ComeandWelcometoJesusChrist

byJohnBunyan

APlainandProfitableDiscourseonJohn6:37.Showingthecause,truth,andmanner of the coming of a sinner to Jesus Christ; with his happyreceptionandblessedentertainment.

WrittenbyJohnBunyan,authorof“ThePilgrim’sProgress”

“Andtheyshallcomewhichwerereadytoperish”-Isaiah27:13

LONDON,

1681

TableofContents

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ComeAndWelcomeToJesusChrist/Introduction

First,TheTextTreatedByWayOfExplication

-TheExtentOfTheGift

-ThePersonGiving,TheFather

-TheFather'sIntentInGiving

-TheSon'sReceptionOfTheGift

-WhatItIsToComeToChrist

-WhatForceThereIsInThePromiseToMakeThemComeToChrist

-ThePromiseToThoseComingToChrist

-TwoSortsOfSinnersComingToChrist

-WhatItIsToCastOut

-ThePowerOfChristToSave,OrToCastOut

Second,TheTextTreatedByWayOfObservation

-ComingToChristNotByThePowerOfMan,ButByTheDrawingOfTheFather

-ComersOfttimesAfraidThatChristWillNotReceiveThem

-ChristWouldHaveComersNotOnceThinkThatHeWillCastThemOut

-UseAndApplication

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“ComeandwelcometoJesusChrist,”isasubjectpeculiarlyfittedtothedeepandsearchingexperienceofJohnBunyan.Heknewallthewilesofsin and Satan, in placing stumblingblocks in the way of a sincerepenitent;allthehumancraftemployedinkeepingthesoulfromasimpleand entire reliance upon Christ for salvation. This little work soonbecame most deservedly popular, passing through four large editionsduringthelastsevenyearsoftheauthor’slife.ItisanenlighteneddisplayofthedealingsoftheFatheringivingsinnerstoChrist;theSoninsavingthembyhisatonement,mediation,andintercession;andtheHolySpiritin sanctifying and fitting them for glory. Here is no Calvinism,Lutheranism, or Arminianism; no Episcopacy, Presbytery, orIndependency; nothing but Christism and Bibleism. The graciousinvitationisaddressedtoallwhofeeltheirmisery,Comeuntome,andI

will make you happy and blessed. All who feel the leprosy of sin areinvitedtothisspiritualPhysician,andheonlycanandwillhealthem.AllwhosufferundertheslaveryofsinandSatan,Christalonecanmakeyoufree.Cometohim,andyoushallbefreeindeed.TheanalysisofBunyan’streatiseshowsthatALLmankindareborninsin.ALLsinnersareinvitedtoChrist.Nonewillcomebutsuchasfeeltheplague,andseetheleprosyof sin.Thosewho comearedrawn in a varietyofways - someterrifiedwith the horrors of hell, others allured by the gracious voice of theSaviour,andtheprospectsofheavenlyfelicity.ALLwhosincerelycome,attainthesameend,asincereandtotalrelianceupontheSaviourastheonlyrefugefromtheroaringlion.

Everyotherwaytolifeisguardedbytheflamingswordsofthecherubim.Christopenshisgoldenarmswiderthanallourmiseries.Buthesuffersno rivalonhis throne,nopartnershipwithMosesorJohnBaptist.Thepersonification of “shall come,” and of “ignorance,” is strikinglyillustrative;asis“sin,thewinding-sheetofthesoul;”“unbelief,thewhitedevil;”thesinnerbeingacounsellorforSatan;andthetwowaysoftakingourownlikeness.Hisappeal topersecutors ismost forcible.ButImustnotdetainthereaderlongerfromthepleasureandprofithewillreceivefromanattentiveperusalofthesepages.

Hackney,1850

GeorgeOffor

ComeAndWelcomeToJesusChrist-Introduction

“AllthattheFathergivethmeshallcometome;andhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout”-John6:37

Alittlebefore,inthischapter,youmayreadthattheLordJesuswalkedontheseatogotoCapernaum,havingsenthisdisciplesbeforeinaship,butthewindwascontrary;bywhichmeanstheshipwashinderedinher

passage.Now,about the fourthwatchof thenight, Jesus camewalkinguponthesea,andovertookthem;atthesightofwhomtheywereafraid.

Note,WhenprovidencesareblackandterribletoGod’speople,theLordJesusshowshimselftotheminwonderfulmanner;thewhichsometimestheycanaslittlebear,astheycanthethingsthatwerebeforeterribletothem.Theywereafraidofthewindandthewater;theywerealsoafraidoftheirLordandSaviour,whenheappearedtotheminthatstate.

Buthesaid,“Benotafraid,itisI.”

Note,That the endof the appearing of theLord Jesusuntohis people,thoughthemannerofhisappearingbeneversoterrible,istoallaytheirfearsandperplexities.

Then they receivedhim into the ship, and immediately the shipwas atlandwhitheritwent.

Note,WhenChristisabsentfromhispeople,theygoonbutslowly,andwithgreatdifficulty;butwhenhejoinethhimselfuntothem,oh!howfasttheysteertheircourse!howsoonaretheyattheirjourney’send!

Thepeoplenowamongwhomhelastpreached,whentheysawthatbothJesuswas gone andhis disciples, they also took shipping, and came toCapernaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found him, theywonderinglyaskedhim,“Rabbi,whencamestthouhither?”buttheLordJesus,slighting theircompliment,answered, “Verily,verily,yeseekme,notbecauseyesawthemiracles,butbecauseyedideatoftheloaves,andwerefilled.”

Note,Apeoplemay followChrist far for base ends, as thesewent afterhimbeyond sea for loaves.Aman’s bellywill carry him a greatway inreligion;yea,aman’sbellywillmakehimventurefarforChrist.

Noteagain,Theyarenot feigningcompliments,butgracious intentions,thatcrown thework in the eye of Christ; or thus, it is not the toil andbusinessofprofessors,buttheirlovetohim,thatmakeshimapproveofthem.

Note again,Whenmen shall look for friendly entertainment atChrist’shand,iftheirheartsberotten,eventhenwilltheymeetwithacheckandrebuke.“Yeseekme,notbecauseyesawthemiracles,butbecauseyedideatoftheloaves,andwerefilled.”

Yetobserveagain,Hedothnotrefusetogive,eventothese,goodcounsel:hebids themlabour for themeat thatendureth toeternal life.Oh!howwillinglywouldJesusChristhaveeventhoseprofessorsthatcometohimwithpretencesonly,cometohimsincerely,thattheymaybesaved.

Thetext,youwillfind,is,aftermuchmorediscoursewithandaboutthispeople,anditisutteredbytheLordJesusastheconclusionofthewhole,and intimateth that, since they were professors in pretence only, andtherefore such as his soul could not delight in, as such, that he wouldcontenthimselfwitharemnantthathisFatherhadbestoweduponhim.Aswhoshouldsay,Iamnotliketobehonouredinyoursalvation;buttheFatherhathbestoweduponmeapeople, and they shall come tome intruth,and in themwill Ibe satisfied.The text, therefore,maybecalledChrist’srepose;inthefulfillingwhereofherestethhimselfcontent,aftermuchlabourandmanysermonsspent,asitwere,invain.Ashesaithbythe prophet, “I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength fornought,andinvain”(Isa49:4).

Butastherehesaith,“MyjudgmentiswiththeLORD,andmyworkwithmyGod;”sointhetexthesaith,“AllthattheFathergivethmeshallcometome; andhim that cometh tome Iwill innowise castout.”By thesewords, therefore, the Lord Jesus comforteth himself under theconsiderationofthedissimulationofsomeofhisfollowers.Healsothusbetookhimselftorestundertheconsiderationofthelittleeffectthathisministry had in Capernaum,Chorazin, andBethsaida: “I thank thee,OFather,”saidhe,“Lordofheavenandearth,becausethouhashid thesethings from thewise and prudent, and hast revealed themunto babes;even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight” (Matt 11:25; Luke10:21).

The text, in the general, standeth of TWO PARTS, and hath specialrespect to theFatherand theSon;asalso to their jointmanagementofthesalvationofthepeople:“AllthattheFathergivethmeshallcometo

me;andhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”Thefirstpartofthe text,as isevident, respecteth theFatherandhisgift; theotherparttheSonandhisreceptionofthatgift.

FIRST,ForthegiftoftheFatherthereisthistobeconsidered,towit,thegift itself; and that is the gift of certainpersons to theSon.TheFathergiveth,andthatgiftshallcome:“Andhimthatcometh.”Thegift,then,isofpersons;theFathergivethpersonstoJesusChrist.

SECOND,NextyouhavetheSon’sreceptionofthisgift,andthatshowethitselfintheseparticulars:-1.Inhisheartyacknowledgementofittobeagift: “The Father giveth me.” 2. In his taking notice, after a solemnmanner,ofallandeverypartofthegift:“AllthattheFathergivethme.”3.Inhisresolutiontobringthemtohimself:“All thattheFathergivethmeshallcometome.”4.Andinhisdeterminingthatnotanythingshallmakehimdislike them in their coming: “Andhim that cometh tome Iwillinnowisecastout.”

These things might be spoken to at large, as they are in this methodpresentedto view:but I shall choose to speak to thewords,FIRST,BYWAYOFEXPLICATION.SECOND,BYWAYOFOBSERVATION.

First,TheTextTreatedByWayOfExplication

TheExtentOfTheGift

All that theFathergivethme.”Thiswordall, isoftenused inScripture,and is to be takenmore largely, or more strictly, even as the truth orargument, for thesakeofwhich it ismadeuseof,willbear.Wherefore,thatwemaythebetterunderstandthemindofChristintheuseofithere,wemustconsider,thatitislimitedandrestrainedonlytothosethatshallbesaved,towit,tothosethatshallcometoChrist;eventothosewhomhewill“innowisecastout.”Thus,also,thewordsallIsrael,issometimestobe taken, although sometimes it is taken for thewhole familyofJacob.“And so all Israel shall be saved” (Rom 11:26). By all Israel here, heintendethnotallofIsrael,inthelargestsense;“fortheyarenotallIsraelwhichareof Israel;” “neitherbecause they are of the seedofAbraham,aretheyallchildren;but,InIsaacshall thyseedbecalled.That is, theywhicharethechildrenoftheflesh,thesearenotthechildrenofGod;butthechildrenofthepromisearecountedfortheseed”(Rom9:6-8).

ThiswordALL,therefore,mustbelimitedandenlarged,asthetruthandargument,forthesakeofwhichit isused,willbear;elseweshallabuseScripture, and readers, and ourselves, and all. “And I, if I be lifted upfromtheearth,”saidChrist,“willdrawALLmenuntome”(John12:32).Cananymanimagine,thatbyALL,inthisplace,heshouldmeanallandevery individual man in the world, and not rather that all that isconsonanttothescopeoftheplace?Andif,bybeing“liftedupfromtheearth,”hemeans,asheshouldseem,hisbeingtakenupintoheaven;andif,by“drawingALLmenafterhim,”hemeantadrawingthemuntothatplace of glory; thenmust hemeanbyALLmen, those, and only those,thatshall in truthbeeternallysaved fromthewrath tocome. “ForGodhathconcludedthemallinunbelief,thathemighthavemercyuponall”(Rom11:32).Hereagainyouhaveallandall, twoalls;butyetagreaterdisparitybetweentheallmadementionofinthefirstplace,andthatall

mademention of the second. Those intended in this text are the Jews,evenallofthem,bythefirstallthatyoufindinthewords.Thesecondalldothalso intendthesamepeople;butyetonlysomanyof themasGodwillhavemercyupon. “Hehathconcluded themall inunbelief, thathemight have mercy upon all.” The all also in the text, is likewise to belimitedandrestrainedtothesaved,andtothemonly.Butagain;-

Theword “giveth,” or “hath given,”must be restrained, after the samemanner,tothesamelimitednumber.“AllthattheFathergivethme.”Notallthataregiven,ifyoutakethegiftoftheFathertotheSoninthelargestsense;forinthatsensetherearemanygiventohimthatshallnevercomeuntohim;yea,manyaregivenuntohim thathewill “castout.” I shall,therefore,firstshowyouthetruthofthis;andtheninwhatsensethegiftinthetextmustbetaken.

First, [ALL cannot be intended in its largest sense] That ALL that aregiven to Christ, if you take the gift of the Father to him in the largestsense,cannotbeintendedinthetext,isevident-

1. Because, then, all themen, yea, all the things in theworld,must besaved.“Allthings,”saithhe,“aredelivereduntomeofmyFather”(Matt11:27). This, I think, no rational man in the world will conclude.Therefore, thegift intendedinthetextmustberestrainedtosome,toagiftthatisgivenbywayofspecialitybytheFathertotheSon.

2.ItmustnotbetakenforALL,thatinanysensearegivenbytheFatherto him, because the Father hath given some, yea, many to him, to bedashedinpiecesbyhim.“Askofme,”saidtheFathertohim,“andIshallgivetheetheheathenforthineinheritance,andtheuttermostpartsoftheearth for thy possession.” Butwhatmust be donewith them?must hesavethemall?No.“Thoushaltbreakthemwitharodofiron;thoushaltdashtheminpieceslikeapotter’svessel”(Psa2).Thismethodheusethnotwiththemthathesavethbyhisgrace,butwiththosethathimselfandsaintsshallruleoverinjusticeandseverity(Rev2:26,27).Yet,asyousee,“theyaregiventohim.”Therefore, thegift intendedinthetextmustberestrained to some, to a gift that is given by way of speciality by theFathertotheSon.

InPsalm 18he saithplainly, that some are given tohim that hemightdestroy them. “Thou hast given me the necks of mine enemies; that Imightdestroythemthathateme”(verse40).These,therefore,cannotbeofthenumberofthosethataresaidtobegiveninthetext;forthose,evenALLofthem,shallcometohim,“andhewillinnowisecastthemout.”

3.SomearegiventoChrist,thathebythemmightbringaboutsomeofhishighanddeepdesignsintheworld.ThusJudaswasgiventoChrist,towit,thatbyhim,evenaswasdeterminedbefore,hemightbringabouthisdeath,andsothesalvationofhiselectbyhisblood.Yea,andJudasmustsomanagethisbusiness,asthathemustlosehimselfforeverinbringingittopass.ThereforetheLordJesus,eveninhis losingofJudas,applieshimself to the judgment of his Father, if he hadnot in that thingdonethat which was right, even in suffering of Judas so to bring about hisMaster’sdeath,asthathemight,bysodoing,bringabouthisowneternaldamnationalso.

“Those,”saidhe,“thatthougavestme,Ihavekept,andnoneofthemislost,butthesonofperdition;thattheScripturemightbefulfilled”(John17:12). Let us, then, grant that Judas was given to Christ, but not asothersaregiventohim,notasthosemadementionofinthetext;forthenhe should have failed to have been so received by Christ, and kept toeternal life. Indeed,hewas given toChrist; buthewas given tohim tolosehim,inthewaythatIhavementionedbefore;hewasgiventoChrist,that he by him might bring about his own death, as was beforedetermined;and that in the overthrowof him that did it. Yea, hemustbring about his own death, as was before determined, and that in theoverthrowofhimthatdidit.Yea,hemustbringabouthisdyingforusinthelossoftheinstrumentthatbetrayedhim,thathemightevenfulfiltheScripture inhisdestruction,aswellas inthesalvationof therest. “Andnoneofthemislost,butthesonofperdition;thattheScripturemightbefulfilled.”

[Second,Thoseintendedasthegift]-Thegift,therefore,inthetext,mustnotbetakeninthelargestsense,butevenasthewordswillbear,towit,forsuchagiftasheaccepteth,andpromisethtobeaneffectualmeansofeternalsalvationto.“AllthattheFathergivethmeshallcometome;andhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”Mark!theyshallcome

thatare inspecialgiven tome;and theyshallbynomeansberejected.Forthisisthesubstanceofthetext.

Those,therefore,intendedasthegiftinthetext,arethosethataregivenbycovenantto theSon; thosethat inotherplacesarecalled“theelect,”“thechosen,”“thesheep,”and“thechildrenofthepromise,”&c.ThesebetheythattheFatherhathgiventoChristtokeepthem;thosethatChristhathpromisedeternal lifeunto; thosetowhomhehathgivenhisword,andthathewillhavewithhiminhiskingdomtobeholdhisglory.

“This is theFather’swillwhichhath sentme, that of allwhichhehathgivenme I should losenothing, but should raise it up again at the lastday”(John6:39).“AndIgiveuntothemeternallife;andtheyshallneverperish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Fatherwhichgavethemme,isgreaterthanall;andnomanisabletopluckthemoutofmyFather’shand” (John 10:28). “As thouhast givenhimpowerover all flesh, that he should give eternal life to asmany as thou hastgivenhim.Thinetheywere,andthougavestthemme,andtheyhavekeptthyword;Ipray for them:Ipraynot for theworld,but for themwhichthouhastgivenme;fortheyarethine.Andallminearethine,andthinearemine; and I am glorified in them.” “Keep through thine own namethose whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.”“Father,Iwillthattheyalso,whomthouhastgivenme,bewithmewhereIam;thattheymaybeholdmyglory,whichthouhastgivenme:forthoulovedstmebeforethefoundationoftheworld”(John17:1,6,9,10,24).

Allthesesentencesareofthesameimportwiththetext;andtheallsandmanies,those,they,&c., intheseseveralsayingsofChrist,arethesamewithallthegiveninthetext.“AllthattheFathergiveth.”

Sothat,asIsaidbefore,thewordALL,asalsootherwords,mustnotbetaken in such sort as our foolish fancies or groundless opinions willpromptusto,butdoadmitofanenlargementorarestriction,accordingtothetruemeaningandintentof thetext.Wemustthereforediligentlyconsultthemeaningofthetext,bycomparingitwithotherthesayingsofGod;soshallwebebetterable to findout themindof theLord, in thewordwhichhehasgivenustoknowitby.

ThePersonGiving,TheFather

All that theFathergiveth.”By thisword “Father,”Christdescribeth thepersongiving;bywhichwemaylearnseveralusefulthings.

First, That the Lord God, and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, isconcernedwiththeSoninthesalvationofhispeople.True,hisacts,astooursalvation, arediverse from those of theSon;hewasnot capable ofdoingthat,orthosethingsforus,asdidtheSon;hediednot,hespiltnotblood for our redemption, as the Son; but yet he hath a hand, a greathand, in our salvation too. As Christ saith, “The Father himself lovethyou,”andhisloveismanifestinchoosingofus,ingivingofustohisSon;yea,andingivinghisSonalsotobearansomforus.Henceheiscalled,“TheFather ofmercies, and theGodof all comfort.”Forhere even theFatherhathhimselffoundout,andmadewayforhisgracetocometousthroughthesidesandtheheart-bloodofhiswell-belovedSon(Col1:12-14). The Father, therefore, is to be remembered and adored, as onehavingachiefhandinthesalvationofsinners.Weoughttogive“thanksunto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of theinheritanceofthesaintsinlight”(Col1:12).For“theFathersenttheSontobetheSaviouroftheworld”(John4:14).Asalsoweseeinthetext,the“Fathergiveth”thesinnertoChristtosavehim.

Second,ChristJesus theLord,by thisword “Father,”would familiarizethis giver tous.Naturally thenameofGod isdreadful tous, especiallywhen he is discovered to us by those names that declare his justice,holiness,power,andglory;butnowthisword“Father”isafamiliarword,it frightethnot thesinner,but rather inclinethhisheart to love,andbepleasedwiththeremembranceofhim.HenceChristalso,whenhewouldhave us to pray with godly boldness, puts this word “Father” into ourmouths; saying, “When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven;”concluding thereby, that by the familiarity that by such a word isintimated, thechildrenofGodmaytakemoreboldnesstoprayfor,andaskgreatthings.Imyselfhaveoftenfound,thatwhenIcansaybutthiswordFather, it dothmemore good thanwhen I call him by any other

Scripturename. It isworthyournoting, that to callGodbyhis relativetitlewas rareamong thesaints inOldTestament times.Seldomdoyoufindhimcalledbythisname;no,sometimesnot inthreeorfourbooks:butnowinNewTestamenttimes,heiscalledbynonamesooftenasthis,bothbytheLordJesushimself,andbytheapostlesafterwards. Indeed,the Lord Jesus was he that first made this name common among thesaints,andthattaughtthem,bothintheirdiscourses,theirprayers,andin their writings, so much to use it; it being more pleasing to, anddiscoveringmoreplainlyourinterestin,God,thananyotherexpression;forbythisonenamewearemadetounderstandthatallourmerciesaretheoffspringofGod,andthatwealsothatarecalledarehischildrenbyadoption.

[ImportofthewordGIVETH]-“AllthattheFathergiveth.”

This word “giveth” is out of Christ’s ordinary dialect, and seemeth tointimate,atthefirstsound,asiftheFather’sgifttotheSonwasnotanactthatispast,butonethatispresentandcontinuing;when,indeed,thisgiftwasbestoweduponChristwhenthecovenant,theeternalcovenant,wasmadebetweenthembeforeallworlds.Wherefore, inthoseotherplaces,whenthisgiftismentioned,itisstillspokenof,asofanactthatispast;as, “All that he hath giveme; to asmany as thou hast givenme; thougavest them me; and those which thou hast given me.” Therefore, ofnecessity,thismustbethefirstandchiefsenseofthetext;Imeanofthisword “giveth,” otherwise the doctrine of election, and of the eternalcovenant which was made between the Father and the Son, in whichcovenant this gift of the Father is most certainly comprised, will beshaken,orat leastwisequestionable,byerroneousandwickedmen: fortheymay say,That theFathergavenot all those toChrist that shall besaved,beforetheworldwasmade;forthatthisactofgivingisanactofcontinuation. But again, this word “giveth” is not to be rejected, for ithathitsproperuse,andmaysignifytous-

1.Thatthoughtheactofgivingamongmendothadmitofthetimepast,orthetimetocome,andistobespokenofwithreferencetosuchtime;yet with God it is not so. Things past, or things to come, are alwayspresentwithGod,andwithhisSonJesusChrist:He“calleththosethingswhichbenot,”thatis,tous,“asthoughtheywere”(Rom4:17).Andagain,

“KnownuntoGodareallhisworksfromthebeginningoftheworld.”Allthings to God are present, and so the gift of the Father to the Son,althoughtous,as ismanifestbytheword, it isanact that ispast(Acts15:16).

2.Christmayexpresshimselfthus,toshow,thattheFatherhathnotonlygivenhimthisportioninthelump,beforetheworldwas,butthatthosethathehad sogiven,hewill givehimagain; that is,will bring them tohim at the time of their conversion; for the Father bringeth them toChrist (John6:44).As it is said, “Sheshallbebroughtunto theking inraimentofneedle-work;”thatis,intherighteousnessofChrist;foritisGodthatimputeththattothosethataresaved(Psa45:14;1Cor1).Amangiveth his daughter to such aman, first in order tomarriage, and thisrespects the timepast, andhe givethher again at thedayappointed inmarriage.Andinthis lastsense,perhaps, thetextmayhaveameaning;thatis,thatallthattheFatherhath,beforetheworldwas,giventoJesusChrist,hegiveththemagaintohiminthedayoftheirespousals.

Thingsthataregivenamongmen,areofttimesbestatfirst;towit,whentheyarenew;and the reason is,becauseall earthly thingswaxold;butwithChrist it isnot so.Thisgiftof theFather isnotoldanddeformed,andunpleasantinhiseyes;andthereforetohimitisalwaysnew.WhentheLordspakeofgivingthelandofCanaantotheIsraelites,hesaithnot,thathehadgiven,orwouldgiveittothem,butthus:“TheLordthyGodgiveththee- thisgood land”(Deut9:6).Notbut thathehadgiven it tothem, while they were in the loins of their fathers, hundreds of yearsbefore.Yethesaithnowhegivethittothem;asiftheywerenowalsointheveryactoftakingpossession,whenasyettheywereontheothersideJordan.Whatthenshouldbethemeaning?Why,Itakeittobethis.Thatthelandshouldbetothemalwaysasnew;asnewasiftheyweretakingpossessionthereofbutnow.AndsoisthegiftoftheFather,mentionedinthetext,totheSon;itisalwaysnew,asifitwerealwaysnew.

“AllthattheFathergivethme.”Inthesewordsyoufindmentionmadeoftwo persons, the Father and the Son; the Father giving, and the Sonreceiving or accepting of this gift. This, then, in the first place, clearlydemonstrateth, thattheFatherandtheSon,thoughthey,withtheHolyGhost,areoneandthesameeternalGod;yet,astotheirpersonality,are

distinct. The Father is one, the Son is one, theHoly Spirit is one. Butbecause there is in this text mention made but of two of the three,thereforeawordabout these two.Thegiverand receiver cannotbe thesamepersoninapropersense,inthesameactofgivingandreceiving.Hethatgiveth,givethnottohimself,buttoanother;theFathergivethnottotheFather,towit,tohimself,buttotheSon:theSonreceivethnotoftheSon, to wit, of himself, but of the Father: so when the Father givethcommandment,hegivethitnottohimself,buttoanother;asChristsaith,“He gaveme a commandment” (John 12:49). So again, “I am one thatbearwitness ofmyself, and the Father that sentme bearethwitness ofme”(John8:18).

Further,hereissomethingimpliedthatisnotexpressed,towit,thattheFather hath not given all men to Christ; that is, in that sense as it isintendedinthistext,thoughinalarger,aswassaidbefore,hehathgivenhimeveryoneof them;forthenallshouldbesaved:hehath, therefore,disposed of some another way. He gives some up to idolatry; he givessomeuptouncleanness,tovileaffections,andtoareprobatemind.Nowthese he disposeth of in his anger, for their destruction, that theymayreapthefruitoftheirdoings,andbefilledwiththerewardoftheirownways(Acts7:42;Rom1:24,26,28).Butneitherhathhethusdisposedofallmen;hehathevenofmercyreservedsomefromthesejudgments,andthoseare they thathewillpardon,ashe saith, “For Iwillpardon themwhomIreserve”(Jer50:20).NowthesehehathgiventoJesusChrist,bywill, as a legacy and portion. Hence the Lord Jesus says, “This is theFather’swill which hath sentme, that of all which he hath givenme Ishould losenothing,but should raise it upagainat the lastday” (John6:39).

TheFather’sIntentInGiving

TheFather,therefore,ingivingofthemtohimtosavethem,mustneedsdeclareuntousthesefollowingthings:-

First,ThatheisabletoanswerthisdesignofGod,towit,tosavethemtotheuttermostsin,theuttermosttemptation,&c.(Heb7:25).Hencehe issaid to lay“helpuponone that ismighty,” “mighty tosave” (Psa89:19;Isa63:1)andhenceitisagain,thatGoddidevenofoldpromisetosendhispeople “aSaviour,agreatone” (Isa 19:20).Tosave isagreatwork,and calls for almightiness in the undertaker: hence he is called the“MightyGod,thewonderfulCounsellor,”&c.Sin isstrong,Satanisalsostrong, death and the grave are strong, and so is the curse of the law;therefore it follows, that this Jesusmust needs be, by God the Father,accountedalmighty, inthathehathgivenhiselecttohimtosavethem,and deliver them from these, and that in despite of all their force andpower.

Andhegaveustestimonyofthishismight,whenhewasemployedinthatpart of our deliverance that called for a declaration of it.He abolisheddeath; he destroyed him that had the power of death; he was thedestructionofthegrave;hehathfinishedsin,andmadeanendofit,astoitsdamningeffectsuponthepersonsthattheFatherhathgivenhim;hehath vanquished the curse of the law, nailed it to his cross, triumphedoverthemuponhiscross,andmadeashowofthesethingsopenly(2Tim1:10;Heb2:14,15;Hosea13:14;Dan9:24;Gal3:13;Col2:14,15).Yea,andeven now, as a sign of his triumph and conquest, he is alive from thedead,andhaththekeysofhellanddeathinhisownkeeping(Rev1:18).

Second,TheFather’sgivingofthemtohimtosavethem,declaresuntousthatheisandwillbefaithfulinhisofficeofMediator,andthatthereforethey shall be secured from the fruit and wages of their sins, which iseternaldamnation,byhisfaithfulexecutionofit.And,indeed,itissaid,even by the Holy Ghost himself, That he “was faithful to him thatappointedhim,”thatis,tothisworkofsavingthosethattheFatherhathgivenhimforthatpurpose;as“Moseswasfaithfulinallhishouse.”Yea,and more faithful too, for Moses was faithful in God’s house but as aservant;“butChristasaSonoverhisownhouse”(Heb3).Andthereforethisman is counted worthy ofmore glory thanMoses, even upon thisaccount,becausemorefaithfulthanhe,aswellasbecauseofthedignityof his person. Therefore in him, and in his truth and faithfulness,Godrestethwellpleased,andhathputallthegovernmentofthispeopleupon

his shoulders.Knowing thatnothing shall bewanting inhim, thatmayanywayperfectthisdesign.Andofthishe,towit,theSon,hathalreadygivenaproof.Forwhenthetimewascome,thathisbloodwas,byDivinejustice, required for their redemption, washing, and cleansing, he asfreelypoureditoutofhisheart,asifithadbeenwateroutofavessel;notstickingtopartwithhisown life, that the lifewhichwas laidup forhispeopleinheavenmightnotfailtobebestoweduponthem.Anduponthisaccount, as well as upon any other, it is that God calleth him “myrighteous servant” (Isa 53:11). For his righteousness could never havebeencomplete,ifhehadnotbeentotheuttermostfaithfultotheworkheundertook;itisalso,becauseheisfaithfulandtrue,thatinrighteousnesshe doth judge and make work for his people’s deliverance. He willfaithfullyperformthistrustreposedinhim.TheFatherknowsthis,andhaththereforegivenhiselectuntohim.

Third,TheFather’sgivingofthemtohim,tosavethem,declaresthatheis, and will be gentle, and patient towards them, under all theirprovocations andmiscarriages. It is not to be imagined, the trials andprovocations that the Son of God hath all along hadwith these peoplethathavebeengiven tohimthat saves them: indeedhe is said tobe “atried stone;” for he has been tried, not only by the devil, guilt of sin,death, and the curse of the law, but also by his people’s ignorance,unruliness, falls into sin, and declining to errors in life and doctrine.WerewebutcapableofseeinghowthisLordJesushasbeentriedevenbyhispeople,eversincetherewasoneof themintheworld,weshouldbeamazed at his patience and gentle carriages to them. It is said, indeed,“TheLordisverypitiful,slowtoanger,andofgreatmercy.”And,indeed,ifhehadnotbeenso,hecouldneverhaveenduredtheirmannersashehasdone fromAdamhitherto.Therefore ishispityandbowels towardshischurchpreferredabovethepityandbowelsofamothertowardsherchild. “Canawoman forgether suckingchild, that she shouldnothavecompassiononthesonofherwomb?Yea,theymayforget,yetwillInotforgetthee,”saiththeLord(Isa49:15).

GoddidoncegiveMoses,asChrist’sservant,anhandfulofhispeople,tocarrytheminhisbosom,butnofurtherthanfromEgypttoCanaan;andthisMoses,asissaidofhimbytheHolyGhost,wasthemeekestmanthat

wasthentobefoundintheearth;yea,andhelovedthepeopleataverygreatrate;yetneitherwouldhismeeknessnorloveholdoutinthiswork;he failed and grew passionate, even to the provoking his God to angerunder thiswork. “AndMoses said unto the Lord,Wherefore hast thouafflicted thy servant?” But what was the affliction?Why, the Lord hadsaid unto him, “Carry this people in thy bosom as a nursing fatherbeareth thesucklingchild,unto the landwhich thouswarestunto theirfathers.”Andhowthen?NotI,saysMoses,“Iamnotabletobearallthispeoplealone,becauseitistooheavyforme.Ifthoudealthuswithme,killme,Ipraythee,outofhand,andletmenotseemywretchedness”(Num11:11-15).

GodgavethemtoMoses,thathemightcarrytheminhisbosom,thathemight show gentleness and patience towards them, under all theprovocationswherewith theywould provoke him from that time till hehadbrought themto their land;buthe failed in thework;hecouldnotexerciseit,becausehehadnotthatsufficiencyofpatiencetowardsthem.Butnowitissaidofthepersonspeakinginthetext,“Thatheshallgatherthe lambswithhis arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gentlyleadthosethatarewithyoung”(Isa40:11).Intimating,thatthiswasoneofthequalificationsthatGodlookedfor,andknewwasinhim,whenhegavehiselecttohimtosavethem.

Fourth,TheFather giving of him to save them, declares that he hath asufficiencyofwisdomtowagewithallthosedifficultiesthatwouldattendhiminhisbringingofhissonsanddaughtersuntoglory.Hemadehimtous to bewisdom; yea, he is calledwisdom itself (1 Cor 1:30). AndGodsaith,moreover,That“heshalldealprudently”(Isa52:13).And, indeed,hethatshalltakeuponhimtobetheSaviourofthepeople,hadneedbewise, because their adversaries are subtle above any. Here they are toencounterwiththeserpent,whoforhissubtiltyoutwittedourfatherandmother, when their wisdom was at highest (Gen 3). But if we talk ofwisdom,ourJesusiswise,wiserthanSolomon,wiserthanallmen,wiserthanallangels;he iseven thewisdomofGod. “Christ is thewisdomofGod” (1 Cor 1:24). And hence it is that he turneth sin, temptations,persecutions,falls,andallthings,forgooduntohispeople(Rom8:28).

Now these things thus concluded on do show us also the great and

wonderfulloveoftheFather,inthatheshouldchooseoutoneeverywaysowellpreparedfortheworkofman’ssalvation.

Herein, indeed,perceivewe the loveofGod.Huramgathered, thatGodlovedIsraelbecausehehadgiventhemsuchakingasSolomon(2Chron2:11). But how much more may we behold the love that God hathbestoweduponus,inthathehathgivenustohisSon,andalsogivenhisSonforus?

TheSon’sReceptionOfTheGift

AllthattheFathergivethmeSHALLCOME.”IntheselastwordsthereiscloselyinsertedanansweruntotheFather’sendingivingofhiselecttoJesusChrist.TheFather’sendwas,thattheymightcometohim,andbesavedbyhim;andthat,saystheSon,shallbedone;neithersinnorSatan,neither flesh nor world, neither wisdom nor folly, shall hinder theircomingtome.“Theyshallcometome;andhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”

Here,therefore,theLordJesuspositivelydeterminethtoputforthsuchasufficiency of all grace as shall effectually perform this promise. “Theyshall come;” that is, he will cause them to come, by infusing of aneffectualblessingintoallthemeansthatshallbeusedtothatend.Aswassaid to the evil spirit that was sent to persuade Ahab to go and fall atRamoth- Gilead; Go: “Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: goforth,anddoso”(1Kings22:22).SowillJesusChristsay to themeansthat shallbeused for thebringingof those tohim that theFatherhathgiven him. I say, he will bless it effectually to this very end; it shallpersuade them, and shall prevail also; else, as I said, the Father’s endwouldbefrustrate;fortheFather’swillis,that“ofallwhichhehathgivenhim,heshouldlosenothing,butshouldraiseitupatthelastday,”(John6:39);inordernextuntohimself,Christthefirst-fruits,afterwardsthosethat are his at his coming (1 Cor 15). But this cannot be done if there

should fail tobeaworkofgraceeffectuallywrought, thoughbut inanyoneofthem.Butthisshallnotfailtobewroughtinthem,eveninalltheFatherhathgivenhim to save. “All that theFatherhathgivenmeshallcomeuntome,”&c.

Butto speakmore distinctly to thewords, THEY “SHALLCOME,” twothingsIwouldshowyoufromthesewords-FIRST,WhatitistocometoChrist.SECOND,Whatforcethereisinthispromise,tomakethemcometohim.

WhatItIsToComeToChrist

FIRST,IwouldshowyouWHATITISTOCOMETOCHRIST.Thiswordcomemustbeunderstoodspiritually,notcarnally;formanycametohimcarnally,orbodily,thathadnosavingadvantagebyhim.Multitudesdidthuscomeuntohiminthedaysofhisflesh;yea,innumerablecompanies.Thereisalsoatthisdayaformalcustomarycomingtohisordinancesandwaysofworship,whichavailethnotanything;butwiththemIshallnotnow meddle, for they are not intended in the text. The coming, then,intendedinthetextistobeunderstoodofthecomingofthemindtohim,eventhemovingofthehearttowardshim.Isaythemovingofthehearttowardshim,fromasoundsenseoftheabsolutewantthatamanhathofhimforhisjustificationandsalvation.

ThisdescriptionofcomingtoChristdividethitselfintotwoheads:First,ThatcomingtoChristisamovingofthemindtowardshim.Second,Thatit is a moving of the mind towards him, from a sound sense of theabsolutewantthatamanhathofhimforhisjustificationandsalvation.

[First]Tospeaktothefirst,thatitisamovingofthemindtowardshim.Thisisevident;becausecominghitherorthither,ifitbevoluntary,isbyanactofthemindorwill;socomingtoChrististhroughtheincliningofthe will. “Thy people shall be willing” (Psa 110:3). This willingness of

heart is it which sets the mind a- moving after or towards him. ThechurchexpresseththismovingofhermindtowardsChristbythemovingofherbowels.“Mybelovedput inhishandbytheholeofthedoor,andmybowelsweremovedforhim”(Can5:4).“Mybowels;”thepassionsofmymindandaffections;whichpassionsoftheaffectionsareexpressedbythe yearning and sounding of the bowels, the yearning or passionateworkingofthem,thesoundingofthem,ortheirmakinganoiseforhim(Gen43:30;1Kings3:26;Isa16:11).

This,then,isthecomingtoChrist,evenamovingtowardshimwiththemind. “And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, whichmoveth,whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live” (Eze47:9).ThewaterinthistextisthegraceofGodinthedoctrineofit.Thelivingthingsare the children of men, to whom the grace of God, by the gospel, ispreached.Now,saithhe,everylivingthingwhichmoveth,whithersoeverthe water shall come, shall live. And see how this word moveth isexpoundedbyChristhimself,inthebookoftheRevelations:“TheSpiritandthebridesay,Come.Andlethimthathearethsay,Come.Andlethimthat isathirst,come.Andwhosoeverwill,” that is,willing, “lethim takethewateroflifefreely”(Rev22:17).

SothattomoveinthymindandwillafterChrist,istobecomingtohim.TherearemanypoorsoulsthatarecomingtoChrist,thatyetcannottellhowtobelieveit,becausetheythinkthatcomingtohimissomestrangeandwonderfulthing;and,indeed,soitis.ButImean,theyoverlooktheinclinationof theirwill, themovingof theirmind, and the soundingoftheir bowels after him; and count these none of this strange andwonderful thing; when, indeed, it is a work of greatest wonder in thisworld, to see a man who was sometimes dead in sin possessed of thedevil,anenemytoChristandtoall thingsspirituallygood;Isay, toseethismanmovingwithhismindaftertheLordJesusChrist,isoneofthehighestwondersintheworld.

