OF B Y Robert Hawker,, D.D VICAR of CHARLES, PLYMOUTH. 1 PRINTED BY T. PHILP, BOOKSELLER, AND BOOKBINDER, BARRACK-STREET. 1801. Advertisement. THE Sermons contained in this Volume, are' published, as a Specimen of the Author's method of preaching. The Reader of discernment cannot but discover in the perusal of them, (what indeed the Preacher is anxious above all things should be thoroughly un- derstood) that while insisting upon the great and leading points of the Gospel ; of the Father's love, and the Saviour's redemption, agreeably to their vast importance ; the principal aim with him in every discourse hath been, to keep in view, the necessity of the Spirit's work in the heart, as the sole efficient cause, to render the whole effectual. He is free to confess his fears, that even among faithful Preachers of the word who delight to hold forth the love of God the Father in the gift of re- demption, and the glories of the Lord Jesus Christ in his mediatorial character ; there is not at the same time so much attention shewn, as the infinite importance of the thing itself demands, in inculcating the expedi- ency of the operations of the Holy Ghost. And yet surely a moment's consideration is enough to convince any man, who is himself a living evidence of his power, that too much can never be said concerning his Person and Offices, under whose Almighty Min- istry 2OOG837 istry, the Church is governed and from whose divine Agency alone, all the eventual success of it in every - individual instance must result. And he hopes, that the very interesting nature of the subject will plead his apology when he adds, that according to his conception of things the most excellent discourses in setting forth the mercies of redemption are no better than the display of some sweet and inviting fruit growing on a high wall and out of all reach, unless also they direct to God the Holy Ghost as the medium of attaining. If one humble Soul among the Redeemer's exercised family, should, from the perusal of these Sermons, be led to see in a tried hour, from whose gracious ope- rations alone, relief is to be found ; and to seek his aids whose peculiar office it is to take of the things of Jesus and to shew unto his people : and more especially if one among the faithful Dispensers of the word of life, should be prompted to speak more frequently of the Spirit's work in the heart as the truest evidence of Salvation ; the Author's design in the composition of these Sermons will be abundantly answered, and may GOD have all the praise. Commending both the Writer and his labours to the divine blessing, he hath only to add, that the whole profits of the present impression of 150O Copies, will be applied by another hand to the Supply of the various wants of the household of faith. PLYMOUTH, CHARLES VICARAGE, June, 1801. CONTENTS. Sermon 1. ALL BLESSINGS TRACED TO THEIR SOURCE. John, 15th Chap. 16th Verse. Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain, thai whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. Page 1. Sermon 2. JESUS IN HIS PRIESTLY OFFICE. Preached before the Administration of the ordinance of the Supper. Judges, 13th Chap. 19th 20th Verses. And the Angel did wonderously, and Manoah and his Wife looked on. For it came to pass, when thejlame went up toward Heaven from off' the Altar that the Angel of the Lord ascended hi thejlame of the Altar. Page 25. Sermon 3. RELIGION .A PERSONAL CONCERN. John, llth Chap. 2Zrd Verse. The Master is come and callethfor thee~ Page 51. Sermon 4. THE SHILOH COME AND THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE' UNTO HIM PROVED. Genesis, 49 th Chap. IQth Verse. The Sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a law-giver from between his feet, until Shiloh come and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Page 81. Sermon 5. THE SURE PROGRESS OF GRACE. 92nd Psalm 15th I4lh Verses. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bring forth fruit in old age, they shall be fat and Jtourishing. Page 115. Sermon 6. THE BLESSED EFFECTS OF THE LOVE OF GOD IN THE SOUL. Romans, 5th Chap. 5th Verse. And hope maketh not ashamed: because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Page 145, .Sermon 7. THE BELIEVER'S WARFARE. Judges, 8th Chap. 4th Verse. '.^ Faint, yet pursuing. Page 183. Sermon 8. THE COMING OF JESUS AS THE SAVIOUR OF HIS PEOPLE. Philip. 3rd Chap. 20th Verse. From whence we look for the Saviour the Lor$ Jesus Christ, 'Page 219. ERRATA. Page 54 line 4, for characters he, read character she. 61 line 9, fdr have been, read have. .4 f[ i 108 line 17, for there, read their. 151 line 5, for blestd, read blessed. 187 line .8, for do, read doth, 215 line 1 2, for weakness, read weaklings. Sermon 1 . ALL BLESSINGS TRACED TO THEIR SOURCE. John, 15th Chap. 16th Terse. Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. THERE is nothing more gratifying to the mind, than when in the enjoyment of any one given blessing, we are able to trace it to its source, and can discover, both the author of it, and his kind intentions in giving it. If I am made happy, in the possession, of even one of the most common mercies of life, that mercy, be it what it may, is made doubly sweet, when the hand of GOD is seen in the appointment. It is a mercy then, twice blessed. A First, First, in respect to its own nature, and secondly, as coming to me, with a peculiar, and personal directions from GOD. The Traveller, who, on some sultry mountain, discovers unexpectedly a cooling stream, to asswage his thirst, will drink of it, with a tenfold pkasure, if in the moment of enjoyment, he considers it as flowing for his refreshment, from the immediate gift of heaven. Nay, will it not be allowed, that, in the pleasing intercourse of social life, our felicities ate all heigthened, from the consciousness of the good will with which the kindnesses of our friends are accompanied. If then in natural things, our enjoyments receive an increase from such causes, what an accession of happiness mu,st it be in spirituals, when we are enabled to trace them up to him., and to his special ap- pointment, who is the predisposing cause of all? If I enjoy the gracious operations of the Holy Ghost in my soul; if the person, and gifts, and righteousness, of the Redeemer be dear to my heart; if I know what it is, to have fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ; will not these distinguishing mercies be yet abundantly increased, both in sweetness, and in value, when they are discovered to be the result of that everlasting love, wherewith GOD hath loved his people, before the foundation of the world? Such views, serve to confirm, and no less at the same time to explain, the meaning of that saying of the Apostle's, when speaking of a divinQ appointment in all our mercies, he re- fers fers the whole into God's sovereign will ; wlw hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world, began.* And moreover, beside the enjoyment of the blessing itself, in those distinguishing properties of .it, there are several other very interesting qualities, folded within its bosom. What me- tjhod can be as effectual under GOD, to induce all the practical fruits of the gospel, as when, from pointing to the source, from whence all grace issues, is necessarily implied, from whence, all must be looked for ? And is it not, of all possible arguments, the strongest, and the best, both to saint, and sinner, to manifest that He, who is the Author, and Finisher, of salvation, is the only Being, from whom every good olid every perfect gift must come ? Tell me, you, who from a clear conviction of your own unworthiness, are ever ready, to ascribe your recovery, from sin, to salvation, to the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made you accepted in the beloved, tell me, what motive do you find equally powerful in prompt- ing you to shew forth the Jrraises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light, as the consciousness, that God hath chosen you in Christ before the foundation of the world y that you. A 2 should * 2 Tim. 1. 9. should be holy and without blame before, him in love JJ Doth not this conviction, operate be- yond any other, to induce you to adorn the doc~ trine of God you?' Saviour in all things? And if by divine grace you find yourself preserved in the path of duty, is it not truly refreshing to the soul to discover the cause,, that you are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them ? And no less let the Sinner say, if it be God's choice, and not man's -desert; if all th'e differ- ence between one man, and another, originates in Him, who giveth to every one severally as he will, why should you question more than others, but that you may be the happy partaker of the ' same grace also ? Surely, there would be abun- dantly more reason to doubt receiving the divine favor, if that fav>r, was depending upon your desert of it, than if it be the sole result of unmerited bounty and goodness ! I have been led into this train of observation, from the perusal of the precious words, of the Lord Jesus in the text. Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that ye should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name he may give it you. Abstracted from any personal relation, which those 1. 4. $ Ephe. 2. 10. those words may be supposed to have, as more particularly addressed to the disciples of Christ, at that period, and age, of the Church, in which they were first Spoken ; they contain this plain, and important truth, which is not confined to any period, but in all ages must have the same obvious, and determined meaning : that the personal salvation, of every true believer in Jesus, is founded, not in human merit, but in? divine favor, not in our choice of Christ, but in his choice of us : for, that it is not of him that willeth nor of htm that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy : or to sum it up, in the full comprehensive words of the Apostle, for of him and through him and to him are all things, tu whom be glory for ever and ever. * If you will analyze the several jiarts of the text, you will find, that they all bear a corres- ponding testimony, to this one, and the same leading truth. Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you. No one I venture to think, after this declaration of Christ, can be such an Advocate for the free will, and merit of man., as to invert the order of these words, and fancy, the reverse, of what the Lord Jesus hath said to be true. Depend upon it what John the Apostle observes, is a positive fact, and of universal extent; if we love him, it is because he first loved us. f And * Rom. 11. 3ff. f 1 J'ohn 47 19. And the ordination, which follows in the text, this choice of the Redeemer, as plainly manifests, that the grace which hath appointed to the ett that all things how trifling soever they may seem, or how unpromising soever they may appear, work together for good to them that love God and who are the called according to his purpose. .And tell me if you can, what life can be so pleasant, as that life of faith^ which is for ever living on the unchangeable purposes of God in Christ, issuing as they are, from an everlasting love, and manifesting them- selves in all the multiform methods of his grace. And Titus 2: 12. 1.3. VI And to the latter, I would very affectionately observe, that however unconcerned you may at present fancy yourself to be, in all the grand interests of this doctrine, do not depart my Brother without taking with you a short obser- vation to correct those ideas. As it is the divine favour, and not our merit, which directs God in the choice of his people, so is it from the same free, and sovereign cause, all mercies flow. It is his grace, and not your worth, which hath fixed the bounds of your habitation. It is from the same grace, that your lot is cast in this blessed land, where God is truly known. It is equally from the same predisposing grace, that you are this day brought under a preached gospel. Is it not then reasonable to infer, that if so much grace hath been displayed, in providing the means, may not the whole be displayed, on purpose to the accomplishment of the end ? Ask your own heart a -few questions, Do you bless God, that you were born in those highly favored climes, where the pure gospel is preached ? Is it a matter of thankfulness with, you that you are brought under the sound of it this day ? And would it be the joy of your heart, to know the truf h that the truth may make you free ? If your heart can truly say yes, to these en~ quires ; depend upon it, though you know it not, you are not far, from the kingdom of God. You see this day around you many, that were once, once, as you are : and who are now, the happy partakers of God's unspeakable gift. You may behold them in the enjoyment of this rich mercy, reading their pardons on their knees, in transports of rejoicing. Beg of God, then to be made receivers of the same grace. Say to the Father of mercies in that sweet scripture the companions hearken to thy voice cause me to hear it. * In a word, let a man of this descrip- tion, make the same experiment in spiritual things, which is done in natural concerns. Suppose a company of beggars, at the gate of a Prince, waiting for a supply, without which, they must perish for ever: 'and suppose, that he hath not only bestowed the mercy to thousands, and tens of thousands, yet his boun- ty is not at all diminished, but remains the same, in an endless profusion : and suppose moreover, that he hath caused it to be pro- claimed, that all that come he will in no wise cast out ! Would any poor perishing creature depart, while such a proclamation of mercy is sounding? Would he despair, under such en- couraging circumstances ? I add no more, but an earnest prayer, that God the Holy Ghost, may awaken many a heart and send home many a humble mind, under the pleasing assurance, of being person- ?lly interested, in the words of the Apostle : Ye are a chosen generation a royal priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew * Cant. 8. 13. 23 shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light which in time past were not a people but are now the people of God which had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy, f f 1 Peter. 2. 9. 10. Sermon 2. JESUS IN HIS PRIESTLY OFFICE. Preached before the administration of the ordinance of the Supper. Judges, 13th Chap. 19 th 20th Verses. And the Angel did wonderously and Manoah end his wife looked on. Foi* it came to pass when the. flame went up toward heaven from off the Altar that the Angel of the Lord ascended in the- jlame of the AUar. VERY circumstance which hath the small- est reference, either to the Person, or offices, of the Lord Jesus, becomes very pre- cious in the contemplation to his people. There is not a single event, connected with a matter so infinitely interesting, which can be considered as trifling, or unimportant, to a truly awakened sotfl. And when we see, with what a world of concern, the Holy Ghost, in his scriptures of the Old Testament, hath ushered in the D wonderful wonderful subject, in the long train of types, and figures, and ceremonies, under the law, all shadowing the Person, and offices, of the Lord Jesus, it should seem, that nothing can more correspond, to the mind of God, than in following up, those gracious intentions which he hath manifested, in causing them to be thus recorded, for the information, and improve- ment, of his Church in all ages, by having frequent recourse to the sacred volume of the old Testament, as one among the many methods of his grace, to confirm our faith in the new. The text (if I mistake not) belongs to a very interesting record of this kind, in the manifestation of the Lord Jesus, to a family of the house of Israel, a long series of years, before his incarnation. It is said, by one of the Prophets, that his goings forth have been from of old from everlasting. And elsewhere, in the same volume, when represented under the character of wisdom, the Son of God is intro- duced, as referring to the coming redemption, and saying of himself, the Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way before his works of old I was set zip from everlasting from the beginning or ever the earth was rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth and my delights were with the sons of men. Hence therefore, it is evident, that the Redeemer, hath been set up, as the Covenant God-man, from everlasting. And it is also as evident, that his goings forth have been corresponding thereunto. And indeed, what 27 what are all the manifestations which are met with in the old Testament, of the appearance of God to his people, sometimes in an human form and at others, under the character of an Angel ; but evidences of those precious truths ? I stay not to particularize the instances, they are too numerous to be brought, within the limits of a sermon. But they all serve, to throw a light on those scriptures, which relate such appearances. And they do somewhat more than this, for they not only simply confirm the fact, but they prove to us also, this sweet testimony ; that He, whose delights were with the sons of men, before they were called into existence, thereby anticipated the period of his manifestation in the flesh, when creation work was completed ; and therefore he graciously adopted such methods as those, to intimate how much he longed for that fulness of time, when by his righteousnes, and death, he should expiate the sins of his people, and gather to- gether in one the children of God which were scattered abroad. * In the particular proof of it to which our text refers, the history, as far as is connected with my present design, is to the following purpose. Manoah, and his wife, had received a visit from One, who ^appeared to them in the form of a man. It is evident from the relation, that neither the man, or the woman, at the time of his appearance, had any idea who D 2 this * John 11. 5-2. this Visitor was, for they asked his name, and were told that it was secret. But, when in the moment of offering sacrifice, (which at their earnest request they were permitted to do) he ascended in the flame, from off the Altar, they then knew who it was, that it was He whom all sacrifices' were designed to represent, and by faith in whose name all were offered up ; and in confirmation of it, they both fell on their faces to the ground : and the man cried out, under the impression of fear, from having seen the manifestation of the Shechinah, we shall surely die because we have seen God. No- thing can be more decisive in proof, that Ma- -noah considered the Angel in this point of view, from the expression he used. For the sight of any created excellence, he will knew, was attended with no such danger. None of the children of Israel could be ignorant, that it is God alone, of whom their scriptures de-. clared, thou canst not see my face and live, f I prosecute not the sequel of the history. It is this single trait of character, concerning the Person, and offices, of the Lord Jesus, here presented, to which I wish to limit your present attention. According to my conception of things, it affords a very sweet, and encouraging view, of our Adorable Redeemer, in his Priestly character: perhaps equal to any that can be found, in the old testament scripture. The f Exod. 33. 20. The leading features of the Representation seem to be those. In the first view of it, it sets forth, that Christ alone, is the true sacrifice, and the only unmixed offering for sin. For the text saith, that while the Angel did wonder- ouslv, (according to his name which is wonder- ful. J) the man and his wife looked on. Thus Believers, behold Jesus, with an eye of faith, in the accomplishment of his finished salvation. They look on, and adore, but they can do no more. Nothing indeed, can be mingled, with the blood and righteousness, of the Lord Jesus Christ, to procure acceptance with God. The fire consumes all that is our's. For it is not said without an express allusion to this solemn transaction, that when he made his soul an of- fering for sin ; he trod the wine press alone, and of the People there was none with him. His 6wn Arm brought salvation. In the next view of this representation, the subject spiritually considered, affords this de- lightful prospect also ; that as the Lord Jesus is the alone sacrifice for sin, so is he the only Intercessor for sinners : for by ascending in the jlamefrom off the Altar, he as plainly manifested, that he it is alone which carries up his own sacrifice as the oblation, and there ever lives to plead the efficacy of it for his people : agreeably to the language of the Apostle, when speaking of the Redeemer under both parts of his Priestly office ; when he had (said he) by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. * Such + Isaiah 9. 6. Isiali 03. 3. 5. * Hcb. 1. 3, Such is the interesting doctrine, which this scripture opens to our view, by way of calling up our serious meditation. It forms a subject therefore at all times highly interesting, but more peculiarly appropriate, to the Altar service. You are about to approach the ordinance of commemoration, of the sacrifice, and death, of the Lord Jesus. What subject can I bring before you, equally suited to awaken under God the Spirit's influence, all the devout exer- cises of the heart ? Perhaps I may be speaking before some, who in the very moment of approaching the Altar, are labouring under a cold, and languid state of soul, and complaining of heart straitenings in prayer. And it is possible, there may be others like Mary of old at the Sepulchre, who though seeking Jesus, are yet seeking a risen and ascended Saviour, among dead ordinances. No doubt there are many present also, under various complaints, by reason of sin, and cor- ruption ; the buffetings of the enemy ; and the darkness of their own hearts. Now to those, and every other state of spiritual distress, one view of the Lord Jesus in this his glorious Mediatorial office, if presented to the soul by the Holy Ghost, will go further to quicken the heart, and excite the animated affections, than by any other persuasives whatever. And if but one, poor, timid disciple, shall be this day refreshed, so as to look through the ordinance itself, to behold and enjoy, the God of ordi- nances, neither your attention, or my labour, will be in vain in the Lord. What 31 What I propose from the subject, as God the Holy Ghost shall be pleased to enable me, is, in the fast place, to consider some, of the more prominent features, in this perfect sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, which are represented in the text, by the Angel's doing wonderously ; the man, and his wife, bearing no part in it, but only looking on. And secondly, to consider some of the outlines of the Redeemer's office, in that of his Intercession also, shadowed in the latter part of the text, under these expressions, that when the fame went up toward heaven from of the Altar he ascended in the flame. And may that God, whose office it is, to take off the things of Jesus and to shew to his people ; so graciously be with us in this undertaking, that seeing (as the Apostle speaks) ice have such an High JPriest who is passed into the heavens Jesus the Son of God, we may hold fast our profession ; For we have not an high priest., which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points., tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy andjind grace to help in time of need. I am in the first place, according to my proposals, to consider, some, of the more pro- minent features, in the perfect sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the accomplishment of this, I stay not to over the ground of argument, in quest of proofs, 32 proofs, for the expediency of such a measure. I shall for once, assume this for granted. In- deed, the offering of the body of the Lord Jesus upon the cross, carries with it, the fullest, and most satisfying testimony, both of its expediency, and of its infinite importance. The death of Christ, decidedly determines the utterly lost and ruined state of nature void of such a sa- crifice : For as an Apostle saith on the subject, and which is as much the decision of reason, as of revelation, \f one died for all then were all dead. * The death of Christ, as fully declares that an adequate atonement for sin was required, both to wash away its guilt, and to stop its penal effects. Every Victim, slain upon every Altar, from the fall of Adam, to the death of Christ, loudly proclaimed, that without shedding of blood there was no remission. J And common sense, became the echo to the voice of the gospel, under this particular, when it said, that it is- not possible for the blood of bulls and of goats to take away sin. And the death of Christ, which both proclaimed, the ruined state of man, and the necessity of an atonement for his recovery, as plainly taught, that that nature, could not be repaired, nor that atonement made, by the sinner himself, either in a way of ^ doing, or of suffering, For a nature so maimed, and corrupt, could never be competent, to the obedience of an holy law for the future ; neither to the purposes of an holy sacrifice, for the breaches of the past; and therefore, it must follow, that without this substitute, in the Person of the Lord Jesus., our fallen nature, must have remained, exposed to the just judg- ment of God, to all eternity. Upon * 2 Cor. 5. H. f Hcb. 9. 22. Heb. 10. 4. 33 Upon this foundation, rests t;hat infinitely precious doctrine, which arises out of the Priestly Office, of the Lord Jesus ; and which God the Eternal Spirit, considered so truly momentous, as to cause it to be preached to the Church, in types, and shadows, similar to the instance in the text, in all the antecedent ages of it, until the period of its being accomp- lished in reality, in the Person of Christ. And perhaps, among the interesting subjects con- nected with redemption, nothing can be more satisfying to the soul of every true believer in Jesus, than to observe, how exactly correspond- ing, to all our wants in every particular, the great author of salvation appeared, for the accomplishment of this wonderful undertaking. It forms indeed, one of the most pleasing studies, to trace the footsteps of Jesus, in his goings forth to the service. To answer the full purposes of redemption, it became necessary, that, the righteous law of God, which man had broken, should be repaired ; and the penalty, due to the breach of it, should be paid. He therefore, and he alone, whose spotless purity, might fulfil the one, and satisfy the other, could be competent to this office. Such cm high Priest (saith an Apostle) became us who is holy harmless unde- Jiled separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens. * And such, was the Lord Jesus Christ. For in the union of the divine nature, E with * Heb. 7. 26 with the human; we discover an adequate character for this end. As man, he had a body properly prepared, and fitted, to all the purposes, of doing, and suffering. For assum- ing our nature, by the miraculous impregnation, of the Holy Ghost on the body of the Virgin Mary, without the intervention of an human father; tho* he took upon him the form of man, he took none of the* infirmities of man ; though in all points like as we arc, yet it was without sin. | And as God, the Deity of his person, gave a divine efficacy to all that he wrought, in the great work of redemption. And by the junction of both, that most essential, and distinguishing part, of his Priestly character, as a Days-man, or Mediator, between God, and man, to accommodate the breach which sin had made, was provided for. None but he, who as one with God, knew the mind of God, could say, what was suitable, or what was becoming, the dignity of God to accept, by way of reconciliation. And none but he, who as man, participated in all the feelings of man, could know, what a being, of such weakness and inability as man, had to offer. Hence therefore, in the mysterious union of Person, in which the Lord Jesus came, and tabernacled among us, (little as our greatest researches can go in the discovery of this wonderful subject) we see enough to form a proper conception that He, of whom such things are said, could alone be truly competent, to the great work of our redemption. It f Heb. -i. 15, 35 It was in this glorious character, that the Lord Jesus came, For the purpose of our redemption, he appeared as our representative, and became the Surety, and Sponsor, for his people. He pledged himself in our stead, to fulfil the whole law of God ; and when he had accomplished this purpose, he offered himself a spotless sacrifice on the cross, to expiate the penalty due to the breaches of it. And by both, having (as an Apostle speaks) obtained eternal redemption for us he hath for ever per- fected them that are sanctified. J I should think it a reproach to your under- standing, to suppose it necessary, to insist on thr.t very obvious doctrine, which the text hints at ; I mean, that in all this, in which the Angel of the Covenant hath done so wonderously, there is nothing of our's, joined with it. We look on, as Manoah, and his wife did. We admire, and adore, the riches of divine grace. And we do right, to fall in humble silence, adoration, and praise, on our faces to the earth before him. But never forget, that it was his own Ann that brought salvation. For of the People there was none with him. The flame on every Altar, burnt up every sacrifice ; and must have burnt for ever, as an indication of God's fiery indignation against sin, had not Jesus's blood been sprinkled on the Altar, to appease it. And remember also that Jesus in his Ascension, took nothing with him of E 2 our's { Heb. 10. 14. Isaiah 63. 3. 5. our's for acceptance before God. Your best prayers, your best services, your richest offer- ings, ascend but like the smoke of the Altar, an'd like smoke without flame, are sullied with a thousand impurities. Happy is it for us, that Jesus perfumes them, with the incense of his merits, and that both our persons, and our prayers, are all accepted in the beloved. But what gives the finishing view to the whole, and stamps validity upon all that Jesus did, and suffered for his people j is the precious consideration, that redemption -work, is the result of all the Persons of the Godhead, and is as much the act of grace in the Father, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, as it is the voluntary undertaking of the Lord Jesus, for the purposes of salvation. I know not my Brother, what your feelings may be, in this view of our subject. But to me I confess, such a conviction, carries with it a testimony, so very precious and interesting, as I would not be without, for a thousand worlds. For when the corruptions of my heart, aided by the temptations of Satan, would prompt me to fear, that however complete, and satisfactory, to all the demands of God's righte- ous law, the merits, and sufferings, of the Lord Jesus may be in themselves ; yet, when unbelief cries out j how do I know that they are 37 are accepted before God ? How delightful is it then to be assured, that in all the Lord Jesus did, and suffered, he was appointed thereunto, in a Covenant-way, by the Father. It is God the Father which saith ; Behold my servant whom I uphold; mine elect in zvhom my soul delighteth, I have put my spirit upon him he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. I the Lord have called thee in righteousness and will hold thine hand and will keep thee and give thee for a covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles. To open the blind eyes to bring out the prisoners from the prison and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. * / have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen out of the People I have found David my servant with my holy Oil have I anointed him. Hence therefore, in all the gracious under- taking of our Adored Redeemer, for the ac- complishment of our salvation he was solemnly set apart by the Father, and inaugurated to the office, by the holy anointing of the blessed Spirit; and all, confirmed by the solemnity, of an oath. The Lord sware and will not repent thoii art a Priest for ever after the order of Mdchiscdeck.