TheAcceptableSacrifice

ORTHEEXCELLENCYOFABROKENHEART

SHOWINGTHENATURE,SIGNS,ANDPROPEREFFECTSOFACONTRITESPIRIT

BEINGTHELASTWORKSOFTHATEMINENTPREACHERANDFAITHFULMINISTEROFJESUSCHRIST

byJohnBunyan,ofBedford

TableofContents

ADVERTISEMENTBYTHEEDITOR

APREFACETOTHEREADER

THESACRIFICESOFGODAREABROKENSPIRIT

I.THETEXTOPENEDINTHEMANYWORKINGSOFTHEHEART

II. THE DOCTRINE, ASSERTION, DEMONSTRATION, ANDCONCLUSION,THATABROKENANDTRULYCONTRITEHEART ISANEXCELLENTHEART

III.WHATABROKENHEART,ANDWHATACONTRITESPIRITIS

IV.THENECESSITYTHEREISTHATTHEHEARTMUSTBEBROKEN

V. THE REASONSWHY A BROKENHEART IS ESTEEMED BY GODSUCHANEXCELLENTTHING

VI. ADVANTAGES THAT A CHRISTIAN GETS BY KEEPING HIS

HEARTTENDER

Howtokeepthehearttender

VII.THEUSE

VIII.OBJECTIONSANSWERED

ADVERTISEMENTBYTHEEDITOR

Theveryexcellentprefacetothistreatise,writtenbyGeorgeCokayn,willinform the reader of themelancholy circumstances underwhich itwaspublished, and of the author's intention, andmode of treatment. Verylittlemoreneedbe said, bywayof introducing to our readers thisneweditionofBunyan'sExcellencyofaBrokenHeart.GeorgeCokaynwasagospelminister in London, who became eventually connected with theIndependent denomination. He was a learnedman—brought up at theuniversity—had preached before theHouse of Commons—was chaplainto that eminent statesman and historian,Whitelocke—was rector of St.Pancras, SoperLane-remarkable for the consistencyofhis conduct andpiety of his life—but as he dared not to violate his conscience, byconformity to ceremonies or creeds which he deemed antichristian, hesuffered under persecution, and, with upwards of two thousand godlyministers,wasejectedfromhisliving,andthrownuponthecareofDivineProvidencefordailyfood.Thelaworderedhimtobesilent,andnottosetforththegloriesofhisSaviour;buthisheavenlyFatherhadordainedhimtopreach.Therewasnohesitationastowhomhewouldobey.Attheriskof imprisonment, transportation, and death, he preached; and Godhonoured his ministry, and he became the founder of a flourishingchurchinHareCourt,London.HisprefacebearsthedateofSeptember,1688;and,atagoodoldage,hefollowedBunyantothecelestialcity,in1689. It is painful to find the author's Baptist friends keeping aloofbecauseofhisliberalsentiments;butitisdelightfultowitnessthehearty

affectionwithwhichanIndependentministerrecommendstheworkofaBaptist;andtrulyrefreshingtohearsolearnedamancommendingmostearnestly the work of a poor, unlettered, but gigantic brother in theministry.Surelythereiswaterenoughconnectedwiththatcontroversytoquenchanyunholy fire thatdifferencesofopinionmight ignite.GeorgeCokayn appears to have possessed much a kindred spirit with JohnBunyan.SomeofhisexpressionsareremarkablyBunyanish.Thus,whenspeakingofthejailor, 'whowasamostbarbarous,hard-heartedwretch;yet,whenGodcametodealwithhim,hewassoontamed,andhisheartbecame exceeding soft and tender.' And when alluding to the Lord'svoice, in softening the sinner's heart, he says: 'This is a glorious workindeed,thatheartsofstoneshouldbedissolvedandmeltedintowatersofgodlysorrow,workingrepentance.'

The subject of a broken heart is one of vital importance, because it isessentialtosalvation.Theheart,bynature,ishard,andcannot,andwillnotbreak itself.Angelshavenopowertoperformthismiracleofmercyandofjustice.ItistheworkoftheHolySpiritintheNEWBIRTH.Somehave supposed thatGodalwaysprepares theheart for this solemn, thisimportant change, by a stroke of his providence; but it is not so.WhodareslimittheAlmighty?Hetakeshisownwaywiththesinner—onebyawhisper,anotherbyahurricane.Somearefirstalarmedbythepreachingof theWord—many by conversation with a pious friend or neighbour;somebystrokesofProvidence—butallareledtoaprayerfulsearchingoftheholyoracles,until there,by theenlightening influenceof theSpirit,theyfindconsolation.Thegreatquestionis,notastothemeans,butthefact—HaveIbeenbornagain?HaveIbeengraftedintoChrist?DoIbringforththefruitsofgodlinessinmourningovermysins,and,ingoodwordsand works, am I a living epistle known and read of all—men, angels,devils—andoftheOmniscientGod?Thesearetheall-importantinquirieswhich, I trust, will deeply influence every reader. Let two of Bunyan'sremarksmake an indelible impression on everymind: 'God will breakALL hearts for sin, either here to repentance and happiness, or in theworldtocometocondemnationandmisery.''Considerthoumustdiebutonce;Imeanbutonceastothisworld,forifthou,whenthougoesthence,dostnotdiewell,thoucanstnotcomebackagainanddiebetter.'Mayourspiritsbebaptizedintothesesolemntruths,andourbrokenheartsbean

acceptablesacrificetoGod.

GEO.OFFOR.

APREFACETOTHEREADER

Theauthoroftheensuingdiscourse—nowwithGod,reapingthefruitofall his labour, diligence, and success, in his Master's service—didexperience inhimself, through thegraceofGod, thenature, excellency,and comfort of a truly broken and contrite spirit. So that what is herewrittenisbutatranscriptoutofhisownheart:forGod—whohadmuchwork forhimtodo—wasstillhewingandhammeringhimbyhisWord,andsometimesalsobymore thanordinary temptationsanddesertions.Thedesign,andalsotheissuethereof,throughGod'sgoodness,wasthehumblingandkeepingofhimlowinhisowneyes.Thetruthis,ashimselfsometimes acknowledged,he alwaysneeded the thorn in the flesh, andGodinmercysentithim,lest,underhisextraordinarycircumstances,heshould be exalted aboutmeasure; which perhaps was the evil that didmore easily beset him than any other. But the Lord was pleased tooverrule it, towork forhisgood,and tokeephim in thatbroken framewhichissoacceptableuntohim,andconcerningwhichitissaid,that'Hehealeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up theirwounds' (Psa 147:3).And, indeed, it is amost necessary qualification that should always befoundinthedisciplesofChrist,whoaremosteminent,andasstarsofthefirstmagnitudeinthefirmamentofthechurch.Disciples,inthehighestform of profession, need to be thus qualified in the exercise of everygrace, and the performance of every duty. It is that which God dothprincipally and more especially look after, in all our approaches andaccesses tohim. It is tohim thatGodwill look, andwithhimGodwilldwell, who is poor, and of a contrite spirit (Isa 57:15; 66:2). And thereason why God will manifest so much respect to one so qualified, isbecausehecarriesitsobecominglytowardshim.Hecomesandliesathisfeet, and discovers a quickness of sense, and apprehensiveness of

whatevermaybedishonourableanddistastefultoGod(Psa38:4).Andifthe Lord doth at any time but shake his rod over him, he comestrembling,andkisses therod,andsays, 'It is theLord; lethimdowhatseemethhimgood'(1Sam3:18).Heissensiblehehathsinnedandgoneastray like a lost sheep, and, therefore, will justify God in his severestproceedingsagainsthim.Thisbrokenheart isalsoapliableandflexibleheart, and prepared to receivewhatsoever impressionsGod shallmakeuponit,andisreadytobemouldedintoanyframethatshallbestpleasetheLord.Hesays,withSamuel, 'Speak,Lord,forthyservantheareth'(1Sam3:10).AndwithDavid,'Whenthousaidst,Seekyemyface;myheartsaiduntothee,Thyface,Lord,willIseek'(Psa27:8).AndsowithPaul,whotremblinglysaid,'Lord,whatwiltthouhavemetodo?'(Acts9:6).

Now, therefore, surely such a heart as this is must needs be verydelightful to God. He says to us, 'My son, give me thine heart' (Prov23:26).But,doubtless,hemeansthereabrokenheart:anunbrokenheartwemaykeeptoourselves;itisthebrokenheartwhichGodwillhaveustogivetohim;for,indeed,itisalltheamendsthatthebestofusarecapableofmaking,foralltheinjurywehavedonetoGodinsinningagainsthim.WearenotabletogivebettersatisfactionforbreakingGod's laws, thanbybreakingourownhearts;thisisallthatwecandoofthatkind;forthebloodofChristonlymustgivethedueandfullsatisfactiontothejusticeofGodforwhatprovocationsweareatanytimeguiltyof;butallthatwecando is to accompany the acknowledgmentswemakeofmiscarriageswithabrokenandcontritespirit.Thereforewefind,thatwhenDavidhadcommitted those two foul sinsof adulteryandmurder, againstGod,hesaw that all his sacrifices signifiednothing to the expiatingofhis guilt;therefore he brings toGod a broken heart,which carried in it the bestexpression of indignation against himself, as of the highest respect hecouldshowtoGod(2Cor7:11).

Thedayinwhichwelive,andthepresentcircumstanceswhichthepeopleof God and these nations are under, do loudly proclaim a very greatnecessityofbeing in thisbrokenand tender frame; forwhocan foreseewhatwillbetheissueoftheseviolentfermentationsthatareamongstus?Who knows what will become of the ark of God? Therefore it is aseasonabledutywitholdEli tosit trembling for it.Dowenotalsohear

thesoundofthetrumpet,thealarmofwars;andoughtwenot,withtheprophet,tocryout,'Mybowels,mybowels!Iampainedatmyveryheart;myheartmakethanoiseinme,Icannotholdmypeace,'&c.(Jer4:19).Thuswas that holyman affectedwith the consideration of whatmightbefall Jerusalem, the temple and ordinances of God, &c., as theconsequenceofthepresentdarkdispensationstheywereunder.Willnotahumbleposturebestbecomeuswhenwehavehumblingprovidencesinprospect?Mercyandjudgmentseemtobestrugglinginthesamewombofprovidence;andwhichwillcomefirstoutweknownot;butneitherofthemcanwecomfortablymeet,butwithabrokenandacontritespirit.Ifjudgmentcomes,Josiah'spostureoftendernesswillbethebestwecanbefoundin;andalsotosay,withDavid,'Myfleshtremblethforfearofthee,andIamafraidofthyjudgments'(Psa119:120).ItisverysadwhenGodsmites, andwe are not grieved;which the prophet complains of, 'Thouhaststrickenthem,buttheyhavenotgrieved,'&c.'Theyhavemadetheirfacesharderthanarock,theyhaverefusedtoreturn'(Jer5:3).

But such as know the power of his angerwill have a deep awe of Godupon their hearts, and, observing him in all hismotions, will have thegreatest apprehensions of his displeasure. So that when he is comingforth in any terrible dispensation, they will, according to their duty,prepare tomeethimwithahumbleandbrokenheart.But ifhe shouldappear to us in his goodness, and farther lengthen out the day of ourpeace and liberty, yet still the contrite frame will be most seasonable;thenwillbeapropertime,withJob,toabhorourselvesindustandashes,and tosay,withDavid, 'WhoamI that thouhastbroughtmehitherto'!(Job42:6;2Sam7:18).

Butwemuststillknowthat thisbrokentenderheart isnotaplant thatrowsinourownsoil,butisthepeculiargiftofGodhimself.Hethatmadethe heart must break the heart. We may be under heart-breakingprovidences,andyettheheartremainaltogetherunbroken;asitwaswithPharaoh,whoseheart, though itwasunder thehammersof ten terriblejudgments,immediatelysucceedingoneanother,yetcontinuedhardenedagainst God. The heart of man is harder than hardness itself, till Godsoftenethandbreaksit.Menmovenot,theyrelentnot, letGodthundernever so terribly; let God, in the greatest earnest, cast abroad his

firebrands, arrows, and death, in the most dreadful representations ofwrath and judgment, yet still man trembles not, nor is any moreastonishedthanifinallthisGodwerebutinjest,tillhecomesandfallstoworkwithhim,andforceshimtocryout,WhathaveIdone?WhatshallIdo?

Thereforeletushaverecoursetohim,who,ashegivesthenewheart,soalsotherewiththebrokenheart.Andletmen'sheartsbeneversohard,ifGodcomesoncetodealeffectuallywiththem,theyshallbecomemollifiedandtender;asitwaswiththosehardenedJewswho,bywickedandcruelhands,murderedtheLordoflife:thoughtheystouteditoutagreatwhile,yet how suddenly, when God brought them under the hammer of hisWord and Spirit, in Peter's powerful ministry, were they broken, and,beingprickedintheirhearts,criedout,'Menandbrethren,whatshallwedo?'(Acts2:37).

And the like instancewehave in the jailor,whowasamostbarbarous,hard-heartedwretch;yet,whenGodcametodealwithhim,hewassoontamed,andhisheartbecameexceedingsoftandtender(Acts16:29,30).

Menmayspeaklongenough,andtheheartnotatallbemoved;but'ThevoiceoftheLordispowerful,thevoiceoftheLordisfullofmajesty,'andbreaketh the rocks and cedars (Psa 29:4). He turns 'the rock into astandingwater,theflintintoafountainofwaters'(Psa114:8).Andthisisa glorious work indeed, that hearts of stone should be dissolved andmelted into waters of godly sorrow, working repentance not to berepentedof(2Cor7:10).

WhenGodspeakseffectuallythestoutestheartmustmeltandyield.WaituponGod,then,forthesofteningthyheart,andavoidwhatsoevermaybeameansofhardeningit;astheapostlecautionstheHebrews,'Takeheed,—lestanyofyoubehardenedthroughthedeceitfulnessofsin'(Heb3:13).

Sinisdeceitful,andwillhardenallthosethatindulgeit.Themoretenderanyman is to his lust, themore will he be hardened by it. There is anativehardness ineveryman'sheart;andthoughitmaybesoftenedbygospelmeans,yet if thosemeansbeafterwardsneglected,theheartwillfall to its native hardness again: as it is with the wax and the clay.

Therefore,howmuchdothitbehoveustokeepclosetoGod,intheuseofallgospel-means,wherebyourheartsbeingoncesoftened,maybealwayskept so;which is best done by repeating the use of thosemeanswhichwereatfirstblessedforthesofteningofthem.

ThefollowingtreatisemaybeofgreatusetothepeopleofGod—throughhis blessing accompanying it—to keep their hearts tender and broken,whensomany,aftertheirhardnessandimpenitentheart,aretreasuringupwrathagainstthedayofwrath(Rom2:5).

O letnonewhoperuse thisbookherdwith thatgenerationofhardenedones, but be a companion of all those that mourn in Zion and whosehearts are broken for their own, the church's, and the nation'sprovocations;who,indeed,aretheonlylikelyonesthatwillstandinthegaptodivertjudgments.WhenShishak,kingofEgypt,withagreathost,cameupagainstJudah,andhavingtakentheirfrontierfencedcities,theysat down before Jerusalem, which put them all under a greatconsternation;but thekingandprincesupon thishumbled themselves;theLordsendsagraciousmessagetothembyShemaiahtheprophet,theimport whereof was, That because they humbled themselves, the Lordwouldnotdestroythem,norpourouthiswrathuponthem,bythehandofShishak(2Chron12:5–7).

ThegreaterthepartyisofmourningChristians,themorehopewehavethatthestormimpendingmaybeblownover,andtheblessingsenjoyedmayyetbecontinued.Aslongasthereisasighingpartywemayhopetobeyetpreserved;at least, suchwillhave themark setupon themselveswhich shall distinguish them from those whom the slaughtermen shallreceivecommissiontodestroy(Eze9:4–6).

ButIshallnotfurtherenlargetheporch,asdesigningtomakewayforthereader'sentranceintothehouse,whereIdoubtnotbuthewillbepleasedwith the furniture andprovisionhe finds in it.And I shall only furtherassurehim,thatthiswholebookwasnotonlypreparedfor,butalsoputinto, the press by the author himself, whom the Lord was pleased toremove—tothegreatlossandunexpressiblegriefofmanyprecioussouls—beforethesheetscouldbeallwroughtoff.

Andnow,asIhintedinthebeginning,thatwhatwastranscribedoutoftheauthor'sheartintothebook,maybetranscribedoutofthebookintotheheartsofallwhoshallperuseit,isthedesireandprayerof

Aloverandhonourerofallsaintsassuch,

GeorgeCokayn

September21,1688

'THESACRIFICESOFGODAREABROKENSPIRIT:ABROKENANDA CONTRITE HEART, O GOD, THOU WILT NOT DESPISE.'—Psalm51:17

ThispsalmisDavid'spenitentialpsalm.Itmaybefitlysocalled,becauseitisapsalmbywhichismanifesttheunfeignedsorrowwhichhehadforhishorriblesin,indefilingofBathsheba,andslayingUriahherhusband;arelationatlargeofwhichyouhaveinthe11thand12thoftheSecondofSamuel.Manyworkingsofheart, as thispsalmshoweth, thispoormanhad,sosoonasconvictiondidfalluponhisspirit.Onewhilehecriesformercy, then he confesses his heinous offences, then he bewails thedepravity of his nature; sometimes he cries out to be washed andsanctified,andthenagainheisafraidthatGodwillcasthimawayfromhispresence,andtakehisHolySpiritutterlyfromhim.Andthushegoeson till he comes to the text, and there he stayeth hismind, finding inhimselfthatheartandspiritwhichGoddidnotdislike;'ThesacrificesofGod,'sayshe,'areabrokenspirit';asifheshouldsay,IthankGodIhavethat. 'A broken and a contrite heart,' says he, 'O God, thou wilt notdespise';asifheshouldsay,IthankGodIhavethat.

I.THETEXTOPENEDINTHEMANY

WORKINGSOFTHEHEART

The words consist of two parts. FIRST. An assertion. SECOND. Ademonstration of that assertion.The assertion is this, 'The sacrifices ofGod are a broken spirit.' The demonstration is this, 'Because a brokenandacontriteheartGodwillnotdespise.'

In the assertion we have two things present themselves to ourconsideration. First. That a broken spirit is to God a sacrifice. Second.That it is to God, as that which answereth to, or goeth beyond, allsacrifices.'ThesacrificesofGodareabrokenspirit.'

Thedemonstrationofthisisplain:forthatheartGodwillnotdespiseit.'Abrokenandacontriteheart,OGod, thouwiltnotdespise.'WhenceIdrawthisconclusion:Thataspiritrightlybroken,ahearttrulycontrite,istoGodanexcellentthing.Thatis,athingthatgoethbeyondallexternalduties whatever; for that is intended by this saying, The sacrifices,because it answereth to all sacrificeswhichwe can offer toGod; yea itservethintheroomofall:alloursacrificeswithoutthisarenothing;thisaloneisall.

TherearefourthingsthatareveryacceptabletoGod.The

First isThesacrificeof thebodyofChrist foroursins.Of thisyouread(Heb 10) for there you have it preferred to all burnt-offerings andsacrifices; it is this that pleasethGod; it is this that sanctifieth, and sosetteththepeopleacceptableinthesightofGod.

Second. Unfeigned love to God is counted better than all sacrifices, orexternalpartsofworship.'Andtolovehim[theLordthyGod]withalltheheart,andwithalltheunderstanding,andwithallthesoul,andwithallthestrength,andtolovehisneighbourashimself,ismorethanallwholeburnt-offeringsandsacrifices'(Mark12:33).

Third. To walk holily and humbly, and obediently, towards and beforeGod, is another. Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt-offerings andsacrifices,asinobeyingthevoiceoftheLord?—'Behold,toobeyisbetter

thansacrifice;andtohearkenthanthefatoframs'(Micah6:6–8;1Sam15:22).

Fourth. And this in our text is the fourth: 'The sacrifices of God are abroken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt notdespise.'

Butnotebytheway, that thisbroken, thisbrokenandcontriteheart, isthusexcellentonlytoGod: 'OGod,'saithhe, 'THOUwiltnotdespiseit.'Bywhichisimplied,theworldhavenotthisesteemorrespectforsuchaheart,orforonethatisofabrokenandacontritespirit.No,no,aman,awoman,thatisblessedwithabrokenheart, issofarofffromgettingbythatesteemwiththeworld,thattheyarebutburdensandtroublehouseswherever they are or go. Such people carrywith themmolestation anddisquietment:theyareincarnalfamiliesasDavidwastothekingofGath,troublersofthehouse(1Sam21).

Their sighs, their tears, their day and night groans, their cries andprayers, and solitary carriages, put all the carnal family out of order.Henceyouhave thembrow-beatenby some, contemnedbyothers, yea,andtheircompanyfledfromanddesertedbyothers.Butmarkthetext,'Abroken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise,' but ratheraccept;fornottodespiseiswithGodtoesteemandsetahighpriceupon.

II.THEDOCTRINE,ASSERTION,DEMONSTRATION,ANDCONCLUSION,THATABROKENANDTRULYCONTRITE

HEARTISANEXCELLENTHEART

But we will demonstrate by several particulars, that a broken spirit, aspiritRIGHTLYbroken,anheartTRULYcontrite,istoGodanexcellentthing.

First. This is evident from the comparison, 'Thoudesirest not sacrifice,

elsewouldIgiveit,thoudelightestnotinburnt-offering.ThesacrificesofGodareabrokenspirit,'&c.Mark,herejectethsacrifices,offeringsandsacrifices:thatis,allLeviticalceremoniesunderthelaw,andallexternalperformances under the gospel; but accepteth a broken heart. It isthereforemanifestbythis,weretherenothingelsetobesaid,thatproves,thataheartrightlybroken,aheart trulycontrite, is toGodanexcellentthing;forasyouseesuchaheart issetbeforeallsacrifice;andyettheywere the ordinances of God, and things that he commanded; but lo, abrokenspirit isabove themall, a contriteheartgoesbeyond them,yea,beyondthemwhenputalltogether.Thouwiltnothavetheone,thouwiltnot despise the other. O brethren, a broken and a contrite heart is anexcellentthing.HaveIsaidabrokenheart,abrokenandacontriteheartisesteemedaboveallsacrifices;Iwilladd,

Second. It isofgreateresteemwithGodthan iseitherheavenorearth;and that ismore than to be set before external duties. 'Thus saith theLord,Theheavenismythrone,andtheearthismyfootstool,whereisthehousethatyebuilduntome?andwhere is theplaceofmyrest?Forallthosethingshathminehandmade,andallthosethingshavebeen,saiththeLord:but to thismanwill I look, even tohim that ispoorandofacontritespirit,andtremblethatmyword'(Isa66:1,2).Mark,Godsaith,hehathmadeall these things,buthedothnot say, thathewill look tothem, that is, take complacency and delight in them; no, there is thatwanting in all that he hath made that should take up and delight hisheart. But now, let a broken-hearted sinner come before him; yea, heranges theworld throughout to findoutsuchanone,andhaving foundhim,'Tothisman,'saithhe, 'willIlook.'Isayagain,thatsuchamantohimisofmorevaluethaniseitherheavenorearth;'They,'saithhe,'shallwaxold';'theyshallperish'andvanishaway;butthismanhecontinues:he, as is presented tous in anotherplace, under another character, 'heshallabideforever'(Heb1:10–12;1John2:17).