Second,It isamovingof themind towardshim, fromasoundsenseofthe absolute want that a man hath of him for his justification andsalvation. Indeed, without this sense of a lost condition without him,there will be no moving of the mind towards him. A moving of theirmouth there may be; “With their mouth they show much love” (Eze

33:31).Suchapeopleasthiswillcomeasthetruepeoplecometh;thatis,in show and outward appearance. And they will sit before God’sministers,ashispeoplesitbeforethem;andtheywillhearhiswordstoo,but they will not do them; that is, will not come inwardly with theirminds.“Forwith theirmouth theyshewmuch love,but theirheart,”ormind,“goethaftertheircovetousness.”Now,allthisisbecausetheywantaneffectualsenseof themiseryof theirstatebynature; fornottill theyhave thatwill they, in theirmind,move afterhim.Therefore, thus it issaidconcerningthetruecomers,At“thatdaythegreattrumpetshallbeblown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land ofAssyria,andtheoutcastsinthelandofEgypt,andshallworshiptheLordintheholymountatJerusalem”(Isa27:13).Theyarethen,asyousee,theoutcasts, and those that are ready to perish, that, indeed, have theirmindseffectuallymovedtocometoJesusChrist.Thissenseofthingswasthat whichmade the three thousand come, thatmade Saul come, thatmadethejailercome,andthat,indeed,makesallotherscome,thatcomeeffectually(Acts2:8,18).

OfthetruecomingtoChrist,thefourleperswereafamoussemblance,ofwhomyouread,(2Kings7:3),&c.Thefamineinthosedayswassoreinthe land, therewasnobread for thepeople; andas for that sustenancethat was, which was asses’ flesh and doves’ dung, that was only inSamaria, and of these the lepers had no share, for they were thrustwithout the city.Well, now they sat in the gate of the city, andhungerwas,asImaysay,makinghislastmealofthem;andbeing,therefore,halfdead already, what do they think of doing?Why, first they display thedismalcoloursofdeathbeforeeachother’sfaces,andthenresolvewhattodo,saying,“Ifwesaywewillenterintothecity,thenfamineisinthecity,andweshalldiethere:ifwesitstillhere,wediealso.Now,therefore,come,letusfalluntothehostoftheSyrians:iftheysaveusalive,weshalllive; if theykillus,weshallbutdie.”Here,now,wasnecessityatwork,and this necessity drove them to go thither for life, whither else theywouldneverhavegoneforit.Thusit iswiththemthatintruthcometoJesusChrist.Death isbefore them, they see it and feel it;he is feedinguponthem,andwilleatthemquiteup,iftheycomenottoJesusChrist;andthereforetheycome,evenofnecessity,being forcedtheretobythatsense they have of their being utterly and everlastingly undone, if they

findnot safety inhim.Theseare they thatwill come. Indeed, thesearetheythatareinvitedtocome.“Comeuntome,allyethatlabourandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest”(Matt11:28).

Taketwoorthreethingstomakethismoreplain;towit,ThatcomingtoChristflowethfromasoundsenseoftheabsoluteneedthatamanhathofhim,asafore.

1.“Theyshallcomewithweeping,andwithsupplicationswillIleadthem;Iwillcausethemtowalkbytheriversofwatersinastraightwaywhereintheyshallnotstumble”(Jer31:9).Mindit;theycomewithweepingandsupplication; they comewith prayers and tears.Nowprayers and tearsare the effects of a right sense of the need of mercy. Thus a senselesssinner cannot come, he cannot pray, he cannot cry, he cannot comesensibleofwhatheseesnot,norfeels.“Inthosedays,andinthattime-thechildrenofIsraelshallcome;theyandthechildrenofJudahtogether,goingandweeping:theyshallgoandseektheLordtheirGod.TheyshallaskthewaytoZionwiththeirfacesthitherward,saying,Comeandletusjoin ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not beforgotten”(Jer1:4,5).

2.ThiscomingtoChrist,itiscalledarunningtohim,asflyingtohim;aflyingtohimfromwrathtocome.Byallwhichtermsissetforththesenseofthemanthatcomes;towit,Thatheisaffectedwiththesenseofhissin,and thedeathdue thereto; thathe is sensible that theavengerofbloodpursueshim,andthat,therefore,heisthusoff,ifhemakesnotspeedtotheSonofGodforlife(Matt3:7;Psa143:9).Flyingisthelastworkofaman in danger; all that are in danger do not fly; no, not all that seethemselvesindanger;flyingisthelastworkofamanindanger;allthathearofdangerwillnotfly.Menwillconsideriftherebenootherwayofescapebeforetheyfly.Therefore,asIsaid,flyingisthelastthing.Whenallrefugefails,andamanismadetoseethatthereisnothinglefthimbutsin,death,anddamnation,unlesshefliestoChristforlife;thenheflies,andnottillthen.

3. That the true coming is from a sense of an absolute need of JesusChristtosave,&c.,isevidentbytheoutcrythatismadebythemtocome,evenastheyarecomingtohim,“Lord,saveme,”orIperish;“Menand

brethren,whatshallwedo?”“Sirs,whatmustIdotobesaved?”andthelike (Matt 14:30; Acts 2:37; 16:30). This language doth sufficientlydiscover that the truly- coming soulsare souls sensibleof theirneedofsalvationbyJesusChrist;and,moreover, that there isnothingelse thatcanhelpthembutChrist.

4.It isyetfurtherevidentbythesefewthingsthatfollow:It issaidthatsuchare“prickedintheirheart,”thatis,withthesentenceofdeathbythelaw;andtheleastprickintheheartkillsaman(Acts2:37).Sucharesaid,asIsaidbefore,toweep,totremble,andtobeastonishedinthemselvesattheevidentandunavoidabledangerthatattendsthem,unlesstheyflytoJesusChrist(Acts9:16).

5.ComingtoChristisattendedwithanhonestandsincereforsakingofallforhim.“Ifanymancometome,andhatenothisfatherandmother,andwife,andchildren,andbrethren,andsisters,yea,andhisownlifealso,hecannotbemydisciple.Andwhosoeverdothnotbearhiscross,andcomeafterme,cannotbemydisciple”(Luke14:26,27).

By these and the like expressions elsewhere, Christ describeth the truecomer,orthemanthatindeediscomingtohim;heisonethatcastethallbehindhisback;heleavethall,heforsakethall,hehatethallthingsthatwouldstandinhiswaytohinderhiscomingtoJesusChrist.ThereareagreatmanypretendedcomerstoJesusChristintheworld;andtheyaremuch like to the man you read of in Matthew 21:30, that said to hisfather’sbidding, “Igo,Sir,andwentnot.” Isay, thereareagreatmanysuchcomerstoJesusChrist; theysay,whenChristcallsbyhisgospel,Icome,Sir;butstilltheyabidebytheirpleasuresandcarnaldelights.Theycomenot at all, only they give him a courtly compliment; but he takesnoticeofit,andwillnotletitpassforanymorethanalie.Hesaid,“Igo,Sir, andwentnot;”hedissembled and lied.Takeheedof this, you thatflatteryourselveswithyourowndeceivings.WordswillnotdowithJesusChrist.Comingiscoming,andnothingelsewillgoforcomingwithhim.

ObjectionsthatusuallylieinthewayofcomingtoChrist

Before I speak to the other head, I shall answer some objections thatusuallylieinthewayofthosethatintrutharecomingtoJesusChrist.

Objection1. Though I cannot deny butmymind runs after Christ, andthattooasbeingmovedtheretofromasightandconsiderationofmylostcondition,forIseewithouthimIperish;yetIfearmyendsarenotrightincomingtohim.

Quest.Why,whatisthineendincomingtoChrist?

Ans.Myendis,thatImighthavelife,andbesavedbyJesusChrist.

Thisistheobjection;well,letmetellthee,thattocometoChristforlife,andtobesaved,althoughatpresentthouhastnootherend, isa lawfuland good coming to Jesus Christ. This is evident, because Christpropoundethlifeastheonlyargumenttoprevailwithsinnerstocometohim, and so also blameth them because they come not to him for life.“And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life” (John 5:40).Besides, therearemanyotherscriptureswherebyheallurethsinners tocometohim,inwhichhepropoundethnothingtothembuttheirsafety.As,“whosoeverbelieveth inhimshouldnotperish;”hethatbelieveth is“passed fromdeathunto life.” “He thatbelieveth - shall be saved.” “Hethatbelievethonhimisnotcondemned.”Andbelievingandcomingareallone.Sothatyousee,tocometoChristforlife,isalawfulcomingandgood. In that he believeth, that he alone hathmade atonement for sin(Rom2).Andletmeaddoverandabove,thatforamantocometoChristforlife,thoughhecomestohimfornothingelsebutlife,itistogivemuchhonourtohim.

1.HehonoureththewordofChrist,andconsentethtothetruthofit;andthatinthesetwogeneralheads.(1)Heconsentethtothetruthofallthosesayingsthattestifythatsinismostabominableinitself,dishonourabletoGod, and damnable to the soul of man; for thus saith the man thatcomethtoJesusChrist(Jer44:4;Rom2:23;6:23;2Thess2:12).(2)Inthathebelieveth,asthewordhathsaid,thatthereisintheworld’sbestthings, righteousness and all, nothing but death anddamnation; for soalsosaysthemanthatcomestoJesusChristforlife(Rom7:24,25;8:2,3;2Cor3:6-8).

2.HehonourethChrist’sperson,inthathebelieveththatthereislifeinhim, and that he is able to save him from death, hell, the devil, and

damnation;forunlessamanbelievesthis,hewillnotcometoChristforlife(Heb7:24,25).

3.He honoureth him, in that he believeth that he is authorized of theFathertogivelifetothosethatcometohimforit(John5:11,12;17:1-3).

4.Hehonoureth thepriesthoodofJesusChrist. (1) In thathebelieveththatChristhathmorepowertosavefromsinbythesacrificethathehathofferedforit,thanhathalllaw,devils,death,orsintocondemn.Hethatbelievesnotthis,willnotcome toJesusChrist for life (Acts 13:38;Heb2:14,15;Rev1:17,18).(2)InthathebelieveththatChrist,accordingtohisoffice,will bemost faithful andmerciful in the discharge of his office.Thismust be included in the faith of him that comes for life to JesusChrist(1John2:1-3;Heb2:17,18).

5.Further,HethatcomethtoJesusChrist for life, takethpartwithhimagainst sin, and against the ragged and imperfect righteousness of theworld; yea, and against false Christs, and damnable errors, that setthemselvesagainst theworthiness of hismerits and sufficiency. This isevident,forthatsuchasoulsinglethChristoutfromthemall,astheonlyonethatcansave.

6.ThereforeasNoah,atGod’scommand,thoupreparestthisark,forthesaving of thyself, by which also thou condemnest the world, and artbecomeheiroftherighteousnesswhichisbyfaith(Heb11:7).Wherefore,comingsinner,becontent;hethatcomethtoJesusChrist,believethtoothat he is willing to show mercy to, and have compassion upon him,thoughunworthy,thatcomestohimforlife.Andthereforethysoulliethnotonlyunderaspecial invitation tocome,butunderapromise tooofbeingacceptedandforgiven(Matt11:28).

AlltheseparticularpartsandqualitiesoffaithareinthatsoulthatcomestoJesusChristforlife,asisevidenttoanyindifferentjudgment.For,willhethatbelievethnotthetestimonyofChristconcerningthebasenessofsin, and the insufficiency of the righteousness of the world, come toChrist for life? No. He that believeth not this testimony of the word,comesnot.Hethatbelieveththatthereislifeanywhereelse,comesnot.HethatquestionswhethertheFatherhathgivenChristpowertoforgive,

comesnot.Hethatthinkeththatthereismoreinsin,inthelaw,indeath,and thedevil, todestroy, than there is inChrist to save, comesnot.Healso that questions his faithful management of his priesthood for thesalvationofsinners,comesnot.

Thou, then, that art indeed the coming sinner, believest all this. True,perhaps thou dost not believe with that full assurance, nor hast thouleisuretotakenoticeofthyfaithastothesedistinctactsofit;butyetallthis faith is in him coming to Christ for life. And the faith that thusworketh,isthefaithofthebestandpurestkind;becausethismancomesaloneasasinner,andasseeingthatlifeis,andistobehadonlyinJesusChrist.

BeforeIconcludemyanswertothisobjection,takeintothyconsiderationthesetwothings.

1st. [Consider] that thecitiesof refugewereerected for those thatweredeadinlaw,andthatyetwouldlivebygrace;evenforthosethatweretofly thither for life from the avenger of blood that pursueth after them.Anditisworthyournoting,thatthosethatwereupontheirflightthither,are in apeculiarmanner called thepeople ofGod: “Cast yeup, cast yeup,”saithGod;“preparetheway;takeupthestumblingblockoutof thewayofmypeople”(Isa57:14).Thisismeantofpreparingthewaytothecityofrefuge,thattheslayersmightescapethither;whichflyingslayersarehere,bywayofspecialty,calledthepeopleofGod;eventhoseofthemthatescapedthitherforlife.

2dly.[Consider]thatofAhab,whenBenhadadsenttohimforlife,saying,“Thus saith thy servant Benhadad, I pray thee let me live.” ThoughBenhadadhadsoughtthecrown,kingdom,yea,andalsothelifeofAhab,yet how effectually doth Benhadad prevail with him! Is Benhadad yetalive?saithAhab;He ismybrother;yea,goye,bringhimtome.Sohemadehimrideinhischariot(1Kings20).

Comingsinner,whatthinkestthou?IfJesusChristhadaslittlegoodnessinhimasAhab,hemightgrant anhumbleBenhadad life; thouneitherbeggestofhimhiscrownanddignity;life,eternallife,willservethyturn.How

muchmorethenshaltthouhaveit,sincethouhasttodealwithhimwhois goodness andmercy itself! yea, since thou art also called upon, yea,greatlyencouragedbyapromiseof life,tocomeuntohimforlife!Readalso these Scriptures, Numbers 35:11,14,15, Joshua 20:1- 6, Hebrews6:16-21.

Object.2.WhenIsayIonlyseekmyself,ImeanIdonot findthatIdodesignGod’sglory inmineownsalvationbyChrist,andthatmakesmefearIdonotcomearight.

Ans.WheredothChrist Jesus require suchaqualificationof those thatarecomingtohimforlife?Comethouforlife,andtroublenotthyheadwith such objections against thyself, and let God and Christ alone toglorifythemselvesinthesalvationofsuchawormasthouart.TheFathersaith to the Son, “Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will beglorified.” God propoundeth life to sinners, as the argument to prevailwith them to come tohim for life; andChrist says plainly, “I am comethattheymighthavelife”(John10:10).Hehathnoneedofthydesigns,thoughthouhastneedofhis.Eternallife,pardonofsin,anddeliverancefromwrath to come,Christpropounds to thee, and thesebe the thingsthat thou hast need of; besides, God will be gracious and merciful toworthless,undeservingwretches;comethenassuchanone,and laynostumblingblocks in the way to him, but come to him for life, and live(John 5:34; 10:10; 3:36; Matt 1:21; Prov 8:35,36; 1 Thess 1:10; John11:25,26).

Whenthejailersaid,“Sirs,WhatmustIdotobesaved?”Pauldidnotsomuchasonceaskhim,Whatisyourendinthisquestion?doyoudesignthegloryofGod,inthesalvationofyoursoul?Hehadmorewit;heknewthat suchquestions as thesewould have been but fools’ babbles about,insteadofasufficientsalve“WhichCambellseeing,thoughhecouldnotsalve,tosoweightyaquestionasthis.Wherefore,sincethispoorwretchlackedsalvationbyJesusChrist,Imeantobesavedfromhellanddeath,whichheknew,now,wasduetohimforthesinsthathehadcommitted,Paulbidshim,likeapoorcondemnedsinnerashewas,toproceedstillinthis hisway of self- seeking, saying, “Believe on the Lord JesusChrist,and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:30-32). I know that afterwards thouwiltdesiretoglorifyChristbywalkinginthewayofhisprecepts;butat

present thouwantest life; the avenger of blood is behind thee, and thedevil like a roaring lion is behind thee;well, comenow, andobtain lifefrom these; andwhen thouhast obtained some comfortablepersuasionthatthouartmadepartakeroflifebyChrist,then,andnottillthen,thouwilt say, “Bless theLord,Omysoul, andall that iswithinmebless hisholyname.BlesstheLord,Omysoul,andforgetnotallhisbenefits:whoforgivethallthineiniquities,whohealethallthydiseases;whoredeemeththy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness andtendermercies”(Psa103:1-4).

Object. 3. But I cannot believe that I come to Christ aright, becausesometimesIamapttoquestionhisverybeingandofficetosave.

Thustodo ishorrible;butmayest thounot judgeamiss in thismatter?HowcanI judgeamiss,whenI judgeas I feel?Poorsoul!Thoumayestjudge amiss for all that. Why, saith the sinner, I think that thesequestionings come from my heart. Let me answer. That which comesfrom thy heart, comes from thy will and affections, from thyunderstanding, judgment, and conscience, for these must acquiesce inthy questioning, if thy questioning be with thy heart. And how sayestthou, for tonamenomore,dost thouwith thyaffectionandconsciencethus question? Ans. No, my conscience trembles when such thoughtscomeintomymind;andmyaffectionsareotherwiseinclined.

Then I conclude, that these things are either suddenly injected by thedevil,orelseare the fruitsof thatbodyofsinanddeaththatyetdwellswithinthee,orperhapsfrombothtogether.

Iftheycomewhollyfromthedevil,astheyseem,becausethyconscienceandaffectionsareagainstthem,oriftheycomefromthatbodyofdeaththatisinthee,andbenotthoucuriousininquiringfromwhetherofthemtheycome,thesafestwayistolayenoughatthyowndoor;nothingofthisshould hinder thy coming, nor make thee conclude thou comest notaright.AndbeforeIleavethee,letmealittlequerywiththeeaboutthismatter.

1.Dostthoulikethesewickedblasphemies?Ans.No,no, theirpresenceandworkingkillsme.

2.Dostthoumournforthem,prayagainstthem,andhatethyselfbecauseof them? Ans. Yes, yes; but that which afflicts me is, I do not prevailagainstthem.

3. Dost thou sincerely choose, mightest thou have thy choice, that thyheart might be affected and taken with the things that are best, mostheavenly,andholy?Ans.Withallmyheart,anddeaththenexthour,ifitwereGod’swill,ratherthanthustosinagainsthim.

Well then, thy not liking of them, thymourning for them, thy prayingagainstthem,andthyloathingthyselfbecauseofthem,withthysincerechoosingofthosethoughtsforthydelectationthatareheavenlyandholy,clearlydeclares, that these things are not countenanced eitherwith thywill,affections,understanding,judgment,orconscience;andso,thatthyheart is not in them, but that rather they come immediately from thedevil,orarise fromthebodyofdeaththat is in thy flesh,ofwhichthououghtest thus tosay, “Now, then, it isnomoreI thatdo it,butsinthatdwellethinme”(Rom7:17).

I will give thee a pertinent instance. In Deuteronomy 22, thoumayestreadofabetrotheddamsel, onebetrothed toherbeloved,one thathadgivenhimherheartandmouth,asthouhastgiventhyselftoChrist;yetwas she met with as she walked in the field, by one that forced her,becausehewas stronger thanshe.Well,what judgmentnowdothGod,therighteous judge,passupon thedamsel for this? “Themanonly thatlaywith her,” saith God, “shall die. But unto the damsel thou shalt donothing; there is in the damsel no sinworthy of death. For, aswhen amanrisethagainsthisneighbour,andslayethhim,evensoisthismatter;forhefoundher in the field,andthebetrotheddamselcried,andtherewasnonetosaveher”(Deut22:25-27).

Thouartthisdamsel.Themanthatforcedtheewiththeseblasphemousthoughts,isthedevil;andhelightethupontheeinafitplace,eveninthefield,asthouartwanderingafterJesusChrist;butthoucriestout,andbythy cry did show, that thou abhorrest such wicked lewdness.Well, theJudgeofalltheearthwilldoright;hewillnotlaythesinatthydoor,butat his that offered the violence. And for thy comfort take this intoconsideration, that he came to heal them “that were oppressed of the

devil”(Acts10:38).

Object.4.But,saithanother,Iamsoheartless,soslow,and,asIthink,soindifferent inmy coming, that, to speak truth, I knownotwhethermykindofcomingoughttobecalledacomingtoChrist.

Ans.YouknowthatItoldyouatfirst,thatcomingtoChristisamovingoftheheartandaffectionstowardshim.

But, saith the soul, my dullness and indifferency in all holy duties,demonstratemyheartlessnessincoming;andtocome,andnotwiththeheart,signifiesnothingatall.

1.ThemovingoftheheartafterChristisnottobediscerned,atalltimes,by thy sensible affectionate performance of duties, but rather by thosesecret groanings and complaints which thy soul makes to God againstthatsloththatattendstheeinduties.

2.Butgrantittobeevenasthousayestitis,thatthoucomestsoslowly,&c.,yet,sinceChristbidsthemcomethatcomenotatall,surelytheymaybeacceptedthatcome,thoughattendedwiththoseinfirmitieswhichthouatpresentgroanestunder.Hesaith,“andhimthatcometh;”hesaithnot,Iftheycomesensible;sofast;but,“andhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowise cast out.”He saith also in theninth of Proverbs, “As for him thatwanteth understanding,” that is, an heart (for oftentimes theunderstandingistakenfortheheart),“come,eatofmybread,anddrinkofthewinewhichIhavemingled.”

3.ThoumayestbevehementinthyspiritincomingtoJesusChrist,andyet be plagued with sensible sloth; so was the church when she cried,“Drawme,wewillrunafterthee;”andPaul,whenhesaid,“WhenIwoulddogood,evilispresentwithme”(Song14;Rom7;Gal5:19).Theworks,strugglings,andoppositionsoftheflesh,aremoremanifestthanaretheworksoftheSpiritinourhearts,andsoaresoonerfeltthanthey.Whatthen? Let us not be discouraged at the sight and feeling of our owninfirmities,butrunthefastertoJesusChristforsalvation.

4.GetthyheartwarmedwiththesweetpromiseofChrist’sacceptanceof

thecomingsinner,and thatwillmake theemakemorehasteuntohim.Discouragingthoughtstheyarelikeuntocoldweather,theybenumbthesenses,andmakeusgoungainlyaboutourbusiness;but thesweetandwarmgleadsofpromisearelikethecomfortablebeamsofthesun,whichlivenandrefresh.Youseehowlittlethebeeandflydoplayintheairinwinter;why,thecoldhindersthemfromdoingit;butwhenthewindandsuniswarm,whosobusyasthey?

5.Butagain,he that comes toChrist, flies forhis life.Now, there isnoman that flies for his life, that thinks he speeds fast enough on hisjourney;no,couldhe,hewouldwillinglytakeamileatastep.Omyslothandheartlessness,sayestthou!“OhthatIhadwingslikeadove!forthenwouldIflyaway,andbeatrest.Iwouldhastenmyescapefromthewindystormandtempest”(Psa55:6,8).

Poorcomingsoul,thouartlikethemanthatwouldridefullgallop,whosehorsewillhardlytrot!Now,thedesireofhismindisnottobejudgedofby the slow pace of the dull jade he rides on, but by the hitching, andkicking, and spurring, as he sits on his back. Thy flesh is like this dulljade; itwillnotgallopafterChrist; itwillbebackward, though thy souland heaven lie at stake. But be of good comfort, Christ judgeth notaccordingtothefiercenessofoutwardmotion(Mark10:17)butaccordingtothesincerityoftheheartandinwardparts(John1:47;Psa51:6;Matt26:41).

6. Ziba, in appearance, came to David much faster than didMephibosheth;but yethisheartwasnot soupright inhim toDavid aswashis. It is true,Mephiboshethhada check fromDavid; for, saidhe,“Whywentestnotthouwithme,Mephibosheth?”ButwhenDavidcameto remember thatMephiboshethwas lame, for thatwas his plea - “thyservant is lame” (2 Sam 19), hewas content, and concluded, hewouldhavecomeafterhim faster thanhedid;andMephibosheth appealed toDavid,whowasinthosedaysasanangelofGod,toknowallthingsthatare done in the earth, if he did not believe that the reason of hisbackwardness lay in his lameness, and not in his mind. Why, poorcomingsinner,thoucanstnotcometoChristwiththatoutwardswiftnessofacourierasmanyothersdo;butdoththereasonofthybackwardnesslieinthymindandwill,orinthesluggishnessoftheflesh?Canstthousay

sincerely,“Thespiritindeediswilling,butthefleshisweak”(Matt26:41).Yea,canstthouappealtotheLordJesus,whoknowethperfectlytheveryinmost thought of thy heart, that this is true? Then take this for thycomfort,hehathsaid,“Iwillassembleherthathalteth-Iwillmakeherthat halted a remnant,” (Micah 4:6), “and I will save her that halteth”(Zeph3:19).WhatcanstthouhavemorefromthesweetlipsoftheSonofGod?But,

7.IreadofsomethataretofollowChristinchains;Isay,tocomeafterhim in chains. “Thus saith the Lord, The labour of Egypt, andmerchandiseofEthiopiaandoftheSabeans,menofstature,shallcomeover unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee: inchainstheyshallcomeover,andtheyshallfalldownuntothee:theyshallmakesupplicationunto thee, saying -Surely there isnoneelse” tosave(Isa45:14).SurelytheythatcomeafterChristinchains,cometohimingreat difficulty, because their steps, by the chains, are straitened. Andwhatchainsaresoheavyasthosethatdiscouragethee?Thychain,whichismade up of guilt and filth, is heavy; it is awretched bond about thyneck,bywhichthystrengthdothfail(Lam1:14;3:18).Butcome,thoughthoucomestinchains;itisglorytoChristthatasinnercomesafterhimin chains. The chinking of thy chains, though troublesome to thee, arenot,norcanbeobstructiontothysalvation;itisChrist’sworkandglorytosavetheefromthychains,toenlargethysteps,andsettheeatliberty.The blind man, though called, surely could not come apace to JesusChrist,butChristcouldstandstill,andstayforhim(Mark10:49).True,“Heridethuponthewingsofthewind;”butyetheislong-suffering,andhislong-sufferingissalvationtohimthatcomethtohim(2Peter3:9).

8.HadstthouseenthosethatcametotheLordJesus inthedaysofhisflesh,howslowly,howhobblingly, theycametohim,byreasonof theirinfirmities;andalsohowfriendly,andkindly,andgraciously,hereceivedthem,andgavethemthedesireoftheirhearts,thouwouldestnot,asthoudost,makesuchobjectionsagainstthyself,inthycomingtoJesusChrist.

Object.5.But,saysanother,IfearIcometoolate;IdoubtIhavestaidtoolong;Iamafraidthedoorisshut.

Ans.Thoucanstnevercometoo late toJesusChrist, if thoudostcome.

Thisismanifestbytwoinstances.

1.Bythemanthatcametohimattheeleventhhour.Thismanwasidleallthedaylong.Hehadawholegospeldaytocomein,andheplayeditallawaysaveonlythelasthourthereof.Butatlast,attheeleventhhour,hecame,andgoesintothevineyardtoworkwiththerestofthe labourers,that had borne the burden and heat of the day.Well, but howwas hereceivedbythelordofthevineyard?Why,whenpay-daycame,hehadeven as much as the rest; yea, had his money first. True, the othersmurmuredathim;butwhatdid theLordJesusanswer them?“Is thineeyeevil,becauseIamgood?Iwillgiveuntothislast,evenasuntothee”(Matt20:14,15).

2.Theotherinstanceis,thethiefuponthecross.Hecamelatealso,evenasatanhourbeforehisdeath;yea,hestayedfromJesusChristaslongashehadlibertytobeathief,andlongertoo;forcouldhehavedeludedthejudge,andbylyingwordshaveescapedhisjustcondemnation,foroughtIknow,hehadnotcomeasyettohisSaviour;butbeingconvicted,andcondemned to die, yea, fastened to the cross, that he might die like arogue,ashewasinhislife;beholdtheLordJesus,whenthiswickedone,even now, desirethmercy at his hands, tells him, and thatwithout theleastreflectionuponhim,forhisformermisspentlife,“To-dayshaltthoubewithmeinparadise”(Luke23:43).LetnomanturnthisgraceofGodintowantonness.Mydesignisnowtoencouragethecomingsoul.

Object.Butisnotthedoorofmercyshutagainstsomebeforetheydie?

Ans.Yea;andGodforbidsthatprayersshouldbemadetohimforthem(Jer6:16;Jude22).

Quest.Then,whymaynotIdoubtthatImaybeoneofthese?

Ans.Bynomeans,ifthouartcomingtoJesusChrist;becausewhenGodshutsthedooruponmen,hegivesthemnohearttocometoJesusChrist.“None come but those to whom it is given of the Father.” But thoucomest,thereforeitisgiventotheeoftheFather.

Besure,therefore,iftheFatherhathgiventheeanhearttocometoJesus

Christ, thegateofmercyyetstandsopentothee.For itstandsnotwiththewisdomofGodtogivestrengthtocometothebirth,andyettoshutup thewomb, (Isa66:9); togivegrace tocome toJesusChrist,andyetshutupthedoorofhismercyuponthee.“Inclineyourear,”saithhe,“andcome unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make aneverlastingcovenantwithyou,eventhesuremerciesofDavid”(Isa55:3).

Object.Butitissaid,thatsomeknockedwhenthedoorwasshut.

Ans.Yes;butthetextsinwhichtheseknockersarementioned,aretobereferreduntothedayofjudgment,andnottothecomingofthesinnertoChrist in this life. See the texts, Matthew 15:11, Luke 13:24,25. These,therefore, concern thee nothing at all, that art coming to Jesus Christ,thouartcomingNOW!“Nowistheacceptedtime;behold,nowisthedayofsalvation” (2Cor6:2).NowGod isuponthemercy-seat;nowChristJesus sits by, continually pleading the victory of his blood for sinners;andnow,evenaslongasthisworldlasts,thiswordofthetextshallstillbefree,andfullyfulfilled;“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”

Sinner,thegreatersinnerthouart,thegreaterneedofmercythouhast,andthemorewillChristbeglorifiedthereby.Comethen,comeandtry;come,tasteandseehowgoodtheLordistoanundeservingsinner!

Object.6.But,saysanother,IamfallensinceIbegantocometoChrist;thereforeIfearIdidnotcomearight,andsoconsequentlythatChristwillnotreceiveme.

Ans. Falls are dangerous, for they dishonour Christ, wound theconscience,andcausetheenemiesofGodtospeakreproachfully.Butitisnogoodargument,Iamfallen,thereforeIwasnotcomingarighttoJesusChrist. If David, and Solomon, and Peter, had thus objected againstthemselves, theyhadadded to theirgriefs;andyet,at least theyhadasmuch cause as thou. Amanwhose steps are ordered by the Lord, andwhose goings the Lord delights in, may yet be overtaken with atemptationthatmaycausehimtofall(Psa37:23,24).DidnotAaronfall;yea,andMoseshimself?WhatshallwesayofHezekiahandJehosaphat?There are, therefore, falls and falls; falls pardonable and falls

unpardonable.Fallsunpardonableare fallsagainst light, fromthe faith,to the despising of, and trampling upon Jesus Christ and his blessedundertakings(Heb6:2-5;10:28,29).Now,asforsuch,thereremainsnomoresacrificeforsin.Indeed,theyhavenoheart,nomind,nodesiretocome to JesusChrist for life, therefore theymust perish.Nay, says theHoly Ghost, “It is impossible that they should be renewed again untorepentance.”ThereforetheseGodhadnocompassionfor,neitheroughtwe;butforotherfallsthoughtheybedreadful,andGodwillchastisehispeopleforthem,theydonotprovetheeagracelessman,onenotcomingtoJesusChristforlife.

Itissaidofthechildinthegospel,thatwhile“hewasyetacoming,thedevilthrewhimdown,andtarehim”(Luke9:42).Dejectedsinner,itisnowonder that thouhast caught a fall in coming to JesusChrist. Is itnotrather to be wondered at, that thou hast not caught before this athousand times a thousand falls? considering, 1.What fools we are bynature.2.Whatweaknessesareinus.3.Whatmightypowersthefallenangels, our implacable enemies, are. 4. Considering also how often thecomingmanisbenightedinhisjourney;andalsowhatstumblingblocksdolieinhisway.5.Alsohisfamiliars,thatweresobefore,nowwatchforhishalting,andseekbywhatmeanstheymaytocausehimtofallbythehandoftheirstrongones.

What then?Mustwe, because of these temptations, incline to fall?No.Mustwenotfearfalls?Yes.“Lethimthatthinkethhestandethtakeheedlesthefall”(1Cor10:12).Yetlethimnotutterlybecastdown;“TheLordupholdethallthatfall,andraisethupthosethatareboweddown.”Makenotlightoffalls!Yet,hastthoufallen?“Yehave,”saidSamuel,“doneallthiswickedness; yet turn not aside from following the Lord,” but servehimwithaperfectheart,andturnnotaside,“fortheLordwillnotforsakehispeople,”andhecounteththecomingsinneroneofthem,“becauseithathpleasedtheLordtomakeyouhispeople”(1Sam12:20-22).

WhatForceThereIsInThePromiseToMakeThemComeToChrist

SECOND, “Shall come to me.” Now we come to show WHAT FORCETHERE IS INTHISPROMISETOMAKETHEMCOMETOHIM. “AllthattheFathergivethmeshallcometome.”Iwillspeaktothispromise,First,Ingeneral.Second,Inparticular.

[First], In general. ThiswordSHALL is confined to theseALL that aregiventoChrist.“AllthattheFathergivethmeshallcometome.”HenceIconclude,

1.Thatcoming toJesusChristaright isaneffectof theirbeing,ofGod,giventoChristbefore.Mark,Theyshallcome.Who?Thosethataregiven.They come, then, because they were given, “thine they were, and thougavestthemme.”Now,thisisindeedasingularcomforttothemthatarecoming in truth to Christ, to think that the reason why they come is,becausetheyweregivenoftheFatherbeforetohim.Thus,then,maythecoming soul reasonwithhimself ashe comes.Am I coming, indeed, toJesusChrist? This coming ofmine is not to be attributed tome ormygoodness, but to the grace andgift ofGod toChrist.Godgave firstmypersontohim,and,therefore,hathnowgivenmeahearttocome.

2.Thisword,shallcome,makeththycomingnotonlythefruitofthegiftof theFather,butalsoof thepurposeof theSon; for thesewordsareaDivine purpose; they show us the heavenly determination of the Son.“TheFatherhathgiventhemtome,andtheyshall;yea,theyshallcometome.”ChristisasfullinhisresolutiontosavethosegiventohimasistheFatheringivingofthem.ChristprizeththegiftofhisFather;hewilllosenothingofit;heisresolvedtosaveiteverywhitbyhisblood,andtoraiseitupagainatthelastday;andthushefulfillshisFather’swill,andaccomplishethhisowndesires(John6:39).

3.Thesewords,shallcome,makethycomingtobealsotheeffectofanabsolute promise; coming sinner, thou art concluded in a promise; thycomingisthefruitofthefaithfulnessofanabsolutepromise.Itwasthispromise,bythevirtueofwhichthouatfirstreceivedststrengthtocome;

and this is thepromise,by thevirtueofwhich thou shaltbe effectuallybrought tohim. Itwas said toAbraham, “At this timewill I come, andSarah shall have a son.”This sonwas Isaac.Mark! “Sarah shall have ason;”thereisthepromise.AndSarahhadason;therewasthefulfillingofthe promise; and, therefore, was Isaac called the child of the promise(Gen17:19;18:10;Rom9:9).

Sarah shall have a son. But how, if Sarah be past age? Why, still thepromisecontinues to say, Sarah shall have a son. But how, if Sarah bebarren? Why, still the promise says, Sarah shall have a son. ButAbraham’sbodyisnowdead?Why,thepromise isstill thesame,Sarahshall have a son. Thus, you see what virtue there is in an absolutepromise; it carrieth enough in its own bowels to accomplish the thingpromised,whethertherebemeansornoinustoeffectit.Wherefore,thispromise in the text, being an absolute promise, by virtue of it, not byvirtue of ourselves, or by our own inducements, do we come to JesusChrist: for so are thewords of the text: “All that the Father givethmeshallcometome.”

ThereforeiseverysincerecomertoJesusChristcalledalsoachildofthepromise.“Nowwe,brethren,asIsaacwas,arethechildrenofpromise,”(Gal4:28);thatis,wearethechildrenthatGodhathpromisedtoJesusChrist, and given to him; yea, the children that Jesus Christ hathpromisedshallcometohim.“AllthattheFathergivethmeshallcome.”

4.Thisword,shallcome,engagethChristtocommunicateallmannerofgrace to those thusgivenhimtomakethemeffectually tocometohim.“Theyshallcome;”thatis,notiftheywill,butifgrace,allgrace,ifpower,wisdom, anewheart, and theHolySpirit, and all joining together, canmake them come. I say, thisword, shall come, being absolute,hathnodependenceuponourownwill,orpower,orgoodness;butitengagethforus evenGodhimself, Christ himself, the Spirit himself.WhenGodhadmadethatabsolutepromisetoAbraham,thatSarah“shouldhaveason,”Abrahamdidnotatall lookatanyqualification inhimself,because thepromise looked at none; but as God had, by the promise, absolutelypromisedhimason;soheconsiderednownothisownbodynowdead,noryetthebarrennessofSarah’swomb.“HestaggerednotatthepromiseofGodthroughunbelief;butwasstronginfaith,givingglorytoGod;and

being fully persuaded that what he had promised he was able also toperform”(Rom4:20,21).Hehadpromised,andhadpromisedabsolutely,Sarah shall have a son. Therefore,Abraham looks that he, towit,God,must fulfil the condition of it. Neither is this expectation of Abrahamdisapproved by the Holy Ghost, but accounted good and laudable; itbeingthatbywhichhegaveglorytoGod.TheFather,also,hathgiventoChrist a certain number of souls for him to save; and he himself hathsaid,“Theyshallcometohim.”LetthechurchofGodthenliveinajoyfulexpectationoftheutmostaccomplishmentofthispromise;forassuredlyit shallbe fulfilled,andnotone thousandthpartofa tittle thereof shallfail.“TheySHALLcometome.”

[Second, In particular] And now, before I go any further, I will moreparticularlyinquireintothenatureofanabsolutepromise.

1.Wecallthatanabsolutepromisethatismadewithoutanycondition;ormorefullythus:ThatisanabsolutepromiseofGod,orofChrist,whichmakethovertothisorthatmananysaving,spiritualblessing,withoutacondition tobedoneonourpart for theobtaining thereof.And thiswehave inhand is suchanone.Let thebestMasterofArtsonearthshowme,ifhecan,anyconditioninthistextdependinguponanyqualificationinus,whichisnotbythesamepromiseconcluded,shallbebytheLordJesuseffectedinus.

2.Anabsolutepromisethereforeis,aswesay,withoutiforand;thatis,itrequirethnothing of us, that itselfmight be accomplished. It saithnot,They shall, if they will; but they shall: not, they shall, if they use themeans;but,theyshall.Youmaysay,thatawillandtheuseofthemeansissupposed,thoughnotexpressed.ButIanswer,No,bynomeans;thatis,asaconditionofthispromise.Iftheybeatallincludedinthepromise,they are included there as the fruit of the absolutepromise,not as if itexpectedthequalificationtoarisefromus.“Thypeopleshallbewillinginthedayofthypower”(Psa110:3).Thatisanotherabsolutepromise.Butdoth that promise suppose awillingness in us, as a condition of God’smakinguswilling?Theyshallbewilling,iftheyarewilling;or,theyshallbewilling,iftheywillbewilling.Thisisridiculous;thereisnothingofthissupposed.Thepromiseisabsoluteastous;allthatitengagethforitsownaccomplishment is, the mighty power of Christ and his faithfulness to

accomplish.

3.Thedifference,therefore,betwixttheabsoluteandconditionalpromiseisthis:

(1)Theydifferintheirterms.Theabsolutepromisessay,Iwill,andyoushall:theother,Iwill,ifyouwill;or,Dothis,andthoushaltlive(Jer4:1;31:31-33;Eze18:30-32;36:24-34;Heb8:7-13;Matt19:21).

