.Men adopt because they have no children, and desire to have some tobeartheirname;butthatGodshouldadoptuswhenhehadaSonofhisown, the Lord Jesus—is a wonder of love. Christ is called "God's dearSon."ASonmoreworthy than theangels. "Beingmadesomuchbetterthantheangels."Now,sinceGodhadaSonofhisown,andsuchaSon—howwonderfulGod's love in adopting us!Weneeded a Father—but hedidnotneedsons!

(2:)ConsiderwhatwewerebeforeGodadoptedus.Wewereverydeformed;andamanwillscarcelyadoptoneforhisheir—whoiscrookedand ill-favored. He will rather one who has some beauty. MordecaiadoptedEsther,becauseshewas fair.Whenwewere inourblood,God

adoptedus. "WhenI sawyoupolluted inyourblood, itwas the timeoflove."Goddidnotadoptuswhenwewerebespangledwiththejewelsofholiness—butwhenwewere black as Ethiopians, diseased as lepers—itwasthetimeofhislove.

(3:) That God should be at so great expense in adopting us.When men adopt, they have only some deed sealed, and the thing iseffected;butwhenGodadopts,itputshimtoafargreaterexpense;itsetshiswisdomtoworktofindoutawaytoadoptus.Itwasnoeasythingtomakeheirsofwrath, intoheirsof thepromise andof glory.WhenGodhad found out a way to adopt, it was no easy way. Our adoption waspurchasedatadearrate; forwhenGodwasabout tomakeussonsandheirs,hecouldnotsealthedeedbutbythebloodofhisownSon.Hereisthewonder of God's love in adopting us, that he should be at all thisexpensetoaccomplishit.

(4:)ThatGodshouldadopthisenemies. Ifamanadoptsanotherfor his heir, he will not adopt his mortal enemy; but that God shouldadoptus,whenwewerenotonlystrangers—butenemies,isthewonderofhislove!ForGodtohavepardonedhisenemieswouldhavebeenmuch;buttoadoptthemforhisheirs,astonishestheangelsinheaven!

(5:) That God should take great numbers out of the devil'sfamily,andadoptthemintothefamilyofheaven.Christissaidto"bringmanysonstoglory."Menusuallyadoptbutoneheir—butGodisresolved to increase his family, he brings many sons to glory. God'sadoptingofmillions—is thewonderof love.Hadbutonebeen adopted,allofusmighthavedespaired;buthebringsmanysonstoglory,whichopensadoorofhopetous.

(6:) That God should confer so great honor upon us, inadoptingus.Davidthoughtitnosmallhonorthatheshouldbeaking'sson-in-law. But what honor to be the sons of the high God! ThemorehonorGodhasputuponusinadoptingus,themorehehasmagnifiedhislovetowardsus.Whathonor—thatGodhasmadeussonearinalliancetohim,sonsofGodtheFather,membersofGodtheSon,templesofGodtheHoly Spirit! that he has made us as the angels; nay, in some sense,superior to the angels! All this proclaims the wonder of God's love in

adoptingus.

(7:) See the dreadful condition of such as live and die inunbelief.TheyarenotthesonsofGod."Toasmanyasreceivedhim,hegavepowertobecomethesonsofGod,eventothosewhobelieveonhisname."Nofaith—nosonship.Unbelievershavenosignofsonship—theyknownotGod.AllGod'schildrenknowtheirFather—butthewickeddonotknowhim."Theyproceedfromeviltoevil,andknownotme,saystheLord."Unbelievers are "dead in trespasses and sins."God has no deadchildren;andnotbeingchildren,theyhavenorighttoinheritthegloriesofheaven.

Usetwo:Trywhetheryouareadopted.Thewholeworldisdividedintotwoclasses—thesonsofGod,andtheheirsofhell."TothemhegavepowertobecomethesonsofGod."Letusputourselvesonatrial.Itisnosignweareadoptedsons,becausewearesonsofgodlyparents.TheJewsboastedthattheywereofAbraham'sseed,andthoughttheymustneedsbe good, because they came of such a holy line. But adoption does notcomebyblood.Manygodlyparentshavewickedsons;AbrahamhadanIshmael; Isaac had an Esau. The corn that is sown pure, brings forthgrainwithahusk.Justso,fromhimwhoisholy,anunholychildsprings.We are only God's sons by adoption and grace—not as we are born ofgodly parents. Well, then, let us test ourselves, to see if we are theadoptedsonsanddaughtersofGod.

1.Thefirstsignofadoptionisobedience.Asonobeyshisfather."Isetcupsandjugsofwinebeforethemandinvitedthemtohaveadrink,but they refused. "No," they said. "We don't drink wine, becauseJehonadabsonofRecab,ourancestor,gaveus thiscommand:Youandyour descendants must never drink wine." Jeremiah 35:5-6. So, whenGodsays"drinknotinsin'senchantedcup,"anadoptedchildsays,"myheavenlyFatherhas commandedme, and Idarenotdrink."Agracioussoul not onlybelievesGod's promise—butobeyshis command. Truechild-likeobediencemustberegular,whichimpliesfivethings:

(1.) It must be done by a right RULE.Obedience must have theWordofGodfor itsrule.This is the touchstone."Tothe lawandtothetestimony!" Ifourobedience isnotaccording to theWord, it isoffering

up strange fire; it iswillworship; andGodwill say, "Whohas requiredthis at your hand?" The apostle condemnsworshiping of angels,whichhad a show of humility. Col 2:18. The Jews might say that they werereluctanttobesoboldastogotoGodintheirownpersons;theywouldbemore humble, and prostrate themselves before the angels, desiringthemtobetheirmediatorstoGod.Herewasashowofhumilityintheirangelworship;butitwasabominable,becausetheyhadnowordofGodtowarrantit; itwasnotobedience—butidolatry.Child-likeobedienceisthatwhichisconsistentwithtoourFather'srevealedwill.

(2.) Itmustbedone fromarightPRINCIPLE, fromthenobleprinciple of faith. "The obedience of faith." "All acceptable worksproceedfromfaith,"Augustine.Acrab-treemaybearfruitfairtotheeye—butitissourbecauseitdoesnotcomefromagoodroot.AmoralpersonmaygiveGodoutwardobedience,whichtotheeyesofothersmayseemglorious;buthisobedience is sourbecause it comesnot fromthesweetandpleasantrootoffaith.AchildofGodgiveshimtheobedienceoffaith,andthatmelioratesandsweetenshisservices,andmakesthemcomeoffwithabetterrelish."ByfaithAbelofferedabettersacrificethanCain."

(3.)ItmustbedonetoarightEND.Theenddeterminesthevalueofthedeed;theendofobedienceisglorifyingGod.Thatwhichhasspoiledmanysplendidservices,is,thattheendhasbeenwrong."Becarefulnotto do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. Sowhen you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as thehypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored bymen.Itellyouthetruth,theyhavereceivedtheirrewardinfull."Matthew6:1-2.Goodworksshouldshine—butnotblaze."IfIgivemybody tobeburnt,andhavenotlove,itprofitsmenothing."ThesameImustsayofasincereaim;ifIobeyeversomuch,andhavenotasincereaim,itprofitsmenothing.TrueobediencelooksatGodinallthings."ThatChristmaybemagnified."ThoughachildofGodshootsshort—yethetakesarightaim.

(4.)Truechild-likeobediencemustbeUNIFORM.AchildofGodmakes conscience of one command, aswell as another.All thingsdoneforGod, are donewith equal zeal. All God's commands have the samestampofdivineauthorityuponthem;andifIobeyonepreceptbecause

myheavenlyFathercommandsme,bythesameruleImustobeyall.Asthebloodrunsthroughall theveinsof thebody—justso, truechild-likeobediencerunsthroughthefirstandsecondtable."Ihaverespectuntoallyour commandments." Psalm 119:6. To obey God in some things—andnotinothers,showsanunsoundheart;likeEsau,whoobeyedhisfatherinbringinghimvenison—butnotinagreatermatter,asthechoiceofhiswife.Child-likeobediencemovestowardseverycommandofGod,astheneedlepoints thatwaywhich the loadstonedraws. IfGodcall todutieswhicharecrosstofleshandblood,ifwearechildren,weshallstillobeyourFather."IhavekeptmyfeetfromeveryevilpathsothatImightobeyyourword."Psalm119:101.

ButwhocanobeyGodinallthings?

Thoughanadoptedheirofheavencannotobeyeverypreceptperfectly—yethedoesevangelically.Heapprovesofeverycommand."Iconsenttothe law, that it is good." Rom 7:16.He delights in every command. "OhowloveIyourlaw!"Psalm119:97.Hisdesireistoobeyeverycommand."Oh,thatmywaysweresteadfastinobeyingyourdecrees!"Psalm119:5.Wherein he comes short, he looks up to Christ's blood to supply hisdefects.Thisisevangelicalobedience;which,thoughwearenotsatisfiedwithit,Godacceptsit.

(5.)Truechildlikeobedienceisconstant."Blessedishewhodoesrighteousnessatalltimes."Child-likeobedienceisnotfitful—butabides;andlikethefireonthealtar,whichwaskeptalwaysburning.Lev6:13.

2.Thesecondsignofadoption is to lovetobe inourFather'spresence.Thechildwholoveshisfatherisneversowellaswhenheisnear him. Are we children? We love the presence of God in hisordinances.InprayerwespeaktoGod,inthepreachingofhiswordhespeakstous;andhowdoeseverychildofGoddelighttohearhisFather'svoice!"OGod,youaremyGod,earnestlyIseekyou;mysoulthirsts foryou,mybody longs for you, in adry andweary landwhere there is nowater." Psalm 63:1, 2. Such as disregard ordinances are not God'schildren,because theycarenot tobe inGod'spresence. "Cainwentoutfrom the presence of the Lord." Gen 4:16. Not that he could go out ofGod's sight—but the meaning is, "Cain went out from the church and

peopleofGod,wheretheLordgavevisibletokensofhispresence."

3.The thirdsignofadoption is tohave theguidanceofGod'sSpirit. "Asmany as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons ofGod."Rom8:14.Itisnotenoughthatthechildhavelife—butitmustbeledeverystepbythenurse.Justso, theadoptedchildmustnotonlybebornofGod—buthavetheanointingoftheSpirittoleadhiminacourseofholiness."ItaughtEphraimalsotogo,takingthembytheirarms."AsIsraelwasledbythepillaroffire,soGod'schildrenareledbytheSpirit.TheadoptedonesneedGod'sSpirittoleadthem,sincetheyareapttogowrong.Thefleshypartinclinestosin;theunderstandingandconscienceare to guide the will—but the will is imperious and rebels; therefore,God'schildrenneedtheSpirit tocheckcorruptionandleadthemintherightway.Aswickedmenareledbytheevilspirit—thespiritofSatanledHerod to incest,Ahab to murder, Judas to treason; just so, the goodSpiritleadsGod'schildrenintovirtuousactions.

ButenthusiastspretendtobeledbytheSpirit,whenitisadelusion.

The Spirit's guidance is agreeable to the Word; enthusiasts leave theWord."YourWordistruth.""TheSpiritguidesintoalltruth."TheWord'steachingandtheSpirit'sleadingagreetogether.

4.Thefourthsignis,thatifweareadoptedwehaveanentirelovetoallGod'schildren."Lovethebrotherhood."WebearaffectiontoGod'schildren,thoughtheyhavesomeinfirmities.Therearespots inGod'schildren;Deut32:5;butwemustlovethebeautifulfaceofholiness,thoughithasascar in it. Ifweareadopted,we lovethegoodwesee inGod'schildren—weadmiretheirgraces,wepassbytheirimprudences.Ifwecannot love thembecause theyhave some failings,howdowethinkGodcanloveus?Canwepleadexemption?Bythesesignsweknowouradoption.

Usethree:RejoiceintheBENEFITSofadoption.

WhatarethebenefitswhichaccruetoGod'schildren?

(1.)Theyhavegreatprivileges.King'schildrenhavegreatprivileges

and freedoms. They do not pay custom.Matt 17:25.God's children areprivileged people, they are privileged from the hurt of everything."Nothingshallbyanymeanshurtyou."Luke10:19.Hityouitmay—butnothurtyou."Thereshallnoevilbefallyou."Psalm91:10.Goddoesnotpromisethatnoafflictionshallbefallhischildren—butnoevil; thehurtandpoisonofafflictionistakenaway.Afflictiontoawickedmanhasevilinit,itmakeshimworse;itmakeshimcurseandblaspheme."Menwerescorchedwithgreatheat,andblasphemedthenameofGod."ButnoevilbefallsachildofGod;heisbetteredbyaffliction.Heb12:10.Thefurnacemakesgoldpurer.

Again,noevilbefalls theadopted,becausenocondemnation. "It isGodwhojustifies;whoishewhocondemns?"Whatablessedprivilegeisthis,tobefreedfromthestingofaffliction,andthecurseofthelaw!tobeinsuchaconditionthatnothingcanhurtus!Itisfabled—whenthedragonhaspoisonedthewater,theunicornwithhishornextractsanddrawsoutthe poison. Just so, Jesus Christ has drawn out the poison of everyaffliction,thatitcannotinjurethesaints.

(2.)Thesecondbenefit, ifweareadopted, is thatwehaveaninterest in all the promises. The promises are children's bread."Believersareheirsofthepromises."Thepromisesaresure.God'struth,which is the brightest pearl in his crown, is pawned in a promise. Thepromisesaresuitable,likeamedicalgarden,inwhichthereisnodiseasebutthereissomeherbtocureit.Inthedarknightofdesertion,Godhaspromised to be a sun; in temptation, to tread downSatan.Rom 16:20.Does sinprevail?Hehaspromised to take away its kingly power.Rom6:14.Ohtheheavenlycomfortswhicharedistilledfromthepromises!Butwhohasarighttothese?Believersalone,areheirsofthepromise.ThereisnotapromiseintheBiblebutabelievermaysay,"Thisismine!"

Usefour:ExtolandmagnifyGod'smercy,whohasadoptedyouintohisfamily!TheywereslavesofSatan—butGodhasmadethemhissons! They were heirs of hell—but God has made them heirs of thekingdom! Adoption is a free gift. He gave them power, or dignity, tobecomethesonsofGod.Asathreadofsilverrunsthroughawholepieceof work, so free grace runs through the whole privilege of adoption.AdoptionisagreatermercythanAdamhadinparadise;hewasasonby

creation—buthereisafurthersonshipbyadoption.Tomakeusthankfulconsider, in civil adoption there is some worth and excellence in thepersontobeadopted;buttherewasnoworthinus,neitherbeauty,norparentage, nor virtue; nothing in us to move God to bestow theprerogativeof sonshipuponus.Wehave enough inus tomoveGod tocorrectus—but nothing to move him to adopt us, therefore exalt freegrace;begintheworkofangelshere;blesshimwithyourpraises,whohasblessedyouinmakingyouhissonsanddaughters.

5.SANCTIFICATION

OUTLINE:

WhatistheNATUREofsanctification?(1.)SanctificationisaSUPERNATURALthing;itisdivinelyinfused.(2.)SanctificationisanINTERNALthing;itlieschieflyintheheart.(3.) Sanctification is an EXTENSIVE thing: it spreads into the wholeman.(4.)SanctificationisanintenseandARDENTthing.(5.)SanctificationisaBEAUTIFULthing.(6.)SanctificationisanABIDINGthing.(7.)SanctificationisaPROGRESSIVEthing.

WhataretheCOUNTERFEITSofsanctification?(1.)ThefirstcounterfeitofsanctificationisMORALVIRTUE.(2.) The second counterfeit of sanctification is SUPERSTITIOUSDEVOTION.(3.) The third counterfeit of sanctification is HYPOCRISY; when menmakeapretenseofthatholinesswhichtheyhavenot.(4.) The fourth counterfeit of sanctification is RESTRAINING grace—whenmenforbearvice,thoughtheydonothateit.(5.)ThefifthcounterfeitofsanctificationisCOMMONgrace—whichisaslight,transientworkoftheSpirit—butdoesnotamounttoconversion.

WhereinappearstheNECESSITYofsanctification?(1.)Godhascalledustoit.(2.)Withoutsanctification,thereisnoevidencingourjustification.

(3.)Withoutsanctificationwehavenotitletothenewcovenant.(4.)Thereisnogoingtoheavenwithoutsanctification.(5.)Withoutsanctificationallourholythingsaredefiled.(6.)Withoutsanctificationwecanshownosignofourelection.

WhataretheSIGNSofsanctification?First, such as are sanctified, can remember a time when they wereunsanctifiedAsecondsignofsanctificationistheindwellingoftheHolySpirit.Athirdsignofsanctificationisanantipathyagainstsin.Afourthsignofsanctificationisthespiritualperformanceofduties,withtheheart,andfromaprincipleoflove.Afifthsignisaholylife.Asixthsignissteadfastresolution.

Use one: The main thing a Christian should look after, issanctification.

Usetwo:WhatarethechiefINDUCEMENTStosanctification?(1.)ItisthewillofGodthatweshouldbeholy.(2.)JesusChristhasdiedforoursanctification.(3.)SanctificationmakesusresembleGod.(4.)SanctificationisthatwhichGodbearsagreatloveto.(5.) Sanctification is the only thing which makes us differ from thewicked.(6.)ItisasgreatashametohavethenameofaChristian—yetlack.(7.)Sanctificationfitsforheaven.

HowmaysanctificationbeATTAINED?(1.)BeconversantintheWordofGod.(2.)GetfaithinChrist'sblood.(3.)BreatheaftertheSpirit.(4.)Associatewithsanctifiedpeople.(5.)Prayforsanctification.

Use three: Wear this jewel of sanctification withTHANKFULNESS.

"ForthisisthewillofGod,evenyoursanctification."IThess4:3.

Theword sanctification signifies to consecrateand set apart to a holyuse: thus they are sanctified peoplewho are separated from theworld,and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and apositivepart.

I.Aprivativepart,whichliesinthepurgingoutofsin.Siniscomparedto leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctificationpurgesout"theoldleaven."Thoughitdoesnottakeawaythelifeofsin—yetittakesawaytheloveofsin.

II.Apositivepart,which is thespiritualrefiningof thesoul;which inScripture is called a "renewing of our mind," and a "partaking of thedivinenature."Thepriestsinthelawwerenotonlywashed inthegreatlaver—but adorned with glorious apparel. Exod 28:2. Just so,sanctificationnotonlywashesfromsin—butadornswithpurity.

WhatistheNATUREofsanctification?

It is a principle of grace savingly wrought, whereby the heart becomesholy, and ismade afterGod's ownheart. A sanctified person bearsnotonlyGod'sname—buthisimage.Inopeningthenatureofsanctification,Ishalllaydownthesesevenpositions:

(1.) Sanctification is a SUPERNATURAL thing; it is divinelyinfused.Wearenaturallypolluted,andtocleanse,Godtakestobehisprerogative. "I am the Lord, who sanctifies you." Weeds grow bythemselves. Flowersmust be planted and cultivated. Sanctification is afloweroftheSpirit'splanting,thereforeitiscalled,"ThesanctificationoftheSpirit."1Pet1:2.

(2.)Sanctification isanINTERNALthing; it lieschiefly in theheart.Itiscalled"theadorningthehiddenmanoftheheart."1Pet3:4.The dew wets the leaf—but the sap is hidden in the root. Just so, thereligion of some consists only in externals—but sanctification is deeply

rooted in the soul. "In the hidden part you shall make me to knowwisdom."Psalm51:6.

(3.)Sanctification isanEXTENSIVEthing: it spreads intothewholeman. "May the God of peace sanctify you wholly." As originalcorruption has depraved all the faculties—"the whole head is sick, thewholeheart faint,"nopartsound,as if thewholevolumeofbloodwerecorrupted;justso,sanctificationgoesoverthewholesoul.Afterthefall,therewasignoranceinthemind;butinsanctification,weare"lightintheLord."Afterthefall,thewillwasdepraved;therewasnotonlyimpotencetogood—butobstinacy.Insanctification,thereisablessedpliablenessinthewill,withthewillofGod.Afterthefall,theaffectionsweremisplacedonwrongobjects;insanctification,theyareturnedintoasweetorderandharmony—thegriefplaced on sin, the loveonGod, the joyon heaven.Thussanctificationspreadsitselfasfarasoriginalcorruption;itgoesoverthe whole soul. "May God of peace sanctify you wholly." He is not asanctified person who is good only in some part—but who is all oversanctified;therefore,inScripture,graceiscalleda"newman,"notaneweye or a new tongue—but a "new man." Col 3:10. A good Christian,thoughheissanctifiedbutinpart—yetineverypart.

(4.) Sanctification is an intense and ARDENT thing. Itsproperties burn within the believer. "Fervent in spirit." Rom 12:2.Sanctification is not a dead form—but it is inflamed into zeal.We callwaterhot,whenit issointhethirdorfourthdegree.Justso,heisholywhosetruereligionisheatedtosomedegree,andhisheartboilsoverinlovetoGod.

(5.)SanctificationisaBEAUTIFULthing.ItmakesGodandangelsfallinlovewithus."Thebeautiesofholiness."Psalm110:3.Asthesunistotheworld,soissanctificationtothesoul,beautifyingandbespanglingitinGod'seyes.ThatwhichmakesGodgloriousmustneedsmakeusso.Holiness is the most sparkling jewel in the Godhead. "Glorious inholiness."SanctificationisthefirstfruitoftheSpirit;itisheavenbeguninthesoul.Sanctificationandglorydifferonlyindegree.Sanctificationisgloryintheseed;andgloryissanctificationintheflower.Holiness isthequintessenceofhappiness.

(6.)SanctificationisanABIDINGthing."Hisseedremainsinhim."He who is truly sanctified, cannot fall from that state. Indeed, mereseemingholinessmay be lost—colorsmaywash off. Sanctificationmaysufferaneclipse. "Youhave left your first love."True sanctification is ablossomof eternity. "The anointingwhich you have received, abides inyou."Hewho is truly sanctified cannomore fall away, than the angelswhicharefixedintheirheavenlyorbs.

(7.) Sanctification is a PROGRESSIVE thing. It is growing; it iscompared toseedwhichgrows: first thebladespringsup, then theear,thentheripecornintheear.Suchasarealreadysanctifiedmaybemoresanctified.Justificationdoesnotadmitofdegrees; abeliever cannotbemoreelectedorjustifiedthanheis—buthemaybemoresanctifiedthanheis.Sanctificationisstillincreasing,likethemorningsun,whichgrowsbrightertothefullmeridian.Knowledgeissaidtoincrease,and faithtoincrease.Col1:10;2Cor10:5.AChristianiscontinuallyaddinganinchtohisspiritualstature.ItisnotwithusasitwaswithChrist,whoreceivedthe Spiritwithoutmeasure; for Christ could not bemore holy than hewas.WehavetheSpiritonlyinmeasure,andmaybestillaugmentingourgrace;asApelles,whenhehaddrawnapicture,wouldbestillmendingitwith his pencil. The image of God is drawn but imperfectly in us,therefore we must be still mending it, and drawing it in more livelycolors.Sanctification isprogressive; if itdoesnotgrow—it isbecause itdoesnotlive.Thusyouseethenatureofsanctification.

WhataretheCOUNTERFEITSofsanctification?

Therearethingswhichlooklikesanctification—butarenot.

(1.) The first counterfeit of sanctification isMORALVIRTUE.Tobejust,tobetemperate, tohaveakinddemeanor;nottohaveone'sescutcheonblottedwithignominiousscandal,isgood—butnotenough;itis not sanctification. A field-flower differs from agarden-flower.Manyheathenhaveattainedtomorality;asCato,Socrates,andAristideshave.Civility is but nature refined; there is nothing of Christ there, and theheartmaybefoulandimpure.Underthesebeautifulleavesofcivilitythewormofunbeliefmaybehidden!Amoralpersonhasasecretantipathyagainst grace: he hates vice, and he hates grace as much as vice. The

snakehasabeautifulcolor—butasting.Apersonadornedandcultivatedwithmoral virtue, has a secret spleen against sanctity. TheStoicswhowerethechiefofthemoralizedheathens,werethebitterestenemiesPaulhad.Acts17:18.

(2.) The second counterfeit of sanctification isSUPERSTITIOUSDEVOTION. This abounds in Popery; adorations,images, altars, vestments, and holy water—are far from sanctification.Thisreligiousfrenzydoesnotputany intrinsicgoodness intoaman, itdoes not make a man better. If the legal purifications and washings,whichwereofGod'sownappointing,didnotmakethosewhousedthemmore holy; and the priests, who wore holy garments, and had holy oilpouredonthem—werenotmoreholywithouttheanointingoftheSpirit;thensurelythosesuperstitiousinnovations inreligion,whichGodneverappointed, cannot contribute any holiness to men. A superstitiousholinesscostsnogreatlabor;thereisnothingoftheheartinit.Iftocountover a few beads, or bow to an idol, or sprinkle themselves with holywaterweresanctification,andallthatisrequiredofthosewhoshouldbesaved—thenhellwouldbeempty,nonewouldgothere!

(3.) The third counterfeit of sanctification is HYPOCRISY;whenmenmake apretenseof that holiness which they havenot. As a comet may shine like a star—a luster may shine from theirprofession, which dazzles the eyes of the beholders. "Having a form ofgodliness—butdenyingthepower."Theseare lampswithoutoil;whitedsepulchers,liketheEgyptiantemples,whichhadbeautifuloutsides—butwithin were filled with spiders and vermin. The apostle speaks of trueholiness,Eph4:24;implyingthatthereisholinesswhichisspuriousandsham."Youhaveanametolive—butaredead;"likepicturesandstatueswhich are destitute of a vital principle. "Clouds without water." TheypretendtobefulloftheSpirit—butareemptyclouds.

This show of sanctification is a self-delusion. He who takes copperinsteadofgold,wrongshimself; themostcounterfeitprofessordeceivesotherswhilehe lives—butdeceiveshimselfwhenhedies!Topretend toholinesswhenthereisnone,isavainthing.Whatwerethefoolishvirginsthebetter,fortheirfinelamps,whentheylackedoil?Whatisthelampofprofession,withouttheoilofsavinggrace?Whatcomfortwillashowof

holinessyieldatlast?Willpaintedgoldenrich?Willpaintedwinerefreshhim who is thirsty? Will painted holiness be a cordial at the hour ofdeath?Apretenseofsanctificationisnottoberestedin.Manyships,thathave had the name of 'the Hope', 'the Safeguard', 'the Triumph', havebeendashedanddestroyeduponrocks.Justso,manywhohavehadthenameofsaints—havebeencastintohell.

(4.) The fourth counterfeit of sanctification isRESTRAININGgrace—whenmenforbearvice,thoughtheydonothateit.Thismaybethesinner'smotto,"GladlyIwould—butIdarenot."Thedoghasamindtothebone—butisafraidofthecudgel.Justso,menhaveamindto lust—but conscience stands as the angel, with a flaming sword, andaffrights them. They have a mind to revenge—but the fear of hell is acurb-bit to check them.There isno changeofheart; sin iscurbed—butnotcured.Alionmaybeinchains—butisalionstill.

(5.)ThefifthcounterfeitofsanctificationisCOMMONgrace—which is a slight, transient work of the Spirit—but does notamounttoconversion.Thereissomelightinthejudgement—butitisnothumbling.Therearesomechecksintheconscience—buttheyarenotawakening. This looks like sanctification—but is not. Men haveconvictionswroughtinthem—buttheybreakloosefromthemagain,likethedeer,which,beingshot,shakesoutthearrow.Afterconviction,mengointothehouseofmirth,andtaketheharptodriveawaythespiritofsadness—andsoalldiesandcomestonothing.