'TothismanwillIlook,'withthismanwillIbedelighted;forsotolookdoth sometimes signify. 'Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, myspouse,'saithChristtohishumble-hearted,'thouhastravishedmyheartwithoneofthineeyes'(Cant4:9).Whileitisasaconduittolettheriversoutofthybrokenheart.Iamtaken,saithhe,'withonechainofthyneck'

(Can4:9).Hereyouseehelooksandisravished,helooksandistaken,asitsaithinanotherplace,'Thekingisheldinthegalleries';thatis,istakenwith his beloved, with the dove's eyes of his beloved, with the contritespiritofhispeople(Cant7:5;1:15).Butitisnotthusreportedofhimwithrespect to heaven or earth: them he sets more lightly by, them he'reservesuntofireagainstthedayofjudgmentandperditionofungodlymen'(2Peter3:7),butthebrokeninheartarehisbeloved,hisjewels.

Wherefore,whatIhavesaidastothismustgoforthetruthofGod,towit,Thatabroken-heartedsinner,asinnerwithacontritespirit, isofmoreesteemwithGodthan iseitherheavenorearth.Hesaithhehathmadethem, but he doth not say he will look to them. He saith they are histhroneandfootstool,buthedothnotsaytheyhavetakenorravishedhisheart.No,it isthosethatareofacontritespiritdothis.Butthereisyetmore in thewords, 'Tothismanwill I look': that is,For thismanwill Icare,aboutthismanwillIcamp,Iwillputthismanundermyprotection;forsoto looktoonedothsometimessignify;andI takethemeaning inthisplacetobesuch(Prov27:23;Jer39:12;40:4). 'TheLordupholdethall that fall, and raisethup all those that beboweddown' (Psa 145:14).And the broken-hearted are of this number; wherefore he careth for,campethabout, andhath sethis eyesupon suchanone for good.This,therefore,isaseconddemonstrationtoprove,thatthemanthathathhisspiritrightlybroken,hishearttrulycontrite,isofgreatesteemwithGod.

Third. Yet further, God doth not only prefer such an one, as has beensaid,beforeheavenandearth,butheloveth,hedesirethtohavethatmanfor an intimate, for a companion;hemust dwell; hemust cohabitwithhim that is of a brokenheart,with suchas are of a contrite spirit. 'ForthussaiththehighandloftyOnethatinhabitetheternity,whosenameisHoly, Iwill dwell in thehigh andholyplace,withhimalso that is of acontriteandhumblespirit'&c.(Isa57:15).

Behold here both themajesty and condescension of the high and loftyOne;hismajesty, in thathe ishigh,and the inhabiterofeternity; 'Iamthe high and lofty One,' saith he, 'I inhabit eternity.' Verily thisconsideration is enough tomake the broken-heartedman creep into amouse-holetohidehimselffromsuchamajesty!Butbeholdhisheart,hiscondescendingmind;Iamfordwellingalsowithhimthathathabroken

heart,withhim that isofa contrite spirit; that is theman that Iwouldconversewith,thatisthemanwithwhomIwillcohabit;thatis,he,saithGod, I will choose for my companion. For to desire to dwell with onesupposethall thesethings;andverily,ofall themenintheworld,nonehave acquaintance with God, none understand what communion withhim, and what his teachings mean, but such as are of a broken andcontrite heart. 'He is nigh unto them that are of a broken spirit' (Psa34:18).Thesearetheyintendedinthe14thPsalm,whereit issaid, 'TheLord lookeddown fromheaven,—tosee ifanydidunderstandandseekGod'; that hemight find some body in theworldwithwhomhemightconverse;forindeedthereisnoneelsethateitherunderstand,orthatcantendtohearkentohim.God,asImaysay,isforcedtobreakmen'shearts,before he can make them willing to cry to him, or be willing that heshouldhaveanyconcernswiththem;therestshuttheireyes,stoptheirears, withdraw their hearts, or say untoGod, Be gone (Job 21:14). Butnowthebrokeninheartcantendit;hehasleisure,yea,leisure,andwill,andunderstanding,andall;andthereforeisafitmantohavetodowithGod.Thereisroomalsointhisman'shouse,inthisman'sheart, inthisman's spirit, for God to dwell, for God to walk, for God to set up akingdom.

Here, therefore, is suitableness. 'Can two walk together,' saith God,'except theybeagreed?' (Amos3:3).Thebroken-hearteddesirethGod'scompany;whenwilt thou comeuntome? saithhe.Thebroken-heartedlovethtohearGodspeakandtalk tohim.Here isasuitableness. 'Makeme,' saithhe, 'tohear joyandgladness, that theboneswhich thouhastbrokenmay rejoice' (Psa 51:8).Buthere lies the glory, in that thehighandloftyOne,theGodthatinhabitetheternity,andthatwasahighandholy place for his habitation, should choose to dwell with, and to be acompanion of the broken in heart, and of them that are of a contritespirit.Yea,andherealsoisgreatcomfortforsuch.

Fourth.Goddothnot only prefer such a heart before all sacrifices, noresteemssuchamanaboveheavenandearth;noryetonlydesiretobeofhisacquaintance,buthereservethforhimhischiefcomforts,hisheart-reviving and soul-cherishing cordials. 'I dwell,' saith he, with such torevivethem,andtosupportandcomfortthem,'torevivethespiritofthe

humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones' (Isa 57:15). Thebroken-heartedmanisafaintingman;hehashisqualms,hissinkingfits;heofttimesdiesawaywithpainandfear;hemustbestayedwithflagons,andcomfortedwithapples,orelsehecannottellwhattodo:hepines,hepines away in his iniquity; nor can any thing keephim alive andmakehimwellbutthecomfortsandcordialsofAlmightyGod(Exo33:10,11).WhereforewithsuchanoneGodwilldwell,torevivetheheart,torevivethespirit. 'Torevive thespiritof thehumble,and to revive theheartofthecontriteones.'

Godhascordials,buttheyaretocomfortthemthatarecastdown(2Cor7:6);andsuchare thebroken-hearted;as for themthatarewhole, theyneed not the physician (Mark 2:17). They are the broken in spirit thatstandinneedofcordials;physiciansaremenofnoesteembutwiththemthat feel their sickness; and this is one reason why God is so littleaccountedofintheworld,evenbecausetheyhavenotbeenmadesickbythewounding strokeofGod.Butnowwhenaman iswounded,hashisbonesbroken,or ismade sick, and laidat thegrave'smouth,who isofthatesteemwithhimasisanablephysician?Whatissomuchdesiredasarethecordials,comforts,andsuitablesuppliesoftheskilfulphysicianinthosematters.Andthusitiswiththebroken-hearted;heneeds,andGodhas prepared for himplenty of the comforts and cordials of heaven, tosuccourandrelievehissinkingsoul.

Wherefore suchaone liethunderall thepromises thathave succour inthem,andconsolationformen,sickanddespondingunderthesenseofsin and theheavywrathofGod; and they, saysGod, shall be refreshedandrevivedwiththem.Yea,theyaredesignedforthem;hehaththereforebroken their hearts, he hath therefore wounded their spirits, that hemight make them apt to relish his reviving cordials, that he mightminister to themhis reviving comforts. For indeed, so soon as he hathbroken them, his bowels yearn, and his compassions roll up and downwithinhim,andwillnotsufferhimtoabideafflicting.Ephraimwasoneof these;but so soonasGodhad smittenhim,beholdhisheart,how itworkstowardshim.'IsEphraim,'saithhe,'mydearson?'thatis,heisso;'isheapleasantchild?'thatis,heisso;'forsinceIspakeagainsthim,Idoearnestlyrememberhimstill;thereforemybowelsaretroubledforhim;I

will surely havemercy upon him, saith the Lord' (Jer 31:18–20). Thisthereforeisanotherdemonstration.

Fifth.AsGodpreferssuchaheart,andesteemsthemanthathasitaboveheavenandearth;ashecovetsintimacywithsuchanone,andpreparesforhimhiscordials;sowhenhesenthisSonJesusintotheworldtobeaSaviour,hegavehiminspecialachargetotakecareofsuch;yea,thatwasoneofthemainreasonshesenthimdownfromheaven,anointedforhisworkonearth.'TheSpiritoftheLordGodisuponme,'saithhe;'becausehehathanointedmetopreachthegospeltothepoor;hehathsentmetobindup thebroken-hearted,'&c. (Luke4:18; Isa61:1).Now that this ismeantofChrist,isconfirmedbyhisownlips;forinthedaysofhisfleshhetakesthisbookinhishand,whenhewasinthesynagogueatNazareth,and read this very place unto the people; and then tells them that thatverydaythatScripturewasfulfilledintheirears(Luke6:16–18).

But see, these are the soulswhosewelfare is contrived in the heavens.Godconsulted their salvation, theirdeliverance, theirhealth,beforehisSoncamedownfromthence.Dothnotthereforethisdemonstrate,thatabroken-heartedman, that aman of a contrite spirit, is of great esteemwithGod.IhaveoftenwonderedatDavidthatheshouldgiveJoabandthemenofwaracharge,thattheytakeheedthattheycarryittenderlytothat young rebelAbsalomhis son (2Sam18:5).But thatGod, thehighGod, theGodagainstwhomwehave sinned, should, so soonashehassmitten,givehisSonacommand,acharge,acommissiontotakecareof,tobindupandhealthebrokeninheart;this isthatwhichcanneverbesufficientlyadmiredorwonderedatbymenorangels.

Andasthiswashiscommission,soheacted;asisevidentlysetforthbytheparableofthemanwhofellamongthieves.Hewenttohim,pouredintohiswoundswineandoil;heboundhimup,tookhim,sethimuponhisownbeast,hadhimtoaninn,gavethehostachargetolookwelltohim,withmoneyinhand,andapromiseathisreturntorecompencehiminwhatfartherheshouldbeexpensivewhilehewasunderhiscare(Luke10:30–35).Behold,therefore,thecareofGodwhichhehasforthebrokeninheart;hehasgivenachargetoChristhisSon,tolookwelltothem,andtobindupandhealtheirwounds.BeholdalsothefaithfulnessofChrist,whodothnothide,butreadthiscommissionassoonasheenterethupon

hisministry,andalsofallsintothepracticalpartthereof.'Hehealeththebrokeninheart,andbindethuptheirwounds'(Psa147:3).

And behold again into whose care a broken heart and a contrite spirithathputthispoorcreature;heisunderthecareofGod,thecareandcureofChrist.Ifamanwassurethathisdiseasehadputhimunderthespecialcareofthekingandthequeen,yetcouldhenotbesureoflife,hemightdieunder their sovereignhands.Ay,buthere is aman in the favourofGod,andunderthehandofChristtobehealed;underwhosehandnoneyet ever died for want of skill and power in him to save their life;whereforethismanmustlive;Christhasincommissionnotonlytobindup his wounds, but to heal him.He has of himself so expounded it inreadinghiscommission;whereforehethathashisheartbroken,andthatisofacontritespirit,mustnotonlybetakeninhand,buthealed;healedofhispain,grief,sorrow,sin,andfearsofdeathandhell-fire;whereforeheadds,thathemustgiveuntosuch'beautyforashes,theoilofjoyformourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness,' andmust'comfort all that mourn' (Isa 61:2, 3). This, I say, he has in thecommission, thebroken-heartedareput intohishand, andhehas saidhimselfhewillhealhim.Hencehesaysofthatsameman,'Ihaveseenhisways,andwillhealhim;Iwill leadhimalso,andrestorecomfortsuntohim,andtohismourners;—andIwillhealhim'(Isa57:18,19).Andthisisafifthdemonstration.

Sixth.AsGodpreferssuchaheart,andsoesteemsthemanthathasit;ashe desires his company, has provided for himhis cordials, and given acharge toChrist to heal him, so he has promised in conclusion to savehim. 'Hesavethsuchasbeofacontritespirit,'or,as themarginhas it,thatbe'contriteofspirit'(Psa34:18).

Andthisistheconclusionofall;fortosaveamanistheendofallspecialmercy.'Hesavethsuchasbeofacontritespirit.'Tosave,istoforgive;forwithout forgiveness of sinswe cannot be saved. To save, is to preserveone in this miserable world, and to deliver one from all those devils,temptations,snares,anddestructionsthatwould,werewenotkept,werewenotpreservedofGod,destroyusbodyandsoulforever.Tosave,istobringamanbodyandsoultoglory,andtogivehimaneternalmansionhouseinheaven,thathemaydwellinthepresenceofthisgoodGod,and

theLordJesus,andtosingtothemthesongsofhisredemptionforeverandever.Thisitistobesaved;norcananythinglessthanthiscompletethesalvationof thesinner.Now, this is tobe the lotofhimthat isofabroken heart, and the end that God will make with him that is of acontrite spirit. 'He saveth suchasbe contriteof spirit.'He saveth such!Thisisexcellent!

But,dothebrokeninspiritbelievethis?CantheyimaginethatthisistobetheendthatGodhasdesignedthemto,andthatheintendedtomakewith them in the day inwhichhe began to break their hearts?No, no;they, alas! think quite the contrary. They are afraid that this is but thebeginningofdeath,andatokenthattheyshallneverseethefaceofGodwithcomfort, either in thisworldor thatwhich is to come.Hence theycry,'Castmenotawayfromthypresence';or,NowIam'freeamongthedead whom God remembers nomore' (Psa 51:11; 88:4, 5). For indeedtheregoestothebreakingoftheheartavisibleappearanceofthewrathof God, and a home charge from heaven of the guilt of sin to theconscience.This to reason is verydreadful; for it cuts the souldown totheground;'forawoundedspiritwho[none]canbear?'(Prov18:14).

Itseemsalsonowtothisman,thatthisisbutthebeginningofhell;butasitwerethefirststepdowntothepit;when,indeed,allthesearebutthebeginningsoflove,andbutthatwhichmakeswayforlife.TheLordkillsbeforehemakesalive;hewoundsbeforehishandsmakewhole.Yea,hedoestheoneinorderto,orbecausehewoulddotheother;hewounds,because his purpose is to heal; 'he maketh sore, and bindeth up; hewoundeth,andhishandsmakewhole'(Deut32:39;1Sam2:6;Job5:18).Hisdesign,Isay, isthesalvationofthesoul.Hescourgeth,hebreakeththeheartofeverysonwhomhereceiveth,andwoebetohimwhoseheartGodbreakethnot.

And thus have I proved what at first I asserted, namely, that a spiritrightly broken, an heart truly contrite, is to God an excellent thing. 'Abrokenandacontriteheart,OGod,thouwiltnotdespise.'ForthissayI,First.Thisisevident;forthatitisbetterthansacrifices,thanallsacrifice.Second.ThemanthathasitisofmoreesteemwithGodthanheavenorearth. Third. God coveteth such a man for his intimate and housecompanion. Fourth. He reserveth for them his cordials and spiritual

comforts.Fifth.HehasgivenhisSonaCharge,acommandmenttotakecarethatthebroken-heartedbehealed;andheisresolvedtohealthem.Sixth. And concluded, that the broken-hearted, and they that are of acontritespirit,shallbesaved,thatis,possessedoftheheavens.

III.WHATABROKENHEART,ANDWHATACONTRITESPIRITIS

Icomenowinordertoshowyouwhatabrokenheartandwhatacontritespiritis.Thismustbedone,becauseinthediscoveryofthisliesboththecomfortofthemthathaveit,andtheconvictionofthemthathaveitnot.Now,thatImaydothisthebetter,Imustpropoundandspeaktothesefourthings.FIRST.Imustshowyouwhatanonethatheartisthatisnotbroken,thatisnotcontrite.SECOND.Imustshowyouhow,orwithwhattheheartisbrokenandmadecontrite.THIRD.Showyouhow,andwhatit is,whenbrokenandmadecontrite.And,FOURTH.Ishall, lastofall,giveyousomesignsofabrokenandcontriteheart.

FIRST.Forthefirstofthese,towit,Whatanonethatheartis,thatisnotabroken,thatisnotacontriteheart.

First.Theheart,beforeitisbroken,ishardandstubborn,andobstinateagainstGod,andthesalvationofthesoul(Zech7:12;Deut2:30;9:27).

Second. It is a heart full of evil imaginations anddarkness (Gen 18:12;Rom1:21).

Third.It isaheartdeceitfulandsubjecttobedeceived,especiallyaboutthethingsofaneternalconcernment(Isa44:20;Deut11:16).

Fourth.Itisaheartthatrathergatherethiniquityandvanitytoitselfthananythingthatisgoodforthesoul(Psa41:6;94:11).

Fifth.Itisanunbelievingheart,andonethatwillturnawayfromGodtosin(Heb3:12;Deut17:17).

Sixth.ItisaheartnotpreparedforGod,beinguncircumcised,norforthereceptionofhisholyword(2Chron12:14;Psa78:8;Acts7:51).

Seventh.Itisaheartnotsingle,butdouble;itwillpretendtoserveGod,butwillwithalleantothedevilandsin(Psa12:2;Eze33:31).

Eighth.Itisaheartproudandstout:itlovesnottobecontrolled,thoughthecontrollerbeGodhimself(Psa101:5;Prov16:5;Mal3:13).

Ninth. It isaheart thatwillgiveplace toSatan,butwill resist theHolyGhost(Acts5:3;7:51).

Tenth.Inaword,'Itisdeceitfulaboveallthings,anddesperatelywicked';sowickedthatnonecanknowit(Jer17:9).

Thattheheartbeforeitisbrokenissuch,andworsethanIhavedescribedittobe,issufficientlyseenbythewholecourseoftheworld.Whereisthemanwhosehearthasnotbeenbroken,andwhosespirit isnotcontrite,thataccordingtotheWordofGoddealshonestlywithhisownsoul?Itisone character of a right heart, that it is sound in God's statutes, andhonest (Psa 119:18; Luke 8:15). Now, an honest heart will not put offitself,norbeputoffwiththatwhichwillnotgo forcurrentmoneywiththemerchant;Imean,withthatwhichwillnotgoforsavinggraceatthedayofjudgment.Butalas!alas!butfewmen,howhonestsoevertheyareto others, have honesty towards themselves; though he is the worst ofdeceiverswhodeceivethhisownsoul,asJameshasit,aboutthethingsofhisownsoul(1:22,26).But,

SECOND. I now come to show you with what and how the heart isbroken,andthespiritmadecontrite.

[First.Withwhattheheartisbroken,andthespiritmadecontrite]

Theinstrumentwithwhichtheheartisbroken,andwithwhichthespiritismade contrite, is theWord. 'Is notmy word like as a fire, saith theLord;andlikeahammer,thatbreakeththerockinpieces?'(Jer23:29).Therock,inthistext,istheheart,whichinanotherplaceiscomparedtoanadamant,whichadamantisharderthanflint(Zech7:11,12;Eze3:9).

Thisrock,thisadamant,thisstonyheart,isbrokenandmadecontritebytheWord.Butitonlyisso,whentheWordisasafire,andasahammertobreakandmeltit.Andthen,andthenonly,itisasafire,andahammertothehearttobreakit,whenitismanagedbythearmofGod.NomancanbreaktheheartwiththeWord;noangelcanbreaktheheartwiththeWord;thatis,ifGodforbearstoseconditbymightypowerfromheaven.ThismadeBalaamgowithoutaheartrightlybroken,andtrulycontrite,thoughhewasrebukedbyanangel;andthePhariseesdie intheirsins,though rebuked for them, and admonished to turn from them, by theSaviouroftheworld.Wherefore,thoughtheWordistheinstrumentwithwhich the heart is broken, yet it is not brokenwith theWord, till thatWordismanagedbythemightandpowerofGod.

ThismadetheprophetIsaiah,afterlongpreaching,cryout,thathehadlabouredfornought,andinvain;andthismadehimcrytoGod,'torendthe heavens and come down,' that the mountains, or rocky hills, orhearts,mightbebroken,andmeltathispresence(Isa44:4;64:1,2).Forhefoundbyexperience, thatastothisnoeffectualworkcouldbedone,unless the Lord put to his hand. This also is often intimated in theScriptures,whereitsaith,whenthepreacherspreachedeffectuallytothebreakingofmen'shearts, 'theLordwroughtwith them; thehandof theLordwaswiththem,'andthelike(Mark16:20;Acts11:21).

NowwhenthehandoftheLordiswiththeWord,thenitismighty:itis'mightythroughGodtothepullingdownofstrongholds'(2Cor10:4).Itissharp,then,asaswordinthesoulandspirit;itstickslikeanarrowinthehearts of sinners, to the causingof thepeople to fall at his foot formercy(Heb4:12).Thenitis,aswassaidafore,asafireandasahammerto break this rock in pieces (Psa 110:3). And hence theWord is madementionofunderadoubleconsideration. 1.As it standsby itself.2.Asattendedwithpowerfromheaven.

1.As itstandsby itself,and isnotsecondedwithsavingoperationfromheaven,itiscalledtheWordonly,theWordbarely,orasifitwasonlythewordofmen(1Thess1:5–7;1Cor4:19,20;1Thess2:13).Because,then,itisonlyasmanagedbymen,whoarenotabletomakeitaccomplishthatwork.TheWordofGod,when inaman'shandonly, is like the father'sswordinthehandofthesuckingchild;whichsword,thoughneversowell

pointed, and though never so sharp on the edges, is not now able toconquerafoe,andtomakeanenemyfallandcryoutformercy,becauseitisbutinthehandofthechild.Butnow,letthesameswordbeputintothehandofaskilful father—andGodisbothskilfulandabletomanagehisWord—andthenthesinner,andthentheproudhelperstoo,arebothmadetostoop,andsubmitthemselves;wherefore,Isay,thoughtheWordbe the instrument, yet of itself doth dono saving good to the soul; theheartisnotbroken,northespiritmadecontritethereby;itonlyworkethdeath,andleavethmeninthechainsoftheirsins,stillfasterboundovertoeternalcondemnation(2Cor2:15,16).

2. Butwhen seconded bymighty power, then the sameWord is as theroaringofalion,asthepiercingofasword,asaburningfireinthebones,as thunderandasahammerthatdashesall topieces(Jer25:30;Amos1:2;3:8;Acts2:37;Jer20:9;Psa29:3–9).Wherefore,fromhenceitistobe concluded, thatwhoeverhasheard theWordpreached, andhasnotheardthevoiceofthelivingGodtherein,hasnotasyethadtheirheartsbroken,northeirspiritsmadecontritefortheirsins.