(2)Theydifferintheirwayofcommunicatingofgoodthingstomen;theabsoluteonescommunicatethingsfreely,onlyofgrace;theother,iftherebethatqualificationinus,thatthepromisecallsfor,notelse.

(3)Theabsolutepromises thereforeengageGod, theotherengageus: Imean,Godonly,usonly.

(4)Absolutepromisesmustbefulfilled;conditionalmay,ormaynotbefulfilled.Theabsoluteonesmustbefulfilled,becauseof thefaithfulnessofGod;theothermaynot,becauseoftheunfaithfulnessofmen.

(5)Absolutepromiseshavethereforeasufficiencyinthemselvestobringabout their own fulfilling; the conditional have not so. The absolutepromise is therefore a big- bellied promise, because it hath in itself afullness of all desired things for us; and will, when the time of thatpromise iscome,yield tousmortals thatwhichwill verily saveus;yea,andmakeuscapableofansweringofthedemandsofthepromisethatisconditional.

4.Wherefore,thoughtherebeareal,yea,aneternaldifference,inthesethings, with others, betwixt the conditional and absolute promise; yetagain,inotherrespects,thereisablessedharmonybetwixtthem;asmaybeseenintheseparticulars.Theconditionalpromisecallsforrepentance,the absolute promise gives it (Acts 5:31). The conditional promise callsfor faith, the absolute promise gives it (Zeph 3:12; Rom 15:12). Theconditionalpromise calls for anewheart, the absolutepromise gives it(Eze36:25,26).The conditional promise calleth forholy obedience, theabsolutepromisegivethit,orcausethit(Eze36:27).

5. And as they harmoniously agree in this, so again the conditionalpromiseblesseththeman,whobytheabsolutepromiseisenduedwithitsfruit. As, for instance, the absolute promise maketh men upright; andthen the conditional follows, saying, “Blessed are the undefiled in theway,whowalkinthelawoftheLord”(Psa119:1).Theabsolutepromisegiveth to this man the fear of the Lord; and then the conditionalfolloweth,saying,“BlessediseveryonethatfeareththeLord”(Psa128:1).The absolute promise giveth faith, and then this conditional follows,saying,“Blessedisshethatbelieved”(Zeph3:12;Luke1:45).Theabsolutepromise brings free forgiveness of sins; and then says the condition,“Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins arecovered” (Rom 4:7). The absolute promise says, that God’s elect shallholdouttotheend;thentheconditionalfollowswithhisblessings,“Hethatshallendureuntotheend,thesameshallbesaved”(1Peter1:4-6;Matt24:13).

Thusdo thepromisesgloriously serveoneanotherandus, in this theirharmoniousagreement.

Now, thepromiseunderconsideration isanabsolutepromise. “All thattheFathergivethmeshallcometome.”

Thispromise therefore is,as issaid,abig-belliedpromise,andhath initselfallthosethingstobestowuponusthattheconditionalcallethforatourhands.Theyshallcome!Shall theycome?Yes, theyshallcome.Buthow, if theywant those things, those graces, power, andheart,withoutwhich they cannot come?Why, Shall- come answereth all this, and allthingselsethatmayinthismannerbeobjected.AndhereIwilltakethelibertytoamplifythings.

Objections to the absoluteness of this promise (the force of SHALL-COME)answered

Object.1.Buttheyaredead,deadintrespassesandsins,howshalltheythencome?

Ans. Why, Shall- come can raise them from this death. “The hour iscoming,andnowis,whenthedeadshallhearthevoiceoftheSonofGod,

and they that hear shall live.” Thus, therefore, is this impediment byShall-comeremovedoutoftheway.Theyshallheal,theyshalllive.

Object.2.ButtheyareSatan’scaptives;hetakesthemcaptiveathiswill,andheisstrongerthanthey:howthencantheycome?

Ans.Why, Shall- come hath also provided an help for this. Satan hadboundthatdaughterofAbrahamso, thatshecouldbynomeans liftupherself;butyetShall-comesetherfreebothinbodyandsoul.ChristwillhavethemturnedfromthepowerofSatantoGod.Butwhat!Mustitbe,if they turn themselves,ordosomething tomeritofhim to turn them?No, hewill do it freely, of his own goodwill. Alas!Man,whose soul ispossessedby thedevil, is turnedwhithersoever that governor listeth, istakencaptivebyhim,notwithstandingitsnaturalpowers,athiswill;butwhatwillhedo?WillheholdhimwhenShall-comeputsforthitself,willhe then let him, for coming to Jesus Christ? No, that cannot be! Hispowerisbutthepowerofafallenangel,butShall-comeistheWordofGod.ThereforeShall-comemustbefulfilled;“andthegatesofhellshallnotprevailagainstit.”

ThereweresevendevilsinMaryMagdalene,toomanyforhertogetfromunderthepowerof;butwhenthetimewascomethatShall-comewastobefulfilleduponher,theygiveplace,flyfromher,andshecomesindeedtoJesusChrist,accordingasit iswritten,“AllthattheFathergivethmeshallcometome.”

Theman thatwaspossessedwith a legion, (Mark 5),was toomuchbythem captivated for him by human force to come; yea, had he had, toboot, all themenunderheaven tohelphim,hadhe that said,He shallcome, withheld his mighty power: but when this promise was to befulfilleduponhim, thenhe comes;nor couldall theirpowerhinderhiscoming.ItwasalsothisShall-comethatpreservedhimfromdeath;whenbytheseevil spiritshewashurledhitherand thither;and itwasby thevirtue of Shall- come that at last he was set at liberty from them, andenabled indeed to come to Christ. “All that the Father givethme shallcometome.”

Object. 3.They shall, you say; buthow if theywill not; and, if so, then

whatcanShall-comedo?

Ans.True,therearesomemensay,“Wearelords;wewillcomenomoreunto thee” (Jer 2:31). But as God says in another case, if they areconcerned in Shall- come to me, they “shall know whose words shallstand,mineortheirs”(Jer41:28).Here, then, is thecase;wemustnowseewhowillbetheliar,hethatsaith,Iwillnot;orhethatsaith,Heshallcometome.Youshallcome,saysGod;Iwillnotcome,saiththesinner.Now,assureasheisconcernedinthisShall-come,Godwillmakethatmaneathis ownwords; for Iwill not, is theunadvised conclusionof acrazy-headedsinner;butShall-comewasspokenbyhimthatisofpowerto perform his word. “Son, go work to- day in my vineyard,” said theFather.Butheanswered,andsaid,Iwillnotcome.Whatnow?willhebeabletostandtohisrefusal?willhepursuehisdesperatedenial?No,“heafterwards repented and went.” But how came he by that repentance?Why,itwaswrappedupforhimintheabsolutepromise;andtherefore,notwithstandinghe said, “Iwillnot,he afterwards repentedandwent.”BythisparableJesusChristsetsforththeobstinacyofthesinnersoftheworld, as touching their coming to him; they will not come, thoughthreatened:yea,thoughlifebeofferedthemuponconditionofcoming.

But now,when Shall- come, the absolute promise ofGod, comes to befulfilled upon them, then they come; because by that promise a cure isprovidedagainsttherebellionoftheirwill.“Thypeopleshallbewillinginthe day of thy power”(Psa 110:3). Thy people, what people? Why, thepeoplethatthyFatherhathgiventhee.Theobstinacyandplaguethatisin thewill of that people, shall be taken away; and they shall bemadewilling;Shall-comewillmakethemwillingtocometothee.

He that had seen Paul in themidst of his outrages against Christ, hisgospel,andpeople,wouldhardlyhave thought thathewouldeverhavebeena followerofJesusChrist, especially sincehewentnotagainsthisconscienceinhispersecutingofthem.Hethoughtverilythatheoughttodowhathedid.ButwemayseewhatShall-comecando,whenitcomestobefulfilleduponthesoulofarebellioussinner:hewasachosenvessel,givenbytheFathertotheSon;andnowthetimebeingcomethatShall-comewastotakehiminhand,behold,heisover-mastered,astonished,andwith trembling and reverence, in amoment becomeswilling to be

obedienttotheheavenlycall(Acts9).

And were not they far gone, that you read of, (Acts 2) who had theirhands and hearts in themurder of the Son of God; and to show theirresolvednessnevertorepentofthathorridfact,said,“Hisbloodbeonusandonourchildren?”Butmusttheirobstinacyrule?Musttheybeboundtotheirownruin,bytherebellionoftheirstubbornwills?No,notthoseof these the Father gave to Christ; wherefore, at the times appointed,Shall-comebreaks inamong them; theabsolutepromise takes them inhand;andthentheycomeindeed,cryingouttoPeter,andtherestoftheapostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” No stubbornness ofman’swillcanstand,whenGodhathabsolutelysaidthecontrary;Shall-comecanmake themcome “asdoves to theirwindows,” thathadaforeresolvednevertocometohim.

TheLordspakeuntoManasseh,andtohispeople,by theprophets,butwouldhehear?No,hewouldnot.ButshallManassehcomeoffthus?No,heshallnot.Therefore,hebeingalsooneofthosewhomtheFatherhadgiven to the Son, and so falling within the bounds and reach of Shall-come,atlastShall-cometakeshiminhand,andthenhecomesindeed.He comes bowing and bending; he humbles himself greatly, andmadesupplicationtotheLord,andprayeduntohim;andhewasentreatedofhim,andhadmercyuponhim(2Chron30:10).

The thief upon the cross, at first, did rail with his fellow upon JesusChrist;buthewasonethattheFatherhadgiventohim,and,therefore,Shall-comemusthandlehimandhisrebelliouswill.Andbehold,sosoonas he is dealt withal, by virtue of that absolute promise, how soon hebuckleth, leaves his railing, falls to supplicating of the Son of God formercy; “Lord,” saith he, “Remember me when thou comest into thykingdom”(Matt27:44;Luke23:40-42).

Object.4.Theyshallcome,sayyou,buthowiftheybeblind,andseenottheway?ForsomearekeptofffromChrist,notonlybytheobstinacyoftheirwill,butbytheblindnessoftheirmind.Now,iftheybeblind,howshalltheycome?

Ans.Thequestionisnot,Aretheyblind?But,Aretheywithinthereach

andpowerofShall- come? If so, thatChrist that said, they shall come,willfindthemeyes,oraguideorboth,tobringthemtohimself.“Mustisfor theking.” If they shall come, they shall come.No impediment shallhinder.

TheThessalonians’darknessdidnothinderthemfrombeingthechildrenof light; “I am come,” saidChrist, “that theywhich see notmight see.”Andifhesaith,See,ye“blindthathaveeyes,”whoshallhinderit?(Eph5:8;John9:39;Isa29:18;43:8).

Thispromise,therefore,is,asIsaid,abig-belliedpromise,havinginthebowelsofit,allthingsthatshalloccurtothecompletefulfillingofitself.Theyshallcome.Butitisobjected,thattheyareblind.Well,Shall-comeis still the same, and continueth to say, “They shall come to me.”Thereforehesaithagain,“Iwillbringtheblindbyawaythattheyknownot, I will lead them in paths that they have not known; I will makedarknesslightbeforethem,andcrookedthingsstraight.ThesethingswillIdountothem,andnotforsakethem”(Isa42:16).

Mark,Iwillbringthem,thoughtheybeblind;Iwillbringthembyawaytheyknownot;Iwill-Iwill;andtherefore“theyshallcometome.”

Object. 5. But how, if they have exceeded many in sin, and so madethemselvesfarmoreabominable?Theyaretheringleadingsinnersinthecounty,thetown,orfamily.

Ans.Whatthen?ShallthathindertheexecutionofShall-come?Itisnottransgressions, nor sins, nor all their transgressions in all their sins, iftheybytheFatheraregiventoChristtosavethem,thatshallhinderthispromise,thatitshouldnotbefulfilleduponthem.“Inthosedays,andinthattime,”saiththeLord,“theiniquityofIsraelshallbesoughtfor,andthereshallbenone;andthesinsofJudah,andtheyshallnotbefound”(Jer50:20).Notthattheyhadnone,fortheyaboundedintransgression,(2Chron33:9;Eze16:48),butGodwouldpardon, cover,hide,andputthemaway,byvirtueofhisabsolutepromise,bywhichtheyaregiventoChrist to save them. “And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity,whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all theiriniquities,wherebytheyhavetransgressedagainstme.Anditshallbeto

meanameof joy,apraise,andanhonourbeforeall thenationsof theearth,whichshallbearall thegood that Idounto them;and theyshallfear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that Iprocureuntoit”(Jer33:8,9).

Object.6.Buthow,iftheyhavenotfaithandrepentance?Howshalltheycomethen?

Ans.Why,he that saith,Theyshall come, shallhenotmake itgood? Iftheyshallcome,theyshallcome;andhethathathsaid,theyshallcome,iffaithandrepentancebe theway tocome,as indeed theyare, then faithandrepentanceshallbegiventothem!forShall-comemustbefulfilledonthem.

1. Faith shall be given them. “I will also leave in themidst of thee anafflictedandpoorpeople,andtheyshall trust inthenameoftheLord.”“There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over theGentiles;inhimshalltheGentilestrust”(Zeph3:12;Rom15:12).

2. They shall have repentance. He is exalted to give repentance. “Theyshallcomeweeping,andseeking theLord theirGod.”Andagain, “WithweepingandsupplicationwillIleadthem”(Acts5:31;Jer31:9).

I told youbefore, that an absolutepromisehathall conditional ones inthebellyof it,andalsoprovisiontoanswerall thosequalifications, thattheypropoundtohimthatseekethfortheirbenefit.Anditmustbeso;forif Shall- come be an absolute promise, as indeed it is, then itmust befulfilleduponeveryofthoseconcernedtherein.Isay,itmustbefulfilled,ifGodcanbygrace,andhisabsolutewill,fulfilit.Besides,sincecomingandbelieving isallone,accordingtoJohn6:35,“Hethatcomethtomeshallneverhunger,andhethatbelievethonmeshallneverthirst,”then,whenhesaiththeyshallcome,itisasmuchastosay,theyshallbelieve,andconsequentlyrepent,tothesavingofthesoul.

So then the present want of faith and repentance cannot make thispromiseofGodofnoneeffect;becausethatthispromisehathinittogivewhatotherscallforandexpect.Iwillgivethemanheart,IwillgivethemmySpirit,Iwillgivethemrepentance,Iwillgivethemfaith.Markthese

words:“IfanymanbeinChrist,heisanewcreature.”Buthowcamehetobea“newcreature,”sincenonecancreatebutGod?Why,Godindeeddothmake them“newcreatures.” “Behold,” saithhe, “Imakeall thingsnew.” And hence it follows, even after he had said they are “newcreatures,” “and all things are of God;” that is, all this new creationstandeth in theseveraloperations,andspecialworkingsof theSpiritofgrace,whoisGod(2Cor5:17,18).

Object. 7.Buthow shall they escape all thosedangerous anddamnableopinions,that,likerocksandquicksands,areinthewayinwhichtheyaregoing?

Ans.Indeedthisageisanageoferrors,ifevertherewasanageoferrorsintheworld;butyetthegiftoftheFather,laidclaimtobytheSoninthetext,mustneedsescapethem,andinconclusioncometohim.ThereareacompanyofShall-comesintheBiblethatdothsecurethem;notbutthattheymaybeassaultedbythem;yea,andalsoforthetimeentangledanddetainedbythemfromtheBishopoftheirsouls,buttheseShall-comeswill break those chains and fetters, that those given to Christ areentangledin,andtheyshallcome,becausehehathsaidtheyshallcometohim.

Indeed,errorsarelikethatwhoreofwhomyoureadintheProverbs,thatsittethinherseatinthehighplacesofthecity,“tocallpassengerswhogorightontheirways”(Prov9:13-16).Butthepersons,asIsaid,thatbytheFather are given to the Son to save them, are, at one time or other,securedby“shallcometome.”

Andthereforeofsuchitissaid,Godwillguidethemwithhiseye,withhiscounsels, by his Spirit, and that in theway of peace; by the springs ofwater, and into all truth (Psa 32:8; 73:24; John 16:13; Luke 1:79; Isa49:10).Sothenhethathathsuchaguide,andallthattheFathergivethtoChristshallhaveit,heshallescapethosedangers,heshallnoterrintheway;yea, thoughhebea fool,heshallnoterrtherein,(Isa35:8), forofevery suchanone it is said, “Thineears shallhearawordbehind thee,saying,Thisistheway,walkyeinit,whenyeturntotherighthand,andwhenyeturntotheleft”(Isa30:21).

TherewerethievesandrobbersbeforeChrist’scoming,astherearealsonow;but,saidhe,“Thesheepdidnothearthem.”Andwhydidtheynothearthem,butbecause theywereunder thepowerofShall- come, thatabsolutepromise, thathad that grace in itself tobestowupon them, ascouldmakethemablerightlytodistinguishofvoices,“Mysheephearmyvoice.”Buthowcame they tohear it?Why, to them it isgiven toknowandtohear,andthatdistinguishingly(John10:8,16;5:25;Eph5:14).

Further,Theveryplain sentenceof the textmakesprovisionagainstallthese things; for, saith it, “All that the Father givethme shall come tome;”thatis,shallnotbestopped,orbealluredtotakeupanywhereshortofME,norshalltheyturnaside,toabidewithanybesidesME.

ImportofthewordsTOME

“ShallcomeTOME.”-Tome.Bythesewordsthereisfurtherinsinuated,thoughnotexpressed,adoublecauseoftheircomingtohim.First.Thereis inChrista fullnessofall-sufficiencyof that,evenofall thatwhichisneedful tomakeushappy. Second.Those that indeed come to him, dothereforecometohimthattheymayreceiveitathishand.

First.Forthefirstofthese,thereisinChristafullnessofall-sufficiencyofallthat,evenofallthatwhichisneedfultomakeushappy.Henceitissaid,“ForitpleasedtheFatherthatinhimshouldallfullnessdwell”(Col1:19). And again, “Of his fullness have all we received, and grace forgrace”(John1:16).Itisalsosaidofhim,thathisrichesareunsearchable-“the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph 3:8). Hear what he saith ofhimself, “Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches andrighteousness.My fruit isbetter thangold, yea, than fine gold; andmyrevenuethanchoicesilver.Ileadinthewayofrighteousness,inthemidstofthepathsofjudgment;thatImaycausethosethat lovemeto inheritsubstance.AndIwillfilltheirtreasures”(Prov8:18-21).

Thisingeneral.But,moreparticularly,

1.Thereisthat lightinChrist,thatissufficienttoleadthemoutof,andfrom all that darkness, in themidst of which all others, but them thatcometohim,stumble,andfallandperish:“Iamthelightoftheworld,”

saithhe,“hethatfollowethmeshallnotwalkindarkness,butshallhavethelightoflife”(John8:12).Manbynatureisindarkness,andwalkethindarkness,andknowsnotwhitherhegoes,fordarknesshathblindedhiseyes;neithercananythingbutJesusChristleadmenoutofthisdarkness.Naturalconsciencecannotdo it; the tencommandments, though in theheartofman,cannotdoit.ThisprerogativebelongsonlytoJesusChrist.

2. There is that life in Christ, that is to be found nowhere else (John5:40). Life, as a principle in the soul, by which it shall be acted andenabled to do that which through him is pleasing to God. “He thatbelievethin,”orcomethto,“me,”saithhe,astheScripturehathsaid,“outofhisbellyshallflowriversoflivingwater”(John7:38).Withoutthislifeamanisdead,whetherhebebad,orwhetherhebegood;thatis,goodinhis own, and othermen’s esteem. There is no true and eternal life butwhatisintheMEthatspeakethinthetext.

Thereisalsolifeforthosethatcometohim,tobehadbyfaithinhisfleshandblood.“Hethateatethme,evenheshalllivebyme”(John6:57).Andthisisalifeagainstthatdeaththatcomesbytheguiltofsin,andthecurseofthelaw,underwhichallmenare,andforevermustbe,unlesstheyeattheME that speaks in the text. “Whoso findethME,” saithhe, “findethlife;” deliverance from that everlasting death and destruction, that,without me, he shall be devoured by (Prov 8:35). Nothing is moredesirable than life, to him that hath in himself the sentence ofcondemnation;andhereonlyislifetobefound.Thislife,towit,eternallife,thislifeisinhisSon;thatis,inhimthatsaithinthetext,“AllthattheFatherhathgivenmeshallcometome”(1John5:10).

3.Thepersonspeakinginthetext,ishealonebywhompoorsinnershaveadmittanceto,andacceptancewiththeFather,becauseofthegloryofhisrighteousness,byandinwhichhepresenteththemamiableandspotlessin his sight; neither is there any way besides him so to come to theFather: “I am the way,” says he, “and the truth, and the life; no mancomethtotheFatherbutbyme”(John14:6).AllotherwaystoGodaredeadanddamnable;thedestroyingcherubimstandwithflamingswords,turningeverywaytokeepallothersfromhispresence(Gen3:24).Isay,allothersbutthemthatcomebyhim.“Iamthedoor;byme,”saithhe,“ifanymanenterin,heshallbesaved”(John10:9).

ThepersonspeakinginthetextisHE,andonlyHE,thatcangivestableandeverlastingpeace;therefore,saithhe,“MypeaceIgiveuntoyou.”Mypeace, which is a peace with God, peace of conscience, and that of aneverlastingduration.Mypeace,peacethatcannotbematched,“notastheworld giveth, give I unto you;” for the world’s peace is but carnal andtransitory,butmineisDivineandeternal.HenceitiscalledthepeaceofGod,andthatpassethallunderstanding.

4. The person speaking in the text hath enough of all things trulyspirituallygood,tosatisfythedesiresofeverylongingsoul.“Jesusstoodandcried, saying, Ifanyman thirst, lethimcomeuntome,anddrink.”Andtohimthatisathirst,“Iwillgiveofthefountainofthewateroflifefreely”(John7:37,Rev21:6).

5.With theperson speaking in the text ispower toperfect anddefend,anddeliverthosethatcometohimforsafe-guard.“Allpower,”saithhe,“isgivenuntomeinheavenandearth”(Matt28:18).

ThusmightImultiplyinstancesinthisnatureinabundance.But,

Second.Theythatintruthdocometohim,dothereforecometohimthattheymightreceiveitathishand.Theycomeforlight,theycomeforlife,they come for reconciliation with God: they also come for peace, theycome that their soulmaybe satisfiedwith spiritualgood,and that theymaybeprotectedbyhimagainstallspiritualandeternaldamnation;andhealoneisabletogivethemallthis,tothefillingoftheirjoytothefull,astheyalsofindwhentheycometohim.Thisisevident,

1. From the plain declaration of those that already are come to him.“Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGodthroughourLordJesusChrist,bywhomalsowehaveaccessbyfaithintothisgracewhereinwestand,andrejoiceinhopeofthegloryofGod”(Rom5:1,2).

2. It is evident also, in that while they keep their eyes upon him, theynever desire to change him for another, or to add to themselves someother thing, together with him, to make up their spiritual joy. “Godforbid,” saith Paul, “that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord

Jesus Christ.” “Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for theexcellency of the knowledge of Christ JesusmyLord: forwhom I havesuffered the loss of all things, anddo count thembutdung, that Imaywin Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness,which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, therighteousnesswhichisofGodbyfaith”(Phil3:8,9).

3.It is evidentalso,by their earnestdesires thatothersmightbemadepartakersof theirblessedness. “Brethren,” saidPaul, “myheart’sdesireandprayer toGod for Israel is, that theymightbe saved.”That is, thatway that he expected to be saved himself. As he saith also to theGalatians,“Brethren,”saithhe,“Ibeseechyou,beasIam;forIamasyeare;”thatis,Iamasinnerasyouare.Now,Ibeseechyou,seekforlife,asIamseekingofit;aswhoshouldsay,ForthereisasufficiencyintheLordJesusbothformeandyou.

4. It is evident also, by the triumph that suchmenmake over all theirenemies,bothbodilyandghostly:“NowthanksbeuntoGod,”saidPaul,“whichalwayscausethustotriumphinChrist.”And,“whoshallseparateus fromthe loveofChrist”ourLord?andagain, “Odeath,where is thysting?O grave,where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and thestrength of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, which giveth us thevictory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Cor 2:14; Rom 8:35; 1 Cor15:55,56).

5.Itisevidentalso,forthattheyaremadebythegloryofthatwhichtheyhavefoundinhim,tosufferandendurewhatthedevilandhellitselfhathorcouldinvent,asameanstoseparatethemfromhim.Again,“Whoshallseparate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, orpersecution,orfamine,ornakedness,orperil,orsword?asitiswritten,Forthysakewearekilledallthedaylong,weareaccountedassheepforthe slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors,throughhimthat lovedus.For Iampersuaded, thatneitherdeath,norlife, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, northings to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall beable to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus ourLord”(Rom8:35-39).

“Shall come TO ME.” Oh! the heart- attracting glory that is in JesusChrist,whenheisdiscovered,todrawthosetohimthataregiventohimoftheFather;thereforethosethatcameofold,renderedthisasthecauseoftheircomingtohim:“Andwebeheldhisglory,asoftheonlybegottenof the Father” (John 1:14). And the reason why others come not, butperish intheir sins, is forwantofa sightofhisglory: “Ifourgospelbehid, it ishid to themthatare lost: inwhomtheGodof thisworldhathblindedthemindsofthemthatbelievenot, lestthelightofthegloriousgospelofChrist,whoistheimageofGod,shouldshineuntothem”(2Cor4:3,4).

There is therefore heart- pulling glory in Jesus Christ, which, whendiscovered,drawsthemantohim;whereforebyshallcometome,Christmaymean,whenhisgloryisdiscovered,thentheymustcome,thentheyshallcometome.Therefore,asthetruecomerscomewithweepingandrelenting,asbeingsensibleoftheirownvileness,soagainitissaid,that“theransomedoftheLordshallreturn,andcometoZionwithsongsandeverlastingjoyupontheirheads;theyshallobtainjoyandgladness,andsorrowandsighingshall flee away.”That is, at the sightof thegloryofthat grace that shows itself to them now in the face of our Lord JesusChrist, and in the hopes that they now have of being with him in theheavenly tabernacles. Therefore it saith again, “With gladness andrejoicing shall they be brought; they shall enter into theKing’s palace”(Isa35:10;51:11;Psa45:15).Thereisthereforeheart-attractinggloryintheLordJesusChrist,which,whendiscovered,subjectsthehearttotheWord,andmakesuscometohim.

It is saidofAbraham, thatwhenhedwelt inMesopotamia, “theGodofgloryappeareduntohim,”saying,“Gettheeoutofthycountry.”Andwhatthen?Why,awayhewentfromhishouseandfriends,andall theworldcould not stay him. “Now,” as the Psalmist says, “Who is this King ofglory?”heanswers,“TheLord,mightyinbattle”(Psa24:8).Andwhowasthat,buthe that “spoiledprincipalities andpowers,”whenhedidhangupon the tree, triumphing over them thereon? And who was that butJesusChrist,eventhepersonspeaking in thetext?ThereforehesaidofAbraham, “He saw his day. Yea,” saith he to the Jews, “your fatherAbrahamrejoicedtoseemyday,andhesawit,andwasglad”(Col2:15;

James2:23;John8:56).

Indeed, the carnalman says, at least inhisheart, “There isno formorcomelinessinChrist;andwhenweshallseehim,thereisnobeautythatweshoulddesirehim,”(Isa53:2);buthe lies.Thishespeaks,ashavingnever seen him. But they that stand in his house, and look upon himthroughtheglassofhisWord,bythehelpofhisHolySpirit,theywilltellyouotherthings.“Butweall,”saythey,“withopenface,beholdingasinaglassthegloryoftheLord,arechangedintothesameimagefromglorytoglory” (2 Cor 3:18). They see glory in his person, glory in hisundertakings,gloryinthemeritofhisblood,andgloryintheperfectionofhisrighteousness;yea,heart-affecting,heart-sweetening,andheart-changingglory!

Indeed,hisglory isveiled,andcannotbeseenbutasdiscoveredby theFather(Matt11:27).Itisveiledwithflesh,withmeannessofdescentfromthe flesh, andwith that ignominy and shame that attended him in theflesh;buttheythatcan,inGod’slight,seethroughthesethings,theyshallseeglory inhim;yea,suchgloryaswilldrawandpull theirheartsuntohim.

MoseswastheadoptedsonofPharaoh’sdaughter;andforaughtIknow,hadbeenkingatlast,hadhenowconformedtothepresentvanitiesthatwerethereatcourt;buthecouldnot,hewouldnotdoit.Why?Whatwasthe matter? Why! he saw more in the worst of Christ (bear with theexpression), than he saw in the best of all the treasures of the land ofEgypt.He“refusedtobecalledthesonofPharaoh’sdaughter;choosingrather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy thepleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greaterriches than the treasures in Egypt; for he had respect unto therecompenceofthereward.HeforsookEgypt,notfearingthewrathoftheking.”Butwhatemboldenedhimthustodo?Why,“heendured;”forhehadasightofthepersonspeakinginthetext.“Heendured,asseeinghimwhoisinvisible.”ButIsay,wouldasightofJesushavethustakenawayMoses’heartfromacrown,andakingdom,&c.,hadhenotbythatsightseenmoreinhimthanwastobeseeninthem?(Heb11:24-26).

Therefore,whenhesaith,shallcometome,hemeans,theyshallhavea

discoveryofthegloryofthegracethatisinhim;andthebeautyandgloryofthatisofsuchvirtue,thatitconstraineth,andforceth,withablessedviolency,theheartsofthosethataregiventohim.

Moses,ofwhomwespakebefore,wasnochildwhenhewasthustakenwith the beauteous glory of his Lord. He was forty years old, and soconsequentlywasable,beingamanofthatwisdomandopportunityashewas, to make the best judgment of the things, and of the goodness ofthemthatwasbeforehiminthelandofEgypt.Buthe,evenheitwas,thatsetthatlowesteemuponthegloryofEgypt,astocountitnotworththemeddlingwith,whenhehadasightofthisLordJesusChrist.Thiswickedworldthinks,thatthefanciesofaheaven,andahappinesshereafter,mayservewellenoughtotaketheheartofsuch,aseitherhavenottheworld’sgoodthingstodelightin;orthatarefools,andknownothowtodelightthemselvestherein.Butletthemknowagain,thatwehavehadmenofallranks and qualities, that have been taken with the glory of our LordJesus, and have left all to follow him. As Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah,Abraham, Isaac, Jacob,Moses, Samuel, David, Solomon; andwho not,thathadeitherwitorgrace,tosavourheavenlythings?Indeednonecanstand off from him, nor any longer hold out against him to whom herevealsthegloryofhisgrace.

ThePromiseToThoseComingToChrist

“ANDHIMTHATCOMETHTOMEIwillinnowisecastout.”

BythesewordsourLordJesusdoth set forthyetmoreamply thegreatgoodnessofhisnaturetowardsthecomingsinner.Before,hesaid,Theyshallcome;andherehedeclareth,Thatwithheartandaffectionshewillreceive them. But, by the way, let me speak one word or two to theseemingconditionalityofthispromisewithwhichnowIhavetodo.“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”Whereitisevident,maysomesay,thatChrist’sreceivingustomercydependsuponourcoming,

and so our salvation by Christ is conditional. If we come, we shall bereceived;ifnot,weshallnot;forthatisfullyintimatedbythewords.Thepromiseofreceptionisonlytohimthatcometh.“Andhimthatcometh.”Ianswer, that the coming in these words mentioned, as a condition ofbeing received to life, is that which is promised, yea, concluded to beeffectedinusbythepromisegoingbefore.Inthoselatterwords,comingtoChristisimplicitlyrequiredofus;andinthewordsbefore,thatgracethatcanmakeuscomeispositivelypromisedtous.“AllthattheFathergivethmeshallcometome;andhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout” thence.We come toChrist, because it is said,We shall come;becauseitisgiventoustocome.SothattheconditionwhichisexpressedbyChristintheselatterwordsisabsolutelypromisedinthewordsbefore.And, indeed, the cominghere intended is nothing else but the effect of“shallcometome.Theyshallcome,andIwillnotcastthemout.”

“ANDHIMTHATCOMETH.”

He saith not, and him that is come, but him that cometh. To speak tothesewords,First,Ingeneral.Second,Moreparticularly.

[First]Ingeneral.Theysuggestuntousthesefourthings:-

1. That Jesus Christ doth build upon it, that since the Father gave hispeople to him, they shall be enabled to comeunto him. “Andhim thatcometh.”Aswhoshouldsay,Iknowthatsincetheyaregiventome,theyshallbeenabledtocomeuntome.Hesaithnot,iftheycome,orIsupposetheywillcome;but,“andhimthatcometh.”Bythesewords,therefore,heshowsus thatheaddressethhimself to thereceivingof themwhomtheFather gave to him to save them. I say, he addresseth himself, orpreparethhimselftoreceivethem.Bywhich,asIsaid,heconcludethorbuildethuponit,thattheyshallindeedcometohim.HelookeththattheFathershouldbringthemintohisbosom,andsostandsreadytoembracethem.

2.Christalsosuggestethbythesewords,thatheverywellknowethwhoaregiventohim;notbytheircomingtohim,butbytheirbeinggiventohim. “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him thatcometh,”&c.ThishimheknowethtobeoneofthemthattheFatherhath

givenhim;and,therefore,hereceivedhim,evenbecausetheFatherhathgivenhimtohim(John10).“Iknowmysheep,”saithhe.Notonlythosethatalreadyhaveknowledgeofhim,butthose,too,thatyetareignorantofhim.“OthersheepIhave,”saidhe,“whicharenotofthisfold,”(John10:16);notoftheJewishchurch,butthosethatlieintheirsins,eventherudeandbarbarousGentiles.Therefore,whenPaulwasafraidtostayatCorinth, froma supposition that somemischiefmightbefallhim there;“Benotafraid,”saidtheLordJesustohim,“butspeak,andholdnotthypeace-forIhavemuchpeopleinthiscity”(Acts18:9,10).ThepeoplethattheLordherespeaksofwerenotatthistimeaccountedhis,byreasonofaworkofconversionthatalreadyhadpasseduponthem,butbyvirtueofthegiftoftheFather;forhehadgiventhemuntohim.ThereforewasPaultostayhere,tospeakthewordoftheLordtothem,that,byhisspeaking,the Holy Ghost might effectually work over their souls, to the causingthemtocometohim,whowasalsoready,withheartandsoul,toreceivethem.

3.Christ,by thesewords,alsosuggesteth, thatnomorecomeuntohimthan,indeed,aregivenhimoftheFather.ForthehiminthisplaceisoneoftheallthatbyChristwasmentionedbefore.“AllthattheFathergivethmeshall come tome;”andeveryhimof thatall, “Iwill innowise castout.” This the apostle insinuateth, where he saith, “He gave some,apostles;andsome,prophets;andsome,evangelists;andsome,pastorsandteachers;fortheperfectingofthesaints,fortheworkoftheministry,fortheedifyingofthebodyofChrist;tillweallcomeintheunityofthefaith,andoftheknowledgeoftheSonofGod,untoaperfectman,untothemeasureofthestatureofthefullnessofChrist”(Eph4:11-13).

Mark,asinthetext,soherehespeakethofall.“Untilweallcome.”Weall! all who? Doubtless, “All that the Father giveth to Christ.” This isfurther insinuated, because he called this ALL the body of Christ; themeasureof thestatureof the fullnessofChrist.Bywhichhemeans theuniversalnumbergiven;towit,thetrueelectchurch,whichissaidtobehisbodyandfullness(Eph1:22,23).

4.ChristJesus,bythesewords,furthersuggesteth,thatheiswellcontentwiththis gift of the Father to him. “All that the Father givethme shallcometome;andhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”Iwill

heartily,willingly,andwithgreatcontentofmind,receivehim.

They show us, also, that Christ’s love in receiving is as large as hisFather’s loveingiving,andnolarger.Hence,hethankshimforhisgift,andalsothankshimforhidingofhimandhisthingsfromtherestofthewicked(Matt11:25;Luke10:21).But,

Secondly,andmoreparticularly,“AndHIMthatcometh.”

ImportofthewordHIM

“And him.” This word him; by it Christ looketh back to the gift of theFather;notonlyinthelumpandwholeofthegift,buttotheeveryhimofthatlump.Aswhoshouldsay,IdonotonlyacceptofthegiftofmyFatherin thegeneral,buthavea special regard toeveryof them inparticular;andwillsecurenotonlysome,orthegreatestpart,buteveryhim,everydust.Notahoofofallshallbelostorleftbehind.And,indeed,inthisheconsentethtohisFather’swill,whichisthatofallthathehathgivenhim,heshouldlosenothing(John6:39).

“Andhim.”ChristJesus,also,byhis thusdividingthegiftofhisFatherinto hims, and by his speaking of them in the singular number, showswhat a particular work shall be wrought in each one, at the timeappointedoftheFather.“Anditshallcometopassinthatday,”saiththeprophet,“thattheLordshallbeatofffromthechanneloftheriveruntothestreamofEgypt,andyeshallbegatheredonebyone,OyechildrenofIsrael.” Here are the hims, one by one, to be gathered to him by theFather(Isa27:12).

Heshowsalsoherebythatno lineage,kindred,orrelation,canatallbeprofitedbyanyoutwardorcarnalunionwiththepersonthattheFatherhathgiventoChrist.Itisonlyhim,thegivenHIM,thecominghim,thatheintendsabsolutelytosecure.Menmakeagreatadowiththechildrenof believers; and oh the children of believers! But if the child of thebelieverisnotthehimconcernedinthisabsolutepromise,itisnotthesemen’sgreatcry,noryetwhattheparentorchildcando,thatcaninteresthiminthispromiseoftheLordChrist,thisabsolutepromise.

ANDHIM.TherearediverssortsofpersonsthattheFatherhathgiventoJesusChrist;theyarenotallofonerank,ofonequality;somearehigh,some are low; some are wise, some fools; some are more civil, andcomplyingwith the law;somemoreprofane,andaverse tohimandhisgospel. Now, since those that are given to him are, in some sense, sodiverse;andagain,sinceheyetsaith,“Andhimthatcometh,”&c.,he,bythat,dothgiveus tounderstand thathe isnot,asmen, forpickingandchoosing, to take a best and leave a worst, but he is for him that theFatherhathgivenhim,andthatcomethtohim.“Heshallnotalterit,norchangeit,agoodforabad,orabadforagood,”(Lev27:10);butwilltakehimasheis,andwillsavehissoul.

ThereismanyasadwretchgivenbytheFathertoJesusChrist;butnotoneofthemallisdespisedorslightedbyhim.ItissaidofthosethattheFatherhathgiventoChristthattheyhavedoneworsethantheheathen;thattheyweremurderers,thieves,drunkards,uncleanpersons,andwhatnot; but he has received them, washed them, and saved them. A fitemblemof this sort is thatwretched instancementioned in the 16th ofEzekiel, thatwas cast out in a stinking condition, to the loathing of itsperson, in the days that it was born; a creature in such a wretchedcondition, that no eye pitied, to do any of the things therementioneduntoit,ortohavecompassionuponit;noeyebuthisthatspeakethinthetext.

