TheForgivenessofSin

APracticalExpositionUponPsalm130

byJohnOwen

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"SearchtheScriptures."—John5:39

TableofContents

PREFATORYNOTEBYTHEEDITORTotheReaderPsalm130AparaphraseGeneralscopeofthewholepsalm

VERSESFIRSTANDSECOND

ThestateandconditionofthesoulrepresentedinthepsalmGracioussoulsmaybebroughtintodepthsontheaccountofsinWhenceitisthatbelieversmaybebroughtintodepthsonaccountofsin—NatureofthesuppliesofgracegiveninthecovenantWhatsinsusuallybringbelieversintogreatspiritualdistresses—AggravationsofthesesinsThedutyandactingsofabelieverunderdistressesfromasenseofsin—HisapplicationuntoGod,toGodalone

VERSETHIRD

Thewordsoftheverseexplained,andtheirmeaningopenedWhatfirstpresentsitselftoasoulindistressontheaccountofsin—ThisopenedinfourpropositionsThefirstparticularactingsofasoultowardsarecoveryoutofthedepthsofsinGroundsofmiscarriageswhenpersonsareconvincedofsinandhumbled

VERSEFOURTH

Thewordsexplained,andthedesignorscopeofthepsalmistinthemdiscoveredNoencouragementforanysinnertoapproachuntoGodwithoutadiscoveryofforgivenessGreatnessandrarenessofthediscoveryofforgivenessinGodFalsepresumptionsofforgivenessdiscovered—DifferencesbetweenthemandfaithevangelicalThetruenatureofgospelforgivenessForgivenessdiscoveredorrevealedonlytofaith—ReasonsthereofDiscoveryofforgivenessinGodagreatsupportmenttosin-entangledsouls—ParticularassuranceattainableEvidencesofforgivenessinGodDiscoveryofforgivenessinthefirstpromise—Theevidenceofthetruththatliestherein—AndbytheinstitutionofsacrificesFartherevidencesofforgivenesswithGod—TestimoniesthatGodwaswellpleasedwithsomethatweresinnersInstitutionofreligiousworshipanevidenceofforgivenessThegivingandestablishingofthenewcovenantanotherevidenceofforgivenesswithGodThenameofGodconfirmingthetruthandrealityofforgivenesswithhimForgivenessmanifestedinthesendingoftheSonofGodtodieforsinPropertiesofforgiveness—ThegreatnessandfreedomofitEvidencesthatmostmendonotbelieveforgivenessExhortationuntothebeliefoftheforgivenessthatiswithGodRulestobeobservedbythemwhowouldcometostabilityinobedienceRULEI.—ChristtheonlyinfalliblejudgeofourspiritualconditionRULEII.—Self-condemnationandabhorrencyforsinconsistentwithgospeljustificationandpeace—ThenatureofgospelassuranceRULEIII.—ContinuanceinwaitingnecessaryuntopeaceandconsolationRULEIV.—Removethehinderancesofbelievingbyasearchingoutofsin—RulesanddirectionsforthatdutyRULEV.—DistinctionbetweenunbeliefandjealousyRULEVI.—DistinctionbetweenfaithandspiritualsenseRULEVII.—MixnotfoundationandbuildingworktogetherRULEVIII.—SpendnottimeinheartlesscomplaintsRULEIX.—TakeheedofundueexpressionsconcerningGodandhiswaysindistressRULEX.—DulyimprovetheleastappearancesofGodinawayofgraceorpardonRULEXI.—[Considerwhereliesthehinderancetopeace]

GroundsofspiritualdisquietmentsconsideredStateofregenerationasserted—DifferenceofsavingandcommongraceRULEIRULEIIRULEIIIRULEIVObjections:Weaknessandimperfectionofduty—Oppositionfromindwellingsin

VERSESFIFTHANDSIXTH

[Thewordsexplained]Godtheproperobjectofthesoul'swaitinginitsdistressesanddepthsConsiderationsofGodrenderingourwaitingonhimreasonableandnecessary—HisgloriousbeingInfluenceofthepromisesintothesoul'swaitingintimeoftrouble—Thenatureofthem

VERSESSEVENTHANDEIGHTH

[Thewordsexplained][Doctrinalobservationsonthem]

PREFATORYNOTE

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THEcircumstancesinwhichthisExpositionofPsalm130originatedarepeculiarlyinteresting.DrOwenhimself,inastatementmadetoMrRichardDavis,whoultimatelybecamepastorofachurchinRowel,Northamptonshire,explainstheoccasionwhichledhimtoaverycarefulexaminationofthefourthverseinthepsalm.MrDavis,beingunderreligiousimpressions,hadsoughtaconferencewithOwen.Inthecourseoftheconversation,DrOwenputthequestion,"Youngman,prayinwhatmannerdoyouthinktogotoGod?""ThroughtheMediator,sir,"answeredMrDavis."Thatiseasilysaid,"replied

theDoctor,"butIassureyouitisanotherthingtogotoGodthroughtheMediatorthanmanywhomakeuseoftheexpressionareawareof.ImyselfpreachedChrist,"hecontinued,"someyears,whenIhadbutverylittle,ifany,experimentalacquaintancewithaccesstoGodthroughChrist;untiltheLordwaspleasedtovisitmewithsoreaffliction,wherebyIwasbroughttothemouthofthegrave,andunderwhichmysoulwasoppressedwithhorroranddarkness;butGodgraciouslyrelievedmyspiritbyapowerfulapplicationofPsalm130:4,Butthereisforgivenesswiththee,thatthoumayestbefeared;'fromwhenceIreceivedspecialinstruction,peace,andcomfort,indrawingneartoGodthroughtheMediator,andpreachedthereuponimmediatelyaftermyrecovery."Theincidenttowhichherefershadoccurredatanearlyperiodinhispubliclife;anditisprobablethisExpositionisthesubstanceofthediscourseswhichhepreachedonhisrecoveryfromaffliction,undertheinfluenceofenlivenedfaithinthemediationofChrist.WecannotwonderthattheparticularversewhichhadprovedtoOwenaspringofrefreshmentinawearyplace,shouldreceiveprominentandprolongedconsiderationinthiswork.Theexpositionofitconstitutesnearlythree-fourthsofthewholetreatise.Thesefacts,moreover,accountforitsprevailingcharacter.Itishardlyaspecimenofpurecommentary,somuchasaseriesofdiscourses,withtheversesofthepsalm,andmoreespeciallythefourthverse,asthetextsselected.Thechargeofprolixityanddiffuseness,urgedagainstthiswork,appliesonlyifitbetriedbytherulesaccordingtowhichweestimatethemeritsofacommentary.Thereare,forexample,thirteenseparatefactsandarguments,illustrativeofthegreatdoctrinethatthereisforgivenesswithGod,eachopeningupverypreciousminesofthoughtandinquiry,butallofthemoutofplace,atleastinthelengthtowhichtheyextend,ifviewedsimplyastheexpositionofaverse.Thereaderbentonhisownedification,ratherthanonjudgingoftheworkbythestandardofaveryrigidcriticism,notunthankfulforwhatofcommentaryproperitcontains,willbehappythattheauthortookacourseleavinghimfreetoindulgeinthatteemingopulenceofevangelicalillustration,andfrequencyofawakeningappeals,whichimpartadistinctivecharacterandpeculiarinteresttothework.

Theoriginalimprimaturofthevolumebearsdate1668;andsuch,accordingtoallauthorities,wastheyearinwhichitfirstappeared.Wehaveseenaneditionprinted in1669,andanotherprinted in1680.The lattermustcorrespondwith,andmusthavebeenprintedfromthefirstedition,foritcontainssomesentencesquiteobscureand incomplete,whicharecorrected in theeditionof1669. It issingular,also,thateverymodernreprintshouldembodytheinaccuraciesofthefirstedition.—ED.

TOTHEREADER

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CHRISTIANREADER,

THEensuingexpositionanddiscoursesareintendedforthebenefitofthosewhosespiritualstateandconditionisrepresentedinthepsalmhereexplained.Thatthesearenotafew,thattheyaremany,yea,thattosomepartorpartsofittheyareallwhobelieve,boththeScripturesandtheirownexperiencewillbeartestimony.Someofthem,itmaybe,willinquireintoandaftertheirownconcernments,astheyareheredeclared.Tobeserviceabletotheirfaith,peace,andspiritualconsolationhathbeenthewholeofmydesign.Iftheymeetwithanydiscoveryoftruth,anydueapplicationofittotheirconsciences,anydeclarationofthesenseandmindoftheHolyGhostintheScriptures,suitableuntotheirconditionandusefultotheiredification,muchofmyendandpurposeisobtained.

Iknowsometherearethatdislikealldiscoursesofthisnature,andlookuponthemwithcontemptandscorn;butwhytheyshouldsodoIknownot,unlessthegospelitself,andallthemysteriesofit,befollyuntothem.Sinandgraceintheiroriginalcauses,variousrespects,consequents,andends,aretheprincipalsubjectsofthewholeScripture,ofthewholerevelationofthewillofGodtomankind.Inthesedoourpresentandeternalconcernmentslie,andfromandbythemhathGoddesignedthegreatandeverlastingexaltationofhisownglory.UponthesedoturnallthetransactionsthatarebetweenGodandthesoulsofmen.Thatitshouldbeanendeavourneedlessorsuperfluous,toinquireintothewillofGodabout,andourowninterestin,thesethings,whocanimagine?Twowaystherearewherebythismaybedone,—first,speculatively,byadueinvestigationofthenatureofthesethings,accordingastheirdoctrineisdeclaredintheScripture.AnendeavouraccordingtothemindofGodhereinisjustandcommendable,andcomprehensiveofmostofthechiefheadsofdivinity.Butthisisnottobeengagedinforitsownsake.TheknowledgeofGodandspiritualthingshasthisproportionuntopracticalsciences,thattheendofallitsnotionsanddoctrinesconsistsinpractice.Wherefore,secondly,thesethingsaretobeconsideredpractically;thatis,asthesoulsandconsciencesofmenareactually

concernedinthemandconversantaboutthem.Howmencontracttheguiltofsin,whatsensetheyhaveandoughttohavethereof,whatdangertheyareliableuntothereon,whatperplexitiesanddistressestheirsoulsandconsciencesarereducedtothereby,whatcoursestheyfixuponfortheirrelief;asalso,whatisthatgraceofGodwherebyalonetheymaybedelivered,whereinitconsists,howitwasprepared,howpurchased,howitisproposed,andhowitmaybeattained;whateffectsandconsequentsaparticipationofitdothproduce;howinthesethingsfaithandobedienceuntoGod,dependenceonhim,submissiontohim,waitingforhim,aretobeexercised,—istheprincipalworkthatthosewhoarecalleduntothedispensationofthegospeloughttoinquireintothemselves,andtoacquaintotherswithal.Intherightandduemanagementofthesethings,whetherbywritingororalinstruction,withprudence,diligence,andzeal,dothconsisttheirprincipaluesfulnessinreferenceuntothegloryofGodandtheeverlastingwelfareofthesoulsofmen.Andtheyareunderagreatmistakewhosupposeitaneasyandacommonmattertotreatofthesepracticalthingsusefully,totheedificationofthemthatdobelieve;becauseboththenatureofthethingsthemselves,withtheconcernsofthesoulsandconsciencesofallsortsofpersonsinthem,requirethattheybehandledplainly,andwithoutthoseintermixturesofsecularlearningandadditionsofornamentsofspeechwhichdiscoursesofothernaturesmayoroughttobecomposedandsetoffwithal.Some,judgingbymereoutwardappearances,—especiallyiftheybeofthemfromwhomthetruenatureofthethingsthemselvestreatedofarehid,—arereadytodespiseandscorntheplainmanagementofthem,asthatwhichhathnothingofwisdomorlearningaccompanyingofit,noeffectsofanycommendableabilityofmindforwhichitshouldbeesteemed.Butitisnotexpressiblehowgreatamistakesuchpersons,throughtheirowndarknessandignorance,dolabourunder.Inarightspiritualunderstanding,inadueperceptionandcomprehensionofthesethings,—thethingsofthesinsofmenandgraceofGod,—consiststhegreatestpartofthatwisdom,ofthatsoundnessofmind,ofthatknowledgerightlysocalled,whichthegospelcommands,exhibits,andputsavaluationupon.Torevealanddeclarethemuntoothersinwordsoftruthandsobernessfitandmeet;toexpressthemuntotheunderstandingsofmenopenedandenlightenedbythesameSpiritbywhomthethingsthemselvesareoriginallyrevealed;toderivesuchsacredspiritualtruthsfromtheword,andbyaduepreparationtocommunicateandapplythemtothesoulsandconsciencesofmen,—containsaprincipalpartofthatministerialskillandabilitywhicharerequiredinthedispensersofthegospel,andwhereinasevereexerciseofsoundlearning,judgment,andcare,isnecessarytobefound,andmaybefullyexpressed.

Intothistreasury,towardstheserviceofthehouseofGod,itisthatIhavecastmy mite in the ensuing exposition and discourses on the 130th Psalm. ThedesignoftheHolyGhostwasthereintoexpressandrepresent,inthepersonandcondition of the psalmist, the case of a soul entangled and ready to beoverwhelmed with the guilt of sin, relieved by a discovery of grace andforgivenessinGod,withitsdeportmentuponaparticipationofthatrelief.Aftertheexpositionofthewordsofthetext,mydesignandendeavourhathbeenonlytoenlarge theportraitureheregivenus in thepsalmofabelievingsoul inandundertheconditionmentioned;torenderthelinesofitmorevisible,andtomakethecharactergiveninitsdescriptionmorelegible;andwithal,togiveuntoothersin the like condition with the psalmist a light to understand and discernthemselvesinthat imageandrepresentationwhichisheremadeofthemintheperson of another. To this end have I been forced to enlarge on the two greatheadsofsinandgrace,—especiallyonthelatter,herecalledthe"forgivenessthatis with God." An interest herein, a participation hereof, being our principalconcernment in thisworld,andthesolefoundationofallourexpectationsofablessedportioninthatwhichistocome,itcertainlyrequiresthebestandutmostof our endeavours, as to look into the nature, causes, and effects of it, soespecially into theways andmeanswherebywemaybemadepartakers of it,and how that participation may be secured unto us unto our peace andconsolation;asalsointothatlove,thatholiness,thatobedience,thatfruitfulnessingoodworks,which,ontheaccountofthisgrace,Godexpectethfromusandrequireth at our hands. An explication of these things is that which I havedesignedtoensueandfollowafterinthesediscourses,andthatwithaconstanteye, as on the one hand to the sole rule and standard of truth, the sacredScriptures,especiallythatpartofitwhichisunderpeculiarconsideration;so,onthe other, to the experience and service unto the edification of them that dobelieve,whosespiritualbenefitandadvantage,withoutanyotherconsiderationintheworld,isaimedatinthepublishingofthem.

ANEXPOSITIONUPONPSALM130

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VERSE1.OutofthedepthshaveIcrieduntothee,OLORD.

2.Lord,hearmyvoice;letthineearsbeattentivetothevoiceofmysupplications.

3.Ifthou,LORD,shouldestmarkiniquities,OLord,whoshallstand?

4.Butthereisforgivenesswiththee,thatthoumayestbefeared.

5.IwaitfortheLORD,mysouldothwait,andinhisworddoIhope.

6.MysoulwaitethfortheLordmorethantheythatwatchforthemorning:Isay,morethantheythatwatchforthemorning.

7.LetIsraelhopeintheLORD:forwiththeLORDthereismercy,andwithhimisplenteousredemption.

8.AndheshallredeemIsraelfromallhisiniquities.

APARAPHRASE

Verses1,2.—OLord,throughmymanifoldsinsandprovocations,Ihavebroughtmyselfintogreatdistresses.Mineiniquitiesarealwaysbeforeme,andIamreadytobeoverwhelmedwiththem,aswithafloodofwaters;fortheyhavebroughtmeintodepths,whereinIamreadytobeswallowedup.Butyet,althoughmydistressbegreatandperplexing,Idonot,Idarenot,utterlydespondandcastawayallhopesofrelieforrecovery.NordoIseekuntoanyotherremedy,way,ormeansofrelief;butIapplymyselftothee,Jehovah,totheealone.Andinthismyapplicationuntothee,thegreatnessandurgencyofmytroublesmakesmysoulurgent,earnest,andpressinginmysupplications.WhilstIhavenorest,Icangivetheenorest.Oh,therefore,attendandhearken

untothevoiceofmycryingandsupplications!

Verse3.—Itistrue,OLord,thouGodgreatandterrible,thatifthoushouldstdealwithmeinthiscondition,withanymanliving,withthebestofthysaints,accordingtothestrictandexacttenorofthelaw,whichfirstrepresentsitselftomyguiltyconscienceandtroubledsoul;ifthoushouldsttakenoticeof,observe,andkeepinremembrance,mine,ortheir,ortheiniquityofanyone,totheendthatthoumightstdealwiththem,andrecompenseuntothemaccordingtothesentencethereof,therewouldbe,neitherformenorthem,anytheleastexpectationofdeliverance.Allfleshmustfailbeforethee,andthespiritswhichthouhastmade,andthattoeternity;forwhocouldstandbeforetheewhenthoushouldstsoexecutethydispleasure?

Verse4.—But,OLord,thisisnotabsolutelyanduniversallythestateofthingsbetweenthyMajestyandpoorsinners;thouartinthynatureinfinitelygoodandgracious,readyandfreeinthepurposesofthywilltoreceivethem.Andthereissuchablessedwaymadefortheexerciseoftheholyinclinationsandpurposesofthyhearttowardsthem,inthemediationandbloodofthydearSon,thattheyhaveassuredfoundationsofconcludingandbelievingthatthereispardonandforgivenesswiththeeforthem,andwhich,inthewayofthineappointments,theymaybepartakersof.Thisway,therefore,willI,withallthatfearthee,persistin.Iwillnotgiveover,leavethee,orturnfromthee,throughmyfears,discouragements,anddespondencies;butwillabideconstantlyintheobservationoftheworshipwhichthouhastprescribed,andtheperformanceoftheobediencewhichthoudostrequire,havinggreatencouragementssotodo.

Verse5.—Andherein,upontheaccountoftheforgivenessthatiswiththee,OLord,doIwaitwithallpatience,quietness,andperseverance.Inthisworkismywholesoulengaged,eveninanearnestexpectationofthyapproachuntomeinawayofgraceandmercy.Andformyencouragementthereinhastthougivenoutuntomeablessedwordofgrace,afaithfulwordofpromise,whereonmyhopeisfixed.

Verse6.—Yea,intheperformanceanddischargeofthisduty,mysoulisintentuponthee,andinitswholeframeturnedtowardsthee,andthatwithsuchdiligenceandwatchfulnessinlookingoutaftereverywayandmeansofthyappearance,ofthemanifestationofthyself,andcominguntome,thatIexcelthereinthosewho,withlongingdesire,heedfulness,andearnestexpectation,dowaitandwatchfortheappearanceofthemorning;andthateitherthattheymay

restfromtheirnightwatches,orhavelightforthedutiesofthyworshipinthetemple,whichtheyaremostdelightedin.

Verses7,8.—HereinhaveIfoundthatrest,peace,andsatisfactionuntomyownsoul,thatIcannotbutinviteandencourageothersinthelikeconditiontotakethesamecoursewithme.Let,then,alltheIsraelofGod,allthatfearhim,learnthisofme,andfrommyexperience.Benothastyinyourdistresses,despondnot,despairnot,turnnotasideuntootherremedies;buthopeintheLord:forIcannow,inanespecialmanner,givetestimonyuntothis,thatthereismercywithhimsuiteduntoyourrelief.Yea,whateveryourdistressbe,theredemptionthatiswithhimissobounteous,plenteous,andunsearchable,thattheundoubtedissueofyourperformanceofthisdutywillbe,thatyoushallbedeliveredfromtheguiltofallyoursinsandtheperplexitiesofallyourtroubles.

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GENERALSCOPEOFTHEWHOLEPSALM

THEdesignoftheHolyGhostinthispsalmistoexpress,intheexperienceofthepsalmistandtheworkingofhisfaith,thestateandconditionofasoulgreatlyinitselfperplexed,relievedontheaccountofgrace,andactingitselftowardsGodandhissaintssuitablytothediscoveryofthatgraceuntohim;—agreatdesign,andfullofgreatinstruction.

Andthisgeneralprospectgivesusthepartsandscopeofthewholepsalm;forwehave,—

I.Thestateandconditionofthesoulthereinrepresented,withhisdeportmentinandunderthatstateandcondition,inverses1,2:—

"OutofthedepthshaveIcrieduntothee,OLORD.Lord,hearmyvoice;letthineearsbeattentivetothevoiceofmysupplications."

II.Hisinquiryafterrelief.Andthereinaretwothingsthatpresentthemselvesuntohim;theonewhereof,whichfirstofferstheconsiderationofitselftohiminhisdistress,hedeprecates,verse3:—

"Ifthou,LORD,shouldestmarkiniquities,OLord,whoshallstand?"

Theotherheclosethwithal,andfindsreliefinitandsupportmentbyit,verse4:—

"Butthereisforgivenesswiththee,thatthoumayestbefeared."Uponthis,hisdiscoveryandfixingonrelief,thereistheactingofhisfaithandthedeportmentofhiswholeperson:—

1.TowardsGod,verses5,6:—

"IwaitfortheLORD,mysouldothwait,andinhisworddoIhope.MysoulwaitethfortheLordmorethantheythatwatchforthemorning:Isay,morethantheythatwatchforthemorning."

2.Towardsthesaints,verses7,8:—

"LetIsraelhopeintheLORD:forwiththeLORDthereismercy,andwithhimisplenteousredemption.AndheshallredeemIsraelfromallhisiniquities."

Allwhichparts,andthevariousconcernmentsofthem,mustbeopenedseverally.

Andthisalsogivesanaccountofwhatismydesignfromanduponthewordsofthispsalm,—namely,todeclaretheperplexedentanglementswhichmaybefallagracioussoul,suchaoneasthispsalmistwas,withthenatureandproperworkingsoffaithinsuchacondition;principallyaimingatwhatitisthatgivesasoulreliefandsupportmentin,andafterwarddeliverancefrom,suchaperplexedestate.

TheLordinmercydisposeofthesemeditationsinsuchawayandmannerasthatbothhethatwritesandtheythatreadmaybemadepartakersofthebenefit,relief,andconsolationintendedforhissaintsinthispsalmbytheHolyGhost!

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VERSESFIRSTANDSECOND

Thestateandconditionofthesoulrepresentedinthepsalm—Thetwofirstversesopened.

THEstateandconditionofthesoulhererepresentedasthebasisonwhichtheprocessofthepsalmisbuilt,withitsdeportment,orthegeneralactingofitsfaithinthatstate,isexpressedinthetwofirstverses:—

"OutofthedepthshaveIcrieduntothee,OLORD.Lord,hearmyvoice:letthineearsbeattentivetothevoiceofmysupplications."

1.Thepresentstateofthesoulunderconsiderationisincludedinthatexpression,"Outofthedepths."

Someoftheancients,asChrysostom,supposethisexpressiontorelateuntothedepthsoftheheartofthepsalmist:Τίἐστινἐυβαθἐων·notfromthemouthortongueonly,ἀλλʼἀπὀκαρδίαςβαθυτάτης,—"butfromthedepthandbottomoftheheart;"ἐξαὐτῶντῆςδιανοίαςτῶνβάθρων,"fromthedeepestrecessesofthemind."

And,indeed,thewordisusedtoexpressthedepthsoftheheartsofmen,bututterlyinanothersense:Ps.64:6,"Theheartisdeep."

Buttheobvioussenseoftheplace,andtheconstantuseoftheword,willnotadmitofthisinterpretation:"Eprofundis;"from קמע ,"profundusfuit,"is

םיקמצמ inthepluralnumber,"profunditates,"or"depths."Itiscommonlyusedforvalleys,oranydeepplaceswhatever,butespeciallyofwaters.Valleysanddeepplaces,becauseoftheirdarknessandsolitariness,areaccountedplacesofhorror,helplessness,andtrouble:Ps.23:4,"ThoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath;"thatis,intheextremityofdangerandtrouble.

Themoraluseoftheword,asexpressingthestateandconditionofthesoulsofmen,ismetaphorical.Thesedepths,then,aredifficultiesorpressures,attendedwithfear,horror,danger,andtrouble.

Andtheyareoftwosorts:—

1.Providential,inrespectofoutwarddistresses,calamities,andafflictions:Ps.69:1,2,"Saveme,OGod;forthewatersarecomeinuntomysoul.Istickinthemireofthedeep,andthereisnostanding.Iamcome, סימ־יבמצמב ,intothedepthsofwaters,andthefloodoverflowsme."Itistrouble,andtheextremityofit,thatthepsalmistcomplainsof,andwhichhethusexpresseth.Hewasbroughtbyitintoaconditionlikeuntoamanreadytobedrowned,beingcastintothebottomofdeepandmirywaters,wherehehadnofirmfoundationtostandupon,

norabilitytocomeout;ashefartherexplainshimself,verse15.

2.Thereareinternaldepths,—depthsofconscienceupontheaccountofsin:Ps.88:6,"Thouhastlaidmeinthelowestpit,indarkness,inthedeeps."Whatheintendsbythisexpression,thepsalmistdeclaresinthenextwords,verse7,"Thywrathliethharduponme."SenseofGod'swrathuponhisconscienceupontheaccountofsin,wasthedeephewascastinto.So,verse15,speakingofthesamematter,saithhe,"Isufferthyterrors;"andverse16,"Thyfiercewrathgoethoverme;"whichhecallswater,waves,anddeeps,accordingtothemetaphorbeforeopened.

Andthesearethedeepsthatarehereprincipallyintended."Clamatsubmolibusetfluctibusiniquitatemsuarum,"saysAustinontheplace;—"Hecriesoutundertheweightandwavesofhissins."

Thistheensuingpsalmmakesevident.Desiringtobedeliveredfromthesedepthsoutofwhichhecried,hedealswithGodwhollyaboutmercyandforgiveness;anditissinalonefromwhichforgivenessisadeliverance.Thedoctrine,also,thathepreachethuponhisdeliveryisthatofmercy,grace,andredemption,asismanifestfromthecloseofthepsalm;andwhatwehavedeliverancebyismostuponourheartswhenwearedelivered.

Itistrue,indeed,thatthesedeepsdooftentimesconcur;asDavidspeaks,"Deepcallethuntodeep,"Ps.42:7.Thedeepsofafflictionawakentheconsciencetoadeepsenseofsin.Butsinisthedisease,afflictiononlyasymptomofit:andinattendingacure,thediseaseitselfisprincipallytobeheeded;thesymptomwillfollowordepartofitself.

ManyinterpretersthinkthatthiswasnowDavid'scondition.Bygreattroubleanddistresshewasgreatlymindedofsin;andwemustnot,therefore,whollypassoverthatintendmentoftheword,thoughwearechieflytorespectthatwhichhehimself,inthisaddressuntoGod,didprincipallyregard.

This,ingeneral,isthestateandconditionofthesoulmanagedinthispsalm,andisasthekeytotheensuingdiscourse,orthehingeonwhichitturns.Astomyintendmentfromthepsalm,thatwhicharisethfromhencemaybecomprisedinthesetwopropositions:—

1.Gracioussouls,aftermuchcommunionwithGod,maybebroughtintoinextricabledepthsandentanglementsontheaccountofsin;forsuchthe

psalmisthereexpressethhisownconditiontohavebeen,andsuchhewas.

2.Theinwardrootofoutwarddistressesisprincipallytobeattendedinallpressingtrials;—sin,inafflictions.

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Gracious soulsmay be brought into depths on the account of sin—Whatthosedepthsare.

BEFOREIproceedatallinthefartheropeningofthewords,theyhavingallofthemrespectuntothepropositionfirstlaiddown,Ishallexplainandconfirmthetruthcontainedinit;thatsoitmaybeunderstoodwhatwesay,andwhereofwedoaffirm,inthewholeprocessofourdiscourse.

Itisasadtruththatwehaveproposeduntoconsideration.Hethathearsitoughttotrembleinhimself,thathemayrestinthedayoftrouble.Itspeaksouttheapostle'sadvice,Rom.11:20,"Benothigh-minded,butfear;"andthatalso,1Cor.10:12,"Lethimthatthinkethhestandethtakeheedlesthefall."WhenPeterhadlearnedthistruthbywofulexperience,afterallhisboldnessandfrowardness,hegivesthiscounseltoallsaints,"Thattheywouldpassthetimeoftheirsojourninghereinfear,"1Pet.1:17;knowinghownear,inourgreatestpeaceandserenity,evilanddangermaylieatthedoor.

Somefewinstancesofthemanythatareleftonrecord,whereinthistruthisexemplified,maybementioned:Gen.6:9,"Noahwasajustman,perfectinhisgenerations,andNoahwalkedwithGod."Hedidsoalongseason,andthatinaneviltime,amidstallsortsoftemptations,"whenallfleshhadcorruptedhiswayupontheearth,"verse12.Thisputaneminencyuponhisobedience,anddoubtlessrenderedthecommunionwhichhehadwithGod,inwalkingbeforehim,mostsweetandprecioustohim.Hewasagracioussoul,upontheredoubledtestimonyofGodhimself.Butweknowwhatbefellthisholyperson.Hethatshallreadthestorythatisrecordedofhim,Gen.9:20–27,willeasilygrantthathewasbroughtintoinextricabledistressontheaccountofsin.Hisowndrunkenness,verse21,withtheconsequentofit,givesscandaluntoandprovokestheunnaturallustofhisson,verse22;andthisleadshimtothedevotingofthatsonandhisposterityuntodestruction,verses24,25:allwhich,joinedwiththesenseofGod'sjustindignation,fromwhomhehadnewlyreceivedthattremendouslymiraculousdeliverance,mustneedsoverwhelmhim

withsorrowandanxietyofspirit.

ThematterismoreclearinDavid.UndertheOldTestamentnonelovedGodmorethanhe;nonewaslovedofGodmorethanhe.Thepathsoffaithandlovewhereinhewalkedareuntothemostofuslikethewayofaneagleintheair,—toohighandhardforus.YettothisverydaydothecriesofthismanafterGod'sownheartsoundinourears.Sometimeshecomplainsofbrokenbones,sometimesofdrowningdepths,sometimesofwavesandwater-spouts,sometimesofwoundsanddiseases,sometimesofwrathandthesorrowsofhell;everywhereofhissins,theburdenandtroubleofthem.Someoftheoccasionsofhisdepths,darkness,entanglements,anddistresses,weallknow.Asnomanhadmoregracethanhe,sononeisagreaterinstanceofthepowerofsin,andtheeffectsofitsguiltupontheconscience,thanhe.Butinstancesofthiskindareobvious,andoccurtothethoughtsofall,sothattheyneednotberepeated.Ishall,then,show,—

First,Whatinparticularisintendedbythedepthsandentanglementsontheaccountofsin,whereintogracioussouls,aftermuchcommunionwithGod,maybecast.

Secondly,Whenceitcomestopassthatsotheymaybe,andthatoftentimessotheyare.

Forthefirst,someorallofthesethingsfollowingdoconcurtothedepthscomplainedof:—

1.LossofthewontedsenseoftheloveofGod,whichthesouldidformerlyenjoy.ThereisatwofoldsenseoftheloveofGod,whereofbelieversinthisworldmaybemadepartakers.ThereisthetransientactingoftheheartbytheHolyGhostwithravishing,unspeakablejoys,inapprehensionofGod'slove,andourrelationuntohiminChrist.This,ortheimmediateeffectofit,iscalled"Joyunspeakableandfullofglory,"1Pet.1:8.TheHolyGhostshiningintotheheart,withaclearevidenceofthesoul'sinterestinallgospelmercies,causethittoleapforjoy,toexultandtriumphintheLord,asbeingforaseasoncarriedaboveallsenseandthoughtofsin,self-temptation,ortrouble.ButasGodgivesthebreadofhishouseuntoallhischildren,sothesedaintiesandhighcordialshereservethonlyfortheseasonsandpersonswhereinandtowhomheknowsthemtobeneedfulanduseful.Believersmaybewithoutthissenseoflove,andyetbeinnodepths.Amanmaybestrongandhealthywhohathwholesomefood,thoughhe

neverdrinksspiritsandcordials.

Again;thereisanabiding,dwellingsenseofGod'sloveupontheheartsofthemostofthoseofwhomwespeak,whohavehadlongcommunionwithGod,consistinginaprevailinggospelpersuasionthattheyareacceptedwithGodinChrist:Rom.5:1,"Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGod."Icallitaprevailingpersuasion,denotingboththeoppositionthatismadeuntoitbySatanandunbelief,anditsefficacyintheconquestthereof.Thisistherootfromwhenceallthatpeaceandordinaryconsolation,whichbelieversinthisworldaremadepartakersof,dospringandgrow.Thisisthatwhichquickensandenlivensthemuntoduty,Ps.116:12,13,andisthesaltthatrenderstheirsacrificesandperformancessavourytoGodandrefreshingtothemselves.Thissupportsthemundertheirtrials,givesthempeace,hope,andcomfortinlifeanddeath:Ps23:4,"ThoughIwalkinthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil,forthouartwithme."AsenseofGod'spresenceinloveissufficienttorebukeallanxietyandfearsintheworstandmostdreadfulcondition;andnotonlyso,buttogiveinthemidstofthemsolidconsolationandjoy.Sotheprophetexpressethit,Hab.3:17,18,"Althoughthefig-treeshallnotblossom,neithershallfruitbeinthevines;thelabouroftheoliveshallfail,andthefieldsshallyieldnomeat;theflocksshallbecutofffromthefold,andthereshallbenoherdinthestalls:yetIwillrejoiceintheLORD,IwilljoyintheGodofmysalvation."Andthisisthatsenseoflovewhichthechoicestbelieversmayloseontheaccountofsin.Thisisonestepintotheirdepths.Theyshallnotretainanysuchgospelapprehensionofitasthatitshouldgivethemrest,peace,orconsolation,—thatitshouldinfluencetheirsoulswithdelightindutyorsupportmentintrial;andthenaturehereofwillbeafterwardmorefullyexplained.

2.PerplexedthoughtfulnessabouttheirgreatandwretchedunkindnesstowardsGodisanotherpartofthedepthsofsin-entangledsouls.SoDavidcomplains:Ps.77:3,"IrememberedGod,"saithhe,"andwastroubled."HowcomestheremembranceofGodtobeuntohimamatteroftrouble?Inotherplacesheprofesseththatitwasallhisreliefandsupportment.Howcomesittobeanoccasionofhistrouble?AllhadnotbeenwellbetweenGodandhim;andwhereasformerly,inhisremembranceofGod,histhoughtswerechieflyexercisedabouthisloveandkindness,nowtheywerewhollypossessedwithhisownsinandunkindness.Thiscausethhistrouble.Hereinliesashareoftheentanglementsoccasionedbysin.Saithsuchasoulinitself,"Foolishcreature,hastthouthusrequitedtheLord?Isthisthereturnthatthouhastmadeuntohimforallhislove,hiskindness,hisconsolations,mercies?Isthisthykindnessfor

him,thylovetohim?Isthisthykindnesstothyfriend?Isthisthyboastingofhim,thatthouhadstfoundsomuchgoodnessandexcellencyinhimandhislove,thatthoughallmenshouldforsakehim,thouneverwouldstdoso?Areallthypromises,allthyengagementswhichthoumadestuntoGod,intimesofdistress,uponprevailingobligations,andmightyimpressionsofhisgoodSpirituponthysoul,nowcometothis,thatthoushouldstsofoolishlyforget,neglect,despise,casthimoff?Well!nowheisgone;heiswithdrawnfromthee;andwhatwiltthoudo?Artthounotevenashamedtodesirehimtoreturn?"TheywerethoughtsofthisnaturethatcutPetertotheheartuponhisfall.Thesoulfindsthemcruelasdeath,andstrongasthegrave.Itisboundinthechainsofthem,andcannotbecomforted,Ps.38:3–6.Andhereinconsistsagreatpartofthedepthsinquiredafter:forthisconsiderationexcitesandputsanedgeuponallgrieving,straitening,perplexingaffections,whicharetheonlymeanswherebythesoulofamanmaybeinwardlytroubled,ortroubleitself;sucharesorrowandshame,withthatself-displicencyandrevengewherewiththeyareattended.Andastheirreasonandobjectinthiscasedotranscendallotheroccasionsofthem,soonnootheraccountdotheycausesuchsevereandperplexingreflectionsonthesoulasonthis.

3.Arevivedsenseofjustlydeservedwrathbelongsalsotothesedepths.Thisisastheopeningofoldwounds.Whenmenhavepassedthroughasenseofwrath,andhaveobtaineddeliveranceandrestthroughthebloodofChrist,tocometotheiroldthoughtsagain,tobetradingafreshwithhell,curse,law,andwrath,itisadepthindeed.Andthisoftenbefallsgracioussoulsontheaccountofsin:Ps.88:7,"Thywrathliethharduponme,"saithHeman.Itpressedandcrushedhimsorely.Thereisaself-judgingastothedesertofwrath,whichisconsistentwithacomfortingpersuasionofaninterestinChrist.Thisthesoulfindssweetnessin,asitliesinasubserviencytotheexaltationofgrace.Butinthiscase,thesoulisleftunderitwithoutthatrelief.Itplungethitselfintothecurseofthelawandflamesofhell,withoutanycheeringsupportmentfromthebloodofChrist.Thisiswalkingin"thevalleyoftheshadowofdeath."Thesoulconversethwithdeathandwhatseemstolieinatendencythereunto.TheLord,also,toincreasehisperplexities,putsnewlifeandspiritintothelaw,—givesitafreshcommission,asitwere,totakesuchaoneintoitscustody;andthelawwillneverinthisworldbewantinguntoitsduty.

4.Oppressingapprehensionsoftemporaljudgmentsconcurhereinalso;forGodwilljudgehispeople.AndjudgmentoftenbeginsatthehouseofGod."ThoughGod,"saithsuchaone,"shouldnotcastmeoffforever,—thoughheshould

pardonmyiniquities;yethemaysotakevengeanceofmyinventionsastomakemefeedongallandwormwoodallmydays."Ps.119:120,saithDavid,"Myfleshtremblethforfearofthee,andIamafraidofthyjudgments."HeknowsnotwhatthegreatGodmaybringuponhim;andbeingfullofasenseoftheguiltofsin,whichisthebottomofthiswholecondition,everyjudgmentofGodisfullofterroruntohim.SometimeshethinksGodmaylayopenthefilthofhisheart,andmakehimascandalandareproachintheworld.Ps.39:8,"O,"saithhe,"makemenotareproachofthefoolish."SometimeshetrembleslestGodshouldstrikehimsuddenlywithsomesignaljudgment,andtakehimoutoftheworldindarknessandsorrow:sosaithDavid,"Takemenotawayinthywrath."SometimeshefearslestheshallbelikeJonah,andraiseastorminhisfamily,inthechurchwhereofheisamember,orinthewholenation:"Letthemnotbeashamedformysake."Thesethingsmakehisheartsoft,asJobspeaks,andtomeltwithinhim.WhenanyafflictionorpublicjudgmentofGodisfastenedtoaquick,livingsenseofsinintheconscience,itoverwhelmsthesoul,whetheritbeonlyjustlyfearedorbeactuallyinflicted;aswasthecaseofJoseph'sbrethreninEgypt.Thesoulisthenrolledfromonedeeptoanother.Senseofsincastsitontheconsiderationofitsaffliction,andafflictionturnsitbackonasenseofsin.Sodeepcallethuntodeep,andallGod'sbillowsgooverthesoul.Andtheydoeachofthemmakethesoultender,andsharpenitssenseuntotheother.Afflictionsoftensthesoul,sothatthesenseofsincutsthedeeper,andmakesthelargerwounds;andthesenseofsinweakensthesoul,andmakesafflictionsittheheavier,andsoincreasethitsburden.Inthiscase,thatafflictionwhichamaninhisusualstateofspiritualpeacecouldhaveembracedasasweetpledgeoflove,isasgoadsandthornsinhisside,deprivinghimofallrestandquietness;Godmakesitasthornsandbriers,wherewithhewillteachstubbornsoulstheirduty,asGideondidthemenofSuccoth.

5.TheremaybeaddedhereuntoprevailingfearsforaseasonofbeingutterlyrejectedbyGod,ofbeingfoundareprobateatthelastday.Jonahseemstoconcludeso,chap.2:4,"ThenIsaid,Iamcastoutofthysight;"—"Iamlostforever,Godwillownmenomore."AndHeman,Ps.88:4,5,"Iamcountedwiththemthatgodownintothepit:freeamongthedead,liketheslainthatlieinthegrave,whomthourememberestnomore:andtheyarecutofffromthyhand."Thismayreachthesoul,untilthesorrowsofhellencompassitandlayholduponit;untilitbedeprivedofcomfort,peace,rest;untilitbeaterrortoitself,andbereadytochoosestranglingratherthanlife.Thismaybefallagracioussoulontheaccountofsin.Butyetbecausethisfightsdirectlyagainstthelifeoffaith,Goddothnot,unlessitbeinextraordinarycases,sufferanyofhistolielonginthis

horriblepit,wherethereisnowater,norefreshment.Butthisoftenfallsout,thateventhesaintsthemselvesareleftforaseasontoafearfulexpectationofjudgmentandfieryindignation,astotheprevailingapprehensionoftheirminds.And,—

6.Godsecretlysendshisarrowsintothesoul,thatwoundandgallit,addingpain,trouble,anddisquietnesstoitsdisconsolation:Ps.38:2,"Thinearrowsstickfastinme,andthyhandpressethmesore."Everandanoninhiswalking,Godshotasharppiercingarrow,fixingitonhissoul,thatgalled,wounded,andperplexedhim,fillinghimwithpainandgrievousvexation.ThesearrowsareGod'srebukes:Ps.39:11,"Whenthouwithrebukesdostcorrectmanforiniquity."Godspeaksinhisword,andbyhisSpiritintheconscience,thingssharpandbittertothesoul,fasteningthemsoasitcannotshakethemout.TheseJobsomournfullycomplainsof,chap.6:4.TheLordspeakswordswiththatefficacy,thattheypiercetheheartquitethrough;andwhattheissuethenisDaviddeclares,Ps.38:3,"Thereisnosoundness,"saithhe,"inmyfleshbecauseofthineanger;noristhereanyrestinmybonesbecauseofmysin."Thewholepersonisbroughtunderthepowerofthem,andallhealthandrestistakenaway.And,—

7.Unspiritednessanddisabilityuntoduty,indoingorsuffering,attendsuchacondition:Ps.40:12,"Mineiniquitieshavetakenholduponme,sothatIamnotabletolookup."Hisspiritualstrengthwaswornawaybysin,sothathewasnotabletoaddresshimselfuntoanycommunionwithGod.Thesoulnowcannotpraywithlifeandpower,cannothearwithjoyandprofit,cannotdogoodandcommunicatewithcheerfulnessandfreedom,cannotmeditatewithdelightandheavenly-mindedness,cannotactforGodwithzealandliberty,cannotthinkofsufferingwithboldnessandresolution;butissick,weak,feeble,andboweddown.

Now,Isay,agracioussoul,aftermuchcommunionwithGod,may,ontheaccountofsin,byasenseoftheguiltofit,bebroughtintoastateandconditionwhereinsome,more,orallofthese,withotherthelikeperplexities,maybeitsportion;andthesemakeupthedepthswhereofthepsalmistherecomplains.Whatarethesins,orofwhatsorts,thatordinarilycastthesoulsofbelieversintothesedepths,shallbeafterwardsdeclared.

Secondly,Ishallnowshowbothwhenceitisthatbelieversmayfallintosuchacondition,asalsowhenceitisthatoftentimestheyactuallydoso.

———

Whenceitisthatbelieversmaybebroughtintodepthsonaccountofsin—Natureofthesuppliesofgracegiveninthecovenant—Howfartheyextend—Principlesofthepowerofsin

First,THEnatureofthecovenantwhereinallbelieversnowwalkwithGod,andwhereinalltheirwholeprovisionforobedienceisinwrapped,leavesitpossibleforthemtofallintothesedepthsthathavebeenmentioned.Underthefirstcovenanttherewasnomercyorforgivenessprovidedforanysin.Itwasnecessary,then,thatitshouldexhibitasufficiencyofgracetopreservethemfromeverysin,oritcouldhavebeenofnouseatall.ThistherighteousnessofGodrequired,andsoitwas.Tohavemadeacovenantwhereintherewasnoprovisionatallofpardon,andnotasufficiencyofgracetokeepthecovenantersfromneedofpardon,wasnotanswerabletothegoodnessandrighteousnessofGod.Buthemademanupright,who,ofhisownaccord,soughtoutmanyinventions.

Itisnotsointhecovenantofgrace;thereisinitpardonprovidedinthebloodofChrist:itisnot,therefore,ofindispensablenecessitythatthereshouldbeadministeredinitgraceeffectuallypreservingfromeverysin.Yetitisonallaccountstobepreferredbeforetheother;for,besidesthereliefbypardon,whichtheotherknewnothingof,thereisinitalsomuchprovisionagainstsin,whichwasnotintheother:—

1.Thereisprovisionmadeinitagainstallandeverysinthatwoulddisannulthecovenant,andmakeafinalseparationbetweenGodandasoulthathathbeenoncetakenintothebondthereof.Thisprovisionisabsolute.Godhathtakenuponhimselfthemakingofthisgood,andtheestablishingthislawofthecovenant,thatitshallnotbyanysinbedisannulled:Jer.32:40,"Iwill,"saithGod,"makeaneverlastingcovenantwiththem,thatIwillnotturnawayfromthem,todothemgood;butIwillputmyfearintheirhearts,thattheyshallnotdepartfromme."Thesecurityhereofdependsnotonanythinginourselves.Allthatisinusistobeusedasameansoftheaccomplishmentofthispromise;buttheeventorissuedependsabsolutelyonthefaithfulnessofGod.Andthewholecertaintyandstabilityofthecovenantdependsontheefficacyofthegraceadministeredinittopreservemenfromallsuchsinsaswoulddisannulit.

2.Thereisinthiscovenantprovisionmadeforconstantpeaceandconsolation,

notwithstandingandagainsttheguiltofsuchsinsas,throughtheirinfirmitiesandtemptations,believersaredailyexposedunto.Thoughtheyfallintosinseveryday,yettheydonotfallintodepthseveryday.Inthetenorofthiscovenantthereisaconsistencybetweenasenseofsinuntohumiliationandpeace,withstrongconsolation.Aftertheapostlehaddescribedthewholeconflictthatbelievershavewithsin,andthefrequentwoundswhichtheyreceivethereby,whichmakesthemcryoutfordeliverance,Rom.7:24,heyetconcludes,chap.8:1,that"thereisnocondemnationuntothem;"whichisasufficientandstablefoundationofpeace.So,1John2:1,"ThesethingsIwriteuntoyou,thatyesinnot.Andifanymansin,wehaveanadvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous."Ourgreatbusinessandcareoughttobe,thatwesinnot;butyet,whenwehavedoneourutmost,"ifwesaywehavenosin,wedeceiveourselves,"chap.1:8.What,then,shallpoor,sinful,guiltycreaturesdo?Why,letthemgototheFatherbytheiradvocate,andtheyshallnotfailofpardonandpeace.And,saithPaul,Heb.6:17,18,"Godisabundantlywillingthatwemighthavestrongconsolation,whoflyforrefugetolayholdonthehopesetbeforeus."Whatwashisconditionwhofledofoldtothecityofrefugeforsafety,fromwhencethisexpressionistaken?Hewasguiltyofblood,thoughshedatunawares;andsoasthathewastodieforit,ifheescapednottothecityofrefuge.Thoughwemayhavetheguiltofsinsuponusthatthelawpronouncethdeathunto,yet,flyingtoChristforrefuge,Godhathprovidednotonlysafety,but"strongconsolation"forusalso.ForgivenessinthebloodofChristdothnotonlytakeguiltfromthesoul,buttroublealsofromtheconscience;andinthisrespectdoththeapostleatlargesetforththeexcellencyofhissacrifice,Heb.10.Thesacrificesoftheoldlaw,hetellsus,couldnotmakeperfecttheworshippers,verse1:whichheproves,verse2,becausetheydidnevertakeaway,thoroughlyandreally,conscienceofsin;thatis,depthsordistressesofconscienceaboutsin."Butnow,"saithhe,"JesusChrist,inthecovenantofgrace,'hathperfectedforeverthemthataresanctified,'verse14;providingforthemsuchstablepeaceandconsolation,asthattheyshallnotneedtherenewingofsacrificeseveryday,"verse18.ThisisthegreatmysteryofthegospelinthebloodofChrist,thatthosewhosineverydayshouldhavepeacewithGodalltheirdays,providedtheirsinsfallwithinthecompassofthoseinfirmitiesagainstwhichthisconsolationisprovided.

3.Thereisprovisionmadeofgracetopreventandpreservethesoulfromgreatandenormoussins,suchasintheirownnatureareapttowoundconscience,andcastthepersonintosuchdepthsandentanglementsaswhereinheshallhaveneitherrestnorpeace.Ofwhatsortthesesinsareshallbeafterwarddeclared.

Thereisinthiscovenant"graceforgrace,"John1:16,andabundanceofgraceadministeredfromtheall-fulnessofChrist.Gracereignethinit,Rom.6:6,destroyingandcrucifying"thebodyofsin."

Butthisprovisioninthecovenantofgraceagainstpeace-ruining,soul-perplexingsins,isnot,astotheadministrationofit,absolute.Therearecovenantcommandsandexhortations,ontheattendancewhereuntotheadministrationofmuchcovenantgracedothdepend.Towatch,pray,improvefaith,tostandonourguardcontinually,tomortifysin,tofightagainsttemptations,withsteadfastness,diligence,constancy,areeverywhereprescribeduntous;andthatinorderuntotheinsuranceofthegracementioned.Thesethingsareonourparttheconditionoftheadministrationofthatabundantgracewhichistopreserveusfromsoul-entanglingsins.SoPeterinformsus,2Epist.1:3,"ThedivinepowerofGodhathgivenuntousallthingsthatpertainuntolifeandgodliness."Wehavefromitanhabitualfurnishmentandprovisionforobedienceatalltimes.Also,saithhe,verse4,"Hehathgivenuntousexceedinggreatandpreciouspromises,thatbythesewemightbepartakersofthedivinenature."What,then,isinthisblessedestateandconditionrequiredofus,thatwemaymakeadueimprovementoftheprovisionmadeforus,andenjoythecomfortinginfluenceofthosepromisesthatheprescribesuntous?Verses5–7,"Givingalldiligence,addtoyourfaithvirtue,andtovirtueknowledge,andtoknowledgetemperance,andtotemperancepatience,andtopatiencegodliness,andtogodlinessbrotherly-kindness,andtobrotherly-kindnesscharity;"thatis,carefullyanddiligentlyattendtotheexerciseofallthegracesoftheSpirit,anduntoaconversationinallthingsbecomingthegospel.What,then,shallbetheissueifthesethingsareattendedunto?Verse8,"Ifthesethingsbeinyou,andabound,theymakeyouthatyeshallneitherbebarrennorunfruitfulintheknowledgeofourLordJesusChrist."Itisnotenoughthatthesethingsbeinyou,thatyouhavetheseedandrootofthemfromandbytheHolyGhost;butyouaretotakecarethattheyflourishandabound:withoutwhich,thoughtherootofthemattermaybeinyou,andsoyoubenotwhollydevoidofspirituallife,yetyouwillbepoor,barren,sapless,witheringcreaturesallyourdays.Butnow,supposethatthesethingsdoabound,andwebemadefruitfulthereby?Whythen,saithhe,verse10,"Ifyedothesethings,yeshallneverfall."What!neverfallintosin?Nay,thatisnotinthepromise;andhethatsays,whenhehathdoneall,"thathehathnosin,heisaliar."OrisitneverfalltotallyfromGod?No;thepreservationoftheelect,ofwhomhespeaks,fromtotalapostasy,isnotsuspendedonsuchconditions,especiallynotonanydegreeofthem,suchastheiraboundingimports.Butitisthattheyshallnotfallintotheiroldsins,from

whichtheywerepurged,verse9,—suchconscience-wastinganddefilingsinsastheylivedin,inthetimeandstateoftheirunregeneracy.Thus,thoughtherebe,inthecovenantofgracethroughJesusChrist,provisionmadeofabundantsuppliesforthesoul'spreservationfromentanglingsins,yettheiradministrationhathrespectuntoourdiligentattendanceuntothemeansofreceivingthemappointedforustowalkin.

Andhereliesthelatitudeofthenewcovenant,hereliestheexerciseofrenewedfree-will.Thisisthefieldoffree,voluntaryobedience,undertheadministrationofgospelgrace.Thereareextremeswhich,inrespectoftheevent,itisnotconcernedin.Tobewhollyperfect,tobefreefromeverysin,allfailings,allinfirmities,thatisnotprovidedfor,notpromisedinthiscovenant.Itisacovenantofmercyandpardon,whichsupposethacontinuanceofsin.TofallutterlyandfinallyfromGod,thatisabsolutelyprovidedagainst.Betweenthesetwoextremesofabsoluteperfectionandtotalapostasyliesthelargefieldofbelievers,obedienceandwalkingwithGod.Manyasweet,heavenlypassagethereis,andmanyadangerousdepth,inthisfield.Somewalkneartotheoneside,sometotheother;yea,thesamepersonmaysometimespresshardafterperfection,sometimesbecasttotheveryborderofdestruction.Now,betweenthesetwoliemanyasoul-plungingsin,againstwhichnoabsoluteprovisionismade,andwhich,forwantofgivingalldiligencetoputthemeansofpreservationinpractice,believersareoftentimesovertakenwithal.

4.Thereisnotinthecovenantofgraceprovisionmadeofordinaryandabidingconsolationforanyundertheguiltofgreatsins,orsinsgreatlyaggravated,whichtheyfallintobyaneglectofusingandabidinginthefore-mentionedconditionsofaboundingactualgrace.Sinstherearewhich,eitherbecauseintheirownnaturetheywoundandwasteconscience,orintheireffectsbreakforthintoscandal,causingthenameofGodandthegospeltobeevilspokenof,orinsomeoftheircircumstancesarefullofunkindnessagainstGod,dodeprivethesoulofitswontedconsolation.How,bywhatmeans,onwhataccount,suchsinscometoterrifyconscience,tobreakthebones,todarkenthe,soul,andtocastitintoinextricabledepths,notwithstandingthereliefthatisprovidedofpardoninthebloodofChrist,Ishallnotnowdeclare;thattheywilldoso,andthatconsolationisnotofequalextentwithsafety,weknow.HenceGodassumesittohimself,asanactofmeresovereigngrace,tospeakpeaceandrefreshmentuntothesoulsofhissaintsintheirdepthsofsin-entanglements,Isa.57:18,19.And,indeed,iftheLordhadnotthusprovidedthatgreatprovocationshouldstandinneedofspecialreliefs,itmightjustlybefearedthatthenegligenceofbelievers

mightpossiblybringforthmuchbitterfruit.

Only,thismustbeobservedbytheway,thatwhatisspokenrelatestothesenseofsinnersintheirownsouls,andnottothenatureofthethingitself.Thereisinthegospelconsolationprovidedagainstthegreatestaswellastheleastsins.ThedifferencearisethfromGod'ssovereigncommunicationofit,accordingtothetenorofthecovenant'sadministration,whichwehavelaiddown.Hence,becauseunderMoses,lawtherewasanexceptionmadeofsomesins,forwhichtherewasnosacrificeappointed,sothatthosewhowereguiltyofthemcouldnowaybejustifiedfromthem,—thatis,carnally,astotheirinterestintheJudaicalchurchandpolity,—PaultellstheJews,Acts13:38,39,that"throughJesusChristwaspreacheduntothemtheforgivenessofsins:andthatbyhimallthatbelievearejustifiedfromallthings,fromwhichtheycouldnotbejustifiedbythelawofMoses."Thereisnownoexceptionofanyparticularsinsastopardonandpeace;butwhatwehavespokenrelatesuntothemannerandwaywhereinGodispleasedtoadministerconsolationtothesoulsofsinningbelievers.

AndthisistheevidencewhichIshalloffertoprovethatthesoulsofbelievers,aftermuchgraciouscommunionwithGod,mayyetfallintoinextricabledepthsontheaccountofsin;whenceitisthatactuallytheyoftentimesdososhallbefartherdeclared.

Theprinciplesofthisassertionareknown,Ishallthereforeonlytouchuponthem:—

First.Thenatureofindwellingsin,asitremainsinthebestofthesaintsinthislife,beingalittleconsidered,willevidenceuntousfromwhenceitisthattheyaresometimessurprisedandplungedintothedepthsmentioned;for,—

1.Thoughthestrengthofeverysinbeweakenedbygrace,yettherootofnosinisinthislifewhollytakenaway.LustislikethestubbornCanaanites,who,afterthegeneralconquestoftheland,woulddwellinitstill,Josh.17:12.Indeed,whenIsraelgrewstrongtheybroughtthemundertribute,buttheycouldnotutterlyexpelthem.Thekingdomandrulebelongstograce;andwhenitgrowsstrongitbringssinmuchunder,butitwillnotwhollybedrivenout.Thebodyofdeathisnotutterlytobedoneaway,butinandbythedeathofthebody.Inthefleshofthebestsaintsthere"dwellethnogoodthing,"Rom.7:18;butthecontraryisthere,—thatis,therootofallevil:"ThefleshlustethagainsttheSpirit,"as"theSpiritlustethagainsttheflesh,"Gal.5:17.As,then,thereisa

universalityintheactingsoftheSpiritinitsopposingallevil,soalsothereisauniversalityintheactingsofthefleshforthefurtheranceofit.

2.Somelustsorbranchesoforiginalcorruptiondoobtaininsomepersonssuchadvantages,eitherfromnature,custom,employment,society,orthelikecircumstances,thattheybecomeliketheCanaanitesthathadironchariots;itisaverydifficultthingtosubduethem.Wellitisifwarbemaintainedconstantlyagainstthem,fortheywillalmostalwaysbeinactualrebellion.

3.Indwellingsinthoughweakenedretainethallitsproperties.Thepropertiesofathingfollowitsnature.Wherethenatureofanythingis,thereareallitsnaturalproperties.WhatarethesepropertiesofindwellingsinIshouldheredeclare,butthatIhavehandledthewholepowerandefficacy,thenatureandpropertiesofit,inatreatisetothatonlypurpose.Inbrief,theyaresuchasitisnowonderthatsomebelieversarebythemcastintodepths;butitisindeedthattheydoescapethem.Butthereofthereadermayseeatlargemydiscourseonthisparticularsubject.

Secondly.Addhereuntothepowerandprevalencyoftemptation;which,becausealsoIhavealready,inaspecialdiscoursetothatpurpose,insistedon,Ishallnotherefartherlayopen.

Thirdly.ThesovereignpleasureofGodindealingwithsinningsaintsmustalsobeconsidered.Divineloveandwisdomworknottowardsallinthesamemanner.Godispleasedtocontinuepeaceuntosomewitha"non-obstante,"forgreatprovocations.Loveshallhumblethem,andrebukesofkindnessshallrecoverthemfromtheirwanderings.Othersheispleasedtobringintothedepthswehavebeenspeakingof.ButyetImaysaygenerally,signalprovocationsmeetwithoneofthesetwoeventsfromGod:—First,Thoseinwhomtheyareareleftintosomesignalbarrennessandfruitlessnessintheirgenerations;theyshallwither,growbarren,worldly,sapless,andbemuchcastoutoftheheartsofthepeopleofGod.Or,secondly,Theyshallbeexercisedinthesedepths,fromwhencetheirwayofdeliveranceislaiddowninthispsalm.Thus,Isay,Goddealswithhissaintsingreatvariety;someshallhavealltheirbonesbroken,whenothersshallhaveonlythegentlestrokesoftherod.Weareinthehandofmercy,andhemaydealwithusasseemsgooduntohim;butforourparts,greatsinsoughttobeattendedwithexpectationsofgreatdepthsandperplexities.

Andthisisthestateofthesoulproposedinthispsalm,andbyus,unto

consideration.Thesearethedepthswhereinitisentangled;thesearethewaysandmeanswherebyitisbroughtintothesedepths.Itsdeportmentinandunderthisstateandconditionliesnextinourway.ButbeforeIproceedthereunto,Ishallannexsomefewthingsuntowhathathbeendelivered,tendingtothefartheropeningofthewholecasebeforeus.Andtheyare,—1.Whatare,orofwhatsortthosesinsare,whichusuallycastthesoulsofbelieversintothesedepths;andthen,2.Insistonsomeaggravationsofthem.

———

What sins usually bring believers into great spiritual distresses—Aggravationsofthesesins.

First,SINSintheirownnaturewastingconscienceareofthissort;sinsthatriseinoppositionuntoallofGodthatisinus;thatis,thelightofgraceandnaturealso.SucharethesinsthatcastDavidintohisdepths;sucharethesinsenumerated,1Cor.6:9,10."Benotdeceived,"saiththeapostle:"neitherfornicators,noridolaters,noradulterers,noreffeminate,norabusersofthemselveswithmankind,northieves,norcovetous,nordrunkards,norrevilers,norextortioners,shallinheritthekingdomofGod."Certainitisthatbelieversmayfallintosomeofthesinsherementioned.Somehavedoneso,asisleftonrecord.Theapostlesaysnotthosewhohavecommittedanyofthesesins,butsuchsinners,shallnotinheritthekingdomofGod;thatis,wholiveinthesesins,oranylikeuntothem.Thereisnoprovisionofmercymadeforsuchsinners.Theseandthelikearesinswhichintheirownnature,withouttheconsiderationofaggravatingcircumstances(whichyet,indeed,reallyinbelieverstheycanneverbewithout),areabletoplungeasoulintodepths.Thesesinscutthelocksofmen'sspiritualstrength;anditisinvainforthemtosay,"Wewillgo,anddoasatothertimes."Bonesarenotbrokenwithoutpain;norgreatsinsbroughtontheconsciencewithouttrouble.ButIneednotinsistonthese.SomesaythattheydepriveeventruebelieversofalltheirinterestintheloveofGod,butunduly;allgrantthattheybereavethemofallcomfortingevidenceandwell-groundedassuranceofit.SotheydidDavidandPeter.Andhereinliesnosmallpartofthedepthswearesearchinginto.

Secondly.Therearesinswhich,thoughtheydonotriseupintheconsciencewithsuchabloodyguiltasthosementioned,yet,byreasonofsomecircumstancesandaggravations,Godtakesthemsounkindlyastomakethemarootofdisquietnessandtroubletothesoulallitsdays.Hesaysofsomesinsof

ungodlymen,"AsIlive,thisiniquityshallnotbepurgedfromyouuntilyedie.Ifyouarecometothisheight,youshallnotescape.Iwillnotspareyou."Andthereareprovocationsinhisownpeoplewhichmaybesocircumstantiatedasthathewillnotletthempassbeforehehavecastthemintodepths,andmadethemcryoutfordeliverance.Letusconsidersomeofthem:—

1.MiscarriagesundersignalenjoymentsofloveandkindnessfromGodareofthissort.WhenGodhathgivenuntoanyoneexpressivemanifestationsofhislove,convincedhimofit,madehimsayintheinmostpartsofhisheart,"Thisisundeservedloveandkindness;"—thenforhimtobenegligentinhiswalkingwithGod,itcarriethanunkindnesswithitthatshallnotbeforgotten.ItisaremarkuponthemiscarriagesofSolomon,thathefellintothemafterGodhad"appeareduntohimtwice."Andallsinsunderorafterespecialmercieswillmeet,atonetimeorother,especialrebukes.Nothingdothmoredistresstheconscienceofasinnerthantheremembrance,indarkness,ofabusedlight;indesertions,ofneglectedlove.ThisGodwillmakethemsensibleof."ThoughIhaveredeemedthem,"saithGod,"yettheyhavespokenliesagainstme,"Hos.7:13:sochap.13:4–7.WhenGodhathinhisprovidencedealtgraciouslywithaperson,—itmaybedeliveredhimfromstraitsandtroubles,sethiminalargeplace,preventedhimwithmanyfruitsandeffectsofhisgoodness,blessedhiminhisperson,relations,andemployments,dealtwellwithhissoul,ingivinghimagracioussenseofhisloveinChrist;forsuchaonetofallundersinfulmiscarriages,itgoestotheheartofGod,andshallnotbepassedover.Undervaluationsoflovearegreatprovocations."HathNabalthusrequitedmykindness?"saithDavid."Icannotbearit."Andtheclearertheconvictionsofanyinthiskindwere,themoreseverewilltheirreflectionsbeuponthemselves.

2.Sinsunderoraftergreatafflictionsareofthisimportancealso.Goddothnotafflictwillingly,orchastenusmerelyforhispleasure;hedothittomakeuspartakersofhisholiness.Totakesolittlenoticeofhishandherein,asunderitorafteritnottowatchagainsttheworkingsandsurprisalsofsin,ithathunkindnessinit:"Ismotehim,"saithGod,"andhewentonfrowardlyinthewayofhisownheart."Theseprovocationsofhissonsanddaughtershecannotbearwith.HathGodbroughttheeintothefurnace,sothatthouhastmeltedunderhishand,andinpityandcompassionhathgiventheeenlargement?—ifthouhastsoonforgottenhisdealingswiththee,isitanywonderifhemindtheeagainbytroublesinthysoul?

3.Breakingofffromunderstrongconvictionsanddawningsoflovebefore

conversion,areoftentimesrememberedupontheconscienceafterward.WhentheLordbyhisSpiritshallmightilyconvincetheheartofsin,andmakewithalsomediscoveriesofhisloveandtheexcellenciesofChristuntoit,sothatitbeginstoyieldandbeoverpowered,beingalmostpersuadedtobeaChristian;—if,then,throughthestrengthoflustorunbelief,itgoesbacktotheworldorself-righteousness,itsfollyhathunkindnesswithitthatsometimesshallnotbepassedby.Godcan,andoftendoth,putforththegreatnessofhispowerfortherecoveryofsuchasoul;butyethewilldealwithhimaboutthiscontemptofhisloveandtheexcellencyofhisSon,inthedawningsofthemrevealeduntohim.

4.Suddenforgetfulnessofendearingmanifestationsofspeciallove.ThisGodcautionshispeopleagainst,asknowingtheirpronenessthereunto:Ps.85:8,"GodtheLORDwillspeakpeacetohispeople,andtohissaints;butletthemnotturnagaintofolly."Letthemtakeheedoftheiraptnesstoforgetendearingmanifestationsofspeciallove.WhenGodatanytimedrawsnightoasoulbyhisSpirit,inhisword,withgraciouswordsofpeaceandlove,givingasenseofhiskindnessupontheheartbytheHolyGhost,sothatitisfilledwithjoyunspeakableandgloriousthereon;—forthissoul,uponatemptation,adiversion,orbymerecarelessnessandneglect,whichoftentimesfallsout,tosufferthissenseoflovetobeasitwereobliterated,andsotolosethatinfluencingefficacyuntoobediencewhichitisaccompaniedwithal,thisalsoisfullofunkindness.Anaccounthereofwehave,Cant.5:1–6.InthefirstversetheLordJesusdrawsnigh,withfullprovisionofgospelmerciesforhisbeloved:"Iamcomeuntothee,"saithhe,"Omysister.Ihavebroughtmyrrhandspice,honeyandwine,withme:whateverisspirituallysweetanddelightful,—mercy,grace,peace,consolation,joy,assurance,—theyareallhereinreadinessforthee."Verse2.Thespouse,inherdrowsyindisposition,takeslittlenoticeofthisgraciousvisit;sheisdivertedbyothermatters,andknowsnothowtoattendfullyandwhollytotheblessedcommunionoffereduntoher,butexcusethherselfasotherwiseengaged.Butwhatistheissue?Christwithdraws,leavesherinthedark,inthemidstofmanydisconsolations,andlongitisbeforesheobtainanyrecovery.

5.Greatopportunitiesforserviceneglectedandgreatgiftsnotimprovedareoftentimestheoccasionofplungingthesoulintogreatdepths.GiftsaregiventotradewithalforGod.Opportunitiesarethemarket-daysforthattrade.Tonapkinuptheoneandtoletsliptheotherwillendintroubleanddisconsolation.Disquietmentsandperplexitiesofheartarewormsthatwillcertainlybreedintherustofunexercisedgifts.Godlosetharevenueofgloryandhonourbysuchslothfulsouls;andhewillmakethemsensibleofit.Iknowsomeatthisday

whomomissionsofopportunitiesforservicearereadytosinkintothegrave.

6.Sinsafterespecialwarningsareusuallythusissued.InallthatvarietyofspecialwarningswhichGodispleasedtousetowardssinningsaints,Ishallsingleoutoneonly:—Whenasouliswrestlingwithsomelustortemptation,Godbyhisprovidencecausethsomespecialword,inthepreachingofthegospel,ortheadministrationofsomeordinancethereof,peculiarlysuitedtothestateandconditionofthesoul,bythewaysofrebukeorpersuasion,tocomenighandentertheinmostpartsoftheheart.ThesoulcannotbuttakenoticethatGodisnightohim,thatheisdealingwithhim,andcallingonhimtolooktohimforassistance.Andheseldomgivessuchwarningstohissaintsbutthatheisnightheminaneminentmannertogivethemreliefandhelp,if,inansweruntohiscall,theyapplythemselvesuntohim;butifhiscareandkindnesshereinbeneglected,hisfollowingreproofsareusuallymoresevere.

7.Sinsthatbringscandalseldomsufferthesoultoescapedepths.Eveningreatsins,Godinchasteningtakesmorenoticeofttimesofthescandalthanthesin;as2Sam.12:14.Manyprofessorstakelittlenoticeoftheirworldliness,theirpride,theirpassion,theirlavishtongues;buttheworlddoth,andthegospelisdisadvantagedbyit:andnowonderifthemselvesfindfromthehandoftheLordthebitterfruitsofthemintheissue.

Andmanyothersuchaggravationsofsinsthereare,whichheightenprovocationsintheirownnaturenotofsodreadfulanaspectassomeothers,intoaguiltplungingasoulintodepths.Thosewhichhavebeennamedmaysufficeinthewayofinstance;whichisallthatwehaveaimedat,andthereforeforbearenlargementsontheseveralheadsofthem.

Theconsiderationofsomeaggravationsoftheguiltofthesesins,whichbringthesoulusuallyintotheconditionbeforelaiddown,shallclosethisdiscourse:—

1.Thesoulisfurnishedwithaprincipleofgrace,whichiscontinuallyoperativeandworkingforitspreservationfromsuchsins.Thenewcreatureislivingandactiveforitsowngrowth,increase,andsecurity,accordingtothetenorofthecovenantofgrace:Gal.5:17,it"lustethagainsttheflesh."Itisnaturallyactiveforitsownpreservationandincrease,asnew-bornchildrenhaveanaturalinclinationtothefoodthatwillkeepthemaliveandcausethemtogrow,1Pet.2:2.Thesoul,then,cannotfallintotheseentanglingsins,butitmustbewithahighneglectofthatveryprinciplewhichisbestoweduponitforquitecontrary

endsandpurposes.Thelabourings,lustings,desires,cryingofitareneglected.Now,itisfromGod,andistherenovationofhisimageinus,—thatwhichGodownethandcarethfor.Thewoundingofitsvitals,thestiflingitsoperations,theneglectofitsendeavoursforthesoul'spreservation,doalwaysattendsinsoftheimportancespokenunto.

2.Whereasthisnewcreature,thisprincipleoflifeandobedience,isnotableofitselftopreservethesoulfromsuchsinsaswillbringitintodepths,thereisfullprovisionforcontinualsuppliesmadeforitandallitswantsinJesusChrist.TherearetreasuresofreliefinChrist,whereuntothesoulmayatanytimerepairandfindsuccouragainsttheincursionsofsin.Hesaystothesoul,asDaviduntoAbiathar,whenhefledfromDoeg,"Abidethouwithme,fearnot:forhethatseekethmylife,seekeththylife;butwithmethoushaltbeinsafe-guard;"—"Sinismyenemynolessthanthine;itseekeththelifeofthysoul,anditseekethmylife.'Abidewithme,forwithmethoushaltbeinsafety."'Thistheapostleexhortsusunto,Heb.4:16,"Letuscomeboldlytothethroneofgrace,thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed."Ifeveritbeatimeofneedwithasoul,itissowhenitisundertheassaultsofprovokingsins.Atsuchatime,thereissuitableandseasonablehelpinChristforsuccourandrelief.Thenewcreaturebegs,withsighsandgroans,thatthesoulwouldapplyitselfuntohim.Toneglecthimwithallhisprovisionofgrace,whilsthestandscallinguntous,"Openuntome,formyheadisfilledwithdew,andmylockswiththedropsofthenight;"todespisethesighingofthepoorprisoner,thenewcreature,bysinappointedtodie,cannotbutbeahighprovocation.MaynotGodcomplainandsay,"Seethesepoorcreatures.Theywereonceintrustedwithastockofgraceinthemselves;thistheycastaway,andthemselvesintotheutmostmiserythereby.Thattheymightnotutterlyperishasecondtime,theirportionandstockisnowlaidupinanother,—asafetreasurer;inhimaretheirlivesandcomfortssecured.Butseetheirwretchednegligence;theyventureallratherthantheywillattendtohimforsuccour."AndwhatthinkweistheheartofChristwhenheseeshischildrengivingwaytoconscience-wastingsins,withoutthatapplicationuntohimwhichthelifeandpeaceoftheirownsoulscallsuponthemfor?Thesearenotsinsofdailyinfirmity,whichcannotbeavoided;buttheirguiltisalwaysattendedwithaneglectmoreorlessofthereliefprovidedinChristagainstthem.Themeansofpreservationfromthemisblessed,ready,nighathand;theconcernmentofChristinourpreservationgreat,ofoursoulsunspeakable.Toneglectanddespisemeans,Christ,souls,peace,andlife,mustneedsrenderguiltveryguilty.

3.Muchtothesamepurposemaybespokenaboutthatsignalprovisionthatismadeagainstsuchsinsastheseinthecovenantofgrace,ashathbeenalreadydeclared;butIshallnotfarthercarryonthisdiscourse.

Andthismaysufficeastothestateandconditionofthesoulinthispsalmrepresented.Wehaveseenwhatthedepthsarewhereinitisentangled,andbywhatwaysandmeansanyonemaycometobecastintothem.Thenextthingthatoffersitselfuntoourconsiderationisthedeportmentofagracioussoulinthatstateorcondition,orwhatcourseitsteerstowardsadelivery.

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Thedutyandactingsofabelieverunderdistressesfromasenseofsin—Hisapplication unto God, to God alone—Earnestness and intension of mindtherein.

II.THEwordsofthesetwofirstversesdeclarealsothedeportmentofthesoulintheconditionthatwehavedescribed;thatis,whatitdoth,andwhatcourseitsteersforrelief."Ihavecrieduntothee,OLORD.Lord,hearmyvoice:letthineearsbeattentivetothevoiceofmysupplications."

Thereisinthewordsageneralapplicationmadeinatendencyuntorelief;whereinisfirsttobeconsideredtowhomtheapplicationismade;andthatisJehovah:"Ihavecrieduntothee,Jehovah."Godgaveoutthatnametohispeopletoconfirmtheirfaithinthestabilityofhispromises,Exod.3.HewhoisBeinghimselfwillassuredlygivebeingandsubsistencetohispromises.BeingtodealwithGodaboutthepromisesofgrace,hemakeshisapplicationtohimunderthisname:Icalluponthee,Jehovah.

Intheapplicationitselfmaybeobserved,—First,Theanthropopathyoftheexpression.HepraysthatGodwouldcausehisearstobeattentive;afterthemannerofmenwhoseriouslyattendtowhatisspokentothem,whentheyturnasidefromthatwhichtheyregardnot.Secondly,Theearnestnessofthesoulintheworkithathinhand;whichisevidentbothfromthereduplicationofhisrequest,"Lord,hearmyvoice:letthineearsbeattentivetothevoiceofmysupplications;"andtheemphaticalnessofthewordshemakethuseof:"Letthineears,"saithhe,"be תובשק ,—diligentlyattentive."Thewordsignifiesthemostdiligentheedfulnessandcloseattention:"Letthineearsbeveryattentive."Anduntowhat? ינונחת לוקל ,—"Tothevoiceofmysupplications.""Deprecationum

mearum,"generallysayinterpreters;"Ofmydeprecations,"orearnestprayersfortheavertingofevilorpunishment.Butthewordisfrom ןנח ,"Gratiosusfait,"tobegraciousormerciful;sothatitsignifiesproperlysupplicationforgrace."Beattentive,"saithhe,"OLord,untomysupplicationsforgraceandmercy,which,accordingtomyextremenecessity,Inowaddressmyselftomakeuntothee."Andinthesewordsdoththepsalmistsetforthingeneraltheframeandworkingofagracioussoulbeingcastintodepthsanddarknessbysin.

ThefoundationofwhatIshallfartherthencepursueliesinthesetwopropositions:—

First,Theonlyattemptofasinful,entangledsoulforreliefliesinanapplicationtoGodalone:"Tothee,Jehovah,haveIcried;Lord,hear."

Secondly,Depthsofsin-entanglementswillputagracioussoulonintenseandearnestapplicationsuntoGod:"Lord,hear;Lord,attend."Dyingmendonotusetocryoutslothfullyforrelief.

Whatmaybethoughtnecessaryingeneralforthedirectionofasoulinthestateandconditiondescribed,shallbrieflybespokenuntofromthesetwopropositions:—

1.Trouble,danger,disquietment,arguingnotonlythingsevil,butasenseinthemindandsoulofthem,willofthemselvesputthoseinwhomtheyareuponseekingrelief.Everythingwouldnaturallybeatrest.Adrowningmanneedsnoexhortationtoendeavourhisowndeliveranceandsafety;andspiritualtroubleswill,inlikemanner,putmenonattemptsforrelief.Toseekfornoremedyistobesenselesslyobdurate,orwretchedlydesperate,asCainandJudas.Wemaysuppose,then,thattheprincipalbusinessofeverysoulindepthsistoendeavourdeliverance.Theycannotrestinthatconditionwhereintheyhavenorest.Inthisendeavour,whatcourseagracioussoulsteersislaiddowninthefirstpro-position,negativelyandpositively.HeapplieshimselfnottoanythingbutGod;heapplieshimselfuntoGod.Aneminentinstancewehaveofitinbothparts,orbothtotheonesideandtheother,Hos.14:3,"Asshur,"saythosepoor,distressed,returningsinners,"shallnotsaveus;wewillnotrideuponhorses:neitherwillwesayanymoretotheworkofourhands,Yeareourgods:forintheethefatherlessfindethmercy."TheirapplicationuntoGodisattendedwitharenunciationofeveryotherwayofrelief.

Severalthingstherearethatsinnersareapttoapplythemselvesuntoforreliefintheirperplexities,whichproveuntothemaswatersthatfail.HowmanythingshavetheRomanistsinventedtodeceivesoulswithal!Saintsandangels,theblessedVirgin,thewoodofthecross,confessions,penances,masses,pilgrimages,dirges,purgatories,papalpardons,worksofcompensation,andthelike,aremadeentrancesforinnumerablesoulsintoeverlastingruin.DidtheyknowtheterroroftheLord,thenatureofsin,andofthemediationofChrist,theywouldbeashamedandconfoundedinthemselvesfortheseabominations;theywouldnotsayuntothesetheiridols,"Yeareourgods;comeandsaveus."Howshortdoalltheircontrivancescomeofhisthatwouldfainbeoffering"riversofoil,yea,thefruitofhisbody,forthesinofhissoul,hisfirst-bornforhistransgression,"Micah6:7,whoyetgainsnothingbutanaggravationofhissinandmiserythereby!yea,theheathenswentbeyondthemindevotionandexpense.Itisnonewinquiry,whatcoursesin-perplexedsoulsshouldtakeforrelief.Fromthefoundationoftheworld,themindsoffarthegreatestpartofmankindhavebeenexercisedinit.Aswastheirlightordarkness,suchwasthecoursetheytook.AmongthosewhowereignorantofGod,thisinquirybroughtforthallthatdiabolicalsuperstitionwhichspreaditselfoverthefaceofthewholeworld.Gentilismbeingdestroyedbythepowerandefficacyofthegospel,thesameinquiryworkinginthemindsofdarkenedmen,inconjunctionwithotherlusts,broughtforththePapacy.Whenmenhadlostaspiritualacquaintancewiththecovenantofgraceandmysteryofthegospel,thedesignofeternallove,andefficacyofthebloodofChrist,theybetookthemselves,inpartorinwhole,forreliefundertheirentanglements,untothebrokencisternsmentioned.Theyareoftwosorts,—self,andotherthings.Forthoseotherthingswhichbelonguntotheirfalseworship,beingabominatedbyallthesaintsofGod,Ishallnotneedtomakeanyfarthermentionofthem.ThatwhichrelatesuntoselfisnotconfineduntoPopery,butconfinesitselftothelimitsofhumannature,andispredominateoverallthatareunderthelaw;thatis,toseekforreliefinsin-distressesbyself-endeavours,self-righteousness.Hencemanypoorsoulsinstraitsapplythemselvestothemselves.Theyexpecttheircurefromthesamehandthatwoundedthem.ThiswasthelifeofJudaism,astheapostleinformsus,Rom.10:3.Andallmenunderthelawarestillanimatedbythesameprinciple.Theyreturn,butnotuntotheLord.Findingthemselvesindepths,indistressesaboutsin,whatcoursedotheytake?Thistheywilldo,thattheywilldonomore;thisshallbetheirordinarycourse,andthattheywilldoinanextraordinarymanner;astheyhaveoffended,whencetheirtroubleariseth,sotheywillamend,andlookthattheirpeaceshouldspringfromthence,asifGodandtheystoodonequalterms.Inthiswaysomespendalltheirdays;sinningandamending,

amendingandsinning,withoutoncecomingtorepentanceandpeace.Thisthesoulsofbelieverswatchagainst.Theylookonthemselvesasfatherless:"Intheethefatherlessfindethmercy;"thatis,helpless,—withouttheleastgroundofhopesinthemselvesorexpectationfromthemselves.Theyknowtheirrepentance,theiramendment,theirsupplications,theirhumiliations,theirfastings,theirmortifications,willnotrelievethem.Repenttheywill,andamendtheywill,andpray,andfast,andhumbletheirsouls,fortheyknowthesethingstobetheirduty;buttheyknowthattheirgoodnessextendsnottoHimwithwhomtheyhavetodo,norisHeprofitedbytheirrighteousness.Theywillbeintheperformanceofallduties;buttheyexpectnotdeliverancebyanyduty."ItisGod,"saythey,"withwhomwehavetodo:ourbusinessistohearkenwhathewillsayuntous."

Therearealsootherwayswherebysinfulsoulsdestroythemselvesbyfalsereliefs.Diversionsfromtheirperplexingthoughtfulnesspleasethem.Theywillfixonsomethingorotherthatcannotcuretheirdisease,butshallonlymakethemforgetthattheyaresick;asCain,undertheterrorofhisguilt,departedfromthepresenceoftheLord,andsoughtinwardrestinoutwardlabourandemployment.Hewentandbuiltacity,Gen.4:17.SuchcoursesSaulfixedon;firstmusic,thenawitch.Nothingmoreordinarythanformenthustodealwiththeirconvictions.Theyseetheirsickness,feeltheirwound,andgototheAssyrian,Hos.5:13.Andthisinsensiblyleadsmenintoatheism.Frequentapplicationsofcreature-diversionsuntoconvictionsofsinareanotablemeansofbringingonfinalimpenitency.Somedrunkardshad,itmaybe,neverbeenso,hadtheynotbeenfirstconvincedofothersins.Theystrivetostifletheguiltofonesinwithanother.Theyflyfromthemselvesuntothemselves,fromtheirconsciencesuntotheirlusts,andseekforrelieffromsinbysinning.Thisissofarfrombelievers,thattheywillnotallowlawfulthingstobeadiversionoftheirdistress.Uselawfulthingstheymayandwill,butnottodiverttheirthoughtsfromtheirdistresses.ThesetheyknowmustbeissuedbetweenGodandthem.Wearofftheywillnot,butmustbetakenaway.Theserocks,andthelike,whereofthereareinnumerable,Isay,agracioussoultakescaretoavoid.HeknowsitisGodalonewhoistheLordofhisconscience,wherehisdepthslie;Godaloneagainstwhomhehathsinned;Godalonewhocanpardonhissin.Fromdealingwithhimhewillbeneitherenticednordiverted."Tothee,OLord,"saithhe,"doIcome;thywordconcerningmemuststand;upontheewillIwait.Ifthouhastnodelightinme,Imustperish.OtherremediesIknowarevain.Iintendnottospendmystrengthforthatwhichisnotbread.UntotheedoIcry."Hereasin-entangledsoulistofixitself.Troubleexcitesittolookforrelief.

Manythingswithoutitpresentthemselvesasadiversion;manythingswithinitofferthemselvesforaremedy."Forgetthysorrow,"saytheformer;"Easethyselfofitbyus,"saythelatter.Thesoulrefusethboth,asphysiciansofnovalue,andtoGodalonemakesitsapplication.Hehathwounded,andhealonecanheal.AnduntilanyonethatissensibleoftheguiltofsinwillcomeofffromallreservestodealimmediatelywithGod,itisinvainforhimtoexpectrelief.

2.Hereinitisintense,earnest,andurgent;whichwasthesecondthingobserved.Itisnotimenowtobeslothful.Thesoul'sall,itsgreatestconcernmentsareatthestake.Dull,cold,formal,customaryapplicationstoGodwillnotservetheturn.Ordinaryactingsoffaith,love,fervency;usualseasons,opportunities,duties,answernotthiscondition.Todonomorethanordinarynowistodonothingatall.Hethatputsforthnomorestrengthandactivityforhisdeliverancewhenheisindepths,readytoperish,thanhedoth,orhathneedtodo,whenheisatlibertyinplainandsmoothpaths,isscarcelyliketoescape.Someinsuchconditionsarecarelessandnegligent;theythink,inordinarycourse,towearofftheirdistempers;andthat,althoughatpresenttheyaresensibleoftheirdanger,theyshallyethavepeaceatlast:inwhichframethereismuchcontemptofGod.Somedespondandlanguishawayundertheirpressures.Spiritualslothinfluencethboththesesortsofpersons.Letusseetheframeunderconsiderationexemplifiedinanother.Wehaveaninstanceinthespouse,Cant.3:1–3.ShehadlostthepresenceofChrist,andsowasintheverystateandconditionbeforedescribed,verse1.Itwasnightwithher,—atimeofdarknessanddisconsolation;andsheseeksforherbeloved:"BynightonmybedIsoughthimwhommysoulloveth."Christwasabsentfromher,andshewasleftuntodepthsanddarknessuponthataccount;whereforesheseeksforhim.But,asthemostareapttodointhelikestateandcondition,shemendsnotherpace,goesnotoutoforbeyondhercourseofordinaryduties,northeframeshewasusuallyinatothertimes.Butwhatistheissue?Saithshe,"Ifoundhimnot."Thisisnotawaytorecoverasenseoflostlove,nortogetoutofherentanglements.Andthisputsheronanothercourse;shebeginstothinkthatifthingscontinueinthisestatesheshallbeundone."Igoon,indeed,withtheperformanceofdutiesstill;butIhavenotthepresenceofmybeloved,—ImeetnotwithChristinthem.Mydarknessandtroubleabidesstill.IfItakenotsomeothercourse,Ishallbelost."Well,saithshe,"Iwillrisenow,"verse2;—"Iwillshakeoffallthatease,andsloth,andcustomariness,thatcleavetome."Somemorelively,vigorouscoursemustbefixedon.Resolutionsfornew,extraordinary,vigorous,constantapplicationsuntoGod,arethefirstgeneralstepanddegreeofasin-entangledsoulactingtowardsarecovery."Iwillrisenow."Andwhatdothshedowhensheisthus

resolved?"Iwill,"saithshe,"goaboutthestreets,andinthebroadways,andseekhimwhommysoulloveth;"—"IwillleavenowaysormeansunattemptedwherebyImaypossiblycometoafreshenjoymentofhim.Ifamanseekforafriend,hecanlookforhimonlyinthestreets,andinthebroadways,—thatis,eitherintowns,orinthefields.SowillIdo,"saiththespouse."Inwhatway,ordinance,orinstitutionsoever,inorbywhatdutysoever,publicorprivate,ofcommunionwithothersorsolitaryretiredness,Christeverwasormaybefound,orpeaceobtained,'Iwillseekhim,'andnotgiveoveruntilIcometoanenjoymentofhim."Andthisframe,thisresolution,asoulindepthsmustcomeunto,ifeveritexpectdeliverance.Forthemostpart,men's"woundsstink,andarecorrupt,becauseoftheirfoolishness,"asthepsalmistcomplains,Ps.38:5.Theyarewoundedbysin,andthroughspiritualsloththeyneglecttheircure;thisweakensthem,anddisquietsthemdaybyday:yettheyendureall,ratherthantheywillcomeoutoftheircarnalease,todealeffectuallywithGodinanextraordinarymanner.ItwasotherwisewithDavid:Ps.22:1,2,"Why,"saithhe,"artthousofarfromhelpingme,andfromthewordsofmyroaring?OmyGod,Icryintheday-time,andinthenightseason,andamnotsilent."Whatailstheman?Canhenotbequietnightnorday?neversilent,neverholdhispeace?Andifhebesomewhatdisquieted,canhenotcontainhimself,butthathemustroarandcryout?Yea,musthe"roar"thus"allthedaylong,"ashespeaks,Ps.32:3,and"groanallthenight,"asPs.6:6?Whatisthematter,withallthisroaring,sighing,tears,roaringalltheday,allnightlong?Ah!lethimalone,hissoulisbitterinhim;heisfallenintodepths;theLordiswithdrawnfromhim;troubleishardathand.;yea,heisfullofanxietyontheaccountofsin;thereisnoquietnessandsoundnessinhim;andhemustthusearnestlyandrestlesslyapplyhimselfforrelief.Alas!whatstrangers,forthemostpart,aremennow-a-daystothisframe!Howlittleoftheworkingsofthisspiritisfoundamongstus!Andisnotthereasonofit,thatwevaluetheworldmore,andheavenandheavenlythingsless,thanhedid?thatwecanliveatabetterrate,withoutasenseoftheloveofGodinChrist,thanhecoulddo?Andisitnothencethatweeverydayseesomanywitheringprofessors,thathaveinamannerlostallcommunionwithGod,beyondalittlelip-labourortalking;thefilthysavourofwhosewoundsareoffensivetoallbutthemselves?Andsowilltheygoon,readytodieandperish,ratherthanwiththisholymanthusstirupthemselvestomeettheLord.Hemanwasalsolikeuntohim,Ps.88:11,12.Whatsensehehadofhisdepthshedeclares,verse3:"Mysoul,"saithhe,"isfulloftroubles;andmylifedrawethnighuntothegrave."Andwhatcoursedothhesteerinthisheavy,sorrowful,anddisconsolatecondition?Why,saithhe,"OLORDGodofmysalvation,Ihavecrieddayandnightbeforethee:letmyprayercomebeforethee:inclinethineear

untomycry,"verses1,2.DayandnighthecriestotheGodofhissalvation,andthatwithearnestnessandimportunity.Thiswashisbusiness,thiswasheexercisedaboutallhisdays.

Thisisthatwhichisaimedat:—Ifagracioussoulbebroughtintothedepthsbeforementionedanddescribed,byreasonofsin,whentheLordispleasedtoleadhimforthtowardsarecovery,hecausethhimtobevigorousandrestlessinallthedutieswherebyhemaymakeapplicationtohimfordeliverance.Now,whereinthisintensenessandearnestnessofthesoul,initsapplicationsuntoGod,dothprincipallyconsistIshallbrieflydeclare,whenIhavetouchedalittleuponsomeconsiderationsandgroundsthatstiritupthereunto:—

(1.)Thegreatestofmen'sconcernmentsmaywellputthemonthisearnestness.Mendonotusetodealwithdullandslothfulspiritsabouttheirgreatestconcerns.Davidtellsusthathewasmoreconcernedinthe"lightofGod'scountenance"thanthemenoftheworldcouldbeintheir"cornandwine,"Ps.4:6,7.Supposeamanoftheworldshouldhavehishouse,whereinallhisstockandrichesarelaidup,setonfire,andsothewholebeindangerunderhiseyetobeconsumed,wouldhebecalmandquietintheconsiderationofit?Wouldhenotbestirhimselfwithallhismight,andcallinallthehelphecouldobtain?andthatbecausehisportion,hisall,hisgreatconcernment,liesatstake.Andshallthesoulbeslothful,careless,dull,secure,whenfireisputtoitseternalconcernments,—whenthelightofGod'scountenance,whichisofmoreesteemuntohimthanthegreatestincreaseofcornandwinecanbetothemenoftheworld,isremovedfromhim?ItwasanargumentofprodigioussecurityinJonah,thathewasfastasleepwhentheshipwhereinhewaswasreadytobecastawayforhissake.Andwillitbethoughtlessinanysoul,who,beinginastormofwrathanddispleasurefromGod,sentoutintothedeepafterhim,shallneglectit,andsleep,asSolomonsays,"onthetopofamastinthemidstofthesea?"Howdidthatpoorcreature,whoseheartwasmadonhisidols,Judges18:24,cryoutwhenhewasdeprivedofthem!"Yehavetakenawaymygods,"saithhe,"andwhathaveImore?"AndshallagracioussoullosehisGodthroughhisownfolly,—thesenseofhislove,theconsolationofhispresence,—andnotwithallhismightfollowhardafterhim?PeacewithGod,joyinbelieving,suchsoulshaveformerlyobtained.Cantheylivewithoutthemnowintheirordinarywalking?CantheychoosebutcryoutwithJob,"Ohthatitwerewithusasinformerdays,whenthecandleoftheLordwasuponourtabernacle?"chap.29:2–4;andwithDavid,"OGod,restoreuntomethejoyofthysalvation,"Ps.51:12,"forOmyGod,Irememberformerenjoyments,andmysouliscastdownwithinme?"Ps.

42:6.Theycannotlivewithoutit.Butsupposetheymightmakeasorryshifttopassonintheirpilgrimagewhilstallissmoothaboutthem,whatwilltheydointhetimeofoutwardtrialsanddistresses,whendeepcallethuntodeep,andonetroubleexcitesandsharpensanother?Nothingthenwillsupportthem,theyknow,butthatwhichiswantingtothem;asHab.3:17,18,Ps.23:4:sothatthegreatnessoftheirconcernmentprovokesthemtotheearnestnessmentioned.

(2.)Theyhaveadeepsenseofthesetheirgreatconcernments.AllmenareequallyconcernedintheloveofGodandpardonofsin.Everyonehathasoulofthesameimmortalconstitution,equallycapableofblissandwoe.Butyetweseemostmenaresostupidlysottish,thattheytakelittlenoticeofthesethings.Neithertheguiltofsin,northewrathofGod,nordeath,norhell,arethoughtonoresteemedbythem;theyaretheirconcernments,buttheyarenotsensibleofthem.Butgracioussoulshaveaquick,livingsenseofspiritualthings;for,—

[1.]Theyhaveasavingspirituallight,wherebytheyareabletodiscernthetruenatureofsinandtheterroroftheLord:forthoughtheyarenowsupposedtohavelostthecomfortinglightoftheSpirit,yettheyneverlosethesanctifyinglightoftheSpirit,thelightwherebytheyareenabledtodiscernspiritualthingsinaspiritualmanner;thisneverutterlydepartsfromthem.Bythistheyseesintobe"exceedingsinful,"Rom.7:13.Bythistheyknow"theterroroftheLord,"2Cor.5:11;andthat"itisafearfulthingtofallintothehandsofthelivingGod,"Heb.10:31.BythistheydiscovertheexcellencyoftheloveofGodinChrist,whichpassethknowledge,thepresentsensewhereoftheyhavelost.Bythistheyareenabledtolookwithinthevail,andtotakeaviewoftheblessedconsolationswhichthesaintsenjoywhosecommunionwithGodwasneverinterrupted.Thisrepresentstothemallthesweetness,pleasure,joy,peace,whichinformerdaystheyhad,whilstGodwaspresentwiththeminlove.BythisaretheytaughttovalueallthefruitsofthebloodofJesusChrist,oftheenjoymentofmanywhereoftheyareatpresentcutshortanddeprived.Allwhich,withotherthingsofthelikenatureandimportance,makethemverysensibleoftheirconcernments.

[2.]TheyrememberwhatitcostthemformerlytodealwithGodaboutsin;andhencetheyknowitisnoordinarymattertheyhaveinhand.Theymustagaintotheiroldwork,taketheoldcupintotheirhandsagain.Arecoveryfromdepthsisasanewconversion.

Ofttimesinitthewholework,astothesoul'sapprehension,isgoneoverafresh.

Thisthesoulknowstohavebeenaworkofdread,terror,andtrouble,andtremblesinitselfatitsnewtrials.And,—

[3.]TheHolyGhostgivesuntopoorsoulsafreshsenseoftheirdeepconcernments,onpurposethatitmaybeameanstostirthemupuntotheseearnestapplicationsuntoGod.Thewholeworkishis,andhecarriesitonbymeanssuitedtothecompassingoftheendheaimethat;andbythesemeansisagracioussoulbroughtintotheframementioned.Now,therearesundrythingsthatconcurinanduntothisframe:—

1st.Thereisacontinualthoughtfulnessaboutthesadconditionwhereinthesoulisinitsdepths.Beingdeeplyaffectedwiththeircondition,theyarecontinuallyruminatinguponit,andponderingitintheirminds.SoDaviddeclaresthecasetohavebeenwithhim:Ps.38:2–6,8,"Thinearrowsstickfastinme,andthyhandpressethmesore.Thereisnosoundnessinmyfleshbecauseofthineanger;neitheristhereanyrestinmybonesbecauseofmysin.Formineiniquitiesaregoneoverminehead:asanheavyburdentheyaretooheavyforme.Mywoundsstinkandarecorruptbecauseofmyfoolishness.Iamtroubled;Iamboweddowngreatly;Igomourningallthedaylong.Iamfeebleandsorebroken:Ihaveroaredbyreasonofthedisquietnessofmyheart."Restlessness,deepthoughtfulness,disquietnessofheart,continualheavinessofsoul,sorrowandanxietyofmind,lieatthebottomoftheapplicationswespeakof.Fromtheseprinciplestheirprayersflowout;asDavidadds,verse9,"Lord,allmydesireisbeforethee,andmygroaningisnothidfromthee."Thiswayallhistroublewrought.Heprayedoutoftheabundanceofhismeditationandgrief.Thoughtsoftheirstateandconditionliedownwithsuchpersons,andrisewiththem,andaccompanythemallthedaylong.AsReubencried,"Thechildisnot;andI,whithershallIgo?"sodothsuchasoul;—"TheloveofGodisnot,Christisnot;andI,whithershallIcausemysorrowtogo?Godisprovoked,deathisnighathand,reliefisfaraway,darknessisaboutme.Ihavelostmypeace,myjoy,mysonginthenight.WhatdoIthinkofduties?Cantwowalktogetherunlesstheybeagreed?CanIwalkwithGodinthem,whilstIhavethusmadehimmineenemy?WhatdoIthinkofordinances?WillitdomeanygoodtobeatJerusalem,andnotseethefaceoftheKing?toliveunderordinances,andnottomeetinthemwiththeKingofsaints?MayInotjustlyfearthattheLordwilltakehisHolySpiritfrommeuntilIbeleftwithoutremedy?"Withsuchthoughtsasthesearesin-entangledsoulsexercised,andtheylierollingintheirmindsinalltheirapplicationsuntoGod.

2dly.Weseetheapplicationitselfconsistsinandismadebytheprayeroffaith,orcryinguntoGod.Now,thisisdonewithintensenessofmind;whichhathatwofoldfruitorpropriety,—(1st.)Importunity;and,(2dly.)Constancy.

ItissaidofourblessedSaviour,thatwhenhewasinhisdepthsaboutoursins,"heofferedupprayersandsupplications,withstrongcriesandtears,"Heb.5:7."Strongcriesandtears"expresstheutmostintensionofspirit.AndDavidexpressethitby"roaring,"aswehaveseenbefore;asalsoby"sighing,groaning,andpanting."AsoulinsuchaconditionliesdownbeforetheLordwithsighs,groans,mourning,cries,tears,androaring,accordingtothevariousworkingofhisheart,anditsbeingaffectedwiththethingsthatithathtodo;andthisproduceth,—

(1st.)Importunity.ThepoweroftheimportunityoffaithourSaviourhathmarvellouslysetout,Luke11:5–10,asalso,chap.18:1.Importunateprayeriscertainlyprevailing;andimportunityis,asitwere,madeupofthesetwothings,—frequencyofinterpositionandvarietyofarguings.Youshallhaveamanthatisimportunatecomeuntoyouseventimesa-dayaboutthesamebusiness;andafterall,ifanynewthoughtcomeintohismind,thoughhehadresolvedtothecontrary,hewillcomeagain.Andthereisnothingthatcanbeimaginedtorelateuntothebusinesshehathinhandbuthewillmakeuseofit,andturnittothefurtheranceofhisplea.Soisitinthiscase.Menwillusebothfrequencyofinterpositionandvarietyofarguings:Ps.86:3,"Icryuntotheedaily,"orrather,alltheday.Hehadbutthatonebusiness,andheattendedittothepurpose.BythismeanswegiveGod"norest,"Isa.62:7;whichistheverycharacterofimportunity.SuchsoulsgotoGod;andtheyarenotsatisfiedwithwhattheyhavedone,andtheygoagain;andsomewhatabidethstillwiththem,andtheygotohimagain;andtheheartisnotyetemptied,theywillgoagaintohim,thathemayhavenorest.WhatvarietyofargumentsarepleadedwithGodinthiscaseIcouldmanifestinthesameDavid;butitisknowntoall.Thereisnotanythingalmostthathemakesnotapleaof,—thefaithfulness,righteousness,name,mercy,goodness,andkindnessofGodinJesusChrist;theconcernmentofothersinhim,boththefriendsandfoesofGod;hisownweaknessandhelplessness,yea,thegreatnessofsinitself:"Bemercifultomysin,"saithhe,"foritisgreat."Sometimeshebeginswithsomeargumentsofthiskind;andthen,beingalittledivertedbyotherconsiderations,somenewpleaissuggesteduntohimbytheSpirit,andhereturnsimmediatelytohisfirstemploymentanddesign;—allarguinggreatintensionofmindandspirit.

(2dly.)Constancyalsoflowsfromintenseness.Suchasoulwillnotgiveoveruntilitobtainwhatitaimsatandlooksfor;asweshallseeinourprocessinopeningthispsalm.

Andthisisingeneralthedeportmentofagracioussoulintheconditionhererepresenteduntous.Aspoorcreatureslovetheirpeace,astheylovetheirsouls,astheytenderthegloryofGod,theyarenottobewantinginthisduty.WhatisthereasonthatcontroversieshangsolongbetweenGodandyoursouls,thatitmaybeyouscarceseeagooddayallyourlives?Isitnot,forthemostpart,fromyourslothanddespondencyofspirit?Youwillnotgirduptheloinsofyourminds,indealingwithGod,toputthemtoaspeedyissueinthebloodofChrist.Yougoonandoff,beginandcease,tryandgiveover;and,forthemostpart,thoughyourcasebeextraordinary,contentyourselveswithordinaryandcustomaryapplicationsuntoGod.Thismakesyouwither,becomeuseless,andpinemanyandmanyabreachmadebysin,yet,throughquick,vigorous,restlessactingsoffaith,allwasrepaired,sothathelivedpeaceably,anddiedtriumphantly.Up,then,andbedoing;letnotyour"woundscorruptbecauseofyourfolly."Makethoroughworkofthatwhichliesbeforeyou;beitlong,ordifficult,itisallone,itmustbedone,andisattendedwithsafety.Whatyouareliketomeetwithalinthefirstplaceshallnextlybedeclared.

———

VERSETHIRD

Thewordsoftheverseexplained,andtheirmeaningopened.

THEgeneralframeofagracioussoul,initsperplexitiesaboutsin,hathbeendeclared.Itsparticularactings,whatitdoth,whatitmeetswithal,arenextlyrepresenteduntous.

First,then,inparticular,itcriesout,"Ifthou,LORD,shouldestmarkiniquities,OLord,whoshallstand?"

Thereisinthewordsasupposition,andaninferenceonthatsupposition.Inthesuppositionthereis,—1.ThenameofGod,thatisfixedonassuiteduntoit;and,2.Thethingitselfsupposed.Intheinferencethereisexpressedthematterofit,to"stand;"andthemannerofitsproposal,whereintwothingsoccur:—1.Thatitisexpressedbywayofinterrogation.2.Theindefinitenessofthatinterrogation,"Whoshallstand?"

"Ifthou,LORD."HeherefixesonanothernameofGod,whichisJah;—aname,thoughfromthesamerootwiththeformer,yetseldomusedbuttointimateandexpresstheterriblemajestyofGod:"Heridethontheheavens,andisextolledbyhisnameJAH,"Ps.68:4.HeistodealnowwithGodabouttheguiltofsin;andGodisrepresentedtothesoulasgreatandterrible,thathemayknowwhattoexpectandlookfor,ifthemattermustbetriedoutaccordingtothedemeritofsin.

What,then,saithhetoJAH? רמשת תונוצ־סא ,—"Ifthoushouldestmarkiniquities." רמש istoobserveandkeepasinsafecustody;tokeep,preserve,andwatchdiligently;sotoremarkandobserve,astoretainthatwhichisobserved,toponderit,andlayitupintheheart.Gen.37:11,Jacob"observed"Joseph'sdream;thatis,heretainedthememoryofit,andpondereditinhisheart.

Themarkingofiniquities,then,hereintended,isGod'ssofarconsideringandobservingofthemastoreservethemforpunishmentandvengeance.Inoppositionuntothismarking,heissaidnottoseesin,tooverlookit,tocoverit,orrememberitnomore;thatis,toforgiveit,asthenextversedeclares.

IneednotshowthatGodsofarmarksallsinsinallpersonsastoseethem,

knowthem,disallowthem,andtobedispleasedwiththem.Thiscannotbedeniedwithouttakingawayofallgroundsoffearandworship.TodenyitisalloneastodenytheverybeingofGod;denyhisholinessandrighteousness,andyoudenyhisexistence.Butthereisadayappointed,whereinallthemenoftheworldshallknowthatGodknewandtooknoticeofallandeveryoneoftheirmostsecretsins.Thereis,then,adoublemarkingofsininGod;neitherofwhichcanbedeniedinreferenceuntoanysins,inanypersons.Thefirstisphysical,consistinginhisomniscience,whereuntoallthingsareopenandnaked.Thusnosinishidfromhim;thesecretestarebeforethelightofhiscountenance.Allaremarkedbyhim.Secondly,moral,inadisplicencywithordispleasureagainsteverysin;whichisinseparablefromthenatureofGod,upontheaccountofhisholiness.Andthisisdeclaredinthesentenceofthelaw,andthatequallytoallmenintheworld.Butthemarkinghereintendedisthatwhichisinatendencytoanimadversionandpunishment,accordingtothetenorofthelaw.Notonlythesentenceofthelaw,butawillofpunishingaccordingtoit,isincludedinit."If,"saiththepsalmist,"thou,thegreatanddreadfulGod,whoartextolledbythegloriousnameJah,shouldsttakenoticeofiniquities,soastorecompensesinnersthatcomeuntotheeaccordingtotheseverityandexigenceofthyholylaw;"—whatthen?Itisansweredbythematteroftheproposal,"Whocanstand?"thatis,nonecansodo.Τὸγὰρτἰςἐνταῦθαοὐδείςἐστιν,saysChrysostom.This"who,"isnone;noman;notoneintheworld. דמצי ימ ,"Quisstabit?"or"consistet,"—"Whocanstand?"orabideandendurethetrial?Everyoneonthissuppositionmustperish,andthateternally.Thisthedesertofsin,andthecurseofthelaw,whichistheruleofthismarkingoftheiriniquity,dothrequire.Andthereisanotableemphasisintheinterrogation,whichcontainsthemanneroftheinference."Whocanstand?"ismorethanifhehadsaid,"Nonecanabidethetrial,andescapewithouteverlastingruin;"fortheinterrogationisindefinite;not,"HowcanI?"but,"Whocanstand?"WhentheHolyGhostwouldsetoutthecertaintyanddreadfulnessoftheperishingofungodlymen,hedothitbysuchakindofexpression,whereinthereisadeepersenseintimatedintothemindsofmenthananywordscanwellclotheordeclare:1Pet.4:17,"Whatshalltheendbeofthemthatobeynotthegospel?"andverse18,"Whereshalltheungodlyandthesinnerappear?"Sohere,"Whocanstand?"ThereisadeepinsinuationofadreadfulruinasuntoallwithwhomGodshallsodealastomarktheiriniquities.SeePs.1:5.

ThepsalmistthenaddressinghimselftodealwithGodaboutsin,laysdowninthefirstplace,inthegeneral,howthingsmustgo,notwithhimselfonly,butwithalltheworld,uponthesuppositionhehadfixed:"Thisisnotmycaseonly;

butitissowithallmankind,everyonewhoispartakeroffleshandblood.WhethertheirguiltanswerthatwhichIamoppressedwithalorno,allisone;guiltytheyareall,andallmustperish.Howmuchmoremustthatneedsbemycondition,whohavecontractedsogreataguiltasIhavedone!"Here,then,helaysagreatargumentagainsthimself,onthesuppositionbeforelaiddown:"Ifnone,theholiest,thehumblest,themostbelievingsoul,canabidethetrial,canendure;howmuchlesscanI,whoamthechiefestofsinners,theleastofsaints,whocomeunspeakablybehindtheminholiness,andhaveequallygonebeyondtheminsin!"

Thisisthesenseandimportanceofthewords.Letusnowconsiderhowtheyareexpressiveoftheactingsofthesoulwhosestateandconditionishererepresenteduntous,andwhatdirectionstheywillafforduntous,togiveuntothemwhoarefallenintothesamestate.

———

What first presents itself to a soul indistress on the account of sin—Thisopened in fourpropositions—ThoughtsofGod'smarkingsinaccording tothetenorofthelawfullofdreadandterror

WHATdepthsthepsalmistwasinhathbeendeclared;inthemwhatresolutionhetakesuponhimselftoseekGodaloneforreliefandrecoveryhathbeenalsoshowed,andwhatearnestnessingeneralheuseththerein.AddressinghimselfuntoGodinthatframe,withthatpurposeandresolution,thefirstthinghefixethoninparticularisthegreatnessofhissinandguilt,accordingtothetenorofthelaw.Itappears,then,that,—

First,Inasin-perplexedsoul'saddressesuntoGod,thefirstthingthatpresentsitselfuntohimisGod'smarkingsinaccordingtothetenorofthelaw.Thecaseisthesameinthismatterwithallsortsofsinners,whetherbeforeconversionorinrelapsesandentanglementsafterconversion.Thereisaproportionbetweenconversionandrecoveries.Theyarebothwroughtbythesamemeansandways,andhaveboththesameeffectsuponthesoulsofsinners,althoughinsundrythingstheydiffer,notnowtobespokenunto.What,then,isspokenonthisheadmaybeapplieduntobothsorts,—tothemthatareyetunconverted,andtothemwhoarereallydeliveredfromtheirstateandcondition;butespeciallyuntothosewhoknownotwhetherstatetheybelongunto,thatis,toallguiltysouls.Thelawwillputinitsclaimtoall.Itwillcondemnthesin,andtrywhatitcandoagainst

thesinner.Thereisnoshakingofitoff;itmustbefairlyanswered,oritwillprevail.Thelawissuesoutanarrestforthedebt;anditistonopurposetobidthesergeantbegone,ortoentreathimtospare.Ifpaymentbenotprocured,andanacquaintanceproduced,thesoulmusttoprison."IamgoinguntoGod,"saiththesoul;"heisgreatandterrible,amarkerofsin,andwhatshallIsayuntohim?"Thismakeshimtremble,andcryout,"OLord,whoshallstand?"Sothatitappearshencethat,—

Secondly,SeriousthoughtsofGod'smarkingsinaccordingtothetenorofthelawisathingfullofdreadandterrortothesoulofasinner.Butthisisnotall;heisnotswallowedupinthisamazement,cryingoutonly,"Whocanstand?"Thereisincludedinthewordsathorough,sincereacknowledgmentofhisownsinandtheguiltthereof.Mentioningthedesertofsin,inhisowncase,heacknowledgethhisown.Sothat,—

Thirdly,Sinceresenseandacknowledgmentforsin,withself-condemnationinthejustificationofGod,isthefirstpeculiar,especialworkingofagracioussoulrisingoutofitsentanglements.Allthisisincludedinthesewords.HeacknowledgethbothhisownguiltandtherighteousnessofGodifheshoulddealwithhimaccordingtothedemeritofsin.

Andthesethingslieinthewordsabsolutelyconsidered.Butthestateofthesoulhererepresentedcarriesusonfarther.Herestsnothere,asweshallseeintheopeningofthenextverse,thechiefthingaimedatinthewhole.Andasatransitionfromtheonetotheother,thatwemaystillcarryonthegeneraldesignattheentrancelaiddown,wemusttakealongwithusthisfartherobservation:—

Fourthly,Thoughself-condemnationbeaneminentpreparationforthediscoveryofforgivenessinGod,yetapoordistressedsoulisnottorestinit,nortorestuponit,buttopassontotheembracingofforgivenessitself.

Thereisyetageneralpropositionlyinginthewordsthatwemaymakeuseofinourpassage,anditisthis:—God'smarkingofiniquitiesandman'ssalvationareeverlastinglyinconsistent.Imeanhismarkingtheminthepersonsofsinnersfortheendsbeforementioned.

OfsomeoftheseIshallfarthertreat,accordingasthehandlingofthemconducethtothepurposeinhand.

ThatwhichIshallbeginwithalisthatwhichwasfirstlaiddown,aboutthe

effectsofseriousthoughtsconcerningGod'smarkingsinaccordingtothetenorofthelaw;which,asIsaid,isthefirstthingthatpresentsitselfuntoasin-entangledsoulinitsaddressesuntoGod.

Butthisshallnotpassalone.Ishalldrawthetwofirstobservationsintoone,andmakeuseofthefirstonlyintheconfirmationoftheother;whichwillexpressthesenseofthewordsabsolutelyconsidered.Thethirdandfourthwillleadusoninthe progress of the soul towards the relief sought after and proposed. That,therefore,whichistobefirstinsistedoncomesuptothisproposition:—

Inasin-perplexedsoul'saddressesuntoGod,thefirstthingthatpresentsitselfuntohimisGod'smarkingofsinaccordingtothetenorofthelaw;whichofitselfisapttofillthesoulwithdreadandterror.

Ishallfirstsomewhatspeakuntoitinthis,asconsideredinitself,andtheninquireintotheconcernmentofthesoulinit,whoseconditionisheredescribed.