[Second.Howtheheartisbroken,andthespiritmadecontrite]

Andthis leadsmetothesecondthing, towit,Toshowhowtheheart isbrokenandthespiritmadecontritebytheWord,andverilyitiswhentheWord comes home with power. But yet this is but general; wherefore,moreparticularly,

1.Then theWordworkseffectually to thispurpose,when it findethoutthesinnerandhissin,andshallconvincehimthatithasfoundhimout.Thusitwaswithourfirstfather;whenhehadsinned,hesoughttohidehimself fromGod;he gets among the treesof the garden, and thereheshroudshimself;butyet,not thinkinghimselfsecure,hecovershimselfwithfig-leaves;andnowheliethquiet.NowGodshallnotfindme,thinkshe,norknowwhatIhavedone.Butlo!byandby,he'hearsthevoiceoftheLordGodwalkinginthegarden.'Andnow,Adam,whatdoyoumeantodo?Why,asyet,heskulketh,andhideshishead,andseeksyettolieundiscovered;butbehold,thevoicecriesout,ADAM!andnowhebeginstotremble.'Adam,whereartthou?'saysGod;andnowAdamismadetoanswer (Gen3:7–11).But thevoiceof theLordGoddothnot leavehim

here:no,itnowbeginstosearch,andtoinquireafterhisdoings,andtounravelwhathehadwrapttogetherandcovered,untilitmadehimbareandnakedinhisownsightbeforethefaceofGod.Thus,therefore,doththeWord,whenmanagedbythearmofGod.Itfindethout,itsinglethoutthe sinner; the sinner finds it so; it finds out the sins of the sinner; itunravelshiswholelife,itstripshimandlayshimnakedinhisownsightbefore the face of God; neither can the sinner nor his wickedness belongerhidandcovered;andnowbeginsthesinnertoseewhatheneversawbefore.

2.AnotherinstanceforthisisDavid,themanofourtext.Hesins,hesinsgrossly,hesinsandhidesit;yea,andseekstohideitfromthefaceofGodandman.Well,Nathanissenttopreachapreachingtohim,andthatincommon,and that in special: in common,byaparable; in special,byaparticular application of it to him. While Nathan only preached incommon,or ingeneral,Davidwas fish-whole, and stoodas right inhisowneyesasifhehadbeenasinnocentandasharmlessasanymanalive.But God had a love for David; and therefore commands his servantNathantogohome,notonly toDavid'sears,but toDavid'sconscience.Well,Davidnowmustfall.SaysNathan,'Thouarttheman';saysDavid,'Ihavesinned,'andthenhisheartwasbroken,andhisspiritmadecontrite;asthispsalmandourtextdothshow(2Sam12:1–13).

3.AthirdinstanceisthatofSaul;hehadheardmanyasermon,andwasbecomeagreatprofessor, yea,hewasmore zealous thanweremanyofhis equals; but his heart was never broken, nor his spirit ever madecontrite, tillheheardonepreach fromheaven, tillheheardGod, in theWordofGod,makinginquiryafterhissins: 'Saul,Saul,whypersecutestthoume?'saysJesus;andthenhecanstandnolonger:forthenhisheartbrake, thenhe falls to the ground, thenhe trembles, thenhe cries out,'Whoartthou,Lord?'and,'Lord,whatwiltthouhavemetodo?'(Acts9).Wherefore, as I said, Then the word works effectually to this purpose,whenitfindethoutthesinnerandhissin,andalsowhenitshallconvincehimthatithasfoundhimout.OnlyImustjoinhereacaution,foreveryoperation of theWord upon the conscience is not saving; nor doth allconvictionendinthesavingconversionofthesinner.ItisthenonlysuchanoperationoftheWordthatisintended,namely,thatshowsthesinner

notonlytheevilofhisways,butbringstheheartunfeignedlyovertoGodbyChrist.Andthisbringsmetothethirdthing.

THIRD.Iamthereforecometoshowyouhowandwhattheheartiswhenbrokenandmadecontrite.AndthisImustdo,byopeninguntoyouthetwochiefexpressionsinthetext.

First.Whatismeantbythiswordbroken.Second.Whatismeantbythiswordcontrite.

First.Forthiswordbroken,Tindalrendersitatroubledheart;butIthinkthereismoreinit.Itakeit,therefore,tobeaheartdisabled,astoformeractions,evenasamanwhosebonesarebrokenisdisabled,astohiswayofrunning,leaping,wrestling,oroughtelse,whichvainlyhewaswonttodo;wherefore, thatwhichwascalledabrokenheart inthetext,hecallshis brokenbones, in verse the eighth: 'Causeme,' saithhe, 'tohear joyand gladness, that the boneswhich thou hast brokenmay rejoice' (Psa51:8).Andwhyisthebreakingoftheheartcomparedtothebreakingofthebones?butbecauseaswhenthebonesarebroken,theoutwardmanisdisabledastowhatitwaswonttodo;sowhenthespiritisbroken,theinwardmanisdisabledastowhatvanityandfollyitbeforedelightedin;hence, feebleness is joinedwith this brokenness of heart. 'I am feeble,'saithhe,'andsorebroken'(Psa38:8).Ihavelostmystrengthandformervigour,astovainandsinfulcourses.

This, then, it is to have the heart broken; namely, to have it lamed,disabled, and taken off by sense of God's wrath due to sin, from thatcourseoflifeitformerlywasconversantin;andtoshowthatthisworkisnofancy,nordonebutwithgreattroubletothesoul,itiscomparedtotheputtingthebonesoutof joint,thebreakingofthebones,theburningoftheboneswithfire,orasthetakingthenaturalmoisturefromthebones,thevexingofthebones,&c.(Psa22:14;Jer20:9;Lam1:13;Psa6:2;Prov17:22). All which are expressions adorned with such similitudes, as doundeniablydeclarethattosenseandfeelingabrokenheartisagrievousthing.

Second.Whatismeantbythewordcontrite.Acontritespiritisapenitentone; one sorely grieved, and deeply sorrowful, for the sins it has

committedagainstGod,andtothedamageofthesoul;andsoitistobetakeninallthoseplaceswhereacontritespiritismadementionof;asinPsalm34:18;Isaiah57:15;66:2.

Asamanthathasbyhis follyprocuredabroken legorarm, isheartilysorrythateverhewassofoolishastobeengagedinsuchfoolishwaysofidleness and vanity; so hewhoseheart is brokenwith a sense ofGod'swrath due to his sin, hath deep sorrow in his soul, and is greatlyrepentant that everhe shouldbe sucha fool, asby rebelliousdoings tobring himself and his soul to so much sharp affliction. Hence, whileothersaresportingthemselvesinvanity,suchaonedothcallhissinhisgreatestfolly.'Mywoundsstink,andarecorrupt,'saithDavid,'becauseofmyfoolishness.'Andagain,'OGod,thouknowestmyfoolishness,andmysinsarenothidfromthee'(Psa38:5;69:5).

Men,whatevertheysaywiththeirlips,cannotconclude,ifyettheirheartswantbreaking,thatsinisafoolishthing.Henceitsays, 'Thefoolishnessoffoolsisfolly'(Prov14:24).Thatis,thefoolishnessofsomemen,isthatthey takepleasure in their sins; for their sinsare their foolishness, andthefollyoftheirsoul lies intheircountenancingofthisfoolishness.Butthemanwhoseheartisbroken,heisnoneofthese,hecannotbeoneofthese,nomore thanhe thathashisbonesbrokencanrejoice thathe isdesiredtoplayamatchatfootball.Hence,tohearotherstalkfoolishly,istothegriefofthosewhomGodhaswounded:or,asitisinanotherplace,their words are 'like the piercings of a sword' (Psa 69:26; Prov 12:18).This,therefore,Itaketobethemeaningofthesetwowords,abrokenandacontritespirit.

FOURTH. Lastly, As to this, I now comemore particularly to give yousomesignsofabrokenheart,ofabrokenandacontritespirit

First.Abroken-heartedman,suchasisintendedinthetext,isasensibleman;heisbroughttotheexerciseofallthesensesofhissoul.Allothersaredead,senseless,andwithouttruefeelingofwhatthebroken-heartedmanissensibleof.

1. He sees himself to be what others are ignorant of; that is, he seeshimselftobenotonlyasinfulman,butamanbynatureinthegalland

bondofsin.Inthegallofsin:itisPeter'sexpressiontoSimon,anditisasayingcommontoallmen:foreverymaninastateofnatureisinthegallofsin;hewasshapeninit,conceivedinit;ithasalsopossessionof,andbythatpossessioninfectedthewholeofhissoulandbody(Psa51:5;Acts8:23). This he sees, this he understands; every professor sees not this,because the blessing of a broken heart is not bestowed on every one.Davidsays,'Thereisnosoundnessinmyflesh';andSolomonsuggestthataplagueorrunningsoreisintheveryheart.Buteveryoneperceivesnotthis(Psa38:3;1Kings8:38).Hesaithagain,thathis'woundsstank,andwerecorrupted':thathis 'soreran,andceasednot'(Psa38:5;77:2).Butthesethingsthebrutishman,themanwhoseheartwasneverbroken,hasnounderstandingof.Butthebroken-hearted,themanthathasabrokenspirit, he sees, as the prophet has it, he sees his sickness, he sees hiswound:'WhenEphraimsawhissickness,andJudahsawhiswound';heseesittohisgrief,heseesittohissorrow(Hosea5:13).

2. He feels what others have no sense of; he feels the arrows of theAlmighty, and that they stick fast inhim (Psa38:2).He feelshow soreandsick,bythesmitingofGod'shammeruponhishearttobreakit,hispoor soul is made. He feels a burden intolerably lying upon his spirit(Hosea5:13). 'Mine iniquities,' saithhe, 'are goneoverminehead; as aheavy burden they are too heavy for me' (Psa 38:4). He feels also theheavy hand ofGod upon his soul, a thing unknown to carnalmen.Hefeelspain,beingwounded,evensuchpainasotherscannotunderstand,because they are not broken. 'My heart,' saith David, 'is sore painedwithinme.'Whyso?Why!'Theterrorsofdeatharefallenuponme'(Psa55:4). The terrors of death cause pain, yea, pain of the highest nature;hencethatwhichisherecalledpains,isinanotherplacecalledpangs(Isa21:3).

You know broken bones occasion pain, strong pain, yea, pain that willmake amanorwomangroan 'with the groanings of a deadlywoundedman'(Eze30:24).Soulpainisthesorestpain,incomparisontowhichthepainof thebody isaverytolerablething(Prov18:14).Nowhere issoulpain, here is heart pain; here we are discoursing of a wounded, of abrokenspirit;whereforethisispaintobefelttothesinkingofthewholeman, neither can any support this butGod.Here is death in this pain,

deathforever,withoutGod'sspecialmercy.Thispainwillbringthesoulto, and this the broken-heartedman doth feel. 'The sorrows of death,'saithDavid, 'compassedme, and the pains of hell gat hold uponme, Ifound trouble and sorrow' (Psa 116:3). Ay, I'llwarrant thee, poorman,thou foundest trouble and sorrow indeed; for the pains of hell andsorrowsofdeatharepainsandsorrowthemostintolerable.Butthisthemanisacquaintedwiththathashisheartbroken.

3. As he sees and feels, so he hears that which augments his woe andsorrow.Youknow, ifamanhashisbonesbroken,hedoesnotonlyseeand feel, but oft-times also hears what increases his grief; as, that hiswoundsareincurable;thathisboneisnotrightlyset;thatthereisdangerofagangrene; thathemaybe lost forwantof lookingto.Theseare thevoices,thesayings,thathauntthehouseofonethathashisbonesbroken.And a broken-hearted man knows what I mean by this; he hears thatwhichmakeshis lipsquiver,andat thenoiseofwhichheseems to feelrottennessenterintohisbones;hetremblethinhimself,andwishesthathemayhearjoyandgladness,thatthebones,theheart,andspirit,whichGodhasbroken,may rejoice (Habb3:16;Psa51:8).He thinkshehearsGodsay, thedevil say,his conscience say,andall goodmen towhisperamongthemselves,saying,thereisnohelpforhimfromGod.Jobheardthis,Davidheardthis,Hemanheardthis;andthisisthecommonsoundintheearsofthebroken-hearted.

4. The broken-hearted smell what others cannot scent. Alas! sin neversmelledsotoanymanaliveasitsmellstothebroken-hearted.Youknowwoundswill stink:but [there is]nostink like thatof sin to thebroken-heartedman.Hisownsinsstink,andsodoththesinsofalltheworldtohim.Sinislikecarrion;itisofastinkingnature;yea,ithastheworstofsmells;however,somemenlikeit(Psa38:5).Butnoneareoffendedwiththe scent thereof but God and the broken-hearted sinner. 'My woundsstink, and are corrupt,' saith he, both in God's nostrils andmine own.But,alas!whosmellsthestinkofsin?Noneofthecarnalworld;they,likecarrion-crows,seekit,loveit,andeatitasthechildeatsbread.'Theyeatup the sin of my people,' saith God, 'and they set their heart on theiriniquity'(Hosea4:8).This,Isay,theydo,becausetheydonotsmellthenauseous scent of sin. You know, that what is nauseous to the smell

cannotbepalatabletothetaste.Thebroken-heartedmandothfindthatsin is nauseous, and therefore cries out it stinketh. They also think attimes thesmellof fire,of fireandbrimstone, isupon them, theyaresosensibleofthewagesduetosin.

5.Thebroken-heartedisalsoatastingman.Wounds,ifsore,andfullofpains,ofgreatpains,dosometimesalter the tasteofaman; theymakehim think his meat, his drink, yea, that cordials have a bitter taste inthem.Howmany times doth the poor people ofGod, that are the onlymen that know what a broken-heart doth mean, cry out that gravel,wormwood, gall, and vinegar, wasmade theirmeat (Lam 3:15, 16, 19).This gravel, gall, andwormwood, is the true temporal taste of sin; andGod, tomake them loathe it for ever, doth feed themwith it till theirheartsbothacheandbreaktherewith.Wickednessispleasantoftastetotheworld;henceitissaidtheyfeedonashes,theyfeedonthewind(Isa44:20;Hosea12:1).Lusts,oranythingthatisvileandrefuse,thecarnalworldthinkrelisheswell;asissetoutmostnotablyintheparableoftheprodigalson.'Hewouldfainhavefilledhisbelly,'saithourLord,'withthehusks that theswinedideat' (Luke15:16).But thebroken-heartedmanhas a relish that is true as to these things, though, by reason of theanguishofhissoul, itabhorsallmannerofdaintymeat(Job33:19,20;Psa 107:17–19). Thus I have showed you one sign of a broken-heartedman;heisasensibleman,hehasallthesensesofhissoulawakened,hecan see, hear, feel, taste, smell, and that as none but himself can do. Icomenowtoanothersignofabrokenandcontriteman.

Second. And that is, he is a very sorrowfulman. This, as the other, isnatural;itisnaturaltoonethatisinpain,andthathashisbonesbroken,to be a grieved and sorrowfulman.He is none of the jolly ones of thetimes;norcanhe,forhisbones,hisheart,hisheartisbroken.

1.Heissorryforthathefeelsandfindsinhimselfapravityofnature;Itoldyoubeforeheissensibleofit,heseesit,hefeelsit;andhereIsayheissorryforit.Itisthisthatmakeshimcallhimselfawretchedman;itisthis thatmakeshimloatheandabhorhimself; it is this thatmakeshimblush, blush before God and be ashamed (Rom 7:24; Job 42:5, 6; Eze36:31). He finds by nature no form nor comeliness in himself, but themorehelooksintheglassoftheWord,themoreunhandsome,themore

deformed he perceiveth sin has made him. Every body sees not this,thereforeeverybodyisnotsorryforit;butthebrokeninheartseesthatheisbysincorrupted,marred,fulloflewdnessandnaughtiness;heseesthatinhim,thatis,inhisflesh,dwellsnogoodthing;andthismakeshimsorry,yea,itmakeshimsorryatheart.Amanthathashisbonesbrokenfindsheisspoiled,marred,disabledfromdoingashewouldandshould,atwhichheisgrievedandmadesorry.

Manyaresorryforactualtransgressions,becausetheydooftbringthemtoshamebeforemen;butfewaresorryforthedefectsthatsinhasmadeinnature,because theyseenot thosedefects themselves.Amancannotbe sorry for the sinfuldefectsofnature, tillhe sees theyhave renderedhimcontemptibletoGod;norisitanythingbutasightofGodthatcanmakehimtrulyseewhatheis,andsobeheartilysorryforbeingso.Now'mineeyeseeththee,'saithJob,now'Iabhormyself.''Woeisme,forIamundone,'saiththeprophet, 'formineeyeshaveseentheKingtheLord.'AnditwasthisthatmadeDanielsayhis 'comelinesswasturnedinhimintocorruption';forhehadnowthevisionoftheHolyOne(Job42:6;Isa6:1–5;Dan 10:8).VisionsofGodbreak theheart, because,by the sightthe soul then has of his perfections, it sees its own infinite andunspeakabledisproportion,becauseofthevilenessofitsnature.

Supposeacompanyofugly,uncomely,deformedpersonsdwelttogetherinonehouse; and suppose that theynever yet sawanymanorwomanmore than themselves, or that were arrayed with the splendours andperfections of nature; these would not be capable of comparingthemselves with any but themselves, and consequently would not beaffectedandmadesorry for theiruncomelynaturaldefections.Butnowbringthemoutoftheircellsandholesofdarkness,wheretheyhavebeenshut up by themselves, and let them take a view of the splendour andperfections of beauty that are in others, and then, if at all, theywill besorryanddejectedattheviewoftheirowndefects.Thisisthecase;menby sinaremarred, spoiled, corrupted,depraved,but theymaydwellbythemselves in thedark; they seeneitherGod,nor angels,nor saints, intheir excellent nature and beauty: and therefore they are apt to counttheir ownuncomely parts their ornaments and their glory.But now letsuch,asIsaid,seeGod,seesaints,ortheornamentsoftheHolyGhost,

andthemselvesastheyarewithoutthem,andthentheycannotbutmustbeaffectedwithandsorryfortheirowndeformity.WhentheLordChristput forth but little of his excellency before his servant Peter's face, itraisedupthedepravityofPeter'snaturebeforehimtohisgreatconfusionandshame;andmadehimcryouttohiminthemidstofallhisfellows,'Departfromme,forIamasinfulman,OLord'(Luke5:4–8).

This therefore is the cause of a broken heart, even a sight of divineexcellencies, and a sense that I am a poor, depraved, spoiled defiledwretch; and this sight having broken the heart, begets sorrow in thebroken-hearted.

2.Thebroken-heartedisasorrowfulman;forthathefindshisdepravityof nature strong in him, to the putting forth itself to oppose andoverthrowwhathischangedminddothprompthimto;'WhenIwoulddogood,'saithPaul, 'evil ispresentwithme' (Rom7:21).Evil ispresent tooppose,toresist,andmakeheadagainstthedesiresofmysoul.Themanthat has his bones broken, may have yet a mind to be industriouslyoccupiedinalawfulandhonestcalling;buthefinds,byexperience,thatan infirmityattendshispresent condition that strongly resistshis goodendeavours;andatthisheshakeshishead,makescomplaints,andwithsorrow of heart he sighs and says, I 'cannot do the thing that I would'(Rom7:15;Gal5:17).Iamweak,Iamfeeble;Iamnotonlydepraved,butbythatdepravitydeprivedofabilitytoputgoodmotions,goodintentionsanddesiresintoexecution,tocompleteness;Osayshe,Iamreadytohalt,mysorrowiscontinuallybeforeme!

Youmustknowthat thebroken-hearted lovesGod, loveshissoul, lovesgood, and hates evil. Now, for such an one to find in himself anoppositionandcontinualcontradictiontothisholypassion,itmustneedscausesorrow,godlysorrow,astheapostlePaulcallsit.Forsucharemadesorrow after a godly sort. To be sorry for that thy nature is with sindepraved,andthatthroughthisdepravitythouartdeprivedofabilitytodowhattheWordandthyholyminddothprompttheeto,istobesorryafteragodlysort.Forthissorrowworkeththatintheeofwhichthouwiltneverhavecausetorepent;no,nottoeternity(2Cor7:9–11).

3.Thebroken-heartedmanissorryforthosebreachesthat,byreasonof

the depravity of his nature, aremade in his life and conversation. Andthiswas thecaseof theman inour text.Thevilenessofhisnaturehadbroken out to the defiling of his life, and to themaking of him, at thistime,baseinconversation.This,thiswasit,thatalltobrakehisheart.HesawinthishehaddishonouredGod,andthatcuthim,'Againstthee,theeonly,haveIsinned,anddonethisevilinthysight'(Psa51:4).Hesawinthis he had caused the enemies of God to open their mouths andblaspheme; and this cut him to the heart. This made him cry, I havesinned against thee, Lord. This made him say, 'I will declare mineiniquity,Iwillbesorryformysin'(Psa38:18).

Whenamanisdesignedtodoamatter,whenhisheartissetuponit,andthe broken-hearted doth design to glorify God, an obstruction to thatdesign,thespoilingofthiswork,makeshimsorrowful.Hannahcovetedchildren, but could not have them, and this made her 'a woman of asorrowful spirit' (1 Sam 1:15). A broken-hearted man would be wellinwardly,anddothatwhichiswelloutwardly;buthefeels,hefinds,hesees he is prevented, prevented at least in part. This makes himsorrowful; in this he groans, groans earnestly, being burdenedwith hisimperfections (2 Cor 5:1–3). You know one with broken bones hasimperfectionsmany,andismoresensibleofthem,too,aswassaidafore,thananyotherman;andthismakeshimsorrowful,yea,andmakeshimconclude thathe shall go softlyallhisdays in thebitternessofhis soul(Isa38:15).

Third. The man with a broken heart is a very humble man; or, truehumility is a sign of a broken heart. Hence, brokenness of heart,contritionofspirit,andhumblenessofmind,areputtogether.'Torevivethespiritofthehumble,andtorevivetheheartofthecontriteones'(Isa57:15).

Tofollowoursimilitude.Supposeaman,whileinbodilyhealth,stoutandstrong,andonethatfearsandcaresfornoman;yetletthismanhavebuta legoranarmbroken,andhiscourage isquelled;he isnowso farofffromhectoringofitwithaman,thatheisafraidofeverylittlechildthatdothbutoffer to touchhim.Nowhewill court themost feeble thathasought to do with him, to use him and handle him gently. Now he isbecomeachildincourage,achildinfear,andhumblethhimselfasalittle

child.

