FourteenCommunionSermons

BySamuelRutherford

WITHAPREFACEANDNOTES

BYREV.ANDREWA.BONAR,D.D.

TableofContents

PREFACE

SERMONI.—Revelation19:11,12,13,14

SERMONII.—Zechariah13:7,8,9

SERMONIII.—Zechariah13:7,8,9

SERMONIV.—Luke14:16,17,&c.

SERMONV.—Hebrews12:1,2,3,4,5

SERMONVI.—Isaiah49:1,2,3,4

SERMONVII.—Zechariah11:9,10,11,12,13

SERMONVIII.—John20:13,14,15,16,17,18

SERMONIX.—SongofSolomon5:1,2,&c.

SERMONX.—Revelation21:4,5,6,7

SERMONXI.—Canticles2:14,17

ADDRESSXII.—Christ'sLoveandLoveliness

SERMONXIII.—Revelation14:7,8,9,10,11,&c.

PREFACE

ALLwhorelish"SamuelRutherford'sLetters"willwelcomethereprintofthisvolume,entitled,whenfirstprinted,"CollectionofValuableSermonsPreachedbyhimatSacramentalOccasions,intheyears1630,1634,and1637." I have added two discourses to the collection, one preached in1630, and another in 1633, and also what is commonly called aCommunionAddress,deliveredinLondon.

Allbreathe the same spirit as the famous "Letters," andare full of racyremark and illustration, bearing on scriptural doctrine and Christianexperience.

The Sermons were not published by himself, but from the notes ofhearers,andsotherearesomeawkwardsentencesandclauses.Butstillthey are exceedingly valuable. The first nine sermons were originallyprintedatGlasgow, "fromanoldmanuscript."The resthave frequentlyappeared invarious forms.ASermon,whichbears the title, "TheCruelWatchman," and a fragment, "Christ's Voice from Heaven," are notgenuine, and so are not included in this collection. His only otherSermonsarethatonLuke8:22,preachedbeforetheHouseofCommons,1644,andthatonDaniel6:26,preachedbeforetheHouseofLords,1645.

ANDREWA.BONAR.

GLASGOW,1876.

PREFACETOTHESECONDEDITION

THEfirstissueoftwothousandcopieshasbeensoldoffwithinayear.Inthemeantime, twomore of S. Rutherford's Sacramental Sermons havebeensenttotheEditorbyfriendswhohadthemintheirpossession,andwerehappy tooffer thisaddition to theFirstTwelve.Theyaregiven inthisvolume.

ANDREWA.BONAR.

GLASGOW,1877.

COMMUNIONSERMONS

SERMONI.—Revelation19:11,12,13,14

AndIsawheavenopened,andbeholdawhitehorse;andhethatsatuponhimwascalledFaithfulandTrue,andinrighteousnesshedothjudgeandmakewar,&c.—Revelation19:11,12,13,14.

CHRIST is here brought in triumphing on horseback, and His armiesfollowingHimuponwhitehorses.HereChristisdiscoveredgloriously:1.FromHistriumph,onhorseback.2.FromHisstyle,FaithfulandTrue.3.FromHisrighteousnessingovernment.4.FromHishead,Hiseyes,Hisname,Hishabit,Hisconvoy,Hispowerofthesword,andHishighstyle.KINGOFKINGS,&c.,whichareallheresetdown.

Before ever John see this triumph of Christ over Antichrist, he sees"Heavenopened,"whichshewshimanewrevelation.For,untilGodopenthedoor,andglance†fromheavenwithnewlight,weneverdocertainlybelievethatChristshallwinthebattle. IfGod'sdoorbeclosed,andoureyesbedarkened,wethinkweseeChristgoingon foot,persecutedandbanished,andputtotheworse;thenwebegintodroopanddie,andcastaway our confidence, as Elias did. Butwe have faith and hopewhen awindowisopenedinheaventogiveuslight,butuntilthen,nomarvelthesaintshavetheirfaithtoseek.Davidsaid,Onedayorother,IshallfallbythehandofSaul;andyethehadthatpromise,thatheshouldliveandbeking.Hehadthenmanyexperiences;howcomesthisthen,thathewasinthedark?Hereisareason;Godhadclosedthedoor.Wethinknomoreofourtrouble,butatfirst*byfaithandhopetoopenourKing'sdoor,andintoHim,andbestayedwithflagons,andcomfortedwithapples.No,butGodwill causeHis children to comeand stand, andpant, and cry, andwaituponanopendoor.Andyettheyarebelievingthoughtheyknowitnot, theyarewaitingon for faith though theyknow itnot;andhowbeitthey think theybelievenot, yet that is believing tooneofHis children.AndthereforehowbeitourLordkeepagoodhouse,Hischildrenwillgetleavetosleepandmourntwenty-fourhoursforbread.Godlovesahungry

child that's aye crying for bread.Nay, I say it ismore glory toGod, toknockawhileatalockeddoor,thanifthedoorwereopentousnightandday.Weseenotthathungerisoftenbetterforusthanafullstomach.Inhungerweseekandcry,anditpleasesGod;butwhenwearefull,wecanlayourselvesdowninthesunandfallasleep.

"Andbeholdawhitehorse;andhethatsatuponhimwascalledFaithfulandTrue."—HerewehaveagloriousdescriptionofChrist;asalsoinSong3:10;Col.1:15,16,17;Rev.3:14.Andwhereforeisallthis?IthinkitisaputtingChristtoopenmarket,acommendingofHimashighlyworththebuying. What think ye of Him? Well, is He not a lovely one, a sweetexcellentperson?SawyeeverthelikeofHim?(Iwilltalkofthisandtheconvoy,andletyouseebothtogether).WhereisChrist?Heistriumphinguponawhitehorse,andthesaints,HisarmiesatHisback,followingHimonhorsebackinwhite.Hereindeedisafaircompanyofhorsemen,allinwhite!Hereallareinonelivery;ChrististheCaptainorColonel,andallHis company,His armieswithHim. Christ and allHis Elect are a faircompany together, and a well-favoured sight. "And I looked, and lo, aLambstoodonthemountZion,andwithhimanhundredfortyandfourthousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads" (Rev.14:1)."Behold,Iandthechildrenwhomthouhastgivenme"(Isa.8:18).Ithinkhewouldsay,AmnotIandmychildrenapleasantsight?Judgeyethenwhatasightitwillbeatthelastday,whenChrist,havingendedHiscourt,andthesaintshavemetHimintheair,Heandtheyshallgobackagaintoheaven,andHeshallcomeinatthedoorwithsuchmajesty,andallthefirst-born,thefairbairn-tene,*thewholeElect,nations,tongues,languagesandpeople, thatnonecannumber, atHisback, everyoneofthemasfairasthesun!AndHeshallpresentthemasagifttotheFather."After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man couldnumber, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stoodbefore the throne, and before the Lamb, clothedwithwhite robes, andpalms in theirhands"(Rev.7:9). Inverydeed, then,he isahappymanwho is amongst them; for that must be a glad meeting for evermore,whenwe shallmeetwith the Bridegroom. Thiswhite horse that Christrideson,teachesnothingelsethanthatHetriumphsinHimself,andHiscauseandtruth.Herodethroughdeathandhell,andwasneverthrownoff the saddle. Nay, upon the cross, "having spoiled principalities and

powers, Hemade a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it"(Col.2:15)."IamHethatliveth,andwasdead;and,behold,Iamaliveforevermore,Amen;andhavethekeysofhellandofdeath"(Rev.1:18).Hereis Christ riding over hell and death upon His triumphant horse, andbreaking thewards,and taking thekeysof theprisonwithHim.And isHenotdailypostinguponthishorse?HasHenotriddenlikeavictoriousLordthroughGermany,andsparkleddirtupontheBeast'sface,andthefalseProphet?Yewillsay,Christ losethabattlesometimes.Igrantyou,Christ'shorseseemstosnapper*sometimes,andisuponhisknees,buthedothnotfall.Nay,evenwhenthewomanischased,bytheDragon,tothewilderness,Christ keeps the saddle andbridle; the devil cannot layHimonthebreadthofHisback,andtakeHishorsefromHim.Thehorseseemedtoloseastrokeinamire,whenChristcried,"MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?"andwhentheKirkwas incaptivity,at theriverofBabel,weepinglikeapoorsillycaptive.Butbelieveme,Christwillwintherace,andwillgetthegold,†andweshallgetapartofit.ChristinHismemberswillgetafall,butHewillriseagainandwinthefield,sayallwhatyewill.HewillyetrideinScotland,andwintherace.KenyewhatHesaid?(2Cor.4:9),"Persecuted,butnotforsaken;castdown,butnotdestroyed."

"FaithfulandTrue."—So isHecalled theFaithfulandTruewitness, theAmen,whospakethetruthbetwixtGodandus,andtoldusallthateverHeheardoftheFather.AndthesestylestheLordJesusgetsbecauseallthepromisesofGod,madetous,arefastenedtoChrist,assomanybondsthatGodhas givenus in the gospel. SaysChrist, "He that believeth onMe,ispassedfromdeathtolife;—hethatlovethMe,shallbelovedofMyFather; andwewill come intohim,andmakeourabodewithhim;—hethatovercometh, shalleatof the treeof life."Christ'sname is inall thebonds,inallthebargainsbetwixtGodandus.Christisayeone,andHeisaCautioner,notonlyforusbutwithus;forGodchallengedHimforourdebt, andHe, as Faithful andTrue, answeredwithout bout-gates,* andwasveryhonestinHiswordtoHisFather.Heis(letmespeakso)God'sCautionertous, takingonHimthatGodshallkeeptruetous.This isapoint not considered as it should be by us; for there is not a promisemade to the true believer, but he may challenge Christ for it by law;thoughitisthelawofthenewCovenant.Butinthisgoodsense,Christis

God'sdebtor,andHeisbecomeourdebtor.IndeedChristisfastenedintheMediator's chair and offices,with strong nails and ironwedges, onbothsides:GodhathboundHimbylaw."FortheLordGodwillhelpme;therefore shall I not be confounded; thereforehave I setmy face like aflint,andIknowthatIshallnotbeashamed"(Isaiah50:7).ThereChristsays,Iambound,butIhopeIshallnotdieinmybonds:IshallbetruebothtoGodandman:IhopeIshallhavenoshameofmyhandy-works.ThenwearefarinthewrongtoChrist,whenwebelievenot.Nay,yesayyedarenotyetbelieve.Yesayyeareayedoubting.Kenyewhatyesay,whenyesaythat?Yeareevensaying,IfearChristplaymeaslip:IfearChristbebutafalsepromiser.Isayitiswrongtobelieveafalsehoodofan honest man; for, thou that wilt not believe the promises, thou artsayingtheLordJesusChristisbutadouble*dyvour:"HethatbelievethnotGod,hathmadeHima liar" (1John5:10).Nowwhen the text saysChristisFaithfulandTrue,thisistheKing'sbroadsealforyoursalvation;andayethetruerChristbe,itisthebetterforyou.Forwheninjudgmentyoursalvationisquestioned,andyoursinscomein†reckoning,whethertheybesatisfiedfor,ornot,yemayseeaneasyway.Sayye,Lord,askatChrist,thefaithfulwitness,iftheybenottakenaway.Christisoneoftheswornmen(ifwemaysospeak)uponHisconscienceforclearingofyou,andHeisFaithfulandTrue,andwilltellthetruth.AndwillChristgetitdenied, what scourges, whips, and strokes, He suffered for you? Nay,indeedwehavegotten,Ithink,astrongholdofsalvation,whenwehavegotten it laid over on Christ the Faithful and True. It is much that afaithfulman is in office, and thathe keeps all thewrits in the country;andifhekeepstheregisterwhoisfaithful, true,andanhonestwitness,then all the writs and charters are safe. The writs you and I have forheaven,areallinChrist'shand,andyeshouldayebelookingthemover.

"InrighteousnessHedothjudgeandmakewar."—Herenderethtoeverymanaccordingtohisworks;butinbattlesamongstmen,muchbloodisspilt, falsehood, and violence used, while those whomay be strongest,whether it be right or not, keep the field. Nay in very deed, are notkingdoms often ruined by opposite parties, who rent them in piecesamongst them? As to Nebuchadnezzar's, the Medes, and Persians did.Theydrawitamongthem,andthethingtheygetisafineweboflinen,abit of a kingdom with an ill conscience, which never does them good.

Theyarelikesomanymenstrivingaboutaleme*vessel;hedraws,andhe draws, and the one pulls the side from the vessel, and breaks it inpieces:Soconquerors,whentheyhavesubduedakingdom,arelikethosewhogetthelemevessel,thatseldombidesthesecondheir.Christmakesnotwarwiththesheddingofinnocentblood;whenHetakesinacity,Heplaysnotfoulplayasothercaptainsdo,whereoftenthesoldier'srighttoacountryisbythepointofthesword;forthereisnodifferencebetwixthis sword, his conscience, and hismusket. But it is not sowithChrist.Howthen?1.WhenChristtakesinacity,nationorcountry,HehasGod'sright to it, andHisFather'spromiseof it (Psalm2:8;Psalm72:8). "Heshall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto theendsoftheearth."2.WhenbesiegedmenrenderandgiveupthemselvestoChrist,O!buttheygetgoodquartersfromHim!Theyliveandarenotmade captives, but kings and priests to God. Christ's captives have aking's lifeof it.3.Christmakesnotwarinapassion,butsweetlytoHispeopleintheend,thoughseeminglybitteratthefirst.ButwhenChrist'senemieswhogettheworse,arealldriventopieceswitharodofiron,theyhaveno comfort; yetHehathdone themnowrong,HehathmadeHiswarinrighteousness.ThenyewhoareHisenemiesshallneverbecurednorhealedagain,noryetbyHimpitied;nay,letChristdriveanenemyalltoflinders,HedothitbylawsGodbadeHim.Whowillthengatherthemormendthem?Oh!thereisnobalm,nocureforthemendingofChrist'swoundsagain.Butthereissweetness,andcomforttothosewhomChristtakesin,andsetsontowinthemtotheobedienceofthegospel.Hehasgoodrighttoyou,andhasGod'swarranttohaveyou.HasChristfoughtabattlewiththedevilandsin,andhathHewonyou?ThenHehathbetterright toyou thanyouhave to thecoatonyourback.BegladyeareHisown;Hewanyouwith the sweatofHisbrow. It is true,yedeservenotChrist, but indeedHe deserves you; therefore be glad and humble, forChristwillnotwantHisown.Whocanrob,spoil,andoppressChrist?IknowwellHeisabletoholdHisownwiththebestofthem.Thenfearnotthat yebe lost, forChrist's right cannotbebroken,GodmustgiveHimjusticeandlaw,andbylawyouareHis;foropenmarket-rightisagoodright,andChristhasthatofyou.

Verse12.—"Hiseyeswereasaflameoffire."—FirefliesoutofHiseyes,tocauseHisenemiesfleeandhidethemselves."Andthekingsoftheearth,

and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and themightymen,andeverybondman,andeveryfreeman,hidthemselvesinthedens,and in therocksof themountains;andsaid to themountainsand rocks, Fall upon us, and hide us from the face of the Lamb" (Rev.6:15,16).Whatisthemattertheyaresoafraid,whenChristhadnotasyetlaidafinger-enduponthem?Whatthen,sawtheyinHisfieryeyes?TheysawfireinHisface:Hideus,saythey,fromthefaceofHimthatsittethonthethrone,andfromthewrathoftheLamb."TherewentupasmokeoutofHisnostrils,andfireoutofHismouth:coalswerekindledbyit"(Psalm18:8).WhenthereissuchafireandangerinHisface,howsoon,withafrownofHiscountenance,willHemaketheheartsofHisenemiestomeltlikewax?AndthisfireofHiseyeswillsoonburnupthechaffandstubble.AglanceofHisfieryeyemadeBelshazzar'skneestoshakeandstrikeoneagainst another. Then what wisdom is it for men to be sporting withChrist,andpullingatHisCrown,andplayingwithHisSceptre?SurelyIthinkthemlikeachildthrustingupastickinthenoseofasleepinglion,andpullinghisbeard;whichisnowiseplay.Isitgoodplayforfools(likebairns)tobesportingandplayingwiththeLionofthetribeofJudah?Ithink they arenow scorningChrist, andbreaking a jest uponHim;butonestrokeofHispaw,oneofChrist'sroarswhenHeisangry,willcausethemall to takeaback-side.FireshallgobeforeHim,andshalldevourandburnallHisenemies.

"AndonHisheadweremanycrowns."—Itelltheeorever*Igofurther,Obeliever,thouneednotthinkshameofthymaster.Saulwenttothedevilin the night; but he that serveth Christ may not think shame of hismaster;hemay think itanhonour togo toHim in fairday-light.He ismorethanadoubleking.ForasHeisGodessentialwiththeFatherandHolySpirit,HeisanhonourableLord.AllthekingdomsoftheearthareHis; all the crowns in the world; (of Britain, France, Spain, Israel andJudah,andtell*untilthemorn),theyareallChrist'sasGodCreator."ByHimkingsreignandprincesdecreejustice"(Prov.8:15).AllthekingsoftheearthholdtheirbeingofChrist:HeisappointedoftheFather,"Kingupon the holy hill of Zion" (Psalm 2:6). "Kings shall fall down beforeHim, all nations shall serveHim" (Psal. 72:11). ByHis rising from thedead,Hehasgottenanamefaraboveeveryname;sothatatthenameofJesus every knee should bow. "The Lord at thy right hand, shall strike

throughkingsinthedayofHiswrath"(Psalm110:5).Thenkingdomsandkingsthatstandbypolicy,andnotonChristandHisword,theystandonrottentree†-legs.Nowmenofpolicydeviseaway,andcasttheirwitinapairofbalances,howtoshiftthematter.HadtheybeeninDaniel'splace,theywouldhavedevisedsomewaytohavekeptthecourtandplace;andwouldhavesaid,"Canyenotspeaklow,andmakelittlenoisewithyourprayers?Tosaveyourselvesfromthelion'sden,mightyenotkeepaclosedoorandwindows?Whatneedyelikefoolsmakeallthefieldsadowithyourprayers?"‡—andsohavesewedtheblackcoatwithwhitethread.Butinsodoing,DanielwouldhavedeniedChristtohave"manycrownsuponHishead."Andwouldnotpolicyhavesaid to the threeChildren, "Bow,bend your knee before the golden image, and think upon the God ofAbraham, Isaac, and Jacob; that so yemay put by an ill hour, and theharmofthefieryfurnace!"Nay,butsuchcounselasthiswouldhavecomefromhell.MenaresurestwhentheystayonChrist'sside,andarealwaysstrongestwhentheystandwithHim.

"AndHehadanamewrittenthatnomanknewbutHimself."—O!whatanamelesskingisthis!What?IsChristunbaptizedthatHewantsaname?Is therenomanknowsHisname?"What isHisname,andwhat isHisson'sname, if thoucansttell?"(Prov.30:4)."Hewastakenfromprisonandfromjudgment:andwhoshalldeclareHisgeneration?" (Isa.53:8).Hereisastrangething!Saystheangel,"ThoushaltcallHisnameJesusChrist."Nay,butHisname isHimself;andHisnature,andsoHe isaninfiniteGod.NoneknowsinfiniteChristbutHimself.Ay,surelyChristisanunknownperson;thougheachonehasChristJesusintheirmouth,yettheyknownotwhattheyaresaying.

There are threemysteries inChristwe cannotperfectly ken in this life,norunderstand.1.Theinfinitewisdom,mercy,goodness,love,andgraceinChrist;which theangelsdelight to look intoandwonder.ComenearChristhere,andyewillneverseethebottomofHim.Yehaveseenmercy,mickle mercy; there is yet more behind. One has seen much of Him,anothermore;theangelsthataresharpinsighthaveyetseenmore;nay,but there is infinitemore behind. Youwill as soon take the sea in thehollowofyourhand,andbindthewindinyourcloak,asyewilltakeHimup.Yemustevenstandstillhereandwonder,andcryout,O!greatJesus,

whowillorcanfathomTheeout?2.TheworkofChrist'sincarnation.O!whatadepthisinit!Godanddustmarriedtogether!HowbloodremainsinapersonalunionwithGod!Howthe finiteMan-hoodsubsists inHisinfinite personality! And how the God-head in the Second person, andnotintheFirstorThird,assumedournature,andyetbutoneGod-headinalltheThree!HowtheGod-headstoodundertheMan-hoodthatwasstricken, and theGod-headas aback-friend*heldHimup, and yet theGod-headsufferednot!HowJesusmandied,andJesusGod lived, andremainedindeathGodandman!Andthe3rdmysteryis,WhatanameJesushasgottenbyHisrisingfromthedead,andhowtheMan-hoodisadvanced.Christkensallthesefullwell;HecanreadHisownname.Yewill speak of learning to measure the earth, number the stars, and tolearn theirmotion; that is deep knowledge; but God help you to comehither,andseethisunknownname,JESUS,andfinditoutifyoucan.Itrowyecannot.

Nowask,WherewillyesetChrist?Wherewillyegetaseat,a throne,achairtoHim?Hecannotbesettoohigh;nay,ifthereweretenthousandtimestenthousandheavens,andeachtobeaboveanother,andChristtobesetinthehighestofthemall;yetwereHetoolow.Alas!Heistoolittlethoughtof!Heislikethefieldwherethepearlis,thatmengoover,andtread upon the grass that grows above it, and yet they ken it not.Mentrampuponthispearl,andyettheyknownotwhattheyaredoing.Fy!fy!earthlymanthatthouart!Wiltthouputacoworasheepinthyaffectionbeyondthysalvation?Fyforshameforevermore,thatmensettheirlustsaboveHim!AndO,fyforshame!thatyoushouldsetyournew-come-overlord,Wilful-will, above theold eternalLord, theAncient ofdays, JesusChrist.O!howisChristputoutofHisplace?Oletuslongforglory,thatplacewherewewillreadHisnameclearly,andwillseeChristfacetoface.Ostrange!welongnottobeinheaven,toseethiscomelygloriousone(ifImaysospeak),adarlingindeed,andtoplayGod'sbairnsinheaven.Wewill thencomeandlookintotheArk;forthecurtainwillbedrawnby,*andwewillseeourfillofChristthere.

"AndHe was clothed with a vesture dipt in blood."—That is a strangegarment!Ileaveallexpositions,andtakeittobeChristinHissufferingclothes,wooingHisKirk;representedthustoJohninHiswooingclothes.

Heisalsorepresentedso inIsa.63:2,"WhereforeartThouredinthineapparel,andThygarmentslikehimthattreadethinthewinefat?"Christ,inHissuffering forus,waswet to theskin inHisownblood.WhenHewasslayingourenemies,Hewasallbloodytolookupon;evenalochofblood,droppingblood.OthencomeandseeifHebenotaredman!HadtherebeenbutadropofbloodhereandthereuponHim,ithadbeenless;butHewasalldyedwithHisownblood;forblooddroppedfromHimandHewet the groundwhereHe lay! "AndHis sweatwas as it were greatdropsofbloodfallingdowntotheground"(Luke22:44).SoasIthinkforthespaceofnearhandtwenty-fourhours,thebloodgotnotleavetodryon Christ, inHis suffering for us. For, after Supper, in the garden,HeswatasweatofbloodthatwetthegroundHelayon,anditwouldbelongereitdried.Thenimmediatelyafterthat,therecameabandofmenwithlanternsandtorches,andtheyboundHimandledHimaway,andHegotbluemarksanew.PilatethenscourgedHim;andbloodcameuponblood.Then, a crown of thorns was put upon His head, to renew His bloodagain.FirstGodbledHim,thenmanbledHim,andthenthelayingonofthecrossuponHisholyshoulders,wouldthrustoutmoreblood;(forHiswoundscouldnotbeclosedthen)andthenHisholyhandsandfeetwerenailed to the cross, and He hung bleeding there until the ninth hour,whichwas about three in the afternoon of the day afterHewas taken.ThenHis sidewas pierceduntil blood andwater cameout. So as fromafter supper in onenight, until itwasnearnight theday following,Hewasunderblood.WhatthinkyenowofChrist'sbloodycoat,andbloodyskin?WasHenotastrongkeenwarrior?FoughtHenotwellforyou?IsHenotwellworthyofyourlove?GodgrantHimgoodofit,andjoyofit!Hefoughtforit,andwouldnotgiveovertheplay;andGodforbidHehadgivenitover,andrenderedupthecause;woethenhadbeentous.ShouldyenotthengiveyourbestthingstoChrist?forHegavethebestthingsHehadforyou—evenHispreciousblood;forthelifeisintheblood.Heseeksnomorebutthebloodandlifeofyourheart-idolsandsins;for,saysHe,"IslewMyselfforyou,andifyeloveMegivebloodforblood."

"AndHisname is called theWordofGod."—Theword is thebirthof aman'smind,andanimageofwhatisconceivedintheunderstanding;anditrepresents tothehearerswhat is inthemind.Now,becausemanisafinitecreature,thebirthofhismindisfinitealso.Astheimageofaman

inaglassrepresentsthelikenessofhimself;sohiswordsaretheimageofhis soul, representingwhat is in him. Christ is the infinite and eternalWordoftheinvisibleGod,notonlylikeHim,butGodHimself,differingonlyinmannerofsubsistingfromGod,"WhoistheimageoftheinvisibleGod"(Col.1:15),"beingintheformofGod,thoughtitnotrobberytobeequal with God" (Phil. 2:6). "He that hath seen Christ, hath seen theFatheralso.NomanhathseentheFatheratanytime,savetheSonwhoisin the bosom of the Father, and He to whomHe will reveal Him: Allthings that I have heard ofMy Father, I havemade known unto you"(John 15:15).Christ isGod's tongue (to speak so) tous, betwixtus andour King. He is privy to all the Father's secrets; then, would you havenews from that great Court, andwant to know the secrets ofGod, andhow theworkof your salvation thrives?ChristonlyknowsHisFather'smind;makeyouracquaintancewithChrist,andbeoftwithHim,andaskHimquestions often times.He keeps the bookwhere thenames of thefirst-bornarerecorded;desireHimto letyoureadyournamethere.Yewilladvisewithlawyers,aboutyourlandsandinheritances;Christisouradvocate,andhasourlaw-book,totelluswhataholdingwehave,whatdutywe owe to our Lord theKing;what a fair rent and possessionwehave.Our inheritance ismadesureuntous.Now,becauseChrist is theonlyoneinalltheworldlikestGod,andbeingHissubstantialimage,yea,being very God, if ye would send your commendations, your love, andservicestoyourheavenlyFather,desireChristtodoit,andHewillcarrythem.IfyesendakisstoGodbyChrist,HewillcarryittoHisFatherandyourFather.

"And the armies which were in heaven, followed him upon whitehorses."—Thisisnottobeunderstoodsimplyofthechurchtriumphantinheaven;butalsooftheheavenlyarmyofthechurchmilitantonearth;forthechurchonearth isburgessofanothercountry.Heavenisherhome;her members are but merchants hereaway* seeking the pearl of greatprice,butChristhasgiventhemtheirburgesstickets,andmadethemfreemen. They are sworn to be true to the burgh, and to hold with theheavenly company, to watch and ward with the saints, or "heavenlyarmies"—called so because they smell of heaven, and their portion isthere."Ourconversationisofheaven"(Phil.3:20).Yeshallkenamanbythesmellofhisbreath:ifhesavouroftheearth,itsays,thatheisnoneof

thespiritualorheavenlyarmy.YemightkenbyJudas'breath(whosaid,oftheboxofspikenard,mightnotthishavebeensoldforsomuch)thathewasaburgessoftheblackpit.Butseehere,theyareallonhorseback,and in theirMasterChrist's livery,whiteandholy; theybear theKing'sarms upon them. "I have compared thee, Omy love, to a company ofhorsesinPharaoh'schariots"(Song1:9).See,then,thatthesaintsareonhorsebackwith Christ; He does not ride andHis people walk, but willhave His own mounted on horseback with Him. He is even thentriumphingwithusoverallourenemies."Nay,inallthesethingswearemorethanconquerors,throughHimthatlovedus"(Rom.8:37).HewillgetthevictoryoverallHisandHispeople'senemies;andHewillenableHispeople toget thevictoryat last. "Theseare theywhichcameoutofgreattribulation,andhavewashedtheirrobes,andmadethemwhiteinthe blood of the Lamb" (Rev. 7:14). See, then, all the saints are onhorseback, gallopingandposting toheavenafterChrist; overcomingalltemptations,triumphingovertheworld,sin,anddeath.Then,yethatarebut Christ's foot-runners, take heed to this; you that have your soulslicking the dust of the earth, and have aye a smell of clay, who mindearthlythings.Bythesmelloftheirbreathyewillkenwhatcountrytheyareof;theyareupontheirfeetwithit,wadingtotheirknees,andontheirelbows,amongthefilthyclay-groundofcovetousness.Rideup,andridedown,andrideelsewhere*yewill,yewillnotgetChristovertaken.Ay,yewillgetsomeliketheyoungmanintheGospel,whowouldhavegallopedafterChrist,butwhenChristbadehimgosellallhehad,thatthrewhimoff the saddle, and laid him on the breadth of his back; and so he fellbehind,andneverovertookChristagain,sofaraswehearof.

Thedevil and theworldmake somemen say, that yonCaptain,Christ,rides sohardand fast, that they cannotkeepupwithHim,and so loseHim.DemaspostedawhilealongwithPaulafterChristandtheGospel,yet at last his horse stumbled, and he fell off, and lost his horse, andcompany, and altogether. Judas, he posted awhile, but the devil shot amusketballathim,eventhirtypiecesofsilver,andsohegaveitover,andtherehelay.Menkennotthatthedevilandtheworldare lyingbetwixtthemandheaven,stealingashotatChrist'shorsemen.Iassureyouthedevilseeksnobetter,thanthatyewilllightandtakeabait,†adrinkofhisstrongwine,worldlylusts,andfleshlypleasures,thatsoyourMasteron

thewhitehorsemaybefarbeforeyou.Alittleoflawfulpleasureisbest!Thenlightnot,forthedevilwillhaveyoulosesightofyourCaptain;andifyeloseyourMaster,ChristandfallbehindHim,itwillstandhardwithyou.Thereforewhenye loseHim, seekandbediligent to findHimoutagain. Seek the right way, follow the horse's foot-steps, the print ofChrist's foot-steps, inholiness, faith,patience, andhope,whichmaybeseenallthewaybetwixtthisandheaven.AskHimoutasthechurchdoes;"Sawyehimwhommysoul loveth?"(Song3:3).Whenthechurchsaid,Drawme,shewasthreeorfourmilesbehind.WhenDavidsaid,"OLord,how long?" (Psalm 6:3), he had almost lost sight of his Captain. Nay,whenChrist is amileor twobefore, so that there is a littlehill betwixtHimandus,withwateryeyesandpantingheart,lookalonglookoverthemountain, and cry, Lord Jesus, ride at leisure, tarry and take a poorweariedtravellerwithThee!Lord,tarry,orelseThouwiltloseafootman.Jobsaid, "Lord,Thou takestme foranenemy."Hebrakeagirth there.Christhasmanyasoretiredhorsetotakeoutofthemire.

In this triumphing host,many of Christ's soldierswill be very near offtheirhorses,andhangingbythehoughs.*"Isaidinmyhaste,Allmenareliars" (Psalm 116:11). Here David was hanging upon the saddle by thehoughs.Petergotafalloffhishorse,andhefellintoaswoon,andlosthishorsewhenhedeniedhisMaster.Yea,Godwillhavethehorsesometimestostumble,andwillhaveHisservantslaidonthebreadthoftheirbacks,andall their clothes spoiled,anda legoranarmbroken;because they,like young riders, are full of self-importance, and will not follow theirCaptain, and care not about keeping a good bridle-hand.AsDavidwillrideonahangingandsteephillofmurderandadultery;Lotuponincestanddrunkenness;andorevertheybeaware,thedeviltripsuptheirheelstothesun,andgivesthemsuchafall,thattheybeontheirkneeswithit,andshalllosetheirhorse,andsobeobligedtocreepupthehillontheirhandsandfeet."Thenseethatyewalkcircumspectly,notasfools,butaswise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:15, 16)."Workoutyoursalvationwithfearandtrembling."IthinkHespeaksbythistext,asifHewouldsay,Benotrash;takeheedtoyourways;keepagoodbridle-hand;holdoffthehills,andhangingprecipicesof ice; for ifyegivethedevilandyourluststhehorsebridletolead,theywillsinkyouto thegirths inablackmarsh,near to themouthofhell,and leaveyou

there, and laugh at youwhen they have done. The devil is aye playingsuch sports and tricks as these; they arebut feckless* sports; and I tellyou, do your best, yewill get a broken brow ere yewin to heaven.ButcomeweepingtoJesus.IkenthesaintsfallonChrist'sfloor;whentheybreaktheirfaces,Heisattheirelbow,toblowuponthewound,andtakethemupagain.We, likefools,willrideatfullcareer,andcrossthelongsands;andwegrowtoojollyandproudofourvictory.IsaidIshallneverbemoved,saysDavid;Ishalldieinmynest,saysJob;butGodbreaksthebridle,andthehorseloseshisfeet,orrunsfromhimonahardcauseway,andthereliessyne†astoutman!Benothighminded,benottoowanton,nor too secure, after ye havewon a race at TheCommunion, and havegottenaholdofChrist;yeknownothowsoonyemaygetafall,oryourmittens laidup‡ (aswe commonly say), and then yourboastingwill belaid.Yewillsay,Yebidusrejoice intheLord.Ibidyourejoice;butseethatitbehumblerejoicing,soberjoy,withfearandholycare.