TheLordspeaksofsomewho,whentheyhearthewordofthecurse,yet"blessthemselves,"andsaytheyshallhave"peace,"Deut.29:19.LetmenpreachandsaywhattheywilloftheterroroftheLord,theywilldespiseit;whichGodthreatenswithutterextermination.Andhenotesitagainasanamazingwickedness,andtheheightofobdurateness,Jer.36:24.GenerallyitiswithsinnersasitwaswithGaalthesonofEbed,Judges9.,whenhewasfortifyingofSichemagainstAbimelech.ZebultellshimthatAbimelechwillcomeanddestroyhim."Lethimcome,"saithGaal,"Ishalldealwellenoughwithhim.Lethimbringforthhisarmy;Ifearhimnot."ButupontheveryfirstappearanceofAbimelech'sarmyhetrembledforfear,verse36.TellobduratesinnersofthewrathofGod,andthathewillcometopleadhiscauseagainstthem;forthemostparttheytakenonoticeofwhatyousay,norhaveanyseriousthoughtsaboutit,butgoonasiftheywereresolvedtheyshoulddealwellenoughwithhim.Notwithstandingalltheirstoutness,adayiscomingwhereinfearfulnessshallsurprisethem,andmakethemcryout,"Whoamongusshalldwellwithdevouringfire?whoamongusshalldwellwitheverlastingburnings?"Yea,iftheLordbepleasedinthislife,inanespecialmanner,todrawnightoanyofthem,theyquicklyseethattheir"heartscannotendure,norcantheirhandsbestrong,"Ezek.22:14.Theirhandshangdown,andtheirstoutheartstremblelikeanaspenleaf.

Hewhofirstsinned,andhadfirstoccasiontohaveseriousthoughtsaboutGod's

markingofsin,givesusanotableinstanceofwhatwehaveaffirmed;andthefirstineverykindisthemeasureofallthatfollowsinthesamekind.Gen.3:8,"HeheardthevoiceoftheLORDGod;"sohehaddonebeforewithouttheleasttroubleorconsternationofspirit.HewasmadeforcommunionwithGod;andthathemighthearhisvoicewaspartofhisblessedness.Butnowsaithhe,"Iheardthyvoiceandwasafraid,andhidmyself."HeknewthatGodwascomingontheinquestofsin,andhewasnotabletobearthethoughtsofmeetinghim.Couldhehavegoneintothebowelsoftheearthfromwhencehewastaken,andhavebeentherehidfromGod,hewouldnothavefailedtohaveattemptedit.Thingsarenowalteredwithhim.InthatGodwhomhelovedbeforeasagood,holy,powerful,righteousCreator,Preserver,Benefactor,andRewarder,hesawnothingnowbutwrath,indignation,vengeance,andterror.Thismakeshimtrembleoutthosedreadfulwords,"Iheardthyvoiceandwasafraid,andhidmyself."

ThegivingoutofthelawafterwardsevinceswhateffectstheconsiderationofGod'sproceedingwithsinnersaccordingtothetenorofitmustneedsproduce:Exod.20:18,19,"Allthepeoplesawthethunderingsandthelightnings,andthevoiceofthetrumpet,andthemountainsmoking;"astheapostlealsodescribesit,Heb.12:18.InthismannercameforthfromtheLordthat"fierylaw,"Deut33:2;sothatallwhoareconcernedinit"didexceedinglyquakeandtremble."Andyetallthisrespectsbuttheseverityofthelawingeneral,withouttheapplicationofituntoanysoulinparticular.Thereisasolemnitythatcarriethanawewithitinthepreparationofanassizetobekeptandheldbypoorwormslikeourselves;butthedreadofitispeculiartothemalefactorsforwhosetrialandexecutionallthispreparationismade.Whenasoulcomestothinkthatallthisdreadfulpreparation,thisappearanceofterriblemajesty,thesestreamsofthefierylaw,areallpointedtowardshim,itwillmakehimcryout,"Lord,whocanstand?"Andthislawisstillinforcetowardssinners,evenasitwasonthedaywhereinitwasgivenonmountSinai.ThoughMosesgrewold,yethisstrengthneverfailed;norhathhislaw,thelawgivenbyhim,lostanythingofitsstrength,power,orauthoritytowardssinners.Itisstillaccompaniedwiththunderingsandlightnings,asofold;anditwillnotfailtorepresenttheterroroftheLordtoaguiltysoul.

AmongthesaintsthemselvesIcouldproduceinstancestomanifestthattheyhavefoundittobethus.ThecasesofJob,David,Hemanareknown.IshallonlyconsideritinChristhimself.Fromhimselfhehadnooccasionofanydiscouragingthought,beingholy,harmless,undefiled.Hefulfilledall

righteousness,didhisFather'swillinallthings,andabodeinhislove.Thismustneedsbeattendedwiththehighestpeaceandmostblessedjoy.Intheveryentranceofhistrials,hehadafullpersuasionofacomfortableissueandsuccess;aswemaysee,Isa.1:7–9.ButyetwhenhissoulwasexercisedwiththoughtsofGod'smarkingouriniquitiesuponhim,itwas"sorrowfuluntodeath."Hewas"soreamazed,andveryheavy,"Mark14:33,34.Hisagony;hisblood-sweat;hisstrongcriesandsupplications;hisreiteratedprayers,"Ifitbepossibleletthiscuppassfromme;"hislastanddreadfulcry,"MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?"—allmanifestwhatapprehensionshehadofwhatitwasforGodtomarkiniquities.Wellmaypoorsinnerscryout,"Lord,whoshallstand?"whentheSonofGodhimselfsotrembledundertheweightofit.

InseriousthoughtsofGod'smarkingsin,heisrepresenteduntothesoulunderallthoseglorious,terribleattributesandexcellencieswhichareapttobegetadreadandterrorintheheartsofsinners,whentheyhavenorelieffromanycovenantengagementsinChrist.Thesoullooksuponhimasthegreatlawgiver,James4:12,—abletorevengethebreachofit,bydestroyingbodyandsoulinhellfire;asoneterribleinholiness,ofpurereyesthantobeholdiniquity;soalsoingreatnessandinpower;thelivingGod,intowhosehandsitisafearfulthingtofall;asattendedwithvindictivejustice,saying,"Vengeancebelongethuntome,Iwillrecompense,"Heb.10:30.Now,forasoultoconsiderGod,clothedwithallthesedreadfulandterribleexcellencies,comingtodealwithsinnersaccordingtothetenorofhisfierylaw,itcannotbutmakehimcryout,withMoses,"Iexceedinglyfearandquake."

Thesethingsworkontheirmindstheconclusionmentionedbefore,asassertedinthesewords,—namely,thatGod'smarkingofsinaccordingtothetenorofthelaw,andman'ssalvation,areutterlyinconsistent;aconclusionthatmustneedsshakeasoulwhenpressedunderasenseofitsownguilt.

Whenapersonwhoisreallyguilty,andknowshimselftobeguilty,isbroughtuntohistrial,hehathbutthesefourgroundsofhopethathissafetyandhistrialmaybeconsistent.Hemaythinkthateither,—1.Thejudgewillnotbeabletofindoutordiscoverhiscrimes;or,2.Thatsomeonewillpowerfullyintercedeforhimwiththejudge;or,3.Thattheruleofthelawisnotsostrictastotakenoticeofhismiscarriages;or,4.Thatthepenaltyofitisnotsoseverebutthattheremaybeawayofescape.Cuthimshortofhisexpectationsfromsome,one,orallofthese,andallhishopesmustofnecessityperish.Andhowisitinthiscase?

1.OftheJudgewehavespokensomewhatalready.Thepresentinquiryis,Whetheranythingmaybehidfromhimorno,andsoadoorofescapebeopenedtoasinner?Theapostletellsusthat"allthingsarenakedandopenuntohim,"Heb.4:13;andthepsalmist,that"thereisnotathoughtinourhearts,norawordinourtongue,butheunderstandethitafaroff,andknowethitaltogether,"Ps.139:2–4.Whatthesinnerknowsofhimselfthatmaycausehimtofear,thatGodknows;andwhatheknowsnotofhimselfthatdeserveshisfear,thatGodknowsalso:"Heisgreaterthanourhearts,andknowethallthings,"1John3:20.WhenGodshallnotonlysetinorderbeforethesinnerthesecretsinswhichheretainssomeremembranceof,butalsobringstomindandrepresentsuntohimthatworldoffilthandfollywhicheitherhenevertookanyrealnoticeoforhathutterlyforgotten,itwilltroublehim,yea,confoundhim.

2.ButmaynotthisJudgebeentreatedtopassbywhatheknows,andtodealfavourablywiththesinner?Maynotanintercessorbeobtainedtopleadinthebehalfoftheguiltysoul?Elideterminesthismatter,1Sam.2:25,"Ifonemansinagainstanother,thejudgeshalljudgehim;butifamansinagainsttheLORD,whoshallintreatforhim?""Thereisnot,"saithJob,"betweenus חיכומ ,onethatmightarguethecase,inpleadingforme,andsomakeupthematter,'layinghishanduponusboth,'"chap.9:33.Wenowconsiderasinnerpurelyundertheadministrationofthelaw,whichknowsnothingofamediator.Inthatcase,whoshalltakeuponhimtointercedeforthesinner?BesidesthatallcreaturesinheavenandearthareengagedinthequarrelofGodagainstsinners,andbesidesthegreatnessandterrorofhismajesty,thatwillcertainlydeteralloranyofthemfromundertakinganysuchwork,whatistherequestthatinthiscasemustbeputupuntoGod?Isitnotthathewouldceasetobeholy,leaveofffrombeingrighteous,relinquishhisthrone,denyhimselfandhissovereignty,thatarebel,atraitor,hiscursedenemy,mayliveandescapehisjustice?Isthisrequestreasonable?Ishefittointercedeforsinnersthatmakeit?Wouldhenotbysodoingprovehimselftobethegreatestofthem?Thesinnercannot,then,expectanydoorofescapetobeopeneduntohim;alltheworldisagainsthim;andthecasemustbetriedoutnakedlybetweenGodandhim.But,—

3.Itmaybetheruleofthelawwherebythesinneristobetriedisnotsostrict,butthat,inthecaseofsuchsinsasheisguiltyof,itmayadmitofafavourableinterpretation;orthatthegoodthathehathdonemaybelaidinthebalanceagainsthisevil,andsosomereliefbeobtainedthatway.Butthematterisquiteotherwise.Thereisnogoodactionofasinner,thoughitwereperfectlygood,thatcanlieinthebalancewith,orcompensatetheevilof,theleastsin

committed;forallgoodisdueonanotheraccount,thoughnoguiltwereincurred.Andthepaymentofmoneythatamanowes,thathehathborrowed,makesnosatisfactionforwhathehathstole;nomorewillourdutiescompensateforoursins.Noristhereanygoodactionofasinnerbutithathevilandguiltenoughattendingittorenderitselfunacceptable;sothatmenmaywellceasefromthoughtsoftheirsupererogation.Besides,wherethereisanyonesin,ifallthegoodintheworldmightbesupposedtobeinthesameperson,yet,intheindispensableorderofourdependenceonGod,nothingofthatgoodcouldcomeintoconsiderationuntiltheguiltofthatsinwereansweredforuntotheutmost.Now,thepenaltyofeverysinbeingtheeternalruinofthesinner,allhissupposedgoodcanstandhiminlittlestead.Andforthelawitself,itisanissueoftheholiness,righteousness,andwisdomofGod;sothatthereisnotanyevilsogreatorsmallbutisforbiddeninit,andcondemnedbyit.HereuponDavidsostatesthiswholematter,Ps.143:2,"Enternotintojudgmentwiththyservant,forinthysightshallnomanlivingbejustified;"—thatis,ifthingsaretobetriedoutanddeterminedbythelaw,nosinnercanobtainacquitment;asPauldeclaresthesenseofthatplacetobe,Rom.3:20,Gal.2:16.Butyet,—

4.Itmaybethesentenceofthelawisnotsofierceanddreadful,butthat,thoughguiltbefound,theremaybeyetawayofescape.Butthelawspeaksnotonewordonthissidedeathtoanoffender.Thereisagreatnessandaneternityofwrathinthesentenceofit;anditisGodhimselfwhohathundertakentoseethevengeanceofitexecuted.Sothat,onalltheseaccounts,theconclusionmentionedmustneedsbefixedinthesoulofasinnerthatentertainsthoughtsofdrawingnightoGod.

Thoughwhathathbeenspokenmaybeofgeneraluseuntosinnersofallsorts,whethercalledhometoGodoryetstrangerstohim,yetIshallnotinsistuponanygeneralimprovementofit,becauseitisintendedonlyforonespecialendorpurpose.Thatwhichisaimedatis,toshowwhatarethefirstthoughtsthatariseintheheartofapoorentangledsoul,whenfirsthebeginstoendeavourarecoveryinareturnaluntoGod.Thelawimmediatelyputsinitsclaimuntohimandagainsthim;—Godisrepresenteduntohimasangry,displeased,provoked;andhisterrormoreorlessbesetshimroundabout.Thisfillshimwithfear,shame,andconfusionofface;sothatheknowsnotwhattodo.Thesetroublesaregreaterorlesser,accordingasGodseethitbestforthepoorcreature'spresenthumiliationandfuturesafety.What,then,doththesinner?whatarehisthoughtshereupon?DothhethinktoflyfromGod,andtogiveoverallendeavoursofrecovery?Dothhesay,"ThisGodisaholyandterribleGod;Icannotservehim;

itistonopurposeformetolookforanythingbutfuryanddestructionfromhim:andthereforeIhadasgoodgiveoveraspersistinmydesignofdrawingnightohim?"Itcannotbedeniedbutthatinthiscasethoughtsofthisnaturewillbesuggestedbyunbelief,andthatsometimesgreatperplexitiesarisetothesoulbythem:butthisisnottheissueandfinalproductofthisexerciseofthesoul;itproducethanothereffect;itcallsforthatwhichisthefirstparticularworkingofagracioussoularisingoutofitssin-entanglements.Thisis,aswasdeclared,asinceresenseofsin,andacknowledgmentofit,withself-condemnationinthejustificationofGod;thisisthefirstthingthatasoulendeavouringarecoveryfromitsdepthsisbroughtandwroughtunto.Hisgeneralresolution,tomakeseriousandthoroughworkwithwhathehathinhand,wasbeforeunfolded.Thatwhich,inthenextplace,wearedirecteduntointhesewordsis,thereflectiononitself,upontheconsiderationofGod'smarkinginiquity,nowmentioned.Thisisfaith'sgreatandproperuseofthelaw;thenaturewhereofshallbefartheropenedinthenextdiscourse.

———

Thefirstparticularactingsofasoultowardsarecoveryoutofthedepthsofsin—Senseofsin,whereinitconsists,howitiswrought—Acknowledgmentofsin;itsnatureandproperties—Self-condemnation

WHATistheframeofthesoulingeneralthatisexcitedbygrace,andresolvesinthestrengththereoftoattemptarecoveryoutofthedepthsofsin-entanglements,hathbeendeclared.Wehavealsoshowedwhatentertainments,ingeneral,suchasoulhadneedtoexpect,yea,ordinarilyshallbesuretomeetwithal.ItmaybehegoesforthatfirstlikeSamsonwithhislockscut,andthinkshewilldoasatothertimes;buthequicklyfindshispeacelost,hiswounds,painful,hisconsciencerestless,Goddispleased,andhiswholecondition,astheutmostofhisownapprehension,hazardous.Thisfillshimwiththethoughtsexpressedinthisthirdverse,andfixestheconclusioninhisminddiscoursedofbefore.Hefindsnowthathehaththelawafreshtodealwithal.Thenceariseththatsenseandacknowledgmentofsin,thatself-condemnationinthejustificationofGod,whereofwenowspeak.Hegrowsnotsullen,stubborn,displeased,andsorunsawayfromGod;hedothnot"utterlyfaint,"despond,andgiveover,hepleadsnotanythinginhisownjustificationorfortheextenuationofhissinandguilt;hequarrellethnotwith,herepinethnotagainst,theholiness,severity,andrighteousnessofthelawofGod;butreflectswhollyonhimself,hisownunworthiness,guilt,anddesert,andinasenseofthemliesdownatthefootof

God,inexpectationofhiswordandsentence.

Threethingsinthisconditionweascribeuntosuchasoul:—

FIRST,Asinceresenseofsin.Thereisatwofoldsenseofsin.Theoneisgeneralandnotional;wherebyamanknowswhatsinis,thathimselfisasinner,—thatheisguiltyofthisorthat,theseorthosesins;onlyhisheartisnotaffectedproportionablytothatdiscoveryandknowledgewhichhehathofthesethings.Theotherisactiveandefficacious.Thesoulbeingacquaintedwiththenatureofsin,withitsownguiltinreferenceuntosiningeneral,asalsotothisorthatsin,isuniversallyinfluencedbythatapprehensionuntosuitableaffectionsandoperations.

Ofboththesewehaveaninstanceinthesameperson.David,beforeNathan'scomingtohim,hadtheformer;afterwardshehadthelatteralso.Itcannotbeimaginedbutthat,beforethecomingoftheprophet,hehadageneralknowledgeandsense,notonlyabsolutelyofthenatureofsin,butalsothathimselfwasasinner,andguiltyofthoseverysinswhichafterwardhewasreprovedfor.Tothinkotherwiseistosupposenotonlythathewasunsainted,butunmannedalsoandturnedintoabeast.Butyetthiswroughtnotinhimanyoneaffectionsuitabletohiscondition.Andthelikemaybesaidofmostsinnersintheworld.Butnow,whenNathancomestohim,andgiveshimthelatterefficacioussensewhereofwespeak,weknowwhateffectsitdidproduce.

Itisthelatteronlythatisunderconsideration;andthatalsoistwofold:—1.Legal,orantecedaneousuntoconversion;2.Evangelical,andprevioustotherecoveryfromdepths,whereofwetreat.Howthesetwodiffer,andhowtheymaybediscernedonefromtheother,beingbothofthemintheirkindsincere,isnotmybusinesstodeclare.

Now,thislast,whichweassignasthefirstduty,work,oractingofareturningsoul,isadeepandpracticalapprehension,wroughtinthemindandheartofabelievingsinnerbytheHolyGhost,ofsinanditsevils,inreferenceuntothelawandloveofGod,thecrossandbloodofChrist,thecommunionandconsolationoftheSpirit,andallthefruitsoflove,mercy,orgracethatithathbeenmadepartakerof,orongospelgroundhopedfor.

1.TheprincipalefficientcauseofitistheHolyGhost.Heitiswho"convincethofsin,"John16:8.Heworksindeedbymeans,—hewroughtitinDavidbythe

ministryofNathan,andhewroughtitinPeterbythelookofChrist,—buthisworkitis;nomancanworkuponhisownsoul.Itwillnotspringoutofmen'srationalconsiderations.Thoughmenmayexercisetheirthoughtsaboutsuchthings,asonewouldthinkwereenoughtobreaktheheartofstones,yetiftheHolyGhostputnotforthapeculiarefficacyofhisown,thissenseofsinwillnotbewroughtorproduced.AsthewatersatthepoolofBethesdawerenottroubledbutwhenanangeldescendedandmovedthem,nomorewilltheheartforsinwithoutasavingillapseoftheHolyGhost.

2.Itisdeepapprehensionofsinandtheevilsofit.Slight,transientthoughtsaboutthemamountnottothesenseofwhichwespeak."Mysorrow,"saithDavid,"iscontinuallybeforeme,"Ps.38:17.Itpressedhimalwaysandgreatly.HencehecomparesthissenseofsinwroughtbytheHolyGhostto"arrowsthatstickintheflesh,"verse2;theypainsorelyandarealwaysperplexing.Sin,inthissenseofit,laysholdonthesoul,sothatthesinnercannotlookup,Ps.40:12;anditabideswithhim,making"hissoreruninthenightwithoutceasing,"Ps.77:2,anddepriveththesoulofrest."Mysoul,"saithhe,"refusedtobecomforted."Thisapprehensionofsinliesdownandriseswithhiminwhomitis.Transientthoughts,attendedwithinfrequentsighsandejaculations,littlebecomeareturningsoul.And,—

3.Itispractical.Itisnotseatedonlyinthespeculativepartofthemind,hoveringingeneralnotions,butitdwellsinthepracticalunderstanding,whicheffectuallyinfluenceththewillandaffections,—suchanapprehensionasfromwhichsorrowandhumiliationareinseparable.Theactsofthepracticalunderstandingdosonecessarilyproducetogetherwiththemsuitableactsofthewillandaffections,thatsomehaveconcludedthatthoseareindeedproperactsofthewillwhichareusuallyascribedtotheunderstanding.Itissointhemindasthatthewholesouliscastintothemouldandlikenessofit;humiliation,sorrow,self-abhorrency,doliveanddiewithit.

4.(1.)Ithath,inthefirstplace,respectuntothelawofGod.Therecanbenodueconsiderationofsinwhereinthelawhathnotitsplace.Thelawcallsforthesinner,andhewillinglygivesuphissintobejudgedbyit.Thereheseesittobe"exceedingsinful,"Rom.7:13.Thoughabelieverbelessunderthepowerofthelawthanothers,yetheknowsmoreoftheauthorityandnatureofitthanothers;heseesmoreofitsspiritualityandholiness.Andthemoreamanseesoftheexcellencyofthelaw,themoreheseesofthevilenessofsin.Thisisdonebyasoulinitsfirstendeavourofarecoveryfromtheentanglementsofsin.He

laboursthoroughlytoknowhisdisease,thathemaybecured.Itwilldohimnogood,heknows,tobeignorantofhisdistemperorhisdanger.Heknowsthatifhiswoundsbenotsearchedtothebottom,theywillstinkandbecorrupt.Tothelaw,then,hebringshimselfandhissin.Bythatheseesthevilenessoftheoneandthedangeroftheother.Mostmenliestillintheirdepths,becausetheywouldwillinglyescapethefirststepoftheirrising.Fromthebottomoftheirmisery,theywouldfainatoncebeatthetopoftheirfelicity.ThesoulmanagedinthisworkbytheHolyGhostdothnotso.Heconversethwiththelaw,bringshissinuntoit,andfullyhearsthesentenceofit.Whenthesinisthoroughlycondemned,thenhefarthertakescareofthesinner.Aseveryoudesiretocometorest,avoidnotthisentranceofyourpassionuntoit.Weighitwell,andattenduntowhatthelawspeaksofyoursinanditsdesert,oryouwillnevermakeadueapplicationtoGodforforgiveness.Aseveryouwouldhaveyoursoulsjustifiedbygrace,takecaretohaveyoursinsjudgedbythelaw.

(2.)ThereisarespectinittotheloveofGod;andthisbreakstheheartofthepoorreturningsinner.Sorrowfromthelawshutsitselfupinthesoul,andstranglethit.SorrowfromthethoughtsoftheloveofGodopensit,andcausethittoflowforth.ThoughtsofsinningagainsttheloveofGod,managedbytheHolyGhost;—whatshallIsay?theireffectsintheheartarenottobeexpressed.ThismadeEzracryout,"OmyGod,Iamashamedandblushtoliftupmyfacetothee,"chap.9:6;andverse10,"Whatshallwesayafterthis?"Afterwhat?Why,allthefruitsofloveandkindnesstheyhadbeenmadepartakersof.Thoughtsofloveandsinlaidtogethermakethesoulblush,mourn,beashamed,andconfoundedinitself.SoEzek.36:31,"Thenshallyerememberyourownevilways,andyourdoingsthatwerenotgood."Whenshalltheydoso?Whenthoughtsandapprehensionsofloveshallbebroughthometothem;and,saithhe,"Thenshallyelotheyourselvesinyourownsight."Thesoulnowcallstomindwhatlove,whatkindness,andwhatmercy,whatgrace,whatpatiencehathbeenexercisedtowardsit,andwhereofithathbeenmadepartaker.Thethoughtsofallthesenowcomeinuponhimasstreamsofwater.Suchmercy,suchcommunion,suchprivileges,suchhopesofglory,suchtastesofheaven,suchpeace,suchconsolation,suchjoy,suchcommunicationsoftheSpirit,—alltoapoor,wretched,cursed,lost,forlornsinner;andallthisdespised,neglected!theGodofthemallprovoked,forsaken!"Ah,"saiththesoul,"whithershallIcausemysorrowtogo?"Thisfillshimwithshameandconfusionofface,makeshimmourninsecret,andsightothebreakingoftheloins.Andthen,—

(3.)ThebloodandcrossofChristisalsobroughttoremembrancebytheHoly

Ghost."Ah,"saiththesoul,"haveIthusrequitedthewonderful,astonishingloveofmyRedeemer?Isthisthereturn,therequital,Ihavemadeuntohim?Arenotheavenandearthastonishedatthedespisingofthatlove,atwhichtheyareastonished?"ThisbrakePeter'sheartuponthelookofChrist.SuchwordsasthesefromChristwill,inthiscondition,soundintheearsofthesoul:"DidIlovethee,andleavemyglorytobecomeascornandreproachforthysake?DidIthinkmylife,andallthatwasdearuntome,toogoodforthee,tosavetheefromthewrathtocome?HaveIbeenawildernessuntothee,oralandofdarkness?WhatcouldIhavedonemoreforthee?WhenIhadnothingleftbutmylife,blood,andsoul,theywentallforthee,thatthoumightstlivebymydeath,bewashedinmyblood,andbesavedthroughmysoul'sbeingmadeanofferingforthee!Andhastthouthusrequitedmylove,topreferalustbeforeme,orbymereslothandfollytobeturnedawayfromme?Go,unkindandunthankfulsoul,andseeifthoucanstfindanotherRedeemer."Thisoverwhelmsthesoul,andevendrownsitintearsofsorrow.AndthenthebitternessalsoofthesufferingsofChristarebroughttomind:"Theylookonhimwhomtheyhavepierced,andmourn,"Zech.12:10.Theyrememberhisgallandwormwood,hiscryandtears,hisagonyandsweat,hisdesertionandanguish,hisbloodanddeath,thesharpnessoftheswordthatwasinhissoul,andthebitternessofthecupthatwasputintohishand.SuchasoulnowlooksonChrist,bleeding,dying,wrestlingwithwrathandcurseforhim,andseethhissininthestreamsofbloodthatissuedfromhisside.Andallthisincreaseththatsenseofsinwhereofwespeak.Also,—

(4.)ItrelatestothecommunionandconsolationsoftheHolyGhost,withalltheprivilegesandfruitsoflovewearebyhimmadepartakersof.TheSpiritisgiventobelievers,uponthepromiseofChrist,todwellinthem.Hetakesuptheirheartstobehisdwelling-place.Towhatendsandpurposes?Thathemaypurifyandsanctifythem,makethemholy,anddedicatethemtoGod;tofurnishthemwithgraceandgifts;tointeresttheminprivileges;toguide,lead,direct,comfortthem;tosealthemuntothedayofredemption.Now,thisSpiritisgrievedbysin,Eph.4:30,andhisdwelling-placedefiledthereby,1Cor.6:19,3:17.Thoughtshereofgreatlysharpenthespiritualsenseofsininarecoveringsoul.Heconsiderswhatlight,whatlove,whatjoy,whatconsolation,whatprivileges,ithathbyhimbeenmadepartakerof;whatmotions,warnings,workingstokeepitfromsin,ithathfoundfromhim;andsayswithinitself,"WhathaveIdone?whomhaveIgrieved,whomhaveIprovoked?WhatiftheLordshouldnow,formyfollyandingratitude,utterlytakehisHolySpiritfromme?WhatifIshouldhavesogrievedhimthathewilldwellinmenomore,delightinmenomore?

Whatdismaldarknessanddisconsolation,yea,whatutterruinshouldIbeleftunto!However,whatshameandconfusionoffacebelongstomeformywretcheddisingenuityandingratitudetowardshim!"

ThisistheFIRSTthingthatappearsinthereturningsoul'sactingsandframe,—asinceresenseofsinontheaccountmentioned,wroughtinitbytheHolyGhost.Andthisasoulinthedepthsdescribedmustcomeunto,ifeveritexpectsorlooksfordeliveranceandarecovery.Letnotsuchpersonsexpecttohavearenewedsenseofmercywithoutarevivedsenseofsin.

SECONDLY.Fromhenceproceedethaningenuous,free,graciousacknowledgmentofsin.Menmayhaveasenseofsin,andyetsufferittolieburningasafireshutupintheirbones,totheircontinualdisquietment,andnotbeabletocomeoffuntoafree,soul-openingacknowledgment;yea,confessionmaybemadeingeneral,andmentionthereinofthatverysinwherewiththesoulismostentangled,andyetthesoulcomeshortofadueperformanceofthisdutyConsiderhowthecasestoodwithDavid:Ps.32:3,"WhenIkeptsilence,myboneswaxedoldthroughmyroaringallthedaylong."HowcouldDavidkeepsilence,andyetroarallthedaylong?Whatisthatsilencewhichisconsistentwithroaring?Itisamerenegationofthatdutywhichisexpressed,verse5,thatisintended:"Iacknowledgedmysinuntothee,andmineiniquityhaveInothid."ItwasnotasilenceofsubmissionandwaitingonGodthatheintends;thatwouldnothaveproducedawastingofhisspiritualstrength,ashecomplainsthissilencedid:"Myboneswaxedold."Noryetwasitasullen,stubborn,andcontumaciousframethatwasuponhim;buthenotes,saithCalvin(andhesayswell),"Affectumquimediusestintertolerantiametcontumaciam,vitioetvirtutiaffinis;"—"Anaffectionbetweenpatienceandstubbornness,borderingontheoneandother."Thatis,hehadadeepsenseofsin;thisdisquietedandperplexedhimallthedaylong;whichhecallshisroaring.Itweakenedandweariedhim,makinghisboneswaxold,orhisstrengthdecay;yetwashenotabletobringhishearttothatingenuous,graciousacknowledgmentwhich,likethelancingofafesteredwound,wouldhavegivenatleastsomeeasetohissoul.God'schildrenareofttimesinthismatterlikeours.Thoughtheyareconvincedofafault,andarereallytroubledatit,yettheywillhardlyacknowledgeit.Sodothey.Theywillgoupanddown,sighandmourn,roarallthedaylong;butanevilanduntowardframeofspirit,underthepowerofunbeliefandfear,keepsthemfromthisduty.

Now,thatthisacknowledgmentmaybeacceptableuntoGod,itisrequired,first,

thatitbefree;then,thatitbefull.

1.Itmustbefree,andspirituallyingenuous.Cain,Pharaoh,Ahab,Judas,camealltoanacknowledgmentofsin;butitwaswhethertheywouldorno.Itwaspressedoutofthem;itdidnotflowfromthem.Theconfessionofapersonundertheconvincingterrorsofthelawordreadofimminentjudgmentsislikethatofmalefactorsontherack,whospeakoutthatforwhichthemselvesandfriendsmustdie.Whattheysay,thoughitbethetruth,isafruitofforceandtorture,notofanyingenuityofmind.Soisitwithmerelyconvincedpersons.Theycomenottotheacknowledgmentofsinwithanymorefreedom.Andthereasonis,becauseallsinhathshame;andformentobefreeuntoshameisnaturallyimpossible,shamebeingnature'sshrinkingfromitselfandthepostureitwouldappearin.Butnowthereturningsoulhathnevermorefreedom,liberty,andaptitudeofspirit,thanwhenheisintheacknowledgmentofthosethingswhereofheismostashamed.AndthisisnosmallevidencethatitproceedsfromthatSpiritwhichisattendedwiththatliberty;for"wheretheSpiritoftheLordis,thereisliberty,"2Cor.3:17.WhenDavidwasdeliveredfromhissilence,heexpresseththisframeintheperformanceofhisduty:Ps.32:5,"Iacknowledgedmysinuntothee,andmineiniquityhaveInothid.Isaid,Iwillconfessmytransgressions."Hismouthisnowopen,andhisheartenlarged,andhemultipliesoneexpressionuponanothertomanifesthisenlargement.Sodothasoulrisingoutofitsdepths,inthisbeginningofthisaddressuntoGod.HavingthesenseofsinbeforedescribedwroughtinhimbytheHolyGhost,hisheartismadefree,andenlargeduntoaningenuousacknowledgmentofhissinbeforetheLord.HereinhepoursouthissouluntoGod,andhathnotmorefreedominanythingthanindealingaboutthatwhereofheismostashamed.

2.Fullalsoitmustbe.Reservesruinconfession.Ifthesoulhaveanysecretthoughtofrollingasweetmorselunderitstongue,ofabowinthehouseofRimmon,itislikepartofthepricekeptback,whichmakesthewholerobberyinsteadofanoffering.Ifthereberemainingabitterrootoffavouringanyonelustorsin,ofanyoccasionofortemptationuntosin,letamanbeasopen,free,andearnestascanbeimaginedintheacknowledgmentofallothersinsandevils,thewholedutyisrenderedabominable.Somepersons,whentheyarebroughtintodepthsandanguishaboutanysin,andarethereonforcedtotheacknowledgmentofit,atthesametimetheyarelittleconcernedwiththeirotherfolliesandiniquities,that,itmaybe,arenolessprovokinguntoGodthanthatisfromwhencetheirpresenttroubledotharise."Letnot,"asJamesspeaksinanothercase,"suchamanthinkthatheshallreceiveanythingoftheLord."It

mustbefullandcomprehensive,aswellasfreeandingenuous.

Andofsuchimportanceistherightperformanceofthisduty,thatthepromiseofpardonisofttimespeculiarlyannexeduntoit,asthatwhichcertainlycarriesalongwithittheotherdutieswhichmakeupafullreturnaluntoGod,Prov.28:13;1John1:9.AndthatplaceinJobisremarkable,chap.33:27,28,"Helookethuponmen,andifanysay,Ihavesinned,andpervertedthatwhichwasright,anditprofitedmenot;hewilldeliverhissoulfromgoingintothepit,andhislifeshallseethelight."Heshallnotonlybemadepartakerofpardon,butofconsolationalso,andjoyinthelightofGod'scountenance.

THIRDLY.Thereyetremainsself-condemnationwiththejustificationofGod,whichliesexpresslyinthewordsoftheverseunderconsideration;andhereofaretwoparts:—

1.Self-abhorrency,ordislike.Thesoulisnowwhollydispleasedwithitself,andreflectsuponitselfwithallaffectionsofregretandtrouble.SotheapostledeclaresittohavebeenwiththeCorinthians,whentheirgodlysorrowwasworkinginthem,2Cor.7:11.Amongotherthings,itwroughtinthem"indignationandrevenge;"orareflectiononthemselveswithallmannerofdislikeandabhorrency.InthewindingupofthecontroversybetweenGodandJob,thisisthepointherestsin.Ashehadcomeingeneraltoafree,full,ingenuousacknowledgmentofsin,chap.40:4,5,soinparticularhegivesuphiswholecontestinthisabhorrencyofhimself,chap.42:6,"Iabhormyself,andrepentindustandashes.""Whatavile,wretchedcreaturehaveIbeen!"saiththesoul."Iblushandamashamedtothinkofmyfolly,baseness,andingratitude.IsitpossiblethatIshoulddealthuswiththeLord?Iabhor,Iloathemyself;Iwouldflyanywherefrommyself,Iamsovileandloathsome,—athingtobedespisedofGod,angels,andmen."And,—

2.Thereisself-judginginitalso.ThistheapostleinvitestheCorinthiansunto,1Epist.11:31,"Ifwewouldjudgeourselves,weshouldnotbejudged."Thisisapersonpronouncingsentenceonhimselfaccordingtothetenorofthelaw.Thesoulbringsnotonlyitssinbutitselfalsotothelaw.Itputsitself,astomeritanddesert,underthestrokeandseverityofit.HencearisethafulljustificationofGodinwhatsentencessoeverheshallbepleasedtopronounceinthecasebeforehim.

Andthesethreethingswhichwehavepassedthroughcomposetheframeand

firstactingsofagracioussoulrisingfromitsdepths.Theyareallofthemsignallyexpressedinthatplacewherewehaveasignalrecoveryexemplified,Hos.14:1–3.Andthismakeswayfortheexaltationofgrace,thegreatthinginallthisdispensationaimedatbyGod,Eph.1:6.Thatwhichheisnowdoingistobringthesoultogloryinhim,1Cor.1:31;whichisallthereturnhehathfromhislargeandinfinitelybountifulexpensesofgraceandmercy.Now,nothingcanrendergraceconspicuousandgloriousuntilthesoulcometothisframe.Gracewillnotseemhighuntilthesoulbelaidverylow.Andthisalsosuitsorpreparesthesoulforthereceivingofmercyinasenseofpardon,thegreatthingaimedatonthepartofthesinner;anditpreparesitforeverydutythatisincumbentonhiminthatconditionwhereinheis.Thisbringsthesoultowaitingwithdiligenceandpatience.Ifthingspresentlyanswernotourexpectation,wearereadytothinkwehavedonewhatwecan;ifitwillbenobetter,wemustbearitasweareable;—whichframeGodabhors.ThesoulinthisframeiscontentedtowaitthepleasureofGod,asweshallseeinthecloseofthispsalm."Oh,"saithsuchaone,"ifeverIobtainasenseoflove,ifeverIenjoyonesmileofhiscountenancemore,itisofunspeakablegrace.Lethimtakehisowntime,hisownseason;itisgoodformequietlytowait,andtohopeforhissalvation."Anditputsthesoulonprayer;yea,asoulinthisframepraysalways.Andthereisnothingmoreevidentthanthatwantofathoroughengagementuntotheperformanceofthesedutiesisthegreatcausewhysofewcomeclearofffromtheirentanglementalltheirdays.Menhealtheirwoundsslightly;and,therefore,afteranew,painfulfestering,theyarebroughtintothesameconditionofrestlessnessandtroublewhichtheywereinbefore.

———

Groundsofmiscarriageswhenpersonsareconvincedofsinandhumbled—Restinginthatstate—Restingonit.

THEsoulisnottobeleftinthestatebeforedescribed.Thereisotherworkforittoapplyitselfunto,ifitintendtocomeuntorestandpeace.Ithathobtainedaneminentadvantageforthediscoveryofforgiveness;buttorestinthatstatewhereinitis,ortorestuponit,willnotbringitintoitsharbour.Threethingswediscoveredbeforeinthesoul'sfirstseriousaddressuntoGodfordeliverance,—senseofsin,acknowledgmentofit,andself-condemnation.Twoevilstherearewhichattendmenoftentimeswhentheyarebroughtintothatstate.Somerestinit,andpressnofarther;somerestuponit,andsupposethatitisallwhichisrequiredofthem.Thepsalmistavoidsboththese,andnotwithstandingallhis

pressuresreachethouttowardsforgiveness,asweshallseeinthenextverse.Ishallbrieflyunfoldthesetwoevils,andshowthenecessityoftheiravoidance:—

First,Byrestingorstayinginit,Imeanthesoul'sdesponding,throughdiscouragingthoughtsthatdeliveranceisnottobeobtained.Beingmadedeeplysensibleofsin,itissooverwhelmedwiththoughtsofitsownvilenessandunworthinessastosinkundertheburden.Suchasoulis"afflicted,andtossedwithtempest,andnotcomforted,"Isa.54:11,untilitisquiteweary;—asashipinastormatsea,whenallmeansofcontendingaregone,mengiveupthemselvestobedrivenandtossedbythewindsandseasattheirpleasure.ThisbroughtIsraeltothatstatewhereinhecriedout,"MywayishidfromtheLORD,andmyjudgmentispassedoverfrommyGod,"chap.40:27;andZion,"TheLORDhathforsakenme,andmyLordhathforgottenme,"chap.49:14.Thesoulbeginssecretlytothinkthereisnohope;Godregardethitnot;itshallonedayperish;reliefisfaraway,andtroublenighathand.Thesethoughtsdosooppressthem,thatthoughtheyforsakenotGodutterlytotheirdestruction,yettheydrawnotnighuntohimeffectuallytotheirconsolation.

Thisisthefirstevilthatthesoulinthisconditionisenabledtoavoid.WeknowhowGodrebukesitinZion:"Zionsaid,TheLORDhathforsakenme,andmyLordhathforgottenme,"chap.49:14.ButhowfoolishisZion,howfroward,howunbelievinginthismatter!Whatgroundhathsheforsuchsinfuldespondencies,suchdiscouragingconclusions?"Canawoman,"saiththeLord,"forgethersuckingchild,thatsheshouldnothavecompassiononthesonofherwomb?yea,theymayforget,yetwillInotforgetthee."ThelikereproofhegivestoJacobuponthelikecomplaint,chap.40:28–31.ThereisnothingthatismoreprovokingtotheLord,normoredisadvantageousuntothesoul,thansuchsinfuldespondency;for,—

1.Itinsensiblyweakensthesoul,anddisenablesitbothforpresentdutiesandfutureendeavours.Hencesomepoorcreaturesmourn,andevenpineawayinthiscondition,nevergettingonestepbeyondaperplexingsenseofsinalltheirdays.Somehavedweltsolonguponit,andhavesoentangledthemselveswithamultitudeofperplexedthoughts,thatatlengththeirnaturalfacultieshavebeenweakenedandrenderedutterlyuseless;sothattheyhavelostbothsenseofsinandeverythingelse.Againstsome,Satanhathtakenadvantagetocastinsomanyentanglingobjectionsintotheirminds,thattheirwholetimehathbeentakenupinproposingdoubtsandobjectionsagainstthemselves;withthesetheyhavegoneupanddowntooneandanother,andbeingneverabletocomeuntoa

consistencyintheirownthoughts,theyhavespentalltheirdaysinafruitless,sapless,withering,comfortlesscondition.Some,withwhomthingscometoabetterissue,areyetforaseasonbroughttothatdiscomposureofspirit,oraresofilledwiththeirownapprehensions,thatwhenthethingswhicharemostpropertotheirconditionarespokentothem,theytakenoimpressionintheleastuponthem.Thusthesoulisweakenedbydwellingtoolongontheseconsiderations;untilsomecrywiththoseinEzek.33:10,"Oursinsareuponus,wepineawayinthem,howshouldwethenlive?"

2.Thisframe,ifitabidesbyitself,willinsensiblygivecountenanceuntohardthoughtsofGod,andsotorepiningandwearinessinwaitingonhim.Atfirstthesoulneitherapprehendsnorfearsanysuchissue.ItsupposeththatitshallcondemnandabhoritselfandjustifyGod,andthatforever.Butwhenreliefcomesnotin,thisresolutionbeginstoweaken.SecretthoughtsariseintheheartthatGodisaustere,inexorable,andnottobedealtwithal.Thissometimescastsforthsuchcomplaintsaswillbringthesouluntonewcomplaintsbeforeitcomestohaveanissueofitstrials.Here,inhumiliationantecedaneoustoconversion,manyaconvincedpersonperisheth.TheycannotwaitGod'sseason,andperishundertheirimpatience.AndwhatthesaintsofGodthemselveshavebeenovertakenwithalintheirdepthsandtrials,wehavemanyexamplesandinstances.DelightandexpectationsarethegroundsofourabidingwithGod.Boththeseareweakenedbyaconquering,prevailingsenseofsin,withoutsomerelieffromthediscoveryofforgiveness,thoughatadistance.And,therefore,ourperplexedsoulstaysnothere,butpressethontowardsthatdiscovery.

Secondly,Thereisarestingonthisframethatisnoxiousandhurtfulalso.Somefindingthissenseofsin,withthoseotherthingsthatattendit,wroughtintheminsomemeasure,begintothinkthatnowalliswell,thisisallthatisofthemrequired.Theywillendeavourtomakealifefromsuchargumentsofcomfortastheycantakefromtheirtrouble.Theythinkthisagroundofpeace,thattheyhavenotpeace.Heresometakeupbeforeconversion,anditprovestheirruin.Becausetheyareconvincedofsin,andtroubledaboutit,andburdenedwithit,theythinkitshallbewellwiththem.ButwerenotCain,Esau,Saul,Ahab,Judas,convincedofsinandburdenedwithit?Didthisprofitthem?diditinteresttheminthepromises?DidnotthewrathofGodovertakethemnotwithstanding?Soisitwithmanydaily;theythinktheirconvictionisconversion,andthattheirsinsarepardonedbecausetheyhavebeentroubled.

This,then,isthatwhichwereject,whichthesoulinthisconditiondothcarefully

avoid,—sotosatisfyitselfwithitshumiliation,astomakethatagroundofsupportmentandconsolation,beingtherebykeptofffromexercisingfaithforforgiveness;forthisis,—

1.Afruitofself-righteousness.Forasoultoplacethespringofitspeaceorcomfortinanythingofitsown,istofallshortofChristandtotakeupinself.Wemustnotonlybe"justified,"but"glory"inhimalso,Isa.45:25.Menmaymakeuseoftheevidenceoftheirgraces,butonlyasmediumstoafartherend;notastherestofthesoulintheleast.Andthisdeprivesmen'sveryhumiliationsofallgospelhumility.Truehumilityconsistsmoreinbelievingthaninbeingsensibleofsin.Thatisthesoul'sgreatself-emptyingandabasing;thismayconsistwithanobstinateresolutiontoscambleforsomethingupontheaccountofself-endeavours.

2.Thoughevangelicalsenseofsinbeagrace,yetitisnottheunitinggrace;itisnotthatwhichinterestsusinChrist,notthatwhichpeculiarlyandinitsownnatureexaltshim.Thereisinthissenseofsinthatwhichisnaturalandthatwhichisspiritual;orthematterofitanditsspirituality.Theformerconsistsinsorrow,trouble,self-abasement,dejection,andanxietyofmind,withthelikepassions.OftheseImaysay,astheapostleofafflictions,"Theyarenotjoyous,butgrievous."Theyaresuchasareaccompaniedwiththeaversationoftheobjectwhichtheyareconversantabout.Intheirownnaturetheyarenomorebutthesoul'sretreatintoitself,withanabhorrencyoftheobjectsofitssorrowandgrief.Whentheseaffectionsarespiritualized,theirnatureisnotchanged.Thesoulinandbythemactsaccordingtotheirnature;anddothbythem,assuch,butretreatintoitself,withadislikeofthattheyareexercisedabout.Totakeuphere,then,mustneedsbetositdownshortofChrist,whetheritbeforlifeorconsolation.

Lettherebenomistake.TherecanbenoevangelicalsenseofsinandhumiliationwherethereisnotunionwithChrist,Zech.12:10.Onlyinitselfandinitsownnatureitisnotavailing.Now,Christistheonlyrestofoursouls;inanything,foranyendorpurpose,totakeupshortofhimistoloseit.Itisnotenoughthatwebe"prisonersofhope,"butwemust"turntoourstronghold,"Zech.9:12;notenoughthatweare"wearyandheavyladen,"butwemust"cometohim,"Matt.11:28–30.Itwillnotsufficethatweareweak,andknowweareweak,butwemust"takeholdonthestrengthofGod,"Isa.27:4,5.

3.Indeed,pressingafterforgivenessistheverylifeandpowerofevangelical

humiliation.Howshallamanknowthathishumiliationisevangelical,thathissorrowisaccordingtoGod?Isitnotfromhencehemayberesolved,thathedothnotinitasCaindid,whocriedhissinsweregreaterthanhecouldbear,andsodepartedfromthepresenceofGod;norasJudasdid,whorepentedandhangedhimself;norasFelixdid,—trembleforawhile,andthenreturntohislusts;norastheJewsdidintheprophet,pineawayundertheiriniquitiesbecauseofvexationofheart?Nordothhediverthisthoughtstootherthings,therebytorelievehissoulinhistrouble;norfixuponarighteousnessofhisown;norslothfullyliedownunderhisperplexity,butinthemidstofitheplieshimselftoGodinChristforpardonandmercy.Anditisthesoul'sapplicationuntoGodforforgiveness,andnotitssenseofsin,thatgivesuntoGodthegloryofhisgrace.

Thusfar,then,haveweaccompaniedthesoulinitsdepths.Itisnowlookingoutforforgiveness;which,whatitis,andhowwecometohaveaninterestinit,theprincipalmatterinthisdiscourseintended,isnextlytobeconsidered.

———

VERSEFOURTH

The words explained, and the design or scope of the psalmist in themdiscovered.

THEstateandconditionofthesoulmakingapplicationuntoGodinthispsalmisrecounted,verse1.Itwasinthe"depths:"notonlyprovidentialdepthsoftrouble,affliction,andperplexitiesthereon;butalsodepthsofconscience,distressontheaccountofsin;asintheopeningofthosewordshavebeendeclared.

TheapplicationofthissouluntoGod,withrestlessfervencyandearnestness,inthatstateandcondition;itsconsiderationinthefirstplaceofthelaw,andtheseverityofGod'sjusticeinaprocedurethereon,withtheinevitableruinofallsinnersifGodinsistonthatwayofdealingwiththem,—havealsobeenopenedandmanifestedfromtheforegoingverses.

Beinginthisestate,perplexedinitself,lostinandundertheconsiderationofGod'smarkinginiquityaccordingtothetenorofthelaw,thatwhichitfixeson,fromwhenceanyrelief,stay,orsupportmentmightbeexpectedinsucha

condition,islaiddowninthisverse.

Verse4.—"Butthereisforgivenesswiththee,thatthoumayestbefeared."

Ishallfirstopenthewordsastotheirsignificationandimportance;thenshowthedesignofthepsalmistinthem,withreferencetothesoulwhoseconditionishererepresented;and,lastly,proposethegeneraltruthscontainedinthem,whereinallourconcernmentsdolie.

"Thereisforgiveness."ἸλασμόςsaytheLXX.,andJeromeaccordingly,"propitiatio,""propitiation;"whichissomewhatmorethan"venia,"or"pardon,"asbysomeitisrendered.

החילםה ,"Condonatioipsa,""Forgivenessitself."Itisfrom חלס ,tospare,topardon,toforgive,tobepropitious;andisopposedto לסח ,awordcomposedofthesamelettersvaried(whichiscommoninthatlanguage),signifyingtocutoffanddestroy.

Now,itisconstantlyapplieduntosin,andexpressetheverythingthatconcurstoitspardonorforgiveness;as,—

First,Itexpresseththemindorwillofpardoning,orGod'sgraciousreadinesstoforgive:Ps.86:5,"Thou,Lord,artgood, חלסו ,andreadytoforgive;"χρηστὸςκαὶἐπιεικής,"benignandmeek,"or"sparing,propitious,"—ofagracious,mercifulheartandnature.SoNeh.9:17,"ThouartaGod" תוחילס"propitiationum,""ofpropitiationsorpardons;"or,aswehaverenderedit,"readytoforgive,"—"aGodofforgivenesses;"or,"allplentyofthemisinthygraciousheart,"Isa.55:7,"sothatthouartalwaysreadytomakeoutpardonstosinners."Thewordisusedagain,Dan.9:9,tothesamepurpose.

Secondly,Itregardstheactofpardoning,oractualforgivenessitself:Ps.103:3,חלסח ,"Whoforgivethallthineiniquities,"—"actuallydischargeththeeofthem;"

whichplacetheapostlerespecting,rendersthewordbyχαρισάμενος:Col.2:13,"Havingfreelyforgivenyou"(forsomuchthewordimports)"allyourtrespasses."

AndthisisthewordthatGodusethinthecovenant,inthatgreatpromiseof

graceandpardon,Jer.31:34.

Itiswarrantableforus,yea,necessary,totakethewordintheutmostextentofitssignificationanduse.Itisawordoffavour,andrequiresaninterpretationtendingtowardstheenlargementofit.Weseeitmayberenderedἰλασμός,or"propitiation;"χάρις,or"grace;"and"venia,"or"pardon;"andmaydenotethesethreethings:—

1.Thegracious,tender,mercifulheartandwillofGod,whoistheGodofpardonsandforgivenesses;orreadytoforgive,togiveoutmercy,toaddtopardon.

2.ArespectuntoJesusChrist,theonlyιλασμός,orpropitiationforsin,asheisexpresslycalled,Rom.3:25;1John2:2.AndthisisthatwhichinterposethbetweenthegraciousheartofGodandtheactualpardonofsinners.Allforgivenessisfoundedonpropitiation.

3.Itdenotescondonation,oractualforgivenessitself,aswearemadepartakersofit;comprisingitbothactively,asitisanactofgraceinGod,andpassively,asterminatedinoursouls,withthedeliverancethatattendsit.Inthissense,asitlooksdownwardsandinitseffectsrespectsus,itisofmeregrace;asitlooksupwardstoitscausesandrespectstheLordChrist,itisfrompropitiationoratonement.Andthisisthatpardonwhichisadministeredinthecovenantofgrace.

Now,astotheplacewhichthesewordsenjoyinthispsalm,andtheirrelationtothestateandconditionofthesoulherementioned,thisseemstobetheirimportance:—

"OLord,althoughthismustbegranted,thatifthoushouldstmarkiniquitiesaccordingtothetenorofthelaw,everymanlivingmustperish,andthatforever;yetthereishopeformysoul,thatevenI,whoaminthedepthsofsin-entanglements,mayfindacceptancewiththee:forwhilstIamputtingmymouthinthedust,ifsobetheremaybehope,Ifindthatthereisanatonement,apropitiationmadeforsin,ontheaccountwhereofthousayestthouhastfoundaransom,andwiltnotdealwiththemthatcomeuntotheeaccordingtotheseverityandexigenceofthyjustice;butartgracious,loving,tender,readytoforgiveandpardon,anddostsoaccordingly.THEREISFORGIVENESSWITHTHEE."

Thefollowingwords,"Thereforethoushaltbefeared,"or"Thatthoumayestbefeared,"thoughintheoriginalfreefromallambiguity,yetaresosignallyvariedbyinterpreters,thatitmaynotbeamisstotakenoticeofitinourpassage.

TheTargumhathit,"Thatthoumayestbeseen."Thisanswersnottheword,butitdoththesenseoftheplacewellenough.Godinhisdispleasureissaidtohidehimselforhisface:Isa.8:17,"TheLORDhidethhisfacefromthehouseofJacob."Byforgivenessweobtainagainthelightofhiscountenance.Thisdispelsthedarknessandcloudsthatareabouthim,andgivesusacomfortableprospectofhisfaceandfavour."Thereisforgivenesswithhimthathemaybeseen."Besides,thereisbutoneletterdifferentintheoriginalwords,andthatwhichisusuallychangedfortheother.

TheLXX.renderthem,Ἔνεκατοῦὀνόματόςσου,—"Forthyname'ssake,"or"thyownsake;"thatis,freely,withoutanyrespectuntoanythinginus.Thisalsowouldadmitofafairandsoundconstruction,butthatthereismorethanordinaryevidenceoftheplacesbeingcorrupted:fortheVulgarLatin,which,astothePsalms,wastranslatedoutoftheLXX.,rendersthesewords,"Propterlegemtuam,"—"Forthylaw'ssake;"whichmakesitevidentthatthattranslatorreadsthewordsἕνεκατοῦνόμουσου,andnotὀνόματος,asnowweread.Now,thoughthishathinitselfnopropersense(forforgivenessisnotbestowedforthelaw'ssake),yetitdiscoverstheoriginalofthewholemistake. הרות ,"thelaw,"differsbutinoneletterfrom ארות ,"thatthoumayestbefeared;"byamistakewhereofthisἔνεκατοῦνόμου,"forthylaw'ssake,"creptintothetext.NordoththisanythingcountenancethecorruptfigmentofthenoveltyoftheHebrewvowelsandaccents,asthoughthisdifferencemightarisefromtheLXX.usingacopythathadnone,—thatis,beforetheirinvention,whichmightoccasionmistakesanddifferences;forthisdifferenceisinaletteraswellasinthevowels,andthereforetherecanbenocolourforthisconceit,unlesswesayalsothattheyhadcopiesofoldwithotherconsonantsthanthosewenowenjoy.Bellarmine,inhisexpositionofthisplace,endeavourstogivecountenanceuntothereadingoftheVulgarLatin,"Forthylaw'ssake;"affirmingthatbythelawhere,notthelawofourobedienceisintended,butthelawororderofGod'sdealingwithus,—thatis,hismercyandfaithfulness;—whichisamerenewinventiontocountenanceanolderror,whichanytolerableingenuitywouldhaveconfessed,ratherthanhavejustifiedbysosorryapretence;forneitheristhatexpressionorthatwordeverusedinthesenseherebyhimfeigned,norcanithaveanysuchsignification.

Jeromerendersthesewords,"Utsisterribilis,"—"Thatthoumayestbedreadfulorterrible;"doubtlessnotaccordingtotheintendmentoftheplace.Itisfortherelievingofthesoul,andnotfortheincreasingofitsdreadandterror,thatthisobservationismade,"Thereisforgivenesswiththee."

Butthewordsareclear,andtheirsenseisobvious. ארוח ןעמל ,—"Thereforethoushaltbefeared;"or,"Thatthoumayestbefeared."

Bythe"fearoftheLORD,"intheOldTestament,thewholeworshipofGod,moralandinstituted,alltheobediencewhichweoweuntohim,bothformatterandmanner,isintended.WhateverwearetoperformuntoGod,beingtobecarriedonandperformedwithreverenceandgodlyfear,byametonymyoftheadjunct,thatnameisgiventothewhole."Thatthoumayestbefeared,"then,is,"Thatthoumayestbeserved,worshipped;thatI,whoamreadytofaintandgiveoverontheaccountofsin,mayyetbeencouragedunto,andyetcontinuein,thatobediencewhichthourequirestatmyhands:"andthisappearstobethesenseofthewholeverse,asinfluencedbyandfromthoseforegoing:—

"Although,OLord,nomancanapproachuntothee,standbeforethee,orwalkwiththee,ifthoushouldstmarktheirsinsandfolliesaccordingtothetenorofthelaw,norcouldtheyservesogreatandholyaGodasthouart;yetbecauseIknowfromthyrevelationofitthatthereisalsowiththee,ontheaccountofJesusChristthepropitiation,pardonandforgiveness,Iamencouragedtocontinuewiththee,waitingforthee,worshippingofthee,when,withoutthisdiscovery,Ishouldratherchoosetohaverocksandmountainsfalluponme,tohidemefromthypresence."

"Butthereisforgivenesswiththee,andthereforethoushaltbefeared."

Thewordsbeingthusopened,wemaytakeafullviewinthemofthestateandconditionofthesoulexpressedinthispsalm;andthatansweringtheexperiencesofallwhohavehadanythingtodowithGodinandaboutthedepthsandentanglementsofsin.

Havinginandfromhisgreatdepths,verse1,addressedhimselfwithfervent,redoubledcries,yea,outcriestoGod,andtohimalone,forrelief,verses1,2;havingalsoacknowledgedhisiniquities,andconsideredthemaccordingtothetenorofthelaw,verse3;heconfessethhimselftobelostandundoneforeveronthataccount,verse3.Butheabidesnotinthestateofself-condemnationand

dejectionofsoul;hesaysnot,"Thereisnohope;GodisajealousGod,aholyGod,Icannotservehim;hislawisafierylaw,whichIcannotstandbefore;sothatIhadasgoodgiveover,sitdownandperish,ascontendanylonger!"No;butsearchingbyfaithintothediscoverythatGodmakesofhimselfinChristthroughthecovenantofgrace,hefindsastablefoundationofencouragementtocontinuewaitingonhim,withexpectationofmercyandpardon.

———

Propositionsorobservationsfromtheformerexpositionofthewords—Thefirst proposed to confirmation—No encouragement for any sinner toapproachuntoGodwithoutadiscoveryofforgiveness

FROMthewordsunfolded,astheylieintheircontextureinthepsalm,theensuingpropositionsdoarise:—

First,Faith'sdiscoveryofforgivenessinGod,thoughithavenopresentsenseofitsownpeculiarinteresttherein,isthegreatsupportmentofasin-perplexedsoul.

Secondly,Gospelforgiveness,whosediscoveryisthesolesupportmentofsin-distressedsouls,relatestothegraciousheartorgoodwilloftheFather,theGodofforgiveness,thepropitiationthatismadebythebloodoftheSon,andfreecondonationorpardonaccordingtothetenorofthecovenantofgrace.

Thirdly,Faith'sdiscoveryofforgivenessinGodisthesolebottomofadherencetohim,inacceptableworshipandreverentialobedience.

ThefirstoftheseisthatwhoseconfirmationandimprovementIprincipallyaimat;andtheothersonlysofarastheyhavecoincidencetherewith,ormaybeusedinasubserviencytotheillustrationordemonstrationthereof.

Inthehandling,then,ofthistruth,thatitmaybeofthemoreadvantageuntothemwhosegoodissoughtandintendedintheproposalandmanagementofit,Ishallsteerthiscourse,andshow,—

FIRST,ThatthereisnottheleastencouragementtothesoulofasinnertodealwithGodwithoutthisdiscovery.

SECONDLY,ThatthisdiscoveryofforgivenessinGodisamattergreat,holy,andmysterious;andwhichveryfewongospelabidinggroundsdoattainunto.

THIRDLY,Thatyetthisisagreat,sacred,andcertaintruth,asfromthemanifoldevidencesofitmaybemadetoappear.

FOURTHLY,Thatthisisastablesupportmentuntoasin-distressedsoulshallbemanifested,andthewholeapplied,accordingtotheseveralconcernmentsofthosewhoshallconsiderit.

FIRST.ThereisnottheleastencouragementforthesoulofasinnertoentertainanythoughtsofapproachinguntoGodwithoutthisdiscovery.Alltherestoftheworldiscoveredwithadelugeofwrath.Thisistheonlyarkwhereuntothesoulmayrepairandfindrest.Allwithoutitisdarkness,curse,andterror.

Wehaveaninstanceandexampleofit,beyondallexception,inAdam.Whenheknewhimself tobea sinner (and itwas impossible forhim, aswe shall showafterward, tomakeadiscoveryofanysuch thingasforgivenesswithGod),helaidasideall thoughtsof treatingwithhim; thebestofhis foolishcontrivancewas for an escape: Gen. 3:10, "I heard thy voice," saith he to God, "in thegarden,andIwasAFRAID,becauseIwasnaked;andIHIDmyself."Nothingbut"Thoushaltdiethedeath,"soundedinhisears.Inthemorningofthatday,hewas made by the hand of God; a few hours before, he had converse andcommunionwithhim,withboldnessandpeace;why,then,dothnothingnowbutfear,flying,andhiding,possesshim?Adamhadsinned,thepromisewasnotyetgiven,norevelationmadeofforgivenessinGod;andwhatothercoursethanthatvainandfoolishonetofixuponheknewnot.Nomorecananyofhisposterity,without this revelation.What else anyof themhath fixedon in this case hathbeennolessfoolishthanhishiding;andinmost,morepernicious.WhenCainhadreceivedhissentencefromGod,itissaid"hewentout הוהי ינפלמ ,fromthepresence"orface"oftheLORD,"Gen.4:16.Fromhisprovidentialpresencehecouldneversubducthimself:sothepsalmist informsusat large,Ps.139:7–10.Theveryheathenknew,bythelightofnature,thatguiltcouldneverdrivemenoutofthereachofGod:—

"QuofugisEncelade?quascunqueaccesserisoras

SubJovesempereris."

Theyknewthatδίκη(thevengeanceofGod)wouldnotsparesinners,norcouldbeavoided,Acts28:4.FromGod'sgraciouspresence,whichheneverenjoyed,hecouldnotdepart.Itwas,then,hispresenceastohisworship,andalloutward

actsofcommunion,thatheforsook,anddepartedfrom.Hehadnodiscoverybyfaithofforgiveness,andthereforeresolvedtohavenomoretodowithGod,northosewhocleavedtohim;foritrespectshiscourse,andnotanyoneparticularaction.

Thisalsoisstated,Isa.33:14,"ThesinnersinZionareafraid;fearfulnesshathsurprisedthehypocrites.Whoamongusshalldwellwiththedevouringfire?whoamongusshalldwellwitheverlastingburnings?"Thepersonsspokenofaresinners,greatsinners,andhypocrites.Convictionofsinandthedesertofitwasfallenuponthem;alighttodiscernforgivenesstheyhadnot;theyapprehendGodasdevouringfireandeverlastingburningsonly,—onethatwouldnotspare,butassuredlyinflictpunishmentaccordingtothedesertofsin;andthenceistheirconclusion,couchedintheirinterrogation,thattherecanbenointercourseofpeacebetweenhimandthem,thereisnoabiding,noenduringofhispresence.Andwhatconditionthisconsiderationbringsthesoulsofsinnersunto,whenconvictiongrowsstronguponthem,theHolyGhostdeclares:Micah6:6,7,"WherewithshallIcomebeforetheLORD,andbowmyselfbeforethehighGod?shallIcomebeforehimwithburnt-offerings,withcalvesofayearold?WilltheLORDbepleasedwiththousandsoframs,orwithtenthousandsofriversofoil?shallIgivemyfirst-bornformytransgression,thefruitofmybodyforthesinofmysoul?"Senseofsinpresseth,forgivenessisnotdiscovered(likethePhilistinesonSaul,Samuelnotcomingtohisdirection);andhowdoththepoorcreatureperplexitselfinvain,tofindoutawayofdealingwithGod?"Willasedulousanddiligentobservationofhisownordinancesandinstitutionsrelieveme?'ShallIcomebeforehimwithburnt-offerings,withcalvesofayearold?'"Alas!thouartasinner,andthesesacrificescannotmakethee"perfect,"oracquitthee,Heb.10:1."ShallIdomorethaneverherequiredofanyofthesonsofmen?OthatIhad'thousandsoframs,andtenthousandsofriversofoil'tooffertohim!"Alas!ifthouhadstallthe"bullsandgoats"intheworld,"itisnotpossiblethattheirbloodshouldtakeawaysins,"verse4."ButIhaveheardofthemwhohavesnatchedtheirownchildrenfromtheirmothers'breasts,andcastthemintothefire,untiltheywereconsumed,sotopacifytheirconsciencesinexpiatingtheguiltoftheiriniquities.ShallItakethiscourse?willitrelieveme?Iamreadytopartwithmy'firstborn'intothefire,soImayhavedeliverancefrommy'transgression.'"Alas!thisnevercameintotheheartofGodtoapproveoracceptof.Andasitwasthen,whilstthatkindofworshipwasinforce,soisitstillastoanydutiesreallytobeperformed,orimaginarily.Wherethereisnodiscoveryofforgiveness,theywillyieldthesoulnorelief,nosupportment;Godisnottobetreateduponsuchterms.

———

GreatnessandrarenessofthediscoveryofforgivenessinGod—Reasonsofit—Testimoniesofconscienceandlawagainstit,etc.

SECONDLY.ThisdiscoveryofforgivenessinGodisgreat,holy,andmysterious,andwhichveryfewongospelgroundsdoattainunto.

Allmen,indeed,saythereis;mostmenarepersuadedthattheythinkso.Onlymeningreatanddesperateextremities,likeCainorSpira,seemtocallitintoquestion.Buttheirthoughtsareempty,groundless,yea,forthemostpartwickedandatheistical.Elihutellsus,thattodeclarethisarighttoasinfulsoul,itistheworkof"amessenger,aninterpreter,oneamongathousand,"Job33:23;thatis,indeed,ofChristhimself.Thecommonthoughtsofmenaboutthisthingareslightandfoolish,andmayberesolvedintothosementionedbythepsalmist,Ps.50:21.Theythinkthat"Godisaltogethersuchanoneasthemselves;"that,indeed,hetakeslittleornocareaboutthesethings,butpasseththemoverasslightlyastheydothemselves.That,notwithstandingalltheirpretences,themostofmenneverhadindeedanyrealdiscoveryofforgiveness,shallbeafterwardundeniablyevinced;andIshallspeedilyshowtheDifferencethatisbetweentheirvaincredulityandagraciousgospeldiscoveryofforgivenessinGod.Foritmustbeobserved,thatbythisdiscoveryIintendboththerevelationofitmadebyGodandourunderstandingandreceptionofthatrevelationtoourownadvantage;asshallbeshowedimmediately.

Now,thegroundsofthedifficultyintimatedconsistpartlyinthehinderancesthatlieinthewayofthisdiscovery,andpartlyinthenatureofthethingitselfthatisdiscovered;ofbothwhichIshallbrieflytreat.

Buthere,beforeIproceed,somewhatmustbepremisedtoshowwhatitisthatIparticularlyintendbyadiscoveryofforgiveness.Itmay,then,beconsideredtwoways:—1.Foradoctrinal,objectivediscoveryofitinitstruth.2.Anexperimental,subjectivediscoveryofitinitspower.Inthefirstsense,forgivenessinGodhathbeendiscoveredeversincethegivingoutofthefirstpromise:Godrevealeditinawordofpromise,oritcouldneverhavebeenknown;asshallbeafterwarddeclared.Inthissense,aftermanylesserdegreesandadvancementsofthelightofit,itwasfullyandgloriouslybroughtforthbytheLordJesusChristinhisownperson,andisnowrevealedandpreachedinthegospel,andbythemtowhomthewordofreconciliationiscommitted;andto

declarethisistheprincipalworkoftheministersofthegospel.HereinliethoseunsearchabletreasuresandrichesofChrist,whichtheapostleesteemedashischiefesthonourandprivilegethathewasintrustedwiththedeclarationanddispensationof,Eph.3:8,9.Iknowbymanyitisdespised,bymanytraduced,whoseignoranceandblindnessistobelamented;butthedayiscomingwhichwillmanifesteveryman'sworkofwhatsortitis.Inthelattersense,howitismadebyfaithinthesoul,shallinitsproperplacebefartheropenedandmadeknown.Heremanymenmistakeanddeceivethemselves.Becauseitissointhebook,theythinkitissointhemalso.Becausetheyhavebeentaughtit,theythinktheybelieveit.Butitisnotso;theyhavenotheardthisvoiceofGodatanytime,norseenhisshape.Ithathnotbeenrevealeduntotheminitspower.

Tohavethisdoneisagreatwork;for,—

First,Theconstantvoiceofconscienceliesagainstit.Conscience,ifnotseared,inexorablycondemnethandpronouncethwrathandangeruponthesoulthathaththeleastguiltcleavingtoit.Now,ithaththisadvantage,itliethclosetothesoul,andbyimportunityandloudspeakingitwillbeheardinwhatithathtosay;itwillmakethewholesoulattend,oritwillspeaklikethunder.Anditsconstantvoiceis,thatwherethereisguilttheremustbejudgment,Rom.2:14,15.Consciencenaturallyknowsnothingofforgiveness;yea,itisagainstitsverytrust,work,andofficetohearanythingofit.Ifamanofcourageandhonestybeintrustedtokeepagarrisonagainstanenemy,letonecomeandtellhimthatthereispeacemadebetweenthosewhomheservesandtheirenemies,sothathemayleavehisguard,andsetopenthegates,andceasehiswatchfulness;howwarywillhebe,lestunderthispretencehebebetrayed!"No,"saithhe;"IwillkeepmyholduntilIhaveexpressorderfrommysuperiors."ConscienceisintrustedwiththepowerofGodinthesoulofasinner,withcommandtokeepallinsubjectionwithreferenceuntothejudgmenttocome.Itwillnotbetrayitstrustinbelievingeveryreportofpeace.No;butthisitsays,anditspeaksinthenameofGod,"Guiltandpunishmentareinseparabletwins;ifthesoulsin,Godwilljudge.Whattellyoumeofforgiveness?Iknowwhatmycommissionis,andthatIwillabideby.Youshallnotbringinasuperiorcommander,acrossprinciple,intomytrust;forifthisbeso,itseemsImustletgomythrone,—anotherlordmustcomein;"notknowing,asyet,howthiswholebusinessiscompoundedinthebloodofChrist.Now,whomshouldamanbelieveifnothisownconscience,which,asitwillnotflatterhim,soitintendsnottoaffrighthim,buttospeakthetruthasthematterrequireth?Consciencehathtwoworksinreferenceuntosin,—onetocondemntheactsofsin,anothertojudgetheperson

ofthesinner;bothwithreferencetothejudgmentofGod.Whenforgivenesscomes,itwouldseverandparttheseemployments,andtakeoneofthemoutofthehandofconscience;itwoulddividethespoilwiththisstrongone.Itshallcondemnthefact,oreverysin:butitshallnomorecondemnthesinner,thepersonofthesinner;thatshallbefreedfromitssentence.Hereconsciencelabourswithallitsmighttokeepitswholedominion,andtokeepoutthepowerofforgivenessfrombeingenthronedinthesoul.Itwillallowmentotalkofforgiveness,tohearitpreached,thoughtheyabuseiteveryday;buttoreceiveitinitspower,thatstandsupindirectoppositiontoitsdominion."Inthekingdom,"saithconscience,"Iwillbegreaterthanthou;"andinmany,inthemost,itkeepsitspossession,andwillnotbedeposed.

Nor,indeed,isitaneasyworksotodealwithit.Theapostletellsusthatallthesacrificesofthelawcouldnotdoit,Heb.10:2:theycouldnotbringamanintothatestatewhereinhe"shouldhavenomoreconscienceofsin;"—thatis,consciencecondemningtheperson;forconscienceinasenseofsin,andcondemnationofit,isnevertobetakenaway.AndthiscanbenootherwisedonebutbythebloodofChrist,astheapostleatlargetheredeclares.

Itis,then,noeasythingtomakeadiscoveryofforgivenessuntoasoul,whentheworkandemploymentwhichconscience,uponunquestionablegrounds,challengethuntoitselfliesinoppositionuntoit.Henceisthesoul'sgreatdesiretoestablishitsownrighteousness,wherebyitsnaturalprinciplesmaybepreservedintheirpower.Letself-righteousnessbeenthroned,andnaturalconsciencedesiresnomore;itissatisfiedandpacified.Thelawitknows,andrighteousnessitknows;butasforforgiveness,itsays,"Whenceisit?"Untotheutmost,untilChristperfectshisconquest,thereareonthisaccountsecretstragglingsintheheartagainstfreepardoninthegospel,andfluctuationsofmindandspiritaboutit.Yea,hencearethedoubtsandfearsofbelieversthemselves.Theyarenothingbutthestrivingsofconsciencetokeepitswholedominion,tocondemnthesinneraswellasthesin.Moreorlessitkeepsupitspretensionsagainstthegospelwhilstweliveinthisworld.ItisagreatworkthatthebloodofChristhathtodoupontheconscienceofasinner;forwhereas,asithathbeendeclared,ithathapower,andclaimsarighttocondemnbothsinandsinner,theonepartofthisitspoweristobecleared,strengthened,mademoreactive,vigorous,andwatchful,theothertobetakenquiteaway.Itshallnowseemoresinsthanformerly,moreofthevilenessofallsinsthanformerly,andcondemnthemwithmoreabhorrencythanever,uponmoreandmoregloriousaccountsthanformerly;butitisalsomadetoseeaninterpositionbetweenthese

sinsandthepersonofthesinnerwhohathcommittedthem,whichisnosmallorordinarywork.

Secondly,Thelawliesagainstthisdiscovery.ThelawisabeamoftheholinessofGodhimself.Whatitspeaksuntous,itspeaksinthenameandauthorityofGod;andIshallbrieflyshowconcerningitthesetwothings:—1.Thatthisisthevoiceofthelaw,—namely,thatthereisnoforgivenessforasinner.2.Thatasinnerhathgreatreasontogivecredittothelawinthatassertion.

1.Itiscertainthatthelawknowsneithermercynorforgiveness.Theverysanctionofitlieswhollyagainstthem:"Thesoulthatsinneth,itshalldie;""Cursedishethatcontinuethnotinallthingsinthebookofthelawtodothem,"Deut.27:26;[Gal.3:10.]Hencetheapostlepronouncethuniversally,withoutexception,thattheywho"areunderthelawareunderthecurse,"Gal.3:10;andsaithhe,verse12,"Thelawisnotoffaith."Thereisaninconsistencybetweenthelawandbelieving;theycannothavetheirabodeinpowertogether."'Dothisandlive;'failanddie,"istheconstant,immutablevoiceofthelaw.Thisitspeaksingeneraltoall,andthisinparticulartoeveryone.

2.Thesinnerseemstohavemanifoldandweightyreasonstoattendtothevoiceofthislaw,andtoacquiesceinitssentence;for,—

(1.)Thelawisconnaturaltohim;hisdomestic,hisoldacquaintance.Itcameintotheworldwithhim,andhathgrownupwithhimfromhisinfancy.Itwasimplantedinhisheartbynature,—ishisownreason;hecannevershakeitofforpartwithit.Itishisfamiliar,hisfriend,thatcleavestohimasthefleshtothebone;sothattheywhohavenotthelawwrittencannotbutshowforththeworkofthelaw,Rom.2:14,15,andthatbecausethelawitselfisinbredtothem.Andallthefacultiesofthesoulareatpeacewithit,insubjectiontoit.Itisthebondandligamentoftheirunion,harmony,andcorrespondencyamongthemselves,inalltheirmoralactings.Itgiveslife,order,motiontothemall.Now,thegospel,thatcomestocontrolthissentenceofthelaw,andtorelievethesinnerfromit,isforeigntohisnature,astrangethingtohim,athinghehathnoacquaintanceorfamiliaritywith;ithathnotbeenbredupwithhim;noristhereanythinginhimtosidewithit,tomakeapartyforit,ortopleadinitsbehalf.Now,shallnotamanratherbelieveadomestic,afriend,indeedhimself,thanaforeigner,astranger,thatcomeswithuncouthprinciples,andsuchassuitnotitsreasonatall?1Cor.1:18.

(2.)Thelawspeaksnothingtoasinnerbutwhathisconscienceassureshimtobetrue.Thereisaconstantconcurrenceinthetestimonyofthelawandconscience.Whenthelawsays,"Thisorthatisasinworthyofdeath,"consciencesays,"Itisevenso,"Rom.1:32.Andwherethelawofitself,asbeingageneralrule,rests,consciencehelpsiton,andsays,"Thisandthatsin,soworthyofdeath,isthesoulguiltyof.""Thendie,"saiththelaw,"asthouhastdeserved."Now,thismustneedshaveamightyefficacytoprevailwiththesoultogivecredittothereportandtestimonyofthelaw;itspeaksnotonewordbutwhathehathawitnesswithinhimselftothetruthofit.Thesewitnessesalwaysagree;andsoitseemstobeestablishedforatruththatthereisnoforgiveness.

(3.)Thelaw,thoughitspeakagainstthesoul'sinterest,yetitspeaksnothingbutwhatissojust,righteous,andequal,thatitevenforceththesoul'sconsent.SoPaultellsus,thatmenknowthisvoiceofthelawtobethe"judgmentofGod,"Rom.1:32.Theyknowit,andcannotbutconsentuntoit,thatitisthejudgmentofGod,—thatis,good,righteous,equal,nottobecontrolled.And,indeed,whatcanbemorerighteousthanitssentence?ItcommandsobediencetotheGodoflifeanddeath;promisethareward,anddeclaresthatfornon-performanceofduty,deathwillbeinflicted.Onthesetermsthesinnercomethintotheworld.Theyaregood,righteous,holy;thesoulacceptsofthem,andknowsnotwhatitcandesirebetterormoreequal.Thistheapostleinsistsupon,chap.7:12,13,"Whereforethelawisholy,andthecommandmentholy,andjust,andgood.Wasthenthatwhichwasgoodmadedeathuntome?Godforbid.Butsin,thatitmightappearsin,workingdeathinmebythatwhichisgood;thatsinbythecommandmentmightbecomeexceedingsinful."Wherevertheblamefalls,thesoulcannotbutacquitthelaw,andconfessthatwhatitsaysisrighteousanduncontrollablyequal.Anditismeetthingsshouldbeso.Now,thoughtheauthorityandcreditofawitnessmaygoveryfarinadoubtfulmatter,whenthereisaconcurrenceofmorewitnessesitstrengthensthetestimony;butnothingissoprevalenttobegetbeliefaswhenthethingsthemselvesthatarespokenarejustandgood,notliabletoanyreasonableexception.Andsoisitinthiscase:untotheauthorityofthelawandconcurrenceofconscience,thisalsoisadded,thereasonablenessandequityofthethingitselfproposed,eveninthejudgmentofthesinner,—namely,thateverysinshallbepunished,andeverytransgressionreceiveameetrecompenseofreward.

(4.)Butyetfarther.Whatthelawsays,itspeaksinthenameandauthorityofGod.Whatitsays,then,mustbebelieved,orwemakeGodaliar.Itcomesnotinitsownname,butinthenameofhimwhoappointedit.Youwillsay,then,"Isit

soindeed?IstherenoforgivenesswithGod?Forthisistheconstantvoiceofthelaw,whichyousayspeaksinthenameandauthorityofGod,andisthereforetobebelieved."Ianswerbrieflywiththeapostle,"Whatthelawspeaks,itspeakstothemthatareunderthelaw."Itdothnotspeaktothemthatare"inChrist,"whomthe"lawoftheSpiritoflifehathsetfreefromthelawofsinanddeath;"buttothemthatare"underthelaw"itspeaks;anditspeakstheverytruth,anditspeaksinthenameofGod,anditstestimonyistobereceived.ItsaysthereisnoforgivenessinGod,namely,tothemthatareunderthelaw;andtheythatshallflatterthemselveswithacontrarypersuasionwillfindthemselveswofullymistakenatthegreatday.

Ontheseandthelikeconsiderations,Isay,thereseemstobeagreatdealofreasonwhyasoulshouldconcludethatitwillbeaccordingtothetestimonyofthelaw,andthatheshallnotfindforgiveness.Lawandconscienceclosetogether,andinsinuatethemselvesintothethoughts,mind,andjudgmentofasinner.Theystrengthenthetestimonyofoneanother,andgreatlyprevail.Ifanyareotherwiseminded,Ileavethemtothetrial.IfeverGodawakentheirconsciencestoathoroughperformanceoftheirduty,—ifeverheopentheirsouls,andletinthelightandpowerofthelawuponthem,—theywillfinditnosmallworktograpplewiththem.Iamsurethateventuallytheyprevailsofar,thatinthepreachingofthegospelwehavegreatcausetosay,"Lord,whohathbelievedourreport?"Wecomewithourreportofforgiveness,butwhobelievesit?bywhomisitreceived?Neitherdoththelight,norconscience,norconversationofthemost,allowustosupposeitisembraced.

Thirdly,TheingraftednotionsthatareinthemindsofmenconcerningthenatureandjusticeofGodlieagainstthisdiscoveryalso.ThereareinallmenbynatureindeliblecharactersoftheholinessandpurityofGod,ofhisjusticeandhatredofsin,ofhisinvariablerighteousnessinthegovernmentoftheworld,thattheycanneitherdeposenorlayaside;fornotionsofGod,whatevertheyare,willbearswayandruleintheheart,whenthingsareputtothetrial.Theywereintheheathensofold;theyabodewiththeminalltheirdarkness;asmightbemanifestedbyinnumerableinstances.Butsoitisinallmenbynature.Theirinwardthoughtis,thatGodisanavengerofsin;thatitbelongstohisruleandgovernmentoftheworld,hisholinessandrighteousness,totakecarethateverysinbepunished;thisishisjudgment,whichallmenknow,aswasobservedbefore,Rom.1:32.TheyknowthatitisarighteousthingwithGodtorendertribulationuntosinners.FromthenceisthatdreadandfearwhichsurprisethmenatanapprehensionofthepresenceofGod,orofanythingunderhim,above

them,thatmayseemtocomeonhiserrand.ThisnotionofGod'savengingallsinexertsitselfsecretlybuteffectually.SoAdamtrembled,andhidhimself.Anditwasthesayingofold,"IhaveseenGod,andshalldie."Whenmenareunderanydreadfulprovidence,—thunderings,lightnings,tempests,indarkness,—theytremble;notsomuchatwhattheysee,orhear,orfeel,asfromtheirsecretthoughtsthatGodisnigh,andthatheisaconsumingfire.

Now,theseinbrednotionslieuniversallyagainstallapprehensionsofforgiveness,whichmustbebroughtintothesoulfromwithoutdoors,havingnoprincipleofnaturetopromotethem.

Itistrue,menbynaturehavepresumptionsandcommoningraftednotionsofotherpropertiesofGodbesideshisholinessandjustice,—asofhisgoodness,benignity,loveofhiscreatures,andthelike;butallthesehavethissuppositioninlaidwiththeminthesoulsofmen,namely,thatallthingsstandbetweenGodandhiscreaturesastheydidattheirfirstcreation.Andastheyhavenonaturalnotionofforgiveness,sotheinterpositionofsinweakens,disturbs,darkensthem,astoanyimprovementofthoseapprehensionsofgoodnessandbenignitywhichtheyhave.Iftheyhaveanynotionofforgiveness,itisfromsomecorrupttradition,andnotatallfromanyuniversalprinciplethatisinbredinnature,suchasarethosewhichtheyhaveofGod'sholinessandvindictivejustice.

Andthisisthefirstground;fromwhenceitappearsthatareal,soliddiscoveryofforgivenessis indeedagreatwork;manydifficultiesandhinderanceslieinthewayofitsaccomplishment.

False presumptions of forgiveness discovered—Differences between themandfaithevangelical.

BEFOREIproceedtoproduceandmanagetheremainingevidencesofthistruth,becausewhathathbeenspokenliesobnoxiousandopentoanobjection,whichmustneedsriseinthemindsofmany,thatitmaynottherebyberendereduselessuntothem,Ishallremoveitoutoftheway,thatwemaypassontowhatremains.

Itwill,then,besaid,"Dothnotallthisliedirectlycontrarytoourdailyexperience?Doyenotfindallmenfullenough,mosttoofull,ofapprehensionsofforgivenesswithGod?Whatsocommonas'Godismerciful?'Arenottheconsciencesandconvictionsofthemoststifledbythisapprehension?Canyou

findamanthatisotherwiseminded?Isitnotacommoncomplaint,thatmenpresumeonituntotheireternalruin?Certainly,then,thatwhichallmendo,whicheverymancansoeasilydo,andwhichyoucannotkeepmenofffromdoing,thoughitbetotheirhurt,hathnosuchdifficultyinitasispretended."Andonthisveryaccounthaththisweakendeavourtodemonstratethistruthbeenbysomelaughedtoscorn;menwhohavetakenuponthemtheteachingofothers,but,asitseems,hadneedbetaughtthemselvesthevery"firstprinciplesoftheoraclesofGod."

Ans.Allthis,then,Isay,isso,andmuchmoretothispurposemaybespoken.Thefollyandpresumptionofpoorsoulshereincanneverbeenoughlamented.Butitisonethingtoembraceacloud,ashadow,anothertohavethetruthinreality.Ishallhereaftershowthetruenatureofforgivenessandwhereinitdothconsist,wherebythevanityofthisself-deceivingwillbediscoveredandlaidopen.Itwillappearintheissue,that,notwithstandingalltheirpretensions,themostofmenknownothingatall,ornotanythingtothepurpose,ofthatwhichisunderconsideration.Ishall,therefore,forthepresent,insomefewobservations,showhowfarthisdelusionofmanydiffersfromatruegospeldiscoveryofforgiveness,suchasthatweareinquiringafter.

First,Thecommonnotionofforgivenessthatmenhaveintheworldistwofold:—1.AnatheisticalpresumptiononGod,thatheisnotsojustandholy,ornotjustandholyinsuchawayandmanner,asheisbysomerepresented,isthegroundoftheirpersuasionofforgiveness.MenthinkthatsomedeclarationsofGodarefittedonlytomakethemmad;thathetakeslittlenoticeofthesethings;andthatwhathedoth,hewilleasilypassby,as,theysuppose,betterbecomeshim."Come,'letuseatanddrink,forto-morrowweshalldie.'"Thisistheirinwardthought,"TheLORDwillnotdogood,neitherwillhedoevil;"which,saysthepsalmist,ismen'sthinkingthatGodissuchaoneasthemselves,Ps.50:21.Theyhavenodeepnorseriousthoughtsofhisgreatness,holiness,purity,severity,butthinkthatheislikethemselves,sofarasnottobemuchmovedwithwhattheydo.Whatthoughtstheyhaveofsin,thesametheythinkGodhath.Ifwiththemaslightejaculationbeenoughtoexpiatesin,thattheirconsciencesbenomoretroubled,theythinkitisenoughwithGodthatitbenotpunished.Thegeneralityofmenmakelightworkofsin;andyetinnothingdothitmoreappearwhatthoughtstheyhaveofGod.HethathathslightthoughtsofsinhadnevergreatthoughtsofGod.Indeed,men'sundervaluingofsinarisethmerelyfromtheircontemptofGod.Allsin'sconcernmentsflowfromitsrelationuntoGod;andasmen'sapprehensionsareofGod,sowilltheybeofsin,which

isanoppositiontohim.Thisistheframeofthemostofmen,—theyknowlittleofGod,andarelittletroubledaboutanythingthatrelatesuntohim.Godisnotreverenced,sinisbutatrifle,forgivenessamatterofnothing;whosowillmayhaveitforasking.Butshallthisatheisticalwickednessoftheheartofmanbecalledadiscoveryofforgiveness?IsnotthistomakeGodanidol?HewhoisnotacquaintedwithGod'sholinessandpurity,whoknowsnotsin'sdesertandsinfulness,knowsnothingofforgiveness.

2.Fromthedoctrineofthegospelcommonlypreachedandmadeknown,thereisageneralnotionbegotteninthemindsofmenthatGodisreadytoforgive.Men,Isay,fromhencehaveadoctrinalapprehensionofthistruth,withoutanyreal,satisfactoryfoundationofthatapprehensionastothemselves.Thistheyhaveheard,thistheyhavebeenoftentold;sotheythink,andsotheyresolvedtodo.Ageneralpersuasionhereofspreadsitselfoveralltowhomthesoundofthegospeldothcome.Itisnotfiduciallyresolvedintothegospel,butisanopiniongrowingoutofthereportofit.

Somereliefmenfindbyitinthecommoncourseoftheirconversation,inthedutiesofworshipwhichtheydoperform,asalsointheirtroublesanddistresses,whetherinternalandofconscience,orexternalandofprovidence,sothattheyresolvetoretainit.

AndthisisthatwhichIshallbrieflyspeakunto,andthereinmanifestthedifferencesbetweenthiscommonprevailingapprehensionofforgiveness,andfaith'sdiscoveryofittothesoulinitspower.

(1.)Thatwhichwerejectislooseandgeneral;notfixed,ingrafted,orplantedonthemind.Soisitalwayswherethemindsofmenreceivethingsonlyintheirnotionandnotintheirpower.Itwantsfixednessandfoundation;whichdefectsaccompanyallnotionsofthemindthatareonlyretainedinthememory,notimplantedinthejudgment.Theyhavegeneralthoughtsofit,whichtheyuseasoccasionserves.TheyhearthatGodisamercifulGod,andassuchtheyintendtodealwithhim.Forthetruebottom,rise,andfoundationofit,—whenceoronwhataccountthepureandholyGod,whowilldonoiniquity,therighteousGod,whosejudgmentitisthattheythatcommitsinareworthyofdeath,shouldyetpardoniniquity,transgression,andsin,—theyweighitnot,theyconsideritnot;or,iftheydo,itisinaslightandnotionalway,astheyconsiderthethingitself.Theytakeitforgrantedsoitis,andareneverputseriouslyupontheinquiryhowitcomestobeso;andthatbecauseindeedtheyhavenorealconcernmentinit.

HowmanythousandsmaywemeetwithalwhotakeitforgrantedthatforgivenessistobehadwithGod,thatneveryethadanyseriousexerciseintheirsoulsaboutthegroundsofit,anditsconsistencywithhisholinessandjustice!Butthosethatknowitbyfaithhaveasenseofitfixedparticularlyanddistinctlyontheirminds.TheyhavebeenputuponaninquiryintotheriseandgroundsofitinChrist;sothatonagoodandunquestionablefoundationtheycangotoGodandsay,"Thereisforgivenesswiththee."TheyseehowandbywhatmeansmoreglorycomesuntoGodbyforgivenessthanbypunishingofsin;whichisamatterthattheothersortofmenarenotatallsolicitousabout.Iftheymayescapepunishment,whetherGodhaveanygloryorno,forthemostparttheyareindifferent.

(2.)Thefirstapprehensionarisethwithoutanytrialuponinquiryintheconsciencesoftheminwhomitis.Theyhavenot,bythepoweroftheirconvictionsanddistressesofconscience,beenputtomakeinquirywhetherthisthingbesoorno.Itisnotapersuasionthattheyhavearriveduntoinawayofseekingsatisfactiontotheirownsouls.Itisnottheresultofadeepinquiryafterpeaceandrest.Itisantecedentuntotrialandexperience,andsoisnotfaith,butopinion;foralthoughfaithbenotexperience,yetitisinseparablefromit,asiseverypracticalhabit.Distressesintheirconscienceshavebeenpreventedbythisopinion,notremoved.Thereasonwhythemostofmenarenottroubledabouttheirsinstoanypurpose,isfromapersuasionthatGodismercifulandwillpardon;whenindeednonecanreally,onagospelaccount,ordinarily,havethatpersuasion,butthosewhohavebeentroubledforsin,andthattothepurpose.Soisitwiththemthatmakethisdiscoverybyfaith.Theyhavehadconflictsintheirownspirits,and,beingdeprivedofpeace,haveaccomplishedadiligentsearchwhetherforgivenessweretobeobtainedorno.Thepersuasiontheyhaveofit,beitmoreorless,istheissueofatrialtheyhavehadintheirownsouls,ofaninquiryhowthingsstoodbetweenGodandthemastopeaceandacceptationoftheirpersons.Thisisavastdifference.Theonesortmightpossiblyhavehadtroubleintheirconsciencesaboutsin,haditnotbeenfortheiropinionofforgiveness.Thishathpreventedorstifledtheirconvictions;—nothealedtheirwounds,whichistheworkofthegospel;butkeptthemfrombeingwounded,whichistheworkofsecurity.Yea,hereliestheruinofthemostofthemwhoperishunderthepreachingofthegospel.Theyhavereceivedthegeneralnotionofpardon;itfloatsintheirminds,andpresentlypresentsitselftotheirreliefonalloccasions.DothGodatanytime,inthedispensationoftheword,underanaffliction,uponsomegreatsinagainsttheirrulinglight,begintodealwiththeirconsciences?—beforetheirconvictioncanripenorcometoanyperfection,

beforeitdrawnightoitsperfectwork,theychokeit,andhealtheirconscienceswiththisnotionofpardon.Manyaman,betweentheassemblyandhisdwelling-house,isthuscured.Youmayseethemgoawayshakingtheirheads,andstrikingontheirbreasts,andbeforetheycomehomebeaswholeasever."Well,Godismerciful,thereispardon,"hathwroughtthecure.TheothersorthaveobtainedtheirpersuasionasaresultofthediscoveryofChristinthegospel,uponafullconviction.Trialstheyhavehad,andthisistheissue.

(3.)TheonewhichwerejectworkethnolovetoGod,nodelightinhim,noreverenceofhim,butratheracontemptandcommonnessofspiritindealingwithhim.TherearenoneintheworldthatdealworsewithGodthanthosewhohaveanungroundedpersuasionofforgiveness.Andiftheydofearhim,orlovehim,orobeyhiminanything,moreorless,itisonothermotivesandconsiderations,whichwillnotrenderanythingtheydoacceptable,andnotatallonthis.Asheisgoodtothecreation,theymaylove,asheisgreatandpowerful,theymayfearhim;butsenseofpardon,astoanysuchendsorpurposes,hathnopoweruponthem.Carnalboldness,formality,anddespisingofGod,arethecommonissuesofsuchanotionandpersuasion.Indeed,thisisthegenerationofgreatsinnersintheworld;menwhohaveageneralapprehension,butnotasenseofthespecialpowerofpardon,openlyorsecretly,infleshlyorspiritualsins,arethegreatsinnersamongmen.Wherefaithmakesadiscoveryofforgiveness,allthingsareotherwise.Greatlove,fear,andreverenceofGod,areitsattendants.MaryMagdalenelovedmuch,becausemuchwasforgiven.Greatlovewillspringoutofgreatforgiveness."Thereisforgivenesswiththee,"saiththepsalmist,"thatthoumayestbefeared."Nounbelieverdothtrulyandexperimentallyknowthetruthofthisinference.Butsoitiswhenmen"feartheLORD,andhisgoodness,"Hos.3:5.Isay,then,wherepardoningmercyistrulyapprehended,wherefaithmakesadiscoveryofittothesoul,itisendeareduntoGod,andpossessedofthegreatspringsoflove,delight,fear,andreverence,Ps.116:1,5–7.

(4)Thisnotionalapprehensionofthepardonofsinbegetsnoserious,thoroughhatredanddetestationofsin,norisprevalenttoarelinquishmentofit;nay,itrathersecretlyinsinuatesintothesoulencouragementsuntoacontinuanceinit.Itisthenatureofittolessenandextenuatesin,andtosupportthesoulagainstitsconvictions.SoJudetellsus,thatsome"turnthegraceofGodintolasciviousness,"verse4;andsayshe,"Theyare'ungodlymen;'letthemprofesswhattheywill,theyareungodlymen."ButhowcantheyturnthegraceofourGodintolasciviousness?Isgracecapableofaconversionintolustorsin?Will

whatwasoncegraceeverbecomewantonness?Itisobjective,notsubjectivegrace,thedoctrine,nottherealsubstanceofgrace,thatisintended.ThedoctrineofforgivenessisthisgraceofGod,whichmaybethusabused.Fromhencedomenwhohaveonlyageneralnotionofithabituallydrawsecretencouragementstosinandfolly.Paulalsoletsusknowthatcarnalmen,comingtoadoctrinalacquaintancewithgospelgrace,areveryapttomakesuchconclusions,Rom.6:1.Anditwillappearatthelastdayhowunspeakablythisgloriousgracehathbeenpervertedintheworld.Itwouldbewellformanyiftheyhadneverheardthenameofforgiveness.Itisotherwisewherethisrevelationisreceivedindeedinthesoulbybelieving,Rom.6:14.Ourbeingundergrace,underthepowerofthebeliefofforgiveness,isourgreatpreservativefromourbeingunderthepowerofsin.Faithofforgivenessistheprincipleofgospelobedience,Tit.2:11,12.

(5.)Thegeneralnotionofforgivenessbringswithitnosweetness,noresttothesoul.Flashesofjoyitmay,abidingrestitdothnot.Thetruthofthedoctrinefluctuatestoandfrointhemindsofthosethathaveit,buttheirwillsandaffectionshavenosoliddelightnorrestbyit.Hence,notwithstandingallthatprofessionthatismadeintheworldofforgiveness,themostofmenultimatelyresolvetheirpeaceandcomfortuntothemselves.Astheirapprehensionsareoftheirowndoing,goodorevil,accordingtotheirrulinglight,whateveritbe,soastopeaceandrestaretheysecretlytossedupanddown.Everyoneinhisseveralwaypleasethhimselfwithwhathedothinansweruntohisownconvictions,andisdisquietedastohisstateandcondition,accordingasheseemstohimselftocomeshortthereof.Tomakeafalllifeofcontentationuponpardon,theyknownothowtodoit.Onedutyyieldsthemmoretruereposethanmanythoughtsofforgiveness.Butfaithfindssweetnessandrestinit;beingtherebyapprehended,itistheonlyharbourofthesoul.ItleadsamantoGodasgood,toChristasrest.Fadingevanidjoysdoofttimesattendtheone;butsoliddelight,withconstantobedience,arethefruitsonlyoftheother.

(6.)Thosewhohavetheformeronlytakeuptheirpersuasiononfalsegrounds,thoughthethingitselfbetrue;andtheycannotbutuseituntofalseendsandpurposes,besidesitsnaturalandgenuinetendency.Fortheirgrounds,theywillbediscoveredwhenIcometotreatofthetruenatureofgospelforgiveness.Fortheend,itisusedgenerallyonlytofillupwhatiswanting.Self-righteousnessistheirbottom;andwhenthatistooshortornarrowtocoverthem,theypieceitoutbyforgiveness.Whereconscienceaccuses,thismustsupplythedefect.Faithlaysitonitsproperfoundation,ofwhichafterwardsalso;anditusethittoits

properend,—namely,tobethesoleandonlygroundofouracceptationwithGod.Thatistheproperuseofforgiveness,thatallmaybeofgrace;forwhenthefoundationispardon,thewholesuperstructuremustneedsbegrace.Fromwhathathbeenspokenitisevidentthat,notwithstandingthepretencestothecontrary,insinuatedintheobjectionnowremoved,itisagreatthingtohavegospelforgivenessdiscovereduntoasoulinasavingmanner.

———

The truenatureofgospel forgiveness—Its relation to thegoodness, grace,andwillofGod;tothebloodofChrist;tothepromiseofthegospel—Theconsiderationsoffaithaboutit

THEdifficultiesthatlieinthewayoffaith'sdiscoveryofforgiveness,whenceitappearstobeamatterofgreaterweightandimportancethanitiscommonlyapprehendedtobe,havebeeninsistedonintheforegoingdiscourse.Thereisyetremaininganothergroundofthesametruth.Now,thisistakenfromthenatureandgreatnessofthethingitselfdiscovered,—thatis,offorgiveness.TothisendIshallshowwhatitis,whereinitdothconsist,whatitcomprisesandrelatesunto,accordingtotheimportanceofthesecondpropositionbeforelaiddown.

Idonotinthisplacetakeforgiveness,strictlyandprecisely,fortheactofpardoning;norshallIdisputewhatthatis,andwhereinitdothconsist.Consciencesthatcomewithsin-entanglementsuntoGodknownothingofsuchdisputes.Norwillthisexpression,"ThereisforgivenesswithGod,"bearanysuchrestrictionasthatitshouldregardonlyactualcondonationorpardon.ThatwhichIhavetodoistoinquireintothenatureofthatpardonwhichpoor,convinced,troubledsoulsseekafter,andwhichtheScriptureproposethtothemfortheirreliefandrest.AndIshallnothandlethisabsolutelyneither,butinrelationtothetruthunderconsideration,—namely,thatitisagreatthingtoattainuntoatruegospeldiscoveryofforgiveness.

First,Aswasshowedintheopeningofthewords,theforgivenessinquiredafterhathrelationuntothegraciousheartoftheFather.TwothingsIunderstandhereby:—1.Theinfinitegoodnessandgraciousnessofhisnature.2.Thesovereignpurposeofhiswillandgrace.

1.Thereisconsiderableinittheinfinitegoodnessofhisnature.SinstandsinacontrarietyuntoGod.Itisarebellionagainsthissovereignty,anoppositionto

hisholiness,aprovocationtohisjustice,arejectionofhisyoke,acastingoff,whatliesinthesinner,ofthatdependencewhichacreaturehathonitsCreator.ThatGod,then,shouldhavepityandcompassiononsinners,ineveryoneofwhosesinsthereisallthisevil,andinconceivablymorethanwecancomprehend,itarguesaninfinitelygracious,good,andlovingheartandnatureinhim;forGoddothnothingbutsuitablytothepropertiesofhisnature,andfromthem.Alltheactsofhiswillaretheeffectsofhisnature.

Now,whateverGodproposethasanencouragementforsinnerstocometohim,thatisof,orhathaspecialinfluenceinto,theforgivenessthatiswithhim;fornothingcanencourageasinnerassuch,butunderthisconsideration,thatitis,oritrespects,forgiveness.ThatthisgraciousnessofGod'snatureliesattheheadorspring,andistherootfromwhenceforgivenessdothgrow,ismanifestfromthatsolemnproclamationwhichhemadeofoldofhisname,andtherevelationofhisnaturetherein(forGodassuredlyiswhatbyhimselfheiscalled):Exod.34:6,7,"TheLORD,TheLORDGod,mercifulandgracious,long-suffering,andabundantingoodnessandtruth,keepingmercyforthousands,forgivinginiquityandtransgressionandsin."Hisforgivingofiniquityflowsfromhence,thatinhisnatureheismerciful,gracious,long-suffering,abundantingoodness.Werehenotso,infiniteinallthese,itwereinvaintolookforforgivenessfromhim.Havingmadethisknowntobehisname,andtherebydeclaredhisnature,heinmanyplacesproposethitasarelief,arefugeforsinners,anencouragementtocomeuntohim,andtowaitformercyfromhim:Ps.9:10,"Theythatknowthynamewillputtheirtrustinthee."Itwillencouragethemsotodo;othershavenofoundationoftheirconfidence.ButifthisnameofGodbeindeedmadeknownuntousbytheHolyGhost,whatcanhinderwhyweshouldnotrepairuntohimandrestuponhim?SoIsa.50:10,"WhoisamongyouthatfeareththeLORD,thatobeyeththevoiceofhisservant,thatwalkethindarkness,andhathnolight?lethimtrustinthenameoftheLORD,andstayuponhisGod."Notonlysinners,butsinnersingreatdistressareherespokenunto.Darknessofstateorcondition,intheScripture,denoteseverythingofdisconsolationandtrouble.Tobe,then,indarkness,whereyetthereissomelight,somerelief,thoughdarknessbepredominant,issadanddisconsolate;butnow,notonlytobe,butalsotowalk,thatis,tocontinueacourseindarkness,andthatwithnolight,nodiscoveryofhelporrelief,—thisseemsanoverwhelmingcondition:yetsinnersinthisestatearecalled"totrustinthenameoftheLORD."Ihaveshowedbeforethatnothingbutforgiveness,orthatwhichinfluencethitandencouragethtoanexpectationofit,isofanyuseuntoasinner,muchmoreoneinsogreatdistressupontheaccountofsin;yetissuchaoneheresentonlytothenameoftheLord,wherein

hisgraciousheartandnatureisrevealed.That,then,istheveryfountainandspringofforgiveness.AndthisisthatwhichJohnwouldworkasenseofuponoursoulswherehetellsusthat"Godislove,"1Epist.4:8,oroneofaninfinitelygracious,tender,good,compassionate,lovingnature.Infinitegoodnessandgraceisthesoilwhereinforgivenessgrows.Itisimpossiblethisflowershouldspringfromanyotherroot.Unlessthisberevealedtothesoul,forgivenessisnotrevealed.Toconsiderpardonmerelyasitisterminatedonourselves,notasitflowsfromGod,willbringneitherprofittousnorglorytoGod.

Andthisalso(whichisourdesigninhand)willmakeitappearthatthisdiscoveryofforgivenesswhereofwespeakisindeednocommonthing,—isagreatdiscovery.Letmencome,withasenseoftheguiltofsin,tohavedeepandseriousthoughtsofGod,theywillfinditnosucheasyandlightmattertohavetheirheartstrulyandthoroughlyapprehensiveofthislovingandgraciousnatureofGodinreferenceuntopardon.Itisaneasymattertosaysoincommon;butthesoulwillnotfinditsoeasytobelieveitforitself.Whathathbeenspokenbeforeconcerningtheingraftednotionsthatareinthemindsofmenaboutthejustice,holiness,andseverityofGod,willheretakeplace.ThoughmenprofessthatGodisgracious,yetthataversationwhichtheyhaveuntohimandcommunionwithhimdothabundantlymanifestthattheydonotbelievewhattheysayandprofess:iftheydid,theycouldnotbutdelightandtrustinhim,whichtheydonot;for"Theythatknowhisnamewillputtheirtrustinhim."Sosaidtheslothfulservantinthegospel,"Iknewthatthouwastaustere,andnotformetodealwithal."Itmaybeheprofessedotherwisebefore,butthatlayinhisheartwhenitcametothetrial.Butthis,Isay,isnecessarytothemuntowhomthisdiscoveryistobemade,evenaspiritualapprehensionofthegracious,lovingheartandnatureofGod.Thisisthespringofallthatfollows;andthefountainmustneedsbeinfinitelysweetfromwhencesuchstreamsdoflow.Hethatconsidersthegloriousfabricofheavenandearth,withthethingsinthemcontained,mustneedsconcludethattheyweretheproductofinfinitewisdomandpower;nothinglessorunderthemcouldhavebroughtforthsuchaneffect.Andhethatreallyconsiderethforgiveness,andlooksonitwithaspiritualeye,mustconcludethatitcomesfrominfinitegoodnessandgrace.Andthisisthatwhichtheheartsofsinnersareexercisedaboutwhentheycometodealforpardon:Ps.86:5,"Thou,Lord,artgood,andreadytoforgive;"Neh.9:17,"ThouartaGodreadytopardon,graciousandmerciful,slowtoanger,andofgreatkindness;"andMicah7:18,"WhoisaGodlikeuntothee,thatpardonethiniquity?.…becausehedelightethinmercy."AndGodencourageththemhereuntowhereverhesaysthatheforgivessinsandblotsoutiniquitiesforhis

ownsakeorhisname'ssake;thatis,hewilldealwithsinnersaccordingtothegoodnessofhisowngraciousnature.SoHos.11:9,"Iwillnotexecutethefiercenessofmineanger,IwillnotreturntodestroyEphraim:forIamGod,andnotman."Weretherenomoremercy,grace,compassiontobeshowedinthiscasethanitispossibleshouldbetreasuredupintheheartofaman,itwouldbeimpossiblethatEphraimshouldbespared;butsaithhe,"IamGod,andnotman."Considertheinfinitelargeness,bounty,andgoodnessoftheheartofGod,andthereisyethope.Whenasinnerisingoodearnestseekingafterforgiveness,thereisnothingheismoresolicitousaboutthantheheartofGodtowardshim,—nothingthathemorelabourstohaveadiscoveryof;thereisnothingthatsinandSatanlabourmoretohidefromhim.Thisherollsinhismind,andexerciseshisthoughtsabout;andifeverthatvoiceofGod,Isa.27:4,"Furyisnotinme,"soundinhisheart,heisrelievedfromhisgreatdistresses.AndthefearofourheartsinthismatterourSaviourseemstointendthepreventionoraremovalof:John16:26,27,"Isaynotuntoyou,thatIwillpraytheFatherforyou;fortheFatherhimselflovethyou."TheyhadgoodthoughtsofthetenderheartandcareofChristhimself,themediator,towardsthem;butwhatistheheartoftheFather?whatacceptanceshalltheyfindwithhim?WillChristpraythattheymayfindfavourwithhim?Why,saithhe,astotheloveofhisheart,"Thereisnoneedofit;'fortheFatherhimselflovethyou.'"Ifthis,then,belongethtoforgiveness,aswhoeverhathsoughtforitknoweththatitdoth,itiscertainlynocommondiscoverytohaveitrevealeduntous.

TohaveallthecloudsanddarknessthatareraisedbysinbetweenusandthethroneofGoddispelled;tohavethefire,andstorms,andtempests,thatarekindledandstirredupabouthimbythelawremoved;tohavehisgloriousfaceunvailed,andhisholyheartlaidopen,andaviewgivenofthoseinfinitetreasuresandstoresofgoodness,mercy,love,andkindnesswhichhavehadanunchangeablehabitationthereinfromalleternity;tohaveadiscoveryoftheseeternalspringsofforbearanceandforgiveness,—isthatwhichnonebutChristcanaccomplishandbringabout,John17:6.

2.Thisisnotall.Thiseternalocean,thatisinfinitelysatisfiedwithitsownfulnessandperfection,dothnotnaturallyyieldforthstreamsforourrefreshment.MercyandpardondonotcomeforthfromGodaslightdothfromthesunorwaterfromthesea,byanecessaryconsequenceoftheirnatures,whethertheywillorno.ItdothnotnecessarilyfollowthatanyonemustbemadepartakerofforgivenessbecauseGodisinfinitelygracious;formayhenotdowhathewillwithhisown?"Whohathfirstgivenuntohim,thatitshouldberecompensed

untohimagain?"Rom.11:35.AllthefruitsofGod'sgoodnessandgraceareinthesolekeepingofhisownsovereignwillandpleasure.Thisishisgreatglory:Exod.33:18,19,"Showmethyglory,"saithMoses."Andhesaid,Iwillmakeallmygoodnesspassbeforethee,andIwillproclaimthenameoftheLORDbeforethee;andIwillbegracioustowhomIwillbegracious."UponthatproclamationofthenameofGod,thatheismerciful,gracious,long-suffering,abundantingoodness,somemightconcludethatitcouldnotbeotherwisewithanybutwell;—heissuchaoneasthatmenneedscarcebebeholdingtohimformercy."Nay,"saithhe;"butthisismygreatglory,that'IwillbegracioustowhomIwillbegracious.'"TheremustbeaninterpositionofafreeactofthewillofGodtodealwithusaccordingtothishisabundantgoodness,orwecanhavenointeresttherein.ThisIcallthepurposeofhisgrace,or"Thegoodpleasurewhichhehathpurposedinhimself,"Eph.1:9;or,asitistermed,verses5,6,"Thegoodpleasureofhiswill,"thathehathpurposed"tothepraiseofhisgloriousgrace."ThisfreeandgraciouspleasureofGod,orpurposeofhiswilltoacttowardssinnersaccordingtohisownabundantgoodness,isanotherthingthatinfluencestheforgivenessofwhichwetreat.Pardonflowsimmediatelyfromasovereignactoffreegrace.ThisfreepurposeofGod'swillandgraceforthepardoningofsinnersisindeedthatwhichisprincipallyintendedwhenwesay,"Thereisforgivenesswithhim;"thatis,heispleasedtoforgive,andsotodoisagreeableuntohisnature.Now,themysteryofthisgraceisdeep;itiseternal,andthereforeincomprehensible.Fewtherearewhoseheartsareraisedtoacontemplationofit.Menrestandcontentthemselvesinageneralnotionofmercy,whichwillnotbeadvantageoustotheirsouls.Freedtheywouldbefrompunishment,butwhatitistobeforgiventheyinquirenot.Sowhattheyknowofittheycomeeasilyby,butwillfindintheissueitwillstandtheminlittlestead.ButthesefountainsofGod'sactingsarerevealed,thattheymaybethefountainsofourcomforts.

Now,ofthispurposeofGod'sgracethereareseveralacts,allofthemrelatinguntogospelforgiveness:—

(1.)ThereishispurposeofsendinghisSontobethegreatmeansofprocuring,ofpurchasingforgiveness.ThoughGodbeinfinitelyandincomprehensiblygracious,thoughhepurposetoexerthisgraceandgoodnesstowardsinners,yethewillsodoit,doitinsuchaway,asshallnotbeprejudicialtohisownholinessandrighteousness.Hisjusticemustbesatisfied,andhisholyindignationagainstsinmadeknown.WhereforehepurposethtosendhisSon,andhathsenthim,tomakewayfortheexerciseofmercy;soasnowayto

eclipsethegloryofhisjustice,holiness,andhatredofsin.BetterweshouldalleternallycomeshortofforgivenessthanthatGodshouldloseanythingofhisglory.Thiswehave,Rom.3:25,"Godsethimforthtobeapropitiationthroughfaithinhisblood,todeclarehisrighteousnessfortheremissionofsinsthatarepast."Theremissionofsinsisthethingaimedat;butthismustbesobroughtaboutasthatthereinnotonlythemercybuttherighteousnessofGodmaybedeclared,andthereforemustitbebroughtforthbyapropitiation,ormakingofanatonementinthebloodofChrist:soJohn3:16;1John4:9;Rom.5:8.This,Isay,alsoliesinthemysteryofthatforgivenessthatisadministeredinthegospel,—itcomesforthfromthiseternalpurposeofmakingwaybythebloodofChristtothedispensationofpardon.Andthisgreatlyheightenstheexcellencyofthisdiscovery.MenwhohaveslightthoughtsofGod,whoseheartswereneverawedwithhisdreadorgreatness,whoneverseriouslyconsideredhispurityandholiness,maythinkitnogreatmatterthatGodshouldpardonsin.Butdotheyconsiderthewaywherebyitistobebroughtabout?—evenbythesendingofhisonlySon,andthattodie,asweshallseeafterward.Neitherwasthereanyotherwaywherebyitmightbedone.Letusnowlayasidecommonthoughts,assentuponreportsandtradition,andrightlyweighthismatter.Doubtlessweshallfindittobeagreatthing,thatforgivenessshouldbesowithGodastobemadeoutuntous(weknowsomewhatwhatweare)bysendinghisonlySontodie.Oh,howlittleisthisreallybelieved,evenbythemwhomakeaprofessionofit!andwhatmeanthoughtsareentertainedaboutitwhenmenseekforpardon!Immunityfrompunishmentistheutmostthatliesintheaimsanddesiresofmost,andisallthattheyareexercisedintheconsiderationof,whentheydealwithGodaboutsin.Suchmenthink,andwilldoso,thatwehaveaneasytaskinhand,—namely,toprovethatthereisforgivenessinGod;butthiseaseliesintheirownignoranceanddarkness.Ifevertheycometosearchafteritindeed,toinquireintothenature,reasons,causes,fountains,andspringsofit,theywillbeabletogiveanotheraccountofthesethings.Christisthecentreofthemysteryofthegospel,andforgivenessislaidupintheheartofChrist,fromtheloveoftheFather;inhim,areallthetreasuresofithid.AndsurelyitisnosmallthingtohavetheheartofChristrevealeduntous.Whenbelieversdealaboutpardon,theirfaithexercisesitselfaboutthis,thatGod,withwhomthesoulhathtodo,hathsenttheLordChristtodieforthisend,thatitmaybefreelygivenout.Generalnotionsofimpunitytheydwellnoton,theypass[press?]notfor;theyhaveacloserconversewithGodthantobesatisfiedwithsuchthoughts.Theyinquireintothegraciousnessofhisnature,andthegoodpleasureofhiswill,thepurposeofhisgrace;theyponderandlookintothemysteryofhiswisdomandloveinsendinghisSon.Ifthesespringsbenotclearuntothem,thestreamswill

yieldthembutlittlerefreshment.Itisnotenoughthatweseekaftersalvation,butwearetoinquireandsearchdiligentlyintothenatureandmannerofit.Thesearethethingsthat"theangelsdesireto"bowdownand"lookinto,"1Pet.1:11,12.Andsomethinkiftheyhavegotaformofwordsaboutthem,theyhavegottenasufficientcomprehensionofthem!Itisdoubtlessonereasonwhymanywhotrulybelievedoyetsofluctuateaboutforgivenessalltheirdays,thattheyneverexercisedfaithtolookintothespringsofit,itseternalfountains,buthavemerelydweltonactualcondonation.However,Isay,thesethingslieutterlyoutoftheconsiderationofthecommonpretenderstoanacquaintancewiththetruthwehaveinhand.