\ And that the Apostle Paul, considered this as a matter of the highest moment, to the peace and security of the Believer, is evident from his observations upon it, in his Epistle to the Hebrews. No man (says the Apostle) takeih this honor unto himself., but he. that is called of God as was Aaron. what it is to have fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ? Doth not Jesus, sometimes draw nigh unto you, in the sacred vi- sits of worship* and reveal himself with a loving kindness, and favor, which you esteem better than life itself? Have you never found it good, as the disciples did in the Mount, when at cer- tain seasons, you have sat under the shadow of his ordinances with great delight, and his fruit hath been sweet to your taste? And hath not your heart, very frequently burned within you, like those in their journey -to Emmaus^ when in the hearing, or reading of his word^ Jesus him- self hath drawn nigh, in the sweet teachings of his blessed Spirit, hath talked to you by the way and opened to you his scriptures? Let who will dispute the testimony of spiritual influences, on the soul, you know the reality of them, by a personal experience, too decidedly to question, but that the Son of God is come, as much now, in those secret visits of his grace, as when in the days of his flesh, he more openly manifested forth his glory, and his disciples believed on him. And you no less, who are unconscious, of any operations of this kind, in your own soul, and perhaps are tempted therefrom, to dispute their existence, in the mind of others: yet explain to me it you can, upon any other principle, than the one I am contending for, that astonishing effect which you sometimes see, and therefore II 2 cannot cannot but acknowledge, to have taken place in -the lives of many around you. From what cause is it, that the world behold them changed, from sin to righteousness, and from the pow- er of sin and Satan unto God? If the scrip- tures declare, that it was for this purpose, the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil; and you dis- cover, that such consequences are really in- duced, in the conduct of some whom you know; that they, who were once darkness are now light in the Lord; and walk as Children of the Light: why should you ques- tion, the cause, when the effect, so loudly proclaims the correspondence to it? Say, if you can, and let reason be the arbiter in the decision, if the coming of the Son of God was to accomplish such purposes, and such purposes^ are really accomplished, in the lives and conversation, of the faithful, In all ages; what better proof, can be de- . sired, in confirmation of the fact? The Sun's warmth, which the blind man feels, ought to convince him, from what source that warmth is produced, though he never saw a ray of his brightness, to teach him 'that he gives light also. How unavailable soever, this argument may be, to induce in you a similar change of heart, ( and unavailable it must for ever prove, unless commissioned by a divine pow- er ) yet the fact cannot but be allowed, in many 61 many instances to be indisputable. For bad as the world is and ready as it always will be, to ascribe such effects, to enthusiasm, and sometimes even to worse causes; yet ma- lice itself, cannot in numberless examples dare to deny, but that there have been men in all ages of the Church, and, blessed be God, many living testimonies may be still found, of ir- reproachable conduct, which have e- profess- ed to be under the guidance of divine influences, and who in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation shine as lights in the world. Such evidences of the blessed effects of grace in the heart, carry with them the most decisive conviction, that the God of all grace is come ; and while they stamp, with an indelible seal, the assurance in the minds of the faithful them- selves, they serve to illustrate and confirm that solemn scripture, which God hath left upon re- cord, as an evidence to the ungodly ; whether they will hear or whether they will forbear yet they shall know that there hath been a prophet among tkem.t Before I dismiss the consideration of this first branch of my subject, I beg it may be under- stood, that while I am contending for the truth of this doctrine, that the Master is come, and is calling by the various methods of his word, and ordinances; I do not mean to intimate as if there had been no manifestation of the Lord Jesus, in the i Ezek. 2. 5. 62 the earlier ages of his Church, previous to his incarnation. This would be totally foreign to my meaning. So far I confess, is this from be- ing my idea, that I venture to believe, and I think it would be no difficult matter to prove, tfre Lord Jesus, who it is well known hath been set up, for the purposes of redemption, as the Covenant God-man from everlasting, hath been manifesting-himself, upon a great variety of oc- casions, in that character, in all periods of his Church. And if I were called upon, for any single evidence, in confirmation of it, I should without hesitation, refer to that very striking authority of the Apostle Johns, in the opening of his gospel: where, when speaking of the Lord Jesus, he saith; He was in the world and the world was made by him and the world knew him not* Hence therefore, if Jesus was in the world, and had a Church in the world, from the begin- ning, though the world knew him not, yet to his Church he was always known, and no doubt, to his people, he was continually manifesting himself, otherwise than he doeth to the world. What indeed are all those wonderful relations, we meet with, in the old testament scripture, of the appearance of the Shechinah, but proofs o' : this kind ! Believers knew him, in his adorable character, and saw him, with the eye of faith, long before his incarnation. Multitudes of the heirs of promise, lived, and died, in the faith of the coming Saviour, as multitudes have since Jived, * John 1. 10. lived, and died, in the faith of his finished sal- vation. They beheld by the eye of faith, the dawn of that glorious day of which we live, un- der the full meridian. The Sun of the spiritual world, like the sun of the natural, though not risen above the hori- zon, in the full orb of his glory, had yet shed his beams sufficiently around, to indicate his ap- proach, and to illumine the darkness. Hence, as an Apostle bears them record, these all died in faith not having received the promises but having seen them afar off and embraced them and confess- ed that they iccre strangers and pilgrims on the earth. \\ If I have said enough, in proof of my .first proposition, that the Master is come, and calleth^ in the various methods, of his word, and ordi- nances: I shall now proceed as was promised to the second consideration; namely, that the outward calls of the gospel, unaccompanied with a special, and inward power, must always lose their effect : like Mary in the text, until that call is personal and particular, there will remain a total insensibility, and indifference to all its demands. When we consider the infinite importance of salvation, in the everlasting welfare of the soul, one might be led to suppose, that this alone, would occupy the great concern of man. That while II H?b. 11. 15. 64* while the Redeemer is calling from his throne ot glory in heaven, look unto me and be ye saved ail. the ends of the earth; every eye would be direct- ted towards the place, from whence came the, joyful sound. And while his Servants are fol- lowing up the same blessed proclamation, in de- livering his message on earth, that Christ Jesus is come to save sinners; every heart would be warmed, to receive with rapture, and thanksgi- ving, $a& faithful saying which is indeed worthy of all acceptation. In natural things, such is universally the case. You never find many arguments necessary, in or- der to prevail upon a poor, naked creature, to accept a garment to cover him. Neither, will the hungry, or the thirsty, need much per- suasion, to induce them to receive a supply to their wants. But in spiritual concerns, the sin- ner, who is totally void of all covering in him- self, to appear before God, cannot be prevailed upon, by all the reasoning of men, to accept the robe of Jesus's righteousness, to clothe him: nor though perishing, will he take of the bread of life, or the water of life, notwithstanding, they are offered to him freely, without money, and without price. That these things are so, will hardly I should suppose be questioned, for the matter is certain- ly too obvious, to admit dispute. But it will very naturally arise in the minds of the truly se- rious 65 Sfious, to enquire into the cause. Do such cha* tacters it may be asked, really believe, what all the ordinances of the Christian religion are sup- posed to teach, that they are sinners before God and have broken /his righteous laws? Yes! Fe\tf men are hardy enough to suppose, but that in many things they have sinned and come short of the glory of God. But hath it been properly repre- sented to them also, what is .the sure conse- quence of these things? Yes! it is perfectly un- derstood, and no man in the present day of knowledge, is supposed to be uninformed in this particular, that the wages of sin is death : and that the wrath of God is revealed fro?n heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness. But it may yet be questioned further, hath the Gospel's gracious proclamation, of pardon, and peace, in the blood of the cross, been held forth to them, at the same time, as a full, free, and finished salvation? Yes! Faithful preachers of the word, are extremely cautious, that they keep back nothing, that is profitable to the people, but daily both in the temple, and in every house, cease not to teach and to preach in all his person and of- fices, Jesus Christ. To what cause then, can it be ascribed, that total indifference, and that strange insensibility, which men manifest to divine things, and by which I 66 which they live in the very midst of light, and knowledge, as without God in the world ? That there must be, some latent source of evil, wrapt up in the very heart of man, to in-r duce such effects, in an endless succession, from age, to age ; can hardly be a doubt. But mankind, would for ever have remained, both ignorant of the cause, and of the means of reco- very, if God himself had not graciously interpo- sed, and condescended to have given the infor- mation. He hath mercifully taught us, in his holy word, that man since the fall, is by nature, In a state of blindness, and darkness, and igno- rance respecting divine things; and as unconsci- ous, of the spiritual apprehension of any one object,, of a spiritual nature, as if it had never been proposed to him. From this unquestionable authority, we learn, that our first Father, when he lost his integrity, together with it, lost his knowledge of his IMaker. And that -this was the death, which in dying, he died. A spiritual, not a natural death ; for as to animal faculties, arid functions, he lived many years after, in the full enjoyment of them. But by this awful apostacy from God, he lost all spiritual knowledge of God. And begetting a Son in his own likeness, as it is said; that is, not m the likeness of his Maker, in which he was himself created, but in a fallen, faded, sinful, dark, dark, and ignorant likeness, all his posterity, are by nature, partakers of the same. Hence, though man possesseth the exercise of rational powers, and by the help of these, can reason even upon divine subjects, with a degree of accuracy which is sometimes astonishing ; yet all the while, in respect to a real spiritual appre- hension of those things, untaught by the Spirit of God, he will for ever remain unconscious of them. For his apprehension of these things, is derived from the information of others, not from any knowledge in himself: like one who relates a narrative of what he hath heard, not of what he himself hath known, r seen, like the Phari- sees who beheld the miracles of Jesus, and there- fore could not deny the facts; but though com- pelled to exclaim, from whence hath this man this wisdom and these mighty works? yet felt, no conviction to believe in him/ The Apostle Paul, in a single verse, of his inspired writings, hath both established the cer- tainty of this doctrine, and explained the cause of it. The natural man (he says) receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God., for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them, because they are. spiritually discerned.* And as if to draw a line of discrimination, between persons of this description, and those of a contrary character,, whose spiritual senses, are brought into life, and I 2 exercise* *1 Cor. 2. Ifc exercise, to discern both good and evil, by the quickening operations of the Holy Ghost; he immediately adds, in the same verse, but he that is spiritual judgeth all things. And hence, all those scriptures, which define the essential properties, between a state of una- wakened, unregenerated nature, and that of grace; While the one is said to have the under- standing darkened being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart being past feeling and given over to work all uncleanness with greedi- ness: nay even dead in trespasses and sins: the other, is declared to be renewed in the spirit of the mind and to be begotten again from dead works- to serve the living and true God. It is, to this one source therefore, of our fall- en nature, while remaining in an unawakened, unregenerated state, as to the fountain head of all our misery, we trace up the whole of that indifference, and insensibility, which mark the character of the world, in the rejection of the gospel. The carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God neither in-r deed can be so then they that are in the flesh can- not please God. Hence, those very awful sights with which human life abounds. Some like Mary sunk in sorrow. Others lost in care. Multi- tudes swallowed up, in the vortex of the world's pursuit: ambition, pleasure, wealth, and honor. With 69 With many a strong, but ill founded confidence, that all shall terminate happily, though they know not how. And with as many morc y a to- tal disregard, whether it will or not. Hence, though the Son of God is come, and callcth by his word, and by his ordinances : tho' Wisdom standeth without and lifteth up her voice in the street : neither invitations, nor entreaties, neither the sweet, melodious sounds of the gos- pel, nor the dreadful denunciations pf the law ; no, nor all the dispensations of providence, in the world, either in a way of mercy, or of judg- ment, will avail, until the same Almighty grace, which calls, graciously gives with that call a dis- position to obey; and makes the Sinner willing in the day of his power . God hath drawn, this distinction, between the outward means of his grace, and the inward operation of his holy Spi- rit: and most decidedly taught, that the same hand, which formed the world, must be stretch- ed forth, to frame the sinner's heart anew, or he will be dead, in trespasses, and sins, to all eter- nitv. It is not enough, as is evident, in the instance of Alary in the text, that the Master is come and that he calleth by the outward ministry of his word, or in any of the various methods of his providence, or grace; there must be an inward accompanying power, by a personal application, of the Spirit's work in the heart, to render it ef- fectual. But when this glorious act of sove- reignty 70 reignty is wrought in the soul, and the sinner is lecfto see that Jesus not only speaks, but speaks personally to him ; then are the secrets of his heart made manifest, and like the man spoken of by the Apostle, hefalleth down upon his knees and will worship God and report that God was in that word of a truth.\ I hope I shall have fully prepared your mind, by these observations, on Reformer branches of my subject, for what remains yet to be conside- red, under the last particular; namely, that when the gospel is preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven and is directed to the heart, with a speeial, and personal application ; this manifests, that the Master is not only come, and calleth, but that he calleth for thee. And this part of our discourse, considered as connected with the happiness of the individual, becomes the most interesting of the whole. If such effects, as I have described, under the preceding head of the subject,* be induced by the fall, and man, really is, by nature, blind, and unconscious, of any one act of spiritual ap- prehension ; nay even dead in trespasses and sins : nothing can be more evident, than that a reco- very, from such a state if effected, must be all together supernatural; and consequently, the sole result of a divine power. None but He whp created the soul can form the faculties of tfie soul anew. The same who at first commanded light % 1 Cor. 14. 25. 71 light to shine out of darkness, must shine in. the heart to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, In the accomplishment of this act of mercy, God hath been pleased to appoint various means of grace, by way of conveying his energy to the soul: causing them to act as mediums, and in- struments, to this purpose : yet still reserving to himself the sole efficient operation, to render them in every instance effectual. And this dis- tinction is of all other points, the most essential to be preserved, in the mind, in order to form a just conclusion, between the common means of grace, simply considered as means, and the spe* cial application of them, when they are at any- time rendered effectual, under the operation of the Holy Ghost. Gospel ordinances, how ex- cellent soever they are in themselves, are but or- dinances ; and like the pool of Bethesda, or the pool of Siloam, possess no medicinal quality in themselves. They only become so, when com- missioned by Him. When the Apostle Paul preached the word to many, that came to him, unto his own lodgings, the result was, that some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. Whereas, had the efficacy depended, either up- on the word, or the Preacher, certainly in all in- stances, the success would have been the same. And still, to mark this great point, with stronger precision, precision, and to manifest from what sourer, the whole blessing must be derived ; when the same Apostle, was made instrumental, to the Conversion of a certain Woman of Tliyatira> the reason is immediately added, whose heart the Lord opened so that she attended to the things which were spoken by Paul. But what I am chiefly desirous at this time. to impress upon your mind, is this ; that in eve- ry instance, where this divine work, is formed, in the heart, it must be individually exercised In religion, as in all matters of a secular nature, it is the right of property, which a man hath in it, which constitutes the value. General, unapplied mercies, never reach the heart They must become special, personal, and particular. They must come, directed im- mediately to you, or to me, before that they will interest the affections of either. So that it is not enough, that the proclamation of mercy in the gospel, runs in those sweet words of invitation ; ho! everyone that thirsteth come ye to the waters and drink ! The soul, however thirsty, will still be asking, is that call addressed to me? May / venture to come ? Hence therefore, a conscious sense of a personal interest in all the privileges of the gospel, certainly forms the sweetest part of it. Job felt all this, when he said, I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth and though after my 73 my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God whom / shall see for myself and mine eyes shall behold for myself and not another for me. And Paul had the same personal consci- ousness, when he declared, that the life he then lived in the flesh he lived by the faith of the Son of God who loved me (said the Apostle) and gave himself for me. The most precious part, of the manifestation, which the Angel of the Covenant, made of himself to Moses at the bush, without all question was that, in which the Lord, called him by his name. Before that took place, what Moses saw, however it exci- ted his wonder, and arrested his attention, yet, it did not become personally interesting 1 . And I cannot but think, that when the Jubilee trumpet, sounded in the camp of Israel,, however gene- rally pleasing it might be, to every one, who knew how to appreciate the blessings of free dom; yet the sweetest note, vibrated on the captive's ear. He knew., though he had never heard it before, the joyful sound. If your ideas correspond with mine, that this consciousness of a personal interest in the Mas- ter's call, is of all others the most important point, to be attended to, by every individual ; the question will immediately arise out of it, by what means shall it be known r And the answer K is is as direct. The secret, still, small voice, in which the Lord speaks personally to the heart, like the unknown source of the air, which bloweth where it listeth, is discoverable only by its effects. We hear the sound thereof, and we see its operation, but we cannot tell whence it cometh nor whither it goeth : so is every one that is born of the Spirit. It is from the sacred impressions left upon the mind, we infer the call of God. And when those impressions are clearly traced, which the scriptures teach us to expect, from the awakening voice of the Master, there can be no more reason, to question the reality of the voice having been heard, than when in the case of Samuel, the Lord called him, Eli perceived, (though he heard it not) that the Lord had called the Child* Respecting the marks, and characters, by which this is to be known, the Lord Jesus him- self, hath given some very striking outlines, to form a general judgment by, which if closely attended to, will keep from every error. Under the office of a Shepherd, and in which, Christ considers his people as sheep, he saith; the sheep hear his voice; and he calleth his own sheep by name ; and leadeth them forth and they follow him. Here are certain particularities in these few words, which at once serve to explain the matter. Then * 1 Sam. 3. 8. John 10. 5. 4. 75 They hear his voice. That is, they distinguish the voice of Jesus, in the word. Never man spake like this man. It comes home directed with energy to the heart. It is in demonstration of the spirit and of power. And the effects of it, prove from what direction it comes. For it awa- kens, it animates, it influenceth the whole Man, and is accompanied with a life-giving, a soul- enriching power. So that every one who hears it, is constrained to say, with David. I shall never forget thy precepts for with them thou hast quickened me. f He calleth his own sheep by name. That is, the word is so applied personally to the heart, by the Holy Ghost, and with an emphasis so very striking : it speaks so exactly to his own case, and circumstances, as if he, and he alone, was concerned in it, and called to by name. He leadeth them forth and they follow him. That is, from the very evident charge, wrought in the life and conversation, the most incontesti- ble evidences are afforded, that they are under the leadings, and teachings, of his holy Spirit: and being called with an holy calling, they are enabled to walk worthy of the vocation, and to follow the Lamb whithersoever he gocth. K 2 Hence f Psalm 119. 93. Hence therefore wherever these effects are found, we have as full an assurance, that true believers in the present hour, hear the voice of the Master, arise at that call and follow him in the regeneration : as when in the days of his flesh, he called Zaccheus from the tree, or Matthew from the receipt of custom. May I riot venture to add, that there are some who hear me this Day, concerning whom, I am fully persuaded it may be said, that these truths are living principles in their experience ; and to whom the words of the Lord Jesus, may be strictly applied. Blessed are your eyes for they see and your ears for they hear. Nothing can be more gratifying to those who minister in holy things, than the consciousness that our gospel cometh not unto you in word only but also in power and in the holy Ghost and in much assurance. And how very sweet a testimony that is in reply which I am well convinced many of you can, and do give, when like the Sama- ritans to the woman who had reported to them concerning Jesus, you say as they did : now we believe not because of thy say ing for we have heard him ourselves and know that this is indeed the Christ the Saviour of the world. * I * John 4. 42. 77 I will detain you no longer, than only to beg, that you will not forget, the very earnest, and pressing claims, our subject hath, upon the different characters, which more, or less, make up every religious congregation. My poor unawakened Brother ! You who arc not only unconscious of any personal interest in the Master's call, but are altogether unconcerned about it : forgive me when I say, my fears are greatly exercised on your account: and espe- cially for such among you, as have long sat under a preached gospel, lest after all, you should have received the grace of God, (in the means of it) in vain. Indeed, indeed, there is but too much reason to fear. And what the Lord Jesus in the days of his flesh told the Jews, may be equally said to many nominal Christians. Yc have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you. Hath it never struck you, how very awful a situation that man stands in, who though the Master be come, and is for ever/ calling in his word, and in his ordinances, yet remains through life insensible to the call; and at length departs out of it, as unconscious and unconcerned, as though it had never been made] It John 5. 37. 38. 78 It will be a distinguishing mercy if the renewed call of this day, should be accompanied with a divine power. Gracious God ! Com- mission, if it be thy blessed will the outward means with an inward effect, to the heart of some poor unawakened Sinner present, and give him an experimental evidence of the truth of the doctrine, that he may know that the Master is indeed come, and calleth person- ally for him. Our subject in its application is peculiarly- consolatory and encouraging also, to every humble soul, who fears that he hath never heard, but most ardently desires to know, the joyful sound. It is more than probable, I may be speaking, before some of this description, and I would therefore beg to drop a word by way of infer- ence to them. You fear, that your unworthiness is a dis- qualification, and that some previous merit is necessary towards the attainment of it. But do my Brother, learn to correct such unbecom- ing notions of God's mercy. If human merit was made the standard of divine favor, what flesh could then be saved ? It is a precious consideration, which the scriptures teach, and I do beg of you, to cherish it with all possible warmth in your affection ; that He who gives the grace, gives also the disposition to accept the grace. He both prepares the blessing, and prepares the heart to receive the blessing. / am sought of them that asked not for me (is the language of mercy) / am found of them that sought me not. I said behold me behold me unto a nation that was not called by my name. '* Had any -preparation been needful, who less prepared than Matthew or Zaccheus or the woman of Samaria ? Had any merit been re- quired, who so unlikely to find acceptance as the Apostle Paul? Doth not indeed, every example of the kind, we meet with in scripture, tend but to prove, that it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy ? Happy will it be if while you are thus waiting on God in the appointed ways of his grace, that very sweet scripture be fulfilled in your experience ; Therefore doth the Lord wait that he may be gracious unto you and, therefore will he be exalted that he may have mercy upon you : for the Lord is a God of judgment blessed are all they that wait for him. And * Isaiah G5. 1. Isaiah 30, 18. And for you brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, as you cannot but be truly- sensible, that your first call to God, was not the result of your own merit ; so I trust you are equally convinced, that neither is your present continuance in grace, the effect of your own goodness. Had the Lord laid judgment to the line and righteousness to the plummet ; or been extreme to mark what is done amiss, either before, or since, he hath manifested him- self towards you, where would have been your portion ? You know full well, I am persuaded, the meaning of that blessed scripture, and can enter into an heart-felt enjoyment of it. Who hath saved us and called us wil.lt an holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. To you I would only beg to make this one observation. While you are ever ready to ascribe all to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made you accepted in the beloved ; never lose sight of that comfort- able assurance, that whom tlie Lord hath called, them he also justifteth, and whom he justifieth them he also glorified. I add no more, but the affectionate words of the Apostle : To them that are sanctified by God the Father and preserved in Christ Jesus and called: mercy unto you and peace and hve be multiplied. J J Jude 1. 2. Sermon 4. THE SHILOH COME, AND THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE UNTO HIM, PROVED. Genesis, 49 th Chap. 10th Verse. The Sceptre shall not depart from Judah nor a lawgiver from between his feet until Shiloh come and unto him shall the gathering of the People be. MONG the many evidences, which God the Holy Ghost hath caused to be left on record, of his gracious superintendance, over his Church, and people, from the earliest ages; that is by no means the least considerable, which ariseth out of the spirit of prophecy. An Apostle tells us, and with a plainness of lan- guage not to be mistaken, that prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of eld spake as they were moved, by the Holy Ghost. J And L J 2 Peter 1. 21. And from the same unquestionable authority we learn, that what those saints of God delivered, in reference either to the Person, or Offices, of the Lord Jesus, it was the spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified before hand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. * It would form indeed a very interesting sub- ject, to trace the marks, of the Spirit's impres- *sions, on the minds of his servants the Prophets, In the multiform instances of it, with which the scriptures abound, in the early ages. And which might very easily be done, in only taking com- parative views, of the predictions they delivered, with their accomplishment. But such a service, however gratifying, would not come within the limits of a single sermon. Elsewhere, I have more largely prosecuted, the pleasing study, and shewn, that during the whole period of the Church's history, before the incarnation of the Lord Jesus, the Holy Ghost, was neither an inattentive, nor inactive Spectator, to its best interests. The same great object, of glori- , fying the Lord Jesus, occupied the divine mind. Hence, the ministry of the Holy Ghost, was as much called forth, from the earliest period, in awakening the faith, and expectation, of the Saints of God, to the coming of the Redeemer ; as * 1 Peter 1.11. See 2nd. Sermon on the Deity and operations of the Holy Ghost. 