ANDHIM.Lethimbeasredasblood,lethimbeasredascrimson.Somemen are blood- red sinners, crimson- sinners, sinners of a double die;dippedanddippedagain,beforetheycometoJesusChrist.Artthouthatreadesttheselinessuchanone?Speakout,man!Artthousuchanone?andart thounow coming to JesusChrist for themercy of justification,thatthoumightestbemadewhite inhisblood,andbecoveredwithhisrighteousness?Fearnot; forasmuch as this thy comingbetokeneth thatthouartofthenumberofthemthattheFatherhathgiventoChrist;forhewill in nowise cast thee out. “Come now,” saith Christ, “and let usreasontogether;thoughyoursinsbeasscarlet,theyshallbeaswhiteassnow;thoughtheyberedlikecrimson,theyshallbeaswool”(Isa1:18).

ANDHIM.TherewasmanyastrangeHIMcametoJesusChrist, inthedays of his flesh; but he received them all, without turning any away;

speakingunto them“of thekingdomofGod,andhealed them thathadneedofhealing”(Luke9:11;4:40).Thesewords,ANDHIM,arethereforewords to be wondered at. That not one of them who, by virtue of theFather’sgift,anddrawing,arecomingtoJesusChrist,Isay,thatnotoneofthem,whatever theyhave been,whatever theyhavedone, should berejectedorsetby,butadmittedtoashareinhissavinggrace.ItissaidinLuke,thatthepeople“wonderedatthegraciouswordswhichproceededout of hismouth” (4:22). Now this is one of his graciouswords; thesewords are like drops of honey, as it is said, “Pleasant words are as anhoney- comb, sweet to the soul, andhealth to the bones” (Prov 16:24).Thesearegraciouswords indeed,evenas fullasa faithful andmercifulHigh-priestcouldspeakthem.Luthersaith,“WhenChristspeaketh,hehathamouthaswideasheavenandearth.”Thatis,tospeakfullytotheencouragement of every sinful him that is coming to JesusChrist. Andthat his word is certain, hear how himself confirms it: “Heaven andearth,”saithhe,“shallpassaway;butmywordsshallnotpassaway”(Isa51:6;Matt24:35).

It is also confirmed by the testimony of the four evangelists, who gavefaithful relation of his loving reception of all sorts of coming sinners,whether they were publicans, harlots, thieves, possessed of devils,bedlams,andwhatnot(Luke19:1-10;Matt21:31;Luke15;23:43;Mark16:9;5:1-9).

This, then, shows us, 1. “The greatness of themerits of Christ.” 2. Thewillingness of his heart to impute them for life to the great, if coming,sinners.

1.ThisshowsusthegreatnessofthemeritsofChrist;foritmustnotbesupposed,thathiswordsarebiggerthanhisworthiness.Heisstrongtoexecute his word. He can do, as well as speak. He can do exceedingabundantlymorethanweaskorthink,eventotheuttermost,andoutsideofhisword(Eph3:20).Now,then,sinceheconcludethanycomingHIM;itmustbeconcluded,thathecansavetotheuttermostsin,anycomingHIM.

Doyouthink,Isay,thattheLordJesusdidnotthinkbeforehespake?Hespeaks all in righteousness, and therefore by his wordwe are to judge

howmightyheistosave(Isa63:1).Hespeakethinrighteousness,inveryfaithfulness,whenhebegantobuildthisblessedgospel-fabric,thetext;itwasforthathehadfirstsatdown,andcountedthecost;andforthat,heknewhewasabletofinishit!What,Lord,anyhim?anyhimthatcomethtothee?ThisisaChristworthlookingafter,thisisaChristworthcomingto!

This,then,shouldlearnusdiligentlytoconsiderthenaturalforceofeverywordofGod;andtojudgeofChrist’sabilitytosave,notbyoursins,orbyourshallowapprehensionsofhisgrace;butbyhisword,whichisthetruemeasure of grace. And if we do not judge thus, we shall dishonour hisgrace, lose the benefit of hisword, and needlessly fright ourselves intomanydiscouragementsthoughcomingtoJesusChrist.Him,anyhimthatcometh, hath sufficient from this word of Christ, to feed himself withhopesofsalvation.Asthouartthereforecoming,Othoucomingsinner,judgethou,whetherChristcansavetheebythetruesenseofhiswords:judge,comingsinner,oftheefficacyofhisblood,oftheperfectionofhisrighteousness, and of the prevalency of his intercession, by his word.“Andhim,”saithhe,“thatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”“Innowise,” that is, fornosin.Judgethereforebyhisword,howablehe is tosavethee.ItissaidofGod’ssayingstothechildrenofIsrael,“TherefailednotaughtofanygoodthingwhichtheLordhadspokenuntothehouseofIsrael; all came to pass” (Josh 21:45). And again, “Not one thing hathfailedofall thegood thingswhich theLordyourGodspakeconcerningyou,allarecometopassuntoyou;andnotonethinghathfailedthereof”(Josh23:14).

Comingsinner,whatpromisethoufindestinthewordofChrist,strainitwhitherthoucanst,sothoudostnotcorruptit,andhisbloodandmeritswill answer all; what the word saith, or any true consequence that isdrawntherefrom,thatwemayboldlyventureupon.Ashereinthetexthesaith,“Andhimthatcometh,”indefinitely,withouttheleastintimationoftherejectionofany,thoughneversogreat,ifhebeacomingsinner.Takeitthenforgranted,thatthou,whoeverthouart,ifcoming,artintendedinthesewords;neithershallitinjureChristatall,if,asBenhadad’sservantsservedAhab,thoushaltcatchhimathisword.“Now,”saiththetext,“themandiddiligentlyobservewhetheranythingwouldcomefromhim,” to

wit, anywordofgrace; “anddidhastily catch it.”And ithappened thatAhabhadcalledBenhadadhisbrother.Themanreplied,therefore,“Thybrother Benhadad!” (1 Kings 20:33), catching him at hisword. Sinner,comingsinner, serveJesusChrist thus,andhewill take itkindlyat thyhands.WhenheinhisargumentcalledtheCanaanitishwomandog,shecatchedhimatit,andsaith,“Truth,Lord;yetthedogseatofthecrumbswhich fall fromtheirmaster’s table.” I say, she catchedhim thus inhiswords, andhe took it kindly, saying, “Owomangreat is thy faith; be itunto thee even as thou wilt” (Matt 15:28). Catch him, coming sinner,catch him in his words, surely he will take it kindly, and will not beoffendedatthee.

2.TheotherthingthatItoldyouisshowedfromthesewords,isthis:ThewillingnessofChrist’sheart to imputehismerits for life to thegreat, ifcomingsinner.“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”

The awakened coming sinner doth not so easily question the power ofChrist,ashiswillingnesstosavehim.Lord,“ifthouwilt,thoucanst,”saidone(Mark1:40).Hedidnotputtheifuponhispower,butuponhiswill.He concluded he could, but he was not as fully of persuasion that hewould. But we have the same ground to believe he will, as we have tobelievehecan;and,indeed,groundforbothistheWordofGod.Ifhewasnotwilling,why did he promise?Why did he say hewould receive thecoming sinner? Coming sinner, take notice of this; we use to pleadpracticeswithmen,andwhynotwithGodlikewise?Iamsurewehavenomoregroundfortheonethantheother;forwehavetopleadthepromiseof a faithful God. Jacob took him there: “Thou saidst,” said he, “I willsurelydo theegood” (Gen32:12).For, fromthispromiseheconcluded,thatitfollowedinreason,“Hemustbewilling.”

Thetextalsogivessomegroundforustodrawthesameconclusion.“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”Hereishiswillingnessasserted,aswellashispowersuggested.Itisworthyourobservation,thatAbraham’sfaithconsideredratherGod’spowerthanhiswillingness;thatis,hedrewhisconclusion,“Ishallhaveachild,”fromthepowerthatwasinGod to fulfil thepromise tohim.Forhe concludedhewaswilling togivehimone,elsehewouldnothavepromisedone.“HestaggerednotatthepromiseofGodthroughunbelief;butwasstronginfaith,givingglory

toGod;andbeingfullypersuadedthatwhathehadpromisedhewasablealsotoperform”(Rev4:20,21).Butwasnothis faithexercised,ortried,about his willingness too? No, there was no show of reason for that,because he had promised it. Indeed, had he not promised it, hemightlawfullyhavedoubtedit;butsincehehadpromisedit,therewasleftnoground at all for doubting, because his willingness to give a son wasdemonstrated in his promising him a son. These words, therefore, aresufficientgroundtoencourageanycomingsinnerthatChristiswillingtohispowertoreceivehim;andsincehehathpoweralsotodowhathewill,thereisnogroundatalllefttothecomingsinneranymoretodoubt;buttocomeinfullhopeofacceptance,andofbeingreceiveduntograceandmercy.“Andhimthatcometh.”Hesaithnot,andhimthatiscome;but,andhimthatcometh;thatis,andhimwhoseheartbeginstomoveafterme,whoisleavingallformysake;himwhoislookingout,whoisonhisjourneytome.Wemust,therefore,distinguishbetwixtcoming,andbeingcometoJesusChrist.He that is come tohimhasattainedofhimmoresensiblywhathe felt before thathewanted, thanhehas that but yet iscomingtohim.

AdvantagestothemanthatiscometoChrist

AmanthatiscometoChristhaththeadvantageofhimthatisbutcomingtohim;andthatinseventhings.

1.HethatiscometoChristisnearertohimthanhethatisbutcomingtohim;forhethatisbutcomingtohimisyet,insomesense,atadistancefromhim;as it is saidof the comingprodigal, “Andwhilehewasyet agreatwayoff” (Luke15:20).Nowhethat isnearer tohimhaththebestsightofhim;andsoisabletomakethebest judgmentofhiswonderfulgrace and beauty, as God saith, “Let them come near, then let themspeak”(Isa41:1).AndastheapostleJohnsaith,“AndwehaveseenanddotestifythattheFathersenttheSontobetheSaviouroftheworld”(1John4:14).Hethat isnotyetcome, thoughhe iscoming, isnot fit,notbeingindeedcapabletomakethatjudgmentoftheworthandgloryofthegraceofChrist,asheisthatiscometohim,andhathseenandbeheldit.Therefore,sinner,suspendthyjudgmenttillthouartcomenearer.

2.HethatiscometoChristhastheadvantageofhimthatisbutcoming,

inthatheiseasedofhisburden;forhethatisbutcomingisnoteasedofhisburden (Matt 11:28).He that is comehas cast his burdenupon theLord.By faithhehath seenhimself released thereof; but he that is butcoming hath it yet, as to sense and feeling, upon his own shoulders.“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,” implies, thattheirburden,thoughtheyarecoming,isyetuponthem,andsowillbetillindeedtheyarecometohim.

3.HethatiscometoChristhastheadvantageofhimthatisbutcominginthisalso,namely,hehathdrankofthesweetandsoulrefreshingwaterof life; but he that is but coming hath not. “If anyman thirst, let himcomeuntomeanddrink”(John7:37).

Mark,Hemust come to himbefore he drinks: according to that of theprophet, “Ho! every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.” Hedrinkethnotashecometh,butwhenheiscometothewaters(Isa55:1).

4.HethatiscometoChristhaththeadvantageofhimthatasyetisbutcominginthisalso,towit,heisnotsoterrifiedwiththenoise,and,asImaycallit,hueandcry,whichtheavengerofbloodmakesattheheelsofhimthatyetisbutcomingtohim.Whentheslayerwasonhisflighttothecityofhisrefuge,hehadthenoiseorfearoftheavengerofbloodathisheels;butwhenhewascometothecity,andwasenteredthereinto,thatnoiseceased.EvensoitiswithhimthatisbutcomingtoJesusChrist,hehearethmanyadreadfulsoundinisear;soundsofdeathanddamnation,whichhethatiscomeisatpresentfreedfrom.Thereforehesaith,“Come,andIwillgiveyourest.”Andsohesaithagain,“Wethathavebelieved,doenterintorest,”ashesaid,&c.(Heb4).

5. He, therefore, that is come to Christ, is not so subject to thosedejections,andcastingsdown,byreasonof therageandassaultsof theevilone,asisthemanthatisbutcomingtoJesusChrist,thoughhehastemptationstoo.“Andashewasyeta-coming,thedevilthrewhimdown,and tarehim” (Luke9:42).Forhehas, thoughSatan still roarethuponhim, those experimental comforts and refreshments, to wit, in histreasury, to present himself with, in times of temptation and conflict;whichhethatisbutcominghasnot.

6.HethatiscometoChristhastheadvantageofhimthatisbutcomingtohim,inthisalso,towit,hehathuponhimtheweddinggarment,&c.,buthe that is cominghasnot. The prodigal,when cominghome to hisfather, was clothed with nothing but rags, and was tormented with anemptybelly;butwhenhewascome,thebestrobeisbroughtout,alsothegold ring, and the shoes, yea, they are put upon him, to his greatrejoicing.The fattedcalfwaskilled forhim; themusicwasstruckuptomakehimmerry;andthusalsotheFatherhimselfsangofhim,“Thismysonwasdead,andisaliveagain;waslostandisfound”(Luke15:18,19).

7.Inaword,hethat iscometoChrist,hisgroansandtears,hisdoubtsand fears, are turned into songs and praises; for that he hath nowreceivedtheatonement,andtheearnestofhisinheritance;buthethatisbutyeta- coming,hathnot thosepraisesnor songsofdeliverancewithhim; nor has he as yet received the atonement and earnest of hisinheritance,which is, the sealing testimony of theHolyGhost, throughthe sprinkling of the blood of Christ upon his conscience, for he is notcome(Rom5:11;Eph1:13;Heb12:22-24).

ImportofthewordCOMETH

“AndhimthatCOMETH.”Thereisfurthertobegatheredfromthiswordcometh,thesefollowingparticulars:-

1. That Jesus Christ hath his eye upon, and takes notice of, the firstmovingoftheheartofasinnerafterhimself.Comingsinner,thoucanstnot move with desires after Christ, but he sees the working of thosedesiresinthyheart.“Allmydesire,”saidDavid,“isbeforethee;andmygroaning is not hid from thee” (Psa 38:9). This he spake, as he wascoming,afterhehadbackslidden, to theLordJesusChrist. It is saidoftheprodigal,thatwhilehewasyetagreatwayoff,hisfathersawhim,hadhis eyeuponhim, andupon the goingout of hisheart afterhim (Luke15:20).

WhenNathanaelwas come to Jesus Christ, the Lord said to them thatstoodbeforehim,“BeholdanIsraeliteindeed,inwhomisnoguile.”ButNathanaelansweredhim,“Whenceknowest thoume?”Jesusanswered,“BeforethatPhilipcalledthee,whenthouwastunderthefig-tree,Isaw

thee.”There,Isuppose,NathanaelwaspouringoutofhissoultoGodformercy,orthathewouldgivehimgoodunderstandingabouttheMessiastocome;andJesussawalltheworkingsofhishonestheartatthattime(John1:47,48).

Zaccheus also had some secret movings of heart, such as they were,towardsJesusChrist,whenheranbefore,andclimbedupthetreetoseehim;andtheLordJesusChristhadhiseyeuponhim:therefore,whenhewascometotheplace,he lookeduptohim,bidshimcomedown,“Fortoday,”saidhe,“Imustabideatthyhouse;”towit,inordertothefurthercompletingtheworkofgraceinhissoul(Luke19:1-9).Rememberthis,comingsinner.

2.AsJesusChristhathhiseyeupon,sohehathhisheartopentoreceive,thecomingsinner.Thisisverifiedbythetext:“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”Thisisalsodiscoveredbyhispreparingoftheway,inhismakingofiteasy(asmaybe)tothecomingsinner;whichpreparation ismanifest by those blessed words, “I will in no wise castout;”ofwhichmorewhenwecometotheplace.Andwhile“hewasyetagreatwayoff,hisFathersawhim,andhadcompassion,andran,andfellon his neck, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). All these expressions dostrongly prove that the heart of Christ is open to receive the comingsinner.

3.AsJesusChristhashiseyeupon,andhisheartopentoreceive,sohehathresolvedalreadythatnothingshallalienatehisheartfromreceivingthe coming sinner.No sins of the coming sinner, nor the length of thetimethathehathabode inthem,shallbyanymeansprevailwithJesusChrist to reject him. Coming sinner, thou art coming to a loving LordJesus!

4. These words therefore are dropped from his blessed mouth, onpurposethatthecomingsinnermighttakeencouragementtocontinueonhis journey,untilhebecome indeedtoJesusChrist. ItwasdoubtlessagreatencouragementtoblindBartimeus,thatJesusChriststoodstillandcalledhim,whenhewascrying,“Jesus,thouSonofDavid,havemercyonme;” therefore, it is said, he cast awayhis garment, “rose, and came toJesus”(Mark10:46).Now,ifacalltocomehathsuchencouragementin

it, what is a promise of receiving such, but an encouragement muchmore? And observe it, though he had a call to come, yet not having apromise,hisfaithwasforcedtoworkuponamereconsequence,saying,Hecallsme;andsurelysincehecallsme,hewillgrantmemydesire.Ah!butcomingsinner,thouhastnoneedtogosofaraboutastodraw(inthismatter)consequences,becausethouhastplainpromises:“Andhimthatcometh tome I will in nowise cast out.”Here is full, plain, yea, whatencouragementonecandesire;for,supposethouwastadmittedtomakeapromisethyself,andChristshouldattestthathewouldfulfilituponthesinnerthatcomethtohim,Couldstthoumakeabetterpromise?Couldstthouinventamorefull, free,or largerpromise?apromisethat looksatthefirstmovingoftheheartafterJesusChrist?apromisethatdeclares,yea, that engagethChrist Jesus toopenhisheart to receive the comingsinner?yea,further,apromisethatdemonstrateththattheLordJesusisresolved freely to receive, and will in no wise cast out, nor means toreject, the soul of the coming sinner! For all this lieth fully in thispromise,anddothnaturallyflowtherefrom.Herethouneedestnotmakeuseoffar-fetchedconsequences,norstrainthywits,toforceencouragingargumentsfromthetext.Comingsinner,thewordsareplain:“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”

TwoSortsOfSinnersComingToChrist

AndhimthatCOMETH.”TherearetwosortsofsinnersthatarecomingtoJesusChrist.First,Himthathathnever,whileof late,atallbegantocome. Second, Him that came formerly, and after that went back; buthathsincebethoughthimself,andisnowcomingagain.BoththesesortsofsinnersareintendedbytheHIMinthetext,asisevident;becausebotharenowthecomingsinners.“Andhimthatcometh.”

First. [The newly- awakened comer] - For the first of these: the sinnerthathathnever,whileoflate,begantocome,hiswayismoreeasy;Idonotsay,moreplainandopentocometoChristthanistheother-thoselastnothavingtheclogofaguiltyconscience,forthesinofbacksliding,hangingattheirheels.Butalltheencouragementofthegospel,withwhatinvitations are therein contained to coming sinners, are as free and asopentotheoneastotheother;sothattheymaywiththesamefreedomand liberty,as fromtheWord,bothalikeclaim interest in thepromise.“Allthingsareready;”allthingsforthecomingbacksliders,aswellasforthe others: “Come to the wedding.” “And let him that is athirst come”(Matt22:1-4;Rev22:17).

Second.[Thereturningbackslider]-Buthavingspoketothefirstofthesealready,Ishallherepassitby;andshallspeakawordortwotohimthatis coming, after backsliding, to Jesus Christ for life. Thy way, O thousinnerofadoubledye,thywayisopentocometoJesusChrist.Imeanthee, whose heart, after long backsliding, doth think of turning to himagain.Thyway,Isay, isopentohim,as isthewayoftheothersortsofcomers;asappearsbywhatfollows:-

1.Becausethetextmakesnoexceptionagainstthee.Itdothnotsay,Andanyhimbutabackslider,anyhimbuthim.Thetextdothnotthusobject,but indefinitely openeth wide its golden arms to every coming soul,withouttheleastexception;thereforethoumayestcome.Andtakeheedthatthoushutnotthatdooragainstthysoulbyunbelief,whichGodhasopenedbyhisgrace.

2. Nay, the text is so far from excepting against thy coming, that itstrongly suggesteth that thou art one of the souls intended, O thoucomingbackslider;elsewhatneed that clausehavebeen so inserted, “Iwillinnowisecastout?”Aswhoshouldsay,Thoughthosethatcomenowaresuchashaveformerlybackslidden, Iwill in“nowise”castaway thefornicator, the covetous, the railer, the drunkard, or other commonsinners,noryetthebacksliderneither.

3.Thatthebacksliderisintendedisevident,

(1)Forthatheissenttobyname,“Go,tellhisdisciplesandPeter”(Mark16:7).ButPeterwasagodlyman.True,buthewasalsoabackslider,yea,a desperate backslider: he had denied his Master once, twice, thrice,cursingandswearingthatheknewhimnot.Ifthiswasnotbacksliding,ifthiswasnotanhighandeminentbacksliding,yea,ahigherbackslidingthanthouartcapableof,Ihavethoughtamiss.

Again, when David had backslidden, and had committed adultery andmurderinhisbacksliding,hemustbesenttobyname:“And,”saiththetext, “the Lord sent Nathan unto David.” And he sent him to tell him,afterhehadbroughthimtounfeignedacknowledgment,“TheLordhathalsoputaway,orforgiventhysin”(2Sam12:1,13).

Thismanalsowasfargone:hetookaman’swife,andkilledherhusband,and endeavoured to cover all withwicked dissimulation.He did this, Isay,afterGodhadexaltedhim,andshowedhimgreatfavour;whereforehis transgression was greatened also by the prophet with mightyaggravations;yethewasaccepted,andthatwithgladness,atthefirststephe took in his returning to Christ. For the first step of the backslider’sreturnistosay,sensiblyandunfeignedly,“Ihavesinned;”buthehadnosoonersaidthus,butapardonwasproduced,yea,thrustintohisbosom:“AndNathansaiduntoDavid,TheLordhathalsoputawaythysin.”

(2)Asthepersonof thebackslider ismentionedbyname,soalso ishissin,that,ifpossible,thyobjectionsagainstthyreturningtoChristmaybetakenoutofthyway;Isay,thysinalsoismentionedbyname,andmixed,as mentioned, with words of grace and favour: “I will heal theirbacksliding,Iwilllovethemfreely”(Hosea14:4).Whatsayestthounow,

backslider?

(3)Nay,further,thouartnotonlymentionedbyname,andthysinbythenature of it, but thou thyself, who art a returning backslider, put, (a)Amongst God’s Israel, “Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord;andIwillnotcausemineangertofalluponyou;forIammerciful,saiththeLord,andIwillnotkeepangerforever”(Jer3:12).(b)Thouartputamonghischildren;amonghischildrentowhomheismarried.“Turn,Obackslidingchildren,forIammarrieduntoyou”(verse14).(c)Yea,afterallthis,asifhisheartwassofullofgraceforthem,thathewaspresseduntil he had uttered it before them, he adds, “Return, ye backslidingchildren,andIwillhealyourbackslidings”(verse22).

(4)Nay,further,theLordhathconsidered,thattheshameofthysinhathstopped thy mouth, and made thee almost a prayerless man; andthereforehesaithuntothee,“Takewithyouwords,andturntotheLord:sayuntohim,Takeawayall iniquity,andreceiveusgraciously.”Seehisgrace,thathimselfshouldputwordsofencouragementintotheheartofabackslider;ashesaithinanotherplace,“I taughtEphraimtogo, takinghimbythearms.”This is teachinghimtogo indeed, toholdhimupbythearms;bythechin,aswesay(Hosea14:2;11:3).

Fromwhathasbeensaid,Iconclude,evenasIsaidbefore,thatthehimin the text, andhim that cometh, includethboth these sorts of sinners,andthereforebothshouldfreelycome.

Quest. 1. But where doth Jesus Christ, in all the word of the NewTestament,expresslyspeaktoareturningbacksliderwithwordsofgraceandpeace?Forwhatyouhaveurgedasyet,fromtheNewTestament,isnothingbutconsequencesdrawnfromthistext.Indeeditisafulltextforcarnal ignorant sinners that come, but to me, who am a backslider, ityieldethbutlittlerelief.

Ans.How!butlittleencouragementfromthetext,whenitissaid,“Iwillin nowwise cast out”!Whatmore could have been said?What is hereomitted thatmight have been inserted, tomake the promisemore fullandfree?Nay,takeallthepromisesintheBible,allthefreestpromises,with all the variety of expressions ofwhatnature or extent soever, and

theycanbutamounttotheexpressionsofthisverypromise,“Iwillinnowisecastout;”Iwillfornothing,bynomeans,uponnoaccount,howeverthey have sinned, however they have backslidden, however they haveprovoked,castoutthecomingsinner.But,

Quest.2.Thousayest,Wheredoth JesusChrist, in all thewordsof theNewTestament,speaktoareturningbacksliderwithwordsofgraceandpeace,thatisunderthenameofabackslider?

Ans. Where there is such plenty of examples in receiving backsliders,thereisthelessneedforexpresswordstothatintent;onepromise,asthetext is, with those examples that are annexed, are instead of manypromises.Andbesides,Ireckonthattheactofreceivingisofasmuch,ifnot of more encouragement, than is a bare promise to receive; forreceivingisasthepromise,andthefulfillingofittoo;sothatintheOldTestamentthouhastthepromise,andintheNew,thefulfillingofit;andthatindiversexamples.

1. In Peter. Peter denied his master, once, twice, thrice, and that withopenoath;yetChristreceiveshimagainwithoutanytheleasthesitationorstick.Yea,heslips,stumbles, fallsagain, indownrightdissimulation,and that to the hurt and fall of many others; but neither of this dothChristmakeabartohissalvation,butreceiveshimagainathisreturn,asifheknewnothingofthefault(Gal2).

2.Therestofthedisciples,evenallofthem,didbackslideandleavetheLordJesusinhisgreateststraits.“Thenallthedisciplesforsookhimandfled,” (Matt 26:56), they returned, as he had foretold, every one to hisown, and left him alone; but this also he passes over as a very lightmatter.Notthatitwassoindeedinitself,buttheabundanceofgracethatwasinhimdidlightlyrollitaway;forafterhisresurrection,whenfirstheappeareduntothem,hegivesthemnottheleastcheckfortheirperfidiousdealingswithhim,butsalutesthemwithwordsofgrace,saying,“Allhail!benotafraid,peacebetoyou;allpowerinheavenandearthisgivenuntome.” True, he rebuked them for their unbelief, for thewhich also thoudeservest the same. For it is unbelief that alone puts Christ and hisbenefitsfromus(John16:52;Matt28:9-11;Luke24:39;Mark16:14).

3. The man that after a large profession lay with his father’s wife,committedahightransgression,evensuchaonethatatthatdaywasnotheard of, no, not among the Gentiles. Wherefore this was a desperatebacksliding; yet, at his return, he was received, and accepted again tomercy(1Cor5:1,2;2Cor2:6-8).

4.The thief that stolewasbid to stealnomore;notatalldoubtingbutthatChristwasreadytoforgivehimthisactofbacksliding(Eph4:28).

Nowall theseareexamples,particular instancesofChrist’sreadiness toreceive the backsliders tomercy; and, observe it, examples and proofsthat he hath done so are, to our unbelieving hearts, strongerencouragementsthanbarepromisesthatsohewilldo.

Butagain,theLordJesushathaddedtothese,fortheencouragementofreturning backsliders, to come to him. (1) A call to come, and he willreceivethem(Rev2:1-5;14-16;20-22;3:1-3;15-22).WhereforeNewTestamentbackslidershaveencouragementtocome.(2)Adeclarationofreadiness to receive them that come, as here in the text, and inmanyotherplaces,isplain.Therefore,“Settheeupwaymarks,maketheehighheaps,” of the golden grace of the gospel, “set thine heart toward thehighway,eventhewaywhichthouwentest.”Whenthoudidstbackslide;“turnagain,OvirginofIsrael,turnagaintothesethycities”(Jer31:21).

“And him that cometh.” He saith not, and him that talketh, thatprofesseth,thatmakethashow,anoise,orthelike;but,himthatcometh.Christwilltakeleavetojudge,who,amongthemanythatmakeanoise,theybethatindeedarecomingtohim.Itisnothimthatsaithhecomes,norhimofwhomothersaffirmthathecomes;buthimthatChristhimselfshallsaydothcome,thatisconcernedinthistext.Whenthewomanthathadthebloody issuecametohimforcure, therewereothersaswellasshe,thatmadeagreatbustleabouthim,thattouched,yea,throngedhim.Ah, but Christ could distinguish this woman from them all; “And helookedroundabout”uponthemall,“toseeherthathaddonethisthing”(Mark5:25-32).Hewasnotconcernedwiththethronging,ortouchingsof therest; for theirswerebutaccidental,oratbest,voidof thatwhichmadehertouchacceptable.WhereforeChristmustbejudgewhotheybethat in trutharecoming tohim;Everyman’swaysare right inhisown

eyes,“buttheLordweigheththespirits”(Prov16:2).ItstandeththereforeeveryoneinhandtobecertainoftheircomingtoJesusChrist;forasthycomingis,soshallthysalvationbe.Ifthoucomestindeed,thysalvationshallbe indeed;but if thoucomestbut inoutwardappearance, so shallthysalvationbe;butofcoming,seebefore,asalsoafterwards,intheuseandapplication.

“Andhim that comethTOME.”Thesewords tome are alsowell to beheeded; forby them,ashe secureth those that come tohim, soalsoheshowshimselfunconcernedwiththosethatintheircomingrestshort,toturnasidetoothers;foryoumustknow,thateveryonethatcomes,comesnottoJesusChrist;somethatcome,cometoMoses,andtohislaw,andtheretakeupfor life;with theseChrist isnotconcerned;with thesehispromise hath not to do. “Christ is become of no effect unto you;whosoeverofyouarejustifiedbythe law,yearefallenfromgrace”(Gal5:4).Again,somethatcame,camenofurtherthantogospelordinances,andtherestay;theycamenotthroughthemtoChrist;withtheseneitherisheconcerned;norwill their “Lord,Lord,” avail themanything in thegreatanddismalday.Amanmaycometo,andalsogofromtheplaceandordinancesofworship,andyetnotberememberedbyChrist. “SoIsawthe wicked buried,” said Solomon, “who had come and gone from theplaceof theholy,andtheywere forgotten in thecitywhere theyhadsodone;thisisalsovanity”(Eccl8:10).

“TOME.”Thesewords,therefore,arebyJesusChristverywarilyputin,andserveforcautionandencouragement;forcaution,lestwetakeupinour coming anywhere short of Christ; and for encouragement to thosethatshall in their coming, comepast all; till they come toJesusChrist.“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”

Reader, if thou lovest thy soul, take this cautionkindly at thehands ofJesus Christ. Thou seest thy sickness, thy wound, thy necessity ofsalvation.Well, go not to king Jareb, for he cannot heal thee, nor curethee of thy wound (Hosea 5:13). Take the caution, I say, lest Christ,insteadofbeingaSaviouruntothee,becomesalion,ayounglion,totearthee,andgoaway(Hosea5:14).

There isacoming,butnottotheMostHigh;there isacoming,butnot

withthewholeheart,butasitwerefeignedly;thereforetakethecautionkindly(Jer3:10;Hosea7:16).

“And him that cometh TO ME;” Christ as a Saviour will stand alone,becausehisownarmalonehathbroughtsalvationuntohim.HewillnotbejoinedwithMoses,norsufferJohnBaptisttobetabernacledbyhim.Isay theymust vanish, for Christwill stand alone (Luke 9:28- 36). Yea,GodtheFatherwillhave itso; thereforetheymustbepartedfromhim,and a voice from heavenmust come to bid the disciples hear only thebeloved Son. Christ will not suffer any law, ordinance, statute, orjudgment,tobepartnerswithhiminthesalvationofthesinner.Nay,hesaithnot,andhimthatcomethtomyWORD;but,andhimthatcomethtoME. The words of Christ, even hismost blessed and free promises,suchasthisinthetext,arenottheSaviouroftheworld;forthatisChristhimself, Christ himself only. The promises, therefore, are but toencouragethecomingsinnertocometoJesusChrist,andnottorest inthem, short of salvation by him. “And him that cometh TO ME.” Theman, therefore, that comesaright, casts all thingsbehindhisback, andlooketh at, nor hath his expectations from ought, but the Son of Godalone; as David said, “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for myexpectationisfromhim.Heonlyismyrock,andmysalvation;heismydefence;Ishallnotbemoved”(Psa62:5,6).HiseyeistoChrist,hisheartistoChrist,andhisexpectationisfromhim,fromhimonly.

Therefore the man that comes to Christ, is one that hath had deepconsiderations of his own sins, slighting thoughts of his ownrighteousness,andhighthoughtsofthebloodandrighteousnessofJesusChrist;yea,hesees,asIhavesaid,morevirtueinthebloodofChristtosavehim,thanthereis inallhissinstodamnhim.HethereforesettethChristbeforehiseyes;thereisnothinginheavenorearth,heknows,thatcansavehissoulandsecurehimfromthewrathofGod,butChrist;thatis,nothingbuthispersonalrighteousnessandblood.

ImportofthewordsINNOWISE

“Andhimthatcomethtome,Iwillinnowisecastout.”INNOWISE:bythese words there is [First,] Something expressed; and [Second,]Somethingimplied.

First, That which is expressed is Christ Jesus, his unchangeableresolutiontosavethecomingsinner;Iwillinnowiserejecthim,ordenyhimthebenefitofmydeathand righteousness.Thisword, therefore, islike thatwhichhe speaks of the everlastingdamnationof the sinner inhell- fire; “He shall by no means depart thence;” that is, never, nevercomeoutagain,no,not toalleternity (Matt5:26;25:46).So thatashethat is condemned into hell- fire hath no ground of hope for hisdeliverancethence;sohimthatcomethtoChrist,hathnogroundtofearheshalleverbecastinthither.

“Thus saith the Lord, If heaven above can be measured, and thefoundationsoftheearthsearchedoutbeneath,Iwillalsocastoffalltheseed of Israel, for all that they have done, saith the Lord” (Jer 31:37).“ThussaiththeLord,Ifmycovenantbenotwithdayandnight,andifIhavenotappointed theordinancesofheavenandearth, thenwill IcastawaytheseedofJacob”(Jer33:25,26).Butheavencannotbemeasured,nor the foundations of the earth searched out beneath; his covenant isalsowithdayandnight,andhehathappointedtheordinancesofheaven;therefore he will not cast away the seed of Jacob, who are the comingones,butwillcertainlysavethemfromthedreadfulwrathtocome(Jer50:4,5).Bythis,therefore,itismanifest,thatitwasnotthegreatnessofsin, nor the long continuance in it, no, nor yet thebacksliding,nor thepollutionofthynature,thatcanputabarinagainst,orbeanhindranceof, thesalvationof thecomingsinner.For, if indeed thiscouldbe, thenwouldthissolemnandabsolutedeterminationoftheLordJesus,ofitself,fall to the ground, and be made of none effect. But his “counsel shallstand,andhewilldoallhispleasure;”thatis,hispleasureinthis;forhispromise,astothisirreversibleconclusion,arisethofhispleasure;hewillstandtoit,andwillfulfilit,becauseitishispleasure(Isa46:10,11).

Supposethatonemanhadthesins,orasmanysinsasanhundred,andanothershouldhaveanhundredtimesasmanyashe;yet, iftheycome,thisword,“Iwillinnowisecastout,”securesthembothalike.

Supposeamanhathadesiretobesaved,andforthatpurposeiscomingintruthtoJesusChrist;buthe,byhisdebauchedlife,hasdamnedmanyinhell;why,thedoorofhopeisbythesewordssetasopenforhim,asitis forhimthathathnotthethousandthpartofhistransgressions.“And

himthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”

SupposeamaniscomingtoChristtobesaved,andhathnothingbutsin,andanill-spentlife,tobringwithhim;why,lethimcome,andwelcometoJesusChrist,“Andhewillinnowisecasthimout”(Luke7:42).Isnotthis love that passeth knowledge? Is not this love the wonderment ofangels?And is not this loveworthy of all acceptation at the hands andheartsofallcomingsinners?

HindrancesincomingtoChrist

Second,Thatwhichisimpliedinthewordsis,1.ThecomingsoulshavethosethatcontinuallylieatJesusChristtocastthemoff.2.Thecomingsouls are afraid that thosewill prevailwithChrist to cast themoff.Forthesewords are spoken to satisfy us, and to stay up our spirits againstthesetwodangers:“Iwillinnowisecastout.”

1. For the first, Coming souls have those that continually lie at JesusChrist to cast them off. And there are three things that thus bendthemselvesagainstthecomingsinner.

(1) There is the devil, that accuser of the brethren, that accuses thembefore God, day and night (Rev 12:10). This prince of darkness isunwearied in this work; he doth it, as you see, day and night; that is,withoutceasing.Hecontinuallyputs inhiscaveatsagainstthee, ifsobehemayprevail.HowdidheplyitagainstthatgoodmanJob,ifpossiblyhemighthaveobtainedhisdestructioninhell-fire?Heobjectedagainsthim,thatheservednotGodfornought,andtemptedGodtoputforthhishandagainsthim,urging,thatifhedidit,hewouldcursehimtohisface;and all this, as God witnesseth, “he did without a cause” (Job 1:9- 11;2:4,5). How did he ply it with Christ against Joshua the high- priest?“AndheshowedmeJoshua,”saidtheprophet,“thehigh-priest,standingbeforetheangeloftheLord,andSatanstandingathisrighthandtoresisthim”(Zech3:1).

Toresisthim;thatis,toprevailwiththeLordJesusChristtoresisthim;objecting the uncleanness and unlawful marriage of his sons with theGentiles;forthatwasthecrimethatSatanlaidagainstthem(Ezra10:18).

Yea,andforaughtIknow,Joshuawasalsoguiltyofthefact;butifnotofthat,ofcrimesnowhitinferior;forhewasclothedwithfilthygarments,as he stood before the angel. Neither had he one word to say invindicationofhimself,againstallthatthiswickedonehadtosayagainsthim.Butnotwithstandingthat,hecameoffwell;buthemightforitthankagoodLordJesus,becausehedidnotresisthim,butcontrariwise, tookup his cause, pleaded against the devil, excusing his infirmity, and putjustifyingrobesuponhimbeforehisadversary’sface.

“AndtheLordsaiduntoSatan,TheLordrebukethee,OSatan,eventheLordthathathchosenJerusalem,rebukethee.Isnotthisabrandpluckedout of the fire? And he answered and spoke to those that stood beforehim,saying,Takeaway the filthygarments fromhim;anduntohimhesaid,Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and Iwillclothetheewithchangeofraiment”(Zech3:2-4).

Again,howdidSatanplyitagainstPeter,whenhedesiredtohavehim,thathemightsifthimaswheat?that is, ifpossible,severallgracefromhisheart, and leavehimnothing but flesh and filth, to the end that hemightmaketheLordJesusloatheandabhorhim.“Simon,Simon,”saidChrist,“Satanhathdesired tohaveyou, thathemaysiftyouaswheat.”Butdidheprevailagainsthim?No:“ButIhaveprayedforthee,thatthyfaithfailnot.”Aswho should say,Simon,Satanhathdesiredme that Iwould give thee up to him, and not only thee, but all the rest of thybrethren-forthatthewordyouimports-butIwillnotleavetheeinhishand:Ihaveprayedforthee,thyfaithshallnotfail;Iwillsecuretheetotheheavenlyinheritance(Luke22:30-32).

(2)As Satan, so every sin of the coming sinner, comes inwith a voiceagainsthim,ifperhapstheymayprevailwithChristtocastoffthesoul.When Israelwas coming out ofEgypt toCanaan, howmany timeshadtheirsinsthrownthemoutofthemercyofGod,hadnotMoses,asatypeof Christ, stood in the breach to turn away his wrath from them! (Psa106:23). Our iniquities testify against us, and would certainly prevailagainstus,toourutterrejectionanddamnation,hadwenotanadvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous(1John2:1,2).