"Clothed in fine linen, white and clean."—Whiteness being the mostperfectcolour, isatokenof innocence,andblacknessisamarkofguilt.HerethesaintsareintheirMaster'slivery,cleanandholy:"BeyeholyasHeisHoly."BeyeharmlessasHeis,who,whenHewasreviled,revilednotagain.Letthewhiteclothesofyourprofessionbealsoadornedbytheinnocencyofyourlives.Letyourgoodworksshinebeforemen,thatyourheavenlyFathermaybeglorified.ThusmanifestyourthankfulnessafterTheCommunion.Christ'ssheephaveHismarkuponthem,andarelikeHimself inholiness.LetthemseeChrist'sstampandcoatofarmsuponyou: yourKing's arms, in all your actions, Faith, andTruth.What is itthatmakesmenprofessthattheyareridingtoheavenafterChrist,buttodeceivetheworld:theyarethedevil'sblackarmies,andarewearingthedevil'sdouble-blackarms,FalsehoodandVanity.Theychoose to live insin,pride,andvanityofapparel,whichisnotbookedlikethewhiteliveryorlinenofthesaints,butratherliketheblackliveryoftheprinceofthebottomlesspit.MaytheLorddirectyourheartsuntotheloveofGod,andtoapatientwaitingforChrist,andtoHimbepraise.Amen.

SERMONII.—Zechariah13:7,8,9

Awake,Osword,againstmyshepherd,andagainst themanthat ismyfellow,saiththeLordofhosts:smitetheshepherd,andthesheepshallbescattered;andIwillturnminehanduponthelittleones,&c.—Zechariah13:7,8,9.

AS the Eunuch,when reading Isaiah 53 asked the question, "Ofwhomspeakeththeprophetthis?ofhimself,orofsomeotherman?"somayweofthesufferingsofChrist.Christ'ssufferingsweresoadmirablethattheymadeHimaworld'swonder!As if amanwould say,Whata sightdo Isee?ThelikewhereofIneversaw!IseetheSonofGod,theLordofLife,allmangledinHishandsandfeet.

TherearethreegroundsofwonderinourLord'ssufferings.1.LookatHisPerson.2.CompareHimwithothers.3.Lookattherarewayofclearingmercyandjustice.

1. Look on His Person, and wonder that the Way should be weary;Strength,faint;Life,die;Bread,hungry;andWater,thirsty.Isnotthisararematter?Awonder! that theGod-headshouldbeknit inapersonalunionwiththeManofSorrows!ForGodwithHisSpirittobearupamanundersorrow,isnothing,comparedwithgivingHispersonalsubsistencetostandconnectedwithwounds,blood,curse,andshame!FortheGod-headtobreathe,livein,anddwellasonewiththepersonshamed,cursed,hangingonthecross,dead,andburied, is trulywonderful!HereGodismadeacurse,Godismadeashame;andthepersonalityoftheGod-headstill abidingwith the shame and the curse, howbeit neither cursed norashamed.

2.CompareHimwith others. Itwasnothing to seeMoses subjected toscorning;Zechariahslain,betweentheporchandthealtar;andmanyofthe ancient Fathers rent in pieces: but for Christ, for God, to be sohandled is strange!Nowonder thoughall theworldwonderandcry,OGod, what wonders do we see! The hand that spanned the heavens,

piercedwithnails!ThefeetofHimthattreadethonthestars,nailedtoatree!

3.Whatmanorangelcouldhavedreamedofthisrarework,andstrangeway to heaven, that justice would haveGod-man to suffer? This was avoluntarywork,forGodtocomedownandsavemen;whichHeneedednot to do by any necessity of nature. God's own free will was above,beyond, and before this set and decreed law of justice. Out ofHis freegoodwill,Hebreathesoutgoodness,love,mercy,andtendercompassion.Whatamystery?TheinfiniteGodtosufferformiserablemen!

Use.Thenhethatcountethlittleofsin,countethlittleofGod.Thewilfulsinner,whotakessin intohisbosom, iscruel tohisMaker. IfChristbeyour husband, and youHiswife; then sin slew your husband.Will thewifelovetheknifethatcuttedherhusband'sthroat?Yewillsay,Thewifelovethnotthehusband,ifshetakethemanintoherbosomwhopursuedher husband to the death, and helped to execute him on the gallows.Should the redeemed of the Lord then love their lusts, that pursuedChristtothedeath,andnailedHimtothecross?Thenbeware,bygoingoninsin,ofsayingAmentothesheddingofChrist'sblood.

Love,and learn to lookat,Christ inHis suffering forHispeople.O theloveofGod,itpassethallknowledge!"Forif,whenwewereenemies,wewere reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, beingreconciled,weshallbesavedbyHis life"(Romans5:10).Christ laidtheground-stone,andfoundationofHisloveverydeep;evendownupontheearth,thegrave,shame,thecurse,hell,andthewrathofGod.Yea,inHislove,HemakethallHiselectchildrenkingsandprincestoGod,andtheyshallreignwithHimforeverandever.O!thenwhatgreatfoolsaretheywhowillnotbekingsandprinces!

But alas! that the world is aye picking quarrels with Christ and Hisfollowers. "Letusbreak theirbandsasunder, and cast away their cordsfromus"(Psalm2:3).WhenChristcametothenationoftheJews,theywereoffendedatHim.Iassureyouhe is far forwardwhofindsnofaultwithGod;who thinksChrist so fair and lovely, that there is no spot inHim,andlovesChrist,evenwhenHeseemstobeangryathim.

If it be asked, Should Christ have offeredmercy to the Jews? Is it notagainstjustice,thatmercyshouldbeofferedtothosewhotramplemercyunderfoot?

Ans. 1. If you consider Christ's nature and offices, ye will see that Hebehovedtogiveanofferofmercytothosewhospat inHisface.Havingman's nature in Him, He behoved to put on bowels of mercy. God'sinfinitemercyuponChrist'stenderheart,boundHimthatHecouldnotgoawayand leaveHis friend'shouse;butconstrainedHimtostaystill,andtakeallthestrokesthatHisfriendsgaveHim.Amanhascompassiononhis first-born;awomanon the fruitofherwomb;ahusbandonhiswife;akinsmanonhisfriend;andafaithfulkingonhispeople:butChristisinfinite(evenmercyrunningoverthebanks)inHisnature.ChristsaidtoJustice,"StaytillIwooMybride:"forjustice(asmanifestedtous)isavoluntarydecreeofGodtopunishsinners;andjusticewouldhavebeenatus to slay us. Absalom sought to slayDavid his father, butDavid gavecommandtothecaptainsandofficerstodealgentlywiththeyoungmanAbsalom.Benotsoreuponmychild.SomercycomestosinnersthroughChrist.

2.LooktoChrist'soffice,asdyingChrist.OurLordwouldneversayamento our forwardness, nor run away and leave us, nor yet would He sayamen to the curse of the law. The law cried, Death upon all sinners;Christ, asMediator (to speak so) said,God forbid,My Father! IwouldrathergiveMyheart'sbloodere itwereso.Howwent thematter then?Thus;ayetheunkindertheworldwastoChrist,Hewasayethekindertoit;theyabusedHim,HekissedandembracedtheminHisarms.Christ,asMediator,cameandboweddowntogointothehouseofclaythatHehadborrowedfromtheJews(tospeakso),buttheymetHiminthedoor,felluponHimandabusedHim,andbruisedbothHishandsandHisfeet.

3.(Whichmaybesweetestofall).UponwhattermsdidChristmakethebargain with His Father? He got commandment to die, but notcontinually.Hesaid,Content,Iwilldie,andbewarm-heartedtothem;IshalltakealiftoftheminMytwoarms,topullthemoutofhell,andfromalltheirmiserabletoil.OurLordsays,LetthembeasillasdevilstoMe,IwillbeasgoodasGodtothem.

Use.ThenitreprovesthosewhoseekareasonwhyChristdiedforthem.O, say they, I am a hard-hearted body, so rebellious that Christ wouldneverdieforme!Well,then,doyethinkthatChristdiedforhire?Wouldyoumake Christ a Popish God, who died for sinners only for as goodagain.Christ,ereHecameoutofheaven,knewtheworstofit,andsaid,Let My friends slay Me, I will die in love for them. Look, then, sour,unthankfulworld,whataholdChrist tookofyoursouls,andheldthemfast,andwouldnotletthemgo.SoitisashametousnottoclasptoHim.Thismercy of theMediator has shamed us all out at the door; we areashamedforevermore, ifwedonottakeChristwhowouldsofaintakeus.Cometoyourselves,then,andfightnolongeragainstHim.Say,Woe'sme, that my Lord kissed me, but I abused Him! If this move not ourheart,andmeltitwithlovetoChrist,Godshallbreakitalltopieces,anditnevershallbehealedagain.O,myfriends,ChristnevergotagoodturnofHisfriends."HecameuntoHisown,andHisownreceivedHimnot"(John 1:11). The house of Israel crucified Him; the daughters ofJerusalemstirredHimupbeforeHepleased.Therulersandteachersofthe kirk, and professors are the traitors,who sell Christ, even themenwhopretendfriendshipwithHim.Itisashametobeguileandbefalsetoanyfriend,farlessshouldwebefalsetoChrist.Artthouaprofessorandinthekirk?BetruetoChrist,andstandtoHiscause.

"Awake,Osword,againstMyshepherd."—Asiftheswordhadears,andwereasleep, theLordspeaks to it. "If Ibringaswordupona land,andsay,Sword,gothroughtheland,tocutofffromitmanandbeast"(Ezek.14:17).He is speaking to the sword as if it were amessengerwho hadears,whomHesendsonanerrand.WeshouldbeafraidtoangertheLordwhohathsomanyonHisside.Providenceandjusticehavemanyfriends,and mercy has many servants. If God say, Sword, go to Germany, gothroughScotland,itdarenotsitHiscall:*God'sprovidencehasasecretimpulseuponall thecreatures. IfGodsay,Arise,pestilence,andsetonthem;Awake, devils; Come hither, graven images and set on Scotland;Come hither, whore of Rome, smite Scotland, and make it a den ofdragons,theymustobey.HebidstheswordawakeagainstHisSon,andShepherd,Christ,because,bythedeterminatecounselofGod,Hewastobeslain.

And there be two sweet reasons why He awaketh the sword againstChrist.1.Becausetheswordbehovedtosleepawhile,tillChrist'stwelvehoursofthedaywasover.SaysHe,Luke13:32,"Imustworkto-dayandto-morrow,andthethirddayIshallbeperfected."SolongasChristhaththe world to teach with the gospel, and any seed to sow, any soul toconvert,aslongtheswordslept;forHisFathergaveHimatimetosuit†Hiswife,andO!butourLordbestirredHistime,andhastenedbeforetheswordawakedagainstHim.2.Theswordbehovedtosleeptilltheterm-daycame;andthentheswordawaked,forGodwouldnotwantpaymentanhourbeyondthetime,andthatwasablackanddrearyhourtoChrist.Hegotnottwosummons,withcontinuationofdays,butHebehovedtokeep the first day, and answer the first summons. Therefore, whenHewastoanswerperemptorilytothejusticeofGod,and(asitwere)anhourofawakeningtothesword(forGodwouldnot let thedietpass theday,norrenewChrist'sbond),Hesaid, "Now isMysoul troubled;andwhatshall I say? Father, save Me from this hour" (John 12:27). So Christdesireditnot;butfortheloveHehadtousHewasgladoftheday,andwillingtopaythedebt,andhadthesumready;"FortheirsakesIsanctifyMyself"(John17:19).HemadeHissoulandbodyreadyforthefire,tobeburntasasacrificeformanuponthealtarofthecross.AndbecauseHewasmindednottoplaythedyvour,*Hewaswilling,withallHisheart,tosuffer;therefore,saysHe,"Arise,letusgohence"(John14:31).HewenttothatplacewhereHeknewtheywouldtakeHim,andwillinglywenttoprisonforthedebt.HewaslikeanhonestmanwhoresolvedtopayHisdebt, and would fain have the money off His hand, and receive adischarge.O!fainwouldChristhavehadawrittendischargeinHishandsforHimself,Hisheirsandassigns.†

Hence,wearetaughttouseourtimewell,ourtwelvehoursoftimehere,asChristdid.Atthehourofdeath,atthehourofcall,Hehadnothingtodo;soletusbereadyagainstourhour,thatsodeathandjudgmentawakeusnot. It isanunmeet timetosleep then,while the judge isbefore thedoor; and when we hear the voice of the Lord's feet coming in wrathagainsttheland,itisnottimeforustolaydownourhead,andsay,"Soul,takethineease."Andyetitisoftenseen,whenGodiscryingtotheswordtoawakeagainst a land, it ismidnightwithmen therein; then theyaresleeping; and it is the fearfulest death of all to die in a sleep, and

unprepared; to be slain in that state and leap into eternity in a nightdream,whenweknownotwherewearegoing.

"Awake, Sword, smite."—Spare that man by no means; Justice, SpareHimnot;Curseofthelaw,SpareHimnot;Menanddevils,TakeyourwillofHim.TohearGodsaythisofChristwasaworld'swonder!Osun,hidethyself,hidethyface!Oheavens,putonamaskofdarkness!Oangels,godown and dry the sweat offHim!O earth, tremble! O graves, open! Orocks, rent! Fools mock and laugh at sin, but Christ wept when Hesatisfiedforit.

"Awake against my fellow."—Christ who is equal with the Father, "theimage of the invisibleGod, the first-born of every creature" (Col. 1:15),the "exact character"* of His person; is themanwho stands with Godever ready to doHiswork, and to run for uswhere ever theLord bidsHim.Hence learn, thatChrist innature is even thebrightnessofGod'sglory,"theexpress imageofHisperson"(Heb.1:3).Weseetheprintingiron leaves behind it every way, the print of itself; so the Lord frometernity brought forth another like Himself, the Second Person of theTrinity,stampedwiththatsamegloriousGod-head,withalltheessentialpropertiesthatareintheFather.AstheFatherhaslife,sotheSonhaslifeinHimself.AsallmenhonourtheFather,soshouldtheyhonourtheSon.ThebrightnessofGod'sglory isagreatword,arareandgreatmystery.Theglancing†brightnesscomingfromthesun,isnotanothersun;noristhe glancing brightness of a precious stone, another stone.And so it isherewithHim.Because,allthatisinGodisGod,andthereisnothinginHimbutwhatisinHisnature;thereforetherichesandbeamsofinfiniteglory,andthatsubstantialglancingglory,andbeautyinGod,isGod,andthe very nature of God, and the same God with the Father. Only thissubstantialglancingofGod'sglory,hassubsistenceinitself,tomakeitaperson distinct from the Father; and, therefore, Christ is God, and co-equalwithGodinallthings,carryingthesubstantialstampandcharacteroftheGod-head.Now,thisgloriousimage,beingtheLord'sdelightfromall eternity,Hewouldnot enjoyHisalone,*butputa copyof theGod-head,asitwereinprint,onthefleshandbloodofman,whenTheWordwasmadeflesh,thatwemighttakethisfellowandcompanionofGod,tobeourfellowandcompanion.See,then,thedignityoftheelectinChrist,

thatGodandtheyaremadeone!aremadeoneinsuchamannerthatHehas (so to speak) partedHis own Son betwixtHimself and them. TakeHim,takeHim,then,withGod'sblessing.GodgaveyouHimwithgoodwill,takeyeHimwithheartandgoodwillthen.

"SmitetheShepherd."—SmiteChristandtheapostlesshallbeoffended,runawayandleaveHim.HereisacommandtotheswordtosetonChristGod'sFellowandthechiefShepherd.EvenChristisarraignedbeforethejudge, forthesinsofmen.Whereforeshouldthishavebeen?Wewouldhave been stricken and condemned for ever, had not the Lord strickenandcondemnedHisownSon.HerewehaveGod taking thesacrificeofHisSon,andlettingusgo.HeknewthatHisSonwouldbearthestrokesbest.WhatreasonhadChristtobestricken?Hecamebutunderthedebt;mightHe not have gone free?No, no, asHe came under the debt,Hebehovedtopay.JusticewouldnotletHimaway;butsmoteHimso,thatindeeditstrucktheLord'ssoulfromHisbody.Youthatliveinsin,areyenotafraidwhentheGodofglorygotsuchastroke?Wemakebutsportofit,butGod'sswordgoesthroughfleshandbones,soulandbody.BewareofastrokeofitoutofJustice'shand;forifyegetityewillneverdowellagain:yewillbelikeMoab,abrokenandlamepot,*andshallcursethedaywhereinyewereborn(Jer.20:15)."Hehathhedgedmeabout,thatIcannotgetout;Hehathmademychainheavy(Lam.3:7).

"Andthesheepshallbescattered."—Thatis,Thedisciplesshallfleeawayforfear,andshallstartandfallatChrist'ssufferings;becausetheywerethinkingHeshouldbeanearthlyking,andmakethemgreatmenintheworld.Buttheywereallmistaken:forHecametogetstrokes,andnotanearthlykingdom.

Doct.Observehere:Thefaithoftheapostles,whenChristwastaken,getsacrack;thebackofitisnearbroken,andtheyareatthepointofgivingup with Christ, taking Him not to be the Redeemer of the children ofIsrael. O, but God's children, in their way to heaven, get many sorebacksets!†Many sore trials have the people of God to encounter with.Theyaremanytimesat thatof it, that theyknownotwhat todo.Whatmightthedisciplesnowthink,butChristandtheywereseparatednevertomeetagain?"Whereforehidestthouthyface,andholdestmeforthineenemy?"(Job13:24).Christ, the trueheir,wasput to this,Whatshall I

do?"Nowis,"saysHe,"Mysoultroubled,andwhatshallIsay?"HowbeitHeneverdoubted, thoughHewasput to tearsandstrongcries. I thinkthesaints,intheirwaytoheaven,arelikerashchildren,whogetmanyafall,andbreaktheir facetwiceaday.Godwillgivethemsuchabacksetand fall under temptations, that their eyes will reel again, their handsgrowweak,andtheirheartsfaint;sothatthereisbutasahair-breadth,betwixtthemandtheirgivingupwithGod.Faith,asitwere,goesthroughfire and water to heaven: or like a soldier going through an enemy'scamp,thisonerunsathimwithaspear,anotherdischargesamusketathim,onerunshimthroughthearmorthigh,withasword;anotherhaswellnighputhimoffhishorse,andheisverynearsurrendering;yethespurs through, and at last gets away with his life. So the Christianwarrior, however many hazards he may meet with, shall come offvictorious at last. Thismaybe a comfort for all under temptations anddown-castings for their grievous sins. Ye sometimes cry, "No, but Godlovesmenot;Iamoftendoubtingifthedeadrise,iftherebeaheaven,"&c.Thesearebacksets,buttakeyenofear,givenotover,allshallbewell.Faith must not be like foolish people, to seek law-burrows* oftemptations.Truefaithisanherbthatgrowsbestinwinterweather.

WhenthedisciplesintheilldayforsakeChrist,yeneednotmarveltoseemanyblownawaywith temptations.So longasChristhas fairweather,and feeds the multitudes with loaves, they seek Him and would makeHim their king (John 6:15). But when the court changes, and it growsblack in thewest, and there comeswinterweather;Oh! then,What dothey?Theyallturnbackandflee.Ay,Christinadayoftrialislike(ifwemayusethecomparison)anoldwastedove-house;thedovesfleeaway,and there is nothing there but old nests. It is just so when Christ hasought to do: many of His friends prove weak, and get a backset; andmanyfallanddenyHim:"Willyealsogoaway?"saidHetotheTwelve.ManymarryChrist,assomemendorichwomen,whomarrytheirriches,but not themselves; and when they have gotten their riches, theiraffectionsareelsewhere,and thewomenare lightlyesteemed.Sohas itoftenbeen.WhenChrist'scausecameinquestion,therulersofthislandsufferedChrist andHis cause tobewronged,andmanyof them tookaback-side:butHehasbeenamothinmanyoftheirpurses,andtheyareworm-eatenforit.WhenourLord'sTemplewasmeasured,theysuffered

lownsandknavestotakeacresofHislandfromHim,andsoChristgotnotallHisbounds:and theyseebut littlewhoseenot, that for this,orsincethattime,Godhastakenbroadlandsfromthem,andevennowisdoingit:fortheyhadputlordshipsintheirpurses.

"AndIwillturnMinehanduponthelittleones."—Christkeptthefaithofthelittleones,whentheywereinSatan'ssieve,andprayedtotheFatherthattheir faithshouldnot fail.TheturningofChrist'shanduponthem,wasmuch as "ThoughHe had given them a back-stroke, yetHewouldlendthemaliftforitagain."Hehadscattered,butHewouldgatherthemagain; forsaken them, but He would return to them again. I think Irecollectastoryofonewhohadgonetoseeadearfriend,whomhefoundfightingwithanenemy,and like tobeovercome;uponwhichhe fell toandhelpedhim,andtooktheenemyoffhishand.Christsawthedisciplesliketobeovercomeandmasteredwiththetemptation.HesawthatifHehelpednot,theywouldbeshotthrough;thereforeHecameinasathirdmanandhelpedthem.WhenceyemayseetheprivilegeofthechildrenofGod, under a trouble or heavy sin; God helps them; so they fight notalone.IfyebeGod's,inallyourfightsChristisathirdmanwithyou.Ifyebeliketobeovercomewithdefection,ifyebeHis,Hewillbestowthreethingsonyou,whichnonegetbutthesons.

1. Suppose that God would seem to deny them, yet they will not denyHim. I think they are like noble minded heirs; though their lands areunderthousandsofdebt,yettheywillneversellthemwithoutreversion;forthentheywouldloseall.*Iftheyquittheeye-looktotheestate,theylosetheplacealso.SoitiswithGod'schildrenunderfearforsins;when,to their apprehension, their part of Christ is mortgaged, and underthousands,yet theydarenotresigntheirpartofHim.Iwouldhaveyoudoing this.God's children are undermany sins; but I pray you sell notyour right of Christ; for if ye do, the devil is at your hand, to takeinstrumentsthatyouhavequitChrist.Butletyoursinsbeeversomany;stillstickbythis,thatyouareasonofGod,andsoChristwillredeemtheinheritance,andmakeallfree.Davidsaidhewascastoff,yetstillprayedasifhethoughtnotso:Psalm31:22,"Isaidinmyhaste,Iamcutofffrombefore Thine eyes; nevertheless Thou heardest the voice of mysupplications,whenIcrieduntoThee."Therewemayseehethoughthe

wascastoff,yethepraysandcries,andcouldnotbeatease,andthattellsusthathehadnotsubscribedaresignationtohisLord.

2.GodgivestoHisscatteredlittleonesasanctifiednature.Inoppositiontosin,therenewedpartcriesayeoutasafriendtoChrist,"Ivotenotforthat,that'sagainstChrist,that'sagainstme;Iwillneversayamentothat.ItakeinstrumentsinGod'sname,Ihatethat,andallothersins."ChristhasanadvocateinthysoultopleadforHim.

3.ThereisthisinGod'schildren,aftertheyseemtohavetakentheirleaveof Christ, they look eagerly after Him. And it is a look over theirshoulders,witha"Woe'sme!OtobebackatHimagain!"Sothedisciples,after they had fled, came the third day to the grave to seek their Lordagain. Then learn, under temptations, to keepChrist on your side, andnottotakeontheworkyouralone,*lestwhenyouarewrestlingagainsttemptations,yebe left toplay thecoward.Butstealoutof thegripesofsinandSatan,andyoke†themandChristtogether,andHewillgivethemtheir fillof it;and ifHebe like tobeovercome, lethimtake that inhisownhand.Hewhowouldfainhaveamendsofhisenemies,ifhebeamangreatwiththeking,usesmeanstogetaplearaisedbetwixtthemandtheking,andthenthekingtakesthemoffhishand.

"Two parts shall be cut off and die; but the third part shall be lefttherein."—FortheslayingofChrist,andthecontemptof thegospel, thelandshallbedivided.Learn,Scotland(forImaynotstaytoamplifythedocrine), learn tomakemuchuseofChrist.Areyenotmoreobliged toGod thanHis beloved people the Jewswere, the Lord's first bride, thewifeofHisyouth?Thesoreststrokethateveralandgets,isastrokeforrejectingChristandthegospel.Thethirdpartshallbe left therein.Twopartsare cutoff.Take themoutofmysight. Jer. 15:2, "Suchasare fordeath,todeath;andsuchasareforthesword,tothesword;andsuchasareforthefamine,tothefamine;andsuchasareforthecaptivity,tothecaptivity."Chap. 9:13, 14, 15, "Because theyhave forsakenmy law, andwalked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim,—Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and givethem water of gall to drink." For oppression, see Amos 8:7. And forvanity,seeIsaiah3.

Whentheworkersof iniquityaretakenoutof this life, it issaidtobeacuttingoff;but it isnotsaidsoof thegodly. Isaiah57:1, "Mercifulmenaretakenaway."GodtakethawaymercifulmeninHisarmsaschildren;butHecutsthewickedofflikethetreesofthefield,andpullsthemupbytheroots. "TheyshalldriveoutAshdodatnoon-day,"assomanycattleoutof the corn, "andEkron shallbe rootedup" (Zeph.2:4).God sendssword, famine, and pestilence, as somany dogs, against thewicked, todestroy them. ButHe needs not to hunt these out after the godly, norsummonthem,fortheygowillingly.SaysJoshua,23:14,"Igothewayofalltheearth."AgoodpreparationbeforeGod'sangercometocutusoff,istogetpeacemadeupwithHim.OtobereadytoliedownunderHisfeet.Whenthekingcallssometo judgment,Hedoesnotsummonthem,butwritesthemwithHisownhand.InEzekiel8,Hedenouncesjudgmentinfourseveralplacesagainstidolaters;butinchap.9.Hebidsthemseethejudgment.ButhowgetsChristHis"thirdpart?"Hemustfightforthem;andkindleafire,andcastthemintoit,beforeHegetthem.Hedrawsthesword,kindlesafire,andcaststhemintothefurnace,andcourtsHiswifethere. Now Christ is like no other captain: many captains get townswithout stroke of sword, which surrender willingly to them; but Christnevertookinatown,norgotapeople,butbyastronghand.Heislikeacaptainwho getsHis living byHis sword. The rod, the sword, the fire,andpulling,drawing,andstormingtheconscience,areused,andyettheystandout.(SeeHosea6:4,5,6,7).Godhasachurchhere,butHecannotgetHisthirdpartseparatedfromtherest,butbystrokeofsword.Itisasore matter or He conquer!* He must first fill the places with deadbodies,(Psalm110:6).AndereourLordgetHisthirdpartinthisland,tobe asHewouldhave them, itwill costHim toplead thequarrel of thecovenantwithfireandsword.Ihavechosentheeinthefire,Ihavesetmyloveuponthee;andereIcouldhavethee,thouwastcastintothefurnace.Hewillrefinetheeassilver.Thoughthehouseshouldbeburnt,Godwillhaveacareofthesilverandthejewels,thegodly,whomHegathersintoHistreasury.

Now,therearetwosortsofmetal,whichourLordwillnotadmitintothetreasury. 1. Light clippedmetal. The clipped silver thatwants somuchdue weight, that is themoney God refuses. So it is said of the king ofBabylon,Thouartweighedinthebalance,andartfoundlight.Suchare

thementhatarefoundlightinGod'sbalance,windy,light,andsoftmen:whenGodputsHishandtothem,theycannotabideatouch,butgoalltopiecesamongHishands;theycannotsuffertrouble,buttheymeltinthefire, and areworse after a downfall than before: theseGod casts away.Now, see that ye have the two weights that God seeketh; I mean, beanswerabletoyourprofession.Whenyeareweighed,thebalancewilltellyoubetterthantheeye.God'sweightswilltryifyouhavetruegrace.

2.Hecastsawaythedross,thetin,andthebrass,andwillputnoneofitinHistreasury.Whetheritbeguildedorwashenbrass,andputinabagbeside the gold,Godwill seewhat is but copper.Gold is gold now.Gotherefore,eachman,andseewhatmetalyeareof,forGodiskindlingafireinthislandtotryus;andwhenGod'strialiscome,wewillseewhoburneth, andwhoglanceth* in the fire (Ezek.22:18).Manywill appearlikegold,andyetinrealityarebutwatered†copper:theylooklikegold,theyglitterandareyellowcoloured,butwhentheyarecastintothefire,thewateringwillgooff,and therecomesoutnothingbutdross.DemasandAhithophelwereofbrass,whichalittleknockofthehammerbrokeall to pieces, and the devil comes to gather up the fragments. Josephstoodatemptationtolust,anddidnotyield(Gen.39:9).Yemakeawideprofession, yet art not like Joseph, who said, "How then can I do thisgreat wickedness, and sin against God?" Fill up your chair, and fill upyour coat; fill it up; the trial is near!God has taken upHis balance toweighyou.Lookwhatyouwant,andruntoChrist'sgoldenmineandgetit. See that ye be in Christ, and when Christ and you are put in thebalancetogether,youandHewillbegoodweight.Hisrighteousnesswillbeweighedwithyou,anditisnoclippedmetal.

"TheyshallcallonMyname,andIwillhearthem."—Seethen,thatthisisthewaytogetrelieffromtroublesandtemptations,whenyearetrysted,withthem.CallonGodbyprayer,andyeshallobtainmercy.Thusthefireat last brings out mercy: and prayer in the fire is one of those sweetsmells that God's spices cast forth. In the fire, the smoke of prayer,sighingandgroaningthatcomesforth,goesuptoheaven.Seethenwhatcomesoftrouble.Itlooksnotunlikethat,Rom.5:3,4,5,"Knowingthattribulationworkethpatience; andpatience, experience; and experience,hope; and hope maketh not ashamed." We would not have so many

errandstotheLord,ifwewantedtrouble.Anafflictedchurchisaprayingchurch,andweneednotbeafraidofaprayingchurch,ifwecouldattainto this. If ye ask, Why the Lord tries His children so hard? Answer.Becausetheyareslackinprayer.Godgetsnotthatworshipofprayerthatisdue toHimby fairmeans:Heuseth lawagainstus, andwhatmercytheyshallhave,saysHe,theyshallhavethesenseofMyfavour.

"Iwill say, It isMypeople; and they shall say,TheLord ismyGod."—Thereis(ifwemaysospeak)ashakingofhandsonbothsides.ThereGodclaimskindnesstoHispeople,andtheyclaimkindnesstoHim;Hetakesholdofthem,andtheycleavetoHim;Heloveththem,andtheyloveHim.KindnessbetweenGodandHispeople,standsneverononeside,itisonbothsides.However,Godmustbegin.Loveisnotanherbthatgrowswiththerootuppermost,andthetopdown:itgrowsnotup,butcomesdownfromGod,andthebeamsofitspringuptoHimagain.Seethismeeting,Song 1:4, the church says,Drawme. She speaks toChrist to drawher;then says Christ, chap. 2:10, "Rise up,my love,my fair one, and comeaway." He seeks her, and she seeks Him. She says, "Tell me, O Thouwhommy soul loveth, where Thou feedest," chap. 1:7. I will be wherethoudwellest,Iwillbewherethouart.Christseeksyouinthesacrament,seekyeHimagain, and though thedevil should say the contrary, thereshall be a meeting. She says, chap. 3:3, "Saw ye Him whom my soulloveth."Hesays,chap.4:8."ComewithMefromLebanon."Hecallsher.She says, chap. 1:4, "Wewill remember Thy lovemore thanwine!"Hesays,chap.4:10,"Howmuchbetteristhylovethanwine!"Hecallsher,"Hisloveandfairone,"chap.2:10.ShecallsHim,chap.5:10,"Whiteandruddy,thechiefestamongtenthousand!"LetHislovegetameeting;Hefought through death and hell to find you; seek ye Him through alltroubles.Heboughtyoudear;sayye,OthatIcouldbuyHim,andgiveallthat I have or could do for Him. There is not any blessed marriageotherwise. Love ye not Christ dearly?Would ye not suffer and die forHim,asHesufferedanddiedforyou?Itisnotmarriage-loveifitisnotso;itisbutfeignedlove.NowChristisholdingforthHislovetoyouthisday,willyenotacceptoftheoffer,andwillyereturnnothingagain?Ilikenotthatkindnesswhenthereisnotakingandgiving,noborrowingandlendingbetwixtChristandyou.May theLordJehovahpersuadeyou toembracetheoffer,andfleeintolovelyChristJesus,thegloriousPrinceof

renown,andtoHimbepraiseforeverandever.Amen.

SERMONIII.—Zechariah13:7,8,9

——Smitetheshepherd,andthesheepshallbescattered;andIwillturnminehanduponthelittleones,&c.—Zechariah13:7,8,9.

WHATistheKirklikewhentheShepherdisstricken,theheadallblackwithstrokes,themembersallchasedaway,andhidingthemselvesinthisholeandthathole?Thecaseisdolorousenough.

IndeedChrist'sbackisatthewallnow.ThegreatShepherd(ifwemaysayso)hasgottensuchabiteontheheel,bythatgreathell'shound,thedevil,thathecannotwalk.He isunderGod'swrath,anddeathhasgivenhimthestakes†tokeep.Dogshavecomeinamongthesheep,andscatteredthem; and stout fair-tonguedPeter has taken a backside. The enemy issaying,TakeupholyChristnow!forallHisholinessHeisslain!andHisdiscipleshavetakentotheirheelsforit,fledtothehills,andaregone.

Christmightnowsay,asitisinPsalm69:20,"Reproachhathbrokenmyheart;andIamfullofheaviness:andIlookedforsometotakepity,buttherewasnone;andforcomforters,butIfoundnone."NowmightChristsay,Where are allmy friends andmother's sons?Ken yewhere ChristdwellswithHiswifeinthisworld?Isay,Justinacot-house;theylieonastrawbed,andevenonthefloor.Theyareinasillysmokyhouse,allfullofreek.Here is theman"whomthenationabhorreth"(Isai.49:7).Andhiskirkislikeagardener'slodge,acot-house,orashepherd'stent.KenyenotChrist'sword,"ThekingdomofGodcomesnotwithobservation."Hisnoiseisnotheardinthestreet;hecomesnotwithcoachesrattlingonthe causeway, and many men with him. It is said, Zech. 9:9, "Rejoicegreatly,OdaughterofZion;shout,OdaughterofJerusalem:behold,thyKingcomethuntothee."Howcomeshethen?Intruthnotverykinglike,"Lowly,andridinguponanass,anduponacolt the foalofanass."No

mantle,noryetasaddle;buttheylaidtheirgarmentsontheass,andthefoolish children about him, crying, Hosanna. Yet there is the Kings ofkings.HewasChrist,forassimpleanddespicableastheytookHimtobe.And what are His own poor folks? Even esteemed in all ages the off-scouringsoftheworld.Seewhatawordtheapostlehas,1Cor.1:25,"Thefoolishness of God is wiser than men: and the weakness of God isstronger than men." When Christ came, each one said, Is this He? Ascorn!This is not theMessiah, theKingwho Jeremiah said shall reignand prosper? (Jer. 23:5). And who Daniel said, should have aneverlasting dominion? (Dan. 7:14). Is this the Messiah? the son of acarpenter,abeggar'sson!Ofy!YedisgracethenationoftheJews, ifyesaythisisyourking.Thismanlooksnotlikeaking.Irecollectastoryofaman,who had no genteel fashions,who came in amongst a number ofnobles;heshootshim,andheshootshim,*saying,Whereawayistheill-bredbodygoing?SowasChristtossedfromsidetoside;theyallhissedatHim,andscornedHim;andyetHewastheirKing!