83 as his grace is now exercised, since redemption work hath been finished, in taking of the things of Jesus to shew unto them. The text is an instance of the exercise of his divine power, upon the mind of the Patriarch Jacob, in one of the most illustrious, and glo- rious prophecies, the scriptures of the old tes- tament affords. The Patriarch well knowing that the promised blessing of redemption, in the covenant-en- gagements of JEHOVAH, was deposited with him, and his seed; finding the hour of nature's dissolution approaching, convened his household together, that he might communicate to them,, the great events, connected with this covenant- promise of God, made to Abraham his father, which would befall them in the latter days. No doubt, the Patriarch felt the divine influence on his mind, at this interesting in- terview, with his children; and though the natural feelings of the Parent frequently mingled the affectionate expressions of a dying Father, with those of an higher nature; yet he was con- scious, the principle points he had to deliver to them, were in the spirit of prophecy. L 2 Amidst 84- Amidst many other precious promises, con- nected with redemption, which God the Holy Ghost, influenced the mind of Jacob to speak of, and which were addressed to each tribe of his family, as their respective households hereafter to be formed, became more, or less interested in them; this of the text, to his Son Judah appears eminently conspicuous. Standing as it we're, on the very brink of the invisible world, and beholding the great objects, now about to be fully realized to his view, which by faith, he had so long walked in the personal enjoyment of; the dying Patriarch, breaks out into an holy fervour of joy in the contemplation ; and exclaims, Hie Sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the People fa* What Jacob himself understood, of the glo- rious events comprised in this prophecy, is not difficult to discover. The Almighty Shiloh,, of whom he spake, had been clearly revealed to him, as the covenant God-man his Redeemer, long before. This, the Prophet Hosea, who lived a thousand Years after Jacob, confirms by the most possitive assurance. He found him (saith the Prophet) in Bethel, and there he spake with us, even the Lord God of Hosts, Jehovah (that is in, a covenant-way) is his memorial. * Evidently alluding, to that; memorable period, in the Patriarch's" life, when God revealed him- self * Jlosea 12. 4. 5. 85 self to him at 'Bethel, as the God which had entered into covenant with his Father Abraham, and now appeared to confirm it personally to Jacob, that in his seed, all the families of the earth should be blessed. And that the Patriarch himself, considered ' this vision of God to him, at that time, in this sense, is as evident, from the dying testimony he gave of it to his Son Joseph. God Almighty appeared unto me said Jacob at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me. f that is, blessed him with covenant mercy, covenant assurance, of redemption, hereafter to be completed, in the Person, of the promised seed. So that it was not, God blessing him, simply in the abstract of his providence, but in a way of grace, in that very way indeed, of the covenant-engagement of redemption, into which Jehovah had entered. And hence the Patriarch, connecting in his mind, his ./??-.$/ knowledge of redemption, mani- fested to him at Bethel, with the last intimations of it, under the Spirit's influence, now dying as he was in Egypt : and gathering up into one mass of particulars, the whole of those precious disco- veries, which God had made of himself, in a Covenant-way through all the intermediate stages of life ; added this testimony more to all, that he had before received, and pointed to this leading character, by which, it should be known, when the Redeemer would be manifested. Speaking f Genesis 48. 3. Speaking- under the immediate inspiration of God the Holy Ghost, he comforts his Children, in the moment of his departure, and through them, the Church at large, with this delightful assurance, that the Sceptre which God would establish in the family of his Son Judah, should not depart from Judah nor a lawgiver from between his feet until this long promised, long expected SMUfh, in whose Almighty hands, all the con- cerns of salvation were placed, should come, and unto whom the gather ing of the People should be. Suffer me to pause one moment, over this view of the Patriarch's life, just to remark, that early, and latter manifestations, of the Lord Jesus, to his People in a Covenant-way, are not confined to Jacob's history. Blessed be God thousands since his day, have known by heart-felt expe- rience, the sweetness of both seasons, and have been enabled therefrom, if not with equal strength, at least with equal satisfaction, to set to their seal that God is true. First intimations of grace, are very precious things to the soul. And so are the last tokens of divine love. It is difficult to say, which are the sweetest. Perhaps, from the nature, and unex- pected manifestation of the blessing to the heart, the former will be most prized. Yet the latter certainly make up in fulness and in value, what is wanting in beauty. It should seem/ that when 87 when through a life of some considerable extent the man of grace, can sit down with Jacob, and recount the manifestations of God's love, in a Covenant-way, marking his path in a multitude of instances, as he hath gone along, that such views must afford, the highest comfort to the soul. But do you my Brother, determine the point for yourself, you who know much of the Lord's dealings with your soul. I trust there are not a few here present who if called upon, can bear large testimony to the faithfulness of a Covenant- God, as a tried, and approved God, all the way through. And shall I venture to say to all such, that I hope you do not write those mercies, which are certainly the most precious of all mercies, on water, but that .their remembrance live in the warmest place of your heart. Treasuring up such records, will enable you under the Spirit's influence when dying, to comfort those around you, as he did, with the assurance of God's unchanging love. And certainly this effect you will find from it, to your own consolation : for the believer, who hath all along through life, accustomed himself to mark down, the mercies of God to his soul, will not want a mercy to praise him for in his death. And I believe I may venture to add, that many followers of Jesus, Jesus, have begun the life of glory, in the very moment, when grace hath been consummating; and ere the praises of a faithful Covenant-God hath ceased to move, upon the trembling lips of their dying body; the soul, hath caught the note of the saints above, and joined in the everlasting song, of salvation to God and the Lamb. But to return from this digression. What I anr chiefly interested in, at this time, is to consider, the accomplishment of this illustrious prophecy of Jacob y in the text, as referring to the Person, and Offices, of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in him, having its completion. In the prosecution of this service, the arrange- ment I mean to be guided by, as far as God the Holy Ghost shall be pleased to enable me, will be, in the,/?r^ place, to prove, that the period in this memorable prophecy, so many ages pre- dicted, before its proposed accomplishment, hath at length arrived, and long since expired ; and in the Advent, and Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, hath been fulfilled, and is now fulfilling in the earth: that the Sceptre did not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until the Shiloh came: and 'by departing, in that very season, when Christ was manifested, this prophecy was then so accomplished, as never can be accomplished in any other. When 89 When I have performed this service, I shall then secondly, endeavour to explain, what is meant, by the gathering of the people unto him, and from whence I trust will appear also additi- onal evidences, to the confirmation of this an- cient prophecy. And I very earnestly pray God, that our attention to this subject, may be so graciously accompanied, by the teachings of the Holy Ghost, that the hearts of many who hear me, may be led to see, in Jesus the Shiloh of his people: and still more to feel their personal inte- rest, of being gathered unto him. And may the Lord at the same time, mercifully grant, that all his household present, who are already brought nigh unto him in a way of grace, may be the more slablished, strengthened, and settled, in this hope of the Gospel, and built up firmly in their most holy faith. According to my first proposal, I am to prove that the period so long predicted, for the mani- festation of the Shiloh hath expired, and in the Person, and Ministry of the Lord Jesus, this memorable Scripture hath had its accomplish- ment. In the opening of this branch of our subject, ;t may not be improper, to explain the meaning M of of the- word Shiloh; as one among the many significant names of the Messiah: and which, as the name of a person, is no where else to be found, but in this text, in all the sacred wri- tings. The Jews themselves, though by a strange fatality, denying the advent of the Shiloh, rea- dily allow, that in this prophecy of their Father Jacob, the Messiah is clearly meant; and that the Office, ' which was to mark his character, when he came, was very properly distinguished by this appellation. The w r ord Shiloh, may without violence to the original, be considered as implying the Son: and if accepted in this sense, it will mean, that the Son of the Lord shall come. Perhaps, it may also be equally rendered, Shiloh the peaceable one. And in this idea, it will of course refer to the object he came to accomplish; peace on edrth good will among men. But I rather think, the word itself, is taken from a root in the ori- ginal, signifying to deliver; and hence the Shiloh will mean the deliverer. And what could be more descriptive, or significant of his Person, and Office, who when he came on earth, came on purpose to deliver his people from the wrath to The * 1 Thess. 1. 10. The Prophet Isaiah, ages after this perdiction f the Patriarch Jacob looking forward unto Gospel times, declared, that the Redeemer should come unto %ion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob. Which passage of the Prophet, the Apostle Paul without hesitation, applies to the person of the Lord Jesus, and in doing it, confirms at once, the pleasing assur- ance, that this Redeemer is the Deliverer which should turn away ungodliness from Jacob, j* And without all question, the advent of the Messiah as the Redeemer, or Deliverer, of his People, is the sum, and substance, of all the promises, and predictions, of Scripture; and which all the believing Jews, at the time of Christ's appearing, it is said, looked for of re- demption in Israel. \\ Concerning this Almighty Deliverer, this Shiloh; Jacob, under the influence of prophecy, declared, that the Sceptre should not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until he came. We cannot be at a loss to apprehend what is meant by the Sceptre., and the Lawgiver. Both terms, are clearly expressive of one, an,d the same thing ; and mean to say, that the admi- nistration of Justice, with. the ensign of regal power, in a way of government, and protection, ahould exist in the family of Judah ; and there M 2 continue, Isaiah ,59. 20. f Romans 11. 26. || Luke 2, 38, continue, until the whole was accomplished, by the appearance of him, in whom all the prophe- cies had their completion. And in confirmation of this part of the pro- phecy, it is worthy observation, that the Sceptre of regal authority, began in the tribe of Judah, in the Person of David; and in a long series of years, continued uninterruptedly, until the Shiloh actually came. For though during the Babylonish captivity, the ensigns of Government, seemed to have been tarnished, yet the vestige of authority still remained. There were Governors among the heads of the families, which were carried away captive, as appears from their history, who exercised their prerogative, in the peculiarities of the Jewish law. Neither did they cease, even when Judea became a Roman province. For tho' subsect to the Government of the Romans-, the Sanhedrim exercised their peculiar privileges still ; and upon that memorable oc- casion, when the Lord Jesus was arraigned at the bar of Pilate, and he from a conscious assurance of Christ's innocence, was disposed to let him go ; the Jews made this remarkable expression ; We have a law and by our law he ought to die because he made himself the Son of God. * Hence therefore it plainly appears, that the Sceptre did not depart until the Shiloh came. But that it did then totally cease, is as fully proved, * John 19. 7. proved, from the records of Sacred, and Profane history. For added to the particular relation we have, of the overthrow of Judea, by Titus Vespasian's Army, that unconscious testimony, which the Jews themselves gave, to their situ- ation, stamps the whole. For upon the same occasion as the former, when Pilate tauntingly- said unto the Jews, shall I crucify your King? the Chief Priests answered, we have no King bid . How bJind, how short sighted, the policy of man ! In the very moment, that the Jews by this declaration, intended to deny Jesus, for the Messiah , by the confirmation of this illustrious prophecy, concerning him, they most effectually acknowledged him. And the very circumstance, by which they meant to overthrow the authority of the Redeemer, tended more effectually, to es- tablish, and confirm it. And hence that prophecy of Hosea how re- markably fulfilled ! The children of Israel, shall abide many days, without a King, and without a Prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an cphod, and without teraphim. -\ And thus you see them at this hour, dispersed as they are, in every quarter of the earth. Every Jew you meet, carries an evidence in himself, of the confirmation of the whole. And in whatever part of the habitable earth they are John 19. 15. f Hosea 3. 4. are found, they have lost the Sceptre of Judah., They are without a King. For they have no civil government of their own. Neither have they a a Prince, to go in, and out, before them. They have no sacrifice ; that is, no Altar, on which to offer sacrifice ; none of tine Jive signs of the tem- ple. No Image, or pillar of commemoration. No Ephod, or Teraphim: neither Urim, nor Thummim, remaining. For though in many countries, thev are tolerated with Synagogues, yet the real Temple service is over. They have no Prophets to instruct, and neither Altars to ap- proach God by sacrifice : and neither ephod, or teraphim, as mediums, to receive communica- tions from him. Nothing indeed remaining, but the fullest indications, that God hath accom- plished his purposes concerning them, and scat- tered them, as he had said, amidst all the nations of the earth. Who can read those scriptures, and behold their denunciations so awfully fulfilled, un- moved. Who but must feel for God's ancient People, when we call to mind, that to them per- tained the adoption, and the glory, and the cove- nants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises : whose are the fathers, and of whom, as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all God blessed for ever. * You, * Romans 9. 4. 5. You, that have received the spirit of adoption, whereby you cry Abba Father: that can look back, and recollect, when you were enemies to God by wicked works aliens to the common wealth of Israel having no hope and ivithout God in the world: Is it possible for you to reflect, on the happy state, into which you are now brought, in being gathered to your Almighty Shiloh, without admiring, the wonders of redeeming grace ; and without feeling, the rising thank- fulness in the heart, towards the Great Author of them ? Can any man indeed stand convinced, of the truth of what the Apostle hath said ; that the fall of them is the riches of the world and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles : ;and remain insensible, to a mercy so distinguishing ? Blessed be the divine benignity ! there is a promise yet remaining, to be accomplished concerning this people; and a glorious one it is. Afterward (saith the same Prophet who predicted their deprivation ! of all government civil and religious) Afterward shall the Children of Israel return and seek the Lord their God and David their King and shall fear the Lord and his goodness in the latter days, f And will not the believer in the expectation of the accomplishment of this blessed promise implore the mercy seat for them, and say, Lord hasten the time for the latter-day glory, when thou t Hosea 3. 5. thou wilt call home thy banished ones from afar; when the Deliverer shall arise out of %ion to turn away ungodliness from Jacob ! When the fulness of the Gentiles shall be completed and all Israel be saved I And when both Jew and Gentile shall be brought into one fold under one Shepherd Jesus Christ the righteous. I proceed now to the second object proposed, namely, to explain, what is meant by the ga- thering of the people unto him, in the certainty of the effect and the Persons who are expressly said to be gathered. In this branch of my discourse, I desire you to remark with me, the particular form of ex- pression made use of, unto him shall the ga- thering of the people be. From whence you perceive, that the event is not left to hazard, or uncertainty, but it is spoken of, as a fixed and determined thing, it shall be. And when you consider in what infinite resources the assurance is founded; that it is the result of an eternal counsel, formed in the divine mind, in which each of the Persons of the Godhead concur, to bring forward its establishment; the Father's sovereign grace; the Redeemer's inestimable purchase ; and the Holy Ghost's effectual appli- cation : what shall possibly arise, to frustrate those united operations ? If Jehovah saith, to Him shall the gathering of the People be, who shall say nay ? His counsel must stand and he will do all his pleasure. Of '91 Of all subjects which can employ the mind of inan, and call into exercise his intellectual faculties, the contemplation of this fundamental truth, in the certainty of his salvation* is without all doubt the highest, and the best. That it must be the sole work of God, to gather his people to himself, is a doctrine, to which the humble soul, when once brought under divine teachings, will easily be led to acknowledge. But to trace the distinct, and peculiar acts, of each person in the Godhead, in order to form a clear conception, of the personal operations of each to confirm and make it sure ; to teach us also, how much we stand in need of the peculiar aids of each, so as to call up suitable waitings, and to awake suitable ac- knowledgments, to all ; these points form, not only a subject to give firmness to the soul, but serve to open at the same time, a source of the greatest consolation, and holy joy, the- mind is capable of feeling, in the present state of things. The distinct act of choosing, and laying the foundation, for the salvation of sinners, and ap- pointing the means for the accomplishment ; in giving the Son to be the "Saviour of the world; and his people to the Son ; these acts are pecu- liarly ascribed in Scripture, to God the Father, Ttlessed (says the Apostle) be the Cod and Father N of of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings, in heavenly places in Christ, according as he hath chosen us in him, before the foundation of tJ\e world. The actual work of redemption, is as expressly declared, to be the part of God the Son ; and the purchase of his righteousness and blood. And hence all the privileges of the covenant are said to be the^sure mercies of David. We have redemption through his blood even the forgiveness of sins. * But the effectual application in every indi- vidual instance of it, to the soul js the Spirit's operation, from beginning to end. And hence called, a renewing of the Holy Ghost shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, f Thus all tlie persons of the Godhead, have their distinct, and peculiar operations, in the great work of redemption. And each graci- ously contributes, , to the accomplishment of the blessed purpose. So that a channel of com- munication is opened, for the apprehension, and enjoyment of each, personally and individu- ally : and yet at the same time, the soul never loseth sight, of that fundamental doctrine, that these three are one. But Ephes. I. 3. 4. * Ephes, 1.7. f Titus 3. 5. 6. But while contemplating the security, the faithful' possess, in this delightful assurance; what I would more immediately desire you to observe, in the promise of the text, is, the character of those to whom it is to extend. They are said to be, the people, that is not a people ; but a specific character is given them the people. Not a people first gathered, and then formed ; but antecedent to any thing on their part, they are already formed, and now gathered. And to define this still more, the term is elsewhere varied, and they are called thy peo- ple. God the Father is introduced, by the spirit of prophecy, as addressing the Son, in that memorable scripture, and promising the certainty of their being gathered to Christ, by the operation of the divine will. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power. J And, as if all this was not enough, in order to ascertain the fact, in another scripture, which was directed to announce both the name, and the office, of the Lord Jesus before his incar- nation, he is introduced, under this express mention of him : Thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. Here they are particularly marked, as belonging to the Redeemer, even before his in- Carnation and though expressly said to be in N 2 sins, * Psalm. 110. 3. sins, yet this became no hindrance to his- right in them. ITis people they were, though a sinful rebellious people. Children of God by the right of covenant redemption in grace, though by nature children of wrath and meriting wrath as much as others, ,This destroyed not their relationship, to their Covenant-head, how un- worthy soever they were in themselves. Con- cerning them he had said, surely they are my people, children that will not lie so he ivas their Saviour. In all their affliction, he was afflicted^ and the Angel of his presence saved them, in his love, and in his pity, he redeemed them, and he bare them, ajid carried, them all the days of old. And the same blessed Scripture sweetly adds, that though they rebelled against him, and vexed his holy spirit, and he turned for a time to be their enemy, and fought against them, yet he remembered the days of old Moses and his people. And therefore the Prophet introduceth him, as calling upon himself, and all the perfec-. tions of the Godhead, to arise for their deli- verance ; because he was engaged to them in this relationship, as their father their Redeemer from everlasting f From the authority of those united testimonies of scripture, and confirmed to us as it is, by the general analogy of the divine word throughout; I do not hesitate to conclude, that the people pro- mised to be gathered unto the Shiloh, at his appearing,, + Isaiah 63. 8.9. II. 16. 101 appearing are a specific people, in express dis- tinction to the world, out of which they are said to be taken. Hence they are called his children, whom the Father hath given him. His sheep * for whom he laid down his life. His seed, to whom all the promises are made. And what a precious scripture is that of the Prophet in con- firmation of the whole of this doctrine, where he takes up the same character of God's people as his sheep, and represents the Redeemer, as the Great Shepherd coming into the world to seek and save his wanderers : and thus he speaks, Thus sailh the Lord God; Behold I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeket.h out his flock, in the day that he is among his sheep, that are scattered ; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places, where they have been scattered, in the cloudy, and dark day.. And I will bring them out from the people^ and gather them from the coun- tries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel, by the. rivers and in all the inhabited places, of the country. And after many more sweet promises, to the same effect, he adds ; Thus shall they know, that I, the Lord their God, am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, sailh the Lord God. J And hence, in confor- mity to this, when the Lord Jesus sent forth his servants, to act under his Commission, the di- rection was ; go ye to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And + Ezek. 34. 12. 13. $0. 102 And this view of our subject, will receive, yet a further confirmation, from that memorable passage of scripture in the prophecy of Caiaphas the High Priest. Indeed in its scope, and de- sign, it corresponds to that of the Patriarch Jacob in our text : and when compared together will be found mutually to illustrate, and explain each other. And one of them, ( saith the Evan- gelist ) named Caifmas, being the high Priest that same year, said uuto them, ye know nothing at all nor consider, that it is expedient, that one man shmdd die for the people ; and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he( the Evan- gelist adds as an observation particularly to be noticed) not of himself, but, acting in his public character as the high Priest he prophesied, that Jesus should die for that nation, and not for that nation only, but that he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad, f Here is at once, the plainest, and fullest confirmation, of the whole doctrine. To give the words all the importance they were intended to answer, the Evangelist tells us, that this time serving Priest, was not conscious at the time he spake, of the meaning of his own words. What he said, was not of himself but the Holy Ghost speaking in him, and by him, to the Church. And the blessed doctrine, this man as a channel of communication, was made to f John II. 49.52. 103 to convey, was the most momentous, of all doc- trines : namely that by the death of the Lord Jesus, his people were all redeemed, both Jew, and Gentile, and became fellow heirs, and of the same body and partakers of God's promise in Christ by the Gospel And moreover, that as both Jew and Gentile, were heirs together, of this redemption, at a time, when they were all alike unconscious of it, and neither knew their misery, nor the gracious provision for their re^ covery, their gathering in would not be the result of their own wisdom, but the sole effect of his power. He, this Almighty Shiloh, would gather together in one the Children of God, which were scattered abroad. For children, they were, though scattered. He doth not say they shall be first gathered to him, and then, become his children : first made worthy of his favor, and then receive it. But as children, gathered to him, from all places whither they have been scattered. It is because ye are sons, fsaith the Apostle) that God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts. It is because they are his people that Jesus saveth them from their sins. Because they are thine, (saith God himself concerning them) they shall be willing in the day of thy power. And hence, when the Re- deemer is represented, by one of the Prophets, as returning from redemption work, to the bosom of his Father, and presenting himself, and the souls he had redeemed, as a Conqueror, returning with the spoil before him, he is intro- duced. io* cluced, as saying, Behold I and the children whom the Lord hath given me. f Here let us pause, and as one ascending an high hill of observation, look back and survey the ground over which we have trodden, before we look around to the delightful view, which is opening before us, on every side, in the pleasing prospect of contemplation it affords. How infinitely important, must have been that glorious purpose of redemption, which for so many ages, occupied the divine mind ; and for the keeping alive the expectation of it, in the Church of God, such a multitude of years before its proposed accomplishment, so wonderful an apparatus was made use of! What a world of preparation, do we find ihinistring to this one event, from the very dawn of revelation, in the various representations by which it was shadowed ! In the instance of our text> we behold a spirit of prophecy, delivered near two thousand years; before the Shiloh came, as expressly pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ, as if written on the spot, in the very moment of his appearing. And now near f Isaiah 8. 18. 105 Hear two thousand more, have run out, since the Shiloh actually came, we find in this hour, the other part of the prophecy, in the gathering his people unto him, (which of course was to have a gradual accomplishment) still fulfilling with as much faithfulness, and precision, as if the prediction had been but of yesterday. Well might He of whom these things were al spoken, and to whom they all ministered, be called Wonderful Counsellor! And well may every be- holder, in correspondence to the same language, exclaim with the Apostle, Oh the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things, to whom be glory for ever ; Amen. The result of all that hath been said, will be to recommend my several hearers, from the out- ward testimony, of the doctrine itself, to search, diligently, for the inward evidence in their own hearts, by way of ascertaining the personal* in- terest every one hath in it* Upon the presumption the Shiloh be coniey (which I venture to hope I have fully proved ;) and the great object of his mission be, the ga- thering of his people unto him -, (which is his well known office and character ; ) there cannot be a question, of equal importance in the breast of every individual, than whether that blessed effect be accomplished in his oVra instance ? O 1 106 I know that while with the multitude of thoughtless, and inconsiderate persons, ar en- quiry of this nature 19 lightly made, and a's lightly answered by their vain minds; with many precious souls it becomes an anxious ques- tion indeecK They are exercised with continual fears, and apprehensions upon it; and like the disciples at the Sepulchre of Jesus, they are doubting, the reality of their own senses, in the very moment of receiving the most abso- lute proof. In the province of my duty, there is nothing in which I hold myself so much a debtor, as to endeavour the relieving under God's grace, the apprehensions of the timid believer^ and especially upon a point of so much consequence. For this is what scripture calls, lifting up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and saying to them that are of a fearful heart be strwtg. Perhaps, I may be speaking tli is description. And if so, I before one of cannot more profitably follow up the subject itself, than by offering an observation, or two, which through the blessed Spirit's teaching, may enable such a mourner in Zion, to discover his interest more clearly; and lead him home in a happier frame of mind, than when he came here. And in accomplishing this purpose, I shall 107 shall not be going out of the way, in furnishing the outlines of examination also, for any others present, who feel a rising inclination, to ascer- tain a point of so much consequence, as a personal knowledge of their being gathered unto our Almighty Shiloh. Now there is a sweet promise of God on this subject, which I could wish every humble soul, always if possible, to keep in view. Therefore (saith God) my people shall know my name there- fore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak behold it is /. * Here then, the Lord himself engages, that his people shall know his name; that they shall distinguish his voice and discern Jiis speaking from all others. \ And in allusion to the express doctrine of the Covenant, one of the principal features of it was to be thus distinguished. / will be their God and they shall be my people. Neither shall they teach any more every man his neighbour and every man his brother saying know the Lord for they shall all know me from the least of them unto the greatest of them. Hence therefore, from such positive assur- ances, we may very safely conclude, that the same God, that thus freely . promised], will O 2 adopt * Isaiah 52. 