The sins of the old world cried them down to hell; the sins of Sodom

fetchedupon them fire fromheaven,whichdevoured them; the sins oftheEgyptians cried themdown tohell, because they camenot to JesusChrist for life. Coming sinner, thy sins are nowhit less than any; nay,perhaps,theyareasbigasalltheirs.Whyisitthen,thatthoulivestwhentheyaredead,andthatthouhastapromiseofpardonwhentheyhadnot?“Why,thouartcomingtoJesusChrist;”andthereforesinshallnotbethyruin.

(3)AsSatanandsin,sothelawofMoses,asitisaperfectholylaw,hathavoiceagainstyoubeforethefaceofGod.“Thereisonethataccusethyou,even Moses,” his law (John 5:45). Yea, it accuseth all men oftransgressionthathavesinnedagainst it; foras longassin is sin, therewillbealawtoaccuseforsin.Butthisaccusationshallnotprevailagainstthecomingsinner;because it isChrist thatdied, and that ever lives, tomake intercession for them that “come to God by him” (Rom 8; Heb7:25).

Thesethings,Isay,doaccuseusbeforeChristJesus;yea,andalsotoourown faces, ifperhaps theymightprevailagainstus.But thesewords, “Iwillinnowisecastout,”secureththecomingsinnerfromthemall.

The coming sinner is not saved, because there is none that comes inagainsthim;butbecausetheLordJesuswillnotheartheiraccusations,will not cast out the coming sinner.When Shimei came down tomeetkingDavid,andtoaskforpardonforhisrebellion,upstartsAbishai,andputsinhiscaveat,saying,ShallnotShimeidieforthis?Thisisthecaseofhim that comes to Christ. He hath this Abishai, and that Abishai, thatpresentlystepsinagainsthim,saying,Shallnotthisrebel’ssinsdestroyhiminhell?Readfurther.ButDavidanswered,“WhathaveItodowithyou,yesonsofZeruiah,thatyeshouldthisdaybeadversariesuntome?ShallthereanymanbeputtodeaththisdayinIsrael,fordonotIknow,that Iamking thisdayover Israel?” (2Sam19:16-22).That isChrist’sanswerbythetext,toallthataccusethecomingShimeis.WhathaveItodo with you, that accuse the coming sinners to me? I count youadversaries, thatareagainstmyshowingmercytothem.DonotIknowthatIamexaltedthisdaytobekingofrighteousness,andkingofpeace?“Iwillinnowisecastthemout.”

2. But again, these words do closely imply, that the coming souls areafraidthattheseaccuserswillprevailagainstthem,asisevident,becausethetextisspokenfortheirreliefandsuccour.Forthatneednotbe,iftheythatarecomingwerenotsubjecttofearanddesponduponthisaccount.Alas,thereisguilt,andthecurseliesupontheconscienceofthecomingsinner!

Besides,heisconscioustohimselfwhatavillain,whatawretchhehathbeenagainstGodandChrist.Alsohenowknows,bywoefulexperience,howhe hath been at Satan’s beck, and at themotion of every lust.Hehathnowalsonew thoughtsof theholinessand justiceofGod.Alsohefeels,thathecannotforbearsinningagainsthim.Forthemotionsofsins,whicharebythelaw,dothstillworkinhismembers,tobringforthfruituntodeath(Rom7:5).Butnoneofthisneedsbe[adiscouragement]sincewehavesogood,sotender-hearted,andsofaithfulaJesustocometo,whowill rather overthrowheaven and earth, than suffer a tittle of thistexttofail.“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”

ImportofthewordsTOCASTOUT

Now,wehaveyettoinquireintotwothingsthatlieinthewords,towhichthere hath yet been nothing said. As, FIRST, What it is to cast out.SECOND,HowitappearsthatChristhathpowertosaveorcastout?

WhatItIsToCastOut

FIRST.Forthefirstofthese,What it istocastout.TothisIwillspeak,First,Generally.Second,Moreparticularly.

[First,Generally]

1.Tocastout,istoslightanddespise,andcontemn;asitissaidofSaul’sshield, “it was vilely cast away,” (2 Sam 1:21), that is, slighted and

contemned.ThusitiswiththesinnersthatcomenottoJesusChrist.Heslights,despises,andcontemnsthem;thatis,“caststhemaway.”

2.Thingscastawayarereputedasmenstruouscloths,andasthedirtofthestreet(Isa3:24;Psa18:42;Matt5:13;15:17).Andthusitshallbewiththe men that come not to Jesus Christ, they shall be counted asmenstruous,andasthedirtinthestreets.

3.Tobecastout,oroff,itistobeabhorred,nottobepitied;buttobeputtoperpetualshame(Psa44:9;89:38;Amos1:11).But,

Second, More particularly, to come to the text. The casting out herementioned is not limited to this or the other evil: therefore itmust beextended to the most extreme and utmost misery. Or thus: He thatcometh toChrist shall notwant anything thatmaymakehim gospelly-happyinthisworld,orthatwhichistocome;norshallhewantanythingthatcomethnot,thatmaymakehimspirituallyandeternallymiserable.Butfurther,Asitistobegenerallytaken[asrespecteththethingsthatarenow],soitrespecteththingsthatshallbehereafter.

I. For the things that are now, they are either, 1.More general: Or, 2.Moreparticular.

1.Moregeneral,thus:

(1)Itis“tobecastout”ofthepresenceandfavourofGod.ThuswasCaincastout:“Thouhasdriven,”orcast“meoutthisday;fromthyface,”thatis,fromthyfavour“shallIbehid.”Adreadfulcomplaint!Buttheeffectofamoredreadfuljudgment!(Gen4:14;Jer23:39;1Chron28:9).

(2)“Tobecastout,” is tobecastoutofGod’s sight.Godwill lookafterthemnomore,careforthemnomore;norwillhewatchoverthemanymoreforgood(2Kings17:20;Jer7:15).Nowtheythatareso,areleftlikeblindmen,towanderandfallintothepitofhell.This,therefore,isalsoasadjudgment!thereforehereisthemercyofhimthatcomethtoChrist.Heshallnotbelefttowanderatuncertainties.TheLordJesusChristwillkeephim,asashepherddothhissheep(Psa23).“HimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”

(3)“Tobecastout,”istobedeniedaplaceinGod’shouse,andtobeleftas fugitives and vagabonds, to pass a little time away in thismiserablelife,andafterthattogodowntothedead(Gal4:30;Gen4:13,14;21:10).ThereforehereisthebenefitofhimthatcomethtoChrist,heshallnotbedeniedaplaceinGod’shouse.Theyshallnotbeleftlikevagabondsintheworld.“HimthatcomethtomeIwill innowisecastout.”SeeProverbs14:26,Isaiah56:3-5,Ephesians1:1922,1Corinthians3:21-23.

(4)Inaword,“Tobecastout,”istoberejectedasarethefallenangels.Fortheireternaldamnationbeganattheirbeingcastdownfromheavento hell. So then, not to be cast out, is to have a place, a house, andhabitationthere;andtohaveashareintheprivilegesofelectangels.

Thesewords, therefore, “Iwillnotcastout,”willprovegreatwordsoneday to them that come to Jesus Christ (2 Peter 2:4; John 20:31; Luke20:35).

2.Second,andmoreparticularly,

(1)Christhatheverlasting life forhimthatcomethtohim,andheshallneverperish;“Forhewillinnowisecasthimout;”butfortherest,theyarerejected,“castout,”andmustbedamned(John10:27,28).

(2)Christhatheverlastingrighteousnesstoclothethemwiththatcometohim,andtheyshallbecoveredwithitaswithagarment,buttherestshallbefoundinthefilthyragsof theirownstinkingpollutions,andshallbewraptupinthem,asinawinding-sheet,andsobeartheirshamebeforetheLord,andalsobeforetheangels(Dan9:27;Isa57:20;Rev3:4-18,15,16).

(3)Christhathpreciousblood,that,likeanopenfountain,standsfreeforhimtowash in, thatcomes tohimfor life; “Andhewill innowisecasthimout;”buttheythatcomenottohimarerejectedfromasharetherein,andarelefttoirefulvengeancefortheirsins(Zech13:1;1Peter1:18,19;John13:8;3:16).

(4)Christ hath precious promises, and they shall have a share in themthatcometohimforlife;for“hewillinnowisecastthemout.”Butthey

thatcomenotcanhavenoshare in them,because theyare trueonly inhim; for in him, and only in him, all the promises are yea and amen.Whereforetheythatcomenottohim,arenowhitthebetterforthem(Psa50:16;2Cor1:20,21).

(5)Christhathalsofullnessofgraceinhimselfforthemthatcometohimforlife:“Andhewill innowisecastthemout.”Butthosethatcomenotuntohimareleftintheirgracelessstate;andasChristleavesthem,death,hell,andjudgmentfindsthem.“Whosofindethme,”saithChrist,“findethlife,andshallobtainfavourof theLord.Buthethatsinnethagainstmewrongethhisownsoul:alltheythathatemelovedeath”(Prov8:35,36).

(6)ChristisanIntercessor,andeverlivethtomakeintercessionforthemthat come to God by him: “But their sorrows shall be multiplied, thathasten after another,” or other gods, their sins and lusts. “Their drink-offeringswillInotoffer,nortakeuptheirnamesintohislips”(Psa16:4;Heb7:25).

(7)Christhathwonderful love,bowels,andcompassions, for those thatcometohim;for“hewillinnowisecastthemout.”Buttherestwillfindhim a lion rampant; he will one day tear them all to pieces. “Nowconsiderthis,”saithhe,“yethatforgetGod,lestItearyouinpieces,andtherebenonetodeliver”(Psa50:22).

(8)ChristisonebyandforwhosesakethosethatcometohimhavetheirpersonsandperformancesacceptedoftheFather:“Andhewillinnowisecast them out;” but the rest must fly to the rocks and mountains forshelter,butall invain, tohidethemfromhis faceandwrath(Rev6:15-17).

II.Butagain,Thesewords,CASTOUT,haveaspeciallooktowhatwillbehereafter,evenatthedayofjudgment.Forthen,andnottillthen,willbethe great anathema and casting out made manifest, even manifest byexecution. Therefore here to speak to this, and that under these twoheads.As,First,Ofthecastingoutitself.Second,Oftheplaceintowhichtheyshallbecast,thatshallthenbecastout.

First, The casting out itself standeth in two things. 1. In a preparatory

work.2.Inthemannerofexecutingtheact.

1.Thepreparatoryworkstandethinthesethreethings.

(1)Itstandethintheirseparationthathavenotcometohim,fromthemthathave,atthatday.Orthus:Atthedayofthegreatcastingout,thosethathavenotNOWcometohim,shallbeseparatedfromthemthathave;for them that have “hewill not cast out.” “When the Son ofman shallcomeinhisglory,andalltheholyangelswithhim,thenshallhesituponthethroneofhisglory;andbeforehimshallbegatheredallnations,andhe shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth hissheep from the goats” (Matt 25:31,32). This dreadful separation,therefore,shallthenbemadebetwixtthemthatNOWcometoChrist,andthemthatcomenot.Andgoodreason; forsincetheywouldnotwithuscome tohimnow theyhave time,why should they standwithuswhenjudgmentiscome?

(2)Theyshallbeplacedbeforehimaccordingtotheircondition:theythathavecometohim,ingreatdignity,evenathisrighthand;“Forhewillinnowisecastthemout”:buttherestshallbesetathislefthand,theplaceof disgrace and shame; for they did not come to him for life.Distinguishedalsoshall theybeby fit terms: thesethatcometohimhecalleth the sheep, but the rest are frowish goats, “andhe shall separatethemonefromanother,asashepherddividethhissheepfromthegoats;”andthesheepwillbeseton therighthand-nextheavengate, for theycametohim-butthegoatsonhisleft,togofromhimintohell,becausetheyarenotofhissheep.

(3)ThenwillChristproceedtoconvictionofthosethatcamenottohim,andwillsay,“Iwasastranger,andyetookmenotin,”ordidnotcomeuntome.Theirexcuseofthemselveshewillslightasdirt,andproceedtotheirfinaljudgment.

2.Nowwhen thesewretched rejectersofChrist shall thusbe setbeforehimintheirsins,andconvicted,thisisthepreparatoryworkuponwhichfollowsthemannerofexecutingtheactwhichwillbedone.

(1)Inthepresenceofalltheholyangels.

(2) In the presence of all them that in their lifetime came to him, bysaying unto them, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire,preparedforthedevilandhisangels”:withthereasonannexedtoit.Foryouwere cruel tomeandmine,particularlydiscovered in thesewords,“For Iwasanhungered,andyegavemenomeat; Iwas thirsty,andyegavemenodrink;Iwasastranger,andyetookmenotin;naked,andyeclothedmenot:sick,andinprison,andyevisitedmenot”(Matt25:41-43).

Second,Nowitremainsthatwespeakoftheplaceintowhichtheseshallbe cast, which, in the general, you have heard already, towit, the firstprepared for the devil and his angels. But, in particular, it is thusdescribed:-

1.It iscalledTophet: “ForTophet isordainedofold,yea, for theking,”the Lucifer, “it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large; the pilethereof is fire andmuchwood; thebreathof theLord, like a streamofbrimstone,dothkindleit”(Isa30:32).

2.It is calledhell. “It isbetter for thee toenterhalt”or lame “into life,thanhavingtwofeettobecastintohell”(Mark9:45).

3.Itiscalledthewine-pressofthewrathofGod.“Andtheangelthrustinhissickleintotheearth,andgatheredthevineoftheearth,”thatis,themthatdidnotcometoChrist,“andcastitintothegreatwine-pressofthewrathofGod”(Rev14:19).

4.Itiscalledalakeoffire.“Andwhosoeverwasnotfoundwritteninthebookoflifewascastintothelakeoffire”(Rev20:15).

5.Itiscalledapit.“Thouhastsaidinthyheart,Iwillascendintoheaven,I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon themount of the congregation, in the sides of the north. Yet thou shalt bebroughtdowntohell,tothesidesofthepit”(Isa14:13-15).

6. It is called a bottomless pit, out of which the smoke and the locustcame, and into which the great dragon was cast; and it is calledbottomless,toshowtheendlessnessofthefallthattheywillhaveintoit,

thatcomenot,intheacceptabletime,toJesusChrist(Rev9:1,2;20:3)..

7.Itiscalledouterdarkness.“Bindhimhandandfoot-andcasthimintoouter darkness,” “and cast ye the unprofitable servant into outerdarkness,” “there shall beweeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt 22:13;25:30).

8.It iscalleda furnaceof fire. “As therefore the taresaregatheredandburnedinthefire;soshallitbeintheendofthisworld.TheSonofmanshall send forthhisangels,and theyshallgatheroutofhiskingdom allthingsthatoffend,andthemwhichdoiniquity;andshallcastthemintoafurnaceoffire:thereshallbewailingandgnashingofteeth.”Andagain,“Soshall itbeat theendof theworld: theangels shall come forth,andsever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into thefurnaceoffire:thereshallbewailingandgnashingofteeth”(Matt13:40-51).

9.Lastly,Itmaynotbeamiss,if,intheconclusionofthis,Ishowinfewwordstowhatthe things that torment themin thisstatearecompared.Indeed,someofthemhavebeenoccasionallymentionedalready;asthattheyarecompared,

(1)Towoodthatburneth.

(2)Tofire.

(3)Tofireandbrimstone:But,

(4)It iscomparedtoaworm,agnawingworm,anever-dyinggnawingworm;Theyarecastintohell,“wheretheirwormdiethnot”(Mark9:44).

(5) It is called unquenchable fire; “He will gather his wheat into thegarner;buthewillburnupthechaffwithunquenchablefire”(Matt3:12;Luke3:17).

(6)Itiscalledeverlastingdestruction;“TheLordJesusshallberevealedfromheavenwithhismightyangelsinflamingfire,takingvengeanceonthemthatknownotGod,andthatobeynotthegospelofourLordJesusChrist; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the

presenceoftheLord,andfromthegloryofhispower”(2Thess1:7-9).

(7)Itiscalledwrathwithoutmixture,andisgiventheminthecupofhisindignation. “If anymanworship thebeast, andhis image, and receivehismarkinhisforehead,orinhishand,thesameshalldrinkofthewineofthewrathofGod,whichispouredoutwithoutmixture,intothecupofhisindignation;andheshallbetormentedwithfireandbrimstoneinthepresence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb” (Rev14:9,10).

(8)It iscalledtheseconddeath.“Anddeathandhellwerecast intothelakeoffire.Thisistheseconddeath.Blessedandholyishethathathpartinthefirstresurrection:onsuchtheseconddeathhathnopower”(Rev20:6,14).

(9)It is called eternaldamnation. “Buthe that shall blasphemeagainstthe Holy Ghost, hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternaldamnation.” Oh! these three words! Everlasting punishment! Eternaldamnation!AndForeverandever!Howwilltheygnawandeatupalltheexpectationof theendof themiseryof thecast-awaysinners.“Andthesmokeoftheirtormentascendethupforeverandever;andtheyhavenorestdaynornight,”&c.,(Rev14:11).

Theirbehaviour inhell isset forthby four thingsas Iknowof; - (a)Bycallingforhelpandreliefinvain;(b)Byweeping;(c)Bywailing;(d)Bygnashingofteeth.

ThePowerOfChristToSave,OrToCastOut

SECOND.Andnowwe come to the second thing that is to be inquiredinto,namely,How it appears thatChrist hathpower to save, or to cast

out.Forbythesewords,“Iwillinnowisecastout,”hedeclareththathehath power to do both. Now this inquiry admits us to search into thethings:First,Howitappearsthathehathpowertosave;Second,Howitappearsthathehathpowertocastout.

First,Thathehathpowertosave,appearsbythatwhichfollows:-

1. To speak only of him as he is mediator: he was authorized to thisblessedwork by his Father, before theworld began.Hence the apostlesaith,“Hehathchosenusinhimbeforethefoundationoftheworld”(Eph1:4). With all those things that effectually will produce our salvation.Readthesamechapter,with2Timothy1:9.

2.Hewaspromisedtoourfirstparents,thatheshould,inthefullnessoftime,bruise the serpent’shead;and,asPaul expounds it, redeem themthatwereunderthelaw.Hence,sincethattime,hehathbeenreckonedasslain for our sins. By which means all the fathers under the firsttestamentweresecuredfromthewrathtocome;henceheiscalled,“TheLamb slain from the foundationof theworld” (Rev 13:8;Gen3:15;Gal4:4,5).

3.Moses gave testimony of him by the types and shadows, and bloodysacrifices,thathecommandedfromthemouthofGodtobeinuseforthesupportofhispeople’sfaith,untilthetimeofreformation;whichwasthetimeofthisJesushisdeath(Heb9,10).

4.At the timeofhisbirth itwas testifiedofhimby theangel, “Thatheshouldsavehispeoplefromtheirsins”(Matt1:21).

5.Itistestifiedofhiminthedaysofhisflesh,thathehadpoweronearthtoforgivesins(Mark2:5-12).

6.It is testifiedalsoofhimbytheapostlePeter, that“Godhathexaltedhimwith his own right hand, to be a prince and a Saviour, for to giverepentancetoIsrael,andforgivenessofsins”(Acts5:31).

7. In a word, this is everywhere testified of him, both in the OldTestament and the New. And good reason that he should be

acknowledgedandtrustedin,asaSaviour.

(1)HecamedownfromheaventobeaSaviour(John6:38-40).

(2)HewasanointedwhenonearthtobeaSaviour(Luke3:22).

(3)HedidtheworksofaSaviour.As,(a)Hefulfilledthelaw,andbecametheendofitforrighteousness,forthemthatbelieveinhim(Rom10:3,4).(b)He laiddownhis lifeasaSaviour;hegavehis lifeas “a ransomformany”(Matt20:28;Mark10:45;1Tim2:6).(c)Hehathabolisheddeath,destroyed the devil, put away sin, got the keys of hell and death, isascended intoheaven; is thereacceptedofGod, andbid sitat the righthandasaSaviour;andthatbecausehissacrificeforsinspleasedGod(2Tim1:10;Heb2:14,15;10:12,13;Eph4:7,8;John16:10,11;Acts5:30,31).

(4) God hath sent out and proclaimed him as a Saviour, and tells theworldthatwehaveredemptionthroughhisblood,thathewilljustifyus,ifwebelieveinhisblood,andthathecanfaithfullyandjustlydoit.Yea,GoddothbeseechustobereconciledtohimbyhisSon;whichcouldnotbe,ifhewerenotanointedbyhimtothisveryend,andalsoifhisworksandundertakingswerenotacceptedofhimconsideredasaSaviour(Rom3:24,25;2Cor5:18-21).

(5)Godhathreceivedalreadymillionsofsoulsintohisparadise,becausetheyhavereceived thisJesus foraSaviour;and is resolved tocut themoff, and to cast them out of his presence, that will not take him for aSaviour(Heb12:22-26).

Iintendbrevityhere;thereforeawordtothesecond,andsoconclude.

Second,Howitappearsthathehathpowertocastout.Thisappearsalsobywhatfollows:-

1. The Father, for the service that he hath done him as Saviour, hathmade him Lord of all, even Lord of quick and dead. “For to this endChristbothdied,androse,andrevived,thathemightbeLordbothofthedeadandliving”(Rom14:9).

2.TheFatherhathleftitwithhimtoquickenwhomhewill,towit,with

savinggrace,andtocastoutwhomhewill,fortheirrebellionagainsthim(John5:21).

3.TheFatherhathmadehimjudgeofquickanddead,hathcommittedalljudgment unto the Son, and appointed that all should honour the Son,evenastheyhonourtheFather(John5:22,23).

4. God will judge the world by this man: the day is appointed forjudgment,andheisappointedforjudge.“Hehathappointedadayinthewhichhewilljudgetheworldinrighteousnessbythatman”(Acts17:31).Therefore we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, thateveryonemayreceiveforthethingsdoneinthebody,accordingtowhatthey have done. If they have closed with him, heaven and salvation; ifthey have not, hell and damnation!And for these reasons he must bejudge:-

(1)Becauseofhishumiliation,becauseofhisFather’swordhehumbledhimself,andhebecameobedientuntodeath,eventhedeathofthecross.“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a namewhichisaboveeveryname:thatatthenameofJesuseverykneeshouldbow,ofthingsinheaven,andthingsinearth,andthingsundertheearth;and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to theglory ofGod the Father.” This hath respect to his being judge, and hissittinginjudgmentuponangelsandmen(Phil2:7-11;Rom14:10,11).

(2)ThatallmenmighthonourtheSon,evenastheyhonourtheFather.“FortheFather judgethnoman,buthathcommittedall judgmentuntothe Son; that allmen should honour the Son, even as they honour theFather”(John5:22,23).

(3)Becauseofhisrighteousjudgment,thisworkisfitfornocreature;itisonlyfitfortheSonofGod.Forhewillrewardeverymanaccordingtohisways(Rev22:12).

(4)BecauseheistheSonofman.He“hathgivenhimauthoritytoexecutejudgmentalso,becauseheistheSonofman”(John5:27).

Second,TheTextTreatedByWayOfObservation

ThushaveI inbriefpassedthroughthistextbywayofexplications.Mynextwork is to speak to itbywayofobservation.But I shallbealsoasbrief in that as the nature of the thingwill admit. “All that the Fathergivethmeshallcometome;andhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout”(John6:37).

And now I come to some observations, and a little briefly to speak tothem,andthenconcludethewhole.Thewordsthusexplainedaffordusmany, someofwhich are these. 1. ThatGod the Father, andChrist hisSon, are two distinct persons in the Godhead. 2. That by them, notexcluding theHolyGhost, is contrived anddetermined the salvation offallenmankind. 3. That this contrivance resolved itself into a covenantbetweenthesepersons in theGodhead,whichstandeth ingivingon theFather’spart,andreceivingontheSon’s.“AllthattheFathergivethme,”&c.4.Thateveryone that theFatherhathgiven toChrist,according tothemindofGodinthetext,shallcertainlycometohim.5.ThatcomingtoJesusChrististhereforenotbythewill,wisdom,orpowerofman;butbythegift,promise,anddrawingoftheFather.“AllthattheFathergivethmeshall come.”6.ThatJesusChristwillbe careful to receive, andwillnot inanywisereject thosethatcome,orarecomingtohim.“Andhimthat cometh tome Iwill innowise cast out.”There are, besides these,someother truths implied in thewords.As, 7.They that are coming toJesusChristareofttimesheartilyafraidthathewillnotreceivethem.8.JesusChristwouldnothavethemthat in trutharecoming tohimoncethinkthathewillcastthemout.

These observations lie all of them in the words, and are plentifullyconfirmedbytheScripturesoftruth;butIshallnotatthistimespeaktothemall,butshallpassbythefirst,second,third,fourth,andsixth,partlybecauseIdesignbrevity,andpartlybecausetheyaretoucheduponintheexplicatory part of the text. I shall therefore begin with the fifth

observation, and so make that the first in order, in the followingdiscourse.

ComingToChristNotByThePowerOfMan,ButByTheDrawingOfTheFather

OBSERVATIONFIRST. First, then, coming toChrist is not by thewill,wisdom,orpowerofman,butby the gift, promise, anddrawingof theFather. This observation standeth of two parts. First, The coming toChrist isnotby thewill,wisdom,orpowerofman;Second,Butby thegift,promise,anddrawingoftheFather.

Thatthetextcarrieththistruthinitsbosom,youwillfindifyoulookintothe explication of the first part thereof before. I shall, therefore, herefollowthemethodpropounded,viz:show,

First,ThatcomingtoChristisnotbythewill,wisdom,orpowerofman.Thisistrue,becausetheWorddothpositivelysayitisnot.

1.Itdeniethitwhollytobebythewillofman.“Notofblood,norofthewilloftheflesh,norofthewillofman”(John1:13).Andagain,“Itisnotofhimthatwilleth,norofhimthatrunneth”(Rom9:16).

2. It denieth it to be of the wisdom ofman, as ismanifest from theseconsiderations:

(1)InthewisdomofGoditpleasedhim,thattheworldbywisdomshouldnotknowhim.Now,ifbytheirwisdomtheycannotknowhim,itfollows,by thatwisdom, they cannot come unto him; for coming to him is notbefore, but after some knowledge of him (1 Cor 1:21; Acts 13:27; Psa9:10).

(2)Thewisdomofman,inGod’saccount,astotheknowledgeofChrist,

isreckonedfoolishness.“HathnotGodmadefoolishthewisdomofthisworld?”(1Cor1:20).Andagain,ThewisdomofthisworldisfoolishnesswithGod(2:14).IfGodhathmadefoolishthewisdomofthisworld;andagain,ifthewisdomofthisworldisfoolishnesswithhim,thenverilyitisnotlikely,thatbythatasinnershouldbecomesoprudentastocometoJesusChrist,especiallyifyouconsider,

(3)ThatthedoctrineofacrucifiedChrist,andsoofsalvationbyhim,isthe very thing that is counted foolishness to the wisdom of the world.Now,iftheverydoctrineofacrucifiedChristbecountedfoolishnessbythewisdomofthisworld,itcannotbethat,bythatwisdom,amanshouldbedrawnoutinhissoultocometohim(1Cor3:19;1:18,23).

(4)God counted thewisdomof thisworld one of his greatest enemies;therefore,bythatwisdomnomancancometoJesusChrist.ForitisnotlikelythatoneofGod’sgreatestenemiesshoulddrawamantothatwhichbest of all pleaseth God, as coming to Christ doth. Now, that Godcounteththewisdomofthisworldoneofhisgreatestenemies,isevident,(a)ForthatitcasteththegreatestcontemptuponhisSon’sundertakings,as afore is proved, in that it counts his crucifixion foolishness; thoughthatbeoneofthehighestdemonstrationsofDivinewisdom(Eph1:7,8).(b)BecauseGodhaththreatenedtodestroyit,andbringittonought,andcause it to perish;which surely hewould not do,was it not an enemy,would it directmen to, and cause them to closewith Jesus Christ (Isa29:14;1Cor1:19).(c)HehathrejecteditfromhelpingintheministryofhisWord,asafruitlessbusiness,andathingthatcomestonought(1Cor2:4,6,12,13). (d) Because it causeth to perish, those that seek it, andpursueit(1Cor1:18,19).(e)AndGodhasproclaimed,thatifanymanwillbewiseinthisworld,hemustbeafoolinthewisdomofthisworld,andthatisthewaytobewiseinthewisdomofGod.“Ifanymanseemethtobewiseinthisworld,lethimbecomeafoolthathemaybewise.ForthewisdomofthisworldisfoolishnesswithGod”(1Cor3:18-20).

3.ComingtoChristisnotbythepowerofman.Thisisevidentpartly,

(1)Fromthatwhichgoethbefore.Forman’spowerintheputtingforthofit,inthismatter,iseitherstirredupbylove,orsenseofnecessity;butthewisdom of this world neither givesman love to, or sense of a need of,

JesusChrist;therefore,hispowerliethstill,asfromthat.

(2)Whatpowerhashe that isdead,aseverynaturalmanspiritually is,even dead in trespasses and sins? Dead, even as dead to God’s NewTestament thingsashe that is inhis grave isdead to the thingsof thisworld. What power hath he, then, whereby to come to Jesus Christ?(John5:25;Eph2:1;Col2:13).

(3) God forbids the mighty man’s glorying in his strength; and sayspositively,“Bystrengthshallnomanprevail;”andagain,“Notbymight,norbypower,butbymySpirit,saiththeLord”(Jer9:23,24;1Sam2:9;Zech4:6;1Cor1:27-31).

(4)Paulacknowledgeth thatman,nay, convertedman,ofhimself, hathnotasufficiencyofpowerinhimselftothinkagoodthought;ifnottodothatwhichisleast,fortothinkislessthantocome;thennoman,byhisownpower,cancometoJesusChrist(2Cor2:5).

(5)Hencewearesaidtobemadewillingtocome,bythepowerofGod;toberaisedfromastateofsintoastateofgrace,bythepowerofGod;andtobelieve,that is tocome,throughtheexceedingworkingofhismightypower(Psa110:3;Col2:12;Eph1:18,20;Job23:14).Butthisneedednot,ifeithermanhadpowerorwilltocome;orsomuchasgraciouslytothinkofbeingwillingtocome,ofthemselves,toJesusChrist.

Second, I should now come to the proof of the second part of theobservation [namely, the coming to Christ is by the gift, promise, anddrawing of the Father], but that is occasionally done already, in theexplicatorypart of the text, towhich I refer the reader; for I shall hereonlygivetheeatextortwomoretothesamepurpose,andsocometotheuseandapplication.

1.Itisexpresslysaid,“Nomancancometome,excepttheFatherwhichhath sent me draw him” (John 6:44). By this text, there is not onlyinsinuatedthatinmaniswantofpower,butalsoofwill,tocometoJesusChrist: theymust be drawn; they come not if they be not drawn. Andobserve,itisnotman,no,noralltheangelsinheaven,thatcandrawonesinner to JesusChrist.Noman cometh tome, except theFatherwhich

hathsentmedrawhim.

2.Again, “Nomancancomeuntome,except itweregivenuntohimofmyFather”(John6:65).It isanheavenlygiftthatmakethmancometoJesusChrist.

3. Again, “It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught ofGod. Every man, therefore, that hath heard, and hath learned of theFather,comethuntome”(John6:45).

Ishallnotenlarge,butshallmakesomeuseandapplication,andsocometothenextobservation.

UseandApplicationofObservationFirst

UseFirst.Is itso?IscomingtoJesusChristnotbythewill,wisdom,orpowerofman,butbythegift,promise,anddrawingoftheFather?Thenthey are to blame that cry up the will, wisdom, and power ofman, asthingssufficienttobringmentoChrist.

Therearesomemenwhothinktheymaynotbecontradicted,whentheypleadforthewill,wisdom,andpowerofmaninreferenceto thethingsthatareofthekingdomofChrist;butIwillsaytosuchaman,heneveryet came to understand, that himself is what the Scripture teachethconcerninghim;neitherdidhe ever knowwhat coming toChrist is, bytheteaching,gift,anddrawingoftheFather.HeissuchaonethathathsetupGod’senemyinoppositiontohim,andthatcontinuethinsuchactsofdefiance;andwhathisend,withoutanewbirth,willbe,theScriptureteachethalso;butwewillpassthis.

UseSecond.Isitso?IscomingtoJesusChristbythegift,promise,anddrawingoftheFather?ThenletsaintsherelearntoascribetheircomingtoChristtothegift,promise,anddrawingoftheFather.Christianman,blessGod,who hath given thee to JesusChrist by promise; and again,blessGod for thathehathdrawnthee tohim.Andwhy is it thee?Whynotanother?Othatthegloryofelectingloveshouldrestuponthyhead,andthatthegloryoftheexceedinggraceofGodshouldtakeholdofthyheart,andbringtheetoJesusChrist!

Use Third. Is it so, that coming to Jesus Christ is by the Father, asaforesaid?ThenthisshouldteachustosetahighesteemuponthemthatindeedarecomingtoJesusChrist;Isay,anhighesteemonthem,forthesake of him by virtue of whose grace they are made to come to JesusChrist.

Wesee thatwhenmen,by thehelpofhumanabilities,do arrive at theknowledgeof,andbringtopassthatwhich,whendone,isawondertotheworld,howhethatdidit,isesteemedandcommended;yea,howarehiswits,parts,industry,andunweariednessinalladmired,andyettheman,astothis,isbutoftheworld,andhisworktheeffectofnaturalability;thethingsalsoattainedbyhimendinvanityandvexationofspirit.Further,perhaps in the pursuit of these his achievements, he sins against God,wastes his time vainly, and at long- run loses his soul by neglecting ofbetter things; yet he is admired! But I say, if thisman’s parts, labour,diligence,andthelike,willbringhimtosuchapplauseandesteemintheworld, what esteem should we have of such an one that is by the gift,promise,andpowerofGod,comingtoJesusChrist?

1.ThisisamanwithwhomGodis,inwhomGodworksandwalks;amanwhosemotion is governedand steeredby themightyhandofGod, andtheeffectualworkingofhispower.Hereisaman!

2.Thisman,bythepowerofGod’smight,whichworkethinhim,isabletocastawholeworldbehindhim,withall the lustsandpleasuresof it,and to charge through all the difficulties that men and devils can setagainsthim.Hereisaman.

3.ThismanistravellingtoMountZion,theheavenlyJerusalem,thecityof the living God, and to an innumerable company of angels, and thespiritsof justmenmadeperfect, toGod the Judgeof all, and to Jesus.Hereisaman!

4.Thismancanlookupondeathwithcomfort,canlaughatdestructionwhenitcometh,andlongstohearthesoundofthelasttrump,andtoseehisJudgecominginthecloudsofheaven.Hereisamanindeed!

LetChristians,then,esteemeachotherassuch.Iknowyoudoit;butdo

itmoreandmore.Andthatyoumay,considerthesetwoorthreethings.(1) These are the objects of Christ’s esteem (Matt 12:48,49; 15:22- 28;Luke 7:9). (2)These are the objects of the esteemof angels (Dan9:12;10:21,22;13:3,4;Heb2:14).(3)Thesehavebeentheobjectsoftheesteemofheathens,whenbut convinced about them (Dan5:10,11;Acts 5:15; 1Cor 14:24,25). “Leteach [ofyou, then,] esteem[each]otherbetterthanthemselves”(Phil2:2).

UseFourth.Again,Isitso,thatnomancomestoJesusChristbythewill,wisdom,andpowerofman,butbythegift,promise,anddrawingoftheFather?Thenthisshowsushowhorribly ignorantof thissuchare,whomakethemanthat iscomingtoChrist theobjectof theircontemptandrage.Thesearealsounreasonableandwickedmen;meninwhomisnofaith(2Thess3:2).Sinners,didyoubutknowwhatablessedthingitistocometoJesusChrist,andthatbythehelpanddrawingoftheFather,theydo indeed come to him; you would hang and burn in hell a thousandyears,beforeyouwouldturnyourspiritsasyoudo,againsthimthatGodisdrawingtoJesusChrist,andalsoagainsttheGodthatdrawshim.

But,faithlesssinner,letusalittleexpostulatethematter.Whathaththisman done against thee, that is coming to Jesus Christ?Why dost thoumakehimtheobjectofthyscorn?dothhiscomingtoJesusChristoffendthee? doth his pursuing of his own salvation offend thee? doth hisforsakingofhissinsandpleasuresoffendthee?

Poorcomingman! “Shallwe sacrifice theabominationof theEgyptiansbeforetheireyes,andwilltheynotstoneus?”(Exo8:26).

But,Isay,whyoffendedatthis?IsheevertheworseforcomingtoJesusChrist, or for his loving and serving of Jesus Christ? Or is he ever themoreafool, forflyingfromthatwhichwilldrowntheeinhell-fire,andforseekingeternallife?Besides,pray,Sirs,considerit;thishedoth,notof himself, but by the drawing of the Father. Come, letme tell thee inthine ear, thou thatwilt not come to him thyself, and him thatwould,thouhinderest-

1. Thou shalt be judged for one that hath hated, maligned, andreproachedJesusChrist,towhomthispoorsinneriscoming.

2.Thoushaltbejudged,too,foronethathathhatedtheFather,bywhosepowerfuldrawingthissinnerdothcome.

3.Thou shalt be takenand judged forone thathasdonedespite to theSpiritof grace inhim that is,by itshelp, coming toJesusChrist.Whatsayest thounow?Wilt thou standby thydoings?Wilt thou continue tocontemn and reproach the living God? Thinkest thou that thou shaltweather it out well enough at the day of judgment? “Can thine heartendure,or can thinehandsbe strong, in thedays that I shalldealwiththee,”saiththeLord?(Eze22:14,John15:18-25;Jude15;1Thess4:8).

UseFifth.Isitso,thatnomancomestoJesusChristbythewill,wisdom,andpowerofman,butbythegift,promise,anddrawingof theFather?Then this showeth us how it comes to pass, that weak means are sopowerfulastobringmenoutoftheirsinstoaheartypursuitafterJesusChrist.WhenGodbidMosesspeaktothepeople,hesaid,“Iwillgivetheecounsel, and God shall be with thee” (Exo 18:19). When God speaks,when God works, who can let it? None, none; then the work goes on!Elias threw his mantle upon the shoulders of Elisha; and what awonderfulworkfollowed!WhenJesusfellinwiththecrowingofacock,whatworkwasthere!OwhenGodisinthemeans,thenshallthatmeans-beitneversoweakandcontemptibleinitself-workwonders(1Kings19:19; Matt 26:74,75; Mark 14:71,72; Luke 22:60- 62). The worldunderstoodnot,norbelieved,thatthewallsofJerichoshouldfallat thesound of rams’ horns; but when God will work, the means must beeffectual. Awordweakly spoken, spokenwith difficulty, in temptation,andinthemidstofgreatcontemptandscorn,workswonders,iftheLordthyGodwillsaysotoo.

UseSixth.Isitso?DothnomancometoJesusChristbythewill,wisdom,andpowerofman,butbythegift,promise,anddrawingof theFather?Then here is room for Christians to stand and wonder at the effectualworking of God’s providences, that he hath made use of, as means tobringthemtoJesusChrist.