WhereinappearstheNECESSITYofsanctification?Insixthings:

(1.)Godhascalledustoit."Hisdivinepowerhasgivenuseverythingweneedforlifeandgodlinessthroughourknowledgeofhimwhocalledus by his own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3. We are called togoodness, aswell asglory. "God has not called us to uncleanness—butuntoholiness."Wehavenocalltosin;wemayhaveatemptation—butnocalltosin;nocalltobeproud,orunclean;butwehaveacalltobeholy.

(2.) Without sanctification, there is no evidencing ourjustification.Justificationandsanctificationgotogether."Butyouaresanctified—butyouarejustified.""Pardoninginiquity,"Micah7:18;there

is justification. "He will subdue our iniquities," 5:19; there issanctification. "Out of Christ's side came blood and water;" blood forjustification;water forsanctification.Suchashavenot thewateroutofChrist'ssidetocleansethem,shallneverhavethebloodoutofhissidetosavethem.

(3.) Without sanctification we have no title to the newcovenant. The covenant of grace is our charter for heaven. Thecondition of the covenant is, "ThatGodwill be ourGod." Butwho aresavingly interested in the covenant, and may plead the benefit of it?Sanctified people only. "A new heartwill I give you, and Iwill putmySpiritwithinyou,andIwillbeyourGod."Ifamanmakesawill,nonebutsuchpeopleasarenamed in thewill, can lay claim to thewill. Just so,God makes a will and testament—but it is limited to such as aresanctified;anditishighpresumptionforanyoneelsetolayclaimtothewill.

(4.)Thereisnogoingtoheavenwithoutsanctification."WithoutholinessnomanshallseetheLord."GodisaholyGod,andhewillallownounholycreature tocomenearhim.Akingwillnotallowamanwithplague-sorestoapproachintohispresence.HeavenisnotlikeNoah'sark—where the clean beasts and the unclean entered. No unclean beastscome into the heavenlyark; for though God allows the wicked to liveawhileontheearth,hewillneverallowheaventobepesteredwithsuchvermin! Are they fit to see God—who wallow in wickedness?Will Godeverlaysuchvipersinhisbosom?"WithoutholinessnomanshallseetheLord."Itmustbeacleareyethatseesabrightobject:onlyaholyheartcanseeGodinhisglory.SinnersmayseeGodasanenemy—butnotasafriend! They will have an affrighting vision of him—but not a beatificvision!Theywillseetheflamingsword—butnotthemercy-seat!Ohthen,whatneedisthereofsanctification!

(5.)Withoutsanctificationallourholythingsaredefiled."Untothosewhoaredefiled, isnothingpure."Underthelaw,"Ifoneofyouiscarryingaholysacrificeinhisrobesandhappenstobrushagainstsomebreadorstew,wineoroil,oranyotherkindoffood—willitalsobecomeholy?" No, the holy sacrifice would not purify the other things—but itwouldbepollutedbythosethings.Hag2:12,13.This isanemblemofa

sinner's polluting his holy offering. A foul stomach turns the best foodinto ill humours. Just so, an unsanctified heart pollutes prayers, alms,and sacraments. This evinces the necessity of sanctification.Sanctificationmakesourholy thingsaccepted.Aholyheart is thealtar,which sanctifies the offering; if not to our satisfaction, yet to God'sacceptance.

(6.)Withoutsanctificationwecanshownosignofourelection.2Thess2:13.Electionis thecauseofoursalvation, sanctification isourevidence.Sanctificationistheear-markofChrist'selectsheep.

WhataretheSIGNSofsanctification?

First, suchasare sanctified, canremembera timewhen theywere unsanctified. "Oncewe too were foolish and disobedient. Weweremisledbyothersandbecameslavestomanywickeddesiresandevilpleasures.Ourliveswerefullofevilandenvy.Wehatedothers,andtheyhatedus.ButthenGodourSaviorshowedushiskindnessandlove.Hesavedus,notbecauseofthegoodthingswedid,butbecauseofhismercy.HewashedawayoursinsandgaveusanewlifethroughtheHolySpirit."Titus3:3-5.Wewereinourblood,andthenGodwasheduswithwater,andanointeduswithoil.Ezek16:9.Those treesof righteousnesswhichblossomandbearalmonds, can rememberwhen theywere likeAaron'sdry rod—not one blossom of holiness growing. A sanctified soul canrememberwhenitwasestrangedfromGodthroughignoranceandvanity—andwhenfreegraceplantedthisflowerofholinessinit.

A second sign of sanctification is the indwelling of theHolySpirit."TheHolySpiritwhichdwellsinus."Anuncleanspiritdwellsinthewickedandcarriesthemtopride,lust,revenge;thedevilentersintotheseswine!ButtheSpiritofGoddwellsintheelect,astheirguideandcomforter. The Spirit possesses the saints. God's Spirit sanctifies theimagination,causingittomintholythoughts;andsanctifiesthewillbyputtinganewbiasuponit,wherebyitisinclinedtogodliness.Hewhoissanctified,has the influenceof theSpirit, thoughnot theessenceof theSpirit.

Athirdsignofsanctificationisanantipathyagainstsin."Ihate

everywrongpath."Psalm119:104.Ahypocritemayleavesin—yetloveit;asaserpentcastsitscoat—butkeepsitssting!Butasanctifiedpersoncansayhenotonly leavessin—but loathes it. Inasanctifiedsoul, there isaholy antipathy against sin; and antipathies can never be reconciled.Becauseamanhasanantipathyagainstsin—hecannotbutopposeit,andseekthedestructionofit.

A fourth signof sanctification is the spiritualperformanceofduties, with the heart, and from a principle of love. Thesanctified soul prays out of a love to prayer. Amanmay have gifts toadmiration;hemayspeakasanangeldroppedoutofheaven—yethemaybecarnal inspiritual things;hisservicesmaynotcome froma renewedprinciple,norbecarriedupon thewingsofdelight induty.AsanctifiedsoulworshipsGod in the Spirit. "You also, like living stones, are beingbuilt into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritualsacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:5. Godjudgesnotofourdutiesbytheirlength—butbythelovefromwhichtheyspring.

Afifthsignisaholylife."Butjustashewhocalledyouisholy,sobeholyinallyoudo."1Peter1:15.Wheretheheartissanctified,thelifewillbeholy.The templehadgoldwithout,aswellaswithin.Acoinhas theking's image and superscription stamped on it. Just so, where there issanctification, there is not only God's image in the heart—but asuperscription of holinesswritten in the life. Some say they havegoodhearts—buttheirlivesarewicked."Thereisagenerationthatarepureintheirowneyes,andyetisnotwashedfromtheirfilthiness."Ifthewaterisfoulinthebucket,itcannotbecleaninthewell."Theking'sdaughterisallgloriouswithin."Psalm45:13.Thereisholinessofheart."Herclothingis of wrought gold." There is holiness of life. Grace is most beautiful,whenitslightsoshinesthatothersmayseeit;thisadornstruereligion,andmakesproselytestothefaith.

Asixthsignissteadfastresolution.Heisresolvednevertopartwithhis holiness. Let others reproach it—he loves it themore. Let water besprinkledonthefire—itburnsthemore.Hesays,asDavid,whenMichalreproachedhimfordancingbeforetheark,"Ifthisistobevile—Iwillyetbemorevile!"Letotherspersecutehimforhisholiness,hesaysasPaul,

"Noneof thesethingsmoveme!"Hepreferssanctitybeforesafety;andhadratherkeephisconsciencepurethanhisskinwhole.HesaysasJob,"MyintegrityIwillholdfast,andnot let itgo!"Hewillratherpartwithhislife,thanhisconscience.

Use one: The main thing a Christian should look after, issanctification.Thisis"theonethingneedful."Sanctificationgivesusapure complexion, it makes us as the heavens, bespangled with stars.Sanctificationisournobility,byitwearebornofGod,andpartakeofthedivinenature.Sanctificationisourriches,thereforecomparedtorowsofjewels, and chains of gold. Canticles 1:10. Sanctification is our bestcertificate for heaven. What evidence have we else to show? Have weknowledge?Sohasthedevil.Doweprofessreligion?SatanoftenappearsinSamuel'smantle,andtransformshimselfintoanangeloflight.Butourcertificateforheavenissanctification.Sanctificationis the first fruitsofthe Spirit; the only coin that will pass current in the other world.SanctificationistheevidenceofGod'slove.WecannotknowGod'ssavinglovebyhisgivingushealth,riches,orsuccess;butonlybythedrawinghisimage of sanctification on us, by the pencil of the Holy Spirit—it isknown.

Oh themiseryof such as are destituteof a principle of sanctification!Theyarespirituallydead.Eph2:1.Thoughtheybreathe—yettheydonotlive.Thegreatestpartoftheworldremainsunsanctified."Theworldliesinwickedness."Thatis,themajorpartoftheworld.ManycallthemselvesChristians—butblotouttheword'saints'.Youmayaswellcallhimaman—wholacksreason;ashimaChristian—wholacksgrace.

Somearebuoyedup tosuchaheightofwickedness, that theyhateandderidesanctification.Theyhateit.Itisbadtolackholiness—itisworsetohate it. They embrace the formofreligion—but hate thepower. As thevulture hates sweet smells—so they hate the the perfume of holiness.Theysayinderision,'Theseareyourholyones!'Toderidesanctificationargues a high degree of atheism, and is a black brand of reprobation.ScoffingIshmaelwascastoutofAbraham'sfamily;andsuchasscoffatholinessshallbecastoutofheaven!

Usetwo:Aboveallthingspursueaftersanctification.Seekgrace

morethangold."Keepher,forsheisyourlife!"

WhatarethechiefINDUCEMENTStosanctification?

(1.)ItisthewillofGodthatweshouldbeholy."ThisisthewillofGod—your sanctification." AsGod'sWordmust be the rule, so hiswillmust be the reason of our actions. This is the will of God—oursanctification.PerhapsitisnotthewillofGodweshouldberich—butitishiswillthatweshouldbeholy.God'swillisourwarrant.

(2.)JesusChristhasdiedforoursanctification.Christ shedhisbloodtowashoffourimpurity.Thecrosswasbothanaltarandalaver."Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us toredeemusfromallwickednessandtopurifyforhimselfapeoplethatarehis very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:13-14. If we could besavedwithoutholiness,Christneedednothavedied.Christdied,notonlytosaveusfromwrath—butfromsin!

(3.) Sanctificationmakes us resembleGod. It was Adam's sin—thatheaspiredtobelikeGodinomniscience;butwemustendeavortobelikehiminsanctity.Itisaclearglass—inwhichwecanseeaface;itisaholyheart—inwhichsomethingofGodcanbeseen.NothingofGodcanbeseeninanunsanctifiedman—butyoumayseeSatan'spictureinhim.Envy is thedevil's eye,hypocrisyhis cloven foot; but nothing ofGod'simagecanbeseeninhim."JustasHewhocalledyouisholy,sobeholyinallyoudo;foritiswritten--Beholy,becauseIamholy."1Peter1:15-16.

(4.)SanctificationisthatwhichGodbearsagreatloveto.Godisnotdrawntoanyperson'soutwardbeauty,greatabilities,nobleblood,orworldlygrandeur.Butheisdrawntoaheartembellishedwithholiness!Christneveradmiredanythingbutthebeautyofholiness.Heslightedtheglorious buildings of the temple—but admired the woman's faith, andsaid,"Owoman,greatisyourfaith."Asakingdelightstoseehis imageuponapieceof coin; sowhereGodseeshis likeness—hegiveshis love.TheLordhastwoheavenstodwellin—andtheholyheartisoneofthem!

(5.)Sanctificationistheonlythingwhichmakesusdifferfromthewicked.God'speoplehavehissealuponthem."Thefoundationof

God stands sure, having this seal—The Lord knows those who are his.And,LeteveryonewhonamesthenameofChristdepartfrominiquity."2Tim2:19.Thegodlyaresealedwithadoubleseal—asealofelection,"TheLordknowswhoarehis;"andasealofsanctification,"Leteveryonewhonames the name of Christ depart from iniquity." This is the name bywhichGod'speopleareknown,"Thepeopleofyourholiness."Isa63:18.As chastity distinguishes a virtuous woman from a harlot, sosanctificationdistinguishesGod'speoplefromothers."YouhavereceivedananointingfromtheHolyOne."IJohn2:20.

(6.)ItisasgreatashametohavethenameofaChristian—yetlacksanctity—astohavethenameofastewardandlackfidelity;orthenameofavirgin,andlackchastity.Itexposestruereligiontoreproach—tobebaptizedintothenameofChristwhileunholy,andtohaveeyesfullof tearsonasabbath,andonaweek-dayeyesfullofadultery!Tobesodevoutat theLord's table, as if theywere stepping intoheaven;and soprofanethedayafter, as if they cameout of hell! Tohave thenameof'Christian'whilelivingunholy,isascandaltotruereligion,andmakesthewaysofGodtobeevilspokenof.

(7.)Sanctificationfitsforheaven. "Whohascalledustogloryandvirtue."Glory is the throne, and sanctification is the step bywhichweascend to it.Asyou firstcleansethevessel, and thenpour in thewine;justso,Godfirstcleansesusbysanctification,andthenpoursinthewineofglory.Solomonwasfirstanointedwithoil,andthenwasaking.FirstGodanointsuswiththeholyoilofhisSpirit,andthensetsthecrownofhappinessuponourhead.Purenessofheart andseeingGodare linkedtogether.Matt5:8.

HowmaysanctificationbeATTAINED?

(1.)BeconversantinthewordofGod."Sanctifythemthroughyourtruth."John17:17.TheWordisbothamirrortoshowusthespotsofoursoul, and a laver to wash them away. The Word has a transformingvirtueinit;itirradiatesthemind,andconsecratestheheart.

(2.) Get faith in Christ's blood. "Having purified their hearts byfaith."She inthegospel,whotouchedthehemofChrist'sgarment,was

healed.Atouchof faithpurifies!Nothingcanhaveagreater forceupontheheart, tosanctify it, thanfaith.IfIbelieveChristandhismeritsaremine—howcanIsinagainsthim?Justifyingfaithdoesthatinaspiritualsense, which miraculous faith does—it removes mountains, themountains of pride, lust, envy. True faith, and the love of sin, areinconsistent.

(3.)Breatheafter theSpirit. "The sanctification of the Spirit." TheSpiritsanctifiestheheart,asthestormpurifiestheair,andasfirerefinesmetals.TheSpiritatwork,generateshisownlikeness.TheSpiritstampsthe impressionof its own sanctityupon theheart, as the seal prints itslikeness upon thewax. The Spirit of God in aman perfumes himwithholiness,andmakeshisheartapictureofheaven.

(4.)Associatewithsanctifiedpeople. Theymay, by their counsel,prayers, and holy example, be a means to make you holy. As thecommunionof saints is inourcreed, so it shouldbeourcompany."Hewhowalkswiththewiseshallbewise."Associationbegetsassimilation.

(5.) Pray for sanctification. Job propounds a question. "Who canbringacleanthingoutofanunclean?"Godcandoit!Outofanunholyheart—hecanproducegrace!Oh!makeDavid'sprayeryourown,"Createinme a clean heart, OGod." Lay your heart before the Lord, and say,"Lord,myunsanctifiedheart pollutes all it touches. I amnot fit to livewithsuchaheart,forIcannothonoryou;nordiewithsuchaheart,forIcannotseeyou.Ohcreateinmeanewheart!Lord,consecratemyheart,andmakeityourtemple,andyourpraisesshallbesungthereforever!"

Use three:HasGodbrought a clean thingout of anunclean?Has he sanctified you?Wear this jewel of sanctificationwithTHANKFULNESS."AlwaysthankingtheFather,whohasenabledyoutosharetheinheritancethatbelongstoGod'sholypeople,wholiveinthelight."Colossians1:12.Christian,youcoulddefileyourself—butyoucouldnotsanctifyyourself.ButGodhasdone it—hehasnot only chainedupsin—but changed yournature—andmade you as a king's daughter—allgloriouswithin!Hehasputuponyouthebreastplateofholiness,which,thoughitmaybeshotat,canneverbeshotthrough.

Arethereanyherewhoaresanctified?Godhasdonemoreforyouthanfor millions, who may have many temporal blessings—but are notsanctified.Hehasdonemoreforyouthanifhehadmadeyouanearthlyking! Are you sanctified? Heaven is begun in you—for happiness isnothingbutthequintessenceofholiness.Oh,howthankfulshouldyoubetoGod!Doasthatblindmaninthegospeldidafterhehadreceivedhissight,who"followedChrist,glorifyingGod."MakeheavenringwithGod'spraises!

6.ASSURANCE

Question 36: What are the BENEFITS which flow fromSanctification?

Answer: Assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in theHolySpirit,increaseofgrace,andperseverancethereintotheend.

1.Thefirstbenefitflowingfromsanctification,isassuranceofGod'slove.

"Givediligencetomakeyourcallingandelectionsure."Sanctificationistheseed;assurance is the flowerwhichgrowsoutof it.Assurance isanoutcome of sanctification. The saints of old had it. "We know that weknow him." 1 John 2:3. "I knowwhom I have believed." 2 Tim 1:12."Christ loved me and gave himself for me." Gal 2:20. Here is faithflourishing into assurance. Aecolampadius, when sick, pointed to hisheart, saying, "Here I have light enough," meaning comfort andassurance.

Haveallsanctifiedpeopleassurance?

Theyhavearightto it, and I incline to believe that all have it in somedegree,beforetheirlastexpiring;thoughtheircomfortmaybesofeeble,and their spiritual vitality soweak, that they cannot expresswhat theyfeel.But Idarenotpositively affirm that all have assurance in the first

moment of their sanctification. A lettermay be written, when it is notsealed.Justso,gracemaybewrittenintheheart,andtheSpiritmaynotset the seal of assurance to it. God is a free agent, and may give orsuspendassuranceashepleases.Wherethereis thesanctifyingworkofthe Spirit, he may withhold the sealingwork, partly to keep the soulhumble; partly topunishour carelesswalking.Aswhenweneglect ourspiritualwatch,growremissinduty,andwalkunderacloud—wequenchthegracesof theSpirit,andGodwithholds thecomforts.AndGodmaywitholdassurancepartly, toputadifferencebetweenearthandheaven.This I speak, to bear up the hearts of God's people, who are dejectedbecause they have no assurance. Youmay have the water of the Spiritpoured on you in sanctification, though not the oil of gladness inassurance.TheremaybethesavingfaithofrelianceuponChrist—andnotthestrongfaithofassurance.Theremaybelifeintheroot—whenthereisnofruitinthebranchestobeseen.Theremaybefaithintheheart,whennofruitofassurance.

Whatisassurance?

It is not any vocal or audible voice, or brought to us by the help of anangel or revelation. TheWord ofGod is themajor factor in assurance,conscienceistheminorfactor,andtheSpiritofGod,themovingcause.TheWordsays,"HewhofearsandlovesGodislovedofGod;"thereisthemajorproposition;thenconsciencemakestheminorproposition,"IfearandloveGod;"thentheSpiritmakestheconclusion,"ThereforeyouarelovedofGod;" and this iswhat the apostle calls "Thewitnessingof theSpiritwithourspirits,thatwearehischildren."

Has a sanctified soul such an assurance as excludes alldoubting?

Hehasthatwhichbearsuphisheartfromsinking,hehassuchapledgeoftheSpirit,thathewouldnotpartwithitfortherichestprize.Buthisassurance, though infallible, is not perfect. There will be sometimes atrepidation—butheissafeamidstfearsanddoubts;asashipliessafeatanchor, thoughshakenby thewind. IfaChristianhadnodoubts, therewould be no unbelief in him; had he no doubts, there would be nodifferencebetweengracemilitantandgracetriumphant.HadnotDavid

sometimes his ebbings as well as flowings? Like the mariner, whosometimescriesout,"Iseeastar,"andthencries that thestar isoutofsight.SometimeswehearDavidsay,"Yourloving-kindnessisbeforemyeyes." At another time he is at a loss: "Lord, where are your formerlovingkindnesses?" An eclipse in a Christian's assurancemay occur, toput him upon longing afterheaven—where there shall not be the leastdoubting;wherethebannerofGod'sloveshallbealwaysdisplayeduponthesoul;wherethelightofGod'sfaceshallbewithoutclouds,andhaveno sun-setting; and where the saints shall have an uninterruptedassurance,andbeforeverwiththeLord.

What are the differences between true assurance andpresumption?

(1.) They differ in the method or manner of working. Divineassuranceflowsfromhumiliationforsin;Ispeaknotof themeasureofhumiliation—butthetruth.ThereareinPalermo,reedsgrowing,inwhichthere is a sugared juice; a soul humbled for sin is thebruised reed, inwhich grows this sweet assurance. God's Spirit is a spirit of bondage,before it is a spirit of adoption. On the contrary, presumption ariseswithoutanyhumblingwordoftheSpirit."Howdidyoufinditsoquickly,my son?"Genesis 27:20,Theploughgoes before the seed is sown; theheartmust beploughedupbyhumiliation andrepentance, beforeGodsowstheseedofassurance.

(2.)Hewhohasarealassurancewill takeheedof thatwhichwill weaken and darken his assurance. He is fearful of theforbidden fruit.He knows, though he cannot sin away his soul—yet hemay sin away his assurance. But he who has the false light ofpresumption,doesnotfeardefilinghisgarments—heisboldinsin."Yetyou say toMe, 'Father, you have beenmy guide since the days of myyouth.Surelyyouwon'tbeangryaboutsuchalittlething!Surelyyoucanforget it!' So you talk, and keep right on doing all the evil you can."Jeremiah3:4-5.Balaamsaid,"MyGod,"yetwasasorcerer.Itisasignhehasnomoneywithhim,whofearsnottotravelallhoursinthenight.Itisa sign he has not the jewel of assurance, who fears not the works ofdarkness.

(3.) True assurance is built upon a Scripture basis. TheWordsays, "The effect of righteousness shall be quietness and assuranceforever." Isa 32:17.AChristian's assurance is built upon this Scripture.God has sown the seed of righteousness in his soul, and this seed hasbrought forth theharvest of assurance. But presumption is a spuriousthing;ithasnotScripturetoshowforitswarrant;itislikeawillwithoutsealandwitnesses,whichisnullandvoidinlaw.PresumptionlacksboththewitnessoftheWord,andthesealoftheSpirit.

(4.) Assurance flowing from sanctification, always keeps theheart in a lowly posture. "Lord," says the soul, "what am I, that,passing by somany, the golden beams of your love should shine uponme?"Paulhadassurance.Isheproudofthisjewel?No!"Tomewhoamlessthantheleastofallsaints."ThemoreloveaChristianreceivesfromGod,themoreheseeshimselfadebtortofreegrace,andthesenseofhisdebtkeepshishearthumble;butpresumption isbredofpride.Hewhopresumes disdains; he thinks himself better than others. "The proudPhariseestoodbyhimselfandprayedthisprayer:Ithankyou,God,thatIamnotasinnerlikeeveryoneelse,especially likethattaxcollectoroverthere!ForInevercheat,Idon'tsin,Idon'tcommitadultery,Ifasttwiceaweek,andIgiveyoua tenthofmy income."Luke18:11-12.Feathers flyup—butgolddescends! Just so, the heart of him who has this goldenassurance,descendsinhumility.

Whatmayexciteustolookafterassurance?

To consider how sweet it is, and the noble and excellent effects itproduces.

(1.)Considerhowsweetitis.Assuranceis—themannainthegoldenpot; thewhite stone, thewineofparadisewhich cheers theheart.Howcomfortable isGod's smile! The sun ismore refreshingwhen it shines,thanwhenitishiddeninacloud.Assuranceisaforetasteofglory,itputsa man in heaven before he actually gets there. None can know howdeliciousandravishingassuranceis—butsuchashavefeltit;asnonecanknowhowsweethoneyis—butthosewhohavetastedit.

(2.)Considerthenobleandexcellenteffectsitproduces.

(1:)AssurancewillmakeusloveGod,andpraisehim.Loveisthesouloftruereligion—thefatofthesacrifice;andwhocanloveGodashewhohas assurance?The sun reflecting itsbeamsonamagnifying-glassmakes theglassburn thatwhich isnear it.Just so,assurance(whichisthereflectionofGod'sloveuponthesoul)makesitburninlovetoGod.PaulwasassuredofChrist's lovetohim,"Whohaslovedme!"Andhowwashisheartfiredwithlove!HevaluedandadmirednothingbutChrist."Yes,everythingelseisworthlesswhencomparedwiththepricelessgainof knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else,countingitallasgarbage,sothatImayhaveChrist!"Philippians3:8.AsChrist was fastened to the cross—so he was fastened to Paul's heart.Praise is therentwepay to the crownof heaven.Whobut hewho hasassurance of his justification, can blessGod, and give him the glory ofwhathehasdone forhim?Canaman ina swoonorasleeppraiseGodthatheisalive?CanaChristian,staggeringwithfearsabouthisspiritualcondition,praiseGodthatheiselectedandjustified?No!"Theliving,theliving,heshallpraiseyou."Suchasareenlivenedwithassurance,arethefittestpeopletosoundforthGod'spraise.

(2:) Assurance will drop sweetness into all our creatureenjoyments;itwillbeassugartowine.Guiltembittersourcomforts;itis like drinking out of a wormwood cup; but assurance sweetens alltemporal blessings. The assurances of God's love are sweet riches, andwith the assurance of an eternal kingdom, are delectable. A dinner ofgreenherbs,withtheassuranceofGod'slove,isprincelyfare!

(3:)AssurancewillmakeusactiveandlivelyinGod'sservice;itwillexciteprayer,andquickenobedience.Asdiligencebegetsassurance,so assurance begets diligence.Assurancewill not (as the Papists say)breedcarnal-security—butwill foster industry.Doubtingdiscourages usinGod'sservice—buttheassuranceofhisfavorbreedsjoy."ThejoyoftheLordisourstrength."Neh8:10.Assurancemakesusmountuptoheaven,as eagles, in holy duties; it is like the Spirit in Ezekiel's wheels, thatmovedthem,andliftedthemup.Faithwillmakeuswalk—butassurancewill make us run; we shall never think we can do enough for God.Assurancewillbeaswingstothebird,asweightstotheclock—tosetallthewheelsofobediencerunning!

(4:)Assurancewillbeagoldenshieldtobeatbacktemptation,andwill triumphover it. There are two sorts of temptationswhichSatanuses.

(1.) He tempts to draw us to sin. But we being assured of ourjustification,willmakethis temptationvanish."What,Satan! shall I sinagainst him who has loved me, and washed me in his blood? Shall IreturntofollyafterGodhasspokenpeace?ShallIweakenmyassurance,woundmy conscience, grievemy Comforter? Avaunt, Satan! Tempt nomore!"

(2.)SatanwouldmakeusquestionourinterestinGod,bytellingusweare hypocrites, andGod does not love us. Now there is no such shieldagainstthistemptationasassurance."What,Satan!haveIarealworkofgraceinmyheart,andthesealoftheSpirittowitnessit,anddoyoutellme God does not love me? Now I know you are an impostor, who goabouttodisprovewhatIsensiblyfeel."Iffaithresiststhedevil,assurancewillputhimtoflight!

(5:) Assurance will make us contented, though we have butlittle in the world. He who has enough. is content. He who hassunlight is content, though he is without torchlight. A man who hasassurancehasenough.HehastherichesofChrist'smerit,theexperienceofhislove,apledgeofhisglory;heisfilledwiththefullnessofGod.Hereisenough,andhavingenoughheiscontent."TheLordistheportionofmy inheritance; surely I have a delightful inheritance." Assurance willrocktheheartquiet.Thereasonfordiscontentiseitherbecausemenhaveno interest in God, or do not know their interest. Paul says, "I knowwhom I have believed." There was the assurance of his interest. And,"Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; havingnothing,andyetpossessingeverything."Therewashiscontentment.