(2.)ThereisanothersovereignactofGod'swilltobeconsideredinthismatter,andthatishiseternaldesignationofthepersonswhoshallbemadepartakersofthismercy.Hehathnotleftthisthingtohazardanduncertainties,thatitshould,asitwere,beunknowntohimwhoshouldbepardonedandwhonot.Nay,noneeveraremadepartakersofforgivenessbutthosewhomhehatheternallyandgraciouslydesignedthereunto:sotheapostledeclaresit,Eph.1:5–7.Theriseishiseternalpredestination;theend,thegloryofhisgrace;themeans,redemptioninthebloodofChrist;thethingitself,forgivenessofsins.NoneeverareorcanbemadepartakersthereofbutbyvirtueofthisactofGod'swillandgrace;whichthereuponhathapeculiarinfluenceintoit,andistoberespectedintheconsiderationofit.Iknowthismaybeabusedbypride,profaneness,andunbelief,—andsomaythewholeworkofGod'sgrace,andsoitis,eventhebloodofChristinanespecialmanner;butinitsproperplaceanduseithathasignalinfluenceintothegloryofGodandtheconsolationofthesoulsofmen.

TherearealsootheractsofthispurposeofGod'sgrace,asofgivingsinnersuntoChristandgivingsinnersaninterestinChrist,whichIshallnotinsistupon,becausethenatureofthemissufficientlydiscoveredinthatoneexplainedalready.

Secondly,ForgivenesshathrespectuntothepropitiationmadeinandbythebloodofChristtheSonofGod.Thiswasdeclaredintheopeningofthewords.Indeed,hereliestheknotandcentreofgospelforgiveness.Itflowsfromthecross,andspringsoutofthegraveofChrist.

ThusElihudescribesit,Job33:24,"Godisgraciousuntohim,andsaith,Deliverhimfromgoingdowntothepit:Ihavefoundaransom."Thewholeofwhatisaimedatliesinthesewords:—1.ThereisGod'sgraciousandmercifulheart

towardsasinner:"Heisgraciousuntohim."2.Thereisactualcondonationitself,ofwhichweshalltreatafterward:"Hesaith,Deliverhimfromgoingdowntothepit."And,—3.Thereisthecentreofthewhole,whereinGod'sgraciousheartandactualpardondomeet;andthatistheransom,thepropitiationoratonementthatisinthebloodofChrist,ofwhichwespeak:"Ihavefoundaransom."

Thesameisexpressed,Isa.53:11,"Myrighteousservantshalljustifymany;forheshallbeartheiriniquities."Ofthejustificationofsinners,absolutionorpardonisthefirstpart.ThisarisethfromChrist'sbearingtheiriniquities.Thereinhe"finishedthetransgression,madeanendofsins,andmadereconciliationforiniquity,"Dan.9:24.Evenallthesacrifices,andsoconsequentlythewholeworshipoftheOldTestament,evincedthisrelationbetweenforgivenessandblood-shedding;whencetheapostleconcludesthat"withoutsheddingofbloodisnoremission,"Heb.9:22;—thatis,allpardonarisethfromblood-shedding,evenofthebloodoftheSonofGod;sothatwearesaid"inhimtohaveredemption,eventheforgivenessofsins,"Eph.1:7.Ourredemptioninhisbloodisourforgiveness:notthatweareallactuallypardonedinthebloodofhiscross,forthereuntomustbeaddedgospelcondonation,ofwhichafterward;buttherebyitisprocured,thegrantofpardonisthereinsealed,andsecuritygiventhatitshallinduetimebemadeoutuntous.Towhichpurposeisthatdiscourseoftheapostle,Rom.3:24–26.Theworktherementionedproceedsfromgrace,ismanagedtotheinterestofrighteousness,iscarriedonbythebloodofChrist,andissuesinforgiveness.Now,thebloodofChristrelatesvariouslytothepardonofsin:—

1.Pardonispurchasedandprocuredbyit.Ourredemptionisourforgiveness,asthecausecontainstheeffect.NosoulispardonedbutwithrespectuntothebloodofChristastheprocuringcauseofthatpardon.Henceheissaidtohave"washedusinhisblood,"Rev.1:5;"byhimselftohavepurgedoursins,"Heb.1:3;"byoneoffering"tohavetakenawaysin,andtohave"perfectedforeverthemthataresanctified,"Heb.10:14;tobetheransomand"propitiationforoursins,"1John2:2;tohave"madeanendofsins,"Dan.9:24;andtohave"madereconciliationforthesinsofthepeople,"Heb.2:17.GodhathenclosedhisrichstoresofpardonandmercyinthebloodofJesus.

2.Becauseinhisbloodthepromiseofpardonisratifiedandconfirmed,sothatnothingiswantingtoourcompleteforgivenessbutourpleadingthepromisebyfaithinhim:2Cor.1:20,"AllthepromisesofGodinhimareyea,andinhim

Amen;"thatis,faithfully,andirrevocably,andimmutablyestablished.AndthereforetheapostlehavingtoldusthatthisisthecovenantofGod,thathewouldbe"mercifultooursinsandiniquities,"Heb.8:12,heinformsusthatintheundertakingofChristthiscovenantisbecomeatestament,chap.9:15–17;soratifiedinhisblood,thatmercyandforgivenessofsinisirrevocablyconfirmeduntoustherein.

3.Becausehehathinhisownperson,astheheadofthechurch,receivedanacquitmentforthewholebody.Hispersonaldischarge,upontheaccomplishmentofhiswork,wasapledgeofthedischargewhichwasinduetimetobegiventohiswholemysticalbody.Petertellsus,Acts2:24,thatitwasimpossibleheshouldbedetainedbydeath.Andwhyso?Becausedeathbeingpenallyinflictedonhim,whenhehadpaidthedebthewaslegallytobeacquitted.Now,forwhomandinwhosenameandsteadhesuffered,forthemandintheirnameandsteadhereceivedthisacquitment.

4.Becauseuponhisdeath,GodtheFatherhathcommitteduntohimthewholemanagementofthebusinessofforgiveness:Acts5:31,henowgives"repentance"andthe"forgivenessofsins."ItisChristthatforgivesus,Col.3:13.Allforgivenessisnowathisdisposal,andhepardonethwhomhewill,evenallthataregivenuntohimoftheFather,notcastingoutanythatcometoGodbyhim.HeisintrustedwithallthestoresofhisFather'spurposeandhisownpurchase;andthencetellsusthat"allthingsthattheFatherhatharehis,"John16:15.

InalltheserespectsdothforgivenessrelatetothebloodofChrist.Mercy,pardon,andgracecouldfindnootherwaytoissueforthfromtheheartoftheFatherbutbytheheart-bloodoftheSon;andsodotheystreamuntotheheartofthesinner.

TwothingsareprincipallytobeconsideredintherespectthatforgivenesshathtothebloodofChrist:—(1.)Thewayofitsprocurement;(2.)Thewayofitsadministrationbyhim.Thefirstisdeep,mysterious,dreadful.Itwasbyhisblood,thebloodofthecross,thetravailofhissoul,hisundergoingwrathandcurse.Theotherisgracious,merciful,andtender;whencesomanythingsarespokenofhismercifulnessandfaithfulness,toencourageustoexpectforgivenessfromhim.

Thisalsoaddstothemysteriousdepthsofforgiveness,andmakesitsdiscoverya

greatmatter.Thesoulthatlooksafteritinearnestmustconsiderwhatitcost.Howlightdomostmenmakeofpardon!Whataneasythingisittobeacquaintedwithit!andnoveryhardmattertoobtainit!ButtoholdcommunionwithGod,inthebloodofhisSon,isathingofanothernaturethanisoncedreamedofbymanywhothinktheyknowwellenoughwhatitistobepardoned."Godbemerciful,"isacommonsaying;andascommontodesirehewouldbeso"forChrist'ssake."Poorcreaturesarecastintothemouldofsuchexpressions,whoknowneitherGod,normercy,norChrist,noranythingofthemysteryofthegospel.Otherslookontheoutsideofthecross.ToseeintothemysteryoftheloveoftheFather,workinginthebloodoftheMediator;toconsiderbyfaiththegreattransactionofdivinewisdom,justice,andmercytherein,—howfewattainuntoit!TocomeuntoGodbyChristforforgiveness,andthereintobeholdthelawissuingallitsthreatsandcursesinhisblood,andlosingitssting,puttinganendtoitsobligationuntopunishment,inthecross;toseeallsinsgatheredupinthehandsofGod'sjustice,andmadetomeetontheMediator,andeternallovespringingforthtriumphantlyfromhisblood,flourishingintopardon,grace,mercy,forgiveness,—thistheheartofasinnercanbeenlargeduntoonlybytheSpiritofGod.

Thirdly,Thereisinforgivenessfreecondonation,discharge,orpardon,accordingtothetenorofthegospel;andthismaybeconsideredtwoways:—

1.Asitliesinthepromiseitself;andsoitisGod'sgraciousdeclarationofpardontosinners,inandbythebloodofChrist,hiscovenanttothatendandpurpose,whichisvariouslyproposed,accordingasheknew[tobe]needfulforalltheendsandpurposesofingeneratingfaith,andcommunicatingthatconsolationwhichheintendstherein.

Thisisthelawofhisgrace,thedeclarationofthemysteryofhislove,beforeinsistedon.

2.ThereisthebringinghomeandapplicationofallthismercytothesoulofasinnerbytheHolyGhost,whereinwearefreelyforgivenallourtrespasses,Col.2:13.

GospelforgivenessIsay,respectsallthesethings,theseprinciples;theyhaveallaninfluenceintoit.Andthatwhichmakesthismoreevident(wherewithIshallclosethisconsiderationofthenatureofit),is,thatfaith,initsapplicationofitselfuntoGodaboutandforforgiveness,dothdistinctlyapplyitselfuntoand

closewithsometimesoneoftheseseverallyandsingly,sometimesanother,andsometimesjointlytakesintheconsiderationofthemallexpressly.Notthatatanytimeitfixesonanyoreitherofthemexclusivelytotheothers,butthateminentlyitfindssomespecialencouragementatsomeseason,andsomepeculiarattractive,fromsomeoneofthem,morethanfromtherest;andthenthatprovesaninlet,adoorofentrance,untothetreasuresthatarelaidupintherestofthem.Letusgoovertheseveralsbyinstances:—

(1.)SometimesfaithfixesuponthenameandinfinitegoodnessofthenatureofGod,anddrawsoutforgivenessfromthence.Sodoththepsalmist:Ps.86:5,"Thou,Lord,artgoodandreadytoforgive."Herollshimself,inthepursuitandexpectationofpardon,ontheinfinitegoodnessofthenatureofGod.SoNeh.9:17,"ThouartaGodofpardons,"orreadytoforgive,—ofaninfinitegracious,lovingnature,—notsevereandwrathful;andthisisthatwhichweareencouragedunto,Isa.1:10,tostayonthenameofGod,asininnumerableotherplaces.

AndthusfaithoftentimesfindsapeculiarsweetnessandencouragementinandfromtheconsiderationofGod'sgraciousnature.Sometimesthisisthefirstthingitfixeson,andsometimesthelastthatitrestsin.Andofttimesitmakesastayhere,whenitisdrivenfromallotherholds;itcansay,howeveritbe,"YetGodisgracious;"andatleastmakethatconclusionwhichwehavefromit,Joel2:13,14,"Godisgraciousandmerciful;whoknowethbuthewillreturn?"Andwhenfaithhathwelllaidholdonthisconsideration,itwillnoteasilybedrivenfromitsexpectationofreliefandforgivenessevenfromhence.

(2.)SometimesthesoulbyfaithaddressethitselfinapeculiarmannertothesovereigntyofGod'swill,wherebyheisgracioustowhomhewillbegracious,andmercifultowhomhewillbemerciful;which,aswasshowed,isanotherconsiderablespringorprincipleofforgiveness.ThiswayDavid'sfaithsteeredhiminhisgreatstraitandperplexity:2Sam.15:25,26,"IfIshallfindfavourintheeyesoftheLORD,hewillbringmeagain.Butifhethussay,Ihavenodelightinthee;behold,hereamI,lethimdotomeasseemethgooduntohim."ThatwhichhehathinconsiderationiswhetherGodhathanydelightinhimorno;thatis,whetherGodwouldgraciouslyremitandpardonthegreatsinagainstwhichatthattimehemanifestethhisindignation.HerehelayshimselfdownbeforethesovereigngraceofGod,andawaitspatientlythediscoveryofthefreeactofhiswillconcerninghim;andatthisdoor,asitwere,entersintotheconsiderationofthoseotherspringsofpardonwhichfaithinquiresafterand

closethwithal.Thissometimesisallthecloudthatappearstoadistressedsoul,whichafterawhilefillstheheavensbytheadditionoftheotherconsiderationsmentioned,andyieldsplentifulrefreshingshowers.Andthisconditionisasin-entangledsoulofttimesreduceduntoinlookingoutforrelief,—itcandiscovernothingbutthis,thatGodisable,andcan,ifhegraciouslyplease,relieveandacquithim.Allothersupportments,allspringsofrelief,areshutuporhidfromhim.Thesprings,indeed,maybenigh,asthatwastoHagar,buttheireyesarewithheldthattheycannotseethem.WhereforetheycastthemselvesonGod'ssovereignpleasure,andsaywithJob,"'Thoughheslayus,yetwillwetrustinhim;'wewillnotlethimgo.Inourselveswearelost,thatisunquestionable.HowtheLordwilldealwithusweknownot;weseenotoursignsandtokensanymore.EvidencesofGod'sgraceinus,orofhisloveandfavouruntous,arealloutofsight.ToapresentspecialinterestinChristwearestrangers;andwelieeverymomentatthedoorofeternity.Whatcourseshallwetake?whatwayshallweproceed?IfweabideatadistancefromGod,weshallassuredlyperish.'Whoeverhardenedhimselfagainsthimandprospered?'Noristheretheleastrelieftobehadbutfromandbyhim,'forwhocanforgivesinsbutGod?'Wewill,then,bringourguiltysoulsintohispresence,andattendthepleasureofhisgrace;whathespeaksconcerningus,wewillwillinglysubmitunto."Andthissometimesprovesananchortoatossedsoul,which,thoughitgivesitnotrestandpeace,yetitsavesitfromtherockofdespair.Hereitabidesuntillightdomoreandmorebreakforthuponit.

(3.)Faithdealingaboutforgivenessdothcommonlyeye,inaparticularmanner,itsrelationtothemediationandbloodofChrist.Sotheapostledirects,1John2:1,2,"Ifanymansin,wehaveanadvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous:andheisthepropitiationforoursins."Ifanyonehathsinned,andisindepthsandentanglementsaboutit,whatcourseshallhetake,howshallheproceed,toobtaindeliverance?Why,hemustuntoGodforpardon.Butwhatshallherelyupontoencouragehiminhissodoing?Saiththeapostle,"ConsiderbyfaiththeatonementandpropitiationmadeforsinbythebloodofChrist,andthatheisstillpursuingtheworkoflovetothesuingoutofpardonforus;andrestthysoulthereon."This,Isay,mostcommonlyisthatwhichfaithinthefirstplaceimmediatelyfixeson.

(4.)Faitheyesactualpardonorcondonation.SoGodproposethitasamotivetofartherbelieving:Isa.44:22,"Ihaveblottedout,asathickcloud,thytransgressions,and,asacloud,thysins:returnuntome;forIhaveredeemedthee."Actualpardonofsinisproposedtofaithasanencouragementuntoafull

returninguntoGodinallthings,2Sam.23:5.Andthelikemaybesaidofalltheotherparticularswhichwehaveinsistedon.ThereisnotanyofthembutwillyieldpeculiarreliefuntoasouldealingwithGodaboutforgiveness,ashavingsomeonespecialconcernmentorotherofforgivenessinwrappedinthem;—only,asIsaid,theydoitnotexclusively,butarethespecialdoorswherebybelievingentersintothewhole.Andthesethingsmustbespokenuntoafterward.

Letusnowtakealongwithustheendforwhichalltheseconsiderationshavebeeninsistedon.Itistomanifestthatarealdiscoveryofgospelforgivenessisamatterofgreaterconsequenceandimportancethanatfirstproposal,itmaybe,itappeareduntosometobe.Whoisnotinhopes,inexpectationofpardon?Whothinknotthattheyknowwellenoughatleastwhatitis,iftheymightbutobtainit?Butmenmayhavegeneralthoughtsofimpunity,andyetbefarenoughfromanysavingacquaintancewithgospelmercy.

———

Forgivenessdiscoveredorrevealedonlytofaith—Reasonsthereof.

FORacloseofthisdiscourse,Ishallonlyaddwhatisincludedinthatpropositionwhichisthefoundationofthewhole,—namely,thatthisdiscoveryofforgivenessisandcanbemadetofaithalone.Thenatureofitissuchasthatnothingelsecandiscoveritorreceiveit.Noreasonings,noinquiriesoftheheartofmancanreachuntoit.Thatguessorglimpsewhichtheheathenshadofoldofsomewhatsocalled,andwhichfalseworshippershaveatpresent,isnottheforgivenessweinsistupon,butamereimaginationoftheirownhearts.

Thistheapostleinformsus,Rom.1:17,"TherighteousnessofGodis"(inthegospel)"revealedfromfaithtofaith."Nothingbutfaithhathanythingtodowithit.ItisthatrighteousnessofGodwhereofhespeaksthatconsistsintheforgivenessofsinsbythebloodofChrist,declaredinthegospel.AndthisisrevealedfromthefaithofGodinthepromisetothefaithofthebeliever,—tohimthatmixesthepromisewithfaith.Andagainmorefully,1Cor.2:9,"Eyehathnotseen,norearheard,neitherhaveenteredintotheheartofman,thethingswhichGodhathpreparedforthemthatlovehim."Thewayswherebywemaycometotheknowledgeofanythingare,bytheseeingoftheeyeorhearingoftheear,orthereasoningsandmeditationsoftheheart;butnownoneofthesewillreachtothematterinhand,—bynoneofthesewayscanwecometoanacquaintancewiththethingsofthegospelthatarepreparedforusinChrist.

How,then,shallweobtaintheknowledgeofthem?Thathedeclares,verse10,"GodhathrevealedthemuntousbyhisSpirit."Now,itisfaithonlythatreceivestherevelationsoftheSpirit;nothingelsehathtodowiththem.

Togiveevidencehereunto,wemayconsiderthatthisgreatmystery,—1.Istoodeep,2.Istoogreat,foraughtelsetodiscover;and,—3.Thatnothingelsebutfaithissuitedtothemakingofthisdiscovery.

1.Itistoodeepandmysterioustobefathomedandreachedbyanythingelse.Reason'slineistooshorttofathomthedepthsoftheFather'slove,ofthebloodoftheSon,andthepromisesofthegospelbuiltthereon,whereinforgivenessdwells.Mencannotbytheirrationalconsiderationslaunchoutintothesedeeps,nordrawwaterbythemfromthese"wellsofsalvation."Reasonstandsbyamazed,andcries,"Howcanthesethingsbe?"Itcanbutgathercockleshells,likehimofold,attheshoreofthisocean,afewcriticismsupontheoutwardletter,andsobringanevilreportupontheland,asdidthespies.Allitcandoisbuttohinderfaithfromventuringintoit,crying,"Sparethyself;thisattemptisvain,thesethingsareimpossible."Itisamongthethingsthatfaithputsoffandlaysasidewhenitengageththesoulintothisgreatwork.This,then,thatitmaycometoadiscoveryofforgiveness,causeththesoultodenyitselfandallitsownreasonings,andtogiveupitselftoaninfinitefulnessofgoodnessandtruth.Thoughitcannotgountothebottomofthesedepths,yetitentersintothem,andfindsrestinthem.Nothingbutfaithissuitedtorest,tosatiate,andcontentitselfinmysterious,bottomless,unsearchabledepths.Beingasoul-emptying,areason-denyinggrace,themoreitmeetswithalbeyonditssearchandreach,themoresatisfactionitfinds."ThisisthatwhichIlookedfor,"saithfaith,"evenforthatwhichisinfiniteandunsearchable,whenIknowthatthereisabundantlymorebeyondmethatIdonotcomprehend,thanwhatIhaveattainedunto;forIknowthatnothingelsewilldogoodtothesoul."Now,thisisthatwhichreallypuzzlesandoverwhelmsreason,renderingituseless.Whatitcannotcompass,itwillneglectordespise.Itiseitheramazedandconfounded,anddazzledlikeweakeyesattoogreatalight;orfortifyingofitselfbyinbredprideandobstinacy,itconcludesthatthispreachingofthecross,offorgivenessfromtheloveofGod,bythebloodofChrist,isplainfolly,athingnotforawisemantotakenoticeofortotroublehimselfabout:soitappearedtothewiseGreeksofold,1Cor.1:23.Hence,whenasoulisbroughtunderthepowerofarealconvictionofsin,soasthatitwoulddesirouslybefreedfromthegallingentanglementsofit,itisthenthehardestthingintheworldtopersuadesuchasoulofthisforgiveness.Anythingappearsmorerationaluntoit,—anyself-

righteousnessinthisworld,anypurgatoryhereafter.

Thegreatestpartoftheworldofconvincedpersonshaveforsakenforgivenessonthisaccount;masses,penances,merits,haveappearedmoreeligible.Yea,menwhohavenootherdesirebuttobeforgivendochoosetoclosewithanythingratherthanforgiveness.Ifmendoescapetheserocks,andresolvethatnothingbutpardonwillrelievethem,yetitisimpossibleforthemtoreceiveitinthetruthandpowerofit,ifnotenabledbyfaiththereunto.Ispeaknotofmenthattakeitupbyhear-say,asacommonreport,butofthosesoulswhofindthemselvesreallyconcernedtolookafterit.Whentheyknowitistheirsoleconcernment,alltheirhopeandrelief;whentheyknowthattheymustperisheverlastinglywithoutit;andwhenitisdeclareduntotheminthewordsoftruthandsoberness,—yettheycannotreceiveit.Whatisthereasonofit?whatstavesoffthesehungrycreaturesfromtheirproperfood?Why,theyhavenothingtoleadthemintothemysteriousdepthsofeternallove,ofthebloodofChrist,andpromisesofthegospel.Howmayweseepoordesertedsoulsstandingeverydayatthesideofthispool,andyetnotonceventurethemselvesintoitalltheirdays!

2.Itistoogreatforanythingelsetodiscover.ForgivenessisathingchosenoutofGodfromalleternity,toexaltandmagnifythegloryofhisgrace;anditwillbemadeappeartoalltheworldatthedayofjudgmenttohavebeenagreatthing.Whenthesoulcomesinanymeasuretobemadesensibleofit,itfindsitsogreat,soexcellentandastonishable,thatitsinksunderthethoughtsofit.Ithathdimensions,alength,breadth,depth,andheight,thatnolineoftherationalsoulcantakeormeasure.Thereis"exceedinggreatness"init,Eph.1:19.Thatisagreatworkwhichwehaveprescribed,Eph.3:19,even"toknowtheloveofChrist,whichpassethknowledge."Here,Isuppose,reasonwillconfessitselfatastandandanissue;toknowthatwhichpassethknowledgeisnoneofitswork."Itcannotbeknown,"saithreason;andsoendsthematter.Butthisisfaith'sproperwork,eventoknowthatwhichpassethknowledge;toknowthat,initspower,virtue,sweetness,andefficacy,whichcannotbethoroughlyknowninitsnatureandexcellency;tohave,bybelieving,alltheendsofafullcomprehensionofthatwhichcannotbefullycomprehended.Hence,Heb.11:1,itissaidtobetheὑπόστασιςof"thingsnotseen,"theirsubsistence;thoughinthemselvesabsent,yetfaithgivesthemapresentsubsistenceinthesoul.Soitknowsthingsthatpassknowledge;bymixingitselfwiththem,itdrawsoutandcommunicatestheirbenefittothesoul.Fromallwhichisevidentwhatinthethirdplacewasproposed,offaith'sbeingonlysuitedtobethemeansofthisdiscovery;sothatIshallnotneedfarthertoinsistthereon.

———

DiscoveryofforgivenessinGodagreatsupportmenttosin-entangledsouls—Particularassuranceattainable.

FOURTHLY.THEREyetremainsabriefconfirmationofthepositionatfirstlaiddownandthuscleared,beforeIcometotheimprovementofthewords,especiallyaimedat.Isay,then,thisdiscoveryofforgivenessinGodisagreatsupportmentforasin-entangledsoul,althoughithathnospecialpersuasionofitsownparticularinteresttherein.Somewhatissupposedinthisassertion,andsomewhataffirmed.

First,[Astowhatissupposed]:—

1.Itissupposedthattheremaybeagraciouspersuasionandassuranceoffaithinamanconcerninghisownparticularinterestinforgiveness.Amanmay,manydo,believeitforthemselves,soasnotonlytohavethebenefitofitbutthecomfortalso.Generally,allthesaintsmentionedinScripturehadthisassurance,unlessitwereinthecaseofdepths,distresses,anddesertions,suchasthatinthispsalm.DavidexpressethhisconfidenceoftheloveandfavourofGoduntohisownsoulhundredsoftimes;Pauldoththesameforhimself:Gal.2:20,"Christlovedme,andgavehimselfforme;"2Tim.4:8,"Thereislaidupformeacrownofrighteousness,whichtheLord,therighteousjudge,shallgivemeatthatday."AndthatthisboastingintheLordandhisgracewasnotanenclosuretohimselfheshows,Rom.8:38,39.

Nothingcanbemorevainthanwhatisusuallypleadedtoremovethissheet-anchorofthesaints'consolation,—namely,thatnoman'sparticularnameisinthepromise.Itisnotsaidtothisorthatmanbynamethathissinsareforgivenhim;butthematterisfarotherwise.Tothinkthatitisnecessarythatthenameswherebyweareknownamongourselves,andaredistinguishedhereonefromanother,shouldbewritteninthepromise,thatwemaybelieveinparticulareverychildofGodisinthepromise,isafondconceit.Andbelievingmakesitverylegibletohim.Yea,wefindbyexperiencethatthereisnoneedofargumentationinthiscase.Thesoul,byadirectactoffaith,believesitsownforgiveness,withoutmakinginferencesorgatheringconclusions;andmaydosouponthepropositionofittobebelievedinthepromise.ButIwillnotdigressfrommyworkinhand,and,therefore,shallonlyobserveoneortwothingsuponthesuppositionlaiddown:—

(1.)Itisthedutyofeverybelievertolabourafteranassuranceofapersonalinterestinforgiveness,andtobediligentinthecherishingandpreservationofitwhenitisattained.Theapostleexhortsusalluntoit,Heb.10:22,"Letusdrawnearinfullassuranceoffaith;"thatis,ofouracceptancewithGodthroughforgivenessinthebloodofJesus.Thisheplainlydiscoursethof;andthisprincipleofourfaithandconfidencehewouldhaveustoholdfastuntotheend,chap.3:14.Itisnosmallevilinbelieversnottobepressingafterperfectioninbelievingandobedience.Ofttimessomesinfulindulgencetoself,ortheworld,orsloth,isthecauseofit.Hencefewcomeuptogospelassurance.Butyetmostofourprivileges,anduponthematterallourcomforts,dependonthisonething.Alittlebytheway,toencourageuntothisduty,Ishalldesireyoutoconsiderbothwhencethisassuranceisproducedandwhatitdothproduce,—whatitisthefruitof,andwhatfruititbears:—

[1.]Itis,ingeneral,theproductofamoreplentifulcommunicationoftheSpiritthanordinary,astoasenseandparticipationofthechoicefruitsofthedeathofChrist,procuredforthosewhoarejustifiedbytheiracceptanceoftheatonement.Itflourishethnotwithouthissealing,witnessing,establishing,andsheddingabroadtheloveofGodinourhearts.SeeRom.5:1–5.Andwhatbelieveroughtnottolongforandpressaftertheenjoymentofthesethings?Nay,toreadofthesethingsinthegospel,notexperiencingtheminourownhearts,andyettositdownquietlyonthissideofthem,withoutcontinualpressingafterthem,istodespisethebloodofChrist,theSpiritofgrace,andthewholeworkofGod'slove.Iftherearenosuchthings,thegospelisnottrue;ifthereare,ifwepressnotafterthem,wearedespisersofthegospel.SurelyhehathnottheSpiritwhowouldnothavemoreofhim,allofhimthatispromisedbyChrist.Thesethingsarethe"hundredfold"thatChristhathleftusintheworldtocounterpoiseoursorrows,troubles,andlosses;andshallwebesofoolishastoneglectouronlyabidingrichesandtreasures,—inparticular,asitistheproductofanexercised,vigorous,activefaith?Thatourfaithshouldbesuchalways,ineverystateandcondition,Isupposeitourdutytoendeavour.Notonlyourcomfortsbutourobediencealsodependsuponit.Themorefaiththatistrueandoftherightkind,themoreobedience;forallourobedienceistheobedienceoffaith.

[2.]Foritsownfruit,andwhatitproduceth,theyarethechoicestactingsofoursoulstowardsGod,—aslove,delight,rejoicingintheLord,peace,joy,andconsolationinourselves,readinesstodoorsuffer,cheerfulnessinsodoing.Iftheygrownotfromthisroot,yettheirflourishingwhollydependsuponit;sothatsurelyitisthedutyofeverybelievertobreakthroughalldifficultiesin

pressingafterthisparticularassurance.Theobjectionsthatpersonsraiseagainstthemselvesinthiscasemaybeafterwardconsidered.

(2.)InordinarydispensationsofGodtowardsus,anddealingswithus,itismostly[by]ourownnegligenceandsloththatwecomeshortofthisassurance.ItistrueitdependsinapeculiarmanneronthesovereigntyofGod.Heisasabsoluteingivingpeacetobelieversasingivinggracetosinners.Thistakesplaceandmaybeproposedasareliefintimesoftrialanddistress.Hecreatethlightandcausethdarkness,ashepleaseth.Butyet,consideringwhatpromisesaremadeuntous,whatencouragementsaregivenus,whatloveandtendernessthereisinGodtoreceiveus,IcannotbutconcludethatordinarilythecauseofourcomingshortofthisassuranceiswhereIhavefixedit.Andthisisthefirstthingthatissupposedintheforegoingassertion.

2.ItissupposedthatthereisormaybeasavingpersuasionordiscoveryofforgivenessinGod,wherethereisnoassuranceofanyparticularinteresttherein,orthatourownsinsinparticulararepardoned.ThisisthatwhichhathapromiseofgraciousacceptancewithGod,andisthereforesaving:Isa.50:10,"WhoisamongyouthatfeareththeLORD,thatobeyeththevoiceofhisservant,thatwalkethindarkness,andhathnolight?lethimtrustinthenameoftheLORD,andstayuponhisGod."HereisthefearoftheLordandobedience,withablessedencouragementtorestinGodandhisall-sufficiency,yetnoassurancenorlight,butdarkness,andthatwalkedinorcontinuedinforalongseason;forhecannotwalkindarkness,meetwithnothingbutdarkness,withoutanybeamorrayoflight,asthewordssignify,whoispersuadedoftheloveofGodinthepardonofhissins.Andyetthefaithofsuchaone,andhisobediencespringingfromit,havethisgraciouspromiseofacceptancewithGod.Andinnumerabletestimoniestothispurposemightbeproduced,andinstancesingreatplenty.Ishallonlytenderalittleevidenceuntoit,inoneobservationconcerningthenatureoffaith,andonemoreabouttheproposalofthethingtobebelieved,orforgiveness.And,—

(1.)Faithiscalled,andis,acleavinguntotheLord:Deut.4:4,"Yethatdidcleave,"oradhere,"untotheLORD;"thatis,whodidbelieve.Josh,23:8,"Cleave,"oradhere,"untotheLORDyourGod."ThesamewordisusedalsointheNewTestament:Acts11:23,"Heexhortedthemall,thatwithpurposeofhearttheywouldcleaveuntotheLord,"orcontinuesteadfastinbelieving.ItisalsooftenexpressedbytrustingintheLord,rollingourburden,orcastingourcareuponhim,bycommittingourselvesorourwaysuntohim.Now,allthis

goesnofartherthanthesoul'sresignationofitselfuntoGod,tobedealtwithalbyhimaccordingtothetenorofthecovenantofgrace,ratifiedinthebloodofChrist.Thisasoulcannotdo,withoutadiscoveryofforgivenessinGod;butthisasoulmaydo,withoutaspecialassuranceofhisowninteresttherein.Thisfaith,thatthusadherestoGod,thatcleavestohim,willcarrymentoconcludethatitistheirdutyandtheirwisdomtogiveupthedisposaloftheirsoulsuntoGod,andtocleaveandadhereuntohimasrevealedinChrist,waitingthepleasureofhiswill.ItenablesthemtomakeChristtheirchoice;andwillcarrymentoheavensafely,thoughitmaybeatsomeseasonsnotverycomfortably.

(2.)Therevelationanddiscoveryofforgivenessthatismadeinthegospelevidenceththesametruth.Thefirstproposalofitorconcerningitisnottoanymanthathissinsareforgiven.No;butitisonlythatthereisredemptionandforgivenessofsinsinChrist.Sotheapostlelaysitdown,Acts13:38,39,"Beitknownuntoyoutherefore,menandbrethren,thatthroughthismanispreacheduntoyoutheforgivenessofsins:andbyhimallthatbelievearejustifiedfromallthings,fromwhichyecouldnotbejustifiedbythelawofMoses."Allthismaybebelievedwithoutaman'sassuranceofhisownpersonalinterestinthethingsmentioned.Now,wheretheyarebelievedwiththefaiththegospelrequires,thatfaithissaving,andtherootofgospel,acceptableobedience.Theransom,Isay,theatonementbyChrist,thefulnessoftheredemptionthatisinhim,andsoforgivenessinhisbloodforbelievers,fromthegoodwill,grace,andloveoftheFather,isthefirstgospeldiscoverythatasinnerinasavingmannerclosethwithal.Particularassurancearisethormayariseafterward;andthisalsoissupposedintheassertion.

Secondly,Thatwhichisaffirmedinitis,thatadiscoveryofforgivenessinGod,withoutanyparticularassuranceofpersonalinteresttherein,isagreatsupportmenttoasin-entangledsoul.Andletnomandespisethedayofthissmallthing;smallintheeyesofsome,andthosegoodmenalso,asifitdidnotdeservethenameoffaith.Now,ashathbeenmadetoappear,thisdiscoveryofforgivenessisthesoul'spersuasion,ongospelgrounds,thathoweveritbewithhim,andwhateverhisstateandconditionbe,orisliketobe,yetthatGodinhisownnatureisinfinitelygracious,andthathehathdetermined,inasovereignactofhiswillfrometernity,tobegracioustosinners,andthathehathmadewayfortheadministrationofforgivenessbythebloodofhisSon,accordingashehathabundantlymanifestedanddeclaredinthepromisesofthegospel."Howeveritbewithme,yetthusitiswithGod;thereisforgivenesswithhim."Thisisthefirstthingthatasoulinitsdepthsrisethupunto;anditisasupportmentforit,

enablingituntoallpresentdutiesuntilconsolationcomefromabove.

Thushathitbeentoandwiththesaintsofold:Hos.14:3,"Asshurshallnotsaveus;wewillnotrideuponhorses:neitherwillwesayanymoretotheworkofourhands,Yeareourgods:forintheethefatherlessfindethmercy."Asolemnrenunciationwehaveofallotherhelps,reliefs,orassistances,civilorreligious,thatarenotGod's;thereonasolemnresolution,intheirgreatdistress,ofcleavinguntoGodalone;—bothwhicharegreatandblessedeffectsoffaith.Whatisthebottomandfoundationofthisblessedresolution?—namely,thatproposition,"Intheethefatherlessfindethmercy;"thatis,"Thereisforgivenesswiththeeforhelplesssinners."Thislifteduptheirheartsintheirdepths,andsupportedtheminwaitinguntothereceivingoftheblessedpromisesofmercy,pardon,grace,andholiness,whichensueinthenextverses.Untiltheycamehomeuntothemintheirefficacyandeffects,theymadealifeonthis,"Intheethefatherlessfindethmercy."

Thestateandconditionofthingsseemtolieyetlowerinthatproposalwehave,Joel2:13,14,"Rendyourheart,andnotyourgarments,andturnuntotheLORDyourGod:forheisgraciousandmerciful,slowtoanger,andofgreatkindness,andrepentethhimoftheevil.Whoknowethifhewillreturnandrepent,andleaveablessing?"Thatwhichisproposedtothefaithofthoseherespokenuntois,thattheLordisgraciousandmerciful,—thatthereisforgivenessinhim.Thedutytheyareprovokeduntohereuponisgospelrepentance.Theassentuntothepropositiondemanded,astotheirowninterest,amountsbutuntothis,"WhoknowsbutthattheLORDmayreturn,andleaveablessing?"or,"dealwithusaccordingtothemanifestationhehathmadeofhimself,thatheismercifulandgracious."Thisisfarenoughfromanycomfortablepersuasionofaparticularinterestinthatgrace,mercy,orpardon.Butyet,saiththeprophet,"Comebutthusfar,andhereisafirmfoundationofdealingwithGodaboutfartherdiscoveriesofhimselfinawayofgraceandmercy."WhenasoulseesbutsomuchinGodastoconclude,"Well,whoknowethbutthathemayreturn,andhavemercyuponmealso?"itwillsupporthim,andgivehimanentranceintofartherlight.

ThechurchintheLamentationsgivesasadaccountofherstateandconditioninthismatter;forshemakeththathardconclusionagainstherself,chap.3:18,"MystrengthandmyhopeisperishedfromtheLORD.…AlsowhenIcryandshout,heshuttethoutmyprayer,"verse8.Sofarisshefromacomfortablepersuasionofaparticularinterestinmercyandacceptance,that,underherpressuresandin

hertemptations,sheisreadypositivelytodetermineontheotherside,namely,thatsheisrejectedandcastoffforever.Whatcourse,then,shallshetake?ShallshegiveoverwaitingonGod,andsay,"Thereisnohope?""No,"saithshe,"Iwillnottakethatway;for(verse26)'ItisgoodthatamanshouldbothhopeandquietlywaitforthesalvationofGod.'"Butyetthereseemssmallencouragementforhersotodoifthingsbewithheraswasexpressed."Things,indeed,"saithshe,"areverysadwithme.'Mysoulhaththemstillinremembrance,andisboweddowninme,'verse20;butyetsomewhat'Irecalltomind,andthereforehaveIhope,'verse21,—'ItisoftheLORD'Smercythatwearenotconsumed,becausehiscompassionsfailnot.'[verse22.]Thereismercyandnever-failingcompassioninGod,sothatthoughmyownpresentconditionbefullofdarkness,andIseenodeliverance,yetIpurposestilltoabidewaitingonhim.Whoknowswhatthoseinfinitestoresandtreasuresofmercyandreliefthatarewithhimmayatlengthafforduntome?"Andmanyinstancesofthelikekindmaybeadded.

Wemayobserve,bytheway,howfarthisreliefextendsitself,andwhatitenablesthesoulunto;as,—

1.Thesoulisenabledtherebytoresignitselfuntothedisposalofsovereigngraceinself-abhorrency,andarenunciationofallotherwaysofrelief:Lam.3:29,"Heputtethhismouthinthedust,ifsobetheremaybehope.""WhatGodwill,"ishislanguage.Hereheliesathisdisposal,humble,broken,butabidinghispleasure."Thoughheslayme,"saithJob,"yetwillItrustinhim,"chap.13:15;—"Itisallonehowhedealswithme;whateverbetheevent,Iwillabidecleavinguntohim.Iwillnotthinkofanyotherwayofextricatingmyselffrommydistress.IwillneitherflylikeJonah,norhidelikeAdam,nortakeanyothercoursefordeliverance."Saiththesoul,"'GodisaGodthathidethhimself'fromme,Isa.45:15;'Iwalkindarknessandhavenolight,'chap.50:10.'Myfleshfailethandmyheartfaileth,'Ps.73:26;sothatIamoverwhelmedwithtrouble.'MineiniquitieshavetakensuchholdonmethatIcannotlookup,'Ps.40:12.'TheLORDhathforsakenme,andmyLordhathforgottenme.'[Isa.49:14.]EverydayamIindreadandterror,andIamreadyutterlytofaint,andnoreliefcanIobtain.What,then,shallIdo?ShallI'curseGodanddie?'orcry,'ThisevilisoftheLORD;whyshouldIwaitforhimanylonger?'ShallItakethecourseoftheworld,and,seeingitwillbenobetter,bewhollyregardlessofmylatterend?No;Iknow,whatevermylotandportionbe,thatthereisforgivenesswithGod.Thisandthatpoormantrustedinhim;theycrieduntohim,andweredelivered.SodidDavidinhisgreatestdistress;heencouragedhisheartintheLordhis

God,2Sam.15:25,26.Itisgoodformetocastmyselfintohisarms.Itmaybehewillfrown;itmaybeheiswrothstill:butallisone,thiswayIwillgo.Asitseemsgooduntohimtodealwithme,soletitbe."Andunspeakablearetheadvantageswhichasoulobtainsbythisself-resignation,whichthefaithtreatedofwillinfalliblyproduce.

2.Itextendsitselfuntoaresolutionofwaitingintheconditionwhereinthesoulis.Thisthechurchcomesunto,Lam.3:26,"ItisgoodthatamanshouldbothhopeandquietlywaitforthesalvationoftheLORD;"—"Iwillnotgiveovermyexpectation,IwillnotmakehastenorlimitGod;butIwilllieathisfeetuntilhisownappointedtimeofmercyshallcome."Expectationandquietnessmakeupwaiting.Thesethesoulattainsuntowiththissupportment.Itlooksupwards,"asaservantthatlookstothehandsofhismaster,"stillfixedonGod,toseewhathewilldo,tohearwhathewillspeakconcerninghim;missingnoseason,noopportunitywhereinanydiscoveryofthewillofGodmaybemadetohim.Andthishedothinquietness,withoutrepiningormurmuring,turningallhiscomplaintsagainsthimselfandhisownvileness,thathathcuthimshortfromaparticipationofthatfulnessofloveandgracewhichiswithGod.Thatthiseffectalsoattendsthisfaithwillfullyappearinthecloseofthepsalm.

3.Itsupportsuntowaitingintheuseofallmeansfortheattainmentofasenseofforgiveness,andsohathitseffectinthewholecourseofourobedience."Thereisforgivenesswiththee,thatthoumayestbefeared."TofeartheLord,isanexpressioncomprehensiveofhiswholeworshipandallourduty."ThisIamencouragedunto,inmydepths,"saiththepsalmist,"becausethereisforgivenesswiththee.Iwillabideinallduties,inallthewaysofthyworship,whereinthoumaystbefound."Andhoweveritbeforawhile,thelatterendofthatsoul,whothusabidethwithGod,willbepeace.

Letus,then,nextlyseebywhatwaysandmeansityieldsthissupportment:—

1.ItbegetsalikingofGodinthesoul,andconsequentlysomeloveuntohim.ThesoulapprehendsGodasoneinfinitelytobedesiredanddelightedinbythosewhohaveashareinforgiveness.Itcannotbutconsiderhimasgoodandgracious,howeveritsownestatebehazardous.Ps.73:1,2,"YetGodisgoodtoIsrael,tosuchasareofacleanheart.Asforme,myfeetwerealmostgone;mystepshadwell-nighslipped;"—"Howeverthestatestandswithme,yetIknowthatGodisgood,goodtoIsrael;andtherewithshallIsupportmyself."Whenoncethisgroundisgotuponthesoul,thatitconsidersGodinChristasonetobe

delightedinandloved,greatandblessedeffectswillensue:—(1.)Self-abhorrencyandcondemnation,withresignationofalltoGod,andpermanencytherein,docertainlyattendit.(2.)Still,somewhatorotherinGodwillbebroughttomindtorelieveitunderfaintings,somenewspringsofhopewillbeeverydayopened.(3.)AndthesoulwillbeinsensiblywroughtupontodelightitselfindealingwithGod.Though,initsownparticular,itmeetswithfrownings,chidings,andrepulses,yetthisstillrelieveshim,thatGodissoashathbeendeclared;sothathesays,"Howeveritbe,yetGodisgood;anditisgoodformetowaituponhim."WithoutthisdiscoverythesoullikesnotGod,andwhateveritdothwithrespectuntohim,itisbecauseitdaresdonootherwise,beingoverawedwithhisterrorandgreatness;andsuchobedienceGodmayhavefromdevils.

2.Itremovessundryoverwhelmingdifficultiesthatlieinthesoul'swaybeforeitclosewiththisdiscoveryofforgiveness;as,—

(1.)Ittakesawayallthosehinderancesthatwereformerlyinsistedonfromthegreatness,holiness,andseverityofGod,theinexorablenessandstrictnessofthelaw,andthenaturalactingsofconsciencerisingupagainstallhopesofforgiveness.Allthesearebythisfaithremoved,andtakenoutoftheway.Wherethisfaithis,itdiscoversnotonlyforgiveness,ashathbeenshowed,butalsothetruenatureofgospelforgiveness;itrevealsitasflowingfromthegraciousheartoftheFather,throughthebloodoftheSon.Now,thispropitiationinthebloodoftheSonremovethallthesedifficulties,evenantecedentlyuntoourspecialsenseofaninteresttherein.ItshowshowallthepropertiesofGodmaybeexaltedandthelawfulfilled,andyetforgivenessgivenouttosinners.AndhereinliesnosmalladvantageuntoasoulinitsapproachesuntoGod.AllthosedreadfulapprehensionsofGod,whichwerewonttobesethiminthefirstthoughtsofcomingtohim,arenowtakenoutoftheway,sothathecanquietlyapplyhimselfuntohisownparticularconcernmentsbeforehim.

(2.)Inparticular,itremovestheoverwhelmingconsiderationoftheunspeakablegreatnessofsin.Thispresseththesoultodeath,whenoncetheheartispossessedwithit.Werenottheirsinssogreat,suchasnoheartcanimagineortonguedeclare,itmightpossiblybewellwiththem,saydistressedsinners.Theyarenotsotroubledthattheyaresinners,asthattheyaregreatsinners;notthattheseandthosesinstheyareguiltyof,butthattheyaregreatsins,attendedwithfearfulaggravations.Otherwisetheycoulddealwellenoughwiththem.Now,thoughthisdiscoveryfreemennotfromtheentanglementoftheirsinsastheirs,yetit

dothfromthewholeentanglementoftheirsinsasgreatandmany.Thisconsiderationmaybeabstracted.ThesoulseesenoughinGodtoforgivegreatsins,thoughitdothnotasyettoforgivehissins.Thatgreatsinsshallbepardoned,thisdiscoveryputsoutofquestion.Whetherhissinsshallbepardonedisnowalltheinquiry.Whateveranyfaithcando,thatthisfaithwilldo,unlessitbethemakingofparticularapplicationofthethingsbelieveduntoitself.Thesoul,then,cannolongerjustlybetroubledaboutthegreatnessofsin;theinfinitenessofforgivenessthatheseesinGodwillrelievehimagainstit.Allthatremainsis,thatitishisownsinaboutwhichhehathtodeal;whereofafterwards.Theseandthelikedifficultiesareremovedbyit.

3.Itgivessomelifeinandencouragementuntoduty.Andthat,first,untodutyasduty.EyeingGodbyfaith,insuchafulnessofgrace,thesoulcannotbutbeencouragedtomeethimineverywayofduty,andtolayholduponhimthereby;—everywayleadingtohim,asleadingtohim,mustbewelllikedandapprovedof.And,secondly,toallduties.Andhereinliesnosmalladvantage.Godisoftentimesfoundinduties,butinwhat,orofwhatkind,hewillbefoundofanyoneinparticular,isuncertain.Thisfaithputsthesoulonall:soitdidthespouseintheparalleltothatinhand,Cant.3:2–4.Now,whatsupportmentmaybehenceobtainediseasilyapprehended,—supportmentnotfromthemorbythem,butinthem,asthemeansofintercoursebetweenGodandthesoul.

FromtheseeffectsofthisdiscoveryofforgivenessinGodthreethingswillensue,whicharesufficienttomaintainthespirituallifeofthesoul:—

(1.)AresolutiontoabidewithGod,andtocommitalluntohim.Thistheword,aswasobserved,teachesus:"Thereisforgivenesswiththee,andthereforethoushaltbefeared;"—"BecausethisIfound,thisIampersuadedof,thereforeIwillabidewithhiminthewayofhisfearandworship."ThisourSaviourcallsunto,John15:4,"'Abideinme;'exceptyedosoyecanbearnofruit."SotheLord,representinghistakingofthechurchuntohimselfunderthetypeoftheprophet'stakinganadulteressinvision,dothitontheseterms:Hos.3:3,"Thoushaltabideformemanydays;thoushaltnotplaytheharlot,andthoushaltnotbeforanotherman:sowillIalsobeforthee."Now,thisabidingwithGodintimatestwothings:—[1.]Oppositions,solicitations,andtemptationsuntothecontrary.[2.]Forbearingtomakeanyotherchoice,asuntothatendforwhichweabidewithGod.

[1.]Itarguesoppositions.Toabide,tobestableandpermanent,istobeso

againstoppositions.Manydiscouragementsarereadytoriseupinthesoulagainstit:infearsespeciallythatitshallnotholdout,thatitshallberejectedatlast,thatallisnaughtandhypocriticalwithit,thatitshallnotbeforgiven,thatGodindeedregardsitnot,andthereforeitmaywellenoughgiveoveritshopes,whichseemsoftenasthegivingupoftheghost;[these]willassaultit.Again,oppositionsarisefromcorruptionsandtemptationsuntosin,contrarytothelifeoffaith;andtheseoftenproceedtoahighdegreeofprevalency,sothattheguiltcontracteduponthemisreadytocastthesoulquiteoutofallexpectationofmercy."Ishallonedayperishbythesemeans,"saiththesoul,"ifIamnotalreadylost."

Butnow,wherefaithhathmadethisdiscoveryofforgiveness,thesoulwillabidewithGodagainstallthesediscouragementsandoppositions.Itwillnotleavehim,itwillnotgiveoverwaitingforhim.SoDavidexpresseththematterintheinstanceofhimself:Ps.73:2,"Butasforme,myfeetwerealmostgone;mystepshadwell-nighslipped:"and,verse13,"VerilyIhavecleansedmyheartinvain."Butyet,afterallhisconflicts,thisatlasthecomesunto,verse26,"Though'myfleshandmyheartfaileth,'yet(verse28)'ItisgoodformetodrawnearuntoGod;'—IwillyetabidewithGod;Iwillnotletgohisfearnormyprofession.AlthoughIwalkweakly,lamely,unevenly,yetIwillstillfollowafterhim."Asitwaswiththedisciples,whenmany,uponastrongtemptation,wentbackfromChrist,andwalkednomorewithhim,"Jesussaiduntothem,Willyealsogoaway?"towhichPeterreplies,inthenameoftherestofthem,"Lord,towhomshallwego?thouhastthewordsofeternallife,"John6:66–68;—"Itisthusandthuswithme,"saiththesoul;"Iamtossedandafflicted,andnotcomforted;littlelife,littlestrength,realguilt,manysins,andmuchdisconsolation.""Whatthen?"saithGodbyhisword;"wiltthoualsogoaway?""No,"saiththesoul;"thereisforgivenesswiththee;thouhastthewordsofeternallife,andthereforeIwillabidewiththee."

[2.]ThisabidingwithGodarguesaforbearanceofanyotherchoice.Whilstthesoulisinthiscondition,havingnotattainedanyevidencesofitsownspecialinterestinforgiveness,manyloverswillbesolicitingofittoplaytheharlotbytakingthemintoitsembraces.Bothself-righteousnessandsinwillbeveryimportunateinthismatter.Theformertendersitselfasexceedingusefultogivethesoulsomehelp,assistance,andsupportmentinitscondition."Samueldothnotcome,"saithSaul,"andthePhilistinesinvademe;Iwillventureandoffersacrificemyself,contrarytothelaw."Thepromisedothnotcometothesoulforitsparticularrelief;ithathnoevidenceastoanespecialinterestinforgiveness.

Temptationinvadesthemind:"Trythyself,"saysit,"totakereliefinsomewhatofthineownproviding."AndthisistoplaytheharlotfromGod.Tothispurposeself-righteousnessvariouslydisguisesitself,likethewifeofJeroboamwhenshewenttotheprophet.Sometimesitappearsasduty,sometimesassignsandtokens;butitsendistogetsomewhatofthefaithandtrustofthesoultobefixeduponit.Butwhenthesoulhathindeedadiscoveryofforgiveness,itwillnotgiveeartothesesolicitations."No,"saithit;"Iseesuchabeauty,suchanexcellency,suchadesirablenessandsuitablenessuntomywantsandcondition,inthatforgivenessthatiswithGod,thatIamresolvedtoabideinthegospeldesireandexpectationofitallthedaysofmylife;heremychoiceisfixed,andIwillnotalter."AndthisresolutiongivesglorytothegraceofGod.Whenthesoul,withoutanevidenceofaninterestinit,yetprefersitabovethatwhich,withmanyreasoningsandpretences,offersitselfasapresentreliefuntoit,herebyisGodglorified,andChristexalted,andthespirituallifeofthesoulsecured.

(2.)ThisdiscoveryofforgivenessinGod,withtheeffectsofitbeforementioned,willproducearesolutionofwaitingonGodforpeaceandconsolationinhisowntimeandway."Hethatbelievethshallnotmakehaste,"Isa.28:16.Notmakehaste,towhat?Nottotheenjoymentofthethingbelieved.Hastearguesprecipitationandimpatience;thisthesoulthathaththisdiscoveryisfreedfrom,resolvingtowaitthetimeofGod'sappointmentforpeaceandconsolation.God,speakingofhisaccomplishmentofhispromises,says,"ItheLORDwillhastenit,"Isa.60:22.Well,then,ifGodwillhastenit,maynotwehastentoit?"Nay,"saithhe,"Iwillhastenit,butinitstime."Alloppositionsandimpedimentsconsidered,itshallbehastened,butinitstime,itsduetime,itsappointedtime.Andthisthesoulistowaitfor;andsoitwill.AswhenJacobhadseenthebeautyofRachel,andlovedher,hewascontentedtowaitsevenyearsfortheenjoymentofhertobehiswife,andthoughtnotimelong,notoiltoohard,thathemightobtainher;sothesoulhavingdiscoveredthebeautyandexcellencyofforgivenessasitiswithGod,asitisinhisgraciousheart,inhiseternalpurpose,inthebloodofChrist,inthepromiseofthegospel,isresolvedtowaitquietlyandpatientlyforthetimewhereinGodwillclearupuntoititsownpersonalinteresttherein.Evenoneexperimentalembracementofit,evenatthehourofdeath,dothwelldeservethewaitingandobedienceofthewholecourseofaman'slife.

Andthisthepsalmistmanifeststohavebeentheeffectproducedinhisheartandspirit;foruponthisdiscoveryofforgivenessinGod,heresolvedbothtowaituponhimhimself,andencouragethotherssotodo.

(3.)Thispreparesthesoulforthereceivingofthatconsolationanddeliveranceoutofitspressures,byanevidenceofaspecialinterestinforgiveness,whichitwaitethfor:—

[1.]Forthismakesmentohearkenafterit.Itmakesthesoullikethemerchantwhohathgreatriches,allhiswealth,inafarcountry,whichheisendeavouringtobringhomesafeuntohim.Iftheycome,heiswellprovidedfor;iftheymiscarry,heislostandundone.Thismakeshimhearkenaftertidingsthattheyaresafethere;and,asSolomonsays,"Goodnews,"inthiscase,"fromafarcountry,isascoldwaterstoathirstysoul,"Prov.25:25,—fullofrefreshment.Thoughhecannotlookuponthemashisownyetabsolutely,becausehehaththemnotinpossession,heisgladtheyaresafethere.Soisitwiththesoul.Theserichesthatitsovaluesareastoitsapprehensionsinafarcountry.Soisthepromise,that"heshallbeholdthelandthatisveryfaroff,"Isa.33:17.Heisgladtohearnewsthattheyaresafe,tohearforgivenesspreached,andthepromisesinsistedon,thoughhecannotasyetlookuponthemashisown.Themerchantrestsnothere,buthehearkenethwithmuchsolicitousnessafterthethingsthatshouldbringhomehisriches,especiallyiftheyhaveinthemhisall.Hencesuchshipsarecalledshipsofdesire,Job9:26.Suchamangreatlydesiresthespeedingofthemtotheirport.Heconsidersthewindandtheweather,alltheoccasions,andinconveniences,anddangersoftheway;andblamehimnot,—hisallisatstake.Thesouldothsoinlikemanner:ithearkenethafterallthewaysandmeanswherebythisforgivenessmaybeparticularlybroughthomeuntoit;isafraidofsinandoftemptation,gladtofindafreshgaleoftheSpiritofgrace,hopingthatitmaybringinhisreturnfromthelandofpromise.Thispreparestheheartforaspiritualsenseofitwhenitisrevealed.

[2.]Itsopreparesthesoul,bygivingitaduevaluationofthegraceandmercydesired.Themerchantmaninthegospelwasnotpreparedtoenjoythepearlhimself,untilitwasdiscoveredtohimtobeofgreatprice;thenheknewhowtopurchaseit,procureit,andkeepit.Thesoulhaving,bythisactingoffaith,uponthediscoveryofforgivenessinsistedon,cometofindthatthepearlhidinthefieldisindeedprecious,isbothstirreduptoseekafterpossessionofit,andtogiveititsdue.Saithsuchasoul,"Howexcellent,howpreciousisthisforgivenessthatiswithGod!Blessed,yea,everblessed,aretheywhoaremadepartakersofit!Whatalifeofjoy,rest,peace,andconsolationdotheylead!HadIbuttheirevidenceofaninterestinit,andthespiritualconsolationthatensuesthereon,howwouldIdespisetheworldandallthetemptationsofSatan,andrejoiceintheLordineverycondition!"Andthisapprehensionofgracealso

exceedinglypreparesandfitsthesoulforareceivingofablessedsenseofit,soasthatGodmayhaveglorythereby.

[3.]Itfitsthesoul,bygivingarightunderstandingofit,ofitsnature,itscauses,andeffects.Atthefirstthesoulgoesnofartherbuttolookafterimpunity,orfreedomfrompunishment,anyway."WhatshallIdotobesaved?"istheutmostitaimsat."Whoshalldeliverme?howshallIescape?"Anditwouldbecontentedtoescapeanyway,—bythelaw,orthegospel,allisone,soitmayescape.Butuponthisdiscoveryofforgivenesstreatedof,whichismadebyfaithofadherenceuntoGod,amanplainlyseesthenatureofit,andthatitissoexcellentthatitistobedesiredforitsownsake.Indeed,whenasoulisbroughtundertroubleforsin,itknowsnotwellwhatitwouldhave.Ithathanuneasinessordisquietmentthatitwouldbefreedfrom,—adreadofsomeevilconditionthatitwouldavoid.Butnowthesoulcantellwhatitdesires,whatitaimsat,aswellaswhatitwouldbefreedfrom.Itwouldhaveaninterestineternallove;havethegraciouskindnessoftheheartofGodturnedtowardsitself,—asenseoftheeverlastingpurposeofhiswillshedabroadinhisheart;haveanespecialinterestinthepreciousbloodoftheSonofGod,wherebyatonementismadeforhim;andthatallthesethingsbetestifieduntohisconscienceinawordofpromisemixedwithfaith.Thesethingshecamefor;thiswayalonehewouldbesaved,andnoother.Itseessuchagloryofwisdom,love,andgraceinforgiveness,suchanexaltationoftheloveofChristinallhisoffices,inallhisundertaking,especiallyinhisdeath,sacrifice,andblood-shedding,wherebyheprocuredormadereconciliationforus,thatitexceedinglylongsaftertheparticipationofthem.

Allthesethings,intheirseveraldegrees,willthisdiscoveryofforgivenessinGod,withoutanevidenceofanespecialinteresttherein,produce.Andthesewillassuredlymaintainthespirituallifeofthesoul,andkeepitupuntosuchanobedienceasshallbeacceptedofGodinChrist.Darkness,sorrow,storms,theyinwhomitismaymeetwithal;buttheireternalconditionissecuredinthecovenantofGod,—theirsoulsareboundupinthebundleoflife.

Fromwhathathbeenspoken,wemaymakesomeinferencesinourpassageconcerningthetruenotionofbelieving;for,—

1.TheseeffectsascribedtothisfaithofforgivenessinGod,andalwaysproducedbyit,makeitevidentthatthemostofthemwhopretenduntoit,whopretendtobelievethatthereisforgivenesswithGod,doindeedbelievenosuch

thing.AlthoughIshall,onsetpurpose,afterwardevincethis,yetIcannothereutterlypassitby.Ishall,then,onlydemandofthemwhoaresoforwardintheprofessionofthisfaiththattheythinkitalmostimpossiblethatanyoneshouldnotbelieveit,whateffectsithathproducedinthem,andwhethertheyhavebeenbyitenabledtotheperformanceofthedutiesbeforementioned?Ifearwithmany,thingsontheaccountoftheirpretendedfaitharequiteotherwise.Theylovesinthemoreforit,andGodneverthebetter.Supposingthatafewbarrenwordswillissuethecontroversyabouttheirsins,theybecomeinsensiblytohaveslightthoughtsofsinandofGodalso.Thispersuasionisnotofhimthatcallsus.Poorsouls,yourfaithisthedevil'sgreatestengineforyourruin,—thehighestcontemptofGod,andChrist,andforgivenessalso,thatyoucanbeguiltyof,—ameanstoletyoudownquietlyintohell,—thePharisees'Moses,trustedin,and[yet]willcondemnyou.Asnoneissavedbutbyfaith,soyou,ifitwerenotforyourfaith(asyoucallit),mightpossiblybesaved.Ifaman'sgoldprovecounterfeit,hisjewelspaintedglass,hissilverleadordross,hewillnotonlybefoundpoorwhenhecomestobetried,andwantthebenefitofriches,buthavewithalafearfulaggravationofhispovertybyhisdisappointmentandsurprisal.Ifaman'sfaith,whichshouldbemorepreciousthangold,befoundrottenandcorrupt,ifhislightbedarkness,howvileisthatfaith,howgreatisthatdarkness!Such,itisevident,willthefaithoftoomanybefoundinthisbusiness.

2.Theworkwearecarryingonistheraisingofasin-entangledsouloutofitsdepths;andthiswehavespokenuntoisthatwhichmustgivehimhisfirstrelief.Commonly,whensoulsareindistress,thatwhichtheylookafterisconsolation.Whatisitthattheyintendthereby?Thattheymayhaveassurancethattheirsinsareforgiventhem,andsobefreedfromtheirpresentperplexities.Whatistheissue?Someofthemcontinuecomplainingalltheirdays,andnevercometorestorpeace,sofardotheyfallshortofconsolationandjoy;andsomeareutterlydiscouragedfromattemptinganyprogressinthewaysofGod.Whatisthereasonhereof?Isitnotthattheywouldfainbefinishingtheirbuilding,whentheyhavenotlaidthefoundation?TheyhavenotyetmadethoroughworkinbelievingforgivenesswithGod,andtheywouldimmediatelybeatassuranceinthemselves.Now,Goddelightsnotinsuchaframeofspirit;for,—

(1.)Itisselfish.Thegreatdesignoffaithisto"giveglorytoGod,"Rom.4:20.TheendofGod'sgivingoutforgivenessisthe"praiseofhisgloriousgrace,"Eph.1:6.Butletasoulinthisframehavepeaceinitself,itisverylittlesolicitousaboutgivinggloryuntoGod.HecrieslikeRachel,"Givemechildren,orIdie;"—"Givemepeace,orIperish."ThatGodmaybehonoured,andthe

forgivenessheseeksafterberenderedglorious,itiscaredforinthesecondplace,ifatall.Thisselfishearnestness,atfirsttobethrustingourhandinthesideofChrist,isthatwhichhewillpardoninmany,butacceptsinnone.

(2.)Itisimpatient.Mendothusdeportthemselvesbecausetheywillnotwait.Theydonotcareforstandingafaroffforanyseasonwiththepublican.TheylovenottosubmittheirsoulstolieatthefootofGod,togivehimthegloryofhisgoodness,mercy,wisdom,andlove,inthedisposalofthemandtheirconcernments.ThiswaitingcompriseththeuniversalsubjectionofthesouluntoGod,witharesolvedjudgmentthatitismeetandrightthatwe,andallwedesireandaimat,shouldbeathissovereigndisposal.ThisgivesglorytoGod,—adutywhichtheimpatienceofthesepoorsoulswillnotadmitthemtotheperformanceof.Andboththesearise,—

(3.)Fromweakness.Itisweak.Itisweaknessinanycondition,thatmakesmenrestlessandweary.Thestateofadherenceisassafeaconditionasthestateofassurance;only,ithathmorecombatsandwrestlingattendingit.Itisnot,then,fearoftheevent,butweaknessandwearinessofthecombat,thatmakesmenanxiouslysolicitousaboutadeliverancefromthatstatebeforetheyarewellenteredintoit.

Let,then,thesin-entangledsoulrememberalwaysthisway,method,andorderofthegospel,thatwehaveunderconsideration.First,exercisefaithonforgivenessinGod;andwhenthesoulisfixedtherein,itwillhaveagroundandfoundationwhereonitmaystandsecurelyinmakingapplicationofituntoitself.Drivethisprinciple,inthefirstplace,untoastableissueupongospelevidences,answertheobjectionsthatlieagainstit,andthenyoumayproceed.Inbelieving,thesoulmakesaconquestuponSatan'sterritories.Do,then,astheydowhoareenteringonanenemy'scountry,—securethepassages,fortifythestrongholdsasyougoon,thatyoubenotcutoffinyourprogress.Benotasashipatsea,whichpassethon,andisnomorepossessedormasterofthewaterithathgonethroughthanofthatwhereuntoitisnotyetarrived.Butsoitiswithasoulthatfixethnotonthesefoundationprinciples:hepressethforwards,andthegroundcrumblesawayunderhisfeet,andsohewildersawayallhisdaysinuncertainties.Wouldmenbutlaythisprinciplewellintheirsouls,andsecureitagainstassaults,theymightproceed,thoughnotwithsomuchspeedassomedo,yetwithmoresafety.Somepretendatoncetofallintofullassurance;Iwishitprovenotabroadpresumptioninthemost.Itistonopurposeforhimtostrivetoflywhocannotyetgo,—tolabourtocometoassuranceinhimselfwhoneverwellbelieved

forgivenessinGod.

THIRDLY.Now,thatwemaybeenabledtofixthispersuasionagainstallopposition,thatwhichinthenextplaceIshalldois,togiveoutsuchunquestionableevidencesofthisgospeltruthasthesoulmaysafelybuildandrestupon;andthesecontaintheconfirmationoftheprincipalpropositionbeforelaiddown.

———

Evidences of forgiveness in God—No inbred notions of any free acts ofGod'swill—Forgivenessnotrevealedbytheworksofnaturenorthelaw.

First,THEthingsthatarespokenortobeknownofGodareoftwosorts:—

1.Naturalandnecessary;suchasarehisessentialproperties,ortheattributesofhisnature,hisgoodness,holiness,righteousness,omnipotency,eternity,andthelike.Thesearecalled,ΤὸγνωσὸντοῦΘεοῦ,Rom.1:19,—"ThatwhichmaybeknownofGod."Andtherearetwoways,astheapostletheredeclares,wherebythatwhichhethereintimatesofGodmaybeknown,—(1.)Bytheinbredlightofnature:Φανερόνἐστινἐναὐτοῖς,verse19,—"Itismanifestinthemselves,"intheirownhearts;theyaretaughtitbythecommonconceptionsandpresumptionswhichtheyhaveofGodbythelightofnature.FromhencedoallmankindknowconcerningGodthatheis,thatheiseternal,infinitelypowerful,good,righteous,holy,omnipotent.Thereneedsnospecialrevelationofthesethings,thatmenmayknowthem.That,indeed,theymaybeknownsavingly,thereis;and,therefore,theythatknowthesethingsbynaturedoalsobelievethemonrevelation:Heb.11:6,"HethatcomethtoGodmustbelievethatheis,andthatheisarewarder."ThoughmenknowGodbythelightofnature,yettheycannotcometoGodbythatknowledge.(2.)TheseessentialpropertiesofthenatureofGodarerevealedbyhisworks.Sotheapostleinthesameplace,Rom.1:20,"TheinvisiblethingsofGodfromthecreationoftheworldareclearlyseen,beingunderstoodbythethingsthataremade,evenhiseternalpowerandGodhead."SeealsoPs.19:1–3.AndthisisthefirstsortofthingsthatmaybeknownofGod.

2.Therearethefreeactsofhiswillandpower,orhisfree,eternalpurposes,withthetemporaldispensationsthatflowfromthem.Now,ofthissortistheforgivenessthatweareinquiringafter.ItisnotapropertyofthenatureofGod,

butanactofhiswillandaworkofhisgrace.Althoughithathitsriseandspringintheinfinitegoodnessofhisnature,yetitproceedsfromhim,andisnotexercisedbutbyanabsolute,free,andsovereignactofhiswill.Now,thereisnothingofGodorwithhimofthissortthatcanbeanywaysknownbutonlybyespecialrevelation;for,—

(1.)ThereisnoinbrednotionoftheactsofGod'swillintheheartofman;whichisthefirstwaywherebywecometotheknowledgeofanythingofGod.Forgivenessisnotrevealedbythelightofnature.Fleshandblood,whichnatureis,declaresitnot;bythatmeans"nomanhathseenGodatanytime,"John1:18,—thatis,asaGodofmercyandpardon,astheSonrevealshim.Adamhadanintimateacquaintance,accordingtothelimitedcapacityofacreature,withthepropertiesandexcellenciesofthenatureofGod.Itwasimplantedinhisheart,asindispensablynecessaryuntothatnaturalworshipwhich,bythelawofhiscreation,hewastoperform.Butwhenhehadsinned,itisevidentthathehadnottheleastapprehensionthattherewasforgivenesswithGod.SuchathoughtwouldhavelaidafoundationofsomefarthertreatywithGodabouthiscondition.Buthehadnootherdesignbutofflyingandhidinghimself,Gen.3:10;sodeclaringthathewasutterlyignorantofanysuchthingaspardoningmercy.Such,andnoother,areallthefirstorpurelynaturalconceptionsofsinners,—namely,thatitisὸοκαίωματοῦΘεοῦ,"thejudgmentofGod,"Rom.1:32,thatsinistobepunishedwithdeath.Itistrue,theseconceptionsinmanyarestifledbyrumours,reports,traditions,thatitmaybeotherwise;butallthesearefarenoughfromthatrevelationofforgivenesswhichweareinquiringafter.

(2.)TheconsiderationoftheworksofGod'screationwillnothelpamantothisknowledge,thatthereisforgivenesswithGod.Theapostletellsus,Rom.1:20,whatitisofGodthathisworksreveal,"evenhiseternalpowerandGodhead,"ortheessentialpropertiesofhisnature,butnomore;notanyofthepurposesofhisgrace,notanyofthefreeactsofhiswill,notpardonandforgiveness.Besides,Godmadeallthingsinsuchanestateandcondition,—namely,ofrectitude,integrity,anduprightness,Eccles.7:29,—thatitwasimpossibletheyshouldhaveanyrespectuntosin,whichisthecorruptionofall,ortothepardonofit,whichistheirrestitution,whereoftheystoodinnoneed.Therebeingnosuchthingintheworldasasin,noranysuchthingsupposedtobe,whenallthingsweremadeofnothing,howcouldanythingdeclareorrevealtheforgivenessofit?

(3.)NoworksofGod'sprovidencecanmakethisdiscovery.Godhath,indeed,bornetestimonytohimselfandhisgoodnessinallages,fromthefoundationof

theworld,intheworksofhisprovidence:soActs14:15–17,"WepreachuntoyouthatyeshouldturnfromthesevanitiesuntothelivingGod,whichmadeheaven,andearth,andthesea,andallthingsthataretherein:whointimespastsufferedallnationstowalkintheirownways.Neverthelessheleftnothimselfwithoutwitness,inthathedidgood,andgaveusrainfromheaven,andfruitfulseasons,fillingourheartswithfoodandgladness."Οὐκἀμάρτυρονἑαυτὸνἀφῆκε,—"Heleftnothimselfwithoutwitness;"thatis,bytheworksofhisprovidence,thererecounted,hethusfarbaretestimonytohimself,thatheis,andisgood,anddothgood,andruleththeworld;sothattheywereutterlyinexcusable,who,takingnonoticeoftheseworksofhis,northefruitsofhisgoodness,whichtheylivedupon,turnedawayafterτὰμάταια,"vainthings,"astheapostletherecallstheidolsoftheGentiles.Butyetthesethingsdidnotdiscoverpardonandforgiveness;forstillGodsufferedthemtogoonintheirownways,andwinkedattheirignorance.Soagain,Acts17:23–27,"Whomyeignorantlyworship,himdeclareIuntoyou.Godthatmadetheworldandallthingstherein,seeingthatheisLordofheavenandearth,dwellethnotintemplesmadewithhands;neitherisworshippedwithmen'shands,asthoughheneededanything,seeinghegivethtoalllife,andbreath,andallthings;andhathmadeofonebloodallnationsofmenfortodwellonallthefaceoftheearth"(where,bytheway,thereisanallusiontothatofGen.11:8,"TheLORDscatteredthemabroaduponthefaceofalltheearth"),"andhathdeterminedthetimesbeforeappointed,andtheboundsoftheirhabitation;thattheyshouldseektheLord,ifhaplytheymightfeelafterhim,andfindhim,thoughhebenotfarfromeveryoneofus."ByargumentstakenfromtheworksofGod,bothofcreationandprovidence,theapostleprovesthebeingandthepropertiesofGod;yea,heletsthemknowwithwhomhehadtodo,thatGoddesignedbyhisworkssofartorevealhimselfuntothemasthetrueandlivingGod,themakerandgovernorofallthings,asthattheyoughttohaveinquiredmorediligentlyafterhim,andnottolookonhimaloneasthe"unknownGod"whoalonemightbeknown,alltheiridolsbeingvainandnothing.ButofthediscoveryofpardonandforgivenessinGodbythesewaysandmeanshespeaksnot;yea,heplainlyshowsthatthiswasnotdonethereby:forthegreatcalltosavingrepentanceisbytherevelationofforgiveness.Butnow,bytheseworksofhisprovidence,GodcallednottheGentilestosavingrepentance.No;saithhe,"Hesufferedthemtowalkstillintheirownways,"Acts14:16,"andwinkedatthetimesoftheirignorance;butnow,"—thatis,bythewordofthegospel,—"commandeththemtorepent,"chap.17:30.

Secondly,WhereastherehadbeenonesignalactofGod'sprovidenceaboutsin,

whenmanfirstfellintothesnaresofit,itwassofarfromtherevealingforgivenessinGod,thatitratherseverelyintimatedthecontrary.ThiswasGod'sdealingwithsinningangels.Theangelswerethefirstsinners,andGoddealtfirstwiththemaboutsin.AndwhatwashisdealingwiththemtheHolyGhosttellus,2Pet.2:4,Ἀγγέλωνἁμαρτησάντωνοὐκἐφείσατο·—"Hesparednotthesinningangels.""Hesparedthemnot;"itisthesamewordwhichheusethwherehespeaksoflayingallouriniquitiesonChrist,heundergoingthepunishmentdueuntothem:Rom.8:32,Οὐκἐφείσατο,—"Hesparedhimnot;"thatis,helaidonhimthefullpunishmentthatbythecurseandsanctionofthelawwasdueuntosin.Sohedealtwiththeangelsthatsinned:"Hesparedthemnot,"butinflictedonthemthepunishmentdueuntosin,shuttingthemupunderchainsofdarknessforthejudgmentofthegreatday.Hitherto,then,Godkeepsallthoughtsofforgivenessinhisowneternalbosom;thereisnotsomuchastheleastdawningofitupontheworld.Andthiswasatfirstnosmallprejudiceagainstanythoughtsofforgiveness.Theworldismade;sinentersbythemostgloriouspartofthecreation,whoserecoverybypardonmightseemtobemoredesirable,butnottheleastappearanceofitisdiscovered.Thusitwas"fromthebeginningoftheworldhidinGod,"Eph.3:9.

Thirdly,Godgaveuntomanalawofobedienceimmediatelyuponhiscreation;yea,forthemainofit,heimplanteditinhimbyandinhiscreation.Thislawitwassupposedthatmanmighttransgress.Theverynatureofalawprescribeduntofreeagents,attendedwiththreateningsandpromisesofreward,requiresthatsupposition.Now,therewasnotannexeduntothislaw,orrevealedwithit,theleastintimationofpardontobeobtainediftransgressionshouldensue.Gen.2:17,wehavethislaw,"Inthedaythoueatestthoushaltsurelydie;"—"Dyingthoushaltdie;"or"bringuponthyselfassuredlytheguiltofdeathtemporalandeternal."ThereGodleavesthesinner,underthepowerofthatcommination.Offorgivenessorpardoningmercythereisnottheleastintimation.Tothisverydaythatlaw,whichwasthenthewholeruleoflifeandacceptancewithGod,knowsnosuchthing."Dyingthoushaltdie,Osinner,"isthepreciseandfinalvoiceofit.

Fromthesepreviousconsiderations,addedtowhatwasformerlyspoken,somethingspreparatorytotheensuingdiscoursemaybeinferred;as,—

1.ThatitisagreatandrarethingtohaveforgivenessinGoddiscovereduntoasinfulsoul.Athingitisthat,ashathbeenshowed,conscienceandlaw,withtheinbrednotionsthatareintheheartofmanaboutGod'sholinessandvindictive

justice,dolieagainst;amatterwhereofwehavenonaturalpresumption,whereofthereisnocommonnotioninthemindofman;athingwhichnoconsiderationoftheworksofGod,eitherofcreationorprovidence,willreveal,andwhichthegreatinstanceofGod'sdealingwithsinningangelsrendersdeep,admirable,andmysterious.MenwhohavecommonandslightthoughtsofGod,ofthemselves,ofsin,ofobedience,ofthejudgmenttocome,ofeternity,—thatfeedupontheashesofrumours,reports,hear-says,traditions,withoutlookingintotherealityofthings,—mayanddotakethistobeanordinaryandacknowledgedtruth,easytobeentertained,whichuponthematternomandisbelieves.Butconvincedsinners,whomakeatrialofthesethingsasrunningintoeternity,haveotherthoughtsofthem.Andastothatwhich,itispretended,everyonebelieves,wehavegreatcausetocryout,"Lord,whohathbelievedourreport?towhomhaththearmoftheLordbeenrevealed?"

2.ThatthediscoveryofforgivenessinGod,beingamatterofsogreatdifficulty,isathingpreciousandexcellent,asbeingthefoundationofallourcommunionwithGodhere,andofallundeceivingexpectationofourenjoymentofhimhereafter.Itisapuregospeltruth,thathathneithershadow,footstep,norintimationelsewhere.Thewholecreationhathnottheleastobscureimpressionofitleftthereon.Sothat,—

3.Itisundoubtedlygreatlyincumbentonustoinquirediligently,astheprophetsdidofold, into this salvation; toconsiderwhat sureevidences faithhathof it,suchaswillnot, as cannot failus.Tobe slight andcommon in thismatter, totakeitupatrandom,isanargumentofanunsound,rottenheart.Hethatisnotserious in his inquiry into the revelation of this matter, is serious in nothingwhereinGodorhissoulisconcerned.TheHolyGhostknowswhatourframeofheartis,andhowslowwearetoreceivethisblessedtruthinagracious,savingmanner.Thereforedothheconfirmituntouswithsuchweightyconsiderationsas, Heb. 6:17, 18, "God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs ofpromise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: that by twoimmutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might havestrongconsolation."Itisofforgivenessofsinthattheapostletreats;ashathbeenmade evident by the description of it before given. Now, to give evidencehereunto,and tobegetabeliefof it inus,hefirstengagesapropertyofGod'snatureinthatbusiness.Hewithwhomwedealisἀψευὸής·asTit.1:2,theGodthatcannotlie,thatcannotdeceiveorbedeceived:itisimpossibleitshouldbesowithhim.Now,asthisextendsitselfingeneraltoallthewordsandworksofGod,sothereispeculiarlyinthis,whereofhetreats,τὸἀμετάθετοντῆςβονλῆς,

—an especial "immutability of his counsel." [Heb. 6:17.]Menmay think thatalthough therebewords spokenabout forgiveness,yet it ispossible itmaybeotherwise."No,"saiththeapostle;"itisspokenbyGod,anditisimpossibleheshouldlie."Yea,butuponthemanifoldprovocationsofsinners,hemaychangehis mind and thoughts therein. "No," saith the apostle; "there is a peculiarimmutabilityinhiscounselconcerningtheexecutionofthisthing:therecanbenochangeinit."Buthowdoththisappear,thatindeedthisisthecounselofhiswill?"Why,"saithhe,"hehathdeclareditbyhisword,andthatgiveninawayofpromise:which,asinitsownnatureitissuitedtoraiseanexpectationinhimor them to whom it is made or given, so it requires exact faithfulness in thedischarge andperformance of itwhichGodonhis partwill assuredly answer.Butneitheristhisall;butthatnoplacemightbeleftforanycavillingobjectioninthismatter,ἐμεσίτευσενορκῳ, 'heinterposedhimselfbyanoath.'"Thuswehave this truthdeduced from theveracityofGod'snature, oneofhis essentialexcellencies;establishedintheimmutablepurposeofhiswill;broughtforthbyaword of promise; and confirmed by God's interposing himself against alloccasions of exception (so to put an end unto all strife about it) by an oath,swearing by himself that so it should be. I havementioned this only to showwhatweighttheHolyGhostlaysuponthedeliveryofthisgreattruth,andthencehowdeeplyitconcernsustoinquirediligentlyintoitandafterthegroundsandevidences which may be tendered of it; which, among others, are these thatfollow:—

Discoveryofforgivenessinthefirstpromise—Theevidenceofthetruththatliestherein—Andbytheinstitutionofsacrifices—Theiruseandend—Alsobytheprescriptionofrepentanceuntosinners

I.THEfirstdiscoveryofforgivenessinGod(andwhichIplaceasthefirstevidenceofit)wasmadeinhisdealingwithourfirstparentsaftertheirshamefulsinandfall.Now,tomakeitappearthatthisisanevidencethatcarriesalongwithitagreatconviction,andissuchasfaithmaysecurelyrestuponandclosewithal,theensuingobservationsaretobeconsidered:—

1.Thefirstsinintheworldwas,onmanyaccounts,thegreatestsinthateverwasintheworld.Itwasthesin,asitwere,ofhumannature,whereintherewasaconspiracyofallindividuals:"Omneseramusunusillehomo;"—"Inthatoneman,orthatonesin,'weallsinned,'"Rom.5:12.ItleftnotGodonesubject,astomoralobedience,ontheearth,northeleastgroundforanysuchtobeuntoeternity.Whentheangelssinned,thewholeraceorkinddidnotprevaricate.

"Thousandthousands"ofthem,and"tenthousandtimestenthousand,"continuedintheirobedience,Dan.7:10.Buthereallandeveryindividualofmankind(HeonlyexceptedwhichwasnottheninAdam)wereembarkedinthesamecrimeandguilt.Besides,itdisturbedthegovernmentofGodinandoverthewholecreation.Godhadmadeallthings,innumber,weight,andmeasure,inorderandbeauty;pronouncinghimselfconcerninghiswholeworkthatitwasראמ כומ ,"exceedingbeautifulandgood,"Gen.1:31.Muchofthisbeautylayin

thesubordinationofonethingtoanother,andofalltohimselfbythemediationandinterpositionofman,throughwhosepraisesandobediencetherestofthecreation,beingmadesubjectuntohim,wastoreturntheirtributeofhonourandgloryuntoGod.Butallthisorderwasdestroyedbythissin,andthevery"creationmadesubjecttovanity,"Rom.8:20;onwhichandthelikeaccounts,itmightbeeasilymadetoappearthatitwasthegreatestsinthateverwasintheworld.

2.Man,whohadsinned,subscribedinhisheartandconscienceuntotherighteoussentenceofthelaw.Heknewwhathehaddeserved,andlookedfornothingbuttheimmediateexecutionofthesentenceofdeathuponhim.Hencehemeditatesnotadefence,expectsnopardon,staysnotforatrial,butfliesandhides,andattemptsanescape:Gen.3:10,"Iwasafraid,"saithhe,"andhidmyself;"thanwhichneverweretherewordsofgreaterhorrorintheworld,norshallbeuntilthedayofjudgment.Poorcreature!hewasfullofexpectationofthevengeancedueforabrokencovenant.

3.Godhadnewlydeclaredinthesinningangelswhathisjusticerequired,andhowhecoulddealwithsinningman,withouttheleastimpeachmentofhisgovernment,holiness,orgoodness.See2Pet.2:4.

4.TherewasnothingwithoutGodhimselfthatshouldmovehimintheleast,somuchastosuspendtheexecutionofhiswrathforonemoment.Hehadnotdonesowiththeangels.Allthingslaynowunderwrath,curse,confusion,anddisorder;nothingwasleftgood,lovely,ordesirableinhiseye.Asinthefirstcreation,thatwhichwasfirstbroughtforthfromnothingwas והכו והת ,"withoutform,andvoid,"emptyofallorderandbeauty,—nothingwasinittoinduceormoveGodtobringforthallthingsintheglorythatensued,butthewholedesignofitproceededfromhisowninfinitegoodnessandwisdom,—sowasitnowagain.Therewasanemptinessandvanitybroughtbysinuponthewholecreation.Nothingremainedthatmightbeamotiveuntoamercifulrestoration,butallisagaindevolvedonhissovereignty.Allthingsbeinginthisstateand

condition,whereinalldoorsstoodopentothegloryofGod'sjusticeinthepunishingofsin,nothingremainingwithouthimtoholdhishandintheleast,thewholecreation,andespeciallythesinnerhimself,lyingtremblinginexpectationofadreadfuldoom,whatnowcomethforthfromhim?Theblessedwordwhichwehave,Gen.3:15,"Theseedofthewomanshallbreaktheserpent'shead."Itisfullwellknownthatthewholemysteryofforgivenessiswrappedupinthisonewordofpromise.AndthegreatwayofitscomingforthfromGod,bythebloodoftheMessiah,whoseheelwastobebruised,isalsointimated.AndthiswasthefirstdiscoverythateverwasmadeofforgivenessinGod.Byawordofpurerevelationitwasmade,andsofaithmusttakeitupandreceiveit.Now,thisrevelationofforgivenesswithGodinthisonepromisewasthebottomofallthatworshipthatwasyieldeduntohimbysinnersformanyages;forwehaveshowedbefore,thatwithoutthisnosinnercanhavetheleastencouragementtoapproachuntohim.Andthiswillcontinuetotheendoftheworldasanotableevidenceofthetruthinhand,afirmfoundationforfaithtorestandbuildupon.Letasinnerseriouslyconsiderthestateofthingsastheywerethenintheworld,laiddownbefore,andthenviewGodcomingforthwithawordofpardonandforgiveness,merelyfromhisownloveandthosecounselsofpeacethatwerebetweentheFatherandtheSon,andhecannotbutconclude,underhisgreatestdifficulties,thatyet"thereisforgivenesswithGod,thathemaybefeared."Letnowthelawandconscience,letsinandSatan,standforthandexceptagainsthisevidence.Enoughmaybespokenfromit,whatevertheparticularcasebeaboutwhichthesoulhathacontestwiththem,toputthemalltosilence.

II.Godrevealedthissacredtruthbyhisinstitutionofsacrifices.Sacrificesbyblooddoallofthemrespectatonement,expiation,andconsequentlyforgiveness.Itistrue,indeed,theycouldnotthemselvestakeawaysin,normakethemperfectwhocameuntoGodbythem,Heb.10:1;butyettheyundeniablyevincethetakingawayofsin,ortheforgivenessofit,bywhattheydiddenoteandtypify.Ishall,therefore,lookbackintotheirriseandintendment:—

1.TheoriginalandfirstspringofsacrificesisnotintheScriptureexpresslymentioned,onlythepracticeofthesaintsisrecorded.Butitiscertain,frominfallibleScriptureevidences,thattheywereofGod'simmediateinstitutionandappointment.Godneverallowedthatthewillorwisdomofmanshouldbethespringandruleofhisworship.Thatsolemnwordwherewithhefrontsthecommandthatistheruleofhisworship, ל השעת א ,—"Thoushaltnotmaketothyself,"whichisthelifeofthecommand(thatwhichfollowsbeinganexplanationandconfirmationofthelawitselfbyinstances),cutsoffall

suchpretences,andisasaflamingsword,turningeverywaytopreventmen'sarbitraryapproachestoGod'sinstitutions.Godwillnotpartwithhisgloryofbeingtheonlylawgiver,astothewholeconcernmentofhisworship,oranypartofit,untoanyofthesonsofmen.

2.Neitheristhetimeoftheirinstitutionmentioned.SomeofthePapistsdispute(asthereareagenerationofphilosophicaldisputersamongstthem,bywhomtheirtotteringcauseissupported)thatthereshouldhavebeensacrificesinparadise,ifamanhadnotsinned.Butas,inalltheiropinions,ourfirstinquiryoughttobe,Whatdotheygetbythisorthat?theirwholereligionbeingpointeduntotheircarnalinterest,sowemayinparticulardoituponthisuncouthassertion,whichisperfectlycontradictioustotheverynatureandendofmostsacrifices,—namely,thattheyshouldbeofferedwherethereisnosin.Why,theyhopetoestablishhenceageneralrule,thattherecanbenotrueworshipofGod,inanystateorcondition,withoutasacrifice.What,then,Ipray?Why,thenitisevidentthatthecontinualsacrificeofthemassisnecessaryinthechurch,andthatwithoutitthereisnotrueworshipofGod;andsotheyarequicklycomehometotheiradvantageandprofit,—themassbeingthatinexhaustiblespringofrevenuewhichfeedstheirprideandlustthroughouttheworld.ButthereisinthechurchofChristanaltarstill,andasacrificestill,whichtheyhaverejectedfortheabominablefigmentoftheirmass,—namely,Christhimself,astheapostleinformsus,Heb.13:10.Butasthesacrificesofbeastscouldnothavebeenbeforetheentranceofsin,soitmaybeevidencedthattheywereinstitutedfromthefoundationoftheworld,—thatis,presentlyaftertheentranceofsin.Christiscalled"TheLambofGod,"John1:29,whichhewasinreferenceuntothesacrificesofold,as1Pet.1:18,19;whenceheisrepresentedinthechurchasa"Lampslain,"Rev.5:6,orgivingouttheefficacyofallsacrificestohischurch.Now,heissaidtobea"Lambslainfromthefoundationoftheworld,"Rev.13:8,whichcouldnotbeunlesssomesacrifice,prefiguringhisbeingslain,hadbeenthenoffered;foritdenotesnotonlytheefficacyofhismediation,buttheway.Besides,theapostletellsusthat"withoutsheddingofbloodtherewasnoremission,"Heb.9:22,—thatis,God,todemonstratethatallpardonandforgivenessrelatedtothebloodofChristfromthefoundationoftheworld,gaveoutnowordofpardonbutbyandwithblood.Now,Ihaveshowedbeforethatherevealedpardoninthefirstpromise;andthereforethereensuedthereonthesheddingofbloodandsacrifices;andtherebythattestamentorcovenant"wasdedicatedwithblood"also,verse18.Somethinkthatthebeasts,ofwhoseskinsGodmadegarmentsforAdam,wereofferedinsacrifices.Noristheconjecturevain;yea,itseemsnottowantashadowofagospelmystery,thattheir

nakedness,whichbecametheirshameupontheirsin(whencethepollutionandshameofsinisfrequentlysotermed),shouldbecoveredwiththeskinsoftheirsacrifices:forinthetruesacrificethereissomewhatanswerablethereunto;andtherighteousnessofHimwhosesacrificetakesawaytheguiltofoursiniscalledourclothing,thathidesourpollutionandshame.

3.Thatafterthegivingofthelaw,thegreatest,mostnoble,andsolemnpartoftheworshipofGodconsistedinsacrifices.Andthiskindofworshipcontinued,withtheapprobationofGod,intheworldaboutfourthousandyears;thatis,fromtheentranceofsinuntilthedeathoftheMessiah,thetruesacrifice,whichputanenduntoallthatwastypical.

Thesethingsbeingpremised,wemayconsiderwhatwasthemindandaimofGodintheinstitutionofthisworship.Oneinstance,andthatofthemostsolemnofthewholekind,willresolveusinthisinquiry.Lev.16:5,"Twokidsofthegoats"aretakenfor"anofferingforsin."Consideronly(thatwedonotenlargeonparticulars)howoneofthemwasdealtwithal:Verses20–22,"Heshallbringthelivegoat:andAaronshalllaybothhishandsupontheheadofthelivegoat,andconfessoverhimalltheiniquitiesofthechildrenofIsrael,andalltheirtransgressionsinalltheirsins,puttingthemupontheheadofthegoat,andshallsendhimawaybythehandofafitmanintothewilderness:andthegoatshallbearuponhimalltheiriniquitiesuntoalandnotinhabited."

Letusseetowhatendisallthissolemnity,andwhatisdeclaredthereby.WhereforeshouldGodappointpoorsinfulmentocometogether,totakeagoatoralamb,andtoconfessoverhisheadalltheirsinsandtransgressions,andtodevotehimtodestructionunderthatconfession?Hadmeninventedthisthemselves,ithadbeenamatterofnomoment;butitwasaninstitutionofGod,whichheboundhischurchtotheobservationofuponthepenaltyofhishighestdispleasure.Certainlythiswasasolemndeclarationthatthereisforgivenesswithhim.WouldthatGodwhoisinfinitelygood,andsowillnot,whoisinfinitelytrue,holy,andfaithful,andsocannotdeceive,callmenout,whomheloved,toasolemnrepresentationofathingwhereintheirchiefest,theireternalconcernmentdothlie,andsufferthemtofeeduponashes?LetmentakeheedthattheymocknotGod;forofatruthGodmockethnotmanuntilhebefinallyrejectedbyhim.Forfourthousandyearstogether,then,didGoddeclarebysacrificesthatthereisforgivenesswithhim,andledhispeoplebythemtomakeapublicrepresentationofitinthefaceoftheworld.Thisisaseconduncontrollableevidenceofthetruthasserted,whichmaypossiblybeofuseto

soulsthatcomeindeeddeeplyandseriouslytodealwithGod;forthoughthepracticebeceased,yettheinstructionintendedinthemcontinues.

III.God'sappointmentofrepentanceuntosinnersdothrevealthatthereisforgivenessinhimself.Isay,theprescriptionofrepentanceisarevelationofforgiveness.Aftertheangelshadsinned,Godneveroncecalledthemtorepentance.Hewouldnotdeceivethem,butletthemknowwhattheyweretolookforathishands;hehathnoforgivenessforthem,andthereforewouldrequirenorepentanceofthem.Itisnot,noreverwas,adutyincumbentonthemtorepent.Norisitsountothedamnedinhell.Godrequiresitnotofthem,norisittheirduty.Therebeingnoforgivenessforthem,whatshouldmovethemtorepent?Whyshoulditbetheirdutysotodo?Theireternalanguishaboutsincommittedhathnothingofrepentanceinit.Assignationthen,ofrepentanceisarevelationofforgiveness.Godwouldnotcalluponasinfulcreaturetohumbleitselfandbewailitssiniftherewerenowayofrecoveryorrelief;andtheonlywayofrecoveryfromtheguiltofsinispardon.SoJob33:27,28,"Helookethuponmen,andifanysay,Ihavesinned,andpervertedthatwhichwasright,anditprofitedmenot;hewilldeliverhissoulfromgoingintothepit,andhislifeshallseethelight."IntheforegoingverseshedeclaresthevariouswaysthatGodusedtobringmenuntorepentance.Hediditbydreams,verses15,16;byafflictions,verse19;bythepreachingoftheword,verse23.What,then,dothGodaimatinandbyallthesevariouswaysofteaching?Itistocausemantosay,"Ihavesinned,andpervertedthatwhichwasright."Itistobringhimtorepentance.Whatnowifheobtainhisend,andcomethtothatwhichisaimedat?Why,then,thereisforgivenessforhim,asisdeclared,verse28.

Toimprovethisevidence,Ishallconfirm,bysomefewobviousconsiderations,thesetwothings:—1.ThattheprescriptionofrepentancedothindeedevincethatthereisforgivenesswithGod.2.ThateveryoneinwhomthereisrepentancewroughttowardsGod,maycertainlyconcludethatthereisforgivenesswithGodforhim.

1.NorepentanceisacceptablewithGodbutwhatisbuiltorleansonthefaithofforgiveness.WehaveacloudofwitnessesuntothistruthintheScripture.Manytherehavebeen,manyarerecordedwhohavebeenconvincedofsin,perplexedaboutit,sorryforit,thathavemadeopenconfessionandacknowledgmentofit,that,underthepressingsenseofit,havecriedouteventoGodfordeliverance,andyethavecomeshortofmercy,pardon,andacceptancewithGod.ThecasesofCain,Pharaoh,Saul,Ahab,Judas,andothers,mightbeinsistedon.Whatwas

wanting,thatmadeallthattheydidabominable?Consideroneinstanceforall.ItissaidofJudasthatherepented:Matt27:3,Μεταμεληθείς,"Herepentedhimself."Butwhereindidthisrepentanceconsist?(1.)Hewasconvincedofhissiningeneral:Ἥμαρτον,saithhe,—"Ihavesinned,"verse4.(2.)HewassensibleoftheparticularsinwhereofhestoodchargedinconsciencebeforeGod."Ihave,"saithhe,"betrayedinnocentblood;"—"Iamguiltyofblood,innocentblood,andthatinthevilestmanner,bytreachery."Sothathecomes,—(3.)Toafullandopenconfessionofhissin.(4.)Hemakesrestitutionofwhathewasadvantagedbyhissin,"Hebroughtagainthethirtypiecesofsilver,"verse3;—alltestifyingaheartysorrowthatspiritedthewhole.MethinksnowJudasrepentancelooksliketheyoungman'sobedience,whocriedout,"AllthesethingshaveIdone;isthereanythingyetlacking?"Yea,onethingwaswantingtothatyoungman,—hehadnotruefaithnorlovetoGodallthiswhile;whichvitiatedandspoiledalltherestofhisperformances.OnethingalsoiswantingtothisrepentanceofJudas,—hehadnofaithofforgivenessinGod;thathecouldnotbelieve;and,therefore,afterallthissorrow,insteadofcomingtohim,hebidshimtheutmostdefiance,andgoesawayandhangshimself.

Indeed,faithofforgiveness,ashathbeenshowed,hathmanydegrees.Thereisofthemthatwhichisindispensablynecessarytorenderrepentanceacceptable.WhatitisinparticularIdonotdispute.Itisnotanassuranceoftheacceptanceofourpersonsingeneral.Itisnotthattheparticularsinwherewith,itmaybe,thesoulisperplexed,isforgiven.Ageneral,soitbeagospeldiscoverythatthereisforgivenessinGod,willsuffice.Thechurchexpressethit,Hos.14:3,"Intheethefatherlessfindethmercy;"andJoel2:14,"Whoknowethbuthewillreturnandrepent?""Ihavethisground,"saiththesoul,"Godisinhimselfgraciousandmerciful;thefatherless,thedestituteandhelpless,thatcometohimbyChrist,findmercyinhim.Noneinheavenandearthcanevincebutthathemayreturntomealso."Now,letaman'sconvictionsbeneversogreat,sharp,wounding;hissorrowneversoabundant,overflowing,abiding;hisconfessionneversofull,free,oropen,—ifthisonethingbewanting,allisnothingbutwhattendstodeath.

2.Toprescriberepentanceasadutyuntosinners,withoutafoundationofpardonandforgivenessinhimself,isinconsistentwiththewisdom,holiness,goodness,faithfulness,andallothergloriousexcellenciesandperfectionsofthenatureofGod;for,—

(1.)Theapostlelaysthisasthegreatfoundationofallconsolation,thatGod

cannotlieordeceive,Heb.6:18.Andagain,heengageththefaithfulnessandveracityofGodtothesamepurpose:Tit.1:2,"God,whocannotlie,hathpromisedit."Now,thereisalie,adeceit,inthingsaswellasinwords.Hethatdothathingwhichinitsownnatureisapttodeceivethemthatconsiderit,withanintentionofdeceivingthem,isnolessaliarthanhewhichaffirmsthattobetruewhichheknowstobefalse.Thereisalieinactionsaswellasinwords.Thewholelifeofahypocriteisalie;sosaiththeprophetofidolaters,thereis"alieintheirrighthand,"Isa.44:20.

(2.)TheproposalofrepentanceisathingfittedandsuitedinitsownnaturetobegetthoughtsinthemindofasinnerthatthereisforgivenesswithGod.Repentingisforsinnersonly."Icomenot,"saithourSaviour,"tocalltherighteous,butsinnerstorepentance."Itisforthem,andthemonly.ItwasnodutyforAdaminEden,itisnonefortheangelsinheaven,norforthedamnedinhell.What,then,maybethelanguageofthisappointment?"Osinners,comeanddealwithGodbyrepentance."DothitnotopenlyspeakforgivenessinGod?and,ifitwereotherwise,couldmenpossiblybemorefrustratedordeceived?wouldnottheinstitutionofrepentancebealie?SuchadelusionmayproceedfromSatan,butnotfromHimwhoisthefountainofgoodness,holiness,andtruth.Hiscalltorepentanceisafulldemonstrationofhisreadinesstoforgive,Acts17:30,31.Itistrue,manydothusdeceivethemselves:theyraisethemselvesuntoanexpectationofimmunity,notongospelgrounds;andtheirdisappointmentisagreatpartoftheirpunishment.ButGoddeceivesnone;whoevercomestohimonhisproposalofrepentanceshallfindforgiveness.Itissaidofsome,indeed,that"hewilllaughattheircalamity,andmockwhentheirfearcometh,"Prov.1:26.Hewillaggravatetheirmisery,bygivingthemtoseewhattheirprideandfollyhathbroughtthemunto.Butwhoarethey?Onlysuchasrefusehiscalltorepentance,withthepromisesoftheacceptationannexed.

(3.)Thereis,then,nocausewhythosewhoareunderacalltorepentanceshouldquestionwhethertherebeforgivenessinGodorno.Thisconcernsmysecondproposition."Come,"saiththeLorduntothesoulsofmen,"leaveyoursinfulways,turnuntome;humbleyourselveswithbrokenandcontriteheart.""Alas!"saypoorconvincedsinners,"wearepoor,dark,andignorantcreatures;orweareoldinsin,orgreatersinnersorbacksliders,orhavefallenoftenintothesamesins;—canweexpectthereshouldbeforgivenessforus?"Why,youareunderGod'sinvitationtorepentance;andtodisbelieveforgivenessistocallthetruth,holiness,andfaithfulnessofGodintoquestion.Ifyouwillnotbelieveforgiveness,pretendwhatyouplease,itisintruthbecauseyouhaterepentance.

Youdobutdeceiveyoursouls,whenyoupretendyoucomenotuptorepentancebecauseyoucannotbelieveforgiveness;forintheveryinstitutionofthisdutyGodengagethallhispropertiestomakeitgoodthathehathpardonandmercyforsinners.

(4.)Muchlesscauseistheretodoubtofforgivenesswheresincererepentanceisinanymeasurewrought.NosoulcomestorepentancebutuponGod'scall;Godcallsnonebutwhomhehathmercyforupontheircoming.AndasforthosewhosinagainsttheHolyGhost,astheyshutthemselvesoutfromforgiveness,sotheyarenotcalledtorepentance.

(5.)GodexpresslydeclaresintheScripturethattheforgivenessthatiswithhimisthefoundationofhisprescribingrepentanceuntoman.Oneinstancemaysuffice:Isa.55:7,"Letthewickedforsakehisway"( עשר ,"aperversewickedone," ןוא שיאו ),"andthemanofiniquityhisthoughts:andlethimreturnuntotheLORD,andhewillhavemercy;andtoourGod,for חולסל הכרי ,hewillmultiplytopardon."Youseetowhomhespeaks,—tomenperverselywicked,andsuchasmakeatradeofsinning.Whatdothhecallthemunto?Plainly,torepentance,tothedutywehaveinsistedon.Butwhatisthegroundofsuchaninvitationuntosuchprofligatesinners?Why,theabundantforgivenessandpardonthatiswithhim,superaboundinguntowhattheworstofthemcanstandinneedof;asRom.5:20.

AndthisisanotherwaywherebyGodhathrevealedthatthereisforgivenesswithhim;andaninfalliblebottomforfaithtobuilduponinitsapproachesuntoGoditis.NorcanthecertaintyofthisevidencebecalledintoquestionbutonsuchgroundsasarederogatorytothegloryandhonourofGod.AndthisconnectionofrepentanceandforgivenessisthatprinciplefromwhenceGodconvincesastubborn,unbelievingpeoplethatallhiswaysanddealingswithsinnersarejustandequal,Ezek.18:25.Andshouldtherebeanyfailureinit,theycouldnotbeso.Everysoul,then,thatisunderacalltorepentance,whetheroutofhisnaturalconditionorfromanybackslidingintofollyafterconversion,hathasufficientfoundationtorestonastothepardonheinquiresafter.Godisreadytodealwithhimontermsofmercy.If,outoflovetosinorthepowerofunbelief,herefusetoclosewithhimontheseterms,hiscondemnationisjust.Anditwillbewellthatthisconsiderationbewellimprintedonthemindsofmen.Isay,notwithstandingthegeneralpresumptionsthatmenseemtohaveofthismatter,yettheseprinciplesofitoughttobeinculcated;for,—

[1.]Suchistheatheismthatlieslurkingintheheartsofmenbynature,that,notwithstandingtheirpretencesandprofessions,wehaveneedtobepressinguponthemevidencesoftheverybeingandessentialpropertiesofGod.Insodoing,wehavetheassistanceofinbrednotionsintheirownminds,whichtheycannoteject,tohelptocarryonthework.HowmuchmoreisthisnecessaryinreferenceuntothefreeactsofthewillofGod,whicharetobeknownonlybymererevelation!Ourwordhadneedtobe"lineuponline;"andyet,whenwehavedone,wehavecauseenoughtocryout,aswassaid,"Lord,whohathbelievedourreport?andtowhomhaththearmoftheLordbeenrevealed?"

[2.]Whatwasspokenbeforeoftheobstaclesthatlieintheway,hinderingsoulsfromasavingreceptionofthistruth,oughttoberemembered.ThosewhohavenoexperienceofthembetweenGodandtheirsoulsseemtobeignorantofthetruenatureofconscience,law,gospel,grace,sin,andforgiveness.

[3.]Manywhoarecometoasavingpersuasionofit,yethavingnotreceivedituponclearandunquestionablegrounds,andsonotknowinghowtoresolvetheirfaithofitintoitsproperprinciples,arenotabletoanswertheobjectionsthatlieagainstitintheirownconsciences,andsodomiserablyfluctuateaboutitalltheirdays.Thesehadneedtohavetheseprinciplesinculcatedonthem.Weretheyponderedaright,somemighthavecausetosay,withtheSamaritans,whofirstgavecredittothereportofthewoman,John4theyhadbutareportbefore,butnowtheyfindallthingstobeaccordinguntoit,yea,toexceedit.Alittleexperienceofaman'sownunbelief,withtheobservationthatmayeasilybemadeoftheuncertainprogressesandfluctuationsofthespiritsofothers,willbeasufficientconvictionofthenecessityoftheworkweareengagedin.

Butitwillyetbesaid,thatitisneedlesstomultiplyargumentsandevidencesinthiscase,thetruthinsistedonbeinggrantedasoneofthefundamentalprinciplesofreligion.Asitisnot,then,byanycalledinquestion,soitdothnotappearthatsomuchtimeandpainsisneedfulfortheconfirmationofit;forwhatisgrantedandplainneedslittleconfirmation.Butseveralthingsmaybereturnedinanswerhereunto;allwhichmayatoncebeherepleadedforthemultiplicationofourargumentsinthismatter:—

1.Thatitisgenerallygrantedbyallisnoargumentthatitiseffectuallybelievedbymany.Sundrythingsaretakenforgrantedinpointofopinionthatarenotsobelievedastobeimprovedinpractice.Wehaveinpartshowedbefore,andshallafterwardundeniablyevince,thatthereareveryfewthatbelievethistruthwith

thatfaiththatwillinteresttheminitandgivethemthebenefitofit.AndwhatwillitavailanyofusthatthereisforgivenessofsinwithGod,ifoursinsbenotforgiven?Nomorethanthatsuchorsuchakingisrich,whilstwearepoorandstarving.Myaimisnottoproveitasanopinionoramerespeculativetruth,butsotoevidenceitintheprinciplesofitsbeingandrevelationasthatitmaybebelieved;whereonallourblessednessdepends.

2.Itneedsneverthelessconfirmationbecauseitisaplainfundamentaltruth,butratherthemore;andthatbecausebothoftheworthandweightofit."Thisisafaithfulsaying,"saiththeapostle,"worthyofallacceptation,thatJesusChristcameintotheworldtosavesinners."SoIsayofthis,which,forthesubstanceofit,isthesamewiththat.Itisworthyofallacceptation,namely,thatthereisforgivenesswithGod;andthereforeoughtittobefullyconfirmed,especiallywhilstwemakeuseofnootherdemonstrationsofitbutthoseonlywhichGodhathfurnisheduswithaltothatpurpose:andthishewouldnothavedone,butthatheknewthemneedfulforus.Andfortheplainnessofthistruth,itiswellifitbesountous.ThisIknow,nothingbuttheSpiritofGodcanmakeitso.Menmaypleasethemselvesandotherssometimeswithcuriousnotions,andmakethemseemtobethingsofgreatsearchandattainment,which,whentheyarewellexamined,itmaybetheyarenottrue;oriftheyare,areyetofaverylittleconsequenceorimportance.ItisthesefundamentaltruthsthathavethemysteriesofthewisdomandgraceofGodinwrappedinthem;whichwhosocanunfoldaright,willshowhimself"aworkmanthatneedsnotbeashamed."Thesestillwatersaredeep;andthefartherwediveintothem,thegreaterdiscoveryshallwemakeoftheirdepths.Andmanyothersacredtruthstherearewhosementioniscommon,butwhosedepthsarelittlesearchedandwhoseefficacyislittleknown.

3.Wemultiplytheseevidences,becausetheyaremultitudesthatareconcernedinthem.Allthatdobelieve,andallthatdonotbelieve,areso,—thosethatdobelieve,thattheymaybeestablished;andthosethatdonotbelieve,thattheymaybeencouragedsotodo.Amongboththesesorts,someevidencesmaybemoreprofitableanduseful,onetoone,sometoanother.Itmaybe,amongstall,allwillbegatheredup,thatnofragmentsbelost.Theyareall,Ihope,instrumentsprovidedbytheHolyGhostforthisend;andbythisordinancedoweendeavourtoputthemintohishand,tobemadeeffectualashewill.Onemayreachonesoul,anotheranother,accordingtohispleasure.Onemaybeofusetoestablishment,anothertoconsolation,athirdtoencouragement,accordingasthenecessitiesofpoorsoulsdorequire.However,God,whohathprovidedthem,knowsthemalltobeneedful.

4.Theyareso,also,upontheaccountofthevariousconditionswhereinthespiritsofbelieversthemselvesmaybe.Onemaygivehelptothesamesoulatoneseason,anotheratanother;onemaysecurethesoulagainstatemptation,anotherstirituptothankfulnessandobedience.

ThesethingshaveIspoken,thatyoumaynotthinkwedwelltoolongonthisconsideration.AndIprayGodthatyourconsolationandestablishmentmayaboundinthereadingofthesemeditations,asIhopetheyhavenotbeenaltogetherwithouttheirfruitintheirpreparation.

———

FartherevidencesofforgivenesswithGod—TestimoniesthatGodwaswellpleased with some that were sinners—The patience of God towards theworld an evidence of forgiveness—Experience of the saints ofGod to thesamepurpose.

IV.LETus,then,inthefourthplace,asafourthevidenceofthistruth,considerthose,bothundertheOldTestamentandtheNew,concerningwhomwehavethegreatestassurancethatGodwaswellpleasedwiththem,andthattheyarenowintheenjoymentofhim.Andthisargumentuntothispurposetheapostleinsistsupon,andpressethfromsundryinstances,Heb.11.Howmanydothhetherereckonupwhoofold"obtainedagoodreport,"and"thistestimony,thattheypleasedGod!"verses2,5."Alltheseinheritedthepromises"throughbelieving,—thatis,obtainedthe"forgivenessofsins:"forwhereas"bynaturetheywerechildrenofwrath,"and"underthecurse"aswellasothers,obtaininganinfallibleinterestinthefavourofGod,andthistestimony,"thattheypleasedhim,"itcouldnootherwisebe;forwithoutthis,onajustaccount,everyoneofthemwouldhavecontinuedinthestatewhereinAdamwaswhenhe"heardthevoiceofGod,andwasafraid."Wherefore,itbeingevidentthatsomepersons,inallgenerations,haveenjoyedthefriendship,love,andfavourofGodinthisworld,andattheirdepartureoutofithaveenteredintoglory,itmakesitevidentthatthereisforgivenessofsinwithhim;withoutwhichthesethingscouldnotbe.