Why,thusitiswiththatmanthatisofabrokenandcontritespirit.Timewas, indeed, he could hector, even hector it with God himself, saying,'What is theAlmighty, thatweshouldservehim?'orwhatprofit shall IhaveifIkeephiscommandments?(Job21:15;Mal3:13,14).Ay!Butnowhisheart isbroken;Godhaswrestledwithhim,andgivenhimafall, tothe breaking of his bones, his heart; and now he crouches, now hecringes,nowhebegsofGodthathewillnotonlydohimgood,butdoitwith tender hands. 'Have mercy upon me, O God,' said David; yea,'according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot out mytransgressions' (Psa 51:1).He stands, as he sees, not only in need ofmercy, but of the tenderest mercies. God has several sorts of mercies,somemorerough,somemoretender.Godcansaveaman,andyethavehimadreadfulwaytoheaven!Thisthebroken-heartedsees,andthisthebroken-hearted dreads, and therefore pleads for the tenderest sort ofmercies;andherewereadofhisgentledealing,andthatheisverypitiful,andthathedealstenderlywithhis.Butthereasonofsuchexpressionsnomanknowsbuthethat isbroken-hearted;hehashissores,hisrunningsores,hisstinkingsores;whereforeheispained,andthereforecovetstobe handled tenderly. Thus God has broken the pride of his spirit, andhumbledtheloftinessofman.Andhishumilityyetappears,

1. In his thankfulness for natural life. He reckoneth at night, when hegoestobed,thatlikeasalion,soGodwilltearhimtopiecesbeforethemorning light (Isa 38:13). There is no judgment that has fallen uponothers,buthecountsofrightheshouldbeswallowedupbyit. 'Myfleshtrembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgments' (Psa119:120). But perceiving a day added to his life, and that he in themorning isstillonthissidehell,hecannotchoosebut takenoticeof it,and acknowledge it as a special favour, saying, God be thanked forholdingmy soul in life till now, and for keepingmy life back from thedestroyer(Job33:22;Psa56:13;86:13).

Man,beforehisheart is broken, counts timehis own, and thereforehespendsitlavishlyuponeveryidlething.Hissoulisfarfromfear,becausethe rod of God is not upon him; but when he sees himself under thewoundinghandofGod,orwhenGod,likealion,isbreakingallhisbones,

thenhehumblethhimselfbeforehim,andfallethathisfoot.Nowhehaslearnedtocounteverymomentamercy,andeverysmallmorselamercy.

2.Nowalsotheleasthopesofmercyforhissoul,Ohowpreciousisit!Hethatwaswonttomakeortsofthegospel,andthatvaluedpromisesbutasstubble,andthewordsofGodbutasrottenwood;now,withwhataneyedothhe lookon thepromise?Yea,hecountedaperadventureofmercymorerich,moreworth,thanthewholeworld.Now,aswesay,heisgladto leapata crust;now, tobeadog inGod'shouse is countedbetterbyhimthanto'dwellinthetentsofthewicked'(Matt15:16,27;Luke15:17–19).

3.NowhethatwaswonttolookscornfullyuponthepeopleofGod,yea,thatusedtoscorntoshowthemagentlecastofhiscountenance;nowheadmiresandbowsbeforethem,andisreadytolickthedustoftheirfeet,andwouldcount ithisgreatest, thehighesthonour, tobeasoneof theleast of them. 'Make me as one of thy hired servants,' says he (Luke15:19).

4.Nowheis,inhisowneyes,thegreatestfoolinnature;forthatheseeshehasbeensomistakeninhisways,andhasnotyetbutlittle,ifanytrueknowledgeofGod.Everyonenow,sayshe,havemoreknowledgeofGodthanI;everyoneserveshimbetterthanI(Psa73:21,22;Prov30:2,3).

5.Nowmayhebebutone, though the least in thekingdomofheaven!Nowmayhe be but one, though the least in the church on earth!Nowmay he be but loved, though the least beloved of saints! How high anaccountdothhesetthereon!

6.Now,whenhe talkethwithGodormen,howdothhedebasehimselfbeforethem!IfwithGod,howdoesheaccusehimself,andloadhimselfwith the acknowledgments of his own villanies,whichhe committed inthedayswhereinhewastheenemyofGod!'Lord,'saidPaul,thatcontriteone, 'I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed onthee. And when the blood of thymartyr Stephen was shed, I also wasstandingby,andconsentinguntohisdeath,andkepttheraimentofthemthat slewhim' (Acts 22:19, 20). Yea, I punished thy saints 'oft in everysynagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly

mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities' (Acts26:9–11).

Also,whenhecomes to speak to saints,howdothhemakehimselfvilebeforethem!'Iam,'saithhe,'theleastoftheapostles;thatamnotmeetto be called an apostle'; I am 'less than the least of all saints'; I was ablasphemer;Iwasapersecutor,andinjurious,&c.(1Cor15:9;Eph3:8;1Tim 1:13). What humility, what self-abasing thoughts, doth a brokenheartproduce!WhenDaviddancedbeforethearkofGod,alsohowdidhe discover his nakedness to the disliking of his wife; and when shetauntedhimforhisdoings, sayshe, 'Itwasbefore theLord,'&c., 'andIwillyetbemorevilethanthus,andwillbebaseinmineownsight'(2Sam6:20–22).O,themanthatis,orthathasbeenkindlybrokeninhisspirit,andthatisofacontriteheart,isalowly,humbleman.

Fourth.Thebroken-heartedmanisamanthatseeshimselfinspiritualstobepoor.Therefore, ashumbleandcontrite, sopoorandcontriteareputtogetherintheWord.'ButtothismanwillIlook,eventohimthatispoor,andofacontritespirit' (Isa66:1,2).Andherewestillpursueourmetaphor. A wounded man, a man with broken bones, concludes hiscondition to be but poor, very poor. Ask him how he does, and heanswers,'Truly,neighbours,inaverypoorcondition!'Alsoyouhavethespiritual poverty of such as have, or have had their hearts broken, andthat have been of contrite spirits,muchmademention of in theWord.And they go by two names to distinguish them from others. They arecalled THY poor, that is, God's poor; they are also called 'the poor inspirit'(Psa72:2;74:19;Matt5:3).Now,themanthatispoorinhisowneyes,forofhimwenowdiscourse,andthebroken-heartedissuchanone,issensibleofhiswants.Heknowshecannothelphimself,andthereforeisforcedtobecontenttolivebythecharityofothers.Thusitisinnature,thusitisingrace.

1.Thebroken-heartednowknowshiswants,andheknewitnottillnow.Ashethathasabrokenbone,knewnowantofabone-settertillheknewhisbonewasbroken.Hisbrokenbonemakeshimknowit;hispainandanguishmakeshimknowit;andthusitisinspirituals.NowheseestobepoorindeedistowantthesenseofthefavourofGod;forhisgreatpainisasenseofwrath,ashathbeenshownbefore.Andthevoiceofjoywould

healhisbrokenbones(Psa51:8).Twothingshethinkswouldmakehimrich. (1) A right and title to Jesus Christ, and all his benefits. (2) Andsavingfaiththerein.Theythatarespirituallyricharerichinhim,andinthefaithofhim(2Cor8:9;James2:5).

The first of these giveth us a right to the kingdom of heaven; and thesecond yields the soul the comfort of it; and the broken-hearted manwantsthesenseandknowledgeofhisinterestinthese.Thatheknowshewants them isplain;but thatheknowshehas them iswhat, as yet,hewantstheattainmentof.Hencehesays—'Thepoorandneedyseekwater,andthereisnone,andtheirtonguefailethforthirst'(Isa41:17).Thereisnone in theirview;none in theirview for them.HenceDavid,whenhehad his broken heart, felt he wanted washing, he wanted purging, hewantedtobemadewhite.Heknewthatspiritualricheslaytherebuthedidnot sowellperceive thatGodhadwashedandpurgedhim.Yea,heratherwasafraidthatallwasgoing,thathewasindangerofbeingcastoutofGod'spresence,andthattheSpiritofgracewouldbeutterlytakenfrom him (Psa 51). That is the first thing. The broken-hearted is poor,becauseheknowshiswants.

2.Thebroken-heartedispoor,becauseheknowshecannothelphimselftowhatheknowshewants.Themanthathasabrokenarm,asheknowsit,soheknowsofhimselfhecannotsetit.Thisthereforeisasecondthingthatdeclaresaman ispoor,otherwisehe isnot so.For supposeamanwants never somuch, yet if he can but help himself, if he can furnishhimself,ifhecansupplyhisownwantsoutofwhathehas,hecannotbeapoorman.Yea, themorehewants, the greater arehis riches, if he cansupplyhisownwantsoutofhisownpurse.

Hethenis thepoorman,thatknowshisspiritualwant,andalsoknowshe cannot supply or help himself. But this the broken-hearted knows,therefore he in his own eyes is the only poorman. True, hemay havesomethingofhisown,butthatwillnotsupplyhiswant,andthereforeheisapoormanstill.Ihavesacrifices,saysDavid,butthoudostsnotdesirethem,thereforemypovertyremains(Psa51:16).Leadisnotgold,leadisnotcurrentmoneywiththemerchants.Thereisnonehasspiritualgoldtosell but Christ (Rev 3:18). What can a man do to procure Christ, orprocure faith, or love? Yea, had he never so much of his own carnal

excellencies,no,notonepennyofitwillgoforpayinthatmarketwheregraceistobehand.'Ifamanwouldgiveallthesubstanceofhishouseforlove,itwouldutterlybecontemned'(Can8:7).

Thisthebroken-heartedmanperceives,andthereforeheseeshimselftobespirituallypoor.Truehehasabrokenheart,andthatisofgreatesteemwithGod; but that is not of nature's goodness, that is a gift, awork ofGod; and that is the sacrifices of God. Besides, a man cannot remaincontentandatrestwiththat;forthat,inthenatureofit,doesbutshowhim he is poor, and that his wants are such as himself cannot supply.Besides,thereisbutlittleeaseinabrokenheart.

3. The broken-heartedman is poor, and sees it; because he finds he isnow disabled to live any way else but by begging. This David betookhimselfto,thoughhewasaking;forheknew,astohissoul'shealth,hecould live no way else. 'This poor man cried,' saith he, 'and the Lordheard him, and saved him out of all his troubles' (Psa 34:6). And thisleadsmetothefifthsign.

Fifth.Anothersignofabrokenheart isacrying,acryingout.Pain,youknow,willmakeonecry.Gotothemthathaveuponthemtheanguishofbrokenbones,andseeiftheydonotcry;anguishmakesthemcry.This,this is thatwhich quickly follows, if once thy heart be broken, and thyspiritindeedmadecontrite.

1. I say,anguishwillmake theecry. 'Troubleandanguish,' saithDavid,'havetakenholdonme'(Psa119:143).Anguish,youknow,dothnaturallyprovoketocrying;now,asabrokenbonehasanguish,abrokenhearthasanguish.Hencethepainsofonethathasabrokenheartarecomparedtothepangsofawomanintravail(John16:20–22).

Anguish willmake one cry alone, cry to one's self; and this is called abemoaning of one's self. 'I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaninghimself,' saith God (Jer 31:18). That is, being at present under thebreaking,chastisinghandofGod.'Thouhastchastisedme,'saithhe,'andI was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke.' This is hismeaningalsowhosaid,'Imourninmycomplaint,andmakeanoise.'Andwhy?Why,'Myheartissorepainedwithinme'(Psa4:2–4).

This is a self-bemoaning, abemoaning themselves in secret and retiredplaces. You know it is common with them who are distressed withanguish,thoughallalone,tocryouttothemselvesoftheirpresentpains,saying, O my leg! O my arm! O my bowels! Or, as the son of theShunammite,'Myhead!myhead!'(2Kings4:19).Othegroans,thesighs,thecries,thatthebroken-heartedhave,whenbythemselves,oralone!O,saythey,mysins!mysins!mysoul!mysoul!HowamIloadenwithguilt!How am I surrounded with fear! O this hard, this desperate, thisunbelievingheart!Ohowsindefilethmywill,mymind,myconscience!'Iamafflictedandreadytodie'(Psa88:15).

Could some of you carnal people but get behind the chamber-door, tohearEphraimwhenhe isat theworkofself-bemoaning, itwouldmakeyou stand amazed to hear him bewail that sin in himself inwhich youtakedelight;andtohearhimbemoanhismisspendingoftime,whileyouspendallinpursuingyourfilthylusts;andtohearhimoffendedwithhisheart,becauseitwillnotbettercomplywithGod'sholywill,whileyouareafraidofhisWordandways,andneverthinkyourselvesbetterthanwhenfarthest off from God. The unruliness of the passions and lusts of thebroken-hearted make them often get into a corner, and thus bemoanthemselves.

2.Astheythuscryoutinabemoaningmannerofandtothemselves,sotheyhavetheiroutcriesofandagainstthemselvestoothers;asshesaidinanothercase,'Beholdandsee,iftherebeanysorrowlikeuntomysorrow'(Lam 1:12). O the bitter cries and complaints that the broken-heartedhave, andmake to one another! Still every one imagining that his ownwoundsaredeepest,andhisownsoresfullestofanguish,andhardesttobe cured. Say they, if our iniquities be upon us, and we pine away inthem,howcanwethenlive?(Eze33:10).

Oncebeingatanhonestwoman'shouse, I,aftersomepause,askedherhow she did? She said, Very badly. I asked her if she was sick? sheanswered,No.Whatthen,saidI,areanyofyourchildrenill?Shetoldme,No.What,saidI,isyourhusbandamiss,ordoyougobackintheworld?No,no,saidshe,butIamafraidIshallnotbesaved.Andbrokeoutwithheavyheart,saying,'Ah,GoodmanBunyan!Christandapitcher;ifIhadChrist, though Iwent andbeggedmybreadwith apitcher, itwouldbe

betterwithmethanIthinkitisnow!'Thiswomanhadherheartbroken,thiswomanwantedChrist,thiswomanwasconcernedforhersoul.Therearebut fewwomen, richwomen, that countChrist andapitcherbetterthantheworld,theirpride,andpleasures.Thiswoman'scriesareworthytoberecorded;itwasacrythatcarriedinit,notonlyasenseofthewant,but also of theworth ofChrist. This cry, 'Christ and a pitcher,'made amelodiousnoiseintheearsoftheveryangels!

But,Isay,fewwomencryoutthus;fewwomenaresoinlovewiththeirown eternal salvation, as to be willing to part with all their lusts andvanitiesforJesusChristandapitcher.GoodJacobalsowasthus:'IftheLord,'saidhe,'willgivemebreadtoeat,andraimenttoputon,thenheshallbemyGod.'Yea,hevoweditshouldbeso.'AndJacobvowedavow,saying,IfGodwillbewithme,andwillkeepmeinthiswaythatIgo,andwillgivemebreadtoeat,andraimenttoputon;sothatIcomeagaintomyfather'shouseinpeace:thenshalltheLordbemyGod'(Gen28:20).

3. As they bemoan themselves, andmake their complaints to one andanother,sotheycrytoGod. 'OGod,'saidHeman, 'Ihavecrieddayandnightbeforethee.'Butwhen?Why,whenhissoulwasfulloftrouble,andhis life drew near to the grave (Psa 88:1–3). Or, as it says in anotherplace,outof thedeep, 'outof thebellyofhellcriedI' (Psa130:1;Jonah2:2).Bysuchwordsexpressingwhatpainfulconditiontheywereinwhentheycried.

SeehowGodhimselfwordsit.'Mypleasantportion,'sayshe,isbecome'adesolatewilderness,andbeingdesolate,itmournethuntome'(Jer12:11).Andthisalsoisnaturaltothosewhoseheartsarebroken.Whethergoesthechild,whenitcatchethharm,buttoitsfather,toitsmother?Wheredothitlayitshead,butintheirlaps?Intowhosebosomdothitpouroutits complaint, more especially, but into the bosom of the father, of amother, because there are bowels, there is pity, there is relief andsuccour?Andthusitiswiththemwhosebones,whoseheartsarebroken.It isnatural to them; theymust cry; they cannotbut cry tohim. 'Lord,healme,'saidDavid,'formybonesarevexed;Lord,healme,formysoulisalsosorevexed'(Psa6:1–3).Hethatcannotcryfeelsnopain,seesnowant,fearsnodanger,orelseisdead.

Sixth. Another sign of a broken heart, and of a contrite spirit is, ittrembleth atGod'sWord. 'Tohim that is poor, andof a contrite spirit,andtremblethatmyWord'(Isa66:2).

TheWordofGod is anawfulWord toabroken-heartedman.Solomonsays,'Thewordofakingisastheroaringofalion';andifso,whatistheWordofGod?forbythewrathandfearismeanttheauthoritativewordof a king. We have a proverb, 'The burnt child dreads the fire, thewhippedchildfearstherod';evensothebroken-heartedfearstheWordofGod.Hence youhave a remark set upon them that tremble atGod'sWord,towit,theyaretheythatkeepamongthegodly;theyaretheythatkeepwithincompass;theyaretheythatareaptesttomourn,andtostandinthegap,whenGodisangry;andtoturnawayhiswrathfromapeople.

ItisasigntheWordofGodhashadplace,andwroughtpowerfully,whenthehearttremblethatit,isafraid,andstandsinaweofit.WhenJoseph'smistresstemptedhimtoliewithher,hewasafraidoftheWordofGod.'HowthencanIdothisgreatwickedness,'saidhe,'andsinagainstGod?'He stood in awe of God's Word, durst not do it, because he kept inremembrancewhatadreadful thing itwastorebelagainstGod'sWord.WhenoldEliheardthatthearkwastaken,hisveryhearttrembledwithinhim;forhereadbythatsadlossthatGodwasangrywithIsrael,andheknewtheangerofGodwasagreatandterriblething.WhenSamuelwentto Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled; for they feared that hecame to them with some sad message from God, and they had hadexperienceof thedreadof such thingsbefore (Gen39:7–9; 1Sam4:13;16:1–4).WhenEzrawouldhaveamourning inIsrael for thesinsof theland, he sent, and there came to him 'every one that trembled at thewordsoftheGodofIsrael,becauseofthetransgressionsofthosethathadbeencarriedaway'(Ezra9:4).

Thereare, I say,asortofpeople that trembleat thewordsofGod,andthatareafraidofdoingoughtthatiscontrarytothem;buttheyareonlysuchwithwhosesoulsandspirits theWordhashadtodo.Fortherest,theyareresolvedtogoontheircourse, letGodsaywhathewill. 'Asfortheword'of theLord,saidrebelliousIsrael toJeremiah, 'thatthouhastspokenuntous inthenameoftheLord,wewillnothearkenuntothee.But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own

mouth' (Jer44:16).Butdoyouthinkthat thesepeopledidever feel thepowerandmajestyoftheWordofGodtobreaktheirhearts?No,verily;had that been so, theywould have trembled at thewords ofGod; theywouldhave been afraid of thewords ofGod.Godmay command somepeoplewhathewill,theywilldowhattheylist.WhatcaretheyforGod?what care they for his Word? Neither threats nor promises, neitherpunishments or favours willmake them obedient to theWord of God;andallbecause theyhavenot felt thepowerof it, theirheartshavenotbeenbrokenwith it.WhenkingJosiasdidbutreadinGod'sBookwhatpunishment God had threatened against rebellious Israel, though hehimself was a holy and good man, he humbled himself, 'he rent hisclothes,' and wept before the Lord, and was afraid of the judgmentthreatened(2Kings22;2Chron34).ForheknewwhatadreadfulthingtheWordofGodis.Somemen,asIsaidbefore,daredoanything,lettheWordofGodbenever somuch against it; but they that tremble at theWorddarenotdoso.No,theymustmaketheWordtheirruleforalltheydo; theymustgo to theHolyBible,andthere inquirewhatmayormaynotbedone; for they trembleat theWord.This then is another sign, atrue sign, that the heart has been broken, namely, 'When the heart ismade afraid of, and trembleth at the Word' (Acts 9:4–6; 16:29, 30).Trembling at the Word is caused by a belief of what is deserved,threatened,andofwhatwill come, ifnotpreventedby repentance;andthereforetheheartmelts,andbreaksbeforetheLord.

IV.THENECESSITYTHEREISTHATTHEHEARTMUSTBEBROKEN

Icome,inthenextplace,tospeaktothisquestion.

Butwhatnecessityistherethattheheartmustbebroken?Cannotamanbe saved unless his heart be broken? I answer, Avoiding secret things,

whichonlybelong toGod, there is anecessityofbreaking theheart, inorder to salvation; because a man will not sincerely comply with themeansconducingthereuntountilhisheartisbroken.For,

First.Man, take him as he comes into theworld, as to spirituals, as toevangelical things, inwhichmainly liesman'seternal felicity,and therehe is as one dead, and so stupefied, and wholly in himself, asunconcernedwithit.Norcananycalloradmonition,thathasnotaheart-breakingpower attendingof it, bringhim to adue considerationofhispresentstate,andsountoaneffectualdesiretobesaved.

Many ways God has manifested this. He has threatened men withtemporal judgments; yea, sent such judgments upon them, once andagain,overandover,buttheywillnotdo.What!sayshe,'Ihavegivenyoucleannessofteethinallyourcities;Ihavewithholdentherainfromyou;Ihave smittenyouwithblastingandmildew; Ihave sentamongyou thepestilence;Ihaveoverthrownsomeofyou,asGodoverthrewSodomandGomorrah.Yethaveyenotreturneduntome,saiththeLord'(Amos4:6–11). See here! Here is judgment upon judgment, stroke after stroke,punishment after punishment, but all will not do, unless the heart isbroken. Yea, another prophet seems to say that such things, instead ofconvertingthesoul,setsitfurtheroff.Ifheart-breakingworkattendsuchstrokes, 'Why should ye be stricken anymore?' says he, 'ye will revoltmoreandmore'(Isa1:5).

Man'sheartisfenced,itisgrowngross;thereisaskinthat,likeacoatofmail,haswrappeditup,andinclosedit inoneveryside.Thisskin,thiscoat of mail, unless it be cut off and taken away, the heart remainsuntouched, whole; and so as unconcerned, whatever judgments orafflictionslightuponthebody(Matt13:15;Acts28:27).ThiswhichIcallthecoatofmail,thefenceoftheheart,hastwogreatnamesinScripture.Itiscalled,'theforeskinoftheheart,'andthearmourinwhichthedeviltrusteth(Deut10:16;Luke11:22).

Because these shield and fence the heart from all gospel doctrine, andfromalllegalpunishments,nothingcancomeatittilltheseareremoved.Therefore, inorderuntoconversion,theheartissaidtobecircumcised;thatis,thisforeskinistakenaway,andthiscoatofmailisspoiled.'Iwill

circumcise thy heart,' saith he, 'to love the Lord thyGodwith all thineheart'—and then the devil's goods are spoiled—'that thou mayst live'(Deut30:6;Luke11:22).

Andnowtheheartliesopen,nowtheWordwillprick,cut,andpierceit;anditbeingcut,pricked,andpierced,itbleeds,itfaints,itfalls,anddiesatthefootofGod,unlessitissupportedbythegraceandloveofGodinJesusChrist.Conversion,youknow,beginsattheheart;butiftheheartbesosecuredbysinandSatan,as Ihavesaid,all judgmentsare,whilethat is so, in vain. HenceMoses, after he hadmade a long relation ofmercy and judgment unto the children of Israel, suggests that yet thegreatthingwaswantingtothem,andthatthingwas,anhearttoperceive,and eyes to see, and ears to hear unto that day (Deut 29:2, 3). Theirhearts were as yet not touched to the quick, were not awakened, andwounded by the holyWord of God, andmade tremble at its truth andterror.