This condemns a proud lordly faith. The repenting thief had a humblefaith; he believed that crucified Christ was Christ, and the King of theJews;althoughhesawHimadespisedman.Isay,thereisahumblefaith,and a lordly faith. The disciples had a proud faith when they thoughtChrist shouldhave restored thekingdom to Israel, andmade them likekings on the earth; but theywere allmistaken.Wehave a proudhigh-looking faith ifwewill nothaveChrist tobeChrist, unlessHe come inclothes all of gold, with much noise and rumbling coaches on thecauseway,with six thousandchariots, andmanyhorsemen.Becauseweseerulers,princes,andnoblesagainstChrist,ourproudfaithsaith,ItisnotHe.Nay,butourfaithmustlearntolooktoChristaslowasthegrave,andtoHiskirkinprison.

"IwillturnMinehanduponthelittleones."—Thatis,IwillturnMyhand,andgatherthescatteredflock.Now,"turningofthehand"isaspeech,inallusiontoshearers,ormowersinameadow,whofetchinagreatrollofhay,orcorn,withthescytheandhook.ChristtakesnotinallHiscorninone day;He comes and drives in one flock this day to the kingdom ofgrace, and some day another. Christ's house is daily growing; and,indeed,itwillcostHimmanyturningsofHishandereHesetusallinHis

Father'sbarn-yard.ForweareoverfondtobeinSatan'sbroadfields,infollowing thesinful fashionsandcustomsof the times.Wehave itchingearsafternewguises.*SeewhatoutbreakingsareinNoah,David,Peter,andtherestoftheAposles,whoranawayfromChristwhenHesuffered;butHeturnedHishanduponthemandbroughtthemback.Hewilltakemany shifts before He lose one of His little ones. He is hunting andseekingafterthembyeverysermon,andateverycommunion.Hemustofnecessity, from His redeeming love and election in the covenant ofredemption,bringthemallin."AllthattheFathergivethMe,shallcomeuntoMe;andhim that cometh toMe, Iwill innowise castout" (John6:37).Andwhatmore?He says, verse39, "And this is theFather'swillwhich hath sentMe, that of allwhichHe hath givenMe, I should losenothing,butshouldraiseitupagainatthelastday."HisFathersaid,Son,bringthemallinwithThee,theyshallallbewelcomeforThysake."ThatHe might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, orwrinkle, or any such thing" (Eph. 5:27). The Lord Jesus (if wemay sospeak)shall takeallHis littleones inHisarmsat the lastday,andsay,Father,take,there'sthemall.AndthenHeshallgiveupthekingdomtotheFather,whenallthingsshallbesubdued,andmadesubjectuntoHim;"thatGodmaybeallinall"(1Corinthians15:28).Mayapoorconsciencethink,alas!WhatwillChristdowithme?Answer.Nay,thoushaltnotfallby*inthetelling.†IfoneofHis,thoushaltbeamongtherest;ChristwillturnHishandupontheealso.

"Littleones."—Whobethese?Thosewhoarelearningtospeak,andcancrylittlemorethanAbba,Father.Itistrue,exceptyebebornagain,andbeas little childrenwhoare learning to speak, ye cannotenter into thekingdomofheaven.Little childrenwhoarebut learning to speak,havenothighspirits,norkenwhatpride is.Neveroneof themseekstobealord, a prince, or a king; though theybeKing's children. If theybebutlearningtospeakandwalk,thereisnostrivingforplaceamongthem,asamongtheold,whomusthaveaplaceinParliament.SoareallthosewhoareChrist's;theyarehumble,andnothigh-minded.Buttheproudmanisabroadandhighman,hecastsuphishearttolookabovebothGodandman.Habakkuk2:5.ThekingofBabylon'sappetitewasaswideashell,and the grave. These creatures, greatly swelled with pride, must havemuch driven off them before they enter heaven's gates. For the porch

doorofthepalaceoftheKingofgloryislow,andnarrow;sostrait,that,ereChrist-mancouldwinin,andgetanewroomtobePrinceandLord,Hebecamea littleone. "Being found in fashionasaman,HehumbledHimself, andbecameobedientuntodeath, even thedeathof the cross"(Phil.2:8).Then,bigmen,yewillnotwintoheaven.Ifyesay,Whoisthebigman?Eventheproudman,whoissolongandsobroad,andthedoorofheaven so lowandnarrow, that theremustbemuchclippedoffhimbeforehewin in there.Pridegetsup tobeat the throne inheaven, thecountry where it was first conceived in the breast of the proud devils,thosefallenstarswhoweredrivenoutofheavenfortheirpride.ButGodwillnotletprideinthereagain;it isforeverdebarred.Thenwoetotheproudman,forheshallnotenterinthere.Amongstallsins,pridetakesmostroom:itisacumbersomeneighbourtoGod,andwouldbeinuponHis bounds.Theprince ofTyrus saith, "I amaGod, I sit in the feet ofGod, inthemidstoftheseas"(Ezekiel28:2).ThemanwhoisnotgivenuptotheloveoftheworldbutdeadandcrucifiedtoitisoneofChrist'slittle one's. Then the covetous man cannot enter into heaven; there isstrangetattersofclayhangingonhim.Hecannotenteruntil thebunchbe driven off his back. Ye might as well put a ship's tow* through aneedle's eye.Worldlymen are too great towin through the strait gate.Adam,erehesinned,wasalittleone.ButO!howbigdothsinmakemen.Inaword,wecouldbecontentwithheavenifwecouldwintherewithourpredominant lusts. We have no will to want anything in length andbreadth.

"Anditshallcometopass,thatinalltheland,saiththeLord;twopartsthereinshallbecutoff,anddie,butthethirdpartshallbelefttherein."—Here is anuniversal trial: all the land shallbedivided into threeparts,twopartsshallbecutoffanddie,andthethirdpartshallcomeintothefire, comeout as theywill again.Allmust go throughGod's fire, to seewhethertheystanditornot.Allmustbewinnowed,totrywhethertheyare corn, or chaff, Isaiah 31:9, "He is called the Lord, whose fire is inZion,andHisfurnaceinJerusalem."GodcannotwantfireinHishouse,Hehasayesomethingtodowithit.Andbecausethecaseisthuswithus,What will ye do when the Lord's fire is kindled in Zion? Then let thewicked now laugh at the righteous for adhering toGod's cause as theywill,wewillonedayseewhowill laughbestandlongest.For,whenthe

trialcomes, thewicked—twoparts—shalldie;andthegodly—onepart—shallbeleftalive.

"Thethirdpartshallbeleft."—Whenallgoethtoall,theLord'sthirdpartshall be left, andHis kirk spared. Godwinnoweth the kirk, but let thehardestworldcomethatcancome,Hewillayehaveakirk,andnotwantawitness.Thisisitthattheenemiescontinuallyhuntafter,thattheLordmaynothaveakirkontheearth.Thegatesofhellareopened,andarmiesare come from hell against the kirk of God. And armies from Rome,Antichrist, and theDragon, follow thewomannear tobedeliveredof aman-child: but God provides a place for her in the wilderness. And,howbeit,thedragonspewoutofhismouthafloodafterthewoman;yetthe earth openeth her mouth, and swalloweth up the flood. So let theenemiesrage,letthedevilmountonhorseback,andletallhisvassalsputon their armour and follow him, they shall as soon put Christ out ofheaven,asutterlydestroythekirkofGod.Thegatesofhellcannotprevailthere; nay, the devil and all his emissaries shall be finally overcome atlast. "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all thepeopleroundabout."Acupofcoldpoison;itissaidthatthosewhodrinkcoldpoison tremble todeathwithcold.Sowill theenemiesof thekirk."InthatdaywillImakeJerusalemaburdensomestoneforallpeople:allthat burden themselves with it shall be cut to pieces, though all thepeople of the earth be gathered together against it" (Zech. 12:2, 3). Letthembedoing, then, anddashhardheads*withChrist, and seewhosehead is hardest. When God sets the house on fire, He takes out Hischildren,Hisjewels,andHisgold;andletsthefiretaketherest,thoughtheyweresilksandsatins.

"Andshallbringthethirdpartthroughthefire."—Thereisanecessityforustogooncethroughthefire.CanourLordnotgetakirkfromamongthedross,butbyfire?No,indeed.ChristplucksHisownoutofhell,andfromamongtherestoftheworld,byfireandsword,asitwerebythehairofthehead.ItisnotwithourwillthatChristgetsus.Tobeshort—thosewhocometoChrist, firstor last,arechasedupon lifeanddeath.ChristwinsallHisatthepointoftheswordereHegetthem.Everybattleofthewarrioriswithconfusednoise,andgarmentsrolledinblood;butthisofChristhere iswithburningand fuelof fire.Whatabattlehad theLord

withJonah,whenHefoughtwithhiminthesea,andinthewhale'sbelly.Also,David,neartenmonths'time,heldoutacastleagainstGod;andourLord behoved to fall on, both with word and sword, before He wouldyield.We are indeed a piece of hardmetal, and ill towork. ChristwillsparenopainstogainHisown.

"Iwillbringthethirdpartthroughthefire."—Thereisasweetword.God,sayshe,willtakeHisbridebythehandinthefurnace;Hewilltellthemeachsteptheyhavetogointrouble."Becausehehathsethis loveuponme,thereforewillIdeliverhim:Iwillsethimonhigh,becausehehathknownmyname.Heshallcalluponme,andIwillanswerhim:Iwillbewithhim in trouble; Iwill deliver him, andhonourhim" (Psalm91:14,15). "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; andthrough the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkestthrough the fire, thoushaltnotbeburnt;neither shall the flamekindleupon thee" (Isaiah43:2).Wouldyekenwhere theLord is?Evenat thebed-sideofagroaningchild.Yea,whenHispeopleareinaswoon,Heisundertheirhead,bearingthemup;andwhenintrouble,Hehasthembythehand,andsustainsthem.TrowyenotbutaholdofHishandwouldbehearteningtothemthoughtheywereinhell?Hehasaholdofyoubythehand,andyemaybeHis,thoughyeknowitnot.YemaytrulybelieveinHim,andnothavethesensibleassurancethereof.Hemaybeleadingyouwith faith, and hope of light and direction, though, for the present, yewantHis sensible presence. Yemay be raving and in a fever, and yourheavenly Father at your bed-side, howbeit ye seeHim not. Because yedroop,andhavenotajoyfulsenseofHispresence,yesay,"Heisnotwithyou."Yecrywiththekirk,"ForthesethingsIweep;mineeye,mineeyerunnethdownwithwater,becausethecomforterthatshouldrelievemysoulisfarfromme"(Lam.1:16).Howfarfromyou?Evenstandingatthefurnace, blowing the bellows, and looking onwhilstHis goldmelts. YewillnotbelievethatyoursensecanmakealieofGod.Indeed,itwereeasytoprovethatyeareseekingaplea*withGod,andfancyingafaultinHim,becauseyegetnotafeastofjoyandcomfort.Mayitnotsatisfyyou,thatHeleadsyouintrouble,howbeitHekissyounot.

"And will refine them as silver is refined; and will try them as gold istried."—Then,iftherebeanygoodmetalinyou,assilverandgold,make

readyforthefurnaceofthechildrenofGod.Whentroublecomesthroughtheland,Hispeoplearereadytothinkthat,becausetheyhavetruegrace,theyshallbekeptfromthescourge.Nay,butyourgoldmustgotothefireaswellasthedevil'sdross.Petersays,"Thatthetrialofyourfaith,beingmuchmorepreciousthanthegoldwhichperisheth,thoughitbetriedinthe fire, might be found unto praise, and honour, and glory, at theappearingofJesusChrist"(1Peter1:7;Jer.1:18).There,saystheLord,"Ihave made thee a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls,againstthewholeland,"&c.Butforwhatend?NotthatJeremiahmightgoand layhimselfdown in thesun.No.Verse19, "And theyshall fightagainst thee,but theyshallnotprevailagainst thee; for Iamwith thee,saiththeLord,todeliverthee."WhenJesusisfulloftheHolyGhost,thedevilshootsthreeofhisarrowsatHim,oneafteranother.(Luke4:1,13.)SoitiswithGod'schildren.WhenPaulwasconverted,hehadanenemyineverytown.God'sgoldismadeforthefire,andnottobelaidupinthecornerofachest,orhiddenintheearthasthewretch'spose.*Thenmakeyouforthefire,Isay,makeyouforit.Thedevilwillblowuntilhesweat,andyoketo†hishammer-mentobatteryou,andhisploughtomakelongfurrows on your souls. The enemies of the kirk are the devil's under-smiths,tomendthefireandblowthebellows.Nay,ifGodbesendingatrialonthisland,yearetothankHimforit.BlessedbeGod,becauseHehathsilverandgoldinScotland!Yea,yesayyearenevertempted.Alas!itisverypossible,yearebutdeafnuts,‡andsoGodthinksHewillnotloseHiseldingandfire-woodforyou.Acityortownthatthedevilsetsnoton,totakeitin,haslittleluckinit:orelsehehasthekeysoftheportathisbeltalready.WhatsaidJames,chapter1:2,hesays,"Mybrethren,countitalljoywhenyefallintodiverstemptations;"butyearereadytocountitallsorrow.Christsays,"Blessedisthemanthatendurethtemptation,forwhenhe is tried,heshallreceivethecrownof life,whichtheLordhathpromisedtothemthatloveHim"(James1:12).Then,bewareyebenotalldross, for the fire will burn you into white ashes, a blast will blow yeaway,andyewillbecastoutlikedung,andturnedintohell.Forwouldyeknowwhatmenarenotgold?Themenwhoareallsoftdross;andwhenthe burnt dross and ashes are cast out, the wind blows them awaythroughtheair.Thewickedareassoftashes,andablastwillblowthemallaway.Theyareassoftdross:atemptationwinsintothesoul,prevailsat the first knock, and the devil goes through it as a feal* dyke. Let

Balaamheartellofgold!becausehewasbutdrossthattemptationwentthroughhim:hesaddledhisass,andwouldgoandtrythemarket.WhentheHighPriest came athwartwith thirty pieces of silver, then Judas isblown awaywith it.WhenAbsalom sees an appearance of the people'sheartsbeing towardshim,heyields incontinentandmakes to it.Nay, Ithinkwhenthetemptationcomestothewickedman'ssoul,andknocks,he knows a friend's tongue at the door, and opens and lets him in;whereas the children of God are hardened against troubles andtemptations,andcangivethedevilthreenay-says.†

"And they shall say, The Lord ismyGod."—Then the peoplewere at afeastofsenseand joy,whentheyansweredGod.Weseethenthere isatimewhenyougetyoursensefull;asmuchjoyasyoucanhold.SowastheChurch,Cant.2:3,"Isatdownunderhisshadowwithgreatdelight,andhisfruitwassweettomytaste."ButgetsChristayeananswer?No;Heknocksandbetterknocks,‡Cant.5:5,butsheismoreconcernedabouta good sleep, and awarmbed, than all her beloved's love.Yea, yemaysay,Whyisitnotayeso?Nay,butafeastofsenseisafeastappointedforahightime.Sendupfaith,hope,andlove,toGod,forit.Whatailsyouatyourmeat?Nothing;butyehavea lordlystomach, likeaservantthat isoffended ifhebenotaswell fedashismaster.Senseand joyarekings'meat,tobeenjoyedinheaven.Yourweakstomachislikethechildren's,wholovetoeatmeatthattheyarenotabletobear,butwouldbedeathtothem.

"TheyshallcallonMyname."—ThepeopleofGodclaimkindnesstoHimeven in the fire, and though they think that they are cast off. Nay, thechildren of God will not fall out with Him for strokes: they cannot bedriven away fromHim.When the children of this world are put awayfromGod,theytaketheirleaveandseekanothermaster.Whenaservantisputoutofthehouse,andgetshisleave,hewillnotbreakhisheart;hegoesandseeksanothermaster,andcaresaslittlefortheformeroneashedoesforhim.Butasoncannotdoso;hemaynotquittheinheritanceso,butwillstayaboutthehousetillhisfatherrepent,andtakehiminagain.Thewickedareliketheshipwreckedman,whoquitstheship,andbetakeshimselftoswimming,andresolvestomakelegsandarmsservehimforaship.Sodothewicked,whenGodseemstobeawreckedship,theyquit

Him;fortheycannotprayintrouble,andthereforeresolvetoswim.Idonot love it when men resolve to seek another refuge than God. Davidcould say, 2 Sam. 15:26, "But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee;behold,hereamI, letHimdotomeasseemethgooduntoHim."He isshowingtherehowlittletheLordisobligedtohim,andthatheispatient,andwillingtosubmittotheLord'schastening,asbothjustandwise.

ButisitnotpresumptiontolayclaimtoGodwhenHedeniesus?No.Yedesire to claimkindness toHim, anddarenot giveupwithHim? I saythatisaholdofthecovenantwhichyehave.Allowing,butnotgranting,thatGodhasgivenupwithyou,yetyehavenowarranttoloseyourholdofHim.AlthoughyoumaythinkthatGodhasgivenyouup,yetkeeptheearnest and love tokens ye got at the communion; for if ye begin toquestion the work of God, that is to return again the earnest of thebargainbetwixtyou.

"Iwillsay,ItisMypeople."—Hereasweetmeeting,asweeteragreementbetweenGodandHispeoplethaniftheyhadneverfallenout.Hencewesee thatafterasoreoutcast there isgreater lovebetwixtChristandHispeoplethanbefore.Theforlorn*soncamehome,lovedhisfather,andhisfather'shouseandbread,betterthaneverhedidbefore.Soitiswiththepeople of God. "In those days, and in that time, saith the Lord, thechildren of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together,goingandweeping:theyshallgoandseektheLordtheirGod:theyshallaskthewaytoZion,withtheirfacesthitherward,saying,Come,andletusjoin ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant, that shall not beforgotten"(Jer.50:4,5).AndHesaysinthesixthverse,"Mypeoplehathbeenlostsheep;theirshepherdshavecausedthemtogoastray;theyhaveturned them away on themountains." He afterwards promiseth a freeforgiveness,verse20,andforetells thedestructionof theirenemies, theBabylonians,verse35.Readanothersweetplace,Jer.31:20,"IsEphraimmydearson? isheapleasantchild? forsinceIspakeagainsthim,Idoearnestlyrememberhimstill;thereforemybowelsaretroubledforhim;Iwill surely have mercy upon him." Then the Lord says, Dear, sillyEphraim,Mydearchild,hasabrokenheartthathehasgrievedMe,andItell you Ihavea soreheart and troubledbowels that Iwas so rough tohim,andcasthimoff.AndsothereisanewembracingbetwixttheLord

andHis people (Ezekiel 16:60),&c. ThereGod, after a new agreement,remembersHis covenant towards them.Thenmarvelnot; though therebenewout-casts betwixtChrist andScotland, I hope that the end of itshallbe, thatChristandScotlandshallyetweep inoneanother'sarms;and the poor people, after they have come through the trial, shall gotowardsZion,andsay,WhichisthewaytoZion?WhereshallwefindtheLord?WhentheLordshallagaintakeinthislandanew.Asafterawoodis cut, there appears a fair young green wood, so the Lord will have anumerous seed yet to serveHim in Scotland. Scotlandwill have a newgrowth,likeasecondgrowth,thatgrowsafteralonghotdrought.Therewillbemanysweetcalmshowers,summershowers,whichwillmakeourwithered garden grow green again; and so become a fair green gardenwithmany pleasant flowers. Seek to be among Christ's little ones, andcovenantyourselfawaytoHim,thatsoyemaybeabletosay,theLordisyourGod;andthatHemayacknowledgeyoutobeHispeople.And,ifyouareHis,thereisnofearofahappyout-gate,thoughyoushouldhaveeversomanystraits,trials,anddifficultiesintheway.TheLordenableyoutoclosewithHim.Amen.

SERMONIV*—Luke14:16,17

Then said He unto him, A certain manmade a great supper, andbademany;andsenthisservantatsuppertimetosaytothemthatwerebidden,Come;forallthingsarenowready,&c.—Luke14:16,17,&c.

THERE are two things which we have to mark in this parable. 1. Thedependance thereof on the preceding words. 2. The sum and scope ofChrist'swordstherein.

TheLord is shewingwhat sortof guests theymust invite to their feast;even the poor and needy, whom the Lord shall recompense "at theresurrectionof the just."Whereupon,amanwhosatatmeatwithHim(whetheraPhariseeornotisuncertain)saystoChrist,"BlessedishethatshalleatbreadinthekingdomofGod."Manycallthemhappywhohavepart inChrist, and yet think it not.Manywill talk broadwords for thekingdomofheaven,andoftheworthofChrist;butwhenitcomestothis,Whatwillyequit forChrist?Willyequityourfarmsandyour landsforChrist?Will ye quit your five yoke of oxen forChrist?Andwill ye quityournewmarriedwife,andyourchildren,forChrist?—thentheymakeastand, and question all.We are all goodChristians tillwe be tried.Weoftenmakeafairprofession,whilewemarallinpractice.ManydowithJesusChristasonlookersdoinagreatfair;theygothroughthemarket,andcommendeverythingtheysee,butneveropentheirpursetobuyanything.Somultitudescansay,"ItisgoodtobeaChristian;O!theSonofGodisworthalltheworld;"buttheywillneverofferapennyforChrist'scause.Theywillnotwantaridgeofland,norsufferthelossofanoxforHim.Theywill rather lose their immortalsouls than lose theirgear.AllyouwhonowspeakproudlyofChrist,whenpersecutioncomes,seewhatyewill lose forHim.Oh! theLordJesushasmany friends,whoyetarebut false friendsand flatterersatbottom.Theywill speakgoodofHim,but will do no good forHim. Few leave their nets and custom-box forHim.Butthemanwhofindsthepearl,hesellsall,andbuysit.

Thismanwouldheresay,Blessedare theywhohaveakeenappetite tobanquet with Jesus Christ. This lets us see that many have a falsestomach, and can call them blessed who eat bread with Christ, as if itwerefromtruehunger;andyetitisonlylikethehungerofsickfolk,whocryformeat,butassoonastheytasteofittheirstomachrecoils,andtheycan take nomore of it.Many have the like hunger for Christ; they aresoon fullofHimwhen theycome to the table.Balaamcouldsay, "Howgoodlyarethytents,OJacob,andthytabernacles,OIsrael,"andyetforthepeaceofJacob,hewouldnot losecourtwiththeKingofMoab.ThepettykingsofclayareoftenobeyedattheexpenseofdisobeyingthegreatKingofheaven.

Inowcometoenterupontheparticularsoftheparable.Thescopeofitis

to show "that few obey the gospel of Christ," set down under thesimilitude of amanwhomade a great supper, and invitedmany,who,notwithstandingofthat,refusedtocome,thepartsofwhicharethese:—

I.ThePreparationof theSupper: "A certainmanmadea great supper,andbademany."

II.TheInvitationoftheGuests:"Come;forallthingsarenowready."

III.Theirrefusal:"Theyallwithoneconsentbegantomakeexcuse,"&c.And—

IV.TheServant'scoming,and"shewinghisLordthesethings."

The Lord then takes a second course of filling up his table, albeit theyrefusewhowerefirstbidden;forhelosesnothissupper.Wisdom'swinethatwasdrawnsoursnot:hegetstwosortsofgueststoeathismeat.I.Thediseasedandpoor.II.Thecommonpeopleupanddownthestreets.Andthen,III.YehavetheLord'ssentenceupontherecusantsorrefusers.

I."Acertainmanmadeagreatsupper."—TheLordishereofferingmercyinthegospel,andiscomparedtoaman,notacommonman,nortoonewhomakesa supperonly forhis friends.This showsusGod'smercy inthegospel.HeshowsHimself tousaman,a friend,banquetingus.Butwhen we become beasts, and like the horse or mule that have nounderstanding,Hethenturnsfromamantoalion,andtothehouseofJudahasayoung lion;"I,evenI,will tearandgoaway,andnoneshallrescuehim."ItisahardwordthattheLordspeakstoEphraim,Hos.5:14,"IwillbeuntoEphraimasa lion,andtothehouseofJudahasayounglion."Ifwebemen,Godwillbeamantous;butifwebebeasts,Godisasalionandabear,Lam.3:10,"Hewasuntomeasabearlyinginwait,andasalioninsecretplaces."

Use. God carries Himself to us as a man and a friend, and has beenfeasting us these seventy years; and, I assure you, the Lord is near thedrawingofthetable.Theordinarytimeofremovingthetableis,whenallatitarefull,andcaneatnomore.Thegospelisnowloathedbyus,andthewordofGodcontemned.AtthebeginningofthisSupper,onesermon

oraCommunionwassweet;peoplerantoitlikehungrybanqueters;nowit is disregarded. One sermon in the day of the Lord's banquet is nowthoughtsufficient.Well,Iseemenarefallenasleep.Ifear,beloved,Ifear(think of it as ye please) the word shall be taken from you, the boarddrawn,andtheplagueoftheLordfollowit.Amos8:2,ThefamineofthewordofGodshallcome.The

II.Partoftheparableis,theLord'sinvitationoftheguests,"Come,forallthingsarenowready."—Here therebe three things. 1.A commission toHisservant,thatis,Hisministers,tobidthosethatwerecalledCome.2.TheTime—Itisatsupper-time.3.AReason—"Allthingsarenowready."

Ishallonlytouchthesepoints,andbrieflygooverthewords.

Doctrine.TheLordinvitesustoabanquetandgreatSupper.Thatisthehardest word that the Gospel speaks to poor sinners, "Come." Never aword of hell, the wrath of God, or the plagues of God for sin. ButHiswords are all (though He speaks in wrath to His enemies), My dearfriends, I shall thinkMyself in your common,* if yewill come and supwithMe. Surely, beloved, the Lordmight have suppedHis† alone. Theangels are good company; but God thinks He wants company if thechildrenofmenarenotwithHim!InProverbs8:31,saysWisdom(whichisChrist),"IwaswithGod,yetplayingandsportingwiththechildrenofmen." Here, indeed, is love itself, the Lord inviting us to embrace thegospel!Heresembles it toagreatsupper.MercifulGod!Thoumightestcommandus,underthepainofcondemnation,tocomeandbelieveintheSonofGod.Butnotawordofthathere:theLordwillhireustocometothekingdomofheaven—this isevangelic.Thefirstwordthat thegospelspeaks is mercy, mercy to poor sinners. Song 5:2, The key wherewithChrist, the husband, opens the heart of His kirk is, "Open to Me, Mysister,My love,Mydove,Myundefiled; forMyhead is filledwithdew,andMylockswiththedropsofthenight."Hemighthavesaid,Woebetothee,thouhastputmetothedoor,andhasttakenastrangeloverinMyplace; I will quit thee; I will go suit* in another place; the back ofMyhandtothee;Ishallneverlookontheeagain.No;butHishardestknockis,SweetDove,Love,FairOne,Iambothwetandweary;letMenotlieinthe streets all night. Jer. 3:14, "Turn, O backsliding children, saith theLord."WhatistheLord'sargumenttomovehim?"ForIammarriedunto

you, I am your husband." Hosea 11:3, "I taught Ephraim to go takingthembythearms."God'smercyisagreatnet;allthefishthatcomeinthenetarebroughttoland.Well,beloved,thisisthegospel'svoice,Come,yeweariedandladen;butthisvoicewillnotlastaye.Inthatdaywhentheheavensshallpartawaylikeascroll,theelementsmeltwithheat,andthewickedcry,"Hillsandmountains,fallonus,andhideusfromthefaceoftheLamb, for thegreatdayofHiswrath is come,andwhocanstand?"NotawordofaSupperthen.Alas!theboardwillbedrawn,andGodwillnotcareforyourcompanythen.The

Secondparticular is,Theservant issentoutatsupper-time,nearnight,andbed-time.ThenthedayofGod'smercyisbutasupper-time;theedgeoftheevening;thesun-setting.Aslongasthegospelspeaks,itevercries,Come, welcome, welcome, Sinners, ye will be welcome to supwith theLord.

Whenalltherestweresetdownatthetable,Paulcamein,andthemasterofthehousegavehimtheboard-head.

Use.We shall be aswelcome to come in atmid-supper, as thosewere,whocametotheLord'svineyardatthesixthandninthhouroftheday.Ifye come at the board-drawing, as the thief who died at Christ's righthand,andthosewhocameattheeleventhhour,yecometothedessert.But,beloved,Ibeseechyou,bewarethatyecomenotaftersupper,whentheboard isdrawn, thegoodmanof thehouse inhisbed,and thedoorshut, as the foolish virgins did. Remember that it is even now Supper-time,whilethewordispreached,andtheSacramentof theLord'sbodyandbloodoffered;andblessedaretheywhocometotheSupper.Butwoebe to themwho comeafter, for they shall lie down in thebedsof theirgravesunsupped.AsJobsaysofthehypocrite,"Theirbonesshallbefullof thesinsof theiryouth."Oh! theworldhasmanydebtors, illdebtors,whoselltheirsoulsforsin;butwhatapitifulthing!forwhatcantheygiveinexchangefortheirsouls?Amanwhohastocrossthewaterwillrunatthefirstcalloftheseamen,becauseheknowsthetidewillnotwaithim.Andyetnow,menwhoprofesstheywouldsailtoCanaan,willnotcomeoutatthevoiceoftheLord'smariners,crying,"Come,itisnowtide;"butthey let the sea ebb, and sit still. And this is the devil's craft,whenwehave our one foot on the shore, and the other in the ship, and have a

purposetosailfromoursins,Satanhasawordtosay.TheLevite'sfather-in-law,urgedhimtostayanightwithhim,*andpromisedhimheshouldgoto-morrow,butthen,temptedhimtostayanothernight.Evensoitishere,afterwehavestayedinthedevil'sserviceoneyear,hewillurgeustostayanotheryear,andpromiseheshallthendemit.O!thatwewerewisetocloseoureyesandearsatSatan'sdelaysandtemptations.Andnowinthe short time of the Gospel, while the table is covered, embrace theLord's Supper.Walk while ye have the light, says the Lord; "the nightcomethwhereinnomancanwork."Oursinstellusthatthelongshadowsareapproaching; thenight is athand, thegospel is tobe removed,andhappyaretheywhosupintime.The

Thirdparticularisthereasonwhytheyshouldcome—"Forallthingsarenow prepared." And so reasons Solomon, Prov. 9:1, 2, "Wisdom hathbuildedherhouse, shehathhewnouther sevenpillars; shehathkilledherbeasts;shehathmingledherwine;shehathalsofurnishedhertable."Matt 22:4, "Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared mydinner;myoxenandmyfatlingsarekilled,andallthingsareready,cometothemarriage."ThusismercyofferedtothepeopleoftheJews,wheretheirGodmadeallexternalmeans(asthewordandsacrament)readyforthem.Sothathesays,inIsaiah5:4,WhatcouldIhavedonemoretomyvineyard,thatIhavenotdone.(Isaiah65:2),HestretchesoutHisarms,and holds them out all the day long. (Prov. 1:20), "Wisdom criethwithout, she uttereth her voice in the streets." Here God is crying,shouting,andcastingoutHisarms,Matt.23:37,Luke19:40,cryingandsheddingtears.Hewouldhavethemturnandlive.ButasitistrueoftheJews,soitisofus;HehasdressedthewholeSupperHimself,coveredthetable,andthereisnomoreforustodo,butsitdownandeat.IfwelooktothisdressedSupper,ChristdresseditallHimself,inthefurnaceofGod'swrath,andthebreadthatwehereeatisHisflesh,whichHegaveforthelifeoftheworld.John6:51,ThewinewhichismingledanddrawnisHisblood. And, O, sirs, was not our Lord a hotman inmaking ready thisSupper?Notonedishismis-cooked,allissetbeforeusinthegospel,andJesuscravesnomoreforallHispains,butonlythatHisfriendscometothebanquetandeatandbemerry;andifyewillcome,Christwillpayallthereckoning.WhentheIsraeliteswerefedwithmanna,theybehovedtogooutof thecamp,andgather it themselves;butwefurnishnothingof

thisSupper.Godbethanked,Christbearsalltheexpense.Alas!alas!thattheunhappyworldwillnoteatheartily,sinceChristpaysforall.ThepoorsonsofAdamwereallsickandatthepointofdeath,andtheirstomachswere so spoiled with a sour apple that Adam did eat, that they werefamished and not able to eat. In comes Jesus and makes a medicinaldinner of His own flesh and blood; lays down Himself and is slain tomakephysicofHiscrucifiedbodyforus,inordertoaffectourcure.Itisjusttheydieforhunger,andlosetheirstomachforevermore,wholoathethismeat.Inthesacramentallthingsareready;whateverthesoulwants,itshallfindattheTable.AllthehungryshallfindChristmeatanddrink.John6:55,Theywhoarepoor shall findHimgold, theywhoarenakedshall findHimgarments, theywhoareblindshall findHim light to theeyes.(Rev.3:18),"Icounseltheetobuyofmegoldtriedinthefire,thatthoumayestberich:andwhiteraiment,thatthoumayestbeclothed,andthat the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyeswith eye-salve, that thoumayest see." Look to the Supper and ye shallfind it very expensive toChrist, for the fire thatmade it readywas thewrathofGod;thefuelandtheelding*wasChrist,andagreatburdenofthesinsoftheelectonHisback.AndifJesushadnotbeengreentimberHehadbeenburntalltoashes.ChristwasfirstboiledinHisownblood,in the garden of Gethsemane; then He was roasted and burnt on thecross,andcarvedalltopieceswithnails,spears,andbuffetings,tomakeHimGod'sbreadforthemouthandstomachofbelievers.AndthesourestsauceinthissuppertoChrist,wasHisdearFatherhidingHimself.AndwhenallisdoneyecannotdoHimaworseturnthannottoeatheartily.Now,fortheLord'ssake,beloved,pleasethegoodmanofthehouse,andeat and welcome. The last wine will be the best.What would ye have!Here is sweet company,eat, yeareheartilywelcome;andyeuse tocallthatgreatcheerthathasgreatservants.Thenthereisnotaplatesetonthis table by angels, far less byman. A curse upon themwho bring inMary'sMilk,withMartyrs' Blood, as a dessert!No, Christ's blood is ineverydish,Christ's flesh is in everymess, andChrist'smerit is a sweetsauce to all themesses. Othermeats have no taste at this Supper. No,theyareplainpoison,putinbythedevil'shand,whowouldwishneveralivingmantorisefromthetable,butalltobepoisoned.