6. 108 ai 4 ont suitable means, for the certain accom- nent of his promise: and not suffer, his ...iou- intentions to be frustrated, by any ' .tervening causes. And if you, my Brother, are among the number of God's people, and will only open the word of God, and carefully examine the marks, and characters, by which his people are to be known ; and then take a comparative view of them, with your own heart; you will find, such an happy correspondence, between both, as will tend to confirm the assurance of God's promises, and bring the fullest satisfaction to the heart, that you are interested in them. In the words of our text, - they are only distin- guished by the general expression of the people : but in other parts of scripture, therf names, and the feature of their character, are marked, with a more striking particularity. They are said (as hath been before noticed) to be the sheep of Christ ; the children of God : His people, which he hath formed for himself; and which he hath chosen to be a special people, above all people, that are upon the face of the earth : the seed also of the Redeemer, with whom the covenant blessings are deposited. But though sheep, yet strayed sheep: all we like sheep (saith the Prophet) have gone astray. Though children : yet rebellious children. Ye have been rebellious (saith Moses) against the Lord unto this day. Though the people of God and the seed of Christ, yet 109 yet a sinful people, laden with iniquity a seed of evil doers children that are corrupters that have forsaken the Lord provoked the Holy One of Israel unto auger and are gone away backward. Now this is the uniform character, and these are the universal features, of the Lord's family, in their natural, unawakened, and unre- generated state. And hence the Apostle says, God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine delivered unto you. To this, I am very confident, you whose hearts are bowed down, with the sense of sin, will bear ample testimony, and that this corres- ponds to the stfte you were born in. And do not forget this one precious consideration, while sub- scribing to this doctrine, that as by virtue of this, you prove your relationship to the .first Adam, it was to his fallen race, the promises of redemption, through the second Adam, was made. And as you manifest .by nature, the stock from whence you sprung in generation, so by grace, you are equally enabled to prove your re- lationship by grace 'in regeneration. Let us now examine the evidences under this feature of character also. That 110 That you were once afar off, and enemies to God by wicked works, is a truth you will not be disposed to question. But that you are now brought nigh, by the blood of Christ, is the point you fear to assume the confidence of believing. But only attend to those marks, and characters, by which the work of grace in the heart is known, and you will discover, that there are as plain traces to infer the one, as there were to be convinced of the other. The Lord him- self indeed, gives the confirmation of it, by his servant the Prophet, and refers the gracious change, both to its source, and to its security. When I passed by and looked upon thee, behold tliis time was the time of love : yea I sware unto thee, and entered into a Covenant with thee saith the Lord God and thou becamest mine. And what that covenant was, another Prophet was commissioned to shew : that Qod would not turn from his people to do them good but he would put his fear in their heart that they should not depart from him. These Covenant impressions therefore, which you carry about with you, do as fully prove, the spots of God's children, as the former trans- gressions of your unregeneracy, manifest that you were once the servants of sin. Do my Brother, examine fhem, one, by one, and you will find a coincidence in them to your own experience. The Ill The Lord thy God (saith Moses) hath avouched tJiee this day to be his peculiar people : and thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God. See then, whether you do not accept of God, in this covenant way of redemption,, and expect mercy, and peace in no other. Is not God's salvation your desire ; his covenant par- don, your most earnest pursuit to attain : the blood, merits, and righteousness, of the Lord Jesus your security ; and the sweet influence of the Holy Ghost, your daily support ? Are you not continually coming, as a poor, polluted creature to be cleansed ; as a hungry thirsty, creature to be filled : and as a naked creature, to be clothed, with the robe of Jesus's righte- ousness? Is not David's language; yours ; that altho' according to your wish it doth not grow ; yet this everlasting covenant is all your salvation, and all your desire ? you renounce every other, and cleave wholly to this ? The very method God hath appointed for redemption is the way you desire to be found in. God's choice, your choice : and his method, yours. These are precious evidences, my Brother, if you find them in your experience. For by these things men live and in till these things is the life of the - us the Spirit. And however small and inconsi^ derable they may appear to you; yet depend upon it, there is enough in the life of the humblest believer, in the review of grace in the heart, ia cry out with the astonishment of one of old what hath God wrought ! Learn to live upon God's faithfulness, and his Covenant promises. Consider what hath been already done for you, in the everlasting love of the Father ; the Redeemer's purchase; and the blessed Spirit's quickening operations ! Nay, the very evidences you possess this day, in preserving, influencing;, reviving grace, is enough to make a man blush, in the conscious- ness of unbelief. Yet a little while, and that blessed promise will be fulfilled. The rebuke of his people shall he take away from off. all the earth,, for the Lord hath spoken it. Both the rebuke of sin, and sorrow : of temptation from without, und unbelief from within. God hath taken away the burthen of sin from his People, when he laid it on the Lord Jesus. And he will take away all the effects of it, when the process which it is intended to answer, shall be fully accomplished. But you will enter in the mean time, into a sweet, and gracious explanation, of a thousand trials, commissioned by infinite wisdom for your good; if you thus look, and thus thus learn, what the unbelieving and unawa- kened world, know nothing of. And the very fears with which you now cloud your own evidences, of divine favor, the Lord will graci- ously overrule, so as to make them minister, to the accomplishment of that comprehensive promise ; that all things work 'together for good to them that love God ; to them wko arc the called according to his purpose. May the Lord, graciously dispose every heart present, to profit by our review of this subject. And while you, and I, are receiving such un- answerable evidences, that the Shilon is come ; may God add, that only remaining testimony, to crown the whole ; by making it personal* to every one's experience ; in bringing assurance to the Mind, that we are truly gathered unto him, as his people. That when he shall come again, to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in nil them that believe:, we may hail his return, in the animated language of the Prophet ; and say in that day> Lol this is our God we have watted for him and he will save us this is the Lord we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Sermon 5. THE SURE PROGRESS OF GRACE. Psalm 927id, IZth I4tk Verses. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bring forth fruit in old age> they shall be fat and flourishing. I KNOW not whether it hath ever struck you, with the importance the subject merits, the beautiful order, which is observed, in the great plan and oeconomy of human redemption. It is difficult indeed to know which to admire most, the astonishing mercy displayed in the act itself; or, the perpetual grace and goodness, manifested in the carrying of it on, from day to day, in the heart of him, who is made the happy partaker of it God hath no less consulted the comfort, than he hath the interest of his People, 'in that the P 2 same 116 same grace, which was displayed in forming re- demption, is unremittingly exercised, to establish and confirm it, And certainly one of the highest felicities of the mind, is to watch the leadings of grace, and trace its progress, in the various operations of it continually. It should seem, as if the gracious Author of so much mercy, thought it not enough, to make the renewed soul truly happy, in teaching him, that the eternal interests of the Lord's people, are lodged securely in the Lord's Hands ; and that all the covenant-engagements of Jehovah, are with the Person 6f our Almighty Mediator, as Trustees of this Covenant : but God opens be- sides this, another source of the sweetest enjoy- ment, in leading him to the view of the opera- tions of the Holy Ghost in the heart, and ripen- ing the seeds of grace planted by his own Almighty Hand, by the daily fostering care of his own Almighty power, and carrying the whole on, by various evidences of his love through the course of time to eternity. This sums up. the contents of the Holy volume, which he puts into our hands to peruse, and which when fully read and understood in the heart, gives that joy, which is very properly termed unspeakable and; full of glorv. A train of observation like this, may be well supposed to arise in the mind, from the words of of the text, as well as the many precious things, belonging to this golden psalm, from whence they are taken. It is entitled a Psalm> or Song for the Sabbath day. And what more sweet, or more suited^ for the service of the Lord's day, than the cele- bration of the Lord's praises ? what more likely to awaken, every becoming frame towards God, than when recounting the faithfulness of God ? we certainly take the most effectual method, to excite under the blessed Spirit's influence, a trust in a Covenant-God, for future blessings, when we look back, and take a review, of his past favors. And while grace is in exercise, how are we more likely to promote prayer, than by approaching a mercy-seat, with praise ? But without entering into an examination, of the whole beauties of this sweet psalm, the text alone will be found to contain so many in itself^ that I fear we shall hardly find time, within the limits I must observe to unfold to your present view, all that it contains. The Holy Ghost, in order to convey his divine truths to the mind, hath been pleased to make use of a great variety of metaphors, to answer this purpose. As the Great Teacher in the school 118 school of Jesus he is for ever sending h?s people, to some image, or figure, in the wide field, both of nature, and art, the better to illustrate, and explain, his doctrines of grace. And seems indeed, if one may presume to say so, to have ransacked, all the kingdoms of vegetable and animal life in order to arrest every faculty of man, that nothing might be wanting, to convey right apprehensions, of the important truths of salvation. Among the many methods of this kind, which he hath been pleased to adopt, in borrow- ing illustrations, from art, or nature, to explain divine things by; the idea, of planting menti- oned in the text is more than once made use of in the holy scriptures, . and as it is a very com- mon, and well understood process, and not more common, than beautiful, the Holy Ghost seems to have more frequently adopted it. He compares the people of God to trees of righteousness, planted not in the usual place of fields, or gardens, remote from constant observa- tion, but brought into the hoitse of the Lord,, where they are sure to be always in view, and to be both sheltered, and flourish in so highly favoured a soil. And contrary to nature, (for the whole work is grace) they are said to increase, with increasing years, and to be most luxuriant^ luxuriant, when from age they might otherwise be expected to decay. They that arc planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bring forth fruit in old age, they shall be fat and flourishing. There is a vast degree of beauty in this figure, when analyzed, and highly descriptive of what it is designed to convey, of the blessed operations of grace in the heart. Those trees are said to be planted, not grow spontaneously, but planted : for nature, in its loveliest production, and before grace hath formed it a new stock, is in itself, a degenerate plant, and grows only, in the world's wide wilderness: where like the heath in the desert, it knoweth not when good cometh. And which, if it bear fruit, it is only the fruit of the vine of Sodom and of the fields of Gomorrah, whose grapes are gall and their clusters bitter. * Moreover; those trees, are not only trees of God's own planting, taken out of nature's common, but they are brought into the sacred inclosure of God's house. That is, they are brought nigh the divine presence, and live under his continual favor. It is sweetly said, by the Lord himself, concerning his vineyard- of old. * Deut. 32. 32, ISO &ld, in allusion to this happy state ; that he had fenced it round, and gathered out the stones of it ; intimating, that he had so surrounded his people with his constant protection, that nothing from without, should hurt them, and by taking away their stoney hearts, nothing from within, should obstruct their fruitfulness* And thus all true believers, like trees taken from the wild wilderness of nature, and planted in God's own house, are brought into a state of high cultivation, and may be said, from the plenti- ful supply of ordinances, and continual manifes- tations of the divine presence, to have the Sum- mer's warmth and the Autumn shade, the clouds, and the dew, and the rain of heaven, dropping their fulness and fatness upon them. But what is most striking, and particularly meriting our notice, in this sweet figure of the text, because it is altogether descriptive of the work of grace, and perfectly foreign to nature ; is the flourishing state of those trees, in ad^ vanced age. For this is wholly supernatural. In the common operations of nature, every thing is progressive. After the season of ma- turity is completed, barrenness, and corruption, must follow. But in grace, the trees of God's right hand planting, are said to be most fat, and flourishing, when nature is decaying. With God's people, the sweetest fruit, is in old age. Their 121 Their last days, are their best days. And to use another similitude, like the setting suri, itl some fair evening, whose orb of glory;, appears to be magnified to the view, and his beams more abundantly shining with gold, when, sinking beneath the horizon : so the dying saint, sometimes shews forth greater accessions of grace, manifests stronger and sweeter evi- dences of the life of God in the Soul, and from long experience of God's faithfulness, affords in his latest moments, more precious testimonies of the liveliness of his faith ; than in any other for- mer period of his existence. Think of this, rny aged Fathers, in the house 4 of God ! and when health, and strength, and friends, and life, and all are decaying; beg of God, that a growing acquaintance, in the covenant love and faithfulness of the Lord, may give you increasing confidence, to bear stronger. and fuller testimony, to the truth as it is in Jesus. This will be indeed, to bring forth fruit in old age, when from the refreshments of grace, in your own heart, you are enabled to refresh all around you. And surely the most desirable of all deaths, must be the dying, as you have lived ; hanging upon the promises, and by faith realizing heaven, even before entering upon iL Oh ! what a glorious testimony is it in those latter ages, when we see a dear aged saint of the Lord manifesting like the Attraction of the magnet, that the nearer he is approaching, to the object Q of 122 of his desires the Lord Jesus, the stronger his soul is drawn towards him ; and thus increasing longings, and increasing dependance, in his faithfulness, are hourly emptying the soul, of ail that is its own, and filling it with all that is from above. And at length when the moment comes, he dies, as it is said that Moses did, upon the very mouth of the Lord, and sweetly falls asleep, in the bosom of Jesus. The subject proposed to our Meditation, from the words of our text, will be found I hope, under the divine teachings, generally profitable. Nothing can convey instruction more, to God's own people, who are already brought by grace, into the sacred plantation of God's house, than to see the security, which they possess there- from, and the assurance of flourishing which they are promised in advancing years. And while this view, may serve to shew them, from whence all their fruitfulness must be derived, our subject if commissioned by the Lord, will no less be useful, to convince some uncultivated mind present, that unless they are gathered out, from the original stock, of^\ corrupt nature, and become planted in the house of the Lord by grace ; their root icitt be as rottenness and their blossom go up as the dust. * * Isaiah 5. 24. In 123 In the prosecution of this subject, I shall have only to follow up, the beautiful order, which the sacred Writer hath observed, in Jlrst speak ing, of that state described by planting, in the Lord's house : and then se- condly, the sure effect of fruitfulness, springing out of it. The text therefore forms its own I only stay to beg of God, at our entrance Upon the subject, that both classes of hearers, before whom I speak, may be benefited by our review of it. That while some come under the transplanting hand of God, and are gathered this day from nature's wilderness, into his courts : many more, may find evidences, as we prosecute the path of enquiry, to manifest, that they are personally interested in the doctrine, and that precious scripture, is proved to be their portion : They shall be called trees of righte- ousness the planting of the Lord that he might be glorified. \ First then, let us attend to the important doc- trine, conveyed to the Church, under this figure of planting. The Scriptures, are full of the most beautiful imagery a 2 f Isaiah 61. 3. 124- imagery, and seem to have studied a great variety in this particular, by way of illustration on this point. An Union with the Person of the Lord Jesus, as the Great Head of his Church, being the sole means of a participation, in all the gifts, and graces, which flow from his person, to his. people: it became necessary, that the truth should be clearly explained, in order to afford the more lively conviction of it. Hence it is said, that true Believers in Christ Jesus by the operation of the Eternal Spirit, are incorporated with him, as branches are in a Vine. They are united to him, as living Members in his mystical body. They are ingrafted upon him, as the graff upon a stock. They are built upon him, as upon a foundation stone: and they as lively stones, are growing up to an holy temple in the Lord, for cm habitation of God through the Spirit. They are married to his Person, by his assumption of our nature, generally considered ; and by the Spirit's work in the heart, personally Applied to every individual, they are conse-v quently entitled, to all the benefits of the union. I make use of all these figures, (and they are all taken from scripture) in order to illustrate, the whole extent of the doctrine, which they are intended to convey, And you may observe, in the 125 the variety adopted, how the sacred Writers, have endeavoured to make up for the deficiency of one image, or figure, by the substitution of another. For as the idea of planting, doth not carry with it, that change of nature in the plant, which is wrought by grace, in the heart ; under the image of engrafting, is included, the doctrine of conversion also. And hence, true believers in Christ, are thus represented, as not only brought out of nature's wilderness, and planted in the courts of the Lord -, but in the accom- plishment of this great work, their nature is regenerated, and they are formed anew, in Christ Jesus. So that being engrafted upon him, they derive all their life and moisture,' and fruit- fulness, from him. They enter into a full enjoy- ment, of all that soul-enriching communion which such a nearness, and unity may be supposed to induce, From him, (as an Apostle speaks) it is, as from the Head, all the body by joints and bands having nourishment., ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. * And as these wonderful effects, wrought upon the human mind, are all necessary, in order to form it, for God's plantation ; so they indivi- dually carry with them, the marks, by whose sovereign power alone it is, that such superna- tural deeds are wrought. Indeed, the very idea, of being planted, conveys at once a full testi- mony, * Colors. 2. 10. 126 mony, that the thing acted upon, must be alto- gether passive, in the act. For, if true believers in Jesus, like plants, grow not in their first, and natural soil, it can be no other but God, who brings them out of it, and plants them in his own fcouse. The Apostle Paul, hath illustrated this act of sovereign grace, with his usual elegance under the metaphor of a Tree, wild by nature, and grafted contrary to nature, into the true stock. Thou (says the Apostle speaking to the Gentile Church, whom God had brought into his garden) wert cut out of the Olive tree, which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature, into a good Olive Tree, f No image, could have been more happily chosen, to represent the state of our fallen nature, than that of an Olive Tree, let to run wild, and uncultivated, and exposed to be the prey of every beast of the wilderness. And nothing could at the same time more strikingly demon- strate, that the recovery of such a degenerate plant, must be the result of the sovereign power, and goodness of God ; than by the strong figure of cutting out from this corrupt tree, and engraft- ing into the good tree. For the act not only exceeds the ability, but the desire, and even the consciousness f Romans 11. 17. 127 consciousness of its necessity in man ! It is all in opposition to nature's bent, and contrary to all nature's inclination. To drop the figure. Every man both from original, and actual corruption, sadly indicates., that his state, is not simply ill, in this, or in that, particular, feature of the mind, but the mind itself, the very stamina is altogether so. It is a rottenness at the core. The heart i? corruption. Perhaps my Brother, you have never consi- dered the subject in this point of view, and therefore, may not so readily enter into the clear apprehension of it. But if God the Holy Ghost, shall graciously condescend to be. your teacher, you will then discover that there are no images, or figures, strong enough to represent the real state of the case, of man in his unrecovered, unrenewed nature, before an act of grace hath passed upon the soul. His understanding^ is all darkness. His mind, enmity against God. His will, uniformly rebel- lious. All the affections disorderly. In short, the whole heart, with every passion originating from it, deceitful and desperately wicked. And as these are the etchings of character, in man, so are they of every man, and of all men. They form 128 form indeed, the family feature. It is but to draw the picture of a human being, in his present fallen state, and these must form the outlines of his person. And hence, the wonderful change, when accomplished by almighty grace in the heart, is expressed by corresponding characters. .The understanding, that was once darkness, is now said, to be light in the Lord. The mind that was once enmity against God, feels a constraining love to him. The rebellious zvill is brought into captivity, to the obedience of Christ. The affections, which were all engaged on the side of sin and corruption, are now influenced by the spirit, to the fruits of all goodness and righteous- ness and truth. In a word, God gives a new heart and with it the whole man is changed. Old things are passed away. All things are become new. These are the sweet effects of being gathered from the original state of nature, and being brought into a state of grace : or to use the simi- litude of our text, being taken from the waste, and barren wilderness, and planted as trees of righteousness in the house of the Lord. And what a blessed testimony, to the truth of this doctrine is it, when the heart of any believer finds 12,9 iinds a precious correspondence to It, in his o\rn experience. When you can look back, and see, what you once was, and as thankfully look up, and contemplate, what you now are. When the soul is conscious, of being gathered, and planted, into the Courts of God, from the perpetual sup- plies you receive from the Lord, as the commu- nicating head of all influences. Blessed be God, there are some, and that some I trust, not a few, who are as conscious, of drawing all their fresh springs from Jesus, as the streams, depend upon the fountain, or the rays. of light, upon the Sun. They are not more sensible, that the animal life, is supported day, by day, by the sustenance derived from the bread that perisheth, than the spiritual life of their soul, by the sweet supplies of grace, which they derive, from their living head. But if there be no union with Christ's person, there can be no communication in his gifts.. Planted the soul must be in the Lord's house, and ingrafted in the true Vine Christ Jesus, or no fruit can be brought forth unto God. The text limits the blessings it promiseth, and com- mon sense limits them also, to this precious implantation. It is they, and they only, which are planted, in the house of the Lord, that are said R 130 said to flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bring forth fruit in old age, and shall be fat and flourishing. Shall I beg of you, to pause one moment over this part of our discourse, before we go on to what was proposed under the second branch of it, that every one may make it a subject of di- ligent enquiry; whether this blessed operation hath passed upon his mind ? Are you anxious my Brother, to know your state in this matter? The point is easily ascer- tained. A change of soil, to the plants of nature, is not more visible, than a change of heart, when accomplished, is manifested from the work of grace. They that are planted in the house of the Lord, soon indicate, where they have taken root. They long for the manifestations of God. They are as sensible of his presence, or absence, as the tender productions of the garden, are conscious of heavenly influences. The sweet communications which pass, and repass/ between a gracious soul, and a more gracious God, do, as decidedly testify, when grace is in exercise, and when it is not, as the varied seasons of day, and night, in the natural world, manifest the change, And the sensible growth 131 growth which is promised in the text, though not found in equal degree in all; will yet in some certain proportion, according to the measure of grace imparted, demonstrate, those which are within, the sacred inclosure, from those which are not. Are you sensible, my Brother, of any of these things ? Do you know any evidence in your own experience, of the transplantation from death to life ? Are you acquainted with those vehement desires of the soul after God, which David speaks of; as the thirsting of a dry land where no water is? Can you describe, the different states of di- vine communications, from the contrary, in your own instance ; and do you know what it is, to enjoy the light of God's Countenance, and what to mourn after it, when at any time, suspended, as a soul that waiteth for the Lord, more than they that watch for the morning. These, and the like enquiries, if closely ap- plied, in a serious hour of examination, will soon enable any man to discover, what, above all things he is most highly interested to know, whether he be truly interested, in the promised blessing of our text, by having experienced the work of it previously exercised on his heart. Let me once more repeat, before this branch of our subject be dismissed, that an union with Christ's person, is R 2 indespensible 132 indispensible to a communion with his graces. And when this is accomplished, all the sweetness and fulness of that blessed Scripture follows; Because I live ye shall live also. * I shall proceed now, to the second point which I proposed from this subject, namely, to shew the sure effects of fruitfulness, springing out of the former. Indeed, nothing can more decidedly manifest, that believers are in a state of vital union, with their Almighty head, than when they are growing up to him in all things. For this denotes that they live under his immediate influence. There is a beautiful order, in the Spirit's work, upon the heart, and which if truly gracious souls would keep more in view, their comforts would be greater, and their confidence more unbroken, "When once the Holy Ghost hath brought the soul into this sweet union, with the Lord Jesus, there is a constant life of receiving out of his fulness. The very life indeed of the soul is in Jesus. It is no longer kept up, than it is preserved in him. The stream doth not depend more upon the fountain, neither the tree on the root, than the regenerated soul doth, upon the life-giving Head. Consequently therefore the effects of that life, in whatever * John 14. 19. 133 whatever way it be manifested, is in him. And hence all supplies, essential to preservation, must be constant, unremitting, perpetual. As the branch, never ceases to receive sap, and mois- ture, from the Vine, to which it is united, and by which it is kept alive ; so the believer, never remits one moment, deriving resources from Him, who is the life of the soul, and who by way of explaining this precious affinity saith, / am the vine ye are the branches. And what makes this life of dependance, so very sweet and interesting is, that God the Holy Ghost, whose gracious office it is, from first, to last, to carry it on, is continually exercising the soul, by its wants, to seek resources. It is He, which reveals to the believer his own necessities, and the Redeemer's fulness, and then brings him to Jesus, for suitable supplies. So that by thus constantly living upon him, the believer is daily increasing, in grace, in knowledge, in obedience, in love, and in affection, to the Person, and cha- racter of the Lord Jesus. Nothing can tend more, to keep the soul humble, than a daily sense of its own wants, and insufficiency. And nothing will endear the Redeemer more to the heart, than his daily, hourly, supplies to the soul, of all its neces- sities. And thus, when God the Spirit, hath accomplished this blessed purpose, by his divine teachings, and induced this spiritual frame of waiting on the Lord, in a constant dependance upon. 134< upon him, the believer experimentally feels somewhat of the spirit of the Apostle, to glory in his infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon him. He literally rejoiceth in his own emp- tiness, that it may afford occasion, to taste the sweetness of being filled from Jesus. And how- ever paradoxical it may seem to the world ; when he is most weak in himself, then is he most strong, in the Lord, and in the power of his might. This is then, in the language of the text, to flourish in the courts of our God. This is to bring forth fruit in old age, when nature's root, is more and more decaying. This is to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. For grace is an humbling principle. And the soul that grows in grace, is growing downwards. That is, lays lower and lower, in the dust before God, in token of pro- found humiliation, in the discovery of greater in- sights of his own corrupt, and sinful nature. And as he advances, in the knowledge, of his Lord and Saviour, he sees more of his beauty, more of his fulness, and suitability, as a Rich Saviour, exactly formed for a poor Sinner. By growing in grace therefore, he grows more out of love with himself; and by increasing in the knowledge of his Saviour, he becomes more enamour'd of his Person and Character. And thus the blessed Spirit teaches him to know, both himself, and what Jesus is, that he may be filled with all the fulness of God. My 135 My Brother. Have you been thus taught of God ? Are your advances in grace of this kind ? Be assured, that there is no other to be depended upon. Men may fancy what they please, of inherent holiness in the creature : But these things result, not from divine teachings, but are the puffings up of human pride. Do not forget this one thing. The distinguish- ing office of God the Holy Ghost, is to glorify Jesus. Now it never can tend to glorify Jesus, when we exalt the creature. And what can tend to exalt the creature more, than when we tempt him to fancy, that he hath in himself, somewhat of holiness to look to. When we send him to duties, and ordinances, and the exercise of his gifts, and graces, by way of recommending him- self to God. The Spirit's teachings, are all the reverse to this. He shews the sinner, that the same Al- mighty hand which first stripped him of every thing he fancied holy, and then led him, naked as he was, to Christ to be clothed, now leads him daily, as naked as ever, to Jesus, to be co- vered with his robe of righteousness. The same grace, which convinced him, that he was empty, and brought him to Jesus to be filled, teaches him like the Israelites in the desert, that the living bread, of which their Manna was a figure, must be again supplied, pure and new, every morning. 