ButIsay,beforetheheartbetouched,pricked,madesmart,&c.,howcanit be thought, be the danger never so great, that it should repent, cry,bow,andbreakatthefootofGod,andsupplicatethereformercy!andyetthusitmustdo;forthusGodhasordained,andthusGodhasappointedit;norcanmenbesavedwithoutit.But,Isay,canamanspirituallydead,astupidman,whoseheartispastfeeling,dothis;beforehehashisdeadandstupidheartawakened,toseeandfeelitsstateandmiserywithoutit?But,

Second.Man,takehimashecomesintotheworld—andhowwisesoeverheisinworldlyandtemporalthings—heisyetafoolastothatwhichisspiritual andheavenly.HencePaul says, 'thenaturalman receivethnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod;fortheyarefoolishnessuntohim,'becausehe is indeeda fool to them; 'neither,' says the text, 'canheknow them,because they are spiritually discerned' (1 Cor 2:14). But hownowmustthis fool bemadewise?Why, wisdommust be put into his heart (Job38:36).Now,nonecanputittherebutGod;andhowdothheputitthere,butbymakingroomthereforit,bytakingawaythethingwhichhinders,whichisthatfollyandmadnesswhichnaturallydwelleththere?Buthowdothhetakethatawaybutbyaseverechastisingofhissoulforit,untilhehas made him weary of it? The whip and stripes are provided for the

naturalfool,andsoitisforhimthatisspirituallyso(Prov19:29).

Solomon intimates, that it is a hard thing tomake a fool becomewise.'Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with apestle,yetwillnothisfoolishnessdepartfromhim'(Prov27:22).Bythisitappearsthatitisahardthingtomakeafoolawiseman.Tobrayoneinamortar is adreadful thing, tobrayone therewithapestle; andyet itseemsawhip,amortar,andapestleistheway.Andifthisisthewaytomakeonewiseinthisworld,andifallthiswillhardlydo,howmustthefoolthatissoinspiritualsbewhippedandbeaten,andstrippedbeforeheismadewisetherein?Yea,hisheartmustbeputintoGod'smortar,andmust be beaten; yea, brayed there with the pestle of the law, before itloves to hearken unto heavenly things. It is a great word in Jeremiah,'Throughdeceit,' that is, folly, 'they refuse toknowme, saith theLord.'Andwhatfollows?Why,'Therefore,thussaiththeLordofhosts,beholdIwillmeltthem,andtrythem,'thatis,withfire,'forhowshallIdoforthedaughterofmypeople'(Jer9:6,7).Iwillmeltthem:Iwillputthemintomyfurnace,andthereIwilltrythem;andtherewillImakethemknowme,saiththeLord.WhenDavidwasunderspiritualchastisementforhissin,andhadhisheartunderthebreakinghandofGod,thenhesaid,Godshouldmake himknowwisdom (Psa 51:6).Nowhewas in themortar,nowhewasinthefurnace,nowhewasbruisedandmelted;yea,nowhisbones, his heart, was breaking, and now his folly was departing. Now,sayshe,thoushaltmakemetoknowwisdom.IfIknowanythingoftheway ofGodwithus fools, there is nothing elsewillmakeuswisemen;yea,athousandbreakingswillnotmakeussowiseasweshouldbe.

We say, Wisdom is not good till it is bought; and he that buys it,accordingtotheintentionofthatproverb,usuallysmartsforit.Thefooliswiseinhisownconceit;whereforethereisadoubledifficultyattendshim before he can be wise indeed. Not only his folly, but his wisdom,mustberemovedfromhim;andhowshallthatbe,butbyrippingupofhis heart by some sore conviction, thatmay show him plainly that hiswisdomishisfolly,andthatwhichwillundohim.Afool loveshisfolly;thatis,astreasure,somuchisheinlovewithit.Nowthen,itmustbeagreat thing thatmustmakea fool forsakehis folly.The foolishwillnotweigh,norconsider,norcomparewisdomwiththeirfolly.'Follyisjoyto

himthatisdestituteofwisdom.''Asadogreturnethtohisvomit,soafoolreturneth to his folly' (Prov 15:21; 26:11). So loth are theywhendrivenfromittoletitgo,toletitdepartfromthem.WhereforetheremustgoagreatdealtothemakingofamanaChristian;forastothat,everymanisa fool, yea, the greatest fool, themost unconcerned fool, themost self-willedfoolofallfools;yea,onethatwillnotbeturnedfromhisfollybutbythebreakingofhisheart.Davidwasoneofthesefools;Manassehwasoneofthesefools;Saul,otherwisecalledPaul,wasoneofthesefools;andsowasI—andthatthebiggestofall.

Third.Man, takehimas he comes into theworld, andhe is not only adeadman,andafool,butaproudmanalso.Prideisoneofthosesinsthatfirst showeth itself to children, yea, and it grows up with them, andmixethitselfwithalltheydo:butitliesmosthid,mostdeepinmanastohissoul-concerns.Forthenatureofsin,assin,isnotonlytobevile,buttohide itsvileness fromthesoul.Hencemany think theydowellwhentheysin.JonahthoughthedidwelltobeangrywithGod(Jonah4:9).ThePhariseesthoughttheydidwellwhentheysaid,Christhadadevil(John8:48).AndPaulthoughtverily,thatheoughttodomanythingsagainst,orcontraryto,thenameofJesus;whichhealsodidwithgreatmadness(Acts26:9, 10).And thus sinpuffsupmenwithpride,anda conceitofthemselves, that they are a thousand timesbetter than they are.HencetheythinktheyarethechildrenofGod,whentheyarethechildrenofthedevil;andthat theyaresomethingas toChristianity,whentheyneitherare such, nor knowwhat it is that theymust have tomake them such(John8:41–44;Gal6:3).

Now,whenceflowsthisbutfrompride,andaself-conceitofthemselves,andthattheirstateisgoodforanotherworld,whentheyareyetintheirsins, and under the curse ofGod? Yea, and this pride is so strong andhigh, andyet sohid in them, thatall theministers in theworld cannotpersuade them that this is pride, not grace, in which they are soconfident. Hence they slight all reproofs, rebukes, threatenings, oradmonitions that are pressed upon them, to prevail with them to takeheed,thattheybenothereindeceived.'Hearye,'saiththeprophet, 'andgiveear:benotproud,fortheLordhathspoken.''Butifyewillnothearit,mysoulshallweepinsecretplacesforyourpride'(Jer13:15–17).And

what was the conclusion?Why, all the proudmen stood out still, andmaintainedtheirresistanceofGodandhisholyprophet(Jer43:2).

Nor is thereany thing thatwillprevailwith these to thesavingof theirsouls, until their hearts are broken. David, after he had defiledBathsheba,andslainherhusband,yetboastedhimselfinhisjusticeandholiness,andwouldbyallmeanshavethemanputtodeaththathadbuttakenthepoorman'slamb,when,alas!poorsoul,himselfwasthegreattransgressor. But would he believe it? No, no; he stood upon thevindicatingofhimselftobeajustdoer;norwouldhebemadetofalluntilNathan,byauthorityfromGod,didtellhimthathewasthemanwhomhimselfhadcondemned; 'Thouart theman,'saidhe:atwhichwordhisconsciencewasawakened,hisheartwounded,andsohissoulmadetofallundertheburdenofhisguilt,atthefeetoftheGodofheavenformercy(2Sam12:1–13).

Ah!pride,pride!thouartthatwhichholdsmanyamaninthechainsofhis sins; thou art it, thou cursed self-conceit, and keepest them frombelievingthattheirstate isdamnable. 'Thewicked,throughtheprideofhis countenance, will not seek after God' (Psa 10:4). And if there is somuch in the pride of his countenance, what is there, think you, in theprideofhisheart?ThereforeJobsaysitistohidepridefromman,andsoto savehis soul fromhell, thatGod chastenethhimwithpainuponhisbed, until themultitude of his bones stick out, and until his life drawsnightothedestroyer(Job33:17–22).

It isahard thing to takeamanoffhispride,andmakehim, insteadoftrustingin,andboastingofhisgoodness,wisdom,honesty,andthelike,to see himself a sinner, a fool, yea, aman that is cruel, as to his ownimmortalsoul.Prideofhearthasapowerinit,andisthereforecomparedtoan ironsinew,andan ironchain,bywhich theyaremadestout,andwithwhichtheyareheldinthatstoutness,toopposetheLord,anddrivehisWordfromtheirhearts(Lev26:19;Psa73:6).

Thiswasthesinofdevils,anditisthesinofman,andthesin,Isay,fromwhich noman can be delivered until his heart is broken; and then hispride is spoiled, thenhewill be glad to yield. If amanbeproudof hisstrengthormanhood,abrokenlegwillmaulhim;andifamanbeproud

ofhisgoodness,abrokenheartwillmaulhim;because,ashasbeensaid,abrokenheartcomesbythediscoveryandchargeofsin,bythepowerofGodupontheconscience.

Fourth.Man,takehimashecomesintotheworld,andhe isnotonlyadeadman,afool,andproud,butalsoself-willedandheadstrong(2Peter2:10). A stubborn ungain creature is man before his heart is broken.Hence they are so often called rebels, rebellious, and disobedient: theywillonlydowhattheylist. 'Alldaylong,'saysGod, 'haveIstretchedoutmyhandtoadisobedientandgainsayingpeople.'Andhence,again,theyarecomparedtoaself-willedorheadstronghorse,thatwill,inspiteofhisrider,rushintothebattle.'Everyone,'saysGod,'turnethtohiscourse,asthehorserushethintobattle'(Jer8:6).Theysay,'Withourtonguewillweprevail,ourlipsareourown;whoislordoverus'(Psa12:4).

Hencetheyaresaidtostoptheirears,topullawaytheirshoulder,toshuttheir eyes, and harden their hearts, 'against the words of God, andcontemned the counsel of the Most High' (Psa 107:11; Zech 7:10, 12).Theyarefitlycomparedtotherebellioussonwhowouldnotberuledbyhisparents,ortotheprodigal,whowouldhaveallinhisownhand,andremove himself far away from father and father's house (Deut 21:20;Luke 15:13). Now for such creatures, nothingwill do but violence. Thestubborn son must be stoned till he dies; and the prodigal must befamishedoutofall;nothingelse,Isay,willdo.Theirself-willedstubbornheartwillnotcomplywiththewillofGodbeforeitisbroken(Deut21:21;Luke15:14–17).Thesearetheythatarecalledthestout-hearted;thesearesaidtobefarfromrighteousness,andsowillremainuntiltheirheartsarebroken;forsotheymustbemadetoknowthemselves(Isa9:9–11).

Fifth.Man, ashe comes into theworld, isnotonly adeadman, a fool,proud, and self-willed, but also a fearless creature. 'There is,' saith thetext,'nofearofGodbeforetheireyes'(Rom3:18).NofearofGod!Thereisfearofman,fearof losinghisfavour,his love,hisgood-will,hishelp,hisfriendship;thisisseeneverywhere.Howdothepoorfeartherich,theweakfearthestrong,andthosethatarethreatened,themthatthreaten!But come now to God; why, none fear him; that is, by nature, nonereverence him; they neither fear his frowns, nor seek his favour, norinquirehowtheymayescapehisrevenginghandthatisliftedupagainst

theirsinsandtheirsoulsbecauseofsin.Littlethingstheyfearthelosingofthem;butthesoultheyarenotafraidtolose.'Theyfearnotme,saiththeLord'(Mal3:5).

Howmany timesare somemenput inmindofdeathby sicknessuponthemselves,bygraves,bythedeathofothers?HowmanytimesaretheyputinmindofhellbyreadingtheWord,bylashesofconscience,andbysomethatgoroaring indespairoutof thisworld?Howmanytimesaretheyputinmindofthedayofjudgment.As,1.ByGod'sbindingthefallenangelsovertojudgment.2.Bythedrowningoftheoldworld(2Peter2:4,5;Jude6,7).3.BytheburningofSodomandGomorrahwithfire fromheaven(2Peter2:6;Jude7).4.Byappointingaday(Acts17:29–31).5.By appointing a judge (Acts 10:40–42). 6 By reserving their crimes inrecords (Isa 30:8; Rev 20:12). 7. By appointing and preparing ofwitnesses (Rom 2:15). 8. And by promising, yea, threatening, yea,resolving, to call the whole world to his bar, there to be judged for allwhichtheyhavedoneandsaid,and foreverysecret thing(Matt25:31–33;12:36;Eccl11:9;12:14).

And yet they fear not God: alas! they believe not these things. Thesethings,tocarnalmen,arelikeLot'spreachingtohissonsanddaughtersthat were in Sodom.When he told them that God would destroy thatplace,heseemeduntothemasonethatmocked;andhiswordstothemwereasidletales(Gen19:14).Fearlessmenarenotwonbywords;blows,wounds, and killings, are the things that must bring them under fear.Howmany struggling fits had Israel with God in the wilderness?Howmanytimesdidtheydeclarethattheretheyfearedhimnot?Andobserve,theywereseldom, if ever,brought to fearanddreadhisgloriousname,unlesshebeset themroundwithdeathandthegrave.Nothing,nothingbutaseverehand,willmakethefearless fear.Hence, tospeakafterthemannerofman,Godisputuponittogothiswaywithsinnerswhenhewouldsavetheirsouls;evenbringthem,andlaythematthemouth,andwithin sight of hell and everlasting damnation: and there also chargethemwithsinandguilt, to thebreakingof theirhearts,beforetheywillfearhisname.

Sixth.Man,ashecomes into theworld, isnotonlyadeadman,a fool,proud,self-willed,andfearless,butheisafalsebelieverconcerningGod.

LetGodreportofhimselfneversoplainly,manbynaturewillnotbelievethis reportofhim.No, theyarebecomevain in their imaginations,andtheir foolish heart is darkened; wherefore they turn the glory of God,whichishistruth,intoalie(Rom1:21–25).Godsays,Hesees;theysay,He seeth not; God saith, He knows; they say, He doth not know: Godsaith,Noneislikehimself;yettheysay,Heisaltogetherliketothem:Godsaith,Noneshallkeephisdoorfornaught;theysay,Itisinvain,andtonoprofittoservehim:hesaith,Hewilldogood;theysay,Hewillneitherdogoodnorevil(Job22:13,14;Psa50:21;Job21:14,15;Mal3:14;Zeph1:12).ThustheyfalselybelieveconcerningGod;yea,astothewordofhisgrace,andtherevelationofhismercy inChrist, theysticknot tosaybytheirpractice—forawickedmanspeakethwithhisfeet(Prov6:13)—thatthatisastarklie,andnottobetrustedto(1John5:10).

Now, what shall God do to save these men? If he hides himself andconceals his glory, they perish. If he sends to them by hismessengers,andforbears tocometothemhimself, theyperish.Ifhecomestothemandforbearstoworkuponthembyhisword,theyperish:ifheworkethonthem,butnoteffectually,theyperish.Ifheworkseffectuallyhemustbreaktheirhearts,andmakethem,asmenwoundedtodeath,fallathisfeetformercy,ortherecanbenogooddoneonthem;theywillnotrightlybelieve until he fires them out of their misbelief, and makes them toknow,bythebreakingoftheirbonesfortheirfalsefaith,thatheis,andwillbe,whathehassaidofhimselfinhisholyWord.Theheart,therefore,mustbebrokenbeforethemancancometogood.

Seventh.Man,ashecomesintotheworld,isnotonlyadeadman,afool,proud,self-willed,fearless,andafalsebeliever,butagreatloverofsin;heiscaptivated,ravished,drownedinthedelightsofit.Henceit[theWord]says, they love sin, delight in lies, do take pleasure in iniquity, and inthemthatdo it; thattheysportthemselves intheirowndeceivings,andglory in their shame(John3:19;Psa62:4;Rom1:32;2Peter2:13;Phil3:19).

This is the temperofmanbynature; for sin ismixedwithandhas themasteryofallthepowersofhissoul.Hencetheyaresaidtobecaptivestoit,andtobeledcaptiveintothepleasuresofit,atthewillofthedevil(2Tim2:26).Andyouknowitisnotaneasythingtobreaklove,ortotake

the affections off that object onwhich they are so deeply set, inwhichtheyaresodeeplyrooted,asman'sheart is inhissins.Alas!howmanyare there that contemnall the allurements of heaven, and that trampleuponallthethreateningsofGod,andthatsay,'Tush,'atalltheflamesofhell,whenever thesearepropoundedasmotives towork themoff theirsinful delights! so fixed are they, so mad are they, upon these beastlyidols.Yea,hethatshalltakeinhandtostoptheircourseinthistheirway,is as he that shall attempt to prevent the ragingwaves of the sea fromtheircourse,whendrivenbythemightywinds.

When men are somewhat put to it, when reason and conscience shallbeginalittletohearkentoapreacher,orajudgmentthatshallbegintohunt for iniquity, how many tricks, evasions, excuses, demurs, delays,andhiding-holeswill theymake, invent, and find, tohideandpreservetheirsweetsinswiththemselvesandtheirsouls,inthedelightsofthem,totheirowneternalperdition?Hencetheyendeavourtostifleconscience,to choke convictions, to forget God, to make themselves atheists, tocontradictpreachersthatareplainandhonest,andtoheaptothemselvessuchof themonlyasare like themselves, that speakunto themsmooththings,andprophesydeceits;yea,theysaythemselvestosuchpreachers,'Getyououtoftheway;turnasideoutofthepath;causetheHolyOneofIsraeltoceasefrombeforeus'(Isa30:8–11).Iftheybefollowedstill,andconscience and guilt shall, like blood-hounds, find them out in theirsecretplaces,androaragainstthemfortheirwickedlives,thentheywillflatter,cogg,dissemble,andlieagainsttheirsoul,promisingtomend,toturn,torepent,andgrowbettershortly;andalltodaffoffconvictionsandmolestations in theirwickedways, that theymayyetpursue their lusts,theirpleasures,andsinfuldelights,inquiet,andwithoutcontrol.

Yea,further,Ihaveknownsomethathavebeenmadetoroarlikebears,toyelllikedragons,andtohowllikedogs,byreasonoftheweightofguilt,and the lashes of hell upon their conscience for their evil deeds; whohave, so soon as their present torments and fears were gone, returnedagainwiththe'dogtohisvomit;andasthesowthatwaswashed,toherwallowinginthemire'(Hosea7:14;2Peter2:20–22).

Onceagain,somehavebeenmadetasteofthegoodWordofGod,ofthejoyofheaven,andofthepowersoftheworldtocome,andyetcouldnot

byanyone,nay,by all of these, bemade tobreak their league for everwiththeirlustsandsins(Heb6:4,5;Luke8:13;John5:33–35).OLord!whatisman,thatthouartmindfulofhim?Whereinishetobeaccountedof?Hehassinnedagainstthee;heloveshissinsmorethanthee.HeisaloverofpleasuresmorethanheisaloverofGod!

Butnow,howshallthismanbereclaimedfromthissin?Howshallhebebrought,wrought,andmade,tobeoutoflovewithit?Doubtlessitcanbebynoothermeans,bywhatwecanseeintheWord,butbythewounding,breaking, and disabling of the heart that loves it, and by that meansmakingitaplagueandgalluntoit.Sinmaybemadeanaffliction,andasgallandwormwoodtothemthatloveit;butthemakingofitsobitterathing to such aman, will not be done but by great and soremeans. Irememberwehadinourtownsometimesince,alittlegirlthatlovedtoeattheheadsoffoultobacco-pipes,andneitherrodnorgoodwordscouldreclaim her, andmake her leave them. So her father takes advice of adoctor, toweanher from them, and itwas this: Take, saith he, a greatmany of the foulest tobacco-pipe heads you can get, and boil them inmilk,andmakeapossetofthatmilk,andmakeyourdaughterdrinktheposset-drinkup.Hedidso,andgavehisgirlit,andmadeherdrinkitup;thewhich became so irksome andnauseous to her stomach, andmadehersosick,thatshecouldneverabidetomeddlewithtobacco-pipeheadsany more, and so was cured of that disease. Thou lovest thy sin, andneither rodnor goodwordswill as yet reclaim thee.Well, takeheed; ifthouwiltnotbereclaimed,Godwillmaketheeapossetof them,whichshallbesobittertothysoul,soirksometothytaste,soloathsometothymind,andsoafflictingtothyheart,thatitshallbreakitwithsicknessandgrief,tillitbeloathsometothee.Isay,thushewilldoifhelovesthee;ifnot,hewillsuffertheetotakethycourse,andwilllettheegoonwiththytobacco-pipeheads!

ThechildrenofIsraelwillhaveflesh,musthaveflesh;theyweep,cry,andmurmur, because they have not flesh; the bread of heaven, that is butlightandsorrystuff intheiresteem(Num11:1–6).MosesgoesandtellsGodhowthepeopledespisedhisheavenlybread,andhowthey longed,lusted,anddesired tobe fedwith flesh.Well, saysGod, theyshallhaveflesh,theyshallhavetheirfillofflesh;Iwillfeedthemwithit;theyshall

havetothefull;andthat'yeshallnoteatoneday,nortwodays,norfivedays,neithertendays,nortwentydays;butevenawholemonth,untilitcomeoutatyournostrils,anditbeloathsomeuntoyou;becauseyehavedespised the Lord' (Num 11:11–20). He can tell how to make thatloathsome to theeonwhich thoumostdost set thineevilheart.Andhewilldoso, ifhe lovesthee;else,asIsaid,hewillnotmaketheesickbysmitingoftheenorpunishtheefororwhenthoucommittestwhoredom,butwilllettheealonetillthejudgment-day,andcalltheetoareckoningforallthysinsthen.Buttopassthis.

Eighth.Man,ashecomesintotheworld,isnotonlyadeadman,afool,proud,self-willed,fearless,afalsebeliever,andaloverofsin,butawildman.He is of thewildolive tree, of thatwhich iswildbynature (Rom11:17,24).So,inanotherplace,manbynatureiscomparedtotheass,toawildass.'Forvainoremptymanwouldbewise,thoughmanbebornlikea wild ass's colt' (Job 11:12). Isaac was a figure of Christ, and of allconvertedmen (Gen4:26).But Ishmaelwasa figureofmanbynature;and theHolyGhost,as to that, saith thisofhim, 'Andhewillbeawildman'(Gen16:12).Thisman,Isay,wasafigureofallcarnalmen,intheirwildnessorestrangednessfromGod.Hence it issaidof theprodigal,athisconversion,thathecametohimselfthen;implyingthathewasmad,wild,oroutofhiswitsbefore (Luke15:17). Iknowthere isadifferencesometimes betwixt one's being wild and mad; yet sometimes wildnessarriveth to thatdegreeas togiveonerightly thedenominationofbeingmad.Anditisalwaystrueinspirituals;namely,thathethatiswild,astoGod,ismad,orbesideshimself,andsonotcapable,beforeheistamed,ofmindinghisowneternalgoodasheshould.Therearetheseseveralthingsthataretokensofonewildormad;andtheyallmeetinacarnalman.