III. "And they all with one consent began to make excuse."—Reason

wouldholdtheopinion,that,whentheLordmakesagreatSupperfortheworld, theywould all be glad to come, and take ameal fromHim; andthattheywouldallrun,strivingwhomightbeforemostatthetable,andnearesttheLord'shand!No,butitisnotsohere;fortherebethreesortsofmen,whoallwithone consent refuse to come.The first says, Ihaveboughtafarm:thesecond,Ihaveboughtfiveyokeofoxen:andthethirdsays, I have married a wife. Honour holds away the first; riches andprofit, thesecond;andpleasureand lust, thethird.Ithasbeensosincethebeginning.Godandtheworldhaveayebeenatholdinganddrawingformen'ssoul;Goddrawsandtheworldholdsfast.Herebetheworld'sthreegods:honour,profit,andpleasure.Thisistheirtrinity,theirFather,Son,andHolyGhost.John,inhisfirstEpistle,chapter2,setsdownthedoctrineoftheworld'strinity.Inthatplaceheisforbiddingmentolovetheworld,andgivesgoodreasonforit.Sayshe,verse16,"Forallthatisintheworld,thelustoftheflesh,"that is, inordinatepleasure,"andthelust of the eyes," that is, coveteousness, "and the pride of life," that is,honour,"isnotoftheFather,butisoftheworld."

"And theyallwithone consent," says theLord, "refused." Iwouldhaveyoutoconsidertwothings.1.Therefusaloftheguests.2.Thenumberofrecusants.

For the first, "All with one consent began tomake excuse."—Indeed, itseemswonderfulthat,amongstthethreesortsofpeople,notoneofthemwillleavesomuchasanoxforChrist!MaynottheLordbringthemallintotheSupperwhomHecalls?Ianswer,Hemaydothat;"Formanyarecalled,butfewarechosen"(Matt.22:14).Butwemusthereconsideroneof the deepestmysteries ofGod's counsel. There is a twofold calling. 1.Thereisoneexternal,oroutward,wherebyGodcallsmenwhoobeynot:heremanyarecalledtotheSupper,butfewcome.2.Thereisaninwardcalling,whereoftheApostlespeaks,Romans8:30,"Moreover,whomHedidpredestinate,themHealsocalled;andwhomHecalled,themHealsojustified."

1st. If you look at God's outward calling, in respect of the word andsacraments.ThiscallingfindsmenhandandfootinSatan'schains,andlooses them not; for God has bound them. He bids them loosethemselves, as they are obliged to do; because obedience is a debt that

reprobates,insofarastheyareGod'screatures,areowingtoHim.AndwhyshouldnotthegreatCreatorandLordoftheuniversecravedyvoursandbankrupts,although,bytheirownfault,theyhavenothingwherewithtopay?And,therefore,untobothsuchasareeffectuallycalled,andsuchasobtainnotgrace toobey, theLord iscrying,Dyvour,pay thydebtorelsegotoprison.God,nothavingelectedthemtosalvation,andfindingthem in the state of sin, and so only slaves and bastards (for theCautioner,Christ,willnotpayeverybastard'sdebt),Heleavesthemwiththis,Eitherpayordie;andtheywillinglyliestill,andlovetolive,anddieinSatan'sarms.But

2nd.Thereisaninwardcalling,wherebyGod,notonlybyHisword,criesandshoutstowakenupsleepingsinners:butalsobyHisSpiritinwardlybreathesthelifeofGodintothem,andsetsthemupontheirfeet.ThosearesaidtobegivenoftheFathertotheSon;theSonreceivesandkeepsthem: and this is a wonderful calling. The Father craves the debt ofobediencefromus,andsays,"Pay,andobeyMycalling,asyeareobligedtodo;"and in comes theSon,byHisSpirit, and slips the sum intoourhand,eventhepriceofobedience,andsays,BecauseMynameis inthecontract betwixt the Father and you, I will give you to pay my Fatherwithal;and,so longasIhave,youshallnotwant.Sothat,althoughtheelect be dyvours, yet they are their Father's dyvours; and have a goodFriendthatpaysforthem.

Inthiscallingthereisagreatmystery.Godisbothcallingandansweringinourhearts.Inagoodsense,thiscallingisGod'scallinguponHisownSpirit in us, and we returning an answer by that same Spirit whichdwellethinus—theFathercrying,CometotheSupper,Myelectpeople;andtheSon,byHisSpiritansweringinourhearts,MyFather,beholdwearecoming. In theWordofGod, thiscalling iscalledaknockingat thedoorofourheartsforaccesstocomeinandsupwithus.And,indeed,atone time the Lord is without knocking for admittance, and at anothertime He is within opening the door—without knocking, and withindrawing.Yewill findScripture for this,Acts 14:14,Paul ispreaching toLydia'sheart:now,behold,thereisGodwithoutcallingandknockingbytheword;andbehold,inthesameverseitissaid,"TheLordopenedtheheartofLydia, that sheattendedunto the thingswhichwere spokenof

Paul."Godbethanked,Godcravesandpaysforus.WhileGodiscrying,Open,His one arm iswithout the door knocking, and the other arm iswithindrawingthebolt,andpreparingalodgingforHimself.GodisHisownharbinger,*HemakesHisownbed,dressesHisownsupper,sweepsHisownlodging,anddoesallwhenHecomes.Hehasnothingofusbutbarehouse-room: all the furniture isHis own:Hebrings allwithHim.Thegroundandreasonofthisinwardcallingandsweetelectionthusrunequallytogether.ElectionistheKing'slettersanddecreet,ordainingsuchpersons,bytheirnames, tothekingdomofGod;andeffectualcalling iscomprisement and imprisonment,† following upon these same letters,wherebysuchasareinChrist'sRollandRegisterBook,arecalledbytheword to grace and glory. And, when they force‡ the King's charge, theFatherdrawsthem,andtheSonbearstheminHisarms:thenHeridesupon the white horse of the gospel, and shoots the arrow of theirresistiblewordofGodintotheheartsofGod'select,sothattheymustobey and become the Lord's prisoners, His conquered, ransomed, andboughtonesbyvirtueoftheFather'sdecreet.§ThustheSonhascaptionagainsttheelect.TheFathergivesthemtotheSon,andHewillnotwantthem (Cant. 2:14).He drawsHis church (John 6:44). The Spirit of theFatherdrawsustotheSon;forthatChristhasoftheFatherbygift,andthatHe has by good right paid for. It is no riot forHim to break bothdoorsandwindowsinthesoultogetHisown.HehaslawuponHisside,andasufficientdecreetpassedandsubscribedbyHisFather'shand.Andthedoctrinethatarisesfromthisis,

1.Thattheoutwardmeansoftheword,withouttheinwardworkingoftheSpirit,willnotbringustotheKing'sSupper.Herearemanycalled,butthey excuse themselves that they cannot come, because of otheremployments.Thisshouldteachustohangupontheword,butwithaltolookbeyondtheword,andwiththeuseof theword,call forthe inwardgraceoftheSpirit.Itisnotthebottleofthephysicianthathealsthesick,but themedicine in thebottle.Thewordandsacramentsarebutemptybottles,excepttheLordfillthemwithHisvirtue;andwithoutthissecretvirtueweshallsetourmouthtoanemptybottle,anddrawinwind,tothehurt of our souls and stomachs, which shall prove the savour of deathunto death, and not the wine of God's refreshing grace. Our Lord,speakingtothewomanofSamaria,saystwosundrytimes(John4),that

it is He who gives the water of life. Now, indeed, in the word andsacraments is the well of life; and since that well is opened up in thehouseofDavid,goodreasonthatHebefoundofHisown,andthatHebestewardofHisownheart'sblood,andonlyhavethekeyatHisowngirdle.And for what cause else is the kirk said to lie within the two arms ofChrist?(Song2)Howcanshethenfallintoaswoonforhunger,orfaintwhensheisinthehouseofwine,whereshemaybecheeredupwiththecomfortsofHisword?Yes, indeed, even thereat the fountainheadshewill die, except the Lord hold the cup of spiritual refreshment to hermouth.Thiswasexperienced inEzekiel'sdayby thedrybones, chapter37,wherehesays,theLordcausedhimtoprophesy;thenbonecametobone, and sinews upon the bones, and flesh upon the sinews; then toprophesy to fetch spirit and breath that they might live. So the wordwithout the Spirit is a blank charter, without our name written in it,without a seal, and without a subscription. The sacrament without theSpiritisnobetterthanapieceofnakedwaxwithoutsealsofland.The

Second point is, the number of recusants. "They all with one consentbegantomakeexcuse,"saystheLord.Hence,observe,

1. The number who follow an ill course are the greatest, Gen. 6:12. InAhab's days, there was only one honest,Micaiah, while there was fourhundred lowns.*Abrahamdurst not give hisword that therewould befiverighteouspersonsinfivegreatcities.Jer.1:18,AgainsttheLordandJeremiah, are kings, princes, priests, and people: there is a wholeparliament, the three Estates of the land. Desolate truth stands heralone;† she has a thin court (Matt. 27:21).Menwould say, Sin has notsuch a throng court now as it had in the days of Christ; for nowmen,becauseoftheiroxenandtheirland,cometoChrist'sSupper.Thisissoonsaid.Ifwemeanonlyeatinganddrinking,thatprovesnothingtojustifyourage;forJudascamethatway;andifthedevilhimselfhadatruebody,hemightcometotheLord'stableinthatway.Buthowmanyinthiskirkleavetheirheartsathome,whentheycometothetableoftheLord.Tryyourconscienceshere.

2.Itcondemnsthereligionofourtime."Weliveasourneighbours,"saymany.Manyhaveacustomofswearing.Willyedoso,then?Isay,thesementakeuponcredit,andbelieveas theworlddoes.Company isgood,

but company in hell is small comfort. Men vow Christ to be theirhusband, just as kingswoo theirqueens; for theyonlyhearof thembyreport, and see their pictures, and upon that marriage passes betwixtthem:sothemenofouragehearofChristbyreport.Theypaintaheavenintheirownhead,andafaithoftheirown,andrunasabeastafterthedrove.ButamanwhowouldserveChristasheshoulddo,mustindeedbeamocking stock to the world, and a wonder tomany, Psalm 71:7. Butthink nothing to be counted, withMarius, a goodman, all except onething,that is,heisaChristian.TheiranswerisnotaflatdenialofGod,and a disgraceful speaking of the Supper; but they all form a reason,everyone,anddesiretobeexcused.WhatisthemeaningoftheexcuseIpray?YoutellGodthatyeloveHim,yeloveHisSupper,yelovetobeinHiscompany;butsay,"IprayTheehavemeexcused;"Icannotbutlovemyland,myfiveyokeofoxen,andmywife,betterthanThee.ButifmenknewChrist,theywouldsay,Woebetothatfarm,woebetothatox,andwoe be to that pleasure, that holds Christ and me asunder so long.However,theyrefusetocometotheSupper,yettheygiveafairexcusetotheLord,andprayhimtoexcusethem.

2.Thereisnosinwecommit,ifitwereeventothetreadingofthebloodoftheNewCovenantunderfoot,butweputamaskonit.Thedevilhastaughtmen to baptize their sinwith anewname, lest it should appearfrightful.ThemurderingoftheSonofGodisdonebyanassemblyofkirk-men,underafairpretence:"Wehavealaw,andbythatlawHeoughttodie."Idolatryiscalledhumblekneeling.Satanisacoineroffalsemoney,anduponhisreprobatecoinheputstheKingofheaven'sstamp.Herod'skillingissoldforworshipping;killingofthesaintsiscalledgoodserviceto God. The devil comes to none and says, "I am the devil, hear mycounsel, and I shall draw you to hell." No, he is not such a fool; hechanges himself into an angel of light. Blessed are they who, in thewisdomofGod'sSpirit, canpull themaskoff thedevil andsin; see thedevil to be the devil, and sin to be sin. If God's commandment beuppermost, it isnohardmattertodiscernsin.IfGodcommandaduty,noexcuseintheworldshouldcoverthydisobedience.Alas!Whatexcusecanmen have for staying from the kingdom of heaven? for refusing ofJesusChristcrucified?HowcanSatanrunsofarintomen'shearts,astomakethemsayinGod'sface,"Excuseme,Lord,Icannotcometoheaven!

Excuseme, I cannotbelieve inChrist,because Ihaveotherbusiness todo!"Whathorribleingratitudeishere?Godoffersaheavenlyinheritancefor a few acres of land, but they refuse God, and neglect the offer ofChrist.Nowhereisthefirstexcuse.

"Ihaveboughtfiveyokeofoxen."—O,mercifulGod!shallanacreofland,or anox, be laid in thebalancewithChrist?Woebe to them.Oh!howmanyEsausbethereintheworld,whoselltheirheavenlyinheritanceforamessofpottage.SincethedaythatAdamdideatoftheforbiddentree,thetasteofoursoulsissocorrupt,thatwecallsweetsour,andputsourforsweet.JesusChristislikethewhiteofanegg,tastelessintheworld'smouth. Give to Balaam the King ofMoab's gold, and for all his broadwords,heseeksnotanotherheaven.LetJeroboamkeepthekingdom,hecaresnotforGod'sworship;butforfearthepeoplerevolt,hewillnotletthemgotoJerusalemtoworship,asGodhadcommanded,butwillhavethemtoworshipagodofgoldnearerhand.Andsoitisnowinourkirk,givemenapieceofgroundandfiveyokeofoxen,andtheywillconsenttoany religion, either Arminianism or Popery. Give the soldiers Christ'scoat,andtheyseeknomore,theywillshedHisblood,andtakeawayHislife. A drink of Jacob's well is better to the woman of Samaria, thanChrist, the water of life, or heaven. Her heaven is in the ground* ofJacob'swell, "Sir, thouhastnothingtodrawwith,andthewell isdeep;from whence then hast thou that living water?" (John 4:11.) A sow isbettertotheGadarenesthanJesusChrist.Christhaslostcourt†inmen'shearts,Heiswornoutoffashionandrequest.Theheavenwewouldhaveisaheavenwewouldseewithoureyes,andcatchwithourhands.Whatis it, Iprayyou, thatkeeps the first rankofpeople fromheaven?Notakingdomnorabroadinheritance,thatwouldseemsomething;butapieceof ground, one village, a little room that keeps only ten oxen! O, LordGod,saythey,ifChristcouldbeboughtformoney.ButHeisworthmuchmoney.

Itisadangerousthingoncetolettheworldintotheheart:ifyebeinlovewith,andweddedtotheworld,thenbidadieutoChrist.Theworldislikeagreat fire, ifacoldmanstandsatareasonabledistance, itwarmsandcomforts him; but if he go into themidst of it, it burnshim.Menwhohaveanindifferentholdoftheworld,andstandataproperdistancefrom

it,arebenefitedthereby;butthosewhocastthemselvesintothemidstofit,are therebyswallowedup,and forever lost.Oh!butpoorworldlingsgetbutasilly‡heaven.InLuke16itisdescribed,inthepersonoftherichglutton,whowasclothedinpurpleandfinelinen,andfaredsumptuouslyeveryday.Is thattheirheaven?meatandclothes!Indeedit is.Servantsget no land, that is ordained for sons; but they get a present hire, andmore they seek not. Poormen, they get five yoke of oxen, and a littlefarm.Godknowsthatisbutapitifulportion!

Hebeginsagainhere,"Ihaveboughtafarm,andImustneedsgoandseeit."—He says not, I must needs use it, enjoy it, live upon it, take mypleasure,anddelightinit:but"Imustneedsgoandseeit."

Doctrine. All thatmen have in the world is indeed but a sight. Eccles.5:11, "Whengoods increase, theyare increased thateat them,andwhatgoodistheretotheownersthereof,savethebeholdingofthemwiththeireyes?"WhenthedevilwouldhavebargainedwithChrist,HeletHimseeallthekingdomsoftheworld,andthegloryofthem,inthetwinklingofan eye; but more he could not do. He could not put Christ in thepeaceablepossessionofthem.Allthegloryoftheworldwinsneverintothesoul!Itstandsatthedoor,nay,itstandsatthesetwoutmostwindowsof the soul: before the two eyes, and comesno further.Mark the fool'swords,Luke12:19,"Soul,takethineease,thouhastmuchgoodslaidupformanyyears."Everywordhereislikethefoolwhospeaksthem.Blindliar,theyarenotlaidupforthesoul;forallhisfullbarnsandgoldcouldneverfillthesoul.Thepoorsouldidbutlookoutatthetwowindows—theeyes—andseethem.Then,Icounselyou,sinceyoumustgotothemarketandbuy, spendnotyourmoneyona sight;buy something thatmaybeseen,heard,andfelt.BuyJesusChrist;yemayseeHim,hearHim,andfeelHim;rubsoulswithHim,andenjoyHim;restuponHim,andmakeyourmoan to Him. You can nevermake the world your own, but youmustleaveallatthemouthofthegrave,andcreepinlikeanakedwormthatleavesaknotoflimeatthemouthoftheirholewhentheycreepintotheearth.ButyoumaytakeChrist intothegravewithyou!yemaytakeHimuptoheavenwithyou!yemaytakeHimtobackyou,andspeakforyouinthelastdayofjudgment!

"Ihaveboughtapieceofground,andImustneedsgoandseeit.Ihave

boughtayokeofoxen,andImustgoandtrythem."—Butthesefoolsarebadmerchants;thefirstshouldhaveseenthegroundbeforeheboughtit;thelastshouldhavetriedtheoxenbeforeheboughtthem.Theyfirstbuy,and then try; but Solomon's virtuous woman (Proverbs 31:16), first"considersafield,"andthen"buysit."Thusfoolsfirstbuytheirland,andtheiroxen,andthengotoseethem.

Doctrine. The foolish worldlings buy the world before ever they take agood sight of it. The devil is a deceitful merchant; he would not giveChristagoodheartysightofthekingdomsoftheworldbeforeHeboughtit;heshowedthemtoHiminashortglance, inthetwinklingofaneye.Likeadeceitfulmerchantwhohasnowilltoopenuphiswaresthatareadulteratebeforethesun.Forthedevilknowsifamansawtheworld,thegriefs, themiseries, and thewrath ofGod, that hang over such as givethemselvesuptotheloveoftheworld,hewouldnevercomespeed.Butthedevil'sbargainsareblindbargains;hesellsbyguess,andthefoolsoftheworldbuybyguessandhearsays.So,indeed,hehidestheend.Othatmenwouldlooktotheinnersideofambition,covetousness,andloveoftheworld, theywould not then forget Abner's word to Joab, 2 Samuel2:26,"Will itnotbebitternessinthelatterend?"Thedevilcausesustobuy sin beforewe see ourmerchandise. Judas bought an ill consciencebeforehesawthehalter.Theyoungman(Prov.7:21–27)seesthestrangewoman before he sees her dwelling-place, which is the entry of hell.Foolishsoulstakeonthedebtofsin,spend,andtakeayeonmoretillthetermdaycome,andthenGodputsanaccountintotheirhands,thattheymustreadandpleadwithwateryeyes.

"IhavemarriedawifeandIthereforecannotcome."—Thethirdpersoninthe world's trinity is inordinate lust. And this, indeed, youmay gatherfrom the words, is the mightiest god of the three: the other two hadbusinesswhichtheymustdo,buthewhoworshipsthethirdgod,says,"Icannotcome."Theothertwo,inapretendedhumility,said,"Ipraytheehavemeexcused."Thethirdabsolutelysaid,"Icannotcome,"andneverawordof"Ipraytheehavemeexcused."Then,*weseepleasureisamoredangerous temptation than either honour or profit. Beware then of theloveofpleasureandinordinatelust.Thethingthatmakesmenhuntafterhonourandprofitispleasure,self-love,andpleasingofthemselves.Men

seekprofitforpleasure;sothatpleasureisthedevil'scommonbait,thatheputsuponallhishooks.Andeven inthesinagainst theHolyGhost,whichtonatureitselfisthemostthornyfacedsin,yetSatanputsuponitthefaceofpleasure.Forinasortofhellishpleasingofthemselves,theyspit upon the face of the well favoured and beautiful Son of God. Andtherefore Solomon, speaking of the adulterous woman, (Prov. 7) usesmanyforciblewords,expressingthepowerofthistemptation;sheledtheyoungmanasanoxtotheslaughter,untiladartstruckthroughhisliver.Shewoundsmany, she slays strongmen.And if ye askwhere pleasurelodges?thesameSolomon,inthelastverseofthatchapterwilltellyou;shechambersinthewaytohell,intheverymouthofthegrave,thethroatand entry of hell; there is pleasure's dwelling house. I may well saypleasureisthedevil'ssportsman,andhisbroker,whosellsandbuys,andmakesthepriceforhim;andgoesthroughtheworld,andsuitssouls inmarriagetohim.

This should teach us to strive for mortification; for when the apostlespeaksofthissin,thelustoftheflesh,thatwhichistobedoneagainstitis, that itshouldbe takento thecrossandcrucified.Theeyes, theears,andheartoftheoldmanmustbenailedtoChrist'scross.Weshallnevergetthevictoryoverthistemptationexceptwebedeadmentotheworld;andthenailsthatpiercedChristgothroughtheheart,soul,andbodyofthemanofsin.Offer todeadmen,kingdoms, jewels,andmuchgold; itwere but a ploughing of the sand, they will neither see nor hear youroffer. Mortified Joseph was crucified to the lust of the flesh; says he,"How then can I do this greatwickedness and sin againstGod?" (Gen.39:9).Hebeingadeadmantothatcouldnotgetitdone.Blessedaretheywhoareweanedfromtheloveoftheworld.Inthe

IV. Part of the parable, the servant reports his diligence, and it workssome effect in themaster of the house; it angers him, and, asMathewsays,"Hewentoutanddestroyedthem,andburntuptheircity."

1.TheLordtakesanewcourse,andwillnotwantguests;HewillhaveHistablefilled.God'sSupperwillnotbe lost forwantofeaters.God, inthebeginning of this parable, was as a man: now He is turned as a lion.MercyisHisfirstoffer,ComeisHisfirstword:butwhenthatisrefused,there isnothingforthosebutburningandslaying.Thosemenneednot

blameGodfortheburningoftheircity,forthatisnotastolendint,*orstroke. We may think that the servant said, Dear friends, and lovingbrethren,comeandsupwithmymaster;hethinks†longforyou,hewillnoteat tillyoucome,he lovesanddelights inyourcompany,yewillbeheartily welcome andwell entertained.No doubt, although the servantsaidthis,yethealsosaid:Ifyerefusetocome,God'swrathwillcomeonyou;yeshallnevertasteofHisSupper,andyeshallseekHim,butyeshallnotfindHim.

God steals not a dint, or decreet against such as are disobedient to thegospel. They are twice or thrice summoned, and the penalty of non-compearance setdown in theScripturesbefore everGodbeangry.Thegospel is now crying in the ears of the unthankful world, "He thatbelieveth not is condemned already." He that refuses to come in atsupper-time shall not be let in after supper. O! but the gospel makesmanyfairofferstosinners.Thelawsays,"Dothisandlive;"butitspeaksbut once of life: for men having once sinned, the law never speaksanotherwordoflife.No,thoughyoushouldmourntillyoureyesfalloutofyourhead,thelawcries,"Iwillhearofnorepentance;butawaytohellimmediately."

Butthesecondcovenantsays,Jeremiah3:12–14;Ezekiel18,"Forallthathascomeandgone,ifyewillturnandrepent,sinshallnotbeyourruin."OurSecondHusbandsays,WelcometoMe,althoughyehaveplayedtheharlotwithmanylovers(forloveissoonentreated),yetreturnagainuntoMe,anytimebeforesupper,beforetheboardbedrawn.Butifyelettheday of the gospel slip, and refuse Christ offered, till after supper, thegospel then turns intoa law,andwillhearnomoreof repentance.Andwhy?Becausethereisnotacovenantafterthesecondcovenant;thereisnotanothergospelafterthisgospel;andthereisnoothercollationaftertheKing'smarriage-supper.No, Christ cannot die again: death andHewillnevermeetagain;thedevilwillnevergetanotheryoking*withHimuponthecross.

Iwillgiveittoyouinacomparison.OurheavenlyinheritancewasforfeitinAdam,andbyourownvoluntarytransgressionofthelaw;butincomesJesus,ourelderbrother,andmakesacharter,whereinHeservesHimselfnearest and lawful heir to the inheritance; whereby He loses the

mortgage,redeemsandmakesallfree,andputsusinourplaceagain.Butwith this clause in the endof the charter,That ifwe shall sell the landagain, and make a new mortgagement, and subscribe not the secondcovenant,byembracingthegospel,andcomingpreciselyatsupper-time,—that is, in thedayof thegospel (while thewordspeaks tous,andthesacraments offer Christ as the body of the new charter to us): it shallserve only for asmuch blank paper. For Christwill not die the secondtime; but "the wrath of God abides on you, and ye are condemnedalready." And, of all condemnations of ungodly men, this shall be thegreatest,eventhatofthosewhohearthegospelandobeyitnot.Forthecharterisofferedthemtosubscribe,andtheyrefusetoputtotheirhands.ItshallbemoretolerableforTurks,whoneverheardtellofthatcovenant.Thenbeware,yewhohavebeenattheLord'stable,thatyestartandmeetChristpreciselyat supper-time: foryeneednot troubleyourself toseekHiminthenight.Then,seetoit,forifanythingbedoominScotlandinthedayofGod'saccount,thiswillbeit,"IwaitedMysupperonyoutillthemeatwas like tobe lost,andMybloodbecamecold,butyourpridekept you back till the board was drawn: now ye shall not taste of Mysupper,andwellyedeservesuchdisappointment."Allthequarrelwithuswillbe,wewouldnotagreewithHim.The

2.Effectthattheservant'smessagemakesonthegoodmanofthehouseis,HecommandsHisservantstogoouttothehigh-waysandhedges,andbring in "the poor, the blind, themaimed, the halt, and the lame." Soalthough all the world should refuse mercy, God can make a kirk toHimselfof theverystonesof the field.When theJewswillnotcome totheLord'sSupper,HecanfillthetablewithGentiles;andthosethatarenotapeople,sucharemadeapeople;thosethathavenotobtainedmercydoobtainmercy.YeseetheLordholdsupthedoorofthehouselong:Heclosesthedooronnoman.Hekeepsagreatopenhousebothtopoorandrich; and indeed thepoor, theblind, and thehalt,willbeat theboard-head,*whenthechildrenofthekingdomshallbeshutout,andputtothedoor.Here, in effect, is a description ofGod's kingdom. They are poorones, and have no riches of their own; but Jesus gives them fine gold.Theyhavenot a leg to goupon; arehalt,&c., but theLordJesusbearsthem up. They have not a hand to hold Christ; but what then? Christtakes fast hold of them. They have not an eye in their head; but what

then? Jesus Christ leads them.Now, that is truewhich Jesus saith; hejustifiesthefact(Luke19:10)ingoingtoZaccheus;"Hecametoseekandsavethatwhichwaslost."MultitudesofmiscarriedChristianscry,Alas!Iam a sinner, and can have no part in Christ! Fool, if thou be a sinner,thou art theman or woman whom he is seeking. I pray thee,What isheaven?Nothingbutacompanyofbroken-heartedsinners;andthereisnoneofallthesonsofAdam,whostandbeforethethroneandtheLamb,buttheirfaceswereonceblotted.Althoughtheybenowkings,theywereonce slaves; there is none born noblemen in heaven. O! this is a greatcomforttothesonsofAdam,thatthosewhoaremostbaseintheirowneyesaregreatest inGod'seyes.Hiscallingrunsuponbabes,andpassesbywisemen(Matt.11:25).Hiscallrunsuponpublicansandsinners,andpassesbytheself-righteous(Luke16),anduponwhoresandharlots,andpassesbythechildrenofthekingdom:uponthebaseandoff-scouringsoftheearth,andpassesbythedisputerofthisworld.Then,althoughitbeilltobeasinner,yetitisagloriousthingtobeoneofGod'ssinners,whomtheLordwillcall.Asforthewickedandsinnersindeed,theyareSatan'ssinners and their own sinners; Christ came not to seek them as Hissinners. Now, What are those sinners in the streets and high-ways?Answer. When the Lord calls on us, He finds us not in our house, orundertheshadowofGodAlmighty,butinthestreets,withoutanyshelteragainst the storm; or in the fields, like Judah (Jer. 2:23, 24), who iscomparedto"aswiftdromedarytraversingherways.""Awildassusedtothewilderness, snuffeth up thewind at her pleasure."We are "dead intrespassesandsins—andwithoutGod in theworld" (Eph.2:1, 12). "Wearecastoutintheopenfield,dyinginourownblood,andnoeyetopityus" (Ezek. 16) Now, those who are beggars in the streets, who neverdreamthatthekingwillsendforthem,maymaketheinvitationwelcomewhen it comes. And woe be to them who think we lay money uponheaven,andmortgagegrace,ifnottobuyitatfullprice;forwhenChristcomestous,wecanseeas*muchasblindmen,catchasmuchasmaimedmen,andrunasswiftashaltingmen.

"Andtheservantsaid,Itisdone,Lord,asthouhastcommanded,andyetthere is room."—There ishereneverawordofbuyingof land, tryingofoxen,andmarryingofwives,butimmediateobedience;atthefirstwordthey come to the King's Supper. We see that where God's Spirit

accompaniestheword,theinvitedcannotbutcometotheLord'sSupper.In the next verse, he gives direction to his servant to compel them tocome in; wherein, ye see, there is a sort of divine violence used in theeffectualcallingofGod'schildren.WhatalongdisputeistherebetweenHimandthewomanofSamaria.ShegivestheLordtwoorthreetaunts,yetHewillnotwanthernorleaveher,tillHesaytohersoul,"IthatspeakuntotheeamHe."AndasIsaacsaidtoEsau,"Ihaveblessedhim,andheshallbeblessed;"somaytheLordsaytothispoorland,Blind,lame,halt,andmaimed, I have called thee, and thou shalt beMine; I have takenthee,andthoushaltbetaken.

Christ will lay many oars in the water before He want His own: yea,althoughoneoftheelectshouldruntohell,yetHewillfollowthem.AndO!butChristbeswiftinfollowingthosewhomHehathchosen.Thewayto heaven is an unknownway to sinners; but behold the Lord teachesthem (Psalm 25:9). Andwhen they are taught, they dare not go alone,becauseof theenemies intheway.ThenthatsamePsalmsays,verse8,"The Lord leads sinners in the way." Ay, but sinners will not be led,becausetheydonot likethewaywell: thenyeshall findtheFatherandthe son drawing and compelling them, Cant. 1:2; John 6:44. And ifdrawingwill not do the turn, ye shall find bearing and carrying in theLord'sbosom(Isa.40:11)anduponHisshoulders(Luke15:5),anduponHisheart(Cant.8:6).

What is the reason that Jesuswill notwant any ofHis own? I answer:Therebethreecausesofthis:

1.Thatdaythat theLordJesusdiedfor theelect,Hebought themwithHisheart'sblood;withHissoulheprizedthem,andthoughtthemworthyofHislife.Now,theLordJesusisGodunchangeable:yemustnotthinkthatGodbuysanyoftheelectwithHisblood,andthenbeginstorepentofthebargain.2.JesusisAlmighty.Havingoncecomprized*theelectasHis own,who can free comprizement?Christ has law onHis side, andpower toexecute the law; thenHecannotwantHisown.3.TheFatherhasgiventheelecttotheSon,andHemustrenderanaccountofthemtotheFather,manbyman.

The last thing to be considered is, the Lord's sentence against the

recusants—"None of those men who were bidden shall take of mySupper."—This is a hardword; for in effect it is, They shall never havepart inmyChrist,shallneverseemyface.SonowthosemenknownotwhatGodisdoing,theyarehomeattheirfarm,theiroxen,andtheirnewmarried wife, thinking no such thing, when God is concluding a blackprocessagainstthem.EliknewlittlewhattheLordwasdoing,whenHewas leading a black process againstHim andHis house (1 Sam. 3:14).AndAhabknowslittlewhatGodisdoing,whenHeisgoingdowntotakepossession ofNaboth's vineyard, when the Lord, in the upper court, isgivingoutadolefuldecreetagainsthim.Elihusaysofthewicked,"TheycrynotwhenHe(God)bindeththem"(Job36:13).Wemaybelaughing,sporting, andmakingmerry upon earth, while there is a black processgoing on against us in heaven. The destroying angel has gotten acommission to go forth and destroy: happy are they who can see howtheirprocessgoesforwardinheaven.YeshouldseeandtryhowitgoesbetwixtGodandyour souls. Iprayyou,beloved,whenyeare toilingatyourfarms,trafficking,orsporting,beaskingatGod,Lord,howshall itgowithmeatthelastjudgment?Ifyeaskatme,Howshallweknowthat,for that is a secret? Indeed, ye must go to my Lord Secretary, JesusChrist,andprayHimtotellyou,andwritefromheaventoyouhowyourcasethrives.Say,LordJesus,Isthereanyhopeofmyaction?Manywhoarecarefuloftheirestateonearth,areoftenattheiradvocate;theyprayhim,theywrite,andsendfriendstohim.WhythenshouldyenotdothesamewithChrist?Amen.