136* morning. And the same blessed Instructor, that made him come empty handed, and bringing nothing but his misery to recommend him, still tells him, that he hath nothing, literally nothing else to bring, but the same recommendations. Oh ! these are sweet and precious lessons, in God's School. I pray God, that you, and I, may learn them, more and more, from our great Mas- ter. Depend updn it, he that stands highest, in the upper form, of his heavenly teaching, is he, that hath made the greatest proficiency, in this humbling science. And were I in possession, of all the learning in the Universe, and the know- ledge of every art and science, centered in my person : gladly would I relinquish the whole, were it possible by the sacrifice, to acquire a greater depth in those two grand rules of the di- vine life. To know my own total emptiness, and Jesus's all-sufficiency. And by the Spirit's ope- ration to be unceasingly living upon his fulness. But while I am speaking, of the blessedness of those, in whose experience, the promise of the text is daily fulfilling : and who from living more, and more, upon Christ, flourish as they advance in old age ; I must not forget, that very probably, there may be, some mourning souls pre- sent, who from not finding this progress in their instance. 137 instance, are tempted to call in question, every principle of their faith, and to doubt whether they have ever been brought in, as plants in the Lord's house. My Brother ! Do not in your anxiety, over- look those evidences, however small you may think them, which carry in their bosom, the truest marks of a work of grace in the souL Your very fears, and anxieties, prove the re- verse of what you fear. Else why those distress- ing apprehensions of coming short of grace ? Wherefore those longing desires after grace ? Why is it, that you sometimes rejoice, upon the smallest gleam of hope arising in the soul, and again fall back into your former despon- dency, when that hope is clouded ? Must there not be grace in the heart to desire, even though those desires, be not according to your wishes gratified ? Moreover ; Say, is not the Redeemer very dear to you, as a Redeemer to his Church, and People, even though, you cannot see your in- terest clearly in him? Is not his Person, al- together lovely, and his gifts, and graces, most desireable, however short you yourself come in evidences, that you are united to the one, or have communion with the other? And faint, and S and indistinct,' as the impressions of hope are upon your mind, of a personal interest in Jesus, and his offices ; tell me, would you, or could you, give them up, with an indifference, as one that hath no right in them? Do my Brother, examine yourself, by these standards of cha- racter, and I venture to believe, that you will find precious testimonies, where you least ex- pected them. : ,?J y/o-ftj- v;il.,-i ^ . .;:; . Besides: It should 'be remembered- also, that Believers in the Church of Christ, like plants, do not, neither are they expected to flourish, with equal strength, and rruitfulness. The distribution of spiritual gifts, we are taught, are diverse, though all coming from one, and the self same Spirit, who divide th to every man severally as he will. The church at Tliessalonica flourished so abundantly, as to call forth a parti- cular thanksgiving, to God, from the Apostle Paul upon the occasion. We are bound (says he) to thank God always for you brethren as it is meet because your faith groweth exceedingly. On the contrary, the Church among the Hebrews, made so little progress, that the same Apostle told them, they had need to learn, the first principles. But as Churches both, we may be very certain, there w r as a progressive im- provement, though not in an equal degree. I I will be very ready to confess with you, that nothing can be equally desirable, to the soul, as the increasing with all the increase of God. But while grace prompts the soul, to desire this more and more, the same grace, doth as earnestly teach the believer, to be thankful for what he hath. Satisfied by the evidences given, that you are truly brought, into the courts of the Lord's house, and united to Christ Jesus, as a branch, in the vine ; bless God, for such distinguishing mercy. And while in humble waitings, in the appointed way of ordinances, you are seeking an increase, from the Lord, do not overlook, nor despise, (for we know the Lord doth not) the day of small things. Recollect also, that it is in grace, as in nature. Though the branches of the tree, are not all equally lofty, or equally luxuriant; yet the humblest, and the lowest bough, if really a part of it, is as much nourished, and sustained, from the root, as the strongest, and the highest. And is not that a sweet reflection to the soul, that Jcsus's care is peculiarly exercised, over the low, and the weak, and such as from their situa- tion are more, immediately exposed to danger r To use N S 2 use another beautiful image of scripture 5 while he feeds his flock like a Shepherd in the day that he is among his sheep., to seek that which was lost, and to bind up that which was broken, and to strengthen that which was sick : he is said, to gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosom and gently lead those that are with young. I have been so very diffuse, in the illustra- tion of the doctrine of the text, in the opening of my discourse, and have so generally incorpo- rated the practical inferences arising out of it, as we have gone along, that there will be the less reason for detaining you, with any length of ap- plication in conclusion. I dare not indeed, consistent with the duty of my office, of supplying some portion for every one in the congregation, I dare not shut up the subject altogether, without dropping a word to such of my audience, as at present feel them- selves uninterested in the blessed promises of the text, because they are uninfluenced in the doctrine of it. Very obvious it must be, without my re- marking it, that if the great mercies of a state of flourishing, flourishing, and fruitfulness, spoken of, as be- longing to God's house, are wholly depending upon the event of being planted there ; unless this act takes place, neither can be found. It were a folly to look for the effect, without the cause. "And the alternative is awful indeed. That solemn declaration of the Lord Jesus upon the point, is a volume ; Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.* Shall I beg of you therefore my Brother, from a conscious sense of the vast importance of the thing itself, to look diligently lest you fail of the grace of God. Never forget, that the most plentiful ordinances, void of this life-giving power, are all nothing. The rain, and the dew, and the clouds' fatness, drop in vain, on rocks and sands. Gracious God ! accomplish thy great work of conversion, (if it be thy blegsed will) in the hearts of some who hear me this day. And now before the axe is laid at the root of the tree ; before that awful sentence is gone forth, cut it down why cumbereth it the ground: let that precious promise to Israel of old, be their portion ; Bring them out, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place O Lord. * Maith. 15. 13. 14.2 Lord, which thoti hast made for thec, to dwell in, in the sanctuary O Lord which thy hands tiave established, f Then will they be called trees of righteousness the planting of the Lord that thou mayest be glorified. * Suffer me to add, for the encouragement of the faithful, that I trust in God, no faint, or thirsty soul, will depart, without knowing his personal interest, in the sweet promises of the text, and having as feelingly received their ac- complishment, in his own experience. Your very wants carry with them this life of dependence ; and on whom shall the faint rest, but upon the strong, or where shall they thirsty be filled, but at the fountain head ? Every exercise of grace leads the soul to Jesus, and the more necessitous your circumstances are the stronger should be the motives to live upon his fulness. Go then my Brother, go unto Je- sus. And take with you this one observation, as a never-failing truth, answerable to all exi- gencies : Whatever brings you closer to him, must be a blessing, however disguised it may be in a covering of sorrow. There is more space in the heart, to be filled from the Infinite Creator, when the Creature is most f Expd. 15. 17. * Isaiah 61. 3. 143 most emptied. And the preciousness of Jesus, will be best known, when the soul hath literaliy norhing else left, that is precious. A Believer may, and I hope doth, sometimes feel the grace which is in Christ Jesus, when his blessings are multiplied, upon him. But depend upon it, the sweetest season for the soul, to say as the Pro- phet did, Yet will I rejoice in the Lord I will joy in the God of my salvation, is when the fig tree doth not blossom, and the fields yield no meat. J May that sweet promise be fulfilled, as it may be required ; / have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul. * Hab, 3. 18, * Jerm. 31. Sermon 6. THE BLESSED EFFECTS OF THE LOVE OF GOD IN THE SOUL. Romans, 5th. Chap. 5th. Verse. And hope maketh not ashamed, beecause the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. NOTHING can be more evident, from the general scope, and tendency, of those exceeding great and precious promises, which are given to believers in the gospel of Christ ; than that it is the intention of our heavenly Father, his people, should enjoy, every possible conso- lation, in their passage thro' this world, to a better. It should seem indeed, as if a gracious God, not satisfied, with giving the positive assurance, that there is a rest which remalnelhfor the T the people of God; determined to afford them, many refreshing springs of comfort by the way. which might beguile the tediousness of the path, and sometimes make the desert through which they are passing, to blossom as the rose. Laying this for a foundation, that the great work of the conversion of the heart to God, hath been wrought by the Holy Ghost on the believer, (and this you know, is the pre-re- quisite of all happiness,) and then, all the sweet properties, resulting from such an act of grace, must eventually follow. And depend upon it, in proportion, as the love of God, is shed abroad in the heart, by his divine power; so exactly corresponding to this, will be the influence, suited to every occasion. And for this plain reason. As the love of God flow.s in, creature dependencies, and the comforts, or conflicts, arising from all creature dependencies, go out. When this grand principle, of divine love, is shed abroad in the heart ; that is, is diffused in every part of it ; enters in to every recess ; and fills up the whole space ; there will be little, or no room, for other tenants, to occupy. And while the soul, thus derives all its resources, from this one principle alone, which is a fixed, and settled principle, and liable to no fluctu- ation, there will be a hope that maketh not. , as Paul calls it, in the worst of times ; and 147 and let what will vary without, a peace is secu- red within, m which keeps the heart, and mind thro' Christ Jesus. But let the Apostle speak his own words. He tells us, in the opening of this Chapter, some of the many precious Effects, which flow from a state of justification before God. He considers, (as I have done, in what I have already said) the soul, to be taken out, of that state of enmity with God, in which every man is born; and brought into reconciliation and favor with God, through the merits, and death of the Lord Jesus. And then, enumerates various blessed consequences, which imme- diately arise out of it. Therefore (says he) being justified by faith, ' we have peace with God, through our^Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also, we have access by faith, into this grace, wherein we stand; and rejoice in hope, of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribu- ations also, knowing that tribulation worketh, patience, and patience, experience: and expe- rience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God, is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us. How very beautiful, and unanswerably con- clusive, is this reasoning, of the Apostle. He T 2 takes 148 takes up the subject, from the beginning, and having presupposed, that original quarrel, which sin hath made, between God, and his people, to have been made up, and peace restored j he therefrom proves, that not only the distance, and enmity between the parties, are removed, but the greatest favor, and affection, follows : and thus rises, by a sweet climax, step by step, until he beholds the sinner, leaping into the very bosom of God, with an holy familiarity and affection, unbounded, and without shame. And what I would principally desire you to. observe, in this passage of scripture, which in- troduceth the words of my text, is the delightful view it affords, of the gracious concern, which each person of the Godhead, in their several operations, are intimated as taking, for the ac- complishment of this happy purpose. It is with God, that we are said to have peace. And this is wrought, through the sole merits, of that Al- mighty Peace-Maker, our Lord Jesus Christ. But, that the part, which God the Holy Ghost bears, in this great work, may not be over- looked, or forgotten ; the access of this grace, wherein we are said to stand, manifests his gra- cious leadings, by whom it is accomplished. For while we have this access, the same Apostle elsewhere tells us, that it is by one Spirit unto the Father. * And *Ephes. 2. 18. 149 And the charming consequences, which arise out of those gracious acts of the Godhead, on the minds of the Lord's people, are no less de- serving your notice, and regard. They, which are thus admitted into reconciliation, and fa- vor, are admitted at the same time, into the privileges of it. The faith of justification, in which they stand, qualifies them no less, to rejoice in hope of the glory of God. He that gives grace, will also give glory. The whole indeed, is the sole result of divine favor. And therefore, the gift of grace now, is the sure pledge of glory hereafter. And lest any one should be led to suspect, from the well-known trials, which the godly in Christ Jesus, are sure to encounter in life, that these points, become questionable : the Apostle goes on, to point out, an accession of happiness, even from what the world would think evil. Not only so (says he) but we glory in tribula- tions also. As if he had said, by this precious property of grace, which like a chemical process possesseth the happy art of converting bitter qualities into sweet; we glory in tribulations also. Not that God's people are insensible to af- flictions, more than others. And certain it is that all afflictions, are for the present, not joyous but grievous. But, by their operations, they ultimately prove blessings in disguise. Like medicated waters, which in themselves, are nauseous 150 nauseous to the taste, yet by their passing over some mineral property, imbibe a virtue, which proves salutary in their application; so afflictions however painful in their operation, become sanctified to the soul, from the grace accompa- nying them. Hence tribulation worketh patience, among the people of God, which in the world at large, produce th the reverse. And patience long exer- cised, begetteth experience ; because the longer is is used, the greater evidences it brings with it, of God's faithfulness to his promises. And as repeated proofs of God's faithfulness, in a Covenant-way, giveth strength to his promises, the more we try God, the more our hope in him must be enlarged. And thus in a truly jus- tified soul, there will be an hope that maketh not ashamed, because it leaveth nothing to a perad- venture, to be ashamed of. The Believer goeth not to a mercy seat, and a throne of grace, with a presumption, his God may hear, or may answer, for he knoweth that he will answer. There is one there, whom the Father heareth alway, and through whom, he is accepted, and justified. Such an hope maketh not ashamed therefore, because, the love of God is shed abroad in the heart, by the Holy Ghost given unto us. What 151 What I propose, from this sweet portion or scripture, as God the Spirit shall be pleased to enable, is, to demonstrate, the invaluable pro- perties of the mercy itself, in the love of God shed abroad in the heart : and the blessd effects resulting from it, in the hope which maketh not ashamed. It is possible, a gracious God, may com- mission, a subject of this nature, to the refresh- ment of some souls of his people present ; and lead them to see, that a communion with their Covenant-God in Christ Jesus, by the Spirit's shedding abroad this love in the heart, is not a privilege, to be called into exercise only now, and then ; but becomes one, uniform, steady, and unceasing principle of action, by which, like saints of old, they walk with God, through all their pilgrimage. And I will no less hope also, that a gracious God, while peculiarly refreshing the awakened soul, by a meditation of this kind, may make it useful to those, who are as yet unconscious of his love. We certainly take the most effectual method under his grace, to excite the careless to a greater concern for his salvation, when we bring- before him. a view of the privileges of the faithful. In 152 In the pleasing prospect, of ministering to this important purpose, I shall invert the order of the text, -and ,first, endeavour to shew you, in what way, this love of God shed abroad in the heart manifests itself to the believer's experience so as to lead the soul into this constant frame of enjoyment. And then secondly describe the blessed effect, arising out of such a cause, in that hope which (the Apostle saith) maketh not ashamed. And my prayers are, that He, to whose gracious operations in the soul, we owe such unspeakable mercies, may at this time, give you convincing evidence, of the whole in your own experience, by directing your hearts into this love of God and into the patient waiting for Christ. First, I am to shew, in what way, this love of God, manifests itself to the believer's expe- rience, so as to lead the soul, into this constant frame of enjoyment. And this may be exemplified by a train of evidences, taken from the very frame of mind, of a truly regenerated soul, in his daily acts of faith, more, or less, which he is enabled to ex- ercise, according to the measure of grace im- parted, on each of the persons of the Godhead. For there certainly is, and must be, these distinct acts, 1513 acts of communion, both with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; agreeably to the re- spective offices, which they are described in scripture, as having taken, in the redemption f the Lord's people. Perhaps, I cannot adopt a more effectual method, of explaining this very sweet, and in- teresting doctrine, than by an illustration of it, under each of these particulars. May the Lord the Spirit, graciously grant you, experimental testimonies of the truth itself, by his divine teachings as we go along. And first, in respect to the personal interest, which God the Father hath taken, in the salva- tion of his people, and which the love of God, shed abroad in the heart, by the Holy Ghost, enables the believer to discover. Tracing up from slender beginnings, effects to their causes, in the covenant love of God the Father, the believer in Jesus, is able to discern, the grand source of all his happiness. And as he is led to see, that this gracious act, did not originate in the merit of man, so he as plainly discovers, that the continuance of it, can need no better security, than the unchangeable pur- pose of God in Christ. V Hence 154 Hence therefore, he contemplates the Fa- ther's covenant, as a fixed, and nettled plan, of mercy. And such a mercy, as is not intended to operate, at some particular times, or seasons only, according to the state, and temperature, of the human mind; but is in itself, one uniform principle of action. And therefore, in proportion, as the love of God, occupies the heart, or to use the more ex- pressive language of the Apostle, is shed abroad in the heart; as pure milk dropped upon water, soon diffuses itself over the surface, and gives a tinge to the whole ; so from the diffusion of this principle, the believer will be enabled to find comfort, in the view of the covenant en- gagements of God, in the worst of times, whatever his own frame or feelings may be. To exemplify this by a particular illustration. Let it be supposed for argument's sake, that a true believer in Christ, who stands in the jus- tified state, the Apostle describes, in this Chapter, through the merits of the Lord Jesus, hath felt, the influence of this love of God shed abroad in his heart, by the Holy Ghost. Let it be further supposed, that such an one, is brought under the influence of some pressing temptation. Perhaps, added to the conflicts arising from the powers of darkness, he hath other 155 other trials to contend 'with. There may be, much distress of soul; and there certainly will be much remains, of indwelling corruption to afflict him. In such seasons, (and they are not. unfrequent, in the life of real believers) as all creature resources are cut off, where shall the soul find relief? God the Holy Ghost, who only can illumine the darkness of the mind may have remitted his shining. He hath not withdrawn from the soul his presence, for that according to gospel pro- mises is impossible. Jesus declared concerning him that he should abide for ever. But, though the glorious Inhabitant be at home, he doth not appear. And, unless he gives grace, to act faith, upon the person, of the Lord Jesus; certain it is, that no communications can flow. For it is his peculiar office, to take of Christ and shew un- to his people. From whence then, shall the be- liever look for comfort ? Here then comes in to our aid, the sweet- ness, and importance, of God the Father's cove- nant love; in which that blessed promise, hath its full accomplishment : I will never leave thee nor forsake thce. In contemplating this provision, of God's covenant-engagements, the soul finds at all times relief; for it is an everlasting Covenant, ordered in all things and sure. It no longer then V 2 becomes 15(5 becomes the question, with the soul, under any trial, of sin, or temptation, whether God may help; but he is enabled to assume the well grounded confidence, that God will help. There are no peradventures here. All is fixed, and cer- tain and absolute. The view of God, as a Cove- nant-God, in Christ, removes all fear. And like the Prophet of old, when comforts run low, and temptations are high, when the best of men arc like briars, and the most upright, sharper than a thorn hedge : nay, when the greatest bosom friend, proves deceitful : the soul looks at God, in his covenant relation, and says, my God will hear me. Oh ! it is very sweet, and an unspeak- able mercy, to have a Covenant-God to look to and a Covenant-God, to rely upon, in all seasons, and upon all occasions. And next to the blessedness of the Covenant itself, the method, which God the Father hath graciously condescended to adopt, by way of recommending it to our warmest embraces, becomes a very pleasing addition to its en- joyment. A bare promise from God, when it is consi- dered who, and what God is, in the unchange- ableness of his nature, and perfections, ought to have satisfied every mind, that what he promised, he would most certainly perform. God 15' God therefore when he entered into Covenant engagements, pledged himself to faithfulness, by the most solemn promises. And we know, his ability is competent, to the performance of all that he hath promised. But the condescension of God rested not here. God willing f saith an Apostle) more abun- dantly to shew unto the heirs of promise, the im- mutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an Oath : that by two immutable things, in which it ivas im- possible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation who have Jled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. * Still moreover, advancing in wonderful grace and condescension, God confirmed his covenant- engagements, in a way which surpasseth all calculation of mercy, and in the blood of his dear Son, stamped its validity, with an impres- sion of tenderness unequalled. And as a perpetual seal to this covenant, marked in blood, and in no less blood than the blood of Christ, in that standing memorial of Jesus's death, which we call the ordinance of the holy supper, he hath designed to keep up, a never ceasing remembrance of it, among the faithful, at every renewed commemoration. The * Heb. C. 17. 18.' 158 The Lord Jesus himself gave it this importance, when he called it, the cup of the new testament (or covenant) in his blood. Now put all these together, and see, what a gracious design, God the Father had, that his people should be refreshed, upon all occasions, with a view of his covenant mercies. Not con- tent, with expressing in the covenant itself, every evidence of mercy, (for it is in fact, no- thing but grace, and mercy, from beginning to end,) our compassionate Father, well knowing, the weakness, and unbelief, of the human heart, adopted all these methods to gain our affections, to the reception of it; that when the other wa- ters of the sanctuary ran low, the soul might find sufficient to asswage his thirst in this. And (as the Apostle says) though it be but a man's cove- nant, yet if it be cojifirmed, no man disannulleth or addeth thereto. * Hence therefore, God's co- venant established on such immutable pillars, must be like himself, the same yesterday to day and for ever. And the believer finds it so in the darkest hours who stands justified in Christ's righteousness, and in whose heart, the love of God, hath been shed abroad, by the Holy Ghost given unto him. Let us next view the same blessed property of the Spirit's influence, in this particular, as it is called * Gal. 5. 15, 159 called forth, in exercise, towards the Person, and offices, of the Lord Jesus Christ. And this, if I mistake not, will as effectually tend, to ex- emplify the preciousness of the principle, as the former. From the well known union, which the real believer hath, with the Person, of the Lord Jesus j he possesseth an interest of property, in whatever belongs to . the Redeemer. As the Covenant-head, and Mediator, of his people, he is a member of his mystical body ; and therefore, part of himself. So that not only all his springs are in him, but consequently, his graces can never totally languish, while issuing from their Almighty fountain head. Because I live, (says Christ) ye shall live also. It is impossible, that the smallest, or most inconsiderable of Christ's people, should perish, without by so much involving the Redeemer in the same. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. But as in the present and unripe state of existence, every thing is imperfect, there will be no less an imperfection, in the operation of these blessed properties. Though 160 Though truly, and properly, united to the Lord Jesus, by virtue of the renewed life in the soul, the communication from his fulness, will be more, or less manifested, according as this principle of divine love, from the Spirit's work, is shed abroad in the heart. Where there is the greatest emptiness of all creature enjoyments, there in proportion, will be larger space afforded, for the filling in of the Creator's love. And on the contrary, when the heart is swarming, with vain thoughts, like a cage of unclean birds, until these fly away, or more properly speaking are put to flight, what room can be found for the love of God ? It becomes very sweet to observe, and indeed it is among the principle operations, by which the Holy Ghost, sheds abroad the love of God in the heart, the method he is pleased to adopt, for the accomplishment of so much mercy. In order to empty the soul, for the reception of divine things, he permits his people, not unfre- quefitly, the gratification of their wayward de- sires, in the pursuit of one creature comfort, after another, on purpose, that from continual disappointment, they may be brought back, to seek happiness, where alone it can be found. For this end, he tinges all their comforts, with vanity ; converts their very pleasures, into sour- ces of pain ; causes a bitter fruit, to grow out of the very plant, they had proposed t6 them- selves ? 161 selves, much sweetness in; and by throwing down, one after another, all their false props of creature confidences, he brings them low in the dust before God, by way of preparing them, for the greater manifestations of his love. We have a beautiful instance of this, ex- emplified in the case, of the Church of old. Slie said (saith the Prophet) / will go after my lovers, that gave me my bread, and my water 9 my wool, and my flax, mine oil, and my drink. Strong expressions these to describe, the many wanderings of the heart, after its various idols. But what saith God to all this ? I will hedge up thy way (saith the Lord) with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths. And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them : and she shall seek them, but she shall not find them. Then shall she say I will go and return to my first husband for then was it better with me than now. * Here you see at once, an illustration, of that process of grace, by which the Holy Ghost, brings back the soul, and prepares it, for the full enjoyment of divine love. When he hath mercifully induced sorrow, and disappointment, and W * Hosea 2. 5. 6. 7. 162 and vexation ; and sickened the heart, in the pursuit of all creature comforts : having thus driven all buyers and sellers out of the temple, a fit habitation is then formed, for Jesus him- self to enter in. The heart melts under a deep sense, of its own folly, and ingratitude, towards God, and God's goodness towards him. And full of these impressions, the believer is driven to his knees, in prayer, to confess his vileness and God's mercy. His language then is j / have seen an end of all perfection. Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth, that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth, but God, is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever. These are precious testimonies, of the Spirit's influence, in confirmation of the doctrine of the text. The love of God, is indeed, shed abroad by his power, when all creature affections, are lessened, or removed, to make space, for the full reception of the Redeemer. And in pro- portion, as this blessed principle prevails, so all others die away. You may therefore estimate, your own exact situation of character, in this particular, by this unerring standard. And depend upon it, ac- cording to the degree of estimation, in which the Lord Jesus is held by you, such more or less, 163 less, is the Spirit's operation of this blessed gift in the heart : for your affection can proceed, from no other source. In those happy souls, where this influence is largely extended, there will be no apprehension, no distrust, no dead- ness to divine things, no anxious solicitude for earthly pursuits, no spirit of bondage, no guilty frames ; for perfect love casteth out fear. The Holy Ghost, sheds abroad the love of God, with such fulness, and sovereignty, that it sweeps away as an over powering torrent, all other considerations. And hence it is, that true believers in Christ., in whose hearts this love of God prevails, as 111 their experience creature comforts have lost their sweetness, so afflictions loose theif bitter- ness. While this love is uppermost, they can, and do enjoy Christ, in every thing, in such a relation, and encouraged by such a promise ? My Brother! if God the Holy Ghost hath happily shed abroad this love in your heart, you need no comment from me to say, to what ex- tent it may be carried. Depend upon it, there arc * Isaiah 45. 11. 17* are some, who from the Spirit's influence, and the freedom induced in the soul, by the Saviour's justifying righteousness, can go to a mercy seat at all times, with an holy boldness, to ask any thing, and like Jacob, wrestle with God in prayer, with unceasing importunity, till it be ob- tained. It is a Child's privilege this. And the sweet and near affinity of the Father, and that a Covenant Father too, in Christ, at once jus- tifies and confirms it. But perhaps it may be questioned. What if the believer fall into transgression, will not the soul feel restraints, in the exercise of those pri- vileges? Yes! unquestionably. A sense of guilt upon the mind, will ever form a sad cloud of darkness, to intercept our view of the divine countenance. Believers well know, what it is to groan un- der a body of sin, and death, which they carry about with them, and for the burden of which, they go heavily. And indeed the true believer, in whose heart the love of God hath been most fully manifested, will be most abundant- in his sorrow. Like David, he feels the chain of sin, to be most galling, because his iniquities are pe- culiarly aggravated. Against thee, thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight. Such will be 175 be his language : That I who owe so much to God, who are in covenant engagements with him, his sworn servant, his adopted son, his child, that I, of all men, should have bro- ken his commandments, and sinned against him ! Hence from the very bottom of his soul, he sends forth that mournful complaint, like Ezra, O my God I am ashamed and blush to lift up mi/ face to thee my God I * But do observe in all this, how very distin- guished, and expressive, those soul-rending cries are, of the state of the heart before God. The love of God, is still at the bottom, notwith- standing all appearances. And there is a child- like spirit, a true filial affection, yet remaining. God was Ezra's God, though Ezra dared not look up, with his usual confidence. Oh ! it, forms, a blessed frame, and plainly manifests grace in the heart, and in full exercise, when the believer lays low iri the dust before God, in a conscious sense of sin, and unworthi- iiess. Shame, and confusion of face, are sweet testimonies, of what passeth within. Similar to this state of mind but yet in a less degree, are what hath been considered, as in- ferruptions to the love of God; I mean that darkness * iara 9. 6. 116 darkness of soul, when distressing sighs go up, and a dead silence at the mercy seat prevails, so that no answers come down, to assuage grief t / said (saith the Prophet, upon one of those mournful occasions) / am cast out of the sight of thine eyes yet will I look again toward thy holy Temple. But is it not abundantly evident, though the Prophet himself saw nothing but terror, and thought that he was now totally abandoned, yet divine strength, was in the very moment upholding him, with his everlasting arms, or how could he have looked towards God's holy Temple ? So far are such cases, from becoming proofs that God hath suspended the operation, of shedding* his love abroad in the heart, or shut up his loving kindness in displeasure, that they afford some of the truest evidences of his mercy. Those views, which are opened there- by, to the Believer's experience, of his own nothingness, before a throne of grace, the emp- tying him of all righteousness, in Border to endear the Redeemer, and his righteousness to the heart ; the hanging on the mercy seat, and the resolute wrestlings with God, which it occa- sions : these sre among the sweetest fruits, of the Spirit's work, and proclaim, that the love of God, lies deep in the heart, and is largely shed abroad there, by his divine power. Had the poor woman of Canaan, been spared this Jonah 3; 4. 177 this exercise, she would not have received that florious testimony ; which the Lord Jesus gave er, of the excellence of her faith ; neither would her monument, have formed so conspicu- ous -a figure, in the Christian road as it now doth, for the instruction and comfort, of ex- ercised believers, travelling by. Some of the strongest testimonies of divine- love, are among those, where the soul is called out, to great difficulties, and discouragements, on purpose to manifest divine strength in creature weakness. And do my Brother mark this down, among the useful observations, for your experience ; whenever the Lord Jesus is pleased to try your faith, depend upon it the issue will manifest to you his faithfulness. God the Holy Ghost hath caused it to be left on record, with peculiar emphasis, that it is good, that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the Salvation of the Lord. * Our subject is capable of being extended to- many other cases, in proof of the doctrine itself, that the hope of the true believer, is a hope that maketh not ashamed, when the love of God, is shed abroad by the Holy Ghost given unto us. But your time is exhausted. Y One * Lament. 3. 26. 178 One or two improvements, which the subject suggests, shall close the whole, and relieve your oftontirui attention From what hath been said, we may learn, the sole cause, of all that unsteady, and changeable frame of mind, which distinguish the state of believers in their Christian path. We feel but too little, of this glorious work of God the Holy Ghost upon our hearts. We are content with sipping now and then, of the streams which make glad the city of God, when we might for ever drink of the river. We are looking for some- what to recommend in the creature, when we might live upon the Creator's fulness. And hence, the soul is frequently in bondage frames, and under heart straitenings in prayer; and the poor believer, walketh in darkness and hath no light. Not considering, that it is the gracious design of the Holy Ghost, to empty the soul of every thing, that he would wish to call his own, on purpose to fill him, with every thing precious in Christ Jesus. And for this pur- pose, that he is leading him, amidst all the poverty, and weakness, and fears, and guilt, and tremblings, with which he is encompassed, to Him,, in whom it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell, that he may receive, out of 'his fulness grace for grace. And when the Holy Ghost, hath graciously performed this blessed office, Psabn 46. *. (jffice, of shedding abroad the love of God in the heart, with a fullness proportioned to our wants, then the believer finds a hope, that maketk not ashamed. The language of his heart is then changed. He doth no longer say, how shall I, a poor hell deserving sinner, venture to draw nigh to God, or wherewith shall I come before him? But taught by the Holy Ghost, he cries out : shall I fear to act faith, upon God's covenant promises, and my Redeemer's righteousness? Shall I go to iriy Father, in a spirit of bondage, when he hath owned me for his own Son by a spirit of adop- tion ? Shall I exercise nothing but fear, what his very name, as revealed to me in Christ Jesus, is nothing but love ? Beg of God, I pray you, for larger, fuller, deeper manifestations of this precious part, of the Spirit's work. Having tasted that the Lord is gracious, desire to live wholly upon him. What the Apostle so earnestly prayed for, do you covet to know, the love of Christ which passeth knowledge that ye may be filled with all the fulness of God. And make this the standard of character, to which you are continually aspir- ing ; to forget the things which are behind and to press forward to those (hat are before. Tell the Lord, you cannot rest satisfied, in present at- tainments 180 tainments, nor live upon past experiences. You have known a little, of his love, and therefore that little, makes you long for more. In a word, sit down contented, with nothing short of this ; that Christ is fully formed in your heart the hope of glory. And this, is the hope, the text means, which maketh not ashamed: because it is the sure consequence, of the blessed operation of the love of God, shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost given unto us. But what consolation, doth our subject afford, to that class of hearers, who so far from having an interest, in the hope that maketh not asham- ed, are described in scripture, as having no hope and without God in the world. Forgive me when I say, that I cannot but exceedingly fear, lest what Paul said of the Church at Ephesus may with equal truth be applied, more, or less, to many professing Churches, in our day: They are not only un- conscious, of this work of the Holy Ghost, in shedding abroad the love of God in the heart, but as to any real purpose of vital godliness, have never so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. * Shall * Acts 19. 2, 181 Shall I intreat you, my unawakened Brothers to look into the state, in which you now stand before God. Have you received the Holy Ghost since you professed to believe? And do not forget this one thing, that any supposed merit, in the receiver of grace, is not only unnecessary, but impossible. None were ever made par- takers of the Holy Ghost, for any worthiness in themselves. He, whose blessed office it is, to shed abroad the love of God in the heart, is no less engaged, to create the heart anew, to receive it. Both the mercy, and the qualification, for the mercy, are of him. The outpourings of the Spirit, are like the dew from the Lord, which tar- rieth not for man, neither waiteth for the sons of men. But though divine grace, is not suspended, upon the event of human seeking ; yet when Sinners, are brought within the calls of grace, God hath said, I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel to do it for them, j- Ask then, and ye shall receive, (for so the pro- mise runs) seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For as a Father, hnoweth how to give good gifts, unto his Children', so shall your heavenly Father give his holy Spirit to them that ask him. May MicaJ>5. 8. f Eack. 56. 37. 182 ' May God graciously shed abroad bis love in every heart, and fill us all with joy and peace in believing that we may abound in hope through the power oj the Holy Ghost. % I Rom. 15. 13. Sermon 7. THE BELIEVER'S WARFARE. Judges, Sth. Chap. 4th. Verse. Faint yet pursuing. THE life of the true believer in Jesus, is a series of paradoxes. Paul, the Apostle, hath sketched the strongest outlines of it, in one of his chapters to the Corinthians, when speak- ing of himself, and his few faithful companions in tribulation, he thus describes it ; As unknown, and yet well known, as dying, and behold we live as chastened, and not killed: as sorrowful yet alway rejoicing : as poor, yet making many rich ,- as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. And 18* And how unaccountable soever this may ap- pear to the carnal mind, the fact is literally exemplified, more or less, in the history of the faithful, in all ages. They are unknown, and unnoticed ; despised, and frequently oppressed, by the world: yet well known, and highly esteemed, in the sight of God. In themselves, and in all their interests, they seem to be apparently dying, to the eyes of men; yet in the midst of all, they not only live, but live everlastingly secured, from all real danger, and are strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. And though chastened from the tender affection of a Father, too wise to mistake their interests, and too gracious to be unkind in his appointments, concerning them ; yet they know nothing of those rebukes of his displeasure, by which he condemns the unbelieving world. Men of corrupt minds, suppose them to be always gloomy, and sorrowful; whereas in reality, they are always rejoicing in the hope of God. And though confessedly poor, as the most part of them are, in this world's poverty, and all of them literally so, in that poverty of spirit, which is the badge of their Christian character; yet are they enabled to impart to others of the unsearchable riches of Christ. So 185 So that though considered in themselves as nothing, and in reality being so indeed, as to any personal possessions, of their own, yet hav- ing Jesus for their portion, in him, they may be truly said to possess all things. Such is the family feature of the disciple of Christ ! And his walk of faith, carries with it an. exact uniformity of correspondence ! And I have often thought, that among the felicities of heaven, a portion of the enjoyments will be, to look back over the everlasting hills, and trace the wonderful path of grace, in which the Lord hath brought his people on, amidst all the difficulties, and discouragements of the way. To observe the kind preventions of love, in the days of our unregeneracy. The display of an Omnipotent Arm, unremittingly stretched forth to keep back from death, and the grave, before the work of grace was formed in the heart. To mark down the instances of pardoning mercy since., in the numberless transgressions, and departures from God, by which the walk of the most upright may be traced Gracious 186 Gracious God [ What an huge Volume, doth every believer's history form, of the Lord's forbearance, and man's undeservings. And what a subject, will be unfolded to our view, when the whole is finished, and bound up toge- ther, in a mass of particulars : to manifest, that our merit was never made the standard of divine favour, but the sole result, of his distinguishing mercy : who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but accor- ding io his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. And if it be reasonable to suppose, that the happiness of our future state, will gather some of its sweetness, from our being more intimately acquainted, than we now are, with the Lord's gracious superintendence, and watchings over us, in our progress through it; it should seem to follow, that nothing can be more conducive, under God's teachings, than the carefully attend- ing to his approaches towards us now, in the various methods by which he manifests his love to his people, otherwise than he. doeth to the world. My Brother! depend upon it, though God the Spirit, hath graciously caused to be record- ed, a book of sweet experiences, in his holy word.. 187 word, in the lives of the faithful, who have gone before you in the Christian path; from whence under his teachings, you may gather perpetual instruction, and consolatioti, to guide and comfort you, on your way: yet doth he afford also, another book of closer experiences still, in your own life, by the perusal of which, you may trace (if your forgetful heart, do not lose the memorandums of it,) a multitude of instances, to testify his unremitting care, and watchfulnes over you. And I do venture to believe, that if you were to accustom yourself, to this study, the view of past evidences of God's faithfulness, would furnish some of the best means, to strengthen jour future depen- dence upon him, and to prepare you under his blessed influence, against any of the remaining 1 trials,. with which his providence, may see it fit to exercise you, in the unfinished period, of your present Jife. A train of thought like this, hath crossed rny mind in the .contemplation of the subject which the short sentence of the text carries with it. Faint yet pursuing. The characters pf whom this was said were Gideon and his little army, who were engaged m righting the battles of the Lord. God had assured Z 2 188 assured them of conquest; but in the moment^ when they were promising themselves the victory, new difficulties and discouragements arose. The text represents them in the heat of action. Faint under the many heavy assaults, which they had sustained; yet pursuing, as if nothing hurt, the sure destruction of the foe. Such is the spiritual warfare of the believer. From the first moment he buckles on the holy armour, in the conflicts of grace, there is no re- mission, until he is undressed for the grave. There can be no truce in this war. Whatever sharp skirmishes, you may have already gone through, depend upon it, more yet remains for you. to encounter. And you cannot have a bet- ter testimony, that you are a true Soldier of Je- sus Christ, than while carrying this motto on your banner ; faint, yet pursuing. It will form a very pleasing subject, and I hope no less profitable than pleasing, if under the divine teachings, we trace this state of war- fare, in the believer's experience, through the variety of methods, by which grace is brought into exercise. Perhaps 189 Perhaps there may be some present, who from being unacquainted, with the depth of the En- emy's devices, or the extent of the heart-work- ings through corruption, may be in the very mo- ment 1 am speaking, fainting under the assaults of sin, and Satan, and exclaiming with one of old, I shall certainly perish by the hand of the Enemy. And it is more than possible, there may be others here also, much bowed down with soul distresses, from the various impediments which obstruct their path : that their hearts are discour- aged like Israel in the wilderness, because of the way. Our subject if it be graciously directed by the Holy Ghost, will minister relief to such cases as these or at least answer one general purpose, in teaching every true believer, where to look for aid, and from what source alone, it is to be ex- pected. Every faithful follower of Jesus, may adopt the language of the Apostle, in this par- ticular, and say, as he did; though I can do nothing by myself, yet / can do all things' through Christ which strengthened me. And for those characters, if any of that des- cription be present, who are totally unacquaint- ed, 19.0 cd, with the conflicts which arise between grace and corruption, and induce faintness in the heart, all that can be said concerning them, is this; they know nothing of religion, who know nothing of those workings. And the most deplorable state of all states is to be at peace, and rest, while the strong man armed keepeth the palace. What I propose, from our present subject, is in the jr.y place, to illustrate that faintness of soul, which ariseth from the contentions of grace and corruption, amidst the various exercises of it. And secondly I shall go on to shew, that how- ever faint the true believer is, in this spiritual warfare, he is yet pursuing, the prize of his high calling of God, in Christ Jesus ; and is enabled to hold on, and hold out, through the grace or" Christ, which is sufficient for him, and whose strength is made perfect in weakness. first I am, according to my proposal, to illus- trate the doctrine, of that faintness of soul which ariseth out of the contentions, between grace, and corruption, in the believer's experience. And this view, of the renewed nature of man, iY traced from its beginning, and carefully followed 191 followed up, through all its progress, until it be consummated, in glory ; opens one of the most interesting subjects possible ; though I confess, at the same time, it becomes very humbling to the pride of the human mind to contemplate. From the very commencement of the renewed life, when God who commandeth the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in the heart ; the eye of the soul, like the eye of the body, suddenly emerging from blindness, to behold the wonder- ful objects around, is dazzled with the over- powering brightness, and from the weakness of vision, will see things but as it were through a glass darkly. The new born-babe of Christ, (as one of the Apostles, calls the newly regenerated believer,) like the natural infant, comes in to life, in a state of helplessness. And when that state be considered, .as opposed to all the powers, of the old-man, who though crucified, is not dead; -and though gradually perishing, yet as creatures in their dying pangs, are known sometimes to send forth the strongest efforts, for the recovery of life, so his oppositions to grace, will not unfre- quently burst forth, with redoubled violence: When this state of irreconcilcable opposition, be- tween the ld, and new nature, be considered, nothing can more fully demonstrate, with what languor^ 192 languor, the believer is introduced, into his spiri- tual life. And hence those expressive figures, by which the holy scriptures represent it. It is called, a day of small things. And indeed it is so small, as to be scarcely perceivable, and so inconsider- able when seen, that it seems to promise nothing. A grain of mustard seed, is the comparison also, by which it is described. And this, not only, from its being the smallest of all seeds, but from its being cast into the heart of man, where it is apparently buried, and lost, amidst an heap of corruption. In respect of strength, the bruised reed, is its truest emblem; which cannot even stand of itself andr-is broken with the least touch. And in reference to a warmth of piety, nothing can better represent it, than the smoking flax, which hath no flame, and but little heat. Such are the characters, the word of God gives, of the renewed nature, and in such a state of weakness is the believer's introduction, into the renewed life. And as in entrance, so in progress. It is all in creature weakness, divine strength is perfected. What from corruptions, of the heart within, and oppositions of the world from without, he may well be said, to be but/azVz/ in his strongest moments. Some Some of you who best know the various exercises of the soul, in the struggles of grace, with corruption, like the Shulamite of old, of the two armies, in their uninterrupted skir- mishes, can best describe, the faintness induced therefrom. If my Brother, God the Holy Ghost, hath given you to see, and feel, the plague of your own heart, (and that he must have done, if you are the happy partaker of grace) and you are led to behold, the effects of it, marking all the way, as you have come along : when from heart sins, you have experienced, heart sorrows ; and when from great heaviness, induced by great trials, you have feared grace, was withering in the soul and ready to die ; speak, for you can best say, what fainting of the heart that is, when, like the Church of old, you have been prompted to cry out, My strength and my hope is perished from the Lord ! Neither is this all. The soul doth not droop, and hang the head, through sorrow of heart only, from corruption within, or opposition from without, but Hell itself, is up in arms, to oppose the child of grace, in his warfare, and to dispute, inch by inch, with him, every step he takes through all the way. A a What 194 What the Apostle Paul declared of himself, and the faithful in his day, all the faithful find, in their experience every day. We wrestle not (says he) against flesh and blood only but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness, in higk places. And what a conflict must he have to main- tain, and what fainting of the soul will such a state induce, who hath an enemy so subtle, so powerful, and so full of malignity, to contend with, and whose approaches, are for the most part, all secret and unperceived ? These general outlines of the subject, are in themselves sufficient, to explain the cause of the faintness, of the life of grace in the soul: and why it is that the believer hath so much reason, to go softly all his days. And indeed, the most superficial view of the case, is in itself enough to demonstrate, that unless suitable, and season- able supplies of grace, were continually granted him from above ; totally impossible would it be for him, to resist such a legion of foes a single hour. But perhaps- it will be taking a more effectual method, to illustrate and explain the doctrine, if 18$ if from a general observation of the subject, we were to examine, some more particular instances of it. Suffer me therefore to enter into your expe- riences concerning these things, and in one, or two of the more striking testimonies of them, which may serve as examples for the rest, shew you, what I know must be the exercises, of every truly regenerated heart, in the fainfness of which the text speaks, induced in the strug- gles of grace with corruption. As sin, is. the most frequent cause, for which the soul faints, and this, more,, or less, becomes the complaint of all exercised believers; let us begin, with our view of this; in which if I mistake not, every child of God, may find cause enough, to explain to himself the reason of his fainting'. All sin, is in its very nature, a source, of sor- row ; and for which, we are told, that the whole creation, groaneth, and travaileth, in pain together, But in the believer, it is attended, with peculiar aggravations. Hence David, reeking under the galling effects, in the mind of fresh contract- ed guilt, dwelt upon this, as the most painful circumstance Aa 2 196 circumstance of it; Against thee, thee only (says he repeating the word) have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight. As if, conscious that sin, in all it-> multiform appearances, became, as it really is, directly levelled against God. And what were the workings, and faintings, of David's heart, upon those occasions, we learn from his many penitential expressions. . Innumerable evils (.>ays he) have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look f up ; they are more than the hairs of mine head therefore my heart faileth me, And elsewhere, he speaks of his transgres- sions, as having gone over his head, and having become a sore burden too heavy indeed for him to bear. These are very strong terms, to denote the depression of soul. When sins, and the grossest of all sins, even sins against covenant-mercies, and against a Covenant-God surround the be- liever, and they encompass him, as a band of armed men, on every side ; when they take hold of a man, as the arm of justice seizes, the self condemned criminal, by the shoulder; when a sense of their number, ad'o's to his terror, being more than the hairs of the head, and a sense of their magnitude, swells the sad account, being greater than the heaviest burden, too heavy to be born: 191 born: when the whole force is accumulated together, and the soul can neither look within, but with apprehensiwi ; nor look up, with any hope : who but must faint, and drag on hea- vily in the path of grace, and mourning as he goeth, as one did of old, crying out ; O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death ! But this is but one cause of sorrow, though in- deed in its nature and consequences, it is the Parent of every other. There are multitudes beside which beset the Christian traveller, in his path, and make him go sorrowing and faint all the way. Those withdrawings of the Holy Ghost, or the hidings of God's countenance, as they are called, in the strengthening, and refreshing influ- ences, of his grace upon the heart: That dead- ness, which the soul sometimes feels, and hath too much reason to be frequently complaining- of, in its desires, of approaching a throne of grace, or when engaged in acts of devotion: That awful silence at the mercy seat, which, deeply exercised believers groan under, when like the prophet they say, O Lord how long shall I cry and t/iou wilt not hear even cry out unto thec of violence and thou wilt not save? * la these * Habak. I. 2. 198 these, and similar situations, well known to the faithful; who but must faint, and tire, along the heavenly road, when causes so many, and distressing to the soul, conspire to induce it ? And have you not found my Brother, (for I speak to the man that is no stranger to those heart-exercises) have you not found, that Satan hath availed himself of those dark seasons, to harrass the soul with his temptations ? What the Psalmist hath said, of the natural world, may with equal truth, be applied to the spiritual. Thou makes t darkness (says he) and it is night y wherein all the beasts of the forest creep forth. For when God withdraws his shining on the soul, and darkness is induced over the mind, the enemy creeps forth from his den, and adds to the gloom tenfold darkness, by his suggestions. Hath the temptation, never arisen in your mind, during such seasons, and while you have been 'deeply wounded, by r&ason of some fresh contracted guilt, or the supposed absence of the God of your hope ; have you not been prompted to fear, that all your former prospects, were a delusion ? that _the voice of Jesus you never had known, neither had you any part or lot, in this matter ? matter ? that what you fancied to be grace, was only some refinements of nature? And while thoughts of this distressing tendency, have been drinking up your spirits, have you never experienced that masterpiece of the enemy's stratagem, which he sometimes injects into the mind, by way of hiding from what quarter it comes, when the soul is prompted to say, surely the Lord would not look on, all this while, and be silent, while Satan thus triumphs over me, if I really were in grace. These are very common exercises I believe, in the experience of the faithful. And what their feelings, and faintings must be upon those occasions, are better conceived, than described, The heart knoweth its own bitterness. One State more, by way of proving, that the life of the faithful, is a life of faintness, shall close, my present illustration, of this point of doctrine. And this, I shall take from the un- happy infirmity, the believer possesseth, but too much in common, with the carnal world, to misinterpret the providences of God. How many, and how various, are the avenues by which distress creeps into the life of the be- liever, from the dark and mysterious dealings of God with his people, would be difficult to as- certain. But the mere outlines are eaough. Bereaving 200 Bereaving providences; straitened, and diffi- cult circumstances : the thwarting those desires, which seemed to promise much glory to God, and great improvement to ourselves : sudden, and unexpected breaches in our persons, or in our families ; the being deeply drenched iu want, and poverty, while beholding the rioting excesses of the sensual ; these, and the like exercises, for the trial of faith, in a gracious fcoul, sometimes induce great sorrow of heart. And especially, if in either of those cases, the mind is directed to connect, some past trans- gression, with the present affliction, as the cause. Both together, bear hard upon the soul, and induce a faintness, and trembling, which I presume, many too well know, to need my explaining, David, whose instance serves as an illustration, upon most occasions of the lives of the faithful, and whose whole history indeed, is but as a book of experiences, to this purpose, furnisheth a proof of the kind, I am now speaking of; and thousands beside David, I believe, have been brought nearly, by similar events like him, to the brink of apostacy. He tells us that his own personal sorrows, while viewing at the same time the prosperity of the ungodly, made him cherish hard thoughts of God. He begins his relation of it, with setting this down, as a never failing maxim, that God is 201 is good to Israel. Yet in his dispensations, he- could not at the first view of things, reconcile it. to himself. As for me (says he) my feet were al- most gone, my steps had well nigh slipt. For 1 was envious at the foolish, when I saw their pros- perity. There are no bands in their death : their strejigth is firm. They are not in trouble as other men: they prosper in the world: they increase in riches. But (says David) as for me all the day long have I been plagued and chastened every And it was not until David went into the Sanctuary of God, that these seeming contra- dictions, were at all explained to him, Neither shall you, or I, be able, to account satisfactorily, for various occurrences which we meet with, in our own experience, or behold in the lives of others, but from entering under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, into the same sweet asylum. There we learn, what no human teaching can inform us, that all God's judgments are right: and all our hasty conclusions, arise, as David's did, from our own infirmity. Unbelief makes all objects appear, through inverted mediums, by which we are prompted, to put false construc- tions, on God's providences, and lose sight, of the blessed Covenant, which is ordered in all things and sure. No wonder then,, that the believer grows faint, and languid, from his various exercises, by the way. B b These * Psalm 73. 