Letus,aftertheexampleoftheapostle,mentionsomeparticularinstancesinthismatter.LookuntoAbraham:hewasthe"friendofGod,"andwalkedwithGod.Godmadeasolemncovenantwithhim,andtakesitforhismemorialthroughoutallgenerationsthatheisthe"GodofAbraham."Andheisdoubtlessnowatrest

withGod.OurSaviourcallstheplaceorconditionwhereintoblessedsoulsaregathered,"Abraham'sbosom."Heisatrestwithwhomothersareatrest.

TheconditionwasthesamewithIsaacandJacob.Theyalsoareinheaven,beingaliveuntoandwithGod.OurSaviourprovesitfromthetenorofthecovenant:"IamtheGodofAbraham,andtheGodofIsaac,andtheGodofJacob.GodisnottheGodofthedead,butoftheliving,"Matt.22:32.Theyareyetalive,aliveuntoGod,andwithhimbyvirtueofthecovenant;or,aftertheirdeath,GodwouldnotbesaidtobetheirGod.ThisistheforceofourSaviour'sargumentinthatplace,thataftertheirdeathGodwasstilltheirGod.Thendeathhadnotreachedtheirwholepersons.TheywerestillalivewithGodinheaven;andtheirbodies,byvirtueofthesamecovenant,weretoberecoveredoutofthedust.

ThesameisthestatewithDavid.Hewasa"manafterGod'sownheart,"thatdidhiswillandfulfilledallhispleasure.Andalthoughhedied,andhisbodysawcorruption,yetheisnotlost;heiswithGodinheaven.Henceheendedhisdaystriumphantly,inafullapprehensionofeternalrest,beyondwhatcouldinthisworldbeattained,andthatbyvirtueofthecovenant;forthesearethelastwordsofDavid,"AlthoughmyhousebenotsowithGod,yethehathmadewithmeaneverlastingcovenant,"ascertaininguntohimsureandeternalmercies,2Sam.23:5.

Peteralsoisinheaven.Christprayedforhimthathisfaithshouldnotfail;andinhisdeathheglorifiedGod,John21:19.SoisPaul;healsoisinheaven.HeknewthatwhenhewasdissolvedheshouldbewithChrist.

Here,then,"wearecompassedaboutwithacloudofwitnesses;"for,—

1.Itismostcertainthattheywereallsinners.Theywereallsobynature;forthereinthereisnodifferencebetweenanyofthechildrenofmen.Andpersonallytheyweresinnersalso.Theyconfessedsoofthemselves,andsomeofthesinsofallofthemstanduponrecord.Yea,someofthemweregreatsinners,orguiltyofgreatandsignalmiscarriages;—somebeforetheirconversion,asAbraham,whowasanidolater,Josh.24:2,3,andPaul,whowasapersecutorandablasphemer;someaftertheirconversion;someinsinsofthefleshagainsttheirobedience,asDavid;andsomeinsinsofprofessionagainstfaith,asPeter.Nothing,then,ismoreevidentthanthatnooneofthemcametorestwithGodbutbyforgiveness.Hadtheyneverbeenguiltyofanyonesin,butonlywhatisleftuponrecordconcerningtheminholywrit,yettheycouldbesavednoother

way;forhethattransgresseththelawinanyonepointisguiltyofthebreachofthewhole,James2:10.

Whatshallwenowsay?DowethinkthatGodhathforgivenessonlyforthisorthatindividualperson?Nomanquestionsbutthatallthesewerepardoned.Wasitbyvirtueofanyespecialpersonalprivilegethatwaspeculiaruntothem?Whenceshouldanysuchprivilegearise,seeingbynaturetheywerenobetterthanothers,norwouldhavebeensopersonallyhadnottheybeendeliveredfromsin,andpreparedforobediencebygrace,mercy,andpardon?Wherefore,theyallobtainedforgivenessbyvirtueofthecovenant,fromtheforgivenesswhichiswithGod.AndthisisequallyreadyforotherswhocometoGodthesamewaythattheydid;thatis,byfaithandrepentance.

2.Manyofthoseconcerningwhomwehavetheassurancementionedwerenotonlysinnersbutgreatsinners,aswassaid;whichmustbealsoinsistedon,toobviateanotherobjection.Forsomemaysay,thatalthoughtheyweresinners,yettheywerenotsuchsinnersasweare;andalthoughtheyobtainedforgiveness,yetthisisnoargumentthatweshalldosoalso,whoareguiltyofothersinsthantheywere,andthoseattendedwithotheraggravationsthantheirswere.TowhichIsay,thatIdelightnotinaggravating,no,noryetinrepeating,thesinsandfaultsofthesaintsofGodofold.NotonlythegraceofGod,butthesinsofmenhavebysomebeenturnedintolasciviousness,orbeenmadeacloakfortheirlusts.Butyet,fortheendsandpurposesforwhichtheyarerecordedbytheHolyGhost,wemaymakementionofthem.Thattheymaywarnusofourduty,thatwetakeheedlestwealsofall,thattheymayyieldusareliefunderoursurprisals,aretheywritten.So,then,wherethementionofthemtendstotheadvancementofsovereigngraceandmercy,whichisthecaseinhand,wemayinsistonthem.Ithink,then,that,withoutmentionofparticulars,Imaysafelysaythatthereisnosin,nodegreeofsin,noaggravatingcircumstanceofsin,nokindofcontinuanceinsin(theonlysinexcepted),butthattherearethoseinheavenwhohavebeenguiltyofthem.

Itmaybe,yetsomewillsaythattheyhaveconsideredthesinsandfallsofLot,David,Peter,Paul,andthethiefhimselfonthecross,andyettheyfindnottheirownconditionexemplified,soastoconcludethattheyshallhavethesamesuccesswiththem.

Ans.1.Iamnotshowingthatthisorthatmanshallbepardoned,butonlydemonstratingthatthereisforgivenesswithGod,andthatforallsortsofsins

andsinners;whichtheseinstancesdoassuredlyconfirm.And,moreover,theymanifestthatifothermenarenotpardoned,itismerelybecausetheymakenotthatapplicationforforgivenesswhichtheydid.

2.Yetbytheway,totakeoffthisobjectionalso,considerwhattheapostlesaysinparticularconcerningtheseveralsortsofsinnersthatobtainedmercy:1Cor.6:9–11,"Benotdeceived:neitherfornicators,noridolaters,noradulterers,noreffeminate,norabusersofthemselveswithmankind,northieves,norcovetous,nordrunkards,norrevilers,norextortioners,shallinheritthekingdomofGod.Andsuchweresomeofyou:butyearewashed,butyearesanctified,butyearejustified."Hellcanscarce,innomorewords,yieldusasaddercatalogue.Yetsomeofallthesesortswerejustifiedandpardoned.

3.Supposethisenumerationofsinsdothnotreachtheconditionofthesoul,becauseofsomeespecialaggravationofitssinnotexpressed;—letsuchaoneaddthatofourSaviour:Matt.12:31,"Isayuntoyou,Allmannerofsinandblasphemyshallbeforgivenuntomen,buttheblasphemyagainsttheHolyGhost."Theyarenot,theyshallnotbe,allactuallyremittedandpardoneduntoallmen;buttheyareallpardonableuntothosethatseektoobtainpardonforthemaccordinguntothegospel.ThereiswithGodforgivenessforthemall.Now,certainlythereisnosin,butonlythatexcepted,butitcomeswithinthecompassof"Allmannerofsinandblasphemy;"andso,consequently,somethathavebeenguiltyofitarenowinheaven.

Wetakeitforagoodtokenandevidenceofavirtuoushealingwater,when,withoutfraudorpretence,weseethecrutchesofcuredcripplesandimpotentpersonshungaboutitasamemorialofitsefficacy.Anditisagreatdemonstrationoftheskillandabilityofaphysician,whenmanycometoasickpersonandtellhim"Wehadthesamedistemperwithyou,—ithadthesamesymptoms,thesameeffects;andbyhisskillandcarewearecured.""Oh!"saiththesickman,"bringhimuntome,Iwillventuremylifeinhishand."Now,allthesaintsofheavenstandaboutasin-sicksoul;forinthismatter"wearecompassedaboutwithacloudofwitnesses,"Heb.12:1.Andwhatdotheybearwitnessunto?whatsaytheyuntoapoorguiltysinner?"Asthouart,sowerewe;soguilty,soperplexed,soobnoxioustowrath,sofearingdestructionfromGod.""Aidwhatwaydidyousteer,whatcoursedidyoutake,toobtaintheblessedconditionwhereinnowyouare?"Saythey,"WewentalltoGodthroughChristforforgiveness;andfoundplentyofgrace,mercy,andpardoninhimforusall."Therichmanintheparablethoughtitwouldbeagreatmeansofconversionif

oneshould"risefromthedead"andpreach;buthereweseethatallthesaintsdepartedandnowinglorydojointlypreachthisfundamentaltruth,that"thereisforgivenesswithGod."

Poorsoulsareapttothinkthatallthosewhomtheyreadorhearoftobegonetoheaven,wentthitherbecausetheyweresogoodandsoholy.Itistruemanyofthemwereeminentlyandexemplarilysointheirgenerations,allofthemweresoaccordingtotheirdegreesandmeasures;for"withoutholinessnomancanseeGod,"—anditisourdutytolabourtobelikeuntotheminholiness,ifeverweintendtobesoinhappinessandglory;—butyetnotoneofthem,notanyonethatisnowinheaven,JesusChristaloneexcepted,didevercomethitheranyotherwaybutbyforgivenessofsin;andthatwillalsobringusthither,thoughwecomeshortofmanyoftheminholinessandgrace.

AndthisevidenceofforgivenessItheratherurge,becauseIfindtheapostlePauldoingofiteminentlyinhisownperson:1Tim.1:12–16,"IthankChristJesusourLord,whohathenabledme,forthathecountedmefaithful,puttingmeintotheministry;whowasbeforeablasphemer,andapersecutor,andinjurious:butIobtainedmercy,becauseIdiditignorantlyinunbelief.AndthegraceofourLordwasexceedingabundantwithfaithandlovewhichisinChristJesus.Thisisafaithfulsaying,andworthyofallacceptation,thatChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavesinners;ofwhomIamchief.HowbeitforthiscauseIobtainedmercy,thatinmefirstJesusChristmightshewforthalllong-suffering,forapatterntothemwhichshouldhereafterbelieveonhimtolifeeverlasting.""Agreatsinner,"saithhe,"thechiefestofsinnersIwas;"whichhemanifestsbysomenotableinstancesofhissin."Iwas,"saithhe,"ablasphemer,"—thehighestsinagainstGod;"apersecutor,"—thehighestsinagainstthesaints;"injurious,"—thehighestwickednesstowardsmankind."But,"saithhe,"Iobtainedmercy,Iampardoned;"—andthatwithablessedeffect;first,thatheshouldafterallthisbesoaccountedfaithfulastobeputintotheministry;andthenthatthegraceofourLordJesusChristinhimandtowardshimwasexceedingabundant.Andwhatwasthereason,whatwasthecause,thathewasthusdealtwithal?Why,itwasthathemightbeapattern,anevidence,anargument,thattherewasgrace,mercy,forgiveness,tobehadforallsortsofsinnersthatwouldbelievetolifeeverlasting.

Toconclude,then,thisevidence:—EveryonewhoisnowinheavenhathhispardonsealedinthebloodofChrist.Allthesepardonsare,asitwere,hangedupinthegospel;theyareallenrolledinthepromisesthereof,forthe

encouragementofthemthatstandinneedofforgivenesstocomeandsueouttheirsalso.Fearnot,then,theguiltofsin,buttheloveofitandthepowerofit.Ifweloveandlikesinbetterthanforgiveness,weshallassuredlygowithoutit.IfwehadbutratherbepardonedinGod'swaythanperish,ourconditionissecure.

V.ThesameisevidentfromthepatienceofGodtowardstheworld,andtheendofit.Fortheclearinghereofwemayobserve,—

1.ThatuponthefirstentranceofsinandbreachofthatcovenantwhichGodhadmadewithmankindinAdam,hemightimmediatelyhaveexecutedthethreatenedcurse,andhavebroughteternaldeathuponthemthatsinned.Justicerequiredthatitshouldbeso,andtherewasnothinginthewholecreationtointerposesomuchasforareprieveorarespiteofvengeance.AndhadGodthensentsinningman,withtheapostateangelsthatinducedhimintosin,immediatelyintoeternaldestruction,hewouldhavebeenglorifiedinhisrighteousnessandseveritybyandamongtheangelsthatsinnednot.Orhecouldhavecreatedanewraceofinnocentcreaturestohaveworshippedhimandglorifiedhimforhisrighteousjudgment,evenastheelectatthelastdayshalldoforthedestructionofungodlymen.

2.Godhathnottakenthiscourse.Hehathcontinuedtheraceofmankindforalongseasonontheearth;hehathwatchedoverthemwithhisprovidence,andexercisedexceedingpatience,forbearance,andlong-sufferingtowardsthem.ThustheapostlePaulatlargediscoursethon,Acts14:15–17,17:24–30,asalsoRom.2:4.Anditisopenandmanifestintheirevent.ThewholeworldiseverydayfilledwithtokensofthepowerandpatienceofGod;everynation,everycity,everyfamilyisfilledwiththem.

3.ThatthereisacommonabuseofthispatienceofGodvisibleintheworldinallgenerations.Soitwasofold;Godsawittobeso,andcomplainedofit,Gen.6:5,6.Alltheevil,sin,wickedness,thathathbeenintheworld,whichnoheartcanconceive,notonguecanexpress,hathbeenallanabuseofthispatienceofGod.This,withthemost,istheconsequentofGod'spatienceandforbearance.Mencountitaseasontofulfilalltheabominationsthattheirevilheartscansuggestuntothem,orSatandrawthemintoacombinationwithhimselfin.Thisthestateofthingsintheworldproclaims,andeveryone'sexperienceconfirms.

4.Letus,therefore,considerwhatisthetrueandproperendofthispatienceofGodtowardstheworld,enduringitinsinandwickednessforsolongaseason,

andsufferingonegenerationtobemultipliedafteranother.ShallwethinkthatGodhathnootherdesigninallthispatiencetowardsmankind,inallgenerations,butmerelytosufferthem,allandeveryone,withoutexception,tosinagainsthim,dishonourhim,provokehim,thatsohemayatlengtheverlastinglydestroythemall?Itisconfessedthatthisistheconsequent,theeventofitwiththemost,throughtheirperversewickedness,withtheirloveofsinandpleasure.ButisthisthedesignofGod,—hisonlydesign?Hathhenootherpurposebutmerelytoforbearthemawhileintheirfolly,andthentoavengehimselfuponthem?Isthishisintendment,notonlytowardsthosewhoareobstinateintheirdarkness,ignorance,andrebellionagainsthim,whose"damnationisjust,andsleepethnot,"butalsotowardsthosewhomhestirsupbyhisgracetoseekafteraremedyanddeliverancefromthestateofsinanddeath?Godforbid;yea,suchanapprehensionwouldbecontrarytoallthosenotionsoftheinfinitewisdomandgoodnessofGodwhichareingrafteduponourheartsbynature,andwhichallhisworksmanifestanddeclare.Whatever,therefore,itbe,thiscannotbethedesignofGodinhispatiencetowardstheworld.Itcannotbebutthathemustlongsincehavecutoffthewholeraceofmankind,ifhehadnootherthoughtsandpurposestowardsthem.

5.IfthispatienceofGodhathanyotherintentiontowardsany,anyothereffectuponsome,uponany,thatistobereckonedtheprincipalendofit,andforthesakewhereofitisevidentlyextendeduntosomeothers,consequentiallyuntoall.ForthoseconcerningwhomGodhathanespecialdesigninhispatience,beingtobebroughtforthintheworldaftertheordinarywayofmankind,andthatinallagesduringthecontinuanceoftheworld,fromthebeginninguntotheendthereof,thepatiencewhichisextendeduntothemmustalsoofnecessityreachuntoallinthatvarietywhereinGodispleasedtoexerciseit.Thewholeworld,therefore,iscontinuedunderthepatienceofGodandthefruitsofit,forthesakeofsomethatareinit.

6.Letus,therefore,seewhatistheendofthispatience,andwhatitteachethus.Now,itcanhavenoendpossiblebutonlythatbeforerejected,unlesstherebeforgivenessofsinswithGod.UnlessGodbereadyandwillingtoforgivethesinsofthemthatcometohimaccordinguntohisappointment,hispatienceismerelysubservientuntoadesignofwrath,anger,severity,andaresolutiontodestroy.Now,thisisanabominationoncetosuppose,andwouldreflectunspeakabledishonourupontheholyGod.Letamanbutdealthus,anditisatokenofasevilanhabitofmind,andperverse,asanycanbefallhim.Lethimbearwiththosethatareinhispowerintheirfaults,fornootherendorwithno

otherdesignbutthathemaytakeadvantagetobringagreaterpunishmentandrevengeuponthem;andwhatmorevileaffection,whatmorewretchedcorruptionofheartandmind,canhemanifest?AndshallwethinkthatthisisthewholedesignofthepatienceofGod?Godforbid.

Itmaybeobjected"Thatthisargumentisnotcogent,becauseoftheinstancethatliesagainstitinGod'sdealingwiththeangelsthatsinned.Itisevidentthattheyfellintotheirtransgressionandapostasybeforemankinddidso,fortheyledandseducedourfirstparentsintosin;andyetGodbearswiththem,andexercisethpatiencetowardsthem,tothisveryday,andwilldosountotheconsummationofallthings,whentheyshallbecastintothefire'preparedforthedevilandhisangels;'andyetitisgrantedthatthereisnoforgivenessinGodforthem:sothatitdothnotnecessarilyfollowthatthereissoforman,becauseofhispatiencetowardsthem."

Ianswer,thatthismustbemorefullyspokenuntowhenwecometoremovethatgreatobjectionagainstthiswholetruthwhichwasmentionedbefore,takenfromGod'sdealingwiththesinningangels,whomhesparednot.Atpresenttwoorthreeobservationswillremoveitoutofourway;for,—

(1.)Thecaseisnotthesamewiththesinningangelsandtheraceofmankindinallgenerations.Therearenootherangelsinthiscondition,butonlythoseindividualswhofirstsinnedintheirownpersons.Theyarenot,intheprovidenceandpatienceofGod,multipliedandincreasedinensuingtimesandseasons,buttheycontinuethesameindividualpersonswhofirstsinned,andnomore;sothatimmediateexecutionofthewholepunishmentdueuntotheirsinwouldnothavepreventedanyincreaseofthem.Butnowwithmanitisotherwise;forGodcontinueshispatiencetowardsthemtotheproductionofmillionsofotherpersons,whowerenotactuallyinthefirstsin.HadnotGodsocontinuedhisforbearance,theirbeing,andconsequentlytheirsinandmisery,hadbeenprevented;sothatthecaseisnotthesamewithsinningangelsandmen.

(2.)IndeedGodexercisethnopatiencetowardtheangelsthatsinned,andthatbecausehehadnoforgivenessforthem.SoPetertellsus,2Epist.2:4,"Godsparednottheangelsthatsinned,butcastthemdowntohell,anddeliveredthemintochainsofdarkness."ImmediatelyupontheirsintheywerecastoutofthepresenceofGod,whosevisionandenjoymenttheyweremadefor,andwhichtheyreceivedsomeexperienceof;andtheywerecastintohell,astheplaceof

theirordinaryretentionandoftheirpresentanguish,underthesenseofGod'scurseanddispleasure.Andalthoughtheymaysomeofthembepermittedtocompasstheearth,andtowalktoandfrotherein,toservetheendsofGod'sholy,wiseprovidence,andsotobeoutoftheirprison,yettheyarestillintheirchains;fortheyweredelivereduntochainsofdarkness,tobekeptuntothelastjudgment.AndinthesethingstheylieactuallyundertheexecutionofthecurseofGod,sothatthereisindeednopatienceexercisedtowardsthem.Ifanotoriousmalefactorormurdererbecommitteduntoadungeon,andkeptboundwithironchainstopreventhisescape,untiltheappointeddayofhissolemnjudgmentandexecution,withouttheleastintentiontosparehim,nonewillsaythereispatienceexercisedtowardshim,thingsbeingdisposedonlysoasthathispunishmentmaybesecureandsevere.Andsuchisthecase,suchistheconditionoftheangelsthatsinned;whoarenot,therefore,tobeesteemedobjectsofGod'spatience.

(3.)Thereasonwhythefullandfinalpunishmentoftheseangelsisreservedandrespiteduntotheappointedseasonisnotfortheirownsakes,theirgood,benefit,oradvantageatall,butmerelythattheendofGod'spatiencetowardsmankindmightbeaccomplished.Whenthisisoncebroughtabouttheyshallnotbesparedaday,anhour,amoment.SothatGod'sdispensationtowardsthemisnothingbutamerewithholdingtheinflictionoftheutmostoftheirpunishment,untilhehathaccomplishedtheblessedendsofhispatiencetowardsmankind.

Butyouwillsay,secondly,"IsitnotsaidthatGod,'willingtoshewhiswrath,andtomakehispowerknown,endureswithmuchlong-sufferingthevesselsofwrathfittedtodestruction?'Rom.9:22;sothatitseemsthattheendofGod'senduranceandlong-suffering,tosomeatleast,isonlytheirfittinguntodestruction."

Ans.1.Itisonethingtoendurewithmuchlong-suffering,anotherthingtoexerciseanddeclarepatience.TheformeronlyintimatesGod'swithholdingforaseasonofthatdestructionwhichhemightjustlyinflict,whichwespeaknotof;theotherdenotesanactinginawayofgoodnessandkindnessforsomeespecialend.

2.ThenextversedeclaresthegreatendofGod'spatience,andanswersthisobjection:"Thathemightmakeknowntherichesofhisgloryonthevesselsofmercy,whichhehadaforeprepareduntoglory,"verse23.ThisisthegreatendofGod'spatience,whichwhilstheisinthepursuitoftowardsthevesselsof

mercy,heendurethotherswithmuchlong-sufferingandforbearance.This,then,isfullyevident,thattherecouldbenosufficientreasonassignedofthepatienceofGodtowardssinners,butthatthereisforgivenesspreparedforthemthatcometohimbyChrist.

AndthistheScriptureclearlytestifiesunto,2Pet.3:9.Thequestionis,WhatisthereasonwhyGodforbearstheexecutionofhisjudgmentuponwickedandungodlymen?SomewouldhaveitthatGodisslack,—thatis,regardlessofthesinsofmen,andtakesnonoticeofthem."No,"saiththeapostle;"Godhathanotherdesigninhispatienceandlong-suffering."Whatisthis?"Itistomanifestthatheisnotwillingweshouldperish."Thatisitwhichwehaveproved;forourfreedomfromdestructionisbyrepentance,whichnecessarilyinferstheforgivenessofsin.SoPaultellsusthatinthegospelisdeclaredwhatistheendofGod'spatienceandforbearance:"Itis,"saithhe,"theremissionofsins,"Rom.3:25.

Letus,therefore,alsomindthisevidenceintheapplicationofourselvestoGodforpardon.ItiscertainthatGodmighthavetakenusfromthewomb,andhavecastusintoutterdarkness;andinthecourseofourliveswehavebeenguiltyofsuchprovocationsasGodmightjustlyhavetakentheadvantageoftoglorifyhisjusticeandseverityinourruin;butyetwehavelivedthuslong,inthepatienceandforbearanceofGod.Andtowhatendhathhethussparedus,andletpassthoseadvantagesforourdestructionthatwehaveputintohishand?Isitnotthathemightbyhispatiencegiveusleaveandspacetogetaninterestinthatforgivenesswhichhethustestifiestobeinhimself?Letus,then,beencouragedbyittouseituntotheendandpurposeforwhichitisexercisedtowardsus.Youthatareyetindoubtofyourcondition,considerthatthepatienceofGodwasextendeduntoyouthisday,thisveryday,thatyoumightuseitfortheobtainingoftheremissionofyoursins.Losenotthisday,noronedaymore,asyouloveyoursouls;forwofulwillbetheirconditionwhoshallperishfordespisingorabusingthepatienceofGod.

VI.Thefaithandexperienceofthesaintsinthisworldgiveintestimonyuntothistruth;andweknowthattheirrecordinthismatteristrue.Letus,then,askofthemwhattheybelieve,whattheyhavefound,whattheyhaveexperienceof,astotheforgivenessofsin.ThisGodhimselfdirectsandleadsusuntobyappealinguntoourownexperience,whenceheshowsusthatwemaytakereliefandsupportmentinourdistresses:Isa.40:28,"Hastthounotknown?hastthounotheard?"—"Hastnotthouthyself,whonowcriestoutthatthouartlostand

undonebecauseGodhathforsakenthee,foundandknownbyexperiencethecontrary,fromhisformerdealingswiththee?"Andifourownexperiencesmayconfirmusagainsttheworkingsofourunbelief,somaythoseofothersalso.AndthisisthatwhichEliphazdirectsJobunto,chap.v.1,"Callnow,iftherebeanythatwillanswerthee;andtowhichofthesaintswiltthoulook?"Itisnotasupplicationtothemforhelpthatisintended,butaninquiryaftertheirexperienceinthecaseinhand,whereinhewrongfullythoughttheycouldnotjustifyJob. הנפת םישדקמ ימ־לאו ,"Towhichofthesaints,ontherighthandorleft,wiltthouhaveregardinthismatter?"Somewouldfoolishlyhenceseektoconfirmtheinvocationofthesaintsdeparted;when,indeed,iftheywereintended,itisratherforbiddenanddiscountenancedthandirectedunto.Butthe םישדק herearethe ץראכ רשא םישודק ,Ps.16:2,"Thesaintsthatareintheearth,"whoseexperiencesJobisdirectedtoinquireintoandafter.DavidmakesitagreatencouragementuntowaitinguponGod,asaGodhearingprayer,thatothershaddonesoandfoundsuccess:Ps.34:6,"Thispoormancried,andtheLORDheardhim,andsavedhimoutofallhistroubles."Ifhedidso,andhadthatblessedissue,whyshouldnotwedosoalso?Theexperiencesofoneareoftenproposedfortheconfirmationandestablishmentofothers.SothesameDavid:"Come,"saithhe,"andhear,allyethatfearGod,andIwilldeclarewhathehathdoneformysoul."Hecontentsnothimselftomindthemoftheword,promises,andprovidenceofGod,whichhedothmostfrequently;buthewillgivethemtheencouragementandsupportmentalsoofhisownexperience.SoPaultellsusthathe"wascomfortedofGodinallhistribulation,thathemightbeabletocomfortthemwhichareinanytrouble,bythecomfortwherewithhehimselfwascomfortedofGod,"2Cor.1:4;thatis,thathemightbeabletocommunicateuntothemhisownexperienceofGod'sdealingwithhim,andthesatisfactionandassurancethathefoundtherein.SoalsoheproposeththeexampleofGod'sdealingwithhiminthepardonofhissinsasagreatmotiveuntootherstobelieve,1Tim.1:13–16.AndthismutualcommunicationofsatisfyingexperiencesinthethingsofGod,orofourspiritualsenseandevidenceofthepower,efficacy,andrealityofgospeltruths,beingrightlymanaged,isofsingularusetoallsortsofbelievers.Sothesamegreatapostleacquaintsusinhisownexample,Rom.1:11,12,"Ilongtoseeyou,thatImayimpartuntoyousomespiritualgift,totheendyemaybeestablished;thatis,thatImaybecomfortedtogetherwithyou,bythemutualfaithbothofyouandme."Helongednotonlytobeinstructingofthem,inthepursuitoftheworkoftheministrycommitteduntohim,buttoconferalsowiththemabouttheirmutualfaith,andwhatexperiencesofthepeaceofGodinbelievingtheyhadattained.

Wehaveinourcasecalledinthetestimonyofthesaintsinheaven,withwhomthoseonearthdomakeuponefamily,eventhatonefamilyinheavenandearthwhichiscalledafterthenameoftheFatherofourLordJesusChrist,Eph.3:14,15.Andtheyallagreeintheirtestimony,asbecomesthefamilyandchildrenofGod.Butthosebelowwemaydealpersonallywith;whereaswegatherthewitnessoftheotheronlyfromwhatisleftuponrecordconcerningthem.Andfortheclearingofthisevidencesundrythingsaretobeobserved;as,—

1.Menlivingundertheprofessionofreligion,andnotexperiencingthepower,virtue,andefficacyofitintheirhearts,are,whatevertheyprofess,veryneartoatheism,oratleastexposedtogreattemptationsthereunto.If"theyprofesstheyknowGod,butinworksdenyhim,"theyare"abominable,anddisobedient,anduntoeverygoodworkreprobate,"Tit.1:16.Letsuchmenlayasidetraditionandcustom,letthemgiveupthemselvestoafreeandarationalconsiderationofthings,andtheywillquicklyfindthatalltheirprofessionisbutamiserableself-deceiving,andthat,indeed,theybelievenotonewordofthereligionwhichtheyprofess:forofwhattheirreligionaffirmstobeinthemselvestheyfindnotanythingtrueorreal;andwhatreasonhavethey,then,tobelievethatthethingswhichitspeaksofthatarewithoutthemareonejotbetter?Iftheyhavenoexperienceofwhatitaffirmstobewithinthem,whatconfidencecantheyhaveoftherealityofwhatitrevealstobewithoutthem?Johntellsusthat"hewhosaithhelovesGodwhomhehathnotseen,anddothnotlovehisbrotherwhomhehathseen,isaliar."Menwhodonotthingsofanequalconcernmentuntothemwhereintheymaybetried,arenottobebelievedinwhattheyprofessaboutgreaterthings,whereofnotrialcanbehad.Sohethatbelievesnot,whoexperiencethnot,thepowerofthatwhichthereligionheprofessethaffirmstobeinhim,ifhesaysthathedothbelieveotherthingswhichhecanhavenoexperienceof,heisaliar.Forinstance,hethatprofesseththegospelavowsthatthedeathofChristdothcrucifysin;thatfaithpurifieththeheart;thattheHolyGhostquickensandenablesthesouluntoduty;thatGodisgoodandgraciousuntoallthatcomeuntohim;thatthereispreciouscommuniontobeobtainedwithhimbyChrist;thatthereisgreatjoyinbelieving.Thesethingsareplainly,openly,frequentlyinsistedoninthegospel.Hencetheapostlepressethmenuntoobedienceontheaccountofthem;and,asitwere,leavesthematlibertyfromitiftheywerenotso,Phil.2:1,2.Now,ifmenhavelivedlongintheprofessionofthesethings,sayingthattheyareso,butindeedfindnothingoftruth,reality,orpowerinthem,havenoexperienceoftheeffectsofthemintheirownheartsorsouls,whatstablegroundhavetheyofbelievinganythingelseinthegospelwhereoftheycannothaveexperience?AmanprofesseththatthedeathofChrist

willmortifysinandsubduecorruption;whydothhebelieveit?Becauseitissoaffirmedinthegospel.How,then,dothhefindittobeso?hathitthiseffectuponhissoul,inhisownheart?Notatall;hefindsnosuchthinginhim.How,then,canthismanbelievethatJesusChrististheSonofGodbecauseitisaffirmedinthegospel,seeingthathefindsnorealtruthofthatwhichitaffirmstobeinhimself?SoourSaviourargues,John3:12,"IfIhavetoldyouearthlythings,andyebelievenot,howwillyebelieveifItellyouheavenlythings?"—"Ifyoubelievenotthedoctrineofregeneration,whichyououghttohaveexperienceof,asathingthatiswroughtintheheartsofmenontheearth,howcanyouassentuntothoseheavenlymysteriesofthegospelwhichatfirstaretobereceivedbyapureactoffaith,withoutanypresentsenseorexperience?"

Ofalldangers,therefore,inprofession,letprofessorstakeheedofthis,—namely,ofacustomary,traditional,ordoctrinalowningsuchtruthsasoughttohavetheireffectsandaccomplishmentinthemselves,whilsttheyhavenoexperienceoftherealityandefficacyofthem.Thisisplainlytohaveaformofgodliness,andtodenythepowerthereof.Andofthissortofmendoweseemanyturningatheists,scoffers,andopenapostates.Theyfindinthemselvesthattheirprofessionwasalie,andthatintruththeyhadnoneofthosethingswhichtheytalkedof;andtowhatendshouldtheycontinuelongerintheavowingofthatwhichisnot?Besides,findingthosethingswhichtheyhaveprofessedtobeinthemnottobeso,theythinkthatwhattheyhavebelievedofthethingsthatarewithoutthemareofnoothernature;andsorejectthemaltogether.

Youwillsay,then,"Whatshallamandowhocannotfindorobtainanexperienceinhimselfofwhatisaffirmedintheword?HecannotfindthedeathofChristcrucifyingsininhim,andhecannotfindtheHolyGhostsanctifyinghisnature,orobtainjoyinbelieving;whatshallhe,then,do?shallhenotbelieveorprofessthosethingstobeso,becausehecannotobtainablessedexperienceofthem?"Ianswer,ourSaviourhathperfectlygivendirectioninthiscase:John7:17,"Ifanymanwilldohiswill,heshallknowofthedoctrine,whetheritbeofGod,orwhetherIspeakofmyself."Continueinfollowingafterthethingsrevealedinthedoctrineofthegospel,andyoushallhaveasatisfactoryexperiencethattheyaretrue,andthattheyareofGod.Ceasenottoactfaithonthem,andyoushallfindtheireffects;for"thenshallweknow,ifwefollowontoknowtheLORD,"Hos.6:3.Experiencewillensueuponpermanencyinfaithandobedience;yea,thefirstactofsincerebelievingwillbeaccompaniedwithsuchataste,willgivethesoulsomuchexperience,astoproduceafirmadherenceunto

thethingsbelieved.Andthisisthewayto"provewhatisthatgood,andacceptable,andperfectwillofGod,"whichisrevealeduntous,Rom.12:2.

2.Wherethereisaninward,spiritualexperienceofthepower,reality,andefficacyofanysupernaturaltruth,itgivesgreatsatisfaction,stability,andassuranceuntothesoul.Itputsthesouloutofdangerorsuspicionofbeingdeceived,andgivesittohavethetestimonyofGodinitself.Sotheapostletellsus,"HethatbelievethontheSonofGodhaththewitnessinhimself,"1John5:10.HehaddiscoursedofthemanifoldtestimonythatisgiveninheavenbyalltheholypersonsoftheTrinity,andonearthbygraceandordinances,untotheforgivenessofsinandeternallifetobeobtainedbyJesusChrist.Andthisrecordistrue,firm,andstable,anabidingfoundationforsoulstorestupon,thatwillneverdeceivethem.Butyetallthiswhileitiswithoutus,—itisthatwhichwehavenoexperienceofinourselves;onlywerestuponitbecauseoftheauthorityandfaithfulnessofthemthatgaveit.Butnowhethatactuallybelieveth,hehaththetestimonyinhimself;hehathbyexperiencearealevidenceandassuranceofthethingstestifiedunto,—namely,"ThatGodhathgiventouseternallife,andthislifeisinhisSon,"verse11.Letus,then,alittleconsiderwhereinthisevidenceconsisteth,andfromwhencethisassuranceariseth.Tothisendsomefewthingsmustbeconsidered;as,—

(1.)Thatthereisagreatanswerablenessandcorrespondencybetweentheheartofabelieverandthetruththathedothbelieve.Asthewordisinthegospel,soisgraceintheheart;yea,theyarethesamethingvariouslyexpressed:Rom.6:17,"Yehaveobeyedfromtheheart,"εἰςὅνπαρεδόθητετύπονδιδαχῆς,"thatformofdoctrinewhichwasdeliveredyou."Asourtranslationdothnot,soIknownothowinsofewwordstoexpressthatwhichisemphaticallyhereinsinuatedbytheHolyGhostThemeaningis,thatthedoctrineofthegospelbegetstheform,figure,image,orlikenessofitselfintheheartsofthemthatbelieve,sotheyarecastintothemouldofit.Asistheone,soistheother.Theprincipleofgraceintheheartandthatinthewordareaschildrenofthesameparent,completelyresemblingandrepresentingoneanother.Graceisalivingword,andthewordisfigured,limnedgrace.Asisregeneration,soisaregenerateheart;asisthedoctrineoffaith,soisabeliever.Andthisgivesgreatevidenceuntoandassuranceofthethingsthatarebelieved:"Aswehaveheard,sowehaveseenandfoundit."Suchasoulcanproducetheduplicateoftheword,andsoadjustallthingsthereby.

(2.)Thatthefirstoriginalexpressionofdivinetruthisnotintheword,no,notas

givenoutfromtheinfiniteabyssofdivinewisdomandveracity,butitisfirsthid,laidup,andexpressedinthepersonofChrist.Heistheἀρχέτυπος,thefirstpatternoftruth,whichfromhimisexpressedintheword,andfromandbythewordimpressedintheheartsofbelievers:sothatasithathpleasedGodthatallthetreasuresofwisdomandknowledgeshouldbeinhim,dwellinhim,havetheirprincipalresidenceinhim,Col.2:3;sothewholewordisbutarevelationofthetruthinChrist,oranexpressionofhisimageandlikenesstothesonsofmen.Thuswearesaidtolearn"thetruthasitisinJesus,"Eph.4:21.ItisinJesusoriginallyandreally;andfromhimitiscommunicateduntousbytheword.Wearetherebytaughtanddolearnit,forthereby,astheapostleproceeds,"wearerenewedinthespiritofourmind,anddoputonthenewman,whichafterGodiscreatedinrighteousnessandtrueholiness,"verses23,24.First,thetruthisinJesus,thenitisexpressedintheword;thiswordlearnedandbelievedbecomesgraceintheheart,everywayansweringuntotheLordChristhisimage,fromwhomthistransformingtruthdidthusproceed.Nay,thisiscarriedbytheapostleyethigher,namely,untoGodtheFatherhimself,whoseimageChristis,andbelievershisthroughtheword:2Cor.3:18,"Weall,withopenfacebeholdingasinaglassthegloryoftheLord,arechangedintothesameimagefromglorytoglory,asbytheSpiritoftheLord;"whereuntoaddchap.4:6,"God,whocommandedthelighttoshineoutofdarkness,hathshinedinourhearts,togivethelightoftheknowledgeofthegloryofGodinthefaceofJesusChrist."ThefirstpatternorexampleofalltruthandholinessisGodhimself;hereof"Christistheimage,"verse4.ChrististheimageofGod,"Thebrightnessofhisglory,andtheexpressimageofhisperson,"Heb.1:3;"TheimageoftheinvisibleGod,"Col.1:15.Hencewearesaidto"seethegloryofGodinthefaceofJesusChrist;"becausehebeinghisimage,thelove,grace,andtruthoftheFatherarerepresentedandmadeconspicuousinhim:forwearesaidto"beholditinhisface,"becauseoftheopenandillustriousmanifestationofthegloryofGodinhim.Andhowdowebeholdthisglory?Inaglass,—"Asinaglass;"thatis,inthegospel,whichhaththeimageandlikenessofChrist,whoistheimageofGod,re-fleeteduponitandcommunicateduntoit.SohavewetracedtruthandgracefromthepersonoftheFatheruntotheSonasamediator,andthencetransfusedintotheword.IntheFatheritisessentially;inJesusChristoriginallyandexemplarily;andinthewordasinatranscriptorcopy.Butdothitabidethere?No;Godbythewordofthegospel"shinesinourhearts,"2Cor.4:6.Heirradiatesourmindswithasavinglightintoitandapprehensionofit.Andwhatthenceensues?Thesoulofabelieveris"changedintothesameimage"bytheeffectualworkingoftheHolyGhost,chap.3:18;thatis,thelikenessofChristimplantedonthewordisimpressedonthesoulitself,wherebyitisrenewedinto

theimageofGod,whereuntoitwasatfirstcreated.Thisbringsallintoaperfectharmony.Thereisnot,wheregospeltruthiseffectuallyreceivedandexperiencedinthesoul,onlyaconsonancymerelybetweenthesoulandtheword,butbetweenthesoulandChristbytheword,andthesoulandGodbyChrist.Andthisgivesassuredestablishmentuntothesoulinthethingsthatitdothbelieve.Divinetruthsoconveyeduntousisfirm,stable,andimmovable;andwecansayofitinaspiritualsense,"Thatwhich.wehaveheard,thatwhichwehaveseenwithoureyes,whichwehavelookedupon,andourhandshavehandled,oftheWordoflife,weknowtobetrue."Yea,abelieverisatestimonytothecertaintyoftruthinwhatheis,muchbeyondwhatheisinallthathesaith.Wordsmaybepretended;realeffectshavetheirtestimonyinseparablyannexeduntothem.

(3.)Henceitappearsthattheremustneedsbegreatassuranceofthosetruthswhicharethusreceivedandbelieved;forherebyare"thesensesexercisedtodiscernbothgoodandevil,"Heb.5:14.Wherethereisaspiritualsenseoftruth,ofthegoodandevilthatisindoctrines,fromaninwardexperienceofwhatissogood,andfromthenceanaversationuntothecontrary,andthisobtainedδιὰτὴνἕξιν,byreasonofahabitoranhabitualframeofheart,thereisstrength,thereissteadfastnessandassurance.Thisistheteachingoftheunction,whichwillnot,whichcannot,deceive.Hencemanyofoldandoflatethatcouldnotdisputecouldyetdieforthetruth.Hethatcametoanother,andwentabouttoprovebysophisticalreasoningsthattherewasnosuchthingasmotion,hadonlythisreturnfromhim,whoeitherwasnotabletoanswerhiscavillingorunwillingtoputhimselftotroubleaboutit,—hearose,and,walkingupanddown,gavehimarealconfutationofhissophistry.Itissointhiscase.WhenasoulhatharealexperienceofthegraceofGod,ofthepardonofsins,ofthevirtueandefficacyofthedeathofChrist,ofjustificationbyhisblood,andpeacewithGodbybelieving;letmen,ordevils,orangelsfromheaven,opposethesethings,ifitcannotanswertheirsophisms,yethecanriseupandwalk,—hecan,withallholyconfidenceandassurance,opposehisownsatisfyingexperienceuntoalltheirarguingsandsuggestions.Amanwillnotbedisputedoutofwhatheseesandfeels;andabelieverwillabideasfirmlybyhisspiritualsenseasanymancanbyhisnatural.

Thisisthemeaningofthatprayeroftheapostle,Col.2:2,"Thatyourheartsmightbecomforted,beingknittogetherinlove,anduntoallrichesofthefullassuranceofunderstanding,totheacknowledgmentofthemysteryofGod,andoftheFather,andofChrist."Understandinginthemysteriesofthegospelthey

had;buthepraysthat,byafartherexperienceofit,theymightcometothe"assuranceofunderstanding."Tobetrue,isthepropertyofthedoctrineitself;tobecertainorassured,isthepropertyofourminds.Now,thisexperiencedothsounitethemindandtruth,thatwesay,"Suchatruthismostcertain;"whereascertaintyisindeedthepropertyofourmindsortheirknowledge,andnotofthetruthknown.Itiscertainuntous;thatis,wehaveanassuredknowledgeofitbytheexperiencewehaveofit.Thisistheassuranceofunderstandingherementioned.Andhefartherpraysthatwemaycometothe"riches"ofthisassurance,—thatis,toanabundant,plentifulassurance;andthatεἰςἐπίγιωσιν,"totheacknowledgmentofthemysteryofGod,"owningitfromasenseandexperienceofitsexcellencyandworth.

Andthisisinthenatureofallgospeltruths,—theyarefittedandsuitedtobeexperiencedbyabelievingsoul.Thereisnothinginthemsosublimeandhigh,nothingsomysterious,nothingsoseeminglylowandoutwardly,contemptible,butthatagracioussoulhathexperienceofanexcellency,reality,power,andefficacyinitall.Forinstance,lookonthatwhichconcernstheorderandworshipofthegospel.Thisseemstomanytobeamereexternalthing,whereofasoulcanhavenoinwardsenseorrelish.Notionstherearemanyaboutit,andendlesscontentions,butwhatmore?Why,letagracioussoul,insimplicityandsincerityofspirit,giveuphimselftowalkwithChristaccordingtohisappointment,andheshallquicklyfindsuchatasteandrelishinthefellowshipofthegospel,inthecommunionofsaints,andofChristamongstthem,asthatheshallcomeuptosuchrichesofassuranceintheunderstandingandacknowledgmentofthewaysoftheLord,asothersbytheirdisputingcanneverattainunto.Whatissohigh,glorious,andmysteriousasthedoctrineoftheever-blessedTrinity?SomewisemenhavethoughtmeettokeepitvailedfromordinaryChristians,andsomehavedelivereditinsuchtermsasthattheycanunderstandnothingbythem.ButtakeabelieverwhohathtastedhowgracioustheLordis,intheeternalloveoftheFather,thegreatundertakingoftheSonintheworkofmediationandredemption,withthealmightyworkoftheSpiritcreatinggraceandcomfortinthesoul;andhathhadanexperienceofthelove,holiness,andpowerofGodinthemall;andhewillwith.morefirmconfidenceadheretothismysterioustruth,beingledintoitandconfirmedinitbysomefewplaintestimoniesoftheword,thanathousanddisputersshalldowhoonlyhavethenotionofitintheirminds.Letarealtrialcome,andthiswillappear.Fewwillbefoundtosacrificetheirlivesonbarespeculations.Experiencewillgiveassuranceandstability.

Wehavethusclearedthecreditofthetestimonynowtobeimproved.Itis

evident,onthesegrounds,thatthereisagreatcertaintyinthosetruthswhereofbelievershaveexperience.Wheretheycommunicatetheirpoweruntotheheart,theygiveanunquestionableassuranceoftheirtruth;andwhenthatisoncerealizedinthesoul,alldisputesaboutitareputtosilence.

Thesethingsbeingso,letusinquireintothefaithandexperienceofthesaintsontheearthastowhattheyknowofthetruthproposeduntoconfirmation,namely,thatthereisforgivenesswithGod.LetusgotosomepoorsoulthatnowwalkscomfortablyunderthelightofGod'scountenance,andsayuntohim,"Didwenotknowyousomewhilesincetobefullofsadnessandgreatanxietyofspirit;yea,sorrowfulalmosttodeath,andbitterinsoul?"—Ans."Yes,"saithhe,"soitwas,indeed.Mydayswereconsumedwithmourning,andmylifewithsorrow;andIwalkedheavily,infearandbitternessofspirit,allthedaylong."

"Why,whatailedyou,whatwasthematterwithyou,seeingastooutwardthingsyouwereinpeace?"—Ans."ThelawofGodhadlaidholduponmeandslainme.Ifoundmyselftherebyawofulsinner,yea,overwhelmedwiththeguiltofsin.EverymomentIexpectedtribulationandwrathfromthehandofGod;mysoreraninthenightandceasednot,andmysoulrefusedcomfort."

"Howisit,then,thatyouarethusdelivered,thatyouarenomoresad?Wherehaveyoufoundeaseandpeace?Haveyoubeenbyanymeansdelivered,ordidyourtroublewearoffanddepartofitsownaccord?"—Ans."Alas,no!hadInotmetwithaneffectualremedy,Ihadsunkandeverlastinglyperished."

"Whatcoursedidyoutake?"—Ans."IwentuntoHimbyJesusChristagainstwhomIhavesinned,andhavefoundhimbetteruntomethanIcouldexpectorevershouldhavebelieved,hadnotheoverpoweredmyheartbyhisSpirit.Insteadofwrath,whichIfeared,andthatjustly,becauseIhaddeservedit,hesaiduntomeinChrist,'Furyisnotinme.'ForalongtimeIthoughtitimpossiblethatthereshouldbemercyandpardonforme,orsuchaoneasI.Buthestillsupportedme,sometimesbyonemeans,sometimesbyanother;until,takingmysoulneartohimself,hecausedmetoseethefollyofmyunbelievingheart,andthevilenessofthehardthoughtsIhadofhim,andthat,indeed,thereiswithhimforgivenessandplenteousredemption.Thishathtakenawayallmysorrows,andgivenmequietness,withrestandassurance."

"Butareyousure,now,thatthisisso?Mayyounotpossiblybedeceived?"—Ans.Saysthesoul,"Ihavenottheleastsuspicionofanysuchmatter;andifat

anytimeaughtdotharisetothatpurpose,itisquicklyovercome."

"Buthowareyouconfirmedinthispersuasion?"—Ans."ThatsenseofitwhichIhaveinmyheart;thatsweetnessandrestwhichIhaveexperienceof;thatinfluenceithathuponmysoul;thatobligationIfindlaiduponmebyituntoallthankfulobedience;thatrelief,supportment,andconsolationthatithathaffordedmeintrialsandtroubles,inthemouthofthegraveandentrancesofeternity,—allansweringwhatisdeclaredconcerningthesethingsintheword,—willnotsuffermetobedeceived.Icouldnot,indeed,receiveituntilGodwaspleasedtospeakituntome;butnowletSatandohisutmost,Ishallneverceasetobearthistestimony,thatthereismercyandforgivenesswithhim."

Howmanythousandsmaywefindoftheseintheworld,whohavehadsuchasealofthistruthintheirhearts,astheycannotonlysecurelylaydowntheirlivesintheconfirmationofit,ifcalledthereunto,butalsodocheerfullyandtriumphantlyventuretheireternalconcernmentsuponit!yea,thisistheriseofallthatpeace,serenityofmind,andstrongconsolation,whichinthisworldtheyaremadepartakersof.

Nowthisistome,ontheprinciplesbeforelaiddown,anevidencegreatandimportant.Godhathnotmanifestedthistruthuntothesaints,thuscopieditoutofhisword,andexemplifieditintheirsouls,toleavethemunderanypossibilityofbeingdeceived.

———

Institutionofreligiousworshipanevidenceofforgiveness.

VII.God'sinstitutionofreligiousworship,andhonourthereintoberendereduntohimbysinners,isanotherevidencethatthereisforgivenesswithhim.Ihaveinstancedbeforeinoneparticularofworshiptothispurpose,—namely,inthatofsacrifices;butthereinweintendedonlytheirparticularnatureandsignification,howtheydeclaredandmanifestedreconciliation,atonement,andpardon.Thatnowaimedatis,toshowhowalltheworshipthatGodhathappointeduntous,andallthehonourwhichwegiveuntohisholymajestythereby,isbuiltuponthesamefoundation,—namely,asuppositionofforgiveness,—andisappointedtoteachit,andtoascertainusofit;whichshallbrieflybedeclared.Tothisendobserve,—

1.ThatthegeneralendofalldivineandreligiousworshipistoraiseuntoGoda

revenueofgloryoutofthecreation.SuchisGod'sinfinitenaturalself-sufficiency,thathestandsinneedofnosuchgloryandhonour.Hewasinhimselfnolessinfinitelyandeternallygloriousbeforethecreationofalloranythingwhatever,thanhewillbewhenheshallbeencompassedaboutwiththepraisesofalltheworksofhishands.Andsuchishisabsoluteperfection,thatnohonourgivenuntohim,noadmirationofhim,noascriptionofgloryandpraise,canaddanythinguntohim.Hencesaiththepsalmist,"Mygoodnessextendethnottothee,"Ps.16:2;—"Itdothnotsoreachtheeastoadduntothee,toprofitthee,asitmaydothesaintsthatareonearth."AsheinJob,chap.22:2,3,"CanamanbeprofitableuntoGod,ashethatiswisemaybeprofitableuntohimself?IsitanypleasuretotheAlmighty,thatthouartrighteous?orisitgaintohim,thatthoumakestthywaysperfect?"Thereisnodoubtbutthatitiswell-pleasinguntoGodthatweshouldberighteousandupright;butwedohimnotapleasuretherein,asthoughhestoodinneedofit,oritwereadvantageorgainuntohim.Andagain,chap.35:7,"Ifthouberighteous,whatgivestthouhim?orwhatreceivethheatthinehand?"Andthereasonofallthistheapostlegivesus,Rom.11:36,"Ofhim,andthroughhim,andtohim,areallthings."Beingthefirstsovereigncauseandlastabsoluteendofallthings,everywayperfectandself-sufficient,nothingcanbeaddeduntohim:or,asthesameapostlespeaks,"Godthatmadetheworldandallthingstherein,seeingthatheisLordofheavenandearth,isnotworshippedwithmen'shands,asthoughheneededanything,seeinghegivethuntoalllife,andbreath,andallthings,"Acts17:24,25;ashehimselfpleadsatlarge,Ps.1:7–13

2.Wherefore,alltherevenueofglorythatGodwillreceivebyhisworshipdependsmerelyonhisownvoluntarychoiceandappointment.Allworship,Isay,dependsnowonthesovereignwillandpleasureofGod.Itistruethereisanaturalworshipduefromrationalcreaturesbythelawoftheircreation.Thiswasindispensablyandabsolutelynecessaryatfirst.TheverybeingofGodandorderofthingsrequiredthatitshouldbeso.SupposingthatGodhadmadesuchcreaturesasweare,itcouldnotbebutthatmoralobediencewasdueuntohim,—namely,thatheshouldbebelievedin,trusted,andobeyed,asthefirstcause,lastend,andsovereignLordofall.Buttheentranceofsin,layingthesinnerabsolutelyunderthecurseofGod,utterlyputanendtothisorderofthings.Manwasnowtohaveperishedimmediately,andanendtobeputuntothelawofthisobedience.Buthere,inthesovereignwillofGod,aninterpositionwasmadebetweensinandthesentence,andmanwasrespitedfromdestruction.Allworshipfollowinghereon,eventhatwhichwasbeforenatural,bythelawofcreation,isnowresolvedintoanarbitraryactofGod'swill.

Anduntothisendisallworshipdesigned,—namely,togivegloryuntoGod.ForasGodhathsaidthat"hewillbesanctifiedinallthatdrawnighhim,"—thatis,inhisworship,—andthattherein"hewillbeglorified,"Lev.10:3;andthat"hethatofferethhimpraise,"—thatis,performethanypartofhisworshipandservice,—"glorifiethhim,"Ps.50:23sothenatureofthethingitselfdeclareththatitcanhavenootherend.Bythishehathallhisglory,evenfromtheinanimatecreation.

3.ConsiderthatGodhathnotprescribedanyworshipofhimselfuntotheangelsthatsinned.Theyare,indeed,underhispower,andheuseththemashepleaseth,toservetheendsofhisholyprovidence.Boundsheprescribesuntothembyhispower,andkeepsthemindreadofthefullexecutionofhiswrath;butherequiresnotofthemthattheyshouldbelieveinhim.Theybelieveindeed,andtremble.Theyhaveanaturalapprehensionofthebeing,power,providence,holiness,andrighteousnessofGod,whichisinseparablefromtheirnatures;andtheyhaveanexpectationfromthenceofthatpunishmentandvengeancewhichisdueuntothem,whichisinseparablefromthemassinners;andthisistheirfaith:buttobelieveinGod,—thatis,toputtheirtrustinhim,toresignupthemselvesuntohim,—Godrequiresitnotofthem.Thesameisthecasewiththemalsoastolove,andfear,anddelight,—allinwardaffections,whicharetheproperworshipofGod.Thesetheyhavenot,nordothGodanylongerrequiretheminthem.Theyeternallycastthemoffintheirfirstsin.Andwherethesearenot,wheretheyarenotrequired,wheretheycannotbe,therenooutwardworshipcanbeprescribedorappointed;forexternalinstitutedworshipisnothingbutthewaythatGodassignsandchoosethustoexpressandexercisetheinwardaffectionsofourmindstowardshim.Herulesthefallenangels"pernutumprovidentiæ,"not"verbumpræcepti."Now,asGoddealtwiththeangels,soalsowouldhehavedealtwithmankind,hadheleftthemallunderthecurse,withoutremedyorhopeofrelief.Ashedothwiththem,—heeternallysatisfieshimselfinthatrevenueofglorywhicharisethuntohimintheirpunishment,—soalsohewouldhavedonewiththese,hadtherebeennoforgivenesswithhimforthem.Hewouldnothaverequiredthemtofear,love,orobeyhim,orhaveappointeduntothemanywayofworshipwherebytoexpresssuchaffectionstowardshim;fortowhatendshouldhehavedoneit?Whatrighteousnesswouldadmitthatservice,duty,andobedienceshouldbeprescribeduntothemwhocouldnot,oughtnottohaveanyexpectationorhopeofacceptanceorreward?ThisiscontrarytotheveryfirstnotionwhichGodrequiresinusofhisnature:for"hethatcomethtoGodmustbelievethatheis,andthatheisarewarderofthemthatdiligentlyseekhim,"Heb.11:6;whichwouldnotbesoshouldheappointavoluntaryworship,and

notproposearewardtotheworshippers.Wherefore,—

4.ItisevidentthatGod,bytheprescriptionofaworshipuntosinners,dothfullydeclarethatthereisforgivenesswithhimforthem;for,—

(1.)Hemanifeststherebythatheiswillingtoreceiveanewrevenueofgloryfromthem.This,aswehaveproved,istheendofworship.Thishewouldneverhavedonebutwithadesignofacceptingandrewardinghiscreatures;fordowethinkthathewillbebeholdinguntothem?—thathewilltakeandadmitoftheirvoluntary,reasonableservice,accordingtohiswillandcommand,withoutgivingthemareward,yea,andsuchaoneastheirobedienceholdsnoproportionunto?Nosuchthingwouldbecomehisinfiniteself-sufficiency,goodness,andbounty.ThisthewifeofManoahwellpleads,Judges13:23:"If,"saithshe,"theLORDwerepleasedtokillus,hewouldnothavereceivedaburnt-offeringandameat-offeringatourhands."Hisacceptanceofworshipfromusisaninfallibledemonstrationthathewillnotexecuteagainstustheseverityofthefirstcurse.Andthisisclearlyevidencedinthefirstrecordofsolemninstitutedworshipperformedbysinners:Gen.4:4,"TheLORDhadrespectuntoAbelandtohisoffering."SomethinkthatGodgaveavisiblepledgeofhisacceptanceofAbelandhisoffering.Itmaybeitwasbyfirefromheaven;forhowelseshouldCainsoinstantlyknowthathisbrotherandhisofferingwereaccepted,butthatheandhiswererefused?Howeveritwere,itisevidentthatwhattestimonyGodgaveoftheacceptanceofhisoffering,thesamehegaveconcerninghisperson;andthatinthefirstplacehehadrespectuntoAbel,andthentohisoffering.Andthereforetheapostlesaiththatthereby"heobtainedwitnessthathewasrighteous,"Heb.11:4,—thatis,thewitnessortestimonyofGodhimself.Now,thiswasintheforgivenessofhisskis,withoutwhichhecouldneitherberighteousnoraccepted,forhewasasinner.ThisGoddeclaredbyacceptanceofhisworship.Andthuswealso,ifwehaveanytestimonyofGod'sacceptanceofusinanypartofhisworship,shouldemployittothesameend.HathGodenlargedourheartsinprayer?hathhegivenusanansweruntoanyofoursupplications?hathherefreshedourheartsinthepreachinganddispensationoftheword,oranyotherordinance?Wearenottorestintheparticularaboutwhichourcommunionwithhimhathbeen;—ourdoingsoisthecausewhyweloseourexperiences;theyliescatteredupanddown,separatedfromtheirproperroot,andsoareeasilylost:butthisisthatwhichweshouldfirstimprovesuchparticularexperiencesintheworshipofGodunto,—namely,thatGodhathpardonedoursins,andacceptedoutpersonsthereon;forwithoutthat,noneofourworshiporservicewouldpleasehimorbeacceptedwithhim.

(2.)HerebyGodletsusknowthathedealswithusuponnewterms,sothat,notwithstandingsin,wemayenjoyhisloveandfavour.Forthiswehavetheengagementofhistruthandveracity,andhecannotdeceiveus.Butyetbythiscommandofhisforhisworshipweshouldbedeceived,iftherewerenoforgivenesswithhim;foritgivesusencouragementtoexpect,andassuranceoffinding,acceptancewithhim,whichwithoutitcannotbeobtained.This,then,Goddeclaresbyhisinstitutionofandcommandforhisworship,—namely,thatthereisnothingthatshallindispensablyhinderthosewhogiveupthemselvesuntoobedienceofGod'scommandsfromenjoyinghisloveandfavour,andcommunionwithhim.

(3.)Formatteroffact,itisknownandconfessedthatGodhathappointedaworshipforsinnerstoperform.AlltheinstitutionsoftheOldandNewTestamentbearwitnesshereunto.Godwastheauthorofthem.Andmenknownotwhattheydowheneithertheyneglectthemorwouldbeintermixingtheirownimaginationswiththem.Whatcanthemindofmanconceiveorinventthatmayhaveanyinfluenceintothismatter,tosecurethesoulsofbelieversoftheiracceptancewithGod?Isthereanyneedoftheirtestimonytothetruth,faithfulness,andgoodnessofGod?Thesethingshehathtakenuponhimself.This,then,isthatwhichistobefixedonoursoulsuponourfirstinvitationuntoreligiousworship,—namely,thatGodintendsanewrevenueofgloryfromus,andthereforedeclaresthatthereisawayforthetakingawayofoursins,withoutwhichwecangivenoglorytohimbyourobedience;andthisisdoneonlybyforgiveness.

5.Therearesomeordinancesofworshipappointedforthisveryendandpurpose,toconfirmuntoustheforgivenessofsin,especiallyinthatworshipwhichisinstitutedbytheLordJesusundertheNewTestament.Ishallinstanceinoneortwo:—

(1.)Theordinanceofbaptism.ThiswasaccompaniedwiththedawningofthegospelintheministryofJohntheBaptist;andheexpresslydeclared,inhissermonsuponit,thatitwasinstitutedofGodtodeclarethe"remissionofsins,"Mark1:4.

ItistruetheLordChristsubmitteduntothatordinanceandwasbaptizedbyJohn,whohadnosin;butthisbelongeduntotheobediencewhichGodrequiredofhim,asforoursakeshewasmadeunderthelaw.HewastoobserveallordinancesandinstitutionsoftheworshipofGod,notforanyneedhehadinhis

ownpersonoftheespecialendsandsignificationsofsomeofthem;yet,ashewasoursponsor,surety,andmediator,standinginoursteadinallthathesodid,hewastoyieldobedienceuntothem,thatsohemight"fulfilallrighteousness,"Matt.3:15.Sowashecircumcised,sohewasbaptized,bothwhichhadrespectuntosin,thoughabsolutelyfreefromallsininhisownperson;andthatbecausehewasfreefromnoobedienceuntoanycommandofGod.

But,aswassaid,baptismitself,asappointedtobeanordinanceofworshipforsinnerstoobserve,wasadeclarationofthatforgivenessthatiswithGod.Itwassoinitsfirstinstitution.Godcallsamaninamarvellousandmiraculousmanner;giveshimaministryfromheaven;commandshimtogoandbaptizeallthosewho,confessingtheirsins,andprofessingrepentanceofthem,shouldcometohimtohaveatestimonyofforgiveness.Andastotheespecialnatureofthisordinance,heappointsittobesuchastorepresentthecertaintyandtruthofhisgraceinpardonuntotheirsensesbyavisiblepledge.Heletsthemknowthathewouldtakeawaytheirsin,whereintheirspiritualdefilementdothconsist,evenaswatertakesawaytheoutwardfilthofthebody;andthatherebytheyshallbesaved,assurelyasNoahandhisfamilyweresavedinthearkswimminguponthewaters,1Pet.3:21.Now,howgreatadeceitmustneedsinthiswholematterhavebeenputuponpoorsinners,ifitwerenotinfalliblycertainthattheymightobtainforgivenesswithGod!

AftertheentranceofthisordinanceintheministryofJohn,theLordChristtakesitintohisownhand,andcommandstheobservationofituntoallhisdisciples.Idisputenotnowwhoaretheproperimmediateobjectsofit;whethertheyonlywhoactuallycanmakeprofessionoftheirfaith,orbelieverswiththeirinfantseed.Formypart,IbelievethatallwhomChristlovesandpardonsaretobemadepartakersofthepledgethereof.Andthesolereasonwhichtheyofoldinsistedonwhytheinfantsofbelievingparentsshouldnotbebaptizedwas,becausetheythoughttheyhadnosin;andthereinweknowtheirmistake.ButItreatnotnowofthesethings.OnlythisIsayiscertain,thatintheprescriptionofthisordinanceuntohischurch,thegreatintentionoftheLordChristwastoascertainuntoustheforgivenessofsins.Andsinnersareinvitedtoaparticipationofthisordinanceforthatend,thattheymayreceivethepardonoftheirsins;thatis,aninfalliblepledgeandassuranceofit,Acts2:38.Andtheverynatureofitdeclareththistobeitsend,aswasbeforeintimated.Thisisanotherengagementofthetruth,andfaithfulness,andholinessofGod,sothatwecannotbedeceivedinthismatter."Thereis,"saithGod,"forgivenesswithme."Saiththesoul,"How,Lord,shallIknow,howshallIcometobeassuredof

it?forbyreasonoftheperpetualaccusationsofconscience,andthecurseofthelawupontheguiltofmysin,Ifinditaveryhardmatterformetobelieve.LikeGideon,Iwouldhaveatokenofit.""Why,behold,"saithGod,"Iwillgivetheeapledgeandatokenofit,whichcannotdeceivethee.Whentheworldofoldhadbeenoverwhelmedwithadelugeofwatersbyreasonoftheirsins,andthosewhoremained,thoughtheyhadjustcausetofearthatthesamejudgmentwouldagainbefallthemortheirposterity,becausetheysawtherewasliketobethesamecauseofit,thethoughtsandimaginationsoftheheartsofmenbeingevilstill,andthatcontinually;tosecurethemagainstthesefears,ItoldthemthatIwoulddestroytheearthnomorewithwater,andIgavethematokenofmyfaithfulnessthereinbyplacingmybowinthecloud.AndhaveIfailedthem?Thoughthesinandwickednessoftheworldhathbeen,sincethatday,unspeakablygreat,yetmankindisnotdrownedagain,norevershallbe.IwillnotdeceivetheirexpectationfromthetokenIhavegiventhem.Wherever,then,thereisawordofpromiseconfirmedwithatoken,neverfearadisappointmentButsoisthismatter.Ihavedeclaredthatthereisforgivenesswithme;and,togiveyouassurancethereof,Ihaveordainedthispledgeandsignasasealofmyword,totakeawayalldoubtsandsuspicionofyourbeingdeceived.Astheworldshallbedrownednomore,soneithershalltheywhobelievecomeshortofforgiveness."

Andthisistheusewhichweoughttomakeofthisordinance.ItisGod'ssecurityofthepardonofoursins,whichwemaysafelyrestin.

(2.)Thesameistheendofthatothergreatordinanceofthechurch,thesupperoftheLord.Thesamethingisthereinconfirmeduntousbyanothersign,pledge,token,orseal.WehaveshownbeforewhatrespectgospelforgivenesshathuntothedeathorbloodofJesusChrist.Thatisthemeanswherebyforusitisprocured,thewaywherebyitcomesforthfromGod,untothegloryofhisrighteousnessandgrace;whichafterwardmustbemoredistinctlyinsistedon.Thisordinance,therefore,designedandappointedonpurposefortherepresentationandcallingtoremembranceofthedeathofChrist,withthecommunicationofthebenefitsthereofuntothemthatbelieve,dothprincipallyintendourfaithandcomfortinthetruthunderconsideration.And,therefore,intheveryinstitutionofit,besidesthegeneralendbeforementioned,whichhadbeensufficientforoursecurity,thereismoreoveraddedanespecialmentionoftheforgivenessofsin;forsospeaksourSaviour,intheinstitutionofitfortheuseofthechurchuntotheendoftheworld:Matt.26:28,"Thisismybloodofthenewtestament,whichisshedformanyfortheremissionofsins."Asifhe

hadsaid,"TheendforwhichIhaveappointedtheobservanceofthisdutyandserviceuntoyouis,thatImaytestifytherebyuntoyouthatbymyblood,thesacrificeofmyself,andtheatonementmadethereby,Ihavepurchasedforyoutheremissionofyoursins;whichyoushallassuredlybemadepartakersof."AndmoreIshallnotadduntothisconsideration,becausethedeathofChrist,respectedinthisordinance,willagainoccuruntous.

(3.)Whatistheendofallchurch-order,assemblies,andworship?Whatisachurch?Isitnotacompanyofsinnersgatheredtogether,accordinguntoGod'sappointment,togivegloryandpraisetohimforpardoninggrace,fortheforgivenessofsins,andtoyieldhimthatobediencewhichherequiresfromusontheaccountofhishavingsodealtwithus?Thisisthenature,thisistheendofachurch.Hethatunderstandethitnot,hethatusethitnotuntothatend,dothbutabusethatgreatinstitution.Andsuchabusetheworldisfullof.Someendeavourtomaketheirownsecularadvantagesbythepretenceofthechurch;somedischargethedutyrequiredinitwithsomesecrethopesthatitshallbetheirrighteousnessbeforeGod;someansweronlytheirlightandconvictionsinanemptyprofession.Thisaloneisthetrueend,thetrueuseofit:—WeassembleourselvestolearnthatthereisforgivenesswithGodthroughChrist;topraythatwemaybemadepartakersofit;toblessandpraiseGodforourinterestinit;toengageourselvesuntothatobediencewhichherequiresupontheaccountofit.Andwerethisconstantlyuponourmindsandinourdesigns,wemightbemoreestablishedinthefaithofitthan,itmaybe,themostofusare.

6.Oneparticularinstancemoreofthisnatureshallconcludethisevidence:—Godhathcommandedus,theLordChristhathtaughtus,toprayforthepardonofsin;whichgivesusunquestionablesecuritythatitmaybeattained,thatitistobefoundinGod.Fortheclearingwhereofobserve,—

(1.)ThattheLordChrist,intherevelationofthewillofGoduntous,asuntothedutythatherequiredatourhands,hathtaughtandinstructedustoprayfortheforgivenessofsin.Itisoneofthepetitionswhichhehathleftonrecordforouruseandimitationinthatsummaryofallprayerwhichhehathgivenus:Matt.6:12,"Forgiveusourdebts,"ourtrespasses,oursins.Somecontendthatthisisaformofprayertobeusedintheprescriptlimitedwordsofit.Allgrantthatitisaruleforprayer,comprisingtheheadsofallnecessarythingsthatwearetoprayfor,andobligingustomakesupplicationsforthem.So,then,upontheauthorityofGod,revealeduntousbyJesusChrist,weareboundindutytoprayforpardonofsinsorforgiveness.

(2.)OnthissuppositionitisthehighestblasphemyandreproachofGodimaginable,toconceivethatthereisnotforgivenesswithhimforus.Indeed,ifweshouldgouponourownheads,withouthiswarrantyandauthority,toaskanythingathishand,wemightwellexpecttomeetwithdisappointment;forwhatshouldencourageusuntoanysuchboldness?butnow,whenGodhimselfshallcommandustocomeandaskanythingfromhim,—somakingittherebyourduty,andthattheneglectthereofshouldbeourgreatsinandrebellionagainsthim,—tosupposehehathnotthethinginhispowertobestowonus,orthathiswilliswhollyaversefromsodoing,istoreproachhimwithwantoftruth,faithfulness,andholiness,andnottobeGod.Forwhatsinceritycanbeinsuchproceedings?Isitconsistentwithanydivineexcellency?Couldithaveanyotherendbuttodeceivepoorcreatures?eithertodeludethemiftheydoprayaccordingtohiscommand,ortoinvolvetheminfartherguiltiftheydonot?Godforbidanysuchthoughtsshouldenterintoourhearts.But,—

(3.)Toputthiswholematteroutofthequestion,Godhathpromisedtohearourprayers,andinparticularthosewhichwemakeuntohimfortheforgivenessofsin.SoourSaviourhathassuredusthatwhatweaskinhisnameitshallbedoneforus.Andhehath,aswehaveshowed,taughtustoaskthisverythingofGodasourheavenlyFather,—thatis,inhisname;forinandthroughhimaloneisheaFatheruntous.Ineednotinsistonparticularpromisestothispurpose;theyare,asyouknow,multipliedintheScriptures.

Whathathbeenspokenmaysufficetoestablishourpresentargument,—namely,thatGod'sprescriptionofreligiousworshipuntosinnersdothundeniablyprovethatwithhimthereisforgiveness;especiallyconsideringthattheprincipalpartsoftheworshipsoprescribedandappointedbyhimarepeculiarlydesignedtoconfirmusinthefaiththereof.

Andthisisthedesignofthewordsthatwedoinsistupon:"Thereisforgivenesswiththee,thatthoumayestbefeared."ThefearofGod,aswehaveshowed,intheOldTestament,dothfrequentlyexpress,notthatgraciousaffectionofourmindswhichisdistinctlysocalled,butthatwholeworshipofGod,whereinthatandallothergraciousaffectionstowardsGodaretobeexercised.Now,thepsalmisttellsusthatthefoundationofthisfearorworship,andtheonlymotiveandencouragementforsinnerstoengageinitandgiveupthemselvesuntoit,isthis,thatthereisforgivenesswithGod.Withoutthisnosinnercouldfear,serve,orworshiphim.This,therefore,isundeniablyprovedbytheinstitutionofthisworship,whichwasproposeduntoconfirmation.

Theendofallthesethings,asweshallafterwardatlargedeclare,istoencouragepoorsinnerstobelieve,andtoevidencehowinexcusabletheywillbeleftwho,notwithstandingallthis,do,throughthepoweroftheirlustsandunbelief,refusetocometoGodinChristthattheymaybepardoned.Yea,thelayingopenofthecertaintyandfulnessoftheevidencegivenuntothistruthmakesitplainandconspicuouswhenceitisthatmenperishinandfortheirsins.Isitforwantofmercy,goodness,grace,orpatienceinGod?IsitthroughanydefectinthemediationoftheLordChrist?IsitforwantofthemightiestencouragementsandmostinfallibleassurancesthatwithGodthereisforgiveness?Notatall;butmerelyontheaccountoftheirownobstinacy,stubbornness,andperverseness.Theywillnotcomeuntothislight,yea,theyhateit,becausetheirdeedsareevil.TheywillnotcometoChrist,thattheymayhavelife.Itismerelydarkness,blindness,andloveofsinthatbringsmentodestruction.Andthisislaidopen,andallpretencesandexcusesareremoved,andtheshameofmen'slustsmadenaked,bythefullconfirmationofthistruthwhichGodhathfurnisheduswithal.

Takeheed,youthathearorreadthesethings;iftheyarenotmixedwithfaith,theywilladdgreatlytoyourmisery.Everyargumentwillbeyourtorment.Buttheseconsiderationsmustbeinsistedonafterward.

Moreover,ifyouwilltakeintoyourmindswhathathbeendeliveredinparticularconcerningthenatureandendoftheworshipofGodwhichyouattendunto,youmaybeinstructedintheuseanddueobservationofit.Whenyouaddressyourselvesuntoit,rememberthatthisisthatwhichGodrequiresofyouwhoaresinners;thatthishewouldnothavedonebutwiththoughtsandintentionofmercyforsinners.Blesshimwithallyoursoulsthatthisislaidasthefoundationofallthatyouhavetodowithhim.Youarenotutterlycastoffbecauseyouaresinners.Letthissupportandwarmyourheartswhenyougotohear,topray,oranydutyofworship.Considerwhatisyourprincipalworkinthewhole.YouaregoingtodealwithGodaboutforgiveness,inthebeing,causes,consequents,andeffectsofit.Hearkenwhathespeaks,declares,orrevealsaboutit;mixhisrevelationandpromiseswithfaith.Inquirediligentlyintoalltheobedienceandthankfulness,allthosedutiesofholinessandrighteousness,whichhejustlyexpectsfromthemwhoaremadepartakersofit.SoshallyouobservetheworshipofGoduntohisgloryandyourownadvantage.

———

The giving and establishing of the new covenant another evidence of

forgiveness with God—The oath of God engaged in the confirmationthereof.

VIII.ANOTHERevidencehereofmaybetakenfromthemaking,establishing,andratifyingofthenewcovenant.ThatGodwouldmakeanewcovenantwithhispeopleisoftenpromised,oftendeclared:see,amongotherplaces,Jer.31:31,32.Andthathehathdonesoaccordinglytheapostleatlargedothmanifest,Heb.8:8–12.Now,hereinsundrythingsuntoourpresentpurposemaybeconsidered;for,—

First,ItissupposedthatGodhadbeforemadeanothercovenantwithmankind.Withreferencehereuntoisthissaidtobeanewone.Itisopposeduntoanotherthatwasbeforeit,andincomparisonwhereofthatiscalledoldandthissaidtobenew,astheapostlespeaksexpresslyintheplacebeforementioned.Now,acovenantbetweenGodandmanisathinggreatandmarvellous,whetherweconsiderthenatureofitortheendsofit.Initsownnatureitisaconvention,compact,andagreementforsomecertainendsandpurposesbetweentheholyCreatorandhispoorcreatures.Howinfinite,howunspeakablemustneedsthegraceandcondescensionofGodinthismatterbe!Forwhatispoormiserableman,thatGodshouldsethisheartuponhim,—thatheshould,asitwere,giveboundstohissovereigntyoverhim,andenterintotermsofagreementwithhim?Forwhereasbeforehewasamereobjectofhisabsolutedominion,madeathiswillandforhispleasure,andonthesamereasonstobecrushedatanytimeintonothing;nowhehathabottomandgroundgivenhimtostandupon,whereontoexpectgoodthingsfromGodupontheaccountofhisfaithfulnessandrighteousness.Godinacovenantgivesthoseholypropertiesofhisnatureuntohiscreature,ashishandorarmforhimtolayholdupon,andbythemtopleadandarguewithhim.AndwithoutthisamancouldhavenofoundationforanyintercourseorcommunionwithGod,orofanyexpectationfromhim,noranydirectionhowtodealwithhiminanyofhisconcernments.Greatandsignal,then,wasthecondescensionofGod,totakehispoorcreatureintocovenantwithhimself;andespeciallywillthisbemanifestifweconsidertheendsofit,andwhyitisthatGodthusdealswithman.Now,thesearenootherthanthatmanmightservehimaright,beblessedbyhim,andbebroughtuntotheeverlastingenjoymentofhim;—alluntohisglory.ThesearetheendsofeverycovenantthatGodtakesusintowithhimself;andtheseare"thewholeofman,"[Eccles.12:13.]Nomoreisrequiredofusinawayofduty,nomorecanberequiredbyustomakeusblessedandhappy,butwhatiscontainedinthem.ThatwemightlivetoGod,beacceptedwithhim,andcometotheeternalfruitionofhim,isthe

wholeofman,allthatweweremadefororarecapableof;andthesearetheendsofeverycovenantthatGodmakeswithmen,beingallcomprisedinthatsolemnword,that"hewillbetheirGod,andtheyshallbehispeople."

Secondly,Thisbeingthenature,thistheendofacovenant,theremustbesomegreatandimportantcausetochange,alter,andabrogateacovenantoncemadeandestablished,—tolayasideonecovenantandtoenterintoanother.AndyetthistheapostlesaysexpresslythatGodhaddone,Heb.8:13,andprovesit,becausehimselfcallsthatwhichhepromisedanewcovenant:whichundeniablyconfirmstwothings;—first,Thattheotherwasbecomeold;and,secondly,Thatbeingbecomeso,itwaschanged,altered,andremoved.IknowtheapostlespeaksimmediatelyoftheoldadministrationofthecovenantundertheOldTestamentofMosaicalinstitutions;buthedothsowithreferenceuntothatrevivalwhichinitwasgiventothefirstcovenantmadewithAdam:forinthegivingofthelaw,andthecursewherewithitwasaccompanied,whichwereimmixedwiththatadministrationofthecovenant,therewasasolemnrevivalandrepresentationofthefirstcovenantanditssanction,wherebyithadlifeandpowergivenittokeepthepeopleinbondagealltheirdays.Andtheendoftheabolition,ortakingawayofthelegaladministrationofthecovenant,wasmerelytotakeoutofGod'sdealingwithhispeoplealluseandremembranceofthefirstcovenant.Aswassaid,therefore,totakeaway,disannul,andchangeacovenantsomade,ratified,andestablishedbetwixtGodandman,isamatterthatmustberesolvedintosomecogent,important,andindispensablecause.Andthiswillthemoreevidentlyappearifweconsider,—

1.Ingeneral,thatthefirstcovenantwasgood,holy,righteous,andequal.ItwassuchasbecameGodtomake,andwaseverywaythehappinessofthecreaturetoacceptof.Weneednootherargumenttoproveitholyandgoodthanthis,thatGodmadeit.Itwastheeffectofinfiniteholiness,wisdom,righteousness,goodness,andgrace;andthereforeinitselfwasiteverywayperfect,forsoarealltheworksofGod.Besides,itwassuchasman,whenthroughhisownfaulthecannotobtainanygoodbyit,andmustperisheverlastinglybyvirtueofthecurseofit,yetcannotbutsubscribeuntoitsrighteousnessandholiness.Thelawwastheruleofit;thereinisthetenorofitcontained.Now,saiththeapostle,"Whateverbecomesofthesinandthesinner,'thelawisholy,andthecommandmentisholy,andjust,andgood,'"Rom.7:12;—holyinitselfanditsownnature,asbeingtheorderandconstitutionofthemostholyGod;justandequalwithreferenceuntous,suchaswehavenoreasontocomplainof,orrepineagainsttheauthorityof;andthetermsofitaremostrighteous.Andnot

onlyso,butitisgoodalso;thatwhich,notwithstandingtheappearanceofrigourandseveritywhichitisaccompaniedwithal,hadinitanexceedingmixtureofgoodnessandgrace,bothintheobedienceconstitutedinitandtherewardannexeduntoit;asmightbemorefullymanifestedwerethatourpresentwork.

2.Inparticular,[First],Itwasgood,holy,andrighteousinallthecommandsofit,intheobediencewhichitrequired.

Andtwothingstherewerethatrendereditexceedingrighteousinreferenceuntoitspreceptsorcommands.First,ThattheywereallsuiteduntotheprinciplesofthenatureofmancreatedbyGod,andintheregularactingwhereofconsistedhisperfection.Godinthefirstcovenantrequirednothingofman,prescribednothinguntohim,butwhattherewasaprincipleforthedoingandaccomplishingofitingraftedandimplantedonhisnature,whichrenderedallthosecommandsequal,holy,andgood;forwhatneedanymancomplainofthatwhichrequiresnothingofhimbutwhatheisfromhisownframeandprinciplesinclinedunto?Secondly,Allthecommandsofitwereproportionateuntothestrengthandabilityofthemtowhomtheyweregiven,Godinthatcovenantrequirednothingofanymanbutwhathehadbeforeenabledhimtoperform,nothingabovehisstrengthorbeyondhispower;andthencewasitalsorighteous.

Secondly,Itwasexceedinggood,holy,andrighteous,upontheaccountofitspromisesandrewards."Dothis,"saiththecovenant;"thiswhichthouartabletodo,whichtheprinciplesofthynaturearefittedforandinclinedunto."Well,whatshallbetheissuethereof?Why,"Dothis,andlive."Lifeispromiseduntoobedience,andthatsuchalifeas,bothforthepresentandfutureconditionofthecreature,wasaccompaniedwitheverythingthatwasneedfultomakeitblessedandhappy.Yea,thislifehavinginittheeternalenjoymentofGod,Godhimself,asareward,wasexceedinglyabovewhatevertheobedienceofmancouldrequireasdue,orhaveanyreason,onanyotheraccountbutmerelyofthegoodnessofGod,toexpect.

3.TherewasprovisioninthatcovenantforthepreservationandmanifestationofthegloryofGod,whateverwastheeventonthepartofman.ThiswasprovidedforinthewisdomandrighteousnessofGod.Didmancontinueinhisobedience,andfulfilthetermsofthecovenant,allthingswerelaidinsubserviencytotheeternalgloryofGodinhisreward.Hereinwouldheforeverhavemanifestedandexaltedthegloryofhisholiness,power,faithfulness,righteousness,and

goodness.AsanalmightyCreatorandPreserver,asafaithfulGodandrighteousRewarder,wouldhehavebeenglorified.Onsupposition,ontheotherside,thatmanbysinandrebellionshouldtransgressthetermsandtenorofthiscovenant,yetGodhadmadeprovisionthatnodetrimentuntohisgloryshouldensuethereon;forbytheconstitutionofapunishmentproportionableinhisjusticeuntothatsinanddemerit,hehadprovidedthatthegloryofhisholiness,righteousness,andveracity,inhisthreatenings,shouldbeexalted,andthattoalleternity.Godwouldhavelostnomoregloryandhonourbythesinofmanthanbythesinofangels,which,inhisinfinitewisdomandrighteousness,isbecomeagreattheatreofhiseternalglory;forheisnolessexcellentinhisgreatnessandseveritythaninhisgoodnessandpower.

Wherefore,wemaynowreturnuntoourformerinquiry:Allthingsbeingthusexcellentlyandadmirablydisposed,ininfinitewisdomandholiness,inthiscovenant,thewholedutyandblessednessofmanbeingfullyprovidedfor,andthegloryofGodabsolutelysecureduponallevents,whatwasthereasonthatGodleftnotallthingstostandorfallaccordingtothetermsofit?whereforedothherejectandlayasidethiscovenant,andpromisetomakeanother,anddosoaccordingly?Certainitisthathemighthavecontinueditwithablessedsecuritytohisownglory;andhe"makesallthingsforhimself,eventhewickedforthedayofevil."

Godhimselfshowswhatwastheonlyandsolereasonofthisdispensation,Heb.8:7–13.Thesumofitisthis:—Notwithstandingtheblessedconstitutionofthefirstcovenant,yettherewasnoprovisionforthepardonofsin,noroomorplaceforforgivenessinit;butonsuppositionthatmansinned,hewasinthatcovenantleftremediless.Godhadnotinitrevealedthattherewasanysuchthingasforgivenesswithhim;norhadanysinnertheleasthopeorgroundsofexpectationfromthenceofanysuchthinginhim.Diehemust,andperish,andthatwithoutremedyorrecovery."Now,"saithGod,"thismustnotbe.Mercy,goodness,grace,requireanotherstateofthings.Thiscovenantwillnotmanifestthem;theireffectswillnotbecommunicatedtopoorsinnersbyit.Hence,"saithhe,"itisfaulty,—thatis,defective.Iwillnotlosethegloryofthem,norshallsinnersbeunrelievedbythem.And,therefore,althoughImaystrictlytieupallmankinduntothetermsofthis,yetIwillmakeanothercovenantwiththem,whereintheyshallknowandfindthatthereisforgivenesswithme,thattheymayfearme."

Now,nexttothebloodofChrist,wherebythiscovenantwasratifiedand

confirmed,thisisthegreatestevidencethatcanpossiblybegiventhatthereisforgivenesswithGod.TowhatendelsedothGodmakethisgreatalterationintheeffectsofhiswill,inhiswayofdealingwithmankind?Asforgivenessofsinisexpresslycontainedinthetenorandwordsofthecovenant,sosetitaside,anditwillbeofnomoreuseoradvantagethantheformer;forasthiscovenantismadedirectlywithsinners,norwasthereanyoneintheworldwhenGodmadeitthatwasnotasinner,norisitofuseuntoanybutsinners,soisforgivenessofsinstheverylifeofit.

Hencewemayseetwothings;—first,Thegreatnessofforgiveness,thatwemaylearntovalueit;and,secondly,Thecertaintyofit,thatwemaylearntobelieveit.

First,Thegreatnessofit.Godwouldnotdosogreatathingasthatmentionedbutforagreat,thegreatestend.HaditnotbeenamatterofthegreatestimportanceuntothegloryofGodandthegoodofthesoulsofmen,Godwouldnotforthesakeofithavelaidasideonecovenantandmadeanother.WemayevidentlyseehowtheheartofGodwassetuponit,howhisnatureandwillwereengagedinit.Allthiswasdonethatwemightbepardoned.Theoldgloriousfabricofobedienceandrewardsshallbetakendowntotheground,thatanewonemaybeerectedforthehonourandgloryofforgiveness.Godforbidthatweshouldhaveslightthoughtsofthatwhichwassostrangelyandwonderfullybroughtforth,whereinGodhadasitwereembarkedhisgreatglory!Shallallthisbedoneforoursakes,andshallweundervalueitordisesteemit?Godforbid.Godcould,ifImaysosay,moreeasilyhavemadeanewworldofinnocentcreatures,andhavegovernedthembytheoldcovenant,thanhaveestablishedthisnewoneforthesalvationofpoorsinners;butthen,wherehadbeenthegloryofforgiveness?Itcouldneverhavebeenknownthattherewasforgivenesswithhim.Theoldcovenantcouldnothavebeenpreservedandsinnerspardoned.Wherefore,Godchoserathertoleavethecovenantthansinnersunrelieved,thangraceunexaltedandpardonunexercised.Prizeitasyouprizeyoursouls;andgivegloryuntoGodforit,asallthosethatbelievewilldountoeternity.

Secondly,Forthesecurityofit,thatwemaybelieveit.Whatgreatercanbegiven?Goddeceivethnoman,nomorethanheisdeceived.AndwhatcouldGod,thatcannotlie,domoretogiveussatisfactionhereinthanhehathdone?Wouldyoubemadepartakersofthisforgiveness?—gountoGod,spreadbeforehimthiswholematter;pleadwithhimthathehimselfhathsofarlaidasidethe

firstcovenant,ofhisowngraciouswill,astomakeanewone,andthatmerelybecauseithadnoforgivenessinit.Thishehathmadeonpurposethatitmightbeknownthatthereisforgivenessinhim.Andshallnotwenowbemadepartakersofit?willhenowdenythatuntouswhichhehathgivensuchassuranceof,andraisedsuchexpectationsconcerningit?Nothingcanherewrongus,nothingcanruinus,butunbelief.Layholdonthiscovenant,andweshallhavepardon.ThisGodexpresseth,Isa.27:4,5.Willwecontinueontheoldbottomofthefirstcovenant?AllthatwecandothereonisbuttosetthornsandbriersinthewayofGod,tosecureourselvesfromhiscomingagainstusanduponuswithhisindignationandfury.Oursinsareso,andourrighteousnessisnobetter.Andwhatwillbetheissue?Boththeyandweshallbetroddendown,consumed,andburntup.Whatway,then,whatremedyisleftuntous?OnlythisoflayingholdonthearmandstrengthofGodinthatcovenantwhereinforgivenessofsinisprovided.Thereinalonehesaith,"Furyisnotinme."Andtheendwillbethatweshallhavepeacewithhim,bothhereandforever.

IX.TheoathofGodengagedandinterposedinthismatterisanotherevidenceofthetruthinsistedon.Now,becausethisisannexeduntothecovenantbeforementioned,andisitsestablishment,Ishallpassitoverthemorebriefly.Andinitwemayconsider,—

First,ThenatureoftheoathofGod.Theapostletellsusthat"Heswarebyhimself;"andhegivesthisreasonofit,"Becausehehadnogreatertoswearby,"Heb.6:13.Anoathfortheconfirmationofanythingisaninvocationofasupremepowerthatcanjudgeofthetruththatisspoken,andvindicatethebreachoftheengagement.ThisGodhathnoneotherbuthimself:"Becausehecouldswearbynogreater,heswarebyhimself."Now,thisGoddoth,—First,Byexpressaffirmationthathehathsoswornbyhimself,whichwastheformofthefirstsolemnoathofGod:Gen.22:16,"BymyselfhaveIsworn,saiththeLORD."Themeaningwhereofis,"IhavetakenituponmyselfasIamGod;orletmenotbeso,ifIperformnotthisthing."Andthisisexpressedbyhissoul:Jer.51:14,"TheLORDofhostshathswornbyhissoul;"thatis,"byhimself,"aswerenderthewords.Secondly,Goddothitbytheespecialinterpositionofsomesuchpropertyofhisnatureasissuitedtogivecreditandconfirmationtothewordspoken;—asofhisholiness,Ps.89:35,"Ihaveswornbymyholiness;"soalsoAmos4:2;—sometimesbyhislife,"AsIlive,saiththeLORD"( ינא־יח "Ilive,saithGod"),"itshallbeso;"—andsometimesbyhisname,Jer.44:26.Godasitwereengageththehonourandgloryofthepropertiesofhisnatureforthecertainaccomplishmentofthethingsmentioned.Andthisisevidentfromthe

manneroftheexpression,asinthatplaceofPs.89:35,"OncehaveIswornbymyholinessthatIwillnotlieuntoDavid."Sowe;intheoriginalthewordsareelliptical:"IfIlieuntoDavid;"thatis,"Letmenotbeso,norbeesteemedtobeso,ifIlieuntoDavid."

Secondly,Fortheendofhisoath.Goddothnotgiveittomakehiswordorpromisesureandsteadfast,buttogiveassuranceandsecurityuntousoftheiraccomplishment.EverywordofGodissureandcertain,truthitself,becauseitishis;andhemightjustlyrequireofusthebeliefofitwithoutanyfartherattestation:butyet,knowingwhatgreatobjectionsSatanandourownunbelievingheartswillraiseagainsthispromises,atleastastoourownconcernmentinthem,toconfirmourminds,andtotakeawayallpretencesofunbelief,heinterposethhisoathinthismatter.Whatcanremainofdistrustinsuchacase?Iftherebeamatterindoubtbetweenmen,andanoathbeinterposedintheconfirmationofthatwhichiscalledinquestion,itis"anend,"astheapostletellsus,"untothemofallstrife,"Heb.6:16.HowmuchmoreoughtittobesoonthepartofGod,whenhisoathisengaged!Andtheapostledeclaresthisendofhisoath;itis"toshowtheimmutabilityofhiscounsel,"verse17.Hiscounselwasdeclaredbeforeinthepromise;butnowsomedoubtorstrifemayarisewhether,ononeoccasionorother,Godmaynotchangehiscounsel,orwhetherhehathnotchangeditwithsuchconditionsastorenderituselessuntous.Inwhatcasesoeveritbe,toremovealldoubtsandsuspicionsofthisnature,Godaddshisoath,manifestingtheunquestionableimmutabilityofhiscounselandpromises.What,therefore,isthusconfirmedisascertaineduntotheheightofwhatanythingiscapableof;andnottobelieveitistheheightofimpiety.

Thirdly,InthisinterpositionofGodbyanoaththereisunspeakablecondescensionofgrace,whichisbothanexceedinggreatmotiveuntofaithandagreataggravationofunbelief;forwhatarewe,thattheholyandblessedGodshouldthuscondescenduntous,as,foroursatisfactionandsurety,toengagehimselfbyanoath?Onesaidwellofold,"FelicesnosquorumcausâDeusjurat!Oinfelices,sinecjurantiDeocredimus;"—"ItisaninestimableadvantagethatGodshouldforoursakesengagehimselfbyhisoath.Soitwillbeourmiseryifwebelievehimnotwhenheswearsuntous."Whatcanwenowobjectagainstwhatisthusconfirmed?whatpretence,colour,orexcusecanwehaveforourunbelief?Howjust,howrighteous,howholymusttheirdestructionbe,who,uponthisstrange,wonderful,andunexpectedwarranty,refusetosettotheirsealthatGodistrue!

Thesethingsbeingpremised,wemayconsiderhowvariouslyGodhathengagedhisoaththatthereisforgivenesswithhim.First,Hesweareththathehathnopleasureinthedeathofasinner,butratherthatherepentandlive:Ezek.33:11,"AsIlive,saiththeLORD,Ihavenopleasureinthedeathofthewicked."Now,withoutforgivenessinhimeverysinnermustdie,andthatwithoutremedy.Confirming,therefore,withhisoaththatitishiswillthesinnershouldreturn,repent,andlive,hedothinthefirstplaceswearbyhimselfthatthereisforgivenesswithhimforthesesinnersthatshallsorepentandturnuntohim.

Again:whereasthegreatmeanshehathappointedfortheforgivenessofsinsisbythemediationoftheLordChrist,asweshallafterwardshow,hehathonseveraloccasionsconfirmedhispurposeinhim,andthecounselofhiswill,byhisoath.BythisoathhepromisedhimuntoAbrahamandDavidofold;whichprovedthefoundationofthechurch'sstabilityinallgenerations,andalsooftheirsecurityandassuranceofacceptancewithhim.SeeLuke1:73–75.Andinhistakinguponhimthatofficewherebyinanespecialmannertheforgivenessofsinswastobeprocured,—namely,ofhisbeingapriesttooffersacrifice,tomakeanatonementforsinners,—heconfirmedituntohim,andhiminit,byhisoath:Heb.7:20,"Hewasnotmadeapriestwithoutanoath."Andtowhatend?—namely,thathemightbe"asuretyofabettertestament,"verse22.Andwhatwasthatbettertestament?Why,thatwhichbroughtalongwithitthe"forgivenessofsins,"chap.8:12,13.SothatitwasforgivenesswhichwassoconfirmedbytheoathofGod.Farther:theapostleshowsthatthegreatoriginalpromisemadeuntoAbrahambeingconfirmedbytheoathofGod,allhisotherpromiseswereinlikemannerconfirmed;whencehedrawsthatblessedconclusionwhichwehave,chap.6:17,18:"Astoeveryone,"saithhe,"thatfleesforrefugetothehopethatissetbeforehim,"—thatis,whoseekstoescapetheguiltofsin,thecurseandthesentenceofthelaw,byanapplicationofhimselfuntoGodinChristforpardon,—"hehaththeoathofGodtosecurehimthatheshallnotfailthereof."AndthusarealltheconcernmentsoftheforgivenessofsintestifieduntobytheoathofGod;whichwehavemanifestedtobethehighestsecurityinthismatterthatGodcangiveorthatwearecapableof.

———

ThenameofGodconfirmingthetruthandrealityofforgivenesswithhim—Asalsothesameisdonebythepropertiesofhisnature.

X.ANOTHERfoundationofthistruth,andinfallibleevidenceofit,maybetakenfromthatespecialnameandtitlewhichGodtakesuntohimselfinthismatter;forheownsthenameof"TheGodofpardons,"or"TheGodofforgiveness."Soishecalled,Neh.9:17, תוחלס הולא .Wehaverenderedthewords,"ThouartaGodreadytopardon;"buttheyare,aswassaid,"ThouartaGodofpardons,""forgiveness,"or"propitiations."Thatishisname,whichheowneth,whichheacceptethoftheascriptionofuntohimself;thenamewherebyhewillbeknown.Andtoclearthisevidence,wemusttakeinsomeconsiderationsofthenameofGodandtheusethereof;as,—

1.ThenameofGodisthatwherebyherevealshimselfuntous,wherebyhewouldhaveusknowhimandownhim.Itissomethingexpressiveofhisnatureorpropertieswhichhehathappropriateduntohimself.Whatever,therefore,anynameofGodexpressethhimtobe,thatheis,thatwemayexpecttofindhim;forhewillnotdeceiveusbygivinghimselfawrongorafalsename.Andonthisaccountherequiresustotrustinhisname,becausehewillassuredlybefounduntouswhathisnameimports.Restingonhisname,flyinguntohisname,callinguponhisname,praisinghisname,thingssooftenmentionedintheScripture,confirmthesameuntous.Thesethingscouldnotbeourdutyifwemightbedeceivedinsodoing.Godis,then,andwillbe,touswhathisnamedeclareth.

2.OnthisgroundandreasonGodissaidthenfirsttobeknownbyanyname,whenthosetowhomherevealshimselfdo,inanespecialmanner,restonthatnamebyfaith,andhavethataccomplishedtowardsthemwhichthatnameimports,signifies,ordeclares.AndthereforeGoddidnot,undertheOldTestament,revealhimselftoanybythenameoftheFatherofJesusChristortheSonincarnate,becausethegraceofituntothemwasnottobeaccomplished."Godhavingprovidedsomebetterthingforus,thattheywithoutusshouldnotbemadeperfect,"theywerenotintrustedwiththefullrevelationofGodbyallhisblessednames.NeitherdothGodcallustotrustinanynameofhis,howeverdeclaredorrevealed,unlesshegivesitusinanespecialmanner,bywayofcovenant,torestupon.Sohespeaks,Exod.6:3,"IappeareduntoAbraham,untoIsaac,anduntoJacob ידש לאכ ,bythenameofGodAlmighty,butbymynameJehovahwasInotknownuntothem."ItiscertainthatboththesenamesofGod,El-shaddaiandJehovah,wereknownamonghispeoplebefore.InthefirstmentionwehaveofAbraham'saddressinghimselfuntotheworshipofGod,hemakesuseofthenameJehovah:Gen.12:7,"HebuildedanaltaruntoJehovah."AndsoafterwardnotonlydothMosesmakeuseofthatnameintherepetitionof

thestory,butitwasalsooffrequentuseamongstthem.Whence,then,isitsaidthatGodappeareduntothembythenameofEl-shaddai,butnotbythenameofJehovah?Thereasonis,becausethatwasthenamewhichGodgavehimselfinthesolemnconfirmationofthecovenantwithAbraham:chap.17:1,אידש לא־ינ ,—"IamEl-shaddai,""GodAlmighty,""GodAll-sufficient."And

whenIsaacwouldprayfortheblessingofthecovenantonJacob,hemakesuseofthatname:chap.28:3,"GodAlmightyblessthee."HeinvocatesthatnameofGodwhichwasengagedinthecovenantmadewithhisfatherAbrahamandhimself.That,therefore,wemaywithfullassurancerestonthenameofGod,itisnotonlynecessarythatGodrevealthatnametobehis,butalsothathegiveitoutuntousforthatendandpurpose,thatwemightknowhimthereby,andplaceourtrustandconfidenceinhimaccordinguntowhatthatnameofhisimports.Andthiswasthecasewhereverherevealedhimselfuntoanyinapeculiarmannerbyanespecialname.SohediduntoJacob:chap.28:13,"IamtheLORDGodofAbrahamthyfather,andtheGodofIsaac;"assuringhim,thatashedealtfaithfullyinhiscovenantwithhisfathers,AbrahamandIsaac,soalsohewoulddealwithhim.And,chap.31:13,"IamtheGodofBeth-el,"—"Hewhoappeareduntotheethere,andblessedthee,andwillcontinuesotodo."ButwhenthesameJacobcomestoaskafteranothernameofGod,heanswershimnot;asitwerecommandinghimtolivebyfaithonwhathewaspleasedtoreveal.Now,then,GodhadnotmadehimselfknowntoAbraham,andIsaac,andJacobbyhisnameJehovah,becausehehadnotpeculiarlycalledhimselfuntothembythatname,norhadengageditinhiscovenantwiththem,althoughitwereotherwiseknownuntothem.TheylivedandrestedonthenameofGodAlmighty,assuitedtotheirsupportmentandconsolationintheirwandering,helplesscondition,beforethepromisewastobeaccomplished.Butnow,whenGodcametofulfilhispromises,andtobringthepeople,byvirtueofhiscovenant,intothelandofCanaan,herevealshimselfuntothemby,andrenewshiscovenantwiththemin,thenameofJehovah.AndherebydidGoddeclarethathecametogivestabilityandaccomplishmentuntohispromises;towhichendtheywerenowtoliveuponthisnameofJehovah,inanexpectationofthefulfillingofthepromises,astheirfathersdidonthatofGodAlmighty,inanexpectationofprotectionfromhimintheirwanderingstateandcondition.HencethisnamebecamethefoundationoftheJudaicalchurch,andgroundofthefaithofthemwhodidsincerelybelieveinGodtherein.Anditisstrangelyfallenout,intheprovidenceofGod,thatsincetheJewshaverejectedthecovenantoftheirfathers,andarecastoutofthecovenantfortheirunbelief,theyhaveutterlyforgotthatnameofGod.NoJewintheworldknowswhatitis,norhowtopronounceitormakementionofit.Iknowthemselvesandotherspretendstrangemysteriesinthelettersandvowels

ofthatname,whichmakeitineffable;butthetruthis,beingcastoutofthatcovenantwhichwasbuiltandestablishedonthatname,inthejustjudgmentofGod,throughtheirownblindnessandsuperstition,theyarenomoreabletomakementionofitortotakeitintotheirmouths.Itisrequired,then,thatthenameofGodbegivenuntousasengagedincovenant,tosecureourexpectationthathewillbeuntousaccordingtohisname.

3.AllthewholegraciousnameofGod,everytitlethathehathgivenhimself,everyascriptionofhonouruntohimselfthathehathowned,isconfirmeduntous(untoasmanyasbelieve)inJesusChrist.ForashehathdeclareduntousthewholenameofGod,John17:6,sonotthisorthatpromiseofGod,butallthepromisesofGodareinhimyeaandamen.Sothat,asofold,everyparticularpromisethatGodmadeuntothepeopleservedespeciallyfortheparticularoccasiononwhichitwasgiven,andeachnameofGodwastoberestedonastothatdispensationwhereuntoitwassuitedtogivereliefandconfidence,—asthenameofEl-shaddaitoAbraham,Isaac,andJacob,andthenameJehovahtoMosesandthepeople;sonow,byJesusChrist,andhihim,everyparticularpromisebelongsuntoallbelieversinalltheiroccasions,andeverynameofGodwhateveristheirsalso,atalltimes,torestuponandputtheirtrustin.Thus,theparticularpromisemadeuntoJoshua,athisentranceintoCanaan,toencourageandstrengthenhiminthatgreatenterpriseofconqueringtheland,isbytheapostleapplieduntoallbelieversinalltheiroccasionswhatever:"Iwillneverleavethee,norforsakethee,"Heb.13:5.SolikewisedotheverynameofGodbelongnowuntous,asifithadinaparticularmannerbeenengagedincovenantuntous,andthatbecausethewholecovenantisratifiedandconfirmeduntousbyJesusChrist,2Cor.6:18,7:1.This,then,absolutelysecuresuntousaninterestinthenameofGodinsistedon,theGodofforgiveness,asifithadbeengivenuntoeveryoneofustoassureusthereof.

4.Godtakesthisname,"TheGodofforgiveness,"tobehisinapeculiarmanner,asthatwherebyhewillbedistinguishedandknown.Heappropriatesittohimself,asexpressingthatwhichthepowerandgoodnessofnoothercanextendunto."Therearelordsmany,andgodsmany,"saiththeapostle,1Cor.8:5,—λωγόμενοιθεοίsomethatarecalledso,suchassomeaccountsotobe.HowisthetrueGoddistinguishedfromthesegodsbyreputation?Heissobythisname;heistheGodofpardons:Micah7:18,"WhoisaGodlikeuntothee,thatpardonethiniquity?"Thisishisprerogative;hereinnoneisequaltohim,likehim,orasharerwithhim."WhoisaGodlikeuntothee,thatmaybecalledaGodofpardons?"Thevanitiesofthenationscannotgivethemthisrain;they

havenorefreshingshowersofmercyandpardonintheirpower.Neitherangels,norsaints,norimages,norpopes,canpardonsin.Bythisnamedothhedistinguishhimselffromthemall.

5.TobeknownbythisnameisthegreatgloryofGodinthisworld.WhenMosesdesiredtoseethegloryofGod,theLordtellshimthat"hecouldnotseehisface,"Exod.33:18–20.ThefaceofGod,orthegraciousmajestyofhisBeing,hisessentialglory,isnottobeseenofanyinthislife;wecannotseehimasheis.Butthegloriousmanifestationofhimselfwemaybeholdandcontemplate.ThiswemayseeasthebackpartsofGod;thatshadowofhisexcellencieswhichhecastethforthinthepassingbyusinhisworksanddispensations.ThisMosesshallsee.Andwhereindiditconsist?Why,intherevelationanddeclarationofthisnameofGod:chap.34:6,7,"TheLORDpassedbybeforehim,andproclaimed,TheLORD,TheLORDGod,mercifulandgracious,long-suffering,andabundantingoodnessandtruth,keepingmercyforthousands,forgivinginiquityandtransgressionandsin."Tobeknownbythisname,tobehonoured,feared,believedasthatdeclareshim,isthegreatgloryofGod.Andshallthisfailus?Canwebedeceivedtrustinginit,orexpectingthatweshallfindhimtobewhathisnamedeclares?Godforbid.

Letuslaytogethertheseconsiderations,andweshallfindthattheywillgiveusanotherstablefoundationofthetruthinsistedon,andagreatencouragementtopoorsinfulsoulstodrawnightoGodinChristforpardon.Godhathnonamebutwhathegivesuntohimself;norisitlawfultoknowhimorcallhimotherwise.Ashecallshimself,soishe;whathisnameimports,soishisnature.EverynamealsoofGodisengagedinJesusChristinthecovenant,andisproposeduntoustoplaceourtrustandconfidencein.Now,thisishisnameandhismemorial,even"TheGodofforgiveness."Bythishedistinguishethhimselffromallothers,andexpressethitastheprincipaltitleofhishonour,orhispeculiarglory.Accordingtothisname,therefore,allthatbelieveshallassuredlyfind"thereisforgivenesswithhim."

XI.TheconsiderationoftheessentialpropertiesofthenatureofGod,andwhatisrequiredtothemanifestationofthem,willaffordusfartherassurancehereof.Letustothisendtakeintheensuingobservations:—

First,Godbeingabsolutelyperfectandabsolutelyself-sufficient,waseternallyglorious,andsatisfiedwithandinhisownholyexcellenciesandperfections,beforeandwithoutthecreationofalloranythingbytheputtingforthortheexerciseofhisalmightypower.Themaking,therefore,ofallthingsdependsonameresovereignactofthewillandpleasureofGod.Sothewholecreationmakesitsacknowledgment:Rev.4:11,5:12,"Thouartworthy,OLord,toreceivegloryandhonourandpower:forthouhastcreatedallthings,andforthypleasuretheyareandwerecreated."Godcouldhaveomittedallthisgreatworkwithouttheleastimpeachmentofhisglory.Notoneholypropertyofhisnaturewouldhavebeendiminishedorabatedinitseternalglorybythatomission.This,then,dependedonapureactofhiswillandchoice.

Secondly,OnsuppositionthatGodwouldwork"adextra,"byhispowerproduceanythingwithouthimself,itwasabsolutelynecessarythathimselfshouldbetheendofhissodoing.Forasbeforetheproductionofallthings,therewasnothingthatcouldbetheendwhyanyofthemshouldbebroughtforthoutofnothing,ortowardswhichtheyshouldbedisposed;soGod,beinganinfiniteagentinwisdom,andunderstanding,andpower,hecouldhavenoendinhisactingsbutthatalsowhichisinfinite.ItisthereforenaturalandnecessaryuntoGodtodoallthingsforhimself.Itisimpossibleheshouldhaveanyotherend.Andhehathdonesoaccordingly:Prov.16:4,"TheLORDhathmadeallthingsforhimself."Heaimedathimselfinallthathedid;therebeingnootherinfinitegoodforhimtomakehisobjectandhisendbuthimselfalone.

Thirdly,Thisdoingthings,allthingsforhimself,cannotintendanadditionoraccruementtherebyofanynewrealgooduntohimself.Hisabsoluteeternalperfectionandall-sufficiencyrenderthisimpossible.Goddothnotbecomemorepowerful,great,wise,just,holy,good,orgracious,byanyofhisworks,byanythingthathedoth.Hecanaddnothingtohimself.Itmustthereforebethemanifestationanddeclarationoftheholypropertiesofhisnaturethathedothintendanddesigninhisworks.Andtherearetwothingsrequiredhereunto:—

1.Thathemakethemknown;thatbywayssuitedtohisinfinitewisdomhebothdeclarethatsuchpropertiesdobelonguntohim,asalsowhatisthenatureofthem,accordingasthecreatureisabletoapprehend.

Sohedoththings"tomakehispowerknown,"toshowhispower,andtodeclarehisnamethroughtheearth,Rom.9:17,22.Soitwassaidthatbytheworksof

creation,τὸγνωστὸντοῦΘεοῦ,"thatwhichmaybeknownofGodismanifest,"Rom.1:19,20.Andwhatisthat?Eventhenatural,essentialpropertiesofhisbeing,"hiseternalpowerandGodhead."TothisheadarereferredallthosepromisesofGodthathewouldglorifyhimself,andtheprayersofhissaintsthathewoulddoso,andtheattestationsgivenuntoitintheScripturethathehathdoneso.Hehathmadeknownhiswisdom,holiness,power,goodness,self-sufficiency,andthelikeperfectionsofhisnature.

2.Thatheattainanascription,anattributionofpraiseandglorytohimselfupontheiraccount.Hisdesignis"tobeadmiredinallthemthatbelieve,"2Thess.1:10;—thatis,thatuponanapprehensionofhisexcellencieswhichhehathrevealed,andashehathrevealedthem,theyshouldadmire,adore,applaud,glorify,andpraisehim;worship,believein,andtrusthiminallthings;andendeavourtheenjoymentofhimasaneternalreward.Andthisisalsothreefold:—

(1.)Interpretative.SotheinanimateandbrutecreaturesascribeuntoGodthegloryofhisproperties,evenbywhattheyareanddo.Bywhattheyareintheirbeings,andtheirobservationofthelawandinclinationoftheirnature,theygiveuntoGodthegloryofthatwisdomandpowerwherebytheyaremade,andofthatsovereigntywhereontheydepend.Hence,nothingmorefrequentinthepraisesofGodofold,thanthecallingoftheinanimatecreatures,heavenandearth,winds,storms,thunder,andthebeastsofthefield,togivepraiseandglorytoGod;thatis,bywhattheyaretheydoso,inasmuchasfromtheimpressionofGod'sgloriousexcellenciesintheireffectsuponthem,theyaremadeknownandmanifest.

(2.)Involuntary,insomerationalcreatures.Sinningmenandangelshavenodesign,nowill,nodesiretogiveglorytoGod.Theydotheirutmostendeavourtothecontrary,tohatehim,reproachandblasphemehim.ButtheycannotyetcastofftheyokeofGod.Intheirmindsandconsciencestheyareforced,andshallbeforever,toacknowledgethatGodisinfinitelyholy,infinitelywise,powerful,andrighteous.Andhehaththegloryofallthesepropertiesfromthemintheirverydesiresthathewereotherwise.WhentheywouldthatGodwerenotjusttopunishthem,powerfultotormentthem,wisetofindthemout,holytobedispleasedwiththeirlustsandsins,theydoatthesametime,inthesamething,own,acknowledge,andgiveuntoGodthegloryofhisbeing,justice,wisdom,power,andholiness.When,therefore,Godhathmadeknownhisproperties,theascriptionofgloryuntohimontheiraccountistorationalcreaturesnaturaland

unavoidable.

(3.)Itisvoluntary,inthereasonableservice,worship,fear,trust,obedienceofangelsandmen.Godhavingrevealeduntothemthepropertiesofhisnature,theyacknowledge,adorethem,andplacetheirconfidenceinthem,andtherebyglorifyhimasGod.AndthisglorifyingofGodconsistethinthreethings:—

[1.]InmakingtheexcellenciesofGodrevealeduntoustheprincipleandchiefobjectofallthemoralactingsofoursouls,andofalltheactingsofouraffections.TofeartheLordandhisgoodness,andtofearhimforhisgoodness;totrustinhispowerandfaithfulness;toobeyhisauthority;todelightinhiswillandgrace;tolovehimaboveall,becauseofhisexcellenciesandbeauty;—thisistoglorifyhim.