ForalthoughmenaredrawntoChristbythepoweroftheFather,yetthatpower putteth forth itself in the use of means: and these means aredivers,sometimesthis, sometimes that; forGod isat liberty toworkby

which,andwhen,andhowhewill;but let themeansbewhat theywill,and as contemptible as may be, yet God that commanded the light toshine out of darkness, and that out ofweakness canmake strong, can,nay,dothoftentimesmakeuseofveryunlikelymeanstobringabouttheconversionand salvationofhispeople.Therefore, you thatare come toChrist-and thatbyunlikelymeans - stayyourselves,andwonder,and,wondering, magnify almighty power, by the work of which the meanshathbeenmadeeffectualtobringyoutoJesusChrist.

WhatwastheprovidencethatGodmadeuseofasameans,eithermoreremoteormorenear,tobringtheetoJesusChrist?Wasittheremovingofthyhabitation,thechangeofthycondition,thelossofrelations,estate,or the like?Was it thy casting of thine eye upon some good book, thyhearingofthyneighbourstalkofheavenlythings,thebeholdingofGod’sjudgmentsasexecuteduponothers,orthineowndeliverancefromthem,orthybeingstrangelycastundertheministryofsomegodlyman?Otakenoticeofsuchprovidenceorprovidences!Theyweresentandmanagedbymightypowertodotheegood.Godhimself,Isay,hathjoinedhimselfunto thischariot:yea,andsoblessed it, that it failednot to accomplishthethingforwhichhesentit.

Godblessethnottoeveryonehisprovidencesinthismanner.Howmanythousands are there in this world, that pass every day under the sameprovidences!butGodisnotinthem,todothatworkbythemashehathdoneforthypoorsoul,byhiseffectuallyworkingwiththem.OthatJesusChrist should meet thee in this providence, that dispensation, or theother ordinance! This is grace indeed! At this, therefore, it will be thywisdomtoadmire,andforthistoblessGod.

Givemeleavetogiveyouatasteofsomeofthoseprovidencesthathavebeeneffectual,throughthemanagementofGod,tobringsalvationtothesoulsofhispeople.

(1)ThefirstshallbethatofthewomanofSamaria.Itmusthappen,thatshemustneedsgooutofthecitytodrawwater,notbeforenorafter,butjust when Jesus Christ her Saviour was come from far, and set to resthim, being weary, upon the well.What a blessed providence was this!Even a providence managed by the almighty wisdom, and almighty

power,totheconversionandsalvationofthispoorcreature.ForbythisprovidencewasthispoorcreatureandherSaviourbroughttogether,thatthat blessedworkmight be fulfilled upon thewoman, according to thepurposebeforedeterminedbytheFather(John4).

(2)What providence was it that there should be a tree in the way forZaccheustoclimb,therebytogiveJesusopportunitytocallthatchiefofthe publicans home to himself, even before he came down therefrom(Luke19).

(3)Was it not also wonderful that the thief, which you read of in thegospel, should, by the providence of God, be cast into prison, to becondemnedevenatthatsessionthatChristhimselfwastodie;nay,andthat it shouldhappen, too, that theymustbehanged together, that thethiefmightbeinhearingandobservingofJesusinhislastwords,thathemightbeconvertedbyhimbeforehisdeath!(Luke23).

(4)Whatastrangeprovidencewasit,andasstrangelymanagedbyGod,thatOnesimus,whenhewasrunawayfromhismaster,shouldbetaken,and,as I think, cast into that veryprisonwherePaul laybound for theWordof thegospel; thathemight therebebyhimconverted,and thensenthomeagaintohismasterPhilemon!Behold“allthingsworktogetherforgoodtothemthatloveGod,tothemwhoarethecalledaccordingtohispurpose”(Rom8:28).

Nay, Ihavemyself known some thathavebeenmade togo tohear theWordpreachedagainst theirwills;othershavegonenot tohear,but toseeandtobeseen;nay,tojeerandfloutothers,asalsotocatchandcarpat things. Some also to feed their adulterous eyes with the sight ofbeautifulobjects; andyetGodhathmadeuse evenof these things, andevenof thewickedandsinfulproposalsofsinners, tobringthemunderthegracethatmightsavetheirsouls.

UseSeventh.DothnomancometoJesusChristbutbythedrawing,&c.,of the Father? Then let me here caution those poor sinners, that arespectatorsofthechangethatGodhathwroughtinthemthatarecomingtoJesusChrist,nottoattributethisworkandchangetootherthingsandcauses.

There are some poor sinners in the world that plainly see a change, amightychange,intheirneighboursandrelationsthatarecomingtoJesusChrist. But, as I said, they being ignorant, and not knowing whence itcomesandwhitheritgoes,for“soiseveryonethatisbornoftheSpirit,”(John 3:8), therefore they attribute this change to others causes: asmelancholy; to sittingalone; toovermuchreading; to theirgoing to toomanysermons;totoomuchstudyingandmusingonwhattheyhear.

Also they conclude, on the other side, that it is for want of merrycompany;forwantofphysic;andthereforetheyadvisethemtoleaveoffreading,goingtosermons,thecompanyofsoberpeople;andtobemerry,togoagossiping,tobusythemselvesinthethingsofthisworld,nottositmusingalone,&c.Butcome,poorignorantsinner,letmedealwiththee.ItseemsthouartturnedcounsellorforSatan:Itelltheethouknowestnotwhatthoudost.Takeheedofspendingthy judgmentafter thismanner;thou judgest foolishly, and sayest in this, to every one that passeth by,thouarta fool.What!countconvictions forsin,mournings forsin,andrepentanceforsin,melancholy?This is likethosethatontheothersidesaid, “Thesemen are [drunkwith] full of newwine,”&c.Or as he thatsaidPaulwasmad (Acts2:13, 26:24).Poor ignorant sinner! canst thoujudge no better? What! is sitting alone, pensive under God’s hand,reading the Scriptures, and hearing of sermons, &c., the way to beundone? The Lord open thine eyes, andmake thee to see thine error!ThouhastsetthyselfagainstGod,thouhastdespisedtheoperationofhishands,thouattemptesttomurdersouls.What!canstthougivenobettercounsel touchingthosewhomGodhathwounded,thantosendthemtothe ordinances of hell for help? Thou biddest them be merry andlightsome;butdostthounotknowthat“theheartoffoolsisinthehouseofmirth?”(Eccl7:4).

Thoubiddestthemshunthehearingofthunderingpreachers;butisitnot“bettertoheartherebukeofthewise,thanforamantohearthesongoffools?”(Eccl7:5).Thoubiddestthembusythemselvesinthethingsofthisworld;butdostthounotknowthattheLordbids,“SeekfirstthekingdomofGod,andhisrighteousness?”(Matt6:33).Poor ignorantsinner!hearthecounselofGodtosuch,andlearnthyselftobewiser.“Isanyafflicted?lethimpray.Isanymerry?lethimsingpsalms”(James5:13).“Blessedis

themanthathearethme”(Prov8:32).Andhearfortimetocome,“Saveyourselves from this untoward generation” (Acts 2:40). “Search theScriptures”(John5:39).“Giveattendancetoreading”(1Tim4:13).“Itisbettertogotothehouseofmourning”(Eccl7:2,3).

Andwiltthoujudgehimthatdoththus?ArtthoualmostlikeElymasthesorcerer, thatsoughttoturnthedeputyfromthefaith?ThouseekesttoperverttherightwaysoftheLord.Takeheedlestsomeheavyjudgmentovertake thee (Acts 13:8- 13).What! teachmen to quench convictions;takemenofffromaseriousconsiderationoftheevilofsin,oftheterrorsoftheworldtocome,andhowtheyshallescapethesame?What! teachmen toputGodandhisWordout of theirminds, by running tomerrycompany,byrunningtotheworld,bygossiping?&c.ThisisasmuchastobidthemtosaytoGod,“Departfromus,forwedesirenottheknowledgeofthyways;”or,“WhatistheAlmightythatweshouldservehim?orwhatprofithaveweifwekeephisways?”Here isadevil ingrain!What!bidmanwalk“accordingtothecourseofthisworld,accordingtotheprinceof the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children ofdisobedience”(Eph2:2).

Twoobjectionsanswered

Object.1.ButwedonotknowthatsucharecomingtoJesusChrist;trulywewonderatthem,andthinktheyarefools.

Ans.Do younot know that they are coming to JesusChrist? then theymay be coming to him, for aught you know; andwhywill ye beworsethan thebrute, to speak evil of the things you knownot?What! are yemade to be taken and destroyed? must ye utterly perish in your owncorruptions?(2Peter2:12).Doyounotknowthem?Letthemalonethen.If you cannot speak good of them, speak not bad. “Refrain from thesemen,andletthemalone;forifthiscounselorthisworkbeofmen,itwillcometonought;butifitbeofGod,yecannotoverthrowit,lesthaplyyebe found even to fight against God” (Acts 5:38,39). But why do youwonderataworkofconvictionandconversion?KnowyounotthatthisisthejudgmentofGoduponyou,“yedespisers,tobehold,andwonder,andperish?”(Acts13:40,41).Butwhywonder,andthinktheyarefools?Isthewayofthejustanabominationtoyou?Seethatpassage,andbeashamed,

“Hethatisuprightinthewayisabominationtothewicked”(Prov29:27).Yourwonderingat themargues that youare strangers toyourselves, toconvictionforsin,andtoheartydesirestobesaved;asalsotocomingtoJesusChrist.

Object. 2. But how shall we know that such men are coming to JesusChrist?

Ans.WhocanmakethemseethatChristhasmadeblind?(John2:8,9).Nevertheless, because I endeavour thy conviction, conversion, andsalvation,consider:Dotheycryoutofsin,beingburthenedwithit,asofanexceedingbitterthing?Dotheyflyfromit,asfromthefaceofadeadlyserpent?Dotheycryoutoftheinsufficiencyoftheirownrighteousness,as to justification in the sight of God? Do they cry out after the LordJesus, to save them?Do they seemoreworthandmerit inonedropofChrist’s blood to save them, than in all the sins of the world to damnthem? Are they tender of sinning against Jesus Christ? Is his name,person,andundertakings,moreprecioustothem,thanisthegloryoftheworld?Isthiswordmoredearuntothem?IsfaithinChrist(ofwhichtheyareconvincedbyGod’sSpiritofthewantof,andthatwithoutittheycannever closewithChrist)precious to them?Do they savourChrist inhisWord,anddotheyleavealltheworldforhissake?Andaretheywilling,Godhelpingthem,torunhazardsforhisname,forthelovetheybeartohim?Arehissaintsprecioustothem?Ifthesethingsbeso,whetherthouseestthemorno,thesemenarecomingtoJesusChrist(Rom7:914;Psa38:3-8;Heb6:18-20;Isa64:6;Phil3:7,8;Psa54:1;109:26;Acts16:30;Psa 51:7,8; 1 Peter 1:18,19;Rom 7:24; 2 Cor 5:2; Acts 5:41; James 2:7;Song 5:10- 16; Psa 119; John 13:35; 1 John 4:7; 3:14; John 16:9; Rom14:23;Heb11:6;Psa19:10,11;Jer 15:16;Heb11:24-27;Acts20:22-24;21:13;Titus3:15;2John1;Eph4:16;Phile7;1Cor16:24).

ComersOfttimesAfraidThatChristWillNotReceiveThem

OBSERVATION SECOND. - I come now to the second observationpropounded tobespoken to, towit,That they thatarecoming toJesusChrist,areofttimesheartilyafraidthatJesusChristwillnotreceivethem.

Itoldyouthatthisobservationisimpliedinthetext;andIgatherit,

First,Fromthelargenessandopennessofthepromise:“Iwillinnowisecastout.”Forhadtherenotbeenapronenessinusto“fearcastingout,”Christneedednottohave,asitwere,waylaidourfear,ashedothbythisgreatandstrangeexpression,“Innowise;”“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”Thereneedednot,asImaysay,suchapromisetobeinventedbythewisdomofheaven,andwordedatsucharate,asitwereonpurposetodashinpiecesatoneblowalltheobjectionsofcomingsinners, if they were not prone to admit of such objections, to thediscouragingof theirownsouls.Forthisword,“innowise,”cutteththethroat of all objections; and it was dropped by the Lord Jesus for thatveryend;andtohelpthefaiththatismixedwithunbelief.Anditis,asitwere, the sumofallpromises;neither cananyobjectionbemadeuponthe unworthiness that thou findest in thee, that this promise will notassoil.

But I am a great sinner, sayest thou. “I will in no wise cast out,” saysChrist.But Iamanoldsinner, sayest thou. “Iwill innowisecastout,”says Christ. But I am a hard- hearted sinner, sayest thou. “Iwill in nowisecastout,”saysChrist.ButIamabackslidingsinner,sayestthou.“Iwillinnowisecastout,”saysChrist.ButIhaveservedSatanallmydays,sayest thou. “Iwill in nowise cast out,” says Christ. But I have sinnedagainst light, sayest thou. “Iwill innowisecastout,” saysChrist.But Ihavesinnedagainstmercy,sayestthou.“Iwillinnowisecastout,”saysChrist.ButIhavenogoodthingtobringwithme,sayestthou.“Iwillinnowisecastout,”saysChrist.

Thus I might go on to the end of things, and show you, that still thispromisewas provided to answer all objections, and doth answer them.ButIsay,whatneeditbe,iftheythatarecomingtoJesusChristarenotsometimes, yea, oftentimes, heartily afraid, “that Jesus Christ will castthemout?”

Second,Iwillgiveyounowtwoinstancesthatseemtoimplythetruthofthisobservation.

IntheninthofMatthew,atthesecondverse,youreadofamanthatwassickofthepalsy;andhewascomingtoJesusChrist,beingborneuponabedbyhis friends: he alsowas cominghimself, and that upon anotheraccountthananyofhisfriendswereawareof;evenforthepardonofsins,andthesalvationofhissoul.Now,sosoonaseverhewascomeintothepresenceofChrist,Christbidshim“beofgoodcheer.”Itseemsthen,hisheartwasfainting;butwhatwasthecauseofhisfainting?Nothisbodilyinfirmity,forthecureofwhichhisfriendsdidbringhimtoChrist;buttheguiltandburdenofhissins,forthepardonofwhichhimselfdidcometohim;thereforeheproceeds,“Beofgoodcheer,thysinsbeforgiventhee.”Isay,Christsawhimsinkinginhismind,abouthowitwouldgowithhismostnoblepart;andtherefore,first,heapplieshimselftohimuponthataccount. For though his friends had faith enough as to the cure of thebody,yethehimselfhadlittleenoughastothecureofhissoul:thereforeChristtakeshimupasamanfallingdown,saying,“Son,beofgoodcheer,thysinsbeforgiventhee.”

That about the Prodigal seems pertinent also to thismatter: “When hecame tohimself,he said,Howmanyhired servantsofmy father’shavebreadenoughandtospare,andIperishwithhunger!Iwillariseandgotomy father.”Heartily spoken; buthowdidheperformhis promise? Ithinknotsowellashepromisedtodo;andmygroundformythoughtsis,becausehisfather,sosoonashewascometohim,felluponhisneckandkissed him; implying, methinks, as if the prodigal by this time wasdejectedinhismind;andthereforehisfathergiveshimthemostsuddenand familiar token of reconciliation. And kisses were of old time oftenusedtoremovedoubtsandfears.ThusLabanandEsaukissJacob.ThusJoseph kissed his brethren; and thus also David kissed Absalom (Gen31:55;33:1-4;48:9,10;2Sam14:33).It istrue,asIsaid,atfirstsettingout,hespakeheartily,assometimessinnersalsodointheirbeginningtocome to Jesus Christ; butmight not he, yea, in all probability he had,between the first step he took, and the last, bywhich he accomplishedthat journey, many a thought, both this way and that; as whether hisfather would receive him or no? As thus: I said, “I would go to my

Father.”Buthow,ifwhenIcomeathimheshouldaskme,WhereIhaveall thiswhile been?Whatmust I say then?Also, if he askme,What isbecomeoftheportionofgoodsthathegaveme?WhatshallIsaythen?Ifheasksme,Whohavebeenmycompanions?WhatshallIsaythen?Ifhealsoshallaskme,Whathathbeenmypreferment inall the timeofmyabsencefromhim?WhatshallIsaythen?Yea,andifheaskme,WhyIcame home no sooner? What shall I say then? Thus, I say, might hereasonwithhimself, andbeing conscious tohimself, thathe could givebutabadanswertoanyoftheseinterrogatories,nomarvelifhestoodinneedfirstofallofakissfromhisfather’s lips.Forhadheansweredthefirst in truth, he must say, I have been a haunter of taverns and ale-houses;andasformyportion,Ispentitinriotousliving;mycompanionswere whores and drabs; as for my preferment, the highest was, that Ibecame a hog- herd; and as formy not coming home till now, could Ihavemadeshifttohavestaidabroadanylonger,Ihadnotlainatthyfeetformercynow.

I say, these things considered, and considering, again, howprone poorman is to give way, when truly awakened, to despondings and heartmisgivings,nomarvelifhedidsinkinhismind,betweenthetimeofhisfirstsettingout,andthatofhiscomingtohisFather.

Third,But,thirdly,methinksIhavefortheconfirmationofthistruththeconsentofallthesaintsthatareunderheaven,towit,Thattheythatarecoming to Jesus Christ, are ofttimes heartily afraid that he will notreceivethem.

Quest.Butwhatshouldbethereason?Iwillanswertothisquestionthus:

1.ItisnotforwantoftherevealedwillofGod,thatmanifestethgroundsforthecontrary,forofthatthereisasufficiency;yea,thetextitselfhathlaidasufficientfoundationforencouragement,forthemthatarecomingtoJesusChrist.“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”

2. It isnot forwantofany invitation tocome, for that is fullandplain.“Comeuntome,allyethatlabourandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest”(Matt11:28).

3. Neither is it for want of a manifestation of Christ’s willingness toreceive,as those textsabovenamed,with thatwhich follows,declareth,“Ifanymanthirst,lethimcomeuntome,anddrink”(John7:37).

4.Itisnotforwantofexceedinggreatandpreciouspromisestoreceivethem that come. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be yeseparate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I willreceiveyou,andwillbeaFatheruntoyou,andyeshallbemysonsanddaughters,saiththeLordAlmighty”(2Cor6:17,18).

5. It is not forwant of solemnoath and engagement to save them thatcome.“For-becausehecouldswearbynogreater,heswarebyhimself-thatbytwoimmutablethings, inwhichitwasimpossibleforGodtolie,wemighthaveastrongconsolation,whohavefledforrefugetolayholduponthehopesetbeforeus”(Heb6:13-18).

6.NeitherisitforwantofgreatexamplesofGod’smercy,thathavecometoJesusChrist,ofwhichwereadmostplentifullyintheWord.Therefore,itmustbeconcluded,itisforwantofthatwhichfollows.

WhatitisthatpreventsthecomingtoChrist

First,ItisforwantoftheknowledgeofChrist.Thouknowestbutlittleofthe grace andkindness that is in theheart ofChrist; thouknowest butlittleof thevirtueandmeritofhisblood; thouknowestbut littleof thewillingnessthatisinhishearttosavethee;andthisisthereasonof thefearthatarisethinthyheart,andthatcauseththeetodoubtthatChristwill not receive thee. Unbelief is the daughter of Ignorance. ThereforeChristsaith,“Ofools,andslowofhearttobelieve”(Luke24:25).

Slownessofheart tobelieve, flows fromthy foolishness in the thingsofChrist;thisisevidenttoallthatareacquaintedwiththemselves,andareseekingafter JesusChrist. Themore ignorance, themoreunbelief. ThemoreknowledgeofChrist,themorefaith.“Theythatknowthynamewillputtheir trust in thee” (Psa9:10).He, therefore, thatbegan to come toChrist but the other day, and hath yet but little knowledge of him, hefears that Christ will not receive him. But he that hath been longeracquaintedwithhim,he“isstrong,andhathovercomethewickedone”(1

John 2:13).When Joseph’s brethren came intoEgypt to buy corn, it issaid,“Josephknewhisbrethren,buthisbrethrenknewnothim.”Whatfollows? Why, great mistrust of heart about their speeding well;especially,ifJosephdidbutanswerthemroughly,callingthemspies,andquestioning their truth and the like. And observe it, so long as theirignorance about their brother remainedwith them, whatsoever Josephdid, still theyput theworse senseupon it.For instance,Josephupon atimebidsthestewardofhishousebringthemhome,todinewithhim,todine even in Joseph’s house. And how is this resented by them?Why,they are afraid. “And themen were afraid, because they were broughtunto”theirbrother“Joseph’shouse.”Andtheysaid,Heseekethoccasionagainstus,andwillfalluponus,andtakeusforbondmen,andourasses(Gen42,43).What!afraidtogotoJoseph’shouse?Hewastheirbrother;heintendedtofeastthem;tofeastthem,andtofeastwiththem.Ah!butthey were ignorant that he was their brother. And so long as theirignorancelasted,solongtheirfearterrifiedthem.JustthusitiswiththesinnerthatbutoflateiscomingtoJesusChrist.Heisignorantoftheloveand pity that is in Christ to coming sinners. Therefore he doubts,thereforehefears,thereforehisheartmisgiveshim.

Comingsinner,Christinviteththeetodineandsupwithhim.Heinviteththee to a banquet of wine, yea, to come into his wine- cellar, and hisbannerovertheeshallbelove(Rev3:20;Song2:5).ButIdoubtit,saysthesinner:but,itisanswered,hecallsthee, invitestheetohisbanquet,flagons, apples; to hiswine, and to the juice of his pomegranate. “O, Ifear,Idoubt,Imistrust,Itrembleinexpectationofthecontrary!”Comeout of the man, thou dastardly ignorance! Be not afraid, sinner, onlybelieve;“HethatcomethtoChristhewillinnowisecastout.”

Letthecomingsinner,therefore,seekaftermoreofthegoodknowledgeofJesusChrist. Press after it, seek it as silver, anddig for it as for hidtreasure.Thiswillemboldenthee;thiswillmaketheewaxstrongerandstronger. “I know whom I have believed,” I know him, said Paul; andwhat follows? Why, “and I am persuaded that he is able to keep thatwhichIhavecommitteduntohim,againstthatday”(2Tim1:12).WhathadPaulcommittedtoJesusChrist?Theansweris,Hehadcommittedtohimhissoul.Butwhydidhecommithissoul tohim?Why,becausehe

knewhim.Heknewhimtobefaithful,tobekind.Heknewhewouldnotfailhim,norforsakehim;andthereforehelaidhissouldownathisfeet,andcommittedittohim,tokeepagainstthatday.But,

Second, Thy fears that Christ will not receive thee may be also aconsequentof thyearnestandstrongdesiresafterthysalvationbyhim.ForthisIobserve, that strongdesires tohave,areattendedwithstrongfears of missing. What man most sets his heart upon, and what hisdesiresaremostafter,heofttimesmostfearsheshallnotobtain.Sotheman, the ruler of the synagogue, had a great desire that his daughtershouldlive;andthatdesirewasattendedwithfear,thatsheshouldnot.Wherefore,Christsaithuntohim,“Benotafraid”(Mark5:36).

Supposea youngman shouldhavehis heartmuch set upon a virgin tohaveher towife, if ever he fears he shall not obtain her, it iswhen hebeginstolove;now,thinkshe,somebodywillstepinbetwixtmyloveandtheobjectofit;eithertheywillfindfaultwithmyperson,myestate,myconditions,orsomething!Nowthoughtsbegintowork;shedothnotlikeme, or something.And thus it iswith the soul at first coming to JesusChrist, thou lovest him, and thy love produceth jealousy, and thatjealousyofttimesbegetsfears.

Nowthoufearestthesinsofthyyouth,thesinsofthineoldage,thesinsofthycalling,thesinsofthyChristianduties,thesinsofthineheart,orsomething;thouthinkestsomethingorotherwillalienatetheheartandaffectionsofJesusChrist fromthee;thouthinkestheseessomethinginthee,forthesakeofwhichhewillrefusethysoul.Butbecontent,alittlemore knowledge of him will make thee take better heart; thy earnestdesiresshallnotbeattendedwithsuchburningfears;thoushalthereaftersay,“Thisismyinfirmity”(Psa77:10).

Thouartsickoflove,averysweetdisease,andyeteverydiseasehassomeweaknessattendingofit:yetIwishthisdistemper,ifitbelawfultocallitso,wasmoreepidemical.DieofthisdiseaseIwouldgladlydo;itisbetterthanlifeitself,thoughitbeattendedwithfears.Butthoucriest,Icannotobtain:well,benottoohastyinmakingconclusions.IfJesusChristhadnotputhis finger inat theholeof the lock, thybowelswouldnothavebeen troubled forhim(Song5:4).Markhowtheprophethath it, “They

shallwalkaftertheLord;heshallroarlikealion;whenheshallroar,thenthechildrenshalltremblefromthewest,theyshalltrembleasabirdoutofEgypt,andasadoveoutofthelandofAssyria”(Hosea11:10,11).WhenGodroars(asofttimesthecomingsoulhearshimroar),whatmanthatiscoming can do otherwise than tremble? (Amos 3:8). But trembling hecomes:“Hesprangin,andcametrembling,andfelldownbeforePaulandSilas”(Acts16:29).

Shouldyouaskhimthatwementionedbutnow,Howlongisitsinceyoubegantofearyoushouldmissofthisdamselyouloveso?Theanswerwillbe,EversinceIbegantoloveher.Butdidyounotfearitbefore?No,norshouldIfearitnow,butthatIvehementlyloveher.Come,sinner,letusapplyit:HowlongisitsincethoubegantofearthatJesusChristwillnotreceive thee?Thyanswer is,Ever since Ibegan todesire thathewouldsavemysoul. Ibegan to fear,when Ibegan to come;and themoremyheartburnsindesiresafterhim,themoreIfeelmyheartfearIshallnotbesavedbyhim.Seenow,didnotItelltheethatthyfearswerebuttheconsequenceofstrongdesires?Well,fearnot,comingsinner,thousandsof coming souls are in thy condition, and yet they will get safe intoChrist’sbosom:“Say,”saysChrist,“tothemthatareofafearfulheart,Bestrong,fearnot;yourGodwillcomeandsaveyou”(Isa35:4;63:1).

Third,ThyfearthatChristwillnotreceivetheemayarisefromasenseofthine own unworthiness. Thou seest what a poor, sorry, wretched,worthlesscreaturethouart;andseeing this, thou fearestChristwillnotreceivethee.Alas,sayestthou,Iamthevilestofallmen;atown-sinner,aringleadingsinner!Iamnotonlyasinnermyself,buthavemadeotherstwofoldworse the children of hell also. Besides, now I amunder someawakenings and stirrings of mind after salvation, even now I find myheartrebellious,carnal,hard, treacherous,desperate,prone tounbelief,todespair:itforgetteththeWord;itwandereth;itrunnethtotheendsofthe earth. There is not, I ampersuaded, one in all theworld that hathsuchadesperatewickedheartasmineis;mysouliscarelesstodogood,butnonemoreearnesttodothatwhichisevil.

CansuchaoneasIam,liveinglory?Canaholy,ajust,andarighteousGod,oncethink(withhonourtohisname)ofsavingsuchavilecreatureas I am? I fear it.Willhe showwonders to suchadeaddogas I am? I

doubtit.Iamcastouttotheloathingofmyperson,yea,Iloathmyself;Istinkinmineownnostrils.HowcanIthenbeacceptedbyaholyandsin-abhorringGod? (Psa38:5- 7;Eze 11; 20:42,44). Saved Iwould be; andwhoistherethatwouldnot,weretheyinmycondition?Indeed,Iwonderat the madness and folly of others, when I see them leap and skip socarelessly about themouthofhell!Bold sinner, howdarest thou temptGod,bylaughingatthebreachofhisholylaw?Butalas!theyarenotsobadoneway, but I amworse another: Iwishmyselfwere anybody butmyself;andyethereagain,Iknownotwhattowish.WhenIseesuchasIbelievearecomingtoJesusChrist,OIblessthem!ButIamconfoundedinmyself, to seehowunlike, as I think, I am toeverygoodman in theworld. They can read, hear, pray, remember, repent, be humble, doeverythingbetter than so vile awretchas I. I, vilewretch, amgood fornothing but to burn in hell- fire, and when I think of that, I amconfoundedtoo!

ThusthesenseofunworthinesscreatesandheightensfearsintheheartsofthemthatarecomingtoJesusChrist;butindeeditshouldnot;forwhoneedsthephysicianbutthesick?orwhodidChristcomeintotheworldtosave,butthechiefofsinners?(Mark2:17;1Tim1:15).Wherefore,themorethouseest thysins, the faster fly thoutoJesusChrist.And let thesenseofthineownunworthinessprevailwiththeeyettogofaster.Asitiswiththemanthatcarriethhisbrokenarminaslingtothebone-setter,stillashethinksofhisbrokenarm,andashefeelsthepainandanguish,he hastens his pace to the man. And if Satan meets thee, and asketh,Whithergoestthou?tellhimthouartmaimed,andartgoingtotheLordJesus. If he objects thine ownunworthiness, tell him,That even as thesickseekeththephysician;ashethathathbrokenbonesseekshimthatcanset them;so thouartgoing toJesusChrist forcureandhealing forthysinsicksoul.Butitofttimeshappenethtohimthatfliesforhislife,hedespairsofescaping,andthereforedelivershimselfup into thehandofthepursuer.Butup,up,sinner;beofgoodcheer,Christcametosavetheunworthyones:benotfaithless,butbelieve.Comeaway,man,theLordJesuscallsthee,saying,“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”

Fourth.ThyfearthatChristwillnotreceivethee,mayarisefromasense

oftheexceedingmercyofbeingsaved;sometimessalvationisintheeyesofhimthatdesiressogreat,sohuge,sowonderfulathing,thattheverythoughtsoftheexcellencyofit,engendersunbeliefaboutobtainingit,inthe heart of those that unfeignedly desire it. “Seemeth it to you,” saithDavid, “a light thing tobeaking’s son- in- law?” (1Sam18:23).So thethoughtsofthegreatnessandgloryofthethingpropounded,asheaven,eternal life, eternalglory, tobewithGod,andChrist, andangels; theseare great things, things toogood, saith the soul that is little inhis owneyes;thingstoorich,saiththesoulthatistrulypoorinspirit,forme.

Besides, the Holy Ghost hath a way to greaten heavenly things to theunderstandingofthecomingsinner;yea,andatthesametimetogreaten,too, the sinandunworthinessof that sinner.Now the soul staggeringlywonders, saying, What! to be made like angels, like Christ, to live ineternal bliss, joy, and felicity! This is for angels, and for them that canwalklikeangels!Ifaprince,aduke,anearl,shouldsend(bythehandofhis servant) for some poor, sorry, beggarly scrub, to take her for hismastertowife,andtheservantshouldcomeandsay,Mylordandmaster,suchanonehathsentmetothee,totaketheetohimtowife;heisrich,beautiful, and of excellent qualities; he is loving, meek, humble, well-spoken,&c.What nowwould this poor, sorry, beggarly creature think?What would she say? or how would she frame an answer?When kingDavid sent to Abigail upon this account, and though she was a richwoman, yet she said, “Behold, let thinehandmaidbe a servant towashthe feet of the servants of my lord” (1 Sam 25:40,41). She wasconfounded, she couldnotwell tellwhat to say, the offerwas so great,beyondwhatcouldinreasonbeexpected.

But suppose this great person should second his suit, and send to thissorry creatureagain,whatwould she saynow?Would shenot say,Youmockme?Butwhatifheaffirmsthatheisingoodearnest,andthathislordmusthaveher towife; yea, supposehe shouldprevailuponher tocredit hismessage, and to address herself for her journey; yet, beholdevery thought of her pedigree confoundsher; alsoher sense ofwant ofbeautymakesherashamed;andifshedothbutthinkofbeingembraced,theunbelief that ismixedwith that thoughtwhirlsher into tremblings;andnowshecallsherselffool,forbelievingthemessenger,andthinksnot

togo;ifshethinksofbeingbold,sheblushes;andtheleastthoughtthatshe shall be rejected,when she comes athim,makesher look as if shewouldgiveuptheghost.

And is it awonder, then, to see a soul that is drowned in the sense ofgloryandasenseofitsownnothingness,tobeconfoundedinitself,andtofearthatthegloryapprehendedistoogreat,toogood,andtoorich,forsuchanone?Thatthing,heavenandeternalglory,issogreat,andIthatwouldhaveit,sosmall,sosorryacreature,thatthethoughtsofobtainingitconfoundsme.

Thus, I say, doth the greatness of the things desired, quite dash andoverthrowthemindof thedesirer.O, it is toobig! it is toobig! it is toogreatamercy!But,comingsinner,letmereasonwiththee.Thousayest,itistoobig,toogreat.Well,willthingsthatarelesssatisfythysoul?Willalessthingthanheaven,thangloryandeternallife,answerthydesires?No,nothingless;andyetIfeartheyaretoobig,andtoogoodforme,evertoobtain.Well,asbigandasgoodastheyare,Godgiveththemtosuchasthou;theyarenottoobigforGodtogive;no,nottoobigtogivefreely.Becontent;letGodgivelikehimself;heisthateternalGod,andgivethlikehimself.Whenkingsgive,theydonotusetogiveaspoormendo.Henceitissaid,thatNabalmadeafeastinhishouselikethefeastofaking;andagain,“AllthesethingsdidAraunah,asaking,giveuntoDavid”(1Sam25:36;2Sam24:23).Now,God isagreatking, lethimgive likeaking;nay,lethimgivelikehimself,anddothoureceivelikethyself.Hehathall,and thou hast nothing. God told his people of old, that he would savethemintruthand inrighteousness,andthat theyshouldreturnto,andenjoy the land,which before, for their sins, had spewed themout; andthenadds,underasuppositionoftheircountingthemercytoogood,ortoobig,“If itbemarvellous intheeyesof theremnantof thispeople inthesedays,should italsobemarvellous inmineeyes?saith theLordofhosts”(Zech8:6).

Aswhoshouldsay,theyarenowincaptivity,andlittleintheirowneyes;therefore they think the mercy of returning to Canaan is a mercy toomarvellouslybigforthemtoenjoy;butifitbesointheireyes,itisnotsoinmine;IwilldoforthemlikeGod,iftheywillbutreceivemybountylikesinners.Comingsinner,GodcangivehisheavenlyCanaan,andtheglory

ofit,untothee;yea,noneeverhadthembutasagift,afreegift.Hehathgiven us his Son, “How shall he not with him also freely give us allthings?”(Rom8:32).

Itwasnot theworthiness of Abraham, orMoses, orDavid or Peter, orPaul,butthemercyofGod,thatmadetheminheritorsofheaven.IfGodthinks thee worthy, judge not thyself unworthy; but take it, and bethankful.Andit isagoodsignhe intendstogivethee, ifhehathdrawnout thy heart to ask. “Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble;thou wilt prepare their heart; thou wilt cause thine ear to hear” (Psa10:17).

WhenGodissaidtoinclinehisear,itimpliesanintentiontobestowthemercy desired. Take it therefore; thy wisdom will be to receive, notstickingatthyownunworthiness.Itissaid,“Heraisethupthepooroutofthedust,andliftethupthebeggarfromthedunghill,tosetthemamongprinces,andtomaketheminheritthethroneofglory.”Again,“Heraisethupthepooroutofthedust,andlifteththeneedyoutofthedunghill,thathemaysethimwithprinces,evenwiththeprincesofhispeople”(1Sam2:8;Psa113:7,8).YouseealsowhenGodmadeaweddingforhisSon,hecalled not the great, nor the rich, nor the mighty; but the poor, themaimed,thehalt,andtheblind(Matt12;Luke14).

Fifth. Thy fears that Christ will not receive thee may arise from thehideousroaringof thedevil,whopursues thee.Hethathearshimroar,must be amightyChristian, if he can at that timedeliver himself fromfear.He iscalledaroaring lion;andthentoalludeto that inIsaiah,“Ifone look” into them, they have “darkness and sorrow, and the light isdarkenedintheheavensthereof”(1Peter5:8;Isa5:3).

Twoofthedevil’sobjections

TherearetwothingsamongmanythatSatanusethtoroaroutafterthemthatarecomingtoJesusChrist.1.Thattheyarenotelected.Or,2.ThattheyhavesinnedthesinagainsttheHolyGhost.ToboththeseIanswerbriefly-

1. [Election] - Touching election, out of which thou fearest thou art

excluded. Why, coming sinner, even the text itself affordeth thee helpagainstthisdoubt,andthatbyadoubleargument.

(1)ThatcomingtoChristisbyvirtueofthegift,promise,anddrawingofthe Father; but thou art a- coming; therefore God hath given thee,promisedthee,andisdrawingtheetoJesusChrist.Comingsinner,holdto this; andwhenSatanbeginneth to roar again, answer,But I feelmyheartmovingafterJesusChrist;butthatwouldnotbe,ifitwerenotgivenbypromise,anddrawingtoChristbythepoweroftheFather.

(2)JesusChristhathpromised,“Thathimthatcomethtohimhewillinnowisecastout.”Andifhehathsaidit,willhenotmakeitgood,Imeaneven thy salvation? For, as I have said already, not to cast out, is toreceiveandadmittothebenefitofsalvation.IfthentheFatherhathgiventhee, as ismanifest by thy coming; and ifChristwill receive thee, thoucoming soul, as it is plainhewill, becausehehath said, “Hewill innowise cast out;” then be confident, and let those conclusions, that asnaturally flow from the text as light from the sun, or water from thefountain,staythee.

IfSatanthereforeobjecteth,But thouartnot elected; answer,But I amcoming,Satan,Iamcoming;andthatIcouldnotbe,butthattheFatherdrawsme;andIamcomingtosuchaLordJesus,aswillinnowisecastmeout.Further,Satan,wereInotelect,theFatherwouldnotdrawme,norwouldtheSonsograciouslyopenhisbosomtome.Iampersuaded,thatnotoneofthenonelectshalleverbeabletosay,no,notinthedayofjudgment,IdidsincerelycometoJesusChrist.Cometheymay,feignedly,asJudasandSimonMagusdid;butthatisnotourquestion.Therefore,Othouhonest-heartedcomingsinner,benotafraid,butcome.

2. [Of the sin against the Holy Ghost] - As to the second part of theobjection, about sinning the sin against the Holy Ghost, the sameargumentoverthrowsthatalso.ButIwillarguethus:

(1)Coming toChrist is by virtueof a special gift of theFather; but theFather giveth no such gift to them that have sinned that sin; thereforethouthatartcominghastnotcommittedthatsin.ThattheFathergivethno such gift to them that have sinned that sin is evident - (a) Because

suchhavesinnedthemselvesoutofGod’sfavour;“Theyshallneverhaveforgiveness”(Matt12:32).ButitisaspecialfavourofGodtogiveuntoaman,tocometoJesusChrist;becausetherebyheobtainethforgiveness.Therefore he that cometh hath not sinned that sin. (b) They that havesinnedthesinagainsttheHolyGhost,havesinnedthemselvesoutofaninterestinthesacrificeofChrist’sbodyandblood;“Thereremaineth[forsuch]nomoresacrificeforsins”(Heb10:26).ButGodgivethnotgracetoanyof themtocometoChrist, thathavenoshare inthesacrificeofhisbodyandblood.Therefore,thouthatartcomingtohim,hastnotsinnedthatsin.

(2)ComingtoChristisbythespecialdrawingoftheFather;“NomancancometomeexcepttheFatherwhichhathsentmedrawhim”(John6:44).ButtheFatherdrawethnothimtoChrist,forwhomhehathnotallottedforgivenessbyhisblood; therefore they thatarecoming toJesusChristhavenotcommitted that sin,becausehehathallotted them forgivenessbyhisblood.ThattheFathercannotdrawthemtoJesusChrist,forwhomhe hath not allotted forgiveness of sins, is manifest to sense: for thatwouldbeaplainmockery,aflam,neitherbecominghiswisdom,justice,holiness,norgoodness.