1, 17. 202 These few instances, will I hope be enough, (for your time will not favor the adding more) by way of explaining the doctrine contained in the former part of our text : that the life of the faithful is accompanied with much fainting. I pause one moment, over what hath been said, before I enter upon the second part, of our subject ; just to request, every deeply exercised soul who hears me, and whose heart perhaps, in the very moment I am speaking, is faint by reason of discouragements, no longer to wonder, at his faintings, when he sees so much cause for it, in his sins. If grace be so weak, and cor- ruption so strong; let it rather excite your wonder, and at the same time, become the strongest of all motives, to call up your praise, that a soul, sifted like yours, in the sieve of so many, and mighty adversaries, and shaken and tossed about so violently, as you are, should not long since have fallen to the ground. If a spark of grace lives in a sea of such corruption ; If a taper, so feeble, and of such small glimmering, still burns, and be kept in, notwithstanding the rudest winds are blowing upon it, from every quarter; doth it not lead you to see, and ought it not induce you as thankfully to acknowledge, that divine strength, is manifested in creature weakness? +> And !20.3 And if this important lesson, be taught you, by the Holy Ghost, in the experimental teach- ings, of your own heart, which is the best of all schools, your sharpest exercises, will ultimately prove, your sweetest comforts. For what fur- nisheth subject of prayer now, will hereafter produce cause of praise. Faint you may be : but lost you never can. How shall he sink, under whom, are the ererlasting arms ? And in the mean time, let that sweet promise, be your comfort ; He that goeth forth and weepeth bear- ing precious seed shall doubtless come again with rejoicing. * I proceed now, to the second object which I proposed to accomplish, namely, to shew, that however faint, the believer is, yet is he still pur- suing, and through grace, is enabled to hold on, and hold out, against all opposition, to the attainment of the prize of the high calling of God tvhich is in Christ Jesus. It is the very distinguishing character of the life of grace, that God the Holy Ghost, carrieth it on in the heart of the truly regenerated be- liever, amidst a thousand difficulties. It appears to the man himself, upon numberless occasions, as if his hopes were all over, and his expecta- tions Bb 2 * Psalm 126. 6, 204- tions perished. But this is the very process, by which divine strength, is made perfect in human weakness. However low, the life of God in the soul may seem, it is not lost : though apparently dying, it is never dead. Neither indeed is it possible. And for this plain reason. Grace is an immortal spark. And therefore what is immortal, nothing mortal can extinguish. Many waters cannot quench it: neither can the floods drown it. It is an incor- ruptible seedy which liveth and abideth for ever. And how shall any corruptible principle, destroy its everlasting property? It may seemingly be long buried in the earth, and no traces of it ap- pear. But (as the Prophet beautifully speaks) it shall revive as the corn and grow as the vine. And how doth corn revive, and the vine grow ? Jesus himself explains the one, and common ex- perience manifests the other. Except (says Christ) a corn of zvheat fall into the ground and die it abideth alone but if it die it bringeth forth much fruit. And as the vine groweth out of a dry ground, and in its appearance is but a dry stick, which seems to promise nothing ; so the believer whose life is hid with Christ in God, is in him- self always dry, and unpromising, and in Christ alone, is his fruit found. Such in reality, is the state of every true be- liever. It is all in creature weakness, divine strength 205 strength is made perfect. And the more feeble the Lord's people are the more occasion it af- fords, for the display of his power, in supporting them. The more the wall seems to be tottering; the more doth it manifest the strength of the prop, which bears it up. Hence the Church is described, as coming up out f the wilderness leaning upon her beloved. Perhaps I shall more happily succeed, in ex- plaining the truth of this doctrine, if I pursue the same method, as in the former part of ray sermon, in descending from general to particular observations of it. For this will be to come home to men's bosoms, by illustrating the truth from their own experiences. I will suppose then for argument sake, that some precious soul, before whom I am now speaking, may be, in the present moment, in such a degree of faintness, by reason of fresh contracted guilt, and transgressions and sin, as to be ready to give up all for lost, and is writing bitter things against himself. Perhaps your offences have been attended with peculiar aggravations. You not only groan over sins of infirmity, into which, in an un- guarcjed 206 guarded hour, you have fallen, but such as you have run into, in cooler seasons, through the impulse of unrestrained affections, and the pow- er of temptation. Your transgressions, you will tell me, are against better knowledge, against covenant-engagements, strong convictions, and great grace, and what David-calls presumptuous sins, from the commission of which, he so earn- estly begged God to be kept. I will be very ready to agree with you, that such instances arising from the frequent assaults of Sin, and Satan ; are enough, to bow down the soul, and induce great heaviness of spirit. But yet, under this aggravated state of the case, still I contend, that when the believer is ef- fectually called, to the Christian warfare, (and you will remember, that I am now considering the subject, on this presumption) however faint he drags on the way, he is yet jmr suing. And in confirmation of it, a more precious evidence cannot be desired, than what your own experience furnisheth. You groan being burthened. Sin is not rooted out. You see, you feel, you faint, under its baleful effects daily. In the contest, by which the 207 the enemy harrasseth you, your spirits are en- feebled; and from his strength, and your weak- ness, you find yourself too often led captive by him at his will. But tell me my Brother, (for I appeal to the testimony of your own breast for the truth of what I say) are not these things, furnishing con- tinual sorrow, and heaviness of heart? Do you not find, your very soul, humbled to the dust before God, by reason of this state. And would you not purchase, were it possible, an exemp- tion from those remains of indwelling sin, with the price of every thing you possess? If such be your experience, certainly there must be grace yet living in the soul, to induce such de- sires, though like corn buried in the earth, it seems for a while lost, amidst the rubbish of corruption. Moreover; there is another sweet distinguish- ing character, by which we trace evidences, that the reed though bruised, is not broken, neither the smoking flax quenched; and that is, from the sighs, which the soul sends forth, under this state of mind for deliverance. The Apostle Paul felt exactly what you feel, and spoke both your, and my experience, when he said; O wretched Alan that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death. Language 208 Language like this, cannot proceed, from that sorrow of the world which worketh death. But these are the breathings of a soul awakened, by the Holy Ghost: which feels its own corrup- tion, which loaths itself, in its own sight, and under the deepest self abasement, and holy in- dignation against sin, and his own heart, is secretly leading by the Spirit to Jesus, to be delivered both from the power and guilt of it. I defy nature, in her highest attainments, to imitate this. Nothing but grace, can lead to such things. And therefore my Brother do let me charge you, to write down these testimonies, among the memorandums of your life. For if such sweet properties, are still with you, then is that blessed promise, evidently accomplished in your experience. / will pour out (saith God) the spirit of grace and supplication ; and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn, for him as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first born. * While therefore you fear, that grace is totally withered, and every gift of the Holy Spirit dried up, as the grape apeareth on the vine ; He that looketh jon, and who seeth, not as man seeth ; saith, no ! there is wine in the duster, destroy it not * Zech. 12. 10. not for a blessing is in it. * Grace is still bound up in the heart, and its repentings are nearjy kindling, wheli under the weight, and burden of sin, the soul is sending forth vehement breathings, after a deliverance from it. And do my Brother, take with you, this further consideration. He who sought you, in your first estate, when you sought not him; will not leave you now, to perish in your present circumstances of evil, when your desires are to- wards him. Though you have made him to serve with, your sins and wearied him with your iniquities, yet remember, what he saith ; / even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake and will not remember thy sins, f In the very hour, that you have been running from his arms by rebellion, he hath been send- ing after you renewed instances of his grace. Else, whence those awakenings of his holy Spi- rit, in your heart ; Whence those faintings under sin, and longings after his favor ? Oh? it is truly refreshing, under all our life- less frames, and doubts, and unbelief, to consi- der; C c * Isaiah 65. 8. f Isaiah 43. 35. 210 der; that amidst the unceasing praises of the redeemed in heaven, Jesus 'doth, not for a mo- ment, remit his attention to the wanderings, and weaknesses, of his exercised family upon earth. He sees your situation. He knows under what you groan. He beholds the power, and malice, of the Enemy. And therefore his grace, and not your strength, becomes the cause of security. Hence David reasons ; the wicked watcheth the righteous and seeketh to slay him. But the Lord will not leave him in his hand nor condemn him when he is judged. He rnay fall, but he shall not finally fall away. He may be cast down, but God will not cast him off. For however un acceptable in themselves, they are accepted in Christ. For so the charter of re- demption runs. Mercy shall be built up for ever. I have made a covenant with my Chosen. His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven. But I must restrain these considerations, that I may not exceed the visual limits. The illustration of the unextinguishable na- ture of grace, under this one point of view, in which I have been considering it, and that in the most general of all instances, inasmuch as it must, more or less, suit all cases, of the Lord's exercised 211 e/xercised family; may by a parity of reasoning, be applied, to every other. For, from hence,, true believers may learri, to form proper conclu- sions, to their own . state, and circumstances, whatever these may be, to convince them, that however faintly, they are going on the Christian path, and sorrowing as they go, yet they are still pursuing ; and though sowing in tears, they will reap in joy. The promise to this amount is very sweet and encouraging. He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed shall doubtless come again rejoicing bringing his sheaves with him. * Make application of this, to any of the va- rious situations, by which the true believer in Jesus, is frequently discouraged in his journey, and his heart brought down through heaviness, and you will find under every one of them, how effectually the Lord hath provided, for the secu- rity of the faithful Are they faint, from the withdrawings of the- Holy Ghost, in his refreshing and strengthening influences? Are they under a distressed state of mind, by reason of bondage frames? Do they feel heart-straitenings, in their seasons of holy C c 2 * Psalm 126. 6. 212 holy ordinances ? Do they find but little disposi- tion to go to a mercy seat, and sometimes, even less comfort when there? Are they tempted to entertain hard thoughts of God, respecting his providences towards them, and hastily led to draw conclusions therefrom, as if the Lord had forgotten them ? In these, and other situations of a like nature, by which unbelief tears and harrows up the soul, the complaints, do altogether refute themselves, and carry with them, in their very bosom, an Incontestible evidence, that grace is not only unextinguished, but even in full exercise In the heart. . For if the Holy Ghost, had totally withdrawn his influences ; whence those earnest desires for the enjoyment of his presence, which are the ef- fects of his own creating ? If the mind was ac- tually shut up, under bondage frames, and heart- straitenings, in seasons of worship -, from whence should issue those longings of the soul, by which you mourn after God, when you do not fully enjoy him? Must there not evidently, be grace in the heart, when like the Church of old, you send forth, that sweet breathing: with my soul have I desired thee in the night., yea with my spirit within me will I seek thee early. In 213 In a word, conflicts of grace, with corruption, evidently testify, that the warfare still continues. Though faint you are yet pursuing. If the burn- ing bush be not consumed, it is because God is in it. If the worm Jacob thresh the mountains; it is because the God of Jacob is his refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Your God, your Jesus, is leading you by this very process, through the most precious exer- cises of the soul. The furnace may be hot, but the Refiner himself, sits by, to keep the fire duly under. There shall not a particle of the pure gold be lost; it is only the scum which must be taken awav. The trials of the faithful are great. But their triumphs are not Jess sure. / will bring them (saith the same Almighty Promiser) through the .fire, and will refine them., as silver is rr fined, and will try them as Gold is tried. But observe what follows. They shall call on my name, and I will hear them. I will say, it is my People: And they shall say, the Lord is my God. * Hence therefore, though all the powers of hell, and corruption unite : the Lord Jesus must * Zech. 13. 9, 214 must bring his people off victorious. His name, his honor, his glory, are all concerned in the everlasting safety of his Church and people. And let the heart of man imagine, if it be pos- sible, what can afford subject of equal praise, to the Redeemer, as that of bringing home all his tried ones safe at last, through all their difficulties. The undeviating rectitude of an Angel, cannot bring equal glory to Jesus, as that of a saved Sinner. And to see a poor, sinful, dying worm of the earth, still preserved, amidst an host of mighty foes, and at length made a conqueror, over all by the blood of the Lamb: this is what opens a new source of joy in heaven, and calls up that song of praise, which John heard, in anticipation, by the ear of faith, and will be sung, in the full assembly of the first born, when the Lord hath finished the trials of his people. Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of 'his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them be^ fore our God day and night. * And what is the result of all, that I have been saying, but this : If true believers in Christ, are thus necessarily faint, yet pursuing; let it be proclaimed this day, in every Church, throughout the earth, that Jesus, is the strength of * Rev. 12. 10. 215. of his people. He is the hiding place from every wind, and a covert from every tempest. He is as rivers of water in a dry place and as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. And hear, in what a gracious strain of tenderness, he speaks to every exercised soul. Fear thou not for I am with thee. Be not dis- mayed] for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee: yea I will help thee: yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. * And while Jesus thus graciously speaks, to akfljl^rof his household, to support them, "' in their drooping seasons, I would desire them always to keep in* remembrance, that these cor- dials of the Redeemer, they will need more or less all the way. A total exemption from sin, and sorrow belongs only, to that blessed climate, where none of the inhabitants shall any longer say, I am sick. But in the present mixed region, of things, through which the believer is travelling, towards the possession of it, the atmosphere will be frequently cloudy. And while without are fightings, within will be fears. But how sweet the thought. There is a rest which remaineth for the people of God. Every step * Isaiah 41. 10. step we take, is one the nearer to the attain- ment. Every difficulty in the way, is one the less to encounter. Like boys at school, waiting the vacation, we ought to cut off the daily notch, which marks the number, unto the breaking up, and when the last comes, the carriage will be at the door, to take, us home to our Father's house, to return no more for ever. My Brother! Are you faint by reason of sin? Beg of God the spirit to make application of that precious blood of Jesus Christ, which cleanseth from all sin. Are you cast down by means of the bufferings of the Enemy ? Live 'upon that blessed promise, which ^ff^.the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. Are you mourning under the hidings of God's countenance ? Pray for grace, to act faith upon that soul-reviving scripture, which assures you, that the hour is at hand, when Jesus the morn- ing star shall appear, and the Lord will be your everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. In a word , whatever peculiar exercises you sustain, you will find some promises suited to your situ- ation, to live upon ; and never forget that they are all your own, and in Christ Jesus are all yea and amen. But 217 But what shall I say to you, who from being unacquainted with soul-distresses, with which the faithful, are so deeply exercised, can know nothing of their faintness, and consequently de- sire none of their comforts. I have often thought, what a melancholy state that man is in, who is a stranger to covenant-mercies. And in what awful terms the scripture hath marked the termi- nation of such a life. Woe unto you that are rich for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now for ye shall mourn and weep. * Alas ! if all your consolation, all your fulness, all your laughter, be derived from creature com- forts, and confined to the narrow limits of this life, what will you do, when the brook is dried up ? Surely I have frequently said, carnal men. must begrudge the rapid waste of time. And the reflection of every day, when past, if they reflect at all, ought to be, " there is another day gone, by which so much of all our happiness is over. " But I turn from a subject, so abundantly dis- tressing, just to add, that I hope no faint soul will depart, while Jesus is present, on purpose, that Dd * Luke 6. 24, 25. 218 that the hungry may not go empty away. Let it be proclaimed, once more through the Congre- gation, and may God the Spirit, give it a saving power, in every heart: THE LORD JESUS is THE STRENGTH OF HIS PEOPLE. He glVeth power to the faint, and to them, that have no might, he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint, and be weary and the young men shall utterly fail. But they that wait upon tJie Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint. Sermon 8, THE COMING OF JESUS AS THE SAVIOUR OT HIS PEOPLE. Phillippians, 3rd Chap. 20th Terse. Prom whence we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. r II "'HERE is an infinite degree of sweetness, in JL those words of the Apostle, as they con- cern, the true believer in Jesus. From whence we look for the Saviour. That is, not in his general character, as Judge, of the world ; but in his peculiar relation, as the Sqviour of his people. Not coming to judge them, as if the event of that Dd 3 220 that great day of God, became a matter of doubt, and uncertainty, to the faithful ; and they knew not, whether it would terminate, to their everlasting happiness, or misery: but look- ing for him, as their Saviour carries with it the conviction, that having known, and experienced, the certainty of his salvation, in this life; they are perfectly secured, in all the blessings con- nected with it, in another. JESUS having al- ready saved them, and called them with an holy calling, they are now waiting, in full assurance of faith; that when he shall come to judge the world in righteousness, and minister true judg- ment to the people, they shall have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming. They have acknowledged him for their Saviour, before men upon earth. And he will acknowledge them, for his redeemed ones, before his Father, and the holy angels in heaven. Fancy but for a moment, that either one of you, were so much under the sweet influence of the blessed Spirit, as to have this conscious as- surance of a saving interest, in the merits of the Lord Jesus ; and that in the expectation of his return to Judgment, you could fully assume the language of the Apostle; what a resource of the most permanent happiness, would always be opening therefrom, to the soul ? What an ac- cession of joy, would it give to all your com- forts? 221 forts ? What an alleviation to all your sorrows ? What indeed, but one continued unvarying state of peace and tranquillity of jnind, must that man enjoy, amidst the mutability of all things around him, who in expectation of the great day of God could hail the Judge, returning as his Saviour. Our text, is but short, yet in its bosom, it contains a volume, of the most precious subject, for discourse. When the Apostle thus expressed himself, as looking for the Saviour, it is as if he had said ; In our expectation of Christ's return, to judg- ment, we that are the truly regenerated followers of the Lamb, look for him, under this peculiar character, as the Saviour of his people. For by the blessed Spirit's work on our heart, having been awakened from our mortal slumbers, and convinced of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment, we have learnt with full conviction, under his divine teaching, that in all the Lord Jesus did, and suffered, upon earth, when he came to re- deem our nature, he acted, as the representative, and sponsor*of his people. And from the same heavenly Teacher, we are perfectly assured, that the righteousness he then wrought out, and brought 222 brought in, was an everlasting righteousness, which is unto all and upon all them that believe. And by that precious oblation, of his body upon the cross, when he offered himself without spot to. God, he hath fully put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. For by that one offering he hath for ever perfected them that are sanctified. So that, we have redemption in his blood, even the forgive- iiess of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Hence therefore, there is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. And, if there be no possibility of condemnation, there can be no possibility of trial. For what leaves nothing doubtful, as to the issue of event, can never subject the event, to uncertainty. Both the condemnation for sin, and the punishment due to the breach of it, in our nature, the Lord Jesus himself sustained, in his own sacred person, when as the representative of his people, he witnessed before Pontius Pilate a good confession. And when in consequence thereof, he died, the just for the unjust to bring us unto God. Hence therefore as both law, and justice have exacted, and obtained, all their demands, which they had "upon his people, from Him, their Almighty surety when he bore their guilt, and sustained their punishment ; most evident it is, that the bondsman having paid the debt, the principal debtor 223 debtor must be free. And therefore, there is now, there can be, no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. , So that, when the Lord Jesus shall come, in the clouds to Judgment, his people, shall not be arraigned for sins, both the guilt, and punish- ment of which, he himself hath borne; but the process of that solemn day as far as it concerns them will be to hear, him proclaim, before a congregated world, that they are the gift of the Father's love, and the purchase of his own most precious merits and blood. And having, by the blessed Spirit's work upon their hearts, formed them anew, for himself, and his glory, in his own lovely image ; united them to himself by an everlasting union; clothed them in his own spotless righteousness; made them altogether comely, in his own graces; and in every way, made them to be meet partakers of the inheri- tance with the Saints in light: he is now come, according to his own assured promise, to take them to himself, that where he is, there they may be also. Under the impression of these things we may reasonably suppose, the mind of the Apostle was filled, when he expressed himself in the words of the text. In the expectation of the great day of God, we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. That 224 That this is the sum* and substance, of the Apostle's meaning, is evident, both from what he had said, in some few verses, immediately preceding the text, as well as the general analogy of scripture, on this interesting doctrine. Paul, had been speaking just before, of the hopeless condition of those, whose lives bore a melancholy witness, that while professing the form of Godliness, they were destitute of the power of it. Many walk, (says the Apostle) of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping : that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ. Whose end is destruction: whose god is their belly, and ivhose glory is in their shame : who mind earthly things. And then to shew, the striking contrast, of such an awful state, to that of the real possessors of vital godliness, who are justified in the blood, and righteousness of Jesus, and in consequence live in the en- joyment of union, with his person, and com- munion in his graces; the Apostle adds, for our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ. Our conversation, is above, even while living liere below. We are sending forth our affec- tions, and our desires, after him, in whom our lives are hid. And when he, who is our life shall appear ; we shall appear with him, in glory. Hence we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. And And we derive the same assurance, on this grand point, from the general analogy of scrip- ture. The word of God, which represents the coming of the Lord to Judgment, as full of ter- rors to the wicked ; and awfully declares, con- cerning them, that they shall be punished with everlasting destruction,, from his presence ; doth as plainly express, that he shall come to be glori- fied in his saints, and to be admired, in ail them that believe. And while the expectation, of this day of God, is said, to be to the o?ie, a certain fearful looking for of judgment and jiery indigna- tion: to the other it is called, a looking for of that blessed hope of the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. The very different prospects therefore, which this day i& declared to open, to the different characters, of him that feareth God; from him thatfeareth him not: can only be explained, upon this principle, of what the Apostle saith, in the text: that true believers in Christ, Jook for the Lord Jesus in the sweet Character of their Saviour. And hence it is, that we find the sacred writers, speaking of the expectation of it, with so much rapture, and delight. Judc the Apostle, Ee 226 calls it, looking for the mercy of our Lor -d Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And Peter the Apostle, if possible in yet stronger expressions, of holy faith, and joy, declares that it is a looking for and hasting unto the c&ming of the day of God. As if it was a day devoutly desired, and longed for, by the faithful. A thing impossible, upon the presumption, that the smallest possible un- certainty, was remaining, concerning the event of it to the faithful. And lest any should be tempted to suppose, that these are privileges peculiar only to the Apostles; Paul at once, re- moves all such ideas, by declaring, that the same crown of glory, which he knew was laid up for himself, the righteous Judge at that day would give not only to him but to all them that loved his appearing. Do you love his appearing? If you say how am I to know? The answer is direct. You have already loved his appearing, if so in the work of his Holy Spirit, upon your heart, in converting you, from sin to salvation. You have loved, and do love his appearing in every renewed visit, of his grace. You love his appearing in every in- stance where he converts others, from darkness, to light, and from the power of Satan, unto God. You love his appearing., in every manifes- tation, which he makes of himself, in the deliv- erance or comfort, of any of his exercised family upon 327 upon earth. And as all these arc but so many dawnings of that glorious day when he will arise with full brightness, upon every awakened soul, certainly you must desire, to see grace, consum- mated in glory, and therefore you are among that happy number, of whom Paul spake, when he said, we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Accepting the words of the text, in this point of view, and they open to our meditation, a very sweet and refreshing subject, to comfort the heart of every true believer, in his passage from grace to glory. What I propose, from the review of it, as God the Holy Ghost shall be pleased to enable, is this; in the.yfr.tf place to consider the ground -of assurance, by which the faithful, are authorized, to look forward to the coming of the Lord Jesus, in this engaging point of view, to expect him as their Saviour. And when I have accom- plished this purpose, in the confirmation of the doctrine, I shall go on to a second branch of the