SERMONV*—Heb.12:1,2,3,4,5

Wherefore,seeingwealsoarecompassedaboutwithsogreatacloudofwitnesses,letuslayasideeveryweight,andthesinwhichdothsoeasilybesetus,andletusrunwithpatiencetheracethatissetbeforeus,&c.—Heb.12:1,2,3,4,5.

BELOVED in Christ, here there is, 1. A conclusion drawn from thedoctrineoftheformerchapter,"Letusrunourrace."2.Areason,Manyhavegonebeforeus,awholecloud;itisafairmarket-gate,ahighstreettoheaven.3.Thewayhowwemaycomegoodspeedinourrace,getthegold,andwinthebell,issetdownintwothings,viz.:

I.Whatwemust quit for the gold. a. Allweights and clogs of this clayworld that retardus inour journey,andmakeourrace toilsome.b.Sinthathangsfastuponus,andbeguilesus.

II.Whatshallwedo?Whatruleshallwefollow?Whatairthshallwelookto?

TheApostlesays,Knowyenothowtheylookwhorunarace?Theylooknotovertheirshoulder,buteverstraightbeforethem,towardstheendoftheir race. Look ye to Jesus in the end of your way. Now, the Apostleseemstogoalittleoffthetext:heseesafriend,evenJesus,andhecannotpassbyHim,butmustspeakawordofHim.InyourraceIshallletyouseetwothingsinJesus.

1.Efficacyandpower.He is the captainand leaderof your souls in thecourseoffaith,andHewillnottire:whenHebegins,Hewillalsocrownandperfectyourfaith.

2.IwillletyouseeanotherthinginJesus:Agoodexample.HowwanHe?Hisheartlongedtobeatthegold,asyoursshoulddo.HesawthegloryintheendofHisway.Hesufferedbothpainandshame,andsowasseenonit:andHeisnowsetdownonthethroneofGod.Nowthen,theApostle,still dwelling on Christ (for he cannot win off Him) gives them a newexhortationtoholdon;inwhichthereisincludedthefollowingthings:—

1.Considerwhat that lovelyperson sufferedof allmen—how they gaveHim the lie, and spake against Him. 2. Consider how little ye havesuffered;yehavenotyetresisted,andstrivenuntoblood,asChristdid.3.Hegives a reasonwhy they shoulddo so; for fear they giveover, faint,andfallaswoon.Havinginchapter11spokenofthefatherswhowantoheaven, throughpatient suffering, he compares them (5:1) to the cloudthat led the Israelites, by day, through the wilderness. He sets the

exampleofthosebeforethemtoencouragethem.

We see the way to heaven is now a high market gate, and paved byhundredsandthousandswhohavegonebeforeus;andweshouldfollowafter.Areyewantingasettledhouseanddwellingintheworld?Thensetforward,lookforacityabove.Indeed,saysAbraham,Ishallbewitnessofthat,thatyeshallreceivetherecompenseofreward.Willyerathersufferaffliction with the people of God than enjoy the pleasures of sin for aseason?Mosessays,Ishallbewitnessthen,thatyeshallwinhomesafeandsound.Inthewayyemayseeawholecloudofthemaswitnessestolead you through the wilderness.Where away* can ye go, or what canbefal you in your journey to glory, but inwhich the Lord's saints havegone before you? Are ye your alone,† and seeking God amongst manywholiveastheylist?SowasNoah,awalkerwithGod,whenallfleshhadcorrupted their ways. Let it be true ye have all taken from you goods,children,andhealth.SowasJobhandled!Sothesaintshavesetupsteps,and way-marks, at every turn in your way; and cry, Ride about. Andhowbeitnow,manyfoolsthinktowinthroughatthenearest,yettheywinnot,butstickthere.Thesaints'goingbefore,intheway,isagreatbenefittous;theirfalls,andtheillstepsthatcumberedthem,yemustbewareof.Ye must hold off adultery, for David stuck in that mire. Hold offdrunkenness, for Noah and Lot wet their feet in that dub. Beware ofmocking andpersecuting the saints, forPaul's shiphad almost sunk inthatquicksand.Seethesedeadcarcaseslyingontheroad:Judas,Demas,Hymeneus, and Philetus, brake their necks, by attempting to go toCanaanandfallingoffagain.

Make this use of holy men's lives, here condemned, who followed thedevil, but were recovered again. Beware of those temptations and sinswhichsoeasilybeset them.Here isacloudofwitnesses; theworldandthefashionsthereof,theydidnotfollow.(Rom.12:2)"Benotconformedtothisworld,"andtheguises‡thereof;andyetyecanjustifyyourselvesinthedailytransgressionof thisdivineprohibition.Wherefore isvanity inmarriages and banquets? "It is the fashion," say they. Proud Scotland!poorScotland!near cut out to thy skin; it isworm-eaten.Wherefore issuchvanityinapparel?sothatwomenarebecomeindecent,andmenlikemonsters.Menaretakingwholebaroniesoflandontheirbacks?"It'sthe

fashion,"saythey.O!proudandpoorScotland;menarecutouttotheirskin, andwomenwant not vanity enough; but are not cut to the bone.Andwhereforecomesswearing,anddrinking,seeyenot?Nootherwisethan from the fashion. "It is the fashion," say they:but if yewill followsuchacloudof fashionablewitnesses, letmeconcludeyewillgotohellalso;forIcanassureyouthatisthefashion.Yemaykeepthatexcusetillthe day of judgment; and when God asks what ye have done, andwhereforeyedidso;sayye,"Lord,fornothingbutthefashion,"andseehowyewillwinoff.

"Letusruntherace."—Buthowshallwerun?Sorunthatyemayobtain.Manyrunuponhopeofheaven,andgethellintheend.ButhearwhattheSpiritofGodsays,Layasideeveryweight;everyclog.Whatistheweight?Theworld, the love of riches, honour, and lusts.He speaks to us as tomen having their back burden of clay, or cloggedwith heavy lumps ofearth,andgreattattersandbunchesoftheworld'sglory.Nay,anumberofdevils,pride,lust,andcovetousness,hanguponus.Givethemashake,sayshe;downwiththem.Letthegroundbearall.

How hardly do cunning* men enter into the kingdom of heaven!MethinksIseethreesortsofmenbeguiledintheirracetoglory.

1.Somegonotastepatallinthewaytoheaven;for,goingtoonearthehedge,theygetathornintheirfoot,whichswellsitsothattheymustsitdown, and lay it on their knee: and they sit there, andnevermake anyfurtherattempttowardsheaven,tillnightcome,andtheretheylie.Oneofthosesays(Job21:15),"WhatistheAlmighty,thatweshouldserveHim?andwhatprofitshouldwehave,ifweprayuntoHim?"Theysayinplainterms,God is but a poorMaster to follow; it's long ere he be richwhofollowsHim;thereforewewillhavenoneofHim.Luke14:19,"Onesaid,Ihaveboughtfiveyokeofoxen,andIgotoprovethem,Ipraytheehavemeexcused,"&c."AndthePhariseeswhoheardthesethingsmockedatHim."

2.AnothersortrunastartafterChristforatime,asJudas,whoinmen'seyesfollowedhim,tillthedevilmeetshimintherace,castsdownapurse,andbreakshis leg; and synewentheover thebrae. InJohn6ye seeanumberfollowingChristfortheloaves.AndDemasgallopedawhileafter

Paul and the gospel, but he thought it a hungry trade; and the worldcrossed his road, and after it he went. I say, The world, like a fairstrumpet inhersilksandvelvets,cameinhisway,andgavehimakiss,andhe ran to thegate,* saying,Sorrowhavemypartof thegospelandPaul, anymore! SoPaul says (2Tim. 4:10), "Demashath forsakenme,andhasembracedthispresentworld."But

3.Anothersortarethosewhohavesomemore lovetotherace,andyetthey cannotwant theworld.Like the youngman (Matt. 19:21, 22)whocametoChristandsaid,hehadkeptthecommandmentsfromhisyouth;whenChristbadehimsellallthathehad,andgivehisgoodstothepoor,and come and follow Him, he went away with his heart in his hose,looking as if his nose were bleeding, for he had great possessions. Sothere are a numberwhowould climbup themountain to heaven,withthousands by the year, and with baronies, and a great bunch of clay,boundhardandfastupontheneckoftheirsouls:andtheythinktoholdfootwithChrist,rideashardasHepleases,andtwentystoneweightofclayupontheirsoul!Buttheywillbeallmistaken;theywillburstanddieby theway;andshallneverwin to the topof thehill.Askat themhowtheywillwinuptoheaven,withtheirlustsupontheirbacks;theywillsay,"Godwilldrawus,Hewillhelpandbearus."IndeedGodmakesHisownpeoplerideinchariotswithHimself,anddrawsthem(Cant.1:2).ButwillyemakeChristapack-horsetocarryyourclay,andyourlusts?Howlongis itsinceHehascarriedourpack-mantle!Believeme,he isnocadger-horse. Demas and Judas, and the like, would have ridden after Christ,with all their bags of clay; but ken ye what Christ did with them? Hethrewthemandtheirclayoffatthebroadside,andleftthemlyingthere,andpostedaway.

Question.Whatthenshallwedotobequitoftheseweights?Inanswer,

1.Direction.Theworldisafoulway,likedeep-waterynew-tilledground,wherepoundweightshangtoeveryheelofthetraveller,andretardhim;andasheshakesoffone,anothercomeson,sothathecannotgofastonhisway.Nowtheaffectionsarethefeetofthesoul;takeheedtoyourfeet,andcomeoffthedeep-wetland.Usetheworldasifyeuseditnot.Thereisadrywaytoheaven;holdyeoffthedeepway,andbecontentwithfoodandraiment.Goye theway thatChristand thesaintswentbeforeyou;

whoscarceeverwet their feet. IndeedJesuswasneverwet-shod in theworld;HehadsogoodmindofHiserrand,andHishome,thattheworldgotnoroominHisheart.Theywhowillnotkeepthiscleandrycauseway,itisnomarveltoseethemstickinthemiryworld,bedrowned,andneverwin home. It is withmany, aswas said (Hos. 2:2), Their adulteries liebetween their breasts; the world in a great bunch lies betwixt theirbreastsallnight.Isitanywondertoseesuchheavy-headedmardels,*getthemell† in this race? like stiff horses, unmeet for a journey.Andhowcantheyoncegiveatrot?Nay,theybutwalkinacircle.The

2.Direction.Satanand theworldwillplayyou foulplay,andcast theirfeetbeforeyou,andgiveyouafall.Butcarenotforthat,riseagain.But,Iprayyou,bewareof sore falls,or sinsagainst theconscience, light, andlove.Fortheconscienceislikeanearthenvesselifyebreakit,yewillnotmend it again. Some, in their race, give their conscience such abackstroke, that they break their legs, and are nevermeet for the raceagain.But,whateveryedo,keeptheconsciencewhole.

3.Direction.Castoffallthingsthatmakeyouheavy:makeyourselflight,thatyemaybenimble, skip, andspuraway.Run, run, looknotbehindyou,rememberLot'swife.Althoughyeshouldbeliketoburst,tarrynot.Yewillmendofasweat,andaheat.Godhasanapkintorubthesweatofyou,andHehasachairandacushionforyou,againsttheracebeended,andHewilllayyourheadinHisbosom.Takealittlepainsintheday,forIpromiseyou,yeshallgetrestateven.

"Castoffthesinthatdothsoeasilybesetus,"orgoesroundaboutus.—Thisisthebodyofsinthatremainsinournature;hespeaksofit,asifonehadusclaspedinhisarms.Fororiginalsinhasusinfettersascaptives;itisathingwecannotwinfrom,gowhereweplease.Itislikeaghost,everinoureye:behindus,pullingusback;beforeus,standinginourway;atourrighthand,hinderingustohear,pray,believe,repent,hope.Itislikethewind in our face, or in the face of aweak traveller, that blowshimsomestepsback,wherehegoesoneforward.Itisasamangoingroundaboutus.Itisinthemind,darkeningthejudgment;inthewill,thrawingitinthecontraryway.Godbidsuswalkinthelowestroom,downintheaffections:butwedothecontrary.Andthissin,asweedbindgoesaboutatree,wrapsaboutusineverygoodway.Itisaserpentbitingourheel,and

cries,Alionintheway.WhenGoddraws,sinholdsunder,atmeat,drink,andsleep.Itisajoker;*itpromisesusmuch,butgivesusthewind,andyetwebelieveit.

Buthereaquestionmaybeasked.HowdoestheApostlebidusshakeoffthissin,whichdwellsinussolongaswelive?itisdeathandthekirkyardthatmakesusquitofthissin:Howisitthenthatwecanshakeitoff?

Answerfirst.Thedominionofitwebreakbygrace.Everywoeheart*wehave,forthisindwellingsin,breaksaboneofoldAdam,giveshisbackacrack, and makes him cry. As we repent, and advance in holiness, webreakaleg,oranarmofthissin;butfortherootofit,Godonly,indeath,canpluckitout.Yetwemustbehacking,andcuttingthebranches,androotsof it,elsewecannotmakeprogress inourrace.Wemustnottakethisdefilingsin forwardwithus inourrace.Wemust leave itwhenwestart,anddeliver itovertoChrist, thatHemayput itonHiscross,andnailittoHisgallows.

Answersecond.Hespeaksofsin,asofathinggoingaboutus,likeastonewall,inourverywaytoheaven.Till,byregeneration,Christmakeagapin thewall, thatwemay pass over, there is no possibility of going onefoot.Andevenwhenthewallisbroken,weshallseethissinhangingonourlegsandarms.ThissinkeepsalodgebythegateforSatan,andisacommonrobber,whoslaysmanybytheway.1.Someittricksoutoftheway,andlaysasleepinsecurity;likeadrunkentraveller,whosleepsinamoor,tillthesunbedown,thenheawakesfromhissleepandcries.2.Itblinds some, asPaul,while aPharisee, andPapists, and chases themawrong way (to hell instead of heaven), when they make a fashion ofrepentance to slay their sins; and go again to their old pass. Such arethosewho,withwillingness,walksoftly,andgotosinagain.Now,hesetsdown the exhortation, "Let us run the race."This ismore than towalkandstepatourownleisure.Runningshewsthereisasettime,whichwillgoaway,ashortday;andthatthewayislong,andwehavemuchtodotogetsinslain.Andtherefore,wemusttothewaywithspeed,andrunfast.InMatt.11:12,Thekingdomofheavenissaidtobetakenwithviolence.Luke13:24,"Strivetoenterin."Thewordis,fightandthronginbyforce.WhenGodbyfaithletsamanseeheaven,heresolvesthatinhemustbe,comewhatwill.Phil.3:13,14,"Reachingforthuntothosethingsthatare

before,Ipressforwardtowardthemark."Thewordis,"Ifollowafter,"Ireachoutmyhand.Theapostlemeansheranthatsohisheadandbreastpressed forwardbefore his feet, andhis two arms reached out to catchholdofChrist.Tospeakso,hechasesChristandheaven,andtheyseemto flee fromhim, and he follows: so shouldwe do. Then chase on; theprize seems to flee fromus; but it cannot flee further than to heaven'sgates,therewewillgetaholdofit.

But how will they do who say, "Hooly* and fair comes home againsteven?"Andwhatneedsallthisdin;alltheseprayers,andtheseflockingsto communions? I hope to be in heaven as soon as the best of you.Answer.Beguile not yourselves, Loiterers, anddrowsy persons,who gonotonemileoftwentyinayear;suchaswalkinacircleroundaboutfrompride, to lust; fromlusttodrunkenness; fromthattocovetousness;andfromthattoprideagain; likeasiftheywereinafairies'dance,andrunnotatall.Canmencometoheavenlyingontheirback?"Thegoodluckyold religionmadea sonsyworld," say they.Yes, theyuse religion likeapost-horse;asonewearsoutoffashion,theytakeanother.

Heavenmustbetakenbyviolence.Hespeaksofheavenasofafortifiedplace,thatmustbeforcedbyfireandsword,eretheyrenderitup.Wearelike drunken travellers, cast twentymiles behind; sometimeswith lust,and sometimes with pride; and such companions cannot be put to thegate. They have a friend to Satan's messengers within; and when theyknock, he cries, Coming,Master.Men have gotten a gate of their own("likeneighbour"—another,"thegoodolduseandwont,")towalkastheyplease; and they are no gluttons of religion, neither of the word, norcommunions.Religion,tothem,isagoodcustomofgoingtothekirk.

"Theracesetbeforeus."—Thisraceis,byourLord,setbeforeus inHisword;formensetthewaytohellbeforethemselves.God'swordsetshellbeforenomanasawaythatHeallowsof.Hesetsnotthatbeforeus,butbehind our back. But men turn their face to hell, and not to heaven.Know,therefore,thatthisisaraceofGod'schoosing,andnotofourown;and the ill roads, the deep waters, the sharp showers, and the bitter,violentwindsthatareinourface,areofGod'sdisposing.Wewillnotgetabetterroad,thanourLordallowsus.Hehascalledustosuffering,andnotastone is inourwaybychance;butbyHiswiseprovidence,all the

waters are told; all the streams, the storms, and stones, that are inourway are written in His book. Our wanderings are numbered. It is ourcomfort thatourLord is lookingon.God is like thenoblemanwho laysthecupinpawn;andappointsthebounds.HesetsdowntheraceinHisword, with all theway-marks, and setsHis Son at the end of theway,holdingupinHishandtheCrownofglory,andcryingtotherunners,Tothegatewithspeed!Seetheprize.Win,andhave it.As inahorserace,many are galloping and posting from one sin to another till they be athell!andSatan,outofhisownstables,furnishesthemwithfreshhorses;and aye as one tires, immediately another is brought! But not a stepshouldwego,butasGodhasdirectedus.Thekirkdoesnotsetthisracebeforeus:neithermaykingorkirkchangeourKingJesus'way,tocastusaboutdykes,intoRome'sfootroads,andAntichrist'sby-ways.Scotland'srace issetdown,Jer.8:6,"Everyoneturnedtohiscourse,as thehorserushethintothebattle."Thecommonalityaregallopingoncovetousness,the nobles on oppression, and the whole land on strange apparel; andsomeofallranksinthethreekingdomsarepostingtohellonidolatryandmasses.

WhenGod'stemplewaslastmeasuredinthisland,muchwastakenfromHim.Eitherwemustchangeourcourse,orlook(1.)tolosetheprize;or(2.) towantChrist's company and convoy; or (3.) to get leave to go allupon horseback in an ill course with patience. There is a necessity forhopeandpatiencetowaiton;because,attheplacewheretheystart,menseenotthegoldintherace:butmustrunthefirstmile;andnotonlythefirst,but to theend,before theysitdown.Hethat fallsback,withinhisownlengthofthescore,ordrawshisbridleandsetsupwithinaquarterofamile,losestherace.Weseenottheprizehere,neitherisitbeforeoursenses,norhardbyourhand,butitisoutofsight;wehavenothingbutGod'spromise for it, and some small arles.*Behold, "Thehusbandmenwaiteth for the precious fruit of the earth." We must wait on, winter,spring, and summer, till harvest come; for howbeit ill weather, and arainyseasoncome,yetthehusbandmanfoldsnothishands,norlaysuptheploughbythewalls;andwithpatienceworksfortheharvest; forheknowsGodmay,andwillsendagoodandfullcrop.Andwhatofawinterstorm!Whatalbeit theymockandpersecuteus,andSatansendouthisdogs to bark at us, tomake us take a house over our heads?Let us be

going forward; itwillblowup fair again.ReadLuke21:19, "Inpatiencepossessyeyoursouls;"verse28,"Liftupyourheads;forthedayofyourredemptiondrawethnigh."Thiscondemnssuchaswillnotrunonefootin this race, except the gold be in their hand, and they will have Godpayinginterest,andgivingwagesinhand.ButfaithtrustsGod,andifyegetbutonekissofHiminthislife,orthewelcomeofHisbowels,withasweetsmile,andembraceinHisarms,itisworthallyecansufferforHiminthislife.GotnotAbrahamapromiseofthelandofCanaan,andyetgotitnot in this life, butdwelt in tents, andhungbyhope!Ay, yewill notplay,exceptGodgiveyouheaveninyourhand;asifGodwereachild,togiveyouthegarland,ere theraceberun.No,God'son-waiterscometohonour inGod's court; themore thegoodservant is faithfulhehas themore to crave. He who takes all at once, and forenails* all before theterm,willbeapoorman.We,likefools,wouldforenailourheaven;butitisbestthatGodkeepsalluntilthetermday;forheisarichservantwho,in the end, has his heaven to crave. No marvel then, that patience beneedful.Satanrunsupanddownlikeagreatwarship,withtwentypiecesofordnance,shootingatallwhoaresailingforCanaan;androaringout,Surrender.But givenotup; suffer, suffer, takea shot,holdoutChrist'swhiteflag;ChristwillmendthegapthatSatan'sbullethasmade.Wefearillupontheland,fortheabuseofthegospel;andindeedthattherewillbeanonset.Havepatienceandyewillwinthefield.

"LookingtoJesus."—WellkendtheApostlethedevilwouldcomeourgateinhisholidayclothes,withan"All thesewill Igivethee."Andwhenwearerunning,hewillcry,Hereaway!But,saidtheApostle,Givehimnotonelook,althoughheshouldburst.Whathaveyetodowithhim?"LooktoJesus, theauthorandfinisherofour faith."Looktoyour forerunner,andfollowHimintherace.

Theninthisourfollowing,wemustlookhowJesusran.Wemustobserveall thepropertiesofhisrunning,anddojustasHedid.1.Heyoked*totheJews,earlyinthemorning,andwasobedienttothelawinthecradle.AttwelveyearsofageHedisputedwiththedoctorsinthetemple;HewasstillaboutHisFather'sbusiness,lateandearly.Yea,evenuponthecrossHe was running. So run, young men, in your youth; start to the gate,breakoff,andruntoyourdyingday;halvenotyourlives.Ifyehavelost

time,andweretoolonginbeginning,belikeamanfarbehind,whenhelookstothesunandseesitlow,andremembershehasfartogo;hesetsthespurstothehorse.Sorouseupyour lazysoulsandpost.Post,post,heaveniswaitingforyou.Aspecialvirtue,orproperty,inarunner,istolookevenbeforehim:forityelookoveryourshoulder,yemaypossiblynot break your neck, but ye will certainly miss a stride. If ye look atmeadows,houses,andworldlypleasuresbytheway,yewillpossiblyfalland break your toes; therefore look aye home, straight out before you.Give not the world a look for the world. But very often, after we havetakenourleaveoftheworld,andofsin,wehaveastronginclinationtobebackagain.While takingahearty lookof theworld,astonemay takeaman'sfootinhisjourney,andbreakhisleg.

2. Christ, inHis race, gotmany lets, the devil came inwith, "All thesethingswillIgivethee,"toturnHimintoHisInn,andtolayHimovertheboard.*TheworldsetonHim;buttheycouldnotallmakehonestJesuscomeonefootoutoftheroad.Keepayethehigh-way.Smartmenwillnotcome under trysting with juggling knaves, nor subscribe any writs, forfeartheybringthemunderasum,andthentaketheirlandsfromthem.Never,nevercomeincommuningwithSatanandsin.Somefoolsgivethedevilwrits,andsubscribeasubmissiontotheworldandsin,andtakethedevil and their ownhearts tobeoverseers.Bewareof thatwork.Christwould have nothing to do with the world, in His journey. When theyoffered tomakeHimaking,He refused, and ran to themountain, andthereHeprayed(John6:15).HetookbutHismeatofit,andallHehadwasborrowed.Helookedblunt-likeonit;likeamanwhowouldfainhavebeenaway;andsowasseenonit.Weshouldbelikesomeoldmenthatwantchildren,whoquitalltotheirfriends,andgetabond,formeatandclothing,alltheirdays.Ourloveandaffectionshouldquittheworld,andseek a bond of our Lord, for food and raiment, all our days, and becontenttherewith.

3.SorunasChrist;HeransoasHeleftnothingundone."Father,IhavefinishedtheworkthatThougavestMetodo"(John17).Seethatyehaveallendedagainstnight,thatyemaysayasPaulsaid(2Tim.4:7),"Ihavefought thegood fight, Ihave finishedmycourse, Ihavekept the faith."TherearemanywhorunasPaul,whenaPharisee,ran;buttheyknownot

where-away.Manyforgettheirconsciencebythegate,*asadrunkenmanforgetshisswordattheInninwhichhelodged.Takeallwithyou,yourconscience,andfaith.Theywhogotoseatakeallwiththem:forwhenthewindandtidehasputthemoffland,theywillnotwinbackagain,tofetchanythingtheyhaveleftbehind.

"ButwhatgoodwillourlookingtoJesusdous?"—Verymuch,HeistheCaptainofoursalvation,"theauthorandfinisherofourfaith."ForChristisall,HedrawswithHisSpirit, andHe leadsus through themire,andgoesbeforeus.Andwehavethisadvantage,whenwefaint,Helooksbackover His shoulder with a smile, takes us by the hand, and says (Luke12:32),"Fearnot,littleflock,"&c.(John16)."Yetalittlewhile,andIamwithyou."Evenasa lovingguidesaystothetiredman,"Wehavebutalittlewaterortwotopassthrough:andseethereisbutyonderhillbetwixtusandthetown,yearenearthecity."Hewillseeyouagain,forHeisaCaptainindeed.Intakinginatown,thesoldierswillventuresometimestoscalethewallwherethecaptainis;butitisnotsohere.JesusHimselftookthecastleofheavenfirst:itcostHimbloodtowininandbreakupthedoors.NowHestandsintheentry,andcries,Comein,Ihavebrokenup the gate, I have win the city; be not afraid, I shall warrant you.Therefore(Heb.6:10)Heiscalledaforerunner,Hewentbeforetoopenthedoors,andthepark-dykes,†andtakethestonesoutof theway,andsays,Stepforward,mybrethren,benotfrighted.Sothen,whenwerun,we are not to lean to our own strength, for fear we get a fall. HewhothinkshehaslittleneedofChrist'shelpisreadytofall.Hewhoknowsnothis ownweakness fears not; and hewho knows not his own heart hasgoodcausetofearhemaygetafall,anddashoutallhisbrains."

"Thefinisherofourfaith."—WewillnothaveJesuspullingustothegate,andleavingusthere.No(1Cor.1:8),"Whoshallalsoconfirmyoutotheend." It isaworkofChristasMediator,andwritten in thecommissionHisFathergaveHim,thatHeshouldlosenone,butraisehimupatatthelastday(John6:39.)InEph.5:27,HepresentethHischurchtoHimself,agloriouschurch,nothavingspotorwrinkle.HeshallgetHisbride,thechurch, all arrayed inHisFather's clothes, in atheaven's gate, and slipherinHisFather'shand,andsay,Father,therehernow!Ihavedonemypart;Ihavenotlabouredinvain.Letthembeconfoundedwhotakethis

gloryfromJesus,andgiveitovertothatweather-cock,freewill.For,hereanargumentthathellwillnotanswer.TheFatherpromisedChristaseed(Isaiah53:10).Andawillingpeople (Psalm110:3).And theendsof theearth(Psalm2:8)toserveHimasarewardofHissufferings.Now,shallGodcrackHiscredittoHisSon,andshallChristdoHisworkandgetthewind for His pains, except free will say, amen? This were a bairn'sbargain.No,itisapartofChrist'swages,thatmen'sfreewillshallcomewithcapinhand,andbowbeforeHim.Heshallhaveawillingpeople.

Wemustdigressa little, andspeakofChrist's race.Observe, this is theapostle'smanner,Christcomes inhisway,andhecannotpassbyHim:buthemuststandstillandspeakawordwithHim,andgiveHimakissby theway. (Col. 1:14), "Inwhomwehave redemption,"&c.And there,ere he go further, he must run out upon Christ, and His nature, andoffices.Verse15,"WhoistheimageoftheinvisibleGod,thefirst-bornofevery creature." See Rev. 1, "Grace be to you, and peace from Jesus."Thenhe runsout,who is the "faithfulwitness, the first begottenof thedead,"&c.

Learnalesson.WhenJesuscomesinyourmind,leaveyourway,andgoandspeakwithHimawhile,andgonotsoonfromHim.IsHecome?LetHimnotgowithoutakiss.Oh!andalas!weoft times letHimgoasHecomes.ButwhydoHis friendscommendHimsomuch?Even thatyouandHemayfallinlovetogether.

"Whoforthejoythatwassetbeforehim."—HesetsdownaspecialvirtueinChrist'srunning:who,fortheeye-look*tojoy,"enduredthecross,anddespisedtheshame."Hereisaquestion,Whataneye-looktojoywasthis,thatChristhad?WhatmadeHimrun,seeingheavenwasinHisbosom?WhatneededHerejoicetobeathome?

Answer.AsHewasGod,nothingcouldbeaddedtoHisjoy.Yet,howbeitHecarriedtheGod-headaboutwithHim,thesightandsenseoftheGod-headwascoveredinthedaysofChrist'shumiliation:therewasabarandalockputontheGod-head,thatHesawnotasHenowseeth.Inthat,Hetookthepilgrim'slotwithus,andwasatravellerinrespectofsenseandclear light;—for,Heasmanwas ignorantofsomethings then,asof thedayof judgment,andfruitonthefig-tree.HeknewHewouldbenearer

God;theGod-headstoodalooffromHimthen.

2.The joybeforeHimwas, thecontentmentHewouldhave inHisnewBride;thejoythatHehadwonthroughhell,andgottenHiserrand.SadandheavywouldHishearthavebeen,tohavemissedus:HewasgladofthehireHisFatherhadpromisedHim.Itisnaturalforamantorejoicewhenhegetsthefruitofhislabours:andthereisthanksgiving,andjoyinheavenfortheconversionofsinners.AndHegivesthanksfarmorewhentheyareredeemedfully(Heb.12:12).Inthemidstofthecongregation,Hesingspraise toGodHisFather, for thechildrenHehadgivenHim;butmoreespeciallywhenHeshallhaveendedall,andgot thegoods inHishand,thatHeboughtsodear.Heshallthensingforjoy;andwhenChristsingsforthyredemption,andgiveththanks,thouhastfarmorecausetosingthanHe.

3.ThejoysetbeforeHimwastheglorytobemanifestedinHim,whichHepraysfor(John17:5)which"HehadwiththeFatherbeforetheworldwas:"thatjoythatHisFatherwillwelcomeHimwithand(tospeakwithreverence)clapHishead forHispains.AsHerejoiced fromalleternitywithHis Father (Prov. 8:31), andwasHis Father's delight: so nowHeshallrejoicewithHisFather,HeandHetogetherinredeemedmankind.AndthemanhoodwithallHismembers,andtheangels(fortheyrejoiceat the conversion of sinners) shall rejoice with Him to see His bodyfulfilled,andtohavethemallunderHiswings.

4.ConsiderthesadnessJesushad,andthetearsHeshedinthedaysofHis flesh;but thatHisFatherdried,andwiped thebloodandsweatoffHisface,andsetHiminaplace,whereHeshouldshedtears,anddienomore.SodoasJesusdid.Andwhy?BecausenevermanenduredouthislongsomeracebutHewhogotasightofheaven.SeewhereforeAbrahamdwelt in tents, andMoses (Heb. 11) "choosed rather to suffer afflictionwiththepeopleofGod,thantoenjoythepleasuresofsin."Hesawasightthateveryonecannotsee.Yeknowamanwhohasbeensevenyearsawayfromhiswifeandchildren,cominghomeagainandseeingthesmokeofhisownhouse,hisheartrisesafoothigherthanitwasbefore.Wouldyerun?Getasightofthecity.GetChrist'sprospect,toseethejoysetbeforeyou.Gettheearnestoftheinheritance,andyewillneverruethebargain.Whosoeverhasamindforheaven,runsawhile inblindzeal,until they

sweat,andthengrowlame,likeahorsethatisilltakencareof,afterhardriding;soarethosewhoneversawheavenafaroffbyfaith.Butasightofthegoldmakestherunnerspringandrun.OwhatwroughtthisjoythatwassetbeforeHim! ItmadeHimendure thecross;HisFather laid thecrossonHisback,andHecarrieditthirty-threeyears,andnevergaveitashaketoputitoff.Oh,whatcrosses!NevermanwashandledasHewas;for some are under some crosses, and free of others.When Satan andmenstruckJob,theLordblessedhimandupheldhim:ButonJesus,allatonce fellGod,man,devils, law, justice, sin,and thecurse!YecannottellmewhatcomfortChristhad,whenHecried,"MyGod,myGod!"ThatwasasorethrawforHisback.O!thefirewashotthen.But,whenChristwasinHisprison,inthisdarknight,therewasaholetoletHimseeday.HehadHiseyeby faithupon thehopeof the joyof the fairdaybeforeHim.Hegota foulblackday,allcloudsofdarknessaboutHim;butHesaid within Himself, I will get my fair day when all this ill weather isaway.

Nowletmespeaktoaheavyheart;thatlooksforashoweruponthisland.Andindeeditisblackinthewest;thecloudsaregathering;theshoweriscoming.Takeahouse in time, yet fearnot, a showerwillnotmelt you,andChristhasafireinHisFather'shousetodryyourclothes.O!buthewhohasfaithtolookupthroughyonderblueskytoseethethroneofGodand theLamb, and towait for the rendingof theheavens,whenChristshallgetthroughHisfairhead,withagreatcrownofgolduponit;Isay,hewhogetsfaithtosee,andwaitforthese,willgivealeap,andaskipinhis journey. Let us suppose Christ were bodily upon the earth, and awater betwixt you andHim: yea, a lake of fire betwixt you andHim; Ithink yewould venture to be atHim.Now set out in your journey, setdown your feet, and be not beguiled with the devil's apples, which hecastsdowninyourgate.Christ, intheendofthejourney,holdsoutHislongarm,withacrownofglory,andshouts,andcries,Silly,tiredbairns,Lookhere-away!lookupthebrae,comethisway.