1. Awild ormadman gives no heed to good counsel; the frenzy of hisheadshutsallout,andbyitsforceleadshimawayfrommenthatarewiseand sober. And thus it is with carnalmen; good counsel is to them aspearlsarethatarecastaforeswine;itistrampledunderfootofthem,andthemanisdespisedthatbringsit(Matt7:6).'Thepoorman'swisdomisdespised,andhiswordsarenotheard'(Eccl9:16).

2.Awildormadman,lethimalone,andhewillgreatlybusyhimselfallhis life to accomplish that which, when it is completed, amounts to

nothing. Thework, the toil, the travel of such a one comes to nothing,savetodeclarethathewasoutofhiswitsthatdidit.David,imitatingofsuchaone, scrabbledupon thegateof theking,as foolsdowithchalk;andliketothisisalltheworkofallcarnalmenintheworld(1Sam21:12,13). Hence, such a one is said to labour for the wind, or for what willamounttonomorethanifhefilledhisbellywiththeeastwind(Eccl5:16;Job15:2).

3.Awildormadman, ifyousethimtodoanything,andhedoes it,hewillyetdoit,notbyoraccordingtoyourbidding,butafterthefollyofhisownwildfancy;evenasJehuexecutedthecommandmentoftheLord;hedid it inhis ownmadness, takingnoheed to the commandmentof theLord (2 Kings 9:20; 10:31). And thus do carnal men do, when theymeddle with any of God's matters, as hearing, praying, reading,professing; they do all according to their ownwild fancy; they take noheedtodotheseafterthecommandmentoftheLord.

4.Wildormadmen,iftheydeckorarraythemselveswithought,asmanytimestheydo,why,thespiritoftheirwildnessorfrenzyappearseveninthemodeandwayinwhichtheydoit.Eitherthethingsthemselveswhichtheymakeuseofforthatpurposeareverytoysandtrifles;oriftheyseemto be better, they are put on after an antic manner, rather to therenderingof themridiculous, than tobespeak themsober, judicious,orwise;andsodonaturalmenarray themselveswithwhat theywouldbeacceptedinwithGod.Wouldoneinhiswitsthinktomakehimselffineoracceptable to men by arraying himself in menstruous cloths, or bypaintinghisfacewithdrossanddung?Andyetthisisthefineryofcarnalmen,when they approach for acceptance into the presence ofGod (Isa64:6;Phil3:7,8).

O the wildness, the frenzy, the madness, that possesses the heart andmind of carnal men! they walk according to the course of this world,according toor after that spiritwhich is in truth the spirit of thedevil,whichworkethinthechildrenofdisobedience(Eph2:1–3).Butdotheybelieve that thus it iswith them?No, theyare, in theirownaccount,asothermadmenare, theonlyones in theworld.Hence theyareso takenandtickledwiththeirownfranticnotions,andderideallelsethatdwellintheworld.Butwhichisthewaytomakeonethatiswild,oramadman,

sober?To lethimalonewillnotdo it; togivehimgoodwordsonlywillnotdo it;no,hemustbe tamed;meansmustbeused to tamehim. 'Hebroughtdown theirheartswith labour,' orby continualmolestation;asyouhaveit(Psa107:10–12).Hespeakeththereofmadmenthatarekeptupindarkness,andboundinafflictionsandirons,becausetheyrebelledagainstthewordsofGod,andcontemnedthecounseloftheMostHigh.

This, therefore, is theway to dealwith such, andnone butGod can sodealwiththem.Theymustbetaken,theymustbeseparatedfrommen;theymustbelaidinchains,indarkness,afflictions,andirons;theymustbe blooded, half-starved, whipped, purged, and be dealt with as madpeoplearedealtwith.Andthustheymustbedealtwithtilltheycometothemselves,andcryoutintheirdistresses.AndthentheycrytotheLordin their troubles, and he saveth them out of their distresses; then hebringsthemoutofdarkness,andtheshadowofdeath,andbreakstheirbands in sunder (Psa 107:13–15). Thus, I say,God tames thewild, andbringsmadprodigalstothemselves,andsotohimformercy.

Ninth.Man,ashecomesintotheworld, isnotonlyadeadman,a fool,proud,self-willed,fearless,afalsebeliever,aloverofsin,andawildman;butaman thatdisrelishes the thingsof thekingdomofGod. I toldyoubefore, thatunconvertedman issuchasdidnot taste things;butnowIadd, that he disrelishes things; he calls bitter things sweet, and sweetbitter;hejudgesquiteamiss.ThesearetheythatGodthreatenethwithawoe.'Woeuntothemthatcallevilgood,andgoodevil;thatputdarknessfor light,and light fordarkness; thatputbitter forsweet,andsweet forbitter'(Isa5:20).

ThislatterpartofthistextshowsusevidentlythatthethingsofGodaredisrelished by some. They call his sweet things bitter, and the devil'sbitter things sweet; andall this is forwantofabrokenheart.Abrokenheartrelishesotherwisethanawholeorunbrokenonedoth.Amanthathasnopain,orbodilydistress,cannot findor feelvirtueorgood in themostsovereignplaister,wereitappliedtoarmorleg;no,herathersays,Awaywith these stinking daubing things.O! but lay the same plaisterswherethereisneed,andthepatientwillrelish,andtaste,andsavourthegoodnessofthem;yea,willprizeandcommendthemtoothers.

Thusitisinspirituals.Theworld,theyknownotwhattheanguishorpainofabrokenheartmeans;theysay, 'Whowillshowusanygood,'thatis,better than we find in our sports, pleasures, estates, and preferments.'Therebemany,'saysthePsalmist,speakafterthissort.Butwhatsaysthedistressed man? Why, 'Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenanceuponus';andthenadds,'Thouhastputgladnessinmyheart';namely,bythe light of thy countenance, for that is theplaister for a brokenheart.'Thouhastputgladnessinmyheart,morethaninthetimethattheircornand their wine increaseth' (Psa 4:1–7). O! a broken heart can savourpardon,cansavourtheconsolationsoftheHolyGhost.Yea,asahungryor thirsty man prizes bread and water in the want thereof, so do thebroken in heart prize and set a high esteem on the things of the LordJesus.Hisflesh,hisblood,hispromise,andthelightofhiscountenance,are theonly sweet thingsboth to scentand taste, to those thatareof awoundedspirit.Thefullsoulloatheththehoney-comb;thewholedespisethegospel,theysavournotthethingsthatareofGod.

If twentymenwere tohearapardonread,andbutoneof those twentywerecondemnedtodie,andthepardonwasfornonebutsuch;whichofthesemen,thinkyou,wouldtastethesweetnessofthatpardon,theywhoarenot,orhethatwascondemned?Thecondemnedman,doubtless.Thisisthecaseinhand.Thebrokeninheartisacondemnedman;yea,itisasense of condemnation, with other things, that has indeed broken hisheart;noristhereanythingbutsenseofforgivenessthatcanbinditup,orhealit.Butcouldthathealit,couldhenottaste,trulytaste,orrightlyrelish this forgiveness? no; forgivenesswould be to him as it is to himthathasnotsenseofwantofit.

But,Isay,whatisthereasonsomesoprizewhatotherssodespise,sincetheybothstand inneedof thesamegraceandmercyofGod inChrist?Why, theonesees,and theotherseesnothing,of thiswoefulmiserablestate.AndthushaveIshowedyouthenecessityofabrokenheart.1.Manisdead,andmustbequickened.2.Manisafool,andmustbemadewise.3.Manisproud,andmustbehumbled.4.Manisself-willed,andmustbebroken. 5.Man is fearless, andmust bemade to consider. 6.Man is afalsebeliever,andmustberectified.7.Manisaloverofsin,andmustbeweaned from it.8.Man iswild, andmustbe tamed.9.Mandisrelishes

the things of God, and can take no savour in them, until his heart isbroken.

V.THEREASONSWHYABROKENHEARTISESTEEMEDBYGODSUCHAN

EXCELLENTTHING

AndthushaveIdonewiththis,andshallcomenexttothereasonsofthepoint,namely, toshowyou,whyorhowitcomestopass, thatabrokenheart,ahearttrulycontrite,istoGodsuchanexcellentthing.Thattohimitisso,wehaveprovedbysixdemonstrations;whatitis,wehaveshowedbythesixsignsthereof;thatitmustbe,ismanifestbythoseninereasonsbutnowurged;andwhyitiswithGodorinhisesteemanexcellentthing,thatisshownbythatwhichfollows.

First. A broken heart is the handiwork of God; an heart of his ownpreparing,forhisownservice;itisasacrificeofhisownproviding,ofhisprovidingforhimself;asAbrahamsaidinanothercase,'Godwillprovidehimselfalamb'(Gen22:8).

Hence it is said, 'Thepreparationsof theheart inman,&c., is fromtheLord.'Andagain,'Godmakethmyheartsoft,andtheAlmightytroublethme' (Job 23:16). The heart, as it is by nature hard, stupid, andimpenetrable, so it remains,andsowill remain,untilGod,aswassaid,bruisethitwithhishammer,andmeltsitwithhisfire.ThestonynatureofitisthereforesaidtobetakenawayofGod.'Iwilltakeawaythestonyheart out of your flesh, and Iwill give you,' saithhe, 'anheart of flesh'(Eze 36:26). I will take away the stony heart, or the stoniness, or thehardnessofyourheart,andIwillgiveyouaheartofflesh;thatis,Iwillmake your heart sensible, soft, wieldable, governable, and penitent.Sometimeshebidsmen rend theirhearts,notbecause they can, but toconvincethemrather,thatthoughitmustbeso,theycannotdoit;sohebids themmakethemselvesanewheart,andanewspirit, for thesamepurposealso;forifGoddothnotrendit,itremainsunrent;ifGodmakes

itnotnew,itabidesanoldonestill.

This is that that ismeantbyhisbendingofmen forhimself,andofhisworkinginthemthatwhichispleasinginhissight(Zech9:13).Theheart,soul,orspirit,asinitself,asitcamefromGod'sfingers,apreciousthing,athinginGod'saccountworthmorethanalltheworld.Thisheart,soul,or spirit, sin has hardened, the devil has bewitched, the world hasdeceived.Thisheart,thusbeguiled,Godcovetethanddesireth:'Myson,'saithhe, 'givemethineheart,andletthineeyesobservemyways'(Prov23:26).

Thismancannotdothisthing:forthathishearthasthemasteryofhim,andwillnotbutcarryhimafterallmannerofvanity.Whatnowmustbedone?Why,Godmusttaketheheartbystorm,bypower,andbringittoacompliancewiththeWord;buttheheartof itselfwillnot; it isdeluded,carriedawaytoanotherthanGod.WhereforeGodnowbetakeshimtohissword,andbringdowntheheartwithlabour,opensit,anddrivesoutthestrongmanarmedthatdidkeepit;woundsit;andmakesitsmartforitsrebellion,thatitmaycry;soherectifiesit forhimself. 'Hemakethsore,and bindeth up; he woundeth, and his hands make whole' (Job 5:18).Thus having wrought it for himself, it becomes his habitation, hisdwelling-place:'ThatChristmaydwellinyourheartsbyfaith'(Eph3:17).

ButIwouldnotswervefromthethinginhand.IhavetoldyouabrokenheartisthehandiworkofGod,asacrificeofhisownpreparing;amaterialfittedforhimself.

1.Bybreakingoftheheartheopenethit,andmakesitareceptacleforthegracesofhisSpirit;thatisthecabinet,whenunlocked,whereGodlaysupthejewelsofthegospel;thereheputshisfear;'Iwillputmyfearintheirhearts';therehewriteshislaw;'Iwillwritemylawintheirheart';thereheputshisSpirit:'IwillputmySpiritwithinyou'(Jer31:31–33;32:39–41;Eze36:26,27).Theheart,Isay,Godchoosesforhiscabinet:therehehideshistreasure;thereistheseatofjustice,mercy,andofeverygraceofGod; Imean,when it isbroken,madecontrite;andsoregulatedby theholyWord.

2.Theheart,whenbroken,islikesweetgumsandspiceswhenbeaten;for

as such cast their fragrant scent into the nostrils of men, so the heartwhenbroken casts its sweet smells in thenostrils ofGod.The incense,whichwasatypeofprayerofold,wastobebeatenorbruised,andsotobeburnedinthecenser.Theheartmustbebeatenorbruised,andthenthesweetscentwillcomeout:evengroans,andcries,andsighs, forthemercy of God; which cries, &c. to him, are a very excellent thing, andpleasinginhisnostrils.

Second.AbrokenheartisinthesightofGodanexcellentthing;becauseabrokenheart is submissive; it fallethbeforeGod, andgiveth tohimhisglory.Allthisistruefromamultitudeofscriptures,whichIneednotheremention.Hence such a heart is called an honest heart, a good heart, aperfectheart,aheartfearingGod,andsuchasissoundinGod'sstatutes.

Now,thiscannotbutbeanexcellentthing,ifweconsider,thatbysuchaheart,unfeignedobedienceisyieldeduntohimthatcallethforit.'Yehaveobeyedfromtheheart,'saysPaultothematRome,'thatformofdoctrinewhichwasdeliveredyou'(Rom6:17).Alas!theheart,beforeitisbrokenandmadecontrite,isquiteofanothertemper:'ItisnotsubjecttothelawofGod,neitherindeedcanbe.'Thegreatstirbeforetheheartisbroken,isaboutwhoshallbeLord,Godorthesinner.True,therightofdominionistheLord's;butthesinnerwillnotsufferit,butwillbeallhimself;saying'WhoisLordoverus?'andagain,saytheytoGod,'Wearelords,wewillcomenomoreuntothee'(Psa12:4;Jer2:31).

Thisalsoisevidentbytheirpractice;Godmaysaywhathewill,buttheywill do what they list. Keepmy sabbath, says God; I will not, says thesinner.Leaveyourwhoring,saysGod;Iwillnot,saysthesinner.Donottelllies,norswear,norcurse,norblasphememyholyname,saysGod;Obut I will, says the sinner. Turn to me, says God; I will not, says thesinner.Therightofdominionismine,saysGod;but,likethatyoungrebel(1Kings1:5),Iwillbeking,saysthesinner.Now,thisisintolerable,thisisunsufferable,andyeteverysinnerbypracticesaysthus;fortheyhavenotsubmittedthemselvesuntotherighteousnessofGod.

Here can be no concord, no communion, no agreement, no fellowship.Here,hereisenmityontheoneside,andflamingjusticeontheother(2Cor6:14–16;Zech11:8).Andwhatdelight,whatcontent,whatpleasure,

canGodtakeinsuchmen.Noneatall;no,thoughtheyshouldbemingledwiththebestof thesaintsofGod;yea, thoughthebestofsaintsshouldsupplicate for them.Thus,saysJeremiah, 'Thensaid theLorduntome,ThoughMosesandSamuelstoodbeforeme,'thatis,toprayforthem,'yetmymindcouldnotbetowardthispeople;castthemoutofmysight,andletthemgoforth'(Jer15:1).

Hereisnoughtbutopenwar,actsofhostility,andshamefulrebellion,onthe sinner's side; andwhat delight canGod take in that?Wherefore, ifGod will bend and buckle the spirit of such an one, hemust shoot anarrow at him, a bearded arrow, such asmay not be plucked out of thewound:anarrowthatwillstickfast,andcausethatthesinnerfallsdownas dead atGod's foot (Psa 33:1, 2). Thenwill the sinner deliver up hisarms,andsurrenderuphimselfasoneconquered,intothehandof,andbegfortheLord'spardon,andnottillthen;Imeannotsincerely.

And nowGod has overcome, and his right hand and his holy arm hasgottenhim thevictory.Nowhe rides in triumphwithhis captiveathischariotwheel;nowheglories;nowthebells inheavendoring;nowtheangels shout for joy, yea, are bid to do so, 'Rejoicewithme, for I havefoundmysheepwhichwaslost'(Luke15:1–10).Nowalsothesinner,asatokenofbeingovercome,liesgrovellingathisfoot,saying,'Thinearrowsare sharp in the heart of the king's enemies, whereby the people fallunderthee'(Psa45:3–5).

Nowthesinnersubmits,nowhefollowshisconquerorinchains,nowheseekspeace, andwouldgiveall theworld,were ithisown, tobe in thefavourofGod,andtohavehopesbyChristofbeingsaved.Nowthismustbe pleasing, this cannot but be a thing acceptable in God's sight: 'Abrokenandacontriteheart,OGod, thouwiltnotdespise.'For it is thedesireofhisownheart,theworkofhisownhands.

Third. Another reasonwhy a broken heart is to God such an excellentthingisthis,abrokenheartprizesChrist,andhasahighesteemforhim.Thewholehavenoneedofaphysician,butthesick;thissickmanisthebroken-heartedinthetext;forGodmakesmensickbysmitingofthem,bybreakingoftheirhearts.Hencesicknessandwoundsareputtogether;forthattheoneisatrueeffectoftheother(Mark2:17;Micah6:13;Hosea

5:13).Canany thinkthatGodshouldbepleased,whenmendespisehisSon,saying,Hehathnoformnorcomeliness,andwhenweshallseehim,thereisnobeautythatweshoulddesirehim?Andyetsosaytheyofhimwhose hearts God has notmollified; yea, the elect themselves confess,thatbeforetheirheartswerebroken,theysetlightbyhimalso.Heis,saythey,'despisedandrejectedofmen,—andwehidasitwereourfacesfromhim;hewasdespised,andweesteemedhimnot'(Isa53:2,3).

Heisindeedthegreatdeliverer;butwhatisadeliverertothemthatneversaw themselves inbondage,aswassaidbefore?Hence it is saidofhimthatdeliveredthecity, 'Nomanrememberedthatsamepoorman'(Eccl9:15).Hehas sorely suffered, andbeenbruised for the transgressionofman,thattheymightnotreceivethesmart,andhell,whichbytheirsinstheyhaveprocuredtothemselves.Butwhatisthattothemthatneversawoughtbutbeauty,andthatnevertastedanythingbutsweetnessinsin?Itishethatholdethbyhis intercessionthehandsofGod,andthatcauseshimtoforbeartocutoffthedrunkard,theliar,anduncleanperson,evenwhen they are in the very act andwork of their abomination; but theirhardheart, their stupefiedheart,hasnosenseof suchkindnessas this,andthereforetheytakenonoticeofit.HowmanytimeshasGodsaidtothisdresserofhisvineyard, 'Cutdownthebarrenfig-tree,'whileheyet,byhisintercession,hasprevailedforareprieveforanotheryear!Butnonoticeistakenofthis,nothanksisfromthemreturnedtohimforsuchkindnessofChrist.Whereforesuchungrateful,unthankful,inconsideratewretchesasthesemustneedsbeacontinualeye-sore,asImaysay,andgreatprovocationtoGod;andyetthusmenwilldobeforetheirheartsarebroken(Luke13:6–9).

Christ,asIsaid,iscalledaphysician;yea,heistheonlysoul-physician.He heals, how desperate soever the disease be; yea, and heals who heundertakes for ever. 'I give unto them eternal life,' and doth all of freecost,ofmeremercyandcompassion(John10:28).Butwhatisallthistoonethatneitherseeshissickness,thatseesnothingofawound?Whatisthe best physician alive, or all the physicians in the world, put alltogether, tohim that knowsno sickness, that is sensible ofnodisease?Physicians,aswassaid,maygoa-beggingforallthehealthful.Physiciansareofnoesteem,saveonlytothesick,oruponasuppositionofbeingso

now,oratanyothertime.

Why,thisisthecauseChristissolittlesetbyintheworld.Godhasnotmade them sick by smiting of them; his sword has not given them thewound, his dart has not been struck through their liver; they have notbeenbrokenwithhishammer,normeltedwithhisfire.Sotheyhavenoregard to his physician; so they slight all the provisionwhich God hasmadeforthesalvationofthesoul.Butnow,letsuchasoulbewounded;letsuchaman'sheartbebroken;letsuchamanbemadesickthroughthestingofguilt,andbemadetowallowhimselfinashesundertheburdenofhistransgressions;andthen,whobutChrist,ashasbeenshowedafore,then thephysician; then,washme,Lord, thensupplemywounds, thenpourthywineandoilintomysore;thenLordJesuscausemetohearthevoice of joy and gladness, that the bones which thou hast brokenmayrejoice.Nothingnowsowelcomeashealing;andsonothing,noman,sodesirablenowasChrist.Hisnametosuchisthebestofnames;hislovetosuchisthebestoflove;himselfbeingnownotonlyinhimself,butalsotosuchasoul,thechiefestoftenthousand(Can5:10).

Asbreadtothehungry,aswatertothethirsty,aslighttotheblind,andlibertytotheimprisoned;so,andathousandtimesmore,isJesusChristtothewounded,andtothemthatarebroken-hearted.Now,aswassaid,this must needs be excellent in God's eyes, since Christ Jesus is soglorious in his eyes. To contemn what a man counts excellent, is anoffence tohim;but tovalue, esteem,or thinkhighlyof thatwhich isofesteemwithme,thisispleasingtome,suchanopinionisexcellentinmysight. What says Christ? 'My Father loveth you, because ye loved me'(John 16:27).Who hath an high esteem for Christ, the Father hath anhigh esteem for them.Hence it is said, 'He thathath theSon,hath theFather'; the Father will be his, and will do for him as a Father, whoreceivethandsetsanhonourableesteemonhisSon.

But nonewill, none can do this, but the broken-hearted; because they,andtheyonly,aresensibleofthewantandworthofaninterestinhim.

Idareappealtoalltheworldastothetruthofthis;anddosayagain,thatthese,andnonebutthese,haveheartsofesteeminthesightofGod.Alas!'the heart of the wicked is little worth,' for it is destitute of a precious

esteemofChrist,andcannotbutbedestitute,becauseitisnotwounded,broken,andmadesensibleofthewantofmercybyhim(Prov10:20).

Fourth. A broken heart is of great esteem with God, because it is athankful heart for that sense of sin and of grace it has received. Thebroken heart is a sensible heart. This we touched upon before. It issensible of the dangers which sin leadeth to; yea, and has cause to besensiblethereof,becauseithasseenandfeltwhatsinis,bothintheguiltandpunishmentthatbylawisduethereto.Asabrokenheartissensibleofsin, in theevilnatureandconsequencesof it;so it isalsosensibleofthe way of God's delivering the soul from the day of judgment;consequently it must be a thankful heart. Now he that praises me,glorifiesme,saithGod;andGodlovestobeglorified.God'sgloryisdearuntohim;hewillnotpartwiththat(Psa50:23;Isa42:8).