Getbutassurance,andyouwillbe leftoffof the listofmurmurers;youwillbediscontentednomore.Nothingcancomeamiss tohimwhohasassurance.Godishis.Hashelostafriend?HisFatherlives.Hashelosthisonlychild?GodhasgivenhimhisonlySon.Hashescarcityofbread?God has given him the finest of the wheat, the bread of life. Are hiscomfortsgone?HehastheComforter.Doeshemeetwithstormsonthe

sea?Heknowswheretoputinforharbor;Godishisportion,andheavenishishaven.Thisassurancegivessweetcontentmentineverycondition.

(6:)Assurancewillbearuptheheartinsufferings,itwillmakea Christian endure troubles with patience and cheerfulness."You have need of patience." There are some foods which are hard ofdigestion,andonlyagoodstomachwilldigestthem.Justso,afflictionisahard food todigest.Butpatience, likeagoodstomach,willbeable todigest it.Andwhencecomespatience,but fromassurance?"Tribulationworkspatience,becausetheloveofGodisshedabroadinourhearts'withcheerfulness.Assurance is like themariner's lanternonthedeck,whichgives light in a dark night. Assurance gives the light of comfort inaffliction. "You joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property,because you knew that you yourselves had better and lastingpossessions."Therewasassurance.Hewhohasassurance,canrejoiceintribulation; he can gather grapes of thorns, andhoney out of the lion'scarcass.Latimersaid,"WhenIsitalone,andcanhaveasettledassuranceof the state ofmy soul, and know that God ismine, I can laugh at alltroubles,andnothingcandauntme."

(7:) Assurancewill pacify a troubled conscience.Hewho has adisturbed vexatious conscience, carries a little hell about him! butassurance cures the agony of conscience, and allays the fury ofconscience.Conscience,whichbeforewas turned intoa serpent, isnowlike a bee that has honey in its mouth—it speaks peace.When God ispacifiedtowardsus,thenconscienceispacified.Iftheheavensarequiet,andtherearenowindsstirring,theseaisquietandcalm.Justso,ifthereis no anger inGod's heart, if the tempest of hiswrath does not blow—conscienceisquietandserene.

(8:) Assurance will strengthen us against the fears of death.Suchaslackassurance,cannotdiewithcomfort;theyhanginadoubtfulsuspense as towhat shall become of them after death. But hewhohasassurance,hasahappyandjoyfulpassageoutoftheworld;heknowshehaspassedfromdeathtolife;heiscarriedfullsailtoheaven!Thoughhecannotresistdeath,heovercomesit!

Whatthosewhodonothaveassurance,dotogainit?

(1.)Letsuch labor to findgrace.When the sundenies lightto theearth,itmaygiveforthitsinfluence.Justso,whenGoddeniesthelightofhiscountenance,hemaygivetheinfluenceofhisgrace.

How shall we knowwe have a real work of grace, and have a right toassurance?Ifwecanresolvetwoqueries:

(1:) Have we high appreciations of Jesus Christ? "To you whobelieve—he is precious."Christ is allmadeup of beauties anddelights;ourpraises fall shortofhisworth, and is like spreadingcanvasupon aclothofgold.Howpreciousishisbloodandincense!Theonepacifiesourconscience, the other perfumes our prayers. Can we say we haveendearingthoughtsofChrist?Doweesteemhimourpearlofgreatprice,ourbrightmorning-star?Dowecountallourearthlyenjoymentsbutasrubbish—incomparisonofChrist?DoweprefertheworstthingsofChrist—before the best things of the world? Do we prefer the reproaches ofChrist—beforetheworld'sembraces?Heb11:26.

(2:)Havewe the indwelling of the Spirit? "TheHoly Spirit wholives inus."2Tim1:14.Howmayweknowthatwehave the indwellingpresenceoftheSpirit?

NotbyhavingsometimesgoodmotionsstirredupinusbytheSpirit;forhemayworkinus—butnotdwellinus.ButbythesanctifyingpoweroftheSpirit inourheart,theSpirit infusesadivinenature!Hestampshisownimpressand imageonthesoul—makingtheconstitutionof itholy.The Spirit ennobles and raises the heart above the world. WhenNebuchadnezzarhadhisunderstandinggivenhim,hegrazedno longeramongthebeasts—butreturnedtohisthrone,andmindedtheaffairsofhiskingdom.Justso,whentheSpiritofGoddwells inaman, itcarrieshisheartabovethevisibleorbs;itmakeshimpantafterheavenlythings,andthirstafterChristandglory.Ifwecanfindthis,thenwehavegrace,andsohavearighttoassurance.

(2.)Ifyoulackassurance,waitforit.Ifthefiguresareengravedonthedial, it is butwaiting awhile, and the sunwill shine on it. Just so,whengraceisengravedintheheart,itisbutwaitingawhile,andweshallhave the sunshine of assurance. "The one who believes will not make

haste." Isa 28:16. He will wait upon God's leisure. Say not, God hasforsakenyou,hewillneverliftupthelightofhiscountenance;butrathersay,asthechurch,"IwillwaitfortheLORD,whoishidinghisface.Iwillputmytrustinhim."Isa8:17.

(1.)HasGodwaitedforyourconversion—andwillyounotwaitforhisconsolation?HowlongdidhecomewooingyoubyhisSpirit?Hewaiteduntilhisheadwasfilledwithdew;hecried,"Howlongwillyoube unclean?" Jer 13:27. Christian, didGodwait for your love—and canyounotwaitforhis?

(2:)Assuranceissosweetandprecious,thatitisworthwaitingfor; thepriceof it isabove rubies, it cannotbevaluedwith thegoldofOphir. Assurance of God's love is a pledge of election, it is the angels'banquet: what other joy have they?When God assures the soul of hiseternalpurposesoflove,whathashemoretogive?WhomGodkisses—hecrowns!Assuranceisthefirstfruitsofparadise.OnesmileofGod'sface,one glance of his eye, one crumbof the hiddenmanna is so sweet anddelicious—thatitdeservesourwaiting.

(3:) God has given a promise that we shall not wait in vain."Theyshallnotbeashamed,thatwaitforme."PerhapsGodreservesthiscordial of assurance for a fainting time. He sometimes keeps his bestwine,until last.Assuranceshallbereservedasahoneyedingredient, tosweetenthebittercupofdeath.

Howmaydesertedsoulsbecomforted—whoarecastdownforlackofassurance?

(1.)Lackofassuranceshallnothinderthesuccessofthesaint'sprayers. Sin lived in—makes a barricade to our prayer; but lack ofassurancedoesnothinderprayer;wemaygotoGodstill inanhumble,trustfulmanner.AChristianperhapsmaythink,becausehedoesnotseeGod'ssmilingface—thatGodwillnothearhim.Thisisamistake."Inmyalarm I said, 'I am cut off from your sight!' Yet you heardmy cry formercywhenIcalledtoyouforhelp."Psalm31:22.Ifwepouroutsighstoheaven,Godwillheareverygroan;andthoughhedoesnotshowushisface—hewilllendushisear.

(2.) Faith may be strongest, when assurance is weakest. Thewoman of Canaan had no assurance—but a glorious faith. "O woman,greatisyourfaith."Rachelwasmorelovely—butLeahwasmorefruitful.Assuranceismorefairandlovelytolookupon—butafruitfulfaith,Godsees tobebetter forus. "Blessedare thosewhohavenot seen—andyethavebelieved."

(3.)WhenGod is out of sight, he is not out of covenant. "Mycovenantshallstandfast."Thoughawifedoesnotseeherhusband'sfaceformanyyears—yetthemarriage-relationholds,andhewillcomeagaintoherafteralongvoyage.Godmaybegonefromthesoulindesertion—butthecovenantstandsfast."Thoughthemountainsbeshakenandthehillsberemoved,yetmyunfailingloveforyouwillnotbeshakennormycovenant of peace be removed—says the Lord,who has compassion onyou."Isaiah54:10.ButthispromisewasmadetotheJews,anddoesnotbelongtous!Yesitdoes, forsaysver17,"Thesebenefitsareenjoyedbytheservants of the Lord." This is true of all the servants ofGod, thosewhoarenowliving,aswellasthosewholivedinthetimeoftheJews.

Whatshallwedotogetassurance?

(1.) Keep a pure conscience.Let no unrepented guilt lie upon theconscience.Godsealsnopardonbeforerepentance.Hewillnotpourthewineofassurance,intoafoulvessel."Letusdrawnearinfullassuranceoffaith,havingourheartssprinkledfromanevilconscience!"Guiltclipsthewings of comfort!Hewho is conscious of secret sins, cannot drawnear to God in full assurance; he cannot call God father—but judge.Guardyourconscienceascarefullyasyouguardyoureye—thatnodustofsincanfallintoit!

(2.) If youwould have assurance, bemuch in the exercise ofgrace."Exerciseyourselfuntogodliness."Mengrowrichbytrading;soby trading in grace—we grow rich in assurance. "Make your electionsure."How? "Add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge." Keepgraceuponthewing;itislivelyfaith,whichflourishesintoassurance.Nomanwillsetupagreatsailinasmallboat—butinalargevessel.Justso,Godsetsupthesailofassurance,inaheartenlargedwithgrace.

(3.) If you would have assurance, cherish the Holy Spirit ofGod.When David would have assurance, he prayed, "Don't take yourHolySpiritfromme!"Psalm51:11.HeknewthatitwastheSpiritalone,whocouldmakehimhear thevoiceof joy.TheSpirit is theComforter,thatsealsupassurance.2Cor1:22.ThereforemakemuchoftheSpirit—donotgrievehim.AsNoahopenedthearktoreceivethedove—soshouldweopenourhearts to receive theSpirit,which is theblesseddovewhobringsanolivebranchofassuranceinitsmouth.

(4.)Letus lieat thepoolof theordinances,and frequent thewordandsacrament. "Hebroughtme to thebanqueting-house, andhis banner over me was love." The blessed ordinances are thebanqueting-house, where God displays the banner of assurance. Thesacrament is a sealing ordinance. Christ made himself known to hisdisciplesinthebreakingofbread.Intheholysupper,inthebreakingofbread—Godmakeshimselfknowntous,tobeourGodandportion.

Howshouldtheywhohaveassuranceconductthemselves?

(1.)Ifyouhaveassuranceofyourjustification—donotabuseit.It is abusing assurance when we grow more remiss in duty; as themusician,havingmoney thrownhim, leavesoffplaying.By remissness,orintermittingtheexercisesofpiety,wegrievetheSpirit—andthatistheway to have an embargo laid upon our spiritual comforts. We abuseassurance when we grow presumptuous, and less fearful of sin.What!becauseafathergiveshissonanassuranceofhis love,andtellshimhewillbestowhis landuponhim—shall thesonbewastefulanddissolute?Thiswouldbethewaytolosehisfather'saffection,andmakehimcutoffthegift.ItwasanaggravationofSolomon'ssin,thathisheartwasturnedawayfromtheLord,afterhehadappearedtohimtwice.IKings11:9.Itisbadtosinwhenonelacksassurance—butitisworsetosinwhenonehasit.HastheLordsealedhislovewithakiss?Hasheleftapledgeofheavenin your hand—and do you thus requite the Lord? Will you sin withmanna in your mouth? Does God give you the sweet clusters ofassuranceto feed on, andwill you returnwild grapes to him? Itmuchpleases Satan, either to see us lack assurance, or abuse it. We abuseassurancewhenthepulseofoursoulsbeats faster insin,andslower inholyduties.

(2.)Ifyouhaveassurance—admirehisstupendousmercy.YoudeservedthatGodshouldgiveyougallandvinegartodrink—andhashemade the honeycomb of his love to drop upon you?Oh, fall down andadore his goodness! Say, "Lord, how is it that you should manifestyourselftome,andnottootherbelievers!formanywhomyouloveastheappleofyoureye,youhold insuspense,andgive themnoassuranceofyourlove;thoughyouhavegiventhemthenewname—yetnotthewhitestone; though they have the seed of grace—yet not theoil of gladness;thoughtheyhavetheHolySpirit,theSanctifier—yetnottheHolySpirit,theComforter.Lord,whyisitthatyoushouldmanifestyourselftome—andmakeyourgoldenbeamsof assurance to shineuponmy soul?Oh,adoreGodonthisaccount!suchwillbetheworkofheaven.

(3.)Ifyouhaveassurance—letyourheartsbeendearedinlovetoGod. If God gives his people correction—theymust love him. Howmuchmore,whenhegivesthemassurance!"OlovetheLord,allyouhissaints." Has God brought you to the borders of Canaan, given you thelusciousgrapesofEschol,crownedyouwith loving-kindness,confirmedyourpardonunderthebroadsealofheaven?Howcanyoubefrozen—atsuchafire?Howyoushouldbeturnedintoseraphim,burningindivinelove! Say as Augustine, "I would hatemy own soul, if I did not find itloving God." Give God the cream and quintessence of your love—andshowyourlovebybeingwillingtoloseallforhissake.

(4.)Ifyouhaveassurance—improveitforGod'sglory.

(1:) Improve assurance—by encouraging such as are yetunconverted. Tell them how sweet this hidden manna is; tell themwhat a goodmaster you serve; what heavenly gales you have had; tellthemGodhascarriedyoutothehillofmyrrh,tothemountainsofspices;hehasgivenyounotonlyasightofheaven—butapledgeofheaven.Oh,persuadesinners,byalltheloveandmercyofGod,thattheywouldenrolltheir names in his family, and cast themselves upon him for salvation.Tell themGodhasmetwithyouandunlockedthesecretsof freegrace,andassuredyouofalandflowingwiththoseinfinitedelights,whicheyehasnotseen.Thus,bytellingotherswhatGodhasdoneforyoursoul,youmaymakethemfallinlovewiththewaysofGod,andcausethemtoturn

proselytestotruereligion.

(2:)Improveassurance—bycomfortingsuchaslackit.BeasthegoodSamaritan,andpourwineandoilintotheirwounds.Youwhohaveassurance, are arrived as it were at the haven—you are sure of yourhappiness;butdoyounotseeotherswhoarestrugglingwiththewavesoftemptation and desertion, and are ready to sink? Oh, now sympathizewiththem,anddowhatyoucan tocomfort themwhile theyare in thisdeep ocean. "If we are comforted—it is for your consolation." ThecomfortableexperienceofoneChristianbeingcommunicatedtoanother,much revives and bears up his fainting heart. "Our comfort," says theapostle,"isforyourconsolation."

(3:)Improveassurance—bywalkingmoreheavenly.Youshouldscornthethingsbelow;youwhohaveapledgeofheaven,shouldnotbetooearnestforthethingsofearth.Youhaveangels'food;itdoesnotbefityou,withtheserpent,to lickthedust.Thewickedareall forcorn,wineandoil;butyouhavethatwhichisbetter.Godhas liftedupthe lightofhis countenance upon you—and will you hanker after the world, whenyou have been feeding upon the grapes and pomegranates of the holyland?Doyounowlustafter thegarlicsandonionsofEgypt?Whenyouareclothedwiththesun,willyousetthemoonandthestarsaboveyou?Ohletthemscramblefortheworld—whohavenothingelsebuthusks to feed on! Have you assurance of heaven, and is not thatenough?Willnotakingdomsatisfyyou?Suchasarehighinassurance,shouldliveabovetheworld!

(4:) Improve assurance—by a cheerful walking. It is forcondemnedpeople,tolivewiththeirheadshangingdown.Buthaveyouyour absolution?Does yourGod smile on you?Cheerup! "Why shouldthesonofaking,looksodejectedmorningaftermorning?"2Sam13:4.Areyoutheking'sson?HasGodassuredyouofyouradoption—andareyou sad? Assurance should be an antidote against all trouble. Whatthoughtheworldhatesyou?Youareassured thatyouareoneofGod'sfavorites.Whatthoughthereisbutlittleoilinthecruse,andyouarelowintheworld?Youarehighinassurance.Oh,thenrejoice!Howmusicalisthebird!Howdoesitchirpandsing,thoughitknowsnotwheretopickup the next crumb! And shall they be sad and discontented, who have

God's bond to assure themof theirdaily bread, and his love to assurethem of heaven?Certainly those who have assurance, should be of anoptimisticdisposition.

(5.)Ifyouhaveanassuranceofsalvation—letitmakeyoulongafteraglorifiedstate.Hewhohasapledge inhishand—desiresthewholesumtobepaid.Thesoul thathas tastedhowsweet theLordis—should longfora fullerenjoymentofhiminheaven.HasChristputtheringofassurance onyourhand, and so espousedyou tohimself?Howshould you long for the marriage-supper of the Lamb! Rev 19:9. OChristian,thinkwithyourself,"ifaglimpseofheaven,ifasmileofGod'sfaceissosweet;whatwillitbe—tobeeversunningyourselfinthelightofGod'scountenance!"Certainly,youwhohaveanassuranceofyourtitletoheaven,cannotbutdesirepossessionofheaven.Be content to live—butwillingtodie.

(6.) If youhaveassurance—becareful that youdonot lose it.Keepit,foritisyourlife—thecomfortofyourlife.Keepassurance.

First. By prayer. "O continue your loving-kindness." "Lord, continueassurance;donottakethisspecialsealawayfromme!"

Secondly. Keep assurance byhumility. Pride estranges God from thesoul. When you are near in assurance, be low in humility. Paul hadassurance, and he baptized himself with the name, "Chief of sinners."The jewel of assurance is best kept—in the cabinet of anhumbleheart!

7.PEACE

"Maygraceandpeacebemultipliedtoyou."1Peter1:2

Havingspokenofthefirstfruitofsanctification,assurance,Iproceedto

thesecond,namely,Peace."Maypeacebemultipliedtoyou."

WhataretheseveralKINDSofpeace?

I.Thereisanexternalpeace,andthatis,

(1.)Domestic—orpeaceinafamily.

(2.) Political—or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. Howpleasantitis,whenthewatersofbloodbegintoassuage,andwecanseethewindowsofourarkopen,andthedovereturningwithanolivebranchofpeace!

(3.)Ecclesiastical—orpeaceinthechurch.Unityintruth,isthegreatestmercyonearth.Ecclesiasticalpeacestands inopposition toschismandpersecution.

II.There is a spiritualpeace, which is twofold; peaceaboveus, orpeacewithGod;andpeacewithinus,orpeacewithconscience,whichissuperlative:otherpeacemaybelasting—butthisiseverlasting.

Wheredoesthispeacecomefrom?

It has the whole Trinity for its author. God the Father is "the God ofpeace."GodtheSonisthe"Princeofpeace."Peaceissaidtobethe"fruitoftheSpirit."

(1.)GodtheFatheristheGodofpeace.AsheistheGodoforder,soheis theGodofpeace. ICor14:33,andPhil4:9.Thiswas the formof thepriest'sblessinguponthepeople."MaytheLordshowyouhisfavorandgiveyouhispeace."Numbers6:26.

(2.)GodtheSonisthepurchaserofpeace.Hemadepeacebyhisblood."Having made peace by the blood of his cross." The atonement whichAaronmadeforthepeople,whenheenteredintotheholyofholies,withblood,wasatypeofChristourhighpriest,whobyhissacrificepacifiedhisangryFather,andmadeatonementforus.Christpurchasedourpeaceuponhardterms;forhissoulwasinanagony,whilehewastravailingtobringforthpeacetotheworld.

(3.)PeaceisafruitoftheSpirit.Hesealsuppeacetotheconscience.TheSpiritclearsuptheworkofgraceintheheart,fromwhencearisespeace.Therewasawell ofwaternearHagar—but shedidnot see it, thereforeshewept.AChristianhasgrace—butdoesnotseeit,thereforeheweeps.Now the Spirit discovers this well of water; he enables conscience towitnesstoamanwhohastherealworkofgrace,andsopeaceflowsintothesoul.

Thusyouseewhencethispeacecomes—theFatherdecreesit,theSonpurchasesit,theHolySpiritappliesit.

Maysuchasaredestituteofgrace,havepeace?

No!Peace flows from sanctification—but theybeingunregenerate, havenothing to do with peace. "There is no peace," says my God, "for thewicked." Isaiah 57:21. Theymay have a truce—but no peace. Godmayforbear the wicked a while, and stop the roaring of his cannon; butthough there be a truce—yet there is no peace. The wicked may havesomethingwhichlookslikepeace—butitisnot.Theymaybefearlessandstupid;butthereisagreatdifferencebetweenastupifiedconscience,andapacifiedconscience. "Whena strongmanarmedkeepshispalace,hisgoodsareinpeace."Thisisthedevil'speace;herocksmentosleepinthecradleofcarnalsecurity;hecries, "Peace,peace!"whenmenareon theprecipiceofhell.Theseemingpeace,whichasinnerhas,isnotfromtheknowledgeofhiseternalhappiness—buttheignoranceofhisdanger.

Whatarethesignsofafalsepeace?

(1.) A false peace has much confidence in it—but thisconfidenceisafalsehope.ThesinnerdoesnotdoubtofGod'smercy;andfromthispresumptuousconfidencearisessomekindofquietinthemind. The sameword in theHebrew, cassal, signifies both confidenceand folly. Indeeda sinner's confidence is folly.Howconfidentwere thefoolishvirgins!

(2.) False peace separates those thingswhichGod has joined

together.God joinsholinessandpeace—buthewhohasa false peace,separatesthetwo.Helaysclaimtopeace—butbanishesholiness."Ishallhave peace, even though I amwalking inmy own stubborn way." Thewickedarelooseandvain,andyetthankGodthattheyhavepeace;whatadelusion!Youmayaswellsuckhealthoutofpoison—aspeaceoutofsin!

(3.)Falsepeaceisnotwillingtobetried.It isasigntheyarebadwares—whichwillnotendurethelight.Itisasignamanhasstolengoods—whenhewillnothavehishousesearched.Afalsepeacecannotenduretobetriedbytheword.Thewordspeaksofahumblingandrefiningworkuponthesoul,beforepeace;butfalsepeacecannotenduretohearofthis.The least troublewill shake thispeace; itwill end indespair. Ina falsepeace, conscience is asleep; but when this lion of conscience shall beawakenedatdeath,itwillroaruponaman;hewillbeaterrortohimself,andbereadytolayviolenthandsuponhimself.

Howshallweknowthatoursisatruepeace?

(1.) True peace flows fromunionwith Christ. The branchmustfirstbe ingrafted intothetree,before itcanreceivesapor nourishmentfrom it. Just so, we must first be ingrafted into Christ, before we canreceive peace from him. Have we faith? By holiness we are made likeChrist;bybelievingwearemadeonewithChrist,andbeinginChristwehavepeace.John16:33.

(2.) True peace flows from subjection to Christ. Where Christgives peace, there he sets up his government in the heart. "Of hisgovernmentandpeace, there shallbenoend."Christ is called "apriestuponhisthrone."Christasapriestmakespeace;buthewillbeapriestuponhisthrone—hebringstheheartinsubjectiontohim.IfChristisourpeace insalvation,he isourprince toruleus!Isa9:6.WheneverChristpacifiestheconscience,hesubduesthelust!

(3.) True peace is after trouble. First, God lets loose a spirit ofbondage,heconvincesandhumblesthesoul;thenhespeakspeace.Manysay theyhave peace—but is this peace before a storm, or after it? Truepeace isafter trouble.First therewastheearthquake,andthenthefire,

andthenthestillsmallvoice.IKings19:12.Youwhoneverhadanylegalbruisings,may suspect your peace. God pours the golden oil of peace,intobrokenhearts.

Haveallsanctifiedpeoplethispeace?

Theyhave a titleto it; they have thegroundof it. Grace is the seed ofpeace,anditwillintimeturntopeace;astheblossomsofatreeturnintofruit,orasmilkturnstocream.Theyhaveapromiseofit."TheLordwillblesshispeoplewithpeace."TheymayhavepeacewithGod,thoughnotpeaceintheirownconscience;theyhavetheprincipleandbeginningsofpeace.There isasecretpeacewhich thehearthas in servingGod; suchmeltingsandenlargementsindutyasrevivethesoul,andbearitupfromsinking.

But why have not all believers the full enjoyment and possession ofpeace?Whyisnotthisflowerofpeace,fullyripeandfruit-bearing?

Someofthegodlymaynothavesofulladegreeofpeace.

(1.) Through the fury of temptation. Though the devil cannotdestroyus,hewilldisturbus.Hedisputesagainstouradoption;hewouldmakeusquestiontheworkofgrace inourhearts,andsodisturbthe waters of our peace. He is like a subtle cheater, who, if he cannotmakeaman'stitletohislandvoid—yetwillputhimtomanytroublesomesuits inlaw.IfSatancannotmakeusungodly,hewillmakeusunquiet.Violent winds make the sea rough and stormy. Just so, the winds oftemptation blowing, disturb peace of spirit, and put the soul into acommotion.

(2.) The godly may not enjoy peace—through mistake andmisapprehensionaboutsin.Theyfindsomuchcorruption,thattheythinksurely,ifthereweregrace,therewouldnotbesuchstrongworkingof corruption. Whereas this should be so far from discouragingChristians,andhinderingtheirpeace,thatitisanargumentforthem.Letme ask, Whence is it—that you feel sin? No man can feel sin—but bygrace.Awickedman is insensible.Layahundredpoundweightuponadeadman,hedoesnotcomplain.Beingsensibleofcorruption,arguesa

graciousprinciple.Rom7:21.Again,Whenceisit—thatthereisacombatwithsin—butfromthelifeofgrace?Gal5:17.Deadthingscannotcombat.Whenceisit—thatthesaintsweepforsin?Whatarethesetears,butseedsof faith? The not understanding of this principle, hinders a Christian'speace.

(3.) The godly may not enjoy peace—through remissness induty; theymay leave their first love.WhenChristians abate theirfervency—Godabatestheirpeace.Ifyouslackenthestringsofaviolin—themusicisspoiled.Justso,ifChristiansslackeninduty,theyspoil thesweetmusicofpeaceintheirsouls.Asthefiredecays—thecoldincreases.Justso,asfervencyindutyabates—ourpeacecools.

Use one: Labor for this blessed peace—peace with God andconscience.Peacewithneighbor-nations is sweet.Onepeace isbetterthan innumerable triumphs. The Hebrew word shalom, peace,comprehends all blessings. Peace is the glory of a kingdom. A prince'scrownismorebeautiful,whenitishungwiththewhitelilyofpeace,thanwhenitissetwiththeredrosesofabloodywar.Oh,then,howsweetispeace of conscience! It is a bulwark against the enemy. Phil 4:7. Peaceshallkeepyouasinagarrison;youmaythrowdownthegauntlet,andbiddefiancetoenemies.Peaceisthegoldenpotandthemanna.Itisthefirstfruits of paradise. It is quietmusic, for lack ofwhich, a Christian is incontinualfear,anddoesnottakecomfortinordinances.HannahwentuptothefeastatJerusalem—butsheweptanddidnoteat.ISam1:7;so,apoordejectedsoulgoestoanordinance—butdoesnoteatofthefeast;heweeps and does not eat. He cannot take comfort in worldly blessings,health, estate, relations; he lacks that inward peace,which should be asaucetosweetenhiscomforts.Oh,therefore,laborforthisblessedpeace.ConsiderthenobleandexcellentEFFECTSofpeace.

(1.) It gives boldness at the throne of grace.Guilt of conscienceclipsthewingsofprayer,itmakesthefaceblush,andtheheartfaint!Butwhen a Christian has some lively apprehensions ofGod's love, and theSpirit whispers 'peace,' he goes toGodwith boldness, as a child to hisfather."Untoyou,OLord,doIliftupmysoul."Timewas,whenDavid'ssoulwasboweddown."Iamboweddowngreatly."Psalm38:8.Nowthecase is altered, andhewill lift uphis soul toGod in awayof triumph.