subject, to bring before you, some of the many peculiar privileges of the believer, who is taught of the Holy Ghost, to be living in the daily ex- ercise, Ee 2 ercise, of this blessed hope and the glorious ap- pearing of the Great God, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. And while I very earnestly beg the closest at-- tention of all that hear me, to the investigation, of a subject so truly interesting, as it is in itself, and so highly calculated under divine grace, to comfort every true believer, in all his exercises, during his eventful pilgrimage ; I do more ear- nestly yet bespeak the prayers of the faithful, that both speaker and hearer, may be so brought under his gracious influences, who teacheth not as man teacheth, that the awakened may be re- freshed, and the unawakened concerned, and both retire from our ordinance of worship, with more earnest desires, than when they came here, to know the truth, that the truth, may make them free. Come Holy Ghost, Eternal God ! Spirit of Truth ! Complete every one of thy precious offices in our hearts. Lead us into all truth ; build us up in our most holy faith: keep our souls in the love of God ; looking for the ?nern/ of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Amen. According to my proposal, I am in the first place, to consider, the ground of assurance, by which the faithful are authorized to look for- ward 229 ward to the coming of the Lord Jesus, in this sweet point of view, and expect him as their Saviour. That becomes a very happy method, in the investigation of divine truths, (and I desire you, to take particular notice of it, upon all occasions) when in the confirmation of any one point of the doctrines of the gospel, we are enabled to appeal, to the direct testimony,, of each of the Persons of the Godhead. As the raising up our lost nature, from the ruins of the fall, occupied their joint-attention, and is the result of their joint-work; so is it very delightful, to behold how each concurrs, and co-operates, to give belief in the heart of the faithful, to all the grand, and important mysteries, of our holy religion. Believers, are introduced into all the privileges of the gospel, when according to the command of the Redemer, they are baptized into the joint- name, of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. So again they are equally blessed, in their joint- name, as appears, by the Apostle's prayer, of benediction, when he desires, that the grace of the 230 tiie Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost,. may ^ be with the faithful. And hence therefore, it is from the concurring operation, of the whole Persons, in the Godhead, that the work of grace, is carried on, until it be consummated in glory; when the believer is brought home, and comes to receive the end of his faith even the salvation of his soul. The unfolding these glorious truths, in all their fulness, and majesty, is reserved for that ripened state of existence, when our faculties will be competent to their perfect apprehension, and we shall know, even as we are known. But, in the mean time, God doth not leave himself without witness, in the hearts of his people, re- specting them as far as his praise, and their wel- fare is concerned. And perhaps, in no one point of assurance, in divine truths, where each of the Persons of the Godhead, graciously concurs in their testimo- ny, is this more discoverable, than in the very one, to which by the doctrine of the text, I am called to prove. I mean, the authority given to the true believer in Jesus, to be always looking forward for his coming, under this pre- cious view of him, as his Saviour. Suffer 31 Suffer me only to assume for a principle, what I hope none present, will be disposed to deny 3 that man, both by nature, and by practise, needs a Saviour; being thoroughly conscious, that in him- self he can never bejustified before God, and I shall then venture to persuade myself, that the ground of assurance, for every truly regenerated believer to expect the Lord Jesus at his coming, as his Saviour, is a doctrine so fully founded, on the express testimony of each of the Persons of the Godhead, as to cany with it, every evidence which God hath judged needful to give, or man is capable of receiving, in the present state. For the better apprehension of the subject, and to render the investigation of it, as clear as possible, I shall consider the evidences distinctly as they arise: in the first point of view out of the Character, and Offices of the Lord Jesus Christ. And secondly, as they result from the Almighty Father's appointment of redemption, in his co- venant-engagements. And thirdly, as they are found in the Holy Ghost's operations, in the confirmation of the whole, in the believer's heart. And these unitedly considered, will I hope be found to form, the most perfect, and satisfying assurance of the doctrine. And first to being with that part of the evi- dence, 235 dence, as it ariseth out of the Redeemer's character, and Offices, in the great work of redemption. Very evident it must be, to the smallest consi- deration, that in all the Lord Jesus did, or suffer- ed, upon earth, in the accomplishment of salvation, for his people, he acted, as their substitute, and surety. For in himself, he certainly could have needed neither. And to what purpose else, did he assume a body such as our's, to fulfil a law which he had never broken, and to die on the cross a sacrifice for sins which he had never committed? And as from the Purity of his nature, it was impossible, he could ever have broken the di- vine law, of consequence he must for ever, considered as to himself, be exempt from all possible punishment for the supposed breach of it. Hence therefore, it will necessarily follow, that in all he did, and suffered, he acted as the representative of his people. For on no other account whatever, can his character, or offices be explained. Nay so far indeed, is the law from being fulfilled, in any other sense, by its exactions on the 233 the person, of the Lord Jesus, that it would become a breach of its own principles. And the very maxim of equity, which prescibes an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a toothy is broken, when demanding either from the Lord Jesus, unless, the righteousness he wrought, and the sufferings he sustained, be accepted for his people. This state of the doctrine, as it relates to our present subject, is in my apprehension, so very clear, and unanswerably conclusive, that I do beg of you, it may be attended to, with an earnestness, suitable to its importance. If then we consider the Lord Jesus Christ, in this endearing character, as our surety, and representative, when assuming our nature, and in that nature, fulfilling all righteousness, and expiating all iniquity, by the sacrifice of himself: the conclusion is obvious; all that he did, and all that he suffered, was for us, and in our stead, and not for himself. If he was made under the law, it was, to redeem them that were under the law, that they might receive the adoption of sons. If he, who knew no sin, became sin for us, it was, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. If he took our name, and fulfilled our duties, and bore our punishment, nothing can F f 234 can be more evident than that the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed. The debt therefore being paid, the debtor must be free. The Surety, having answered all demands, the Principal, is in conse- quence released. Both, cannot be responsible, for this would be demanding a double recom- pence,, which is inconsistent with the rule of equity. And hence it follows, by the plainest, and most undeniable evidence, that every truly awakened Sinner, in whose heart, the sense of sin, and the dependance on Christ, for salvation, is wrought, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, is taught not to look forward, to the day of judgment, for the hour of redemption as a matter then only to be obtained; but to depend upon it as being already accomplished, and to expect the Lord Jesus in that day, in his coming, as his Saviour. But though this consideration of the subject, be very sweet and precious, yet blessed be God, this is not all. It might still be made, and it hath indeed been made, the question of great earnestness in many a heart; how am I to know, that redemption work, as wrought by the Lord Jesus, is accepted by God the Father for me? The solemn language of scripture, on this mo- mentous point, declareth, without reserve, or qualification, the soul that sinneth it shall die. What authority therefore can I have, who am a poor, 235 poor, self condemned sinner, to believe, that my sins can be transferred ; or that the Lord Jesus acted as my Sponsor, in all his doings, and suf- ferings upon earth, for the iniquities of his people. In answer to this most interesting question, our second point of discourse, concerning it, happily comes in to our aid, and proves to us, by an authority not to be controverted, that in all the Lord Jesus did, and suffered, upon earth, when accomplishing redemption, it was by the express appointment, approbation, and pleasure, of Almighty God. This view of our subject, is also most highly important, and therefore, let me again request, a proportioned degree of closeness of application to it, for its clear apprehension. I will be very free to confess, that strictly, and properly speaking, according to the nature of things in the common concerns of life, as they relate to the offences, which arise among men, it is totally impossible, for one man's sins, to be transferred to another; or that by the sufferings of one, the guilt of another, can be taken away, or Ff2 - 230 or the merited punishment remitted. But I hope, that this kind of reasoning, as it relates to transactions among men, will never be brought forward, as suitable to form a standard, for judging, what may, or may not, be proper, in relation to our offences, towards God. Every thing surely puts on a very different aspect here. And if it can be at all supposed, that God himself, the injured party, graciously con- descends to point out a way, and such a way, let me observe, as if he had not pointed out, no human, or even angelic being, ever could have thought -of; (and which by the bye, is among the strongest convictions of its truth) then it will of course follow, that what comes from God himself, on this point, can never be liable to error, and must come recommended to our warmest approbation. In the instance now under consideration, wherein God not only admits a substitute for sin, but commends his love to our particular notice, by the gracious act in giving his only Son, for the express purpose, we see, that every thing in it, corresponds to the highest notions we can form, of the greatness, and holiness, of his nature ; and at the same time, to our no- blest conceptions of his mercy and grace. For the infinite dignity of Him, who becomes the ransom, and the authority of Him, by whom that 237 that ransom is appointed, gives at once, the most decided sanction, to the whole; and proves, that in all the Lord Jesus did, and suffered for his people, he acted as much by his Father's appointment, as by his own voluntary will, and pleasure. It was God the Father, who gave his only Son, as a Covenant, for his people. It was God the Father, which anointed him, with the Holy Ghost, to the office of Redeemer. It was God the Father, which assisted him, and sustained him, in every part of the accomplishment of it. And it was God the' Father, which promised him, that when he had made his soul an offering for sin he should sec his seed, he should prolong his days, and the plea- sure of the Lord should prosper in his hands, lie should see of Ihe travail of his soul and be satisfied. Hence therefore, nothing can be more evident, than that God the Father, hath afforded, as strong an evidence, as the case can admit of, in the present life, that in the salvation, the Lord Jesus hath wrought out, for his people, it was as much the result of his appointment, as it originated in the Redeemer's love; and conse- quently, in the expectation of all true believers in Christ, they are authorized, on both consider- ations, to look for him, at his second coming, to judge the world, as their Saviour. Still, 235 Still, however gratifying these united testimo- nies are, and conclusive as they ought to be con- sidered by the faithful, tp satisfy the most scru- pulous mind, on the grand article of justification before God ; there is one point more necessary to finish the evidence, and that is, the blessed Spirit's witnessing to our spirits, concerning these great truths of God. Though fully convinced, by the former testi- monies of the doctrine itself, as a doctrine full of comfort to the faithful ; yet the believer may truly say, I want to know, and feel my own per- sonal interest, in these glorious truths. A con- scious sense, of the faith itself, unless followed by a conscious assurance of a real participation in its blessings, will leave me still in doubt, whether in the expectation of the great day of God, I am to look for the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour. And the concurrence of this testi- mony, was what I proposed to consider, under the third particular. It is the peculiar office of God the Holy Ghost, to accomplish in the hearts of the faith- ful, this grand assurance of divine truths.; and all indeed is confirmed by the strongest of evi- dences, when he taketh of the things of Jesus, and sheweth unto the soul. Now Now the Holy Ghost hath fully attested, that Redemption work was finished, and both law, and justice satisfied, by what the Lord Jesus had done and suffered, when by his power, he is said to have arisen from the dead. For the Apostle very particularly expresses this momen- tous testimony, when he says, that Christ was justified in the Spirit. And the Holy Ghost as fully confirms the same assurance, to the heart of the Believer, that God the Father hath accepted the Redemp- tion work of Jesus, as the surety of his people, when in every individual instance, in confirma- tion of it he descends as the gift of God upon the mind of the faithful, to convince of shi of righteousness and of judgment. So that in every case, where the Spirit from on high hath been poured out, and these blessed effects wrought in the soul, there is the concurring testimony of God the Holy Ghost, to the same precious doc- trine, with the Father and Son, witnessing to the believer's experience, and teaching him, in the expectation of Jesus's return, to look for him as the Saviour. Now put all these things together, and consi- der in one mass of particulars, how each of the Persons of the Godhead, who have co-operated in in the great work of Redemption, have concur- red also, in certifying to the truth of it : and I venture to believe that you will agree with me, that the Apostle Paul was perfectly authorized, to adopt the sentiment of the text, and of con- sequence all true believers, like him, the same, and in the prospect of Christ's coming in the clouds to judgment, to say, we look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ. If I have been happy enough to succeed, in producing evidences, to the confirmation of the doctrine itself, as I proposed under the first branch of my discourse ; I come now to the second object intended from it, namely to bring before you, some of the many peculiar privileges of the believer, who is living in the daily exer- cise of this blessed hope of the glorious appear- ing of tJie Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. And on this point, the only difficulty is, where to make selections. For it enters into every part of life, and is diffused through the whole of conduct. The blessed assurance of being in a state of reconciliation with God, and having (as the Apostle calls it) peace with him through our Lord Jesus Christ: opens an everlasting source of of consolation, and joy, through all the depart- ments of religious, social, and personal life. Nay indeed, so highly interesting, is the belief of this precious doctrine, to the proper enjoy- ment of any one event of prosperity, or to the alleviation of any of the afflicting circumstances of adversity, that I cannot see, how any true, or solid happiness can be found, but in the hope at least, if not in the conviction, of its reality. Until I know that I am brought into this state, how can I go to God in a way of duty, or be able to explain his intentions towards me, in any of the methods of his providences? But, if from a well grounded hope, under the Spirit's teaching, that I, ivho was once afar ojf t am now brought nigh, by the blood of Christ. : and that personally considered, / have redemption in his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; laying this, as the sure foundation of acceptance, I come to God, no longer under the Spirit of bondage, and fear, but under the Spirit of adoption, and grace. I am then authorized to call him, Abba, Father. And, as the Father of mercies, and God of all grace, I look up to him, in every approach of sacred worship, and eye kis dispensations to- wards 242 wards me in a way of wisdom, and goodness, and mercy, in every providence. A few instances will serve to explain, and at the same time, answer the purpose, for similar observations, as may, by a pasity of reasoning, be applied to all the other circumstances, in which the doctrine, is capable of having influence. To begin with that part, which is certainly the highest, and most important ; as it relates to our communion with God, in a way of ordinances, and sacred seasons of worship. It is impossible to draw nigh to God, in any one act of religion with comfort, when we con- sider God, simply as he is in himself, and ab- stracted from his covenant-relation to us, in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every part of Scripture, represents God to our ideas, as of purer eyes than to behold iniquity. The law of God demands a purity in the creature, for the due approaching unto him, which no man possesses. I witt tie sanctified (saith God) in them that come nigh me. And every man's breast, if he attends to what passes within, bears 243 bears sufficient impressions, to manifest, that there can be nothing but a mixture of apprehen- sion, and terror, and fear, in all approaches to God, if the acceptance of our persons, and our worship, rested upon the merit, or worthiness, with which either was accompanied. But how very precious is it, to a truly awakened soul, who under the Spirit's teaching, hath been convinced of sin, of righteousness t and of judgment, to behold the gracious provision made for the acceptance, both of his person, and offering, in the covenant-righteousness, and intercession of the Lord Jesus Christ? He enters into the full meaning of the Apostle's words, and feels the encouragement they afford to the soul, when he says, having boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus : and having such an high Priest over the house of God let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance oj faith . For by virtue of an interest, in the Person, and Righteousness of the Lord Jesus, as his Almighty Covenant-head, and Mediator; he is enabled to enter into the sa- cred presence of God, in all the ordinances of grace here, as he is assured of being introduced thereby, into the kingdom of glory hereafter. Hence G g 2 Hence there will be no bondage-frames, if 'grace be in exercise, and God the Holy Ghost is leading the believer to a mercy seat, in, and through, the blood, and righteousness, of Jesus.' Perfect love (saith the Apostle) caste th out fear. I am going, the soul will say, to my God, and Father, in Christ Jesus. I know that in myself, I am utterly unworthy to be called his son. I have been an enemy, to him, by wicked works. But he hath said, let him take hold of my strength to make peace with me and he shall make peace with me, * Lord I am come, (the soul echoes, in reply, to the gracious precept, and assurance,) and find peace in the blood of the cross, My Brother ! Pause over the consideration, of this mighty privilege, and see, what a volume of persuasions it contains, for every renewed opportunity, of drawing nigh a throne of grace, in all holy ordinances. Are you acquainted with that exercise of the soul, which ariseth out of the view of indwelling corruption? And do you not know, the sweet- ness of that precious scripture, which authorizes you in your seasons of worship, to look up, and behold Him, who appears, as your Advocate tffitk *'Isaiah 27. 5. f 24>5 zvith the Father Jesus Christ the righteous and who is the propitiation for your sins ? Do your cold prayers, not unfrequently freeze upon your lips, and the conscious sense of the impurities with which they are accompanied, induce fear, and apprehension, how they will be received? What a relief to the mind doth God the Holy Ghost give, when he enables you by faith, to behold that Mighty Angel, before the Altar with his golden Censer, offering up your prayers, with the much incense of his own merits ! * \\vc\\ A ".- - Are your lips so closed at times, and your mind so confused, that you know not how to pray, or what to pray for? Can it fail to refresh the soul, under all, and every state of lieart- straitenings, when God the Holy Ghost points to the Great Intercessor, in his adorable Cha- racter, going in before the throne in his Priestly vestments, making all needful requests for his people ! In such seasons, how very sweet is that blessed promise, and encouraging assurance of God, * Rev. 8. 3. 246 God, brought home to the heart : / create the fruit of the lips, peace, peace, to him that is afar off, and to him that is nigh, salt h the Lord, and I will heal him. f Nothing can more decidedly shew the vast, and infinite importance, of the thing itself, that the soul must be brought, into an assurance, of having peace with God through Jesus Christ, and hare a well grounded authority, of looking up to him as his Saviour, before there can be any real enjoyment of God in ordinances, or as the Church beautifully expresses it, to sit under his shadow with great delight and his fruit made sweet to the taste. But the blessed effects of such a state, are not confined to seasons of worship only; they enter, into every department of existence, and from the chief source of felicity, in all our comforts, and the grand sweetener of all our sorrows. In social life, the approbation of our friends, is made doubly pleasing, when we are able to connect with it the approbation of our God. The conscious assurance, of being at peace with him, adds a tenfold sweetness, to the peace we enjoy in the world. On f Isaiah 57. 19. 247 Oh the contrary, what is that which David calls, the strife of tongues., or the condemnation of the ungodly, when the soul can adopt the sentiment of the apostle, and say, it is God that justifieth "who is he that condemneth ? And what an accession of joy, must it give, the brightest hour, the believer is privileged to taste, in his passage through the world, to be able always to add to it, the pleasing pros- pect, of that day of God, when Jesus his Saviour, and Judge, is coming to receive him to man- sions of everlasting felicity? * It is a well known fact, that let a sinner be placed, in the happiest situation the world can form, yet, if in the fullest enjoyment of his fan- cied festivity, a single thought of futurity, crosses the mind, like the hand writing on the wall, before the impious monarch we read of, this alone, is enough to throw to the ground, all the props of his happiness. And if in tha very zenith of prosperity, the sinner is made sometimes to tremble, like Felix, at the prospect of a judgment to come : what shall support the soul, in seasons of adversity? A 248 A portion of sorrow, more, or less, must dash every man's cup with bitterness; and the hap- piest life of sinners, cannot find a requiem from sorrow altogether. What a most deplorable state of misery, must that man's mind have been in, when he said, / am sore distressed. For the Philistines make war against me: and God is departed from me. * To be at once deprived of all resources! Given up by the world, and forsaken of God ! But to the believer, the consciousness of being nw in a justified state before God, and the expectation of the coming of Christ, as his Saviour to close all the afflictions and trials of this life in everlasting glory, gives an inward peace, and tranquility, to the mind, which reconciles during the darkest hour, every inter- vining providence, and enables him to see so much of God, in every dispensation, that he is sure the termination of it, must be to the glory of the Lord, and to his own furtherance in happiness. I know Lord (he will say) thy judgments are right and that thou in very faithful- ness ftast afflicted me. f In a word; temptations, and trials, and sick- ness, nay even death itself, is in the Christian's inventory *Sam: 28. 15. f Psalm 119. W. inventory of good things, when once the soul is secured in the merits, and righteousness, of the Lord Jesus. For looking forward to his coming as a Saviour, every thing is at peace with the be- liever. Tho ugh I walk (says David) through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff" they comfort me. It is but a walk, not a resting place. It is but the valley of the shadow of death; not even the shadow itself. And were it the whole shadow, what would this be to the believer when the substance is not there? The body of death, Jesus sustained the whole of it, on the cross; it is only the skeleton now, left to his people. And while passing through this, the rod of the Saviour's power, and the staff 'of his righteousness, are competent; not only to up- hold, but to comfort, all the way. AVell might the Apostle, and like him, every true believer, supported by this eternal refuge, exult in the dying hour, and say, O death where is thy sting O Grave where is thy victory. The sting of death is sin and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who giveth me the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Our subject puts on a very different aspect, in its application, to the different characters which H h 250 which make up life. Like the Pillar of cloud, in the camp or Israel, it forms a bright, and pleasing light, to the people of God; while in the same moment, to his enemies, it casts a deadly shade of darkness, and despair. My unawakened Brother ! have you ever con- sidered,, with the seriousness the subject de- mands, the sure events of that great day of God? Hath it never struck you, what inex- pressible agonies must invade the hearts of those, who shall then be found on the wrong side ? Suppose, the archangel's trumpet, was now to sound; and that voice was heard, bursting through every tomb ; arise ye dead and come to judgment. Would you venture, could you in- deed hazard, your everlasting welfare, for ac- ceptance with God, upon any thing, you can call your own righteousness? Pause over the question, and for God's sake, dismiss it not, until under divinq grace, it hath awakened your mind, to an enquiry, propor- tioned to its vast importance. There 251 There are seasons in every man's ^ life, in which, if the heart might speak out, it would confess, that all is not, what it should be. And if in this day of safety, the mind suggests ^ such apprehensions, what think you will arise within, on the subject, in the day of danger? If a man's own mind tells him, (as that it must sometimes if it be not hardened up, to all the possibilities of self deception,) that he could not always plead his good intention now ; how will it then appear to his own view, when the film shall be taken off from his eyes, and he comes to learn, when it be too late, that the heart is deceitful above all things and despe- rately tricked. And do not forget my Brot'her, in your expec- tation of this awful day of decision, that it is a perfect righteousness, either in yourself, or in your surety, you must have, to find acceptance with God. The law admits of no abatement. It relaxeth not a single precept. The curse still hangs over every one, as much unrepealed as ever, who refusing the covenant of grace, and trusting in a covenant of works, continueth not in all things y which is written in the law to do them. H h 2 Oh ! 252 Oh'! that God the Holy Ghost, may commis- sion my poor Sermon, to the heart of any one unconcerned sinner present, that he may see the things which make for his everlasting peace, before they are for ever hid from his eyes. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and so ye perish from the way when his wrath be kindled but a little: Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. As for you, who from long conviction, of the emptiness, and insufficiency, of all creature con- fidences, for acceptance before God, have fled for refuge, to the hope that is before you : and the language of whose heart is, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength: never lose sight I beseech you, if it be possible, of the precious expectation of the Lord Jesus, under this sweet and endearing character, in which we have been considering his second coming to judge the world, as your Saviour. You have been.fuily taught, under the Spirit's teaching, your own sin, and the perfect righte- ousness of the Lord Jesus. You have disco- vered, that this is a Covenant righteousness, in which 253 which, the Father's mercy, the Saviour's love, and the Spirit's grace, are all equally concerned, in the salvation of sinners. You have seen, that in the accomplishment of this salvation, the Lord Jesus hath assumed your nature, taken your name, acted as your Representative, became your Surety, and in all his Characters, and offices, hath obtained eternal redemption for his people. Having therefore lived and died for them ; and for them having fully answered all the demands of his Father's righteous law ; will he return to thwart his own designs ? Did he once come to save, and will he now come to destroy ? Moreover; by virtue of covenant-engage- ments, and by Covenant-relations his people are part of himself. He that is to be your Judge; is your Brother, your Husband, your Friend. And what a. sweet Scripture is that, which saith, the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment to the Son, on this express account, because he is the Son of man. Carry therefore I beseech you, those precious views of the Lord Jesus, into all the circumstan- ces, ces, and transactions of life. Do not think it enough, to preserve the recollection of it, in seasons of holy ordinances only; but let it mingle, in all the events, which concern you. Let the sweet thought, perpetually cross the mind, both in lying down, and in rising up when you sit in the house, and when you walk by the way: that the Lord Jesus, your Jesus, who is soon coming, to gather his people to himself, and to take out of his kingdom, all things that offend, is coming, under all those endearing characters, in which you have already known him. He that hath now saved, will then come to glorify. Say as Paul did; we look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Chris. I cannot better fold up my Sermon, on a subject of this nature, than in the same words, with which the Apostle Paul endeavoured to comfort the minds of the Church, of the Tliess- alonians on a similar subject. If ice believe (says he) that Jesus died, and rose again; even so them also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him. For this we say unto you, by the word of the Lord: that we which are alive and remain, unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent, them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven zvith a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead 255 dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain., shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. * * Thes. 4. 15. From Philp's Press, Barrack- Street, Dock, lililill A 000018278 2