[2.]Toprayfor,andtorejoicein,thewaysandmeanswherebyhewillorhathpromisedfarthertomanifestordeclarethesepropertiesofhisnatureandhisgloryinthem.Whatisthereasonwhyweprayfor,longfor,theaccomplishmentofthepromisesofGodtowardhissaints,ofhisthreateningstowardshisenemies,ofthefulfillingofthegloriousworksofhispowerandgracethatyetremain,tobedone,ofthecomingofthekingdomofChrist,oftheapproachofglory?IsitnotchieflyandprincipallythatthegloriousexcellenciesofGod'snaturemaybemademoremanifest,bemoreknown,moreexalted,—thatGodmayappearmoreasheis,andashehathdeclaredhimselftobe?ThisistogiveglorytoGod.Solikewiseourjoy,rejoicing,andsatisfactioninanyofthewaysandworksofGod;itissolelyonthisaccount,thatinthem,Godinhisproperties,—thatis,hispower,wisdom,holiness,andthelike,—isrevealed,declared,andmadeknown.

[3.]Intheirjointactualcelebrationofhispraises;which,asitisadutyofthegreatestimportance,andwhichweare,indeed,ofallothersmostfrequentlyexhorteduntoandmostearnestlycalleduponfor;sointhenatureofit,itconsistsinourbelieving,rejoicingexpressionofwhatGodisandwhathedoth;—thatis,ouradmiring,adoring,andblessinghim,becauseofhisholiness,goodness,andtherestofhisproperties,andhisworksofgraceandpowersuitableuntothem.ThisitistopraiseGod,Rev.5.

Fourthly,ObservethatnoneofthesepropertiesofGodcanbethusmanifestedandknown,norhimselfbeglorifiedforthem,butbyhisdeclarationofthem,andbytheireffects.WeknownomoreofGodthanheispleasedtorevealuntous.I

meannotmererevelationbyhisword,butanywaysormeans,whetherbyhisword,orbyhisworks,orbyimpressionsfromthelawofnatureuponourheartsandminds.AndwhateverGodthusdeclaresofhimself,hedothitbyexercising,puttingforth,andmanifestingtheeffectsofit.Soweknowhispower,wisdom,goodness,andgrace,—namely,bytheeffectsofthem,ortheworksofGodthatproceedfromthemandaresuiteduntothem.AndwhateverisinGodthatisnotthusmadeknown,wecannotapprehend,norglorifyGodontheaccountofit.God,therefore,doingallthings,ashathbeenshowed,forthegloryofthesehisproperties,hedothsorevealthemandmakethemknown.

Fifthly,UponthisdesignofGod,itisnecessarythatheshouldrevealandmakeknownalltheattributesandpropertiesofhisnature,inworksandeffectspeculiarlyproceedingfromthemandansweringuntothem,thathemightbeglorifiedinthem;andwhich,astheeventmanifests,hehathdoneaccordingly.ForwhatreasoncanbeimaginedwhyGodwillbeglorifiedinoneessentialexcellencyofhisnatureandnotinanother?EspeciallymustthisbeaffirmedofthosepropertiesofthenatureofGodwhichtheeventmanifestethhisprincipalglorytoconsistinandarisefrom,andtheknowledgewhereofisofthegreatestuse,behoof,andbenefituntothechildrenofmen,inreferenceuntohisdesigntowardsthem.

Sixthly,Thesethingsbeingso,letusconsiderhowitstandsinreferenceuntothatwhichisunderconsideration.God,inthecreationofallthings,glorifiedormanifestedhisgreatness,power,wisdom,andgoodness,withmanyotherpropertiesofthelikekind.Buthissovereignty,righteousness,andholiness,howaretheydeclaredhereby?Eithernotatall,ornotinsoevidentamannerasisnecessary,thathemightbefullyglorifiedinthemorforthem.What,then,dothhedo?leavethemindarkness,vailed,undiscovered,satisfyinghimselfinthegloryofthosepropertieswhichhisworkofcreationhadmadeknown?Wasthereanyreasonwhyheshoulddoso,designingtodoallthingsforhimselfandforhisownglory?Whereforehegiveshisholylawasaruleofobedienceuntomenandangels.Thisplainlyrevealshissovereigntyorauthorityoverthem,hisholinessandrighteousnessintheequityandpurityofthingsherequiredofthem:sothatinandbythesepropertiesalsohemaybeglorified.Ashemadeallthingsforhimself,—thatis,themanifestationofhisgreatness,power,wisdom,andgoodness;sohegavethelawforhimself,—thatis,themanifestationofhisauthority,holiness,andrighteousness.Butisthisall?IstherenotremunerativejusticeinGod,inawayofbounty?Istherenotvindictivejusticeinhim,inawayofseverity?Thereisso;andinthepursuitofthedesignmentionedtheyalso

aretobemanifested,orGodwillnotbeglorifiedinthem.This,therefore,hedidalso,intherewardsandpunishmentsthatheannexeduntothelawofobediencethathehadprescribed.Tomanifesthisremunerativejustice,hepromisedarewardinawayofbounty,whichtheangelsthatsinnednotweremadepartakersof;andinthepenaltythreatened,whichsinningangelsandmenincurred,herevealedhisvindictivejusticeinawayofseverity.SoareallthesepropertiesofGodmadeknownbytheireffects,andsoisGodglorifiedinthemorontheiraccount.

But,afterallthis,aretherenootherpropertiesofhisnature,divineexcellenciesthatcannotbeseparatedfromhisbeing,whichbynoneofthesemeansaresomuchasonceintimatedtobeinhim?Itisevidentthatthereare;sucharemercy,grace,patience,long-suffering,compassion,andthelike.Concerningwhichobserve,—

1.Thatwheretherearenoobjectsofthem,theycannotbedeclared,ormanifested,orexercised.AsGod'spowerorwisdomcouldnotbemanifestiftherewerenoobjectsofthem,nomorecanhisgraceormercy.Ifneveranystandinneedofthem,theycanneverbeexercised,andconsequentlyneverbeknown.Thereforeweretheynotrevealed,neitherbythecreationofallthings,norbythelaworitssanction,norbythelawwritteninourhearts;forallthesesupposenoobjectsofgraceandmercy.Foritissinnersonly,andsuchashavemadethemselvesmiserablebysin,thattheycanbeexercisedabout.

2.TherearenoexcellenciesofGod'snaturethataremoreexpressiveofdivinegoodness,loveliness,andbeautythantheseare,—ofmercy,grace,long-suffering,andpatience;and,therefore,thereisnothingthatGodsorequirethourlikenessuntohim,inourconformityuntohisimage,asinthese,—namely,mercy,grace,andreadinesstoforgive.Andthecontraryframeinanyhedothofallthingsmostabhor:"Theyshallhavejudgmentwithoutmercy,whoshewednomercy."And,therefore,itiscertainthatGodwillbeglorifiedinthemanifestationofthesepropertiesofhisnature.

3. These properties can be no otherwise exercised, and consequently nootherwiseknown,butonlyinandbythepardonofsin;whichputsitbeyondallquestionthatthereisforgivenesswithGod.Godwillnotlosethegloryofthesehisexcellencies:hewillberevealedinthem,hewillbeknownbythem,hewillbeglorifiedforthem;whichhecouldnotbeiftherewerenotforgivenesswithhim.So that here comes in not only the truth but the necessity of forgiveness

also.

Forgivenessmanifested in the sending of theSon ofGod to die for sin—Andfromtheobligationthatisonustoforgiveoneanother.

XII.INthenextplaceweshallproceeduntothatevidencewhichisthecentrewhereinallthelinesofthoseforegoingdomeetandrest,—thefountainofallthosestreamsofrefreshmentthatareinthem,—thatwhichanimatesandgiveslifeandefficacyuntothem.ThisliesinGod'ssendingofhisSon.Theconsiderationhereofwillleavenopretenceorexcuseuntounbeliefinthismatter.

Tomakethisevidencemoreclearandlegible,astowhatisintendedinit,wemustconsider,—First,Whatwastheriseofthissendingwespeakof.Secondly,Whoitwasthatwassent.Thirdly,How,orinwhatmannerhewassent.Fourthly,Untowhatendandpurpose.

First,Theriseandspringofitistobeconsidered.ItcameforthfromtheeternalmutualconsentandcounseloftheFatherandtheSon:Zech.6:13,"Thecounselofpeaceshallbebetweenthemboth."ItisofChrist,theBranch,ofwhomhespeaks."HeshallbuildthetempleoftheLORD;andheshallbeartheglory,andshallsitandruleuponhisthrone;andheshallbeapriestuponhisthrone:andthecounselofpeaceshallbebetweenthemboth;"—thatis,betweenGodtheFather,whosendshim,andhimself.Therelaythecounselofpeace-makingbetweenGodandman,induetimeaccomplishedbyhimwhois"ourpeace,"Eph.2:14:sohespeaks,Prov.8:30,31,"ThenIwasbyhim,asonebroughtupwithhim:andIwasdailyhisdelight,rejoicingalwaysbeforehim;rejoicinginthehabitablepartofhisearth;andmydelightswerewiththesonsofmen."TheyarethewordsoftheWisdom,—thatis,oftheSonofGod.Whenwasthisdone?"ThenIwasbyhim."Why,"beforethemountainsweresettled,whileasyethehadnotmadetheearth,northefields;"thatis,beforethecreationoftheworld,orfrometernity,verses25,26.Buthowthencouldhe"rejoiceinthehabitablepartoftheearth?"andhowcouldhis"delightsbewiththesonsofmen,"seeingasyettheywerenot?Ianswer,Itwasthecounselofpeacetowardsthembeforementioned,inthepursuitwhereofhewastobesenttoconverseamongstthemontheearth.Herejoicedinthefore-thoughtsofhisbeingsenttothem,andtheworkhehadtodoforthem.Then,withhisownconsentanddelight,washe"fore-ordained"untohiswork,even"beforethefoundationoftheworld,"1Pet.1:20,andreceivedoftheFather"thepromiseofeternallife,evenbeforethe

worldbegan,"Tit.1:2;thatis,tobegivenuntosinnersbywayofforgivenessthroughhisblood.Soisthiswholecounselexpressed,Ps.40:7,8,—whenceitismadeuseofbytheapostle,Heb.10:5–7,—"ThensaidI,Lo,Icome:inthevolumeofthebookitiswrittenofme,Idelighttodothywill,OmyGod.Thylawisinthemidstofmyheart."ThereisthewilloftheFatherinthismatter,andthelawofitsperformance;andthereisthewilloftheSoninanswerthereunto,andhisdelightinfulfillingthatlawwhichwasprescribeduntohim.

Letusnowconsidertowhatpurposewasthiseternalcounselofpeace,thisagreementoftheFatherandSonfrometernity,aboutthestateandconditionofmankind.IfGodwouldhaveleftthemalltoperishundertheguiltoftheirsins,therehadbeennoneedatallofanysuchthoughts,design,orcounsel.Godhadgivenuntothemalawrighteousandholy,whichiftheytransgressed,hehadthreatenedthemwitheternaldestruction.Undertherule,disposal,andpowerofthislaw,hemighthaverighteouslyleftthemtostandorfall,accordingtotheverdictandsentencethereof.Butnowheassuresus,herevealsuntous,thathehadotherthoughtsinthismatter;thattherewereothercounselsbetweentheFatherandtheSonconcerningus;andthesesuchastheSonwasdelightedintheprospectofhisaccomplishmentofthem.Whatcanthesethoughtsandcounselsbe,butaboutawayfortheirdeliverance?whichcouldnootherwisebebutbytheforgivenessofsins;forwhateverelsebedone,yetifGodmarkiniquities,thereisnonecanstand.Hearken,therefore,poorsinner,andhavehope.Godisconsultingaboutthydeliveranceandfreedom.AndwhatcannotthewisdomandgraceoftheFatherandSoneffectandaccomplish?AndtothisendwastheSonsentintotheworld;whichisthesecondthingproposedtoconsideration.

Secondly,WhomdidGodsendaboutthisbusiness?TheScripturelaysgreatweightandemphasisonthisconsideration,faithmustdosoalso:John3:16,"Godsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonly-begottenSon;"so,1John4:9,"InthiswasmanifestedtheloveofGodtowardsus,becausethatGodsenthisonly-begottenSonintotheworld,thatwemightlivethroughhim."Andagain,verse10,"Hereinislove,notthatwelovedGod,butthathelovedus,andsenthisSontobethepropitiationforoursins."Andwhoisthisthatisthussent,andcalledtheonly-begottenSonofGod?Takeadoubledescriptionofhim,oneoutoftheOldTestamentandanotherfromtheNew;—thefirstfromIsa.9:6,"Untousachildisborn,untousasonisgiven:andthegovernmentshallbeuponhisshoulder:andhisnameshallbecalledWonderful,Counsellor,ThemightyGod,TheeverlastingFather,ThePrinceofPeace;"theotherfromHeb.1:2,3,"GodhathspokenuntousbyhisSon,whomhehathappointedheirofallthings,by

whomalsohemadetheworlds;whobeingthebrightnessofhisglory,andtheexpressimageofhisperson,andupholdingallthingsbythewordofhispower,whenhehadbyhimselfpurgedoursins,satdownontherighthandoftheMajestyonhigh."Thisishewhowassent.Innaturehewasglorious,even"overall,Godblessedforever;"—inanswerablenessuntotheFather,"thebrightnessofhisglory,andtheexpressimageofhisperson,"possessedofallthesameessentialpropertieswithhim,sothatwhatwefindinhimwemaybeassuredofintheFatheralso;forhethathathseenhimhathseentheFather,whoisinhim;—inpoweromnipotent,forhemadeallthings,and"upholdingallthings,"withanunspeakablefacility,"bythewordofhispower;"—inofficeexaltedoverall,sitting"ontherighthandoftheMajestyonhigh;"—inname,"ThemightyGod,TheeverlastingFather:"sothatwhateverhecameabouthewillassuredlyaccomplishandfulfil;forwhatshouldhinderorletthismightyonefromperfectinghisdesign?

Now,thisconsiderationraisethourevidencetothatheightastogiveanunquestionableassuranceinthismatter.Hereisanearandaparticularobjectforfaithtobeexercisedaboutandtorestin.WhereforedidthisgloriousSonofGodcomeandtabernacleamongstpoorsinners?"WebeheldthegloryoftheeternalWord,thegloryoftheonly-begottenoftheFather,andhewasmadeflesh(καὶἐσκήνωσε),andpitchedhistabernacleamongstus,"John1:14.Towhatend?Itwasnootherbuttoworkoutandaccomplishtheeternalcounselofpeacetowardssinnersbeforementioned;toprocureforthem,andtodeclareuntothem,theforgivenessofsin.Andwhatgreaterevidence,whatgreaterassurancecanwehave,thatthereisforgivenesswithGodforus?Hehimselfhathgivenitasarule,thatwhatisdonebygivinganonly-begottenoranonly-belovedsongivesassuredtestimonyofrealityandsincerityinthethingthatisconfirmedbyit.SohesaysuntoAbraham,Gen.22:12,"NowIknowthatthoufearestGod,seeingthatthouhastnotwithheldthyson,thineonlyson,fromme."Thiswayitmaybeknown,ornoway.Andtheyareblessedconclusionsthatfaithmaymakefromthisconsideration:"NowIknowthatthereisforgivenesswithGod,seeinghehathnotwithheldhisSon,hisonlySon,thathemightaccomplishit."Tothispurposetheapostleteachethustoreason,Rom.8:32,"HethatsparednothisownSon,butdeliveredhimupforusall,howshallhenotwithhimalsofreelygiveusallthings?"

Whatfarthercananysouldesire?whatgroundremainsforunbelieftostanduponinthismatter?Isthereanythingmoretobedoneherein?Itwastomanifestthatthereisforgivenesswithhim,andtomakewayforthe

exerciseofit,thatGodsenthisSon,thattheSonofGodcameintotheworld,aswillafterwardsmorefullyappear.

Thirdly,TothissendingoftheSonofGodtothispurpose,thereisevidenceandsecurityaddedfromthemannerwhereinhewassent.Howwasthis?Notinglory,notinpower,—notinanopendiscoveryofhiseternalpowerandGodhead.Haditbeenso,wemighthavethoughtthathehadcomemerelytomanifestandglorifyhimselfintheworld;andthishemighthavedonewithoutthoughtsofmercyorpardontowardsus.Buthecamequiteinanothermanner:hewasseeninthe"likenessofsinfulflesh,"Rom.8:3;in"theformofaservant,"Phil.2:7;being"madeofawoman,madeunderthelaw,"Gal.4:4.Whatheendured,suffered,underwentinthatstateandcondition,isinsomemeasureknownuntousall.Allthiscouldnotbemerelyandfirstlyforhimself.Allthatheexpectedatthecloseofitwas,tobe"glorifiedwiththatglorywhichhehadwiththeFatherbeforetheworldwas,"John17:5.Itmust,then,beforoursakes.Andforwhat?Tosaveanddeliverusfromthatconditionofwrathatpresent,andfutureexpectationofvengeance,whichwehadcastourselvesintobysin;thatis,toprocureforustheforgivenessofsin.HadnotGoddesignedpardonforsin,hewouldneverhavesenthisSoninthismannertotestifyit;andhediditbecauseitcouldnootherwaybebroughtabout,ashathbeendeclared.DowedoubtwhethertherebeforgivenesswithGodorno?orwhetherweshallobtainitifweaddressourselvesuntohimfortobemadepartakersofit?ConsidertheconditionofhisSonintheworld,—reviewhisafflictions,poverty,temptation,sorrows,sufferings,—thenaskoursouls,"Towhatendwasallthis?"Andifwecanfindanyotherdesigninit,anyotherreason,cause,ornecessityofit,butonlyandmerelytotestifyanddeclarethatthereisforgivenesswithGod,andtopurchaseandprocurethecommunicationofituntous,letusabideinandperishunderourfears.Butifthisbeso,wehavesufficientwarrantytoassureoursoulsintheexpectationofit.

Fourthly,Besidesallthis,thereensuesuponwhatwentbefore,thatgreatandwonderfulissueinthedeathoftheSonofGod.Thisthingwasgreatandmarvellous,andwemayalittleinquireintowhatitwasthatwasdesignedtherein.AndhereoftheScripturegivesusafullaccount;as,—

1.Thathediedtomakeatonementforsin,or"reconciliationforiniquity,"Dan.9:24.He"gavehislifearansomforthesinsofmany,"Matt.20:28;1Tim.2:6.Hewasinit"madesin,"thatothers"mightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinhim,"2Cor.5:21;Rom.8:3.Thereinhe"bareoursinsinhisownbodyonthe

tree,"1Pet.2:24.Thiswasthestateofthismatter:—Notwithstandingallthelove,grace,andcondescensionbeforementioned,yetoursinswereofthatnature,andsodirectlyoppositeuntothejusticeandholinessofGod,thatunlessatonementweremadeandapriceofredemptionpaid,therecouldbenopardon,noforgivenessobtained.This,therefore,heundertooktodo,andthatbythesacrificeofhimself;answeringallthatwasprefiguredbyandrepresentedinthesacrificesofold,astheapostlelargelydeclares,Heb.10:5–10.AndhereinistheforgivenessthatisinGodcopiedoutandexemplifiedsoclearlyandevidently,thathethatcannotreaditwillbecurseduntoeternity.Yea,andlethimbeaccursed;forwhatcanbemorerequiredtojustifyGodinhiseternaldestruction?Hethatwillnotbelievehisgrace,astestifiedandexemplifiedinthebloodofhisSon,lethimperishwithoutremedy.Yea,but,—

2.Thecurseandsentenceofthelawliesonrecordagainstsinners.Itputsinitsdemandsagainstouracquittance,andlaysanobligationuponusuntopunishment:andGodwillnotrejectnordestroyhislaw;unlessitbeanswered,thereisnoacceptanceforsinners.This,therefore,inthenextplace,hisdeathwasdesignedunto.Ashesatisfiedandmadeatonementbyituntojustice(thatwasthefountain,spring,andcauseofthelaw),sohefulfilledandansweredthedemandsofthelawasitwasaneffectofthejusticeofGod:soRom.8:1–4.Hesuffered"inthelikenessofsinfulflesh,thattherighteousnessofthelawmightbefulfilled"andanswered.Heanswered"thecurseofthelaw"whenhewas"madeacurseforus,"Gal.3:13;andsobecame,astotheobedienceofthelaw,"theendofthelawforrighteousnessuntothemthatdobelieve,"Rom.10:3,4.Andastothepenaltythatitthreatened,heboreit,removedit,andtookitoutoftheway.Sohathhemadewayforforgivenessthroughtheveryheartofthelaw;ithathnotonewordtospeakagainstthepardonofthemthatdobelieve.But,—

3.SinnersareunderthepowerofSatan.Helaysaclaimuntothem;andbywhatmeansshalltheyberescuedfromhisinterestanddominion?Thisalsohisdeathwasdesignedtoaccomplish:forashewas"manifestedtodestroytheworksofthedevil,"1John3:8,so"throughdeathhedestroyedhimthathadthepowerofdeath,"Heb.2:14;—thatis,todespoilhimofhispower,todestroyhisdominion,totakeawayhispleauntosinnersthatbelieve;aswehaveatlargeelsewheredeclared.

Andbyallthesethings,withmanyotherconcernmentsofhisdeaththatmightbeinstancedin,weareabundantlysecuredoftheforgivenessthatiswithGod,andofhiswillingnessthatweshouldbemadepartakersthereof.

Fifthly,Isthisall?Didhisworkceaseinhisdeath?Didhenomoreforthesecuringoftheforgivenessofsinsuntous,butonlythathediedforthem?Yes;helivesalsoafterdeath,forthesameendandpurpose.ThisSonofGod,inthatnaturewhichheassumedtoexpiatesinbydeath,livesagainafterdeath,tosecureuntousandtocompletetheforgivenessofsins.Andthishedothtwoways:—

1.Beingraisedfromthatdeathwhichheunderwent,tomakeatonementforsin,bythepowerandgoodwillofGod,heevidencethandtestifiethuntousthathehathfullyperformedtheworkheundertook,andthatinourbehalf,andforus,hehathreceivedadischarge.Hadhenotansweredtheguiltofsinbyhisdeath,hehadneverbeenraisedfromit.

2.Helivesafterdeathamediatorylife,tomakeintercessionforus,thatwemayreceivetheforgivenessofsin,asalsohimselftogiveitoutuntous;whichthingsarefrequentlymadeuseoftoencouragethesoulsofmentobelieve,andthereforeshallnotatpresentbefartherinsistedon.

Thus,then,standsthismatter:—Thatmercymighthaveawaytoexerciseitselfinforgiveness,withaconsistencyuntothehonouroftherighteousnessandlawofGod,wastheSonofGodsosent,fortheendsandpurposesmentioned.Now,hereinconsisteththegreatestworkthatGoddideverperform,oreverwill.Itwasthemosteminentproductofinfinitewisdom,goodness,grace,andpower;andhereindoalltheexcellenciesofGodshineforthmoregloriouslythaninalltheworksofhishands.Letus,then,wiselyponderandconsiderthismatter;letusbringourownsouls,withtheirobjections,untothisevidence,andseewhatexceptionwehavetolayagainstit.Iknownothingwillsatisfyunbelief.Thedesignofitis,tomakethesoulfindthattobesohereafterwhichitwouldpersuadeitofhere,—namely,thatthereisnoforgivenessinGod.AndSatan,whomakesuseofthisengine,knowsfullwellthatthereisnoneforthemwhobelievethereisnone,orratherwillnotbelievethatthereisany;foritwill,atthelastday,beuntomenaccordinguntotheirfaithorunbelief.Hethatbelievetharight,andhethatbelievethnotthatforgivenessiswithGod,astotheirownparticulars,shallneitherofthembedeceived.Butwhatisitthatcanbereasonablyexceptedagainstthisevidence,thisfoundationofourfaithinthismatter?GodhathnotsenthisSoninvain;whichyethemusthavedone,aswehaveshowed,hadhenotdesignedtomanifestandexerciseforgivenesstowardssinners.Wherefore,toconfirmourfaithfromhence,letusmakealittlesearchintothesethingsinsomeparticularinquiries:—

1.SeeingtheSonofGoddiedinthatwayandmannerthathedid,accordingtothedeterminatecounselandwillofGod,whereforedidhedoso,andwhataimedheattherein?

Ans.Itisplainthathediedforoursins,Rom4:25;thatis,"tomakereconciliationforthesinsofthepeople,"Heb.2:17,18.ThisMosesandtheprophets,thisthewholeScripture,testifiethunto.Andwithoutasupposalofit,notonewordofitcanbearightbelieved;norcanweyieldanydueobedienceuntoGodwithoutit.

2.What,then,didGoddountohim?WhatwasintransactionbetweenGodastheJudgeofall,andhimthatwastheMediatorofthechurch?

Ans.Godindeed"laidonhimtheiniquityofusall,"Isa.53:6,—allthesinsofalltheelect;yea,hemadehim"acurseforus,"Gal.3:13;andmakinghima"sin-offering,"or"anofferingforsin,"he"condemnedsinintheflesh,"Rom.8:3,2Cor.5:21:sothatallthatwhichthejusticeorlawofGodhadtorequireaboutthepunishmentdueuntosinwasalllaidandexecutedonhim.

3.What,then,didChristdoinhisdeath?Whatdidheaimatanddesign?whatwashisintentioninsubmittinguntoandundergoingthewillofGodinthesethings?

Ans."Hebareoursinsinhisownbodyonthetree,"1Pet.2:24;"hetookoursinsuponhim,"undertooktoanswerforthem,topayourdebts,tomakeanendofthedifferenceaboutthembetweenGodandsinners,Dan.9:24.Hisaimundoubtedlywas,byallthatheunderwentandsuffered,sotomakeatonementforsinasthatnomorecouldonthataccountbeexpected.

4.HadGodanymoretorequireofsinnersontheaccountofsin,thathisjusticemightbesatisfied,hisholinessvindicated,hisgloryexalted,hishonourberepaired,thanwhathechargedonChrist?Didhelaysomewhatofthepenaltyduetosinonhim,executesomepartofthecurseofthelawagainsthim,andyetreservesomewrathforsinnersthemselves?

Ans.No,doubtless.HecametodothewholewillofGod,Heb.10:7,9;andGodsparedhimnotanythingthatinhisholywillhehadappointedtobedoneuntosin,Rom.8:32.HewouldneverhavesodealtwithhisSon,tohavemadeahalf-workofit;noristheworkofmakingsatisfactionforsinsuchasthatany,theleastpartofit,shouldeverbeundertakenbyanother.Nothingismoreinjurious

orblasphemousagainstGodandChristthanthefoolishimaginationamongthePapistsofworkssatisfactoryforthepunishmentduetosinoranypartofit;asalsoistheirpurgatorypainstoexpiateanyremainingguiltafterthislife.Thisworkofmakingsatisfactionforsinissuchasnocreatureinheavenorearthcanputforthahandunto.ItwaswhollycommittedtotheSonofGod,whoalonewasabletoundertakeit,andwhohathperfectlyaccomplishedit;sothatGodnowsays,"'Furyisnotinme.'Hethatwilllayholdonmystrengththathemayhavepeace,heshallhavepeace,"Isa.27:4,5.

5.What,then,becameoftheLordChristinhisundertaking?Didhegothroughwithit?ordidhefaintunderit?Didheonlytestifyhislove,andshowhisgoodwillforourdeliverance?ordidhealsoeffectuallypursueit,andnotfaint,untilhehadmadeawayfortheexerciseofforgiveness?

Ans.Itwasnotpossiblethatheshouldbedetainedby"thepainsofdeath,"Acts2:24.Heknewbeforehandthatheshouldbecarriedthroughhiswork,thatheshouldnotbeforsakeninit,norfaintunderit,Isa.50:5–9.AndGodhathgiventhisunquestionableevidenceofhisdischargeofthedebtofsintotheutmost,inthathewasacquittedfromthewholeaccountwhenhewasraisedfromthedead;forhethatisgivenuptoprison,uponthesentenceofthelaw,forthedebtofsin,shallnotbefreeduntilhehavepaidtheutmostfarthing.This,therefore,hemanifestedhimselftohavedone,byhisresurrectionfromthedead.

6.What,then,isnowbecomeofhim?whereishe,andwhatdothhe?Hathhesodonehisworkandlaiditaside,ordothhestillcontinuetocarryitonuntilitbebroughtuntoitsperfection?

Ans.Itistrue,hewasdead,butheisalive,andlivesforever;andhathtoldusthat"becausehelivethweshalllivealso,"andthatbecausethisistheendofhismediatorylifeinheaven:"Heeverlivethtomakeintercessionforus,"Heb.7:25–27;andtothisend,thattheforgivenessofsin,whichhehathprocuredforus,maybecommunicateduntous,thatwemightbepartakersofit,andliveforever.

Whatgroundisleftofquestioningthetruthinhand?Whatlinkofthischaincanunbeliefbreakinorupon?Ifmenresolve,notwithstandingallthisevidenceandassurancethatistendereduntothemthereof,thattheywillnotyetbelievethatthereisforgivenesswithGod,orwillnotbeencouragedtoattemptthesecuringofituntothemselves,oralsodespiseitasathingnotworththelookingafter;it

isenoughforthemthatdeclareit,thatpreachthesethings,thattheyareasweetsavouruntoGodinthemthatperishaswellasinthemthataresaved.AndIblessGodthatIhavehadthisopportunitytobeartestimonytothegraceofGodinChrist;whichifitbenotreceived,itisbecause"thegodofthisworldhathblindedtheeyesofmen,thatthelightofthegospelofthegloryofGodshouldnotshineintotheirminds."ButChristwillbeglorifiedinthemthatbelieveontheseprinciplesandfoundations.

XIII.Anotherevidenceofthesametruthmaybetakenfromhence,thatGodrequiresforgivenessinus,thatweshouldforgiveoneanother;andtherefore,doubtless,thereisforgivenesswithhimforus.Thesenseofthisconsiderationuntoourpresentpurposewillbemanifestintheensuingobservations:—

First,ItiscertainthatGodhathrequiredthisofus.Thetestimonieshereofaremanyandknown,sothattheyneednotparticularlytoberepeatedorinsistedon:seeLuke17:3,4;Eph.4:32;Matt.18:23,untotheend.Only,therearesomethingsthatputasingularemphasisuponthiscommand,manifestingthegreatimportanceofthisdutyinus,whichmaybemarked;as,—

1.ThatourSaviourrequiresustocarryasenseofourintegrityandsincerityinthedischargeofthisdutyalongwithusinouraddressesuntoGodinprayer.Hence,heteachethandenjoinsustoprayorpleadfortheforgivenessofourdebtstoGod(thatis,oursinsortrespassesagainsthim,whichmakeusdebtorstohislawandjustice),even"asweforgivethemthatsotrespassagainstus"astostandinneedofourforgiveness,Matt.6:12.Manyarereadytodevoursuchasarenotsatisfiedthatthewordsofthatruleofprayerwhichhehathprescribeduntousaretobepreciselyreadorrepeatedeveryday.Iwishtheywouldasheedfullymindthatprescriptionwhichisgivenushereinforthatframeofheartandspiritwhichoughttobeinalloursupplications;itmightpossiblyabateoftheirwrathinthatandotherthings.Buthereisaruleforallprayer,asallacknowledge;asalsoofthethingsthatarerequisitetomakeitacceptable.This,inparticular,isrequired,thatbeforetheSearcherofallhearts,andinouraddressesuntohim,inourgreatestconcernments,weprofessoursincerityinthedischargeofthisdutyanddoputourobtainingofwhatwedesireuponthatissue.Thisisagreatcrownthatisputupontheheadofthisduty,thatwhichmakesitveryeminent,andevidenceththegreatconcernofthegloryofGodandourownsoulstherein.

2.Wemayobserve,thatnootherdutywhateverisexpresslyplacedinthesame

series,order,orrankwithit;whichmakesitevidentthatitissingledouttobeprofessedasatokenandpledgeofoursincerityinallotherpartsofourobedienceuntoGod.ItisbyChristhimselfmadetheinstanceforthetrialofoursincerityinouruniversalobedience;whichgivesnosmallhonouruntoit.Theapostleputsgreatweightonthefifthcommandment,"Honourthyfatherandmother;"becauseit"isthefirstcommandmentwithpromise,"Eph.6:2.Allthecommandments,indeed,hadapromise,"Dothis,andlive,"—lifewaspromisedtotheobservanceofthemall;butthisisthefirstthathadapeculiarpromiseannexeduntoit,andaccompanyingofit.AnditwassuchapromiseashadapeculiarfoundationthroughGod'sordinanceinthethingitself.Itis,thattheparentsshouldprolongthelivesoftheirchildrenthatwereobedient. ימי ןוכראי ,Exod.20:12,—"Theyshallprolongthydays;"thatis,byprayingfortheirprosperity,blessingtheminthenameofGod,anddirectingtheminthosewaysofobediencewherebytheymightliveandpossesstheland.AndthispromiseisnowtranslatedfromthecovenantofCanaanintothecovenantofgrace;theblessingofparentsgoingfartowardstheinterestingtheirchildreninthepromisethereof,andsoprolongingtheirdaysuntoeternity,thoughtheirdaysinthisworldshouldbeoflittlecontinuance.SoitissaidofourSaviourthat"heshouldseehisseed,andprolonghisdays,"Isa.53:10;whichhathcarriedoverthatword,andthatwhichissignifiedbyit,untoeternalthings.Butthisbytheway.Asthesingularpromisemadetothatcommandrendersitsingular,sodoththisespecialinstancinginthisdutyinourprayerrenderitalso;forthough,asallthecommandmentshadapromise,sowearetocarryatestimonywithusofoursincerityinuniversalobedienceinouraddressesuntoGod,yetthesinglingoutofthisinstancerendersitexceedingremarkable,andshowswhatavalueGodputsuponit,andhowwellheispleasedwithit.

3.ThatGodrequiresthisforgivenessinusupontheaccountoftheforgivenesswereceivefromhim;whichistoputthegreatestobligationuponusuntoitthatwearecapableof,andtogivethestrongestandmostpowerfulmotivepossibleuntoitsperformance.SeeEph.4:32.

4.ThatthisdutyismoredirectlyandexpresslyrequiredintheNewTestamentthanintheOld.Requiredthenitwas,butnotsoopenly,soplainly,soexpresslyasnow.HencewefindadifferentframeofspiritbetweenthemunderthatdispensationandthoseunderthatoftheNewTestament.Therearefoundamongstthemsomesuchreflectionsupontheirenemies,theiroppressors,persecutors,andthelike,asalthoughtheywerewarrantedbysomeactingsoftheSpiritofGodinthem,yet,beingsuiteduntothedispensationtheywereunder,

donowaybecomeusnow,who,byJesusChrist,receive"graceforgrace."SoZechariah,whenhedied,cried,"TheLORDlookupon,andrequire;"butStephen,dyinginthesamecauseandmanner,said,"Lord,laynotthissintotheircharge."Elijahcalledforfirefromheaven;butourSaviourreprovestheleastinclinationinhisdisciplestoimitatehimtherein.Andthereasonofthisdifferenceis,becauseforgivenessinGodisundertheNewTestamentfarmoreclearly(especiallyinthenatureandcauseofit)discoveredinthegospel,whichhathbroughtlifeandimmortalitytolight,thanitwasunderthelaw;forallourobedience,bothinmatterandmanner,istobesuiteduntothediscoveriesandrevelationofGoduntous.

5.ThisforgivenessofothersismadeanexpressconditionofourobtainingpardonandforgivenessfromGod,Matt.6:14,15;andthenaturehereofisexpresslydeclared,chap.18:23–35.Suchevangelicalconditionswehavenotmany.Iconfesstheyhavenocausalinfluenceintotheaccomplishmentofthepromise;butthenon-performanceofthemisasufficientbaragainstourpretendingtothepromise,asufficientevidencethatwehavenopleadableinterestinit.Ourforgivingofotherswillnotprocureforgivenessforourselves;butournotforgivingofothersprovesthatweourselvesarenotforgiven.AndallthesethingsdoshowwhatweightGodhimselflaysonthisduty.

Secondly,Observethatthisdutyissuchasthatthereisnothingmorecomely,useful,orhonourableunto,orpraiseworthyin,any,thanadueperformanceofit.Tobemorose,implacable,inexorable,revengeful,isoneofthegreatestdegeneraciesofhumannature.Andnomenarecommonly,eveninthisworld,morebrandedwithrealinfamyanddishonour,amongstwiseandgoodmen,thanthosewhoareofsuchaframe,anddoactaccordingly.Torememberinjuries,toretainasenseofwrongs,towatchforopportunitiesofrevenge,tohateandbemaliciouslyperverse,istorepresenttheimageofthedeviluntotheworldinitspropercolours;heisthegreatenemyandself-avenger.Ontheotherside,nograce,novirtue,noduty,noornamentofthemindorconversationofman,isinitselfsolovely,socomely,sopraiseworthy,orsousefuluntomankind,asaremeekness,readinesstoforgive,andpardon.Thisisthatprincipallywhichrendersamanagoodman,forwhomonewouldevendaretodie.AndIamsorrytoaddthatthisgraceordutyisrecommendedbyitsrarity.Itislittlefoundamongstthechildrenofmen.Theconsiderationofthedefectofmenherein,asinthoseotherfundamentaldutiesofthegospel,—inself-denial,readinessforthecross,andforsakingtheworld,—isanevidence,ifnotofhowlittlesinceritythereisintheworld,yetatleastitisofhowlittlegrowingandthrivingthereis

amongstprofessors.

Thirdly,Thatthereisnograce,virtue,orperfectioninanyman,butwhatisasanemanationfromthedivinegoodnessandbounty,soexpressiveofsomedivineexcellenciesorperfection,—somewhatthatisinGod,inawayandmannerinfinitelymoreexcellent.WewerecreatedintheimageofGod.Whateverwasgoodorcomelyinuswasapartofthatimage;especiallytheornamentsofourminds,theperfectionsofoursouls.Thesethingshadinthemaresemblanceof,andacorrespondencyunto,someexcellenciesinGod,whereunto,bythewayofanalogy,theymaybereduced.Thisbeing,forthemostpart,lostbysin,ashadowofitonlyremaininginthefacultiesofoursoulsandthatdominionoverthecreatureswhichispermitteduntomeninthepatienceofGod,therecoverythatwehavebygraceisnothingbutaninitialrenovationoftheimageofGodinus,Eph.4:24.Itistheimplantinguponournaturesthosegraceswhichmayrenderusagainlikeuntohim.AndnothingisgraceorvirtuebutwhatsoanswerstosomewhatinGod.So,then,whateverisinusofthiskindisinGodabsolutely,perfectly,inawayandmannerinfinitelymoreexcellent.

Letusnow,therefore,putthesethingstogether:—Godrequiresofusthatthereshouldbeforgivenessinusforthosethatdooffendus,forgivenesswithoutlimitationandbounds.Thegracehereofhebestowethonhissaints,setsahighpriceuponit,andmanifestsmanywaysthatheaccountsitamongthemostexcellentofourendowments,oneofthemostlovelyandpraiseworthyqualificationsofanyperson.What,then,shallwenowsay?Isthereforgivenesswithhimorno?"Hethatplantedtheear,shallhenothear?hethatformedtheeye,shallhenotsee?"Hethatthusprescribesforgivenesstous,thatbestowsthegraceofituponus,istherenotforgivenesswithhim?Itisalloneastosay,"Thoughwearegood,yetGodisnot;thoughwearebenignandbountiful,yetheisnot."Hethatfindsthisgracewroughtinhiminanymeasure,andyetfearsthatheshallnotfinditinGodforhimself,doththereinandsofarpreferhimselfaboveGod;whichisthenaturaleffectofcursedunbelief.

Butthetruthis,weretherenotforgivenesswithGod,forgivenessinmanwouldbenovirtue,withallthosequalitiesthatinclinethereto,—sucharemeekness,pity,patience,compassion,andthelike;whichwhatwereitbuttosetloosehumannaturetorageandmadness?ForaseverytruthconsistsinitsanswerablenesstotheprimeandeternalVerity,sovirtueconsistsnotabsolutelynorprimarilyinaconformitytoaruleofcommand,butinacorrespondencyuntothefirstabsoluteperfectBeinganditsperfections.

———

Propertiesofforgiveness—Thegreatnessandfreedomofit.

THEargumentsanddemonstrationsforegoinghave,wehope,undeniablyevincedthegreattruthwehaveinsistedon;whichisthelifeandsoulofallourhope,profession,religion,andworship.TheendofallthisdiscourseistolayafirmfoundationforfaithtorestuponinitsaddressesuntoGodfortheforgivenessofsins,asalsotogiveencouragementsuntoallsortsofpersonssotodo.Thisendremainsnowtobeexplainedandpressed;whichworkyetbeforewedirectlyclosewithal,twothingsarefarthertobepremised.Andthefirstis,toproposesomeofthoseadjunctsof,andconsiderationsabout,thisforgiveness,asmaybothencourageandnecessitateustoseekoutafterit;andtomixthetestimoniesgivenuntoitandthepromisesofitwithfaith,untoourbenefitandadvantage.Theotheris,toshowhowneedfulallthisendeavouris,upontheaccountofthatgreatunbeliefwhichisinthemostinthismatter.Astothefirstofthese,then,wemayconsider,—

First,ThatthisforgivenessthatiswithGodissuchasbecomeshim;suchasissuitabletohisgreatness,goodness,andallotherexcellenciesofhisnature;suchasthatthereinhewillbeknowntobeGod.Whathesaysconcerningsomeoftheworksofhisprovidence,"Bestill,andknowthatIamGod,"maybemuchmoresaidconcerningthisgreateffectofhisgrace.Stillyoursouls,andknowthatheisGod.Itisnotlikethatnarrow,difficult,halving,andmanacledforgivenessthatisfoundamongstmen,whenanysuchthingisfoundamongstthem;butitisfull,free,boundless,bottomless,absolute,suchasbecomeshisnatureandexcellencies.Itis,inaword,forgivenessthatiswithGod,andbytheexercisewhereofhewillbeknownsotobe.Andhence,—

1.Godhimselfdothreallyseparateanddistinguishhisforgivenessfromanythingthatourthoughtsandimaginationscanreachunto;andthatbecauseitishis,andlikehimself.Itisanobjectforfaithalone,whichcanrestinthatwhichitcannotcomprehend.Itisneversaferthanwhenitis,asitwere,overwhelmedwithinfiniteness.Butsetmererationalthoughtsortheimaginationsofourmindsatworkaboutsuchthings,andtheyfallinconceivablyshortofthem.Theycanneitherconceiveofthemarightnorusethemuntotheirproperendandpurpose.WerenotforgivenessinGodsomewhatbeyondwhatmencouldimagine,nofleshcouldbesaved.Thishimselfexpresseth:Isa.55:7–9,"Letthewickedforsakehisway,andtheunrighteousmanhisthoughts:andlethimreturn

untotheLORD,andhewillhavemercyuponhim;andtoourGod,forhewillabundantlypardon.Formythoughtsarenotyourthoughts,neitherareyourwaysmyways,saiththeLORD.Forastheheavensarehigherthantheearth,soaremywayshigherthanyourways,andmythoughtsthanyourthoughts."Theyare,asisplaininthecontext,thoughtsofforgivenessandwaysofpardonwhereofhespeaks.Theseourapprehensionscomeshortof;weknowlittleornothingoftheinfinitelargenessofhisheartinthismatter.Hethathespeaksofis עשר ,"animpiouslywickedman,"and ןוא שיא ,"amanofdeceitandperversewickedness;"hewhosedesignandcourseisnothingbutalie,sin,andiniquity;suchaoneaswewouldhavelittleornohopesof,—thatwewouldscarcethinkitworthourwhiletodealwithalabout,—ahopelessconversion;orcanscarcefindinourheartstoprayforhim,butarereadytogivehimupasoneprofligateanddesperate.ButlethimturntotheLord,andheshallobtainforgiveness.Buthowcanthisbe?isitpossiblethereshouldbemercyforsuchaone?Yes;fortheLord

חולסל הכרי ,"willmultiplytopardon."Hehathforgivenesswithhimtooutdoallthemultipliedsinsofanythatturnuntohimandseekforit.Butthisisveryhard,verydifficultforustoapprehend.Thisisnotthewayandmannerofmen.Wedealnotthuswithprofligateoffendersagainstus."True,"saithGod;"but'yourwaysarenotmyways.'Idonotactinthismatterlikeuntoyou,norasyouareaccustomedtodo."Howthenshallweapprehendit?howshallweconceiveofit?"Youcanneverdoitbyyourreasonorimaginations;'forastheheavensareabovetheearth,soaremythoughts,'inthismatter,'aboveyourthoughts.'"Thisisanexpressiontosetoutthelargestandmostinconceivabledistancethatmaybe.Thecreationwillaffordnomoresignificantexpressionorrepresentationofit.Theheavensareinconceivablydistantfromtheearth,andinconceivablygloriousaboveit.SoarethethoughtsofGod:theyarenotonlydistantfromours,buthaveagloryinthemalsothatwecannotriseupunto.Forthemostpart,whenwecometodealwithGodaboutforgiveness,wehangineverybrierofdisputing,quarrelsomeunbelief.Thisorthatcircumstanceoraggravation,thisorthatunparalleledparticular,bereavesusofourconfidence.Wantofadueconsiderationofhimwithwhomwehavetodo,measuringhimbythatlineofourownimaginations,bringinghimdownuntoourthoughtsandourways,isthecauseofallourdisquietments.Becausewefindithardtoforgiveourpence,wethinkhecannotforgivetalents.Buthehathprovidedtoobviatesuchthoughtsinus:Hos.11:9,"Iwillnotexecutethefiercenessofmineanger,IwillnotreturntodestroyEphraim:forIAMGOD,ANDNOTMAN."Oursatisfactioninthismatteristobetakenfromhisnature.Wereheaman,orasthesonsofmen,itwereimpossiblethat,uponsuchandsomanyprovocations,heshouldturnawayfromthefiercenessofhisanger.ButheisGod.Thisgivesaninfinitenessandan

inconceivableboundlessnesstotheforgivenessthatiswithhim,andexaltsitaboveallourthoughtsandways.Thisistobelamented,—presumption,whichturnsGodintoanidol,ascribesuntothatidolagreaterlargenessinforgivenessthanfaithisabletoriseupuntowhenitdealswithhimasaGodofinfiniteexcellenciesandperfections.Thereasonsofit,Iconfess,areobvious.Butthisiscertain,nopresumptioncanfalselyimaginethatforgivenesstoitselffromtheidolofitsheart,asfaithmayinthewayofGodfindinhimandobtainfromhim;for,—

2.Godengagethhisinfiniteexcellenciestodemonstratethegreatnessandboundlessnessofhisforgiveness.Heproposeththemuntoourconsiderationtoconvinceusthatweshallfindpardonwithhimsuitableandanswerableuntothem.SeeIsa.40:27–31,"Whysayestthou,OJacob,andspeakest,OIsrael,MywayishidfromtheLORD,andmyjudgmentispassedoverfrommyGod?Hastthounotknown?hastthounotheard,thattheeverlastingGod,theLORD,theCreatoroftheendsoftheearth,faintethnot,neitherisweary?thereisnosearchingofhisunderstanding.Hegivethpowertothefaint;andtothemthathavenomightheincreasethstrength.Eventheyouthsshallfaintandbeweary,andtheyoungmenshallutterlyfall:buttheythatwaitupontheLORDshallrenewtheirstrength;theyshallmountupwithwingsaseagles;theyshallrun,andnotbeweary;andtheyshallwalk,andnotfaint."Thematterinquestionis,whetheracceptancewithGod,whichisonlybyforgiveness,istobeobtainedorno.This,sinfulJacobeitherdespairsof,oratleastdespondsabout.ButsaithGod,"Mythoughtsarenotasyourthoughts"inthismatter.Andwhatcoursedothhetaketoconvincethemoftheirmistaketherein?whatargumentdothhemakeuseoftofreethemfromtheirunbelief,andtorebuketheirfears?Plainly,hecallsthemtotheconsiderationofhimself,bothwhoandwhatheiswithwhomtheyhadtodo,thattheymightexpectacceptanceandforgivenesssuchasdidbecomehim.Mindingthemofhispower,hisimmensity,hisinfinitewisdom,hisunchangeableness,alltheexcellenciesandpropertiesofhisnature,hedemandsofthemwhethertheyhavenotjustgroundtoexpectforgivenessandgraceabovealltheirthoughtsandapprehensions,becauseansweringtheinfinitelargenessofhisheart,fromwhenceitdothproceed.

AndMosesmanageththispleafortheforgivenessofthatpeopleunderahighprovocation,andamostseverethreateningoftheirdestructionthereon,Numb.14:17,18.HepleadsforpardoninsuchawayandmannerasmayanswerthegreatandgloriouspropertiesofthenatureofGod,andwhichwouldmanifestaninfinitenessofpowerandall-sufficiencytobeinhim.

This,Isay,isanencouragementingeneraluntobelievers.Wehave,asIhope,uponunquestionablegrounds,evincedthatthereisforgivenesswithGod;whichisthehingeonwhichturneththeissueofoureternalcondition.Nowthisislikehimself;suchasbecomeshim;thatanswerstheinfiniteperfectionsofhisnature;thatisexercisedandgivenforthbyhimasGod.Weareapttonarrowandstraitenitbyourunbelief,andtorenderitunbecomingofhim.HelessdishonoursGod(oraslittle),who,beingwhollyunderthepowerofthelaw,believesthatthereisnoforgivenesswithhim,nonetobeobtainedfromhim,ordothnotbelieveitthatsoitis,orissotobeobtained,—forwhichhehaththevoiceandsentenceofthelawtocountenancehim,—thanthosewho,beingconvincedoftheprinciplesandgroundsofitbeforementioned,andofthetruthofthetestimonygivenuntoit,doyet,bystraiteningandnarrowingofit,renderitunworthyofhimwhoseexcellenciesareallinfinite,andwhosewaysonthataccountareincomprehensible.If,then,weresolvetotreatwithGodaboutthismatter(whichisthebusinessnowinhand),letusdoitasitbecomeshisgreatness;thatis,indeed,asthewantsofoursoulsdorequire.Letusnotentangleourownspiritsbylimitinghisgrace.Thefatherofthechildpossessedwithadevil,beinginagreatagonywhenhecametoourSaviour,criesout,"Ifthoucanstdoanything,havecompassiononus,andhelpus,"Mark9:22.Hewouldfainbedelivered,butthematterwassogreatthathequestionedwhethertheLordChristhadeithercompassionorpowerenoughforhisrelief.Andwhatdidheobtainhereby?Nothingbuttheretardingofthecureofhischildforaseason;forourSaviourholdshimoffuntilhehadinstructedhiminthismatter.Saithhe,verse23,"Ifthoucanstbelieve,allthingsarepossibletohimthatbelieveth;"—"Mistakenot;ifthychildbenotcured,itisnotforwantofpowerorpityinme,butoffaithinthee.Mypowerissuchasrendersallthingspossible,sothattheybebelieved."Soitiswithmanywhowoulddesirouslybemadepartakersofforgiveness.Ifitbepossible,theywouldbepardoned;buttheydonotseeitpossible.Why,whereisthedefect?Godhathnopardonforthem,orsuchastheyare;andsoitmaybetheycomefinallyshortofpardon.What!becauseGodcannotpardonthem?—itisnotpossiblewithhim?Notatall;butbecausetheycannot,theywillnotbelieve,thattheforgivenessthatiswithhimissuchasthatitwouldanswerallthewantsoftheirsouls,becauseitanswerstheinfinitelargenessofhisheart.Andifthisdothnotwhollydeprivethemofpardon,yetitgreatlyretardstheirpeaceandcomfort.Goddothnottakeitwelltobelimitedbyusinanything,leastofallinhisgrace.Thishecallsatemptingofhim,aprovokingtemptation:Ps.78:41,"TheyturnedbackandtemptedGod,andlimitedtheHolyOneofIsrael."Thishecouldnotbearwith.IftherebeanypardonwithGod,itissuchasbecomeshimtogive.Whenhe

pardons,hewill"abundantlypardon."Gowithyourhalf-forgiveness,limited,conditionalpardons,withreservesandlimitations,untothesonsofmen;itmaybeitmaybecomethem,itislikethemselves;—thatofGodisabsoluteandperfect,beforewhichoursinsareasacloudbeforetheeastwindandtherisingsun.Henceheissaidtodothisworkwithhiswholeheartandhiswholesoul,χαρίζεσθαι,"freely,"bountifully,largelytoindulgeandforgiveuntousoursins,and"tocastthemintothedepthsofthesea,"Micah7:19,intoabottomlessocean,—anemblemofinfinitemercy.Rememberthis,poorsouls,whenyouaretodealwithGodinthismatter:"Allthingsarepossibleuntothemthatdobelieve."

Secondly,ThisforgivenessisinorwithGod,notonlysoasthatwemayapplyourselvesuntoitifwewill,forwhichhewillnotbeoffendedwithus,butsoalsoasthathehathplacedhisgreatgloryinthedeclarationandcommunicationofit;norcanwehonourhimmorethanbycomingtohimtobemadepartakersofit,andsotoreceiveitfromhim.Forthemostpart,weare,asitwere,readyrathertostealforgivenessfromGod,thantoreceivefromhimasonethatgivesitfreelyandlargely.Wetakeitupandlayitdownasthoughwewouldbegladtohaveit,soGoddidnot,asitwere,seeustakeit;forweareafraidheisnotwillingweshouldhaveitindeed.Wewouldstealthisfirefromheaven,andhaveashareinGod'streasuresandrichesalmostwithouthisconsent:atleast,wethinkthatwehaveitfromhim"ægrè,"withmuchdifficulty;thatitisrarelygiven,andscarcelyobtained;thathegivesitoutἑκὼνἀέκοντίγεθύμῳ,withakindofunwillingwillingness,—aswesometimesgivealmswithoutcheerfulness;andthathelosethsomuchbyusashegivethoutinpardon.Weareapttothinkthatweareverywillingtohaveforgiveness,butthatGodisunwillingtobestowit,andthatbecauseheseemstobealoserbyit,andtoforegothegloryofinflictingpunishmentforoursins;whichofallthingswesupposeheismostloathtopartwithal.Andthisistheverynatureofunbelief.Butindeedthingsarequiteotherwise.Hehathinthismatter,throughtheLordChrist,orderedallthingsinhisdealingswithsinners,"tothepraiseofthegloryofhisgrace,"Eph.1:6.Hisdesigninthewholemysteryofthegospelistomakehisgraceglorious,ortoexaltpardoningmercy.Thegreatfruitandproductofhisgraceisforgivenessofsinners.ThisGodwillrenderhimselfgloriousinandby.Allthepraise,glory,andworshipthathedesignsfromanyinthisworldistoredounduntohimbythewayofthisgrace,aswehaveprovedatlargebefore.Forthiscausesparedhetheworldwhensinfirstenteredintoit;forthiscausedidheprovideanewcovenantwhentheoldwasbecomeunprofitable;forthiscausedidhesendhisSonintotheworld.Thishathhetestifiedbyallthe

evidencesinsistedon.Wouldhehavelostthepraiseofhisgrace,nothinghereofwouldhavebeendoneorbroughtabout.

Wecan,then,nowaysoeminentlybringorascribegloryuntoGodasbyourreceivingforgivenessfromhim,hebeingwillingthereuntoupontheaccountofitstendencyuntohisownglory,inthatwaywhichhehathpeculiarlyfixedonforitsmanifestation.Hencetheapostleexhortsusto"comeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace,"Heb.4:16;thatis,withtheconfidenceoffaith,asheexpounds"boldness,"chap.10:19–22.Wecomeaboutabusinesswherewithheiswellpleased;suchashedelightsinthedoingof,asheexpressethhimself,Zeph.3:17,"TheLORDthyGodinthemidstoftheeismighty;hewillsave,hewillrejoiceovertheewithjoy;hewillrestinhislove,hewilljoyovertheewithsinging."ThisisthewayofGod'spardoning;hedothitinarejoicing,triumphantmanner,satisfyingabundantlyhisownholysoultherein,andrestinginhislove.Wehave,then,abundantencouragementtodrawnightothethroneofgrace,tobemadepartakersofwhatGodissowillingtogiveoutuntous.

AndtothisendservesalsotheoathofGod,beforeinsistedon,—namely,torootoutallthesecretreservesofunbeliefconcerningGod'sunwillingnesstogivemercy,grace,andpardonuntosinners.SeeHeb.6:17,18,whereitisexpressed.Therefore,thetendencyofourformerargumentis,notmerelytoprovethatthereisforgivenesswithGod,whichwemaybelieveandnotbemistaken,butwhichweoughttobelieve;itisourdutysotodo.Wethinkitourdutytopray,toheartheword,togivealms,tolovethebrethren,andtoabstainfromsin;andifwefailinanyofthese,wefindtheguiltofthemreflecteduponourconscience,untoourdisquietment:butwescarcethinkitourdutytobelievetheforgivenessofoursins.Itiswell,itmaybe,wethink,withthemthatcandoit;butwethinkitnottheirfaultwhodonot.Suchpersonsmaybepitied,but,aswesuppose,notjustlyblamed,no,notbyGodhimself.Whoseconsciencealmostisburdenedwiththisasasin,thathedothnot,asheought,believetheforgivenessofhissins?Andthisismerelybecausemenjudgeitnottheirdutysotodo;foranon-performanceofaduty,apprehendedtobesuch,willreflectontheconscienceasenseoftheguiltofsin.Butnowwhatcanberequiredtomakeanythingadutyuntousthatiswantinginthismatter?for,—

1.ThereisforgivenesswithGod,andthismanifested,revealed,declared.Thismanifestationofitisthatwhichmakesittheobjectofourfaith.WebelievethingstobeinGodandwithhim,notmerelyandformallybecausetheyareso,butbecausehehathmanifestedandrevealedthemsotobe,1John1:2.Whathe

sodeclaresitisourdutytobelieve,orwefrustratetheendofhisrevelation.

2.Weareexpresslycommandedtobelieve,andthatuponthehighestpromisesandunderthegreatestpenalties.Thiscommandisthatwhichmakesbelievingformallyaduty.Faithisagrace,asitisfreelywroughtinusbytheHolyGhost;therootofallobedienceandduties,asitisradicallyfixedintheheart;butasitiscommanded,itisaduty.Andthesecommands,youknow,areseveralwaysexpressed,byinvitations,exhortations,propositions;whichallhaveinthemthenatureofcommands,whichtakeupagreatpartofthebooksoftheNewTestament.

3.Itisaduty,aswehaveshowed,ofthegreatestconcernmentuntothegloryofGod.

4.Ofthegreatestimportanceuntooursoulshereandhereafter.Andthesethingswerenecessarytobeadded,tobottomourensuingexhortationsupon.

———

Evidencesthatmostmendonotbelieveforgiveness.

THATwhichshouldnowensueisthepeculiarimprovementofthistruth,allalongaimedat,—namely,togiveexhortationsandencouragementsuntobelieving;butIcantakefewstepsinthiswork,whereinmethinksIdonothearsomesaying,"Surelyallthisisneedless.Whoistherethatdothnotbelieveallthatyougoabouttoprove?andsothesepainsarespenttolittleornopurpose."Ishall,therefore,beforeIpersuadeanyuntoit,endeavourtoshowthattheydoitnotalready.Many,Isay,themostofmenwholiveunderthedispensationofthegospel,dowofullydeceivetheirownsoulsinthismatter.Theydonotbelievewhattheyprofessthemselvestobelieve,andwhattheythinktheybelieve.Mentalkof"fundamentalerrors;"thisistomethemostfundamentalerrorthatanycanfallinto,andthemostpernicious.Itismadeupofthesetwoparts:—1.Theydonotindeedbelieveforgiveness.2.Theysupposetheydobelieveit,whichkeepsthemfromseekingaftertheonlyremedy.Boththesemistakesareinthefoundation,anddoruinthesoulsofthemthatliveanddieinthem.Ishall,then,byabriefinquiry,putthismattertoatrial.Bysomeplainrulesandprinciplesmaythisimportantquestion,whetherwedoindeedbelieveforgivenessorno,beansweredanddecided.Buttotheresolutionintended,Ishallpremisetwoobservations:—

1.Meninthiscaseareveryapttodeceivethemselves.Self-love,vainhopes,likingoflust,commonfalseprinciples,sloth,unwillingnessuntoself-examination,reputationwiththeworld,anditmaybeinthechurch,allvigorouslyconcuruntomen'sself-deceivingsinthismatter.Itisnoeasythingforasoultobreakthroughallthese,andallself-reasoningsthatrisefromthem,tocomeuntoaclearjudgmentofitsownactingindealingwithGodaboutforgiveness.Menalsofindacommonpresumptionofthistruth,anditsbeinganeasyreliefagainstgripingsofconscienceanddisturbingthoughtsaboutsin,whichtheydailymeetwithal.Aiming,therefore,onlyattheremovaloftrouble,andfindingtheirpresentimaginationofitsufficientthereunto,theyneverbringtheirpersuasiontothetrial.

2.Asmenareapttodothus,sotheyactuallydoso;theydodeceivethemselves,andknownotthattheydoso.Thelastdaywillmakethisevident,ifmenwillnosoonerbeconvincedoftheirfolly.WhenourSaviourtoldhisdisciplesthatoneofthemtwelveshouldbetrayhim,thoughitwerebutoneoftwelvethatwasindanger,yeteveryoneofthetwelvemadeaparticularinquiryabouthimself.Iwillnotsaythatoneineachtwelveisheremistaken;butIamsuretheTruthtellsusthat"manyarecalled,butfewarechosen."Theyarebutfewwhodoreallybelieveforgiveness.Isitnot,then,incumbentoneveryonetobeinquiringinwhatnumberheislikelytobefoundatthelastday?Whilstmenputthisinquiryofffromthemselves,andthinkorsay,"Itmaybetheconcernmentofothers,itisnotmine,"theyperish,andthatwithoutremedy.RememberwhatpoorJacobsaidwhenhehadlostonechild,andwasafraidofthelossofanother:Gen.43:14,"IfIbebereavedofmychildren,Iambereaved."Asifheshouldhavesaid,"IfIlosemychildren,Ihavenomoretolose;theyaremyall.Nothingworsecanbefallmeinthisworld.Comfort,joy,yea,lifeandall,gowiththem."Howmuchmoremaymensayinthiscase,"Ifwearedeceivedhere,wearedeceived;allislost.Hope,andlife,andsoul,allmustperish,andthatforever!"Thereisnohelporreliefforthemwhodeceivethemselvesinthismatter.Theyhavefoundoutawaytogoquietlydownintothepit.

Now,thesethingsarepremisedonlythattheymaybeincentivesuntoself-examinationinthismatter,andsorendertheensuingconsiderationsuseful.Letus,then,addressourselvesuntothem:—

1.Ingeneral,Thisisagospeltruth;yea,thegreatfundamentalandmostimportanttruthofthegospel.Itistheturningpointofthetwocovenants,asGodhimselfdeclares,Heb.8:7–13.Now,averyeasyconsiderationofthewaysand

walkingsofmenwillsatisfyusastothisinquiry,whethertheydoindeedbelievethegospel,thecovenantofgrace,andthefundamentalprinciplesofit.Certainlytheirignorance,darkness,blindness,theircorruptaffections,andworldlyconversations,theirearthly-mindedness,andopendisavowingofthespirit,ways,andyokeofChrist,speaknosuchlanguage.Shallwethinkthatproud,heady,worldlyself-seekers,hatersofthepeopleofGodandhisways,despisersoftheSpiritofgraceandhiswork,saerificerstotheirownlusts,andsuchlike,dobelievethecovenantofgraceorremissionofsins?Godforbidweshouldentertainanyonethoughtofsogreatdishonourtothegospel!Whereverthatisreceivedorbelieveditproducethothereffects,Tit.2:11,12;Isa.11:6–9.It"teachethmentodenyallungodlinessandworldlylusts."Itchangeththeirhearts,natures,andways.Itisnotsuchabarren,impotent,andfruitlessthingassuchanapprehensionwouldrepresentit.

2.TheythatreallybelieveforgivenessinGoddotherebyobtainforgiveness.Believinggivesaninterestinit;itbringsithometothesoulconcerned.Thisistheinviolablelawofthegospel.Believingandforgivenessareinseparablyconjoined.Amongtheevidencesthatwemayhaveofanyonebeinginterestedinforgiveness,Ishallonlynameone,—theyprizeandvalueitabovealltheworld.Letusinquirewhatesteemandvaluationmanyofthosehaveofforgiveness,whoputitoutofallquestionthattheydobelieveit.Dotheylookuponitastheirtreasure,theirjewel,theirpearlofprice?Aretheysolicitousaboutit?Dotheyoftenlookandexaminewhetheritcontinuessafeintheirpossessionorno?Supposeamanhaveapreciousjewellaidupinsomeplaceinhishouse;supposeitbeuntohimasthepoorwidow'stwomites,allhersubstanceorliving;—willhenotcarefullyponderonit?willhenotfrequentlysatisfyhimselfthatitissafe?Wemayknowthatsuchahouse,suchfieldsorlands,donotbelonguntoaman,whenhepassethbythemdailyandtakethlittleornonoticeofthem.Now,howdomostmenlookuponforgiveness?whatistheircommondeportmentinreferenceuntoit?Aretheirheartscontinuallyfilledwith,thoughtsaboutit?Aretheysolicitousconcerningtheirinterestinit?Dotheyreckonthatwhilstthatissafeallissafewiththem?Whenitis,asitwere,laidoutofthewaybysinandunbelief,dotheygivethemselvesnorestuntilitbeafreshdiscovereduntothem?Isthistheframeofthemostofmen?TheLordknowsitisnot.Theytalkofforgiveness,butesteemitnot,prizeitnot,makenoparticularinquiriesafterit.Theyputittoanungroundedventurewhetherevertheybepartakersofitorno.Forareliefagainstsomepangsofconscienceitiscalledupon,orelsescarcethoughtofatall.

Letnotanysomindedflatterthemselvesthattheyhaveanyacquaintancewiththemysteryofgospelforgiveness.

3.Letitbeinquiredofthemwhopretenduntothispersuasionhowtheycamebyit,thatwemayknowwhetheritbeofHimwhocallethusorno;thatwemaytrywhethertheyhavebrokenthroughthedifficulties,intheentertainingofit,whichwehavemanifestedabundantlytolieinthewayofit.

WhenPeterconfessedourSaviourtobe"theChrist,theSonofthelivingGod,"hetoldhimthat"fleshandblooddidnotrevealthatuntohim,buthisFatherwhoisinheaven,"Matt.16:17.ItissowiththemwhoindeedbelieveforgivenessinGod:"fleshandbloodhathnotrevealedituntothem;"—ithathnotbeenfurtheredbyanythingwithinthemorwithoutthem,butallliesinoppositionuntoit."ThisistheworkofGod,thatwebelieve,"John6:29;—agreatwork,thegreatestworkthatGodrequirethofus.Itisnotonlyagreatthinginitself(thegraceofbelievingisagreatthing),butitisgreatinrespectofitsobject,orwhatwehavetobelieve,orforgivenessitself.ThegreathonourofAbraham'sfaithlayinthis,thatdeathsanddifficultieslayinthewayofit,Rom.4:18–20.Butwhatisadeadbodyandadeadwombtoanaccusingconscience,akillinglaw,andapprehensionsofaGodterribleasaconsumingfire?allwhich,aswasshowed,opposethemselvesuntoasoulcalledtobelieveforgiveness.

What,now,havethemostofmen,whoareconfidentintheprofessionofthisfaith,tosayuntothisthing?Letthemspeakclearly,andtheymustsaythatindeedtheyneverfoundtheleastdifficultyinthismatter;theyneverdoubtedofit,theyneverquestionedit,nordoknowanyreasonwhytheyshoulddoso.Itisathingwhichtheyhavesotakenforgrantedasthatitnevercostthemanhour'slabour,prayer,ormeditationaboutit.Havetheyhadsecretreasoningsandcontendingsintheirheartsaboutit?No.Havetheyconsideredhowtheobjectionsthatlieagainstitmayberemoved?Notatall.Butisitso,indeed,thatthispersuasionisthusbredinyou,youknownothow?Arethecorruptednaturesofmenandthegospelsosuited,socomplying?Isthenewcovenantgrownsoconnaturaltofleshandblood?IsthegreatestsecretthateverwasrevealedfromthebosomoftheFatherbecomesofamiliarandeasytothewisdomoftheflesh?IsthatwhichwasfollytothewiseGreeks,andastumbling-blocktothewonder-gazingJews,become,onasudden,wisdomandaplainpathtothesameprinciplesthatwereinthem?Butthetruthofthismatteris,thatsuchmenhaveageneral,useless,barrennotionofpardon,whichSatan,presumption,tradition,commonreports,andthecustomaryhearingoftheword,havefurnishedthem

withal;butforthatgospeldiscoveryofforgivenesswhereofwehavebeenspeaking,theyareutterlyignorantofitandunacquaintedwithit.Toconvincesuchpoorcreaturesofthefollyoftheirpresumption,Iwouldbutdesirethemtogotosomerealbelieversthatareormaybeknownuntothem.Letthembeaskedwhethertheycamesoeasilybytheirfaithandapprehensionsofforgivenessorno."Alas!"saithone,"thesetwentyyearshaveIbeenfollowingafterGod,andyetIhavenotarriveduntoanabidingcheeringpersuasionofit.""Iknowwhatitcostme,whattrials,difficulties,temptationsIwrestledwith,andwentthroughwithal,beforeIobtainedit,"saithanother."WhatIhaveattaineduntohathbeenofunspeakablemercy;anditismydailyprayerthatImaybepreservedinitbytheexceedinggreatnessofthepowerofGod,forIcontinuallywrestlewithstormsthatarereadytodrivemefrommyanchor."Alittleofthisdiscoursemaybesufficienttoconvincepoor,dark,carnalcreaturesofthefollyandvanityoftheirconfidence.

4.Therearecertainmeanswherebytherevelationanddiscoveryofthismysteryismadeuntothesoulsofmen.Bythesetheydoobtainit,ortheyobtainitnot.Themysteryitselfwasasecret,hiddeninthecounselofGodfrometernity;norwasthereanywaywherebyitmightberevealedbutbytheSonofGod,andthatisdoneinthewordofthegospel.If,then,yousayyouknowit,letusinquirehowyoucamesotodo,andbywhatmeansithathbeendeclareduntoyou.Haththisbeendonebyawordoftruth,—bythepromiseofthegospel?Wasitbypreachingoftheworduntoyou,orbyreadingofit,ormeditatinguponit?ordidyoureceiveitfromandbysomeseasonablewordoforfromtheScripturesspokenuntoyou?orhathitinsensiblygottengrounduponyourheartsandminds,uponthestrivingsandconflictsofyoursoulsaboutsin,fromthetruthwhereinyouhadbeeninstructedingeneral?orbywhatotherwaysormeanshaveyoucometothatacquaintancewithitwhereofyouboast?Youcantellhowyoucamebyyourwealth,yourgoldandsilver;youknowhowyoubecamelearned,orobtainedtheknowledgeofthemysteryofyourtrade,whotaughtyouinit,andhowyoucamebyit.Thereisnotanythingwhereinyouareconcernedbutyoucananswertheseinquiriesinareferenceuntoit.Thinkit,then,nogreatmatterifyouareputtoanswerthisquestionalso:—Bywhatwayormeanscameyoutotheknowledgeofforgivenesswhichyouboastof?Wasitbyanyofthosebeforementioned,orsomeother?Ifyoucannotanswerdistinctlytothesethings,onlyyousayyouhavehearditandbelievediteversinceyoucanremember(sothosesaidthatwentbeforeyou,sotheysaywithwhomyoudoconverse;younevermetwithanyonethatcalleditintoquestion,norheardofany,unlessitwereoneortwodespairingwretches),itwillbejustlyquestionedwhetheryou

haveanyportioninthismatterorno.Ifuncertainrumours,reports,generalnotions,lieatthebottomofyourpersuasion,donotsupposethatyouhaveanycommunionwithChristtherein.

5.Ofthemwhoprofesstobelieveforgiveness,howfewaretherewhoindeedknowwhatitis!Theybelieve,theysay;butastheSamaritansworshipped,—they"knownotwhat."Withsome,aboldpresumption,andcrying"Peace,peace,"goesforthebeliefofforgiveness.AgeneralapprehensionofimpunityfromGod,andthattheyaresinners,yettheyshallnotbepunished,passethwithothersatthesamerate.SomethinktheyshallprevailwithGodbytheirprayersanddesirestoletthemalone,andnotcastthemintohell.Onewayorothertoescapethevengeanceofhell,nottobepunishedinanotherworld,isthatwhichmenfixtheirmindsupon.Butisthisthatforgivenesswhichisrevealedinthegospel?thatwhichwehavebeentreatingabout?TheriseandspringofourforgivenessisintheheartandgraciousnatureofGod,declaredbyhisname.Haveyouinquiredseriouslyintothis?Haveyoustoodattheshoreofthatinfiniteoceanofgoodnessandlove?Haveyoursoulsfoundsupportmentandrelieffromthatconsideration?andhaveyourheartsleapedwithinyouwiththethoughtsofit?Or,ifyouhaveneverbeenaffectedinanespecialmannerherewithal,haveyouboweddownyoursoulsundertheconsiderationofthatsovereignactofthewillofGodthatisthenextspringofforgiveness;thatgloriousactingoffreegrace,thatwhenallmightjustlyhaveperished,allhavingsinnedandcomeshortofhisglory,Godwouldyethavemercyonsome?Haveyougivenupyourselvestothisgrace?Isthisanythingofthatyoudobelieve?Supposeyouarestrangerstothisalso;whatcommunionwithGodhaveyouhadaboutitinthebloodofChrist?Wehaveshowedhowforgivenessrelatesthereunto;howwayismadetherebyfortheexerciseofmercy,inaconsistencywiththegloryandhonourofthejusticeofGodandofhislaw;howpardonisprocuredandpurchasedthereby;withthemysteriousreconciliationofloveandlaw,andthenewdisposalofconscienceinitsworkanddutybyit.Whathaveyoutosaytothesethings?HaveyouseenpardonflowingfromtheheartoftheFatherthroughthebloodoftheSon?Haveyoulookeduponitasthepriceofhislifeandthepurchaseofhisblood?OrhaveyougeneralthoughtsthatChristdiedforsinners,andthatononeaccountorotherforgivenessrelatesuntohim,butarestrangerstothemysteryofthisgreatwork?Supposethisalso;letusgoalittlefarther,andinquirewhetheryouknowanythingthatyetremainsofthelikeimportanceinthismatter?Forgiveness,aswehaveshowed,ismanifested,tendered,exhibitedinthecovenantofgraceandpromisesofthegospel.Theruleoftheefficacyoftheseis,thattheybe"railedwithfaith,"Heb.4:2.Itiswellif

youaregrownuphereunto;butyouthatarestrangerstothethingsbeforementionedarenolesstothisalso.Uponthematter,youknownot,then,whatforgivenessis,norwhereinitconsists,norwhenceitcomes,norhowitisprocured,norbywhatmeansgivenoutuntosinners.Itistonopurposeforsuchpersonstopretendthattheybelievethatwhereunto,eithernotionallyorpractically,orboth,theyaresuchutterstrangers.

6.Anotherinquiryintothismatterregardsthestateandconditionwhereinsoulsmustbebeforeitbepossibleforthemtobelieveforgiveness.Iftherebesuchanestate,anditcanbeevincedthatverymanyofthepretendersconcerningwhomwedealwereneverbroughtintoit,itisthenevidentthattheyneitherdonorcanbelieveforgiveness,howevertheydoandmaydeludetheirownsouls;

IthathbeenshowedthatthefirstdiscoverythatwasmadeofpardoninggracewasuntoAdam,presentlyafterthefall.Whatwasthenhisstateandcondition?howwashepreparedforthereceptionofthisgreatmysteryinitsfirstdiscovery?Thatseemstobeaconsiderableruleofproceedinginthesamematter.Thatwhichisfirstinanykindisaruletoallthatfollows.Now,whatwasAdam'sconditionwhentherevelationofforgivenesswasfirstmadetohim?Itisknownfromthestory.Convincedofsin,afraidofpunishment,helaytremblingatthefootofGod:thenWasforgivenessrevealeduntohim.Sothepsalmiststatesit,Ps.130:3,"Ifthou,LORD,shouldestmarkiniquities,OLord,whoshallstand?"Fullofthoughtsheisofthedesertofsin,andofinevitableandeternalruin,incaseGodshoulddealwithhimaccordingtotheexigenceofthelaw.InthatstateisthegreatsupportofforgivenesswithGodsuggesteduntohimbytheHolyGhost.WeknowwhatworkourSaviourhadwiththePhariseesonthisaccount."Arewe,"saythey,"blindalso?""No,"saithhe;"yousayyousee,'thereforeyoursinremaineth,'"John9:40,41;—"Itistonopurposetotalkofforgivenesstosuchpersonsasyouare;youmustofnecessityabideinyoursins.Icamenottocallsuchrighteouspersonsasyouare,butsinnerstorepentance;whonotonlyareso,asyouarealso,andthattothepurpose,butaresensibleoftheirbeingso,andoftheirundoneconditionthereby.'Thewholehavenoneedofthephysician,butthesick.'Whilstyouareseemingrighteousandwhole,itistonoendtotellyouofforgiveness;youcannotunderstanditnorreceiveit."Itisimpossible,then,thatanyoneshould,inaduemanner,believeforgivenessinGod,unlessinaduemannerhebeconvincedofsininhimself.Ifthefallowgroundbenotbrokenup,itistonopurposetosowtheseedofthegospel.Thereisneitherlife,power,norsweetnessinthistruth,unlessadoorbeopenedforitsentrancebyconvictionofsin.

Letus,then,onthisgroundalso,continueourinquiryupontheordinaryboastersoftheirskillinthismystery.YoubelievethereisforgivenesswithGod?Yes.Buthaveyoubeenconvincedofsin?Yes.Youknowthatyouaresinnerswellenough.Answer,then,butoncemoreastothenatureofthisconvictionofsinwhichyouhave.Isitnotmadeupofthesetwoingredients;—1.Ageneralnotionthatyouaresinners,asallmenalsoare;2.Particulartroublesomereflectionsuponyourselves,whenonanyeruptionofsinconscienceaccuses,rebukes,condemns?Youwillsay,"Yes;whatwouldyourequiremore?"Thisisnottheconvictionweareinquiringafter:thatisaworkoftheSpiritbytheword;thisyouspeakof,amerenaturalwork,whichyoucannomorebewithoutthanyoucanceasetobemen.Thiswillgivenoassistanceuntothereceivingofforgiveness.But,itmaybe,youwillsayyouhaveproceededfartherthanso,andthesethingshavehadanimprovementinyou.Letus,then,alittletrywhetheryourprocesshasbeenaccordingtothemindofGod,andsowhetherthisinvinciblebarinyourwayberemovedorno;foralthougheveryconvincedpersondonotbelieveforgiveness,yetnoonewhoisnotconvinceddothso.Haveyou,then,beenmadesensibleofyourconditionbynature,whatitistobealienatedfromthelifeofGod,andto,beobnoxioustohiswrath?HaveyoubeenconvincedoftheuniversalenmitythatisinyourheartstothemindofGod,andwhatitistobeatenmityagainstGod?Haththeunspeakablemultitudeofthesinsofyourlivesbeensetinorderbythelawbeforeyou?AndhaveyouconsideredwhatitisforsinnersasyouaretohavetodealwitharighteousandaholyGod?HaththeHolyGhostwroughtaseriousrecognitioninyourheartsofallthesethings,andcausedthemtoabidewithyouanduponyou?Ifyouwillanswertruly,youmustsay,manyofyou,thatindeedyouhavenotbeensoexercised.Youhaveheardofthesethingsmanytimes,buttosaythatyouhavegonethroughwiththiswork,andhavehadexperienceofthem,thatyoucannotdoThen,Isay,youarestrangerstoforgiveness,becauseyouarestrangersuntosin.Butandifyoushallsaythatyouhavehadthoughtstothispurpose,andarepersuadedthatyouhavebeenthoroughlyconvincedofsin,Ishallyetaskyouonequestionmore:Whateffectshathyourconvictionproducedinyourheartsandlives?Haveyoubeenfilledwithperplexitiesandconsternationofspiritthereupon?haveyouhadfears,dreads,orterrors,towrestlewithal?Itmaybeyouwillsay,"No;"norwillIinsistuponthatinquiry.ButthisIdealwithyouin:Hathitfilledyouwithself-loathingandabhorrency,withself-condemnationandabasement?Ifitwilldoanything,thisitwilldo.Ifyoucomeshorthere,itisjustlytobefearedthatallyourotherpretencesareofnovalue.Now,wherethereisnoworkofconvictionthereisnofaithofforgiveness,whateverispretended.Andhowmanyvainboastersthisswordwillcutoffisevident.

7.Wehaveyetagreaterevidencethanallthese.Menliveinsin,andthereforetheydonotbelieveforgivenessofsin.Faithingeneral"purifiestheheart,"Acts15:9;our"soulsarepurifiedinobeyingthetruth,"1Pet.1:22.Andthelifeismadefruitfulbyit:James.2:22,"Faithworkethbyworks,"andmakesitselfperfectbythem.Andthedoctrineconcerningforgivenesshathaspecialinfluenceintoallholiness:Tit.2:11,12,"ThegraceofGodthatbringethsalvation,teachethusthatdenyingungodlinessandworldlylusts,weshouldlivesoberly,righteously,andgodly,inthispresentworld."Andthatisthegracewhereofwespeak.Nomancan,then,believeforgivenessofsinwithoutadetestationandrelinquishmentofit.Thegroundofthismightbefarthermanifested,andthewayoftheefficacyoffaithofforgivenessuntoaforsakingofsin,ifneedwere;butallthatownthegospelmustacknowledgethisprinciple.Therealbeliefofthepardonofsinisprevalentwithmennottolivelongerinsin.

Butnow,whatarethegreatestnumberofthosewhopretendtoreceivethistruth?Aretheirheartspurifiedbyit?Aretheirconsciencespurged?Aretheirliveschanged?Dothey"denyungodlinessandworldlylusts?"Dothforgivenessteachthemsotodo?Havetheyfounditeffectualtothesepurposes?Whenceisit,then,thatthereissuchableatingandbellowingtothecontraryamongstthem?

Someofyouaredrunkards,someofyouswearers,someofyouuncleanpersons,someofyouliars,someofyouworldly,someofyouhatersofallthewaysofChrist,andallhisconcernmentsupontheearth;proud,covetous,boasters,self-seekers,envious,wrathful,backbiters,malicious,praters,slanderers,andthelike.Andshallwethinkthatsuchasthesebelieveforgivenessofsin?Godforbid.Again;someofyouaredark,ignorant,blind,utterlyunacquaintedwiththemysteryofthegospel,nordoatallmakeityourbusinesstoinquireintoit.Eitheryouhearitnotatall,ornegligently,slothfully,customarily,tonopurpose.Letnotsuchpersonsdeceivetheirownsouls;toliveinsinandyettobelievetheforgivenessofsinisutterlyimpossible.Christwillnotbeaministerofsin,norgivehisgospeltobeadoctrineoflicentiousnessforyoursakes;norshallyoubeforgiventhatyoumaybedeliveredtodomoreabominations.Godforbid.

IfanyshallsaythattheythankGodtheyarenosuchpublicansasthosementioned,theyarenodrunkards,noswearers,nouncleanpersons,northelike,sothattheyarenotconcernedinthisconsideration(theirlivesandtheirdutiesgiveanotheraccountofthem),thenyetconsiderfarther,thatthePhariseeswereallthatyousayofyourselves,andyetthegreatestdespisersofforgivenessthat

everwereintheworld;andthatbecausetheyhatedthelight,onthisaccount,thattheirdeedswereevil.Andforyourdutiesyoumention,what,Ipray,istherootandspringofthem?Aretheyinfluencedfromthisfaithofforgivenessyouboastoforno?Mayitnotbefearedthatitisutterlyotherwise?Youdonotperformthembecauseyoulovethegospel,butbecauseyoufearthelaw.Ifthetruthwereknown,Idoubtitwouldappearthatyougetnothingbyyourbelievingofpardonbutanencouragementuntosin.Yourgoodness,suchasitis,springsfromanotherroot.Itmaybe,also,thatyouwardyourselvesbyitagainstthestrokesofconscienceortheguiltofparticularsins;thisisasbadastheother.Itisasgoodbeencourageduntosintocommitit,asbeencouragedundersinsoastobekeptfromhumiliationforit.Noneunderheavenaremoreremotefromthebeliefofgraceandpardonthansuchpersonsare;alltheirrighteousnessisfromthelaw,andtheirsininagreatmeasurefromthegospel.

8.Theythatbelieveforgivenessinaduemanner,believeitfortheendsandpurposesforwhichitisrevealedofGod.Thiswillfartherimproveandcarryontheformerconsideration.IfGodrevealsanythingforoneendandpurpose,andmenuseitquiteuntoanother,theydonotreceivethewordofGod,norbelievethethingrevealed,butstealthewordanddeludetheirownsouls.

Letus,then,weightowhatendsandpurposesthisforgivenesswasfirstrevealedbyGod,forwhichalsoitsmanifestationisstillcontinuedinthegospel.Wehaveshowedbeforewhoitwastowhomthisrevelationwasfirstmade,andwhatconditionhewasinwhenitwassomadeuntohim.Alost,wretchedcreature,withouthopeorhelphewas;howheshouldcometoobtainacceptancewithGodheknewnot.GodrevealsforgivenessuntohimbyChristtobehisall.TheintentionofGodinitwas,thatasinner'sallshouldbeofgrace,Rom.11:6.Ifanythingbeaddeduntoitforthesameendandpurpose,then"graceisnomoregrace."Again;Godintendeditasanewfoundationofobedience,oflove,andthankfulness.Thatmenshouldlovebecauseforgiven,andbeholybecausepardoned,asIhaveshowedbefore,—thatitmightbetherighteousnessofasinner,andaspringofnewobedienceinhim,alltothepraiseofgrace,—wereGod'sendsinitsrevelation.

Ourinquiry,then,is,Whethermendoreceivethisrevelationasuntotheseends,anduseitforthesepurposes,andtheseonly?Imightevincethecontrary,bypassingthroughthegeneralabusesofthedoctrineofgracewhicharementionedintheScriptureandcommonintheworld;butitwillnotbeneedful.Insteadofbelieving,themostofmenseemtoputastudieddespiteonthegospel.They

eitherproclaimittobeanunholyandpollutedway,byturningitsgraceintolasciviousness,oraweakandinsufficientway,bystrivingtotwistitinwiththeirownrighteousness;bothwhichareanabominationuntotheLord.

Fromtheseandsuchotherconsiderationsofthelikeimportanceasmightbeadded,itisevidentthatourwordisnotinvain,northeexhortationwhichistobebuiltuponit.Itappearsthatnotwithstandingthegreatnoiseandpretencestothispurposethatareintheworld,theyarebutfewwhoseriouslyreceivethisfundamentaltruthofthegospel,—namely,thatthereisforgivenesswithGod.Poorcreaturessportthemselveswiththeirowndeceivings,andperishbytheirowndelusions.

———

ExhortationuntothebeliefoftheforgivenessthatiswithGod—Reasonsforit,andthenecessityofit.

WEshallnowproceeduntothedirectusesofthisgreattruth;forhavinglaidourfoundationinthewordthatwillnotfail,andhavinggiven,aswehope,sufficientevidenceuntothetruthofit,ourlastworkistomakethatimprovementofituntothegoodofthesoulsofmenwhichallalongwasaimedat.Thepersonsconcernedinthistruthareallsinnerswhatever.Nosortofsinnersareunconcernedinit,noneareexcludedfromit.Andwemaycastthemallundertwoheads:—

First,Suchasneveryetsincerelyclosedwiththepromiseofgrace,norhaveeveryetreceivedforgivenessfromGodinawayofbelieving.Thesewehavealreadyendeavouredtoundeceive,andtodiscoverthosefalsepresumptionswherebytheyareapttoruinanddestroytheirownsouls.Thesewewouldguidenowintosafeandpleasantpaths,whereintheymayfindassuredrestandpeace.

Secondly,Otherstherearewhohavereceivedit,butbeingagainentangledbysin,orcloudedbydarknessandtemptations,orweakenedbyunbelief,knownothowtoimproveittotheirpeaceandcomfort.Thisistheconditionofthesoulrepresentedinthispsalm,andwhichweshallthereforeapplyourselvesuntoinanespecialmannerinitsproperplace.

Ourexhortation,then,isuntoboth:—tothefirst,thattheywouldreceiveit,thattheymayhavelife;tothelatter,thattheywouldimproveit,thattheymayhavepeace;—totheformer,thattheywouldnotoverlook,disregard,orneglectso

greatsalvationasistendereduntothem;tothelatter,thattheywouldstirupthegraceofGodthatisinthem,tomixwiththegraceofGodthatisdeclareduntothem.

Ishallbeginwiththefirstsort,—thosewhoareyetutterstrangersfromthecovenantofgrace,whoneveryetuponsavinggroundsbelievedthisforgiveness,whoneveryetoncetastedofgospelpardon.Poorsinners!thiswordisuntoyou.

Beitthatyouhaveheardorreadthesamewordbefore,orotherslikeuntoit,tothesamepurpose,—itmaybeoften,itmaybeahundredtimes,—itisyourconcernmenttohearitagain;Godwouldhaveitso;thetestimonyofJesusChrististhustobeaccomplished.This"counselofGod"wemust"declare,"thatwemaybe"purefromthebloodofallmen,"Acts20:26,27;andthatnotonceortwice,butinpreachingthewordwemustbe"instantinseason,outofseason;reproving,rebuking,exhortingwithalllong-sufferinganddoctrine,"2Tim.4:2.Andforyou,woeuntoyouwhenGodleavesthusspeakinguntoyou!whenherefusethtoexhortyouanymore,woeuntoyou!ThisisGod'sdeparturefromanypersonorpeople,whenhewilldealwiththemnomoreaboutforgiveness;andsaithhe,"WoetothemwhenIdepartfromthem!"Hos.9:12.OthatGod,therefore,wouldgiveuntosuchpersonsseeingeyesandhearingears,thatthewordofgracemaynevermorebespokenuntotheminvain!

Now,inourexhortationtosuchpersons,weshallproceedgradually,accordingasthematterwillbear,andthenatureofitdothrequire.Consider,therefore,—

First,Thatnotwithstandingallyoursins,alltheevilthatyourownheartsknowyoutobeguiltyof,andthathiddenmassoreviltreasureofsinwhichisinyou,whichyouarenotabletolookinto;notwithstandingthatchargethatliesuponyoufromyourownconsciences,andthatdreadfulsentenceandcurseofthelawwhichyouareobnoxiousunto;notwithstandingallthejustgroundsthatyouhavetoapprehendthatGodisyourenemy,andwillbesountoeternity;—yettherearetermsofpeaceandreconciliationprovidedandproposedbetweenhimandyoursouls.This,inthefirstplace,isspokenoutbythewordwehaveinsistedon.Whateverelseitinformsusof,thisitpositivelyasserts,—namely,thatthereisawaywherebysinnersmaycometobeacceptedwithGod;for"thereisforgivenesswithhim,thathemaybefeared."Andwehopethatwehavenotconfirmeditbysomanytestimonies,bysomanyevidences,invain.Now,thatyoumayseehowgreataprivilegethisis,andhowmuchyourconcernmentliesinit,consider,—

1.Thatthisbelongsuntoyouinanespecialmanner;itisyourpeculiaradvantage.

Itisnotsowiththeangelsthatsinned.Therewereneveranytermsofpeaceorreconciliationproposeduntothem,norevershallbe,untoeternity.Thereisnowayofescapeprovidedforthem.Havingoncesinned,asyouhavedoneathousandtimes,God"sparedthemnot,butcastthemdowntohell,anddeliveredthemintochainsofdarkness,tobereserveduntojudgment,"2Pet.2:4.

Itisnotsowiththemthataredeadintheirsins,ifbutonemomentpast.Ah!howwouldmanysoulswhoaredeparted,itmaybenotanhoursince,outofthisworld,rejoiceforaninterestinthisprivilege,thehearingoftermsofpeace,oncemore,betweenGodandthem!Buttheirtimeispast,theirhouseisleftuntothemdesolate.Asthetreefalleth,soitmustlie:"Itisappointeduntomenoncetodie,andafterthisthejudgment,"Heb.9:27.Afterdeaththerearenotermsofpeace,nothingbutjudgment."Theliving,theliving,"healoneiscapableofthisadvantage.

Itisnotsowiththemtowhomthegospelisnotpreached.Godsuffersthemtowalkintheirownways,andcallsthemnotthustorepentance.Thetermsofreconciliationwhichsomefancytobeofferedintheshiningofthesunandfallingoftherain,neverbroughtsoulstopeacewithGod.Lifeandimmortalityarebroughttolightonlybythegospel.Thisisyourprivilegewhoyetlive,andyethavethewordsoundinginyourears.

ItisnotthuswiththemwhohavesinnedagainsttheHolyGhost,thoughyetalive,andlivingwherethewordofforgivenessispreached.Godproposethuntothemnotermsofreconciliation."Blasphemyagainsthim,"saithChrist,"shallnotbeforgiven,"Matt.12:31.Thereisnoforgivenessforsuchsinners;andwe,ifweknewthem,oughtnottoprayforthem,1John5:16.Theirsinis"untodeath."AndwhatnumbermaybeinthisconditionGodknows.

Thisword,then,isuntoyou;thesetermsofpeaceareproposeduntoyou.Thisisthatwhichinanespecialmanneryouaretoapplyyourselvesunto;andwoeuntoyouifyoushouldbefoundtohaveneglecteditatthelastday!Wherefore,consider,—

2.Bywhomthesetermsareproposeduntoyou,andbywhomtheywereprocuredforyou.Bywhomaretheyproposed?Whoshallundertaketoumpire

thebusiness,thecontroversybetweenGodandsinners?Nocreature,doubtless,iseithermeetorworthytointerposeinthismatter,—Imean,originallyonhisownaccount;for"whohathknownthemindoftheLord,orwhohathbeenhiscounsellor?"Wherefore,itisGodhimselfwhoproposeththeseterms;andnotonlyproposeththem,butinvites,exhorts,andpersuadesyoutoacceptofthem.ThisthewholeScripturestestifyunto.Itisfullyexpressed,2Cor.5:18–20.Hehathprovidedthem,hehathproposedthem,andmakesuseonlyofmen,ofministers,toactinhisname.Andexcuseusifwearealittleearnestwithyouinthismatter.Alas!ourutmostthatwecan,byzealforhisgloryorcompassionuntoyoursouls,raiseourthoughts,minds,spirits,wordsunto,comesinfinitelyshortofhisownpressingearnestnessherein.SeeIsa.55:1–4.Oh,infinitecondescension!Oh,blessedgrace!Whoisthisthatthusbespeaksyou?Heagainstwhomyouhavesinned,ofwhomyouarejustlyafraid;hewhoselawsyouhavebroken,andwhosenameyouhavedishonoured;hewhoneedsnotyou,noryourlove,noryourfriendship,noryoursalvation!Itishewhoproposethuntoyouthesetermsofreconciliationandpeace!Considertheexhortationoftheapostleuponthisconsideration:Heb.12:25,"Seethatyerefusenothimthatspeakethfromheaven."ItisGodthatspeaksuntoyouinthismatter,andhespeaksuntoyoufromheaven.Andhedoththereinforegoalltheadvantagethathehathagainstyouforyourdestruction.Woewouldbeuntoyoursouls,andthatforever,ifyoushouldrefusehim.

3.Bywhomwerethesetermsprocuredforyou?andbywhatmeans?Donotthinkthatthismatterwasbroughtaboutbychance,orbyanordinaryundertaking.RememberthattheproposalmadeuntoyouthisdaycostnolessthanthepriceofthebloodoftheSonofGod.Itisthefruitofthetravailofhissoul.Forthisheprayed,hewept,hesuffered,hedied.Andshallitnowbeneglectedordespisedbyyou?Willyouyetaccountthebloodofthecovenanttobeacommonthing?Willyouexcludeyourselvesfromallbenefitofthepurchaseoftheseterms,andonlyleaveyoursoulstoanswerforthecontemptofthepricewherebytheywerepurchased?

4.Considerthatyouaresinners,greatsinners,cursedsinners;someofyou,itmaybe,worsethaninnumerableofyourfellow-sinnerswerewhoarenowinhell.Godmightlongsincehavecastyouoffeverlastinglyfromallexpectationofmercy,andhavecausedallyourhopestoperish;orhemighthaveleftyoualive,andyethaverefusedtodealwithyouanymore.Hecouldhavecausedyoursuntogodownatnoon-day,andhavegivenyoudarknessinsteadofvision.Hecouldrespiteyourlivesforaseason,andyet"swearinhiswraththatyou

shouldneverenterintohisrest."Itisnowotherwise.Howlongitmaybeso,noryounorIknowanythingatall.Godonlyknowswhatwillbeyourtime,whatyourcontinuance.Wearetospeakwhilstitiscalled"To-day."AndthisisthatforthepresentwhichIhavetoofferuntoyou:—Goddeclaresthatthereisforgivenesswithhim,thatyourconditionisnotdesperatenorhelpless.Thereareyettermsofpeaceproposeduntoyou.Methinksitcannotbutseemstrangethatpoorsinnersshouldnotattheleaststirupthemselvestoinquireafterthem.Whenapoormanhadsoldhimselfofoldandhischildrentobeservants,andpartedwiththelandofhisinheritanceuntoanother,becauseofhispoverty,withwhatheartdoyouthinkdidhehearthesoundofthetrumpetwhenitbegantoproclaimtheyearofjubilee,whereinheandallhisweretogooutatliberty,andtoreturnuntohispossessionandinheritance?Andshallnotpoorservantsofsin,slavesuntoSatan,thathaveforfeitedalltheirinheritanceinthisworldandthatwhichistocome,attenduntoanyproclamationoftheyearofrest,oftheacceptableyearoftheLord?AndthisisdoneinthetenderoftermsofpeacewithGodinthismatter.Donotputitoff;thisbelongsuntoyou;thegreatconcernmentofyoursoulsliesinit.Anditisagreatmatter;forconsider,—

5.ThatwhentheangelscametobringthenewsofthebirthofourLordJesus,theysay,"Webringyougoodtidingsofgreatjoy,whichshallbetoallpeople,"Luke2:10.Whatarethesejoyfultidings?whatwasthematterofthisreport?Why,"ThisdayisbornaSaviour,ChristtheLord,"verse11.Itisonlythis,"ASaviourisborn;awayofescapeisprovided,"andfarthertheydonotproceed.Yetthistheysayisamatterof"greatjoy;"asitwasindeed.Itissotoeveryburdened,convincedsinner,amatterofunspeakablejoyandrejoicing.Oh,blessedwords!"ASaviourisborn!"Thisgiveslifetoasinner,andopens"adoorofhopeinthevalleyofAchor,"thefirstrescueofasin-distressedsoul.Uponthematter,itwasallthatthesaintsformanyageshadtoliveupon;andthatnotintheenjoyment,butonlytheexpectation.Theylivedonthatword,"Theseedofthewomanshallbreaktheserpent'shead;"thatis,awayofdeliveranceisprovidedforsinners.Thiswithall"diligencetheyinquiredinto,"1Pet.1:10–12;andimprovedittotheireternaladvantage.Asofold,Jacob,whenhesawthewaggonsthathissonJosephhadsenttobringhimuntohim,itissaidhisspirit"revived;"sodidtheyupontheirobscurediscoveryofawayofforgiveness.TheylookeduponthepromiseofitasthatwhichGodhadsenttobringthemuntohim;andtheysawthedayofthecomingofChristinit,andrejoiced.Howmuchmorehavesinnersnowreasonsotodo,whenthesubstanceofthepromiseisexhibited,andthenewsofhiscomingproclaimeduntothem!This,then,isagreatmatter,—namely,thattermsofpeaceandreconciliationareproposed,in

thatitismadeknownthatthereisforgivenesswithGod.Upontheseconsiderations,then,wepursuethatexhortationwhichwehaveinhand.

Ifanyofyouwerejustlycondemnedtoacruelandshamefuldeath,andlaytremblingintheexpectationoftheexecutionofit,andamandesignedforthatpurposeshouldcomeuntohimandtellhimthatthereweretermspropoundedonwhichhislifemightbespared,onlyhecameawaylikeAhimaazbeforeheheardtheparticulars;—woulditnotbearevivinguntohim?Wouldhenotcryout,"Pray,inquirewhattheyare;forthereisnotanythingsodifficultwhichIwillnotundergotofreemyselffromthismiserablecondition?"Woulditnotchangethewholeframeofthespiritofsuchaman,and,asitwere,putnewlifeintohim?Butnow,if,insteadhereof,heshouldbefroward,stubborn,andobstinate,takenonoticeofthemessenger,orsay,"Letthejudgekeephistermstohimself,"withoutinquiringwhattheyare,thathewouldhavenothingtodowiththem;—wouldnotsuchapersonbedeemedtoperishdeservedly?Dothhenotbringadoubledestructionuponhimself,—firstofdeservingdeathbyhiscrimes,andthenbyrefusingthehonestandgoodwayofdeliverytendereduntohim?Iconfessitoftentimesfallsoutthatmenmaycometoinquireafterthesetermsofpeace,which,whentheyarerevealed,theylikethemnot,but,withtheyoungmaninthegospel,theygoawaysorrowful:thecursedwickednessandmiseryofwhichcondition,whichbefallsmanyconvincedpersons,shallbespokenuntoafterwards;atpresentIspeakuntothemwhoneveryetattendedinsincerityuntotheseterms,norseriouslyinquiredafterthem.Thinkyouwhatyoupleaseofyourconditionandofyourselves,orchoosewhetheryouwillthinkofitorno,—passyourtimeinafullregardlessnessofyourpresentandfutureestate,—yet,indeed,thusitiswithyouastoyoureternalconcerns:youlieunderthesentenceofabitter,shameful,andeverlastingdeath;youhavedonesointhemidstofallyourjollity,eversinceyoucameintothisworld;andyouareinthehandofHimwhocan,inthetwinklingofaneye,destroybothbodyandsoulinhell-fire.Inthisstateandconditionmenaresentonpurposetoletyouknowthattherearetermsofpeace,thereisyetawayofescapeforyou;andthatyoumaynotavoidtheissueaimedat,theytellyouthatGod,thatcannotlie,hathcommandedthemtotellyouso.Ifyouquestionthetruthofwhattheysay,theyarereadytoproducetheirwarrantunderGod'sownhandandseal.Here,then,isnoroomfortergiversationorexcuses.Certainly,ifyouhaveanycareofyoureternalestate,ifyouhaveanydropoftenderbloodrunninginyourveinstowardsyourownsouls,ifyouhaveanyrationalconsiderationsdwellinginyourminds,ifallbenotdefacedandobliteratedthroughthepoweroflustandloveofsin,youcannotbuttakeyourselvestobeunspeakablyconcernedinthisproposal.Butnow,if,

insteadhereof,yougiveupyourselvesuntothepowerofunbelief,thewillofSatan,theloveofyourlustsandthispresentworld,soastotakenonoticeofthiserrandormessagefromGod,noronceseriouslytoinquireafterthenatureandimportanceofthetermsproposed,canyouescape?shallyoubedelivered?willyourlatterendbepeace?TheLordknowsitwillbeotherwisewithyou,andthatuntoeternity.

Sotheapostleassuresus,2Cor.4:3,4,"Ifourgospelbehid,itishidtothemthatarelost:inwhomthegodofthisworldhathblindedthemindsofthemthatbelievenot,lestthelightofthegloriousgospelofChrist,whoistheimageofGod,shouldshineuntothem."Ifyoureceivenotthisword,ifitbehidfromyou,itisfromthepowerandefficacyofSatanuponyourminds.Andwhatwillbetheend?Perishyoumustandshall,andthatforever.

RemembertheparableofourSaviour:Luke14:31,32,"Whatking,goingtomakewaragainstanotherking,sittethnotdownfirst,andconsultethwhetherhebeablewithtenthousandtomeethimthatcomethagainsthimwithtwentythousand?orelse,whiletheotherisyetagreatwayoff,hesendethanambassage,anddesirethconditionsofpeace."Thatwhichheteachethinthisparableis,thenecessitythatliesonusofmakingpeacewithGod,whomwehaveprovoked,andjustlymadetobeourenemy;asalsoourutterimpotencytoresistandwithstandhimwhenheshallcomeforthinawayofjudgmentandvengeanceagainstus.Buthereliesadifferenceinthismatter,suchasisallowedinallsimilitudes.Amongstmenatvariance,itisnothispartwhoisthestronger,andsecureofsuccess,tosendtotheweaker,whomhehathinhispower,toacceptoftermsofpeace.Hereitisotherwise:God,whoisinfinitelypowerful,justlyprovoked,andabletodestroypoorsinnersinamoment,whennowheisnotveryfaroff,butattheverydoor,sendshimselfanambassagewithconditionsofpeace.Andshallheberefusedbyyou?willyouyetneglecthisoffers?Howgreat,then,willbeyourdestruction!

Hear,then,oncemore,poorsin-hardened,senselesssouls,yestout-hearted,thatarefarfromrighteousness.IsitnothinguntoyouthatthegreatandholyGod,whomyehaveprovokedallyourdays,andwhomyouyetcontinuetoprovoke,—whohathnottheleastneedofyouoryoursalvation,—whocan,whenhepleaseth,eternallyglorifyhimselfinyourdestruction,—shouldofhisownaccordsenduntoyou,toletyouknowthatheiswillingtobeatpeacewithyouonthetermshehadprepared?Theenmitybeganonyourpart,thedangerisonyourpartonly,andhemightjustlyexpectthatthemessageforpeaceshould

beginonyourpartalso;buthebeginswithyou.Andshallheberejected?Theprophetwellexpresseththis,Isa.30:15,"ThussaiththeLordGOD,theHolyOneofIsrael;Inreturningandrestshallyebesaved;inquietnessandinconfidenceshallbeyourstrength:andyewouldnot."Theloveandcondescensionthatisinthesewords,ontheonehand,onthepartofGod,andthefollyandingratitudementionedinthemontheotherhand,isinexpressible.Theyarefearfulwords,"Butyewouldnot."Rememberthisagainstanotherday.AsourSavioursays,inthelikemanner,totheJews,"Yewillnotcometome,thatyemighthavelife."Whateverispretended,itiswillandstubbornnessthatlieatthebottomofthisrefusal.

Wherefore,thateitheryoumayobtainadvantagebyit,orthatthewayoftheLordmaybepreparedfortheglorifyingofhimselfuponyou,Ishallleavethiswordbeforeallthemthathearorreadit,asthetestimonywhichGodrequirestobegivenuntohisgrace.TherearetermsofpeacewithGodprovidedforandtendereduntoyou.ItisyetcalledTo-day;hardennotyourheartslikethemofold,whocouldnotenterintotherestofGodbyreasonofunbelief,Heb.3:19.Someofyou,itmaybe,areoldinsinsandunacquaintedwithGod;someofyou,itmaybe,havebeengreatsinners,scandaloussinners;andsomeofyou,itmaybe,havereasontoapprehendyourselvesnearthegrave,andsoalsotohell;someofyou,itmaybe,haveyourconsciencesdisquietedandgalled;anditmaybesomeofyouareundersomeoutwardtroublesandperplexities,thatcauseyoualittletolookaboutyou;andsomeofyou,itmaybe,areinthemadnessofyournaturalstrengthandlusts,—"yourbreastsarefullofmilkandyourbonesofmarrow,"andyourheartsofsin,pride,andcontemptofthewaysofGod.Allisone:thiswordisuntoyouall;andIshallonlymindyouthat"itisafearfulthingtofallintothehandsofthelivingGod."Youhearthevoiceorreadthewordsofapoorworm;butthemessageisthemessage,andthewordistheword,ofHimwhoshakethheavenandearth.Consider,then,wellwhatyouhavetodo,andwhatansweryouwillreturnuntoHimwhowillnotbemocked.

Butyouwillsay,"Why,whatgreatmatteristherethatyouhaveinhand?Whyisiturgedwithsomuchearnestness?Wehaveheardthesamewordsahundredtimesover.ThelastLord'sdaysuchaone,orsuchaone,preachedtothesamepurpose;andwhatneeditbeinsistedonnowagainwithsomuchimportunity?"

Butisitso,indeed,thatyouhavethusfrequentlybeendealtwithal,anddoyetcontinueinanestateofirreconciliation?Myheartispainedforyou,tothinkofyourwofulandalmostremedilesscondition.If"hethatbeingoftenreproved,

andyethardenethhisneck,shallsuddenlybedestroyed,andthatwithoutremedy,"Prov.29:1,howmuchmorewillhebesowho,beingofteninviteduntopeacewithGod,yethardenethhisheart,andrefusethtotreatwithhim!MethinksIhearhisvoiceconcerningyou:"Thosemineenemies,theyshallnottasteofthesupperthatIhaveprepared."Beit,then,thatthewordinhandisacommonworduntoyou,yousetnovalueuponit,—thentakeyourwayandcourseinsin;stumble,fall,andperish.Itisnotsoslightamattertopoorconvincedsinners,thattrembleatthewordofGod.Thesewillprizeitandimproveit.Weshallfollow,then,thatcounsel,chap.31:6,"Givestrongdrinkuntohimthatisreadytoperish,andwineuntothosethatbeofheavyhearts."Weshalltenderthisnewwineofthegospeltopoor,sad-hearted,conscience-distressedsinners,—sinnersthatarereadytoperish:tothemitwillbepleasant;theywilldrinkofitandforgettheirpoverty,andremembertheirmiserynomore.Itshalltakeawayalltheirsorrowandsadness,whenyoushallbedrunkwiththefruitofyourlusts,andspue,andliedownandnotriseagain.

Butnow,ifanyofyoushallbegintosayinyourheartsthatyouwouldwillinglytreatwithGod,—"Ohthatthedaywerecomewhereinwemightapproachuntohim!lethimspeakwhathepleaseth,andproposewhattermshepleaseth,wearereadytohear,"—thenconsider,—

Secondly,Thatthetermsprovidedforyou,andproposeduntoyou,areequal,holy,righteous,yea,pleasantandeasy.Thisbeinganothergeneralheadofourworkinhand,beforeIproceedtothefartherexplicationandconfirmationofit,Ishalleduceoneortwoobservationsfromwhathathbeendeliveredonthefirst;as,—

1.Seehereonwhatfoundationwepreachthegospel.ManydisputestherearewhetherChristdiedforallindividualsofmankindorno.Ifwesay,"No,butonlyfortheelect,whoaresomeofallsorts;"somethentelluswecannotinviteallmenpromiscuouslytobelieve.Butwhyso?Weinvitenotmenasallmen,nomanasoneofallmen,butallmenassinners;andweknowthatChristdiedforsinners.Butisthisthefirstthingthatweare,inthedispensationofthegospel,toproposetothesoulofasinnerunderthelaw,thatChristdiedforhiminparticular?Isthatthebeginningofourmessageuntohim?Werenotthisareadywaytoinducehimtoconclude,"Letme,then,continueinsin,thatgracemayabound?"—No;butthisisinorderofnatureourfirstwork,eventhatwhichwehavehadinhand;thisisthe"beginningofthegospelofJesusChrist;"thisis"thevoiceofonecryinginthewilderness,Prepareyethewayofthe

Lord:"—"Thereisawayofreconciliationprovided.'GodisinChristreconcilingtheworldtohimself.'Thereisawayofacceptance;thereisforgivenesswithhimtobeobtained."AtthisthresholdoftheLord'shousedoththegreatestpartofmentowhomthegospelispreachedfallandperish,neverlookingintoseethetreasuresthatareinthehouseitself,nevercomingintoanysuchstateandconditionwhereintheyhaveanygroundorbottomtoinquirewhetherChristdiedfortheminparticularorno.Theybelievenotthisreport,nortakeanyseriousnoticeofit.ThiswastheministryoftheBaptist,andtheywhoreceiveditnot"rejectedthecounselofGod"concerningthen:salvation,Luke7:10,andsoperishedintheirsins.ThisisthesumoftheblessedinvitationgivenbyWisdom,Prov.9:1–5.Andheremenstumble,fall,andperish,chap.1:29,30.

2.Youthathavefoundgraceandfavourtoacceptoftheseterms,andtherebytoobtainpeacewithGod,learntoliveinaholyadmirationofhiscondescensionandlovetherein.Thathewouldprovidesuchterms;thathewouldrevealthemuntoyou;thathewouldenableyoutoreceivethem;—unspeakableloveandgraceliesinitall.Manyhavenotthesetermsrevealeduntothem;fewfindfavourtoacceptofthem.Andofwhomisitthatyouhaveobtainedthispeculiarmercy?

Doyouarightconsiderthenatureofthismatter?TheScriptureproposethitasanobjectofeternaladmiration:"SoGodlovedtheworld;""Hereinislove,notthatwelovedGod,butthathelovedus"first.Liveinthisadmiration,anddoyourutmost,inyourseveralcapacities,toprevailwithyourfriends,relations,acquaintance,tohearkenafterthisgreattreatyofpeacewithGod,whosetermsweshallnextlyconsider,asbeforeingeneraltheywereexpressed.

Secondly,Thetermsprovidedforyou,andproposeduntoyou,areequal,holy,righteous,yea,pleasantandeasy,Hos.2:18,19.Theyarenotsuchasacursed,guiltysinnermightjustlyexpect,butsuchasaremeetforaninfinitelygoodandgraciousGodtopropose;—notsuitedtothewisdomofman,butfullofthe"wisdomofGod,"2Cor.2:6,7.Thepoor,convincedwretchthinkingofdealingwithGod,Micah6:6,7,rollsinhismindwhattermsheisliketomeetwithal;andfixesonthemostdreadful,difficult,andimpossiblethatcanbeimagined."If,"saithhe,"anythingbedonewiththisgreatandmosthighGod,itmustbeby'rivers,''thousands,'and'tenthousands,'children,'first-born;'whateverisdreadfulandterribletonature,whateverisimpossibleformetoperform,thatisitwhichhelooksfor."Butthematterisquiteotherwise.Thetermsarewhollyofanothernature:itisawayofmeremercy,awayoffreeforgiveness.Theapostle

laysitdown,Rom.3:21–26.Itisawayofpropitiation,ofpardon,offorgivenessinthebloodofChrist;thetermsare,theacceptanceoftheforgivenessthatwehavedescribed.Whowouldnotthink,now,thatthewholeworldwouldrunintobemadepartakersoftheseterms,willinglyacceptingofthem?Butitprovesforthemostpartquiteotherwise.Menlikenotthisway,ofallothers."Ithadbeensomething,"saysNaaman,"iftheprophethadcomeanddonesoandso;butthis,'Gowash,andbeclean,'Idonotlikeit;Iambutdeluded."Menthinkwithinthemselves,thathaditbeensomegreatthingthatwasrequiredofthemthattheymightbesaved,theywouldwithallspeedaddressthemselvesthereunto;buttocometoGodbyChrist,tobefreelyforgiven,withoutmoreado,theylikeitnot.Somerigid,austerepenances,somecompensatoryobedience,somesatisfactorymortificationorpurgatory,hadbeenamorelikelyway.Thisofmerepardoninandbythecross,itisbutfolly,1Cor.1:18,20."Ihadrather,"saiththeJew,"haveit'asitwerebytheworksofthelaw,'Rom.9:32,10:3.ThiswayofgraceandforgivenessIlikenot."Sosayothersalso;sopractiseotherseveryday.Eitherthiswayiswhollyrejected,oritismendedbysomeadditions;whichwithGodisallonewiththerejectionofit.