Whence was this? God has spoken peace to his soul. "Your loving-kindnessisbeforemyeyes."

(2.)Thisdivinepeace fires theheartwith love toChrist.Truepeace,istheresultofpardon.Hewhohasapardonsealed,cannotchoosebut love his prince.How endeared is Christ to the soul! Now Christ ispreciousindeed."Oh,"saysthesoul,"howsweet isthisRoseofSharon!Has Christ waded through a sea of blood and wrath, to purchase mypeace? Has he not only made peace—but spoken peace to me? Howshouldmyheartascendinafierychariotoflove!HowwillingshouldIbetoliveandsufferforChrist!"

(3.)Thispeacequietstheheartintrouble."Thismanshallbethepeace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land, andwhen he shalltread in our palaces." The enemymay invade our palaces—but not ourpeace;thismanChristshallbethepeace.Whentheheadaches,theheartmaybewell;andwhenworldlytroublesassaultaChristian,hismindmaybeinpeaceandquiet."Iwill laymedowninpeace,andsleep."ItwasasadtimewithDavid,hewasfleeingforhislifefromAbsalom; itwasnosmall affliction to think that his own son should seek to take away hisfather'slifeandcrown.Davidweptandcoveredhishead.Yetatthistimehesays,"Iwilllaymedowninpeace,andsleep."Hehadtroublefromhisson—but peace from his conscience. David could sleep upon the softpillowofagoodconscience.Thisisapeaceworthgetting.

Whatshallwedotoattainthisblessedpeace?

(1.)Letusask itofGod.He is theGod of peace; he beats back theroaring lion; he stills the raging of conscience. If we could call all theangelsoutofheaven,theycouldnotspeakpeacewithoutGod.Thestarscannotmakedaywithoutthesun;nonecanmakedayinadarkdesertedsoul—buttheSunofRighteousness.Asthewildernesscannotwateritself—but remainsdryandparcheduntil the cloudsdrop theirmoisture; soourheartscannothavepeace,untilGodinfusesit,anddropsituponusbyhisSpirit.Thereforepray,"Lord,youwhoaretheGodofpeace,createpeace;youwhoarethePrinceofpeace,commandit.Givemethatpeacewhichmaysweetentrouble,yes,eventhebittercupofdeath."

(2.)Ifyouwouldhavepeace,makewarwithsin.SinistheAchanwhich troublesus. Sin is theTrojanhorsewhichbrings troublewith it."King Joram demanded, "Do you come in peace, Jehu?" Jehu replied,"How can there bepeace as long as the idolatry andwitchcraft of yourmother,Jezebel,areallaroundus?"2Kings9:22.Whatpeacecantherebe—so long as sin remains unmortified? If you would have peace withGod,breaktheleaguewithsin;givebattletosin,foritisamostjustwar.God has proclaimed it: nay, he has promised us victory. "Sin shall nothave dominion over you."Noway topeace—but bymaintaining awarwithsin."OurpeaceisawaragainsttheDevil,"Tertullian.WhenSamsonhadslainthelion—honeycameoutofthelion.Justso,byslayingsin—wegetthehoneyofpeace.

(3.) Go to Christ's blood for peace. Some go to fetch their peacefrom their own righteousness—not Christ's righteousness. They go forpeacetotheirholylife—notChrist'sdeath.Ifconscienceistroubled,theystrive to quiet it with their duties. This is not the right way to peace.Duties must neither be neglected—nor idolized. Look to the blood ofsprinkling. Heb 12:24. That blood of Christ which pacified God, mustpacify conscience. Christ's blood being sucked in by faith, gives peace."Being justified by faith, we have peace with God." No balm to cure awoundedconscience—butthebloodofChrist!

(4.)Walk closely with God. Peace flows from purity. "As many aswalk according to this rule, peace be on them." In the text, grace andpeaceareputtogether;graceistheroot—andpeaceistheflower.Divinepeaceisdistilledoutofagraciousheart.Walkveryholily.God'sSpiritisarefiner,beforeacomforter.

Usetwo:Youwhohavethispeace,peaceabove,peacewithin—labor tokeep it.Peace isaprecious jewel—donot lose it. It isdreadful tohave the leagueofnationalpeacebroken—but it isworse tohavethepeaceofconsciencebroken.Oh,preservethispeace!

First, take heed of relapses. Has God spoken peace? Do not turnagain to folly. "I listen carefully towhatGod theLord is saying, for hespeakspeace tohispeople,his faithfulones.But let themnotreturn totheir foolish ways." Psalm 85:8. Besides ingratitude, there is folly in

relapses.ItwaslongbeforeGodwasreconciledandthebreachmadeup—andwill you again eclipse and forfeit your peace?Has God healed thewoundofconscience—andwillyoutearitopenagain?Willyoucutanewartery?This is returning indeed to folly.Whatmadness is it tomeddleagainwiththatsin—whichwillbreedthewormofconscience!

Secondly, make up your spiritual accounts daily; see howmattersstandbetweenGodandyoursouls."Icommunewithmyownheart."Frequent reckoningskeep God and conscience friends. Dowith your hearts as you do with your watches—wind them up everymorningbyprayer,andatnightexaminewhetheryourheartshavegonetrue all that day, whether the wheels of your affections have movedswiftly towardsheaven.Oh, call yourselvesoften toaccount!Keepyourreckoningseven—forthatisthewaytokeepyourpeace.

8.JOY

"ThefruitoftheSpiritisjoy."Gal5:22.

Thethirdfruitofjustification,adoption,andsanctification—isjoyintheHolySpirit.Joyissettingthesouluponthetopofapinnacle—itisthecream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet anddelightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of somegood,wherebythesoul issupportedunderpresenttroubles,andfencedagainstfuturefear.

I. Joy is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is aperturbationofmind,wherebytheheartisperplexedandcastdown.Joyisasweetandpleasantaffection—whicheasesthemind,andexhilaratesandcomfortsthespirits.

II. Joy arises from the feeling of some good. Joy is not amereimagination;butisrational,andarisesfromthefeelingofsomegood,asthesenseofGod's loveandfavor.Joy issoreala thing, that itmakesasuddenchange inaperson;and turnsmourning intomelody.As inthe

spring-time, when the sun comes to our horizon, it makes a suddenalterationinthefaceoftheuniverse—thebirdssing,theflowersappear,thefig-treeputsforthhergreenfigs;everythingseemstorejoiceandputoff itsmourning, as being revivedwith the sweet influence of the sun.Just so, when the Sun of Righteousness arises on the soul, it makes asudden alteration, and the soul is infinitely rejoiced with the goldenbeamsofGod'slove.

III. By joy, the soul is supported under present troubles. Joystupefiesandswallowsuptroubles;itcarriestheheartabovethem,astheoilswimsabovethewater.

IV.By joy, theheart is fencedagainst future fear. Joy isbothacordialandanantidote. It is a cordialwhichgivespresent relief to thespiritswhen they are sad; andanantidote,which fences off the fear ofapproachingdanger."Iwillfearnoevil,foryouarewithme;yourrodandyourstafftheycomfortme."

Howisthisjoywrought?

(1.)Itarisespartlyfromthepromise.Asthebeeliesatthebreastoftheflower,andsucksoutitssweetness;justso,faithliesatthebreastofapromise, and sucks out the quintessence of joy. "Your comforts delightmysoul;"thatis,thecomfortswhichdistillfromthepromises.

(2.)TheSpiritofGodwhoiscalledthe'Comforter',sometimesdrops this goldenoil of joy into the soul. John 14:26. The Spiritwhispers the remission of his sin to a believer—and sheds God's loveabroadintheheart,whenceflowsinfinitejoyanddelight.Rom5:5.

Whatare theSEASONSinwhichGodusuallygiveshispeopledivinejoys?TherearefiveSeasons.

(1.) Sometimes at the blessed Supper. The soul comes weepingafterChristintheLord'sSupper,andGodsendsitawayweepingforjoy.The Jews had a custom at their feasts, of pouring ointment on theirguestsandkissingthem;intheLord'sSupper,Godoftenpourstheoilofgladnessonthesaints,andkissesthemwiththekissesofhislips.There

aretwograndendsoftheLord'sSupper—thestrengtheningoffaith,andtheflourishingofjoy.Here,inthisordinance,Goddisplaysthebannerofhis love; here believers taste not only sacramental bread—but hiddenmanna. Not that God always meets the soul with joy. He may giveincreaseofgrace,whennot increaseof joy.But oftentimeshepours intheoilofgladness,andgivesthesoulasecretsealofhis love;asChristmadehimselfknowninthebreakingofbreadtothetwodisciples.

(2.)BeforeGod calls his people to suffering. "Be of good cheer,Paul." Acts 23:11.WhenGodwas about to give Paul a cup ofblood todrink—hespiceditwithjoy."AsthesufferingsofChristaboundinus,soourconsolationalsoabounds."2Cor1:5.Thismadethemartyrs'flames,to be beds of roses to them. When Stephen was being stoned he sawheaven open, and the Sun of Righteousness shone upon his face. Godcandiesourwormwood,withsugar.

(3.) After sore conflicts with Satan. He is the red dragon whotroublesthewaters;heputsthesoulintofrights,makesitbelievethatithasnograce,andthatGoddoesnotloveit.ThoughhecannotblotoutaChristian's evidence forheaven—yethemaycast suchamistbeforehiseyes, that he cannot read it. When the soul has been bruised withtemptations,Godwillcomfortthebruisedreedbygivingjoy—toconfirmaChristian's title to heaven. After Satan's fiery darts, comes thewhitestone.No better balm to heal a tempted soul, than the oil of gladness!AfterChristwastempted,anangelcametocomforthim.

(4.)Afterspiritualdesertion. Desertion is a poisoned arrowwhichshoots to the heart. "For the Almighty has struck me down with hisarrows.Hehassenthispoisonedarrowsdeepwithinmyspirit.AllGod'sterrorsarearrayedagainstme!"Job6:4.Godiscalledafireanda light:thedesertedsoulfeelsthefire—butdoesnotseethelight;itcriesout,asAsaph,"HastheLordrejectedmeforever?Willheneveragainshowmefavor?Ishisunfailinglovegoneforever?Havehispromisespermanentlyfailed?HasGod forgotten tobekind?Hashe slammed thedooronhiscompassion?"Psalms77:7-9.Whenthesoulisinthiscase,andreadytofaintawayindespair,Godshinesuponit,andgivesitsomeapprehensionofhisfavor,andturnstheshadowofdeathintothelightofthemorning.Godkeepshiscordialsforatimeoffainting.Joyafteratimeofdesertion,

islikearesurrectionfromthedead.

(5.)Atthehourofdeath.Ofthoseevenwhohavehadnojoyintheirlifetime. God puts this sugar in the bottom of the cup—to make theirdeath sweet. At the last hour, when all other comforts are gone, GodsendstheComforter;andwhentheirappetitetofoodfails,hefeedsthemwith hidden manna. As the wicked before they die, have someapprehensions of hell andwrath in their conscience; so the godly havesome foretastes of God's everlasting favor, though sometimes theirdiseasesmay be such, and their bodies so oppressed, that they cannotexpresswhattheyfeel.Jacoblaidhimselftosleeponastoneandsawavisionofaladder,andtheangelsascendinganddescendinguponit.Justso,whensaintslaythemselvesdowntosleepthesleepofdeath,theyhaveoftenavision—theyseethelightofGod'sface,andhavetheevidencesofhislovesealeduptothemforever.

What are the differences betweenworldly joys and spiritualjoys?Thegleaningsofspiritual joys,arebetterthanthevintageoftheworldlyjoys.

(1.)SpiritualjoyshelptomakeusBETTER,worldlyjoysoftenmakeusworse. "Ispokeuntoyou inyourprosperity—butyousaid,Iwillnothear."Jer22:21.Prideandluxuryarethetwowormswhicharebred from worldly pleasures. Wine is the inflamer of lust. As Satanenteredinthesop,soofteninthecup.Butspiritualjoymakesonebetter;it is likecordialmedicine,which,asphysicians say,notonly cheers theheart—butpurgesoutthenoxioushumours.Justso,divinejoyiscordialmedicine,whichnotonlycomfortsbutpurifies;itmakesaChristianmoreholy; it causes an antipathy against sin; it infuses strength to live andsufferforChrist."ThejoyoftheLordisyourstrength."Somecolorsnotonlydelighttheeye—butstrengthenthesight.Justso,thejoysofGodnotonlyrefreshthesoul—butstrengthenit.

(2.)SpiritualjoysareINWARD,theyareheartjoys."Yourheartshall rejoice."John16:22.True joy ishiddenwithin,worldly joy liesonthe outside, like the dew which wets the leaf. We read of those who"rejoice inappearance," in theGreek, in the face.2Cor5:12. Itgoesnofarther than the face, it is not within. "Laughter can conceal a heavy

heart;whenthelaughterends,thegriefremains."Proverbs14:13.Likeahousewhichhasagildedfrontispiece—butalltheroomswithinarehunginmourning.Butspiritualjoyliesmostwithin."Yourheartshallrejoice."Divinejoyislikeaspringofwaterwhichrunsunderground!Otherscansee the sufferings of a Christian—but they see not his joy. "Each heartknows its ownbitterness, andno one else can fully share its joy."Prov14:10.Hisjoyishiddenmanna—hiddenfromtheeyeoftheworld;hehasjoyfulmusicwhichotherscannothear.Themarrowlieswithin,thebestjoyiswithintheheart.

(3.)SpiritualjoysareSWEETERthanworldlyjoys."Yourloveissweeter than wine!" Song of Songs 1:2. Spiritual joys are a Christian'sfestival;theyarethegoldenpotandthesweetmanna,theyaresosweet,that theymakeeverythingelse sweet!Spiritual joys sweetenhealthandestate,assweetwaterpouredonflowersmakesthemmorefragrantandaromatic. Divine joys are so delicious and ravishing, that they put ourmouthoutoftasteforearthlydelights;justashewhohasbeendrinkingcordials tastes little sweetness inwater.Paulhadso tasted thesedivinejoys, that hismouthwas out of taste forworldly things; theworldwascrucifiedtohim,itwaslikeadeadthing,hecouldfindnosweetnessinit.Gal6:14.

(4.)SpiritualjoysaremorePURE,theyarenottemperedwithany bitter ingredients. A sinner's joy is mixed with dregs, it isembitteredwithfearandguilt—hedrinkswormwoodwine.Butspiritualjoyisnotmuddiedwithguilt—butlikeacrystalstream,itrunspure.Itisarosewithoutprickles;itishoneywithoutwax.

(5.)SpiritualjoysareSATISFYINGjoys."Ask,thatyourjoymaybefull."Worldlyjoyscannomorefilltheheartthanadropcanfillanocean;theymay please the palate or imagination—but cannot satisfy the soul."No matter how much we see—we are never satisfied. No matter howmuchwehear—wearenotcontent."Ecclesiastes1:8.ButthejoysofGodsatisfy."Yourcomfortsdelightmysoul."Psalm94:19.There isasmuchdifferencebetweenspiritualjoysandearthlyjoys—asbetweenabanquetwhichiseaten—andonewhichispaintedonthewall!

(6.) Spiritual joys are STRONGER joys than worldly joys.

"Strong consolation."Heb6:18.Theyare strong joys indeed,whichcanbearupaChristian'sheartintrialsandafflictions."Havingreceivedtheword inmuch affliction,with joy." These joys are roseswhich grow inwinter!These joyscansweetenthebitterwatersofMarah!Hewhohasthese joys, can gather grapes from thorns, and fetch honey out of thecarcassofalion!"Assorrowing—yetalwaysrejoicing."2Cor6:10.Attheendoftherod—aChristiantasteshoney!

(7.) Spiritual joys are UNWEARIED joys. Other joys, when inexcess,oftencauseloathing;toomuchhoneynauseates.Onemaybetiredofpleasure, aswell as labor.KingXerxes offereda reward tohimwhocouldfindoutanewpleasure!ButthejoysofGod,thoughtheysatisfy—yettheyneverglut.Adropofjoyissweet—butthemoreofthiswinethebetter! Such as drink of the joys of heaven—are never glutted. Theirsatietyiswithoutloathing,becausetheystilldesiremoreofthejoywithwhichtheyaresatiated.

(8.)Spiritual joysareABIDING joys.Worldly joys are soon gone.Such as crown themselves with rosebuds, and bathe in the perfumedwatersofpleasure—mayhavejoyswhichseemtobesweet—buttheyareswift.Theyare likemeteors,whichgiveabrightandsudden flash, andthendisappear.Butthejoyswhichbelievershaveareabiding;theyareablossom of eternity—a pledge of those rivers of pleasurewhich run atGod'srighthand!"InYourpresenceisabundantjoy;inYourrighthandareeternalpleasures!"Psalm16:11

Whyisthisjoytobelaboredfor?

(1.)Becauseitisself-existent.Spiritual joycanexist intheabsenceofallothercarnaljoy.Thisjoydoesnotdependuponoutwardthings.Asthephilosopherssaid,whenthemusicianscametothem,"Philosopherscan be merry without music;" so he who has this spiritual joy can becheerful in the deficiency of carnal joys; he can rejoice in God, in surehopeofglory!"Eventhoughthefigtreeshavenoblossoms,andtherearenograpesonthevine;eventhoughtheolivecropfails,andthefieldslieemptyandbarren;eventhoughtheflocksdieinthefields,andthecattlebarnsareempty,yetIwillrejoiceintheLord!IwillbejoyfulintheGodofmy salvation!"Habakkuk3:17-18. Spiritual joy can gowithout silver

crutchestosupport it.Spiritual joy isbuilthigher, thanuponcreatures,foritisbuiltontheloveofGod,onthepromisesofScripture,andonthebloodofChrist.

(2.) Because spiritual joy carries the soul through dutycheerfully.Religionbecomesarecreation.Fearandsorrowhinderusinthedischargeofduty;butaChristianservesGodwithactivity,whenheserveshimwith joy.Theoilof joymakesthewheelsofobediencemovefaster.Howferventlydidtheypray,whomGodmadejoyfulinthehouseofprayer!"IwillbringthemalsotomyholymountainofJerusalemandwillfillthemwithjoyinmyhouseofprayer."Isaiah56:7.

(3.)ItiscalledthekingdomofGod,becauseitisatasteofthatwhichthesaintshaveinthekingdomofGod."FortheKingdomofGodisnotamatterofwhatweeatordrink,butoflivingalifeofgoodnessandpeaceandjoyintheHolySpirit."Romans14:17.Whatistheheavenof the angels—but the smilesofGod's face, the sensibleperception andfeelingofthosejoyswhichareinfinitelyravishingandfullofglory!

Toencourageandquickenusinseekingafterthem,consider,thatChristdiedtopurchasethisjoyforhissaints.Hewasamanofsorrows—thatwemightbefullofjoy;heprayedthatthesaintsmighthavethisdivinejoy."AndnowIamcomingtoyou.IhavetoldthemmanythingswhileIwaswiththemsotheywouldbefilledwithmyjoy."John17:13.Christknowswe never love him so much—as when we feel his love; which mayencourageustoseekafterthisjoy.WeprayforthatwhichChristhimselfisprayingfor,whenwepraythathisjoymaybefulfilledinus.

Whatshallwedotoobtainthisspiritualjoy?

Walk consistently and spiritually. God gives joy after long and closewalkingwithhim.

(1.)Observeyourhours.SettimeeverydayapartforGod.

(2.)Mourn for sin. "Mourning is the seed," asBasil says, "outofwhichtheflowerofspiritualjoygrows.""Iwillcomfortthosewhomourn."Isa57:18.

(3.)Keep thebook of conscience fairwritten.Do not by presumptuoussins,bluryourevidences.AgoodconscienceisthearkinwhichGodputsthehiddenmanna!

(4.) Be often upon your knees—pray with life and fervency. The sameSpiritwhofillstheheartwithsighs—fillsitwithjoys.ThesameSpiritwhoinspirestheprayer—sealsit.WhenHannahhadprayed,hercountenancewasnolongersad.ISam1:18.PrayingChristianshavemuchfellowshipwithGod;andnonearesolikelytohavethesecretsofhisloveimparted,asthosewhoholdcorrespondencewithhim.ByclosewalkingwithGod,wegetclustersofEshcol'sgrapesalongtheway,whicharethepledgeoffuturehappiness.

Howshallwecomfortthosewholackjoy?

SuchaswalkinclosecommunionwithGod,havemorejoythanothers.

(1.)Initialjoy,joyintheseed."Lightisshedupontherighteous,andjoyontheuprightinheart."Psalm97:11.Graceintheheart,isaseedofjoy.ThoughaChristianlacksthesun,hehasaday-starinhisheart.

(2.) A believer has real joy—though not royal comforts. He has, asAquinas says, "joy inGod, though not fromGod." Joy in God, is thedelightandpleasurethesoultakesinGod."MysoulshallbegladintheLord."Hewhoistrulygracious,issofarjoyfulastotakecomfortinGod.Though he cannot say that God rejoices in him; he can say that herejoicesinGod.

(3.)Hehassupportingjoy—thoughnottransportingcomforts.Hehasasmuchaskeepshimfromsinking."Youstrengthenmewithstrengthinmysoul."Psalm138:3.IfaChristianhasnotGod'sarmtoembracehim—yethe has it to uphold him. Thus a Christian who walks with God hassomethingwhichbearsuphisheart from sinking; and it is butwaitingawhile,andheissureofthoseeternaljoyswhichareunspeakableandfullofglory!

Use one: See that true religion is no melancholy thing—itbrings joy.The fruitof theSpirit is joy.Joymayvary—but it is never

totallydestroyed.ApoorChristianwhoexistsonbreadandwater,mayhave purer joy than the greatest monarch. Though he fares hard—hefeeds high. He has a table spread from heaven—angels' food, and thehidden manna. He has sometimes sweet raptures of joy—which causejubilation of spirit; he has that which is better felt—than can beexpressed."ButIdoknowthatIwascaughtupintoparadiseandheardthingssoastoundingthattheycannotbetold."2Corinthians12:4.

Usetwo:IfGodgiveshispeoplesuchjoyinthislife,oh!then,whatgloriousjoywillhegivetheminheaven!"Enterintothejoyof your Lord!"Matt 25:21. Here on earth—joy begins to enter into us;there in heaven—we shall enter into joy.God keeps his bestwine untillast. Heliogabalus bathed himself in sweet perfumed waters. What joywill that be—when the soul shall forever bathe itself in the pure andpleasant fountainofGod's love!What joywill thatbe—toseetheorientbrightnessofChrist's face,andhave thekissesof those lipswhichdropsweet-smelling myrrh! "The Bride will rejoice in the embrace of herLord,"Augustine.Oh!ifaclusterofgrapeshereissosweet,whatwillthefull vintage be! How may this set us all longing for that place wheresorrowcannotlive—andwherejoycannotdie!

9.GrowthinGrace

"Butgrowingrace."2Peter3:18

Truegrace isprogressive—ofaspreadingandgrowingnature.It iswithgraceaswithlight;first,thereisthedaybreak;thenitshinesbrightertothefullmeridian.AgoodChristianislikethecrocodile—whichcontinuestogrowaslongasitlives.Thesaintsarenotonlycomparedtostars fortheirlight—buttotreesfortheirgrowth.Isa61:3,andHos14:5.AgoodChristianisnotlikeHezekiah'ssun,whichwentbackwards,norJoshua'ssunthatstoodstill—but isalwaysadvancing inholiness,and increasingwiththeincreaseofGod.

InhowmanywaysmayaChristianbesaidtogrowingrace?

(1.)Hegrowsintheexerciseofgrace.Hislampisburningandshining;thereforewereadofalivinghope.IPet1:1.Hereistheactivityofgrace.Thechurchpraysfortheblowingof theSpirit, thatherspices (that is—hergraces)mightflowforth.Cant4:16.

(2.)AChristiangrowsinthedegreeofgrace.Hegoesfromstrengthtostrength, fromonedegreeofgrace toanother.Psalm84:7.Asaintgoesfromfaithtofaith.Rom1:17.Hisloveaboundsmoreandmore.Phil1:9.

WhatistherightmannerofaChristian'sgrowth?

(1.) It is to grow less in one's own eyes. "I am a worm, and noman." Psalm 22:6. The sight of his corruption and ignorance,makes aChristiangrowintoadislikeofhimself;hevanishesinhisowneyes.Jobabhorredhimselfinthedust.Job42:6.Itisgoodtogrowoutofconceitwithone'sself.

(2.)Therightmannerofgrowthistogrowproportionately,togrow in one grace as well as another. 2 Pet 1:5. To grow inknowledge—butnotmeekness,brotherlylove,orgoodworks—isnottheright growth. A thingmay swelland notgrow; a manmay be swelledwithknowledge—yetmayhavenospiritualgrowth.Therightmannerofgrowthisuniform,growinginonegraceaswellasanother.Asthebeautyofthebodyconsistsinasymmetryofparts, inwhichnotonlytheheadgrows—butthearmsandlegs.Justso,spiritualgrowthismostbeautiful,whenthereissymmetryandproportion,andeverygracethrives.

(3.) The right manner of growth is, when a Christian hasgrace suitable to his several employments and occasions.When corruptions are strong—and he has grace able to give check tothem.Whenburdensareheavy—andhehaspatienceabletobearthem.Whentemptationsarefierce—andhehasfaithabletoresistthem.Thengracegrowsintherightmanner.

Whenceisit,thattruegracemustgrow?

(1.)Itisproperforgracetogrow;itisanenduringseed,theseedofGod.IJohn3:9.Itisthenatureofseedtogrow:gracedoesnotlieintheheart,

asastoneintheearth—butasseedintheearth,whichwillspringup,firsttheblade,thentheear,andthenthefullcornintheear.

(2.) Gracemustgrow—from its sweetness and excellence. He who hasgraceisneverwearyofit—butwouldhavemore.Thedelighthehasinitcauses thirst.Grace is the imageofGod, and aChristian thinks he cannever be enough like God. Grace instills peace; a Christian, therefore,strivestogrowingrace,thathemaygrowinpeace.

(3.)Gracemustgrow—fromabeliever'singraftingintoChrist.Hewhoisascion,ingraftedintothisnoble,generousstock,cannotbutgrow.Christissofullofsap,andvivifyinginfluence,thathemakesallwhoaregraftedintohim,growfruitful."Frommeisyourfruitfound."

WhatMOTIVESorINCENTIVESaretheretomakeusgrowingrace?

(1.)Growthistheendoftheordinances.Whydoesamanlayoutcostonground,fertilizeandwaterit—butthatitmaygrow?Thesinceremilkofthewordisgiven,thatwemaygrowthereby.1Pet2:2.Thetableof theLord isonpurpose forourspiritualnourishmentand increaseofgrace.

(2.)Thegrowthofgrace—isthebestevidenceofthetruthofit.Thingsthathavenolifewillnotgrow:apicturewillnotgrow,astakeinthehedgewillnotgrow;butaplantthathasavegetativelifegrows.Thegrowingofgraceshowsittobealiveinthesoul.

(3.)GrowthingraceisthebeautyofaChristian.Themoreachildgrows,themoreitcomestoitsmaturity,andlooksmoreruddy.Justso,themoreaChristiangrows ingrace, themorehecomes tohisspiritualmaturity, and looks fairer. Abraham's faith was beautiful when in itsinfancy—but at last it grew so vigorous and eminent, that God himselfwas in love with it, and crowned Abraham with this honor, to be the"fatherofthefaithful."