YemayaskwhatpowerhadChristtogiveHismanhoodtodieforothers.Thiswouldseemtobeagainstjustice;asaking'ssubjecthasnotpowertoslay himself, because in so doing he takes a subject from his prince.Answer.Thesubjectisnotaltogetherhisown;heoweshislifetohisking,

andmaynotdisposeof it,excepthefail,againsttheking.But,howbeit,themanhoodwasGod'screature,yetitwasbythelawofapersonalunionGod'smanhood,andGod'sfleshandblood;andtheGod-headgavetothemanhoodabsolutepowertogivehis lifeformen,andtopledgeHimselfasthepriceofourredemption.See,then,hereasweetmystery;theGod-headfurnishedthesumtoJesus,andgaveHimthepricetopay;andthemanhoodgaveitbacktojustice,assufferinganddead,foraransom:lawfurnished the sum, and justice received it, andgaveChrist ourbond totearinpieces.

Another fruitofourLord's to-look* to the joy thatwas setbeforeHim,was,"Hedespisedtheshame."Whatshame?LightedthereanyshameonChrist? Ay, in truth! Heaven and earth wonder at an ashamed Christ.LookifChristgotnotHispartofit;whenmickleblackshamecameuponHim.Buthow.Shamedbymen,andshamedbyGod,Ishallproveboth.

OnerascalstruckHimonthehead,anothervillainspatonHisfairface:agreatshame;theywaggedtheirheads,andbrakeajestuponHim.Takeup holy Jesus now! say they.He trusted in God, letHim deliverHim!ThinkyenotbutthatwenttoChrist'sheart,tohearthoseblackmouthsmakeamockofGod's glory?Herod, andhismenofwarmockedHim.Andseemoreshameyet;howbeitHewasanhonestmanallHislife,theyconveyedHimoutof the town,and theguardatHisback:Hisenemiesscoffingathim,and childrenwonderingatHim.Andwhatmore?DearMan!Hewentoutat theports,†bearingHisowncrossonHisback!Ofseventy disciples, twelve apostles, and all His friends, not one to helpHim,ortakeanend,oraliftofthecursedtree!Andtheyputacrownofthorns on Him, scorning His kingdom.Was not this to put the thiefs'markonHim?Andwhatmore?Mighttheynothavesaid,Thispoormanhasfewfriends?ButHisfriendswouldtakenopartofHisshame,andyetHetookalltheirshame.

GodshamedHimalso.HisFathersaidacurseandmaledictionlightonHim, shame lightonHim.Startnot at this. I shall clear it. Sinhas ayeshame on its back: ye know thatGodmadeHim sin; and ifGodmadeHimsin,andacurse,HebehovedtobringshameonHim.Fortheshamethat should have come on us, and the reproachful words that justicewouldhavegivensinners,theylightedonourLord.Yeseewhenathiefis

taken in the fang;* andbrought before the judge, andput to an assize,andchallenged;helooksdown,andthinksshametolookanymanintheface.Whenthejudgesays,Howdurstthoudoit?Sillyman,heblushes,hangs his head, and never says a word. So God put Christ upon thepannel,arraignedHimbeforeHistribunal,andaccusedHimforoursins.Christ could not deny them, but stood as a sheep dumb before hershearers.HehungHisheadbeforejustice,andthehonestMantookwiththe fault. He said he would die for the murderer, adulterer, swearer,idolater,drunkard,&c.Nowtherewasreasonhere,thatGodshouldputChrist in thisplea,† for theshamedman:becauseGod'swisewill is therule of all justice. God made the first covenant that Adam should belegally for us, and the second covenant was so contrived that Christshouldbeforus.ForChrist'smanhoodhasapersonality,notofitsown,butof theGod-head;andby the lawofapersonalunion,Christ shouldenjoyHimself.Now,becauseChristhadalegalpersonalityfromus,andas inHispersonunderHis sufferingsHe enjoyednot the fruits of thatpersonality, but was plunged in fear and horror, while He said (John12:27),"WhatshallIjoy?"yettheGod-head(tospeakso)waslikecorktomakethemanhoodsweemabove,thatitwasnotswallowedupwithGod'sinfinitewrath; and themanhoodhadpersonal legality fromus, to bearthestrokesbylawduetous.Hencecomeandlearnandbewilling,withChrist,towantalimbofyourcreditforHim.Hewasshamedforyou.Owonderful!Anashamedsinnerisnothing,anashameddevilisordinary:butGodashamed,anashamedChristisamiracle!Onehonestmanwillsuffer loss foranother;but to takeanother's shame isadifferent thing:yet this rarity was in Christ. A man who is a cautioner for his wasterfriend,thejudgecountsnothimthewaster,heisstillthoughtanhonestman;onlyhepaysthesum.ButChristourLord,besidesthesumHepaidbylaw,Hewasasthedyvour,foroursinswerelaiduponHim:forHeandwearesonearhere,thatHeisasus,andmadesinforus.

"AndissetdownattherighthandofthethroneofGod."—Hewasagoodman,andenduredallpatiently,andsoitwasseen.Hegotmuchgloryintheend; therecouldnotbutgracecomeofHim,HewassomildunderHissufferings.(Phil.2:9),"WhereforeGodhathhighlyexaltedHim,"&c.Wherefore,then,isHissittingdownnothingbutanexaltation,astateofglory above men and angels. To Him is all power given; and He has

receivedaname(Acts5:31),"HimhathGodexaltedwithHisrighthandtobeaPrinceandaSaviour,togiverepentancetoIsrael,andforgivenessofsins.

Nowtounderstandthisthebetter,notethatHissittingasGoduponHisFather'srighthandisbuttheopenmanifestationofHisglory,whichHehadbeforetheworldwas.Hisrisingasamantothisstatehathtwostepsgoingbeforeit.

1.ThenatureofmaninChristismadeofthesamemetalwithournature,andthereforedeservedapersonalunion:andthereforetheGodofgraceraisedthemanhoodabove itself, tobemarriedtotheGod-head.This isthefirststepoftheHeadshipspokenof(Heb.1),GodhasmadeHim"theheirofallthings."ForGodindeedliftedmanaboveHimself,ingivingtothemanhoodnocreatedpersonality,butthepersonalityoftheGod-head;soasthatblessedmanhood,atonemomentshouldsubsistintheWord,and subsist in the infinite personality of the God-head: that the manChrist,andtheGod-headshouldbeinoneperson.

2.Uponthis,HeresolvedafreedonationofChristtothemanhood,tobeKing, Priest, and Prophet, sufficiently qualified to grace us. This wasgracealsotothemanhood,yetthisgracewasnotgiveninsuchameasuretoChrist, in thedaysofHis flesh.Howbeit thisgrace,and thepersonaluniondidsufficientlybearHimupunderallHissufferings.

3. After His sufferings, the manhood saw the God-head, in a moreglorious manner, and enjoyed Him after an admirable manner, and ismadeapersonalworker,andabsolutecommanderoftheworld;aPrince,aJudge,aLord,andnexttoGod;overandaboveallcreatures.ThatourHusband issohigh, isgreatmatterofcomfort to the faithful.Menwhohaveafriendatcourtareayetroublinghimwithsuitsandwrits;wewritenothalfmanylettersuptoourFriendatcourt.HedelightstospeakofustoHis Father, and to carry us inHis heart, as theHigh Priest did thenamesofthetwelvetribesonhisbreast:andtoengraveusonthepalmsofHishands.Thenseethegate,andfollowChristJesusonthecross;thecrossisyourway.Christgotadeepergate;Hiswaywasthecross,andthecrown. Now, says the apostle, "Consider such an one," and yet spokenagainstbysinners: forsinnersgaveHimthe lie.LookuponHimlestye

faint.(Psalm31:22),"Isaidinmyhaste,Iamcutoffbeforethineeyes."(Isaiah 49:14), "Zion said, the Lord hath forsaken me, my God hathforgotten me." Think not, ye will aye be alike stout in the journey;sometimesyewillfalldown,andChristwillhaveyoualifting;butHeisnearyouwithHisflagonofwinetocomfortyou.Amen.

SERMONVI*—Isaiah49:1,2,3,4

Listen,Oisles,untome;andhearken,yepeople,fromfar.TheLordhathcalledmefromthewomb;fromthebowelsofmymotherhathHemadementionofmyname,&c.—Isaiah49:1,2,3,4.

THE Prophet, from the fortieth chapter of this prophecy, to the endthereof,discoursesof thesetwothings.1.Of thebringingof theChurchback fromBabylon.2.Of therestorationof theChurchbyJesusChrist.Hereis

1.AprefacetothedoctrineofChrist,andthegloryoftheChurchunderHim.AndinthesewordsChristHimself isspeakingtotheislands,and,among others, to Scotland and England: for Britain is one of thoseislands.

2.ThePersonspokenof isdescribedfromHiscalling,andthepowerofHismediation,comparedtoasharpsword.

3. In allusion to the people forwhomHe is towork, it is said ofHim,"ThouartMyservant,OIsrael,inwhomIwillbeglorified."

4.TheunsuccessfulnessofHisministry,occasionedby theobstinacyoftheJews;"Ihavelabouredinvain,Ihavespentmystrengthfornought,andinvain."

"Listen,Oisles,untome."—ChristfirstmadechoiceofthepeopleoftheJews;butnowHehasbrokendown thepartitionwall betwixt Jewand

Gentile; and cries to us, "Listen, O isles, and hear, O Scotland andEngland."Yewholiefaroutinanisleofthesea,listenuntoMe,andyeshall beMy land and heritage. Now, O Scotland, God be thanked, thynameisintheBible.Christspaketouslongsince,ereeverwewereborn.Christ said, "Father,giveMe theendsof theearth,put inScotlandandEngland,withtheisles-meninthegreatCharteralso:forIwillhavethemamong the rest (Psalm 2:8). God said, He should get all the land Henamed; all Sinim, and all the ends of the earth: all beyond the river,Sheba and Seba. The land in acres, and ridges,* was measured out toChrist, and themarch-† stones set.Andas ye ken, inCharters, houses,crofts,mosses,moors, fowling,and fishing,evenall in the land's lengthand breadth are included, so Christ gets all His chosen ones that areincluded in the grand Charter of election. Believe in the name andauthority of the Son of God, I pray you believe, and read Scotland'sCharterPsalm2:8,45and72:10.Willyethenbelieve?

But now we are like to be turned over to a new master; Antichrist isclaimingus.Letusbewo‡forthat.KenyewhattheenemiesoftheKirkaredoing?Theyareworkinghard that theymaygetChristoverthrown,andHisFather's land taken fromHim.Thinkye theywill comespeed?Nay,theyshallnot: thegatesofhellandRomeshallnotprevailagainstHim.Regard themnot, for they shall not overcome.Christ's Charter issurerthanthat.Thenlettheisleshearkenandobey;andI fearnotthatChristshallloseonefoot-breadthinBritain.ButifyewillnotbelieveandobeyHim,surelytherewillbea landlost,andwewillbegivenaway.ItwasnotanillconquestthatChristmade,andcouldnotbutthrive.Itwaswell won (as wemay say) by the sweat of His brow. Christ is not likemanydaft*youngheirs,wholosetheirestatesbytheirfolly.Christisnowaster,Henever sold,normortgageda furr†ofHisFather's land. It isoursinsthathavesoldus,andnotHe.

"Listen, O isles, Hearken, &c."—The isles must be Christ's, uponconditiontheyhearandobeyHim.ChristourMastermusthaveservicefrom us; else we cast away our rights. "And being made perfect, Hebecame the author of eternal salvation unto all who believe and obeyHim"(Heb.5:9).OfHimtheFathersays,"Thisismywell-belovedSon,inwhomIamwellpleased,hearHim."Listen therefore to thematter, for

uponyourperilbeit,ifyerejecttheLordJesus.

"TheLordhathcalledmefromthewomb."—Whatmeansthis?MightnotChrist have come uncalled? Nay, "No man taketh this honour untohimself,buthethatiscalledofGod,aswasAaron"(Heb.5:4,5)."SoalsoChristglorifiednotHimselftobemadeuntoHimanhighpriest,butHethatsaid,ThouartMySon,to-dayhaveIbegottenThee."IfyeaskwhatwasChrist'scalling?Isayitwas,1.God'seternaldecree,whereinitwasdecreed, and agreed upon in the Covenant of Redemption, betwixt theFather, the Son, and theHoly Spirit; that Christ should be the person:andwrits,asitwere,pastbetwixtthem.2.ThiscallingisGod'slayingallthe elect over upon Christ. Therefore the Father has not a personaloversightoftheelect,theyareallgiventoChrist;theyareallgiventotheSon'shands."ForthereisoneGod,andoneMediatorbetweenGodandman,themanChristJesus"(1Tim.2:5).There isnotanotherMediatorthanHe:neithertheFathernortheSpirit.Thereisnotanothertoanswer,orcompearpersonallyforus.TheFather(sotospeak)hasgivenallourbonds and writs over to the great advocate, Christ Jesus. The Fatherseeks,purposes,andpleadsagainstmysticalChrist,andcries,Payment,ordeath:—Deathorpayment,eitherfromtheHeadorthemembers.ButtheFatherlaidonHimtheiniquityofusall(Isaiah53:6).WasonlyoursinlaiduponChrist?Nay,Heisalsomadetheauthorofeternalsalvationby suffering. Never such a word is spoken of the other two gloriouspersons, in all the Book of God. If Christ had not given an infinitesatisfaction, and payed the debt, none could have attained salvation.Worksofsupererogationwillnotdotheturn;man'sfreewillcannotavail.NothingbutthebloodofJesuswasabletocompensatethematter.

3.TheLord'scallingChristisHisgivingHimlawonHisside,byapublicoffice;toteachasaProphet,tosufferasaPriest,andtosubdue,rule,anddefend,asaKing.Forwemayknowforcertain,thathowbeit,Christ-manhadaprivategoodwilltous,pityingourcase,anddesiringweshouldbesetatliberty;yetthatwouldnothavedoneourturn,exceptHehadbeenadivineperson,andgiven the requiredsatisfaction.Amanmayhaveagoodwilltobecautionerandsuretyforanother;butifheisarebelagainsttheking,thelawcannotacceptofhim.No,hecannotbeacceptedunlesshebeafreesubject,andasponsible*man.SoChristhavingman'sbowels

topityus,GodgaveHimlawuponHisside,andpublicauthorityagainstallsin.Hereisasingularcomforttoallweak,sick,andheavy-ladensouls.If ye doubt of your salvation, remember that Christ by law, and God'sgood-willandspecialcalling,ismadeandappointedaMediatorforyou.ThenitisnofalsepretensionthatChristtookyourpleainhand:Hehasacallingtoitbylaw.ThenrestandrelyuponHimaloneforsalvation.TheLordhasmadearesignationofyouovertoChrist;andifyetrulybelieveinHimasHeisofferedtoyouintheeverlastinggospel,thereisnofearthatHecastyouoffor thatye shallnotbe saved.Whom!He loves,Helovesuntotheend.IfyeareHis,HewillnotloseHisright.Thenboldlyclaim salvation, forgiveness, and Christ's righteousness. It is yours byGod'scalling;takeyourown,andbenotdrivenfromitassillybodies:benotbosted†fromsalvation,bytemptations,crosses,andfaithlessfears.IfyoubelieveinChrist,yourrightsarestrong.Christsays,"TheLordGodcalledMefromMymother'swomb:"thatmaybeyourwarrant,totrustinHimasanall-sufficientSaviour.Unbelief,then,mustbeagreatliar,andslighterofChrist. ItsaysasmuchasChrist isnota lawfulSaviour, thatHecameuncalled,andthatHisworkwillnotstand.Seethenhowdeepinsinthouart,Ounbeliever!ThouturnestworsethanaJew,andsayestatthe first, Christ is a deceiver, and not a true Saviour. There is muchtalkingof faith;but Iwish itwerewellkend.‡Alas! that it isnotbetterknown.

"Fromthebowelsofmymotherhathhemadementionofmyname."—The law askedwho should suffer forman? Itwas not contentwith thegeneralanswer,"Acautionerandsurety;"butonebehovedtobenamed.SotheLordnamedChrist,andsaid;Talknomoreofthat,thereisnoneothermeetfortheworkbutMineowneternalSon;theSonofGod,andthe Son of man. And upon Christ's consenting, and answering to Hisname, God bookedHim; andwrites it inHis holy word, that Christ isCautioner forHispeople.Hewasmadetoundergothecursedue tous,andHisnamewaswritten inourbond.Anhonestman, especially in ahigh station, will not have his name called in question for a sum ofmoney. He would rather pay the sum ere his name were heard in theCourt. So, ere his name be heard for a fault that deserves infamy anddeathbythelaw,hewouldratherdie.ButourdearRedeemerwasnotsothin skinned; forHis namewas within our black bond, alongwith the

perjuredman, the adulterer,&c., and justice laidholdonHimas ifHehad been the transgressor and sinner. He did not become the sinneractually, as the Antinomians say, else He could not have madesatisfactionforthesinsofHispeople.ItisbutafoolishconceitoftheirstoimaginethatHewasboththesin,andthesacrificeforsin.No,insteadofbeingthesinner,"Hewasholy,harmless,andundefiled"(Heb.7:26).Yet(whatismatterofadmirationandwonder)thisHolyOnedidundergothefullpunishmentthatlawandjusticedidrequire!"HepouredoutHissouluntodeath; andHewasnumberedwith the transgressors; andHebore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors"(Isaiah 53:12). Lo, hear His name in God's high count-book, and theFathercries,"JesusChristismadesinforsinners."Thisisasoreditty;*the lawofGod'scurseandmalediction lightedonChrist!O!Theangelsmight wonder to hear Christ's name called in question. Then ye whothinkmuchtobespokenofforChrist,tobereproachedandnick-named;ortohaveyournamesheardofbeforejudgesandrulersforHim;whydoyeso?HetookablotonHisnameforyou!ChristdidnothangdownHishead,northinkshameofyou!HeavowsyouandyourcausebeforeHisFather.Sothen,avowyeHisname,HimandHistruthalso,beforealltheworld.Takenotabackside,holdnotyourpeace,fleenottheplace,whenHiscausecomesincompetition,withyournamebeingheardofforHim."It isyourhonour."Oh!Thatweloveourselvessowell, thatwewillnotsuffer a wrong for Him! Oh! Thy spirit will rise if thy name is butchanged.Andsomeofyouwillsay,IthankGod,nonewillsaythatofme,"Butawhore'sson!"andIthankGod,mynameisknownwhereIdwell.AndsoisHisname.IsthynamebetterknownthanthySaviour,Christ's?WhohasthenameofKingofkings?AndyetHisnamewasputinGod'sbookalongwiththetransgressor's.Christtookalittlelowstyle,asfromalordoranearltoagoodman.Heisayecalledhere, inourcountry,theSonofman.Manyirreverentpeople,inthedaysofHisflesh,calledHimMary'sson.

"He hathmademymouth like a sharp sword."—Christ can shed bloodwith the tongue. (Rev. 1:16), "Andout ofHismouthwent a sharp two-edgedsword,thatwithitHeshouldsmitethenations."AllwhomChristslays, asMediator andSaviour,He slays themwithHismouth; for seehow sharp His sword is, (Heb. 4:12), "The Word of God is quick and

powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to thedividingasunderofsoulandspirit,andofthejointsandmarrow,andisadiscernerof the thoughts and intentsof theheart."Woe, then, to themwhohaveaheartofironandflint,thatslipsChrist'sword,andareneverslainwith it.Somemen'sconsciencesaremadeof iron; letChriststriketheywillneverstir.ButyetChristwillbeatsuchmen'sconsciencesalltoflinders,andthentheycanneverbemendedagain.Butofthisafterward.

It is truesomearemovedat theword, theywill thrustouta tear.ButIcomparetheirmotiontoastrongphysiconaweakstomach;theyaresickfor a time, but incontinently they vomit it up again, and are aswell asevertheywereagain.Soaresomemen'sheartswiththeword;theywillbephysicsick,buttheywillsoonvomitupChrist'sphysicagain: itgoesnotoutof thekirk-yardwiththem; itabidesnotwiththemtill thenextLord'sday.

"HehathhidmeintheshadowofHishand."—Thisisaspeechborrowedfromamancarryinghischildinhisarms,inastormyday,whokeepshishandbetwixtthechildandtheblast.Or,whenhe isonhisknee,andistoonearthefire,heholdshishandbetwixtthechild's faceandthefire,and keeps him from burning under the shadow of his hand. Theman,Christ,wasmadetosufferasoreblast:ablackstormofthenorthwindofGod'sangerblewuponHisfairfacetillitwasliketotakealltheskinoffit.GodputHishandbetwixtHisfaceandthefire,andpreservedHimintheshadowofHishand.AndthisisnothingelsebutGod'sprotectinganddefendingChristatHiscallingasKing,Priest,andProphet.

Whatwouldhave yemore? In allChrist's sufferings, and troubles,Godhad theman,Christ,hiddenunder the shadowofHishand.Godhadahearty handful of Christ, and that two ways. Ye know oftentimes Hisenemies would have been about with Him, but noman laid hands onHim,forHishourwasnotyetcome.GodgaveChristtwelvehoursinHisday,sothatHecouldneitherstumblenorfalltillHisnightcame:for,indespiteofHis enemies,He stayed in the city tillHegotHis turndone.TheycouldnotchaseChristtothefields,normakeHimfleetheplace.HecamedowntopleadforthelifeofHisChurchandherlaws;andmadeavowthatHewouldnotgohomeagaintillHegotadecreet,andwantheplea;andHegotthatorereHerested.Hewasnotchasedoutofthetown

tillHehaddoneHiserrand.UntilHehadallHissillyonesbroughtoutofhazard and danger, and brought out of hell, Hewan not up to heavenagain.HediednotbeforeHistime:Hewasnotlikegreencorn,cutdownereitbehalf-ripe.ButChristgotHisfilloftheground,andwasripeatallwill,ereevertheLord'shookcutHimoffoutofthelandoftheliving;andsoHewasayeintheshadowoftheLord'shand.

ButunderChrist's lastsufferings,howHewashidundertheshadowofGod'shandishardertounderstand:forChristgotjusticeandlaw,andnomercy.ButIanswer.

1.ThatalthoughChristgotnosparingmercy,yetHegothelpingmercyunderHissufferings.Observeit,forthereisneedwegoattentivelyhere:thegroundissomewhatslippery.TheWordsays,"GodsparedHimnot."Therewasnocollusion,orsecretpactionbetwixtChristandGod'sjustice.Nay,thelawwouldnottakeacompositionfromChristforsomuchandforgive the rest, as if it had been great rigour to take all. If Christ hadgottenaremission,HeshouldhavegotsomeofthesweetEvangel.Nay,but Christ got nothing but law, the sour law; and kept all the sweetEvangel to His poor dyvour friends, to poor, silly, helpless sinners.Therefore, Christ said, I will take all the sour, and ye shall get all thesweet.Nay,underdesertion,ChristcouldnotgetablinkorwordofHisFather.Nay,Isaymore,Godmightnot,Hecouldnot,aslawwentthen.Christ cried, Is there not a word, dear Father, not a look? And Heanswers,No,notalookforaworld.ButChristgotGod'shelpingmercy:thesweetshadowofHisalmightyhandcoveredHim.ForGodsentHisangel to comfort Him, but would not come Himself. God gave Himarmouragainstall thestrokes; forHehadassurance that theGod-headand themanhood shouldnever sunder.ThatwasChrist's greatCharterthatHeleanedmickletointimeoftrouble.

2.HegotayehelpsentHimfromtheGod-head,ateverystroke,inspiringHimwith faith, strength, and patience of soul, Isaiah 50:7, "Thereforehave I setmy face as a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed."Christ'ssoul,becauseofthepersonalunion,wasallasflint.Godsmote,butthearrowsneverpiercedHim:theyonlymadewoundsandrents;butthesoulneverflewinpieces,norwasturnedtonothing.Butthen,Howwas thematter? I say, Justice keptChrist froma kiss of theGod-head.

For therewere two things here; a. Thewindows of theGod-headwereclosed, that neither the light nor the heat thereof, shined in upon thepowersofChrist'ssoul.b.AllthepowersofHishumansoulwereboundup.1.Thenaturalpowerofjoywasbounduplikeagreatwaterdammedin, that none could get a blyth*look of Christ! forHe said, "My soul isexceeding sorrowful, even unto death." 2. The natural power of seeingGod in the unionwas restrained.God hidingHimself, a black cloud ofhorrible fearswas over Christ's judgment, thatHe should then believe,but not see nor contemplate theGod-head, as before. 3. That power ofenjoying, inall thewholehumanity,andsweetactualcomplacency,andrestinguponafeltLord,whowasabsent,wasrestrained.Andyet(whichis a wonder of wonders) with horrible fear,He had faith, and extremelove,withsadness;incallingGodHisFather,withstrongcriesandtears,admirablepatienceandhope,whichmadeHimlongforanopenwindow,to see day light. Indeed, though it was not possible that Christ shouldmiscarry;yettoourappearance,oursalvationwasinaventure.IfChristhadheregottenawrongcast,*andgoneawrongstep;thenadieutooursalvation.ButGodbethanked,itwasnotaloosematter,norloosehung.Godhad,allthistime,ChristandourheaveninthehollowofHishand.Seethen,wheneverGodsendsChrist,oranyofHisservants,anerrand,HehasthemayehardandfastinthehollowofHishand.God'sfaithfulministers andprofessors, serving in a lawful calling, are all here. IfHesendyoutobearwitness,andsufferforHim,Hewillbearyourcharges.IfHe yoke† you against any foe, He will defend you: but if ye go to thewhore,andgetanuncouth‡sickness;orgo to theworld,andseekyourhappiness there; thenyouarenotunder theshadowofGod'shand:Hewillnotbearyourcharges.Ifyebutyokeagainstanysin,Hewilldefendyou; but if ye sin againstHim, ye are exposed to all the arrows inHisquiver. Why? The devil has employed you, and not God.Were you inGod's service, your Master would stand for you. Then go on in Hisservice, and draw upon Him for all your expenses. Christ, at the timewhenHestoodat thegreatbar,heldbythegrandCharter inHishand,andanswered.

Now,whatcanChristnotabide,andwhatcanHenotdo?Whatcanbitsofclaycreatures,rulersandprinces,doagainstHim?EvenHeenduredsuch a battle!We lose heart and courage, when we fearmatters go so

hard against God's service, andHis truth. Indeed, our unbelief will besaying,ChristsufferednotsuchathingasGod'swrath.Knowyewhatyesay?Somewillsay,WedoubtnotbutChristcanbreakallHisenemiesinpieces, like as many potsherds: but O, say they, we fear we have nostrength;wewotnotifHewillgiveuspartofHisstrength.

IAnswer.Christ'sstrengthisnottoliebesideHim,asthewretch'sgold:*it is to give out forHis kirk.But Imust say one thing; every professorshould trywhether he be in Christ or not. If you be not in Christ, thisworldwillblowyouclean,cleanawayfromHim.Nay,inanytrouble,itisnotpossibleyoucanstandstill.ForthiscauseourLordhassentatrial,thatthosewhohavenothingtodowithChristmaybeblownaway.IfyewouldsufferforChrist,slayyouraffections,andmortifyyourlusts.Theyshallnotbehonouredwith sufferingwhohavenotgiven sin itsdeath'swounds. If ye would suffer for Christ, and die for Him, ye must be amember:foratree-†legsuffersnotwhentheheadbleedeth.Ifyourheartbeprepared,andifyouberesolvedtoseeChristgetabloodyheadinHismembers,orinHiscause,seethatyesufferwithHim.

"He hath made me a sharp arrow;" an arrow with a sharp point. Thesword slays near at hand, and the arrow kills afar off. They arewithinChrist'sboundswhoareslainwiththesword;butthearrowfliesoverthedevil's camp, and killsmany on the other side of it. Therefore, it slaysthosewhoareoverinSatan'swilderness,andthewildbeaststhatareinthewoods.Itkillslions,leopards,asses,andtigers,thatis,menofawildand savagenature, andmakes themobedient to thegospel of ourLordJesus Christ. This arrow flies over to the wild people of America, andthose who are without Christ in the world, worshipping the host ofheaven. I think Christ is a keen hunter; He lays about Him with Hissword,andslays thosewhoarewithinHisreach.Thosewhoarehalf inhalfout,Hepulls them in,and takes them inHisarms.Thosewhoareafaroff,overinAmerica,HebendsHisbow,andsendsaflightortwoofarrows amongst them, and the wounded come mourning in, and say,Lord,whatwilt Thou haveme to do?But know this, that some in thisworld, atwhose conscienceChrist shootsHis arrows, they lie behind adyke, and the arrow flies by them. (Matt. 22:5, 6, Luke 14:18, 19, 20),"When the chief priests and Pharisees had heard the parable, they

perceivedthatHespakeofthem:andtheysoughttolayhandsonHim."Theywho brought thewoman taken in adultery (John8:9),when theyheardChristsay,"Hethatiswithoutsinamongyou,lethimcastthefirststoneather:being convictedby theirownconscience,wentoutonebyone,beginningattheeldestevenuntothelast."TheLordshotanarrowattheirconsciences,buttheycrouchedandhidthemselvesbehindawall.See we not that the seventh command shoots an arrow at the fleshlyman? he crouches by it and runs to the harlot. The eighth commandshootsanarrowatthecovetousman,andcries,Woupontheoppressorand deceiver; and yet he skips away by, crouches and goes after hiscovetousness.Nay,somewildbeastsgoaway,andthearrowsticking inthem,andthebloodcomingout;buttheyshakeandflingoutthearrow,theblooddrys,thewoundclosesup,andmendsagain.TheconscienceofmanythatGod'sarrowmakesaholein,andcausesthembleed,flingoutthe arrow, and the woundmends. The devil can lay a plaister upon awoundedconscience,andheal itagain.SeeActs7.SomeheardStephenpreach, and they sawhis face shine like anangelofGod; andwerenotabletoresistthespiritwherewithhespake.Hecallingthemstiff-necked,anduncircumcised inheart, and castingup to them their idolatry, theypulled out Christ's arrow, and fell to their idolatry again, and stonedStephentodeath.Iloveitnotwhenmencancrouch,andrunawayfromtheword,andfindexcuses,andwrestleafallwithChrist,andHisword.Well,bewareof this; ifyewrestlewithHimandfightagainstHisword,takeheedyebreaknotyourarm,andthatyourshoulderbladebenotoutoflith.*ButthisisnotChristtheMediator'sarrow,thisisHisdeafarrow.OurLordJesushasanotherarrowwithathistlepoint,thatHeshootsattheheartofHiselect, theLordcryingwith itscoming, "Saul,Saul,whypersecutest thouMe?"He shot him off his horse, and laid him on theground, that like a woundedman, he cried, trembling and astonished,"Lord,whatwiltThouhavemetodo?"(Acts9:6).ComeneartoChristinthe word and Sacraments. Christ has now here, under the elements ofbread and wine, a bended bow in His hand; with which, and by thefoolishnessofpreaching (as it is calledbymen)He is lying, as itwere,behindadyke,andstealingashotatyou.Lord,sendHimHisprey!TheLordsendyouinthegospelthethingyoushallnevershakeoffagain.Forknow ye when Christ speaks to the Elect there, there is a sharp steel-pointedarrowintheendofHistongue,thatwillpiercesinnerstodeath,

andlaythemlow.(Isaiah50:4),"TheLordhathgivenMethetongueofthelearned,thatIshouldknowhowtospeakawordinseasontohimthatisweary." For our Lord has good skill to aim a shot ofHis arrow, anddriveiteventothefeather:righttotheheadintheconscienceofHisown.SeewhenHe comesbyMatthew, and says, FollowMe; immediatelyhefallsoverlikeadeadman:heleaveshiscustomandhiscount-books,andfollowsChrist.ChristcomesbyZaccheus,sittingonasycamoretreeandbidshimcomedown:HebendsHisbow,andshootsanarrowathim,andcries,"Comedown,Zaccheus,forto-dayImustabideatthyhouse;"andhecamedowngoodspeed;andfromhishearthecouldneverpulloutthearrowtothisday.ComingbyJacob'swellatSamaria,ChristbendedHisbowandshotthewomanofSamaria:sheleftherwater-pot,andcameintothecityandsaid,"Come,seeamanthattoldmeallthingsthateverIdid.IsnotthistheChrist?"(Acts2.)WithanarrowfromPeter'smouth,Christshotthreethousandatoneshot:Heshotthemallwithonebroadarrowthroughtheheart:theywereprickedintheirhearts.IthinkChrist,eversinceAdamsinnedinParadise,hasbeenhunting,anduntiltheendoftheworld,willstillbehuntingandshootingwildbeasts.O!butHewillcometoHisFatheratnightwitharichprey:manyslainmen—manyshotwithHisarrow.It istrue,wethinkChrist'sarrowissharp,andthatthewordofGodpainsus,forwehavenowill*toabloodyhead.Butwemustbearandsuffer thewordofexhortation.Christwillnotslayus,butwillbindupthewoundsagain:Hiswoundsaresweet.

Now,weknowthatwhenanarrowisloosedoff,andfliesthroughtheair,if a man sees it not coming upon him, and if it be shot with pith, hecannothinderittogothroughhisflesh,orenterintothebone.SonomancanresistoneofChrist'sarrows.TheenemiesofGod'sgracesay,thatfreewillissogoodandhard,thatitwillbreakthepointofanarrow,anddriveitback. I'llwarrantyou that freewill isashardas flint;but if thedevilhadputonadoublecorsletofproofuponthesoul,Christ'sarrowwillgothrough it.Why?Because (Eph.1:19,Col.2:12),byasgreatpowerdoesChristworkfaithinus,aswasthatomnipotentpowerwhichraisedJesusChristfromthedead;anditwasbythestronghandoftheAlmightythatChristofnecessitybehovedtoberaised.Andthereforetheyareliarswhosay, In conversion, grace and free will start and begin to run bothtogether, like twohorses at the startingplace.They lie, forGod's grace

has the first start. It breaks off first, andpowerfully and sweetly drawsourfreewill,sothatwerun:butChristprays,calls,andgivesusstrength,and speed of foot. It is not here, as in a ship equally belonging to twomerchants, the one half his, and the other his; as if Christ did the onehalf, by shooting the arrows; and we the other half, by opening thewindowsofourhearts,toletthearrowscomein.Nay,allisChrist'swork;Hisarrowdrivesupthewindow.There isnodangerthatChrist'sarrowturn aside and kill nothing: He is a complete marksman, and will notmiss.Nay,Hewaitsnotontillourfreewillbeinhergoodblood,andwelldisposed;Hemakesuswelldisposed,anddraws,andruns,thenwerun.