Heremultitudesofsoulsdeceivethemselvesandperish.Iknownotwhetheritbemoredifficulttopersuadeanunconvincedpersontothinkofanyterms,oraconvincedpersontoacceptofthese.Letmensaywhattheywill,andpretendwhattheyplease,yetpracticallytheylikenotthiswayofforgiveness.Ishallthereforeoffersomesubservientconsiderations,tendingtothefurtheranceofyoursoulsintheacceptanceofthetermsproposed:—

1.Thisistheway,thesearethetermsofGod'sownchoosing;hefoundoutthisway,heestablishedithimself.Hediditwhenallwaslostandundone.Hedidit,notuponourdesire,request,orproposal,butmerelyofhisownaccord;andwhyshouldwecontendwithhimaboutit?IfGodwillhaveussavedinawayofmeremercyandforgiveness,ifhiswisdomandsovereigntybeinit,shallweopposehim,andsaywelikeitnot?Yetthisisthelanguageofunbelief,Rom.10:3.ManypoorcreatureshavedisputeditwithGod,untilatlength,beingoverpoweredasitwerebytheSpirit,[they]havesaid,"Ifitmustbeso,andGodwillsaveusbymercyandgrace,letitbeso;weyieldourselvestohiswill;"andyetthroughouttheirdisputesdreamedofnothingbutthattheirownunworthinessonlykeptthemfromclosingwiththepromiseofthegospel.

OfthisnaturewasthatwayofSatanwherebyhedeceivedourfirstparentsoftheirinterestinthecovenantofworks."Thetermsofit,"saithhe,"as

apprehendedbyyou,areunequal.'Yea,hathGodsaid,Yeshalleatofeverytreeofthegarden,butofthetreeofknowledgeofgoodandevilyeshallnoteat,lestyedie?'Come;'yeshallnotdie:forGoddothknowthatinthedayyeeatthereofthenyoureyesshallbeopened.'Thereisnoproportionbetweenthedisobedienceandthethreatening;theissuecannotbesuchasisfeared."Andbythesemeansheruinedthem.Thus,also,heproceedstodeprivesoulsoftheirinterestinthecovenantofgrace,whereuntotheyareinvited:"Thetermsofitareunequal,howcananymanbelievethem?Thereisnoproportionbetweentheobedienceandthepromise.Tohavepardon,forgiveness,life,andablessedeternity,onbelieving!—whocanrestinit?"AndhereliesaconspiracybetweenSatanandunbelief,againstthewisdom,goodness,love,grace,andsovereigntyofGod.Thepoisonofthisdeceitliesinthis,thatneithertherighteousnessnorthemercyofGodisofthatinfinitenessasindeedtheyare.Theapostle,toremovethisfondimagination,callsustothepleasureofGod:1Cor.1:21,"ItpleasedGodbythefoolishnessofpreaching,"—thatis,bythegospelpreached,whichtheyesteemedfoolishness,—"tosavethemthatbelieve."Hesufferedmen,indeed,tomaketrialofotherways;andwhentheirinsufficiencyfortheendsmenproposedtothemselveswassufficientlymanifested,itpleasedhimtorevealhisway.Andwhatarewe,thatweshouldcontendaboutitwithhim?Thisrejectionofthewayofpersonalrighteousness,andchoosingthewayofgraceandforgiveness,Godasserts:Jer.31:31–34,"Behold,thedayscome,saiththeLORD,thatIwillmakeanewcovenantwiththehouseofIsrael,andwiththehouseofJudah:notaccordingtothecovenantthatImadewiththeirfathers"(inwhichadministrationofthecovenant,asfarasithadrespectuntotypicalmercies,muchdependedontheirpersonalobedience):"butthisshallbethecovenantthatIwillmakewiththehouseofIsrael;Afterthosedays,saiththeLORD,Iwillputmylaw,"etc.,"forIwillforgivetheiriniquity,andIwillremembertheirsinnomore."Let,then,thiswaystand,andthewayofman'swisdomandself-righteousnessperishforever.

2.ThisisthewaythataboveallotherstendsdirectlyandimmediatelytothegloryofGod.Godhathmanagedandorderedallthingsinthiswayofforgiveness,soas"nofleshshouldgloryinhispresence,"butthat"hethatgloriethshouldgloryintheLord,"1Cor.1:29,31."Whereisboastingthen?Itisexcluded.Bywhatlaw?bythelawofworks?Nay;butbythelawoffaith,"Rom.3:27.ItmightbeeasilymanifestedthatGodhathsolaidthedesignofsavingsinnersbyforgivenessaccordingtothelawoffaith,thatitisutterlyimpossiblethatanysoulshould,onanyaccountwhatever,havetheleastgroundofgloryingorboastinginitself,eitherabsolutelyorincomparisonwiththem

thatperish."IfAbraham,"saiththesameapostle,"werejustifiedbyworks,hehadwhereoftoglory;butnotbeforeGod,"chap.4:2.Theobedienceofworkswouldhavebeensoinfinitelydisproportionatetothereward,whichwasGodhimself,thattherehadbeennogloryingbeforeGod,butthereinhisgoodnessandgracemustbeacknowledged;yetincomparisonwithotherswhoyieldednottheobediencerequired,hewouldhavehadwhereintoglory:butnowthisalsoiscutoffbythewayofforgiveness,andnopretenceisleftforanytoclaimtheleastshareinthegloryofitbutGodalone.Andhereinliestheexcellencyoffaith,thatit"givesglorytoGod,"chap.4:20;thedenialwhereof,undervariouspretences,istheissueofproudunbelief.AndthisisthatwhichGodwillbringallunto,ortheyshallperish,—namely,thatshamebeours,andthewholegloryofoursalvationbehisalone.Soheexpressethhisdesign,Isa.45:22–25.Verse22,heproposethhimselfastheonlyreliefforsinners:"Lookuntome,"saithhe,"andbesaved,alltheendsoftheearth."Butwhatifmentakesomeothercourse,andlookwelltothemselves,andsodeclinethiswayofmeremercyandgrace?Why,saithhe,verse23,"Ihaveswornbymyself,thewordisgoneoutofmymouthinrighteousness,andshallnotreturn,Thatuntomeeverykneeshallbow,everytongueshallswear."Lookyouuntothat,"ButIhaveswornthatyoushalleitherdoso,oransweryourdisobedienceatthedayofjudgment;"whereuntoPaulappliesthosewords,Rom.14:11.Whatdothesaintshereupon?Isa.45:24,25,"Surely,shallonesay,intheLORDhaveIrighteousnessandstrength.IntheLORDshallalltheseedofIsraelbejustified,andshallglory."Theybringtheirheartstoacceptofallrighteousnessfromhim,andtogiveallgloryuntohim.

Godatfirstplacedmaninablessedstateandcondition,—insuchadependenceonhimselfasthathemighthavewroughtouthiseternalhappinesswithagreatreputationofgloryuntohimself."Manbeinginthishonour,"saiththepsalmist,"abodenot."Godnowfixesonanotherway,asIsaid,whereinallthegloryshallbehisown,astheapostleatlargesetsitforth,Rom.3:21–26.Now,neitherthewayfromwhichAdamfell,northatwhereinsomeoftheangelscontinued,whichforthesubstancewerethesame,istobecomparedwiththisofforgiveness,astothebringinggloryuntoGod.IhatecuriositiesandconjecturesinthethingsofGod,yet,upontheaccountoftheinterpositionofthebloodofChrist,IthinkImayboldlysaytherecomesmoreglorytoGodbysavingonesinnerinthiswayofforgiveness,thaningivingtherewardofblessednesstoalltheangelsinheaven:soseemsittoappearfromthatsolemnrepresentationwehaveoftheascriptionofglorytoGodbythewholecreation,Rev.5:9–14.AllcentresinthebringingforthforgivenessbythebloodoftheLamb.

Iinsistthemoreonthis,becauseitliessodirectlyagainstthatcursedprincipleofunbeliefwhichreignsintheheartsofthemost,andoftendisquietsthebest.Thatapoorungodlysinner,goingtoGodwiththeguiltofallhissinsuponhim,toreceiveforgivenessathishand,dothbringmoregloryuntohimthantheobedienceofanangel,menarenotoverreadytothink,norcanbepreparedforitbutbyitself.AndtheformalnatureofthatunbeliefwhichworkethinconvincedsinnersliesinarefusaltogiveuntoGodthewholegloryofsalvation.Therearemanyhurtfulcontroversiesinreligionthataremanagedintheworldwithgreatnoiseandclamour,butthisisthegreatestandmostperniciousofthemall;anditisforthemostpartsilentlytransactedinthesoulsofmen,althoughundervariousformsandpretences.Ithathalsobrokenforthinwritingsanddisputations;—thatis,whetherGodormanshallhavethegloryofsalvation;orwhetheritshallwhollybeascribeduntoGod,orthatmanalso,ononeaccountorother,maycomeinforashare.Now,ifthisbethestateandconditionwithanyofyou,thatyouwillratherperishthanGodshouldhavehisglory,whatshallwesaybut,"Go,yecursedsouls,perishforever,withouttheleastcompassionfromGod,oranythatlovehim,angelsormen."

Ifyoushallsay,foryourpartyouarecontentedwiththiscourse,—letGodhavetheglory,soyoumaybeforgivenandsaved;thereisyetjustcausetosuspectlestthisbeaselfishcontemptofGod.ItisagreatthingtogivegloryuntoGodbybelievinginaduemanner.Suchslightreturnsseemnottohavetheleastrelationuntoit.Takeheedthat,insteadofbelieving,youbenotfoundmockers,andsoyourbandsbemadestrong.

Butapoorconvincedsinnermayherefindencouragement.ThouwouldstwillinglycometoacquaintancewithGod,andsoattainsalvation?"Oh,mysoullongethforit!"WouldstthouwillinglytakethatcoursefortheobtainingthoseendswhichwillbringmostgloryuntoGod?"SurelyitismeetandmostequalthatIshoulddoso."What,now,ifoneshouldcomeandtelltheefromtheLordofawaywherebythou,poor,sinful,self-condemnedcreature,mightstbringasmuchgloryuntoGodasanyangelinheavenisabletodo?"Oh,ifImightbringtheleastgloryuntoGod,Ishouldrejoiceinit!"Behold,then,thewaywhichhimselfhathfixedonfortheexaltationofhisglory,eventhatthoushouldstcometohimmerelyupontheaccountofgraceinthebloodofChristforpardonandforgiveness;andtheLordstrengthentheetogiveupthyselfthereunto!

3.Considerthatifthiswayofsalvationberefused,thereisnootherwayforyou.Wedonotproposethiswayofforgivenessasthebestandmostpleasant,butas

theonlyway.ThereisnoothernamegivenbutthatofChrist;nootherwaybutthisofforgiveness.Hereliesyourchoice;takethispath,orperishforever.Itisashame,indeed,untoourcursednaturethatthereshouldbeanyneedtousethisargument,—thatwewillneithersubmittoGod'ssovereigntynordelightinhisglory;butseeingitmustbeused,letitbeso.Iintendneithertoflattermennortofrightenthem,buttotellthemthetruthasitis.Ifyoucontinueinyourpresentstateandcondition;ifyourestonwhatyoudoorwhatyouhopetodo;ifyousupportyourselveswithgeneralhopesofmercy,mixedwithyourownendeavoursandobedience;ifyoucomenotuptoathoroughgospel-closurewiththiswayofGod;ifyoumakeitnotyourall,givingglorytoGodtherein,—perishyouwill,youmust,andthattoeternity.Thereremainsnosacrificeforyoursins,norwayofescapeforyoursouls.Youhavenot,then,onlytheexcellencyofthiswaytoinviteyou,buttheabsolute,indispensablenecessityofthiswaytoenforceyou.Andnow,letmeaddthatIamgladthiswordisspoken,iswrittenuntoyou.YouandImustonedaybeaccountableforthisdiscourse.Thatwordthathathalreadybeenspoken,ifneglected,willproveasoretestimonyagainstyou.Itwillnotarewithyouaswithothermenwhohavenotheardthejoyfulsound.Allthosewordsthatshallbefoundconsonanttothegospel,iftheyarenotturnedtograceinyourheartshere,willturnintotormentintoyoursoulshereafter.Choosenotanyotherway;itwillbeinrainforyou;itwillnotprofityou.Andtakeheedlestyousupposeyouembracethiswaywhenindeedyoudonot;aboutwhichIhavegivencautionbefore.

4.Thiswayisfreeandopenforanduntosinners.Hethatfledtothecityofrefugemightwellhavemanyperplexedthoughts,whetherheshouldfindthegatesofitopeneduntohimorno,andwhethertheavengerofbloodmightnotovertakeandslayhimwhilstshewascallingforentrance.Orifthegateswerealwaysopen,yetsomecrimesexcludedmenthence,Numb.35:16.Itisnotsohere,Acts13:38,39.

ThisisthevoiceofGod,eventheFather:"Come,"saithhe,"tothemarriage,forallthingsareprepared,"—nofearofwantofentertainment,Matt.22:4;whencethepreachersofthegospelaresaidinhissteadtobeseechmentobereconciled,2Cor.5:20.And

ItisthevoiceoftheSon:"Whosoever,"saithhe,"comethtoGodbyme,'Iwillinnowisecastout,'"John6:37.Whoeverhebethatcomesshallassuredlyfindentertainment.Thesameishiscallandinvitationinotherplaces,asMatt.11:28;John7:37.And

ThisisthevoiceoftheSpirit,andofthechurch,andofallbelievers:Rev.22:17,"TheSpiritandthebridesay,Come.Andlethimthathearethsay,Come.Andlethimthatisathirstcome.Andwhosoeverwill,lethimtakethewateroflifefreely."Allcentreinthis,thatsinnersmaycomefreelytothegraceofthegospel.And

Itistheknownvoiceofthegospelitself,asIsa.55:1–3;Prov.9:1–5.And

Itisthevoiceofallthesaintsinheavenandearth,whohavebeenmadepartakersofforgiveness;theyalltestifythattheyreceiveditfreely.

Some,indeed,endeavourtoabusethisconcurrenttestimonyofGodandman.WhatisspokenofthefreedomofthegraceofGod,theywouldwresttothepowerofthewillofman;buttherichesandfreedomofGod'smercydonotintheleastinterferewiththeefficacyofhisgrace.ThoughheproclaimpardoninthebloodofChristindefinitely,accordingtothefulnessandexcellencyofit,yethegivethouthisquickeninggracetoenablementoreceiveitashepleaseth;forhehathmercyonwhomhewillhavemercy.Butthisliesinthethingitself;thewayisopenedandprepared,anditisnotbecausemencannotenter,butbecausetheywillnot,thattheydonotenter.AsourSaviourChristtellsthePharisees,"YethereforehearnotGod'sword,becauseyearenotofGod,"John8:47,6:44;sohedoth,"Yewillnotcometomethatyemighthavelife,"John5:40.Intheneglectandinadvertencyofthemostexcusable,thereisapositiveactoftheirwillputforthintherefusingofChristandgracebyhim;andthisisdonebymenunderthepreachingofthegospeleveryday.ThereisnothingthatatthelastdaywilltendmoreimmediatelytotheadvancementofthegloryofGod,intheinexcusablenessofthemwhoobeynotthegospel,thanthis,thattermsofpeace,intheblessedwayofforgiveness,werefreelytendereduntothem.Somethathearorreadthiswordmayperhapshavelivedlongunderthedispensationofthewordofgrace,andyetitmaybehaveneveronceseriouslyponderedonthiswayofcomingtoGodbyforgivenessthroughthebloodofChrist,butthinkthatgoingtoheavenisathingofcourse,thatmenneednotmuchtroublethemselvesabout.Dotheyknowwhattheyhavedone?Hitherto,alltheirdays,theyhavepositivelyrefusedthesalvationthathathbeenfreelytendereduntotheminJesusChrist.Notthey,theywillsay;theyneverhadsuchathought,norwouldforallthisworld.Butbeitknownuntoyou,inasmuchasyouhavenoteffectuallyreceivedhim,youhaverefusedhim;andwhetheryourdayandseasonbepastorno,theLordonlyknows.

5.Thiswayissafe.Nosoulevermiscarriedinit.Thereisnoneinheavenbutwillsayitisasafeway;thereisnoneinhellcansayotherwise.Itissafetoallthatventureonitsoastoenterintoit.Intheoldwayweweretopreserveourselvesandtheway;thispreservesitselfandus.Thiswillbemadeevidentbytheensuingconsiderations:—

(1.)Thisisthewaywhich,inthewisdom,care,andloveofGodinChrist,wasprovidedintheroomofanother,removedandtakenoutofthewayforthiscauseandreason,becauseitwasnotsafenorcouldbringusuntoGod:Heb.8:7,8,"Forifthefirstcovenanthadbeenfaultless,thenshouldnoplacehavebeensoughtforthesecond.Butfindingfaultwiththem,hesaith,"etc.And,—

[1.]Hetellsusthatthefirstcovenantwasnotfaultless;forifithad,therewouldhavebeennoneedofasecond.The"commandment,"indeed,whichwasthematterofthatcovenant,thesameapostleinformsustobe"holy,andjust,andgood,"Rom.7:12.Butthiswasfaultyastoallendsofacovenant,consideringourstateandconditionassinners;itcouldnotbringusuntoGod.Soheacquaintsus,chap.8:3,"Itwasweakthroughtheflesh,"—thatis,bytheentranceofsin,—andsobecameunusefulastothesavingofsouls.Beitso,then:throughoursinanddefaultthisgoodandholylaw,thiscovenant,wasmadeunprofitableuntous;butwhatwasthatuntoGod?washeboundtodeserthisowninstitutionandappointment,becausethroughourowndefaultitceasedtobeprofitableuntous?Notatall.Hemightrighteouslyhavetiedusalluntothetermsofthatcovenant,tostandorfallbythemuntoeternity;buthewouldnotdoso.But,—

[2.]Inhisloveandgracehe"findsfaultwithit,"Heb.8:8;notinitselfandabsolutely,butonlysofarasthathewouldprovideanotherway,whichshouldsupplyallitsdefectsandwantsinreferencetotheendaimedat.Whatwaythatistheapostledeclaresinthefollowingversestotheendofthatchapter.Thesumis,verse12,"Iwillbemercifultotheirunrighteousness,andtheirsinsandtheiriniquitieswillIremembernomore."Itisthewayofpardonandforgiveness.Thisissubstitutedintheroomofthatinsufficientwaythatwasremoved.

Letusconsider,then,whethertheinfinitelywiseandholyGod,pursuinghispurposeofbringingsoulsuntohimself,—layingasideonewayofhisownappointmentasuselessandinfirm,becauseofthecominginofsin,againstwhichtherewasnorelieffoundinit,andsubstitutinganotherwayintheroomofit,—wouldnotprovidesuchaoneasshouldbeabsolutelyfreefromthefaultsandinconvenienceswhichhechargeduponthatwhichhedidremove.That

whichalonerenderedtheformerwayfaultywassin;itcoulddoanythingbutsaveasinner.This,then,wastobe,andis,principallyprovidedagainstinthiswayofforgiveness.AndweseeherehowclearlyGodhathsevered,yea,andinthismatteropposed,thesetwothings,—namely,thewayofpersonalrighteousnessandthewayofforgiveness.Hefindsfaultwiththefirst.Whatthendothhedo?whatcoursedothhetake?Dothhemendit,takefromitwhatseemstoberedundant,mitigateitsseverity,andsupplyitwhereitwaswantingbyforgiveness,andsosetitupanew?This,indeed,isthewaythatmanyproceedintheirnotions,andthemostintheirpractice;butthisisnotthewayofGod.Hetakestheoneutterlyaway,andestablishestheotherinitsplace.Andmen'sendeavourstomixthemwillbefoundoflittleusetothematthelast.IcanhavenogreatexpectationfromthatwhichGodpronouncedfaulty.

(2.)Theunchangeableprinciplesandfoundationsthatthiswayisbuiltuponrenderitsecureandsafeforsinners;for,—

[1.]ItisfoundedonthepurposeofGod:Gal.3:8,"TheScriptureforeseeingthatGodwouldjustifytheheathenthroughfaith."Godwoulddoso;hehadpurposedanddeterminedtoproceedthisway;andallthepurposesofGodareattendedwithimmutability.And,—

[2.]Hispromisealsoisengagedinit,andthatgivenoutinthewayofacovenant,ashathbeenalreadydeclared.And,—

[3.]Thispromiseisconfirmedbyanoath;anditmaybeobserved,thatGoddothnotinanythinginterposewithanoath,butwhatrelatestothiswayofcomingtohimselfbyforgiveness;fortheoathofGod,whereveritisused,respectetheitherChristtypicallyorpersonally,orthecovenantestablishedinhim;for,—

[4.]Thiswayisconfirmedandratifiedinhisblood;fromwhencetheapostleatlargeevincethitsabsolutesecurityandsafety,Heb9.Whateversoul,ontheinvitationunderconsideration,shallgiveuphimselftocometoGodbythewayproposed,heshallassuredlyfindabsolutepeaceandsecurityinit.Neitherourownweaknessorfollyfromwithin,northeoppositionofanyorallourenemiesfromwithout,shallbeabletoturnusoutofthisway.SeeIsa.35:4–10.

(3.)Intheotherway,everyindividualpersonstandsuponhisownbottom,andmustdosotothelastandutmostofhiscontinuanceinthisworld.YouaredesiroustogountoGod,toobtainhisfavour,andcometoanenjoymentofhim.

Whatwillyoudo,whatcoursewillyoufixupon,fortheobtainingoftheseends?Ifyouweresoholy,soperfect,sorighteous,sofreefromsinasyoucoulddesire,youshouldhavesomeboldnessingoinguntoGod.Why,ifthisbethewayyoufixupon,takethisalongwithyou:Youstanduponyourownpersonalaccountallyourdays:andifyoufailintheleast,youaregoneforever;"forwhosoevershallkeepthewholelaw,andyetoffendinonepoint,heisguiltyofall,"James2:10.Andwhatpeacecanyoupossiblyobtain,wereyouasholyaseveryouaimedordesiredtobe,whilstthisisyourcondition?ButinthiswayofforgivenessweallshallstandupontheaccountofonecommonMediator,inwhomweare"complete,"Col.2:10.Andawantofadueimprovementofthistruthisagreatprincipleofdisconsolationtomanysouls.Supposeamanlookuponhimselfasloosedfromthecovenantofworks,whereinexactandperfectrighteousnessisrigidlyrequired,andtobecalleduntogospel,evangelicalobedience,tobeperformedintheroomthereofinsincerityandintegrity;yetifhebenotclearedinthisalso,thathestandsnotinthiswaypurelyonhisownaccount,hewillneverbeabletomakehiscomfortsholdouttotheendofhisjourney.Therewillbefoundinthebestofmensomanyparticularfailings,aswillseemindifficultseasonstoimpeachtheirintegrity;andsomanyquestioningswillafterarise,throughthedarknessoftheirmindsandpoweroftheirtemptations,aswillgivebutlittlerestuntotheirsouls.Hereliesthegreatsecurityofthisway,—weabideinitontheaccountofthefaithfulnessandabilityofourcommonMediator,JesusChrist.

Andthisisanotherconsideration,strengtheningourinvitationtoaclosurewiththewayofcominguntoGodunderproposal.Thereisnothingwantingthatisneedfultogiveinfalliblesecuritytoanysoulthatshallventurehimselfintoitanduponit.Therearetermsofpeaceproposed,asyouhaveheard.Thesetermsareexcellent,andholy,andchosenofGod,tendingtotheinterestofhisglory;—free,safe,andsecureuntosinners.Whathathanysoulintheworldtoobjectagainstthem?orwhereindomenreposetheirtrustandconfidenceintheneglectofthissogreatsalvation?Isitintheirlustsandsins,thattheywillyieldthemasmuchsatisfactionandcontentmentastheyshallneedtodesire?Alas!theywillruinthem,andbringforthnothingbutdeath.Isitintheworld?Itwilldeceivethem;thefigureofitpassethaway.Isitintheirdutiesandrighteousness?Theywillnotrelievethem;for,didtheyfollowthelawofrighteousness,theycouldnotobtaintherighteousnessofthelaw.Isitinthecontinuanceoftheirlives?Alas!itisbutashadow,"avapourthatappearethforalittlewhile."Isitinafutureamendmentandrepentance?Hellisfullofsoulsperishingundersuchresolutions.Onlythiswayofpardonremains;andyetofallothersismost

despised!ButyetIhaveoneconsiderationmoretoaddbeforeIfartherenforcetheexhortation.

6.Considerthatthisistheonlywayandmeanstoenableyouuntoobedience,andtorenderwhatyoudothereinacceptableuntoGod.Itmaybethatsomeofyouareunderthepowerofconvictions,andhavemadeengagementsuntoGodtoliveuntohim,tokeepyourselvesfromsin,andtofollowafterholiness.Itmaybeyouhavedonesoinafflictions,dangers,sicknesses,oruponreceiptofmercies.Butyetyoufindthatyoucannotcomeuntostabilityorconstancyinyourcourse,—youbreakwithGodandyourownsouls;whichfillsyouwithnewdisquietments,orelsehardensyouandmakesyousecureandnegligent,sothatyoureturnuntoyourpurposesnooftenerthanyourconvictionsorafflictionsbefallyouanew.Thisconditionisruinousandpernicious,whichnothingcandeliveryoufrombutthisclosingwithforgiveness;for,—

(1.)Allthatyoudowithoutthis,howeveritmaypleaseyourmindsoreaseyourconsciences,isnotatallacceptedwithGod.Unlessthisfoundationbelaid,allthatyoudoislost;—allyourprayers,allyourduties,allyouramendments,areanabominationuntotheLord.Untilpeaceismadewithhim,theyarebuttheactsofenemies,whichhedespisethandabhorreth.Yourun,itmaybeearnestly,butyourunoutoftheway;youstrive,butnotlawfully,andshallneverreceivethecrown.Truegospelobedienceisthefruitofthefaithofforgiveness.Whateveryoudowithoutitisbutabuildingwithoutafoundation,acastleintheair.Youmayseetheorderofgospelobedience,Eph.2:7–10.Thefoundationmustbelaidingrace,richesofgracebyChrist,—inthefreepardonandforgivenessofsin.Fromhencemusttheworksofobedienceproceed,ifyouwouldhavethemtobeofGod'sappointment,orfindacceptancewithhim.WithoutthisGodwillsayofallyourservices,worship,obedience,ashedidtotheIsraelitesofold,Amos5:21–23,"Idespiseall,rejectitall."Itisnottohimnortohisglory.Now,ifyouareunderconvictionsofanysort,thereisnothingyoumorevalue,nothingyoumoreplaceyourconfidencein,thanyourduties,yourrepentance,youramendment,whatyoudo,andwhatingoodtimeyouwillbe.Isitnothinguntoyoutoloseallyourhopesandallyourexpectationswhichyouhavefromhence;tohavenootherreceptionwithGodthanifallthiswhileyouhadbeenwallowinginyoursinsandlusts?Yetthusitiswithyou.IfyouhavenotbegunwithGodonhisownterms,ifyouhavenotreceivedtheatonementinthebloodofhisSon,ifyouarenotmadepartakersofforgiveness,ifyourpersonsarenotpardoned,allyourdutiesareaccursed.

(2.)Thisalonewillgiveyousuchmotivesandencouragementsuntoobedienceaswillgiveyoulife,alacrity,anddelightinit.Youperformduties,abstainfromsins,butwithheaviness,fear,andinbondage.Couldyoudoaswellwithoutthemaswiththem,wouldconsciencebequiet,andhopeofeternityholdout,youwouldomitthemforever.Thismakesallyourobedienceburdensome,andyoucryoutinyourthoughtswithhimintheprophet,"Behold,whatawearinessisit!"TheserviceofGodistheonlydrudgeryofyourlives,whichyoudarenotomit,anddelightnottoperform.Fromthiswretchedandcursedframethereisnothingcandeliveryoubutthisclosingwithforgiveness.Thiswillgiveyousuchmotives,suchencouragements,aswillgreatlyinfluenceyourheartsandsouls.Itwillgiveyoufreedom,liberty,delight,andcheerfulness,inalldutiesofgospelobedience.YouwillfindaconstrainingpowerintheloveofChristtherein,—afreedomfrombondage,whentheSontrulyhathmadeyoufree.Faithandlovewillworkgenuinelyandnaturallyinyourspirits;andthatwhichwasyourgreatestburdenwillbecomeyourchiefestjoy,2Cor.7:1.ThoughtsoftheloveofGod,ofthebloodofChrist,orofthecovenantofgrace,andsenseofpardoninthem,willenlargeyourheartsandsweetenallyourduties.Youwillfindanewlife,anewpleasure,anewsatisfaction,inallthatyoudo.Haveyouyeteverunderstoodthatofthewiseman,Prov.3:17,"Wisdom'swaysarewaysofpleasantness,andallherpathsarepeace?"Havethewaysofholiness,ofobedience,ofduties,beensountoyou?Whateveryoupretend,theyarenot,theycannotbeso,whilstyouarestrangersuntothatwhichalonecanrenderthemsountoyou.Ispeakuntothemthatareunderthelaw.Wouldyoubefreefromthatbondage,thatgallingyokeindutiesofobedience?wouldyouhaveallthatyoudotowardsGodadelightandpleasantnessuntoyou?This,andthisalone,willeffectitforyou.

(3.)Thiswillplaceallyourobedienceuponasurefootofaccountinyourownsoulsandconsciences,eventhesamethatisfixedoninthegospel.Forthepresent,allthatyoudoisindeedbuttocompoundwithGodforyoursin.Youhope,bywhatyoudoforhimandtohim,tobuyoffwhatyouhavedoneagainsthim,thatyoumaynotfallintothehandsofhiswrathandvengeance.Thismakesallyoudotobeirksome.Asamanthatlaboursallhisdaystopayanolddebt,andbringsinnothingtolayupforhimself,howtediousandwearisomeishisworkandlabourtohim!Itisoddsbutthat,atonetimeorother,hewillgiveoverandrunawayfromhiscreditor.Soitisinthiscase:menwhohavesecretreservesofrecompensingGodbytheirobedience,everydayfindtheirdebtgrowinguponthem,andhaveeverydaylesshopesofmakingasatisfactorypayment.Thismakesthemweary,andforthemostparttheyfaintundertheir

discouragements,andatlengththeyflywhollyfromGod.Thiswayalonewillstatethingsotherwiseinyourconsciences:itwillgiveyoutoseethatallyourdebtsarepaidbyChrist,andfreelyforgivenuntoyoubyGod;sothatwhatyoudoisofgratitudeorthankfulness,hathaninfluenceintoeternity,leadstothegloryofGod,thehonourofChristinthegospel,andyourowncomfortableaccountatthelastday.Thisencourageththesoultolabour,totrade,toendeavour;allthingsnowlookingforward,anduntohisadvantage.

(4.)Findyounotinyourselvesanimpotency,adisabilityuntothedutiesofobedience,astotheirperformanceuntoGodinanacceptablemanner?Itmaybeyouarenotsosensiblehereofasyououghttobe;for,respectingonlyorprincipallytheoutwardpartandperformanceofduties,youhavenotexperienceofyourownweakness.Howtoenlivenandfillupdutieswithfaith,love,anddelight,youknownot;andarethereforeunacquaintedwithyourowninsufficiencyinthismatter.Yetifyouhaveanylight,anyconvictions(andtosuchIspeakatpresent),youcannotbutperceiveandunderstandthatyouarenotableinyourobediencetoanswerwhatyouaimat;youhavenotstrengthorpowerforit.Nowitisthisfaithofforgivenessalonethatwillfurnishyouwiththeabilitywhereofyoustandinneed.Pardoncomesnottothesoulalone,orrather,Christcomesnottothesoulwithpardononly;itisthatwhichheopensthedoorandentersby,buthecomeswithaSpiritoflifeandpower.Andas"withouthimwecandonothing,"sothroughhisenablinguswemay"doallthings."Receivingofgospelforgivenessengagethallthegraceofthegospeluntoourassistance.

Thisisthesumofwhathathbeenspoken:—Theobediencethatyouperformunderyourconvictionsisburdensomeandunpleasantuntoyou;itisaltogetherunacceptabletoGod.Youloseallyoudo,andallthatyouhopetodohereafter,ifthefoundationbenotlaidinthereceivingofpardoninthebloodofChrist.Itishightimetocastdownallthatvainandimaginaryfabricwhichyouhavebeenerecting,andtogoaboutthelayingofanewfoundation,whichyoumaysafelyandcheerfullybuildupon,—abuildingthatwillabideforever.

7.Again:itissuchaway,soexcellent,soprecious,soneartheheartofGod,sorelatingtothebloodofChrist,thattheneglectofitwillassuredlybesorelyrevengedoftheLord.LetnotmenthinkthattheyshalldespisethewisdomandloveoftheFather,thebloodoftheSon,andthepromisesofthegospel,ataneasyrate.LetusinaveryfewwordstakeaviewofwhattheHolyGhostspeakstothispurpose.Therearethreewayswherebythevengeanceduetotheneglect

ofclosingwithforgivenessorgospelgraceisexpressed:—

(1.)Thatisdonepositively:"HethatbelievethnotshallbeDAMNED,"Mark16:16.Thatisahardword;manymencannotenduretohearofit.Theywouldnothaveitnamedbytheirgoodwills,andarereadytoflyinthefaceofhimfromwhosemouthitproceeds.Butletnotmendeceivethemselves;thisisthesoftestwordthatmercyandloveitself,thatChrist,thatthegospelspeakstodespisersofforgiveness.ItisChristwhoisthislegalterrifyingpreacher;itishethatcriesout,"Ifyoubelievenot,youshallbedamned;"andhewillcomehimself"inflamingfire,totakevengeanceonthemthatobeynotthegospel,"2Thess.2:8.Thisistheendofthedisobedient,ifGod,ifChrist,ifthegospelmaybebelieved.

(2.)Comparatively,inreferenceuntothevengeanceduetothebreachofthelaw,2Cor.2:16.WeareinthepreachingofforgivenessbyChrist,untothemthatperish,"asavourofdeathuntodeath,"adeepdeath,asorecondemnation.SoHeb.10:29,"Ofhowmuchsorerpunishmentsupposeyeshallhebethoughtworthy?"sorerthaneverwasthreatenedbythelaw,orinflictedforthebreachofit,—notastothekindofpunishmentbutastothedegreesofit;henceariseththeadditionof"Manystripes."

(3.)By thewayofadmirationat the inexpressiblenessandunavoidablenessofthe punishment dueunto such sinners:Heb. 2:3, "How shallwe escape, ifweneglect so great salvation!"—"Surely there is noway formen to escape, theyshall unavoidably perish, who neglect so great salvation." So the Holy Ghostsays, 1 Pet. 4:17, "What shall the end be of them that obey not thegospel?"—"Whatunderstandingcanreachtoanapprehensionoftheirmiserableandwofulcondition?""Nonecan,"saiththeHolyGhost,"norcanitbespokento their capacity."Ah!what shall their end be? There remains nothing but "acertainfearfullookingforofjudgmentandfieryindignation,whichshalldevourthe adversaries," Heb. 10:27,—a certain fearful expectation of astonishablethings,thatcannotbecomprehended.

AndthesearetheenforcementsoftheexhortationinhandwhichIshallinsistupon.Onthesefoundations,ontheconsiderationoftheseprinciples,letusnowalittleconfertogether,withthewordsoftruthandsobriety.Ispeaktosuchpoorsoulsas,havingdeceivedthemselves,orneglectedutterlytheireternalcondition,arenotasyetreallyandintruthmadepartakersofthisforgiveness.Yourpresentstateissadanddeplorable.Thereisnothingbutthewofuluncertaintyofadying

lifebetweenyouandeternalruin.Thatpersuasionyouhaveofforgivenessisgoodfornothingbuttohardenyouanddestroyyou.ItisnottheforgivenessthatiswithGod,norhaveyoutakenitupongospelgroundsorevidences.Youhavestolenpaintedbeads,andtakeyourselvestobelawfulpossessorsofpearlsandjewels.Asyouare,then,anywayconcernedinyourowneternalcondition,whichyouareenteringinto(andhowsoonyoushallbeengagedinityouknownot),prevailwithyourselvestoattendalittleuntotheexhortationthatliesbeforeyou;itisyourownbusinessthatyouareentreatedtohaveregardunto.

1.Considerseriouslywhatitisyoubottomyourhopesandexpectationuponastoeternity.Greatmen,andinotherthingswise,arehereveryapttodeceivethemselves.Theysupposetheythinkandbelievemuchotherwisethanindeedtheythinkandbelieve,astheircryatthelastdaywillmanifest.Putyoursoulsalittleuntoit.Doyouatallseriouslythinkofthesethings?orareyousounderthepowerofyourlusts,ignorance,anddarkness,thatyouneglectanddespisethem?ordoyouriseupandliedown,andperformsomeduties,orneglectthem,withagreatcoldness,remissness,andindifferencyofspirit,likeGallio,notmuchcaringforthesethings?ordoyourelieveyourselveswithhopesoffutureamendment,purposingthatifyouliveyouwillbeotherpersonsthanyouare,whensuchandsuchthingsarebroughtaboutandaccomplished?ordoyounothopewellingeneralupontheaccountofwhatyouhavedoneandwilldo?Ifanyoftheseexpressyourcondition,itisunspeakablymiserable.YouliedownandriseupunderthewrathofthegreatGod,whowillprevailatlastuponyou,andthereshallbenonetodeliver.

2.Ifyoushallsay,"Nay,thisisnotourstate;werelyonmercyandforgiveness,"thenletme,inthefearofthegreatGod,entreatafewthingsyetfartherofyou:—

Thatyouwouldseriouslyconsiderwhethertheforgivenessyourestonandhopeinbethatgospelforgivenesswhichwehavebeforedescribed;orisitonlyageneralapprehensionofimpunity,thoughyouaresinners,—thatGodismerciful,andyouhopeinhimthatyoushallescapethevengeanceofhell-fire?Ifitbethuswithyou,forgivenessitselfwillnotrelieveyou.Thisisthatofthepresumptuousman,Deut.29:19.Gospelpardonisathingofanothernature;ithathitsspringinthegraciousheartoftheFather,ismadeoutbyasovereignactofhiswill,renderedconsistentwiththegloryofhisjusticeandholinessbythebloodofChrist,bywhichitispurchasedinacovenantofgrace;ashathbeenshowed.Ifyoushallsay,"Yea,thisistheforgivenesswerelyupon,itisthat

whichyouhavedescribed,"thenIdesirefartherthatyouwould,—

(1.)Examineyourownhearts,howyoucametohaveaninterestinthisforgiveness,toclosewithit,andtohavearightuntoit.Amanmaydeceivehimselfaseffectuallybysupposingthattruerichesarehis,whentheyarenot,asbysupposinghisfalseandcounterfeitwaretobegoodandcurrent.How,then,cameyoutobeinterestedinthisgospelforgiveness?Ifithathbefallenyouyouknownothow,—ifalifeless,barren,inoperativepersuasionofithathcreptuponyourminds,—benotmistaken,Godwillcomeandrequirehisforgivenessatyourhands,anditshallappearthatyouhavehadnopartnorportioninit.Ifyoushallsay,"Nay,butwewereconvincedofsin,andrenderedexceedingunquietinourconsciences,andonthataccountlookedoutafterforgiveness,whichhathgivenusrest,"thenIdesire,—

(2.)Thatyouwoulddiligentlyconsidertowhatendsandpurposesyouhavereceived,anddomakeuseof,thisgospelforgiveness.Hathitbeentomakeupwhatwaswanting,andtopieceupapeaceinyourownconsciences?thatwhereasyoucouldnotansweryourconvictionswithyourduties,youwouldseekforrelieffromforgiveness?Thisandinnumerableotherwaystherearewherebymenmaylosetheirsoulswhentheythinkalliswellwiththem,evenontheaccountofpardonandmercy.Whenceisthatcautionoftheapostle,"Lookingdiligentlylestanyoneshouldseemtofail,"orcomeshort,"ofthegraceofGod,"Heb.12:15.Menmissitandcomeshortofitwhentheypretendthemselvestobeinthepursuitofit,yea,tohaveovertakenandpossessedit.Now,ifanyoftheseshouldprovetobeyourcondition,Idesire,—

(3.)Thatyouwouldconsiderseriouslywhetheritbenothightimeforyoutolookoutforawayofdeliveranceandescape,thatyoumaysaveyourselvesfromthisevilworld,andfleefromthewrathtocome.TheJudgestandsatthedoor.Beforehedealwithyouasajudge,heknockswithatenderofmercy.Whoknowsbutthatthismaybethelasttimeofhisdealingthuswithyou.Beyouoldoryoung,youhavebutyourseason,butyourday.Itmay,perhaps,benightwithyouwhenitisdaywiththerestoftheworld.Yoursunmaygodownatnoon;andGodmayswearthatyoushallnotenterintohisrest.Ifyouare,then,resolvedtocontinueinyourpresentcondition,Ihavenomoretosayuntoyou.Iampurefromyourblood,inthatIhavedeclareduntoyouthecounselofGodinthisthing;andsoImustleaveyoutoanakedtrialbetweenthegreatGodandyoursoulsatthelastday.Poorcreatures!Ieventrembletothinkhowhewilltearyouinpieceswhenthereshallbenonetodeliver.MethinksIseeyourpoor,

destitute,forlornsouls,forsakenoflusts,sins,world,friends,angels,men,tremblingbeforethethroneofGod,fullofhorrorandfearfulexpectationofthedreadfulsentence.Oh,thatIcouldmournoveryou,whilstyouarejoinedtoalltheliving,whilstthereisbuthope!oh,thatinthisyourdayyouknewthethingsofyourpeace!

Butnowifyoushallsay,"Nay,butwewillseektheLORDwhilsthemaybefound,'wewilldrawnighuntohimbeforehecausedarkness,"then,—

(4.)Consider,Ipray,whatJoshuatoldthechildrenofIsrael,whentheyputthemselvesuponsucharesolution,andcriedout,"WewillservetheLORD,forheisourGod:"chap.24:19,"YecannotservetheLORD:forheisanholyGod,ajealousGod;hewillnotforgiveyourtransgressionsnoryoursins."Gotohimuponyourownaccount,andinyourownstrength,withyourownbestendeavoursandduties,youwillfindhimtoogreatandtooholyforyoutodealwithal.Youwillobtainneitheracceptanceofyourpersonsnorpardonofyoursins.Butyouwillsay,"Thisisheavytidings,'Ifyousitstillyouperish,andifyourisetobedoing,itwillnotbebetter.'Istherenohopeleftforoursouls?MustwepineawayunderoursinsandthewrathofGodforever?"Godforbid.Thereareyetotherdirectionsremainingtoguideyououtoftheseentanglements.Wherefore,—

(5.)PonderseriouslyonwhathathbeenspokenofthiswayofapproachinguntoGod.Consideritinitsownnature,astoalltheendsandpurposesforwhichitisproposedofGod;considerwhetheryouapproveofitorno.DoyoujudgeitawaysuitedandfittedtobringgloryuntoGod?Dothitanswerallthewantsanddistressesofyoursouls?Doyouthinkitexcellent,safe,andgloriousuntothemwhoareenteredintoit?orhaveyouanythingtoobjectagainstit?Returnyouranswertohiminwhosenameandbywhoseappointmentthesewordsarespokenuntoyou.Ifyoushallsay,"Weareconvincedthatthiswayofforgivenessistheonlywayforthereliefanddeliveranceofsouls,"then,—

(6.)Abhoryourselvesforallyourblindnessandobstinacy,wherebyyouhavehithertodespisedtheloveofGod,thebloodofChrist,andthetendersofpardoninthegospel.Beabasedandhumbledtothedustinasenseofyourvileness,pollutions,andabominations;whichthingsareeverydayspokenunto,andneednothereberepeated.And,—

(7.)Labourtoexerciseyourheartsgreatlywiththoughtsofthatabundantgrace

thatismanifestedinthiswayofsinnerscominguntoGod,asalsooftheexcellencyofthegospelwhereinitisunfolded.ConsidertheeternalloveoftheFather,whichisthefountainandspringofthiswholedispensation,—theinexpressibleloveoftheSoninestablishingandconfirmingit,inremovingallhinderancesandobstructionsbyhisownblood,bringingforthuntobeautyandglorythisredemptionorforgivenessofsinatthepriceofit.Andletthegloryofthegospel,whichalonemakesthisdiscoveryofforgivenessinGod,dwellinyourhearts.Letyourmindsbeexercisedaboutthesethings.Youwillfindeffectsfromthemaboveallthathathasyetbeenbroughtforthinyoursouls.What,forthemostpart,haveyouhithertobeenconversantabout?Whenyouhaverisenabovetheturmoilingoflustsandcorruptionsinyourhearts,theentanglementsofyourcallings,business,andaffairs,whathaveyoubeenabletoraiseyourheartsunto?Perplexingfearsaboutyourcondition,generalhopes,withoutsavourorrelish,yieldingyounorefreshment,legalcommands,bondageduties,distractedconsciences,brokenpurposesandpromises,whichyouhavebeentossedupanddownwithal,withoutanycertainrest.Andwhateffectshavethesethoughtsproduced?Havetheymadeyoumoreholyandmorehumble?HavetheygivenyoudelightinGod,andstrengthuntonewobedience?Notatall.Whereyouwere,thereyoustillare,withouttheleastprogress.Butnowbringyoursoulsuntothesesprings,andtrytheLordiffromthatdayyoubenotblessedwithspiritualstores.

(8.)IftheLordbepleasedtocarryonyoursoulsthusfar,thenstirupyourselvestochooseandclosewiththewayofforgivenessthathathbeenrevealed.Chooseitonly,chooseitincomparisonwithandoppositionuntoallothers.SayyouwillbeforChrist,andnotforanother;andbesoaccordingly.Hereventure,hererepose,hererestyoursouls.Itisawayofpeace,safety,holiness,beauty,strength,power,liberty,andglory.Youhavethenature,thename,thelove,thepurposes,thepromises,thecovenant,theoathofGod;thelove,life,deathorblood,themediation,oroblationandintercessionofJesusChrist;thepowerandefficacyoftheSpirit,andgospelgracebyhimadministered,—togiveyouassuranceoftheexcellency,theoneness,thesafetyofthewaywhereuntoyouareengaging.

IfnowtheLordshallbepleasedtopersuadeyourheartsandsoulstoenteruponthepathmarkedoutbeforeyou,andshallcarryyouonthroughthevariousexercisesofituntothisclosureoffaith,Godwillhavetheglory,thegospelwillbeexalted,andyourownsoulsshallreaptheeternalbenefitofthisexhortation.

Butnowif,notwithstandingallthathathbeenspoken,alltheinvitationsyouhavehad,andencouragementsthathavebeenheldoutuntoyou,youshallcontinuetodespisethissogreatsalvation,youwillliveanddieinthestateandconditionwhereinyouare.Why,then,astheprophetsaidtothewifeofJeroboam,"Comenear,forIamsenttoyouwithheavytidings."Isay,then,—

(9.)Ifyouresolvetocontinueintheneglectofthissalvation,andshalldosoaccordingly,thencursedbeyouoftheLord,withallthecursesthatarewritteninthelaw,andallthecursesthataredenouncedagainstdespisersofthegospel.Yea,beyouAnathemaMaran-atha,—cursedinthisworldalways,untilthecomingoftheLord;andwhentheLordcomes,beyecursedfromhispresenceintoeverlastingdestruction.Yea,cursethem,allyeholyangelsofGod,astheobstinateenemiesofyourkingandhead,theLordJesusChrist.Cursethem,allyechurchesofChrist,asdespisersofthatloveandmercywhichisyourportion,yourlife,yourinheritance.LetallthesaintsofGod,allthatlovetheLord,cursethem,andrejoicetoseetheLordcomingforthmightilyandprevailingagainstthem,totheireverlastingruin.WhyshouldanyonehaveathoughtofcompassiontowardsthemwhodespisethecompassionofGod,orofmercytowardsthemwhotrampleonthebloodofChrist?Whilstthereisyethope,wedesiretohavecontinualsorrowforyou,andtotravailinsoulforyourconversiontoGod;butifyoubehardenedinyourway,shallwejoinwithyouagainsthim?shallwepreferyouabovehisglory?shallwedesireyoursalvationwiththedespoilingGodofhishonour?Nay,Godforbid.WehopetorejoiceinseeingallthatvengeanceandindignationthatisintherighthandofGodpouredoutuntoeternityuponyoursouls,Prov.1:24–33.

———

Rulestobeobservedbythemwhowouldcometostabilityinobedience.

THATwhichremainethtobefarthercarriedon,upontheprincipleslaiddown,istopersuadewithsoulsmoreorlessentangledinthedepthsofsintoclosewiththisforgivenessbybelieving,untotheirpeaceandconsolation.Andbecausesuchpersonsarefullofpleasandobjectionsagainstthemselves,Ishallchiefly,inwhatIhavetosay,endeavourtoobviatetheseobjections,sotoencouragethemuntobelievingandbringthemuntosettlement.AndhereinwhateverIhavetoofferflowsnaturallyfromthedoctrineatlargelaiddownandasserted.YetIshallnotinallparticularsapplymyselfthereunto,butingeneralfixonthosethingsthatmaytendtotheestablishmentandconsolationofbothdistressedand

doubtingsouls.AndIshalldowhatIpurposethesetwoways:—

FIRST,Ishalllaydownsuchgeneralrulesasarenecessarytobeobservedbyallthosewhointendtocometogospelpeaceandcomfort.Andthen,SECONDLY,shallconsidersomesuchobjectionsasseemtobemostcomprehensiveofthosespecialreasoningswherewithdistressedpersonsdousuallyentanglethemselves.

Ishallbeginwithgeneralrules,which,throughthegraceofChristandsuppliesofhisSpirit,maybeofuseuntobelieversintheconditionunderconsideration.

———

RULEI

Christ theonly infallible judgeof our spiritual condition—Howhe judgethbyhiswordandSpirit.

Benotjudgesofyourowncondition,butletChristjudge.Youareinvitedtotakethecomfortofthisgospeltruth,that"thereisforgivenesswithGod."Yousay,notforyou.SosaidJacob,"MywayishidfromtheLORD,"Isa.40:27;andZionsaidsotoo,chap.49:14,"TheLORDhathforsakenme,andmyLordhathforgottenme."Butdidtheymakearightjudgmentofthemselves?WefindinthoseplacesthatGodwasotherwiseminded.Thisfalsejudgment,madebysoulsintheirentanglements,oftheirowncondition,isofttimesamostunconquerablehinderanceuntothebetteringofit.Theyfillthemselveswiththoughtsoftheirownaboutit,andonthemtheydwell,insteadoflookingoutafteraremedy.Misgivingthoughtsoftheirdistempersarecommonlyagreatpartofsomemen'ssickness.Manydiseasesareapttocloudthethoughts,andtocausemisapprehensionsconcerningtheirownnatureanddanger.Andthesedelusionsarearealpartoftheperson'ssickness.Natureisnolessimpairedandweakenedbythem,theefficacyofremediesnolessobstructed,thanbyanyotherrealdistemper.Insuchcaseswepersuadementoacquiesceinthejudgmentoftheirskilfulphysician;notalwaystobewastingthemselvesinandbytheirowntaintedimaginations,andsodespondupontheirownmistakes,buttorestinwhatisinformedthembyhimwhoisacquaintedwiththecausesandtendencyoftheirindispositionbetterthanthemselves.Itisofttimesonepartofthesoul'sdepthstohavefalseapprehensionsofitscondition.Sinisamadness,Eccles.9:3;sofarasanyoneisunderthepowerofit,heisunderthepowerofmadness.Madnessdothnotsoonernormoreeffectuallydiscoveritselfinanywayorthing

thaninpossessingtheminwhomitiswithstrangeconceitsandapprehensionsofthemselves.Sodoththismadnessofsin,accordinguntoitsdegreesandprevalency.Hencesomecry,"Peace,peace,"when"suddendestructionisathand,"1Thess.5:3.Itisthatmadness,underwhosepowertheyare,whichgivesthemsuchgroundlessimaginationsofthemselvesandtheirowncondition.Andsomesaytheyarelostforever,whenGodiswiththem.

Doyou,then,yourduty,andletChristjudgeofyourstate.Yourconcernmentistoogreattomakeitareasonabledemandtocommitthejudgmentofyourconditiontoanyother.Wheneternalwelfareorwoeareatthestake,foramantorenouncehisownthoughts,togiveuphimselfimplicitlytothejudgmentofmenfallibleandliarslikehimself,isstupidity.ButthereisnodangerofbeingdeceivedbythesentenceofChrist.Thetruthis,whetherwewillorno,hewilljudge;andaccordingashedetermines,soshallthingsbefoundatthelastday:John5:22,"TheFatherjudgethnoman"(thatis,immediatelyandinhisownperson),"buthathcommittedalljudgmentuntotheSon."Alljudgmentthatrespectseternity,whetheritbetobepassedinthisworldorinthattocome,iscommitteduntohim.Accordinglyinthatplacehejudgethbothofthingsandpersons.Thingshedeterminesupon,verse24,"Hethathearethmyword,andbelievethonhimthatsentme,hatheverlastinglife,andshallnotcomeintocondemnation;butispassedfromdeathuntolife."Letmensaywhattheyplease,thissentenceshallstand;faithandeternallifeareinseparablyconjoined.Andsoofpersons,verse38,"Yehavenot"(saithhetothePharisees,whoweremuchotherwiseminded)"thewordofGodabidinginyou."

Takenot,then,theofficeandprerogativeofChristoutofhishand,bymakingajudgment,uponyourownreasoningsandconclusionsanddeductions,ofyourestateandcondition.Youwillfindthatheoftentimes,bothontheonehandandontheother,determinesquitecontrarytowhatmenjudgeofthemselves,asalsotowhatothersjudgeofthem.Somehejudgethtobeinanevilcondition,whoareveryconfidentthatitiswellwiththem,andwhopleasethemselvesinthethoughtsofmanytothesamepurpose.Andhejudgeththestateofsometobegood,whoarediffidentinthemselves,and,itmaybe,despisedbyothers.Wemaysingleoutanexampleortwoineachkind:—

1.Laodicea'sjudgmentofherselfandherspiritualstatewehave,Rev.3:17:"Iamrich,andincreasedwithgoods,andhaveneedofnothing."Afairstateitseems,ablessedcondition!Shewantsnothingthatmaycontributetoherrest,peace,andreputation:sheisorthodox,andnumerous,andflourishing;makesa

fairprofession,andalliswellwithin!Soshebelieves,soshereportsofherself;whereinthereisasecretreflectionalsouponotherswhomshedespiseth:"Letthemshiftastheylist,IamthusasIsay."Butwasitsowithherindeed?wasthathertruecondition,whereofshewassopersuadedastoprofessituntoall?LetJesusChristbeheardtospeakinthiscause,lethimcomeandjudge."Iwilldoso,"saithhe:verse14,"ThussaiththeAmen,thefaithfulandtrueWitness."Comingtogivesentenceinacaseofthisimportance,hegiveshimselfthistitle,thatwemayknowhiswordistobeacquiescedin."Everyman,"saithhe,"isaliar;theirtestimonyisofnovalue,letthempronouncewhattheywillofthemselvesorofoneanother,'IamtheAmen,'andIwillseewhosewordshallstand,mineortheirs."What,then,saithheofLaodicea?"Thouartwretched,andmiserable,andpoor,andblind,andnaked."Oh,wofulandsaddisappointment!Oh,dreadfulsurprisal!Ah!howmanyLaodiceanchurcheshaveweintheworld!howmanyprofessorsaremembersofthesechurches!nottomentionthegeneralityofmenthatliveunderthemeansofgrace;allwhichhavegoodhopesoftheireternalcondition,whilsttheyaredespisedandabhorredbytheonlyJudge.Amongprofessorsthemselves,itisdreadfultothinkhowmanywillbefoundlightwhentheycometobeweighedinthisbalance.

2.Again:hejudgethsometobeinagoodcondition,betheythemselvesneversodiffident.Rev.2:9,saithhetothechurchofSmyrna,"Iknowthypoverty."Smyrnawascomplainingthatshewasapoor,contemptiblecongregation,notfitforhimtotakeanynoticeof."Well,"saithhe,"fearnot.'Iknowthypoverty,'whereofthoucomplainest;'butthouartrich.'Thatismyjudgment,testimony,andsentence,concerningtheeandthycondition."Suchwillbehisjudgmentatthelastday,whenboththoseontheonehandandontheothershallbesurprisedwithhissentence,—theonewithjoyattherichesofhisgrace,theotherwithterrorattheseverityofhisjustice,Matt.25:37–40,44,45.Thiscaseisdirectlystatedinboththeplacesmentionedintheentranceofthisdiscourse;asinthat,forinstance,Isa.49:14,"Zionsaid,TheLORDhathforsakenme."ThatisZion'sjudgmentofherself,andherstateandcondition;asadreportandconclusion.ButdothChristagreewithZioninthissentence?Thenextversegivesushisresolutionofthismatter:"Can,"saithhe,"awomanforgethersuckingchild,thatsheshouldnothavecompassiononthesonofherwomb?yea,theymayforget,yetwillInotforgetthee."Thestateofthings,intruth,isasmuchotherwiseascanpossiblybethoughtorimagined.

Towhatpurposeisitformentobepassingajudgmentuponthemselves,whenthereisnomannerofcertaintyintheirdeterminations,andwhentheir

proceedingthereonwillprobablyleadthemtofartherentanglements,ifnottoeternalruin?Thejudgingofsouls,astotheirspiritualstateandcondition,istheworkofJesusChrist,especiallyastotheendnowunderinquiry.Menmay,mendo,takemanywaystomakeajudgmentofthemselves.Somedoitonslightandtrivialconjectures;someonboldandwickedpresumptions;someondesperateatheisticalnotions,asDeut.29:19;some,withmoresobrietyandsenseofeternity,laydownprinciplesthatmaybegoodandtrueinthemselves,fromthemtheydrawconclusions,arguingfromonethinguntoanother,andintheendofttimeseitherdeceivethemselves,orsitdownnolessinthedarkthantheywereattheentranceoftheirself-debateandexamination.Aman'sjudgmentuponhisownreasoningsisseldomtrue,moreseldompermanent.Ispeaknotofself-examination,withaduediscussionofgracesandactions,butofthefinalsentenceastostateandcondition,whereinthesoulistoacquiesce.ThisbelongsuntoChrist.

Now,therearetwowayswherebytheLordJesusChristgivesforthhisdecretorysentenceinthismatter:—

(1.)Byhisword.Hedetermines,inthewordofthegospel,ofthestateandconditionofallmenindefinitely.Eachindividualcomingtothatwordreceiveshisownsentenceanddoom.HetoldtheJewsthatMosesaccusedthem,John5:45.Hislawaccusedandcondemnedthetransgressorsofit.Andsodothheacquiteveryonethatisdischargedbythewordofthegospel.Andourself-judgingisbutourreceivingbyfaithhissentenceintheword.Hisprocesshereinwehaverecorded:Job33:22,23,"Hissoul"(thatis,ofthesinner)"drawethnearuntothegrave,andhislifetothedestroyers."Thisseemstobehisstate;itissoindeed:heisattheverybrinkofthegraveandhell.Whatthen?Why,iftherebewithhimorstandoverhim ץילמ אלמ ,theangelinterpreting,ortheangelofthecovenant,whoaloneis ףלא־ינמ ךחא ,the"oneofathousand,"whatshallhedo?"Heshallshewuntohimhisuprightness."HeshallgiveuntohimarightdeterminationofhisinterestinGod,andofthestateandframeofhishearttowardsGod;whereuponGodshallspeakpeaceuntohissoul,anddeliverhimfromhisentanglements,verse24.JesusChristhath,inthewordofthegospel,statedtheconditionofeveryman.Hetellsusthatsinners,ofwhatsortsoevertheyare,thatbelieve,areacceptedwithhim,andshallreceiveforgivenessfromGod,—thatnoneshallberefusedorcastoffthatcomeuntoGodbyhim.ThesoulofwhomwearetreatingisnowupontheworkofcominguntoGodforforgivenessbyJesusChrist.Manyandweightyobjectionsithathinandagainstitselfwhyitshouldnotcome,whyitshallnotbeaccepted.OurLordJesus,the

wisdomofGod,foresawalltheseobjections,heforeknewwhatcouldbesaidinthecase,andyethehathdeterminedthematterashathbeendeclared.Ingeneral,men'sarguingsagainstthemselvesarisefromsinandthelaw.Christknowswhatisinthemboth.Hetriedthemtotheuttermost,astotheirpenalties,andyethehathsodeterminedaswehaveshowed.Theirparticularobjectionsarefromparticularconsiderationsofsin,—theirgreatness,theirnumber,theiraggravations.Christknowsallthesealso,andyetstandstohisformerdetermination.Uponthewholematter,then,itismeethiswordshouldstand.Iknow,whenasoulbringsitselftobejudgedbythewordofthegospel,itdothnotalwaysinalikemannerreceiveandrestinthesentencegiven.ButwhenChristispleasedtospeakthewordwithpowertomen,theyshall"hearthevoiceoftheSonofGod,"andbeconcludedbyit.Letthesoul,then,thatisrisingoutofdepthsandpressingtowardsasenseofforgiveness,layitselfdownbeforethewordofChristinthegospel.Lethimattendtowhathespeaks;andifforawhileithathnotpoweruponhimtoquiethisheart,lethimwaitaseason,andlightshallariseuntohimoutofdarkness.Christwillgiveinhissentenceintohisconsciencewiththatpowerandefficacyasheshallfindrestandpeaceinit.

(2.)ChristalsojudgethbyhisSpirit,notonlyinmakingthissentenceofthegospeltobereceivedeffectuallyinthesoul,butinandbypeculiaractingsofhisupontheheartandsoulofabeliever:1Cor.2:12,"WehavereceivedtheSpiritwhichisofGod,thatwemightknowthethingsthatarefreelygiventousofGod."TheSpiritofChristacquaintsthesoulthatthisandthatgraceisfromhim,thatthisorthatdutywasperformedinhisstrength.Hebringstomindwhatatsuchandsuchtimeswaswroughtinmenbyhimself,togivethemsupportmentandreliefinthetimesofdepthsanddarkness.AndwhenithathbeenclearlydiscovereduntothesoulatanytimebytheHolyGhost,thatanythingwroughtinitordonebyithathbeentrulysaving,thecomfortofitwillabideinthemidstofmanyshakingsandtemptations.

3.HealsobyhisSpiritbearswitnesswithourspiritsastoourstateandcondition.OfthisIhavespokenlargelyelsewhere,andthereforeshallnowpassitby.

This,then,isourfirstgeneralruleanddirection:—Self-determinationsconcerningmen'sspiritualstateandcondition,becausetheirmindsareusuallyinfluencedbytheirdistempers,areseldomrightendaccordingtorule;mistakesinsuchdeterminationsareexceedinglyprejudicialtoasoulseekingoutafterreliefandsenseofforgiveness:letChrist,then,bethejudgeinthiscasebyhis

wordandSpirit,ashathbeendirected.

———

RULEII

Self-condemnation and abhorrency for sin consistent with gospel justificationandpeace—Thenatureofgospelassurance—Whatisconsistentwithit—Whataretheeffectsofit.

Self-condemnationandabhorrencydoverywellconsistwithgospeljustificationandpeace.Somemenhavenopeace,becausetheyhavethatwithoutwhichitisimpossibletheyshouldhavepeace.Becausetheycannotbutcondemnthemselves,theycannotentertainasensethatGoddothacquitthem.Butthisisthemysteryofthegospel,whichunbeliefisastrangerunto;nothingbutfaithcangivearealsubsistenceuntothesethingsinthesamesoul,atthesametime.Itiseasytolearnthenotionofit,butitisnoteasytoexperiencethepowerofit.Foramantohaveasightofthatwithinhimwhichwouldcondemnhim,forwhichheistroubled,andatthesametimetohaveadiscoveryofthatwithouthimwhichwilljustifyhim,andtorejoicetherein,isthatwhichheisnotleduntobutbyfaithinthemysteryofthegospel.Wearenowunderalawforjustificationwhichexcludesallboasting,Rom.3:27;sothatthoughwehavejoyenoughinanother,yetwemayhave,wealwayshave,sufficientcauseofhumiliationinourselves.Thegospelwillteachamantofeelsinandbelieverighteousnessatthesametime.Faithwillcarryheaveninonehandandhellintheother;showingtheonedeserved,theotherpurchased.Amanmayseeenoughofhisownsinandfollytobring"gehennamècœlo,"—ahellofwrathoutofheaven;andyetseeChristbring"cœlumexinferno,"—aheavenofblessednessoutofahellofpunishment.Andthesemustneedsproduceverydivers,yea,contraryeffectsandoperationsinthesoul;andhewhoknowsnothowtoassignthemtheirproperdutiesandseasonsmustneedsbeperplexed.Theworkofself-condemnation,then,whichmeninthesedepthscannotbutaboundwith,is,inthedispositionofthecovenantofgrace,nowayinconsistentwithnorunsuiteduntojustificationandtheenjoymentofpeaceinthesenseofit.Theremaybeadeepsenseofsinonotherconsiderationsbesideshell.DavidwasnevermorehumbledforsinthanwhenNathantoldhimitwasforgiven.Andtheremaybeaviewofhellasdeserved,whichyetthesoulmayknowitselffreedfromastotheissue.

Toevidenceourintendmentinthisdiscourse,Ishallbrieflyconsiderwhatwe

intendbygospelassuranceofforgiveness,thatthesoulmaynotbesolicitousandperplexedabouttheutterwantofthatwhich,perhaps,itisalreadyinsomeenjoymentof.

Somemenseemtoplacegospelassuranceinahigh,unassaultedconfidenceofacceptancewithGod.Theythinkitisinnonebutsuchas,ifamanshouldgotothemandaskthem,"Areyoucertainyoushallbesaved?"haveboldness,andconfidence,andostentationtoanswerpresently,"Yea,theyarecertaintheyshallbesaved."Butastheblessedtruthofassurancehathbeenreproachedintheworldundersuchanotionofit,sosuchexpressionsbecomenotthemwhoknowwhatitistohavetodowiththeholyGod,whois"aconsumingfire."Hencesomeconcludethatthereareveryfewbelieverswhohaveanyassurance,becausetheyhavenotthisconfidence,oraremorefreetomentiontheoppositiontheymeetwiththanthesupportmenttheyenjoy.Andthusitisrenderedamatternotgreatlytobedesired,becauseitissorarelytobeobtained,mostofthesaintsservingGodandgoingtoheavenwellenoughwithoutit.Butthematterisotherwise.Theimportanceofit,notonlyasitisourlifeofcomfortandjoy,butalsoasitistheprincipalmeansoftheflourishingofourlifeofholiness,hathbeendeclaredbefore,andmightbefarthermanifested,werethatourpresentbusiness;yea,andintimesoftrial,whicharetheproperseasonsfortheeffectualworkingandmanifestationofassurance,itwillanddothappearthatmany,yea,thatmostofthesaintsofGodaremadepartakersofthisgraceandprivilege.

Ishall,then,inthepursuitoftherulelaiddown,dothesetwothings:—1.Showwhatthingstheyarewhicharenotonlyconsistentwithassurance,butareevennecessaryconcomitantsofit;whichyet,ifnotdulyweighedandconsidered,mayseemsofartoimpeachaman'scomfortablepersuasionofhisconditionbeforeGodastoleavehimbeneaththeassurancesoughtafter.And,—2.Ishallspeaksomewhatofitsnature,especiallyasmanifestingitselfbyitseffects.

1.(1.)Adeepsenseoftheevilofsin,oftheguiltofman'sownsin,isnowayinconsistentwithgospelassuranceofacceptancewithGodthroughChrist,andofforgivenessinhim.ByasenseoftheguiltofsinIunderstandtwothings:—First,Aclearconvictionofsin,bytheHolyGhostsayinguntothesoul,"Thouarttheman;"and,Secondly,AsenseofthedispleasureofGod,orthewrathduetosin,accordingtothesentenceofthelaw.BoththeseDavidexpressethinthatcomplaint,Ps.31:10,"Mylifeisspentwithgrief,andmyyearswithsighing:mystrengthfailethbecauseofmineiniquity,andmybonesareconsumed."His

iniquitywasbeforehim,andasenseofitpressedhimsore.Butyet,notwithstandingallthis,hehadacomfortablepersuasionthatGodwashisGodincovenant:verse14,"Itrustedinthee,OLORD:Isaid,ThouartmyGod."Andthetenorofthecovenant,whereinaloneGodistheGodofanyperson,is,thathewillbemercifuluntotheirsinandiniquity.TowhomheisaGod,heissoaccordingtothetenorofthatcovenant;sothatherethesetwoareconjoined.Saithhe,"Lord,Iampressedwiththesenseoftheguiltofmineiniquities;andthouartmyGod,whoforgivestthem."Andthegroundhereofis,thatGodbythegospelhathdividedtheworkofthelaw,andtakenpartofitoutofitshand.Itswholeworkanddutyis,tocondemnthesinandthesinner.Thesinnerisfreedbythegospel,butitsrightliesagainstthesinstill;thatitcondemns,andthatjustly.Now,thoughthesinnerhimselfbefreed,yetfindinghissinlaidholdofandcondemned,itfillshimwithadeepsenseofitsguiltandofthedispleasureofGodagainstit;whichyethindersnotbutthat,atthesametime,hemayhavesuchaninsightasfaithgivesintohispersonalinterestinagospelacquitment.Aman,then,mayhaveadeepsenseofsinallhisdays,walkunderthesenseofitcontinually,abhorhimselfforhisingratitude,unbelief,andrebellionagainstGod,withoutanyimpeachmentofhisassurance.

(2.)Deepsorrowforsinisconsistentwithassuranceofforgiveness;yea,itisagreatmeansofpreservationofit.Godlysorrow,mourning,humiliation,contritenessofspirit,arenolessgospelgracesandfruitsoftheHolyGhostthanfaithitself,andsoareconsistentwiththehighestflourishingsoffaithwhatever.Itistheworkofheavenitself,andnotoftheassuranceofit,towipealltearsfromoureyes.Yea,thesegraceshavethemosteminentpromisesannexedtothem,asIsa.57:15,66:2,withblessednessitself,Matt.5:4;yea,theyarethemselvesthematterofmanygraciousgospelpromises,Zech.12:10:sothattheyareassuredlyconsistentwithanyothergraceorprivilegethatwemaybemadepartakersof,or[anythat]arepromiseduntous.Some,findingtheweightandburdenoftheirsins,andbeingcalledtomourningandhumiliationonthataccount,aresotakenupwithitastolosethesenseofforgiveness,which,rightlyimproved,wouldpromotetheirsorrow,astheirsorrowseemsdirectlytosweetentheirsenseofforgiveness.Sorrow,absolutelyexclusiveofthefaithofforgiveness,islegal,andtendethuntodeath;assurance,absolutelyexclusiveofgodlysorrow,ispresumption,andnotapersuasionfromHimthatcallethus:butgospelsorrowandgospelassurancemaywelldwellinthesamebreastatthesametime.Indeed,asinallworldlyjoysthereisasecretwound,soinallgodlysorrowandmourning,consideredinitself,thereisasecretjoyandrefreshment;henceitdothnotwitheranddryup,butratherenlarge,open,andsweetenthe

heart.Iampersuadedthat,generally,theymournmostwhohavemostassurance.Andalltruegospelmournerswillbefoundtohavetherootofassurancesograftedinthem,thatinitsproperseason,—atimeoftrouble,—itwillundoubtedlyflourish.

(3.)Adeepsenseoftheindwellingpowerofsinisconsistentwithgospelassurance.Senseofindwellingsinwillcausemanifoldperplexitiesinthesoul.Trouble,disquietments,sorrowandanguishofheart,expressingthemselvesinsighs,mourning,groaningfordeliverance,alwaysattendit.Towhatpurposedoyouspeaktoasoulhighlysensibleoftherestlesspowerofindwellingsinconcerningassurance?"Alas,"saithhe,"Iamreadytoperisheverymoment.Mylustsarestrong,active,restless,yea,outrageous;theygivemenorest,noliberty,andbutlittlesuccessdoIobtain.Assuranceisforconquerors,forthemthatliveatrestandpeace.Iliegrovellingonthegroundallmydays,andmustneedsbeuncertainwhatwillbetheissue."Butwhensuchaonehathdoneallhecan,hewillnotbeabletomakemorewofulcomplaintsofthismatterthanPaulhathdonebeforehim,Rom.7;andyethecloseththediscourseofitwithashighanexpressionofassuranceasanypersonneedstoseekafter,verse25,andchap.8:1.Itisnotassurancebutenjoymentthatexcludesthissenseandtrouble.Butifmenwillthinktheycanhavenoassurancebecausetheyhavethatwithoutwhichitisimpossibletheyshouldhaveany,itishardtogivethemrelief.Alittlecruseofsaltofthegospelcastintothesebitterwaterswillmakethemsweetandwholesome.SenseoftheguiltofsinmayconsistwithfaithofitspardonandforgivenessinthebloodofChrist.Godlysorrowmaydwellinthesameheart,atthesametime,withjoyintheHolyGhost,andgroaningafterdeliverancefromthepowerofsinwithagraciouspersuasionthat"sinshallnothavedominionoverus,becausewearenotunderthelaw,butundergrace."

(4.)Doubtings,fears,temptations,ifnotordinarilyprevailing,areconsistentwithgospelassurance.Thoughthedevil'spowerbelimitedinreferenceuntothesaints,yethishandsarenottied;thoughhecannotprevailagainstthem,yethecanassaultthem.Andalthoughtherebenot"anevilheartofunbelief"inbelievers,yettherewillstillbeunbeliefintheirhearts.Suchanevidence,conviction,andpersuasionofacceptancewithGodasareexclusiveofallcontraryreasonings,thatsufferthesoultohearnothingofobjections,thatfreeandquietitfromallassaults,areneithermentionedintheScripture,norconsistentwiththatstatewhereinwewalkbeforeGod,norpossibleontheaccountofSatan'swillandabilitytotempt,orofourownremainingunbelief.Assuranceencouragethusinourcombat;itdeliverethusnotfromit.Wemay

havepeacewithGodwhenwehavenonefromtheassaultsofSatan.

Now,unlessamandodulyconsiderthetenorofthecovenantwhereinwewalkwithGod,andthenatureofthatgospelobediencewhichherequiresatourhands,withthestateandconditionwhichisourlotandportionwhilstweliveinthisworld,thedailysenseofthesethings,withthetroublethatmustbeundergoneontheiraccount,maykeephiminthedarkuntohimself,andhinderhimfromthatestablishmentinbelievingwhichotherwisehemightattainunto.Onthisaccount,someasholypersonsasanyinthisworld,beingwhollytakenupwiththeconsiderationofthesehomebredperplexities,andnotclearlyacquaintedwiththewayandtenorofassuringtheirsoulsbeforeGodaccordingtotheruleofthecovenantofgrace,havepassedawaytheirdaysinabondage-frameofspirit,andunacquaintancewiththatstrongconsolationwhichGodisabundantlywillingthatalltheheirsofpromiseshouldreceive.

2.Evangelicalassuranceisnotathingthatconsistethinanypoint,andsoincapableofvariation.Itmaybehigherorlower,greaterorless,obscureorattendedwithmoreevidence.Itisnotquitelostwhenitisnotquiteatitshighest.Godsometimesmarvellouslyraiseththesoulsofhissaintswithsomecloseandnearapproachesuntothem,—givesthemasenseofhiseternallove,atasteoftheembracesofhisSonandtheinhabitationoftheSpirit,withouttheleastinterveningdisturbance;thenthisistheirassurance.Butthislifeisnotaseasontobealwaystakingwagesin;ourworkisnotyetdone;wearenotalwaystoabideinthismount;wemustdownagainintothebattle,—fightagain,cryagain,complainagain.Shallthesoulbethoughtnowtohavelostitsassurance?Notatall.Ithadbeforeassurancewithjoy,triumph,andexultation;ithathitnow,ormayhave,withwrestling,cries,tears,andsupplications.Andaman'sassurancemaybeasgood,astrue,whenheliesontheearthwithasenseofsin,aswhenheiscarrieduptothethirdheavenwithasenseofloveandforetasteofglory.Inbrief,thisassuranceofsalvationissuchagracious,evangelicalpersuasionofacceptancewithGodinChrist,andofaninterestinthepromisesofpreservationuntotheend,wroughtinbelieversbytheHolyGhost,inandthroughtheexerciseoffaith,asforthemostpartproduceththeseeffectsfollowing:—

(1.)Itgivesdelightinobedience,anddrawsoutloveinthedutiesthatuntoGodwedoperform.Somuchassuranceofacomfortableissueoftheirobedience,ofablessedendoftheirlaboursandduties,oftheirpurifyingtheirhearts,andpressingafteruniversalrenovationofmindandlife,asmaymakethemcheerfulinthem,asmaygiveloveanddelightinthepursuitofwhattheyareengagedin,

isneedfulforthesaints,andtheydonotoftengowithoutit;andwherethisis,thereisgospelassurance.Torunasmenuncertain,tofightasthosethatbeattheair,totravelasnotanywaypersuadedofacomfortableentertainmentorrefreshmentatthejourney'send,isastateandconditionthatGoddothnotfrequentlyleavehispeopleunto;andwhenhedoth,itisaseasonwhereinhereceivesverylittleofgloryfromthem,andtheyverylittleincreaseofgraceinthemselves.Manythings,ashathbeenshowed,dointerpose,—manydoubtsariseandentanglingperplexities;butstillthereisacomfortablepersuasionkeptalivethatthereisarestprovided,whichmakesthemwillingunto,andcheerfulin,theirmostdifficultduties.Thisprevailethinthem,thattheirlabourintheLord,theirwatchings,praying,suffering,alms,mortification,fightingagainsttemptation,crucifyingthefleshwiththeluststhereof,shallnotbeinvain.Thisgivesthemsuchadelightintheirmostdifficultdutiesasmenhaveinahardjourneytowardsadesirablehomeoraplaceofrest.

(2.)Itcastsoutfear,tormentingfear,suchasfillsthesoulwithperplexinguncertainties,hardthoughtsofGod,anddreadfulapprehensionsofwrathtocome.Therearethreethingsspokenconcerningthatfearwhichisinconsistentwiththeassuranceofforgiveness:—First,Withrespectuntoitsprinciple,itisfroma"spiritofbondage:"Rom.8:15,"Wehavenotreceivedthespiritofbondageagaintofear."Itisnotsuchafearasmakesanoccasionadincursionuponthemindorsoul,suchasisexcitedandoccasionedbyincidentdarknessandtemptation,suchasthebest,andpersonsofthehighestassurance,areliableandobnoxiousunto;butitissuchashathacompleteabidingprincipleinthesoul,evena"spiritofbondage,"—aprevailingframeconstantlyincliningittofear,ordreadfulapprehensionsofGodanditsowncondition.Secondly,Thatittendstobondage.Itbringsthesoulintobondage:Heb.2:14,15,hedied"todeliverthemwhothroughfearofdeathwerealltheirlifetimesubjecttobondage."Fearofdeathaspenal,asitliesinthecurse,whichisthatfearthatproceedsfroma"spiritofbondage,"bringsthepersonsinwhomitisintobondage;thatis,itaddsweariness,trouble,andanxietyofminduntofear,andputsthemuponallwaysandmeansimaginable,undulyanddisorderly,toseekforaremedyorrelief.Thirdly,Ithathtorment:"Fearhathtorment,"1John4:18.Itgivesnorest,noquietness,untothemind.Now,thisissocastoutbygospelassuranceofforgiveness,that,thoughitmayassaultthesoul,itshallnotpossessit;thoughitmakeincursionsuponit,itshallnotdwell,abide,andprevailinit.

(3.)Itgivesthesoulahopeandexpectationof"theglorythatshallberevealed,"andsecretlystirsitupandenlivensituntoasupportmentinsufferings,trials,

andtemptations.Thisisthe"hopewhichmakethnotashamed,"Rom.5:5,andthatbecauseitwillneverexposethesouluntodisappointment.Whereverthereistherootofassurance,therewillbethisfruitofhope.Theproperobjectofitisthingsabsent,invisible,eternal,—thepromisedreward,inallthenotions,respects,andconcernmentsofit.Thishopegoesoutunto,indistresses,temptations,failings,andunderasenseoftheguiltandpowerofsin.Hencearisethaspringofsecretreliefinthesoul,somethingthatcalmstheheartandquietsthespiritinthemidstofmanyastorm.Now,as,whereverassuranceis,therewillbethishope;sowhereverthissecretrelievinghopeis,itgrowsonnootherrootbutalivingpersuasionofapersonalinterestinthethingshopedfor.

(4.)Asitwilldomanyotherthings,so,thatImaygiveonecomprehensiveinstance,itwillcarrythemout,inwhomitis,todieforChrist.Death,untomenwhosawnotonestepbeyondit,wasesteemedofallthingsmostterrible.Thewayandmeansofitsapproachadduntoitsterror.Butthisisnothingincomparisonofwhatitisuntothemwholookthroughitasapassageintoensuingeternity.Foraman,then,tochoosedeathratherthanlife,inthemostterriblemannerofitsapproach,expectinganeternitytoensue,itarguesacomfortablepersuasionofagoodstateandconditionafterdeath.Now,Iampersuadedthattherearehundredswho,upongospel,savingaccounts,wouldembraceastakeforthetestimonyofJesus,whoyetknownotatallthattheyhavetheassurancewespeakof;andyetnothingelsewouldenablethemthereunto.Butthesethingsbeingbesidethemainofmyintendment,Ishallpursuethemnofarther;only,theruleisofuse:—Letthesoulbesuretobewellacquaintedwiththenatureofthatwhichitseeksafter,andconfessethasenseofthewantof.

———

RULEIII

Continuanceinwaitingnecessaryuntopeaceandconsolation.

Whateveryourconditionbe,andyourapprehensionofit,yetcontinuewaitingforabetterissue,andgivenotoverthroughwearinessorimpatience.Thisrulecontainsthesumofthegreatexamplegivenusinthispsalm.ForgivenessinGodbeingdiscovered,thoughnosenseofaparticularinterestthereinasyetobtained,thatwhichthesoulappliesitselfuntoisdiligent,careful,constant,perseveringwaiting;whichisvariouslyexpressedinthefifthandsixthverses.TheHolyGhosttellsusthat"lightissownfortherighteous,andgladnessfortheupright

inheart,"Ps.97:11.Lightandgladnessarethethingsnowinquiredafter.Deliverancefromdarkness,misapprehensionsofGod,hardandmisgivingthoughtsofhisowncondition,isthatwhichasoulinitsdepthsreachethtowards.Now,saiththeHolyGhost,"Thesethingsaresownfortherighteous."Doththehusbandman,afterhecastshisseedintotheearth,immediatelythenextday,thenextweek,expectthatitwillbeharvest?dothhethinktoreapsosoonashehathsown?ordothheimmediatelysay,"Ihavelabouredinvain,hereisnoreturn;Iwillpullupthehedgeofthisfieldandlayitwaste?"or,"Iseealittlegrassintheblade,butnocorn;Iwillgiveittothebeaststodevourit?"No;"hisGod,"astheprophetspeaks,"dothinstructhimtodiscretion,anddothteachhim,"—namely,whathemustdo,andhowhemustlookforthingsintheirseason.Andshallnotwebeinstructedbyhim?"Behold,thehusbandman,"saithJames,"waitethforthepreciousfruitoftheearth,andhathlongpatienceforit,untilhereceivetheearlyandlatterrain,"James5:7.Andislightsownforthemthatareindarkness,andshalltheystifletheseedundertheclods,orspoilthetenderbladethatisspringingup,orrefusetowaitforthewateringoftheSpirit,thatmaybringitforthtoperfection?Waitingistheonlywaytoestablishmentandassurance;wecannotspeedbyourhaste;yea,nothingputstheendsofarawayasmakingtoomuchhasteandspeedinourjourney.Thegroundhereofis,thatasenseofaspecialinterestinforgivenessandacceptanceisgivenintothesoulbyamereactofsovereignty.Itisnot,itwillnotbe,obtainedbyoruponanyrationalconclusionsordeductionsthatwecanmake.Allthatwecandoisbuttoapplyourselvestotheremovalofhinderances,forthepeaceandrestsoughtforcomefrommereprerogative:"Whenhegivethquietness,whothencanmaketrouble?andwhenhehidethhisface,whothencanbeholdhim?"Job34:29.Now,whatisthewaytoreceivethatwhichcomesfrommeresovereigntyandprerogative?Dothnotthenatureofthethingrequirehumblewaiting?If,then,eitherimpatiencecastthesoulintofrowardness,orwearinessmakeitslothful(whicharethetwowayswherebywaitingisruined),letnotsuchaoneexpectanycomfortableissueofhiscontendingfordeliveranceoutofhisdepths.Andletnotanythinktomakeouttheirdifficultiesanyotherway:theirownreasoningswillnotbringthemtoanyestablishingconclusion;fortheymaylaydownpropositions,andhavenoconsiderableobjectionstolieagainsteitherofthem,andyetbefarenoughfromthatsweetconsolation,joy,andassurancewhichistheproductoftheconclusion,whenGodisnotpleasedtogiveitin.Yea,amanmaysometimesgatherupconsolationtohimselfuponsuchterms,butitwillnotabide.SodidDavid,Ps.30:6,7.Hethusargueswithhimself:"Hewhosemountainismadestrong,towhomGodisadefence,heshallneverbemovednorbeshaken;butIamthussettledofGod:thereforeIshallnotbe

moved."Andthereinherejoiceth.Itisanexpressionofexultationthatheuseth;butwhatistheissueofit?Inthemidstofthesepleasingthoughtsofhis,"Godhideshisface,"and"heistroubled;"hecannotanylongerdrawoutthesweetnessoftheconclusionmentioned.ItwasinhimbeforefromtheshiningsofGod'scountenance,andnotfromanyarguingsofhisown.

Nodisappointment,then,notediousnessorweariness,shouldmakethesoulleavewaitingonGod,ifitintendtoattainconsolationandestablishment.Sodealeththechurch,Lam.3:21,"ThisIrecalltomind,thereforehaveIhope."Whatisthatshecallstomind?This,that"itisoftheLORD'Smercythatwearenotconsumed,becausehiscompassionsfailnot,"verse22;—"Iwillyethope,Iwillyetcontinueinmyexpectationupontheaccountofneverfailingcompassion,ofendlessmerciesinhim,whatevermypresentconditionbe."Andthenceshemakesablessedconclusion,verse26,"ItisgoodthatamanshouldbothhopeandquietlywaitforthesalvationoftheLORD."Andthisisourthirdrule:—Itisgoodtohopeandwait,whateverourpresentconditionbe,andnottogiveover,ifwewouldnotbesuretofail;whereuntoIspeaknomore,becausethecloseofthispsalminsistswhollyonthisduty,whichmustbefartherspokenunto.

———

RULEIV

Remove the hinderances of believing by a searching out of sin—Rules anddirectionsforthatduty.

Seeing,inthecourseofourbelievingandobedience,thatwhichischieflyincumbentonus,forourcominguptoestablishmentandconsolation,isspiritualdiligenceintheremovalofthehinderancesthereof,letthesoulthatwouldattainthereuntomakethoroughworkinthesearchofsin,eventothesinsofyouth,thatallscoresonthataccountmayclearlybewipedout.Iftherebemuchrubbishleftinthefoundationofthebuilding,nowonderifitalwaysshakeandtotter.Men'sleavingofanysinunsearchedtothebottomwillpoisonalltheirconsolation.Davidknewthiswhen,indealingwithGodinhisdistresses,hepraysthathewouldnot"rememberthesinsandtransgressionsofhisyouth,"Ps.25:7.YouthisoftentimesatimeofgreatvanityandunmindfulnessofGod;manystainsandspotsarethereinusuallybroughtupontheconsciencesofmen."Childhoodandyoutharevanity,"Eccles.11:10;notbecausetheysoonpassaway,butbecause

theyareusuallyspentinvanity,asthefollowingadviceofchap.12:1,torememberGodinthosedays,dothmanifest.Thewayofmanyistowearsuchthingsoutofmind,andnottowalkinasenseoftheirfollyandmadness,—nevertomakethoroughworkwithGodaboutthem.Ispeakofthesaintsthemselves;forwithothersthatliveunderthemeansofgrace,whomGodintendsanywaytomakeusefulandindustriousintheirgeneration,thisistheusualcourse:—byconvictions,restraininggrace,afflictions,loveofemploymentandrepute,Godgivesthemanotherheartthantheyhadforaseason;anotherheart,butnotanewheart.Hence,anothercourseoflife,anotherprofession,otheractionsthanformerly,doflow.Withthischangetheydocontentthemselves;theylookonwhatispastperhapswithdelight,orasthingsfitenoughforthosedays,butnotforthosetheyhaveattainedunto.Heretheyrest;andthereforenevercometorest.

ButIspeakofthesaintsthemselves,whomakenotsuchthorough,full,closeworkinthiskindastheyought.Anafter-reckoningmaycomeinonthishandtotheirowndisturbance,andanunconquerablehinderanceoftheirpeaceandsettlementbebroughtin,onthisaccount.SowasitwithJob,chap.13:26,"Hemakethmetopossesstheiniquitiesofmyyouth."Godfilledhisheart,histhoughts,hismind,withthesesins,—madethemabidewithhim,sothathepossessedthem;theywerealwayspresentwithhim.Hemadethesinsofhisyouththesufferingsofhisage.Anditisasadthing,asonespeaks,whenyoungsinsandoldbonesmeettogether;asZophar,chap.20:11,"Hisbonesarefullofthesinsofhisyouth."Thejoyousframeofsomemen'syouthmakeswayforsadworkintheirage.Takeheed,youngones!youaredoingthatwhichwillabidewithyoutoage,ifnottoeternity.Thispossessingofthesinsofyouth,Jobcallsthe"writingofbitterthingsagainsthim;"as,indeed,itisimpossiblebutthatsinshouldbebitteronetimeorother.Godcallsit"arootthatbearethgallandwormwood,"Deut.29:18;"arootofbitternessspringingupintodefilement,"Heb.12:15.This,then,istobesearchedouttothebottom.IsraelwillnothavesuccessnorpeacewhilstthereisanAchaninthecamp.Neithersuccessintemptationnorconsolationinbelievingistobeexpected,whilstanyAchan,anysinunreckonedfor,liesontheconscience.

Now,forthemwhowouldseriouslyaccomplishadiligentsearchinthismatter,whichisofsuchimportanceuntothem,letthemtakethesetwodirections:—

1.Letthemgoovertheconsiderationofthosesins,andothersofthelikenature,whichmaybereduceduntothesamegeneralheadswiththem,whichwelaid

downbeforeasthesinswhichgenerallycastmenintodepthsandentanglements.Andiftheyfindtheyhavecontractedtheguiltofanyofthem,letthemnotthinkitstrangethattheyareyetbewilderedintheircondition,anddocomeshortofarefreshingsenseofpeacewithGodoraninterestinforgiveness.Ratherletthemadmiretherichesofpatience,grace,andforbearance,thattheyarenotcastutterlyoutofallhopesofarecovery.Thiswillspeedanenduntotheirtrouble,accordingtothedirectiongiven.

2.LetthemcastthecourseoftheirtimesundersuchheadsandseasonsasmaygivethemthemoreclearanddistinctviewandapprehensionofthepassagesinthembetweenGodandtheirsoulswhichmayhavebeenprovokinguntohim.

As,first,forthestateoftheirinwardman,letthemconsider,—

(1.)Theunregeneratepartoftheirlives,thatwhichwasconfessedlyso,beforetheyhadanyrealworkofGodupontheirhearts;andthereininquireaftertwothings:—First,IftherewerethenanygreatandsignaleruptionsofsinsagainstGod;forofsuchGodrequiresthatadeepsensebekeptonoursoulsallourdays.HowoftendowefindPaulcallingoverthesinsofhislifeandwaysbeforehisconversion!"Iwas,"saithhe,"injurious,andablasphemer."Suchreflectionsoughtpersonstohaveonanygreatprovokingoccasionsofsin,thatmaykeepthemhumble,andnecessitatethemconstantlytolookforafreshsenseofpardonthroughthebloodofChrist.Ifsuchsinslieneglected,andnotconsideredaccordingtotheirimportance,theywillweakenthesoulinitscomfortswhilstitlivesinthisworld.Secondly,Iftherewereanysignalintimationsmadeofthegood-willandloveofGodtothesoul,whichitbrokeofffromthroughthepowerofitscorruptionandtemptation,theyrequireaduehumblingconsiderationallourdays.Butthishathbeenbeforespokenunto.

(2.)Inthatpartofourliveswhich,uponthecallofGod,wehavegivenupuntohim,therearetwosortsofsinsthatdoeffectuallyimpeachourfuturepeaceandcomfort;whichoughtthereforetobefrequentlyreviewedandissuedinthebloodofChrist:—First,Suchas,byreasonofanyaggravatingcircumstances,havebeenaccompaniedwithsomeespecialunkindnesstowardsGod.Sucharesinsafterwarnings,communicationsofasenseoflove,afterparticularengagementsagainstthem,relapses,omissionsofgreatopportunitiesandadvantagesforthefurtheranceofthegloryofGodintheworld.Thesekindsofsinshavemuchunkindnessattendingthem,andwillbesearchedoutifwecoverthem.Secondly,Sinsattendedwithscandaltowardsfewerormore,oranyonesinglepersonwho

isormaybeconcernedinus.Theaggravationsofthesekindsofsinsarecommonlyknown.

(3.)Thevariousoutwardstatesandconditionswhichwehavepassedthrough,asofprosperityandafflictions,shouldinlikemannerfallunderthissearchandconsideration.ItisbutseldomthatwefillupourdutyoranswerthemindofGodinanydispensationofprovidence,andifourneglecthereinbenotmanagedaright,theywillundoubtedlyhinderandinterruptourpeace.

———

RULEV

Thefifthrule—Distinctionbetweenunbeliefandjealousy.

Learntodistinguishbetweenunbeliefandjealousy.

Thereisatwofoldunbelief:—1.Thatwhichisuniversalandprivative,suchasisinallunregeneratepersons;theyhavenofaithatall,—thatis,theyaredeadmen,andhavenoprinciplesofspirituallife.ThisIspeaknotof;itiseasilydistinguishedfromanygrace,beingtheutterenemyandprivationasitwereofthemall.2.Thereisanunbeliefpartialandnegative,consistinginastaggeringatorquestioningofthepromises.ThisisdispleasingtoGod,asinwhichisattendedwithunknownaggravations,thoughmenusuallyindulgeitinthemselves.Itiswellexpressed,Ps.78:19,20.Godhadpromisedhispresencetothepeopleinthewildernesstofeed,sustain,andpreservethem.HowdidtheyentertainthesepromisesofGod?"Canhe,"saythey,"givebread?canheprovidefleshforhispeople?"verse20.Whatgreatsin,crime,oroffenceisinthisinquiry?Why,verse19,thisiscalledspeakingagainstGod:"TheyspakeagainstGod;theysaid,Canhefurnishatableinthewilderness?"Unbeliefinquestionofthepromisesisa"speakingagainstGod;"a"limitingoftheHolyOneofIsrael,"asitiscalled,verse41;anassigningofboundstohisgoodness,power,kindness,andgrace,accordingtowhatwefindinourselves,whichheabhors.BythisunbeliefwemakeGodlikeourselves;thatis,ourlimitingofhim,expectingnomorefromhimthaneitherwecando,orseehowitmaybedone.This,youwillsay,wasagreatsinintheIsraelites,becausetheyhadnoreasontodoubtorquestionthepromisesofGod.Itiswellwethinksonow;butwhentheyweresomanythousandfamilies,thathadnotonebitofbreadnordropofwateraforehandforthemselvesandtheirlittleones,thereisnodoubtbuttheythought

themselvestohaveasgoodreasontoquestionthepromisesasanyoneofyoucanthinkthatyouhave.Wearereadytosupposethatwehaveallthereasonsintheworld:everyonesupposethhehaththosethataremorecogentthananyotherhathtoquestionthepromisesofgrace,pardon,andforgiveness;andthereforethequestioningofthemisnottheirsin,buttheirduty.Butpretendwhatwewill,thisisspeakingagainstGod,limitingofhim;andthatwhichisourkeepingofffromsteadfastnessandcomfort.

ButnowtheremaybeajealousyinagraciousheartconcerningtheloveofChrist,whichisacceptableuntohim,atleastwhichheistendertowards,thatmaybemistakenforthisquestioningofthepromisesbyunbelief,andsohelptokeepthesoulindarknessanddisconsolation.Thisthespouseexpressethinherself:Cant.8:6,"Loveisstrongasdeath;jealousyishardasthegrave:thecoalsthereofarecoalsoffire,whichhathamostvehementflame."Loveisthefoundation,theroot;butyetitbearsthatfruitwhichisbitter,althoughitbewholesome,—thatwhichfillsthesoulwithgreatperplexities,andmakesitcryoutforanearerandmoresecureadmissionintothepresenceofChrist."Setme,"saiththespouse,"asasealuponthineheart,asasealuponthinearm:forjealousyiscruelasthegrave;"—"Icannotbearthisdistancefromthee,thesefearsofmybeingdisregardedbythee.'Setmeasasealuponthineheart.'"

Now,thisspiritualjealousyisthesolicitousnessofthemindofabeliever,whohathasincereloveforChrist,abouttheheart,affection,andgood-willofChristtowardsit,arisingfromaconsciousnessofitsownunworthinesstobebelovedbyhimoracceptedwithhim.Allcauselessjealousyarisethfromasecretsenseandconvictionofunworthinessinthepersoninwhomitis,andahighesteemofhimthatistheobjectofit,orconcerningwhoseloveandaffectionanyoneisjealous.Soitiswiththisspiritualjealousy.Therootofitislove,sincerelove,thatcannotbe"quenchedbywaters"nor"drownedbyfloods,"verse7,—whichnothingcanutterlyprevailagainstorovercome.ThisgivesthesoulhighthoughtsofthegloriousexcellenciesofChrist,fillsitwithadmirationofhim;thesearemixedwithaduesenseofitsownbaseness,vileness,andunworthinesstobeownedbyhimoracceptedwithhim.Now,ifthesethoughts,ontheonehandandontheother,benotdirected,guided,andmanagedarightbyfaith,—whichalonecanshowthesoulhowthegloryofChristconsistethprincipallyinthis,thathe,beingsoexcellentandglorious,ispleasedtoloveuswithloveinexpressiblewhoarevileandsinful,—questioningsabouttheloveofChrist,andthoseattendedwithmuchanxietyandtroubleofmind,willarise.Now,thisframemaysometimesbetakenforaquestioningofthepromisesofGod,and

thattobeadefectinfaithwhichisanexcessoflove,oratmostsuchanirregularactingofitastheLordChristwillbeverytendertowards,andwhichisconsistentwithpeaceandaduesenseoftheforgivenessofsins.Mistakenot,then,theseoneforanother,lestmuchcauselessunquietnessensueinthejudgmentwhichyouaretomakeofyourselves.

Butyouwillsay,"Howshallwedistinguishbetweenthesetwo,soasnotcauselesslytobedisquietedandperplexed?"Ianswerbriefly,—

1.Unbelief,workinginandbythequestioningofthepromisesofGod,isaweakening,disheartening,dispiritingthing.Ittakesofftheedgeofthesoulfromspiritualduties,andweakensitbothasuntodelightandstrength.ThemoreanyonequestionsthepromisesofGod,thelesslife,power,joy,anddelightinobediencehehath;forfaithisthespringandrootofallothergraces,andaccordingasthatthrivethorgoethbackwardssodotheyall.MenthinksometimesthattheiruncertaintyoftheloveofGod,andofacceptancewithhimbytheforgivenessofsin,dothputthemupontheperformanceofmanyduties;andtheycanhavenorestorpeaceintheomissionofthem.Itmaybeitisso;yea,thisisthestateandconditionwithmany.Butwhataretheseduties?andhowaretheyperformed?andwhatistheiracceptancewithGod?Thedutiesthemselvesarelegal;whichdenominationarisethnotfromthenature,substance,ormatterofthem,fortheymaybethesamethatarerequiredandenjoinedinthegospel,butfromtheprinciplefromwhencetheyproceedandtheendtowhichtheyareused.Nowtheseinthiscasearebothlegal;theirprincipleislegalfear,andtheirendislegalrighteousness,—thewholeattendanceuntothema"seekingofrighteousnessasitwerebytheworksofthelaw."Andhowaretheyperformed?Plainly,withabondage-frameofspirit,withoutlove,joy,liberty,ordelight.Toquietconscience,topacifyGod,arethethingsinthemaimedat,allinoppositiontothebloodandrighteousnessofChrist.AndaretheyacceptedwithGod?Letthembemultipliedneversomuch,heeverywheretestifieththattheyareabhorredbyhim.This,then,unbeliefmixedwithconvictionswilldo.Itistheproperwayofventingandexercisingitselfwherethesoulisbroughtunderthepowerofconviction.Butasuntogospelobedience,inallthedutiesofit,tobecarriedonincommunionwithGodbyChristanddelightinhim,allquestioningofthepromisesweakensanddiscourageththesoul,andmakesthemallwearisomeandburdensomeuntoit.

ButthejealousythatisexercisedaboutthepersonandloveofChristuntothesoulisquiteofanothernature,andproducethothereffects.Itcheers,enlivens,

andenlargeththesoul,stirsuptoactivity,earnestness,andindustryinitsinquiriesanddesiresafterChrist."Jealousy,"saiththespouse,"'ishardasthegrave;'therefore,'setmeasasealuponthineheart,asa,sealuponthinearm.'"Itmakesthesoulrestlesslypantafternearer,moresensible,andmoreassuredcommunionwithChrist;itstirsupvigorousandactivespiritsinallduties.EverydoubtandfearthatitingeneratesconcerningtheloveofChriststirsupthesouluntomoreearnestnessafterhim,delightinhim,andsedulouswatchingagainsteverythingthatmaykeepitatadistancefromhim,oroccasionhimtohide,withdraw,orabsenthimselffromit.

2.Unbelief,thatworksbyquestioningofthepromises,isuniversallyselfish;itbeginsandendsinself.Self-love,indesiresafterfreedomfromguilt,danger,andpunishment,isthelifeandsoulofit.Maythisendbeattained,ithathnodelightinGod;nordothitcarewhatwayitbeattained,soitmaybeattained.Maysuchpersonshaveanypersuasionsthattheyshallbefreedfromdeathandhell,beitbytheworksofthelaworbytheobservanceofanyinventionsoftheirown,whetheranygloryarisethuntoGodfromhisgraceandfaithfulnessorno,theyarenotsolicitous.

ThejealousywespeakofhaththepersonofChristandhisexcellencyforitsconstantobject.Theseitfillsthemindwithinmanyandvariousthoughts,stillrepresentinghimmoreandmoreamiableandmoredesirableuntothesoul:sodoththespouseuponthelikeoccasion,asyoumayseeatlarge,Cant.5:9–16.Beingatsomelossforhispresence,forhehadwithdrawnhimself,notfindingherwontedcommunionandintercoursewithhim,fearingthat,uponherprovocation,shemightforfeitherinterestinhislove,shefallsupontheconsiderationofallhisexcellencies;andtherebythemoreinflamesherselfintodesiresafterhiscompanyandenjoyment.Allthesediversethingsmaybethusdistinguishedanddiscerned.

———

RULEVI

Distinctionbetweenfaithandspiritualsense.

Learntodistinguishbetweenfaithandspiritualsense.

Thisruletheapostlegivesus,2Cor.5:7,"Wewalkbyfaith,andnotbysight."Itisthesightofglorythatisespeciallyhereintended.Butfaithandsenseinany

kindareclearlydistinguished.Thatmaybebelievedwhichisnotfelt;yea,itisthewillandcommandofGodthatfaithshouldstandanddoitsworkwhereallsensefails,Isa.50:10.Anditiswithspiritualsenseinthismatterasitiswithnatural.Thomaswouldnotbelieveunlesshesawtheobjectofhisfaithwithhiseyes,orfeltitwithhishand.ButsaithourSaviour,"Blessedaretheythathavenotseen,andyetbelieve,"—whobelieveuponthetestimonyofGod,withoutthehelpoftheirownsenseorreason.AndifwewillbelievenomoreofGod,ofhislove,ofhisgrace,ofouracceptancewithhim,thanwehaveaspiritualaffectingsenseof,weshallbemanytimesataloss.SensibleimpressionsfromGod'slovearegreatspringsofjoy;buttheyarenotabsolutelynecessaryuntopeace,noruntoanevidencethatwedobelieve.

Wewilldealthuswiththevilestpersonliving,—wewillbelievehimwhilstwehavethecertaintyofoursensetosecureus.AndifwedealsowithGod,whatisthereinoursodoingpraiseworthy?Theprophettellsuswhatitistobelieveinrespectofprovidence,Hab.3:17.Whenthereisnothingleftoutwardandvisibletosupportus,thentorestquietlyonGod,thatistobelieve:soPs.73:26.Andtheapostle,intheexampleofAbraham,showsuswhatitistobelievewithrespectuntoaspecialpromise:Rom.4:18,"Againsthope,hebelievedinhope."Whenhesawnotanyoutwardordinarymeansfortheaccomplishmentofthepromise,wheninnumerableobjectionsaroseagainstanysuchhopeasmighthaverespectuntosuchmeans,yetheresolvedallhisthoughtsintothefaithfulnessofGodinthepromise,andthereinraisedanewhopeinitsaccomplishment;soinhopebelievingagainsthope.

Toclearthismatter,youmustobservewhatIintendbythisspiritualsense,whichyoumustlearntodistinguishfaithfrom,andtoknowthattruefaithinterestingthesoulinforgivenessmaybewithoutit;thatsoyoumaynotconcludeuntoarealwantofpardonfromthewantoftherefreshingsenseofit.

Graceingeneralmaybereferreduntotwoheads:—1.OuracceptationwithGodthroughChrist,—thesameuponthematterwiththeforgivenessofsinthatwearetreatingof;and,2.GraceofsanctificationfromGodinChrist.Ofeachofthesethereisaspiritualsenseorexperiencetobeobtained,inbothdistinguishedfromfaiththatgivesusarealinterestinforgiveness.

1.Ofthefirst,orthespiritualsensethatwehaveofacceptancewithGod,therearesundrypartsordegrees;as,first,hereuntobelongspeacewithGod:Rom.5:1,"Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGod."Thispeaceistherest

andcomposureofthesoulemergingoutoftroubles,upontheaccountofthereconciliationandfriendshipmadeforitbythebloodofChrist.Andithath,asallpeacehath,twoparts,—first,afreedomfromwar,trouble,anddistress;and,secondly,rest,satisfaction,andcontentmentintheconditionattained;—andthis,atleastthesecondpartofit,belongsuntothespiritualsensethatweinquireafter.Again:thereisinit"joyintheHolyGhost,"called"joyunspeakable,andfullofglory,"1Pet.1:8;asalso"gloryingintheLord"upontheaccountofhisgrace,Isa.45:25;withmanythelikeeffects,proceedingfroma"sheddingabroadoftheloveofGodinourhearts,"Rom.5:5.

Yea,yousay,thesearethethingsyouaimat;thesearethethingsyouwouldattain,andbefilledwithal.Itisthispeace,thisjoy,thisgloryingintheLord,thatyouwouldalwaysbeinthepossessionof.Isay,youdowelltodesirethem,toseekandlabourafterthem,—theyarepurchasedbyChristforbelievers;butyouwilldowelltoconsiderunderwhatnotionyoudodesirethem.Ifyoulookonthesethingsasbelongingtotheessenceoffaith,withoutwhichyoucanhavenorealinterestinforgivenessoracceptancewithGod,yougreatlydeceiveyourownsouls,andputyourselvesoutofthewayofobtainingofthem.Thesethingsarenotbelieving,noradequateeffectsofit,soasimmediatelytobeproducedwhereverfaithis;outtheyaresuchconsequentsofitasmayormaynotensueuponat,accordingtothewillofGod.Faithisaseedthatcontainsthemspirtually,andoutofwhichtheymaybeinduetimeeducedbytheworkingofthewordandSpirit;andthewayforanysoultobemadepartakerofthemistowaitonthesovereigntyofGod'sgrace,whocreatethpeaceintheexerciseoffaithuponthepromises.He,when,thatwouldplacebelievinginthesethings,andwillnotbepersuadedthathedothbelieveuntilheispossessedofthem,hedothbothlosethebenefit,advantage,andcomfortofwhathehath,and,neglectingthedueactingoffaith,putshimselfoutofthewayofattainingwhatheaimethat.

Thesethings,therefore,arenotneedfultogiveyouarealsavinginterestinforgiveness,asitistenderedinthepromiseofthegospelbythebloodofChrist.AnditmaybeitisnotthewillofGodthateveryoushouldbeintrustedwiththem.Itmaybeitwouldnotwoeforyourgoodandadvantagesotobe.Someservantsthatareallhusbandsmusthavetheirwageskeptforthemtotheyear'send,oritwilldothemnogood.Itmaybe,somewouldbesuchspendthriftsofsatisfyingpeaceandjoy,andbesodivertedbythemfromattendinguntosomenecessaryduties,—asofhumiliation,mortification,andself-abasement,withoutwhichtheirsoulscannotlive,—thatitwouldnotbemuchtotheiradvantageto

beintrustedwiththem.Itisfromthesamecareandlovethatpeaceandjoyaredetainedfromsomebelievers,andgranteduntoothers.

Youarethereforetoreceiveforgivenessbyapureactofbelieving,inthewayandmannerbeforeatlargedescribed.Anddonotthinkthatitisnotinyouunlessyouhaveconstantlyaspiritualsenseofitinyourhearts.See,inthemeantime,thatyourfaithbringethforthobedience,andGodinduetimewillcauseittobringforthpeace.

2.Thelikemaybesaidconcerningtheotherheadofgrace,thoughitbenotsodirectuntoourpurpose,yettendingalsotothereliefofthesoulinitsdepths.ThisisthegracethatwehavefromGodinChristforoursanctification.Whenthesoulcannotfindthisinhimself;whenhehathnotaspiritualsenseandexperienceofitsinbeingandpower;whenitcannotevidentlydistinguishitfromthatwhichisnotrightorgenuine,—itisfilledwithfearsandperplexities,andthinksitisyetinitssin.Heisso,indeed,whohathnograceinhim;butnothealwayswhocanfindnoneinhim.Butthesearedifferentthings.Amanmayhavegrace,andyetnothaveitatsometimesmuchacting;hemayhavegraceforlife,whenhehathitnotforfruitfulnessandcomfort,thoughitbehisdutysotohaveit,Rev.3:2;2Tim.1:6.Andamanmayhavegraceactinginhim,andyetnotknow,notbesensible,thathehathactinggrace.Weseepersonsfrequentlyundergreattemptationsofapprehensionthattheyhavenograceatall,andyetatthesametime,totheclearestconvictionofallwhoareabletodiscernspiritualthings,sweetlyandgenuinelytoactfaith,love,submissionuntoGod,andthatinahighandeminentmanner.Ps.88.,Hemancomplainsthathewas"freeamongthedead,""amanofnostrength,"verses4,5,—asonethathadnospirituallife,nograce.Thisafflictedhismind,andalmostdistractedhim,verse15;andyettherecanbenogreaterexpressionsoffaithandlovetoGodthanaremixedwithhiscomplaints.

Thesethings,Isaythen,arenottobejudgedofbyspiritualsense,butwearetolivebyfaithaboutthem.Andnosouloughttoconclude,thatbecauseithathnottheoneithathnottheother,—thatbecauseithathnotjoyandpeace,ithathnointerestinpardonandforgiveness.

———

RULEVII

Theseventhrule—Mixnotfoundationandbuildingworktogether.

Mixnottoomuchfoundationandbuildingworktogether.OurfoundationindealingwithGodisChristalone,meregraceandpardoninhim.

Ourbuildingisinandbyholinessandobedience,asthefruitsofthatfaithbywhichwehavereceivedtheatonement.Andgreatmistakesthereareinthismatter,whichbringgreatentanglementsonthesoulsofmen.Somearealltheirdayslayingofthefoundation,andareneverabletobuilduponituntoanycomforttothemselvesorusefulnessuntoothers;andthereasonis,becausetheywillbemixingwiththefoundationstonesthatarefitonlyforthefollowingbuilding.Theywillbebringingtheirobedience,duties,mortificationofsin,andthelike,untothefoundation.Thesearepreciousstonestobuildwith,butunmeettobefirstlaid,tobearuponthemthewholeweightofthebuilding.Thefoundationistobelaid,aswassaid,inmeregrace,mercy,pardoninthebloodofChrist.Thisthesoulistoacceptofandtorestinmerelyasitisgrace,withouttheconsiderationofanythinginitself,butthatitissinfulandobnoxiousuntoruin.Thisitfindsadifficultyin,andwouldgladlyhavesomethingofitsowntomixwithit.Itcannottellhowtofixthesefoundation-stoneswithoutsomecementofitsownendeavoursandduty;andbecausethesethingswillnotmix,theyspendafruitlesslabouraboutitalltheirdays.Butifthefoundationbeofgrace,itisnotatallofworks;for"otherwisegraceisnomoregrace."Ifanythingofourownbemixedwithgraceinthismatter,itutterlydestroysthenatureofgrace;whichifitbenotalone,itisnotatall.Butdoththisnottendtolicentiousness?dothnotthisrenderobedience,holiness,duties,mortificationofsin,andgoodworksneedless?Godforbid;yea,thisistheonlywaytoorderthemarightuntothegloryofGod.Havewenothingtodobuttolaythefoundation?Yes;allourdayswearetobuilduponit,whenitissurelyandfirmlylaid.Andthesearethemeansandwaysofouredification.This,then,isthesoultodowhowouldcometopeaceandsettlement:—Letitletgoallformerendeavours,ifithavebeenengageduntoanyofthatkind,andletitalonereceive,admitof,andadhereto,meregrace,mercy,andpardon,withafullsensethatinitselfithathnothingforwhichitshouldhaveaninterestinthem,butthatallisofmeregracethroughJesusChrist:"Otherfoundationcannomanlay."Departnothenceuntilthisworkbewellover.SurceasenotanearnestendeavourwithyourownheartstoacquiesceinthisrighteousnessofGod,andtobringyoursoulsuntoacomfortablepersuasionthat"GodforChrist'ssakehathfreelyforgivenyouallyoursins."Stirnothenceuntilthisbeeffected.Ifyouhavebeenengagedinanotherway,—thatis,toseekforaninterestinthepardonofsinby

someendeavoursofyourown,—itisnotunlikelybutthatyouarefilledwiththefruitofyourowndoings;thatis,thatyougoonwithallkindsofuncertainties,andwithoutanykindofconstantpeace.Return,then,againhither;bringthisfoundation-worktoablessedissueinthebloodofChrist;andwhenthatisdone,upandbedoing.

YouknowhowfatalandruinousitisforsoulstoabusethegraceofGodandtheapprehensionofthepardonofsinsinthecourseoftheirobedience,—tocountenancethemselvesinsinorthenegligenceofanyduty;thisistoturnthegraceofGodintowantonness,aswehaveelsewhereatlargedeclared.Anditisnolesspernicioustobringthedutiesofourobedience,anyreservesforthem,anyhopesaboutthem,intothematterofpardonandforgiveness,aswearetoreceivethemfromGod.Butthesethings,astheyaredistinctinthemselves,sotheymustbedistinctlymanagedinthesoul;andtheconfoundingofthemisthatwhichdisturbsthepeaceandweakenstheobedienceofmany.Inaconfusedmannertheylabourtokeepupalifeofgraceandduty;whichwillbeintheirplacesconjoined,butnotmixedorcompounded.