(4.) Themorewe grow in grace—themore glorywe bring toGod.God'sgloryismoreworththanthesalvationofallmen'ssouls.This

shouldbeourdesign—toraise thetrophiesofGod'sglory;andhowcanwebetterdoit,thanbygrowingingrace?"HerebyismyFatherglorified—ifyoubringforthmuchfruit."Thoughtheleastgrainofgracewillbringsalvationtous—yetitwillnotbringsomuchglorytoGod."Filledwiththefruitsofrighteousness,whicharetothepraiseofhisglory."Itcommendstheskillofthefarmer—whenhisplantsgrowandthrive;itisapraiseandhonortoGod—whenwethriveingrace.

(5.)Themorewegrowingrace—themorewillGodloveus.Isitnotthatwhichweprayfor?Themoregrowth,themoreGodwillloveus.The farmer loves his thriving plants; the thriving Christian is God'sHephzibah,orchiefdelight.Christ lovestoseethevineflourishing,andthepomegranatesbudding.Cant6:11:Heacceptsthetruthofgrace—butcommendsthegrowthofgrace."Ihavenotfoundsogreatfaith,no,notin Israel." Would you be as the beloved disciple, who lay in Christ'sbosom?WouldyouhavemuchlovefromChrist?Laborformuchgrowth,letfaithflourishwithgoodworks,andloveincreaseintozeal.

(6.)Weneedtogrowingrace.Thereisstillsomethinglackinginourfaith.1Thess3:10.Graceisbutinitsinfancyandminority,andwemuststillbeaddinganinchtoourspiritualstature.Theapostlessaid,"Lord,increase our faith." Luke 17:5.Grace is butweak. "I am this dayweak,thoughanointedking."So,thoughweareanointedwithgrace—yetwearebutweak,andhadneedarriveatfurtherdegreesofsanctity.

(7.)Thegrowthofgrace—willhinderthegrowthofcorruption.Themorehealthgrows,themorethedistempersofthebodyabate.Justso,inspirituals—themorehumilitygrows,themoretheswellingofprideisassuaged.Themorepurityofheartgrows—themorethefireoflustisabated.Thegrowthofflowersinthegardendoesnothinderthegrowingof weeds—but the growing of the flower of grace does hinder thesproutingofcorruption.Assomeplantshaveanantipathy,andwillnotthrive if they grownear together, as the vine and the bay tree; just so,wheregracegrows,sinwillnotthrivesofast.

(8.)Wecannotgrowtoomuch ingrace; there isno excess there.Thebodymaygrowtoogreat,asinthedropsy;butfaithcannotgrowtoogreat. "Your faith grows exceedingly." Here was exceeding—yet not

excess.Asamancannothavetoomuchhealth; justso—hecannothavenottoomuchgrace.Graceisthebeautyofholiness.Ps110:3.Wecannothavetoomuchspiritualbeauty; itwillbetheonlytroubleatdeath,thatwehavegrownnomoreingrace.

(9.) Such as do notgrow in grace—decay in grace. "Not to goforward in the Christian life is to turn back," Bernard. There is nostandingstillinpiety—eitherwegoforwardorbackward.Iffaithdoesnotgrow,unbeliefwill.Ifheavenly-mindednessdoesnotgrow,covetousnesswill.Amanwhodoesnotincreasehisstock,diminishesit.Justso,ifyoudonotimproveyourstockofgrace,yourstockwilldecay.TheangelsonJacob'sladderwereeitherascendingordescending.Justso,ifyoudonotascendintruereligion,youdescend.

(10.)Themorewegrowingrace—themoreweshallflourishinglory.Thougheveryvesselofgloryshallbe full—yetsomevesselsholdmorethanothers.Hewhosepoundgainedten,wasmaderulerovertencities.Luke19:17.Suchasdonotgrowmuch,thoughtheylosenottheirglory, they lessen it. If any shall follow the Lamb in whiter and largerrobesofglorythanothers,theyshallbesuchashaveshonemostingracehere.

Use:Lamentthelackofgrowth.Religioninmany,hasgrownintoaformandprofessiononly; this is to grow in leaves—not in fruit.ManyChristiansarelikeabodyinanatrophy,whichdoesnotthrive.Theyarenot nourished by the sermons they hear. Like the angelswho assumedbodies,theyate—butdidnotgrow.Itistobesuspectedwherethereisnogrowth—thatavitalprincipleislacking.Someinsteadofgrowingbetter,grow worse; they grow more earthly, more profane. "Evil men andimpostorswillgofrombadtoworse."2Tim3:13.Manygrowhell-ward;theygrowpastshame.Zeph3:5.Theygrowmorerotten.

Howshallweknowwhetherwegrowingrace?Fordecidingthisquestion,Ishallshow:

1.Thesignsofournotgrowing;

2.Thesignsofourgrowing.

I. The signs of our NOT growing in grace—but rather fallingintoaspiritualdecline.

[1]We are a spiritual decline—when we have lost our spiritualappetite.Aconsumptivepersondoesnothavethatappetiteforhisfood,as formerly. Perhaps, Christian, you can remember the time when youhungered and thirsted after righteousness, you came to the ordinanceswithsuchanappetite,astoafeast;butnowitisotherwise,Christisnotso prized, nor his ordinances so loved. This is a dreadful presage thatgraceisonthedecline;andyouareinadeepdecline.ItwasasignthatDavidwasnearhisgravewhentheycoveredhimwithclothes,andhegotnowarmth,1Kings1:1.Justso,whenapersoniscoveredwiththewarmclothes of ordinances, and yet has no warmth of affection to spiritualthings,itisasignthatheisdecliningingrace.

[2] We are a spiritual decline—when we grow more worldly.Perhapsweoncemountedintohigherorbs,wesetourheartson thingsabove,andspokethelanguageofCanaan;butnowourmindsaretakenoff from heaven, we dig our comfort out of the lower mines, and likeSatan,wecompass the earth. This is a signwe are goingdown thehillapace,andourgraceisinadecline.Itisobservablewhennaturedecays,and people are near dying, they growmore stooping; and truly, whenmen'sheartsgrowmorestoopingtotheearth,andtheycanhardlyliftupthemselvestoaheavenlythought,ifgraceisnotdead—yet it isreadytodie.Rev3:2.

[3]Weareaspiritualdecline—whenwearelesstroubledaboutsin.Timewas,whentheleastsingrievedus,astheleasthairmakestheeyeweep;butnowwecancommitsinwithoutremorse.Timewas,whenwewere troubled if we neglected closet prayer; now we can omit family-prayer. Time was, when vain thoughts troubled us; now we are nottroubledforloosepractices.Hereisasaddeclensioninpiety;andtrulygraceissofarfromgrowing,thatwecanhardlyperceiveitspulsetobeat!

II.TheSIGNSofourgrowingingrace.

[1]Whenwehavegotbeyondourformermeasuresofgrace. Itis a sign a child thrives, when he has outgrown his clothes. That

knowledgewhichwouldserveusbefore,willnotserveusnow;wehaveadeeper insight into Scripture, our light is clearer, our spark of love isincreased into a flame; there is a sign of growth. That competency ofgraceweoncehad,istooscantyforusnow;wehaveoutgrownourselves!

[2]Whenwearemorefirmlyrootedinpiety."RootedandbuiltupinHimandestablishedinthefaith."Col2:7.Thespreadingof theroot,showsthegrowthofthetree.WhenwearesostronglyfastenedonChrist,thatwecannotbeblowndownwiththebreathofheretics,itisablessedsignofgrowth.AthanasiuswascalledAdamasecclesiae[theAdamantoftheChurch,]anadamantthatcouldnotberemovedfromtheloveofthetruth.

[3]Whenwehaveamorespiritualframeofheart.

(1.)Whenwearemorespiritualinourprinciples;whenweopposesinoutoflovetoGod,andbecauseitstrikesathisholiness.

(2.)Whenwearemorespiritualinouraffections.Wegrieveforthefirstrising of corruption, for the bubbling up of vain thoughts, and for thehidden spring which runs underground. We mourn not only for thepenaltyofsin—butforitspollution.Sinisacoalwhichnotonlyburns—butwhichblackens.

(3.) When we are spiritual in the performance of duty. We are moreserious,reverent,fervent;wehavemorelifeinprayer,weputfiretothesacrifice."Ferventinspirit."WeserveGodwithmorelove,whichripensandmellowsourduty,andmakesitcomeoffwithabetterrelish.

[4] When grace gains ground by opposition. The fire burnshottest, in the coldest season. Peter's courage increased, by theoppositionofthehighpriestandtherulers.Acts4:8,11.Themartyr'szealwasincreasedbypersecution.Herewasgraceofthefirstmagnitude.

Whatshallwedotogrowingrace?

(1.)Takeheedofthatwhichwillhindergrowth,astheloveofanysin.Thebodymayaswellthriveinafever,asgracecanwhereanysinis

cherished.

(2.)Useallmeansforgrowthingrace.

First."Exerciseyourselvesuntogodliness."Thebodygrows strongerbyexercise.Tradingofmoneymakesmengrowrich.Just so, themorewetradeourfaithinthepromises,thericherinfaithwegrow.

Secondly.IfyouwouldbegrowingChristians,behumbleChristians.Itisobserved in some countries, as in France, the best and largest grapes,whichmakewine,growon the lowersortof vines. Just so, thehumblesaintsgrowmostingrace."Godgivesgracetothehumble."

Thirdly.PraytoGodforspiritualgrowth.Somepraythattheymaygrowingifts.It isbettertogrowingrace, thangifts.Giftsare forornament,graceisfornourishment.Giftsedifyothers;gracesavesourselves.Somepray that theymay grow rich; but a fruitful heart is better than a fullpurse. Pray that God would make you grow in grace, though it be byaffliction.Heb12:10.Thevinegrowsbypruning.God'spruning-knife istomakeusgrowmoreingrace!

Howmaywecomfortsuchascomplainthattheydonotgrowingrace?

They make mistake; for they may grow, when they think they do not."There is thatmakeshimselfpoor—yethasgreatriches."Prov13:7.Thesight Christians have of their defects in grace, and their thirst aftergreatermeasuresofgrace—makethemthinktheydonotgrow,whentheyactuallyaregrowing.Hewhocovetsagreatestate,becausehehasnotsomuchashedesires,thinkshimselftobepoor.IndeedChristiansshouldseekafterthegracethey lack—buttheymustnotthereforeoverlookthegracetheyhave.LetChristiansbethankfulfortheleastgrowth.Ifyoudonotgrowsomuchinassurance,blessGodifyougrowinsincerity;ifyoudonotgrowsomuchinknowledge,blessGodifyougrowinhumility.Ifatreegrowsintheroot,itisatruegrowth.Justso,ifyougrowintheroot-graceofhumility—thatisasneedfulforyouasanyothergrowth.

10.PERSEVERANCE

"WhoarekeptbythepowerofGodthroughfaithuntosalvation."IPeter1:5.

The fifth and last fruit of sanctification, is perseverance in grace. Theheavenly inheritance is kept for the saints—and they are kept for theinheritance. The apostle asserts a saint's stability and permanence ingrace. The saint's perseverance is much opposed by Papists andArminians;butitisnotthelesstruebecauseitisopposed.AChristian'smain comfort, depends upon this doctrine of perseverance. Take thisaway,andyouharmpiety,andcut thesinewsofallcheerfulendeavors.BeforeIcometothefullhandlinganddiscussingof thisgreatpoint, letmefirstclearthesenseofit.

I.TheNATUREofperseverance.

[1]Igrant,thatsuchasaresoonlyinmereprofession,mayfallaway. "Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world."Blazingcometssoon evaporate.A building on sandwill fall.Matt 7:26.Seeminggracemaybe lost. It is nowonder to see a branch fall fromatree,whichhasonlybeentiedon.HypocritesareonlytiedonChristbyanexternal profession, they are not ingrafted.Who ever thought artificialmotionswould hold long? The hypocrite'smotion is only artificial, notvital.Allblossomsdonotripenintofruit.

[2]Igrantthatifbelieverswerelefttostandontheirownlegs,theymightfallfinally.Someoftheangels,whowerestarsfulloflightand glory, actually lost their grace! And if those pure angels fell fromgrace,muchmorewouldthegodly,whohavesomuchsintobetraythem—iftheywerenotupheldbyasuperiorpower!

[3] I grant that, although true believers do not fall awayactually, and lose all their grace—yet their grace may fail indegree, and they may make a great breach upon their sanctification.Grace may be dying—but not dead. "Strengthen the things which are

readytodie."Gracemaybelikefireintheembers;thoughnotquenched—yet the flamehasgoneout.Thisdecayofgrace I shall show in twoparticulars.

(1.)Thelivelyactingsofgracemaybesuspended."Youhaveleftyourfirstlove."Gracemaybelikeasleepyhabit;thegodlymayactfaintlyin piety, the pulse of their affections may beat low. Thewise virginsslumbered.Matt 25:5.Theexerciseof gracemay be hindered; aswhenthecourseofwaterisstopped.

(2.) Instead of grace working in the godly, corruption maywork; instead of patience, murmuring; instead of heavenliness,earthliness. How did pride put forth itself in the disciples, when theystrovewhoshouldbethegreatest!HowdidlustputforthitselfinDavid!Corruptionmaybesolivelyandvigorousintheregenerate,thattheymayfall into enormous sins!But though all this is granted—yet theydonotfinallyfallawayfromgrace.Daviddidnotquitelosehisgrace:forthen,why did he pray, "Do not take yourHoly Spirit fromme."He had notquitelosttheSpirit.AsEutychus,whenhefellfromawindow(Acts20)and all thought he was dead—"No, says Paul, there is life in him!" SoDavidfellfoully—buttherewasthelifeofgraceinhim.Thoughthesaintsmaycometothatpointwheretheyhavebutlittlefaith—yetcannotcometothatpointwherehavenofaith.Thoughtheirgracemaybedrawnlow—yetitisnotdrawndry;thoughgracemaybeabated,it isnotabolished;thoughthewisevirginsslumbered—yettheir lampswerenotquitegoneout. Grace, when at the lowest, shall revive and flourish; just as whenSamsonhadlosthisstrength—hishairgrewagain,andhisstrengthwasrenewed.Havingthusexplainedtheproposition,Icomenowtoamplifythisgreatdoctrineofthesaint'sperseverance.

II.BywhatMEANSdoChristianscometopersevere?

[1]WeperseverebythehelpofORDINANCES,asofprayer,theword,andthesacraments.Christiansdonotarriveatperseverancewhentheysitstillanddonothing.Itisnotwithusaswithpassengersinaship,whoarecarriedtotheendoftheirvoyagewhiletheysitstillintheship;or,asitiswithnoblemen,whohavetheirrentsbroughtinwithouttheirtoilorlabor.Butwearriveatsalvationintheuseofmeans;asaman

comestotheendofaracebyrunning;ortoavictorybyfighting."Watchandpray."AsPaul said, "unless you remain in the ship, you cannot besaved."Acts27:31.Believersshallcometoshoreatlast,arriveatheaven;but"unless theyremain in theship,"namely," in theuseofordinances,"they cannot be saved." The ordinances nourish grace; as they begetgrace, so they are the breast-milk by which grace is nourished andpreservedtoeternity.

[2]Wepersevereby the sacred influence and concurrenceoftheSPIRIT. TheSpirit ofGod is continually atwork in theheartof abeliever,tocarryongracetoperfection.Hedropsinfreshoil,tokeepthelampofgraceburning.TheSpiritexcites,strengthens,increasesgrace—and makes a Christian go from one step of faith to another, until hecomes to the end of his faith, which is salvation. I Pet 1:9. It is a fineexpression of the apostle, "TheHoly Spirit who dwells in us."Hewhodwellsinahouse,keepsthehouseinrepair.Justso,theSpiritdwellinginabeliever,keepsgraceinrepair.Graceiscomparedtoariverofthewateroflife.John7:38.Thisrivercanneverbedriedup,becauseGod'sSpiritisthespringthatcontinuallyfeedsit.

[3] Grace is carried on to perfection by Christ's dailyINTERCESSION.As theSpirit is atwork in theheart, so isChrist atworkinheaven.Christiseverprayingthatthesaint'sgracemayholdout."Father,keepthosewhomyouhavegivenme."Keepthemasthestarsintheirorbs:keepthemas jewels, that theymaynotbe lost."Fatherkeepthem."John17:2.ThatprayerwhichChristmadeforPeter,wasthecopyof the prayer he nowmakes for believers. "I have prayed for you, thatyourfaithfailnot,"thatitbenottotallyeclipsed.Howcanthechildrenofsuchprayersperish?

III.Argumentstoprovethesaint'sperseverance.

[1]FromtheTRUTHofGod.Godhasbothassertedit,andpromisedit.

(1.)Godhasassertedit."Hisseedremainsinhim.""Theanointingyouhavereceivedfromhimabidesinyou."

(2.)AsGodhasassertedit,sohehaspromisedit.ThetruthofGod,themostorientpearlofhiscrown, is laidasapawn in thepromise. "Iwillgive unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish!" "I will makewith them an everlasting covenant: I will never turn away from doinggoodtothem,andIwillputfearofMeintheirheartssotheywillneveragainturnawayfromMe."Jeremiah32:40.Godwillsolovehispeople,thathewillnotforsakethem;andtheyshallsofearhim,thattheyshallnotforsakehim.Ifabelievershouldnotpersevere,Godwouldbreakhispromise."Iwillbetrothyouuntomeforever,inrighteousnessandloving-kindness."Goddoesnotmarryhispeopleuntohimself,andthendivorcethem; he hates divorce.Mal 2:16. God's love ties themarriage-knot sofast,thatneitherdeathnorhellcanbreakitasunder!

[2]Thesecondargument is from thePOWERofGod. The textsays,we"arekeptbythepowerofGoduntosalvation."EachPersoninthe Trinity has a hand inmaking a believer persevere. God theFatherestablishes salvation,2Cor 1:21.God theSonconfirms salvation, 1 Cor1:8.God theHolySpiritseals salvation,Eph 1:13.So it is the power ofGodwhichkeepsus.Wearenotkeptbyourownpower.The Pelagiansheld that man by his own power might overcome temptation andpersevere.Augustineconfutesthem."Man,"sayshe,"praysuntoGodforperseverance, which would be absurd, if he had power of himself topersevere.""And,"saysAugustine,"ifallthepowerisinherentinaman'sself, then why should not one persevere as well as another? Why notJudasaswellasPeter?"Sothatit isnotbyanyotherthanthepowerofGod, thatwe are kept.TheLordpreserved Israel fromperishing in thewilderness,untilhebroughtthemtoCanaan;andthesamecarewillhetake,ifnotinamiraculousmanner—yetinaspiritualinvisiblemanner—inpreservinghispeople in a stateof grace,untilhebrings them to thecelestialCanaan.Astheheathens feignedofAtlas—thathebearsuptheheavensfromfalling;sothepowerofGodisthatAtlaswhichbearsupthesaintsfromfalling.Itisdisputed,whethergraceofitselfmaynotperish,asAdam's; yet I am sure thatgrace kept by the power of God cannotperish.

[3]ThethirdargumentistakenfromGod'sELECTINGLOVE.Such as God has from all eternity elected to glory, cannot fall away

finally! Every true believer is elected to glory, therefore he cannot fallaway. What can frustrate election, or make God's decree void? Thisargument stands like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved. "Thefoundation of God stands sure, having this seal, the Lord knows thosewhoarehis."ThefoundationofGodisnothingelsebutGod'sdecree inelection;andthisstandssure;Godwillnotalterit,andotherscannot.

[4]Thefourthargumentistakenfrombelievers'UNIONWITHCHRIST.They are knit to Christ as themembers to the head, by thenerves and ligaments of faith, so that they cannot be broken off. Eph5:23.WhatwasoncesaidofChrist'snaturalbodyistrueofhismysticalbody—"Aboneofitshallnotbebroken."Asitisnotpossibletosevertheleavenandthedoughwhentheyareoncemingledandkneadedtogether;soitisimpossibleforChristandbelievers,whenonceunited,evertobeseparated. Christ and hismembersmake one body.Now, is it possiblethatanypartofChristshouldperish?HowcanChristloseanymemberofhismysticbody, and remainperfect? If onebelievermaybebrokenofffromChrist,then,bythesamerule—whynotanother?Whynotall?AndsoChristwouldbeaheadwithoutabody!

[5] The fifth argument is taken from the nature of aPURCHASE.Amanwillnotlaydownhismoneyforapurchasewhichwillbelost.Christdiedthathemightpurchaseusasapeopletohimselfforever."Havingobtainedeternalredemptionforus."WouldChristhaveshed his blood, thatwemight believe in him for awhile, and then fallaway?DowethinkChristwilllosehispurchase?

[6] The sixth argument is from a believer's victory over theWORLD. The argument stands thus: He who overcomes the worldperseveresingrace;abelieverovercomestheworld;thereforeabelieverperseveres ingrace. "This is thevictory thatovercomes theworld, evenourfaith."Amanmayloseasinglebattleinthefield—yetwinthevictoryatlast.AchildofGodmaybefoiledinasinglebattleagainsttemptation,asPeterwas—butheisvictoriousatlast.Now,ifasaintiscrownedvictor,iftheworldisconqueredbyhim—hemustneedspersevere.

IV. I come next to answer some OBJECTIONS of theArminians.

[1] The firstobjection of Arminians is—If a believer shall persevere ingrace, towhat purpose are admonitions in Scripture, such as "Let himtake heed lest he fall;" and, "Let us fear, lest any of you seem to comeshort."Suchadmonitionsseemtobesuperfluous,ifasaintshallcertainlypersevere.

These admonitions are necessary to caution believers againstcarelessness; they are as goads and spurs to quicken them to greaterdiligenceinworkingouttheirsalvation.Theydonotimplythesaintscanfall away—but are preservatives to keep them from falling away. Christtoldsomeofhisdisciplestheywouldabideinhim—yetheexhortsthemto abide in him. John 15:4.His exhorting themwas not in the least toquestion theirabiding inhim—but toawaken theirdiligence,andmakethempraytheharder,thattheymightabideinhim.

[2]Thesecondobjection is—"It is impossible for thosewhohaveoncebeenenlightened,whohavetastedtheheavenlygift,whohavesharedintheHolySpirit,whohavetastedthegoodnessofthewordofGodandthepowers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back torepentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the SonofGodalloveragainandsubjectinghimtopublicdisgrace."Hebrews6:4-6.

ThisplaceofScripturehasno force in it, for theapostleherespeaksofhypocrites;heshowshowfartheymaygo,andyetfallaway.

(1.)Theywhowereonceenlightened.Menmayhavegreatilluminations—yetfallaway.WasnotJudasenlightened?

(2.)TheyhavebeenmadepartakersoftheHolySpirit;thecommongiftsoftheSpirit,notthespecialgrace.

(3.)TheyhavetastedthegoodwordofGod.Tastinghere isopposedtoeating:thehypocritemayhaveakindoftasteofthesweetnessofreligion—but his taste does not nourish. There is a great deal of differencebetween one who takes a gargle, and a one who takes a cordial. Thegargleonlywasheshismouth—hetastes it,andspits itoutagain;butacordial is drunk down, which nourishes and cherishes the spirits. Thehypocrite, who has only some smack or taste of true religion—as one

tastesagargle—mayfallaway.

(4.)Andhavefeltthepowersoftheworldtocome;thatis,theymayhavesuchapprehensionsof thegloryofheavenas tobeaffectedwith it, andseem to have some joy in the thoughts of it—yet fall away; as in theparableofthestonyground.Matt13:20.

Allthisisspokenofthehypocrite;butitdoesnotthereforeprovethatthetrue believer, who is effectually wrought upon, can fall away. Thoughcometsfall,itdoesnotfollowthattruestarsfall.ThatthisScripturedoesnotspeakofsoundbelievers,isclearfromverse9:"Butwearepersuadedbetterthingsofyou—andthingswhichaccompanysalvation."

Useone:ForINSTRUCTION.

(1.)Seetheexcellenceofgrace. Itperseveres.Other thingsarebutforaseason;healthandrichesaresweet—buttheyarebutforaseason.Butgraceistheblossomofeternity.TheseedofGodremains.IJohn3:9.Gracemaysufferaneclipse,notadissolution. It iscalledsubstance, foritssolidity,Prov8:21;anddurableriches,foritspermanence.Prov8:18.Itlastsaslongasthesoul.Itlastsaslongasheavenlasts.Graceisnotlikealeasewhichsoonexpires—butitrunsparallelwitheternity.

(2.) See here that which may excite everlasting love andgratitudetoGodinthesaints.WhatcanmakeusloveGodmorethanthe fixednessofhis love tous?He isnotonly theauthorof grace—butfinisher;hisloveisperpetualandcarriedontooursalvation."Mysheeplistentomyvoice;Iknowthem,andtheyfollowme.Igivethemeternallife, and they shall never perish." John 10:27-28. "My sheep"—there iselection; "hear my voice"—there is effectual calling; "I know them"—there is justification; "and they follow me"—there is sanctification; "Igivethemeternallife"—thereisglorification;"theyshallneverperish"—there is preservation.Howmay thismake us loveGod, and set up themonumentsandtrophiesofhispraise!HowmuchhavewedonetocauseGodtowithdrawhisSpirit,andallowustofallfinally!Yetthatheshouldkeep us—let his name be blessed, and his memorial eternalized, whokeepsthefeetofhissaints.ISam2:9.

(3.)Seewhenceitis,thatsaintspersevereinholiness.ItistobeascribedsolelytothepowerofGod;wearekeptbyhispower,keptasinagarrison.ItisawonderthatanyChristianperseveres,ifyouconsider:

(1:)Corruptionwithin.Thetaresaremingledwiththewheat;thereismoresinthangrace—yetgraceishabituallypredominant.Graceislikeasparkinthesea—itisawonderthatitisnotquenched!Itisawonderthatsindoesnotdestroygrace.

(2:)Temptationswithout.Satan envies ushappiness, and he raiseshis militia, and stirs up persecution. He shoots his fiery darts oftemptations, which are called darts for their swiftness, fiery for theirterribleness.Weareeverydaybesetwithdevils.AsitwasawonderthatDanielwaskeptaliveinthemidstoftheroaringlions,sotherearemanyroaringdevilsaroundus,andyetwearenottorninpieces.Now,whenceisitthatwestandagainstthesepowerfultemptations?WearekeptbythepowerofGod!

(3:)Theworld'soldsnares—richesandpleasure."HowharditisforrichpeopletogetintotheKingdomofGod!Itiseasierforacameltogo through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter theKingdom of God!" Luke 18:24-25. How many have been shipwreckeduponthesegoldenrocks!"Demashasdesertedme,becausehelovedthispresentworld." 2 Timothy 4:10.What awonder any soul perseveres inholiness—that the earth does not choke the fire of all holy affections!Whenceisthis—butfromthepowerofGod?Wearekeptbyhispower.

Usetwo:ForCONSOLATION.Thisdoctrineofperseverance isasamagic stone; it isa sovereigncordial tokeepup thespiritsof thegodlyfromfainting.