Itistrue,ourwillislikethestomachedchild,whohastakenoffence,andwillnotgonearhis father.ButhereChristwinds inHisarrownear theheart,andmakesthechildlovethefather,andcomecreepingintohim;asMatthewandZaccheusdid.Fythen!IfChristbesuchatriedSaviour,laymickleonHim: it isapity thatsuchastrongSaviourshouldnotbeburdened.Who isherewhohavenot theirownburdens?Onegroaningunder covetousness; another under pride, sweating with the devil'spackmantle:*abackfuloflusts,runningatthedevil'shorsefoot.Fythen!Ease yourselves, and lay the burden upon Christ; and yourselves also.Now,Isay,debts,losses,horses,sumsofmoney,lands,&c.,laythemalluponChrist.

ItrowmenpityChrist;theyfearHelose.No,fearnot;I'llwarrantHim:Hewillbearbothyouandyourburdens.ThenletusallburdenChrist;layenoughuponHim; come andhanguponHim.O! if allwho are in thishousewouldcomejustnow,asfastastheycouldwinforward,andhangallaboutHim, likeahiveofbees.RestuponHim,aboutHisneck,anduponHisarm,asbirdsuponabranch.O, flyasdoves toHiswindows,andbuildyournestsinHim(Isaiah60:8).

"AndsaiduntoMe,ThouartMyServant."—Christwasnotindeedhiredby any, but byHis Father. His Father sentHim andHe wan the hire,savedtheKirk,andwasveryfaithful;buttheworldgaveHimthedevilforHisthanks.Godbehovedtohaveservice,andahardpieceofserviceoutoftheMan,Christ;evensuchaserviceasmadeHimsweatthebestbloodofHisbody.ItwasdearservicetoChristbut(sotospeak)consideringthewaythatGodhadlaiddowntobringmantoheavenandsatisfyjustice,it

wasnotpossiblethatHecouldgettheworkdonewithoutaservant.Thework would have lain, and our redemption ceased for ever. Man norangel,neitherwouldnorcouldlookuponthebargain.ThenChrist,God-man,behovedtobehired,andHesoughtnowagesofHisFather,butaKirk, a seed, and theplace inglory, forHimself andHiswhichHehadwith theFather frometernity. (John 17:5.)FromyouHe seeksnohire,but faith and obedience; and it in a manner, breaks Christ's heart, toconsider what service He undertook for you, and how coldrife andindifferentyeareinHisservice!HerantillHeswatforyou;butalas!youhave neither heart nor hand in His service. He is, by His infinitebenevolence, forcinggood-will,kindness, love,andfriendshipoutofus!butalas!Hecomesillspeed.Menwillnotwanttheirpleasures,nordenythemselves for Him. Christmay say,Why, and what ails you atMe? IveiledMyglory,andmadeMyselfofnoreputation,yeaacurseforyou!AndisthisyourkindnesstoyourFriend?

Trulymenmisken Christ, inHis sufferings. He came so far belowHisplace,wasso illhandled, that theyallsaid,This isnot theMessiah.Letmeseewhowillcomebeneaththeirplace,orquitaninchoftheirwill,forHim;orcastawaytheir lusts,denythisworld'sglory,andtakeuptheircross and followHim?He left heaven for you; but yewill not quit theearthforHim,andyetthereisnocomparisonbetwixtthetwo.

"ThouartMyservant,OIsrael,inwhomIwillbeglorified."—Thatis,itisthenationoftheJews,towhomIwillfirstshewMyglory:"GofirsttothelostsheepoftheHouseofIsrael."Foryeken,whenakinsmanistosellanything, reason ishegivehis friend the firstofferbeforeeverheofferthebargaintoanyother.SoChristcameintotheworldtosellHimselftoman.ButtheJewswereHisbrethrenbybirth:HetookonHimtheJew'sfleshandblood,forHewasabornJew.SoChristsaidtotheJews,YeareMy friends, ye shall get the first offer ofMe. I will not begin with theGentiles, till ye say nay. Christ was even like a greatmarket town, theports*werecloseduponuspoorGentiles;anduponallBritain,whiletheJewsgotthemorningofthemarket.Buttheymadefewornobargainsinthemorning:therewasnosaleforChristamongtheJews.Then,ontheafternoon,Christbadeopentheports,andletthepoorGentilescomein.He said toHis servants,Go yourway, bid the isles come; bid Scotland

andEngland, and the land of Sinim, and the utmost ends of the earthcome.Wherefore? The Jews will not have Me: I will bargain with theGentiles.Therewasafair,andrichtablecoveredfortheJews,God'sfairhigh board, and He called them to the first mess: but they, like daftbairns, ran to the play, and hadmoremind of their play than of theirmeat.Theydidlettheirmeatturncold,andranaftersalvationinMoses'law,andwouldnottakethenewfeastofslainChrist;butloathedattheirmeat,andspiltChrist'sblood.HeheldthecupofHisbloodtothem,buttheydidcastitallbackinHisfaceagain.Godsaid,theirby-board*mightservetheGentiles:butwhentheLordsawthatIsraelwouldhavenoneofHim,He shutout themisleared†bairns; and turned them to thebroadfieldstoshiftforthemselves;theirFatherscourgedthemtothedoor,andsaid, Bring in the poor hungry Gentiles. Call in the hungry isles-men,bring in the poor, the lame, the cripples, and blind beggars. Now,Scotland and England, Take your meat, and eat, and grow. God bethankedwegotthecoldmeat:theLorddidfetchustothefirstmess.

Nowbenothigh-minded,butfear.LearnalessonoftheJews,andbenotspoilt bairns. Eat your meat and grow thereby; take this afternoon'smarketofChrist.Butalas!Thefairisliketoskail‡Alas!itisnowgrowinglike old sour drink in Scotland: andwe are beginning to playwith ourmeat.We arenowbeginning to clipChrist's ordinances, and to add to,and part from His Testament. Indeed, I think Scotland is making aquarrel with Christ: they say, Our religion is naked, and clipped like,wanting the busking;§ it must have ceremonies to busk it with. Thegospelwassweettousatthebeginning;butnowmenhavenolist||totheword; our zeal is away and dead, we have fallen from our first love.Jezebel,thefalseprophetess,andfalseapostles,arecomeinamongus.Itis amarvel, andmaybeamarvel, if therebenotbloodyheads for thislabour.Ifearwewillbesenttothehills,aswellastheJewswere:mournfor the abominationsof the land. If ever ye awake till the last trumpet,awakenow,andlookaboutyou;andseewhereChristwashidden;evenin the hollow of God's hand. Flee to Him and He shall hide you, themembers,therealso.

"Then I said, I have laboured in vain."—See Christ is brought in herecomplainingoftheJewstoHisFather.TakeheedHemakenotHismoan

ofScotlandandEngland(forBritainisoneofthechief isles).IsHenotsayingeventoyouwhoarehere,WillyeplayMethesamemeasurethattheJewsplayedMe?Oplay itnot!Manyadirtyarmful Ihadof them;longdidIbeartheminMyarms,andyettheygaveMesmallthanks.SoChristishere,asitwere,sorrythatHehadlostHistravel,andspentthestrengthofHisbody, in seeking the Jews, and saying, "Woeunto thee,Chorazin!woeunto thee,Bethsaida!" (Matt. 11) "Jerusalem,Jerusalem"(Matt.23:37)."AndHecametoHisown,andHisownreceivedHimnot."AndthiscomplaintHebearstoHisFather;Heiseven,asitwere,saying,TakeupthewelcomethehouseofIsraelgaveMe:theypiercedMyhandsandMyfeet.AndhereisahelpandencouragementtoallGod'sfaithfulministers, after their taking pains, and having spent their strength invain, and seeing little fruit of their labours. Lo, here Christ in Isaiah'sdaysmakingthesamecomplaint.

There isanordinarywordof thePapists,"Ifyourdoctrinebethetruth,where is thepowerof it?"Howcomes it that thereareso fewgainedtoChristby thepowerof it?Answer.Surely theJewsmighthave said thesameofChrist?IfYebetheMessiah,whereareallwhofollowYou?Wesee only twelve men and seventy disciples, and some few women: butwhataretheytoallIsraelandJudah,whoarenotbroughtin?Christsaysit isvery true, few followMe, IhavespentMystrength invain,and fornothing.Whatthen?"MyrewardiswiththeLord."JesusChristisnottheworse,thatfewfollowHim,thatfewwilltakeHim.AlthoughonlytwoinakingdomtakeChrist,Christisnottobecastenaway.NeitherwillChristruebecausetheJewswillnottakeHim,orbecausefewfollowHim.ButwhenChristcomeswithHisswordandbowtoaland,ifwe,likeasmanywildbeasts, run into thewoods,andourconsciences flee intodensandcavesoftheearth;onetohispride,anothertohisdenofcovetousness,athirdtothewildernessofvanityaswedo,andrefusetoabidetheshotofChrist'sbow,yetHewilldotheofficeofaMediatorandSaviour,andsayofustoHisFather,asHesaidoftheJews,IhavespentMystrengthinvain:andwillgiveinaheavycomplaintofustoHisFather.AndGodwillreadandhearChrist'sbill,andgiveHimjustice.Itwillbeahardmatter,ifourSaviourturnourpursuer;ifourAdvocate,whoshouldpleadforus,turnacomplainer,pleadagainstus,andsay,Father,Icametothem,andknockedtillMyheadwasbedewedwithrain,andtheywouldnotletMe

in.

Seethen;ifChristpreach,andsay,IgotthewindforMypains,nonewereconverted, it isnot thepowerandholinessof thepreacher thatconvertmen.Nay,menthinkit isthewantofministersthatundoesus.IfIhad(say they)heardChrist fromthepulpit,asMaryandPeterdid, Iwouldthen soon have been converted.Nay, Judas heard Christ, butwhat thebetterwashe?Igrantifaministerbenotcalled,andgracedwithGod'sSpirittopreach,hewhomadehimapreachermightaswellhavemadeaswine-herdofhim.ButwhenGod'schosenservantscastoutthenet,theytake not aye in fish. Christ went through the seas, and shot His linesseeking fishes, and sometimes caught nothing. Peter (Acts 2) shot hisline,andcatchedthreethousand.Whatisthewantofsuccess,butGod'ssaying,Itisnotthepreacher,buttheSpiritofGodthatdoesit?ThencallnomanRabbi:we takeGod towitness, thatwewouldhaveyouoffourhand.Wesaynot,Christ isonlywithus.ReadtheKing's letter,carry itwhowill,iftheyhaveGod'scalling.AndyetItellyouitispossiblewhenChristpreaches,yourtideofconversionisnotyetcome;maybeitisnotmarrying time; it isnot time to shake the tree.Yehavenotgottenplayenough yet, and thereforenomarvel ye are not yet converted.Will notonefisherfishapool,rolloverthestreams,andgetnothing;andanotheroflessskillmaycomeandcatchthefishes?

"Ihave laboured invain."—WhenChrist came to theworld inHis fleshand preached; did they receive Him as Mediator? He had no greatererrand in theworld;allwasagainstHim.InHiscradle theysoughtHislife;HehadasmanysoretemptationsintheworldasHehadevenofthedevilhimself.NaytheworldsotemptedHim,inHiscalling,thatHeandtheywereayeatholdinganddrawing.Theycouldneveragreeanytime.What ailed them at Him? for He came a good errand to the world, tobringthemhometoHisFather.Hewrongednoman,yettheysayHeisadeceiver.Thebestworkthatcouldbe,wastoforgivesins:yettheycalledthatblasphemy.Theymistookthecastingoutofdevils.No,saythey,Hehas the master devil, Beelzebub, the captain of all the rest, whocommandsall the little ones, andbyhimHe casts outdevils.And theyslewtheHeir,andcastHimoutoftheinheritance.SoifChristfoundtheworldahardbed,IthinkallHisfriendshavecausetothinksoofittoo.

For badlywereHis friends treated. Jeremiah cries out (15:10), "Woe isme,mymother, that thouhast bornme, amanof strife, and amanofcontentiontothewholeearth."All thepeoplecursedJeremiah:andseehowtheapostlesweretreatedandwhattheymetwith,1Cor.4:11,12,13,"Evenuntothispresenthourwebothhunger,andthirst,andarenaked,andarebuffeted,andhavenocertaindwellingplace;andlabour,workingwithourownhands:beingreviled,webless;beingpersecuted,wesufferit;beingdefamed,weentreat:wearemadeasthefilthandoffscouringsoftheworld:—Webecomeallthingstoallmen."

Wasnotthatasadwelcoming,thatHeandHisgotintheworld?ChristownedallHismembers:buttheywillbefloutedat,andgloomed*athere.Yeknow themotherwillnot letherownchildwant;butcaresnothowlongherstep-bairnsbebothnaked,andstarvingforhunger,becausesheis a step-mother. So the world is a step-mother to Christ, and all Hischildren; it caresnot to see them,naked,poor, andhungry,persecutedandheart-broken.

Ilikeitnot,whentheworldhandlesyouasherownchildren,andcastsapiece to youwhenyeweep.BetterbeGod's sons, and theworld's step-bairns,thantheworld'sdaties.†IloveitnotillthatallGod'schildrengetahardbed,and ill cheer in thisworld.Christhadnotahouseamongstthem:theywouldnotgiveHimadrinkofwaterinHisthirst:theywouldnotwelcomeHimandHisdoctrine:theygaveHimbutcoldcheerwhenHecametothehouseofHisfriends.Davidwasoncethathecouldneithergetbreadnorwaterinthewilderness,andsaid,hewasasojournerhere,asallhisfatherswere.Abrahamdweltintents;andJacobwasaherdtoLaban,abrokenstranger,andwasgladtolodgeinthefields,withastoneunderhishead for apillow. Israel lodged forty years in thewilderness,like thebeggars, not twonights in oneplace.Moseswanted father andmothertobringhimup.ChristandHisdisciplescouldnotgetlodginginSamaria.WoeworthEsau,buttheworldplayshimaslip,andmakeshimsellhisbirth-rightforhisbreakfast.IthinkallGod'schildrenmaycalltheworldanuncouth*inns:buttheymuste'entakeitastheygetit,astheirMasterbeforethemdid.

Letuscarryourselveslikethegoodnaturedstranger,whoresolvesneverto quarrel, nor fight with his host; howbeit his meat be ill, and his

reckoningdear,andhehavetosleeponastrawbed.Hesays,Whatthematter,forallmytime,Iwillnevermakeanoiseaboutit:Iambuttostayforanight.SurelyChristandHisSpousegetbutacot-house,andastrawbedhere.SeeyenothowallthewickedhavetheirhornsoutagainstHimandHissillylambs.Theyarechasingthemfromonekingdomtoanother,and hunting them out at the town's end; just as if ye saw a poormangoingthroughatown,sad,weary,andhungry;thisblackguardandthatblackguard hound their dogs at him; the poorman is glad to get awaywith awhole skin. Christ andHis dear children are going through thisworld,sad,weary,andheart-broken;andtheindwellersofthiscitysendoutalltheirdogsafterthem.O,ifyewereathome.Ofy!sleepnotinthisdearinns.Idaresay,Cain,Saul,andJudashavenotreasontospeakgoodofit,buttosayasmensayofadearbargain:Woebetoit,wespentmuchonit,butgotlittlegoodinit.Esaumaysay,Ilostmysoulforabreakfastinit.Judasmaysay,Woeworthit;forIlostmysoulinit,forthirtypiecesof silver. All men may say, We got a crack in our conscience for ourpleasures,andallwasbutvanity;abrokentooth,asnowball,afeather.Alas!Thatwe love it sowell,make itourdarlingandsitdownupon it.Elijah was a heart-broken man, and would fain have been out of theworld.Jobwasinitlikeanoldship,thatgetsadashonthisrockandthatrock;andwould fainhavebeenhidden in thegrave.Danielwasapoorpersecutedman,andacaptiveundertheenemy'sfeet.AndwhatshouldIsay of the rest? They all got ill cheer in theworld. SeeHeb. 11:38, "Ofwhom the world was not worthy; they wandered in deserts, and inmountains,and indensandcavesof theearth,"andtherehadno light.JohntheBaptistlivedinthewilderness,afriendlessman;andatlasttheytookoffhishead.

It is good if the old ship comes in at the port, ere she be driven all toflinders.Ifamanwasridingthroughhisenemies,andeveryoneshootingathim,hewouldspurhishorsefast,tillhecameintohisownground.Ithinkthebeliever'spoorsoulislikeashipamongrocks;itgetsdashafterdash. O that we were in Christ's good sea-room, then we should defythemall.

"YetsurelymyjudgmentiswiththeLord,andmyworkwithmyGod."—Lestmen should think Christ did rue the bargain, lo, hereHe sorrows

not,nor rues.Hesaysnot,Let Israelgo tohell!No;butMyconsciencesaystoMe,Ihavedonethework,andMyGodwillrewardMe.So,then,inatemptation,whenyeareillhandledbytheworld,whenyehaveasoreheart,andyecannotgetmattersasyewouldhavethem,fearnot;agoodconscience will get comfort. When the people were wrong (1 Samuel12:3), andwronged Samuel, they would have another judge, hemendshimselfwell, and says, "Whoseoxor asshave I taken;orwhomhave Idefrauded?" Job 16:19, when he was tempted by his friend, said, "Mywitnessisinheaven,andmyrecordisonhigh."AndDavid,whenHewasaccusedoftreasonbySaul,whenhemightnotclearhimself,prays(Psalm7:3,5),"OLord,myGod,ifIhavedonethis;ifiniquitybeinmyhands;lettheenemypersecutemysoul."

Thatwhichiscalledagoodconscienceislikeaglass,whereinamanmayseehis face.Whereas, thewickedhave a conscience like a foul,muddyfountain,wherethebottomcannotbeseen.Nay,hedarenotinaheavytemptation, or in death, go into his conscience; for it is like a smokyhouseall fullof reek, thatamanwhohath tendereyescannotabide it,norbeabletoholduphisheadinit.ButwhenallthepeoplearecursingJeremiah, and he thinks he has a hard lot of it, he goes into hisconscience, and takes it before the Lord, and says, "Thy words werefound, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy andrejoicing of my heart" (Jer. 15:16). Now, I think the wicked man'sconscienceislikeadung-hill,allfulloffilth;hedarenot,hecannottakeitup:hisoldadulteries;hisoldrottenfalsehoodthathecommittedtwentyyearsago.Sohisthefts,hisblood-shed,hiscovetousness,hisoppression,hisbackbiting,andhiswrongsdonetothismanandthatman,aresuchnauseousthings,thathedarenotturnthemup,forfeartheycausehimvomit.When Judas looked into his conscience, he wakened a sleepinglion;foroutcamefalsehoodtohisMaster;outcameblood-shed;andoutcamelovetothethirtypiecesofsilverlikethreefuriouslions,anddevourandtearhimtopieces.SeethatyekeepyourconsciencesvoidofoffencetowardsGodandman.

Makeyour lifea fine,good,andsoundbuilding,rearedupuponagoodfoundation,forthetimetocome:thatwhenyourlifeisended,andyourwork done, you need not think shame of yourwork. But youmust not

essaythisonyourownstrength, for thatwillbeofnoavail;butonly inthe strength of Jesus Christ andDivine aid. It is in the Lord only thatthere is righteousness and strength. Man's free will is not able toeffectuatea savingchangeuponanyperson.Youmightaswell say thattheEthiopiancouldchangehisskin,andtheleopardhisspots.

But,oh!woe'smetoseesomanymenlandmastersoftheirconsciences:as if theirconsciencewassogreat that theymightsellpartof it in fairsandmarketstothebestbidder.Somecountlittleoftheirconscience:theywill takeanedge thereof toaugment theirhouse.Anotherwilldispensewithpartthereoftoenlargehispossession.Anotherwillpartwithhalfofhis conscience to enhance his credit. Many pay little respect to theirconscience in buying and selling if they can get gain. The merchantwasteshisconscience; forbeforehequitan inchofhiscredit,hewouldratherquitanellofhisconscience.Theproudmanwasteshisconscience,tocarryonhispride.Manynow,fortheworld,andthestandingoftheirestate, can sell both goods, truth, and three or four ells of theirconscience.Thusthekirk-manwasteshisconscience;asifhisconsciencewerealongwebofanhundredells;hemaythrowawaypartthereof,anditneverbemissed.Andkenyewhatsomemenhavenowdevised?Theyhavedevisedwhattheyarepleasedtocall indifferentthings, indifferenttruths in religion; and think that theymay sell twenty stone weight ofthem, and have enough behind. But inMoses' days truth was scarcer:Mosesbehovedtomakeallthingsaccordingtothepatternhesawinthemount:andhewouldnotleaveahoofbehind.Butitisawealthierworldnow!Wehavebroadfairfields,broadandlongindifferentthings:wemaysellacresofthemgoodandcheap.Buthowanythinglawful,orunlawful,canbe indifferent,wehaveyet to learn.Sin is still sin,and truth truth;and none of them a matter of indifferency. Lord, help this nation topreparefortheawakeningstormthat iscomingtobringustoourrightsenses. And I pray you, take His word along with you, as a means ofpreparation.Keep your conscience clean andundefiled.Christ keptHisconscience to the latter end of the day, tillHe had spentHis strength,doneHiswork,andfinishedHistalk;andthenHegotjoyofit.Keepyourconsciencepure,asmuchaspossible,totheendofyourday:foraclearconscience inadyinghour,willgivemoresatisfactionthanall that thisworld can afford. And beware of the devil's or the world's hammer of

covetousness, lest it lightonyourconscience,andbreak itall topieces:andthenseehowallthecraftyehavewillmendit.ToGodonlywise,bepraise.Amen.

SERMONVII*—Zech.11:9,10,11,12,13

Then said I, Iwillnot feedyou: that thatdieth, let it die; and thatthatistobecutoff,letitbecutoff;andlettheresteateveryonethefleshofanother,&c.—Zech.11:9,10,11,12,13.

BELOVEDinourLord,thistextisChrist'sfarewelltotheChurchoftheJews.Heis,asitwere,halfoutatthedoor,leavingHisharlotwife;andsayingtoher,Seekyeanotherhusband,andIwillseekanotherwife:andsoHebidsheradieu.Thewordscontain,

1.Christ'sgood-night:"Iwillnotfeedyou."

2.AfruitofHisfarewell:"Thatthatdieth,letitdie."

3.ThemannerofHisdeparting fromthem:"I tookMystaff, andcut itasunder."

4.Whatfolloweduponthat:"ThepooroftheflockthatwaiteduponMeknewthatitwasthewordoftheLord."

5.EreHegocleanaway,andgiveoverHiscalling,Hesays,Paymemybygones:†"Givememyprice."

6.TheygaveHim forHisprice, thirtypiecesof silver tobuyHim, thattheymightgetHimcrucified.

7.Heissorry,isoffended,orgrudgestheprice,andsays,"Castitintothepotter: a goodly price that Iwas prized at of them."As ifHehad said,Giveittoyourbeggarsandstrangers,tobuyaburialplaceforthem:forIwillhavenoneofyourwages, if thatbeallyouwillgiveMe.AndsotheLord'swageswascastenbackagainintothepotter'sfield,tobuyit.

1."ThensaidI,Iwillnotfeedyou."—Hereisaterribleword,andahardthreateningspokenbyChrist, thegreatShepherd,sentof theFather, togatherinHisownsheep."Iwillfeedyounomore."Beware,OpeopleofAnwoth,lestHebesayingthisuntomanyofyou;foryourwantofloveto

Him,andslightingHisordinanceswiththemeansofsalvationandmercyoffereduntoyou.Hencewemayobserve,thatwhenChristhasgatheredinallHisownsheep,allHisownelectchildrenandpeople,Hesometimesgives them up for a season. This prophecy has a relation to that time,afterChrist'sdeathandascension,when theApostles left the churchoftheJews,andturnedthemselves toseekandsuitayoungwife for theirMaster,eventhechurchoftheGentiles.

EveninAbraham'sdays,whenitwasbutmorning,andthebeginningofdays, the Lord began to feedHis sheep, and sentMoses and Aaron toherd them in the wilderness: and sent prophets and servants to Hisvineyard,withanordertosay,Renderfruit;sendintherentofyourfarmtoMyFather.Buttheyslewandstonedtheprophets(Matt.23:37).ThenHesentotherservantsuntothem,andtheybeatthem.AtlengthHesenttheKing'sownSon,theHeirandLordofall,tothem;andtheyslewHim.AndHesenttheapostleslastofall,andtheypersecutedandkilledthem(Matt.21:36,37,38,39).All this timeChristwasgathering inHisownsheep,forChristwillwantnoneofthem.AndwhenChristhadgotteninall the lostmoney, even all to the last farthing; thenHe blows out thecandle,andcaresnotfortherest,butsays,Takeyethesweepingsofthehouseandcastthemaway;IhavegotMyown.Whereforeholdethagreatmanahouse?Itisnottoentertainbeggarsandstrangers:theygetabit,oramealintheby-going,whichisalltheirerrandtothehouse.ButHeholdsHishousetoentertainHischildrenandservantsin:andwereitnotfor them,Hewould give up house-keeping.WhenChrist's children aregrownup, andmarried to their newhusband; andwhenHis sheep aregathered into His fold, sealed and marked; and when there are butstrangerswithout; thenHegivesuphouse-keeping, locks thedoor,andsays,Hewillfeedthemnomore.

Hencealso,hereisasparkofhopetothosewhofearChrist.IfHesaytothis land, Iwill feedyounomore; yet there is in the landchildrenandsheeptobefed.Yeshallayegetyourmeatofit,goasitwill.Thoughyeshould be hounded and scattered from mountain to mountain; andthoughthedogsshouldbarkatyou;yetChristmustfeedthepooroftheflock,tillHegetthemoutfromamongtherest.Andthereforeeatyenow,andtakethemealsthatyourLordsendsyou,withgoodwill:itisforyou

thatGodfeeds the flock. It isnot for therocksandthemountains, thatGodsendsdownrain;itisforthegrassandthecorn.

2.ThefruitofChrist'sdeparture:saysHe,"Thatthatdieth,letitdie."—This,nodoubt,ishard.Lord,ifyoufeedestusnot,wewilldie,wewillbehoundedandslainuponthemountains.Yea,Iknow,saysChrist,itshallbeso:butIshallbeblameless;Ishallgiveupwithyou,andlaydownMycalling.

Hence, we seewhat follows, when Christ turnsHis back on the sheep.They die, they perish, they eat one another's flesh for hunger. For notonlywere those peoplemade vagabonds upon the earth, as they are atthisday;buttheirsoulsfamish,andtheyaregropingindarknessforthecomingofanotherMessiah.Sowe seewhenChrist, theShepherd,goesaway, the fox, the lion, thewolf, andall thedogsofhell, comeandrunawaywiththeflock.ForthisisSatan'sway,whenChristhasgoneaway,pulled down the Shepherd's tents, removed a preaching ministry, andtakenHisflockwithHim.Theleavingsandthegoatsmustfalltothelion.The devil gets Christ's leavings; what God refuses, by law falls to thedevil:whenChristhasgotteninHiswheat,thenSatancomesandtakesuptheloosesheaf.WoetoyouwhoarenotinChrist'sbundle,butfalloutandlieinthefield,andwillnotbegatheredintoChrist'sbarn,foryearethedevil'sbylaw.

Then,ereweproceedfurther,leteveryonetrywhosesidetheyareon.YecannotdenythatChristisatHisharvest,andgatheringinHissheavesinthisland.Seewhosemarkandarmsyoucarry:yemustcarryeitherGod'sorthedevil's.SeewhetheryebeinRome'sblackcamp,whereinthefallenstar, the red dragon, and the prince of the bottomless pit, are thecaptains.ForChristisnowmusteringHismen,andproclaiming,WhoisforMe,andwhoisforbattle?Somearesaying,Godhelpus,forweknownotwhichofthesidesisrightest:yesayonething,andtheysayanother.Ifyesay,"Iamindifferent;"Ilikenotthat.Yewillgetamastererelong.Satan,byhisdue,getsthewanderedsheep;Imeantheindifferentman,orhimwhoisonnoneofthesides.

Manytemporalevilscomeuponapeople,whenChristsays,"Iwill feedyounomore."—MultitudeswhoheardZechariah,wouldbegladatthis,"I

will feedyounomore."Theywouldsay,Wewillget thegoodold luckyworld again: when we baked cakes to the queen of heaven we wantednothing: we will get quit of that which the barking prophets are ayecrying: "The burden of the Lord, the burden of the Lord." So say ourpeople,Ifthisreligionwereawaywewillgetthegoodoldmerry,sonsy*worldagain,whereintherewasmuchluckandgrace.

Thenletourtextansweryouboth.Sothen,wouldyouhavetheoldlucky,sonsyworldagain?ThentakeittoyououtofGod'smouth;"Yeshalleatevery one the flesh of another," when the gospel goes away. God saidthen; Devil, anti-Christ, Jesuite, pestilence, famine, and sword, set onthem! I have done with them. The Romans, sword, and famine, diddevourthem.Willamothereatherownchildofaspanlongforhunger?yet this was done. That was the old world the Jews got when ChristturnedHis back upon them. For this, see Jer. 25:17,When the peoplerejectedthewordoftheLord,andputitfromthem,aswearedoing,theLord put in Jerusalem's and Judah's hand the cup of the wine of thewrath of God, and bids them drink, and spue, and fall, and never riseagain. Now what think ye of this old sonsy world? See also Psalm 74;whenGodleftfeedingHissheep,incametheenemies,warred,burntthesanctuary,&c.AndwhenGodlefttheflock(Psalm79:2),thedeadbodiesofHisservantsaregiven formeat to the fowlsofheaven.AndseewhatfollowsonGod'sdeparture(Ezek.8:9,10,11,and12:13).Theprinceshallfleeawayonhisfeet,withhisflittinguponhisback."Iwillspreadmynetupon him, and he shall be taken inmy snare: and I will bring him toBabylon."Theyshallbetakenasbirds,&c.

3. "And I tookmy staff, even beauty, and cut it asunder, that I mightbreakmycovenantwhich Ihadmadewithall thepeople."—Here thereare three things. 1.What the staff is. 2. Thename of it, Beauty. 3. TheLord'sbreakingofit.

Ishallgonofurthertoseekthemeaningofit.Thebreakingofthestaffisthe breaking of the covenant: the staff itself is the word of God andcovenant. And indeed the word of God is Christ's shepherd's staff,wherebyHedrivethHissheeptoheaven,andawakestheconscience.ForChrist has no rod over the neck of His sheep but His word; it is Hissceptre.Christ'sstrength,inbringinginHissheepisinHisword,foritis

Hissceptre;andthereforeitiscalled,TheLord'sarm(Isaiah53:1).Andanarmmusthaveahandandfingers.Itiseventhat,wherebyHewrestleswithHisenemies,withsinners,whenHemakesthemsaints:andnomandare separate them. The devil would fain separate Christ and the soul,when they arewrestling a fall; but Christ gives him a back-stroke, andwithHisstaffcanwoundtheconscienceofonewhohassevendevils,andcancausethemfallunderHim.Butknow,ourLorduseththissortofstaffagainstseveralsortsofmen,whereinyeshallseetheuseofit.

a.ChristcastsHisstaffatmany,anditmissesthem,forthepikesofitgonomoreintheconscienceofsomementhanapointlessarrowinawallofbrass (Ezek. 3:7). Are there not many who are no more moved, nortouchedwiththesharppointofChrist'sstaffthanadeadmaniswiththesoundofatrumpetblowninhisear?Thewordneverdrawsbloodintheirconsciences,theycanfenceandwardtheirsoulsfromastroke.

b.Somegetablad*andablea†strokeintheirconscience,astremblingFelixdid,anddespairingCain,andothersgot.But thedevilheals theirwounds; asCain got aplaster onhiswound, andwent andbuilt a city.See,forthis,Hosea6.ThereyeseehowourLordbladsandstrikeswithHisstaff.Verse5,Hesays,"IhavehewedtheminpiecesbyMyprophets,and slain themby thewords ofMymouth." Therewas bleawounds intheirconsciencemadebyChrist'sstaff.Butwhatthen?Verse7,"Buttheylike men have transgressed the covenant." They mended again, afterChrist'sstaffhadwoundedtheirconscience.

c.SomegetadeadstrokewithChrist'sstaff.Itisadeadtrumpettothem,andcriesnothingtothembutGod'scurseandmalediction;1Peter2:8;2Cor. 10:6, "Christ is to them a stone of stumbling and rock of offence,even to them that stumble at the word, being disobedient thereunto."ChriststrikeswiththerodandstrengthofHispower:"Hestrikesthroughkings,andfillsthehigh-wayswithdeadbodies"(Psalm110).

d.TheLord'sownsheepgetawoundintheirconscienceswiththestaff,Beauty, aswhenHe cries, "Saul, Saul,why persecutest thouMe?" Saulbledwiththepikesofthestaff,sothatthelaw,andthecursesandterrorsofitdrewhimoffhishighhorse,andmadehimlieonthebreadthofhisback;sothathecried,"Lord,whatwiltThouhavemetodo?"Christ,with

Hisstaff,struckthreethousandatonce,untiltheywereprickedintheirhearts(Acts2:37).Andtheycried,fortheirconsciencesweredrivenalltoflinders,saying,"Menandbrethren,whatshallwedotobesaved?"Lydiagot such a back-stroke with the pikes of this staff, that Christ, withinfinite power, brake up all the locks of her heart, till it was made toreceivetheword.ThenknowyewhenGod'swordstrikestheconscience?Ifyedid,yewouldsay,Lord,strikeon!yewouldwishthatChrist'sstaff,Beauty,laidyouinaswoon.Manyofyouareangrywhenittouchesyou.Yearenotwise; it isbutChrist'sstaffknockingyourcrown(Rom.5:10,11).HemadePaul'sheadblood:"thelaw(sayshe)slewme."HegavetoDavid, byNathan, somany strokeswith theword, that his boneswerebroken (Psalm51:8).Better get abrokenhead, thanget leave,with thesilly,foolishsheep,toslipintoapit-hole,orditch,foralittlegreengrass,andbedrownedthere.