(3)ComingtoJesusChrist laysamanunderthepromiseofforgivenessandsalvation.Butitisimpossiblethathethathathsinnedthatsinshouldeverbeputunderapromiseofthese.Therefore,hethathathsinnedthatsincanneverhavehearttocometoJesusChrist.

(4) Coming to Jesus Christ lays aman under his intercession. “For heever liveth to make intercession for them that come” (Heb 7:25).Therefore,hethatiscomingtoJesusChristcannothavesinnedthatsin.Christ has forbidden his people to pray for them that have sinned thatsin;and,therefore,willnotprayforthemhimself,buthepraysforthemthatcome.

(5)Hethathathsinnedthatsin,Christistohimofnomoreworththanisamanthatisdead;“ForhehathcrucifiedtohimselftheSonofGod;”yea,andhathalsocountedhispreciousbloodasthebloodofanunholything.(Heb6,10)Now,hethathaththislowesteemofChristwillnevercometohimforlife;butthecomingmanhasanhighesteemofhisperson,blood,

andmerits.Therefore,hethatiscominghasnotcommittedthatsin.

(6) If he that has sinned this sinmight yet come to Jesus Christ, thenmustthetruthofGodbeoverthrown;whichsaithinoneplace,“Hehathnever forgiveness;” and in another, “I will in no wise cast him out.”Therefore,thathemayneverhaveforgiveness,heshallneverhaveheartto come to Jesus Christ. It is impossible that such an one should berenewed, either to or by repentance (Heb 6).Wherefore, never troublethy head nor heart about this matter; he that cometh to Jesus ChristcannothavesinnedagainsttheHolyGhost.

Sixth,ThyfearsthatChristwillnotreceivetheemayarisefromthineownfolly, in inventing, yea, in thy chalking out toGod, away to bring theehome to Jesus Christ. Some souls that are coming to Jesus Christ aregreattormentorsofthemselvesuponthisaccount;theyconclude,that iftheircoming toJesusChrist is right, theymustneedsbebroughthomethusandthus.

Astoinstance:1.Saysone,IfGodbebringingofmetoJesusChrist,thenwillheloadmewiththeguiltofsintillhemakesmeroaragain.2.IfGodbeindeeda-bringingmehometoJesusChrist,thenmustIbeassaultedwithdreadfultemptationsofthedevil.3.IfGodbeindeeda-bringingmetoJesusChrist, then, evenwhen I comeathim, I shallhavewonderfulrevelationsofhim.

ThisisthewaythatsomesinnersappointforGod;but,perhaps,hewillnotwalktherein;yetwillhebringthemtoJesusChrist.Butnow,becausetheycomenotthewayoftheirownchalkingout,thereforetheyareataloss.Theylookforheavyloadandburden;but,perhaps,Godgivesthemasight of their lost condition, and addeth not that heavy weight andburden.TheylookforfearfultemptationsofSatan;butGodseesthatyettheyarenotfitforthem,noristhetimecomethatheshouldbehonouredbytheminsuchacondition.TheylookforgreatandgloriousrevelationsofChrist,grace,andmercy;but,perhaps,Godonlytakestheyokefromofftheir jaws, and laysmeatbefore them.Andnowagain they are at aloss,yeta-comingtoJesusChrist;“Idrewthem,”saithGod,“withcordsofaman,withbandsoflove-Itooktheyokefromofftheirjaws,andlaidmeatuntothem”(Hosea11:4).

Now,Isay,IfGodbringstheetoChrist,andnotbythewaythatthouhastappointed,thenthouartataloss;andforthybeingataloss,thoumayestthankthyself.GodhathmorewaysthanthouknowestoftobringasinnertoJesusChrist;buthewillnotgivetheebeforehandanaccountbywhichofthemhewillbringtheetoChrist(Isa40:13;Job33:13).Sometimeshehath his ways in the whirlwind; but sometimes the Lord is not there(Nahum1:3;1Kings19:11). IfGodwilldealmoregentlywith theethanwithothersofhischildren,grudgenotatit;refusenotthewatersthatgosoftly,lesthebringupontheethewatersoftherivers,strongandmany,even these twosmoking firebrand, thedevilandguiltof sin (Isa8:6,7).HesaithtoPeter,“Followme.”AndwhatthunderdidZaccheushearorsee? Zaccheus, “Come down,” said Christ; “and he came down,” saysLuke,“andreceivedhimjoyfully.”

ButhadPeterorZaccheusmadetheobjectionthatthouhastmade,anddirectedtheSpiritoftheLordasthouhastdone,theymighthavelookedlong enough before they had found themselves coming to JesusChrist.Besides, I will tell thee, that the greatness of sense of sin, the hideousroaringofthedevil,yea,andabundanceofrevelations,willnotprovethatGod is bringing thy soul to Jesus Christ; as Balaam, Cain, Judas, andothers,canwitness.

Further, consider that what thou hast not of these things here, thoumayesthaveanothertime,andthattothydistraction.Wherefore,insteadofbeingdiscontent,becausethouartnotinthefire,becausethouhearestnotthesoundofthetrumpetandalarmofwar,“Praythatthouenternotinto temptation;” yea, come boldly to the throne of grace, and obtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpinthattimeofneed(Psa88:15;Matt26:41;Heb4:16).

Poorcreature!thoucriest,ifIweretempted,IcouldcomefasterandwithmoreconfidencetoChrist.Thousayestthouknowestnotwhat.WhatsaysJob?“Withdrawthinehandfarfromme:andletnotthydreadmakemeafraid. Then call thou, and I will answer: or letme speak, and answerthou me” (Job 13:21,22). It is not the overheavy load of sin, but thediscoveryofmercy;not the roaringof thedevil, but thedrawingof theFather, thatmakesamancometoJesusChrist;Imyselfknowall thesethings.

True,sometimes,yea,mostanend,theythatcometoJesusChristcometheway that thoudesirest; the loading, temptedway;but theLordalsoleadssomebythewatersofcomfort.IfIwastochoosewhentogoalongjourney, to wit, whether I would go it in the dead of winter or in thepleasant spring, though, if it was a very profitable journey, as that ofcomingtoChristis,IwouldchoosetogoitthroughfireandwaterbeforeIwouldchoose lose thebenefit.But, Isay, if Imightchoose the time, Iwouldchoose togo it in thepleasant spring,because thewaywouldbemore delightsome, the days longer andwarmer, the nights shorter andnotsocold.Anditisobservable,thatthatveryargumentthatthouusesttoweakenthystrengthintheway,thatveryargumentChristJesususethtoencouragehisbeloved tocometohim:“Riseup,” saithhe, “my love,myfairone,andcomeaway.”Why?“Forlo,thewinterispast,therainisoverandgone;theflowersappearontheearth,thetimeofthesingingofbirdsiscome,andthevoiceoftheturtleisheardinourland;thefig-treeputteth forthhergreen figs, and the vineswith the tender grape give agoodsmell.Arise,mylove,myfairone,andcomeaway”(Song2:10-13).

Trouble not thyself, coming sinner. If thou seest thy lost condition byoriginal and actual sin; if thou seest thy need of the spotlessrighteousnessofJesusChrist;ifthouartwillingtobefoundinhim,andtotakeupthycrossandfollowhim;thenprayfora fairwindandgoodweather, and come away. Stick no longer in a muse and doubt aboutthings,butcomeawaytoJesusChrist.Doit,Isay,lestthoutemptGodtolay thesorrowsofa travailingwomanuponthee.Thy folly in this thingmay make him do it. Mind what follows: “The sorrows of a travailingwomanshallcomeuponhim.”Why?“Heisanunwiseson;forheshouldnotstaylongintheplaceofthebreakingforthofchildren”(Hosea13:13).

Seventh,ThyfearsthatChristwillnotreceivetheemayarisefromthosedecaysthatthoufindestinthysoul,evenwhilethouartcomingtohim.Some,evenastheyarecomingtoJesusChrist,dofindthemselvesgrowworseandworse;andthisisindeedasoretrialtothepoorcomingsinner.

Fearsthatwedonotrunfastenough

Toexplainmyself. There is such an one a coming to JesusChristwho,

whenat firsthebegan to lookout afterhim,was sensible, affectionate,andbrokeninspirit;butnowisgrowndark,senseless,hard-hearted,andincliningtoneglectspiritualduties,&c.Besides,henowfindsinhimselfinclinations tounbelief,atheism,blasphemy,and the like;nowhe findshecannottrembleatGod’sWord,hisjudgment,norattheapprehensionofhellfire;neithercanhe,ashethinketh,besorryforthesethings.Now,thisisasaddispensation.Themanunderthesixthheadcomplainethforwantoftemptations,butthouhastenoughofthem;artthougladofthem,tempted,comingsinner?Theythatneverwereexercisedwiththemmaythinkitafinethingtobewithintherange,buthethatisthereisreadytosweatbloodforsorrowofheart,andtohowlforvexationofspirit!Thismanisinthewildernessamongwildbeasts.Hereheseesabear,therealion,yondera leopard,awolf,adragon;devilsofallsorts,doubtsofallsorts, fearsofall sorts,hauntandmolesthis soul.Herehesees smoke,yea, feels fireandbrimstone,scattereduponhissecretplaces.Hehearsthesoundofanhorribletempest.O!myfriends,eventheLordJesus,thatknewallthings,evenhesawnopleasureintemptations,nordidhedesiretobewiththem;wherefore,onetextsaith,“hewasled,”andanother,“hewasdriven,”of theSpirit intothewilderness, tobetemptedof thedevil(Matt4:1;Mark1:12).

Buttoreturn.Thus ithappenethsometimesto themthatarecomingtoJesus Christ. A sad hap indeed!Onewould think that he that is flyingfromwrathtocomehaslittleneedofsuchclogsasthese.Andyetsoitis,andwoefulexperienceproves it.Thechurchofoldcomplained thatherenemies overtook her between the straits; just between hope and fear,heavenandhell(Lam1).

This man feeleth the infirmity of his flesh, he findeth a proneness inhimselftobedesperate.Now,hechideswithGod,flingsandtumbleslikeawildbullinanet,andstilltheguiltofallreturnsuponhimself,tothecrushing of him topieces. Yet he feelethhis heart sohard, that he canfind,ashethinks,nokindfallingunderanyofhismiscarriages.Now,heis a lump of confusion in his own eyes, whose spirit and actions arewithoutorder.

Temptations serve theChristian as the shepherd’s dog serveth the sillysheep; that is, comingbehind the flock, he runs upon it, pulls it down,

worries it,wounds it,andgrievouslybedabbleth itwithdirtandwet, inthelowestplacesofthefurrowsofthefield,andnotleavingituntil it ishalfdead,northenneither,exceptGodrebuke.

Hereisnowroomforfearsofbeingcastaway.NowIseeIamlost,saysthe sinner. This is not coming to Jesus Christ, says the sinner; such adesperate,hard,andwretchedheartasmineis,cannotbeagraciousone,saiththesinner.Andbidsuchanonebebetter,hesays, Icannot;no, Icannot.

WhytemptationsassailGod’speople

Quest.Butwhatwillyousaytoasoulinthiscondition?

Ans.Iwillsay,ThattemptationshaveattendedthebestofGod’speople.Iwillsay,That temptationscometodousgood;andIwillsayalso,Thatthere is a difference betwixt growing worse and worse, and thy seeingmoreclearlyhowbadthouart.

There is a man of an ill- favoured countenance, who hath too high aconceitofhisbeauty;and,wantingthebenefitofaglass,hestillstandsinhisownconceit; at last a limner is sent untohim,whodrawethhis ill-favouredfacetothelife;nowlookingthereon,hebeginstobeconvincedthatheisnothalfsohandsomeashethoughthewas.Comingsinner,thytemptations are these painters; they have drawn out thy ill- favouredhearttothelife,andhavesetitbeforethineeyes,andnowthouseesthowill-favouredthouart.Hezekiahwasagoodman,yetwhenhelaysick,foraughtIknow,hehadsomewhattoogoodanopinionofhisheart;andforaught I know also, the Lord might, upon his recovery, leave him to atemptation,thathemightbetterknowallthatwasinhisheart.CompareIsaiah38:1-3,with2Chronicles32:31.

Alas!wearesinfuloutofmeasure,butsee itnot tobe the full,untilanhouroftemptationcomes.Butwhenitcomes,itdothasthepainterdoth,drawethoutourhearttothelife:yetthesightofwhatweareshouldnotkeepusfromcomingtoJesusChrist.TherearetwowaysbywhichGodletsamanintoasightofthenaughtinessofhisheart;oneis,bythelightoftheWordandSpiritofGod;andtheotheris,bythetemptationsofthe

devil. But, by the first, we see our naughtiness one way; and, by thesecond,another.BythelightoftheWordandSpiritofGod,thouhastasightofthynaughtiness;andbythelightofthesun,thouhastasightofthespotsanddefilements thatare in thyhouseor raiment.Which lightgivestheetoseeanecessityofcleansing,butmakethnottheblemishestospreadmore abominably. But when Satan comes, when he tempts, heputslifeandrageintooursins,andturnsthem,asitwere,intosomanydevilswithinus.Now, likeprisoners, theyattempttobreakthroughtheprisonofourbody;theywillattempttogetoutatoureyes,mouth,ears,anyways, to the scandal of the gospel, and reproach of religion, to thedarkeningofourevidences,anddamningofoursouls.

ButIshallsay,asIsaidbefore, thishathofttimesbeenthe lotofGod’speople. And, “There hath no temptation overtaken you but such as iscommon to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to betemptedabove thatyeareable” (1Cor 10:13).See theBookofJob, theBook of Psalms, and that of the Lamentations. And remember further,thatChristhimselfwastemptedtoblaspheme,toworshipthedevil,andtomurderhimself,(Matt4;Luke4);temptationsworsethanwhichthoucansthardlybeovertakenwith.Buthewassinless,thatistrue.AndheisthySaviour,andthat isas true!Yea, it isas truealso, thatbyhis beingtempted, he became the conqueror of the tempter, and a succourer ofthosethataretempted(Col2:14,15;Heb2:15;4:15,16).

Quest.ButwhatshouldbethereasonthatsomethatarecomingtoChristshouldbesolamentablycastdownandbuffetedwithtemptations?

Ans.Itmaybeforseveralcauses.

1. Some that are coming to Christ cannot be persuaded, until thetemptation comes, that they are so vile as the Scripture saith they are.True,theyseesomuchoftheirwretchednessastodrivethemtoChrist.But there is anoverandaboveofwickednesswhich they seenot.Peterlittle thought thathehadhad cursing, and swearing, and lying, andaninclinationinhisheart todenyhisMaster,beforethetemptationcame;butwhenthatindeedcameuponhim,thenhefoundittheretohissorrow(John13:36-38;Mark14:36-40;68-72).

2.SomethatarecomingtoJesusChristaretoomuchaffectedwiththeirowngraces,andtoo little takenwithChrist’sperson;whereforeGod, totake them off from doting upon their own jewels, and that theymightlook more to the person, undertaking, and merits of his Son, plungesthemintotheditchbytemptations.AndthisItaketobethemeaningofJob,“IfIwashmyself,”saidhe,“withsnow-water,andmakemyhandsnever so clean, yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine ownclothes shall abhor me” (Job 9:30). Job had been a little too muchtampering with his own graces, and setting his excellencies a little toohigh;asthesetextsmakemanifest:Job33:8-13,34:5-10,35:2,3,38:1,2,40:105, 42:3- 6.But by that the temptationswere ended, you find himbettertaught.

Yea,God doth ofttimes, even for this thing, as it were, take our gracesfromus,andsoleaveusalmostquitetoourselvesandtothetempter,thatwemaylearnnottolovethepicturemorethanthepersonofhisSon.Seehowhedealtwiththeminthe16thofEzekiel,andthesecondofHosea.

3. Perhaps thou hast been given too much to judge thy brother, tocondemnthy brother, because a poor temptedman.AndGod, to bringdown the pride of thy heart, letteth the tempter loose upon thee, thatthou alsomayst feel thyself weak. For “pride goeth before destruction,andanhaughtyspiritbeforeafall”(Prov16:18).

4.ItmaybethouhastdealtalittletooroughlywiththosethatGodhaththiswaywounded,notconsideringthyself,lestthoualsobetempted.AndthereforeGodhathsufferedittocomeuntothee(Gal6:1).

5.Itmaybethouwastgiventoslumberandsleep,andthereforethese

temptationswere sent toawake thee.Youknow thatPeter’s temptationcameuponhimafterhissleeping;then,insteadofwatchingandpraying,thenhedenied,anddenied,anddeniedhisMaster(Matt26).

6.Itmaybethouhastpresumedtoofar,andstoodtoomuchinthineownstrength,andthereforeisatimeoftemptationcomeuponthee.ThiswasalsoonecausewhyitcameuponPeter-Thoughallmenforsakethee,yetwillnotI.Ah!thatisthewaytobetemptedindeed(John13:36-38).

7.ItmaybeGodintendstomaketheewise,tospeakawordinseasontoothers that are afflicted; and thereforehe suffereth thee tobe tempted.Christ was tempted that he might be able to succour them that aretempted(Heb2:18).

8.ItmaybeSatanhathdaredGodtosufferhimtotemptthee;promisinghimself, that ifhewillbut lethimdoit, thouwiltcursehimtohis face.Thusheobtained leaveagainstJob;whereforetakeheed, temptedsoul,lestthouprovestthedevil’ssayingstrue(Job1:11).

9. It may be thy graces must be tried in the fire, that that rust thatcleavethtothemmaybetakenaway,andthemselvesproved,bothbeforeangelsanddevils, tobefarbetterthanofgoldthatperisheth; itmaybealso,thatthygracesaretoreceivespecialpraises,andhonour,andglory,atthecomingoftheLordJesustojudgment,foralltheexploitsthatthouhastactedby themagainsthell, and its infernal crew, in thedayof thytemptation(1Peter1:6,7).

10. It may be God would have others learn by thy sighs, groans, andcomplaints, under temptation, to beware of those sins for the sake ofwhichthouartatpresentdeliveredtothetormentors.

Buttoconcludethis,puttheworsttotheworst-andthenthingswillbebadenough-supposethatthouarttothisdaywithoutthegraceofGod,yetthouartbutamiserablecreature,asinner,thathathneedofablessedSaviour; and the textpresents theewithoneas goodandkindasheartcanwish;whoalsoforthyencouragementsaith,“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”

ApplicationofObservationSecond

Tocome, therefore, toawordofapplication. Is it so, that they thatarecomingtoJesusChristareofttimesheartilyafraidthatJesusChristwillnotreceivethem?Thenthisteachethusthesethings-

1.Thatfaithanddoubtingmayatthesametimehavetheirresidenceinthesamesoul.“Othouoflittlefaith,whereforedidstthoudoubt?”(Matt14:31).Hesaithnot,Othouofnofaith!but,Othouoflittlefaith!because

hehadalittlefaithinthemidstofhismanydoubts.ThesameistrueevenofmanythatarecomingtoJesusChrist.Theycome,andfeartheycomenot, anddoubt they comenot.When they look upon the promise, or aword of encouragement by faith, then they come; but when they lookuponthemselves,orthedifficultiesthatliebeforethem,thentheydoubt.“Bidmecome,”saidPeter;“Come,”saidChrist.SohewentdownoutoftheshiptogotoJesus,buthishapwastogotohimuponthewater;therewasthetrial.Soit iswiththepoordesiringsoul.Bidmecome,saysthesinner; Come, says Christ, and I will in no wise cast thee out. So hecomes,buthishapistocomeuponthewater,upondrowningdifficulties;if,therefore,thewindoftemptationsblow,thewavesofdoubtsandfearswillpresentlyarise,and this coming sinnerwill begin to sink, if hehasbutlittlefaith.ButyoushallfindhereinPeter’slittlefaith,atwofoldact;towit, coming and crying. Little faith cannot come all thewaywithoutcrying.Solongasitsholyboldnesslasts,solongitcancomewithpeace;butwhenitisso,itcancomenofurther,itwillgotherestofthewaywithcrying.Peterwentasfarashislittlefaithwouldcarryhim:healsocriedasfarashislittlefaithwouldhelp,“Lord,saveme,Iperish!”Andsowithcomingandcryinghewaskept fromsinking, thoughhehadbuta littlefaith.“Jesusstretchedforthhishand,andcaughthim,andsaiduntohim,Othouoflittlefaith,whereforedidstthoudoubt?”

2.Isitso,thattheythatarecomingtoJesusChristareofttimesheartilyafraid that Jesus Christ will not receive them? Then this shows us areason of that dejection, and those castings down, that very often weperceivetobeinthemthatarecomingtoJesusChrist.Why,itisbecausethey are afraid that JesusChristwill not receive them. The poorworldtheymockus,becauseweareadejectedpeople;Imean,becausewearesometimesso:buttheydonotknowthecauseofourdejection.Couldwebepersuaded,eventhen,whenwearedejected,thatJesusChristwouldindeedreceiveus, itwouldmakeus flyover theirheads,andwouldputmoregladnessintoourheartsthaninthetimeinwhichtheircorn,wine,andoilincreases(Psa4:6,7).But,

3.Itisso,ThattheythatarecomingtoJesusChristareofttimesheartilyafraid thathewillnot receive them.Then this shows that they thatarecoming to Jesus Christ are an awakened, sensible, considering people.

For fear cometh from sense, and consideration of things. They aresensibleofsin,sensibleofthecurseduethereto;theyarealsosensibleofthegloriousmajestyofGod,andofwhatablessed,blessedthingitistobereceivedofJesusChrist.Thegloryofheaven,andtheevilofsin,thesethings they consider, and are sensible of. “When I remember, I amafraid.”“WhenIconsider,Iamafraid”(Job21:6;23:15).

These things dash their spirits, being awake and sensible. Were theydead,likeothermen,theywouldnotbeafflictedwithfearastheyare.Fordeadmenfearnot,feelnot,carenot,butthelivingandsensibleman,heitisthatisofttimesheartilyafraidthatJesusChristwillnotreceivehim.Isay, the dead and senseless are not distressed. They presume; they aregroundlessly confident. Who so bold as blind Bayard? These indeedshouldfearandbeafraid,becausetheyarenotcomingtoJesusChrist.O!thehell,thefire,thepit,thewrathofGod,andtormentofhell,thatarepreparedforpoorneglectingsinners!“Howshallweescapeifweneglectso great salvation?” (Heb 3:3). But they want sense of things, and socannotfear.

4.Isitso,thattheythatarecomingtoJesusChristareofttimesheartilyafraidthathewillnotreceivethem?ThenthisshouldteacholdChristianstopityandprayforyoungcomers.Youknowtheheartofastranger; foryouyourselveswerestrangers inthe landofEgypt.Youknowthefears,anddoubts,andterrors,thattakeholdofthem;forthattheysometimestookholdofyou.Whereforepity them,pray for them,encourage them;theyneedall this: guilthathovertaken them, fearsof thewrathofGodhathovertakenthem.Perhapstheyarewithinthesightofhell-fire;andthe fear of going thither is burning hot within their hearts. You mayknow,howstrangelySatanissuggestinghisdevilishdoubtsuntothem,ifpossiblehemaysinkanddrownthemwiththemultitudeandweightofthem. Old Christians, mend up the path for them, take thestumblingblocks out of the way; lest that which is feeble and weak beturnedaside,butletitratherbehealed(Heb12).

ChristWouldHaveComersNotOnceThinkThatHeWillCastThemOut

OBSERVATIONTHIRD.-Icomenowtothenextobservation,andshallspeakalittletothat;towit,ThatJesusChristwouldnothavethem,thatintrutharecomingtohim,oncethinkthathewillcastthemout.

Thetextisfullofthis:forhesaith,“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”Now,ifhesaith,Iwillnot,hewouldnothaveusthinkhewill.Thisisyetfurthermanifestbytheseconsiderations.

First,Christ Jesusdid forbideven them thatas yetwerenot coming tohim,oncetothinkhimsuchanone.“Donotthink,”saidhe,“thatIwillaccuseyoutotheFather”(John5:45).

These,asI said,were such, thatasyetwerenot coming tohim.Forhesaithofthemalittlebefore,“Andyewillnotcometome;”fortherespecttheyhad to thehonourofmenkept themback.Yet, I say,JesusChristgivesthemtounderstand,thatthoughhemightjustlyrejectthem,yethewouldnot,butbidsthemnotoncetothinkthathewouldaccusethemtotheFather.Now,nottoaccuse,withChrist, istopleadfor:forChristinthesethingsstandsnotneuterbetweentheFatherandsinners.Sothen,ifJesusChristwouldnothave them think, that yetwillnot come tohim,that hewill accuse them; then hewould not that they should think so,thatintrutharecomingtohim.“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”

Second,When the woman taken in adultery, even in the very act, wasbroughtbeforeJesusChrist,hesocarried itbothbywordsandactions,thatheevidentlyenoughmadeitmanifest,thatcondemningandcastingoutweresuchthings,forthedoingofwhichhecamenotintotheworld.Wherefore,whentheyhadsetherbeforehim,andhadlaidtoherchargeherheinous fact, he stooped down, andwith his fingerwrote upon theground, as though he heard themnot.Nowwhat did he do by this hiscarriage, but testify plainly that he was not for receiving accusations

against poor sinners, whoever accused by? And observe, though theycontinueasking,thinkingatlasttoforcehimtocondemnher;yetthenhesoanswered,sothathedroveallcondemningpersonsfromher.Andthenheadds,forherencouragementtocometohim;“NeitherdoIcondemnthee;go,andsinnomore”(John8:1-11).

Notbutthatheindeedabhorredthefact,buthewouldnotcondemnthewomanforthesin,becausethatwasnothisoffice.Hewasnotsent“intotheworldtocondemntheworld;but that theworldthroughhimmightbe saved” (John 3:17). Now if Christ, though urged to it, would notcondemntheguiltywoman,thoughshewasfaratpresentfromcomingtohim,hewouldnotthattheyshouldoncethinkthathewillcastthemout,thatintrutharecomingtohim.“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”

Third, Christ plainly bids the turning sinner come; and forbids him toentertainanysuchthoughtasthathewillcasthimout.“Letthewickedforsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let himreturnuntotheLord,andhewillhavemercyuponhim;andtoourGod,for he will abundantly pardon” (Isa 4:7). The Lord, by bidding theunrighteous forsakehis thoughts,doth in special forbid, as Ihave said,viz.,thosethoughtsthathinderthecomingmaninhisprogresstoJesusChrist,hisunbelievingthoughts.

Thereforehebidshimnotonly forsakehisways,buthis thoughts. “Letthewickedforsakehisway,andtheunrighteousmanhisthoughts.”ItisnotenoughtoforsakeoneifthouwiltcometoJesusChrist;becausetheotherwillkeeptheefromhim.Supposeamanforsakeshiswickedways,hisdebauchedandfilthylife;yetifthesethoughts,thatJesusChristwillnot receive him, be entertained and nourished in his heart; thesethoughtswillkeephimfromcomingtoJesusChrist.

Sinner,comingsinner,artthouforcomingtoJesusChrist?Yes,saysthesinner.Forsakethywickedwaysthen.SoIdo,saysthesinner.

Whycomestthouthensoslowly?BecauseIamhindered.Whathinders?HasGodforbiddenthee?No.Artthounotwillingtocomefaster?Yes,yetI cannot. Well, prithee be plain with me, and tell me the reason and

groundofthydiscouragement.Why,saysthesinner,thoughGodforbidsmenot,andthoughIamwillingtocomefaster,yettherenaturallyariseththis,andthat,andtheotherthoughtinmyheart,thathindersmyspeedtoJesusChrist.SometimesIthinkIamnotchosen;sometimesIthinkIamnot called; sometimes I think I am come too late; and sometimes Ithink I know not what it is to come. Also one while I think I have nograce;andthenagain, thatIcannotpray;andthenagain,I thinkthatIam a very hypocrite. And these things keep me from coming to JesusChrist.

Lookyenow,didnotI tellyouso?Therearethoughtsyetremainingintheheart,evenof thosewhohave forsakentheirwickedways;andwiththose thoughts they aremoreplagued thanwith anything else;becausetheyhindertheircomingtoJesusChrist;forthesinofunbelief,whichisthe original of all these thoughts, is thatwhich besets a coming sinnermoreeasily,thandothhisways(Heb12:1-4).Butnow,sinceJesusChristcommandstheetoforsakethesethoughts,forsakethem,comingsinner;andifthouforsakethemnot,thoutransgressestthecommandsofChrist,andabidestthineowntormentor,andkeepestthyselffromestablishmentin grace. “If yewill not believe, surely ye shall not be established” (Isa7:9). Thus you see how Jesus Christ setteth himself against suchthoughts, thatanywaydiscourage thecomingsinner;and thereby trulyvindicatesthedoctrinewehave inhand;towit, thatJesusChristwouldnothavethem, that in truthare coming tohim,once think thathewillcastthemout.“AndhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”

ReasonsofObservationThird

Icomenowtothereasonsoftheobservation.

1.IfJesusChristshouldallowtheeoncetothinkthathewillcasttheeout,hemustallowtheetothinkthathewillfalsifyhisword;forhehathsaid,“Iwillinnowisecastout.”ButChristwouldnotthatthoushouldstcounthimas one thatwill falsify hisword; for he saith of himself, “I am thetruth;”thereforehewouldnotthatanythat intrutharecomingtohim,shouldoncethinkthathewillcastthemout.

2.IfJesusChristshouldallowthesinnerthatintruthiscomingtohim,

once to think that he will cast him out, then he must allow, and socountenancethe firstappearanceofunbelief; thewhichhecountethhisgreatest enemy, and against which he hast bent even his holy gospel.Therefore JesusChristwould not that they that in truth are coming tohim, should once think that hewill cast them out. SeeMatthew 14:31,21:21,Mark11:23,Luke24:25.

3. If JesusChrist shouldallow the coming sinneronce to think thathewillcasthimout;thenhemustallowhimtomakeaquestion,

WhetherheiswillingtoreceivehisFather’sgift;forthecomingsinnerishisFather’sgift;asalsosaysthetext;buthetestifieth,“AllthattheFathergivethmeshallcometome;andhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecast out.” Therefore Jesus Christ would not have him, that in truth iscomingtohim,oncetothinkthathewillcasthimout.

4.IfJesusChristshouldallowthemoncetothink,thatindeedarecomingtohim, thathewill cast themout,hemustallow themto think thathewilldespiseandrejectthedrawingofhisFather.FornomancancometohimbutwhomtheFatherdraweth.Butitwouldbehighblasphemy,anddamnable wickedness once to imagine thus. Therefore, Jesus Christwouldnothavehimthatcomethoncethinkthathewillcasthimout.

5.IfJesusChristshouldallowthosethatindeedarecomingtohim,oncetothinkthathewillcastthemout,hemustallowthemtothinkthathewillbeunfaithfultothetrustandchargethathisFatherhathcommittedtohim;whichistosave,andnotto loseanythingofthatwhichhehathgiven unto him to save (John 6:39). But the Father hath given him achargetosavethecomingsinner; therefore itcannotbe, thatheshouldallow,thatsuchanoneshouldoncethinkthathewillcasthimout.

6. If Jesus Christ should allow that they should once think that arecoming tohim, thathewill cast themout, thenhemust allow them tothinkthathewillbeunfaithful tohisofficeofpriesthood; for,asbythefirstpartof it,hepaidprice for, and ransomed souls, soby the secondpart thereof, he continually maketh intercession to God for them thatcome (Heb 7:25). But he cannot allow us to question his faithfulexecutionofhispriesthood.Thereforehecannotallowusonce to think

thatthecomingsinnershallbecastout.

7. If JesusChrist should allowus once to think that the coming sinnershallbecastout,thenhemustallowustoquestionhiswill,orpower,ormerit to save. But he cannot allow us once to question any of these;thereforenotoncetothink, thatthecomingsinnershallbecastout.(1)He cannot allow them to question his will; for he saith in the text, “IWILLinnowisecastout.”(2)Hecannotallowustoquestionhispower;fortheHolyGhostsaithHEISABLEtosavetotheuttermostthemthatcome.(3)Hecannotallowthemtoquestiontheefficacyofhismerit;forthe blood of Christ cleanseth the comer from all sin, (1 John 1:7),thereforehecannotallowthathethatiscomingtohimshouldoncethinkthathewillcastthemout.

8. If JesusChrist shouldallow the coming sinneronce to think thathewill cast him out, he must allow him to give the lie to the manifesttestimony of the Father, Son, and Spirit; yea, to the whole gospelcontained in Moses, the prophets, the book of Psalms, and thatcommonly called the New Testament. But he cannot allow of this;therefore,notthatthecomingsinnershouldoncethinkthathewillcasthimout.

9.Lastly,IfJesusChristshouldallowhimthatiscomingtohim,oncetothinkthathewillcasthimout,hemustallowhimtoquestionhisFather’soath,which he in truth and righteousness hath taken, that theymighthaveastrongconsolation,whohavefledforrefugetoJesusChrist.Buthecannot allow this; therefore he cannot allow that the coming sinnershouldoncethinkthathewillcasthimout(Heb6).

UseAndApplication

IcomenowtomakesomeGENERALUSEANDAPPLICATIONOFTHEWHOLE,andsotodrawtowardsaconclusion.

USEFIRST-Thefirstuse-AUSEOFINFORMATION;and,

First,ItinformethusthatmenbynaturearefarofffromChrist.Letmealittleimprovethisuse,byspeakingtothesethreequestions.1.Whereishethatiscoming[buthasnotcome],toJesusChrist?2.WhatishethatisnotcomingtoJesusChrist?3.WhitherishetogothatcomethnottoJesusChrist?

1.Whereishe?

[Ans](1)Heis farfromGod,heiswithouthim,evenalienatefromhimboth in his understanding, will, affections, judgment, and conscience(Eph2:12;4:18).(2)HeisfarfromJesusChrist,whoistheonlydelivererofmenfromhellfire(Psa73:27).(3)HeisfarfromtheworkoftheHolyGhost,theworkofregeneration,andasecondcreation,withoutwhichnoman shall see the kingdom of heaven (John 3:3). (4) He is far morerighteous, from that righteousness that shouldmake him acceptable inGod’ssight(Isa46:12,13).(5)Heisunderthepoweranddominionofsin;sinreignethinandoverhim;itdwellethineveryfacultyofhissoul,andmemberofhisbody;sothatfromheadtofootthereisnoplaceclean(Isa1:6;Rom3:9-18).(6)Heisinthepest-housewithUzziahandexcludedthecampofIsraelwiththelepers(2Chron26:21;Num5:2;Job36:14).(7)His“lifeisamongtheunclean.”Heis“inthegallofbitterness,andinthe bond of iniquity” (Acts 8:28). (8)He is “in sin,” “in the flesh,” “indeath,”“inthesnareofthedevil,”andis“takencaptivebyhimathiswill”(1Cor15:17;Rom8:8;1John3:14;2Tim2:26).(9)Heisunderthecurseofthelaw,andthedevildwellsinhim,andhaththemasteryofhim(Gal3:13; Eph 2:2,3; Acts 26:18). (10) He is in darkness, and walketh indarkness, andknowsnotwhitherhe goes; fordarknesshasblindedhiseyes.(11)Heisinthebroadwaythatleadethtodestruction;andholdingon,hewill assuredlygo in at thebroadgate, and sodown the stairs tohell.

2.WhatishethatcomethnottoJesusChrist?

[Ans](1)HeiscountedoneofGod’senemies(Luke19:14;Rom8:7).(2)He is a childof thedevil, andofhell; for thedevilbegathim,as tohissinfulnature,andhellmustswallowhimatlast,becausehecomethnottoJesusChrist (John8:44; 1 John3:8;Matt 23:15;Psa 9:17). (3)He is achildofwrath,anheirofit;itishisportion,andGodwillrepayithimtohis face (Eph 2:1- 3; Job 21:29- 31). (4) He is a self- murderer; hewrongethhisownsoul,andisonethatlovethdeath(Prov1:18;8:36).(5)Heisacompanionfordevilsanddamnedmen(Prov21:16;Matt25:41).

3.WhitherisheliketogothatcomethnottoJesusChrist?

[Ans](1)He that comethnot tohim, is like to go further fromhim; soeverysin is a step further fromJesusChrist (Hosea 11). (2)Ashe is indarkness,sohe is liketogoonin it; forChrist is the lightof theworld,andhethatcomesnottohim,walkethindarkness(John8:12).(3)HeisliketoberemovedatlastasfarfromGod,andChrist,andheaven,andallfelicity,asaninfiniteGodcanremovehim(Matt12:41).But,

Second, This doctrine of coming to Christ informeth us where poordestitutesinnersmayfind life fortheirsouls,andthat is inChrist.Thislife is in his Son; he that hath the Son, hath life. And again, “Whosofindethmefindethlife,andshallobtainfavouroftheLord”(Prov8:35).Now, for further enlargement, I will also here propound three morequestions: 1.What life is inChrist?2.Whomayhave it? 3.Uponwhatterms?

1.WhatlifeisinJesusChrist?

[Ans](1)ThereisjustifyinglifeinChrist.Manbysinisdeadinlaw;andChrist only can deliver him by his righteousness and blood from thisdeath intoa stateof life. “ForGodsenthisSon into theworld, thatwemightlivethroughhim”(1John4:9).Thatis,throughtherighteousnesswhichheshouldaccomplish,andthedeaththatheshoulddie.(2)ThereiseternallifeinChrist;lifethatisendless;lifeforeverandever.“Hehathgiven us eternal life, and this life is in his Son” (1 John 5:11). Now,justificationandeternalsalvationbeingbothinChrist,andnowhereelsetobehadformen,whowouldnotcometoJesusChrist?

2.Whomayhavethislife?

Ianswer,Poor,helpless,miserablesinners.Particularly, (1)Suchasarewilling to have it. “Whosoeverwill, let him take thewater of life” (Rev22:17).(2)Hethatthirstethforit.“Iwillgiveuntohimthatisathirstofthe fountainof thewaterof life” (Rev21:6). (3)He that iswearyofhissins.“Thisistherestwherewithyemaycausethewearytorest;andthisis the refreshing” (Isa 28:12). (4)He that is poor and needy. “He shallspare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy” (Psa72:13).(5)Hethatfollowethafterhim,criethforlife.“Hethatfollowethmeshallnotwalkindarkness,butshallhavethelightoflife”(John8:12).

3.Uponwhattermsmayhehavethislife?

[Ans]Freely.Sinner,dostthouhear.Thoumayesthaveitfreely.Lethimtakethewateroflifefreely.Iwillgivehimofthefountainofthewateroflife freely. “Andwhentheyhadnothing topay,he frankly forgavethemboth” (Luke 7:42). Freely,withoutmoney, orwithout price. “Ho! everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath nomoney,comeye,buyandeat;yea,come,buywineandmilkwithoutmoneyandwithout price” (Isa 55:1). Sinner, art thou thirsty? art thou weary? artthouwilling?Come,then,andregardnotyourstuff;forallthegoodthatis inChrist isoffered to thecomingsinner,withoutmoneyandwithoutprice.He has life to give away to such as want it, and that hath not apenny to purchase it; and he will give it freely. Oh what a blessedconditionisthecomingsinnerin!But,

Third,ThisdoctrineofcomingtoJesusChristforlife,informethus,thatitistobehadnowhereelse.Mightitbehadanywhereelse,thetext,andhim that spoke it,wouldbe but little set by; forwhat greatermatter istherein“Iwillinnowisecastout,”ifanotherstoodbythatcouldreceivethem?But here appears the glory ofChrist, that none but he can save.Andhereappearshislove,thatthoughnonecansavebuthe,yetheisnotcoyinsaving.“Buthimthatcomestome,”sayshe,“Iwillinnowisecastout.”