(1.) There is nothing thatmore troubles a child of God, thanthathefearsheshallneverholdout."Theseweaklegsofmine,"hesays,"willnevercarrymetoheaven."Butperseveranceisaninseparablefruit of sanctification.Once inChrist—forever inChrist.Abelievermayfall from some degrees of grace—but not from the state of grace. AnIsraelitecouldneverwhollyselloralienatehisinheritance.Lev25:23.Soour heavenly inheritance cannot be wholly alienated from us. How

despairingistheArminiandoctrineoffallingfromgrace!Todayasaint—tomorrow a reprobate; today a Peter—tomorrow a Judas. This mustneedscutthesinewsofaChristian'sendeavor,andbelikeboringaholeinavessel—tomakeall thewineofhis joyrunout.Were theArminiandoctrinetrue,howcouldtheapostlesaythattheseedofGodremainsinhim, and the anointing of God abides? I John 3:9; I John 2:27.Whatcomfortwoulditbe—tohaveone'snamewritteninthebookoflife—ifitmightbeblottedoutagain?Butbeassured,foryourcomfort—thatgrace,ifitistrue,thougheversoweak,shallpersevere.ThoughaChristianhasbutlittlegracetotradewith—yetheneednotfearbreaking,becauseGodnot only gives him a stock of grace—but will keep his stock for him.Augustine,"Gracemaybeshakenwithfearsanddoubts—butitcannotbepluckedupbytheroots."

Donot fearof finally fallingaway. Ifanythingshouldhinder the saints'perseverance, itmust be either sinor temptation; but neither of thesecan.

(1:) Not the sin of believers. Their sins humble them. That whichhumblesthemshallnotdamnthem.Theygathergrapesoffthorns;fromthethornofsintheygatherthegrapeofhumility.

(2:)Nottemptation.Thedevillayshistemptationtoblowupthefortofasaint'sgrace;buthecannotdoit.Temptationisamedicineforsecurity;themore Satan tempts—themore the saints pray!When Paul had themessengerof Satan tobuffethim,he said, "Three times I pleadedwiththeLordtotakeitawayfromme."2Corinthians12:8.ThusnothingcanbreakoffabelieverfromChrist,orhinderhisperseverance.Letthiswinebegiventosuchasareofaheavyheart.

(2.)Thisperseveranceiscomfort:

(1:)Inthelossofworldlycomforts.Whileourgoodsmaybetakenaway—ourgracecannot."Maryhaschosenthebetterpart,whichcannotbetakenfromher."

(2:)Inthehourofdeath.Whenallthingsfail,andfriendstaketheirfarewellofus—yetstillgraceremains.Deathmayseparateallthingsfrom

us—except for grace. A Christian may say on his death-bed, "Sight isgone,speechandhearingaredeparting—buttheloving-kindnessofGodwillneverdepart."

Usethree:ForEXHORTATION.WhatMOTIVESandincentivesaretheretomakeChristianspersevere?

(1.)ItisthecrownandgloryofaChristiantopersevere.Itisnotthebeginningof the Christian life which gets glory, but the end of it."Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life." Prov16:31.Whengreyhairsshinewithgoldenvirtues, it isacrownofglory!ThechurchofThyatirawasbestat last."Iknowyourworks—your love,faithfulness,service,andendurance.Yourlastworksaregreaterthanthefirst." Rev 2:19. The excellence of a building is not in having the firststonelaid—butwhenitisfinished.Justso,thegloryandexcellenceofaChristianiswhenhehasfinishedtheworkoffaith.

(2.)Youarewithinafewdays'marchofheaven.Salvationisnearto you. "Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed."Romans13:11.Christians, it isbuta littlewhile,andyouwillhavedoneweeping and praying—and be triumphing! You shall put off yourmourninggarments,andputonwhiterobes!Youshallputoffyourbattlearmor, and put on a victorious crown! You who have made a goodprogress in piety, you are almost ready to commence and take yourdegree of glory! "Our salvation is nearer now than when we firstbelieved."Whenamanisalmostattheendofarace,willhetire,orfaintaway?Olabortopersevere,yoursalvationisnownearer;youhavebutalittlewaytogo—andyouwillsetyourfootinheaven!Thoughthewayisup-hill and full of thorns—yet you have gone the greatest part of yourway,andshortlyshallrestfromyourlabors!"Donotbeafraid,littleflock,foryourFatherhasbeenpleasedtogiveyouthekingdom!"Luke12:32.

(3.)Howsadisitnottopersevereinholiness!Youexposeyourselftothereproachesofmen,andtherebukesofGod.

First, tothereproachesofmen.Theywillderidebothyouandyourprofession."Thismanbegantobuild,andwasnotabletofinish."Suchishewhobeginsinreligion,anddoesnotpersevere:heistheridiculeand

derisionofall.

Secondly, to therebukesofGod.God ismost severe against such asfallaway,becausetheybringanevilreportupontruereligion.Apostasybreedsabitterwormintheconscience;anditbringsswiftdamnation;itisadrawingbacktoperdition."Youneedtoperseveresothatwhenyouhave done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."Hebrews 10:36. God will make his sword drunk with the blood ofapostates.

(4.)Thepromisesofmercyareannexedonlytoperseverance."Hewhoovercomeswill,likethem,bedressedinwhite.Iwillneverblotouthisnamefromthebookoflife,butwillacknowledgehisnamebeforemyFatherandhisangels."Revelation3:5.Thepromiseisnottohimwhofights—butwhoovercomes."Youarethosewhohavecontinuedwithmein my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom." Luke 22:28, 29. "Thepromise of a kingdom," says Chrysostom, "is not made to those whomerelyheardChrist—buttothosewhocontinuedwithhim.Perseverancecarriesawaythegarland!Nomanhasthecrownsetuponhishead—buthewhoholdsouttotheendoftherace.Otherefore,bepersuadedbyallthis,topersevere.Goddoesnotreceivethosewhodonotpersevere.Whovalues cornwhichwithers before harvest; or fruitwhich falls from thetreebeforeitisripe?

What expedients or MEANS may be used for a Christian'sperseverance?

(1.)Takeheedofthosethingswhichwillmakeyoustumbleandfallaway.

First. Take heed of PRESUMPTION.Do not presume upon yourownstrength;exerciseaholyfearandjealousyoveryourownhearts."Benothigh-minded—butfear.""Lethimthatthinkshestandstakeheed,lesthefall."ItwasPeter'ssinthatheleanedmoreuponhisgrace,thanuponChrist—and thenhe fell.AChristianhas cause to fear lest the lust anddeceit of his heart betray him. Take heed of presuming. Fear begetsprayer,prayerbegetsstrength,andstrengthbegetssteadfastness.

Secondly.TakeheedofHYPOCRISY.Judaswasfirstaslyhypocrite—and then a traitor. "Their heartwasnot rightwithGod, neitherweretheysteadfastinhiscovenant."Ifthereisanyvenomormalignityintheblood—itwillbreakforthintoaplague-sore.Thevenomofhypocrisy isindangerofbreakingoutintotheplague-soreofscandal.

Thirdly. Beware of a vile heart of UNBELIEF. "Take heed lestthere be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from thelivingGod."Whenceisapostasy—butfromunbelief?Mendonotbelievethe truth, and therefore they fall from the truth. Unbelieving andunstable,gotogether."TheybelievednotinGod.""Theyturnedback."

(2.)IfyouwouldbepillarsinthetempleofGod,andpersevereinsanctity:

(1)Seethatyouenterintoreligionuponarightground;bewellgroundedinthefoundationaltruthsofScripture.Youmustknowtheloveof the Father, themerit of the Son, and the efficacy of theHoly Spirit.SuchasknownotGodarightwillbydegrees fall away.TheSamaritanssidedwiththedewswhentheywereinfavor—butdisclaimedallkindredwiththemwhenAntiochuspersecutedtheJews.Nowondertheywerenomorefixedintruereligion,ifyouconsiderwhatChristsaysofthem:"Youworship, you knownotwhat." Theywere ignorant of the trueGod. LetyourknowledgeofGodbeclear,andservehimpurelyoutofchoice,andthenyouwillpersevere."Ihavechosenthewayoftruth.Ihavestuckuntoyourtestimonies."

(2)Getarealworkofgraceinyourheart."Itisagoodthingthatthe heart be established with grace." Nothing will hold out, but truegrace; it is only this anointingwhich abides; paintwill fall off. Get aheart-changingwork. "Butyouarewashed—butyouaresanctified."Donotbecontentwithbaptismofwater,withoutbaptismoftheSpirit.Thereasonmenperseverenotintruereligion,isforlackofavitalprinciple;thatbranchmustwither,whichhasnoroottogrowupon.

(3)Ifyouwouldpersevere,beverySINCERE.Perseverancegrowsonly upon the root of sincerity. "Let integrity anduprightness preserveme.".Thebreastplateofsinceritycanneverbeshotthrough.Howmany

stormswas Job in!Thedevil set against him; hiswife tempted him tocurse God; his friends accused him of being a hypocrite. Here wasenough,onewouldthink,tohavemadehimdesistfrompiety!Butforallthis,heperseveres.Whatpreservedhim?Itwashissincerity."Iwillnotdenymyintegrity.Iwillmaintainmyrighteousnessandneverletgoofit;myconsciencewillnotreproachmeaslongasIlive."Job27:5-6.

(4) If you would persevere, be HUMBLE. Chrysostom callshumilitythemotherofallthegraces.Godletsapoor,humbleChristianstand,whenothersofhigherabilities,andwhohavehigher thoughts ofthemselves, fall off by apostasy. They are most likely to persevere, towhomGod givesmost grace. "He gives grace to the humble." They aremostlikelytopersevere,whohaveGoddwellinginthem."Goddwellsinthehumblesoul.""TheHolySpiritwillonlycometorestoverahumblesoul,"Bernard.Thelowerthetreerootsintheearth—thefirmeritis.Justso,themorethesoulisrootedinhumility—themoreestablisheditis,andisinlessdangeroffallingaway.

(5)Wouldyoupersevere?NourishthegraceofFAITH.Faith isour support. "By faith you stand." Faith knits us to Christ, as themembers are knit to the headbynerves and sinews. Faith fills uswithlovetoGod."Faithworksbylove."HewholovesGodwillratherdiethandesert him; as the soldierwho loves his general will die in his service.Faithgivesusaglimpseofheaven;itshowsustheinvisibleglory!Hewhohas Christ in his heart, and a crown in his eye—will not faint away.Onourish faith!Keep your faith—and your faithwill keep you.While thepilotkeepshisship—hisshipkeepshim.

(6)Wouldwepersevere?Letus seekGod'spower tohelpus.WearekeptbythepowerofGod.Thechildissafestwhenitisheldinthefather'sarms.Justso,wearesafest,whenweareheldinthearmsoffreegrace!ItisnotourholdingGod—buthisholdingus,whichpreservesus.Whenaboatistiedtoarock,itissecure.Justso—whenwearefasttiedtotheRockofAges,weare impregnable.OengageGod'spowertohelpyoutopersevere.Weengagehispowerbyprayer.Letuspraytohimtokeepus. "Hold upmy goings in your path, thatmy footsteps slip not.""Holdmeup—andIshallbesafe!"Psalm119:117.ItwasagoodprayerofBeza, "Lord, perfectwhat you have begun inme, that Imay not suffer

shipwreckwhenIamalmostatthehaven."

(7) If you would persevere, set before your eyes the nobleexamples of those who have persevered in piety. How manymartyrs,howmanyfaithfulsoulsareevennowrejoicinginHeaven!Whatagloriousarmyofsaintsandmartyrshavegonebeforeus!Howconstantto the death, was Paul! "Why all this weeping? You are breaking myheart!ForIamreadynotonlytobejailedatJerusalembutalsotodieforthesakeoftheLordJesus."Acts21:13.HowperseveringinthefaithwereIgnatius,Polycarp,andAthanasius!Theywerestarsintheirorbs,pillarsin the temple of God. Let us look on their zeal and courage, and beanimated."Therefore,sincewearesurroundedbysuchahugecrowdofwitnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off everyweight that slows usdown, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let usrunwithendurancethe race thatGodhassetbeforeus."Hebrews12:1.Thecrown is set at the endof the race! Ifwe finish the race—we shallwearthecrown!

DeathandtheLastDay

1.TheDeathoftheRighteous

"Fortome,toliveisChristandtodieisgain!"Philippians1:21

Paul was a great admirer of Christ. He desired to know nothing butChrist,andhimcrucified.1Cor2:2.ThereisnomedicinelikethebloodofChrist!

I."Fortome,toliveisChrist."Thatis,"Christismylife!"Orthus,"MylifeismadeupofChrist."Asawickedman'slifeismadeupofsin,soPaul'slifewasmadeupofChrist—hewasfullofChrist.ThatImaygive

youthesenseofthetextmorefully,takeitinthesethreeparticulars:

[1]"Fortome,toliveisChrist,"thatis—ChrististhePRINCIPLEofmylife.IfetchmyspirituallifefromChrist,asthebranchfetchesitssapfromtheroot."Christlivesinme."Gal2:20.JesusChristsendsforthlifeandspiritsintome,toquickenmetoeveryholyaction.Thus,fortometoliveisChrist:Christistheprincipleofmylife;fromhisfullnessIlive—asthebranchlivesfromtheroot.

[2]"Fortome,toliveisChrist,"thatis—ChrististheENDofmylife.I live not for myself—but for Christ. All my living, is to do service toChrist. "Whetherwe live,we liveunto theLord."Rom14:8.We layoutourselveswholly forChrist.Wepropagatehis gospel; thedesignof ourlife is to exaltChrist, and tomake the crownuponhishead flourish. Itmaythenbesaid,fortoustoliveisChrist—whenourwholelifeisalivingforChrist.

[3]"Fortome,toliveisChrist,"thatis—ChrististheJOYofmylife.Psalm43:4,"Godmyexceedingjoy,"orthecreamofmyjoy.AChristianrejoices inChrist'srighteousness.Hecanrejoice inChristwhenworldlyjoysaregone.Whenthetulipinagardenwithers--amanstillrejoicesinhisjewelswhicharelockedupinthehouse.Justso--whenworldly joysare gone--a saint can rejoice in Christ, the pearl of great price. In thissense,Christisthejoyofmylife.IfChristweregone--mylifewouldbeadeathtome.

Itshouldexhortusalltolabortosayastheapostle,"Fortome,toliveisChrist!"Christistheprincipleofmylife,theendofmylife,thejoyofmylife. If we can say, "For to me, to live is Christ," we may comfortablyconclude,"andtodieisgain!"

II."Andtodieisgain!"Toabelieverdeathisgreatgain.AsaintcancountwhathislossesforChristarehere—buthecannotcounthowgreathisgainsareatdeath. "Tome todie isgain."Death toabeliever is thedaybreakofeternalbrightness.Toshowfullywhatabeliever'sgainsareatdeath,wouldbeatasktoogreatforanangel;allhyperbolesfallshortofit; the reward of glory exceeds our imagination. Letme give you somedarkviewsandimperfectlineamentsonly,ofthatinfiniteglorythesaints

shallgainatthehourofdeath."Tometodieisgain."

[1]Believersatdeath, shallbidaneternal farewell toall sinsandtroubles.Theyshallbeinastateofimpeccability.Sinexpireswiththeirlife.Ithinksometimeswhatahappystatethatwillbe,nevertohaveanother sinful thought, and to have a quietus from all troubles. HereDavidcriedout,"Mylifeisspentwithgriefs,andmyyearswithsighing.""Longlifeismerelylongtorment,"Augustine.Lifebeginswithacry,andendswithagroan;butatdeathalltroublesdie.

[2]Believersatdeath,shallgaintheglorioussightofGod.Theyshallseehim:

(1.) Intellectually with the eyes of their mind, which divines call thebeatificvision.IftherewerenotsuchanintellectualsightofGod,howdothespiritsofjustmen,madeperfect,seehim?

(2.) They shall behold the glorified body of Jesus Christ; and if it bepleasanttobeholdthesun,howblessedasightwillitbetoseeChrist,theSunofRighteousness, clothedwith ourhumannature, shining ingloryabovetheangels!ThroughChrist'sflesh,asthroughatransparentglass,somebrightraysandbeamsof theGodheadshalldisplaythemselvestoglorifiedeyes.ThesightofGodthroughChristwillbeverydelightful;fortheterrorofGod'sessencewillbetakenaway;hismajestywillbemixedwithbeauty,andsweetenedwithmercy.ItwillbeinfinitelydelightfultothesaintstoseetheamiableaspectsandsmilesofGod'sface.

[3]ThesaintsatdeathshallnotonlyhaveasightofGod—butshallenjoyhislove.ThereshallbenomoreaveilonGod's face,norshall his smiles be chequered with frowns—but his love shall discoveritself in all itsorientbeautyand fragrant sweetness.Hereonearth, thesaintspray forhis love,and theyhavea fewdrops;but there they shallhaveasmuchas theirvesselscanreceive.Toknowthe love thatpassesknowledge,willcauseajubilationofspirit,andcreatesuchholyrapturesofjoyinthesaints,asaresuperlative,andwouldsoonoverwhelmthem,ifGoddidnotmakethemabletobearit.

[4]Believersatdeathshallgainacelestialpalace,ahousenot

madewithhands.2Cor5:5:Hereonearth, thesaintsarestraitenedfor room; they have but poor cottages to live in; but they shall have aroyalpalacetoliveinhereafter.Hereistheirsojourninghouse;thereinheaven is theirmansion-house, a house built high above all the visibleorbs, bespangled with light, and enriched with pearls and preciousstones.Col1:12,andRev21:19.Itisnottheirlandlord'shouse—buttheirFather's house, and stands upon consecrated ground. John 14:2. It isrepresentedbytransparentglass,toshowitsholiness.Rev21:21.

[5]Believers at death shall gain the sweet society of glorifiedsaintsandangels;whichwilladdtothefelicityofheaven,aseverystaraddssomelustertothesky.

(1.)Thesocietyof theglorifiedsaints.Weshall see them in theirsouls,aswellasintheirbodies.Theirbodieswillbesoclearandbright,thatweshall see theirsoulsshining throughthem,aswine through theglass. Believers at death will have close converse with glorified saints.Howdelightfulwillitbe,tobefreedfromallthesinfulcorruptions,pride,envy,passionand censoriousness,whichas scarsdisfigured themhere!In heaven therewill be perfect love among the saints; as the olive andmyrtle, they will sweetly embrace each other. If in the transfigurationPeter knew Moses and Elijah, whom he never saw before, Matt 17:3,muchmore,intheglorifiedstate,willsaintsperfectlyknowoneanother,thoughtheyneversaweachotherbefore.

(2.)Thesaintsatdeathwillbehold theangels with the glorifiedeyeoftheirunderstandings.Thewingsofthecherubim(representingtheangels) were made of fine gold, to denote both their sanctity andsplendor.Angelsarecomparedtolightning,Matt28:3,becauseof thosesparklingbeamsofmajesty,whichas lightningshoot fromthem.Whensaintsandangelsmeetandsingtogetherinconcertintheheavenlychoir,whatdivineharmony,whatjoyfultriumphswilltherebe!

[6]Believersatdeathshallgainperfectionofholiness.Hereonearth,graceisbut"initscradle,"veryimperfect;sothatwecannotwriteacopy of holiness without blotting. Here on earth, believers receive but"thefirstfruitsoftheSpirit."Atdeaththesaintswillarriveatperfection;theirknowledgewillbeclear;theirsanctityperfect;theirsunwillbeinits

fullmeridiansplendor.Theyneednotthenprayforincreaseofgrace;fortheyshallloveGodasmuchastheywouldlovehim,andasmuchashedesirestohavethemlovehim.TheyshallbeinrespectofholinessastheangelsofGod.

[7]Atdeath,thesaintswillgainaroyalmagnificentfeast.Itoldyoubeforewhatagloriouspalacetheyshallhave;butamanmaystarveinahouse, if there isnocheer.The royalbanquetwhichsaintshaveatdeath is shadowed out in Scripture by a marriage-supper. Rev 19:9.Bullinger andGregory theGreat understand by themarriage-supper oftheLamb,thestately,magnificentfestivalthesaintswillhaveinheaven,when they shall feed on the tree of life. Rev 22:2. They shall have theheavenly nectar and ambrosia, "the spiced wine, and the juice of thepomegranate." Cant 8:2. This royal supper of the Lamb will not onlysatisfy hunger—but prevent it. "They shall hunger nomore." Rev 7:16.Norcantherebeanysurfeitat this feast,becausea freshcoursewillbecontinually served. New and fresh delights will spring from God;thereforethe treeof life inparadise is said tobear twelvesortsof fruit.Rev22:2.

[8]Believersatdeathshallgainhonoranddignity; theyshallreignaskings.Wereadthereforeof theensignsof theirroyalty, theirwhiterobesandcelestialcrowns.Rev4:4.Wereadthatthedoorsoftheholy of holiesweremade of palm-trees andopen flowers, coveredwithgold. This is an emblem of the victory and triumph, and the goldengarland of honorwithwhichGod invests the glorified saints.When allworldlyhonorshalllieinthedust—thenshallthesaints'honorremains;notonejewelshallbepluckedoutoftheircrown.Atdeaththeyshallgainablessedeternity. If thesaintscouldhave the least suspicionor fearoflosing their glory, it wouldmuch cool and embitter their joy; but theircrownfadesnotaway.IPet5:4.Asthewickedhaveawormwhichneverdies, so the elect have an unfading crown of glory. 'Forever' is a shortword—but it has no end. "At the last our joy shall be never-ending,"Bernard."Thethingswhicharenotseenareeternal."2Cor4:18."Atyourright hand are pleasures for evermore." Psalm 16:2. Who can spaneternity?Millions of ages stand but for ciphers in eternity. Forever inChrist'sbosomisthehigheststrainofthesaint'sglory!

Howdothesaintscometohaveallthisgain?

Theyhave a right to all this gain atdeathupon several accounts, asbyvirtue of the Father's donation, the Son's purchase, the Holy Spirit'spledge,andfaith'sacceptance.Thereforethestateoffuturegloryiscalledthesaint'sproperinheritance.TheyareheirsofGodandhavearighttoinherit."Alwaysthanking theFather,whohasenabledyou to share theinheritancethatbelongstoGod'sholypeople,wholiveinthelight.Forhehasrescuedusfromtheonewhorules inthekingdomofdarkness,andhehasbroughtusintotheKingdomofhisdearSon."Colossians1:12-13

Use one: See the great difference between the death of thegodlyandthewicked.Thegodly are great gainers at death—but thewickedaregreatlosersatdeath.Theylosefourthings:

(1.)TheylosetheWORLD;andthatisagreatlosstothewicked.Theylaiduptheirtreasureuponearth,andtobeturnedoutofitallatonceisagreatloss.

(2.)They lose theirSOULS.Matt 16:26, 27. The soulwas at first anoble piece of coin, upon which God stamped his own image. Thiscelestialsparkismorepreciousthanthewholeglobeoftheworld;butthesinner's soul is lost:not that the souls of thewickedareannihilatedatdeath—buttormented.

(3.)TheyloseHEAVEN.Heavenistheroyalseatoftheblessed;it istheregionofhappiness,themapofperfection.Thereisthemannawhichis angels' food; there is the garden of spices, the bed of perfumes, theriverofpleasure.Sinnersatdeath,loseallthese.

(4.)TheyloseallHOPE.Thoughtheylivedwickedly,theyhopedGodwouldbemerciful,andtheyhopedtheywouldgotoheaven.Theirhopewas not an anchor—but a spider'sweb. At death they lose their hopes,andseetheydidbutflatterthemselvesintohell."SuchisthedestinyofallwhoforgetGod;soperishesthehopeofthegodless.Whathetrustsinisfragile;whathereliesonisaspider'sweb."Job8:13-14.Itisdreadfultohave life and hope cut off together! "The hopes of the godly result inhappiness, but the expectationsof thewickedare all in vain."Proverbs

10:28."Whenawickedmandies,hishopeperishes."Proverbs11:7."Thedesireoftherighteousendsonlyingood,butthehopeofthewickedonlyinwrath."Proverbs11:23.

Usetwo:Ifsaintsgainsuchgloriousthingsatdeath,wellmaytheydesireit.Doesnoteveryonedesirehappiness?Nooneiscontentbefore his death. Faith gives a title to heaven; death gives thepossession of heaven. Thoughwe should bedesirous of doing servicehere—yetweshouldbeambitiousofbeingwithChrist."Idesiretodepartand be with Christ, which is better by far!" Phil 1:23. We should becontent to live—butwilling to die. Is it not a blessed thing to be freedfromsin,andtolieforeverinthebosomofdivinelove?Isitnotablessedthing to meet our godly relations in heaven, and to be singing divineanthems of praise among the angels? Does not the bride desire themarriageday,especially ifshehastheprospectofacrown?What is theplacewenowlivein—butaplaceofbanishment fromGod?Weare inawilderness!Hereonearth,wearecombatingwithSatan—shouldwenotdesiretobeoutofthebloodyfield,wherethebulletsoftemptationflyfast—andreceiveavictoriouscrown?Thinkwhatitwillbe,tohavealwaysasmilinglookfromChrist'sface!tobebroughtintothebanqueting-house,andhave thebannerofhis lovedisplayedoverus!O you saints, desiredeath;itisyourascension-daytoheaven.

SaidHilarion onhis death-bed, "Go forth,my soul,Go forth!" Anotherholymansaid,"Lord,leadmetothatglorywhichIhaveseenasthrougha dark glass; hasten, Lord, and do not tarry!" Some plants thrive bestwhen they are transplanted. Just so, believers, when transplanted bydeath, cannot but thrive, because they have Christ's sunbeams shininguponthem.Whatthoughthepassagethroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath is troublesome!whowould not bewilling to pass a tempestuoussea,ifheweresuretobecrownedassoonashecametoshore?

Use three:Wemayhere find comfort in the loss of dear andpiousrelations.Theyarenotonlytakenawayfromtheeviltocome—but are great gainers by death. They leave a wilderness, and go to aparadise! They change their complaints into thanksgivings! They leavetheirsorrowsbehind,andenterintothejoyoftheirLord!Whyshouldweweepfortheirhappiness?Believershavenottheirportionpaidtothem,

untilthedayoftheirdeath.God'spromiseishisbondtogiveheaventothem;but though theyhavehis bond, theydonot receive their portionuntilthedayofdeath.Oh!rejoicetothinkofthehappinessofthosewhodieintheLord.Tothem"todieisgain."Theyareasrichasheavencanmakethem!

2.ABeliever'sPrivilegeatDeath

"Fortome,toliveisChristandtodieisgain!"Philippians1:21

HopeisaChristian'sanchor,whichhecastswithintheveil."Rejoicinginhope." A Christian's hope is not in this life—but he "has hope in hisdeath."Thebestofa saint'scomfort,beginswhenhis lifeends;but thewickedhavealltheirheavenhere."Whatsorrowsawaityouwhoarerich,foryouhaveyouronlyhappinessnow!"Luke6:24.Youmaymakeyouracquittance,andwrite"Received in fullpayment." "Son, remember thatyouinyourlifetimereceivedyourgoodthings."Butasaint'shappinessisin the anticipation of heavenly glory. "The righteous has hope in hisdeath."Godkeepsthebestwineuntillast.IfCato,theheathen,said,"Tome to die is gain," as he saw death to be a mercy; what, then, may abeliever say! "Thedayofdeath isbetter than thedayof one'sbirth." AqueenofEnglandsaidshepreferredhercoffinbeforehercradle.

Whatbenefitsdobelieversreceiveatdeath?

I.Thesaints,atdeath,havegreatimmunitiesandfreedoms.Anapprentice,whenhehasservedhistime,ismadefree.Justso,whenthesaintshavefinishedtheirtimeofliving,theyaremadefree!Theyarenotmadefreeuntildeath.

[1]Atdeaththeyare freedfromabodyofSIN.Thereare in thebest believers, the remnants of sin—some remainders and relics ofcorruption."OwretchedmanwhoIam!whoshalldeliverme fromthisbodyofdeath?"Bythebodyofdeathismeantthemassandlumpofsin.Itmaywellbecalledabody—foritsweightiness;andabodyofdeathforitsharmfulness.