First,totakeupmercy,pardon,andforgivenessabsolutelyontheaccountofChrist,andthentoyieldallobedienceinthestrengthofChristandfortheloveofChrist,isthelifeofabeliever,Eph.2:8–10.

———

RULEVIII

Theeighthrule—Spendnottimeinheartlesscomplaints.

Takeheedofspendingtimeincomplaintswhenvigorousactingsofgraceareyourduty.

Fruitlessandheartlesscomplaints,bemoaningsofthemselvesandtheircondition,isthesubstanceoftheprofessionthatsomemake.Iftheycanobjectagainstthemselves,andformcomplaintsoutoftheirconditions,theysupposetheyhavedonetheirduty.Ihaveknownsomewhohavespentagoodpartoftheirtimeingoingupanddownfromonetoanotherwiththeirobjectionsandcomplaints.Thesethingsarecontrarytothelifeoffaith.Itisgood,indeed,inourspiritualdistresses,toapplyourselvesuntothemwhoarefurnishedwiththetongueofthelearned,toknowhowtospeakawordinseasonuntohimthatisweary;butforpersonstofilltheirmindsandimaginationswiththeirown

objectionsandcomplaints,notendeavouringtomixthewordsthatarespokenfortheirreliefanddirectionwithfaith,butgoingonstillintheirownway,thisisofnouseoradvantage.Andyetsome,Ifear,maypleasethemselvesinsuchcourse,asifithadsomewhatofeminencyinreligioninit.

Others,itmaybe,drivethesametradeintheirthoughts,althoughtheymakenotoutwardlysuchcomplaints.Theyareconversant,forthemostpart,withheartlessdespondings.Andinsometheyaremultipliedbytheirnaturalconstitutionsordistempers.Examplesofthiskindoccuruntouseveryday.Now,whatistheadvantageofthesethings?WhatdidZiongetwhenshecried,"TheLORDhathforsakenme,andmyLordhathforgottenme?"orJacob,whenhesaid,"MywayishidfromtheLORD,andmyjudgmentispassedoverfrommyGod?"Doubtlesstheydidprejudicethemselves.HowdothDavidrouseuphimselfwhenhefoundhismindinclinableuntosuchaframe?forhavingsaid,"Whydostthoucastmeoff?whygoImourningbecauseoftheoppressionoftheenemy?"hequicklyrebukesandrecollectshimself,saying,"Whyartthoucastdown,Omysoul?andwhyartthoudisquietedwithinme?hopeinGod,"Ps.43:2,5.

Wemustsay,then,untosuchheartlesscomplainers,asGoddidtoJoshua,"Getyouup;whylieyouthusuponyourfaces?"Doyouthinktomendyourconditionbywishingitbetter,orcomplainingitissobad?Areyourcomplaintsofwantofaninterestinforgivenessasanctifiedmeanstoobtainit?Notatall;youwillnotdealsowithyourselvesinthingsnaturalorcivil.Insuchthingsyouwilltakeanindustriouscourseforaremedyorforrelief.Inthingsofthesmallestimportanceinthisworldanduntothislife,youwillnotcontentyourselveswithwishingandcomplaining;asthoughindustryintheuseofnaturalmeans,fortheattainingofnaturalends,weretheordinanceofGod,anddiligenceintheuseofspiritualmeans,fortheobtainingofspiritualends,werenot.

Donotconsultyourownheartsonly.WhatisitthattheScripturecallsforinyourcondition?Isitnotindustryandactivityofspirit?Andwhatdoththenatureofthethingrequire?Distressthatisyethopedtobeconqueredevidentlycallsforindustryanddiligenceintheuseofmeansfordeliverance.Ifyouarepasthope,itavailsnottocomplain;ifyouarenot,whydoyougiveupyourselvestodespondencies?OurSaviourtellsusthat"thekingdomofheavensufferethviolence,andtheviolenttakeitbyforce,"Matt.11:12.ItisnotoftheoutwardviolenceofitsenemiesseekingtodestroyitthatourSaviourspeaks,butofthat

spiritualfervencyandardencyofmindthatisinthosewhointendtobepartakersofit;forβιάζεται,"istakenbyforce,"Luke16:16,isnomorebutεὐαγγελίζεται,"ispreached;"—"ThekingdomofGodispreached,andeverymanpressethintoit."Pressingintoit,andtakingitbyforce,arethesamething.Thereis,then,aviolence,arestlessactivityandvigourofspirit,tobeusedandexercisedforaninterestinthiskingdom.Applythistoyourcondition.Areyouindepthsanddoubts,staggeringanduncertain,notknowingwhatisyourcondition,norwhetheryouhaveanyinterestintheforgivenessthatiswithGod?Areyoutossedupanddownbetweenhopesandfears?[Doyou]wantpeace,consolation,andestablishment?Whylieyouuponyourfaces?Getup,watch,pray,fast,meditate,offerviolencetoyourlustsandcorruptions;fearnot,startlenotattheircryingorimportunitiestobespared;pressuntothethroneofgracebyprayers,supplications,importunities,restlessrequests.Thisisthewaytotakethekingdomofheaven.Thesethingsarenotpeace,theyarenotassurance;buttheyarepartofthemeansthatGodhathappointedfortheattainmentofthem.

What,then,isthepeculiarinstructionthatisproperforsoulsinthiscondition?That,plainly,oftheapostle,2Pet.1:10,"Givediligencetomakeyourcallingandelectionsure.""Alas!"saiththesoul,"Iamatnocertainty,butratheramafflictedandtossed,andnotcomforted.Myheartwillcometonostability.Ihavenoassurance,knownotwhetherIamchosenorcalled;yea,fearthatmylatterendwillbedarknessandsorrow.Thereis,Iconfess,forgivenesswithGod,but[I]justlyfearIshallneverbemadepartakerofit."Whatistheusualcoursethatistakeninsuchcomplaintsbythemtowhomtheyaremade?Mostly,theyhaveagoodopinionofthemthatcomewiththesecomplaints;theyjudgethemtobegodlyandholy,thoughmuchinthedark.Iftheyknewthemnotbefore,yetuponthesecomplaintstheybegintobewellpersuadedofthem.Hereupon,theyaremovedwithpityandcompassion,andtroubledtoseethemintheirperplexities,andsetthemselvestotenderreliefuntothem:theymindthemofthegraciouspromisesofthegospel;itmaybe,fixuponsomeoneormoreoftheminparticular,whichtheyexplaintothem;thencetheymindthemoftheabundantgraceandtenderloveoftheFather,ofthemercifulcareofourHighPriest,hisreadinessandabilitytosave,hiscommunicationsofsuchfavoursuntothemastheyperceivenot.Bysuchwaysandmeans,bysuchapplications,dotheyseektorelievetheminthestateandconditionwhereintheyare.Butwhatistheissue?Dothnotthisreliefprove,forthemostpart,likethemorningcloud,andastheearlydew?Alittlerefreshmentitmaybeityieldsforaseason,butisquicklyagaindriedup,andthesoulleftinitsheartless,witheringcondition.

Youwillsay,then,"Doyoucondemnthismannerofproceedingwiththesoulsofmenintheirdoubts,fears,anddistresses?orwouldyouhavethempineawayunderthesenseoftheircondition,orabideinthisuncertaintyalltheirdays?"Ianswer,No;Icondemnnottheway;Iwouldnothaveanyleftcomfortlessintheirdepths.ButyetIwouldgivethesetwocautions:—

1.Thatspiritualwisdomandprudenceisgreatlyrequiredinthismatter,intheadministrationofconsolationtodistressedsouls.Ifinanything,thetongueofthespirituallylearnedisrequiredherein,—namely,inspeakingawordinseasontothemthatareweary.Apromiscuousdrawingoutofgospelconsolations,withoutapreviousrightjudgmentconcerningthetruestateandconditionofthesoulsappliedunto,isseldomuseful,ofttimespernicious.Andletmentakecarehowtheycommittheirsoulsandconsciencesuntosuchwhohavegoodwordsinreadinessforallcomers.

2.Ifcounselandconsolationofthiskindbegiven,specialanddistinctfromtheadviceweareuponofwatchfulness,diligence,spiritualviolenceinawayofduty,itisexceedingdangerous,andwillassuredlyproveuseless;forletusseewhatcounseltheHolyGhostgivesinthisconditionuntothemwhowouldmaketheir"callingandelectionsure,"whowouldbefreedfromtheirpresentfearsanduncertainties,whocomplainoftheirdarknessanddangers.Why,saithhe,"Givingalldiligence,addtoyourfaithvirtue,"andsoon,2Pet.1:5–7;"for,"saithhe,"ifyedothesethingsyeshallneverfall:forsoanentranceshallbeministereduntoyouabundantlyintotheeverlastingkingdomofourLordandSaviourJesusChrist,"verse11.Youwhoarenowintheskirtsofit,whoknownotwhetheryoubelongtoitorno,youshallhaveanentranceintothekingdomofChrist,andallthejoy,comforts,consolations,andgloryofitshallberichlyadministereduntoyou.ThisistheadvicethattheHolyGhostgivesinthiscase;andthisistheblessedpromiseannexeduntothefollowingofthisadvice;andthistheformercompassionatecourseofadministeringconsolationisnottobeseparatedfrom.

Butyouwill,itmaybe,heresay,"Wearesodeadanddull,sochainedunderthepowerofcorruptionsandtemptations,thatwearenotablethustoputforththefruitofaspirituallifeinaddingonegraceuntoanother."Butdoyouusediligence,study,endeavours,alldiligence,diligenceatalltimes,inallwaysbyGodappointed,allmannerofdiligencewithinandwithout,inprivateandpublic,tothisendandpurpose?Doyoustudy,meditate,pray,watch,fast,neglectnoopportunity,keepyourhearts,search,try,examineyourselves,fleetemptations

andoccasionsofcooling,deadening,andstiflinggrace?Dothesethingsaboundinyou?Alas!youcannotdothus,youaresoweak,soindisposed.But,alas!youwillnot,youwillnotpartwithyourease,youwillnotcrucifyyourlusts,youwillnotusealldiligence;butmustcometoit,orbecontentedtospendallyourdaysindarkness,andtoliedowninsorrow.

Thusdomenfrequentlymiscarry.Isitanynews,forpersonstobewailthefollyoftheirnatureandwaysinthemorningandevening,andyetscarcestandupontheirwatchanypartoftheday,orinanyoccasionoftheday?Isthis"givingalldiligence?"Isthis"workingoutoursalvationwithfearandtrembling?"Andmaywenotseeprofessorsevenindulgingthemselvesinwaysofvanity,folly,wrath,envy,sloth,andthelike,andyetcomplainatwhatalosstheyare,howunquiet,howuncertain?Godforbiditshouldbeotherwisewithyou,orthatweshouldendeavourtospeakpeaceuntoyouinanysuchaframe.Tohearofapersonthathewalksslothfully,carelessly,orindulgethhiscorruptions,andtofindhimcomplainingthatheisatalosswhetherhehaveanyinterestinpardonorno;togiveortendercomforttosuchmourners,withoutadueadmonitionoftheirdutytousediligenceintheuseofmeans,fortohelpontheirdeliveryoutoftheconditionwhereintheyare,istotenderpoisonuntothem.

Tothis,then,thesoulmustcomethatisindepths,ifitintendtobedelivered.Heartlesscomplaints,withexcusestokeepitfromvigorous,spiritualdiligence,mustbelaidaside;ifnot,ordinarily,peace,rest,andstabilitywillnotbeobtained.Agreatexamplehereofwehaveinthespouse,Cant.5:2–8.SheisdrowsyandindisposeduntocommunionwithChrist,whereuntosheisinvited,verse2;thisputsheruponmakingexcuses,fromtheunfitnessofthetime,andherpresentindispositionandunpreparednessastothedutywhereuntoshewascalled,verse3.HereuponChristwithdrawshispresencefromher,andleavesheratalossastoherformercomforts,verse6.Whatcoursedothshenowtake?Dothshenowliedownagaininherformerslumber?dothshemakeuseofherformerexcusesandpretenceswhysheshouldnotengageintothedutiesshewascalledunto?Nosuchthing;butnow,withallearnestness,diligence,sedulity,andimportunity,sheengagethinallmannerofduties,wherebyshemayrecoverherformercomforts,asyoumayseeinthetext.Andthismustbethecourseofotherswhowouldobtainthesamesuccess.Spiritualpeaceandslothwillneverdwelltogetherinthesamesoulandconscience.

———

RULEIX

Theninthrule—TakeheedofundueexpressionsconcerningGodandhiswaysindistress.

Takeheed,indoubts,distresses,andperplexities,ofhardthoughtsofGod,hastyunweighedexpressionsconcerninghimorhisways,orofsecretresolvesthatitwereasgoodgiveoverwaitingascontinueinthestatewhereinyouare,seeingyourconditionisremediless.

Onthreeoccasionsaresuchthoughtsandresolvesapttobefallthemindsofmen;whichsometimesbreakforthintounwarrantableexpressionsconcerningGodhimselfandhisways:—

1.Indeepperplexitiesofmind,byreasonofsomepressingterrorfromtheLord.

2.Onthelongwearisomecontinuanceofsometemptingdistress;andhereofwehavemanyexamples,somewhereofshallbementioned.

3.Inspiritualdisappointments,throughthestrengthoflustortemptation.Whenapersonhath,itmaybe,recoveredhimself,throughgrace,fromaperplexingsenseoftheguiltofsomesin,oritmaybefromacourse,shorterorlonger,lesserorgreater,ofbackslidingandnegligentwalkingwithGod,andthereingoesoncheerfullyforaseasoninthecourseofhisobedience;ifthisperson,throughthepoweroftemptation,subtiltyoflusts,neglectofwatchfulness,byonemeansorother,issurprisedinthesinsorwaysthathehadrelinquished,oristurnedasidefromthevigourofthatcoursewhereinhewasengaged,hemaybeexposednotonlytogreatdespondencies,butalsobeovertakenwithsecretresolvestogiveovercontending,seeingitistonomorepurpose,nay,tonopurpose,andthatGodregardshimnotatall.

Takeaninstanceortwoineachkind:—

ThefirstwehaveinJob,intheextremityofhistrialsandterrorsfromtheLord.See,amongotherplaces,chap.10:3:"Isit,"saithhetoGod,"gooduntotheethatthoushouldestoppress,thatthoushouldestdespisetheworkofthinehands?"Ah!poorworms,withwhomhavewetodo?"Whoshallsayuntoaking,Thouartwicked?andtoprinces,Yeareungodly?AndwillyespeaktoHimwhorespectethnotthepersonofprinces,norregardeththemmorethanthepoorestintheearth?"Andseewhatconclusionsfromsuchthoughtsasthesehedothinfer:

chap.14:16,17,"Thounumberestmysteps:dostthounotwatchovermysin?Mytransgressionissealedupinabag,andthousewestupmineiniquity."HechargethGodtobehisenemy,onethatwatchedforallopportunitiesandadvantagesagainsthim,thatseemedtobegladathishalting,andtakecarethatnoneofhissinsshouldbemissingwhenheintendedtodealwithhim.Hadthisindeedbeenthecasewithhim,hehadperisheduntoeternity,aselsewhereheacknowledged.

Oftheotherwehaveaninstanceinthechurch:Lam.3:18,"Isaid,MystrengthandmyhopeisperishedfromtheLORD."Presentgraceinspiritualstrengthandfutureexpectationofmercyareallgone.Andwhatisgotbythis?SecrethardthoughtsofGodhimselfareherebyingenerated:asverse8,"WhenIcryandshout,heshuttethoutmyprayer;"verse44,"Thouhastcoveredthyselfwithacloud,thatourprayershouldnotpassthrough."ThesethingsaregrievousuntoGodtobear,andnowayusefultothesoulinitscondition;yea,theymoreandmoreunfititforeverydutythatmaylieinatendencytoitsreliefanddeliverance.

SowasitwithJonah:chap.2:4,"Isaid,Iamcastoutofthysight;"—"Allislostandgonewithme;asgoodgiveoverascontend;Idobutlabourinvain.PerishImust,asonecastoutofthesightofGod."ThelikecomplaintsfellalsofromHemaninhisdistress,Ps.88.

Thegeneralwhoheardoneofhissoldierscryout,uponafreshonsetoftheenemy,"Nowweareundone,nowweareruined,"calledhimatraitor,andtoldhimitwasnotsowhilsthecouldwieldhissword.Itisnotforeveryprivatesoldieroneverydangertomakejudgmentofthebattle;thatistheworkofthegeneral.JesusChristis"thecaptainofoursalvation;"hehathundertakentheleadingandconductofoursoulsthroughallourdifficulties.Ourdutyistofightandcontend;hisworkistotakecareoftheevent,andtohimitistobecommitted.

That,then,youmakeadueuseofthisrule,keepalwaysinyourmindsthesetwoconsiderations:—

1.ThatitisnotforyoutotakethejudgmentofChristoutofhishand,andtobepassingsentenceuponyourownsouls.JudgmentastothestateandconditionofmeniscommitteduntoChrist,andtohimitistobeleft.Thisweweredirecteduntoinourfirstrule,anditisofspecialuseinthecaseunderconsideration.Self-

judginginreferenceuntosinandthedemeritofitisourduty.ThejudgingofourstateandconditioninrelationuntotheremedyprovidedistheofficeandworkofJesusChrist,withwhomitistobeleft.

2.ConsiderthathardthoughtsofwhatGodwilldowithyou,andharshdespondingsentencespronouncedagainstyourselves,willinsensiblyalienateyourheartsfromGod.Itmaybewhenmen'sperplexitiesareattheheight,andthemostsadexpressionsareasitwerewrestedfromthem,theyyetthinktheymustjustifyGod,andthattheydosoaccordingly.Butyetsuchthoughtsasthosementionedareveryapttoinfectthemindwithotherinclinations:forafterawhiletheywillprevailwiththesoultolookonGodasanenemy,asonethathathnodelightinit;andwhatwillbetheconsequencethereofiseasilydiscernible.Nonewillcontinuetolovelongwheretheyexpectnoreturns.Suffernot,then,yourmindstobetaintedwithsuchthoughts;andletnotGodbedishonouredbyanysuchexpressionsasreflectonthatinfinitegraceandcompassionwhichheisexercisingtowardsyou.

———

RULEX

Thetenthrule—DulyimprovetheleastappearancesofGodinawayofgraceorpardon.

Ifyouwouldcometostability,andacomfortingpersuasionofaninterestinforgivenessbythebloodofChrist,improvetheleastappearancesofhimuntoyoursouls,andtheleastintimationsofhisloveinpardon,thataremadeuntoyouinthewayofGod.ThespousetakesnoticeofherHusband,andrejoicethinhim,whenhestandsbehindthewall,whenhedothbutlookforthatthewindowandshowhimselfatthelattice,—whenshecouldhavenoclearsightofhim,Cant.2:9.Shelaysholdontheleastappearanceofhimtosupportherheartwithal,andtostirupheraffectionstowardshim.Menindangersdonotsitstilltowaituntilsomethingpresentsitselfuntothemthatwillgiveassureddeliverance;buttheyclosewiththatwhichfirstpresentsitselfuntothem,thatisofthesamekindandnaturewithwhattheylookafter.AndthusGoddothinmanyplacesexpresssuchsupportmentsasgivethesoullittlemorethanapossibilityofattainingtheendaimedat:asZeph.2:3,"ItmaybeyeshallbehidinthedayoftheLORD'Sanger;"andJoel2:14,"Whoknowethbuthewillreturnandleaveablessing?"—"Itmaybeweshallbehid;itmaybeweshall

haveablessing."AndthiswasthebestgroundthatJonathanhadforthegreatundertakingagainsttheenemiesofGod:1Sam.14:6,"ItmaybethattheLORDwillworkforus."AndtowhatenddothGodatanytimemaketheseseeminglydubiousintimationsofgraceandmercy?Isitthatweshould,bythedifficultyincludedinthem,bediscouragedandkeptfromhim?Notatall;hespeaksnothingtodetersinners,especiallydistressedsinners,fromtrustinginhim.Buthisendis,thatweshouldclosewith,andlayholduponandimprove,theleastappearancesofgrace,whichthiskindofexpressionsdothgiveuntous.Whenmenareinavoyageatsea,andmeetwithastormoratempestwhichabidesuponthem,andtheyfearwillatlastprevailagainstthem,iftheymakesofaradiscoveryoflandasthattheycansay,"Itmaybethereisland,itmaybeitissuchaplacewherethereisasafeharbour,"nonecanpositivelysayitisnot;thereliesnodemonstrationagainstit.Inthiscondition,especiallyiftherebenootherwayofescape,delivery,orsafetyproposedtothem,thisisenoughtomakethemtofollowonthatdiscovery,andwithalldiligencetosteertheircoursethatway,untiltheyhavemadeatrialofituntotheutmost.Thesoulofwhichwespeakisafflictedandtossed,andnotcomforted.Thereisintheintimationofgraceandpardonintendedaremotediscoverymadeofsomerelief.ThismaybeChrist;itmaybeforgiveness.Thisitisconvincedof;itcannotdenybutatsuchorsuchatime,undersuchordinances,orinsuchduties,itwaspersuadedthatyettheremightbemercyandpardonforit.Thisisenoughtocarryittosteeritscourseconstantlythatway,—topressforwarduntothatharbourwhichwillgiveitrest.HowlittlewasitthatDavidhadtobringhissouluntoacomposureinhisgreatdistress!2Sam.15:25,26:"If,"saithhe,"IshallfindfavourintheeyesoftheLORD,hewillbringmeagain,andshewmetheark,andhishabitation:butifhethussay;Ihavenodelightinthee;behold,hereamI,lethimdotomeasseemethgooduntohim."Hehathnothingbutsovereigngracetorestupon,andthathegiveshimselfupunto.

Faithisindeedthesoul'sventureforeternity.Somethingitistoventureonastoitseternalcondition.Itmusteitheradhereuntoitselforitsownvainhopesofarighteousnessofitsown;oritmustgiveoverallexpectationandliedownindarkness;oritmustshutoutalldreadfulapprehensionsofeternity,bythepowerandactivityofitslustsandcarnalaffections;oritmust,whateveritsdiscouragementsbe,castitselfuponpardoninthebloodofJesusChrist.Now,ifalltheformerwaysbedetestableandpernicious,ifthebestofthembeadirectoppositionuntothegospel,whathaththesoulthatinquiresafterthesethingstodobuttoadhereuntothelast,andtoimproveeveryencouragement,eventheleast,tothatpurpose?

———

RULEXI

[Considerwhereliesthehinderancetopeace.]

Asacloseuntothesegeneralrules,Ishallonlyaddthislastdirection:—Considerinparticularwherethestressandhinderanceliesthatkeepsyouofffrompeace,throughanestablishedpersuasionofaninterestinevangelicalpardon.Donotalwaysfluctuateupanddowningeneralsanduncertainties;butdrivethingsuntoaparticularissue,thatitmaybetriedwhetheritbeofsufficientefficacytokeepyouinyourpresententanglementsanddespondencies.Searchoutyourwound,thatitmaybetriedwhetheritbecurableorno.

Now,inthiscase,wecannotexpectthatpersonsshouldsuggesttheirownparticularconcerns,thatsotheymightbeconsideredandbebroughtuntotherule;butwemustourselvesreducesuchdiscressesasmayordointhismatterbefallthemindsofmenuntosomegeneralheads,andgiveajudgmentconcerningthemaccordingtothewordoftruth.Indeed,particularcases,asvariedbycircumstances,areendless,norcantheybespokenuntointhiswayofinstructionanddirection;buttheymustbelefttooccasionalconsiderationsofthem,astheyarerepresenteduntothemwhoareintrustedtodispensethemysteriesofGod.Besides,manyhavelabouredalreadyinthismatter,andtheirendeavoursareinandofgeneraluse;althoughitmustbesaid,aswasbeforeobserved,thatspecialcasesaresovariedbytheircircumstances,thatitisveryrarethatanyresolutionsofthemareeverywayadequateandsuiteduntotheapprehensionsofthemthatareexercisedwiththem.Ishallthereforecallthingsuntosomegeneralheads,whereuntomostoftheobjectionsthatdistressedsinnersmakeagainsttheirownpeacemaybereduced,andleavethelightofthemtobeappliedinparticularuntothereliefofthesoulsofmen,asGodshallbepleasedtomakethemeffectual.

———

Secondgeneralheadoftheapplication,ofthetruthinsistedon—Groundsofspiritualdisquietmentsconsidered—Thefirst,afflictions—Waysandmeansoftheaggravationofafflictions—Rulesaboutthem.

THATwhichnowliethbeforeusistheSECONDpartofthesecondgeneraluseeducedfromthetruthinsistedon.Ouraimis,toleadonsoulstowardspeace

withGod,throughagraciouspersuasionoftheirinterestinthatforgivenesswhichiswithhim;anditconsists,aswasdeclared,inaconsiderationofsomeofthosedisquietmentswhichbefallthemindsofmen,andkeepthemofffromestablishmentinthismatter.

And,FIRST,suchdisquietmentsandobjectionsagainstthepeaceofthesoulanditsacceptancewithGodwillarisefromafflictions;theyhavedonesoofold,theydosoinmanyatthisday.Afflictions,Isay,greateneduntothemindfromtheirnatureorbytheirconcomitants,doofttimesvariouslyaffectit,andsometimesprevailtodarkenitsofarastoingeneratethoughtsthattheyareallmessengersofwrath,alltokensofdispleasure,andso,consequently,evidencesthatwearenotpardonedoracceptedwithGod.

Now,thisisatimeofgreatafflictionsuntomany,andthose,someofthem,suchashaveinnumerableaggravatingcircumstancesaccompanyingofthem.Somehavecomewithadreadfulsurprisalinthingsnotlookedfor,suchasfallsnotoutintheprovidenceofGodinmanygenerations.Suchistheconditionofthemwhoarereducedtotheutmostextremitybythelateconsumingfire;somehavehadtheirwholefamilies,alltheirposterity,takenfromthem.Inafewdaystheyhavebeensuddenlybereaved,asintheplague.Someintheirownpersons,orintheirrelations,havehadsore,long,andgrievoustrialsfromoppressionsandpersecutions.Andthesethingshavevariouseffectsonthemindsofmen.Somewefindcrying,withthatwickedking,"ThisevilisoftheLORD;whyshouldwewaitanylongerforhim?"andgiveupthemselvestoseekrelieffromtheirownlusts;—somebearupundertheirtroubleswithanaturalstoutnessofspirit;—somehavereceivedasanctifieduseandimprovementoftheirtrialswithjoyintheLord:butmanywefindtogoheavilyundertheirburdens,havingtheirmindsdarkenedwithmanymisapprehensionsoftheloveofGodandoftheirownpersonalinterestinhisgrace.Itisnot,therefore,unseasonabletospeakalittletothisheadoftroubleinourentrance.Outwardtroubles,Isay,areoftentimesoccasions,ifnotthecauses,ofgreatinwarddistresses.Youknowhowthesaintsofoldexpressedtheirsenseofthemandconflictswiththem.ThecomplaintsofDavidarefamiliartoallwhoattenduntoanycommunionwithGodinthesethings;soarethoseofJob,Heman,Jonah,Jeremiah,andothers:neitherdotheycomplainonlyoftheirtroubles,butofthesensewhichtheyhadofGod'sdispleasureinandunderthem,andofhishidingofhisfacefromthemwhilsttheyweresoexercised.

Itisnototherwiseatpresent,asisknownuntosuchasconversewithmanywho

areeithersurprisedwithunexpectedtroubles,orwornoutwithtrialsanddisappointmentsofanexpectedend.Theyconsiderthemselvesbothabsolutelyandwithrespectuntoothers,anduponbothaccountsarefilledwithdarkthoughtsanddespondencies.Saithone,"Iamrolledfromonetrialuntoanother.Thecloudswithmereturnstillaftertherain.Allthebillowsandwater-spoutsofGodgooverme.Inmyperson,itmaybe,pressedwithsickness,pains,troubles;inmyrelations,withtheirsins,miscarriages,ordeath;inmyoutwardstate,inwant,losses,disreputation.Iamevenasawitheredbranch.SurelyifGodhadanyespecialregarduntomysoul,itwouldnotbethuswithme,orsometimelyendwouldhavebeenputuntothesedispensations."Ontheotherhand,theytakeaviewofsomeotherprofessors;theyseethattheirtablesarespreaddaybyday,thatthecandleoftheLordshinescontinuallyontheirtabernacle,andthatinallthingstheyhavetheirhearts'desire,settingasidethecommonattendanciesofhumannature,andnothingbefallsthemgrievousintheworld."Thusitiswiththem.Andsurely,hadIaninterestinhisgrace,inpardon,theGodofIsraelwouldnotthuspursueafleainthemountains,norsethimselfinbattlearrayagainstaleafdriventoandfrowiththewind;hewouldsparemealittle,andletmealoneforamoment.Butasthingsarewithme,Ifear'mywayishiddenfromtheLORD,andmyjudgmentispassedoverfrommyGod.'"Thiskindofthoughtsdoperplexthemindsofmen,andkeepthemofffrompartakingofthatstrongconsolationwhichGodisabundantlywillingtheyshouldreceive,byacomfortablepersuasionofablessedinterestinthatforgivenessthatiswithhim.

AndthiswastheverycaseofDavid;oratleasttheseoutwardtroubleswereaspecialpartofthosedepthsoutofwhichhecriedforrelief,byasenseofpardon,grace,andredemptionwithGod.

Ianswertothesecomplaints,first,thattherearesomanyexcellentthingsspokenconcerningafflictions,theirnecessity,theirusefulness,andthelike,—suchblessedendsareassigneduntothem,andinmanyhavebeencompassedandfulfilledbythem,—thataman,unacquaintedwiththeexercisewherewiththeyareattended,wouldthinkitimpossiblethatanyoneshouldbeshakeninmindastotheloveandfavourofGodontheiraccount.Butastheapostletellsusthatnoafflictionsarejoyousatpresent,butgrievous,sohewhomade,inthecloseofhistrials,thatsolemnprofession,that"itwasgoodforhimthathehadbeenafflicted,"yetweknow,ashathbeendeclared,howhewasdistressedunderthem.Thereare,therefore,sundryaccidentalthingswhichaccompanygreatafflictions,thatseemtoexemptthemfromthecommonruleandthepromiseofloveandgrace;as,—

1.Theremembranceofpastandburiedmiscarriagesandsinsliesinthebosomofmanyafflictions.ItwassowithJob:"Thoumakestme,"saithhe,"topossesstheiniquitiesofmyyouth."Seehispleatothatpurpose,chap.13:23–27.Inthemidstofhistroublesanddistresses,Godreviveduponhisspiritasenseofformersins,eventhesinsofhisyouth,andmadehimtopossessthem;hefilledhissoulandmindwiththoughtsofthemandanxietyaboutthem.ThismadehimfearlestGodwashisenemy,andwouldcontinuetodealwithhiminallseverity.SowasitwithJoseph'sbrethrenintheirdistresses:Gen.42:21,"Theysaidonetoanother,Weareverilyguiltyconcerningourbrother,inthatwesawtheanguishofhissoul,whenhebesoughtus,andwewouldnothear;thereforeisthisdistresscomeuponus;"andverse22,"Behold,hisbloodisrequired."Theirdistressrevivesadeep,perplexingsenseoftheguiltofsinmanyyearspastbefore,andthatunderallitsaggravatingcircumstances;whichspoiledthemofalltheirreliefsandcomforts,fillingthemwithconfusionandtrouble,thoughabsolutelyinnocentastowhatwascomeonthem.AndthelikeappearedinthewidowofZarephath,withwhomElijahsojournedduringthefamine.Uponthedeathofherson,which,itseems,wassomewhatextraordinaryshecriedoutuntotheprophet,"WhathaveItodowiththee,OthoumanofGod?artthoucometocallmysintoremembrance,andtoslaymyson?"1Kings17:18.Itseemssomegreatsinshehadformerlycontractedtheguiltof,andnow,uponhersoreafflictioninthedeathofheronlychild,theremembranceofitwasrecalledandreviveduponhersoul.Thus"deepcallethuntodeepatthenoiseofGod'swater-spouts,"andthen"allhiswavesandbillowsgoover"aperson,Ps.42:7.Thedeepofafflictionscallethupthedeepoftheguiltofsin,andbothinconjunctionbecomeasbillowsandwavespassingoverthesoul.Weseeonlytheoutsideofmen'safflictions;theyusuallycomplainonlyofwhatdothappear:andaneasythingitissupposedtobetoapplyreliefandcomfortuntothosethataredistressed.Theruleinthismatterissoclear,sooftenrepeatedandinculcated,thepromisesannexeduntothisconditionsomanyandprecious,thateveryonehathinreadinesswhattoapplyuntothemwhoaresoexercised.Butoftentimesweknownothingofthegallandwormwoodthatisinmen'saffliction;theykeepthattothemselves,andtheirsoulsfeedupontheminsecret,Lam.3:19.Godhathstirreduptheremembranceofsomegreatsinorsins,andtheylookupontheirafflictionsasthatwhereinheiscomeorbeginningtoenterintojudgmentwiththem.Andisitanywonderiftheybeindarkness,andfilledwithdisconsolation?

2.Thereisinmanyafflictionssomethingthatseemsnewandpeculiar,wherewiththesoulissurprised,andcannotreadilyreduceitsconditionuntowhatistaughtaboutafflictionsingeneral.Thisperplexethandentanglethit.Itis

notafflictionitistroubledwithal,butsomeonethingorotherinitthatappearswithanespecialdreaduntothesoul,sothathequestionethwhethereveritweresowithanyotherorno,andistherebydeprivedofthesupportmentwhichfromformerexamplesitmightreceive.And,indeed,whenGodintendeththatwhichshallbeadeepaffliction,hewillputanedgeuponit,inmatter,ormanner,orcircumstances,thatshallmakethesoulfeelitssharpness.Hewillnottakeupwithourboundsandmeasures,andwithwhichwethinkwecouldbecontented;buthewillputtheimpressofhisowngreatnessandterroruponit,thathemaybeacknowledgedandsubmittedunto.SuchwasthestatewithNaomi,when,fromafullandplentifulcondition,shewentintoastrangecountrywithahusbandandtwosons,wheretheyalldied,leavingherdestituteandpoor.Hence,inheraccountofGod'sdealingwithher,shesays,"CallmenotNaomi"(thatis,pleasant),"callmeMara"(thatis,bitter):"fortheAlmightyhathdealtverybitterlywithme.Iwentoutfull,andtheLORDhathbroughtmehomeagainempty:whythencallyemeNaomi,seeingtheLORDhathtestifiedagainstme,andtheAlmightyhathafflictedme?"Ruth1:20,21.SowasitwithJob,withthewidowofZarephath,andwithheratNainwhowasburyingheronlychild.AndstillinmanyafflictionsGodispleasedtoputinanentanglingspecialty,whichperplexeththesoul,anddarkensitinallitsreasoningsabouttheloveofGodtowardsitanditsinterestinpardonandgrace.

3.Insome,affectionsareverystrongandimportunateasfixedonlawfulthings,wherebytheirnatureismadesensibleandtender,andapttoreceiveverydeepimpressionsfromurgentafflictions.Now,althoughthisinitselfbeagoodnaturalframe,andhelpstopreservethesoulfromthatstout-heartednesswhichGodabhors,yetifitbenotwatchedover,itisapttoperplexthesoulwithmanyentanglingtemptations.Theapostleintimatesadoubleevilthatweareobnoxiousuntoundertrialsandafflictions,Heb.12:5,"Myson,despisenotthouthechasteningoftheLord,norfaintwhenthouartrebukedofhim."Menmayeither,throughanaturalstoutness,despiseandcontemntheirsufferings,andbeobstinateunderthem,orfaintanddespond;andsocomeshortoftheendwhichGodaimsatforthem,tobeattainedinawayofduty.Now,thoughtheframespokenofbenotobnoxiousuntothefirstextreme,yetitisgreatlytothelatter;which,ifnotwatchedagainst,isnolessperniciousthantheformer.Affectionsinsuchpersonsbeinggreatlymoved,theycloudanddarkenthemind,andfillitwithstrangeapprehensionsconcerningGodandthemselves.Everythingispresenteduntothemthroughaglasscomposedoffear,dread,terror,sorrow,andallsortsofdisconsolations.Thismakesthemfaintanddespond,untoverysadapprehensionsofthemselvesandtheirconditions.

4.Afflictionsfindsomeentangledwithverystrongcorruptions,—asloveoftheworld,orthepleasureofit,ofnameorreputation,ofgreatcontrivancesforposterity,andthelike;oritmaybeinthingscarnalorsensual.Now,whentheseunexpectedlymeettogether,—greatafflictionsandstrongcorruptions,—itisnotconceivablewhatacombustiontheywillmakeinthesoul.Asastrongmedicineorpotionmeetingwithastrongortoughdistemperinthebody,—thereisaviolentcontentioninnaturebetweenthemandaboutthem,sothatoftentimestheverylifeofthepatientisendangered;soitiswhereagreattrial,asmartstrokeofthehandofGod,fallsuponapersoninthemidstofhispursuitoftheeffectsofsomecorruptions,—thesoulisamazedeventodistraction,andcanscarcehaveanythoughtbutthatGodiscometocutthepersonoffinthemidstofhissin.Everyunmortifiedcorruptionfillstheveryfearandexpectationofafflictionwithhorror.Andthereisgoodreasonthatsoitshoulddo;foralthoughGodshouldbemercifuluntomen'siniquities,yetifheshouldcometotakevengeanceoftheirinventions,theirconditionwouldbedarkandsorrowful.

5.SatanisneverwantinginsuchoccasionstoattemptthecompassingofhisendsuponpersonsthatareexercisedunderthehandofGod.InthetimeofsufferingitwasthathefellupontheHeadofthechurch,turningitintotheveryhourofthepowerofdarkness.Andhewillnotomitanyappearingopportunitiesofadvantageagainsthismembers.Andthisisthatwhichheprincipally,insuchseasons,attacksthemwithal,—namely,thatGodregardsthemnot,thattheyarefallenunderhisjudgmentandseverity,asthosewhohavenoshareinmercy,pardon,orforgiveness.

Fromtheseandthelikereasons,Isay,itis,thatwhereasafflictionsingeneralaresotestifiedunto,tobesuchpledgesandtokensofGod'sloveandcare,tobedesigneduntoblessedendsasconformityuntoChrist,andaparticipationoftheholinessofGod;yet,byreasonofthesecircumstances,theyoftenprovemeansofcastingthesoulintodepths,andofhinderingitfromarefreshinginterestintheforgivenessthatiswithGod.Thatthismayprovenorealorabidinggroundofinwardspiritualtroubleuntothesoul,thefollowingrulesanddirectionsmaybeobserved:—

1.Notonlyafflictionsingeneral,butgreatandmanifoldafflictions,andthoseattendedwithallsortsofaggravatingcircumstances,arealwaysconsistentwiththepardonofsin,after[often?]signaltokensandpledgesofit,andoftheloveofGodtherein:Job7:17,18,"Whatisman,thatthoushouldestmagnifyhim?andthatthoushouldestsetthineheartuponhim?andthatthoushouldestvisithim

everymorning,andtryhimeverymoment?"WhatweretheconsiderationsthatcasthimintothisadmirationofthecareandloveofGodisexpressed,verses12–16.Therearenowordsofamoredismalimportinthewholebookthanthosehereexpressed:yet,whenherecollectedhimselffromhisoverwhelmingdistress,heacknowledgeththatallthisproceededfromtheloveandcareofGod;yea,hisfixinghisheartuponamantomagnifyhim,tosethimupanddohimgood.Forthisenddothhechastenamaneverymorning,andtryhimeverymoment;andthatwithsuchafflictionsasareforthepresentsofarfrombeingjoyousasthattheygivenorest,butevenwearythesouloflife,asheexpresseththeireffectsonhimself,verses15,16.AndhenceitisobservedofthisJob,thatwhennoneintheearthwasliketohimintrouble,Godgavehimthreetestimoniesfromheaventhattherewasnoneintheearthlikeuntohimingrace.Andalthoughitmaynotbelaiddownasageneralrule,yetforthemostpartintheprovidenceofGod,fromthefoundationoftheworld,thosewhohavehadmostofafflictionshavehadmostofgraceandthemosteminenttestimoniesofacceptancewithGod.ChristJesus,theSonofGod,theheadofthechurch,hadallafflictionsgatheredintoaheadinhim,andyettheFatheralwayslovedhim,andwasalwayswellpleasedwithhim.

WhenGodsolemnlyrenewedhiscovenantwithAbraham,andhehadpreparedthesacrificewherebyitwastoberatifiedandconfirmed,Godmadeasmokingfurnacetopassbetweenthepiecesofthesacrifice,Gen.15:17.Itwastolethimknowthattherewasafurnaceofafflictionattendingthecovenantofgraceandpeace.AndsohetellsZionthathe"choseherinthefurnaceofaffliction,"Isa.48:10;—thatis,inEgyptianaffliction;burning,flamingafflictions;"fierytrials,"asPetercallsthem,1Pet.4:12.Therecan,then,noargumentbedrawnfromaffliction,fromanykindofit,fromanyaggravatingcircumstancewherewithitmaybeattended,thatshouldanywaydiscouragethesoulinthecomforting,supportingpersuasionofaninterestintheloveofGodandforgivenessthereby.

2.Nolengthorcontinuanceofafflictionsoughttobeanyimpeachmentofourspiritualconsolation.TakefortheconfirmationhereofthegreatexampleoftheSonofGod.Howlongdidhisafflictionscontinue?whatendorissuewasputtothem?Nolongerdidtheyabidethanuntil"hecriedwithaloudvoice,andgaveuptheghost."Tothemomentofhisdeath,fromhismangertohiscross,hisafflictionsstillincreased,andheendedhisdaysinthemidstofthem.Now,hewastheheadofthechurch,andthegreatrepresentativeofit,untoaconformitywithwhomwearepredestinated.AndifGodwillhaveitsowithuseveninthisparticular,soasthatweshallhavenorest,nopeacefromourtrials,untilwelie

downinthegrave,thatwhateverconditionwepassthroughtheyshallbeshutoutofnone,butonlyfromimmortalityandglory,whathavewehereintocomplainof?

3.Wheretheremembranceandperplexingsenseofpastsinsisrevivedbypresentafflictions,separatetheminyourmindsanddealdistinctlyaboutthem.Solongasyoucarryontheconsiderationofthemjointly,youwillberolledfromonetoanother,andneverobtainrestuntoyoursouls.Theywillmutuallyaggravateeachother.Thesharpnessofafflictionwilladdtothebitternessofthesenseofsin;andthesenseofsinwillgiveanedgetoaffliction,andcauseittopiercedeeplyintothesoul,asweshowedintheformerinstances.Deal,therefore,distinctlyaboutthem,andintheirproperorder.Sodoththepsalmisthere.Hehadatpresentbothuponhim;andtogethertheybroughthimintothesedepths,concerningwhichhesocriesoutfordeliverancefromthem:seePs.32:3–5.Andwhatcoursedothhetake?Heapplieshimselfinthefirstplacetohissinandtheguiltofit,andthatdistinctlyandseparately.Andwhenhehathgotadischargeofsin,whichhewaitedsoearnestlyfor,hisfaithquicklyaroseabovehisoutwardtrials,asappearsinhisblessedcloseofall:"'HeshallredeemIsraeloutofallhistrouble;'thewholeIsraelofGod,andmyselfamongstthem."Thisdo,then:—Singleoutthesinorsinsthatarerevivedinthesenseoftheirguiltupontheconscience;usealldiligencetocometoanissueabouttheminthebloodofChrist.ThisGodbyyourafflictioncallsyouunto.Thisisthedisease,whereofyourtroubleisbutthesymptom.This,therefore,inthecureyouseekafter,isfirstandprincipallytobeattendedunto;whenthatisonceremoved,theother,astoanyprejudiceuntoyoursoul,willdepartofitself.Therootbeingoncediggedup,youshallnotlongfeedonthebitterfruitthatithathbroughtforth;orifyoudo,thewormwoodshallbetakenoutofit,anditshallbeverypleasantuntoyou,aswellaswholesome.Howthisistobedone,byanapplicationuntoGodforforgiveness,hathbeenatlargedeclared.Butifmenwilldealwithconfusedthoughtsabouttheirsinsandtheirtroubles,theirwoundwillbeincurableandtheirsorrowendless.

4.Rememberthatatimeofafflictionisatimeoftemptation.Satan,aswehaveshowed,willnotbewantinguntoanyappearingopportunityoradvantageofsettinguponthesoul.WhenPharaohheardthatthepeoplewereentangledinthewilderness,hepursuedthem;andwhenSatanseesasoulentangledwithitsdistressesandtroubles,hethinksithistimeandhourtoassaultit.Heseekstowinnow,andcomeswhenthecornisundertheflail.Reckon,therefore,thatwhentroublecometh,theprinceoftheworldcomethalso,thatyoumaybe

providedforhim.Nowisthetimetotaketheshieldoffaith,thatwemaybeabletoquenchhisfierydarts.Iftheybeneglected,theywillinflamethesoul.Watch,therefore,andpray,thatyouenternotintotemptation,thatSatandonotrepresentGodfalselyuntoyou.HethatdurstrepresentJobfalselytotheall-seeingGodwillwithmuchboldnessrepresentGodfalselyuntous,whoseeandknowsolittle.Benot,then,ignorantofhisdevices,buteverywaysetyourselvesagainsthisinterposingbetweenGodandyoursoulsinamatterwhichhehathnothingtodowithal.Letnotthismake-batebyanymeansinflamethedifference.

5.Learntodistinguishtheeffectofnaturaldistempersfromspiritualdistresses.Somehavesad,dark,andtenaciousthoughtsfixedontheirmindsfromtheirnaturaldistempers.Thesewillnotbecuredbyreasonings,norutterlyquelledbyfaith.Ourdesignmustbe,toabatetheirefficacyandconsequentsbyconsideringtheiroccasions.Andifmencannotdothisinthemselves,itishighlyincumbentonthosewhomakeapplicationofreliefuntothemtobecarefultodiscernwhatisfromsuchprinciples,whereoftheyarenottoexpectaspeedycure.And,—

6.Takeheedintimesofpeaceandeasethatyoulaynotup,byyournegligenceorcarelesswalking,sadprovisionforadayofdarkness,atimeofafflictions.Itissinthatimbitterstroubles;thesinsofpeacearerevivedintimeofdistress.Fearoffutureaffliction,ofimpendenttroubles,shouldmakeuscarefulnottobringthatintothemwhichwillmakethembitterandsorrowful.

7.Labourtogrowbetterunderallyourafflictions,lestyourafflictionsgrowworse,lestGodminglethemwithmoredarkness,bitterness,andterror.AsJoabsaiduntoDavid,ifheceasednothisscandalouslamentationonthedeathofAbsalom,allthepeoplewouldleavehim,andhethenshouldfindhimselfinafarworseconditionthanthatwhichhebemoaned,oranythingthatbefellhimfromhisyouth;—thesamemaybesaiduntopersonsundertheirafflictions.Iftheyarenotmanagedandimprovedinaduemanner,thatwhichisworsemay,nay,inallprobabilitywill,befallthem.WhereverGodtakesthisway,andengagethinafflicting,hedothcommonlypursuehisworkuntilhehathprevailed,andhisdesigntowardstheafflictedpartybeaccomplished.Hewillnotceasetothreshandbreakthebread-cornuntilitbemeetforhisuse.Laydown,then,theweaponsofthywarfareagainsthim;giveupyourselvestohiswill;letgoeverythingaboutwhichhecontendswithyou;followafterthatwhichhecallsyouunto;andyouwillfindlightarisinguntoyouinthemidstofdarkness.Hathheacupofafflictioninonehand?—liftupyoureyes,andyou

willseeacupofconsolationinanother.AndifallstarswithdrawtheirlightwhilstyouareinthewayofGod,assureyourselvesthatthesunisreadytorise.

8.Accordingtothetenorofthecovenantofgrace,amanmaybesensibleoftherespectofafflictionuntosin,yea,untothisorthatsininparticular,andyethavea comfortable persuasion of the forgiveness of sin. Thus it was in general inGod's dealingwith his people.He "forgave them," but he "took vengeance oftheirinventions,"Ps.99:8.Whatevertheysufferedunderthevengeancethatfellupon their inventions (and that is as hard aword as is applied anywhere untoGod's dealingwith his people), yet, at the same time, he assured them of thepardonoftheirsin.So,youknow,wasthecaseofDavid.Hisgreatesttrialandaffliction, and that which befell him on the account of a particular sin, andwhereinGod tookvengeanceonhis invention,wasushered inwith awordofgrace,—thatGodhaddoneawayorpardonedhissin,andthatheshouldnotdie.ThisisexpressedinthetenorofthecovenantwiththeseedofChrist,Ps.89:31–34.

Objections against believing from things internal—The person knows notwhetherheberegenerateorno—Stateofregenerationasserted—Differenceofsavingandcommongrace—Thisdifferencediscernible—Menmayknowthemselvestoberegenerate—Theobjectionanswered.

ANOTHERheadofobjectionsanddespondenciesarisethfromthingsinternal,—thingsthatarerequiredinthesoul,thatitmayhaveaninterestintheforgivenessthatiswithGod,somewhereofweshallspeakunto.Andtheserespect,first,thestateofthesoul;and,secondly,someactingsinthesoul.

First,Astothestate.Saysome,"Unlessamanberegenerateandbornagain,heisnot,hecannotbemadepartakerofmercyandpardon.Now,allthingshereareinthedarkuntous;for,first,weknownotwellwhatthisregenerationis,anditisvariouslydisputedamongstmen.SomewouldplaceitonlyintheoutwardsignsofourinitiationintoChrist,andsomeotherwiseexpressit.Again,itisuncertainwhetherthosethatareregeneratedoormayknowthattheyareso,orwhetherthismaybeinanymeasureknownuntootherswithwhomtheymaytreataboutit.Andifitmaynotbeknown,wemustbeuncertaininthisalso.Andthen,itmaybe,fortheirparts,theyneitherknowthetimewhen,northemannerhow,anysuchworkwaswroughtinthem;andyet,withoutthis,seeingitiswroughtbymeans,andspringsfromcertaincauses,theycanhavenoestablishmentinanot-failingpersuasionoftheiracceptancewithGodbythe

pardonoftheirsinsinthebloodofChrist."Thisistheheadandsumofmostoftheobjectionswhichperplexedsoulsdomanageagainstthemselvesastotheirstateandcondition.Hence,indeed,theydrawforthreasoningswithgreatvariety,accordingastheyaresuggestedbytheirparticularoccasionsandtemptations.Andmanyproofs,takenfromtheirsins,miscarriages,andfears,dotheyenforcetheirobjectionswithal.Mypurposeis,tolaydownsomegeneralrulesandprinciples,whichmaybeapplieduntoparticularoccasionsandemergencies;andthisshallbedoneinanswertotheseveralpartsofthegeneralobjectionmentionedbefore.Isay,then,—

1.Itismostcertainthattherearetwoestatesandconditionsthatdivideallmankind,andeveryonethatlivesintheworlddothcompletelyandabsolutelybelonguntooneofthem.Theseare,thestateofnatureandthestateofgrace,—ofsinandofrighteousnessbyChrist.Everymanintheworldbelongsuntooneofthesestatesorconditions.ThistheScripturesoaboundsinthatitseemstobethefirstprincipalthingthatwearetaughtinit.Itisasclearthattherearetwodifferentstatesinthisworldasthattherearesointhattocome.Yea,allourfaithandobediencedependonthistruth;andnotonlyso,butthecovenantofGod,themediationofChrist,andallthepromisesandthreatsofthelawandgospel,arebuiltonthissupposition.Andthislaysnakeduntoaspiritualeyethataboundingatheismthatisintheworld.Menarenotonly,likeNicodemus,ignorantofthesethings,andwonderhowtheycanbe,buttheyscornthem,despisethem,scoffatthem.Tomakementionofbeingregenerateisexposedtoreproachintheworld.Butwhethermenwillorno,untooneoftheseconditionstheymustbelong.

2.Asthesetwoestatesdiffermorallyinthemselves,andphysicallyinthecausesconstitutiveofthatdifference,sothereisaspecificaldifferencebetweenthethingsthatplacemenintheoneconditionandintheother.Whateverthereisofgoodness,virtue,duty,grace,inanunregenerateperson,thereisinhimthatisregeneratesomewhatofanotherkindthatisnotintheotheratall.Forthedifferenceofthesestatesthemselves,itisplaininScripture;—theoneisastateofdeath,theotheroflife;theoneofdarkness,theotheroflight;theoneofenmityagainstGod,theotherofreconciliationwithhim.Andthattheonestateisconstitutedbythatofgrace,whichisofapeculiarkind,andwhichisnotintheother,Ishallbrieflydeclare:—

(1.)Thegraceofregenerationproceedethfromanespecialspringandfountain,whichemptiethmuchofitslivingwatersintoit,noonedropwhereoffallson

themthatarenotregenerate.Thisiselectinglove;itisgivenoutinthepursuitofthedecreeofelection:"Godhathchosenusthatweshouldbeholy,"Eph.1:4.Ourholiness,whoseonlyspringisourregeneration,isaneffectofourelection,—thatwhichGodworksinoursouls,inthepursuitofhiseternalpurposeofloveandgood-willtowardsus.Soagainsaiththeapostle,2Thess.2:13,"Godhathfromthebeginningchosenyoutosalvation,throughsanctificationoftheSpirit."Godhavingdesignedusuntosalvationastheend,hathalsoappointedthesanctificationoftheSpirittobethemeanstobringusorderlyuntotheattainmentofthatend.ButthebestofcommongraceorgiftsthatmaybeinmenunregeneratearebutproductsoftheprovidenceofGod,orderingallthingsingeneraluntohisowngloryandthegoodofthemthatshallbeheirsofsalvation.Theyarenotfruitsofelectingeternallove,nordesignedmeansfortheinfallibleattainingofeternalsalvation.

(2.)ThegracesofthosethatareregeneratehaveamanifoldrespectorrelationtotheLordChrist,thatthecommongracesofothershavenot.Ishallnameoneortwooftheserespects:—First,TheyhaveanespecialmoralrelationtothemediatoryactsofChristinhisoblationandintercession.EspecialgraceisanespecialpartofthepurchaseofChristbyhisdeathandblood-shedding.Hemadeadoublepurchaseofhiselect;—oftheirpersons,tobehis;ofespecialgrace,tobetheirs:"Hegavehimselfforthechurch,thathemightsanctifyandcleanseitwiththewashingofwaterbytheword,thathemightpresentituntohimselfagloriouschurch,nothavingspotorwrinkle,oranysuchthing;butthatitshouldbeholyandwithoutblemish,"Eph.5:25–27.ThedesignofChristingivinghimselfforhischurchwas,toprocureforitthatespecialgracewhereby,throughtheuseofmeans,itmightberegenerate,sanctified,andpurified:soTit.2:14,"Hegavehimselfforus,thathemightredeemusfromalliniquity,andpurifyuntohimselfapeculiarpeople,zealousofgoodworks."RealpurificationingraceandholinesshaththisespecialrelationuntothedeathofChrist,thathedesignedthereintoprocureitforthemforwhomhedied;andinthepursuitofhispurchaseoracquisitionofit,hispurposewasreallytobestowituponthem,oreffectuallytoworkitinthem.Moreover,ithathanespecialrelationuntohisintercession,andthatinadistinguishingmannerfromanyothergiftsorcommongracesthatothermenmayreceive.Givingustheruleandpatternofhisintercession,John17,hetellsusthathesopraysnotfortheworld,butforhiselect,—thosewhichtheFatherhadgivenhim;becausetheywerehis,verse9.Andwhatisitthathepraysforthem,indistinctionfromallothermenwhatever?Amongstothersthisisoneprincipalthingthatheinsistson,verse17,"Sanctifythemthroughthytruth."Theirsanctificationandholinessisgranteduponthat

prayerandintercessionofChrist;whichispeculiaruntothem,withanexclusionofallothers:"Iprayforthem;Ipraynotfortheworld."Now,thecommongraceofunregeneratepersons,wherebytheyaredistinguishedfromothermen,whateveritbe,ithathnotthisespecialrelationtotheoblationandintercessionofChrist.Commongraceisnottheprocurementofespecialintercession.

Secondly,TheyhavearealrelationuntoChrist,asheistheliving,quickeningheadofthechurch;forheisso,eventhelivingspiritualfountainofthespirituallifeofit,andofallvitalactswhatever:"Christisourlife;andourlifeishidwithhiminGod,"Col.3:2,3.ThateternallifewhichconsistsintheknowledgeoftheFatherandtheSon,John17:3,isinhimasthecause,head,spring,andfountainofit.Inhimitisinitsfulness,andfromthenceitisderiveduntoallthatbelieve,whoreceivefromhisfulness"graceforgrace,"John1:16.Alltrue,saving,sanctifyinggrace,allspirituallife,andeverythingthatbelongsthereunto,isderiveddirectlyfromChrist,asthelivingheadofhischurchandfountainofallspirituallifeuntothem.Thistheapostleexpresseth,Eph.4:15,16,"Speakingthetruthinlove,growupintohiminallthings,whichisthehead,evenChrist:fromwhomthewholebodyfitlyjoinedtogetherandcompactedbythatwhicheveryjointsupplieth,accordingtotheeffectualworkinginthemeasureofeverypart,makethincreaseofthebodyuntotheedifyingofitselfinlove."Tothesamepurposeheagainexpresseththesamematter,Col.2:19.Allgraceinthewholebodycomesfromthehead,ChristJesus;andthereisnogrowthorfurtheranceofitbutbyhiseffectualworkingineverypart,tobringituntothemeasuredesigneduntoit.Nothing,then,no,nottheleastofthisgrace,canbeobtainedbutbyvirtueofourunionuntoChristasourhead;becauseitconsistsinavital,effectualinfluencefromhimandhisfulness.AndthiskindofrelationuntoChrist,allgracethatisormaybeinunregeneratemenisincapableof.

(3.)Thegraceofregenerationandthefruitsofitareadministeredinandbythecovenant.Thisisthepromiseofthecovenant,thatGodwillwritehislawinourhearts,andputhisfearinourinwardparts,thatweshallnotdepartfromhim,Jer.31.Thisisthatgracewhereofwespeak,whateveritbe,orofwhatkindsoever.ItisbestowedonnonebutthosewhoaretakenintocovenantwithGod;foruntothemaloneitispromised,andbyvirtuethereofisitwroughtinandupontheirsouls.Now,allunregeneratemenarestrangersfromthecovenant,andarenotmadepartakersofthatgracewhichispeculiarlyandonlypromisedtherebyandexhibitedtherein.

(4.)Theleastsparkofsaving,regeneratinggraceiswroughtinthesoulbythe

HolyGhost,asgivenuntomentodwellinthemandtoabidewiththem.HeisthewatergivenbyJesusChristuntobelievers,whichisinthem"awellofwaterspringingupintoeverlastinglife,"John4:14.Firsttheyreceivethewater,thespringitself,—thatis,theHolySpirit,—andfromthencelivingwatersdoariseupinthem;theyarewrought,effected,producedbytheSpirit,whichisgivenuntothem.Now,althoughthecommongiftsandgracesofmenunregenerateareeffectsofthepoweroftheHolyGhostwroughtinthemandbestowedonthem,asareallotherworksofGod'sprovidence,yetitdothnotworkinthem,asreceivedbythem,todwellinthemandabidewiththem,asanever-failingspringofspirituallife;forourSavioursaysexpresslythattheworld,orunbelievers,donotknowtheSpirit,norcanreceivehim,orhavehimabidinginthem;—allwhich,inacontradistinctionuntoallunregeneratepersons,areaffirmedofallthemthatdobelieve.

(5.)Theleastofsavinggrace,suchasispeculiaruntothemthatareregenerate,isspirit:John3:6,"ThatwhichisbornoftheSpiritisspirit."Whateveritisthatissoborn,itisspirit;ithathaspiritualbeing,anditisnoteduciblebyanymeansoutoftheprinciplesofnature.Soitissaidtobea"newcreature,"2Cor.5:17.Beitneversolittleorsogreat,howeveritmaydifferindegreesinoneandinanother,yetthenatureofitisthesameinall,—itisa"newcreature."Astheleastwormoftheearth,intheorderoftheoldcreation,isnolessacreaturethanthesun,yea,orthemostgloriousangelinheaven;so,intheorderofthenewcreation,theleastsparkordramoftruegracethatisfromthesanctifyingSpiritisanewcreature,nolessthanthehighestfaithorlovethateverwasinthechiefestoftheapostles.Now,thatwhichisspirit,andthatwhichisnotspirit,—thatwhichhathanewspiritualbeing,andthatwhichhathnone,—whateverappearanceofagreementtheremaybeamongthem,doyetdifferspecificallyfromoneanother.Andthusitiswiththesavinggracethatisinaregenerate,andthosecommongracesthatareinotherswhicharenotso.Sothatasthesearediversstates,sotheyareeminentlydifferentanddistincttheonefromtheother.Andthisanswersthesecondthinglaiddownintheobjectionstakenfromtheuncertaintyofthesestatesandofregenerationitself,andtherealdifferenceofitfromthecontrarystate,whichisexclusiveofaninterestinforgiveness.

3.Thisislaiddownintheinquiry,"Whetherthisstatemaybeknownuntohimwhoisreallypartakerofitortranslatedintoit,oruntoothersthatmaybeconcernedtherein?"TowhichIsay,Thedifferencethatisbetweenthesetwostates,andtheconstitutivecausesofthem,asitisreal,soitisdiscernible.Itmaybeknownbythemselveswhoareinthosestates,andothers.Itmaybeknown

whoarebornofGod,andwhoareyetchildrenofthedevil,—whoarequickenedbyChrist,andwhoareyet"deadintrespassesandsins."Butherealsoobserve,—

(1.)ThatIdonotsaythisisalwaysknowntothepersonsthemselvesconcernedinthisdistribution.Manycry,"Peace,peace,"whensuddendestructionisathand.Theseeitherthinkthemselvesregeneratewhentheyarenot,orelsewilfullydespisetheconsiderationofwhatisrequiredinthemthattheymayhavepeace,andsodeludetheirownsoulsuntotheirruin.AndmanythataretrulybornofGodyetknowitnot;theymayforaseasonwalkindarkness,andhavenolight.Nor,—

(2.)Thatthisisalwaysknowntoothers.Itisnotknownuntounregeneratemeninrespectofthemthatareso;fortheyknownotreallyandsubstantiallywhatitistobeso.NaturalmenperceivenotthethingsofGod;thatis,spiritually,intheirownlightandnature,1Cor.2.Andastheycannotarightdiscernthethingswhichputmenintothatcondition(fortheyarefoolishnessuntothem),sotheycannotjudgearightoftheirpersonsinwhomtheyare.Andiftheydoatanytimejudgearightnotionallyconcerninganythingsorpersons,yettheydonotjudgesouponrightgrounds,norwithanyevidenceinoruntothemselvesofwhattheydojudge.Whereforegenerallytheyjudgeamissofsuchpersons;andbecausetheymakeprofessionofsomewhatwhichtheyfindnotinthemselves,theyjudgethemhypocrites,andfalsepretendersuntowhatisnot:forthosethingswhichevincetheirunionwithChrist,andwhichevidencetheirbeingbornofGod,theysavourthemnot,norcanreceivethem.Noristhisalwaysknownuntoordiscernedbythemthatareregenerate.Theymaysometimes,withPeter,thinkSimonMagustobeatruebeliever,or,withEli,anHannahtobeadaughterofBelial.Manyhypocritesaresetforthwithgifts,commongraces,light,andprofession,sothattheypassamongstallbelieversforsuchasarebornofGod;andmanypoorsaintsmaybesodisguised,underdarkness,temptation,sin,astobelookedonasstrangersfromthatfamilywhereuntoindeedtheydobelong.Thejudgmentofmanmayfail,butthejudgmentofGodisaccordinguntorighteousness.Wherefore,—

(3.)Thisisthatwesay,Itmaybeknown,intheseduloususeofmeansappointedforthatend,toaman'sselfandothers,whichoftheconditionsmentionedhedothbelongunto,—thatis,whetherheberegenerateorno,—sofarashisortheirconcernmentliestherein.This,Isay,maybeknown,andthatinfalliblyandassuredly,withreferenceuntoanydutywhereinfromhenceweareconcerned.

Thedischargeofsomedutiesinourselvesandtowardsothersdependsonthisknowledge;andthereforewemayattainitsofarasitisnecessaryforthedischargeofsuchdutiesuntothegloryofGod.Now,becauseitisnotdirectlyinourway,yethavingbeenmentioned,Ishallbriefly,inourpassage,touchuponthelatter,orwhatdutiesdodependuponourjudgingofotherstoberegenerate,andthewayorprincipleswherebysuchajudgmentmaybemade:—

[1.]Therearemanydutiesincumbentonustobeperformedwithandtowardsprofessors,which,withoutadmittingajudgmenttobemadeoftheirstateandcondition,cannotbeperformedinfaith.Andinreferenceuntothesedutiesaloneitisthatwearecalledtojudgethestateofothers;forwearenotgivingcountenanceuntoarash,uncharitablecensuringofmen'sspiritualconditions,noruntoanyjudgingofanymen,anyotherthanwhatourowndutytowardsthemdothindispensablyrequire.Thus,ifweareto"laydownourlivesforthebrethren,"itisverymeetweshouldsofarknowthemsotobeasthatwemayhazardourlivesinfaithwhenwearecalledthereunto.Wearealsotojoinwiththeminthoseordinanceswhereinwemakeasolemnprofessionthatwearemembersofthesamebodywiththem,thatwehavethesameHead,thesameSpirit,faith,andlove.WemustlovethembecausetheyarebegottenofGod,childrenofourheavenlyFather;andthereforemustonsomegoodgroundbelievethemsotobe.Inaword,thedueperformanceofallprincipalmutualgospelduties,tothegloryofGodandourownedification,dependsonthissupposition,thatwemayhavesuchasatisfyingpersuasionconcerningthespiritualconditionofothersasthatfromthencewemaytakeouraiminwhatwedo.

[2.]ForthegroundshereofIshallmentiononeonly,whichallothersdoleanupon.Thisispressed,1Cor.12:12,13,"Asthebodyisone,andhathmanymembers,andallthemembersofthatonebody,beingmany,areonebody:soalsoisChrist.ForbyoneSpiritweareallbaptizedintoonebody,whetherwebeJewsorGentiles,whetherwebebondorfree;andhavebeenallmadetodrinkintooneSpirit."Theyarealluniteduntoandholdofonehead;forasarethemembersofthebodynatural,underonehead,soisChristmystical,thatis,allbelievers,underChristtheirhead.AndthisuniontheyhavebytheinhabitationofthesamequickeningSpiritwhichisinChristtheirhead;andbyhimtheyarebroughtallintothesamespiritualstateandframe,—theyaremadetodrinkintooneandthesameSpirit:forthissameSpiritproduceththesameeffectsinthemall,—thesameinkind,thoughdifferingindegrees,—astheapostlefullydeclares,Eph.4:3–6.AndthisSpiritisinthem,andnotintheworld,John16.

Andasthisgivesthemanaturalnessintheirdutiesonetowardsanother,orinmutualcaringfor,rejoicingorsorrowingwith,oneanother,asmembersoneofanother,1Cor.12:25,26;soitrevealsanddiscoversthemtoeachothersofarasisnecessaryfortheperformanceofthedutiesmentioned,insuchamannerasbecomesmembersofthesamebody.Thereisonthisaccountaspirituallynaturalansweringofonetoanother,asfaceanswerethfaceinthewater.Theycanseeanddiscernthatinotherswhereoftheyhaveexperienceinthemselves,—theycantasteandrelishthatinotherswhichtheyfeeduponinthemselves,andwhereinthelivesoftheirsoulsdoconsist;thesameSpiritoflifebeinginthem,theyhavethesamespiritualtasteandsavour.Andunlesstheirpalatesaredistemperedbytemptations,orfalseopinions,orprejudices,theycanintheircommuniontasteofthatSpiritineachotherwhichtheyareallmadetodrinkinto.Thisgivesthemthesamelikenessandimageintheinwardman,thesameheavenlylightintheirminds,thesameaffections;andbeingthuspreparedandenabledtojudgeanddiscernofthestateofeachother,inreferenceuntotheirmutualduties,theyhave,moreover,thetrueruleofthewordtojudgeofallspiritsandspiritualeffectsby.AndthisisthegroundofallthatlovewithoutdissimulationandrealcommunionthatisamongthesaintsofGodinthisworld.Butheretwocautionsmustbeallowed:—

(1st.)Thatwewouldnotjudgethestateandconditionofanymenintheworld,—nofartherthanwearecalledthereuntoinawayofduty;andwearesocalledonlywithreferenceuntothedutiesthatwearetoperformtowardsthem.Whathavewetodotojudgethemthatarewithout,—thatis,anyonethatwehavenotacalltoconsiderinreferenceuntoourownduty?Hereinthatgreatruletakesplace,"Judgenot,thatyebenotjudged."Letusleaveallmen,theworstofmen,unlesswhereevidentdutyrequiresotheractings,tothejudgment-seatofGod.Theyaretheservantsofanother,andtheystandorfalluntotheirownmaster.Therehavebeengreatmiscarriagesamongstusinthismatter;somehavebeenreadytocondemnallthatgonotalongwiththemineveryprinciple,yea,opinionorpractice.Andeverydayslightoccasionsandprovocationsaremadethegroundsandreasonsofseverecensures;butnothingismorecontrarytotheconductofthemeekandholyspiritofChrist.Thisisourrule:—Arewecalledtoacttowardsanyassaints,aslivingmembersofthebodyofChrist,andthatinsuchdutiesaswecannotperforminfaithunlesswearepersuadedthatsotheyare?—thenarewe,onthegroundsandbythewaysbeforementioned,tosatisfyourselvesinoneanother.

(2dly.)Doweendeavourmutuallytodiscerntheconditionofoneanotherin

referenceuntosuchends?—letusbesuretolookuntoandpursuethoseendswhenwehaveattainedoursatisfaction.Whattheseendsarehathbeenshowed.Itis,thatwemaylovethemwithoutdissimulation,asmembersofthesamemysticalbodywithus;thatwemaynaturallytakecareofthem,andforthem;thatwemaydelightsincerelyinthem;thatwemayministeruntotheirwants,temporalandspiritual;thatwemaywatchoverthemwithpityandcompassion.Theseandthelikearetheonlyendsforwhichweareatanytimecalledtotheconsiderationofthespiritualconditionofoneanother;ifthesebeneglected,theotherisuseless.Andhereliesagreataggravationofthatneglect,inthatsuchawayismadefortheavoidanceofit.Hereliesthelifeordeathofallchurchsociety.Allchurchsocietyandrelationisbuiltonthissupposition,thatthemembersofitareallregenerate.Somelaythisfoundationinbaptismonly,professingthatallthatarebaptizedareregenerate;othersrequireafarthersatisfaction,intherealworkitself;butallbuildonthesamefoundation,—thatallchurchmembersaretoberegenerate.Andtowhatendisthis?Namely,thattheymayallmutuallyperformthosedutiesonetowardsanotherwhichareincumbentmutuallyonregeneratepersons.Iftheseareomitted,thereisanendofallprofitableuseofchurchsociety.Churcheswithoutthisarebutmerehusksandshellsofchurches,carcaseswithoutsouls;forasthereisnorealunionuntoChristwithoutfaith,sothereisnorealunionamongthemembersofanychurchwithoutlove,andthatactingitselfinallthedutiesmentioned.Letnotthisordinancebeinvain.

Butwemustreturnfromthisdigressiontothatwhichliesbeforeus,whichisconcerningwhatamanmaydiscernconcerninghisownbeingregenerateorbornagain.Isay,then,—

Secondly,Menmaycometoanassured,satisfactorypersuasionthatthemselvesareregenerate,andthatsuchasissofarinfallibleasthatitwillnotdeceivethemwhenitisbroughttothetrial.Fortherearemanydutieswhoseperformanceinfaith,untothegloryofGodandtheedificationofourownsouls,dothdependonthispersuasionandconviction;as,—

1.AduesenseofourrelationuntoGod,andananswerablecomportmentofourspiritsandheartstowardshim.HethatisbornagainisbornofGod;heisbegottenofGodbytheimmortalseedoftheword.Withoutapersuasionhereof,howcanamanongroundsoffaithcarryhimselftowardsGodashisFather?Andhowgreatapartofourobediencetowardshimandcommunionwithhimdependshereon,weallknow.Ifmenfluctuatealltheirdaysinthismatter,ifthey

cometonosettlementinit,nocomfortablepersuasionofit,theyscarceeveractanygenuinechild-likeactsofloveordelighttowardsGod,whichexceedinglyimpeacheththeirwholeobedience.

2.Thankfulnessforgracereceivedisoneoftheprincipaldutiesthatisincumbentonbelieversinthisworld.Now,howcanamaninfaithblessGodforthatwhichheisutterlyuncertainwhetherhehavereceiveditfromhimorno?Iknowsomemenrunoninaroteinthismatter.TheywillblessGodinaformalwayforregeneration,sanctification,justification,andthelike;butifyouaskthemwhetherthemselvesareregenerateorno,theywillbereadytoscoffatit,oratleasttoprofessthattheyknownosuchthing.WhatisthisbuttomockGod,andinapresumptuousmannertotakehisnameinvain?ButifwewillpraiseGodasweoughtforhisgrace,asweareguidedanddirectedintheScripture,asthenatureofthematterrequires,withsuchaframeofheartasmayinfluenceourwholeobedience,surelyitcannotbutbeourdutytoknowthegracethatwehavereceived.

3.Again:themainofourspiritualwatchanddiligenceconsistethinthecherishing,improving,andincreasingofthegracethatwehavereceived,thestrengtheningofthenewcreaturethatiswroughtinus.Hereinconsistsprincipallythelifeoffaith,andtheexerciseofthatspiritualwisdomwhichfaithfurnisheththesoulwithal.Now,howcananymanapplyhimselfhereuntowhilstheisaltogetheruncertainwhetherhehathreceivedanyprincipleofliving,savinggrace,orno?Whereas,therefore,Godrequiresourutmostdiligence,watchfulness,andcareinthismatter,itiscertainthatherequiresalsoofus,andgrantsuntous,thatwhichisthefoundationofalltheseduties,whichliesinanacquaintancewiththatstateandconditionwhereuntowedobelong.Inbrief,thereisnothingwehavetodo,inreferenceuntoeternity,butonewayorotherithatharespectuntoourlightandconvictions,astoourstateandconditioninthisworld;andthosewhoarenegligentinthetrialandexaminationthereofdoleaveallthingsbetweenGodandtheirsoulsatabsoluteuncertaintiesanddubioushazards,whichisnottoleadthelifeoffaith.

Weshallnow,uponthesepremises,returnuntothatpartoftheobjectionwhichisunderconsideration.Saysome,"Weknownotwhetherweareregenerateorno,andarethereforealtogetheruncertainwhetherwehaveaninterestinthatforgivenessthatiswithGod;nordarewe,onthataccount,admitoftheconsolationthatistenderedonthetruthinsistedon."

Supposingwhat hath been spoken in general, I shall lay down the grounds ofresolvingthisperplexingdoubtintheensuingrules:—

RULEI

Seethatthepersuasionandassurancehereofwhichyoulookafteranddesireberegular, and not such as is suited merely unto your own imaginations. Oursecond and third general rules about the nature of all spiritual assurance, andwhat is consistent therewithal, are here to be taken into consideration. If youlooktohavesuchanevidence,lightinto,andabsoluteconvictionof,thismatter,asshalladmitofnodoubts,fears,questionings,justoccasionsandcausesofnewtrials, teachings, and self-examinations, you will be greatly deceived.Regenerationinducethanewprincipleintothesoul,butitdothnotutterlyexpelthe old; some would have security, not assurance. The principle of sin andunbeliefwillstillabideinus,andstillworkinus.Theirabidingandtheiractingmustneedsputthesouluponasevereinquiry,whethertheyarenotprevalentinitbeyondwhat theconditionofregenerationwilladmit.Theconstantconflictswemusthavewithsinwillnotsufferustohavealwayssoclearanevidenceofour condition as we would desire. Such a persuasion as is prevalent againststrongobjectionstothecontrary,keepinguptheheart toadueperformanceofthosedutiesinfaithwhichbelonguntothestateofregeneration,isthesubstanceofwhatinthiskindyouaretolookafter.

RULEII

Ifyouaredoubtfulconcerningyourstateandcondition,donotexpectanextraordinarydeterminationofitbyanimmediatetestimonyoftheSpiritofGod.IdograntthatGoddothsometimes,bythismeans,bringinpeaceandsatisfactionuntothesoul.HegiveshisownSpiritimmediately"tobearwitnesswithoursthatwearethechildrenofGod,"bothupontheaccountofregenerationandadoption.Hedothso;but,asfaraswecanobserve,inawayofsovereignty,whenandtowhomhepleaseth.Besides,thatmenmaycontentandsatisfythemselveswithhisordinaryteachings,consolations,andcommunicationsofhisgrace,hehathleftthenatureofthatpeculiartestimonyoftheSpiritverydarkanddifficulttobefoundout,fewagreeingwhereinitdothconsistorwhatisthenatureofit.Nooneman'sexperienceisaruleuntoothers,andanundueapprehensionofitisamatterofgreatdanger.Yetitiscertainthathumblesoulsinextraordinarycasesmayhaverecourseuntoitwithbenefitandreliefthereby.This,then,youmaydesire,youmayprayfor,butnotwithsucha

frameofspiritastorefusethatothersatisfactionwhichinthewaysoftruthandpeaceyoumayfind.ThisistheputtingofthehandintothesideofChrist;but"blessedaretheythathavenotseen,andyethavebelieved."

———

RULEIII

IfyouhaveatanytimeformerlyreceivedanyespecialorimmediatepledgeortestimonyofGod,givenuntoyoursoulsasuntotheirsincerity,andconsequentlytheirregeneration,labourtorecoverit,andtoreviveasenseofituponyourspiritsnowinyourdarknessandtrouble.Iampersuadedtherearebutfewbelievers,butthatGoddoth,atonetimeorother,inonedutyorother,enteringintoorcomingoutofonetemptationoranother,givesomesingulartestimonyuntotheirownsoulsandconsciencesconcerningtheirsincerityandhisacceptanceofthem.Sometimeshedoththisinaduty,whereinhehathenabledthesoultomakesonearanapproachuntohimasthatithathbeenwarmed,enlivened,sweetened,satisfiedwiththepresence,thegraciouspresence,ofGod,andwhichGodhathmadeuntohimasatokenofhisuprightness;—sometimes,whenamanisenteringintoanygreattemptation,trial,difficultordangerousduty,thatdeathitselfisfearedinit,Godcomesin,byonemeansorother,byasecretintimationofhislove,whichhegiveshimtotakealongwithhimforhisfurnitureandprovisioninhisway,andtherebytestifiestohimhissincerity;andthisserves,likethefoodofElijah,forfortydaysinawildernesscondition;—sometimesheispleasedtoshineimmediatelyintothesoulinthemidstofitsdarknessandsorrow;wherewithitissurprised,asnotlookingforanysuchexpressionofkindness,andistherebyrelievedagainstitsownpressingself-condemnation;—andsometimestheLordispleasedtogivethesetokensofloveuntothesoulasitsrefreshment,whenitiscomingofffromthestormoftemptationswherewithithasbeentossed.AndmanyothertimesandseasonstherearewhereinGodispleasedtogiveuntobelieverssomeespecialtestimonyintheirconsciencesuntotheirownintegrity.ButnowtheseareallwroughtbyatransientoperationoftheSpirit,excitingandenablingtheheartuntoaspiritual,sensibleapprehensionandreceivingofGod'sexpressingkindnesstowardsit.Thesethingsabidenotintheirsenseandintheirpowerwhichtheyhaveuponouraffections,butimmediatelypassaway.Theyare,therefore,tobetreasuredupinthemindandjudgment,tobeimprovedandmadeuseofbyfaith,asoccasionshallrequire.Butweareapttolosethem.Mostknownootheruseofthembutwhilsttheyfeelthem;yea,throughignoranceinourdutytoimprove

them,theyprovelikeasuddenlightbroughtintoadarkplaceandagainremoved,whichseemstoincrease,andreallyaggravates,oursenseofthedarkness.Thetrueuseofthemis,tolaythemupandpondertheminourhearts,thattheymaybesupportmentsandtestimoniesuntousinatimeofneed.Haveyou,then,whoarenowinthedarkastoyourstateorcondition,whetheryouareregenerateorno,everreceivedanysuchrefreshingandcheeringtestimonyfromGodgivenuntoyourintegrity,andyouracceptancewithhimthereupon?Callitoveragain,andmakeuseofitagainstthosediscouragementswhicharisefromyourpresentdarknessinthismatter,andwhichkeepyouofffromsharingintheconsolationtendereduntoyouinthiswordofgrace.

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RULEIV

AduespiritualconsiderationofthecausesandeffectsofregenerationistheordinarywayandmeanswherebythesoulsofbelieverscometobesatisfiedconcerningthatworkofGodinthemanduponthem.Theprincipleorcausesofthisworkare,theSpiritandtheword.Hethatisbornagain,"isbornoftheSpirit,"John3:6;andoftheword,"Ofhisownwillbegatheuswiththewordoftruth,"James1:18;"WearebornagainbythewordofGod,whichlivethandabidethforever,"1Pet.1:23.Wherever,then,amanisregenerate,therehathbeenaneffectualworkoftheSpiritandoftheworduponthesoul.Thisistobeinquiredintoandafter.Ordinarilyitwilldiscoveritself.Suchimpressionswillbemadeinituponthesoul,suchachangewillbewroughtandproducedinit,aswillnotescapeaspiritualdiligentsearchandinquiry.Andthisismuchofthedutyofsuchasareinthedark,anduncertainconcerningtheaccomplishmentofthisworkinthemselves.LetthemcalltomindwhathavebeentheactingsoftheSpiritbythewordupontheirsouls;whatlighttherebyhathbeencommunicateduntotheirminds;whatdiscoveriesoftheLordChristandwayofsalvationhavebeenmadetothem;whatsenseanddetestationofsinhavebeenwroughtinthem;whatsatisfactionhathbeengivenuntothesoul,tochoose,accept,andacquiesceintherighteousnessofChrist;whatresignationoftheheartuntoGod,accordingtothetenorofthecovenantofgrace,ithathbeenwroughtunto.CalltomindwhattransactionstherehavebeenbetweenGodandyoursoulsaboutthesethings;howfartheyhavebeencarriedon;whetheryouhavebrokenoffthetreatywithGod,andrefusedhisterms,orifnot,wherethestayisbetweenyou;andwhatisthereason,sinceGodhathgraciouslybeguntodealthuswithyou,thatyouarenotyetcometoathoroughclosewithhimintheworkanddesignof

hisgrace?Thedefectmustofnecessitylieonyourparts.Goddothnothinginvain.Hadhenotbeenwillingtoreceiveyou,hewouldnothavedealtwithyousofarashehathdone.Thereisnothing,then,remainstofirmyourconditionbutaresolvedactofyourownwillsinansweringthemindandwillofGod.Andbythissearchmaythesoulcometosatisfactioninthismatter,oratleastfindoutanddiscoverwherethestickiswhencetheiruncertaintydotharise,andwhatiswantingtocompletetheirdesire.

Again:thisworkmaybediscoveredbyitseffects.Thereissomethingthatisproducedbyitinthesoul,whichmayalsobeconsideredeitherwithrespectuntoitsbeingandexistence,oruntoitsactingsandoperations.Inthefirstregarditisspirit:John3:6,"ThatwhichisbornoftheSpirit,"whichisproducedbytheeffectualoperationoftheSpiritofGod,it"isspirit,"—"anewcreature,"2Cor.5:17.HethatisinChristJesus,whoisbornagain,isanewcreature,anewlife,aspirituallife,Gal.2:20;Eph.2:1.Inbrief,itisanhabitualfurnishmentofallthefacultiesofthesoulwithnewspiritual,vitalprinciples,enablingapersoninallinstancesofobediencetoleadaspirituallifeuntoGod.Thisprincipleisbythisworkproducedinthesoul.Andinrespectofitsactings,itconsistsinallthegraciousoperationsofthemind,will,heart,oraffections,inthedutiesofobediencewhichGodhathrequiredofusThisisthatwhichgiveslifeuntoourduties(withoutwhichthebestofourworksarebutdeadworks),andrendersthemacceptableuntothelivingGod.Itisnotmybusinessatlargetopursueanddeclarethesethings;Ionlymentionthem,thatpersonswhoarekeptbackfromaparticipationoftheconsolationtenderedfromtheforgivenessthatiswithGod,becausetheycannotcomfortablyconcludethattheyarebornagain,asknowingthatitissuchpersonsaloneuntowhomtheseconsolationsdotrulyandreallybelong,mayknowhowtomakearightjudgmentofthemselves.Letsuchpersons,then,notfluctuateupanddowningeneralsanduncertainties,withheartlesscomplaints,whichistheruinofthepeaceoftheirsouls;butletthemreallyputthingstothetrial,bytheexaminationofthecausesandeffectsoftheworktheyinquireafter.ItisbytheuseofsuchmeanswherebyGodwillbepleasedtogivethemalltheassuranceandestablishmentconcerningtheirstateandconditionwhichisneedfulforthem,andwhichmaygivethemencouragementintheircourseofobedience.

Butsupposingallthathathbeenspoken,whatifaman,bytheutmostsearchandinquirythatheisabletomake,cannotattainanysatisfactorypersuasionthatindeedthisgreatworkofGod'sgracehathpasseduponhissoul;isthisasufficientgroundtokeephimofffromacceptingofsupportmentandconsolation

fromthistruth,thatthereisforgivenesswithGod?whichisthedesignoftheobjectionlaiddownbefore.Isaythereforefarther,that,—

1.Regenerationdothnotinorderoftimeprecedethesoul'sinterestintheforgivenessthatiswithGod,oritsbeingmadepartakerofthepardonofsin.Isaynomorebutthatitdothnotprecedeitinorderoftime,notdeterminingwhichhathprecedencyinorderofnature.That,Iconfess,whichthemethodofthegospelleadsuntois,thatabsolution,acquitment,orthepardonofsin,isthefoundationofthecommunicationofallsavinggraceuntothesoul,andsoprecedethallgraceinthesinnerwhatever.Butbecausethisabsolutionorpardonofsinistobereceivedbyfaith,wherebythesoulisreallymadepartakerofitandallthebenefitsbelongingthereunto,andthatfaithistheradicalgracewhichwereceiveinourregeneration,—foritisbyfaiththatourheartsarepurified,asaninstrumentinthehandofthegreatpurifier,theSpiritofGod,—Iplacethesetwotogether,andshallnotdisputeastotheirpriorityinnature;butintimetheonedothnotprecedetheother.

2.Itishenceevident,thatanassuranceofbeingregenerateisnowaypreviouslynecessaryuntothebelievingofaninterestinforgiveness;sothatalthoughamanhavenottheformer,itis,ormaybe,hisdutytoendeavourthelatter.Whenconvincedpersonscriedout,"Whatshallwedotobesaved?"theanswerwas,"Believe,andyeshallbeso.""BelieveinChrist,andintheremissionofsinbyhisblood,"isthefirstthingthatconvincedsinnersarecalledunto.Theyarenotdirectedfirsttosecuretheirsoulsthattheyarebornagain,andthenafterwardtobelieve;buttheyarefirsttobelievethattheremissionofsinistendereduntotheminthebloodofChrist,andthat"byhimtheymaybejustifiedfromallthingsfromwhichtheycouldnotbejustifiedbythelaw."Noruponthispropositionisitthedutyofmentoquestionwhethertheyhavefaithorno,butactuallytobelieve.Andfaithinitsoperationwillevidenceitself.SeeActs13:38,39.Suppose,then,thatyoudonotknowthatyouareregenerate,thatyouarebornofGod,—thatyouhavenoprevailing,refreshing,constantevidenceorpersuasionthereof,—shouldthishinderyou?shouldthisdiscourageyoufrombelievingforgiveness,fromclosingwiththepromises,andtherebyobtaininginyourselvesaninterestinthatforgivenessthatiswithGod?Notatall;nay,thisoughtexceedinglytoexciteandstiryouupuntoyourdutyherein:for,—

(1.)Supposethatitisotherwise,—that,indeed,youareyetinthestateofsin,andareonlybroughtunderthepoweroflightandconviction,—thisisthewayforatranslationintoanestateofspirituallifeandgrace.Ifyouwillforbearthe

actingoffaithuponandforforgivenessuntilyouareregenerate,youmay,andprobablyyouwill,comeshortbothofforgivenessandregenerationalso.Herelayyourfoundation,andthenyourbuildingwillgoon.Thiswillopenthedooruntoyou,andgiveyouanentranceintothekingdomofGod.Christisthedoor;donotthinktoclimbupoverthewall;enterbyhim,oryouwillbekeptout.

(2.)Supposethatyouarebornagain,butyetknowitnot,—asistheconditionofmany,—thisisawaywherebyyoumayreceiveanevidencethereof.Itisgood,theembracingofallsigns,tokens,andpledgesofourspiritualcondition,anditissotoimprovethem;butthebestcourseis,tofollowthegenuinenaturalactingsoffaith,whichwillleadusintothemostsettledapprehensionsconcerningourrelationuntoGodandacceptancewithhim.BelievefirsttheforgivenessofsinastheeffectofmeregraceandmercyinChrist.Letthefaithhereofbenourishedandstrengthenedinyoursouls.ThiswillinsensiblyinfluenceyourheartsintoacomfortinggospelpersuasionofyourstateandconditiontowardsGod;whichwillbeaccompaniedwithassuredrestandpeace.

Towindupthisdiscourse:—Rememberthatthatwhichhathbeenspokenwithreferenceuntothestateofregenerationingeneralmaybeapplieduntoeveryparticularobjectionorcauseoffearanddiscouragementthatmaybereducedtothathead.Suchareallobjectionsthatarisefromparticularsins,fromaggravationsofsinsbytheirgreatnessorcircumstances,orrelapsesintothem.Thewaythattheconsiderationofthesethingsprevailsupontheminduntofear,isbybegettinganapprehensioninmenthattheyarenotregenerate;foriftheywere,theysupposetheycouldnotbesoovertakenorentangled.Therulesthereoflaiddownaresuitedtothestraitsofthesoulsofsinnersinallsuchparticularcases.

Lastly,Therewassomewhatinparticularaddedinthecloseoftheobjection,which,althoughitbenotdirectlyinourwaynorofanygreatimportanceinitself,yethavingbeenmentioned,itisnotunmeettoremoveitoutoftheway,thatitmaynotleaveentanglementuponthemindsofany.Nowthisis,thatsomeknownotnorcangiveanaccountofthetimeoftheirconversionuntoGod,andthereforecannotbesatisfiedthatthesavingworkofhisgracehathpasseduponthem.Thisisusuallyandordinarilyspokenunto;andIshallthereforebrieflygiveanaccountconcerningit:—

1.Ithathbeenshowedthat,inthismatter,therearemanythingswhereonwemayregularlyfoundajudgmentconcerningourselves,anditisgreatfollyto

waivethemall,andputtheissueofthematterupononecircumstance.Ifamanhaveatrialatlaw,whereinhehathmanyevidencesspeakingforhim,onlyonecircumstanceisdubiousandinquestion,hewillnotcasttheweightofhiscauseonthatdisputedcircumstance,butwillpleadthoseevidencesthataremoreclearandtestifymorefullyinhisbehalf.Iwillnotdenybutthatthismatterofthetimeofconversionisofttimesanimportantcircumstance,—intheaffirmative,whenitisknown,itisofgreatuse,tendingtostabilityandconsolation;—butyetitisstillbutacircumstance,suchasthatthebeingofthethingitselfdothnotdependupon.Hethatisalivemayknowthathewasborn,thoughheknowneithertheplacewherenorthetimewhenhewasso;andsomayhethatisspirituallyalive,andhathgroundofevidencethatheisso,thathewasbornagain,thoughheknowneitherwhen,norwhere,norhow.Andthiscaseisusualinpersonsofquietnaturaltempers,whohavehadtheadvantageofeducationundermeansoflightandgrace.Godofttimes,insuchpersons,beginsandcarriesontheworkofhisgraceinsensibly,sothattheycometogoodgrowthandmaturitybeforetheyknowthattheyarealive.Suchpersonscomeatlengthtobesatisfiedinsaying,withtheblindmaninthegospel,"Howoureyeswereopenedweknownot;onlyonethingweknow,whereaswewereblindbynature,nowwesee."

2.Eveninthismatteralso,wemust,itmaybe,becontenttolivebyfaith,andtobelieveaswellwhatGodhathdoneinus,ifitbethematterandsubjectofhispromises,aswhathehathdoneforus;thegroundwhereofalsoisthepromise,andnothingelse.

Objectionsfromthepresentstateandconditionofthesoul—Weaknessandimperfectionofduty—Oppositionfromindwellingsin.

THIRDLY.Thereisanotherheadofobjectionsagainstthesoul'sreceivingconsolationfromaninterestinforgiveness,arisingfromtheconsiderationofitspresentstateandconditionastoactualholiness,duties,andsins.Soulscomplain,whenindarknessandundertemptations,thattheycannotfindthatholiness,northosefruitsofitinthemselves,whichtheysupposeaninterestinpardoningmercywillproduce.Theirheartstheyfindareweak,andalltheirdutiesworthless.Iftheywereweighedinthebalance,theywouldbeallfoundtoolight.Inthebestofthemthereissuchamixtureofself,hypocrisy,unbelief,vain-glory,thattheyareevenashamedandconfoundedwiththeremembranceofthem.Thesethingsfillthemwithdiscouragements,sothattheyrefusetobecomfortedortoentertainanyrefreshingpersuasionfromthetruthinsistedon,

butratherconcludethattheyareutterstrangersfromthatforgivenessthatiswithGod,andsocontinuehelplessintheirdepths.

Accordinguntothemethodproposed,andhithertopursued,Ishallonlylaydownsomesuchgeneralrulesasmaysupportasoulunderthedespondenciesthatareaptinsuchaconditiontobefallit,thatnoneofthesethingsmayweakenitinitsendeavourtolayholdofforgiveness.And,—

1.Thisistheproperplacetoputinexecutionoureighthrule,totakeheedofheartlesscomplaintswhenvigorousactingsofgraceareexpectedatourhands.Ifitbethus,indeed,whylieyouonyourfaces?whydoyounotriseandputoutyourselvestotheutmost,givingalldiligencetoaddonegracetoanother,untilyoufindyourselvesinabetterframe?Supposing,then,theputtingofthatruleintopractice,Iadd,—

(1.)Thatknownholinessisapttodegenerateintoself-righteousness.WhatGodgivesusontheaccountofsanctificationwearereadyenoughtoreckononthescoreofjustification.Itisahardthingtofeelgrace,andtobelieveasiftherewerenone.WehavesomuchofthePhariseeinusbynature,thatitissometimeswellthatourgoodishidfromus.Wearereadytotakeourcornandwineandbestowthemonotherlovers.Weretherenotinourheartsaspirituallysensibleprincipleofcorruption,andinourdutiesadiscerniblemixtureofself,itwouldbeimpossibleweshouldwalksohumblyasisrequiredofthemwhoholdcommunionwithGodinacovenantofgraceandpardoningmercy.Itisagoodlifewhichisattendedwithafaithofrighteousnessandasenseofcorruption.WhilstIknowChrist'srighteousness,Ishallthelesscaretoknowmyownholiness.Tobeholyisnecessary;toknowit,sometimesatemptation.

(2.)EvendutiesofGod'sappointment,whenturnedintoself-righteousness,areGod'sgreatabhorrency,Isa.66:2,3.Whathathagoodoriginalmaybevitiatedbyabadend.

(3.)Oftentimesholinessintheheartismoreknownbytheoppositionthatismadetheretoit,thanbyitsownprevalentworking.TheSpirit'soperationisknownbytheflesh'sopposition.Wefindaman'sstrengthbytheburdenshecarries,andnotthepacethathegoes."OwretchedmanthatIam!whoshalldelivermefromthebodyofthisdeath?"isabetterevidenceofgraceandholinessthan"God,IthanktheeIamnotasothermen."Aheartpressed,grieved,burdened,notbytheguiltofsinonly,whichreflectswithtroubleonan

awakenedconscience,butbytheclose,adheringpowerofindwellingsin,tempting,seducing,soliciting,hindering,captivating,conceiving,restlesslydisquieting,mayfromthencehaveasclearanevidenceofholinessasfromadelightfulfruit-bearing.Whatisitthatistroubledandgrievedinthee?whatisitthatseemstobealmostkilledanddestroyed;thatcriesout,complains,longsfordeliverance?Isitnotthenewcreature?isitnottheprincipleofspirituallife,whereofthouartpartaker?Ispeaknotoftroublesanddisquietmentsforsincommitted;noroffearsandperturbationsofmindlestsinshouldbreakforthtoloss,shame,ruin,dishonour;norofthecontendingofaconvincedconsciencelestdamnationshouldensue;—butofthestrivingoftheSpiritagainstsin,outofahatredandaloathingofit,uponallthemixedconsiderationsoflove,grace,mercy,fear,thebeautyofholiness,excellencyofcommunionwithGod,thatareproposedinthegospel.Ifthouseemesttothyselftobeonlypassiveinthesethings,todonothingbuttoenduretheassaultsofsin;yetifthouartsensible,andstandestunderthestrokeofitasunderthestrokeofanenemy,thereistherootofthematter.Andasitisthusastothesubstanceandbeingofholiness,soitisalsoastothedegreesofit.Degreesofholinessaretobemeasuredmorebyoppositionthanself-operation.Hemayhavemoregracethananotherwhobringsnotforthsomuchfruitastheother,becausehehathmoreopposition,moretemptation,Isa.41:17.Andsenseofthewantofallisagreatsignofsomewhatinthesoul.

2.Astowhatwasallegedastothenothingness,theselfishnessofduty,Isay,itiscertain,whilstweareintheflesh,ourdutieswilltasteofthevesselwhencetheyproceed.Weakness,defilements,treachery,hypocrisy,willattendthem.Tothispurpose,whateversomepretendtothecontrary,isthecomplaintofthechurch,Isa.64:6.Thechaffoftentimesissomixedwiththewheatthatcorncanscarcebediscerned.Andthisknow,thatthemorespiritualanymanis,themoreheseesofhisunspiritualnessinhisspiritualduties.AnoutsideperformancewillsatisfyanoutsideChristian.Jobabhorredhimselfmostwhenheknewhimselfbest.TheclearerdiscoverieswehavehadofGod,thevilerwilleverythingofselfappear.Nay,farther,dutiesandperformancesareoftentimesveryillmeasuredbyus;andthoseseemtobefirstwhichindeedarelast,andthosetobelastwhichindeedarefirst.Idonotdoubtbutaman,whenhehathhaddistractionstowrestlewithal,nooutwardadvantagetofartherhim,noextraordinaryprovocationofhope,fear,orsorrow,onanaturalaccountinhisduty,mayrisefromhiskneeswiththoughtsthathehathdonenothinginhisdutybutprovokedGod;whentherehathbeenmoreworkingsofgrace,incontendingwiththedeadnesscastonthesoulbytheconditionthatitisin,thanwhen,bya

concurrenceofmovednaturalaffectionsandoutwardprovocations,aframehathbeenraisedthathath,tothepartyhimself,seemedtoreachtoheaven:sothatitmaybethisperplexityaboutdutiesisnothingbutwhatiscommontothepeopleofGod,andwhichoughttobenoobstructiontopeaceandsettlement.

3.Astothepretenceofhypocrisy,youknowwhatisusuallyanswered.Itisonethingtodoathinginhypocrisy,anothernottodoitwithoutamixtureofhypocrisy.Hypocrisy,initslongextent,iseverythingthat,formatterormanner,comesshortofsincerity.Now,oursincerityisnomoreperfectthanourothergraces;sothatinitsmeasureitabideswithusandadherestoallwedo.Inlikemanner,itisonethingtodoathingforvain-gloryandtobeseenofmen,anothernottobeablewhollytokeepoffthesubtleinsinuationsofselfandvain-glory.Hethatdothathinginhypocrisyandforvain-gloryissatisfiedwithsomecorruptendobtained,thoughhebesensiblethathesoughtsuchanend.Hethatdothathingwithamixtureofhypocrisy,—thatis,withsomebreachesuponthedegreesofhissincerity,withsomeinsensibleadvancementsinperformanceonoutwardconsiderations,—isnotsatisfiedwithaself-endobtained,andisdissatisfiedwiththedefectofhissincerity.Inaword,wouldstthouyetbesincere,anddostendeavoursotobeinprivateduties,andinpublicperformances,—inpraying,hearing,givingalms,zealousactingsforGod'sgloryandtheloveofthesaints;thoughthesedutiesarenot,itmaybe,sometimesdonewithoutsensiblehypocrisy,—Imean,astracedtoitsmostsubtleinsinuationsofselfandvain-glory,—yetaretheynotdoneinhypocrisy,nordotheydenominatethepersonsbywhomtheyareperformedhypocrites.YetIsayofthis,asofallthatisspokenbefore,itisofusetorelieveusunderatroubledcondition,—ofnonetosupportusorencourageusuntoanabodeinit.

4.KnowthatGoddespisethnotsmallthings.Hetakesnoticeoftheleastbreathingsofourheartsafterhim,whenweourselvescanseenorperceivenosuchthing.HeknowsthemindoftheSpiritinthoseworkingswhichareneverformedtothatheightthatwecanreflectuponthemwithourobservation.Everythingthatisofhimisnotedinhisbook,thoughnotinours.Hetooknoticethat,whenSarahwasactingunbelieftowardshim,yetthatsheshowedrespectandregardtoherhusband,callinghim"lord,"Gen.18:12;1Pet.3:6.Andevenwhilsthispeoplearesinning,hecanfindsomethingintheirhearts,words,orways,thatpleasethhim;muchmoreintheirduties.Heisaskilfulrefiner,thatcanfindmuchgoldinthatorewhereweseenothingbutleadorclay.Heremembersthedutieswhichweforget,andforgetsthesinswhichweremember.Hejustifiesourpersons,thoughungodly;andwillalsoourduties,thoughnot

perfectlygodly.

5.Togivealittlefarthersupportinreferenceuntoourwretched,miserableduties,andtothemthatareinperplexitiesonthataccount,knowthatJesusChristtakeswhateverisevilandunsavouryoutofthem,andmakesthemacceptable.Whenanunskilfulservantgathersmanyherbs,flowers,andweedsinagarden,yougatherthemoutthatareuseful,andcasttherestoutofsight.Christdealssowithourperformances.Alltheingredientsofselfthatareinthemonanyaccounthetakesaway,andaddsincensetowhatremains,andpresentsittoGod,Exod.30:36.Thisisthecausethatthesaintsatthelastday,whentheymeettheirowndutiesandperformances,theyknowthemnot,theyaresochangedfromwhattheywerewhentheywentoutoftheirhand."Lord,whensawwetheenakedorhungry?"SothatGodacceptsalittle,andChristmakesourlittleagreatdeal.

6.Isthisanargumenttokeeptheefrombelieving?Thereasonwhythouartnomore holy is because thou hast no more faith. If thou hast no holiness, it isbecausethouhastnofaith.Holinessisthepurifyingoftheheartbyfaith,orourobedience unto the truth. And the reason why thou art no more in duty is,becausethouartnomoreinbelieving.Thereasonwhythydutiesareweakandimperfectis,becausethyfaithisweakandimperfect.Hastthounoholiness?—believe, that thou mayst have. Hast thou but a little, or that which isimperceptible?—besteadfastinbelieving,thatthoumaystaboundinobedience.Donotresolvenottoeatthymeatuntilthouartstrong,whenthouhastnomeansofbeingstrongbutbyeatingthybread,whichstrengthenstheheartofman.

OBJECTIONFOURTH.Thepowerfultumultuatingofindwellingsinorcorruptionisanothercauseofthesamekindoftroubleanddespondency."'TheythatareChrist'shavecrucifiedthefleshwiththeluststhereof.'Butwefind,"saysome,"severalcorruptionsworkingeffectuallyinourhearts,carryinguscaptivetothelawofsin.Theydisquietwiththeirpoweraswellaswiththeirguilt.HadwebeenmadepartakersofthelawoftheSpiritoflife,wehad,erethis,beenmoresetfreefromthelawofsinanddeath.Hadsinbeenpardonedfully,itwouldhavebeensubduedmoreeffectually."

Therearethreeconsiderationswhichmaketheactingsofindwellingsintobesoperplexingtothesoul:—

1.Becausetheyareunexpected.Thesoullooksnotforthemuponthefirstgreat

conquestmadeofsin,anduniversalengagementoftheheartuntoGod.Whenitfirstsays,"Ihavesworn,andamsteadfastlypurposedtokeepthyrighteousjudgments,"commonlythereispeace,atleastforaseason,fromthedisturbingvigorousactingsofsin.Therearemanyreasonswhysoitshouldbe."Oldthingsarethenpassedaway,allthingsarebecomenew;"andthesoul,underthepowerofthatuniversalchange,isutterlyturnedawayfromthosethingsthatshouldfoment,stirup,provoke,orcherish,anylustortemptation.Now,whensomeoftheseadvantagesarepast,andsinbeginstostirandactagain,thesoulissurprised,andthinkstheworkthathehathpassedthroughwasnottrueandeffectual,buttemporaryonly;yea,hethinks,perhaps,thatsinhathmorestrengththanithadbefore,becauseheismoresensiblethanhewasbefore.Asonethathathadeadarmorlimb,whilstitismortified,enduresdeepcutsandlancings,andfeelsthemnot;sowhenspiritsandsensearebroughtintotheplaceagain,hefeelstheleastcut,andmaythinktheinstrumentssharperthantheywerebefore,whenallthedifferenceis,thathehathgotaquicknessofsense,whichbeforehehadnot.Itmaybesowithapersoninthiscase:hemaythinklustmorepowerfulthanitwasbefore,becauseheismoresensiblethanhewasbefore.Yea,sinintheheartislikeasnakeorserpent:youmaypulloutthestingofit,andcutitintomanypieces;thoughitcanstingmortallynomore,normoveitswholebodyatonce,yetitwillmoveinallitsparts,andmakeanappearanceofagreatermotionthanformerly.Soitiswithlust:whenithathreceiveditsdeath'swound,andiscuttopieces,yetitmovesinsomanypartsasitwereinthesoul,thatitamazeshimthathathtodowithit;andthuscomingunexpectedly,fillsthespiritoftentimeswithdisconsolation.

2.Ithathalsoinitsactingsauniversality.Thisalsosurpriseth.Thereisauniversalityintheactingsofsin,eveninbelievers.Thereisnoevilthatitwillnotmoveto;thereisnogoodthatitwillnotattempttohinder;nodutythatitwillnotdefile.Andthereasonofthisis,becausewearesanctifiedbutinpart;notinanypartwholly,thoughsavinglyandtrulyineverypart.Thereissinremainingineveryfaculty,inalltheaffections,andsomaybeactinginandtowardsanysinthatthenatureofmanisliableunto.Degreesofsintherearethatallregeneratepersonsareexemptedfrom;butuntosolicitationstoallkindsofsintheyareexposed:andthishelpsonthetemptation.

3.Itisendlessandrestless,neverquiet,conqueringnorconquered;itgivesnotover,butrebelsbeingovercome,orassaultsafreshhavingprevailed.Ofttimesafteravictoryobtainedandanoppositionsubdued,thesoulisinexpectationofrestandpeacefromitsenemies:butthisholdsnot;itworksandrebelsagainand

again,andwilldosowhilstweliveinthisworld,sothatnoissuewillbeputtoourconflictbutbydeath.Thisisatlargehandledelsewhere,inatreatiselatelypublishedonthispeculiarsubject.

Theseandthelikeconsiderationsattendingtheactingsofindwellingsin,dooftentimesentanglethesoulinmakingajudgmentofitself,andleaveitinthedarkastoitsstateandcondition.

Afewthingsshallbeoffereduntothisobjectionalso:—

1.Thesensiblepowerfulactingsofindwellingsinarenotinconsistentwithastateofgrace,Gal.5:17.Thereareinthesamepersoncontraryprinciples,—"thefleshandtheSpirit;"thesearecontrary.Andtherearecontraryactingsfromtheseprinciples,—"thefleshlustethagainsttheSpirit,andtheSpiritagainsttheflesh;"andtheseactingsaredescribedtobegreatlyvigorousinotherplaces.Lustwarsagainstoursouls,James4:1;1Pet.2:11.Now,towarisnottomakefaintorgentleopposition,tobeslightedandcontemned;butitistogooutwithgreatstrength,tousecraft,subtlety,andforce,soastoputthewholeissuetoahazard.Sotheselustswar;sucharetheiractingsinandagainstthesoul.Andtherefore,saiththeapostle,"Yecannotdothethingsthatyewould."SeeRom.7:14–17.Inthisconflict,indeed,theunderstandingisleftunconquered,—itcondemnsanddisapprovesoftheevilledunto;andthewillisnotsubdued,—itwouldnotdotheevilthatispresseduponit;andthereisahatredoraversionremainingintheaffectionsuntosin:butyet,notwithstanding,sinrebels,fights,tumultuates,andleadscaptive.Thisobjection,then,mayreceivethisspeedyanswer:—Powerfulactingsandworkings,universal,endlessstrugglingsofindwellingsin,seducingtoallthatisevil,puttingitselfforthtothedisturbanceanddissettlementofallthatisgood,arenotsufficientgroundtoconcludeastateofalienationfromGod.Seeforthistheothertreatisebeforementionedatlarge.

2.Yourstateisnotatalltobemeasuredbytheoppositionthatsinmakestoyou,butbytheoppositionyoumaketoit.Bethatneversogreat,ifthisbegood,—bethatneversorestlessandpowerful,ifthisbesincere,—youmaybedisquieted,youcanhavenoreasontodespond.

Ihavementionedthesethingsonlytogiveaspecimenoftheobjectionswhichmenusuallyraiseupagainstanactualclosingwiththetruthinsistedontotheirconsolation.Andwehavealsogiveninuponthemsomerulesoftruthfortheirrelief;notintendinginthemabsolutesatisfactionastothewholeofthecases

mentionedbutonlytoremovethedarknessraisedbythemsooutofthewayasthatitmightnothinderanyfrommixingthewordwithfaiththathathbeendispensedfromthisblessedtestimony,that"thereisforgivenesswithGod,thathemaybefeared."

———

VERSESFIFTHANDSIXTH

PROCEEDwenowtothesecondpartofthispsalm,whichcontainsthedeportmentofasin-perplexedsoul,whenbyfaithithathdiscoveredwhereitsrestdothlie,andfromwhomitsreliefistobeexpected;evenfromtheforgivenesswhichiswithGod,whereofwehavespoken.

Therearetwothingsingeneral,aswasbeforementioned,thatthesoulinthatconditionappliesitselfunto;whereofthefirstrespectsitself,andtheotherthewholeIsraelofGod.

Thatwhichrespectsitselfisthedescriptionofthatframeofheartandspiritthathewasbroughtintouponfaith'sdiscoveryofforgivenessinGod,withthedutiesthatheappliedhimselfunto,thegroundsofit,andthemannerofitsperformance,verses5,6:—

"IwaitfortheLORD,mysouldothwait,andinhisworddoIhope.MysoulwaitethfortheLordmorethantheythatwatchforthemorning:Isay,morethantheythatwatchforthemorning."

Herein,Isay,hedescribesbothhisframeofspiritandthedutyheappliedhimselfto,bothastomatterandmanner.

Ishall,asinthemethodhithertoobserved,firstconsiderthereadingofthewords,thentheirsenseandimportance,withthesuitablenessofthethingsmentionedinthemtotheconditionofthesoulunderconsideration;allwhichyieldusafoundationoftheobservationsthataretobedrawnfromthem.

1.Thewordsrenderedstrictly,orwordforword,liethus:—

"IhaveearnestlyexpectedJehovah;mysoulhathexpected,andinhiswordhaveItarried,"orwaited."MysoultotheLordmorethan"(orbefore)"thewatchmeninthemorning;thewatchmeninthemorning,"or"untothemorning."

"Ihavewaited"or"expected:" יתיוק from הוק ,"toexpect,""tohope,""towait.""Verbumhocest,magnoanimidesiderioinaliquemintentumesse,etrespicereadeum,exeopendere;"—"Theworddenotestobeintentonanyonewithgreatdesire;tobeholdorregardhim,andtodependuponhim;"anditalsoexpresseth

theearnestinclinationandintensionofthewillandmind.

Paulseemstohaveexpressedthiswordtothefull,Rom.8:19,byἀποκαραδοκία,—anintentorearnestexpectation,expressingitselfbyputtingforththehead,andlookingroundaboutwithearnestnessanddiligence.Andthisisalsosignifiedexpresslybythisword,Ps.69:21, דונל הוקאו ;—"AndIlookedforsometotakepity.""Hucillucanxiècircumspexi,siquisfortemecommiseraturusesset;"—"Ilookedroundabout,thiswayandthatway,diligentlyandsolicitously,toseeifanywouldpitymeorlamentwithme."

Thus,"Ihavewaited,"isasmuchas,"Ihavediligently,withintensionofsoul,mind,will,andaffections,lookeduntoGod,inearnestexpectationofthatfromhimthatIstandinneedof,andwhichmustcomeforthfromtheforgivenessthatiswithhim."

2."Ihave,"saithhe,"waitedfor,orexpectedJehovah."HeusesthesamenameofGodinhisexpectationthathefirstfixedoninhisapplicationtohim.

Anditisnotthisorthatmeans,notthisorthatassistance,butitisJehovahhimselfthatheexpectsandwaitsfor.ItisJehovahhimselfthatmustsatisfythesoul,—hisfavourandloving-kindness,andwhatflowsfromthem;ifhecomenothimself,ifhegivenothimself,nothingelsewillrelieve.

3."Mysouldothwait,"orexpect;—"ItisnooutwarddutythatIamat,nolip-labour,nobodilywork,noformal,cold,carelessperformanceofaduty.No;'mysouldothwait.'Itissoul-work,heart-workIamat.Iwait,Iwaitwithmywholesoul."

4."InhisworddoIhope,"or"wait."Thereisnotanythingofdifficultyinthesewords.Thewordused, יתלחוה ,isfrom לחי ,"suntqui,quodaffinesitverbo' ללח ,'velintanxietatemetnisumincludere,utsignificetanxiè,seuenixèexpectare,sustinere,etsperare;"—Itsignifiestohope,expect,endure,andsustainwithcare,solicitousness,andendeavours.HencetheLXX.haverenderedthewordbyὑπέμεινεν,andtheVulgarLatin"sustinui;"—"Ihavesustainedandwaitedwithpatience."

Andthisontheword;or,hesustainedhissoulwiththewordofpromisethatitshouldnotutterlyfaint,seeinghehadmadeadiscoveryofgraceandforgiveness,thoughyetatagreatdistance;hehadasightofland,thoughhewasyetinastormatsea;andthereforeencouragethhimself,orhissoul,thatitdoth

notdespond.

Butyetallthisthatwehavespokenreachesnottheintensenessofthesoulofthepsalmist,inthishisexpectationofJehovah.Theearnestengagementofhissoulinthisdutyrisethupabovewhathecanexpress.Thereforeheproceeds,verse6:"Mysoul,"saithhe,"fortheLord"(thatis,expectshim,looksforhim,waitsforhim,waitsforhiscomingtomeinloveandwithforgiveness),"morethanthewatchersforthemorning,thewatchersforthemorning."