Thebroken-hearted,sayI,forasmuchasheisthesensiblesoul,itfollowsthatheisthethankfulsoul.'BlesstheLord,Omysoul,'saidDavid,'andallthatiswithinmeblesshisholyname.'BeholdwhatblessingofGodishere!andyetnotcontentherewith,hegoesonwithitagain,saying,'Blessthe Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.' But what is thematter? O! he has 'forgiven all thine iniquities, and healed all thydiseases.Hehasredeemedthy life fromdestruction,andcrowneththeewithlovingkindnessesandtendermercies'(Psa103:1–4).Buthowcamehe tobeaffectedwith this?Why,heknewwhat itwas tohangover themouthofhellforsin;yea,heknewwhatitwasfordeathandhelltobesetandcompasshimabout;yea,theytookholdofhim,aswehavesaid,andwerepullingofhimdownintothedeep;thishesawtothebreakingofhisheart.Hesawalsothewayoflife,andhadhissoulrelievedwithfaithandsenseofthat,andthatmadehimathankfulman.Ifamanwhohashadabroken leg, is butmade to understand, that by the breaking of that hekept frombreakingofhisneck,hewillbe thankful toGod forabrokenleg. 'It is good forme,' saidDavid, 'that Ihavebeenafflicted.' Iwasbythat preserved from a great danger; for before that I went astray (Psa119:67,71).

Andwhocanbethankfulforamercythatisnotsensiblethattheywantit,haveit,andhaveitofmercy?Now,thisthebroken-hearted,thisthemanthat is of a contrite spirit, is sensible of; and that with reference to

merciesofthebestsort,andthereforemustneedsbeathankfulman,andsohaveaheartofesteemwithGod,becauseitisathankfulheart.

Fifth.Abrokenheartisofgreatesteemwith,oranexcellentthingin,thesightofGod,becauseitisaheartthatdesiresnowtobecomeareceptacleor habitation for the spirit and graces of the Spirit of God. It was thedevil's hold before, and was contented so to be. But now it is forentertainingof,forbeingpossessedwith,theHolySpiritofGod.'Createinmeacleanheart,'saidDavid,'andrenewarightspiritwithinme.TakenotthyHolySpiritfromme,upholdmewiththyfreeSpirit'(Psa51:10–12).Nowhewasforacleanheartandarightspirit;nowhewasforthesanctifyingoftheblessedspiritofgrace;athingwhichtheuncircumcisedinheartresist,anddodespiteunto(Acts7:51;Heb10:29).

Abrokenheart,therefore,suitethwiththeheartofGod;acontritespiritisonespiritwithhim.God,asItoldyoubefore,covetstodwellwiththebroken in heart, and the broken in heart desire communionwith him.Nowhereisanagreement,aonenessofmind;nowthesamemindisinthee which was also in Christ Jesus. This must needs be an excellentspirit; this must needs be better with God, and in his sight, thanthousands of rams, or ten thousand rivers of oil. But does the carnalworldcovetthis,thisspirit,andtheblessedgracesofit?No,theydespiseit, as I said before; they mock at it, they prefer and countenance anysorry, dirty lust rather; and the reason is, because they want a brokenheart, that heart so highly in esteem with God, and remain for wantthereofintheirenmitytoGod.

The broken-hearted know, that the sanctifying of the Spirit is a goodmeanstokeepfromthatrelapse,outofwhichamancannotcomeunlesshisheartbewoundedasecondtime.DoubtlessDavidhadabrokenheartatfirstconversion,andifthatbrokennesshadremained,thatis,hadhenotgivenwaytohardnessofheartagain,hehadneverfallenintothatsinoutofwhichhecouldnotberecovered,butbythebreakingofhisbonesasecondtime.Therefore,Isay,abrokenheartisofgreatesteemwithGod;forit—andIwilladd,solongasitretainsitstenderness—covetsnonebutGod,andthethingsofhisHolySpirit;sinisanabominationtoit.

VI.ADVANTAGESTHATACHRISTIANGETSBYKEEPINGHISHEARTTENDER

Andhere,asinafitplace,beforeIgoanyfurther,IwillshowyousomeoftheadvantagesthataChristiangetsbykeepingofhishearttender.For,as tohaveabrokenheart, is tohaveanexcellent thing, so tokeep thisbrokenhearttender,isalsoveryadvantageous.

First. This is the way to maintain in thy soul always a fear of sinningagainst God. Christians do not wink at, or give way to sin, until theirheartsbegintolosetheirtenderness.Atenderheartwillbeaffectedatthesinofanother,muchmoreitwillbeafraidofcommittingofsinitself(2Kings22:19).

Second.A tenderheartquickly yieldeth toprayer, yea, prompteth to it,putsanedgeandfireintoit.Weneverarebackwardtoprayeruntilourhearthaslostitstenderness;thoughthenitgrowscold,flat,andformal,andsocarnaltoandinthatholyduty.

Third.Atenderheartshasalwaysrepentanceathandfortheleastfaultorslip,orsinful thought that thesoul isguiltyof. Inmany things thebestoffend; but if a Christian loseth his tenderness, if he says he has hisrepentancetoseek,hisheartisgrownhard—haslostthatspirit,thatkindspirit of repentance, it was wont to have. Thus it was with theCorinthians; they were decayed, and lost their tenderness; whereforetheirsin—yea,greatsins—remainedunrepentedof(2Cor12:20).

Fourth. A tender heart is for receiving often its communionwith God,when he that is hardened, though the seed of grace is in him, will becontent toeat,drink, sleep,wake,andgodayswithoutnumberwithouthim(Isa17:10;Jer2:32).

Fifth.Atenderheartisawakeful,watchfulheart.Itwatchesagainstsininthe soul, sin in the family, sin in the calling, sin in spiritualduties andperformances,&c.ItwatchesagainstSatan,againsttheworld,againsttheflesh, &c. But now, when the heart is not tender, there is sleepiness,unwatchfulness,idleness,asufferingtheheart,thefamily,andcallingto

be much defiled, spotted, and blemished with sin; for a hard heartdepartsfromGod,andturnsasideinallthesethings.

Sixth.A tenderheartwilldeny itself,andthat in lawful things,andwillforbear even thatwhichmaybedone—for someJew,orGentile, or thechurchofGod,oranymemberof it, shouldbeoffended,ormadeweakthereby; whereas the Christian that is not tender, that has lost histenderness, isso faroffofdenyinghimself in lawful things, thathewilleven adventure to meddle in things utterly forbidden, whoever isoffended,grieved,ormadeweakthereby.Foraninstanceofthis,weneedgo no further than to the man in the text, who, while he was tender,trembledatlittlethings;butwhenhisheartwashardened,hecouldtakeBathsheba to satisfy his lust, and kill her husband to cover hiswickedness.

Seventh.Atenderheart—Imean,theheartkepttender—preservesfrommany a blow, lash, and fatherly chastisement; because it shuns thecauses,which is sin,of the scourginghandofGod. 'With thepure thouwilt show thyself pure, but with the froward thou wilt shew thyselfunsavoury'(2Sam22:27;Psa18:25–27).

Many a needless rebuke and wound doth happen to the saints of Godthroughtheirunwisebehaviour.WhenIsayneedless,Imeantheyarenotnecessary,buttoreclaimusfromourvanities;forweshouldnotfeelthesmartof them,were itnot forour follies.Hence theafflicted iscalledafool,becausehisfollybringshisafflictionuponhim. 'Fools,'saysDavid,'because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, areafflicted'(Psa107:17).Andthereforeitis,aswassaidbefore,thathecallhissinhisfoolishness.Andagain,'Godwillspeakpeaceuntohispeople,andtohissaints;butletthemnotturnagaintofolly'(Psa38:5;85:8).'Ifhischildrentransgressmylaws,thenwillIvisittheirtransgressionwiththerod,andtheiriniquitywithstripes'(Psa89:30–32).

Howtokeepthehearttender

QUEST.ButwhatshouldaChristiando,whenGodhasbrokehisheart,tokeepittender?

ANSW.TothisIwillspeakbriefly.And, first,giveyouseveralcautions;secondly,severaldirections.

[First—Severalcautions]

1.Takeheedthatyouchokenotthoseconvictionsthatatpresentdobreakyour hearts, by labouring to put those things out of yourmindswhichwerethecauseofsuchconvictions;butrathernourishandcherishthosethingsinadeepandsoberremembranceofthem.Think,therefore,withthyself thus,Whatwas it thatat firstdidwoundmyheart?And let thatstill be there, until, by the grace of God, and the redeeming blood ofChrist,itisremoved.

2.Shunvaincompany.Thekeepingofvaincompanyhasstifledmanyaconviction,killedmanyadesire,andmademanyasoulfallintohell,thatoncewashotinlookingafterheaven.Acompanionthatisnotprofitabletothesoul,ishurtful.'Hethatwalkethwithwisemenshallbewise,butacompanionoffoolsshallbedestroyed'(Prov13:20).

3.Takeheedofidletalk,thatthouneitherhearnorjoinwithit.'Gofromthepresenceofafoolishman,whenthouperceivestnotinhimthelipsofknowledge' (Prov 14:7). 'Evil communications corrupt good manners.Andafool's lipsarethesnareofhissoul.'Whereforetakeheedofthesethings(Prov18:7;1Cor15:33).

4.Bewareoftheleastmotiontosin,thatitbenotcountenanced,lestthecountenancingofthatmakeswayforabigger.David'seyetookhisheart,and so his heart nourishing the thought, made way for the woman'scompany, theactofadultery,andbloodymurder.Takeheed, therefore,brethren, 'lest any of youbehardened through the deceitfulness of sin'(Heb3:12,13).Andremember,thathethatwillrendtheblock,putsthethinendofthewedgefirstthereto,andso,bydriving,doeshiswork.

5.Takeheedofevilexamplesamongthegodly;learnofnomantodothatwhich theword of God forbids. Sometimes Satanmakes use of a goodman'sbadways, tospoilandharden theheartof themthatcomeafter.Peter's false doing had like to have spoiled Barnabas, yea, and severalothers more. Wherefore take heed of men, of good men's ways, and

measureboththeirsandthineownbynootherrulebuttheholyWordofGod(Gal2:11–13).

6.Takeheedofunbelief,oratheisticalthoughts;makenoquestionofthetruth and reality of heavenly things: for know unbelief is the worst ofevils;norcantheheartbetenderthatnourishethorgivesplaceunto it.'Takeheed,therefore,lesttherebeinanyofyouanevilheartofunbelief,in departing from the living God' (Heb 3:12). These cautions arenecessarytobeobservedwithalldiligence,ofallthemthatwould,whentheirheartismadetender,keepitso.Andnowtocome,

[Second]—totheDirections

1.LabourafteradeepknowledgeofGodtokeepitwarmuponthyheart;knowledgeofhispresence, that iseverywhere. 'DonotI fillheavenandearth,saiththeLord?'(Jer23:24).(1.)Knowledgeofhispiercingeye,thatitrunnethtoandfrothroughtheearth,beholdingineveryplacetheevilandthegood;thathiseyesbehold,andhiseyelidstrythechildrenofmen(Prov15:3).(2.)Theknowledgeofhispower,thatheisabletoturnanddissolveheavenandearth intodust andashes; and that theyare inhishandbutasascrollorvesture(Heb1:11,12). (3.)Theknowledgeofhisjustice, thattherebukesof itareasdevouringfire(Heb12:19).(4.)Theknowledgeofhisfaithfulness,infulfillingpromisestothemtowhomtheyaremade, andofhis threateningson the impenitent (Matt5:18;24:35;Mark13:31).

2.Labourtogetandkeepadeepsenseofsininitsevilnature,andinitssoul-destroyingeffectsupon thyheart;bepersuaded, that it is theonlyenemyofGod,andthatnonehate,orarehatedofGod,butthroughthat.(1.) Remember it turned angels into devils, thrust them down fromheaventohell.(2.)Thatitisthechaininwhichtheyareheldandboundovertojudgment(2Peter2:4;Jude6).(3.)ThatitwasforthatthatAdamwas turnedout of paradise; that forwhich theoldworldwasdrowned;thatforwhichSodomandGomorrahwasburnedwithfirefromheaven;andthatwhichcostChristhisbloodtoredeemtheefromthecurseithasbroughtuponthee;andthat,ifanything,willkeeptheeoutofheavenforeverandever.(4.)Considerthepainsofhell.Christmakesuseofthatasan argument to keep the heart tender; yea, to that end repeats and

repeats, and repeats, both the nature and durableness of the burningflame thereof, and of the gnawing of the neverdying worm that dwellsthere(Mark9:43–48).

3.Considerofdeath,bothastothecertaintyofthydying,anduncertaintyof the time when. We must die, we must needs die; our days aredetermined—thenumber of ourmonths arewithGod, thoughnotwithus; nor can we pass them, would we, had we them, give a thousandworldstodoit(2Sam14:14;Job7:1;14:1–5).Considerthoumustdiebutonce—I mean but once as to this world; for if thou, when thou goesthence,dostnotdiewell,thoucanstnotcomebackagainanddiebetter.'It isappointeduntomenoncetodie,butafter this the judgment' (Heb9:27).

4.Consideralsoofthecertaintyandterriblenessofthedayofjudgment,whenChristshallsituponhisgreatwhitethrone,whenthedeadshall,bythe sound of the trump ofGod, be raised up;when the elements,withheavenandearth,shallbeonaburningflame;whenChristshallseparatemenonefromanother,asashepherddividethhissheepfromthegoats;whenthebooksshallbeopened,thewitnessesproduced,andeverymanbejudgedaccordingtohisworks;whenheaven'sgateshallstandopentothemthatshallbesaved,andthejawsofhellstandgapingforthemthatshallbedamned(Acts5:30–31;10:42;Matt25:31,32,34,4;Rev2:11;1Cor15:51;Rev20:12,15;2Peter3:7,10,12;Rom2:2,15,16;Rev22:12).

5.Consider,Christ Jesusdidusenomeans tohardenhis heart againstdoing and suffering those sorrows which were necessary for theredemption of thy soul. No; though he could have hardened his heartagainsttheeinthewayofjusticeandrighteousness,becausethouhadstsinned against him, he rather awakened himself, and put on all pity,bowels,andcompassion;yea,tendermercies,anddidit.Inhisloveandinhispityhesavedus.Histendermerciesfromonhighhathvisitedus.Helovedus,andgavehimselfforus.Learn,then,ofChrist,tobetenderofthyself,andtoendeavourtokeepthyhearttendertoGod-ward,andtothesalvationofthysoul.Buttodrawtoaconclusion.

VII.THEUSE

Letusnow,then,makesomeuseofthisdoctrine.As,

FIRSTUSE.Fromthe truthof thematter,namely, that themanwho istrulycometoGodhashadhisheartbroken—hisheartbrokeninordertohiscomingtohim.Andthisshowsuswhattojudgeoftheleaguethatisbetweensinandthesoul,towit,thatitissofirm,sostrong,soinviolable,asthatnothingcanbreak,disannul,ormakeitvoid,unlesstheheartbebrokenforit.ItwassowithDavid,yea,hisnewleaguewithitcouldnotbebrokenuntilhisheartwasbroken.

Itisamazingtoconsiderwhatholdsinhasonsomemen'ssouls,spirits,will, andaffections. It is to thembetter thanheaven,better thanGod—thanthesoul,ay,thansalvation;asisevident,because,thoughalltheseareofferedthemuponthiscondition,iftheywillbutleavetheirsins,yettheywillchooserathertoabideinthem,tostandandfallbythem.Howsayest thou,sinner?Isnot thisa truth?Howmanytimeshast thouhadheavenand salvationoffered to thee freely,wouldst thoubutbreak thyleaguewiththisgreatenemyofGod?OfGod,doIsay;ifthouwouldstbutbreakthisleaguewiththisgreatenemyofthysoul?butcouldstneveryetbe brought unto it; no, neither by threatening nor by promise couldstthoueveryetbebroughtuntoit.

It is said of Ahab he sold himself to work wickedness: and in anotherplace,yea,'foryouriniquitieshaveyesoldyourselves'(1Kings21:25;Isa50:1).Butwhatisthisiniquity?Why,athingofnought;nay,worsethannought a thousand times; but because nought is as we say nought,thereforeitgoesunderthatterm,whereGodsaithagaintothepeople,'Yehavesoldyourselves fornought' (Isa52:3).But, Isay,whatanamazingthing is this, that a rational creature shouldmake no better a bargain;thatonethatissowiseinallterrenethings,shouldbesuchafoolinthethingthat ismostweighty?Andyetsucha foolhe is,andhetellseveryonethatgoesbythewaythatheissuchanone,becausehewillnotbreakhis league with sin until his heart is broken for it. Men love darknessratherthanlight.Ay,theymakeitmanifesttheyloveit,sincesogreataprofferwillnotprevailwiththemtoleaveit.

SECONDUSE. Is this a truth, that theman that truly comes toGod inordertheretohashadhisheartbroken?thenthisshowsusareasonwhysomemen'sheartsarebroken;evenareasonwhyGodbreakssomemen'shearts for sin; namely, because he would not have them die in it, butrathercometoGodthat theymightbesaved?Behold, therefore, in thishow God resolved as to the saving of some men's souls! He will havethem,hewillsavethem,hewillbreaktheirhearts,buthewillsavethem;hewillkillthem,thattheymaylive;hewillwoundthem,thathemayhealthem.And it seems by our discourse that now there is noway left butthis; fairmeans, aswe say, will not do; goodwords, a glorious gospel,entreatings, beseeching with blood and tears, will not do. Men areresolvedtoputGodtotheutmostofit;ifhewillhavethemhemustfetchthem,followthem,catchthem,lamethem;yea,breaktheirbones,orelseheshallnotsavethem.

Somementhinkaninvitation,anoutwardcall,arationaldiscourse,willdo;buttheyaremuchdeceived,theremustapower,anexceedinggreatandmightypower,attendtheWord,or itworkethnoteffectually to thesalvation of the soul. I know these things are enough to leave menwithoutexcuse,butyettheyarenotenoughtobringmenhometoGod.Sinhasholdof them, theyhave sold themselves to it; thepowerof thedevil has hold of them, they are his captives at hiswill; yea, andmorethan all this, their will is one with sin, and with the devil, to be heldcaptivethereby:andifGodgivesnotcontrition,repentance,orabrokenheart, for sin, there will not be no not so much as a mind in man toforsake this so horrible a confederacy and plot against his soul (2 Tim2:24,25).

Hencemenare said tobedrawn from thesebreasts, that come,or thatarebroughttohim(Isa26:9;John6:44).WhereforeJohnmightwellsay,'BeholdwhatmanneroflovetheFatherhathbestoweduponus!'Hereiscost bestowed, pains bestowed, labour bestowed, repentance bestowed;yea,andanheartmadesore,wounded,broken,andfilledwithpainandsorrow,inordertothesalvationofthesoul.

THIRD USE. This then may teach us what estimation to set upon abrokenheart.AbrokenheartissuchasGodesteems,yea,asGodcountsbetterthanallexternalservice:abrokenheartisthatwhichisinorderto

salvation, inorder to thy coming toChrist for life.Theworldknownotwhat tomakeof it,norwhat tosay toonethathasabrokenheart,andthereforedodespiseit,andcountthatmanthatcarriesitinhisbosomamoping fool, amiserable wretch, an undone soul: 'But a broken and acontritespirit,OGod,thouwiltnotdespise';abrokenhearttakesthineeye,thyheart:thouchoosestitforthycompanion,yea,hasgiventhySonachargetolookwelltosuchaman,andhaspromisedhimthysalvation,ashasaforebeenproved.

Sinner,hastthouobtainedabrokenheart?hasGodbestowedacontritespirituponthee?Hehasgiventheewhathimselfispleasedwith;hehasgiven theeacabinet toholdhisgrace in;hehasgiven theeaheart thatcanheartilydesirehissalvation,anheartafterhisownheart,thatis,suchas suitshismind.True, it ispainfulnow, sorrowfulnow,penitentnow,grieved now; now it is broken, now it bleeds, now, now it sobs, now itsighs, now it mourns and crieth unto God. Well, very well; all this isbecausehehathamindtomakethee laugh;hehasmadetheesorryonearththatthoumightestrejoiceinheaven.'Blessedaretheythatmourn,for theyshallbecomforted.—Blessedareye thatweepnow, foryeshalllaugh'(Matt5:4;Luke6:21).

But,soul,besurethouhastthisbrokenheart.Allheartsarenotbrokenhearts,noriseveryheartthatseemstohaveawound,aheartthatistrulybroken. Amanmay be cut to, yet not into the heart; amanmay haveanother,yetnotabrokenheart(Acts7:54;1Sam10:9).Weknowthereisadifferencebetwixtawoundinthefleshandawoundinthespirit;yea,aman's sin may be wounded, and yet his heart not broken: so wasPharaoh's, sowasSaul's, sowasAhab's;but theyhadnoneof themthemercyofabrokenheart.Therefore,Isay,takeheed;everyscratchwithapin, every prickwith a thorn, nay, every blow thatGod givethwith hisWordupontheheartofsinners,dothnotthereforebreakthem.GodgaveAhab such a blow that he made him stoop, fast, humble himself, girdhimselfwithandlieinsackcloth,whichwasagreatmatterforaking,andgosoftly,andyetheneverhadabrokenheart(1Kings21:27,29).Whatshall I say? Pharaoh and Saul confessed their sins, Judas repentedhimself of his doings,Esau sought the blessing, and that carefullywithtears,andyetnoneof thesehadaheart rightlybroken,oraspirit truly

contrite;Pharaoh,Saul,andJudas,werePharaoh,Saul,andJudasstill;EsauwasEsaustill; therewasnograciouschange,no thorough turn toGod,nounfeignedpartingwiththeirsins,noheartyflightforrefuge,tolayholdonthehopeofglory,thoughtheyindeedhadthusbeentouched(Exo10:16;1Sam26:21;Matt27:3;Heb12:14–17).

The considerationof these things call aloud tous to takeheed, thatwetakenotthatforabrokenandacontritespiritthatwillnotgoforoneatthe day of death and judgment.Wherefore, seeking soul, letme advisethee,thatthoumayestnotbedeceivedastothisthingofsogreatweight.

First.Togobacktowardsthebeginningofthisbook,andcomparethyselfwiththosesixorsevensignsofabrokenandcontriteheart,whichthereIhave,accordingtotheWordofGod,giventotheeforthatend;anddealwiththysoulimpartiallyaboutthem.

Second. Or, whichmay and will be great help to thee if thou shalt besincere therein, namely, to betake thyself to the search of the Word,especially where thou readest of the conversion of men, and try if thyconversionbelike,orhasagoodresemblanceoronenesswiththeirs.Butinthishaveacarethatthoudostnotcomparethyselfwiththosegoodfolkofwhoseconversionthoureadestnot,orofthebreakingofwhoseheartthere is nomentionmade in Scripture; for all that are recorded in theScriptureforsaintshavenottheirconversion,astothemannerornatureofit,recordedintheScripture.

Third. Or else, do thou consider truly of the true signs of repentancewhichare laiddown inScripture; for that is the true effectof abrokenheart, and of a wounded spirit. And for this seeMatthew 3:5, 6; Luke18:13;19:8;Acts2:37–40,&c.,16:29,30,19:18,19;2Corinthians7:8–11.