(1.)Sinweighsusdown.Sinhindersusfromdoinggood.Likeabirdthatwould be flyingup—buthas a chain tied to its legs to hinder it—aChristianwouldbeflyinguptoheavenwiththewingsofdesire—butsinhindershim!Heislikeashipundersail,andatanchor!Gracewouldsailforward—butsinistheanchorthatholdsitback!

(2.)Sinismoreactiveinitssphere,thangrace.HowstirringwaslustinDavid,whenhisgracelaydormant!

(3).Sinsometimesgetsthemastery,andleadsasaintcaptive."ForwhatIdoisnotthegoodIwanttodo;no,theevilIdonotwanttodo--this Ikeepondoing."Rom7:19.Paulwas likeamancarrieddownthestream,andcouldnotbearupagainstit.HowoftenisachildofGodoverpoweredwithprideandpassion!ThereforePaulcallssin,"a lawatworkinthemembersofmybody,wagingwaragainstthelawofmymindandmakingmeaprisonerofthelawofsinatworkwithinmymembers."Rom7:23.Sinbindsasalaw;ithasakindofjurisdictionoverthesoul,asCaesarhadoverthesenate.

(4.)Sindefiles thesoul. Like a stain tobeauty—sin turns the soul'sazurebrightnessintodarkness.

(5.)Sindebilitatesus,disarmsusofourstrength."Iamthisdayweak,thoughanointedking."Thoughasaintiscrownedwithgrace,andanointedaspiritualking—heisweak.

(6.)Siniseverrestless. "Theflesh lustsagainstthespirit."Gal5:17.Sinisaninmatethatisalwaysquarreling—itwillneverbequiet.

(7.)Sinadherestous,wecannotgetridofit.Itmaybecomparedtoawildfig-treegrowingonawall,therootsofwhicharepulledup—butsomefibersofitareleftinthejointsofthestone-work,whichcannotbegottenout.

(8.) Sinmingleswithourduties andgraces. Itmakes a child ofGodwearyofhis life,andmakeshimwaterhiscouchwithhistears—tothink that sin is so strong an inhabitant, and that he often offends theGod he loves. This made Paul cry out,Miser ego homo! "Oh, what a

miserablepersonIam!Whowillfreemefromthislifethatisdominatedbysin?"Romans7:24.Hedidnotcryoutbecauseofhisaffliction,orhisprison-chains—butforthebodyofsin.

Nowabelieveratdeathisfreedfromsin,heisnottakenawayinhissins—butfromhissins.Heshallneveragainhaveavain,proudthought!Heshall never again grieve the Spirit of God! Sin brought death into theworld—and death shall carry sin out of the world. The Persians had acertain day in the year inwhich they killed all serpents and venomouscreatures; such a daywill the day of death be to a believer. Deathwilldestroyallhissins,which,likesomanyserpents,havestunghim.DeathsmitesabelieverastheangeldidPeter—andmadehischainsfalloff.Acts12:7.Believersatdeatharemadeperfectinholiness."Thespiritsof justmenmade perfect." At death the souls of believers recover their virginpurity.Oh!whatablessedprivilegeisthis,tobewithoutspotorwrinkle;tobepurerthanthesunbeams;tobeasfreefromsinastheangels!Thismakesabelieverdesiroustohavehispassport,andtobegonefromhissin!Hewouldgladly live in thatpureair,wherenoblack vapors of sinarise!

[2]Atdeaththesaintsshallbefreedfromallthetroublesandincumbrancestowhichthislifeissubject."Sinistheseedsown—and trouble is the harvest reaped!" Euripides. Life and trouble aremarried together.There ismore in life to trouble us, than to tempt us.Parentsdivideaportionofsorrowtotheirchildren,andyetleaveenoughforthemselves."Manisborntotrouble."Job5:7.Heisheirtoit,itishisbirth-right.Youmayaswell separateweight from lead, as trouble fromthe life of man. King Henry's emblem was a crown hung in a bush ofthorns.There is a fargreaterproportionofbitterness,thanpleasure inthis life. "I have perfumedmy bed withmyrrh, aloes, and cinnamon."Prov7:17.Foronesweet ingredient therewere twobitter; for thesweetcinnamon, there were bitter myrrh and aloes. A man's gracewill notexempthimfromtroubles."Myyearshavebeen fewanddifficult."Gen47:9.Thussaidagodlypatriarch, thoughhehadmetwithGod. "IhaveseenGodfacetoface!"andyethehadhistroubles.Therearemanythingstoembitterlifeandcausetrouble—butdeathfreesusfromthemall!

(1.)DeathfreesabelieverfromCARE.Themindisfullofperplexed

thoughts—howtobringaboutsuchadesign;orhowtopreventsuchanevil.TheGreekwordforcarecomesfromaprimitiveintheGreek,whichsignifies,tocut theheart inpieces.Caretormentsthemind;wastes thespirits.Nosuchbitterbread,asthebreadofcarefulness.Ezek12:19.Careisaspiritualcanker,whicheatsoutthecomfortof life.Deathis itsonlycure!

(2.)DeathfreesabelieverfromFEAR.Fear is the epilepsyof thesoul, which sets it shaking. "There is torment in fear." Fear is likePrometheus'vulturegnawingtheheart.Thereisamistrustfulfear—afearoflack;andadistractingfear—afearofdanger;andadiscouragingfear—afearthatGoddoesnotloveus.Thesefearsleavedreadfulimpressionsupon the mind. But at death, a believer is freed from these torturingfears!He is as far from fear—as the damned are fromhope. The graveburiesaChristian'sfear!

(3.)DeathfreesabelieverfromLABOR."Allthingsarewearisome,more thanone can say."Eccl 1:8.Some laborwith theirbodies—otherswith theirminds.God hasmade a law, "In the sweat of your face, youshall eat bread." But death gives a believer a quietus—it takes him offfromhishardlabor."BlessedarethedeadthatdieintheLord:theyrestfromtheir labors."Theyno longerneedtowork—fortheyhaveenteredupontheirreward!Theynolongerneedtofight—fortheyhavethecrownsetontheirhead!"Theyrestfromtheirlabors."

(4.)Death frees a believer fromSUFFERING.Believers are as alilyamongthorns; or as thedoveamongvultures. Thewicked have anantipathyagainstthem;andsecrethatredwilloftenbreakforthintoopenviolence."Hewhowasbornaftertheflesh,persecutedhimwhowasbornaftertheSpirit."Thedragonisdescribedwithsevenheadsandtenhorns.Rev12:3.Heplotswiththesevenheads,andpusheswiththetenhorns.Butatdeath,thegodlyshallbefreedfromthemolestationsofthewicked!Theyshallnevermorebepesteredwiththesevermin!"Therethewickedcease from troubling." Job 3:17.Death does to a believer, as Joseph ofArimathea did to Christ—it takes him down from the cross. The eaglewhichflieshigh,cannotbestungwith theserpent.Deathgivesthesoulthewingsofaneagle,toflyaboveallthevenomousserpentsherebelow!

(5.)DeathfreesabelieverfromTEMPTATION.ThoughSatanisaconqueredenemy—yetheisarestlessenemy."Becareful!Watchoutforattacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like aroaring lion, lookingforsomevictimtodevour."1Peter5:8.Heprowlsabout; he is always going about his diocese.Hehas his snaresand hisdarts! One he tempts with riches, another with beauty. It is a greattroubletobecontinuallyfollowedwithtemptations; it isasbadasforavirgin tohaveherchastitydailyassaulted.Butdeathwill freeachildofGodfromtemptation,sothatheshallneveragainbevexedwiththeoldserpent!Afterdeathhasshotitsdart--thedevilwillbedoneshootinghis!Graceputsabelieveroutof thedevil'spossession—butonlydeath freeshimfromthedevil'stemptation!

(6.)DeathfreesabelieverfromSORROW.Acloudofsorrowoftengathers in the heart—anddrops into tears. "My life is spentwith grief,andmyyearswithsighing."Itwaspartofthecurse,"Insorrowyoushallbringforth."Gen3:16.Manythingsoccasionsorrow:sickness,law-suits,treacheryof friends,disappointmentofhopes,andlossofestate."Don'tcallmeNaomi(thatis,pleasant).Instead,callmeMara(that is,bitter),fortheAlmightyhasmadelifeverybitterforme."Ruth1:20.

Sorrow is the evil spirit which haunts us. "The peoplewept loudly. Sothey named that place Bochim (that is, weeping)." Judges 2:4-5. Theworld isaBochim!Rachelwept forherchildren;somegrieve that theyhavenochildren,andothersgrievethattheirchildrenareunkind.Thuswespendouryearswithsighing.Theworldisavalleyoftears!Butdeathis the funeral of all our sorrows! "God will wipe away every tearfrom their eyes!"Rev 7:17. ThenChrist's spouse puts off hermourninggarments; for"howcantheguestsof thebridegroommournwhilehe iswith them?"Matt 9:15.Thusdeath gives a believerhis quietus; it freeshim from sin and trouble. "The last enemy to bedestroyed is death." 1Corinthians15:26.Thoughtheapostlecallsdeaththelastenemy—yetitisthebestfriend!"Tometodieisgain!"

Seeherethatwhichmaymakeatruesaintwillingtodie.Deathwillsethimoutofgunshot,andfreehimfromsinandtrouble.Thereisnocauseforweeping—to leaveavalleyof tears—to leave the stageonwhich sinandmiseryareacted.Believersarehere inastrangecountry,why then

shouldtheynotbewillingtoleaveit?Deathbeatsofftheirfettersofsin,andsetsthemfree!Whogoesweeping,whenreleasedfromajail?

Besidesourownsins, thereare the sinsofothers.Theworld is a placewhereSatan'sthroneis;aplacewhereweseeGoddailydishonored.Lot,whowasabright star inadarknight, felthis righteoussoul tormentedwith the filthy lives of the wicked. 2 Pet 2:7. To see God's truthsadulterated,andhisgloryeclipsed—woundsagodlyheart.ItmadeDavidcryout,"Woeisme,thatIsojourninMesech,thatIdwellinthetentsofKedar."KedarwasArabia,whereIshmael'sposteritylived.ItwasacuttoDavid'shearttodwellthere.Othen,bewillingtodepartoutofthetentsofKedar!

II.TheBODIESofbelieversareunited toChrist in thegrave,andshallrestthereuntiltheresurrection.TheyaresaidtosleepinJesus.1Thess4:14.ThedustofbelieversispartofChrist'smysticbody.Thegraveisadormitory,orplaceofresttothesaints,wheretheirbodiesquietlysleepinChrist,untiltheyareawakenedoutof theirsleepbythetrumpetofthearchangel.

Howshallweknowthatatdeathweshallbefreedfromsinandtrouble,andhaveourbodiesunitedtoChristinthegrave?

"Tome,"saysPaul,"todieisgain;"tome,insofarasIamatruebeliever.Are we such? Have we this blessed faith? Faith, wherever it is, isoperative.Jewelerssaythereisnopreciousstone,buthassomehiddenvirtue in it.JustsoImaysayof faith—ithassomesecretvirtue in it; itanchorsthesoulonChrist;ithasbothajustifyingandsanctifyingvirtue.ItfetchesbloodoutofChrist'ssidetopardon;andwateroutofhissidetopurify.Faithworksbylove.Faithconstrainstoduty.Faithmakestheheadstudy forChrist, the tongueconfess him, and thehandswork forhim.

Ihavereadofafatherwhohadthreesons,andinhiswill,heleftallhisestate to that sonwho could find his ringwith the jewel—which had ahealing virtue. The case was brought before the judges; the two eldersons counterfeited a ring—but the younger son brought the true ring,whichwasprovedbythevirtueofit;whereuponhisfather'sestatewent

tohim.To this ringImaycompare faith.There isacounterfeit faith inthe world: but if we can find this ring of faithwhich has the healingvirtueinittopurifytheheart—itisthetruefaithwhichgivesusasavinginterest inChrist, and entitles us to all these privileges at death—to befreedfromsinandsorrow—andtohaveourbodiesunitedtoChrist,whiletheyareinthegrave.

III. At death, the SOULS of believers pass into glory. Deathbrings the removalofall evils, and theattainmentofallblissful things!Deathisthedaybreakofeternalbrightness.HereIshall leadyoutothetopofMountPisgahandgiveyouaglimpseoftheHolyLand.

Whatiscomprehended,inheavenlyglory?

"Gloryisastateofbeingmadeperfect,bythegatheringtogetherofeveryprecious thing,"Boethius. It isaperfectstateofbliss,which consists intheaccumulationandheaping togetherall theprecious thingsofwhichimmortalsoulsarecapable.AndtrulyhereIamataloss;forallIcansayfalls short of the reality of celestial glory. Appelles' pencil cannotdelineateit!Angels'tonguescannotexpressit!Weshallneverunderstandglory fully—until we are in heaven! Let me give you some dark viewsonly,andsomeimperfectlineamentsofthatstateofgloryatwhichsaintsshallarriveafterdeath.

[1]The first andmost sublimepartof thegloryofheaven—isthefullandsweetfruitionofGod.Weareapttothinkthehappinessofheaven,isinbeingfreefrompainandmisery;buttheveryessenceofhappiness is the enjoyment and fruition of God. God is an infiniteinexhaustible fountain of joy; and to have him, is to have all. TheenjoymentofGodimpliesthreethings.

1.TheenjoymentofGodimpliesourSEEINGhim."Weshallseehimasheis."HowshallweseeGod?

(1.)Weshall seehimINTELLECTUALLY,with theeyesof themind. This divines call the beatific vision. We shall have a fullknowledgeofGod—thoughnotknowhimfully.ThissightofGodwillbeveryglorious—aswhenaking,onhiscoronation-day,showshimselfinall

hisroyaltyandmagnificence.

(2.)WeshallPHYSICALLYbehold theglorifiedbodyofJesusChrist.Andifitisapleasantthingtobeholdthesun,howblessedasightwillitbetobeholdtheSunofRighteousness!toseeChristclothedinourhumannature,sittingingloryabovetheangels!Solomonsaysthat,"theeye is never satisfiedwith seeing." But surely the eyes of saintswill besatisfied, with seeing that orient brightness which shall shine from thebeautiful body of Christ! It must needs be satisfying, because throughChrist'sflesh,someraysandbeamsoftheGodheadwillgloriouslydisplaythemselves! God's excellent majesty would overwhelm us; but throughtheveilofChrist'sfleshweshallbeholdthedivineglory!

(3.)OurseeingGodwillbeTRANSFORMING.Weshallsoseehim,astobe insomemeasureassimilatedandchanged intohis image!"Weshall be like him." If, Moses' face shined, when was with God on theMount, and had but some imperfect sight of his glory—how shall thesaints glorified faces shine, being always in God's full presence, andhavingsomebeamsofhisgloryputuponthem!"Weshallbe likehim!"Onewho is deformedmay look on beauty—andnot bemadebeautiful.ButthesaintsshallsoseeGod—as that sight shall transform them intohislikeness."WhenIawake,Ishallbesatisfiedwithyourlikeness."NotthatthesaintsshallpartakeofGod'sessence;forastheironinthefireismade fiery—yet remains iron still, so the saints, by beholding God'smajesty,shallbemadegloriouscreatures—butarecreaturesstill.

(4.)OurseeingGodinheavenwillbewithoutweariness.Letamanseetherarestsightthatis,hewillsoonbeglutted;aswhenhecomesinto a garden, and sees delicious walks, fair arbors, pleasant flowers—withinalittlewhilehegrowsweary.Butitisnotsoinheaven;thereisnosurfeitthere.ThesaintswillneverbewearyofseeingGod;for,Godbeinginfinite—there shall every moment be new and fresh delight springingfromhimintotheirsouls!

2.ThesecondthingimpliedinenjoyingGod—isLOVINGhim.Itisasaint'sgrief—thathisheartisnowlikethefrozenocean,andhecanmelt no more in love to God. But in heaven—he shall be like theseraphim,burningwithdivinelove!Loveisapleasantaffection;"fearhas

torment."Lovehasjoyinit.Tolovebeautyisdelightful.God'samazingbeautywillattractthesaints'love—itwillbetheirheaventolovehim!

3.ThethirdthingimpliedinenjoyingGod—isGod'slovingus.Were there glory in God—yet, if there were not love, it would mucheclipsethejoysofheaven;but"Godis love."Theglorifiedsaintscannotlove God so much—as they are loved by God. What is their love—compared to God's love?What is their candle—compared to this Sun?God loves his people on earth, when they are black with sin andimperfections. But oh! how entirely will he love them when they are"withoutaspotorwrinkleoranyotherblemish—whentheywillbeholyandwithoutfault!"

"YouwillbecalledHephzibah,(thatis,God'sdelight)"Isaiah62:4.Thisis the felicityofheaven, tobe in the sweet embracesofGod's love—thedelightoftheKingofGlory—tobesunningourselvesinthelightofGod'scountenance.ThenthesaintsshallknowthatloveofChristwhichpassesknowledge. Eph 3:19. From this gloriousmanifestation of God's love—will flow infinite joy into the souls of the blessed; therefore heaven iscalled"enteringintothejoyofourLord."

The seeing God, loving God, and being loved by God—will cause ajubilation of spirit, and create such holy raptures of joy in the saints,which are unspeakable and full of glory! "There is a certain sweetnessaboutGod,whichdelights—nay,rather,ravishesthesoul!"Augustine.

Onearth,thesaintsspendtheiryearswithsighing;theyweepovertheirsins and afflictions. In heavenly glory, theirwater shall be turned intowine;theirsorrowwillbeturnedintojoy; thevesselsofmercyshallbefilled and run over with joy. They shall have their palm branches andharpsintheirhand,intokenoftheirtriumphsandrejoicing.Rev14:2.

[2] The second thing comprehended in glory—is the goodSOCIETY there. There are the angels. Every star adds to the light.Those blessed cherubim will welcome us to paradise. If the angelsrejoiced at the conversion of the elect, how will they rejoice at theircoronation!Thereisthecompanyofthesaints."Thespiritsofjustmenmadeperfect."

Willthesaintsingloryknoweachother?

Certainlytheyshall;forourknowledgeinheavenshallnotbediminished—butincreased.Weshallnotonlyknowourgodlyfriendsandrelations—butweshallalsoknowthoseglorifiedsaintswhomweneversawbefore!It must be so; for society without acquaintance is not comfortable.Indeed, the Scripture seems to hint asmuch to us; for, if Peter in thetransfigurationknewMosesandElijah,whomheneversawbefore—thensurely in heaven the saints shall know one another, and be infinitelydelightedineachother'scompany!

[3] The third thing comprehended in glory—is perfection inHOLINESS.HolinessisthebeautyofGodandangels—itmakesheaven.What is happiness—but the essence of holiness? Here on earth, aChristian'sgraceisimperfect.Atdeathbelieversshallarriveatperfectionofgrace.Thenthissunshallbeinitsmeridiansplendor!Thenshalltheynotneed topray for increaseof grace, for they shall be as the angels—theirlightshallbeclear,andtheirjoyshallbefull.

[4] The fourth thing in glory—is DIGNITY andHONOR. Theyshallreignaskings!Thereforeglorifiedsaintsaresaidtohavetheirroyalinsignia—their white robes and their crown. Rev 7:9. Caesar, after hisvictories,intokenofhonor,hadachairofivorysetforhiminthesenate,and a throne in the theater. Just so, the saints, having obtained theirvictories over sin and Satan, will be enthroned with Christ in theempyrealheaven.TositwithChristdenotessafety; tositonthe thronedenotesdignity."Thishonorhaveallthesaints."

[5]Thefifththingingloryis—theHARMONYandunionamongthe heavenly inhabitants.The devil cannot get his cloven foot intoheaven!Hecannotconjureupanystormsofcontentionthere.Thereshallbeperfectunion.Thereisnojarringstringintheheavenlymusic!Thereisnothingtomakeanytrouble—thereisnoprideorenvythere.Thoughonestarmaydifferfromanother,onemayhaveagreaterdegreeofglory—yet every vessel shall be full. There shall the saints and angels sit asolive-plants around about their Father's table—in love and unity. Thenshalltheyjointogetherinconcert,thenshalltheloudanthemsofpraisebesungintheheavenlychoir!

[6]Thesixth thing inglory isablessedREST. "There remainsarest for the people of God." It is a happy transition—from toil to rest.Hereonearth,we canhaveno rest, tossed and turned as a ball on theocean."Wearetroubledoneveryside."Howcanashiprest—inastorm?Butafterdeaththesaintsgetintotheirhaven.Everythingisquietinthecenter. God is "the center where the soul does sweetly acquiesce." AChristian, afterhiswearymarchesandbattles, shall takeoffhisbloodyarmor,andresthimselfuponthebosomofJesus—thatbedofperfume!Whendeathhasgiventhesaintsthewingsofadove,thentheyshall flyawaytoparadiseandbeatrest!

[7]ThesevenththingingloryisitsETERNITY."Aneternalweightofglory."Gloryisaweight.TheHebrewwordforgloryisaweight.Godmustmakeusabletobearit.Aneternalweight.Gloryissuchaneternalmanna—asdoesnotbreedworms.Ifthesaints'gloryinheavenwerebutfor a time—and they were in fear of losing it—it would eclipse andembitterthe joysofheaven.Buteternity iswrittenupontheir joys.Thegarlandmadeoftheflowersofparadisewillneverwither.

IhavereadofarivercalledtheDay-river,whichrunswithafulltorrentduringtheday—butatnightisdriedup.Suchareallearthlycomforts—they runwith a full stream all thedaytime of life—but at thenight ofdeath—theyaredriedup!Theglorifiedsaintsshalldrinkoftheriversofpleasureforevermore.Eternityistheheavenofheavens!"Atthelast,ourjoyshallbenever-ending,"Bernard.Thejoysofheavenareoverflowingandeverlasting! "Youhavemadeknowntomethepathof life;youwillfillmewithjoyinyourpresence,witheternalpleasuresatyourrighthand."Psalm16:11.

WHENdobelieversenteruponpossessionofglory?

Theypass immediatelyafterdeath, intoglory.TheRomans,when theirgreatmendied,causedaneagletobeletloose,andflyaboutintheair—signifying hereby that the soulwas immortal, and did not diewith thebody.Christtellsus,thesoulisnotcapableofbeingkilled,thereforenotofdying.Matt10:28.Andasthesouldoesnotdie,soneitherdoesitsleepin the body for a time. If the soul at death isabsent from the body—itcannotsleepinthebody.2Cor5:8.Thereisanimmediatepassagefrom

death to glory; it is but the twinklingof an eye—andwe shall seeGod""Thisdayshallyoubewithmeinparadise."Luke23:43.Byparadise ismeantheaven: thethirdheaven, intowhichPaulwas taken.2Cor12:4.Christ said to the thief on the cross, "Thisdayshall youbewithme inparadise."Hisbodycouldnotbethere,foritwaslaidinthegrave;butitwas spoken of his soul—that it should be, immediately after death, inheaven. Let none be so vain as to talk ofpurgatory. A soul purged byChrist'sblood,needsnofireofpurgatory—butgoesimmediatelyfromadeathbed,intoaglorifiedstate!

Useone:Seewhatlittlecausebelievershavetofeardeath—asitbrings such glorious benefits. Why should the saints fear theirhappiness? Is it not a blessed thing to seeGod, to loveGod, and to lieforeverinthebosomofdivinelove?Isitnotablessedthingtomeetourgodly relations in heaven? Why should the saints be afraid of theirblessings?Isavirginafraidtobematcheduntothecrown?

Now we have but the engagement contract; at death is the marriage-supper of the Lamb! Rev 19:9. Death does not do us any hurt—it onlytakesusfromamongfieryserpents—andplacesusamongangels!Itonlyclothesuswitharobeof immortality!Hasheanywrongdone tohim—whohashissackclothpulledoff,andhasroyalattireputuponhim?Donotfeardying—youcannotreallylive—butbydying.

Usetwo:Youwhoarerealsaints,whoseheartsarepurifiedbyfaith,spendmuchtimeinmusinguponthosegloriousbenefitswhich you shall have by Christ at death. Thus might you, by acontemplativelife,beginthelifeofangelswhilehereonearth,andbeinheavenbeforeyouarrivethere.Eudoxiuswassoaffectedwiththegloryofthesun,thathethoughthewasbornonlytobeholdit.Whatshouldwecontemplate—but celestial glory, when we shall see God face to face!Davidhadgottenabovetheordinarysortofmen;hewasinthealtitudeswhenhesaid,"Iameverwithyou.""WhomhaveIinheavenbutyou?Idesire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and myspiritmay growweak, butGod remains the strengthofmyheart; he ismineforever!"Psalm73:25-26.

A true saint everyday takes a turn inheaven;his thoughtsanddesires

are,likecherubim,flyinguptoparadise.Canmenoftheworlddelightinlooking upon their bags of gold, and fields of grain? And shall not theheirsofheaventakemoredelightincontemplatingthegloryofheaven?Couldwesend forth faithasaspy, andeverydayview thegloryof theJerusalemabove—howwoulditrejoiceus—asitdoestheheir—tothinkofthewealthyinheritancewhichistocomeintohishandshortly!

Usethree:Thismaycomfortthesaintsintwocases.

(1.)Under theirneeds. Theyaboundonly inneeds.The food in thecupboardisalmostspent.Butbepatientuntildeath—andyoushallhaveasupplyofallyourneeds—youshallhaveakingdom,andbeasrichasheavencanmakeyou!Hewhohasthepromiseofawealthyestateafterafew short yearshave expired, though at presenthehasnothing tohelphimself—hecomfortshimselfwiththis—thatshortlyheshallhavearichestatecomeintohishand."Itdoesnotyetappearwhatweshallbe."Weshallbeemparadisedwithglory—andbeasrichastheangels!

(2.)Undertheirsufferings.Atruesaintis,asLuthersays,"anheiroftheCross."Itmaymakeusgocheerfullythroughoursufferings,toknowthat there are great things laid up in store for us; that there is glorycoming,whicheyehasnotseen;weshalldrinkofthefruitofthevineinthekingdomofheaven.Thoughnowwedrinkinawormwoodcup—yetthereissugartosweetenit.Weshallsoontasteofthosejoysofparadise,which exceed our faith; andwhichwill be better felt—than they can beexpressed!

3.TheRESURRECTION

"Don'tbesosurprised!Indeed,thetimeiscomingwhenall thedeadintheir graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they will rise again.Thosewhohavedonegoodwill rise toeternal life, and thosewhohavecontinuedinevilwillrisetojudgment."John5:28-29

Question38:WhatbenefitsdobelieversreceivefromChrist,attheresurrection?

Answer:At the resurrection,believersbeing raisedup inglory, shallbeopenly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and madeperfectlyblessedinthefullenjoymentofGod,toalleternity!

I. The BODIES of believers shall be raised up to glory. Thedoctrine of the resurrection is a fundamental article of our faith. Theapostleputs it among the first principles of thedoctrineofChrist.Heb6:2.Thebodyshallriseagain;wearenotsosuretoriseoutofourbeds—aswearetoriseoutofourgraves.Thesavedbodyshallriseagain.Somehold that the soul shall be clothed with a new body; but then it wereimpropertocallitaresurrection,itwouldberatheracreation."Thoughwormsdestroythisbody—yetinmyfleshshallIseeGod."Job19:26.Notin another flesh—but my flesh. "This corruptible must put onincorruption."ICor15:53.

Bywhatargumentsmaytheresurrectionbeproved?

(1.)ByScripture."Iwillraisehimupatthelastday.""Hewillswallowupdeath invictory."That is,bydeliveringourbodies fromthecaptivityofthe grave,wherein death for a time had power over them. "ThosewhosleepinJesus,willGodbringwithhim."