ThatnonecansavebutJesusChrist,isevidentfromActs4:12:“Neitheristhere salvation inanyother;” and “hehathgiven tous eternal life, and

thislifeisinhisSon”(1John5:11).Iflifecouldhavebeenhadanywhereelse, it shouldhavebeen in the law.But it isnot in the law; forby thedeedsofthelaw,nomanlivingshallbejustified;andifnotjustified,thennolife.ThereforelifeisnowheretobehadbutinJesusChrist(Gal3).

[Quest]ButwhywouldGodsoorderit,thatlifeshouldbehadnowhereelsebutinJesusChrist?

[Ans]Thereisreasonforit,andthatbothwithrespecttoGodandus.

1.WithrespecttoGod.

(1)Thatitmightbeinawayofjusticeaswellasmercy.Andinawayofjustice it couldnothavebeen, if it hadnotbeenbyChrist; becausehe,andheonly,wasabletoanswerthedemandofthelaw,andgiveforsinwhat the justice thereof required.All angelshadbeen crusheddown tohellforever,hadthatcursebeenlaiduponthemforoursins,whichwaslaid upon Jesus Christ; but it was laid upon him, and he bare it; andansweredthepenalty,andredeemedhispeoplefromunderit,withthatsatisfactiontoDivinejusticethatGodhimselfdothnowproclaim,Thatheisfaithfulandjusttoforgiveus,ifbyfaithweshallventuretoJesus,andtrusttowhathehasdoneforlife(Rom3:24-26;John1:4).(2)LifemustbebyJesusChrist,thatGodmightbeadoredandmagnified,forfindingout this way. This is the Lord’s doings, that in all things he might beglorified throughJesusChristourLord. (3) ItmustbebyJesusChrist,thatlifemightbeatGod’sdispose,whohathgreatpityforthepoor,thelowly,themeek,thebrokeninheart,andforthemthatotherscarenotfor(Psa34:6;138:6;25;51:17;147:3). (4)Lifemustbe inChrist, to cutoffboastingfromthelipsofmen.Thisalsoistheapostle’sreasoninRomans3:19,27(Eph2:8-10).

2.LifemustbeinJesusChristwithrespecttous.

(1)Thatwemighthaveitupontheeasiestterms,towit,freely:asagift,notaswages.WasitinMoses’hand,weshouldcomehardlyatit.Wasitinthepope’shand,weshouldpaysoundlyforit.ButthanksbetoGod,itis inChrist, laidup inhim,andbyhim tobe communicated to sinnersupon easy terms, even for receiving, accepting, and embracing with

thanksgiving;astheScripturesplainlydeclare(John1:11,12;2Cor11:4;Heb11:13;Col3:13-15).(2)LifeisinChristFORUS,thatitmightnotbeupon so brittle a foundation, as indeed it would had it been anywhereelse.Thelawitselfisweakbecauseofus,astothis.ButChristisatriedstone,asurefoundation,onethatwillnotfailtobearthyburden,andtoreceivethysoul,comingsinner.(3)LifeisinChrist,thatitmightbesuretoalltheseed.Alas!thebestofus,waslifeleftinourhand,tobesureweshouldforfeitit,over,andover,andover;or,wasitinanyotherhand,weshould, by our often backslidings, so offend him, that at last hewouldshutuphisbowelsineverlastingdispleasureagainstus.ButnowitisinChrist, it is with one that can pity, pray for, pardon, yea, multiplypardons; it iswithonethatcanhavecompassionuponus,whenweareoutoftheway;withonethathathanhearttofetchusagain,whenwearegone astray; with one that can pardon without upbraiding. Blessed beGod,thatlifeisinChrist!Fornowitissuretoalltheseed.But,

Fourth,ThisdoctrineofcomingtoJesusChristforlifeinformsusoftheevilofunbelief; thatwicked thing that is theonlyor chiefhindrance tothecomingsinner.Doththetextsay,“Come?”Dothitsay,“andhimthatcomethtomeIwill innowisecastout?”Thenwhatanevil is that thatkeepethsinnersfromcomingtoJesusChrist!Andthatevilisunbelief:forbyfaithwecome;byunbeliefwekeepaway.ThereforeitissaidtobethatbywhichasoulissaidtodepartfromGod;becauseitwasthatwhichatfirstcausedtheworldtogoofffromhim,andthatalsothatkeepsthemfromhim to this day.And it doth it themore easily, because it doth itwithawile.

[Of the Sin ofUnbelief] - This sinmay be called thewhite devil, for itoftentimes, in itsmischievous doings in the soul, shows as if itwas anangeloflight:yea,itactethlikeacounsellorofheaven.Thereforealittletodiscourseofthisevildisease.

1. It is that sin, above all others, that hath some show of reason in itsattempts. For it keeps the soul from Christ by pretending its presentunfitness and unpreparedness; as want of more sense of sin, want ofmorerepentance,wantofmorehumility,wantofamorebrokenheart.

2.Itisthesinthatmostsuitethwiththeconscience:theconscienceofthe

coming sinner tells him that he hath nothing good; that he standsinditeablefortenthousandtalents;thatheisaveryignorant,blind,andhard- hearted sinner, unworthy to be once taken notice of by JesusChrist. And will you, says Unbelief, in such a case as you now are,presumetocometoJesusChrist?

3. It is the sin thatmost suitethwith our sense of feeling. The comingsinnerfeelstheworkingsofsin,ofallmannerofsinandwretchednessinhis flesh; he also feels thewrath and judgment ofGod due to sin, andofttimesstaggersunderit.Now,saysUnbelief,youmayseeyouhavenograce; for thatwhichworks inyou iscorruption.YoumayalsoperceivethatGoddothnot loveyou,becausethesenseofhiswrathabidesuponyou.Therefore,howcanyoubearthefacetocometoJesusChrist?

4.Itisthatsin,aboveallothers,thatmostsuitethwiththewisdomofourflesh. Thewisdom of our flesh thinks it prudent to question awhile, tostandbackawhile, tohearken toboth sidesawhile; andnot tobe rash,sudden, or unadvised, in too bold a presumingupon JesusChrist.Andthiswisdomunbelieffallsinwith.

5.Itisthatsin,aboveallother,thatcontinuallyiswhisperingthesoulintheearwithmistrustsof the faithfulnessofGod, inkeepingpromise tothem that come to JesusChrist for life. It also suggestsmistrust aboutChrist’swillingness to receive it, and save it.Andno sin cando thissoartificiallyasunbelief.

6.Itisalsothatsinwhichisalwaysathandtoenteranobjectionagainstthisorthatpromise thatby theSpiritofGod isbrought toourheart tocomfort us; and if thepoor coming sinner is not aware of it, itwill, bysomeevasion,slight, trick,orcavil,quicklywrest fromhimthepromiseagain,andheshallhavebutlittlebenefitofit.

7.Itisthat,aboveallothersins,thatweaknessourprayers,ourfaith,ourlove,ourdiligence,ourhope,andexpectations: it even taketh theheartawayfromGodinduty.

8.Lastly,Thissin,asIhavesaidevennow,itappearethinthesoulwithso many sweet pretences to safety and security, that it is, as it were,

counsel sent from heaven; bidding the soul bewise, wary, considerate,well-advised,andtotakeheedof toorashaventureuponbelieving.Besure, first, that God loves you; take hold of no promise until you areforcedbyGoduntoit;neitherbeyousureofyoursalvation;doubtitstill,thoughthetestimonyoftheLordhasbeenoftenconfirmedinyou.Livenotby faith,butby sense; andwhenyou canneither seenor feel, thenfear and mistrust, then doubt and question all. This is the devilishcounselofunbelief,whichissocoveredoverwithspeciouspretences,thatthewisestChristiancanhardlyshakeoffthesereasonings.

[Qualitiesofunbeliefasopposedtofaith]-Buttobebrief.Letmeheregivethee,Christianreader,amoreparticulardescriptionofthequalitiesofunbelief,byopposingfaithuntoit,inthesetwenty-fiveparticulars:-

1.FaithbelieveththeWordofGod;butunbeliefquestioneththecertaintyofthesame(Psa106:24).

2. Faith believeth the Word, because it is true; but unbelief doubteththereof,becauseitistrue(1Tim4:3;John8:45).

3.FaithseesmoreinapromiseofGodtohelp,thaninallotherthingstohinder; but unbelief, notwithstanding God’s promise, saith, How canthesethingsbe?(Rom4:19-21;2Kings7:2;John3:11,12).

4. Faith will make thee see love in the heart of Christ, when with hismouthhe giveth reproofs; but unbeliefwill imaginewrath in his heart,whenwithhismouthandWordhesaithhelovesus(Matt15:22,28;Num13;2Chron14:3).

5.Faithwillhelpthesoultowait,thoughGoddeferstogive;butunbeliefwilltakehuffandthrowupall, ifGodmakesanytarrying(Psa25:5;Isa8:17;2Kings6:33;Psa106:13,14).

6.Faithwillgivecomfortinthemidstoffears;butunbeliefcausethfearsinthemidstofcomfort(2Chron20:20,21;Matt8:26;Luke24:26,27).

7. Faithwill suck sweetness out of God’s rod; but unbelief can find nocomfortinhisgreatestmercies(Psa23:4;Num21).

8. Faith maketh great burdens light; but unbelief maketh light onesintolerablyheavy(2Cor4:1;14-18;Mal1:12,13).

9.Faithhelpethuswhenwearedown;butunbeliefthrowsusdownwhenweareup(Micah7:8-10;Heb4:11).

10.FaithbringethusneartoGodwhenwearefarfromhim;butunbeliefputsusfarfromGodwhenweareneartohim(Heb10:22;3:12,13).

11. Where faith reigns, it declareth men to be the friends of God; butwhere unbelief reigns, it declareth them to be his enemies (John 3:23;Heb3:18;Rev21:8).

12. Faith putteth a man under grace; but unbelief holdeth him underwrath(Rom3:24-26;14:6;Eph2:8;John3:36;1John5:10;Heb3:17;Mark16:16).

13.Faithpurifieththeheart;butunbeliefkeepethitpollutedandimpure(Acts15:9;Titus1:15,16).

14.Byfaith,therighteousnessofChristisimputedtous;butbyunbelief,weareshutupunderthelawtoperish(Rom4:23,24;11:32;Gal3:23).

15. Faith maketh our work acceptable to God through Christ; butwhatsoeverisofunbeliefissin.Forwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleasehim(Heb11:4;Rom14:23;Heb6:6).

16.Faithgivethuspeaceandcomfortinoursouls;butunbeliefworkethtroubleand tossings, like therestlesswavesof thesea (Rom5:1;James1:6).

17. Faithmaketh us to see preciousness in Christ; but unbelief sees noform,beauty,orcomelinessinhim(1Peter2:7;Isa53:2,3).

18.ByfaithwehaveourlifeinChrist’sfullness;butbyunbeliefwestarveandpineaway(Gal2:20).

19.Faith givesus the victory over the law, sin, death, thedevil, and allevils; but unbelief layeth us obnoxious to them all (1 John 5:4,5; Luke

12:46).

20.Faithwillshowusmoreexcellency inthingsnotseen,thaninthemthat are; but unbelief seesmore in things that are seen, than in thingsthatwillbehereafter;.(2Cor4:18;Heb11:24-27;1Cor15:32).

21. Faithmakes the ways of God pleasant and admirable; but unbeliefmakesthemheavyandhard(Gal5:6;1Cor12:10,11;John6:60;Psa2:3).

22.By faithAbraham, Isaac, and Jacob possessed the land of promise;butbecauseofunbelief,neitherAaron,norMoses,norMiriamcouldgetthither(Heb11:9;3:19).

23. By faith the children of Israel passed through the Red Sea; but byunbelief the generality of them perished in the wilderness (Heb 11:29;Jude5).

24.ByfaithGideondidmorewiththreehundredmen,andafewemptypitchers, than all the twelve tribes could do, because they believed notGod(Judg7:16-22;Num14:11,14).

25.ByfaithPeterwalkedonthewater;butbyunbeliefhebegantosink(Matt14:28-30).

Thus might many more be added, which, for brevity’s sake, I omit;beseechingeveryonethatthinkethhehathasoultosave,orbedamned,totakeheedofunbelief;lest,seeingthereisapromiseleftusofenteringintohisrest,anyofusbyunbeliefshouldindeedcomeshortofit.

USESECOND-Theseconduse-AUSEOFEXAMINATION

We come now to a use of examination. Sinner, thou hast heard of thenecessityofcomingtoChrist;alsoofthewillingnessofChristtoreceivethecomingsoul;togetherwiththebenefitthattheybyhimshallhavethatindeed come to him. Put thyself now upon this serious inquiry, Am IindeedcometoJesusChrist?

MotivesplentyImighthereurge,toprevailwiththeetoaconscientiousperformanceofthisduty.As,1.Thouartinsin,intheflesh,indeath, in

the snare of the devil, and under the curse of the law, if you are notcomingtoJesusChrist.2.Thereisnowaytobedeliveredfromthese,butby coming to Jesus Christ. 3. If thou comest, Jesus Christ will receivethee,andwillinnowisecasttheeout.4.Thouwiltnotrepentitinthedayof judgment, ifnowthoucomesttoJesusChrist.5.Butthouwiltsurelymournatlast,ifnowthoushaltrefusetocome.6.Andlastly,Nowthouhast been invited to come; now will thy judgment be greater, and thydamnationmorefearful,ifthoushaltyetrefuse,thanifthouhadstneverheardofcomingtoChrist.

Object.ButwehopewearecometoJesusChrist.

Ans.Itiswellifitprovesso.Butlestthoushouldstspeakwithoutground,andsofallunawaresintohell-fire,letusexaminealittle.

First,ArtthouindeedcometoJesusChrist?Whathastthouleftbehindthee?Whatdidstthoucomeawayfrom,inthycomingtoJesusChrist?

WhenLotcameoutofSodom,helefttheSodomitesbehindhim(Gen19).When Abraham came out of Chaldea, he left his country and kindredbehindhim(Gen12;Acts7).WhenRuthcametoputhertrustunderthewingsoftheLordGodofIsrael,sheleftherfatherandmother,hergods,and the land of her nativity, behind her (Ruth 1:15- 17; 2:11,12).WhenPeter came to Christ, he left his nets behind him (Matt 4:20). WhenZaccheuscametoChrist,heleftthereceiptofcustombehindhim(Luke19).WhenPaulcametoChrist,helefthisownrighteousnessbehindhim(Phil3:7,8).WhenthosethatusedcuriousartscametoJesusChrist,theytooktheircuriousbooksandburnedthem;though,inanotherman’seye,theywerecountedworthfiftythousandpiecesofsilver(Acts19:18-20).

What sayest thou,man?Hast thou left thydarling sins, thySodomitishpleasures,thyacquaintanceandvaincompanions,thyunlawfulgain,thyidol-gods,thyrighteousness,andthyunlawfulcuriousarts,behindthee?If anyof thesebewith thee, and thouwith them, in thyheart and life,thouartnotyetcometoJesusChrist.

Second,ArtthoucometoJesusChrist?PritheetellmewhatmovedtheetocometoJesusChrist?

Mendonotusuallycomeorgo to thisor thatplace,before theyhaveamovingcause,orratheracausemovingthemthereto.NomoredotheycometoJesusChrist-Idonotsay,beforetheyhaveacause,but-beforethat causemoveth them to come.What sayest thou?Hast thoua causemoving thee to come? To be at present in a state of condemnation, iscausesufficientformentocometoJesusChristforlife.Butthatwillnotdo, except the causemove them; thewhich itwill never do, until theireyesbeopenedtoseethemselvesinthatcondition.Foritisnotaman’sbeingunderwrath,buthis seeing it, thatmovethhim tocome toJesusChrist.Alas!allmenbysinareunderwrath;yetbutfewofthatallcometo Jesus Christ. And the reason is, because they do not see theircondition.“Whohathwarnedyoutofleefromthewrathtocome?”(Matt3:7).Untilmenarewarned, andalso receive thewarning, theywillnotcometoJesusChrist.

Take threeor four instances for this.AdamandEve camenot to JesusChristuntiltheyreceivedthealarm,theconvictionoftheirundonestatebysin.(Gen3)ThechildrenofIsraelcriednotoutforamediatorbeforetheysawthemselvesindangerofdeathbythelaw(Exo20:18,19).Beforethe publican came, he saw himself lost and undone (Luke 18:13). Theprodigalcamenot,untilhesawdeathat thedoor, ready todevourhim(Luke15:17,18).Thethreethousandcamenot,untiltheyknewnotwhattodotobesaved(Acts2:37-39).Paulcamenot,untilhesawhimselflostandundone(Acts9:3-8,11).Lastly,Beforethejailercame,hesawhimselfundone(Acts16:29-31).AndItellthee,itisaneasierthingtopersuadeawellmantogotothephysicianforcure,oramanwithouthurttoseekforaplastertocurehim,thanitistopersuadeamanthatseesnothissoul-disease, to come to Jesus Christ. The whole have no need of thephysician;thenwhyshouldtheygotohim?Thefullpitchercanholdnomore;thenwhyshoulditgotothefountain?Andifthoucomestfull,thoucomestnotaright;andbesureChristwillsendtheeemptyaway.“Buthehealeth thebroken inheart, andbindethup theirwounds” (Mark 2:17;Psa147:3;Luke1:53).

Third,ArtthoucomingtoJesusChrist?Pritheetellme,Whatseestthouinhimtoalluretheetoforsakealltheworld,tocometohim?

I say,What hast thou seen in him?Menmust see something in Jesus

Christ,elsetheywillnotcometohim.1.Whatcomelinesshastthouseeninhisperson?thoucomestnot, if thouseestnoformnorcomeliness inhim(Isa53:1-3).2.Until thosementioned in theSongwereconvincedthattherewasmorebeauty,comeliness,anddesirablenessinChrist,thanintenthousand,theydidnotsomuchasaskwherehewas,norinclinetoturnasideafterhim(Song5,6).

Therebemanythingsonthissideheaventhatcananddocarryawaytheheart;andsowilldo, so longas thou livest, if thoushaltbekeptblind,andnotbeadmittedtoseethebeautyoftheLordJesus.

Fourth,ArtthoucometotheLordJesus?Whathastthoufoundinhim,sincethoucamesttohim?

Peterfoundwithhimthewordofeternallife(John6:68).TheythatPetermakesmentionof, foundhima livingstone,evensucha livingstoneascommunicated life to them (1 Peter 2:4,5). He saith himself, they thatcometohim,&c.,shallfindrestuntotheirsouls;hastthoufoundrestinhimforthysoul?(Matt11:28).

LetusgobacktothetimesoftheOldTestament.

1.AbrahamfoundTHATinhim,thatmadehimleavehiscountryforhim,andbecomeforhissakeapilgrimandstrangerintheearth(Gen12;Heb11).

2. Moses found THAT in him, that made him forsake a crown, and akingdomforhimtoo.

3.David foundsomuch inhim, thathecounted tobe inhishouseonedaywas better than a thousand; yea, to be a door- keeper thereinwasbetter,inhisesteem,thantodwellinthetentsofwickedness(Psa84:10).

4.WhatdidDanielandthethreechildrenfindinhim,tomakethemrunthehazardsofthefieryfurnace,andthedenoflions,forhissake?(Dan3,6).

Letuscomedowntomartyrs.

1.Stephenfoundthat inhimthatmadehimjoyful,andquietlyyielduphislifeforhisname(Acts7).

2.IgnatiusfoundthatinChristthatmadehimchoosetogothroughthetormentsofthedevil,andhellitself,ratherthannottohavehim.-Fox’sActsandMonuments,vol.1,p.52,Anno.111.Edit.1632.

3.What saw Romanus in Christ, when he said to the raging Emperor,whothreatenedhimwith fearful torments,Thy sentence,OEmperor, Ijoyfullyembrace,andrefusenottobesacrificedbyascrueltormentsasthoucanstinvent?-Fox,vol.1,p.116.

4.What sawMenas, theEgyptian, inChrist,whenhe said, undermostcrueltorments,Thereisnothinginmymindthatcanbecomparedtothekingdomofheaven;neitherisalltheworld,ifitwasweighedinabalance,tobepreferredwiththepriceofonesoul?Whoisabletoseparateusfromthe love of JesusChrist our Lord?And I have learned ofmy Lord andKingnottofearthemthatkillthebody,&c.P.117.

5.WhatdidEulaliaseeinChrist,whenshesaid,astheywerepullingherone joint from another, Behold, O Lord, I will not forget thee.What apleasureitisforthem,OChrist!thatrememberthytriumphantvictory?P.121.

6.WhatthinkyoudidAgnesseeinChrist,whenrejoicinglyshewenttomeetthesoldierthatwasappointedtobeherexecutioner.Iwillwillingly,saidshe,receiveintomypapsthelengthofthissword,andintomybreastwilldrawtheforcethereof,eventothehilts;thatthusI,beingmarriedtoChrist my spouse, may surmount and escape all the darkness of thisworld?P.122.

7.What do you think did Julitta see in Christ, when, at the Emperor’stellingofher,thatexceptshewouldworshipthegods,sheshouldneverhave protection, laws, judgments, nor life, she replied, Farewell life,welcomedeath;farewellriches,welcomepoverty:allthatIhave,ifitwereathousandtimesmore,wouldIratherlose,thantospeakonewickedandblasphemouswordagainstmyCreator?P.123.

8.WhatdidMarcusArethusiusseeinChrist,whenafterhisenemieshadcuthisflesh,anointeditwithhoney,andhangedhimupinabasketforflies and bees to feed on, he would not give, to uphold idolatry, onehalfpennytosavehislife?P.128.

9.WhatdidConstantineseeinChrist,whenheusedtokissthewoundsofthemthatsufferedforhim?P.135.

10.ButwhatneedIgive thusparticular instancesofwordsandsmalleractions,when by their lives, their blood, their enduring hunger, sword,fire,pullingasunder,andalltormentsthatthedevilandhellcoulddevise,forthelovetheybaretoChrist,aftertheywerecometohim?

WhathastTHOUfoundinhim,sinner?

What!cometoChrist,andfindnothinginhim!-whenallthingsthatareworth lookingafterare inhim!-or ifanything,yetnotenoughtoweantheefromthysinfuldelights,andfleshlylusts!Away,away,thouartnotcomingtoJesusChrist.

HethathascometoJesusChrist,hathfoundinhim,that,asIsaid,thatisnottobefoundanywhereelse.As,

1.HethatiscometoChristhathfoundGodinhimreconcilingtheworlduntohimself,notimputingtheirtrespassestothem.AndsoGodisnottobefoundinheavenandearthbesides(2Cor5:19,20).

2.HethatiscometoJesusChristhathfoundinhimafountainofgrace,sufficient,notonlytopardonsin,buttosanctifythesoul,andtopreserveitfromfalling,inthisevilworld.

3.HethatiscometoJesusChristhathfoundvirtueinhim;THATvirtue,thatifhedoesbuttouchtheewithhisWord,orthouhimbyfaith,lifeisforthwithconveyedintothysoul.Itmakestheewakeasonethatiswakedoutofhissleep;itawakesallthepowersofthesoul(Psa30:11,12;Song6:12).

4.ArtthoucometoJesusChrist?Thouhastfoundgloryinhim,glorythatsurmounts and goes beyond. “Thou art more glorious - than the

mountainsofprey”(Psa76:4).

5.What shall I say? Thou hast found righteousness in him; thou hastfoundrest,peace,delight,heaven,glory,andeternallife.

Sinner, be advised; ask thy heart again, saying, Am I come to JesusChrist? For upon this one question, Am I come, or, am I not? hangsheavenandhellas to thee. If thoucanstsay, Iamcome,andGodshallapprove thatsaying,happy,happy,happymanart thou!But if thouartnot come, what can make thee happy? yea, what can make that manhappythat,forhisnotcomingtoJesusChristforlife,mustbedamnedinhell?

USETHIRD-Thethirduse-AUSEOFENCOURAGEMENT

Comingsinner,Ihavenowawordforthee;beofgoodcomfort,“Hewillin nowise cast out.” Of all men, thou art the blessed of the Lord; theFatherhathpreparedhisSontobeasacrificeforthee,andJesusChrist,thyLord, isgonetoprepareaplace for thee(John1:29;Heb10).WhatshallIsaytothee?

[First,]ThoucomesttoaFULLChrist;thoucanstnotwantanythingforsoulorbody, forthisworldor that tocome,but it is tobehad inorbyJesusChrist.AsitissaidofthelandthattheDaniteswenttopossess,so,andwithmuchmore truth, itmay be said of Christ; he is such an onewithwhomthereisnowantofanygoodthingthatisinheavenorearth.AfullChrististhyChrist.

1.Heisfullofgrace.Graceissometimestakenforlove;neveranylovedlikeJesusChrist.Jonathan’slovewentbeyondtheloveofwomen;buttheloveofChristpassesknowledge.Itisbeyondtheloveofalltheearth,ofallcreatures,evenofmenandangels.Hisloveprevailedwithhimtolayasidehisglory,toleavetheheavenlyplace,toclothehimselfwithflesh,tobeborninastable,tobelaidinamanger,toliveapoorlifeintheworld,to takeuponhimour sicknesses, infirmities, sins, curse,death,andthewraththatwasduetoman.Andall thishedid forabase,undeserving,unthankful people; yea, for a people thatwas at enmitywithhim. “Forwhen we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the

ungodly.Forscarcelyforarighteousmanwillonedie;yetperadventureforagoodmansomewouldevendaretodie.ButGodcommendethhislovetowardus,inthatwhilewewereyetsinners,Christdiedforus.Muchmore, then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved fromwraththroughhim.Forif,whenwewereenemies,wewerereconciledtoGodby thedeathofhis Son,muchmore, being reconciled,we shall besavedbyhislife”(Rom5:6-10).

2.Heisfulloftruth.Fullofgraceandtruth.Truth,thatis,faithfulnessinkeepingpromise, even thisof the text,with all other, “Iwill innowisecastout”(John14:6).Henceitissaid,thathiswordsbetrue,andthatheis the faithfulGod, thatkeepeth covenant.Andhence it is also thathispromisesarecalledtruth:“ThouwiltfulfilthytruthuntoJacob,andthymercyuntoAbraham,whichthouhastswornuntoour fathers fromthedaysofold.”Therefore it issaidagain, thatbothhimselfandwordsaretruth:“Iamthetruth, theScriptureof truth”(Dan10:21). “Thyword istruth,” (John 17:17; 2 Sam 7:28); “thy law is truth,” (Psa 119:142); and“mymouth,”saithhe,“shallspeaktruth,”(Prov8:7);seealsoEcclesiastes12:10,Isaiah25:1,Malachi2:6,Acts26:25,2Timothy2:12,13.Now,Isay,his word is truth, and he is full of truth to fulfil his truth, even to athousand generations. Coming sinner, he will not deceive thee; comeboldlytoJesusChrist.

3.He is fullofwisdom.He ismadeuntousofGodwisdom;wisdomtomanage the affairs of his church in general, and the affairs of everycomingsinnerinparticular.Anduponthisaccountheissaidtobe“headoverallthings,”(1Cor1;Eph1),becausehemanagesallthingsthatareintheworldbyhiswisdom,forthegoodofhischurch;allmen’sactions,allSatan’s temptations, all God’s providences, all crosses, anddisappointments;allthingswhateverareunderthehandofChrist-whoisthewisdomofGod-andheordereththemallforgoodtohischurch.AndcanChristhelpit-andbesurehecan-nothingshallhappenorfallout in the world, but it shall, in despite of all opposition, have a goodtendencytohischurchandpeople.

4.HeisfulloftheSpirit,tocommunicateittothecomingsinner;hehaththerefore received it without measure, that he may communicate it toeverymemberofhisbody,accordingaseveryman’smeasure thereof is

allottedhimbytheFather.Whereforehesaith,thathethatcomestohim,“Outofhisbellyshallflowriversoflivingwater”(John3:34;Titus3:5,6;Acts2;John7:33-39).

5.He is indeed a storehouse full of all the graces of the Spirit. “Of hisfullness have allwe received, and grace for grace” (John 1:16).Here ismore faith, more love, more sincerity, more humility, more of everygrace; andof this, evenmore of this, he giveth to every lowly, humble,penitent coming sinner.Wherefore, coming soul, thou comest not to abarrenwildernesswhenthoucomesttoJesusChrist.

6.Heisfullofbowelsandcompassion:andtheyshallfeelandfinditsothatcometohimfor life.Hecanbearwith thyweaknesses,hecanpitythy ignorance, he can be touchedwith the feeling of thy infirmities, hecan affectionately forgive they transgressions, he can heal thybackslidings,andlovetheefreely.Hiscompassionsfailnot;“andhewillnotbreakabruisedreed,norquenchthesmokingflax;hecanpitythemthatnoeyepities,andbeafflictedinallthyafflictions”(Matt26:41;Heb5:2;2:18;Matt9:2;Hosea 14:4;Eze 16:5,6; Isa63:9;Psa78:38; 86:15;111:4;112:4;Lam3:22;Isa42:3).

7. Coming soul, the Jesus that thou art coming to, is full ofmight andterribleness for thy advantage; he can suppress all thine enemies; he isthePrinceofthekingsoftheearth;hecanbowallmen’sdesignsforthyhelp;hecanbreakallsnareslaidfortheeintheway;hecanlifttheeoutof all difficulties wherewith thou mayest be surrounded; he is wise inheart,andmightyinpower.Everylifeunderheavenis inhishand;yea,the fallen angels tremble before him. And hewill save thy life, comingsinner (1Cor 1:24;Rom8:28;Matt28:18;Rev4;Psa 19:3;27:5,6;Job9:4;John17:2;Matt8:29;Luke8:28;James2:19).

8.Comingsinner,theJesustowhomthouartcomingislowlyinheart,hedespiseth not any. It is not thy outward meanness, nor thy inwardweakness;itisnotbecausethouartpoor,orbase,ordeformed,orafool,that he will despise thee: he hath chosen the foolish, the base, anddespisedthingsof thisworld, toconfoundthewiseandmighty.Hewillbowhiseartothystammeringprayershewillpickoutthemeaningofthyinexpressiblegroans;hewillrespectthyweakestoffering,iftherebeinit

but thy heart (Matt 11:20; Luke 14:21; Prov 9:4- 6; Isa 38:14,15; Song5:15;John4:27;Mark12:33,34;James5:11).Now, isnot this ablessedChrist, coming sinner? Art thou not like to fare well, when thou hastembracedhim,comingsinner?But,

Second. Thou hast yet another advantage by Jesus Christ, thou artcoming tohim, forhe isnotonly full,BUTFREE.He isnot sparingofwhat he has; he is open- hearted and open- handed. Let me in a fewparticularsshowtheethis:

1.Thisisevident,becausehecallsthee;hecallsupontheetocomeuntohim;thewhichhewouldnotdo,washenotfreetogive;yea,hebidsthee,whencome,ask,seek,knock.Andforthyencouragement,addstoeverycommand a promise, “Seek, and ye shall find; ask, and ye shall have;knock,anditshallbeopeneduntoyou.”Iftherichmanshouldsaythustothepoor,wouldnothebereckonedafree-heartedman?Isay,shouldhesaytothepoor,Cometomydoor,askatmydoor,knockatmydoor,andyoushallfindandhave;wouldhenotbecountedliberal?Why,thusdothJesusChrist.Mindit,comingsinner(Isa55:3;Psa50:15;Matt7:7-9).

2.Hedothnotonlybidtheecome,buttellsthee,hewillheartilydotheegood; yea, he will do it with rejoicing; “I will rejoice over them, to dothemgood-withmywholeheart,andwithmywholesoul”(Jer32:41).

3. It appeareth that he is free, because he givethwithout twitting. “Hegiveth to allmen liberally, andupbraidethnot” (James 1, 5).There aresomethatwillnotdenytodothepoorapleasure,buttheywillmixtheirmercieswithsomanytwits,thatthepersonsonwhomtheybestowtheircharity shall find but little sweetness in it. But Christ doth not do so,comingsinner;hecastethallthineiniquitiesbehindhisback(Isa38:17).Thysinsandiniquitieshewillremembernomore(Heb8:12).

4.ThatChristisfree,ismanifestbythecomplaintsthathemakesagainstthemthatwillnotcometohimformercy.Isay,hecomplains,saying,“OJerusalem, Jerusalem! how often would I have gathered thy childrentogether,evenasahengatherethherchickensunderherwings,andyewouldnot!”(Matt23:37).Isay,hespeaksitbywayofcomplaint.Hesaith

also inanotherplace,“But thouhastnotcalleduponme,OJacob” (Isa43:22).Comingsinner,seeherethewillingnessofChristtosave;seeherehowfreehe is tocommunicate life,andallgoodthings, tosuchasthouart.Hecomplains,ifthoucomestnot;heisdispleased,ifthoucallestnotuponhim.Hark,comingsinner,onceagain;whenJerusalemwouldnotcometohimforsafeguard,“hebeheldthecity,andweptoverit,saying,Ifthouhadst known, even thou, at least in this thyday, the thingswhichbelong unto thy peace; but now they are hid from thine eyes” (Luke19:41,42).

5.Lastly,Heisopenandfree-heartedtodotheegood,asisseenbythejoy and rejoicing that he manifesteth at the coming home of poorprodigals. He receives the lost sheep with rejoicing; the lost goat withrejoicing;yea,when theprodigalcamehome,what joyandmirth,whatmusicanddancing,wasinhisfather’shouse!(Luke15).

Third.Comingsinner,Iwilladdanotherencouragementforthyhelp.

1.Godhathpreparedamercy-seat,athroneofgracetositon;thatthoumayestcomethithertohim,andthathemayfromthencehearthee,andreceive thee. “I will commune with thee,” saith he, “from above themercy-seat”(Exo25:22).Aswhoshallsay,sinner,Whenthoucomesttome, thou shalt findme upon themercy- seat, where also I am alwaysfoundoftheundonecomingsinner.ThitherIbringmypardons;thereIhearandreceivetheirpetitions,andacceptthemtomyfavour.

2.Godhathalsopreparedagoldenaltarfortheetoofferthyprayersandtears upon. A golden altar! It is called a “golden altar,” to show whatworthit isof inGod’saccount: forthisgoldenaltar isJesusChrist; thisaltar sanctifies thy gift, and makes thy sacrifice acceptable. This altar,then,makes thy groans golden groans; thy tears golden tears; and thyprayers golden prayers, in the eye of that God thou comest to, comingsinner(Rev8;Matt23:19;Heb10:10;1Peter2:5).

3.Godhathstrewedalltheway,fromthegateofhell,wherethouwast,tothegateofheaven,whither thouart going,with flowersoutofhis owngarden.Beholdhowthepromises,invitations,calls,andencouragements,likelilies,lieroundaboutthee!takeheedthatthoudostnottreadthem

underfoot,sinner.Withpromises,didIsay?Yea,hehathmixedallthosewith his own name, his Son’s name; also, with the name of mercy,goodness, compassion, love, pity, grace, forgiveness, pardon, and whatnot,thatmayencouragethecomingsinner.

4.Hehathalso for thyencouragement laidupthenames,andset forththe sins, of those that have been saved. In this book they are fairlywritten, that thou, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures,mightest havehope. (1) In this book is recordedNoah’smaimand sin;andhowGodhadmercyuponhim.(2)InthisrecordisfairlywrittenthenameofLot,andthenatureofhissin;andhowtheLordhadmercyuponhim.(3)InthisrecordthouhastalsofairlywrittenthenamesofMoses,Aaron,Gideon,Samson,David,Solomon,Peter,Paul,withthenatureoftheirsins;andhowGodhadmercyuponthem;andalltoencouragethee,comingsinner.

Fourth.IwilladdyetanotherencouragementforthemanthatiscomingtoJesusChrist.Artthoucoming?Artthoucoming,indeed?Why,

1.ThenthisthycomingisbyvirtueofGod’scall.Thouartcalled.Callinggoesbeforecoming.Comingisnotofworks,butofhimthatcalleth.“Hegoethupintoamountain,andcallethuntohimwhomhewould;andtheycameuntohim”(Mark3:13).

2.Artthoucoming?Thisisalsobyvirtueofillumination.Godhasmadetheesee;and,therefore,thouartcoming.Solongasthouwastdarkness,thoulovedstdarkness,andcouldstnotabidetocome,becausethydeedswere evil; but being now illuminated andmade to seewhat andwherethouart,andalsowhatandwherethySaviouris,nowthouartcomingtoJesusChrist;“Blessedartthou,SimonBarjona:forfleshandbloodhathnot revealed it unto thee,” saith Christ, “but my Father which is inheaven”(Matt16:17).

3. Art thou coming? This is because God hath inclined thine heart tocome.Godhath called thee, illuminated thee, and inclined thyheart tocome;and,therefore,thoucomesttoJesusChrist.ItisGodthatworkethintheetowill,andtocometoJesusChrist.Comingsinner,blessGodforthathehathgiventheeawilltocometoJesusChrist.Itisasignthatthou

belongesttoJesusChrist,becauseGodhasmadetheewillingtocometohim(Psa110:3).BlessGodforslayingtheenmityofthymind;hadhenotdoneit,thouwouldstasyethavehatedthineownsalvation.

4. Art thou coming to Jesus Christ? It is God that giveth thee power:powertopursuethywillinthemattersofthysalvation,isthegiftofGod.“It isGodwhichworkethinyoubothtowillandtodo”(Phil2:13).Notthat God worketh will to come, where he gives no power; but thoushouldesttakenotice,thatpowerisanadditionalmercy.Thechurchsawthatwillandpowerweretwothings,whenshecried,“Drawme,wewillrunafterthee”(Song1:4).AndsodidDavidtoo,whenhesaid,“Iwillrunthewayof thycommandments,whenthoushaltenlargemyheart”(Psa119:32). Will to come, and power to pursue thy will, is double mercy,comingsinner.

5.Allthystrange,passionate,suddenrushingsforwardafterJesusChrist,coming sinners know what I mean, they also are thy helps from God.Perhapsthoufeelestatsometimesmorethanatothers,strongstirringsupofhearttoflytoJesusChrist;nowthouhastatthistimeasweetandstiffgaleof theSpiritofGod, filling thysailswith the freshgalesofhisgoodSpirit;andthouridestatthosetimesasuponthewingsofthewind,beingcarriedoutbeyondthyself,beyondthemostofthyprayers,andalsoaboveallthyfearandtemptations.

6.Comingsinner,hastthounotnowandthenakissofthesweetlipsofJesus Christ, I mean some blessed word dropping like a honey- combuponthysoultorevivethee,whenthouartinthemidstofthydumps?

7.DoesnotJesusChristsometimesgivetheeaglimpseofhimself,thoughperhapsthouseesthimnotsolongatimeaswhileonemaytelltwenty.

8. Hast thou not sometimes as it were the very warmth of his wingsovershadowingthefaceofthysoul,thatgivestheeasitwereagloaduponthy spirit, as the bright beams of the sun do upon thy body, when itsuddenlybreaksoutofacloud,thoughpresentlyallisgoneaway?Well,all these things are the good hand of thyGod upon thee, and they areupontheetoconstrain,toprovoke,andtomaketheewillingandabletocome,comingsinner,thatthoumightestintheendbesaved.