Fourth.Orelse,takeintoconsiderationhowGodhassaid,theyshallbeintheirspiritsthatheintendstosave.Andforthisreadthesescriptures:(1.)That in Jeremiah 31, 'They shall come with weeping, and withsupplicationswillI leadthem'&c.(v9).(2.)ReadJeremiah50:4,5: 'Inthosedays,and inthat time, thechildrenofIsraelshallcome, theyandthe children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, andseektheLordtheirGod.TheyshallaskthewaytoZionwiththeirfaces

thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord in aperpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.' (3.) Read Ezekiel 6:9:'And they that escape of you shall remember me among the nationswhither they shall be carried captives, because I am broken with theirwhorishheart,whichhavedepartedfromme,andwiththeireyes,whichgo a-whoring after their idols: and they shall loathe themselves for theevils which they have committed in all their abominations.' (4.) ReadEzekiel7:16: 'Buttheythatescapeof themshallescape,andshallbeonthemountainslikedovesofthevalleys,allofthemmourning,everyoneforhis iniquity.' (5.)ReadEzekiel20:43: 'And there shall ye rememberyourways,andallyourdoings,whereinyehavebeendefiled;andyeshallloathe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye havecommitted.' (6.)ReadEzekiel36:31: 'Thenshallyerememberyourownevilways,andyourdoingsthatwerenotgood,andshallloatheyourselvesin your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.' (7.)Read Zechariah 12:10: 'And I will pour upon the house of David, andupon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and ofsupplications:andtheyshalllookuponmewhomtheyhavepierced,andtheyshallmournforhim,asonemournethforhisonlyson,andshallbeinbitternessforhim,asonethatisinbitternessforhisfirst-born.'

NowallthesearethefruitsoftheSpiritofGod,andoftheheart,whenitis broken: wherefore, soul, take notice of them, and because these aretextsbywhichGodpromiseththatthosewhomhesavethshallhavethisheart,thisspirit,andtheseholyeffectsinthem;thereforeconsideragain,andexaminethyself,whetherthis is thestateandconditionof thysoul.Andthatthoumayestdoitfully,consideragain,anddothou,

1. Remember that here is such a sense of sin, and of the irksomenessthereof,asmakeththemannotonlytoabhorthat,buthimself,becauseofthat;thisisworththenotingbythee.

2. Remember again that here is not only a self-abhorrence, but asorrowfulkindmourninguntoGod,attheconsiderationthatthesoulbysinhasaffronted,contemned,disregarded,andsetatnought,bothGodandhisholyWord.

3.Rememberalsothathereareprayersandtearsformercy,withdesires

tobenowoutoflovewithsinforever,andtobeinheartandsoulfirmlyjoinedandknituntoGod.

4.RememberalsothatthispeopleherespokenofhaveallthewayfromSatan toGod, fromsin tograce, fromdeath to life, scatteredwith tearsandprayers,withweepingandsupplication; theyshallgoweeping,andseekingtheLordtheirGod.

5. Remember that these people, as strangers and pilgrims do, are notashamedtoaskthewayofthosetheymeetwithtoZion,ortheheavenlycountry;wherebytheyconfesstheirignorance,asbecamethem,andtheirdesire to know the way to life: yea, thereby they declare that there isnothinginthisworld,underthesun,orthissideheaven,thatcansatisfythe longings, the desire, and cravings of a broken and a contrite spirit.Reader,beadvised,andconsiderofthesethingsseriously,andcomparethysoulwiththem,andwithwhatelsethoushaltfindherewrittenforthyconvictionandinstruction.

FOURTHUSE.IfabrokenheartandacontritespiritbeofsuchesteemwithGod, thenthisshouldencouragethemthathave it tocometoGodwith it. Iknowthegreatencouragement formentocometoGod is, forthatthere'isamediatorbetweenGodandmen,themanChristJesus'(1Tim2:5).This,Isay,isthegreatencouragement,andinitsplacethereisnonebut that;but thereareother encouragements subordinate to that,and a broken and a contrite spirit is one of them: this is evident fromseveralplacesofScripture.

Wherefore, thou that canst carry a broken heart and a sorrowful spiritwiththee,whenthougoesttoGod,tellhimthyheartiswoundedwithinthee, that thouhast sorrow in thyheart, andart sorry for thy sins; buttakeheedoflying.Confessalsothysinsuntohim,andtellhimtheyarecontinuallybefore thee.Davidmadeanargumentof these things,whenhewenttoGodbyprayer.'OLord,'saithhe,'rebukemenotinthywrath:neitherchastenmeinthyhotdispleasure.'Butwhyso?O!sayshe,'Thinearrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore. There is nosoundnessinmyflesh,becauseofthineanger:neitheristhereanyrestinmy bones, because of my sin. For mine iniquities are gone over minehead:asaheavyburdentheyaretooheavyforme.Mywoundsstink,and

arecorrupt,becauseofmyfoolishness.Iamtroubled;Iamboweddowngreatly; I gomourning all the day long. Formy loins are filled with aloathsomedisease:andthereisnosoundnessinmyflesh.Iamfeebleandsore broken; I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.Lord,allmydesireisbeforethee;andmygroaningisnothidfromthee.Myheartpanteth,mystrengthfailethme:asforthelightformineeyes,italso is gone fromme. My lovers and my friends stand aloof frommysore':andsohegoeson(Psa38:1–4,&c.).

These are the words, sighs, complaints, prayers, and arguments of abrokenhearttoGodformercy;andsoarethey—'Havemercyuponme,OGod, according to thy lovingkindness; accordingunto themultitudeofthytendermerciesblotoutmytransgressions.Washmethoroughlyfrommine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge mytransgressions;andmysiniseverbeforeme'(Psa51:1–3).

God alloweth poor creatures that can,without lying, thus to plead andarguewithhim.'Iampoorandsorrowful,'saidthegoodmantohim,'letthysalvation,OGod,setmeuponhigh'(Psa69:29).Whereforethouthathast a broken heart take courage, God bids thee take courage; saythereforetothysoul,'Whyarethoucastdown,Omysoul?'asusuallythebroken-heartedare.'Andwhyartthoudisquietedwithinme?HopethouinGod.''Ihadfainted,'ifIhadnotbeenofgoodcourage;therefore'beofgood courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart' (Psa 42:11; 43:5;27:12–14).

Butalas!thebroken-heartedarefarofffromthis;theyfaint;theyreckonthemselves among the dead; they think God will remember them nomore: the thoughtsof thegreatnessofGod, andhisholiness, and theirownsinsandvilenesses,willcertainlyconsumethem.Theyfeelguiltandanguishofsoul;theygomourningallthedaylong;theirmouthisfullofgravelandgall,andtheyaremadetodrinkdraughtsofwormwoodandgall; so that hemust be an artist indeed at believing,who can come toGodunderhisguilt andhorror, andplead in faith that the sacrificesofGodareabrokenheart,suchashehad;andthat'abrokenandacontritespiritGodwillnotdespise.'

FIFTHUSE.Ifabrokenheart, ifabrokenandcontritespirit, isofsuch

esteemwithGod, thenwhy should some be, as they are, so afraid of abrokenheart,andsoshyofacontritespirit?

Ihaveobserved that somemenare as afraidof abrokenheart, or thatthey for their sins shouldhave theirheartsbroken, as thedog is of thewhip.O!theycannotawaywithsuchbooks,withsuchsermons,withsuchpreachers,orwithsuchtalk,astendstomakeamansensibleof,andtobreakhisheart,andtomakehimcontriteforhissins.Hencetheyheaptothemselvessuchteachers,getsuchbooks,lovesuchcompany,anddelightin such discourse, as rather tends to harden than soften; to makedesperate in, than sorrowful for their sin. They say to such sermons,books,andpreachers,asAmaziahsaiduntoAmos, 'Othouseer,go,fleethee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesythere, but prophesy not again any more at Bethel; for it is the king'schapel,anditistheking'scourt'(Amos7:12,13).

But do these people know what they do? Yes, think they, for suchpreachers,suchbooks,suchdiscoursestendtomakeonemelancholyormad; they make us that we cannot take pleasure in ourselves, in ourconcerns,inourlives.But,Ofoolingrain!letmespeakuntothee.Isitatimetotakepleasure,andtorecreatethyselfinanything,beforethouhastmourned and been sorry for thy sins? That mirth that is beforerepentance for sin will certainly end in heaviness. Wherefore the wiseman,puttingbothtogether,saiththatmourningmustbefirst.Thereis'atimetoweep,andatimetolaugh;atimetomourn,andatimetodance'(Eccl3:4).What,anunconvertedman,andlaugh!ShouldstthouseeonesingingmerrysongsthatisridingupHolborntoTyburn,tobehangedforfelony,wouldstthounotcounthimbesideshimself,ifnotworse?andyetthusitiswithhimthatisformirthwhilehestandethcondemnedbytheBookofGodforhistrespasses.Man!man!thouhastcausetomourn;yea,thoumustmourn if ever thou art saved.Whereforemy advice is, thatinstead of shunning, thou covet both such books, such preachers, andsuch discourses, as have a tendency tomake aman sensible of, and tobreakhisheart forsin;andthereasonis,becausethouwiltneverbeasthoushouldst,concernedabout,norseekthesalvationofthineownsoul,beforethouhastabrokenheart,abrokenandacontritespirit.Whereforebenotafraidofabrokenheart;benotshyofacontritespirit.Itisoneof

thegreatestmerciesthatGodbestowsuponamanorawoman.Theheartrightlybrokenatthesenseof,andmadetrulycontritefortransgression,is a certain forerunner of salvation. This is evident from those sixdemonstrationswhichwerelaiddowntoprovethepointinhand,atfirst.

Andforthyawakeninginthismatter,letmetellthee,andthouwiltfinditso, thou must have thy heart broken whether thou wilt or no. God isresolved to break ALL hearts for sin some time or other. Can it beimagined,sinbeingwhatitis,andGodwhatheis—towit,arevengerofdisobedience—butthatonetimeorothermanmustsmartforsin?smart,Isay,eithertorepentanceortocondemnation.Hethatmournsnotnow,while thedoor ofmercy is open,mustmourn for sinwhen thedoor ofmercyisshut.

Shall men despise God, break his law, contemn his threats, abuse hisgrace,yea,shuttheireyeswhenhesays,See;andstoptheirearswhenhesays,Hear;andshalltheysoescape?No,no,becausehecalled,andtheyrefused; he stretched out his hand, and they regarded it not; thereforeshallcalamitycomeuponthem,asupononeintravail;andtheyshallcryin their destruction, and then God will laugh at their destruction, andmockwhentheirfearcometh.Then,saithhe,'theyshallcry'(Prov1:24–26).Ihaveoftenobservedthatthisthreateningisrepeatedatleastseventimes in the New Testament, saying, 'There shall be weeping andgnashing of teeth'; 'there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth' (Matt8:12;13:42,50;22:13;24:51;25:30;Luke13:28).There.Where?Inhell,andatthebarofChrist'stribunal,whenhecomestojudgetheworld,andshall have shut to the door to keep them out of glory, that have heredespised the offer of his grace, and overlooked the day of his patience.'Thereshallbewailingandgnashingofteeth.'Theyshallweepandwailforthis.

TherearebuttwoscripturesthatIshallusemore,andthenIshalldrawtowards a conclusion. One is that in Proverbs, where Solomon iscounsellingofyoungmentobewareofstrange,thatis,ofwanton,light,andensnaringwomen.Takeheedofsuch,saidhe,lest'thoumournatthelast,'thatis,inhell,whenthouartdead,'whenthyfleshandthybodyareconsumed,andsay,HowhaveIhatedinstruction,andmyheartdespisedreproof,andhavenotobeyedthevoiceofmyteachers,norinclinedmine

earstothemthatinstructedme!'(Prov5:11–13).

The other scripture is that in Isaiah, where he says, 'Because when Icalled, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evilbeforemineeyes,anddidchoosethatwhereinIdelightednot.Thereforethus saith the LordGod,Behold,my servants shall eat, but ye shall behungry;behold,myservantsshalldrink,butyeshallbe thirsty;behold,myservantsshall rejoice,butyeshallbeashamed;behold,myservantsshallsingfor joyofheart,butyeshallcryforsorrowofheart,andshallhowlforvexationofspirit'(Isa65:13,14).

How many beholds are here! and every behold is not only a call tocarelessones toconsider,butasadeclaration fromheaven that thusatlast it shallbewithall impenitentsinners; that is,whenotherssing forjoyinthekingdomofheaven,they,theyshallsorrowinhell,andhowlforvexationofspiritthere.

Wherefore, letme advise that you be not afraid of, but that you rathercovetabrokenheart,andprizeacontritespirit;Isay,covetitnow,nowthewhiteflagishungout,nowthegoldensceptreofgraceisheldforthtoyou.BettermournnowGod inclines tomercyandpardon, thanmournwhenthedoorisquiteshutup.Andtakenotice,thatthisisnotthefirsttimethatIhavegivenyouthisadvice.

USESIXTH.Lastly,IfabrokenheartbeathingofsogreatesteemwithGodashasbeensaid,andifdutiescannotberightlyperformedbyaheartthat has not been broken, then this shows the vanity of those peoples'minds, and also the invalidity of their pretended Divine services, whoworshipGodwithaheartthatwasneverbroken,andwithoutacontritespirit.Therehas,indeed,atalltimesbeengreatflocksofsuchprofessorsin the world in every age, but to little purpose, unless to deceivethemselves,tomockGod,andlaystumbling-blocksinthewayofothers;for a man whose heart was never truly broken, and whose spirit wasnevercontrite,cannotprofessChristinearnest,cannotlovehisownsoulinearnest;Imean,hecannotdothesethingsintruth,andseekhisowngoodtherightway,forhewantsabottomforit,towit,abrokenheartforsin,andacontritespirit.

Thatwhichmakesamanahearty,anunfeigned,asincereseekerafterthegoodofhisownsoul,issenseofsin,andagodlyfearofbeingovertakenwiththedangerwhich itbringsaman into.Thismakeshimcontriteorrepentant,andputshimuponseekingofChristtheSaviour,withheart-achingandheart-breakingconsiderations.Butthiscannotbe,wherethissense, this godly fear, and this holy contrition is wanting. Professmenmay, andmake anoise, as the emptybarrelmaketh thebiggest sound;butprovethem,andtheyarefullofair,fullofemptiness,andthatisall.

Norare suchprofessors tenderofGod'sname,norof the creditof thatgospelwhichtheyprofess;norcanthey,fortheywantthatwhichshouldobligethemthereunto,whichisasenseofpardonandforgiveness,bythewhichtheirbrokenheartshavebeenreplenished,succoured,andmadetohopeinGod.Paulsaid,theloveofChristconstrainedhim.ButwhatwasPaulbutabroken-heartedandacontritesinner?(Acts9:3–6;2Cor5:14).When God shows a man the sin he has committed, the hell he hasdeserved, the heaven he has lost; and yet that Christ, and grace, andpardonmaybehad;thiswillmakehimserious,thiswillmakehimmelt,thiswillbreakhisheart, thiswill showhimthat there ismore thanair,thananoise,thananemptysoundinreligion;andthisistheman,whoseheart, whose life, whose conversation and all, will be engaged in themattersoftheeternalsalvationofhispreciousandimmortalsoul.

VIII.OBJECTIONSANSWERED

Object. First. But somemay object, that in this saying I seem too rigidand censorious; andwill, if Imoderate not these lines with somethingmilderafterward,discouragemanyanhonestsoul.

Answ. I answer, Not a jot, not an honest soul in all the world will beoffended atmywords; for not one can be an honest soul, Imeanwithreference to its concerns in another world, that has not had a brokenheart,thatneverhadacontritespirit.ThisIwillsay,becauseIwouldbeunderstoodaright,thatallattainnottothesamedegreeoftrouble,norlieso long there under, as some of their brethrendo.But to go to heaven

withoutabrokenheart,ortobeforgivensinwithoutacontritespirit, isno article of my belief. We speak not now of what is secret; revealedthingsbelongtousandourchildren;normustweventuretogofurtherinour faith.DothnotChristsay, 'Thewholehavenoneedofaphysician';thatis,theyseenoneed,butChristwillmakethemseetheirneedbeforeheministershissovereigngraceuntothem;andgoodreason,otherwisehewillhavebutlittlethanksforhiskindness.

Object. Second. But there are those that are godly educated from theirchildhood, and so drink in the principles ofChristianity they knownothow.

Answ. I count itone thing to receive the faithofChrist frommenonly,andanothertoreceiveitfromGodbythemeans.Ifthouarttaughtbyanangel,yet ifnot taughtofGod, thouwiltnevercometoChrist; Idonotsay thouwiltneverprofesshim.But ifGodspeaks,and thoushalthearandunderstandhim,thatvoicewillmakesuchworkwithintheeaswasnever made before. The voice of God is a voice by itself, and is sodistinguished by them that are taught thereby (John 6:44, 45; Psa 29;Habb3:12–16;Eph4:20,21;1Peter2:2,3).

Object.Third.Butsomemenarenotsodebauchedandprofaneassome,andsoneednot tobesohammeredand firedasothers; sobrokenandwoundedasothers.

Answ. God knows best what we need. Paul was as righteous beforeconversionasanythatcanpretendtocivilitynow,Isuppose;andyetthatnotwithstandinghewasmadetoshake,andwasastonishedathimselfathis conversion. And truly I think themore righteous any is in his owneyesbeforeconversion,themoreneedhehasofheart-breakingwork,inordertohissalvation;becauseamanisnotbynaturesoeasilyconvincedthathisrighteousnessistoGodabominable,asheisthathisdebaucheryandprofanenessis.

Aman'sgoodness is thatwhichblindshimmost, isdearesttohim,andhardly partedwith; and therefore when such an one is converted, thatthinkshehasgoodnessofhisownenoughtocommendhiminwholeorinparttoGod,but,butfewsuchareconverted,thereisrequiredagreat

deal of breaking work upon his heart, to make him come to Paul'sconclusion, 'What!arewebetterthanthey?No,innowise'(Rom3:9).Isay,beforehecanbebroughttoseehisgloriousrobesarefilthyrags,andhisgainfulthingsbutlossanddung(Isa64;Phil3).

Thisisalsogatheredfromthesewords,'PublicansandharlotsenterintothekingdomofGodbeforethePharisees'(Matt21:31).Whybeforethem?But because they lie fairer for theWord, are easier convinced of theirneedofChrist,andsoarebroughthometohimwithout,asImaysay,allthat ado that theHolyGhost dothmake tobringhomeoneof these tohim.

True;nothingishardordifficulttoGod.ButIspeakafterthemannerofmen.Andletwhowilltaketotaskamandebauchedinthislife,andonethatisnotso,andheshallsee,ifhelabourethtoconvincethemboththattheyareinastateofcondemnationbynature,thatthePhariseewillmakehis appeals to God, with a great many God, I thank these; while thePublican hangs his head, shakes at heart, and smites upon his breast,saying,'Godbemercifultomeasinner'(Luke18:11–13).

Whereforeaself-righteousmanisbutapaintedSatan,oradevilinfineclothes; but thinks he so of himself?No! no! he saith to others, Standback,comenotnearme, Iamholier thanthou. It isalmost impossible,thataself-righteousmanshouldbesaved.Buthethatcandriveacamelthroughtheeyeofaneedle,cancausethatevensuchaoneshallseehislostcondition,andthatheneedeththerighteousnessofGod,whichisbyfaithofJesusChrist.Hecanmakehimsee,Isay,thathisowngoodnessdidstandmoreinhiswaytothekingdomofheaventhanhewasawareof;andcanmakehimfeeltoo,thathisleaningtothatisasgreatiniquityasanyimmoralitythatmencommit.Thesumthenis,thatmenthatareconverted to God by Christ, through the Word and Spirit—for all thismust go to effectual conversion—must have their hearts broken, andspiritsmadecontrite;Isay,itMUSTbeso,forthereasonsshowedbefore.Yea, and all decayed, apostatized, and backslidden Christians must, inordertotheirrecoveryagaintoGod,havetheirheartsbroken,theirsoulswounded,theirspiritsmadecontrite,andsorryfortheirsins.

Come,come,conversiontoGodisnotsoeasyandsosmoothathingas

some would have men believe it is. Why is man's heart compared tofallowground,God'sWordtoaplough,andhisministerstoploughmen?if theheart indeedhasnoneedofbreaking, inorder to thereceivingofthe seedofGoduntoeternal life (Jer4:3;Luke9:62; 1Cor9:10).Whoknowsnot that the fallow groundmust be ploughed, and ploughed toobefore the husbandman will venture his seed; yea, and after that oftsoundlyharrowed,orelsehewillhavebutaslenderharvest?

Why is the conversionof the soul compared to thegraftingof a tree, ifthatbedonewithoutcutting?TheWordisthegraft,thesoulisthetree,andtheWord,asthescion,mustbeletinbyawound;fortostickontheoutside,ortobetiedonwithastring,willdonogoodhere.Heartmustbesettoheart,andbacktoback,oryourpretendedingraftingwillcometonothing(Rom11:17,24;Jer1:19).

Isay,heartmustbesettoheart,andbacktoback,orthesapwillnotbeconveyedfromtheroottothebranch;andIsay,thismustbedonebyawound.TheLordopenedtheheartofLydia,asamanopeneththestocktograft in thescions,andso thewordwas let intohersoul,andso thewordandherheartcemented,andbecameone(Acts16:14).

Why is Christ bid to gird his sword upon his thigh? and whymust hemakehisarrowssharp,andall, that theheartmaywith thisswordandthese arrows be shot, wounded, and made to bleed? Yea, why is hecommandedtoletitbeso,ifthepeoplewouldbowandfallkindlyunderhim, and heartily implore his gracewithout it? (Psa 45; 55:3, 4). Alas!menaretoolofty,tooproud,toowild,toodevilishlyresolvedinthewaysof theirowndestruction; in theiroccasions, theyare like thewildassesuponthewildmountains;nothingcanbreak themof theirpurposes,orhinderthemfromruiningoftheirownpreciousandimmortalsouls,butthebreakingoftheirhearts.

WhyisabrokenheartputintheroomofallsacrificeswhichwecanoffertoGod,andacontritespiritputintheroomofallofferings,astheyare,andyoumayseeitso,ifyoucomparethetextwiththatversewhichgoesbefore it; I say, why is it counted better than all, were they all puttogether,ifanyonepartorifallexternalpartsofworship,weretheyputtogether,couldbeabletorenderthemanasoundandarightlymadenew

creature without it? 'A broken heart, a contrite spirit, God will notdespise'; but both thou, and all thy service, hewill certainly slight andreject,if,whenthoucomesttohim,abrokenheartbewanting;whereforehere is the point, Come broken, come contrite, come sensible of, andsorryforthysins,orthycomingwillbecountednocomingtoGodaright;andifso,consequentlythouwiltgetnobenefitthereby.