(2.)Christisrisen;thereforethebodiesofthesaintsmustrise.Christdidnotrisefromthedeadasaprivateperson—butasthepublicheadofthechurch;andtheheadbeingraised,therestofthebodyshallnotalwayslieinthegrave.Christ'srisingisapledgeofourresurrection."KnowingthathewhoraiseduptheLordJesus,shallraiseupusalsobyJesus."2Cor4:14.Christiscalledthefirst-fruitsofthosewhosleep.1Cor15:20.Asthefirst-fruits is a sure evidence that the harvest is coming, so theresurrectionofChristisasureevidenceoftherisingofourbodiesfromthe grave. Christ cannot be perfect as he is Christ mystical, unless hismembersareraisedwithhim.

(3.) In respectofGod's justice. IfGod is a justGod,hewill reward thebodiesofthesaints,aswellastheirsouls.Itcannotbeimaginedthatthe

souls of believers should be glorified, and not their bodies. They haveserved God with their bodies; their bodies have been members ofholiness;theireyeshavedroppedtearsforsin;theirhandshaverelievedthepoor;theirtongueshavesetforthGod'spraise;thereforejusticeandequityrequirethattheirbodiesshouldbecrownedaswellastheirsouls;andhowcanthatbe—unlesstheyareraisedfromthedead?

(4.) If the body did not rise again, a believer would not be completelyhappy; for, though the soul can subsistwithout the body—yet it has "adesire of reunion" with the body; and it is not fully happy until it isclothedwiththebody.Therefore,undoubtedly,thebodyshallriseagain.Ifthesoulshouldgotoheaven,andnotthebody,thenabelieverwouldbeonlyhalfsaved.

Butsomesay,astheVirginMarytotheangel,"Howcanthisbe?"Howcanitbe,thatthebody,whichisconsumedtoashes,shouldriseagain?

It does not oppose reason—but transcends it. There are someresemblances of the resurrection in nature. The corn,which is sown inthe ground, dies before it springs up. "When you put a seed into theground, itdoesn't grow intoaplantunless itdies first." 1Cor 15:36.Inwinterthefruitsoftheearthdie;inspringthereisaresurrectionofthem.Noah's olive-tree springing after the flood, was a lively emblem of theresurrection.AfterthepassionofourLord,manyofthesaintswhichsleptinthegravearose.Matt27:52.Godcanmoreeasilyraisethebodyoutofthegrave—thanwecanwakeamanoutofsleep!

Butwhenthedustofmanyaremingledtogether;howisitpossiblethataseparationshouldbemadeandthesameidenticalbodyarise?

IfwebelieveGod can create,whynot distinguish the dust of onebodyfrom another? Do we not see that the chemist, out of several metalsmingledtogether,asgold,silver,alchemy,canextractonefromtheother,the silver from thegold, the alchemy fromsilver, and can reduceeverymetal to itsownkind?Andshallwenotmuchmorebelieve, thatwhenourbodiesaremingledandconfoundedwithothersubstances, thewiseGodisabletoreinvesteverysoulwithitsownbody?

Shallonlythebodiesoftherighteousberaised?

Allwhoare in thegrave shallhearChrist's voice, and shall come forth."Thereshallbearesurrectionofthedead,bothofthejustandunjust.""Isawthedead,smallandgreat,standbeforeGod."Butthoughallshallberaisedoutoftheirgraves—yetallshallnotberaisedalike.

(1.)Thebodiesofthewickedshallberaisedwithignominy.Thosebodieswhichontheearthtemptedandalluredotherswiththeirbeauty,shallattheresurrectionbeloathsometobehold;theyshallbeghastlyspectacles."Theyshallbeanabhorringuntoall flesh."But thebodiesof thesaintsshallberaisedwithhonor."It issownindishonor, it israisedinglory."Thesaints'bodiesthenshallshineassparklingdiamonds.Thenshalltherighteousshineforthasthesun."

(2.)Thebodiesof thesaintsshall riseoutof theirgraveswith triumph;butthebodiesofthewickedwithtrembling.Theone,asabouttoreceivetheir fataldoom; theother, awake from thedust too, shall sing for joy."Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust." When the archangel'strumpetsounds,thebodiesofbelieversshallcomeoutofthegravetobemadehappy—asthechiefbutlercameoutoftheprison,andwasrestoredtoallhisdignityatthecourt;butthebodiesofthewickedshallcomeoutofthegrave—asthechiefbakeroutofprison,tobeexecuted.

Useone:Believethisdoctrineoftheresurrection;thatthesamebodythatdiesshallriseagain,andwiththesoulbecrowned.Withoutthebeliefofthis,alltruereligionfallstotheground.Ifthedeadrisenot,thenChristisnotrisen,andthenourfaithisvain.ICor15:14.

Usetwo:Thebodyshallriseagain.ThiswasJob'scomfort."Thoughwormsdestroythisbody—yetinmyfleshshallIseeGod."Job19:26.Thebodyissensibleofjoy,aswellasthesoul;andindeed,weshallnotbeinallourglory,untilourbodiesarereunitedtooursouls.Ohconsiderwhatjoy there will be at the reuniting of the body and the soul at theresurrection!Lookwhat sweet embracesof joywerebetweenoldJacobandJoseph,whentheyfirstsawoneanother;such,andinfinitelymore,willtherebewhenthebodyandsoulofasaintshallmeettogetherattheresurrection.Gen46:29.Howwill thebodyandsoulgreetoneanother!

Whatawelcomewillthesoulgivetothebody!"Oh,blessedbody!WhenIprayed,youattendedmyprayerswithhandsliftedup,andkneesboweddown;youwerewilling tosufferwithme,andnowyoushall reignwithme;youweresownindishonor—butnowareraisedinglory.Oh,mydearbody!Iwillenterintoyouagain,andbeeternallymarriedtoyou!"

Use three: The resurrection of the body is a cordial when aChristianisdying.Yourbody,thoughitdropsintothesepulcher,shallreviveandflourishintheresurrection.Thegraveisabedofdust,wherethebodiesofsaintssleep;buttheyshallbeawakenedbythetrumpetofthe archangel. The grave is your long home—but not your last home.Thoughdeathstripsyouofyourbeauty,attheresurrectionyoushallhaveit restored again. As when David found Saul asleep, he took away hisspearandcruseofwater—butwhenSaulawokeherestoredthemagain,so, though at death all our strength and beauty be taken away, at theresurrectionGodwillrestoreallagaininamoregloriousmanner.

But how shall we know that our bodies will be raised to a gloriousresurrection?

Ifwehaveapartinthefirstresurrection."Blessedishewhohasapartinthefirstresurrection."What ismeantbythis?It isrisingbyrepentanceoutofthegraveofsin.Hewholiesburiedinsin,canhavelittlehopeofajoyfulresurrection;hisbodyshallberaised—butnotinglory.Othen,askconscience, have you a part in the first resurrection? Has the Spiritentered into you, and lifted you up? Has he raised you out of yourunbelief? Has he raised your hearts above the earth? This is the firstresurrection; and if your souls are thus spiritually raised, your bodiesshall be gloriously raised; and shall shine as stars in the kingdom ofheaven.Regenerationmakeswayforagloriousresurrection.

Use four: Seeing you expect your bodies shall rise to glory,keepthemunspottedfromsin.Shalladrunkenbodyrise toglory?Shall an unclean body rise to glory? Shall a thievish body steal intoheaven?Okeepyourbodiespure!Keepyoureyesfromunchasteglances,your hands from bribes, your tongues from slander. Defile not yourbodies,whichyouhope shall riseoneday toglory.Yourbodies are themembersofChrist.Hearwhattheapostlesays:"ShallItakethemembers

ofChrist,andmakethemthemembersofanharlot?God forbid."Keepyourbodiesunspotted;letthembeinstrumentsofrighteousness."GlorifyGod in your body." If your bodies glorify God, God will glorify yourbodies!

Butseeingourbodiesmustbelaidinthegrave,andmayliemanyyearsrotting there before the resurrection, what support and comforthaveweinthiscase?

(1.)ThatGodwillnot leavehispeopleinthegrave.Our friendsbringustothegraveandleaveusthere—butGodwillnot.Hewillgotothegravewithus,andwatchoverourdeadbodies,andtakecareofourashes. Rizpah watched over the dead bodies of the sons of Saul, andguardedthemagainsttheravenousfowlsoftheair.2Sam21:10.ThustheLordwatchesoverthedeadbodiesofthesaints,andlookstoitthatnoneof their dust bemissing. Christian, you have aGod towatch over yourbodywhenyouaredead.

(2.) The bodies of the saints in the grave, though separatedfromtheirsouls,areunitedtoChrist.ThedustofabelieverispartofChrist'smysticbody.

(3.)When thebodies of the saints are in the sepulcher, theirsoulsareinparadise;thesouldoesnotsleepinthebody,"butreturnsto God who gave it." The soul immediately partakes of those joys theblessed angels do.When the body returns to dust—the soul returns torest;whenthebodyissleeping—thesoulistriumphing;whenthebodyisburied—thesouliscrowned.Asthespiesweresentbefore—totasteofthefruitsoftheland;soatdeaththesoulissentbeforeintoheaven—totasteofthefruitoftheholyland.Numb13:20.

(4.)WhenGod'stimeiscome,the"gravesshalldeliveruptheirdead."Rev20:13.Whenthe judgesends, the jailormustdeliveruphisprisoners.AsGodsaidtoJacob,"IwillgodownwithyouintoEgypt,andIwillsurelybringyouupagain;"Gen46:4,sotheLordwillgodownwithusintothegrave,andwillsurelybringusoutagain.

(5.)Thoughthebodiesofthesaintsshallrotandbeloathsome

inthegrave—yetafterwardstheyshallbemadeillustriousandglorious.Thebodiesof thesaints,whentheyarise,shallbe lovelyandbeautiful. The body of a saint in this lifemay be deformed; those evenwhosemindsareadornedwithvirtue,mayhavemisshapenbodies;butthose deformed bodies shall be attractive and beautiful. This beautyconsistsintwothings,

(1:) Perfection of parts. There shall be a full proportion of all themembers. Inthis life there isoftenadefectofmembers: theeye is lost,the arm is cut off; but in the resurrection all parts of the bodywill berestoredagain; therefore the resurrection is called the timeof restoringallthings.Acts3:21.

(2:)Splendor.Thebodiesofthesaintsshallhaveagracefulmajestyinthem;theyshallbe likeStephen,whose faceshoneas if ithadbeenthefaceofanangel.Acts6:15.Nay, theywillbemade likeChrist's gloriousbody.Phil3:21.

The bodies of the saints, when they arise, shall be free from thenecessitiesofnature,ashungerandthirst."Theyshallhungernomore."Rev7:16.MosesonthemountwassofilledwiththegloryofGod,thathedidnotneedbodilynourishment.MuchmoreinheavenshallthebodiesofthesaintsbesofilledwithGod'sglory,astobeupheldwithoutfood.

Thebodiesofthesaints,whentheyarise,shallbeswiftandnimble.Ourbodies on earth are dull and heavy in theirmotion; then they shall beswift,andmade fit toascend,as thebodyofElijah, in theair.Now thebody is aclog; inheaven it shall be awing.We shall be as the angels.Matt22:30.Andhownimblearethey?TheangelGabrielinashorttimecame from heaven to the earth. Dan 9:21. As the helm turns the shipinstantlywherethesteersmanwills,sothebodyinaninstantwillmovewhichwaythesoulwills.

Thebodiesofthesaints,attheresurrection,shallbefirmandstrong."Itis raised inpower."Through frequent labor and sickness, the strongestbodybegins to languish:but at the resurrectionwe shallbeof a strongconstitution;therewillbenowearinessinthebody,norfaintnessinthespirits. This may comfort you who now conflict with many bodily

weaknesses.Thisweakbodyshallberaisedinpower;thebody,whichisnowaweakreed,shallbelikearock.

The bodies of the saints, at the resurrection, will be immortal. "Thismortal shall put on immortality." Our bodies shall run parallel witheternity."Neithercantheydieanymore."Heavenisahealthfulclimate,thereisnobillofmortalitythere.Ifaphysiciancouldgiveyouarecipetokeep you from dying, what sums of money would you give! At theresurrectionChristshallgivethesaintssucharecipe."Thereshallbenomoredeath!"

II.Theyshallbeopenlyacquittedatthedayofjudgment.

[1]Thisistobelaiddownforaproposition,thatthereshallbeadayofjudgment. "Forwemustallappearbefore the judgment-seatofChrist."This is the grand assize; the greatest appearance that ever was. Adamshallthenseeallhisposterityatonce.Wemustallappear;thegreatnessofmen'spersonsdoesnotexemptthemfromChrist'stribunal;kingsandcaptainsarebroughtintremblingbeforetheLamb'sthrone.Rev6:15.Wemustallappear,andappearinourownpersons;notbyproxy.

Howdoesitappearthatthereshallbeadayofjudgment?Twoways.

(1.)BythetestimonyofScripture."ForGodshallbringeveryworkinto judgment,witheverysecret thing.""Forhecomes, forhe comes tojudgetheearth."Thereduplicationdenotesthecertainty."Ibehelduntilthe thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whosegarmentwaswhiteassnow...Thejudgmentwasset,andthebookswereopened."Dan7:9-10.

(2.) It appears from the petty sessions kept in a man's ownconscience. When a man does virtuously, conscience excuses him;when evil, conscience arraigns and condemns him. Now, what is thisprivatesessionkeptinthecourtofconscience—butacertainforerunnerofthatgeneraldayofjudgment,whenalltheworldshallbesummonedtoGod'stribunal?

Whymusttherebeadayofjudgment?

That there may be a day of retribution—in which God may render toeveryoneaccordingtohiswork.Thingsseemtobedoneveryunequallyintheworld:thewickedtoprosper—asiftheywererewardedfordoingevil;and the godly to suffer—as if they were punished for being good.Therefore,forvindicatingthejusticeofGod,theremustbeadaywhereinthere shall be a righteous distribution of punishments and rewards tomen,accordingtotheiractions.

Whoshallbejudge?

The Lord JesusChrist. "The Father has committed all judgment to theSon."John5:22. It isanarticleofour creed, that "Christ shallcometojudgethelivingandthedead."ItisagreathonorputuponChrist;hewhowashimself judged,shallbe judge.Hewhooncehunguponthecross—shallsituponthethroneofjudgment!Heisfittobejudge,ashepartakesofboththemanhoodandGodhead.

(1.)Of themanhood.Being clothedwith the humannature, hemay bevisibly seen of all. It is requisite the judge should be seen. "Behold, hecomeswithclouds,andeveryeyeshallseehim."

(2.) As he partakes of the Godhead. He is of infinite knowledge tounderstand all causes brought before him; and of infinite power toexecuteoffenders.He isdescribedwithseveneyes,Zech 3:9, to denotehiswisdom;andan ironrod,Psalm2:9, todenoteHis power.He is sowisethathecannotbedeceived,andsostrongthathecannotberesisted.

Whenwillthetimeofjudgmentbe?

The timeof the general judgment, is a secret kept from theangels. "Ofthatdayandhourknowsnoman,no,not theangelsofheaven."But itcannotbefaroff.Onegreatsignoftheapproachofthedayofjudgment,is, "That iniquity shall abound."Sure then thatday isnearathand, foriniquitynevermoreaboundedthaninthisage,inwhichlustgrowshot,and lovegrowscold.When the elect are all converted, thenChristwillcome to judgment. As he who rows a ferry-boat, stays until all the

passengersaretakenin,andthenrowsaway;soChriststaysuntilalltheelectaregatheredin,andthenhewillhastenawaytojudgment.

Whatshallbethemanneroftrial?

(1.)Thecitingofmentothecourt.Thedeadarecitedaswellastheliving.Men,whentheydie,avoidthecensureofourlaw-courts;butat the lastday, they are cited toGod's tribunal. "I saw the dead, small and great,standbeforeGod."Thiscitingofmenwillbebythesoundofatrumpet.1Thess4:16.This trumpetwillsoundso loud, that itwillraisemenfromtheirgraves.Matt24:31.Suchaswillnothearthetrumpetofthegospelsound "repent, and believe," shall hear the trumpet of the archangelsounding,"arise,andbejudged!"

(2.)Theapproachofthejudgetothetribunal.

(1.)Thiswillbeterribletothewicked.Howcanaguiltyprisonerendurethesightofthejudge?IfFelixtrembledwhenPaulpreachedofjudgment,Acts24:25,howwillsinnerstremblewhentheyshallseeChristcometojudgment! Christ is described, sitting in judgment, with a fiery streamissuingfromhim.Dan7:10.TheLambofGodwillthenbeturnedintoalion,thesightofwhomwillstriketerrorintosinners.WhenJosephsaidtohisbrethren,"IamJoseph,yourbrother,whomyousoldintoEgypt,""they were troubled at his presence." Gen 45:4. How did their heartssmite them for their sin! So,whenChrist shall come to judgment, andsay,"IemJesus,whomyousinnedagainst;IemJesus,whoselawsyouhavebroken,whosebloodyoudespised. I amnowcome to judge you."Oh,whathorrorandamazementwilltakeholdofsinners!Howtheywillbetroubledatthepresenceoftheirjudge!

(2:)TheapproachofChristtothebenchofjudicaturewillbecomfortableto the righteous.Christwill come in splendor and great glory.His firstcoming in the flesh was obscure. Isa 53:2. He was like a prince indisguise;buthissecondcomingwillbe illustrious;heshallcome in theglory ofhisFather,with theholy angels.Mark8:38.Oh,what a brightdaywillthatbe,whenavastnumberofangels,thosemorningstars,shallappear in the air, and Christ the Sun of Righteousness shall shine insplendorabovethebrightestcherub!Hewillcomeasafriend.Indeed,if

thesaints'judgeweretheirenemy,theymightfeartobecondemned;buthewho loves them,andprayed for them, is their judge;hewho is theirhusbandistheirjudge,thereforetheyneednotfearbutallthingsshallgowellontheirside.

(3.)Thetrialitself,whichhasadarkandalightside.Adarkside.Itwillfall heavy on the wicked, when the judge being set, the books shall beopened,thebookofconscience,andthebookofGod'sremembrance.Rev20:12. The sinners, charge being read, all their sins laid open, theirmurder, drunkenness, and uncleanness, Christwill say, "What can youpleadforyourselves,thatthesentenceofdeathshouldnotpass?"Then,being convicted, they will be speechless. Then follows the dismalsentence: "depart from me, you cursed ones, into everlasting fire,preparedfor thedevilandhisangels."Matt25:41.HewhosaidtoGod,"Depart from me," Job 21:14, and to true religion, "Depart from me,"must now hear that word pronounced from his judge, "Depart fromme"—adreadful,butarighteoussentence.Psalm51:4.Thesinnerhimselfshallcry,"Guilty!"Thoughhehasaseaofwrath,hehasnotonedropofinjustice.Whenoncethesentenceispassed,itisirreversible;thereisnoappealingtoahighercourt.Thetrialhasalsoa lightside.Itwillincreasethejoyandhappinessoftherighteous.Thedayofjudgmentwillbeadayofjubileetothem.

[2]At thatdayChrist their judgewillown thembyname.Thosewhomthe world scorned, and looked upon asmadmen and fools, Christ willtakebythehand,andopenlyacknowledgetobehisfavorites.Whatishis"confessingofmen,"buthisopenlyacknowledgingthemtobepreciousinhiseyes?Luke12:8.

Christas judgewillpleadfor them.It isnotusual tobeboth judgeandadvocate, to sit on thebenchandplead;but it shallbe soat thedayofjudgment.

(1.)Christwillpleadhisownblood for the saints. "Thesepeople Ihavepurchased;theyarethetravailofmysoul;theyhavesinned—butmysoulwasmadeanofferingfortheirsin."

(2.) Christ will vindicate them from all unjust censures. They were

strangelymisrepresented in theworld—as proud, hypocritical, factious;asPaulwascalledaseditiousman,theheadofafaction.Acts24:5.ButatthedayofjudgmentChristwillcleartheirinnocence;hewill"bringforththeirrighteousnessasthelight."Ps37:6.Hewillwipeofftearsfromtheireyes,anddust fromtheirnames.WhenMoseswaschargedwith takingtoomuchuponhim,hecomfortedhimselfwiththis,"TomorrowwilltheLordshowwhoarehis."Numb16:5.Sothesaints'whenreproached,maycomfort themselves with the day of judgment, in which Christ will saywhoarehis,andtheyshallcomeforthasthewingsofadovecoveredwithsilver.

(3.) Christ as judge will absolve his people before men and angels. AsPilatesaidofChrist,"Ifindnofaultinthisman."Justso,willChristsayoftheelect,"Ifindnofaultinthem,Ipronouncethemrighteous."Thenfollows, "Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom." As ifChristshouldsay,"Oyouhappyones,thedelightofmysoul,thefruitofmysufferings,standno longerat thebar.Youareheirs to thecrownofheaven—enterandtakepossession!"Atthehearingofthissentence,withwhat ravishing joy will the saints be filled! This word, "Come, youblessed!"willbemusictotheirear,andacordialtotheirheart.

(4.) Christ will mention beforemen and angels all the good deeds thesaintshavedone."ForIwashungry,andyoufedme.Iwasthirsty,andyou gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into yourhome."Matthew 25:35. Youwho havewept in secret for sin, that haveshown any love for Christ's name, that have been rich in good works;Christwilltakenoticeofitatthelastday,andsay,"Welldone,goodandfaithfulservant!"Hehimselfwillbetheheraldtoproclaimyourpraises;thusitshallbedonetothemanwhomChristdelightstohonor.

(5.)Christwillcallhissaintsfromthebar,tosituponthebenchwithhimto judge theworld. "Behold, the Lord comeswith ten thousands of hissaints,toexecutejudgmentuponall.""Knowyounot,thatthesaintsshalljudgetheworld?"ThesaintsshallsitwithChristinjudgmentasjusticesofpeacewiththejudge;theyshallapplaudChrist'srighteoussentenceonthewicked,and,asitwere,votewithChrist.Asitisagreathonortothesaints, so itmust needs add to the sorrows of thewicked, to see thosewhomtheyoncehatedandderided,sitasjudgesuponthem!

(6.)ThesaintsshallbefullycrownedwiththeenjoymentofGodforever.Theyshallbeinhissweetpresence,"inwhosepresenceisfullnessofjoy,"and this shall be forever. The banner of God's love shall be eternallydisplayed. The joys of heaven shall be without intermission andexpiration,"andsoshallweeverbewiththeLord."

Use one: It is dreadful news to the wicked, that they shall "notstand in judgment," that they shall come to judgment—but shall notstand in judgment; they shall not stand acquitted, they shall not standwithboldness—butsneakandhangdowntheirheads,andnotbeabletolooktheirjudgeintheface.Butitisgreatconsolationtothegodly.Whentheapostlehadsaid,"TheLordshalldescendfromheavenwithashout,with the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet ofGod," he presentlyadds,"Thereforecomfortoneanotherwiththesewords."

(1.) The day of judgment is comfort in respect ofweakness of grace. AChristianisreadytobetroubledtoseehisgracesominuteandimperfect.But, at the last day, if Christ find but a grain of true grace, it shall beaccepted.Ifyouhavetruegold,thoughitisverylittle,Christwillputhismeritsintothescales,andmakeitpasscurrent.

(2.) What a comfort is it to such of the saints who have met withunrighteous judgment in the world, who have been wronged of theirestates in lawsuits, or had their lives taken away by an unrighteoussentence: Christ will judge things over again, andwill give a righteoussentence. If yourestateshavebeen takenawaywrongfully,youshallberestoredathousandfoldatthedayofjudgment.Ifyouhavelostyourlivesfor Christ, you shall not lose your crown; you shall wear an unfadinggarlandmadeoftheflowersofparadise.

Use two: Meditate much upon the day of judgment. Feathersswim upon the water—but gold sinks into it; so, light, feathery peoplefloatinvanity;theymindnotthedayofjudgment;butseriousspiritssinkdeepintothethoughtsofit.

(1.) Themeditation of this last day shouldmake us very sincere. WeshouldlabortoapproveourheartstoGod,thegreatjudgeandumpireof

theworld.Itiseasytolookgoodbeforemen—butthereisnodissemblingor prevaricating with God. He sees what the heart is—and willaccordinglypasshisverdict.

(2.)ThemeditationofChrist'scomingto judgeus,shouldkeepusfromjudgingourbrethren.Weareapttojudgethefinalstateofothers;whichisformentostepintoChrist'splace,andtakehisworkoutofhishand."Whoareyou that judgeanother?"Youwhopassa rash sentenceuponanother,youmustcomeyourselfshortlytobejudged,andthen,perhaps,hemaybeacquitted,andyoucondemned!

Usethree:Solive,that,atthelastdayofjudgment,youmaybesure to be acquitted, and have the glorious privileges withwhichthesaintsshallbecrowned.

Howisthat?

(1.)Ifyouwouldstandacquittedatthedayofjudgment,then

(1:)LabortogetintoChrist."ThatImaybefoundinhim."Faithimplantsus into Christ, it engarrisons us in him, and then "there is nocondemnation." There is no standing before Christ—but by being inChrist.

(2:)Laborforhumility,whichisakindofself-annihilation."ThoughIamnothing."Christian,haveyougreatabilities?Canyoucoverthemwiththeveilofhumility,asMoses,whenhisfaceshone,putaveiloverit?Ifyouarehumble,youshallbeacquittedatthedayofjudgment."Heshallsavethehumbleperson."Ahumblemanjudgeshimselfforhissins,andChristwillacquitthosewhojudgethemselves.

(2.)Ifyouwouldstandacquittedatthelastday,keepaclearconscience.Do not load yourself with guilt, and furnish your judge with matteragainstyou."TheLord,"saysPaul,"hasappointedadayinwhichhewilljudgetheworld."HowwouldPaulfithimselfforthatday?"HereindoIexercisemyself, tohavealwaysaconsciencevoidofoffencetowardGodand towardmen."Be careful of the first and second table; be holy andjust.Haveheartswithout false aims, and handswithout false weights.

Keepconscienceasclearasyoureye,thatnodustofsinfallintoit.Thosewhosinagainstconscience,willbeshyoftheirjudge;assuchastakeinprohibitedgoodscannotenduretoseethesearchersthatareappointedtoopen their packs.Christian, your packwill be opened at the last day, Imean,yourconscience(andChrististhesearcher),toseewhatsins,whatprohibitedgoodsyouhave taken in;andthenheproceeds to judgment.Oh! be sure to keep a good conscience;which is the best way to standwithboldnessatthedayofjudgment.ThevoiceofconscienceisthevoiceofGod.Ifconscience,uponjustgrounds,acquitsus,Godwillacquitus."Ifourheartcondemnsusnot,thenhaveweconfidencetowardGod."

(3.)Ifyouwouldstandacquittedatthelastday,tradewithyourtalentsfor God's glory; lay out yourselves for him; honor him with yoursubstance;relieveChrist'smembers,thatyoumaybeacquitted.Hewhohadfivetalentstradedwiththem,andmadethemfivetalentsmore;"HisLordsaiduntohim,Welldone,goodandfaithfulservant!"

(4.) If youwould stand acquitted at the day of judgment, get a sincerelovetothesaints.Loveisthetruesttouchstoneofsincerity.Tolovegraceforgrace,showsthespiritofGodtobeinaman.Doesconsciencewitnessforyou?Areyouperfumedwiththissweetspiceoflove?DoyoudelightmostinthoseinwhomtheimageofGodshines?Doyoureverencetheirgraces?Doyoubearwith their infirmities?Ablessedevidence that youshallbeacquittedinthedayofjudgment."Weknowthatwehavepassedfromdeathtolife,becausewelovethebrethren."1John3:14.

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