Theselatterwordsarevariouslyrendered,andvariouslyexpounded.TheLXX.andVulgarLatinrenderthem,"Fromthemorningwatchuntilnight;"others,"Fromthosethatkeepthemorningwatch,untothosethatkeeptheeveningwatch;""Morethanthewatchersinthemorning,morethanthewatchersinthemorning."

Thewordsalsoarevariouslyexpounded.AustinwouldhaveittosignifytheplacingofourhopesonthemorningofChrist'sresurrection,andcontinuinginthemuntilthenightofourowndeath.

Jerome,whorendersthewords,"Fromthemorningwatchtothemorningwatch,"expoundsthemofcontinuingourhopesandexpectationsfromthemorningthatwearecalledintotheLord'svineyardtothemorningwhenweshallreceiveourreward;asmuchtothesenseoftheplaceastheformer.AndsoChrysostominterpretsitofourwholelife.

ItcannotbedeniedbutthattheywereledintothesemistakesbythetranslationoftheLXX.andthatoftheVulgarLatin,whobothofthemhavedividedthesewordsquitecontrarytotheirproperdependence,andreadthemthus,"MysoulexpectedtheLord.Fromthemorningwatchtothenightwatch,letIsraeltrustintheLord;"somakingthewordstobelongtothefollowingexhortationuntoothers,whichareplainlyapartoftheexpressionofhisownduty.

Thewords,then,areacomparison,andanallusionuntowatchmen,andmaybetakeninoneofthesetwosenses:—

1.Inthingscivil,Asthosewhokeepthewatchofthenightdolook,andlongfor,andexpectthemorning,when,beingdismissedfromtheirguard,theymaytakethatsleepthattheyneedanddesire;whichexpressesaveryearnestexpectation,inquiry,anddesire.Or,

2.Inthingssacred,withtheChaldeeparaphrast,whichrendersthewords,"Morethantheythatlookforthemorningwatch,"whichtheycarefullyobserve,thattheymayofferthemorningsacrifice.Inthissense,"As,"saithhe,"thewardersandwatchersinthetempledolookdiligentlyaftertheappearanceofthemorning,thattheymaywithjoyofferthemorningsacrificeintheappointedseason;so,andwithmorediligence,dothmysoulwaitforJehovah."

Youseethereadingofthewords,andhowfarthesenseofthemopensitselfuntousbythatconsideration.

Letus,then,nextseebrieflytheseveralpartsofthem,astheystandinrelationonetoanother.Wehave,then,—

1.Theexpressionofthedutywhereinhewasexercised;andthatis,earnestwaitingforJehovah.

2.Thebottomandfoundationofthathiswaitingandexpectation;thatis,thewordofGod,thewordofpromise,—hediligentlyhopedintheword.

3.Theframeofhisspiritin,andthemannerofhisperformanceof,thisduty;expressed,—(1.)Inthewordsthemselvesthatheuses,accordingasweopenedthembefore.(2.)Intheemphaticalreduplication,yea,triplicationofhisexpressionofit:"IwaitfortheLORD;""MysoulwaitethforGod;""MysoulwaitethfortheLord."(3.)Inthecomparisoninstitutedbetweenhisdischargeofhisdutyandothers'performancesofacorporalwatch,—withthegreatestcareanddiligence:"Morethantheythatwatchforthemorning."Sothatwehave,—

1.Thedutyheperformed,—earnestwaitingandexpectation.

2.Theobjectofhiswaiting,—Jehovahhimself.

3.Hissupportmentinthatduty,—thewordofpromise.

4.Themannerofhisperformanceofit:—(1.)Withearnestnessanddiligence.(2.)Withperseverance.

Letus,then,nowconsiderthewordsastheycontaintheframeandworkingofasin-entangledsoul.

HavingbeenraisedoutofhisdepthsbythediscoveryofforgivenessinGod,as

wasbeforedeclared,yetnotbeingimmediatelymadepartakerofthatforgiveness,astoacomfortingsenseofit,hegathersuphissoulfromwanderingfromGod,andsupportsitfromsinkingunderhispresentcondition.

"Itis,"saithhe,"Jehovahalone,withwhomisforgiveness,thatcanrelieveanddomegood.Hisfavour,hisloving-kindness,hiscommunicationofmercyandgracefromthence,isthatwhichIstandinneedof.Onhim,therefore,doIwithallheedfulnessattend;onhimdoIwait.Mysoulisfilledwithexpectationfromhim.Surelyhewillcometome,hewillcomeandrefreshme.Thoughheseemasyettobeafaroff,andtoleavemeinthesedepths,yetIhavehiswordofpromisetosupportandstaymysoul;onwhichIwillleanuntilIobtaintheenjoymentofhim,andhiskindnesswhichisbetterthanlife."

Andthisistheframeofasin-entangledsoulwhohathreallybyfaithdiscoveredforgivenessinGod,butisnotyetmadepartakerofacomforting,refreshingsenseofit.Andwemayrepresentitintheensuingobservations:—

Obs.1.Thefirstproperfruitoffaith'sdiscoveryofforgivenessinGod,untoasin-distressedsoul,iswaitinginpatienceandexpectation.

Obs.2.Theproperobjectofasin-distressedsoul'swaitingandexpectingisGodhimself,asreconciledinChrist:"IhavewaitedforJehovah."

Obs.3.Thewordofpromiseisthesoul'sgreatsupportmentinwaitingforGod:"InthyworddoIhope."

Obs.4.Sin-distressedsoulswaitforGodwithearnestintensionofmind,diligence,andexpectation,—fromtheredoublingoftheexpression.

Obs.5.ContinuanceinwaitinguntilGodappearstothesoulisnecessaryandprevailing;—necessary,asthatwithoutwhichwecannotattainassistance;andprevailing,asthatwhereinweshallneverfail.

Obs.6.Establishmentinwaiting,whenthereisnopresentsenseofforgiveness,yetgivesthesoulmuchsecretrestandcomfort.Thisobservationarisethfromtheinfluencethattheseverseshaveuntothosethatfollow.Thepsalmist,havingattainedthusfar,cannowlookabouthimandbegintodealwithothers,andexhortthemtoanexpectationofgraceandmercy.

Andthus,thoughthesoulbenotabsolutelyinthehavenofconsolationwhereit

wouldbe,yetithathcastoutananchorthatgivesitestablishmentandsecurity.Thoughitbeyettossed,yetitissecuredfromshipwreck,andisrathersickthanindanger.Awaitingconditionisaconditionofsafety.

Henceitisthathenowturnshimselftoothers;andupontheexperienceofthediscoverythathehadmadeofforgivenessinGod,andtheestablishmentandconsolationhefoundinwaitingonhim,hecallsupon,andencouragethotherstothesameduty,verses7,8.

ThepropositionslaiddownIshallbrieflypassthrough,stillwithrespectuntothestateandconditionofthesoulrepresentedinthepsalm.Manythingsthatmightjustlybeinsistedonintheimprovementofthesetruthshavebeenanticipatedinourformergeneralrules.Tothemwemustthereforesometimeshaverecourse,becausetheymustnotbeagainrepeated.Onthisaccount,Isay,weshallpassthroughthemwithallbriefnesspossible;yetsoasnotwhollytoomitanydirectionsthatareheretendereduntousastotheguidanceofthesoul,whosecondition,andtheworkingofwhosefaith,isheredescribed.This,therefore,inthefirstplaceisproposed:—

Thefirstproperfruitoffaith'sdiscoveryofforgivenessinGod,untoasin-distressedsoul,iswaitinginpatienceandexpectation.

Thisthepsalmistopenlyanddirectlyapplieshimselfunto,andexpressethtohavebeenashisduty,sohispractice.Andhedothitsoemphatically,aswasmanifestedintheopeningofthewords,thatIknownotthatanydutyisanywhereintheScripturesorecommendedandlivelyrepresenteduntous.

Youmust,therefore,fortherightunderstandingofit,calltomindwhathathbeenspokenconcerningthestateofthesoulinquiredinto,—itsdepths,entanglements,andsenseofsin,withitsapplicationuntoGodaboutthosethings;asalsorememberwhathathbeendeliveredaboutthenatureofforgiveness,withtherevelationthatismadeofituntothefaithofbelievers,andthatthismaybedonewherethesoulhathnorefreshingsenseofitsowninteresttherein.Itknowsnotthatitsownsinsareforgiven,althoughitbelievesthatthereisforgivenesswithGod.Now,theprincipaldutythatisincumbentonsuchasoulisthatlaiddownintheproposition,—namely,patientwaitingandexpectation.

Twothingsmustbedoneinreferencehereunto:—First,Thenatureoftheduty

itselfistobedeclared;and,secondly,Thenecessityandusefulnessofitspracticeistobeevincedanddemonstrated.

Forthenatureofit,somethinghathbeenintimatedgivinglightintoit,intheopeningofthewordshereusedbythepsalmisttoexpressitby.Butwemayobserve,thattheseduties,asrequiredofus,donotconsistinanyparticularactingofthesoul,butinthewholespiritualframeanddeportmentofit,inreferenceuntotheendaimedatinandbythem.Andthiswaiting,ashereandelsewherecommendeduntous,andwhichiscomprehensiveoftheespecialdutiesofthesoul,inthecaseinsistedonanddescribed,comprehendsthesethreethings:—1.Quietness,inoppositiontohasteandtumultuatingofspirit.2.Diligence,inoppositiontospiritualsloth,despondency,andneglectofmeans.3.Expectation,inoppositiontodespair,distrust,andotherproperimmediateactingsofunbelief.

1.Quietness.Hencethiswaitingitselfissometimesexpressedbysilence.Towaitistobesilent:Lam.3:26,"Itisgoodbothtohope םמודו ,andtobesilentforthesalvationoftheLORD;"thatis,to"waitquietly,"aswehaverenderedtheword.Andthesamewordwerendersometimes"torest:"asPs.37:7,"RestontheLORD, הוהיל םוד ,besilentuntohim,"whereitisjoinedwithhopingorwaiting,asthatwhichbelongsuntothenatureofit;andsoinsundryotherplaces.AndthisGod,inanespecialmanner,callethsoulsuntoinstraitsanddistresses."Inquietnessandconfidence,"saithhe,"shallbeyourstrength,"Isa.30:15.AndtheeffectoftherighteousnessofGodbyChristissaidtobe"quietnessandassuranceforever,"Isa.32:17;—firstquietness,andthenassurance.Now,thissilenceandquietnesswhichaccompaniethwaiting,yea,whichisanessentialpartofit,isopposed,first,tohaste;andhasteisthesoul'sundueliftingupitself,proceedingfromawearinessofitscondition,topressafteranendofitstroublesnotaccordingtotheconductoftheSpiritofGod.Thus,whenGodcallethhispeopletowaiting,heexpresseththecontraryactinguntothisdutybytheliftingupofthesoul:Hab.2:3,4,"Thoughthevisiontarry,waitforit.Behold,hissoulwhichisliftedupisnotuprightinhim:butthejustshalllivebyhisfaith."Godhathgivenuntothesoulavisionofpeace,throughthediscoveryofthatforgivenesswhichiswithhim;buthewillhaveuswaitforanactualparticipationofituntorestandcomfort.Hethatwillnotdoso,butliftsuphissoul,—thatis,inmakinghastebeyondtheruleandmethodoftheSpiritofGodinthismatter,—hisheartisnotuprightinhim,norwillheknowwhatitistolivebyfaith.Thisruinsanddisappointsmanyasoulinitsattemptsforforgiveness.Theprophet,speakingofthismatter,tellsusthat"hethatbelieveth

shallnot,"norwillnot,"makehaste,"Isa.28:16;—whichwordstheapostletwicemakinguseof,Rom.9:33,10:11,inbothplacesrendersthem,"Whosoeverbelievethonhimshallnotbeashamed,"orconfounded;andthatbecausethishasteturnsmenofffrombelieving,andsodisappointstheirhopes,andleavesthemuntoshameandconfusion.Menwithasenseoftheguiltofsin,havingsomediscoverymadetothemoftherest,ease,andpeacewhichtheymayobtaintotheirsoulsbyforgiveness,arereadytocatchgreedilyatit,andtomakefalse,unsound,undueapplicationsofituntothemselves.TheycannotbeartheyokethattheLordhathputuponthem,butgrowimpatientunderit,andcrywithRachel,"Givemechildren,orelseIdie."Anywaytheywouldobtainit.Now,asthefirstdutyofsuchasoulistoapplyitselfuntowaiting,sothefirstentranceintowaitingconsistsinthissilenceandquietnessofheartandspirit.Thisisthesoul'sendeavourtokeepitselfhumble,satisfiedwiththesovereignpleasureofGodinitscondition,andrefusingallwaysandmeansofrestandpeacebutwhatitisguidedanddirecteduntobythewordandSpirit.Secondly,Asitisopposeduntohaste,soitisuntotumultuatingthoughtsandvexatiousdisquietments.Thesoulissilent.Ps.39:9,"Iwasdumb,Iopenednotmymouth;becausethoudidstit."Heredoublestheexpression,wherebyhesetsouthisendeavourtoquietandstillhissoulinthewillofGod.Intheconditiondiscoursedof,thesoulisapttohavemanytumultuatingthoughts,oramultitudeofperplexingthoughts,ofnouseoradvantageuntoit.Howtheyaretobewatchedagainstandrejectedwasbeforedeclaredinourgeneralrules.Thisquietnessinwaitingwillpreventthem.Andthisisthefirstthinginthedutyprescribed.

2.Diligence,inoppositionuntospiritualsloth,isincludedinitalsoDiligenceistheactivityofthemind,intheregularuseofmeans,forthepursuitofanyendproposed.Theendaimedatbythesoulisacomforting,refreshinginterestinthatforgivenessthatiswithGod.Fortheattainingthereof,therearesundrymeansinstitutedandblessedofGod.Aneglectofthem,throughregardlessnessorsloth,willcertainlydisappointthesoulfromattainingthatend.Itisconfessedlysointhingsnatural.Hethatsowethnotmustnotthinktoreap;hethatclothethnothimselfwillnotbewarm;norheenjoyhealthwhoneglectsthemeansofit.Menunderstandthisastotheiroutwardconcerns;andalthoughtheyhaveaduerespectuntotheblessingofGod,yettheyexpectnottoberichwithoutindustryintheirways.Itissoalsointhingsspiritual.Godhathappointedonethingtobethemeansofobtaininganother;intheuseofthemdothheblessus,andfromtheuseofthemdothhisgloryarise,becausetheyarehisownappointments.Andthisdiligencewhollyrespectethpractice,ortheregularuseofmeans.Amanissaidtobediligentinbusiness,tohaveadiligent

hand;thoughitbeanaffectionofthemind,yetitsimplyrespectspracticeandoperation.ThisdiligenceinhiswaitingDavidexpresseth,Ps.40:1, הוק יתיוק .Werenderit,"Ihavewaitedpatiently,"thatis,"WaitingIhavewaited;"thatis,diligently,earnestly,intheuseofmeans.Sohedescribesthisdutybyanelegantsimilitude,Ps.123:2,"Behold,astheeyesofservantslookuntothehandoftheirmasters,andastheeyesofamaidenuntothehandofhermistress;sooureyeswaitupontheLORDourGod,untilthathehavemercyuponus."Servantsthatwaitontheirmastersandlooktotheirhands,itistoexpectanintimationoftheirmindsastowhattheywouldhavethemdo,thattheymayaddressthemselvesuntoit."So,"saithhe,"dowewaitformercy;"—notinaslothfulneglectofduties,butinaconstantreadinesstoobservethewillofGodinallhiscommands.Aninstancehereofwehaveinthespousewhenshewasintheconditionheredescribed,Cant.3:1,2.ShewantedthepresenceofherBeloved;whichamountstothesamestatewhichwehaveunderconsideration;forwherethepresenceofChristisnot,therecanbenosenseofforgiveness.Atfirstsheseekshimuponherbed:"BynightuponmybedIsoughthimwhommysoulloveth:Isoughthim,butIfoundhimnot."Sheseemshereintohavegonenofartherthandesires,forshewasinherbed,whereshecoulddonomore;andtheissueis,shefoundhimnot.Butdothshesosatisfyherself,andliestill,waitinguntilheshouldcomethereuntoher?No;shesays,"Iwillrisenow,andgoaboutthecityinthestreets,andinthebroadwaysIwillseekhimwhommysoulloveth."Sheresolvestoputherselfintotheuseofallmeanswherebyonemaybesoughtthatiswanting.Inthecity,streets,andfields,shewouldinquireafterhim.Andtheblessedsuccessshehadhereinisreported,verse4;she"foundhim,sheheldhim,shewouldnotlethimgo."This,then,belongsuntothewaitingofthesoul:diligenceintheuseofmeans,wherebyGodispleasedordinarilytocommunicateasenseofpardonandforgiveness,isaprincipalpartofit.Whatthesemeansareisknown.Prayer,meditation,reading,hearingoftheword,dispensationofthesacraments,theyareallappointedtothispurpose;theyareallmeansofcommunicatingloveandgracetothesoul.Benot,then,heartlessorslothful:upandbedoing;attendwithdiligencetothewordofgrace;beferventinprayer,assiduousintheuseofallordinancesofthechurch;inoneorotherofthem,atonetimeorother,thouwiltmeetwithHimwhomthysoulloveth,andGodthroughHimwillspeakpeaceuntothee.

3.Thereisexpectationinit,whichliesinadirectoppositiontoalltheactingsofunbeliefinthismatter,andistheverylifeandsoulofthedutyunderconsideration.Sothepsalmistdeclaresit,Ps.62:5,"Mysoul,waitthouonlyuponGod;formyexpectationisonlyfromhim."Thesoulwillnot,cannot,ina

duemannerwaituponGod,unlessithasexpectationsfromhim,—unless,asJamesspeaks,helookstoreceivesomewhatfromhim,chap.1:7.Thesoulinthisconditionregardsforgivenessnotonlyasbyitselfitisdesired,butprincipallyasitisbyGodpromised.Thencetheyexpectit.Thisisexpressedinthefourthpropositionbeforelaiddown,—namely,thatsin-distressedsoulswaitforGodwithearnestness,intensionofmind,andexpectation.Asthisarisethfromtheredoublingoftheexpression,soprincipallyfromthenatureofthecomparisonthathemakesonhimselfinhiswaitingwiththemthatwatchforthemorning.Thosethatwatchforthemorningdonotonlydesireitandprepareforit,buttheyexpectit,andknowassuredlythatitwillcome.Thoughdarknessmayforatimebetroublesome,andcontinuelongerthantheywoulddesire,yettheyknowthatthemorninghathitsappointedtimeofreturn,beyondwhichitwillnottarry;and,therefore,theylookoutforitsappearanceonalloccasions.Soitiswiththesoulinthismatter.SosaysDavid,Ps.5:3,"Iwilldirectmyprayeruntothee הפצאו ,andlookup:"sowe.Thewordsbeforearedefective: רעא רקב".theeuntoorderwill"Imorning,everyratherormorning,"theIn",לWerestrainthisuntoprayer:"Iwilldirectmyprayeruntothee."Butthiswasexpresseddirectlyinthewordsforegoing:"Inthemorningthoushalthearmyvoice;"thatis,"thevoiceofmyprayerandsupplications,"asitisoftensupplied.Andalthoughthepsalmistdothsometimesrepeatthesamethingindifferentexpressions,yethereheseemethnotsotodo,butratherproceedstodeclarethegeneralframeofhisspiritinwalkingwithGod."Iwill,"saithhe,"orderallthingstowardsGod,soasthatImaywaituponhiminthewaysofhisappointment, הפצאו ,andwilllookup."Itseemsinourtranslationtoexpresshispostureinhisprayer;butthewordisofanotherimportance.Itisdiligentlytolookoutafterthatwhichiscomingtowardsus,andlookingoutaftertheaccomplishmentofourexpectation.ThisisapartofourwaitingforGod;yea,aswassaid,thelifeofit,thatwhichisprincipallyintendedinit.Theprophetcallsithis"standinguponhiswatchtower,andwatchingtoseewhatGodwouldspeakuntohim,"Hab.2:3,—namely,inansweruntothatprayerwhichheputupinhistrouble.HeisnowwaitinginexpectationofananswerfromGod.Andthisisthatwhichpoor,weak,tremblingsinnersaresoencouragedunto,Isa.35:3,4,"Strengthenyetheweakhands,andconfirmthefeebleknees.Saytothemthatareofafearfulheart,Bestrong,fearnot:behold,yourGodwillcome."Weaknessanddiscouragementsaretheeffectsofunbelief.Thesehewouldhaveremoved,withanexpectationofthecomingofGoduntothesoul,accordingtothepromise.Andthis,Isay,belongsuntothewaitingofthesoulintheconditiondescribed.SuchaonedothexpectandhopethatGodwillinhisseasonmanifesthimselfandhisloveuntohim,andgivehimanexperimentalsenseofablessed

interestinforgiveness.AndtheaccomplishmentofthispurposeandpromiseofGod,itlooksoutaftercontinually.Itwillnotdespondandbeheartless,butstirupandstrengthenitselfuntoafullexpectationtohavethedesiresofhissoulsatisfiedinduetime:aswefindDaviddoinginplacesalmostinnumerable.

Thisisthedutythat,inthefirstplace,isrecommendeduntothesoulwhoispersuadedthatthereisforgivenesswithGod,butseesnothisowninteresttherein:—Waiton,orfor,theLord.Andithathtwopropertieswhenitisperformedinaduemanner,—namely,patienceandperseverance.BytheonemenarekepttothelengthofGod'stime;bytheothertheyarepreservedinaduelengthoftheirownduty.

Andthisisthatwhichwaslaiddowninthefirstpropositiondrawnfromthewords,—namely,thatcontinuanceinwatching,untilGodappearsuntothesoul,isnecessary,asthatwithoutwhichwecannotattainwhatwelookafter;andprevailing,asthatwhereinweshallneverfail.

Godisnottobelimited,norhistimesprescribeduntohim.Weknowourwayandtheendofourjourney;butourstationsofespecialrestwemustwaitforathismouth,asthepeopledidinthewilderness.WhenDavidcomestodealwithGodinhisgreatdistress,hesaysuntohim,"OLORD,thouartmyGod;mytimesareinthyhand,"Ps.31:14,15.Histimesoftroubleandofpeace,ofdarknessandoflight,heacknowledgedtobeinthehandandatthedisposalofGod,sothatitwashisdutytowaithistimeandseasonforhisshareandportioninthem.

Duringthisstatethesoulmeetswithmanyoppositions,difficulties,andperplexities,especiallyifitsdarknessbeoflongcontinuance;aswithsomeitabidesmanyyears,withsomeallthedaysoftheirlives.Theirhopebeingherebydeferredmakestheirheartsick,andtheirspiritoftentimestofaint;andthisfaintingisadefectinwaiting,forwantofperseveranceandcontinuance,whichfrustratestheendofit.SoDavid,Ps.27:13,"Ihadfainted,unlessIhadbelievedtoseethegoodnessoftheLORD;"—"HadInotreceivedsupportmentbyfaith,Ihadfainted."Andwhereindoththatconsist?whatwasthefaintingwhichhehadbeenovertakenwithal,withoutthesupportmentmentioned?ItwasarelinquishmentofwaitingonGod,ashemanifestsbytheexhortationwhichhegivestohimselfandothers,verse14,"WaitontheLORD;beofgoodcourage,andheshallstrengthenthineheart:wait,Isay,ontheLORD;"—"Waitwithcourageandresolution,thatthoufaintnot."Andtheapostleputstheblessed

eventoffaithandobedienceupontheavoidanceofthisevil:Gal.6:9,"Weshallreap,ifwefaintnot."Hencewehavebothencouragementsgivenagainstit,andpromisesthatinthewayofGodweshallnotbeovertakenwithit."ConsidertheLordChrist,"saiththeapostle,"thecaptainofyoursalvation,'lestyebeweariedandfaintinyourminds,'"Heb.12:3.Nothingelsecancauseyoutocomeshortofthemarkaimedat."They,"saiththeprophet,"thatwaitupontheLORD,"—thatis,intheuseofthemeansbyhimappointed,—"shallnotfaint,"Isa.40:31.

Thiscontinuance,then,inwaitingistoaccompanythisduty,upontheaccountofboththethingsmentionedintheproposition,—thatitisindispensablynecessaryonourownaccount,anditisassuredlyprevailingintheend;itwillnotfail.

1.Itisnecessary.Theythatwatchforthemorning,towhoseframeandactingsthewaitingofthesoulforGodiscompared,givenotoveruntilthelightdothappear;oriftheydo,iftheyareweariedandfaint,andsoceasewatching,alltheirformerpainswillbelost,andtheywillliedownindisappointments.Sowillitbewiththesoulthatdesertsitswatch,andfaintsinitswaiting.Ifupontheeruptionofnewlustsorcorruptions,—ifuponthereturnofoldtemptations,ortheassaultsofnewones,—ifuponarevivedperplexingsenseofguilt,oronthetediousnessofworkingandlabouringsomuchandsolonginthedark,—thesoulbegintosayinitself,"Ihavelookedforlightandbeholddarkness,forpeaceandyettroublecometh;thesummerispast,theharvestisended,andIamnotrelieved;suchandsuchblessedmeanshavebeenenjoyed,andyetIhavenotattainedrest;"andsogiveoveritswaitinginthewayandcoursebeforeprescribed;—itwillatlengthutterlyfail,andcomeshortofthegraceaimedat."Thouhastlaboured,andhastnotfainted,"bringsinthereward,Rev.2:3.

2.Perseveranceinwaitingisassuredlyprevalent;andthisrendersitanecessarypartofthedutyitself.Ifwecontinuetowaitforthevisionofpeaceitwillcome,itwillnottarry,butanswerourexpectationofit.Neversoulmiscarriedthatabodeinthisdutyuntotheend.Thejoysofheavenmaysometimespreventconsolationsinthislife;Godsometimesgivesinthefullharvestwithoutsendingofthefirst-fruitsaforehand;—butspiritualoreternalpeaceandrestistheinfallibleendofpermanentwaitingforGod.

Thisisthedutythatthepsalmistdeclareshimselftobeengagedin,upontheencouragingdiscoverywhichwasmadeuntohimofforgivenessinGod:"Thereisforgivenesswiththee,thatthoumayestbefeared.IwaitfortheLORD,mysouldothwait,andinhisworddoIhope."Andthisisthatwhich,inthelike

condition,isrequiredofus.Thisisthegreatdirectionwhichwasgivenus,intheexampleandpracticeofthepsalmist,astoourdutyanddeportmentintheconditiondescribed.Thiswasthewaywherebyheroseoutofhisdepthsandescapedoutofhisentanglements.Isthis,then,thestateofanyofus?Letsuchtakedirectionsfromhence.

1.EncourageyoursoulsuntowaitingonGod.Donewfearsarise,doolddisconsolationscontinue?Sayuntoyoursouls,"YetwaitonGod.'Whyareyoucastdown,Ooursouls?andwhyareyoudisquietedwithinus?hopeinGod;forweshallyetpraisehim,whoisthehealthofourcountenance,andourGod;'"asthepsalmistdothinthelikecase,Ps.43:5.Sohespeakselsewhere,"WaitonGod,andbeofgoodcourage;"—"Shakeoffsloth,rouseupyourselvesfromunderdespondencies;letnotfearsprevail."Thisistheonlywayforsuccess,anditwillassuredlybeprevalent.Opposethisresolutiontoeverydiscouragement,anditwillgivenewlifetofaithandhope.Say,"Myfleshandmyheartfaileth;butGodistherockofmyheart,andmyportionforever;"asPs.73:26.Thoughthyperplexedthoughtshaveevenweariedandwornouttheoutwardman,asinmanytheydo,sothatfleshfaileth,—andthoughthouhastnorefreshingevidencefromwithin,fromthyself,orthyownexperience,sothatthyheartfaileth,—yetresolvetolookuntoGod;thereisstrengthinhim,andsatisfactioninhim,forthewholeman;heisarock,andaportion.Thiswillstrengthenthingswhichotherwisewillbereadytodie.Thiswillkeeplifeinthycourse,andstirtheeuptopleaditwithGodinanacceptableseason,whenhewillbefound.JobcarrieduphisconditionuntoasuppositionthatGodmightslayhim,—thatis,addonestroke,onerebukeuntoanother,untilhewasconsumed,andsotakehimoutoftheworldindarknessandinsorrow,—yetheresolvedtotrust,tohope,towaitonhim,asknowingthatheshouldnotutterlymiscarrysodoing.Thisframethechurchexpressethsoadmirablythatnothingcanbeaddedthereunto:Lam.3:17–26,"Thouhastremovedmysoulfarofffrompeace:Iforgatprosperity.AndIsaid,MystrengthandmyhopeisperishedfromtheLORD:rememberingmineafflictionandmymisery,thewormwoodandthegall.Mysoulhaththemstillinremembrance,andishumbledinme.ThisIrecalltomymind,thereforehaveIhope.ItisoftheLORD'Smerciesthatwearenotconsumed,becausehiscompassionsfailnot.Theyareneweverymorning:greatisthyfaithfulness.TheLORDismyportion,saithmysoul;thereforewillIhopeinhim.TheLORDisgooduntothemthatwaitforhim,tothesoulthatseekethhim.ItisgoodthatamanshouldbothhopeandquietlywaitforthesalvationoftheLORD."Wehavehereboththeconditionandthedutyinsistedon,withthemethodofthesoul'sactingsinreferenceuntotheoneandtheotherfullyexpressed.Theconditionis

sadandbitter;thesoulisindepths,farfrompeaceandrest,verse17.Inthisstateitisreadyutterlytofaint,andtogiveupallforlostandgone,bothstrengthforthepresentandhopesforthefuture,verse18.Thismakesitsconditionfullofsorrowandbitterness,anditsownthoughtsbecomeuntoitlike"wormwoodandgall,"verses19,20.Butdothheliedownundertheburdenofallthistrouble?dothhedespondandgiveover?No;saithhe,"Icalltomindthat'thereisforgivenesswithGod;'grace,mercy,goodnessforthereliefofdistressedsouls,suchasareinmycondition,"verses21–23.Thencetheconclusionis,thatasallhelpistobelookedfor,allreliefexpectedfromhimalone,so"itisgoodthatamanshouldquietlywaitandhopeforthesalvationofGod,"verses24–26.Thishestirsuphimselfuntoasthebest,asthemostblessedcourseforhisdeliverance.

2.Rememberthatdiligentuseofthemeansfortheendaimedatisanecessaryconcomitantof,andingredientunto,waitingonGod.Takeintheconsiderationofthisdirectionalso.Donotthinktobefreedfromyourentanglementsbyrestless,heartlessdesiringthatitwereotherwisewithyou.Meansaretobeusedthatreliefmaybeobtained.Whatthosemeansareisknownuntoall.Mortificationofsin,prayer,meditation,dueattendanceuponallgospelordinances;conferringingeneralaboutspiritualthings,advisinginparticularaboutourownstateandcondition,withsuchwho,havingreceivedthetongueofthelearned,areabletospeakawordinseasontothemthatareweary,—arerequiredtothispurpose.Andinallthesearediligenceandperseverancetobeexercised,orinvainshallmendesireadeliveryfromtheirentanglements.

———

Godtheproperobjectofthesoul'swaitinginitsdistressesanddepths.

WEhaveseenwhatthedutyisintendedintheproposition.Wearenextlytoconsiderthereasonalsoofit,whythisisthegreat,first,andprincipaldutyofsoulswhointheirdepthshaveitdiscovereduntothemthatthereisforgivenesswithGod;andthereasonhereofisthatwhichisexpressedinoursecondobservationbeforementioned,namely,—

Thattheproperobjectofasin-distressedsoul'swaitingandexpectationisGodhimselfasrevealedinChrist."Ihave,"saiththepsalmist,"waitedforJehovah;"—"Itisnotthisorthatmercyorgrace,thisorthathelporrelief,butitisJehovahhimselfthatIwaitfor."

Here,then,wemustdotwothings,—first,ShowinwhatsenseGodhimselfistheobjectofthewaitingofthesoul;secondly,Howitappearsfromhencethatwaitingissonecessaryaduty.

First,ItistheLordhimself,Jehovahhimself,thatthesoulwaitethfor.Itisnotgrace,mercy,orreliefabsolutelyconsidered,buttheGodofallgraceandhelp,thatisthefulladequateobjectofthesoul'swaitingandexpectation;only,hereinheisnotconsideredabsolutelyinhisownnature,butasthereisforgivenesswithhim.Whatisrequiredhereuntohathbeenatlargebeforedeclared.ItisasheisrevealedinandbyJesusChrist;asinhimhehathfoundaransom,andacceptedtheatonementforsinnersinhisblood;—asheisaGodincovenant,soheishimselftheobjectofourwaiting.

Andthat,first,becausealltroubles,depths,entanglementsarisefrom,—1.TheabsenceofGodfromthesoul;and,2.Fromhisdispleasure.

1.TheabsenceofGodfromthesoul,byhisdeparture,withdrawing,orhidinghimselffromit,isthatwhichprincipallycaststhesoulintoitsdepths."Woeuntothem,"saiththeLord,"whenIdepartfromthem!"Hos.9:12.Andthiswoe,thissorrow,dothnotattendonlyauniversal,atotaldepartureofGodfromany;butthatalsowhichisgradualorpartial,insomethings,insomeseasons.WhenGodwithdrawshisenlightening,hisrefreshing,hiscomfortingpresence,astoanywaysormeanswherebyhehathformerlycommunicatedhimselfuntothesoulsofany,then"woeuntothem!"sorrowswillbefallthem,andtheywillfallintodepthsandentanglements.Now,thisconditioncallsforwaiting.IfGodbewithdrawn,ifhehidehimself,whathaththesoultodobuttowaitforhisreturn?SosaiththeprophetIsaiah,chap.8:17,"IwillwaitupontheLORD,thathidethhisfacefromthehouseofJacob,andIwilllookforhim."IfGodhidehimself,thisisthenaturalandproperdutyofthesoul,towaitandtolookforhim.Othercourseofreliefitcannotapplyitselfunto.Whatthatwaitingis,andwhereinitdothconsist,hathbeendeclared.PatientseekingofGodinthewaysofhisappointmentiscomprisedinit.Thistheprophetexpressethinthatword,"Iwilllookforhim;"indeed,thesameintheoriginalwiththatinthepsalm, ול יתיוקו ;—"AndIwillearnestlylookoutafterhim,withexpectationofhisreturnuntome."

2.AsenseofGod'sdispleasureisanothercauseofthesedepthsandtroubles,andofthecontinuanceofthesoulinthem,notwithstandingithathmadeablesseddiscoverybyfaiththatthereiswithhimforgiveness.Thishathbeensofully

manifestedthroughthewholeprecedingdiscourse,thatitneednotagainbeinsistedon.Allhathrespectuntosin;andthereasonofthetroublethatarisethfromsinisbecauseofthedispleasureofGodagainstit.What,then,isthenaturalpostureandframeofthesoultowardsGodasdispleased?Shallhecontendwithhim?shallhehardenhimselfagainsthim?shallhedespisehiswrathandanger,andcontemnhisthreatenings?orshallhehidehimselffromhim,andsoavoidtheeffectsofhiswrath?Whoknowsnothowruinousandpernicioustothesoulsuchcourseswouldbe?andhowmanyareruinedbythemeveryday?Patientwaitingisthesoul'sonlyreserveonthisaccountalso.And,—

Secondly,Thisdutyintheoccasionmentionedisnecessaryupontheaccountofthegreatnessandsovereigntyofhimwithwhomwehavetodo:"MysoulwaitethforJehovah."Indeed,waitingisadutythatdependsonthedistancethatisbetweenthepersonsconcernedinit,—namely,hethatwaiteth,andhethatiswaitedon;sothepsalmistinformsus,Ps.123:2.Itisanactionlikethatofservantsandhandmaidstowardstheirmastersorrulers.Andthegreaterthisdistanceis,themorecogentarethereasonsofthisdutyonalloccasions.Andbecausewearepracticallyaversefromthedueperformanceofthisduty,oratleastquicklygrowwearyofit,notwithstandingourfullconvictionofitsnecessity,IshallalittleinsistonsomesuchconsiderationsofGodandourselves,asmaynotonlyevincethenecessityofthisduty,butalsosatisfyusofitsreasonableness;thatbythefirstwemaybeengagedintoit,andbythelatterpreservedinit.

TwothingswemaytothispurposeconsiderinGod,inJehovah,whomwearetowaitfor:—First,Hisbeing,andtheabsoluteandessentialpropertiesofhisnature;secondly,Thoseattributesofhisnaturewhichrespecthisdealingwithus;—bothwhicharesuitedtobegetinusaffectionsandaframeofspiritcompliantwiththedutyproposed.

———

Considerations of God, rendering our waiting on him reasonable andnecessary—Hisgloriousbeing.

First,LETusconsidertheinfinitegloriousbeingofJehovah,withhisabsolute,incommunicable,essentialexcellencies;andthentrywhetheritdothnotbecomeusineveryconditiontowaitforhim,andespeciallyinthatunderconsideration.ThiscourseGodhimselftookwithJobtorecoverhimfromhisdiscontentsand

complaints,toreducehimtoquietnessandwaiting.Hesetsbeforehimhisowngloriousgreatness,asmanifestedintheworksofhispower,thatthereby,beingconvincedofhisownignorance,weakness,andinfinitedistanceinallthingsfromhim,hemighthumblehissoulintothemostsubmissivedependenceonhimandwaitingforhim.Andthishedothaccordingly,chap.42:6:"Iabhormyself,"saithhe,"andrepentindustandashes."HissoulnowcomestobewillingtobeatGod'sdisposal;andthereinhefoundpresentrestandaspeedyhealingofhiscondition.Itis"thehighandloftyOnethatinhabitetheternity,whosenameisHoly,"Isa.57:15,withwhomwehavenowtodo:"Hesittethuponthecircleoftheearth,andtheinhabitantsofitareasgrasshoppersbeforehim;yea,thenationsareasadropofabucket,andarecountedasthesmalldustofthebalance;hetakethuptheislesasaverylittlething.Allnationsbeforehimareasnothing;andtheyarecounteduntohimlessthannothing,andvanity,"Isa.40:15,17,22.TowhatenddoththeLordsetforthanddeclarehisgloriousgreatnessandpower?Itisthatallmightbebroughttotrustinhimandtowaitforhim,asatlargeisdeclaredinthecloseofthechapter;forshall"grasshoppers,"a"dropofthebucket,""dustofthebalance,"things"lessthannothing,"repineagainst,orwaxwearyof,thewilloftheimmense,glorious,andloftyOne?Hethat"takethuptheislesasaverylittlething,"maysurely,ifheplease,destroy,cast,andforsakeoneisle,onecityinanisle,onepersoninacity;andwearebeforehimbutsinglepersons.Seriousthoughtsofthisinfinite,all-gloriousBeingwilleitherquietoursoulsoroverwhelmthem.Allourwearinessofhisdispensationstowardsusarisesfromsecretimaginationsthatheissuchaoneasourselves,—onethatistodonothingbutwhatseemsgoodinoureyes.Butifwecannotcomprehendhisbeing,wecannotmakerulestojudgeofhiswaysandproceedings.AndhowsmallaportionisitthatweknowofGod!Thenearestapproachesofourreasonsandimaginationsleaveusstillataninfinitedistancefromhim.And,indeed,whatwespeakofhisgreatness,weknownotwellwhatitsignifies;weonlydeclareourrespect,untothatwhichwebelieve,admire,andadore,butarenotabletocomprehend.Allourthoughtscomeasshortofhisexcellentgreatnessasournaturesdoofhis,—thatis,infinitely.Beholdtheuniverse,thegloriousfabricofheavenandearth;howlittleisitthatweknowofitsbeauty,order,anddisposal!—yetwasitalltheproductofthewordofhismouth;andwiththesamefacilitycanhe,whenhepleaseth,reduceittoitsprimitivenothing.Andwhatarewe,poorwormsoftheearth,aninconsiderable,unknownpartofthelowerseriesandorderoftheworksofhishands,fewinnumber,fadingincondition,unregardeduntotheresidueofourfellow-creatures,thatweshouldsubductourselvesfromunderanykindofhisdealingswithus,orbewearyofwaitingforhispleasure?Thishepressethonus,

Ps.46:10,"Bestill,andknowthatIamGod;"—"Lettherebenomorerepinings,nomoredisputings;continuewaitinginsilenceandpatience.ConsiderwhoIam.'Bestill,andknowthatIamGod.'"

Farthertohelpusinthisconsideration,letusalittlealsofixourmindstowardssomeoftheglorious,essential,incommunicablepropertiesofhisnaturedistinctly;as,—

1.Hiseternity.ThisMosesproposeth,tobringthesoulsofbelieverstosubmission,trust,andwaiting:Ps.90:1,"FromeverlastingtoeverlastingthouartGod;"—"Onethathathhisbeingandsubsistencenotinadurationoftime,butineternityitself."SodothHabakkukalso,chap.1:12,"Artthounotfromeverlasting,OLORDmyGod,mineHolyOne?"andhencehedrawshisconclusionagainstmakinghasteinanycondition,andfortarryingandwaitingforGod.ThelikeconsiderationismanagedbyDavidalso,Ps.102:27.Howinconceivableisthisgloriousdivinepropertyuntothethoughtsandmindsofmen!Howweakarethewaysandtermswherebytheygoabouttoexpressit!Onesays,itisa"nuncstans;"another,thatitisa"perpetualduration."Hethatsaysmost,onlysignifieswhatheknowsofwhatitisnot.Weareofyesterday,changeeverymoment,andareleavingourstationto-morrow.Godisstillthesame,wassobeforetheworldwas,—frometernity.AndnowIcannotthinkwhatIhavesaid,butonlyhaveintimatedwhatIadore.Thewholedurationoftheworld,fromthebeginninguntotheend,takesupnospaceinthiseternityofGod:forhowlongsoeverithathcontinuedormayyetcontinue,itwillallamountbuttosomanythousandyears,solongatime;andtimehathnoplaceineternity.AndforuswhohaveinthismattertodowithGod,whatisourcontinuanceuntothatoftheworld?amoment,asitwere,incomparisonofthewhole.Whenmen'sliveswereofoldprolongedbeyondthedateandcontinuanceofempiresorkingdomsnow,yetthiswasthewindingupofall,—suchaonelivedsomanyyears,"andhedied,"Gen.5.Andwhatarewe,poorworms,whoselivesaremeasuredbyinches,incomparisonoftheirspan?whatarewebeforetheeternalGod,Godalwaysimmutablysubsistinginhisowninfinitebeing?Arealconsiderationhereofwillsubduethesoulintoaconditionofdependenceonhimandofwaitingforhim.

2.Theimmensityofhisessenceandhisomnipresenceisofthesameconsideration:"DonotIfillheavenandearth?saiththeLORD,"Jer.23:24."Theheavens,eventheheavenofheavens,"thesupremeandmostcomprehensivecreatedbeing,"cannotcontainhim,"saithSolomon.Inhisinfinitelyglorious

beingheispresentwith,andindistantfromallplaces,things,times,alltheworksofhishands;andisnolessgloriouslysubsistingwheretheyarenot.Godiswhereheavenandeartharenot,nolessthanwheretheyare;andwheretheyarenotishimself.Wherethereisnoplace,nospace,realorimaginary,Godis;forplaceandimaginationhavenothingtodowithimmensity.Andheispresenteverywhereincreation,—whereIamwriting,whereyouarereading;heispresentwithyou,indistantfromyou.Thethoughtsofmen'sheartsforthemostpartare,thatGodastohisessenceisinheavenonly;anditiswellifsomethinkheisthere,seeingtheyliveandactasiftherewereneitherGodnordevilbutthemselves.Butontheseapprehensionssuchthoughtsarereadysecretlytoarise,andeffectuallytoprevail,asareexpressedJob22:13,14,"HowdothGodknow?canhejudgethroughthedark?Thickcloudsareacoveringuntohim,thatheseethnot;andhewalkethinthecircuitofheaven."ApprehensionsofGod'sdistancefrommenhardenthemintheirways.Butitisutterlyotherwise.Godiseverywhere,andamanmayonalloccasionssaywithJacob,"Godisinthisplace,andIknewitnot."Letthesoul,then,whoisthuscalledtowaitonGod,exerciseitselfwiththoughtsaboutthisimmensityofhisnatureandbeing.Comprehendit,fullyunderstandit,wecannever;buttheconsiderationofitwillgivethataweofhisgreatnessuponourhearts,asthatweshalllearntotremblebeforehim,andtobewillingtowaitforhiminallthings.

3.ThoughtsoftheholinessofGod,orinfiniteself-purityofthiseternal,immenseBeing,aresingularlyusefultothesamepurpose.ThisisthatwhichEliphazaffirmsthathereceivedbyvisiontoreplytothecomplaintandimpatienceofJob,chap.4:17–21.Afterhehathdeclaredhisvision,withthemannerofit,thisheaffirmstobetherevelationthatbyvoicewasmadeuntohim:"ShallmortalmanbemorejustthanGod?shallamanbemorepurethanhisMaker?Behold,heputnotrustinhisservants;andhisangelshechargedwithfolly.Howmuchlessinthemthatdwellinhousesofclay,whosefoundationisinthedust,whoarecrushedbeforethemoth?"IfthesaintsandangelsinheavendonotanswerthisinfiniteholinessofGodintheirmostperfectcondition,isitmeetforwormsoftheearthtosupposethatanythingwhichproceedsfromhimisnotabsolutelyholyandperfect,andsobestforthem?ThisisthefierypropertyofthenatureofGod,whenceheiscalleda"consumingfire"and"everlastingburnings."Andthelaw,whereonhehadimpressedsomerepresentationofit,iscalleda"fierylaw,"asthatwhichwillconsumeandburnupwhateverisperverseandevil.HencetheprophetwhohadarepresentationofthegloryofGodinavision,andheardtheseraphimproclaiminghisholiness,criedout,"Woeisme!forIamundone;becauseIamamanofuncleanlips,"Isa.

6:5.HethoughtitimpossiblethatheshouldbearthatnearapproachoftheholinessofGod.AndwiththeremembrancehereofdothJoshuastillthepeople,—withtheterroroftheLord,chap.14:19.Letsuchsouls,then,asareundertroublesandperplexitiesonanyaccount,endeavourtoexercisetheirthoughtsaboutthisinfinitepurityandfieryholinessofGod.Theywillquicklyfindittheirwisdomtobecomeasweanedchildrenbeforehim,andcontentthemselveswithwhatheshallguidethemunto;whichistowaitforhim.Thisfieryholinessstreamsfromhisthrone,Dan.7:10,andwouldquicklyconsumethewholecreation,asnowunderthecurseandsin,wereitnotfortheinterposingofJesusChrist.

4.HisgloriousmajestyastheRulerofalltheworld.Majestyrelatesuntogovernment,anditcallsustosuchanaweofhimasdothrenderourwaitingforhimcomelyandnecessary.God'sthroneissaidtobeinheaven,andthereprincipallydothegloriousbeamsofhisterriblemajestyshineforth;buthehathalsomadesomerepresentationofitontheearth,thatwemightlearntofearbeforehim.Suchwastheappearancethathegaveofhisgloryinthegivingofthelaw,wherebyhewilljudgetheworld,andcondemnthetransgressorsofitwhoobtainnotanacquitmentinthebloodofJesusChrist.SeethedescriptionofitinExod.19:16–18."Soterriblewasthesight"hereof,"thatMoses"himself"said,Iexceedinglyfearandquake,"Heb.12:21.Andwhateffectithaduponallthepeopleisdeclared,Exod.20:18,19.Theywerenotabletobearit,althoughtheyhadgoodassurancethatitwasfortheirbenefitandadvantagethathesodrewnighandmanifestedhisgloryuntothem.Arewenotsatisfiedwithourcondition?cannotwewaitunderhispresentdispensations?Letusthinkhowwemayapproachuntohispresence,orstandbeforehisgloriousmajesty.Willnotthedreadofhisexcellencyfalluponus?willnothisterrormakeusafraid?shallwenotthinkhiswaybest,andhistimebest,andthatourdutyistobesilentbeforehim?Andthelikemanifestationhathhemadeofhisglory,asthegreatJudgeofalluponthethrone,untosundryoftheprophets:asuntoIsaiah,chap.6:1–4;toEzekiel,chap.1.;toDaniel,chap.7:9,10;toJohn,Rev.1.Readtheplacesattentively,andlearntotremblebeforehim.Thesearenotthingsthatareforeignuntous.ThisGodisourGod.Thesamethroneofhisgreatnessandmajestyisstillestablishedintheheavens.Letus,then,inallourhastesandheatsthatourspiritsinanyconditionareproneunto,presentourselvesbeforethisthroneofGod,andthenconsiderwhatwillbebestforustosayordo;whatframeofheartandspiritwillbecomeus,andbesafestforus.Allthisglorydothencompassuseverymoment,althoughweperceiveitnot.Anditwillbebutafewdaysbeforeallthevailsandshadesthatareaboutusshallbetakenawayand

depart;andthenshallallthisgloryappearuntousuntoendlessblissoreverlastingwoe.Letusthereforeknow,thatnothing,inourdealingswithhim,dothbetterbecomeusthansilentlytowaitforhim,andwhathewillspeakuntousinourdepthsandstraits.

5.ItisgoodtoconsidertheinstancesthatGodhathgivenofthishisinfinitegreatness,power,majesty,andglory.Suchwashismightyworkofcreatingallthingsoutofnothing.Wedwellonlittlemole-hillsintheearth,andyetweknowtheleastpartoftheexcellencyofthatspotofgroundwhichisgivenusforourhabitationherebelow.Butwhatisituntothewholehabitableworldandthefulnessthereof?Andwhatanamazingthingisitsgreatness,withthewideandlargesea,withallsortsofcreaturestherein!Theleastofthesehathabeauty,aglory,anexcellency,thattheutmostofourinquiriesendinadmirationof.Andallthisisbuttheearth,thelower,depressedpartoftheworld.Whatshallwesayconcerningtheheavensoverus,andallthosecreaturesoflightthathavetheirhabitationsinthem?Whocanconceivethebeauty,order,use,andcourseofthem?Theconsiderationhereofcausedthepsalmisttocryout,"LORD,ourLord,howexcellentandgloriousartthou!"Ps.8:1.Andwhatistherise,spring,andcauseofthesethings?aretheynotalltheeffectofthewordofthepowerofthisgloriousGod?Anddothhenotinthem,andbythem,speakusintoareverenceofhisgreatness?Thelike,also,maybesaidconcerninghismightyandstrangeworksofprovidenceintheruleoftheworld.Isnotthishewhobroughtthefloodofoldupontheworldofungodlymen?IsitnothewhoconsumedSodomandGomorrahwithfirefromheaven,settingthemforthasexamplesuntothemthatshouldafterwardliveungodly,sufferingthevengeanceofeternalfire?IsitnothewhodestroyedEgyptwithhisplagues,anddrownedPharaohwithhishostintheRedSea?Isitnothe,oneofwhoseservantsslewahundredandfourscoreandfivethousandinSennacherib'sarmyinonenight?thatopenedtheearthtoswallowupDathanandAbiram?andsentoutfirefromthealtartodevourNadabandAbihu?Andhavenotallagesbeenfilledwithsuchinstancesofhisgreatnessandpower?

TheendwhyIhaveinsistedonthesethingsis,toshowthereasonablenessofthedutywhichwearepressingunto,—namely,towaitonGodquietlyandpatientlyineveryconditionofdistress;forwhatelsebecomesuswhenwehavetodowiththisgreatandholyOne?Andadueconsiderationofthesethingswillexceedinglyinfluenceourmindsthereunto.

Secondly,ThiswaitingforGodrespecteththewholeoftheconditionexpressed

inthepsalm;andthiscontainethnotonlyspiritualdepthsaboutsin,whichwehaveatlargeinsistedon,butalsoprovidentialdepths,depthsoftroubleoraffliction,thatwemaybeexercisedwithalintheholy,wiseprovidenceofGod.Inreferencealsountothese,waitinginpatienceandsilenceisourduty.Andtherearetwoconsiderationsthatwillassistusinthisduty,withrespectuntosuchdepths,—thatis,oftroubleoraffliction.AndthefirstoftheseistheconsiderationofthosepropertiesofGodwhichheexercisethinanespecialmannerinallhisdealingswithus,andwhichinallourtroublesweareprincipallytoregard.Thesecondistheconsiderationofourselves,whatweare,andwhatwehavedeserved.

Letusbeginwiththeformer.AndtherearefourthingsinGod'sdispensationstowardsusanddealingwithusthatinthismatterweshouldconsider,allsuitedtoworkinustheendaimedat:—

1.Thefirstishissovereignty.Thishedeclares,thiswearetoacknowledgeandsubmitunto,inallthegreatanddreadfuldispensationsofhisprovidence,inallhisdealingswithoursouls.Mayhenotdowhathewillwithhisown?Whoshallsayuntohim,Whatdoestthou?oriftheydoso,whatshallgivethemcountenanceintheirsodoing?Hemadeallthisworldofnothing,andcouldhavemadeanother,more,orallthings,quiteotherwisethantheyare.Itwouldnotsubsistonemomentwithouthisomnipotentsupportment.Nothingwouldbecontinuedinitsplace,course,use,withouthiseffectualinfluenceandcountenance.Ifanythingcanbe,live,oractamomentwithouthim,wemaytakefreeleavetodisputeitsdisposalwithhim,andtohasteuntotheaccomplishmentofourdesires.Butfromtheangelsinheaventothewormsoftheearthandthegrassofthefield,alldependonhimandhispowercontinually.Whywasthispartofthecreationanangel,thataworm;thisaman,thatabrutebeast?Isitfromtheirownchoice,designing,orcontrivance,orbroughtaboutbytheirownwisdom?orisitmerelyfromthesovereignpleasureandwillofGod?Andwhatamadnessisittorepineagainstwhathedoth,seeingallthingsareashemakesthemanddisposeththem,norcanbeotherwise!Eventherepinerhimselfhathhisbeingandsubsistenceuponhismerepleasure.ThissovereigntyofGodElihupleadsinhisdealingswithJob,chap.33:8–13.HeapprehendedthatJobhadreasonedagainstGod'sseveredispensationstowardshim,andthathedidnothumblehimselfunderhismightyhandwherewithhewasexercised,norwaitforhiminaduemanner;and,therefore,whatdothheproposeuntohimtobringhimuntothisduty?whatdothhereplyuntohisreasoningsandcomplaints?"Behold,"sayshe,verse12,"inthisthouartnotjust:Iwillanswer

thee,thatGodisgreaterthanman."Verse13,"Whydostthoustriveagainsthim?forhegivethnotaccountofanyofhismatters;"—"Beitthatinotherthingsthouartjustandinnocent,thatthouartfreefromthethingswherewiththyfriendshavechargedthee,yetinthismatterthouartnotjust;itisneitherjustnorequalthatanymanshouldcomplainoforrepineagainstanyofGod'sdispensations.""Yea,butIsupposethatthesedealingsofGodareverygrievous,verydreadful,suchashehath,itmaybe,scarceexercisedtowardsanyfromthefoundation,oftheworld;tobeutterlydestroyedandconsumedinaday,inallrelationsandenjoyments,andthatatatimeandseasonwhennosuchthingwaslookedfororprovidedagainst;tohaveasenseofsinrevivedontheconscience,afterpardonobtained,asitiswithme.""Allisone,"saithhe;"ifthoucomplainestthouartnotjust."Andwhatreasondothhegivethereof?Why,"'Godisgreaterthanman;'infinitelysoinpowerandsovereignglory.Heissoabsolutelythereinthat'hegivethnotaccountofanyofhismatters;'andwhatfolly,whatinjusticeisit,tocomplainofhisproceedings!Considerhisabsolutedominionovertheworksofhishands,overthyself,andallthatthouhast;hisinfinitedistancefromthee,andgreatnessabovethee;andthenseewhetheritbejustornotorepineagainstwhathedoth."Andhepursuesthesameconsideration,chap.34:18,19:"Ifwhenkingsandprincesruleinrighteousness,itisacontemptoftheirauthoritytosayuntothemtheyarewickedandungodly,thenwiltthouspeakagainsthim,contendwithhim,'thatacceptethnotthepersonsofprinces,norregardeththerichmorethanthepoor?fortheyarealltheworkofhishands.'"And,verse29,"Whenhegivethquietness,whothencanmaketrouble?andwhenhehidethhisface,whothencanbeholdhim?whetheritbedoneagainstanation,oragainstamanonly."Allisone;whateverGoddoth,andtowardswhomsoever,betheymanyorfew,awholenation,orcity,oronesingleperson,betheyhighorlow,richorpoor,goodorbad,allaretheworksofhishands,andhemaydealwiththemasseemsgooduntohim.Andthismanalone,asGodafterwarddeclares,madeuseoftherightandpropermediumstotakeoffJobfromcomplaining,andtocomposehisspirittorestandpeace,andtobringhimtowaitpatientlyforGod.Forwhereashisotherfriendsinjuriouslychargedhimwithhypocrisy,andthathehadinanespecialmanner,aboveothermen,deservedthosejudgmentsofGodwhichhewasexercisedwithal;he,whowasconsciousuntohisownintegrity,wasonlyprovokedandexasperatedbytheirarguings,andstirreduptopleadhisowninnocencyanduprightness.Butthisman,allowinghimthepleaofhisintegrity,callshimtotheconsiderationofthegreatnessandsovereigntyofGod,againstwhichthereisnorisingup;andthisGodhimselfafterwardcallshimunto.

DeepandseriousthoughtsofGod'ssovereigntyandabsolutedominionorauthorityoveralltheworksofhishands,areaneffectualmeanstoworkthesouluntothisduty;yea,thisisthatwhichwearetobringoursoulsto.Letusconsiderwithwhomwehavetodo.Arenotweandallourconcernmentsinhishands,astheclayinthehandofthepotter?andmayhenotdowhathewillwithhisown?Shallwecallhimuntoanaccount?isnotwhathedothgoodandholybecausehedothit?DoanyrepiningthoughtsagainsttheworksofGodariseinourhearts?areanycomplaintsreadytobreakoutofourmouths?letuslayourhandsonourhearts,andourmouthsinthedust,withthoughtsofhisgreatnessandabsolutesovereignty,anditwillworkourwholesoulsintoabetterframe.

Andthisextendsitselfuntothemanners,times,andseasonsofallthingswhatever.Asinearthlythings,ifGodwillbringadreadfuljudgmentoffireuponapeople,anation;ah!whymustitbeLondon?ifonLondon,whysoterrible,raging,andunconquerable?whythecity,notthesuburbs?whymyhouse,notmyneighbour's?whyhadsuchaonehelp,andInone?AllthesethingsarewhollytobereferredtoGod'ssovereignpleasure.Therealonecanthesoulofmanfindrestandpeace.Itissoinspiritualdispensationsalso.

ThusAaron,uponthesuddendeathofhistwoeldestsons,beingmindedbyMosesofGod'ssovereigntyandholiness,immediately"heldhispeace,"orquietlyhumbledhimselfunderhismightyhand,Lev.10:3.AndDavid,whenthingswerebroughtintoextremeconfusionbytherebellionofAbsalom,followedbytheungodlymultitudeofthewholenation,relinquishethallotherargumentsandpleas,andletsgocomplaintsinaresignationofhimselfandallhisconcernmentsuntotheabsolutepleasureofGod,2Sam.15:25,26.Andthis,inallourextremities,mustwebringoursoulsuntobeforewecanattainanyrestorpeace,ortheleastcomfortablepersuasionthatwemaynotyetfallundergreaterseverities,inthejustindignationofGodagainstus.

2.ThewisdomofGodisalsotobeconsideredandsubmittedunto:Job9:4,"Heiswiseinheart:whohathhardenedhimselfagainsthim,andhathprospered?"Thistheprophetjoinswithhisgreatnessandsovereignty,Isa.40:12–14."Thereisnosearchingofhisunderstanding,"verse28.AndtheapostlewindsupallhisconsiderationsoftheworksofGodinaholyadmirationofhisknowledgeandwisdom,whencehis"judgmentbecomesunsearchable,andhiswayspastfindingout,"Rom.11:33,34.Heseethandknowethallthings,inalltheircauses,effects,consequences,andcircumstances,intheirutmostreachandtendency,intheircorrespondenciesoneuntoanother,andsuitablenessuntohisownglory;

andsoalonejudgetharightofallthings.Thewisestofmen,asDavidspeaks,walkinashade.Weseelittle,weknowlittle;andthatbutofaveryfewthings,andinanimperfectmanner;andthatoftheirpresentappearances,abstractedfromtheirissues,successes,ends,andrelationsuntootherthings.AndifwewouldbefartherwiseintheworksofGod,weshallbefoundtobelikethewildass'scolt.WhatisgoodforusorthechurchofGod,whatiseviltoitorus,weknownotatall;butallthingsareopenandnakeduntoGod.Thedaywillcome,indeed,whereinweshallhavesuchaprospectoftheworksofGod,seeonethingsosetagainstanother,astofindgoodness,beauty,andorderinthemall,—thattheywerealldoneinnumber,weight,andmeasure,—thatnothingcouldhavebeenotherwisewithoutanabridgmentofhisgloryanddisadvantageofthemthatbelieveinhim;butforthepresent,allourwisdomconsistsinreferringalluntohim.Hewhodoththesethingsisinfinitelywise;heknowswhathedoth,andwhy,andwhatwillbetheendofall.Weareapt,itmaybe,tothinkthatatsuchseasonsallthingswillgotowreckwithourselves,withthechurch,orwiththewholeworld:"Howcanthisbreachberepaired,thislossmadeup,thisruinrecovered?peaceisgone,tradeisgone,oursubstanceisgone,thechurchisgone,—allisgone;confusionandutterdesolationlieatthedoor."Butifamanwhoisunskilledandunexperiencedshouldbeatsea,itmaybe,everytimethevesselwhereinheisseemstodeclineoneitherside,hewouldbeapttoconceivetheyshouldbeallcastaway;butyet,ifhebenotchildishlytimorous,whenthemastershalltellhimthatthereisnodanger,bidhimtrusttohisskillanditshallbewellwithhim,itwillyieldquietnessandsatisfaction.Weareindeedinastorm,—thewholeearthseemstoreelandstaggerlikeadrunkenman;butyetoursoulsmayrestintheinfiniteskillandwisdomofthegreatPilotofthewholecreation,whosteersallthingsaccordingtothecounselofhiswill."Hisworksaremanifold:inwisdomhathhemadethemall,"Ps.104:24.Andinthesamewisdomdothhedisposeofthem:"AllthesethingscomeforthfromtheLORDofhosts,whoiswonderfulincounsel,andexcellentinworking,"Isa.28:29.Whatisgood,meet,usefulforus,forours,forthechurches,forthecity,forthelandofournativity,heknows,andofcreaturesnotone.ThisinfinitewisdomofGod,also,arewethereforetoresignandsubmitourselvesunto.Hishandinallhisworksisguidedbyinfinitewisdom.Inthoughtsthereof,inhumblingourselvesthereunto,shallwefindrestandpeace;andthisinallourpressureswillworkustoawaitingforhim.

3.TherighteousnessofGodisalsotobeconsideredinthismatter.ThatnameintheScriptureisusedtodenotemanyexcellenciesofGod,allwhicharereducibleuntotheinfiniterectitudeofhisnature.Iintendthatatpresentwhichiscalled

"justitiaregiminis,"hisrighteousnessinruleorgovernment.ThisisrememberedbyAbraham:Gen.18:25,"ShallnottheJudgeofalltheearthdoright?"Andbytheapostle:"IsGodunjustwhotakethvengeance?Godforbid."ThisoursoulsaretoowninalltheworksofGod.Theyareallrighteous,—allhiswho"willdonoiniquity,whosethroneisestablishedinjudgment."Howevertheymaybedreadful,grievous,andseemsevere,yettheyareallrighteous.Itistruehewillsometimes"riseupanddostrangeworks,strangeacts,"Isa.28:21,suchashewillnotdooftennorordinarily,suchasshallfilltheworldwithdreadandamazement,—hewill"answerhispeopleinterriblethings!"butyetallshallbeinrighteousness.Andtocomplainofthatwhichisrighteous,torepineagainstit,isthehighestunrighteousnessthatmaybe.Faith,then,fixingthesoulontherighteousnessofGod,isaneffectualmeanstohumbleitunderhismightyhand.Andtohelpusherein,wemayconsider,—

(1.)That"Godjudgethnotasmanjudgeth."Wejudgebythe"seeingoftheeye,andhearingoftheear,"—accordingtooutwardappearancesandevidences;"butGodsearcheththeheart."Wejudgeuponwhatisbetweenmanandman;Godprincipallyuponwhatisbetweenhimselfandman.Andwhatdoweknoworunderstandofthesethings?orwhatthereisintheheartofman,whatpurposes,whatcontrivances,whatdesigns,whatcorruptaffections,whatsins;whattransactionshavebeenbetweenGodandthem;whatwarningshehathgiventhem;whatreproofs,whatengagementstheyhavemade;whatconvictionstheyhavehad;whatusetheywereputtingtheirlives,theirsubstance,theirfamiliesunto?Alas!weknownothingofthesethings,andsoareabletomakenojudgmentoftheproceedingsofGoduponthem;butthisweknow,thathe"isrighteousinallhisways,andholyinallhisworks,"yea,themostterribleofthem.Andwhenthesecretsofallheartsshallberevealed,ah!howgloriouswillbehisdrowningoftheoldworld,firingofSodom,swallowingupofDathanandAbiramintheearth,theutterrejectionoftheJews,withallotheractsofhisprovidenceseemingtobeaccompaniedwithseverity!Andsowillourowntrials,inwardoroutward,appeartobe.

(2.)Godisjudgeofalltheworld,ofallages,times,places,persons;anddisposethofallsoastheymaytenduntothegoodofthewholeandhisowngloryintheuniverse.Ourthoughtsarebounded,muchmoreourobservationsandabilities,tomeasurethingswithinaverysmallcompass.Everythingstandsaloneuntous,wherebyweseelittleofitsbeautyororder,nordoknowhowitoughtjustlytobedisposedof.Thatparticularmayseemdeformeduntous,which,whenitisunderHiseyewhoseesallatonce,past,present,andtocome,

withallthosejointsandbandsofwisdomandorderwherebythingsarerelateduntooneanother,isbeautifulandglorious:forasnothingisofitself,norbyitself,nortoitself,sonothingstandsalone;butthereisalineofmutualrespectthatrunsthroughthecreationandeveryparticularofit,andthatinallitschangesandalterationsfromthebeginningtotheend,whichgivesititsloveliness,life,andorder.Hethatcanatonceseebutonepartofagoodlystatueorcolossusmightthinkitaverydeformedpiece,whenhethatviewsitaltogetherisassuredofitsdueproportion,symmetry,andloveliness.Now,allthings,ages,andpersons,allthusatonceareobjecteduntothesightofGod;andhedisposeththemwithrespectuntothewhole,thateveryonemayfillupitsownplace,andsustainitspartandshareinthecommontendencyofalltothesameend.

Andhenceitisthatinpublicjudgmentsandcalamities,Godoftentimessuffersthegodlytobeinvolvedwiththewicked,andthatnotontheaccountoftheirownpersons,butastheyarepartsofthatbodywhichhewilldestroy.ThisJobexpressethsomewhatharshly,butthereistruthinhisassertion:chap.9:22,23,"Thisisonething,thereforeIsaidit,Hedestroyeththeperfectandthewicked.Ifthescourgeslaysuddenly,hewilllaughatthetrialoftheinnocent."Godinpublicdesolationsoftentimestakesgoodandbadtogether;asuddenscourgeinvolvesthemall.AndthisGoddothforsundryreasons;as,—

[1.]Thathemaymanifesthisownholiness;whichissuchthathecan,withouttheleastinjusticeoroppression,evenupontheaccountoftheirownprovocations,takeawaythehouses,possessions,estates,liberties,andlivesofthebestofhisownsaints:forhowshouldaman,anyman,thebestofmen,bejustwithGod,ifhewouldcontendwithhim?Nomancananswertohim"oneofathousand,"Job9:3:—Thistheywillalsoownandacknowledge;upontheaccountofrighteousnessnonecanopenhismouthabouthisjudgments,withoutthehighestimpietyandwickedness.

[2.]Hedothsothathisownpeoplemaylearntoknowhisterror,andtorejoicealwaysbeforehimwithtrembling.ThereforeJobaffirms,that"inthetimeofhisprosperityhewasnotsecure,"butstilltrembledinhimselfwiththoughtsofthejudgmentsofGod.Doubtlessmuchwretchedcarnalsecuritywouldbereadytoinvadeandpossesstheheartsofbelievers,ifGodshouldalwaysandconstantlypassthembyinthedispensationsofhispublicjudgments.

[3.]Thatitmaybeastoneofoffenceandastumbling-blockuntowickedmen,

whoaretobehardenedintheirsinsandpreparedforruin.Whentheyseethatallthingsfallalikeuntoall,andthatthosewhohavemadethestrictestprofessionofthenameandfearofGodfarenobetterthanthemselves,theyareencouragedtodespisethewarningsofGodandthestrokesofhishand,andsotorushonuntothedestructionwhereuntotheyareprepared.

[4.]Goddothittoproclaimuntoalltheworldthatwhathedothhereisnofinaljudgmentandultimatedeterminationconcerningthingsandpersons;forwhocanseethe"wisemandyingasafool,"therighteousandholyperishingintheiroutwardconcernmentsastheungodlyandwicked,butmustconcludethattherighteousGod,thejudgeofall,hathappointedanotherday,whereinallthingsmustbecalledoveragain,andeveryonethenreceivehisfinalreward,accordingashisworksshallappeartohavebeen?AndthusarewetohumbleourselvesuntotherighteousnesswherewiththehandofGodisalwaysaccompanied.

[5.]Hisgoodnessandgraceisalsotobeconsideredinalltheworksofhismightyhands.Asthereisnounrighteousnessinhim,soalso[thereis]allthatisgoodandgracious.Andwhateverthereisinanytroubleofallayfromtheutmostwrath,isofmeregoodnessandgrace.Thyhousesareburned,butperhapsthygoodsaresaved,—istherenograce,nogoodnesstherein?Orperhapsthysubstancealsoisconsumed,butyetthypersonisalive;andshouldalivingmancomplain?Butsaywhatthouwilt,thisstrokeisnothell,whichthouhastdeservedlongago,yea,itmaybeameansofpreventingthygoingthither;sothatitisaccompaniedwithinfinitegoodness,patience,andmercyalso.Andiftheconsiderationshereofwillnotquietthyheart,takeheedlestaworsethingbefallthee.

AndthesethingsamongstothersarewetoconsiderinGod,toleadourheartsintoanacquiescinginhiswill,asubmissionunderhismightyhand,andapatientwaitingfortheissue.

Secondly,[Astoourselves,whatweare,andwhatwehavedeserved]:—

1.Considerourmeanandabjectcondition,andthatinfinitedistancewhereinwestandfromhimwithwhomwehavetodo.WhenAbraham,thefatherofthefaithfulandfriendofGod,cametotreatwithhimabouthisjudgments,hedothitwiththisacknowledgmentofhiscondition,thathewas"meredustandashes,"Gen.18:27,—apoorabjectcreature,thatGodathispleasurehadformedoutofthedustoftheearth,andwhichinafewdayswastobereducedagainintothe

ashesofit.Wecanforgetnothingmoreperniciouslythanwhatweare."Manisaworm,"saithBildad,"andthesonofmanisbutaworm,"Job25:6."Andtherefore,"saysJobhimself,"Ihavesaidtocorruption,Thouartmyfather:andtotheworm,Thouartmymotherandmysister,"chap.17:14.Hisaffinity,hisrelationuntothem,isthenearestimaginable,andheisnootherwisewisetobeaccountedof;andthereisnothingthatGodabhorsmorethananelationofmindintheforgetfulnessofourmean,frailcondition."Thousayest,"saidhetotheproudprinceofTyrus,"thatthouartagod;but,"saithhe,"wiltthouyetsaybeforehimthatslayeththee,IamGod?"Ezek.28:2,9.ThatsevereconvictiondidGodprovideforhispride,"Thoushaltbeaman,andnogod,inthehandofhimthatslayeththee."AndwhenHerodpridedhimselfintheacclamationsofthevainmultitude,("Thevoiceofagod,andnotofaman!")theangeloftheLordfilledthatgodimmediatelywithworms,whichslewhimanddevouredhim,Acts12:23.Thereis,indeed,nothingmoreeffectualtoabasetheprideofthethoughtsofmenthanadueremembrancethattheyareso.Hencethepsalmistprays,Ps.9:20,"Puttheminfear,OLORD;thatthenationsmayknowthemselvestobebutmen;"so,andnomore: המה שונא ,"poor,miserable,frail,mortalman,"asthewordsignifies."Whatisman?whatishislife?whatishisstrength?"saidone;"Thedreamofashadow;amerenothing."OrasDavid,muchbetter,"Everymanliving,inhisbestcondition,isaltogethervanity,"Ps.39:5.AndJames,"Ourlife,"whichisourbest,ourall,"isbutavapour,thatappearethforalittletime,andthenvanishethaway,"chap.4:14.Butenoughhathbeenspokenbymanyonthissubject.Andwethathaveseensomanythousandseachweek,inonecity,carriedawaytothegrave,havebeentaughtthetruthof—ourfrailty,evenaswiththornsandbriers.ButIknownothowitcomestopass,thereisnotanythingwearemoreapttoforgetthanwhatweourselvesare;andthisputsmenoninnumerablemiscarriagestowardsGodandoneanother.Thou,therefore,thatartexercisedunderthehandofGodinanyseveredispensation,andartreadyonalloccasionstofillthymouthwithcomplaints,sitdownalittleandtakearightmeasureofthyself,andseewhetherthisframeandposturebecomesthee.ItisthegreatGodagainstwhomthourepinest,andthouartaman,andthatisanameofaworm,apoor,frail,dyingworm;anditmaybewhilstthouartspeaking,thouartnomore.Andwiltthouthinkitmeetforsuchaoneasthouarttomagnifythyselfagainstthegreatpossessorofheavenandearth?Poorclay,poordustandashes,poordyingworm!knowthystateandcondition,andfalldownquietlyunderthemightyhandofGod.Thoughthouwranglestwithmenaboutthyconcernments,letGodalone."Thepotsherdsmaycontendwiththepotsherdsoftheearth,butwoeuntohimthatstrivethwithhisMaker!"

2.ConsiderthatinthisfrailconditionwehaveallgreatlysinnedagainstGod.SodidJob,chap.7:20,"Ihavesinned;whatshallIdountothee,OthouPreserverofmen?"Ifthisconsiderationwillnotsatisfythymind,yetitwillassuredlystopthemouthsofallthesonsofmen.Thoughallthecursesofthelawshouldbeexecuteduponus,yet"everymouthmustbestopped;"because"alltheworldisbecomeguiltybeforeGod,"Rom.3:19."Whereforedothalivingmancomplain?"saiththeprophet,Lam.3:39.Why,itmaybe,itisbecausethathistroubleisgreatandinexpressible,andsuchasseldomorneverbefellanybeforehim.Butwhatthen?Saithhe,"Shallamancomplainforthepunishmentofhissins?"Ifthislivingmanbeasinfulman,asthereisnonethatlivethandsinnethnot,whateverhisstateandconditionbe,hehathnogroundofmurmuringorcomplaint.Forasinfulmantocomplain,especiallywhilstheisyetalivingman,ismostunreasonable;for,—

(1.)Whateverhathbefallenus,itisjustontheaccountthatwearesinnersbeforeGod;andtorepineagainstthejudgmentsofGod,thatarerenderedevidentlyrighteousupontheaccountofsin,istoanticipatetheconditionofthedamnedinhell,agreatpartofwhosemiseryitisthattheyalwaysrepineagainstthatsentenceandpunishmentwhichtheyknowtobemostrighteousandholy.Ifthiswerenowaplace,ifthatwerenowmydesign,totreatofthesinsofallprofessors,howeasywereittostopthemouthsofallmenabouttheirtroubles!Butthatisnotmypresentbusiness.Ispeakuntoparticularpersons,andthatnotwithanespecialdesigntoconvincethemoftheirsins,buttohumbletheirsouls.Anotherseasonmaybetakentopressthatconsideration,directlyandprofessedlyalso.Atpresentletusonly,whenoursoulsarereadytobeentangledwiththethoughtsofanyseveredispensationofGod,andourownparticularpressures,troubles,miseries,occasionedthereby,turnintoourselves,andtakeavieweveryoneofhisownpersonalprovocations;andwhenwehavedoneso,seewhatwehavetosaytoGod,whatwehavetocomplainof.Letthemanholdhistongue,andletthesinnerspeak.IsnotGodholy,righteous,wise,inwhathehathdone?andifhebe,whydowenotsubscribeuntohisways,andsubmitquietlyuntohiswill?

(2.)Butthisisnotall.WearenotonlysuchsinnersastorenderthesedispensationsofGodevidentlyholy,thesejudgmentsofhisrighteous;butalsotomanifestthattheyareaccompaniedwithunspeakablepatience,mercy,andgrace.Toinstanceinoneparticular:—Isittheburningofourhouses,thespoilingofourgoods,theruinofourestatesalone,thatoursinshavedeserved?IfGodhadmadethetemporaryfireonearthtohavebeenuntousawayofentranceinto

theeternalfireofhell,wehadnothadwhereofrighteouslytocomplain.Maywenot,then,seeamixtureofunspeakablepatience,grace,andmercy,ineverydispensation?andshallwe,then,repineagainstit?Isitnotbetteradvice,"Go,andsinnomore,lestaworsethingbefallthee?"ForasinneroutofhellnottorestinthewillofGod,nottohumblehimselfunderhismightyhand,istomakehimselfguiltyoftheespecialsinofhell.Othersinsdeserveit,butrepiningagainstGodisprincipally,yea,onlycommittedinit.Thechurchcomestoablessedquietingresolutioninthiscase,Micah7:9,"IwillbeartheindignationoftheLORD,becauseIhavesinnedagainsthim;"bearitquietly,patiently,andsubmitunderhishandtherein.

3.Considerthatofourselveswearenotabletomakearightjudgmentofwhatisgoodforus,whateviluntous,orwhattendsmostdirectlyuntoourchiefestend.Ps.39:6,"Surelymanwalkethinavainshew,"— םלצב ,inanimagefulloffalserepresentationsofthings,inthemidstofvainappearances,sothatheknowsnotwhattochooseordoaright;andthereforespendsthemostofhistimeandstrengthaboutthingsthatareofnouseorpurposeuntohim:"Surelytheyaredisquietedinvain."Andhereofhegivesoneespecialinstance:"Heheapethupriches,andknowethnotwhoshallgather;"whichisbutoneexampleofthemanifoldfrustrationsthatmenmeetwithalinthewholecourseoftheirlives,asnotknowingwhatisgoodforthem.Weallprofesstoaimatonechiefandprincipalend,—namely,theenjoymentofGodinChristasoureternalreward;andinorderthereunto,tobecarriedonintheuseofthemeansoffaithandobedience,tendingtothatend.Now,ifthisbeso,thesuitablenessorunsuitablenessofallotherthings,beinggoodoreviluntous,istobemeasuredbytheirtendencyuntothisend.Andwhatknowwehereof?Asuntothethingsofthislife,doweknowwhetheritwillbebestforustoberichorpoor,tohavehousesortobeharbourless,toaboundortowant,toleavewealthandinheritancesuntoourchildren,ortoleavethemnakeduntotheprovidenceofGod?Doweknowwhatstate,whatconditionwillmostfurtherourobedience,bestobviateourtemptations,orcallmostonustomortifyourcorruptions?Andifweknownothingatallofthesethings,asindeedwedonot,wereitnotbestforustoleavethemquietlyuntoGod'sdisposal?Idoubtnotbutitwillappearatthelastdaythataworldofevilintheheartsofmenwasstifledbythedestructionoftheiroutwardconcernments,morebytheirinwardtroubles;thatmanyweredeliveredfromtemptationsbyit,whootherwisewouldhavebeenovertaken,totheirruin,andthescandalofthegospel;thatmanyasecretimposthumehathbeenlancedandcuredbyastroke:forGoddothnotsendjudgmentsonhisownforjudgments,sake,forpunishment'ssake,butalwaysto

accomplishsomeblesseddesignofgracetowardsthem.Andthereisnoonesoulinparticularwhichshallrightlysearchitself,andconsideritsstateandcondition,butwillbeabletoseewisdom,grace,andcaretowardsitselfinallthedispensationsofGod.AndifIwouldhereenteruponthebenefitsthat,throughthesanctifyinghandofGod,doredounduntobelieversbyafflictions,calamities,troubles,distresses,temptations,andthelikeeffectsofGod'svisitations,itwouldbeofuseuntothesoulsofmeninthiscase.ButthissubjecthathbeensooftenandsowellspokenuntothatIshallnotinsistuponit.Idesireonlythatwewouldseriouslyconsiderhowutterlyignorantweareofwhatisgoodforusorusefuluntousintheseoutwardthings,andsoleavethemquietlyuntoGod'sdisposal.

4.WemayconsiderthatallthesethingsaboutwhichwearetroubledfalldirectlywithinthecompassofthatgoodwordofGod'sgrace,thathewillmake"allthingsworktogetherforthegoodofthemthatlovehim,"Rom.8:28.Allthingsthatweenjoy,allthingsthatwearedeprivedof,allthatwedo,allthatwesuffer,ourlosses,troubles,miseries,distresses,inwhichtheapostleinstancethinthefollowingverses,theyshallall"worktogetherforgood,"—togetherwithoneanother,andallwithandinsubordinationuntothepower,grace,andwisdomofGod.Itmaybe,weseenothoworbywhatmeansitmaybeeffected;butheisinfinitelywiseandpowerfulwhohathundertakenit,andweknowlittleornothingofhisways.Thereisnothingthatwehave,orenjoy,ordesire,butithathturneduntosomeuntotheirhurt.Richeshavebeenkeptformenuntotheirhurt.Wisdomandhighplaceshavebeentheruinofmany.Libertyandplentyaretomostasnare.Prosperityslaysthefoolish.Andwearenotofourselvesinanymeasureabletosecureourselvesfromthehurtandpoisonthatisinanyofthesethings,butthattheymaybeourruinalso,astheyhavealreadybeen,andeverydayare,untomultitudesofthechildrenofmen.Itisenoughtofillthesoulofanymanwithhorrorandamazement,toconsiderthewaysandendsofmostofthemthatareintrustedwiththisworld'sgoods.Isitnotevidentthatalltheirlivestheyseemindustriouslytotakecarethattheymayperisheternally?Luxury,riot,oppression,intemperance,andoflateespecially,blasphemyandatheism,theyusuallygiveupthemselvesunto.Andthisisthefruitoftheirabundanceandsecurity.What,now,ifGodshoulddepriveusofallthesethings?Cananyonecertainlysaythatheisworstedthereby?Mighttheynothaveturneduntohiseverlastingperdition,aswellastheydosoofthousandsasgoodbynature,andwhohavehadadvantagestobeaswiseaswe?AndshallwecomplainofGod'sdispensationsaboutthem?Andwhatshallwesaywhenhehimselfhathundertakentomakeallthingsthatheguidesusuntotoworktogetherforour

good?Anxietiesofmindandperplexitiesofheartaboutourlossesisnotthatwhichwearecalleduntoinourtroubles.Butthisisthatwhichisourduty,—letusconsiderwhetherwe"loveGod"orno,whether"wearecalledaccordingtohispurpose."Ifso,allthingsarewellinhishand,whocanorderthemforourgoodandadvantage.Ihopemanyapoorsoulwillfromhence,underalltheirtrouble,beabletosay,withhimthatwasbanishedfromhiscountry,andfoundbetterentertainmentelsewhere,"Myfriends,Ihadperished,ifIhadnotperished;—hadInotbeenundonebyfire,itmaybeIhadbeenruinedineternalfire.Godhathmadealltoworkformygood."

Theendofallthesediscoursesis,toevincethereasonablenessofthedutyofwaitingonGod,whichwearepressingfromthepsalmist.IgnoranceofGodandourselvesisthegreatprincipleandcauseofallourdisquietments;andthisarisethmostly,notfromwantoflightandinstruction,butforwantofconsiderationandapplication.ThenotionsinsistedonconcerningGodareobviousandknownuntoall;soaretheseconcerningourselves:butbywhomalmostaretheyemployedandimprovedastheyought?TheframeofourspiritsisasthoughwestooduponequaltermswithGod,anddidthink,withJonah,thatwemightdowelltobeangrywithwhathedoth.Didwerightlyconsiderhim,didwestandinaweofhimasweought,ithadcertainlybeenotherwisewithus.

———

Influence of the promises into the soul's waiting in time of trouble—Thenatureofthem.

HAVING,therefore,laiddowntheseconsiderationsfromthesecondobservationtakenfromthewords,—namely,thatJehovahhimselfistheproperobjectofthesoul'swaitingintheconditiondescribed,—Ishallonlyaddonedirection,howwemaybeenabledtoperformanddischargethisdutyaright,whichwehavemanifestedtohavebeensonecessary,soreasonable,soprevalentfortheobtainingofrelief;andthisarisethfromanotherofthepropositionslaiddownfortheopeningoftheseverses,notasyetspokenunto,—namely,thatthewordofpromiseisthesoul'sgreatsupportmentinwaitingforGod.

Sosaiththepsalmist,"InhisworddoIhope;"thatis,thewordofpromise.AsthewordingeneralistheadequateruleofallourobedienceuntoGodandcommunionwithhim,sothereareespecialpartsofitthataresuiteduntotheseespecialactingsofoursoulstowardshim.Thusthewordofpromise,orthe

promiseintheword,isthatwhichourfaithespeciallyregardsinourhope,trust,andwaitingonGod;anditissuitedtoansweruntotheimmediateactingsofoursoulstherein.Fromthiswordofpromise,therefore,thatis,fromthesepromises,doththesoulinitsdistresstakeencouragementtocontinuewaitingonGod;andthatonthesetwoaccounts:—

First,BecausetheyaredeclarativeofGod,hismindandhiswill;and,secondly,Becausetheyarecommunicativeofgraceandstrengthtothesoul;—ofwhichlatterweshallnotheretreat.

First,Theendanduseofthepromiseis,todeclare,reveal,andmakeknownGoduntobelievers;andthat,inanespecialmanner,inhimandconcerninghimwhichmaygivethemencouragementtowaitforhim:—

1.ThepromisesareadeclarationofthenatureofGod,especiallyofhisgoodness,grace,andlove.Godhathputanimpressionofallthegloriousexcellenciesofhisnatureonhisword,especially,asheisinChrist,onthewordofthegospel.There,asinaglass,dowebeholdhisgloryinthefaceofJesusChrist.Ashiscommandsexpressuntoushisholiness,histhreatenings,hisrighteousness,andseverity;sodohispromises,hisgoodness,grace,love,andbounty.AndinthesethingsdowelearnallthatwetrulyandsolidlyknowofGod;thatis,weknowhiminandbyhisword.Thesoul,therefore,thatinthisconditioniswaitingonorforGod,considerstherepresentationwhichhemakesofhimselfandofhisownnatureinandbythepromises,andreceivessupportmentandencouragementinhisduty;forifGodteachusbythepromiseswhatheis,andwhathewillbeuntous,wehavefirmgroundtoexpectfromhimallfruitsofbenignity,kindness,andlove.LetthesoulframeinitselfthatideaofGodwhichisexhibitedinthepromises,anditwillpowerfullyprevailwithittocontinueinanexpectationofhisgraciousreturns;theyallexpressinggoodness,love,patience,forbearance,long-suffering,pardoningmercy,grace,bounty,withafullsatisfactoryreward.ThisisthebeautyoftheLordmentionedwithadmirationbytheprophet,"Howgreatishisgoodness!howgreatishisbeauty!"Zech.9:17;whichisthegreatattractiveofthesoultoadhereconstantlyuntohim.Whateverdifficultiesarise,whatevertemptationsinterpose,orwearisomenessgrowsuponus,inourstraits,troubles,trials,anddesertions,letusnotentertainsuchthoughtsofGodasourownperplexedimaginationsmaybeapttosuggestuntous.Thiswouldquicklycastusintoathousandimpatiences,misgivings,andmiscarriages.ButtheremembranceofandmeditationonGodinhispromises,asrevealedbythem,asexpressedinthem,issuitedquiteunto

otherendsandpurposes.Thereappear,yea,gloriouslyshineforth,thatlove,thatwisdom,thatgoodness,tenderness,andgrace,ascannotbutencourageabelievingsoultoabideinwaitingforhim.

2.ThewordofpromisedothnotonlyexpressGod'snatureasthatwhereinheproposethhimselfuntothecontemplationoffaith,butitalsodeclareshiswillandpurposeofactingtowardsthesoulsuitablyuntohisowngoodnessandgrace:forpromisesarethedeclarationsofGod'spurposeandwilltoacttowardsbelieversinChristJesusaccordingtotheinfinitegoodnessofhisownnature;andthisisdoneingreatvariety,accordingtothevariousconditionsandwantsofthemthatdobelieve.Theyallproceedfromthesamespringofinfinitegrace,butarebranchedintoinnumerableparticularstreams,accordingasournecessitiesdorequire.Tothesedowaitingsoulsrepair,forstayandencouragement.TheirperplexitiesprincipallyarisefromtheirmisapprehensionsofwhatGodisinhimself,andofwhathewillbeuntothem;andwhithershouldtheyrepairtobeundeceivedbutuntothatfaithfulrepresentationthathehathmadeofhimselfandhiswillinthewordofhisgrace?for"NomanhathseenGodatanytime;theonly-begottenSon,whoisinthebosomoftheFather,hehathdeclaredhim,"John1:18.Now,thegospelisnothingbutthewordofpromiseexplained,inallthesprings,causes,andeffectsofit.Thithermustwerepair,tobeinstructedinthismatter.Theimaginationsandreasoningsofmen'sheartswillbutdeceivetheminthesethings.Theinformationsorinstructionsofothermenmaydoso;norhavetheyanytruthinthemfartherthantheymayberesolvedintothewordofpromise.Herealonetheymayfindrestandrefreshment.Thesoulofwhomwespeakisundertroubles,perplexities,anddistressesastoitsoutwardcondition,—pressedwithmanystraits,itmaybe,oneveryhand;andastoitsspiritualestate,undervariousapprehensionsofthemindandwillofGodtowardsit;ashathbeforeatlargebeenexplained.Inthisconditionitisbrought,insomemeasure,untoaholysubmissionuntoGod,andapatientwaitingfortheissueofitstrials.Inthisestateithathmanytemptationsto,andmuchworkingof,unbelief.Thewholeofitsoppositionamountstothis,thatitisneglectedofGod,—thatitswayishid,andhisjudgmentispassedoverfromhim,—thatitshallnotbeatpresentdelivered,norhereaftersaved.Whatcoursecananyoneadvisesuchaoneuntoforhisrelief,andtopreservehissoulfromfaintingordesertingthedutyofwaitingonGodwhereinheisengaged,butonlythis,tosearchandinquirewhatrevelationGodhathmadeofhimselfandhiswillconcerninghiminhisword?Andthisthepromisedeclares.Hereheshallfindhope,patience,faith,expectation,tobeallincreased,comforted,encouraged.Hereinliesthedutyandsafetyofanyinthiscondition.Menmaybearthefirst

impressionofanytroublewiththestrength,courage,andresolutionoftheirnaturalspirits.Undersomecontinuanceofthemtheymaysupportthemselveswithformerexperiences,andotherusualspringsandmeansofconsolation.Butiftheirwoundsprovedifficulttobecured,iftheydespiseordinaryremedies,iftheirdiseasesareoflongcontinuance,thisisthatwhichtheymustbetakethemselvesunto:—Theymustsearchintothewordofpromise,andlearntomeasurethings,notaccordingtothepresentstateandapprehensionsoftheirmind,butaccordinguntowhatGodhathdeclaredconcerningthem.Andtherearesundryexcellenciesinthepromises,whenhopedinortrustedin,thattenduntotheestablishmentofthesoulinthisgreatdutyofwaiting;as,—

(1.)Thatgraceinthem,—thatis,thegood-willofGodinChristforhelp,relief,satisfaction,pardon,andsalvation,—issuiteduntoallparticularconditionsandwantsofthesoul.Aslightarisethfromthesun,andisdiffusedinthebeamsthereoftotheespecialuseofallcreaturesenabledbyavisivefacultytomakeuseofit;socomethgraceforthfromtheeternalgood-willofGodinChrist,andisdiffusedbythepromises,withablessedcontemporationuntotheconditionsandwantsofallbelievers.TherecannothingfalloutbetweenGodandanysoulbutthereisgracesuiteduntoit,inonepromiseoranother,asclearlyandevidentlyasifitweregivenuntohimparticularlyandimmediately.Andthistheyfindbyexperiencewhoatanytimeareenabledtomixeffectuallyapromisewithfaith.

(2.)Thewordofpromisehathawonderful,mysterious,especialimpressionofGoduponit.Hedothbyitsecretlyandineffablycommunicatehimselfuntobelievers.WhenGodappearedinadreamuntoJacob,heawakedandsaid,"Godisinthisplace,andIknewitnot."HeknewGodwaseverywhere,butanintimationofhisespecialpresencesurprisedhim.Soisasoulsurprised,whenGodopenshimselfandhisgraceinapromiseuntohim.Itcriesout,"Godishere,andIknewitnot."SuchanearapproachofGodinhisgraceitfinds,asisaccompaniedwitharefreshingsurprisal.

(3.)ThereisanespecialengagementoftheveracityandtruthofGodineverypromise.Graceandtrutharethetwoingredientsofanevangelicalpromise,—thematterandformwhereoftheydoconsist.Icannotnowstaytoshowwhereinthisespecialengagementoftruthinthepromisedothconsist;besides,itisathingknownandconfessed.Butithathanespecialinfluencetosupportthesoul,whenhopedin,initsdutyofwaiting;forthathopecannevermakeashamedorleavethesouluntodisappointmentswhichstaysitselfondivineveracityundera

specialengagement.

Andthisisthatdutywhichthepsalmistengagethhimselfinanduntotheperformanceof,astheonlywaytoobtainacomfortableinterestinthatforgivenesswhichiswithGod,andallthegraciouseffectsthereof.Andinthehandlinghereof,aswehavedeclareditsnatureandnecessity,sowehavethepsalmist'sdirectionsforitspractice,untopersonsinthelikeconditionwithhim,fortheattainingoftheendbyhimaimedat;sothatitneedsnofartherapplication.Thatwhichremainsofthepsalmistheaddresswhichhemakesuntoothers,withtheencouragementwhichhegivesthemtosteerthesamecoursewithhimself;andthishedothinthetwolastverses,which,tocompletetheexpositionofthewholepsalm,Ishallbrieflyexplainandpassthrough,ashavingalreadydespatchedwhatIprincipallyaimedat.

———

.

VERSESSEVENTHANDEIGHTH

"LetIsraelhopeintheLORD:forwiththeLORDthereismercy,andwithhimisplenteousredemption.AndheshallredeemIsraelfromallhisiniquities."

ISHALLproceed,intheopeningofthesewords,accordinguntothemethodalreadyinsistedon.First,themeaningoftheprincipalwordsshallbedeclared;then,thesenseandimportanceofthewhole;thirdly,therelationthattheyhaveuntotheconditionofthesoulexpressedinthepsalmmustbemanifested;—fromallwhichobservationswillariseforourinstructionanddirectioninthelikecases,whereinweareormaybeconcerned.

FIRST.Verse7."LetIsraelhopeintheLORD:" לארשי לחיהוהי־לא ,"Hope,Israel,inJehovah,"—"trust,"or"expect;"thesameword

withthat,verse5,"InhisworddoIhope;"properly,toexpect,tolookfor,whichincludeshope,andaddssomefartherdegreeofthesoul'sactingtowardsGod.Itisanearnestlookingafterthethinghopedfor:"ExpectaadDominum,"—hopeinhim,andlookuptohim.

"ForwiththeLORD,"—"quia,"or"quoniam,"becauseseeingthatwiththeLord,— דסחה ,"mercy."Theverbsubstantive,asusual,isomitted,whichwesupply,"Thereismercy,"—grace,bounty,goodness,good-will.Thiswordisoftenjoinedwithanother,discoveringitsimportance;andthatis תמא ,"truth:"

תמאו דסח ,"goodness,"or"mercyandtruth."Theseare,asitwere,constituentpartsofGod'spromises.Itisofgoodness,grace,bounty,topromiseanyunduemercy;anditisoftruthorfaithfulnesstomakegoodwhatissopromised.TheLXX.commonlyrenderthiswordbyἔλεος,—thatis,"pardoningmercy,"asitiseverywhereusedintheNewTestament.

"Andwithhimisplenteousredemption:" ומע ,"withhim,"asbefore,speakinguntoGod,verse4, מע ,"withtheethereis;"themeaningofwhichexpressionhathbeenopenedatlarge."Redemption:" תודפ ,from הדפ ,"toredeem;"thesamewith ןוידפ ,λὑτρωσις,ἀπολύτρωσις,"redemption."Thiswordisoftenusedforaproperredemption,suchasismadebytheinterventionofaprice,andnotamereassertionuntolibertybypower,whichissometimesalsocalledredemption.Thusitissaidofthemoneythatthefirst-bornofthechildrenofIsrael,whichwereabovethenumberoftheLevites,wereredeemedwith,thatMosestook

םוירפה ,the"redemption;"thatis,theredemption-money,thepriceoftheirredemption,Numb.3:49,Ps.49:8.Theredemptionofmen'ssoulsisprecious;itcostagreatprice.Theredemption,then,thatiswithGodrelatesuntoaprice.Goodnessormercy,withrespectuntoaprice,becomesredemption;thatis,activelythecauseormeansofit.Whatthatpriceis,seeMatt.20:28;1Pet.1:18.

"Plenteousredemption:" הברה ,"Multa,copiosa,"—much,abundant,plenteous.Itisusedbothforquantityandquality:muchinquantity,orplenteous,abundant;andinquality,—thatis,precious,excellent.Anditisappliedinagoodandbadsense.Soitissaidofoursins,Ezra.9:6,"Oursins," ובר ,"areincreased"or"multiplied,"orare"great;"manyinnumber,andheinousintheirnatureorquality.AndintheothersenseitisapplieduntothemercyofGod,wherebytheyareremoved;itisgreatorplenteous,itisexcellentorprecious.

Verse8."Andhe,"—thatis,theLordJehovah,hewithwhomisplenteousredemption,— הדפי ,"shallredeem,"ormakethempartakersofthatredemptionthatiswithhim."HeshallredeemIsrael,"—thatis,thosewhohopeandtrustinhim.

"Fromallhisiniquities:" ויתונוע לכמ ,"Hisiniquities;"thatis,oftheelectofIsrael,andeveryindividualamongstthem.Butthewordsignifiestroubleaswellassin,especiallythattroubleorpunishmentthatisforsin.SoCainexpressethhimselfuponthedenunciationofhissentence: אושנמ ינוע לודנ ,"Mysin,"—thatis,thepunishmentthouhastdenouncedagainstmysin,—"istoogreatorheavyformetobear,"Gen.4:13.Thereisanearaffinitybetweensinandtrouble:"Noxampœnasequitur;"—"Punishmentisinseparablefrominiquity."ןוע ,then,thewordhereused,signifieseithersinwithreferenceuntotroubleduetoit,ortroublewithrespectuntosin,whenceitproceeds;andbothmayherebewellintended:"GodshallredeemIsraelfromallhissins,andtroublesthathaveensuedthereon."Andthisisthesignificationofthewords;which,indeed,areplainandobvious.

Andthesewordscloseupthepsalm.Hewhobeganwithdepths,—hisowndepthsofsinandtrouble,—outofwhichandaboutwhichhecriedoutuntoGod,issoencouragedbythatprospectofgraceandforgivenesswithGod,whichbyfaithhehadobtained,astopreachuntoothers,andtosupporttheminexpectationofdeliverancefromalltheirsinandtroublealso.

Andsuch,forthemostpart,arealltheexercisesandtrialsofthechildrenof

God.Theirentrancemaybeastorm,buttheircloseisacalm;theirbeginningisoftentimestrouble,buttheirlatterendispeace,—peacetothemselves,andadvantagetothechurchofGod:formeninallagescomingoutofgreattrialsoftheirownhavebeenthemostinstrumentalforthegoodofothers,forGoddothnotgreatlyexerciseanyofhisbutwithsomeespecialendforhisownglory.

SECONDLY,Thesenseandintendmentofthepsalmistinthesewordsistobeconsidered;andthatresolvesitselfintothreegeneralparts:—

1.Anexhortationoradmonition:"Israel,hopeintheLORD,"or"expectJehovah."

2.Agroundofencouragementuntotheperformanceofthedutyexhortedunto:"BecausewiththeLORDthereismuch,plenteous,abundant,preciousredemption."

3.Agraciouspromiseofablessedissue,whichshallbegivenuntotheperformanceofthisduty:"HeshallredeemIsraelfromallhissins,andoutofallhistroubles."

1.Intheexhortationthereoccur,—

(1.)Thepersonsexhorted,—thatis,Israel:notIsraelaccordingtotheflesh,for"theyarenotallIsraelwhichareofIsrael,"Rom.9:6;butitistheIsraelmentioned,Ps.73:1,thewholeIsraelofGod,towhomheisgood,"suchasareofacleanheart,"—thatis,allthosewhoareinterestedinthecovenant,anddoinheritthepromiseoftheirforefatherwhowasfirstcalledbythatname,allbelievers.Andthepsalmisttreatsthemallingeneralinthismatter,—

[1.]Becausethereisnoneofthembuthavetheirtrialsandentanglementsaboutsin,moreorless.Asthereis"nonethatlivethandsinnethnot,"sothereisnonethatsinnethandisnotentangledandtroubled.Perhaps,then,theyarenotalloftheminthesameconditionwithhim,inthedepthsthathewasplungedinto.Yetmoreorless,allandeveryoneofthemissofarconcernedinsinastoneedhisdirection.AllthesaintsofGodeitherhavebeen,orare,ormaybe,inthesedepths.ItisagoodsayingofAustinonthisplace,"Valdesuntinprofundoquinonclamantdeprofundo;"—"Nonesointhedeepastheywhodonotcryandcalloutofthedeep."Theyareinadeepofsecuritywhoareneversensibleofadeepofsin.

[2.]Thereisnoneofthem,whatevertheirpresentconditionbe,buttheymayfallintothelikedepthswiththoseofthepsalmist.Thereisnothingabsolutelyinthecovenant,norinanypromise,tosecurethemfromit.Andwhatbefallethanyonebelievermaybefallthemall.Ifanyonebelievermayfalltotallyaway,allmaydoso,andnotleaveoneintheworld,andsoanendbeputtothekingdomofChrist;whichisnosmallevidencethattheycannotsofall.Buttheymayfallintodepthsofsin.Thatsomeofthemhavedonesowehavetestimoniesandinstancesbeyondexception.Itisgood,then,thatallofthemshouldbepreparedforthatdutywhichtheymayallstandinneedof,andforarightdischargeofit.Besides,thedutymentionedisnotabsolutelyrestrainedtotheconditionbeforedescribed,butitisproperandaccommodateuntootherseasonsalso.ThereforearealltheIsraelofGodexhorteduntoit.

(2.)Thedutyitselfis,hopinginJehovah,withsuchahopeortrustashathanexpectationofreliefjoinedwithit.Andtherearetwothingsincludedinthisduty:—

[1.]Therenunciationofanyhopes,inexpectationofdeliveranceeitherfromsinortroubleanyotherway:"HopeinJehovah."Thisisfrequentlyexpressedwheretheperformanceofthisdutyismentioned.SeeHos.14:3;Jer.3:22,23.Andwehavedeclaredthenatureofitintheexpositionofthefirstandsecondverses.

[2.]Expectationfromhim;andthisalsohathbeeninsistedon,intheobservationsfromtheversesimmediatelypreceding;whereinalsothewholenatureofthisdutywasexplained,anddirectionsweregivenforthedueperformanceofit.

2.Theencouragementtendereduntothisdutyisthenextthinginthewords:"ForwiththeLORDisplenteousredemption;"whereinwemayobserve,—

(1.)Whatitisthatheprofessethasthegreatencouragementuntothedutymentioned;andthatisredemption,—theredemptionthatiswithGod:uponthematter,thesamewiththeforgivenessbeforementioned,mercy,pardon,benignity,bounty.HedothnotbidthemhopeintheLordbecausetheyweretheseedofAbraham,thepeculiarpeopleofGod,madepartakersofprivilegesaboveallthepeopleintheworld;muchlessbecauseoftheirworthiness,orthatgoodthatwasinthemselves;butmerelyupontheaccountofmercyinGod,ofhisgrace,goodness,andbounty.ThemercyofGod,andtheredemptionthatiswithhim,istheonlygrounduntosinnersforhopeandconfidenceinhim.

(2.)Therearetwogreatconcernmentsofthisgrace,—theoneexpressed,theotherimpliedinthewords.Thefirstis,thatitismuch,plenteous,abundant.ThatwhichprincipallydiscouragethdistressedsoulsfromacomfortablewaitingonGodis,theirfearslesttheyshouldnotobtainmercyfromhim,andthatbecausetheirsinsaresogreatandsomany,orattendedwithsuchcircumstancesandaggravations,asthatitisimpossibletheyshouldfindacceptancewithGod.Thisgroundofdespondencyandunbeliefthepsalmistobviatesbyrepresentingthefulness,theplenty,theboundlessplenty,ofthemercythatiswithGod.Itissuchaswillsuittheconditionofthegreatestsinnersintheirgreatestdepths;thestoresofitstreasuresareinexhaustible.Andtheforceoftheexhortationdothnotliesomuchinthis,thatthereisredemptionwithGod,asthatthisredemptionisplenteousorabundant.Secondly,HereisanintimationintheworditselfofthatrelationwhichthegoodnessandgraceofGodproposedhathtothebloodofChrist,whenceitiscalled"Redemption."This,aswasshowedintheopeningofthewords,hathrespectuntoaprice,thepricewherebywearebought;thatis,thebloodofChrist.Thisisthatwherebywayismadefortheexerciseofmercytowardssinners.Redemption,whichproperlydenotesactualdeliverance,issaidtobewithGod,orinhim,astheeffectinthecause.Thecausesofitare,hisowngraceandthebloodofChrist.Therearethesepreparedfortheredeemingofbelieversfromsinandtroubleuntohisownglory.Andhereinlieththeencouragementthatthepsalmistproposethuntotheperformanceofthedutyexhortedunto,—namely,towaitonGod,—itistakenfromGodhimself,asallencouragementsuntosinnerstodrawnighuntohimandtowaitforhimmustbe.Nothingbuthimselfcangiveusconfidencetogountohim;anditissuiteduntothestateandconditionofthesoulunderconsideration.Redemptionandmercyaresuitedtogiverelieffromsinandmisery.

3.Thelastversecontainsapromiseoftheissueoftheperformanceofthisduty:"HeshallredeemIsraelfromallhisiniquities."Twothingsareobservableinthewords:—

(1.)Thecertaintyoftheissueoreventofthedutymentioned: הדפי אוהו ,"Andheshall,"or"hewillredeem;"hewillassuredlydoso.Now,althoughthisinthepsalmistisgivenoutbyrevelation,andisanewpromiseofGod,yet,asitrelatestotheconditionofthesoulhereexpressed,andthediscoverymadebyfaithofforgivenessandredemptionwithGod,thecertaintyintendedinthisassertionisbuiltupontheprinciplesbeforelaiddown.Whence,therefore,dothitappear,whencemayweinfalliblyconclude,thatGodwillredeemhisIsraelfromalltheiriniquities?Ianswer,—

[1.]TheconclusionisdrawnfromthenatureofGod.Thereisforgivenessandredemptionwithhim,andhewillacttowardshispeoplesuitablytohisownnature.Thereisredemptionwithhim,andthereforehewillredeem;forgivenesswithhim,andthereforehewillforgive.Astheconclusioniscertainandinfallible,thatwickedmen,ungodlymen,shallbedestroyed,becauseGodisrighteousandholy,hisrighteousnessandholinessindispensablyrequiringtheirdestruction;soistheredemptionandsalvationofallthatbelievecertainonthisaccount,—namely,becausethereisforgivenesswithhim.Heisgoodandgracious,andreadytoforgive;hisgoodnessandgracerequirestheirsalvation.

[2.]TheconclusioniscertainupontheaccountofGod'sfaithfulnessinhispromises.Hehathpromisedthatthosewhowaitonhim"shallnotbeashamed,"—thattheirexpectationshallnotbedisappointed;whencetheconclusioniscertainthatinhistimeandwaytheyshallberedeemed.

(2.)Thereistheextentofthisdeliveranceorredemption:"ShallredeemIsraelfromallhisiniquities."Itwasshowed,intheopeningoftheverse,thatthisworddenoteseithersinprocuringtrouble,ortroubleprocuredbysin;andthereisarespectuntobothsinanditspunishment.Fromboth,fromallofbothkinds,GodwillredeemhisIsrael;notthisorthatevil,thisorthatsin,butfromallevil,allsin.Hewilltakeallsinsfromtheirsouls,andwipealltearsfromtheireyes.Now,Godissaidtodothisonmanyaccounts:—

[1.]Ontheaccountofthegreatcauseofallactualdeliveranceandredemption,—thebloodofChrist.Hehathlaidanassuredfoundationofthewholework;thepriceofredemptionispaid,andtheyshallinduetimeenjoytheeffectsandfruitsofit.

[2.]Oftheactualcommunicationoftheeffectsofthatredemptionuntothem.ThisissuretoalltheelectofGod,tohiswholeIsrael.Theyshallallbemadepartakersofthem.AndthisistheendofallthepromisesofGod,andofthegraceandmercypromisedinthem,—namely,thattheyshouldbemeanstoexhibitandgiveouttobelieversthatredemptionwhichispurchasedandpreparedforthem.Andthisisdonetwoways:—

1st.Partially,initially,andgradually,inthislife.HereGodgivesinuntothemthepardonoftheirsins,beingfreelyjustifiedbyhisgrace;and,inhissanctificationofthemthroughhisSpirit,givesthemdeliveryfromthepoweranddominionofsin.Manytroublesalsohedeliversthemfrom,andfromallasfaras

theyarepenal,orhaveanymixtureofthecurseinthem.

2dly.Completely,—namely,whenheshallhavefreedthemfromsinandtrouble,andfromalltheeffectsandconsequentsofthem,bybringingthemuntotheenjoymentofhimselfinglory.

THIRDLY,Thewordsbeingthusopened,wemaybriefly,inthenextplace,considerwhattheyexpressconcerningthestate,condition,oractingsofthesoul,whicharerepresentedinthispsalm.

Havinghimselfattaineduntothestatebeforedescribed,andbeingengagedresolvedlyuntotheperformanceofthatdutywhichwouldassuredlybringhimintoahavenoffullrestandpeace,thepsalmistapplieshimselfuntotheresidueoftheIsraelofGod,togivethemencouragementuntothisdutywithhimself,fromtheexperiencethathehadofablessedsuccesstherein.Asifhehadsaiduntothem,"Yearenowinafflictionsandundertroubles,andthatupontheaccountofyoursinsandprovocations,—acondition,Iconfess,sadanddeplorable;butyetthereishopeinIsraelconcerningthesethings.Forconsiderhowithathbeenwithme,andhowtheLordhathdealtwithme.Iwasindepthsinexpressible,andsawforawhilenowayormeansofdelivery;butGodhathbeenpleasedgraciouslytorevealhimselfuntome,asaGodpardoninginiquity,transgression,andsin.AndintheconsolationandsupportmentwhichIhavereceivedthereby,Iamwaitingforafullparticipationofthefruitsofhislove.Letmethereforeprevailwithyou,whoareinthelikecondition,tosteerthesamecoursewithme.Onlyletyourexpectationsbefixedonmercyandsovereigngrace,withoutanyregarduntoanyprivilegeorworthinyourselves.Restintheplenteousredemption,thosestoresofgracewhicharewithJehovah;andaccordingtohisfaithfulnessinhispromiseshewilldeliveryououtofallperplexingtroubles."

Havingthusopenedthewords,Ishallnowonlynamethedoctrinalobservationsthataretenderedfromthem,andsoputaclosetothesediscourses;as,—

Obs.1.TheLordJehovahistheonlyhopeforsin-distressedsouls:"HopeintheLORD."Thishathbeensufficientlydiscoveredandconfirmedonsundrypassagesinthepsalm.

Obs.2.Thegroundofallhopeandexpectationofreliefinsinnersismeregrace,

mercy,andredemption:"HopeintheLORD:forwiththeLORDthereismercy."Allothergroundsofhopearefalseanddeceiving.

Obs.3.InexhaustiblestoresofmercyandredemptionareneedfulfortheencouragementofsinnerstorestandwaitonGod:"Withhimisplenteousredemption."Suchisyourmisery,sopressingareyourfearsanddisconsolations,thatnothinglessthanboundlessgracecanrelieveorsupportyou;thereare,therefore,suchtreasuresandstoresinGodasaresuitedhereunto."Withhimisplenteousredemption."

Obs.4.Thegroundofallthedispensationofmercy,goodness,grace,andforgiveness,whichisinGodtosinners,islaidinthebloodofChrist;henceitisherecalled"Redemption."Untothisalsowehavespokenatlargebefore.

Obs.5.AllthatwaitonGodontheaccountofmercyandgraceshallhaveanundoubtedissueofpeace:"HeshallredeemIsrael.""Lethim,"saithGod,"layholdonmyarm,thathemayhavepeace,andheshallhavepeace,"Isa.27:5.

Obs.6.MercygiventothemthatwaitonGod,shall,inthecloseandissue,beeverywayfullandsatisfying:"HeshallredeemIsraelfromallhisiniquities."

Andthesepropositionsdoarisefromthewordsasabsolutelyconsidered,andinthemselves.Ifwemindtheirrelationuntothepeculiarconditionofthesoulrepresentedinthispsalm,theywillyetaffordustheensuingobservations:—

Obs.1.Theywhooutofdepthshave,byfaithandwaiting,obtainedmercy,oraresupportedinwaitingfromasenseofbelievedmercyandforgiveness,arefitted,andonlytheyarefitted,topreachanddeclaregraceandmercyuntoothers.Thiswasthecasewiththepsalmist.Uponhisemergingoutofhisowndepthsandstraits,hedeclaresthemercyandredemptionwherebyhewasdelivereduntothewholeIsraelofGod.

Obs.2.Asavingparticipationofgraceandforgivenessleavesadeepimpressionofitsfulnessandexcellencyonthesoulofasinner.Sowasitherewiththepsalmist.Havinghimselfobtainedforgiveness,heknowsnoboundsormeasure,asitwere,intheextollingofit:"ThereiswithGod,mercy,redemption,plenteousredemption,redeemingfromalliniquity;Ihavefounditso,andsowilleveryonedothatshallbelieveit."

Now,theseobservationsmightallofthem,especiallythetwolast,receivea

usefulimprovement;butwhereaswhatIprincipallyintendedfromthispsalmhathbeenatlargeinsistedonuponthefirstversesofit,Ishallnotherefartherdrawforthanymeditationsuponthem,butcontentmyselfwiththeexpositionthathathbeengivenofthedesignofthepsalmistandsenseofhiswordsintheselastverses.

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