ItiscalledBeautybecausethewordofGodispurerthangoldtriedinthefireseventimes.AndwhatasweetsightitistoseeHim,whoisthefairestofmen,thefairestamongthesonsofmen,standinginallHisbeauty,inthemidstofHisflock,withHisstaff,Beauty,inHishand.

e.Thebreakingof this staff is of the greatestweight and concernment.And this our Lord speaketh as a shepherd tired of his part of it; andthreateneth to go away. So, as it were in a passion, our Lord speakeththus,Iwillgoseekanewmaster,andseekyeanewservant.Nay,Hewasbothangryandsorry; so thatHeshed tearsatHis flitting,Matt.23:37,38,Luke19:41,"Ifthouhadstknowninthisthyday,"&c.

Doctrine.ThenChristhasatermdaywithaparticularchurch;andwhenHeisillusedHemaygowhereHemaydobetter.

ButletusseewhetherChristhadgoodcauseornottobreakHisstaffandleaveHis flock to the foxes.Answer.Hehad; becauseHewas true andfaithful in His service, and was aye seeking out the wandering sheep;soonupandlateup,withmanyasoreheart,seekingthem:andHelostnone, but made an account of them all to His Father. What were allthese?Ezek.3:6,"IfIhadsenttheetoanationofastrangelanguage,"&c.Matt. 12:41, "The men of Nineveh shall rise up in judgment with thisgeneration, and shall condemn it." Chap 11:21, "Woe unto thee,

Chorazin,"&c.These show thatChristhadbut ahard lifewhenHe fedthem.

But to comenearer yet.What causesa servant tireofhis services?Therulerofthehousechangeshiswages,andstrikeshim,howbeithedohisduty:andtherestoftheservantsmockhim;heissetattheboardfoot*andmatched†with every runningbeggar that comes to thehouse.Fewgive himgoodwords: they all lookdownuponhimwith contempt andscorn.JustsowasChristhandled;therulers,Pharisees,andpriests,didnotpayHimHiswages;theysmoteHim.Everylowninthehousemadeafoolof thehonestservant;yea, thehighpriest'sservantssmoteHimontheface,andspatuponHim.Indeed,theysetHimtotheby-board,yea,to the footof theboard,Psalm22:7, "Iamaworm,andnoman."TheymatchedHimwitheveryvagabondthatcametothehouse,andputHiminthemidst,betweentwothieves.TheygaveChristthethief'sseat,andBarabbaswasthoughtbetterthanHe.

MightnotChristbreakHisheartforallthesethings,andsay,WhatailsyeatMe?MightHenotbreakHisShepherd'sstaff,putupHiswares,andflit?MightHenotsay,It'stimeforMetopack*tothegate,theyaretiredofMy service. And yet I have gottenmany awet foot in seeking thesesheep?Yea,Hemaysay,theyareillworthyofHim.

Allthatistrue.Buttocometoourselves.InHismembersHeisillused:banished,silenced,andtreatedworsethanBarabbas.Hegetsno justiceinourParliaments;Papists,Arminians,andAtheists,getfavour,honour,andcourtpreferment;butanhonestprofessoriscountedanillsubject,aseditiousman,andanenemytoauthority.ButseehowGodhasmetus,HehasbrokenHisstaff,Beauty:thepurity,power,andlifeofdoctrineisaway.ThewordofGodisnotsharpfrompreachers'mouths:itdrawsnobloodinmen'sconsciences.Nay,wewieldnotthestaffwithforce,untilthefireflyfromthepikesofit.Wecast†andhandleit,asifourarmwasbroken!Weseethesheepgoneoutoftheway,andoverthemarch,intheLord's forbidden pasture. We see every man out of his place, andeverythingwrong in theKirk.Wesee thesheepdevouredandpoisonedwith Popery and false doctrine in colleges and pulpits. The staff is notdrawn;andwhy?Becauseitisbroken;andyewillyetseeitworsebroken.Thinkyethatapairoforgans,andanillsaidmass(asKingJamestheVI.

termedit),andabuskingofdirtyceremonies,thewhore'sabominations,whichweoncespuedout,thinkyethateverthisstaffwilldrawbloodofaman'sconscience?Nay,erethisstaffbreak,orblood*aproudhardheartthatexalts itselfagainst theknowledgeofGod,yemayassoonessay tobreakaman'sheadwithastraw,orarush.TheLordsaysthisisabrokenstaff,andweseeitnot.

"That I might break my covenant."—Because of the doctrine of thepestilent enemies of grace, I will crave leave to free this place, and toprove, 1.That thecovenantofgracewith theelectcannotbebroken.2.ShowinwhatsensetheLordsays,HewillbreakHiscovenant.

Forthefirstofthese,seeJer.31:36,37,Isaiah54:10,"Forthemountainsshalldepart,"&c.Iintend,atanotheroccasion,toprovethatthecovenantismadefastwithChrist,andsostandsnotinourfreewill.SeeJer.32:40,chap.31:32,33,34,35,Luke6:13.God'soathandpromiseisasurething."Aye sure," say they. What then? "Sure and sealed on God's part,providingwesinnot,forGodswearsthatbelieversshallbesaved."Nay,buttheLordmadethecovenantwithAdameverlasting;forifAdamhadstood,theLordwouldhavedoneHispart.Nay,thelawofnature,giventothereprobateangels,intheircreation,shouldhavebeenasstableasthenew covenant: for will any call in question, that God would haverewarded the apostate angels, providing they had continued in theirobedience. "Nay," say they, "the covenant keeps notmen from sinningagainst the covenant; but sinning against the covenant breaks thecovenant."

Answer. Sin on the elect's part breaks not the new covenant (Psalm89:33).

Butthequestionis:Iftheelectcansinagainstthecovenant?Ifthatwereobjected,

Ianswer.Theymaysin,andsinagainstthedoctrineofthecovenant,andagainstthearticlesofthecontractofmarriage,asawifemaytakeanotherlover.But if thisbe in the contract, "She shall bemywife, howbeit shetake another lover," thenherharlotry byno law,destroys themarriagecontract.Now,whenChristmarriesHischurch,HesaysHewill forgive

hersins,andswearsHewillforgiveherharlotry.

But I ask,Whatmakes aman to bewithin the covenant? Answer.Notfaith nor obedience.What then?God's free love. Ezek. 16:8, "Thy timewasthetimeoflove,—Iswareuntothee,andenteredintoacovenantwiththee." Thenhow long is a contract valid? So long as the chief clause iskept. Now, the chief head of the contract is God's eternal love, and allhereisfastenedonGod'sfreepromise;andthisissurerthanmountainsof brass. As long as the foundation and corner-stone is firm, the wallstandeth.Now,inallthesinsoftheelect,theunchangeableloveofGodstandethstill.AndletPapists,Arminians,andSocinians,comeandloosethiscorner-stoneiftheycan:itwillbreakalltheirbackstoaimatit,andhascloudedtheirwitsalready.

Tosinagainstthecovenantistocastthegraceofthecovenantfullyaway,soasiftheywerewithoutit;sothattheyarenotnowwithinit;asAdamwasafterthefall.But,bysin,theelectcannotshakeofftheseedofGod(1John3:9),"ForHisseedremainethinHim."Hereisaspecialdifferencebetwixtthefirstandthelastcovenantthatwillclearthematter.

Inthefirstcovenant,Adamhadnotatutor,hewaslikeadaftyoungheir,who,havinggotten infeftmentofall thathis fathergavehim,hewastesandspendsall.But, inthelattercovenant,Goddoeswithusasafatherdothwithabankruptson:hegiveshimlittleatonce,infeftshimnot,butkeepsahank inhisownhand,*andgiveshimover toa tutor.ManhascrackedhiscreditwithGod;andso theLordwillnotputa sum in freewill'shandsagain;butHedothtwothings.1.Hegiveslittleinhandbuttheendof thecovenant,andkeepsthebodyof it inHisown.Ourwritsand charters are in Christ's keeping,we lose aye the thingwe get, andthereforeGodgivesusonlyacopyofthecharter;butwhileherewenevergettheprincipal;Christkeepsthegreatsumandgivesusbutlikeapennyto keep our purse. 2.Wehavenot power to cast out the seed againnomorethanamanchildhaspowertomakehimselfawomanchild.

Now,thepointis,WhereforesaithGodHewillbreakHiscovenantwithHispeople?

Answer. It is not He will break His covenant with these same elect

persons,asJohn,Thomas,Anna,Mary,andallwhoareelected,orwithinthe covenant: but He breaketh the covenant with a new generation, agenerationofcastaways,whoaretheirseed,andgloriedthatthecovenantwas made with their fathers, and call themselves Abraham's seed andchiefest kindred: their kindred was better than themselves. Thatparticularchurch,hadsomanyyearsofChrist formail†andduty.‡Thetack§expires,theysin,andpaynot;thenChristwarnsallthetenants,inHisFather'sname,toflit.Thecontractwasmadewiththeirfathers;theycame in their fathers' room, but did not their duty, andGod put themaway.Butasforthetrue,friendly,andtenderbelievers,Hetakessomeofthemtotheirrest,andsometotheirkingdom.Andifhereandthereonebeleft,whentheShepherd'sstaffisbroken,Hefeedsthemsecretly;andisalittlesanctuarytothem,andtheyshallgetcrownsimmediatelyfromGod. And therefore the breaking of the covenant is nothing but thebreakingofthestaff,andtakingawayofthewordfromthepeopleoftheJews.

Andthereforewemaylearnourlesson,ifwearegoodscholars.TheLordhasgivenussummons,andourtacksarewornout.Manyarecalledhomewhoarewithinthecovenant.GodcanseparateHisownfromthewicked,and then God shall tear the contract of marriage. Therefore try yourholding, and lookout yourpapers, and seeuponwhat terms ye brock*Christ.Ifearsomehavenothingbutprofession,empty,windyprofession;othershavethethoughtsoftheirownhead;manyhavelittlelaworrightupontheirsideforChrist.Thereforeseetoyourselves;ChristhassaidHewilltryyoursitting,whatshalleitherbeHis,oryourown.Yourrightsaregrowingold,renewthemto-day,andmakesurework.

"Anditwasbroken,"&c.—WhenGodwillbreakthestaff,whocankeepitwhole?TherecannonecomeafterGodthatcanmendthethingthatHedoeth.WhenGodgivesoutthedoom,itisnoemptytalk.ThethingthatGodmakescrookednomancansetafootonitandevenit(Eccles.7:13,Job12:14).Hesays,BeholdHebreakethdown,anditcannotbebuiltupagain.Then,erethedecreetbegivenforth,letusreturn:forwhowillgetasuspensionontheLord'sdecreet?Nay(Jer.15:1),"ThoughMosesandSamuelstoodbeforeme,myheartcouldnotbetowardsthispeople."Andtherefore,ifHegiveHischurchashakeforhersins,itwilltryallourart

tomendher;andifHeshalldriveourhardheartsalltopieces,thenputyeyourhandstomendit.

4. "And thepoorof the flockknew that itwas thewordof theLord."—HearhowHespeaksoftheremnantofelection.Askwhatisthechurch,and especially after judgment has gone through the land? They are anumber of on-waiters. There was nothing left now, when Christ hadbroken His two staves, Beauty and Bands, but to wait on an absenthiddenChrist.ForwecanallwaitonandbelievewhentheBridegroomfills our eyeswithHis presence, but seewhat the prophet Isaiah saith,chap.8:17,"IwillwaitupontheLord,thathidethHisfacefromthehouseofJacob,andwill lookforHim."This issomethingtowait forahiddenGod, and to kissChrist in the darknight, that is awonder, Psalm 123,"Behold,astheeyesofservantslookintothehandoftheirmasters,andas the eyesof amaiden into thehandofhermistress: soour eyeswaitupontheLordourGod,untilthatHehavemercyuponus."Kenyenot,whenapoorservanthasgottenabloodyskin,andcomesinallbloodytohismaster, what a lookwill he let out, even as hewould look throughhim: so are our Lord's children, when oppressed with bloody faces,lookinguptoourLordandwaitingon(seePsalm130:6).Asthemorningwatchwaitethforthemorning;soweseethesaintsholdingouttheirtiredarmstoGod,andlongingandlookingoverthemountains.Andtheyhavelittleornothinginhandbuthope.

Here is a doubt answered.Worldlings say,What have ye that we havenot?Ye are a sick, poor, oppressed, banished, andmockedpeople; andwhere is your happiness.We have here an answer to such; we are on-waitersonGod.Kenyenotsomeareveryrich,andhavethousandsinthisman's hand, and thousands in that man's hand. If ye ask them wheretheirrichesis,andbidthemletyouseewhattheyareworth;theycanletyouseenothingbutanumberofpapers,andbonds;evenso,heaven isthe land of promise, and the land of hope to believers. Let the apostleanswerinthis,1John3:2,"Beloved,nowarewethesonsofGod,anditdothnotyetappearwhatweshallbe;butweknowthat,whenHeshallappear, we shall be like Him." We are the poor of the flock, and thenothingsoftheworld(1Cor.1:21).Wearenothing,thatis,butlittlelessthanastraw,orafeather.Butstay,Iprayyou,ourstockisinGod'shand.

Wait ye onuntil yonder day, until the fait, clear, andbright heartsomemorningof your long summerday,whenChrist shall takeHisweepingbride inHisarms,kissherandwipeher face,andsay, "Mydearsister,holdthytongue,"andshallbuskherwithHisownhand.

Will ye let this foulblack showerblowby;dienot for sorrow.Wait on;now stir about Christ's door, cry over the wall, Lord, Jesus, take in abegging brother. Cry and wait, and I can assure you Christ Jesus iscautioner,andtheHolySpiritnotary,whowritesit,andtakesheavenandearth,sunandmoon,tobewitnesses,thatyeshalllaughandrejoice,andbe forced to say, Believers indeed have a great to-look,* and are veryhappy.

"Then I knew it was the word of the Lord."—So soon as the staff isbroken,andtheLordflitted:theLord'spooron-waitersmissChrist,theybegintoclaptheirhands,andtosay,Alas!Heisaway.Andtherestknownotwhat thatmeans; they remembernot that, though itwaswrittenasZechariah had prophesied. So theDoctrine is, That Christ cannot stealawayfromHisown,andbeguilethem,buttheymissHim,andknowthatHeisaway.ThefaithfulknowwhenHegoes,andwhenHecomes.Ifnotso,whatmeans thatof thespouse?"Sawyehimwhommysoul loveth?AndIchargeyoubytheroes,andbythehindsofthefield,thatyetellhimwhenyefindhimthatIamsickoflove"(Cant.2)TheChurchseesHimon themountains, standingbehind thewall; shemissesHim (Cant. 3),andcannotfindHimwiththewatchmen.Butonthecontrary,youseethewickednevermissHim;theyknownotwhatGodisdoingwhenthestaffisbroken.Nay(Hos.7:9),"StrangershavedevouredHim,andHeknowsitnot."Andevenwhenourchurchisfallingtherearemenwhosaysheisrising,andthatthestaffisaswholeaseveritwas,andmoreso:andsayourchurchwasunderbeggaryandmiserybefore.Andwhy?Theywouldhaveakirk,conscience,andreligionmadeofgold,silks,andvelvets,andfoot-mantles, and high horses, andmuch court. But this text says, thepooroftheflockaretheonlyon-waitersonChrist.

5.Buttoproceedtoverse12,"AndIsaiduntothem,Ifyethinkgood,givememyprice."

Doctrine. A good servant, such as Christ was, should get His hire

uncraved:butChristgetsleavetocraveHishirethriceover,ereHegetit:yea,andtoseekHisownbylaw.Now,Ithink,Irecollecttohaveheardofa humble meek Steward, speaking very modestly to his master, andsaying,Ifitpleaseyou,IwouldhavethethingIhavewroughtfor.Evenso(tospeakwithreverence),itishere.

Doctrine. Hence we see where Christ has laboured, He will seek fruit(Isaiah5),"Ilookedforgrapes,andbeholdwildgrapes."Hewillnotworkfornothing.HebadeJohnBaptistmakereadyHisway,ereHecame.InMatt.3:8,saysJohn,Bringforthfruitworthyofamendmentoflife.Andin allHisdoctrine,Heurged thebringing forth of fruit.And as for theJews'waste,Hecursed the fig-tree,because ithad leaves, andno fruit;therefore every one in Christ's house, seeing Christ served you in hardservice,andgaveHislifeinransomforyou,payHim.RememberChristis ahard craver, andwill seekHisown, especiallyHiswages fromyou,evenobedience,andnewnessoflife.Othen!Seethatyebearnotbulk*inHisgarden,andnomore;butdogood for fearHepullyouupandcastyouoverthedyke.Whenmenareredeemed,andhavegottenforgiveness,theyarereadytositdownanddonomore;justasifadrinkofthewellinDavid'shousehadmadethemdrunken,andlaidthemovertosleep.Nay,butwhenyehavegottenmercy,yemustupthebrae.†Forknowye,thatwhenChristsavesyou,asyourShepherd,andgivesHislifeforyou,seethatyoubargain,orchangewithHim,togiveHimyourselfforHiswages.Whenanhonestmanbargainswithanother,hesaystohim,Yeshallbenoloser:Ishallloseereyelose.Soshouldye,whenChristbargainswithyou;letHimnotbebehind,butratherloseyourselves,ereChristwantapenny of His wages. Woe's me, to hear that professors, in buying orselling,will,forfiveorsixshillingsmoreofaprice,letChrist'sglorygetablot. Is this to payHimHiswages? Itwere something to be a servant,wouldyepayHimforby-gones.*Inthisyemaylearnadoctrine.

Doctrine.Christ ismade a servant, and a servant is not his own, but abond man; an hired servant is his master's, and all his work is hismaster's;andheisboundtoservenoother.Howisthis?WasChristourservant?Yea,Hesays, inMatt.20:28,"TheSonofMancamenot tobeministeredunto,buttominister,andtogiveHislifearansomformany."

But itwerewelldoneheretoclearthemattertoyou,andto letyousee

thatChristwashired,andwhohiredHim.WehiredHimnot.WhythenshouldHecraveHiswagesofHischurch?

Answer. His Father hired Him. For understanding of this;—God, ourFather,andChrist'sFather,hadanecessarypieceofservicetodo:HehadHis sheep to bring out of hell: sheep that had gone astray, over andbeyond the black river of death and hell: and ourmerciful Lordwouldfainhavethembroughthomeagain.Theangelscouldnottaketheservicein hand: they could never havewon the hire: but in comesChrist, andsays,Iwillwinthewages.AndHestruckhandswiththeFather:andwasbooked God's servant. Isaiah 42, "Behold My servant, whom I havechosen."At themeeting,Christ said, IwilldoYourbidding; and soHedid(Psalm40:7,8),"ThensaidHe,Lo,Icome:inthevolumeofthebookit iswrittenofMe, I delight todoThywill,OMyGod; yea,Thy law iswrittenwithinMyheart."And(Isaiah50:5),"TheLordhathopened,"orpierced,"mineear:"astheservantunderthelaw,whowouldnotleavehismaster's service; so was our Lord. And further, He says, I was notrebellious,neitherturnedIawayMyback.Verse6,"IgaveMybacktothesmiters,andMycheekstothemthatpluckedoffthehair."And(Phil.2:7),"HemadeHimself of no reputation, and took uponHim the form of aservant."ThereisChristsaying,MyFatherboredMyear,andhiredMeasaservant,tosuffershameanddeath.AndsaysChrist,IdidMyduty,Iplayednotthetruant,IbrakenottoHim:orIcamenotback,norturnedtoaback-side:IbrakenotawayfromMyMaster,asanillservant.Nowthen,ye see,GodhiredHimtoHimself,andGodhiredHimtous;andChristwastruetoHisMaster,andGodtrustedalltoHim(Isaiah52:13),"Behold,MyServantshalldealprudently."AndsoGodgaveHiminhandgraceandstrengthaboveHisfellowsforthework;andpromisedHimawillingpeople,orakingdom.AndChristacceptedof thecondition,andsaid,SendMe,abargainbeit.

Now, God be thanked for that hired Servant. And God gave to Christsomething in hand; even our nature. By taking a body, Christ boundHimself tous, head and foot, aswell asHewasbound toGod.ForHehavingtakenournature,wassworntobestowHismanhooduponus,toredeemus.ForhadHe takenonman'snature, andnot savedman,Hehadnotkepttheconditionasafaithfulservant:butnowbeingbound,He

thenputsHishand to thepen, and saysAmen to thebargain.So then,when Christ became man, He said, A bargain be it. It's true, nakedmanhoodwasnot enough tomakeHima sufficient servant; butChristsaid,Ishallputtothatwhichiswanting.IshallputtoMygracetoyournature, and My God-head to your manhood, to make the work holdforward.NowknowthattheLordwasboundtoGodandtous,notmerelytodoHisbesttoperfecttheservice;nottobringoursalvationunderfreecommuning*betwixtGodandus:notasifHehadsaid,IshalldowhatIcantomaketheagreementbetwixtyou,andtosaveyou:IwillseeifIcanpleaseparties;and, ifnot,Ishall leaveitnoworsethanIfoundit.Nay,butacceptingtheofficeofaMediatorship,HetookuponHimanabsolutesubmission tomakeup thedifference,orelse tostickby thegate;†andthat what God had left undone (to speak so) Christ was bound as aServanttomakeitup.SoGodandmanmadeitup;forGodhadlosttheglory,bothofHistruthandjustice:ofHisactiveandpassiveobedience.ManhadtakenitfromHim;andChristsaidtoHisFather,AllThylossesbeuponMe,andcraveMeforall:andherewhatmanhadstolen,Christgave itagain,of thesamekind:as ifmoneywasstolen,andmoneywasgivenagaintohimfromwhomitwasstolen.

Letuslearn,then,tobindourselvestoChrist,asHeboundHimselftous;forHecouldnotrunawaywhenonceHewasbound.SowhenonceweareHis,wemaynottaketheplay.Christoncegave inobedience(whenwe had lost heaven) to justice and truth; and Christ said, My dearbrethren, all your losses be onme, Amen. Now, well said, Lord Jesus.Lookthennow,howChristwasboundforyou,andyetyethinkmuchtobindyourneckstoHisservice,forthirtyorfortyyears,andthentogotoheaventhroughHim?Buthewentaroughergateforyou,tohellandthegrave.Now,becontenttobindyourselvestoHim,Iprayyou.

"Andifnot,forbear."—AsifChristwouldsay,IfyewillnotpayMe,Iwillnot breakMy heart for thematter; keep it to yourselves. I will doMywork;MyFatherwill payMe.He is even speakingas theyuse todo todyvours.EitherpayMe,orsayyewillnot:shift*Menot.GiveMeeitherwages,orsurety,thatImayseekMyownbylaw.

ButthenIseewhenallisdone,ChristcaresnotmuchtowantHiswages,HeresolvedtodotheworkwhetherHegothireornot.ItwasanotherHe

was looking to than man. He had an earnest desire after the work,howbeitweshouldpayHimnothing.Forthematterstoodnotuponourwill,andourlove,soasifChristhadsaid,IworkMywork,anddie,uponconditiontheywillpayMe.Nay,itwasnotso;butareasoninHisdeathandmediationwas towinourwill toobedience,andtopurchasegrace,wherebyweshouldbemadewillingtopayHimHiswages.Andherewesee,ifanationrefuseHim,asScotland,HewillgetotherswillingtopayHimHiswages.Hewillnotwantanewmaster.

6. "So theyweighed forMyprice thirtypiecesof silver."—Consider thisanswerwasneitherboastingnorhigh;but like themeekLambofGod;like apooroppressed servant,He cravedHiswages, and said,GivemeMyhire forMy labour. See the roughanswer they gaveHim,GiveYouYourwages;thecarpenter'sSonwhohasadevil?GiveHimthirtypieces(say they) tobuyHim to thegallows!HireJudas toputHimout tous,thatwemaytakeHimandhangHim,forthatisthewagesweallowuponHim! Is not this indiscreet talking to the Son of God. They pay theShepherdHiswageswithmanyableastroke,†saying,LetHimtakethatfor His pains. They answered even as a rough master does to an illservant,whosays,Payme,andletmegomyways.Themasteranswers,Giveyouyourwages!giveyouthegallows!SodotheyanswerChrist,asifHewereanillservant.ButHisFathersentHimwithgoodwords,"IamthatgoodShepherd,comeuntoMeallyethatareweary,andheavyladen.If anyman thirst, lethimcome toMe, anddrink."Thenmightnot thepriestshavegivenourLordagoodanswer?Nay,seetwowordsinMatt.21:38,39.TheHeircametoseekfruit,ofthevineyardtheycaughtHimandcastHimoutofthevineyard,andslewHim.Wouldyehavebelieved,whenChristcametoHisownvineyard,thattheservantswouldhaveslainHim and castenHim over the dyke; deniedHim a grave, and let Himborrowanotherman's!WouldyenotwondertoseeHimcomeintothechurch,intotheParliamentHouse,andtoseemencastthedoorinHisface,andholdHimout.Yetevenso(Acts4:11),Hewasthestonesetatnought, and thrown over thewall.O! a strange thing!Would they giveHimnoroominthewall?MighttheynothavemadeHimapinning?*OrwasHenotfitforthework?

Now yemay say, Foresaw not Christ all this; sawHe not, ere He was

hired, what wages Hismaster's would give Him? Ay, this text tells, inZechariah'sdaysHesawit.WhereforethenenteredHeontheservice?

Answer. If ye look the text, yewill seeHe took thehire andwouldnotreturnitagain;butinHisproviding,HecastittothePotter'sfield,andwentoninHisserviceforallthat.Seeyetmore,whatameekandpatientservantChristwas.Hecried,PayMeMywages;buttheysaid,GiveYouwages! give You thirty pieces of silver to buy You to the gallows. ThustheystormedatChrist'sanswer,andranaway.YetindeedHetookit,andemployeditashethoughtgood.HecallsitHiswages;asifHewouldsay,This is even asmuch as refusing to payMe.Why notwilling,My dearspouse?ThirtypiecesofsilvertobuyMetothecross!Iamevencontent;abargainbeit.Iseeitwillbeso:Iforeseeandprophesyitwillbeso.

ThentheLordsawhowmatterswouldgo,andhowHewouldbehandled;butyetHewouldnotrepentofthebargain;Hewouldnotgiveitover;Heaccepted of the money, and goes forward in His service, until He bebetrayed,slain,andburied.Yemaysee,thenChristhadresolvedontheworst,toswallowallindignities,andsetHisfaceagainstthestormyblast.Now,seeye,allthatChristgotwasahardrewardforHisservice:Hehadmany a wet foot in seeking His sheep; and got but twenty-six poundsScots* forHispains.Christdidnot stumbleon thematterby guess, asonewhomakesabargain, andwhenHe seeswhat itwill costHim,Hesays,IthadbeengoodforMeifIhadneverseenit.Nay,butChristsawtheworst,andresolvedontheworst.Nay,buthasHenotbeenservingallalongever since theReformation?Andwhocandeny thatHehasbeenfeedingHissheepamongstus,cravingHiswages,andseekingHisfruit?Butalas!wehavegivenHimaslittleastheydidbeforetheReformation?Wehave soldHimandHis truth.What fruits hasHe gotten?They areworth nothing. Nothing but ignorance of God, idolatry, cursing, lying,andswearing;andonHisSabbathHegetsbutrawservice,anhourandahalf,andonsomedaysmicklevanityandprideinapparel,extortion,nojustice, but many false laws, incest, and adulteries; many unrevengedbloods,awickedandwindyprofession.

"Agoodlyprice."—Christspeaksasamantobepitiedorbemoaned;likeapoorservantbeguiledofhiswages.Asifhehadsaid,GodkensifIwanitnot dear. I endured the winter's cold and the summer's heat. Many a

wearynightwasIawakewhentheywereasleep;andlookatthehiretheyhavegivenMe!Indeed,agoodpricethatItheLordwasvaluedat!Theseworldlings, like Judas, the Scribes, and Pharisees, who love the world,andneverhavearightestimationofChrist;forthirtypiecesofsilverthekirk-men bought and sold Him. If the world be great in your books,Christhasthenlostcourt*inyourhearts;forfaithandagoodconsciencedieandlivetogether.Makeonceaholeinagoodconscience,andbringintheworld intoyourhearts,andye shall see faithsinkverysoon. Iwishmensawwithtwoeyeshere,thattheworldisagoldenhammertobreakreligion inpieces, and that it breaksdown thekirkwalls.Forwhathasoverturned Christ and religion butmen's love of the world, court, andhonour.GoovertoRome,andseehowtheyloveGod,whomakegoldenkirksandgoldenimagestheirreligion.Theyhaverichesandfatbenefices,andthereforetheyhaveputatongueinPurgatory'smouthtocry,Money,Money.Theylovehonourwell,andthereforetheirdoctrinecries,APopeaboveall kingsandemperors inworldlyglory.Andbecause the secondcommandment speaks against their images, they have shut it out as aservant.Men see not their court.† and theworld can put a lie in theirconsciences, and cause them tobelieveblack iswhite, and idolatry is athing indifferent. Would ye know the cause of it? (but men will notbelieveit).Whenoncetheaffectionsarepassionate,andwhenthereforethetruthcomesintothesoulofmenofcorruptmindsandaffections,itislikegoodwineput intooldbottles:ourheartssour the truth.Or, likeabeautifulstrangercomingintoaverysmokyhouse,whoisallblearedandblackenedto-morrow.Andwhy?God'struthchargesustobowtoit,andto deny our own wills, and lusts; and yield obedience to it. But whenmen'saffectionsarepoisonedwiththeirlusts,theychangethelawtosayastheysay,andwrest,patch,andmakereligion,andthetruth,asawideshoetosuittheirfoot:orasacoatwithawidebosom,thattheymaytakebothreligionandtheirlustsintoit.Hencetheadultererwillnotbowhisbacktotheseventhcommandment;hewouldhaveitgetaback-blowwithhishammer, that itmightcrookandbowtohis lusts.Andthecovetousman,becausehewillnotbereformed,wouldwishareformationonthetenthcommandment.Thefool'spoisonedheartsays,Godwillnotbowtohim,thereforehegiveshisconscienceaback-throw,tillittakethecrampagain:andthenhesaysinhisheart,ThereisnoGod.Anddowenotseeitsothisday?Religiongoesstraight,andthetruthofGodtakesevenoutat

thegate:butmen'sheartsareuponpolicy,state,benefices,honour,andcourt;thereforetheywouldcastreligioninapairofmouldsandgiveitaback-throw, to cause it go halting and clinsing* after theworld. And ifChristwouldsayanddo,astherulersofthepeoplewouldhaveHim,Heshouldnotbecrucified.

"ThatIwasvaluedat:"whichI theLordJesus,Jehovah,whobrakethestaves, of beauty and bands, was valued at.—This is clear in the 13thverse,and inMatt.27:8,9. It is theman,Christ,whomJudas sold, forMatthew cites the text: but he says that it was cited by the prophetJeremiah.Now,thetextishereinZechariah:andthereisnotsuchaplaceinJeremiah;thereforeitislikethatZechariahwasalsocalledJeremiah.For it was ordinary for the Jews to have two names; and especiallybecauseZechariah and Jeremiah comeboth from the same fountain inthe Hebrew: and they have both one signification; and both in ourlanguagesignify,amanexaltingGod.

ButherethethingIwouldbeatagainsttheblindedJews.Zechariahsays,Jehovahwas valued at thirty pieces of silver.Matthew says, the Son ofman was valued at thirty pieces. So these two are one and the sameperson;which is a clear proof that ourMediator is both Jehovah, GodAlmighty,andalsoabetrayedMan, for thirtypiecesof silver.TheJewsmight have remembered this prophecywhen they gave thirty pieces ofsilver for Christ, and before their eyes it was cast down in the Lord'shouse,andbythemselvesmadeuseof,tobuythePotter'sfield.Sothen,ChristisGodandman(theJewswillnothaveHim,letustakeHim);forthusitbehovedtheworkofourredemptiontobeamixedwork,comingfromtwonatures.ThentakeHimassib*toyou:Christ,God-man,isallbeautyandfairtobehold.

Twothingscommendawife,asweetsmell,andafaircolour.Christ-mansmellsoflove,assibtous;andChrist-Godisallbeautyandfairnessitself,to behold. A precious stone, for beauty and colour: and also for therareness of it,most excellent. So then in everythingChrist is excellent.FortheGod-headandmanhoodareliketwomenliftingadeadmanoutofthewater,andeachofthemliftstotheother'shands.Forthemanhooddrawsdeadandcondemnedmenfromundersinandwrath,andtheGod-headlendsstrength,andholdsoutanarmtothemanhoodtodoit.The

manhood prays, is sad, hungry, thirsty, cold, weary, dies, and suffersGod's anger. The God-head stands it out as a back-friend,* lifting andbearingupthemanhood,underthatgreatwork,atthatgreatdayoflaw,when our action is called. The God-head backed Christ, and convoyedHimtothebarofGod's justice,whereHeanswersfor it.TheGod-headcannot suffer: themanhood suffered, the God-head being overclouded,yetsoasitbroketheforceofthestroke,bydoingandsupporting.Asanarrowshotatabrazenwall,thepointofitisbrokenanddrivenback.SothearrowofGod's indignationwentthroughChrist,soulandbody,andmadeHimheavyuntodeath:buttheGod-head,likeabrazenwall,brakethepointofthearrow,andhelduptheman,Christ.

Thiswasararework,strangeanduncouth†tosee!TheangelsmarvelledtoseeGodstand.TheGod-headstoodtowardofftheLord'sarrowsshotagainsttheholychildJesus.AndneveraholethatthearrowshadmadeinChrist-manbuttheGod-headwasayeathand,immediatelytopourinbalm,and fill itup in theverymomentofsuffering.AndasChrist-manwasburnt inHis soul, theGod-headheldawellof faith, comfort,hopeandcourage toHishead todrinkHis fill.ForChrist everbelieved, andstillhoped,andprayedinfaith.

Then,believers,countheavenapreciousthingthatwassodearbought.Herewasanuncouthwonderfulyoking*forit!Thenfyuponthee,ifthousellitforclayandswinishlusts.ThethingthatChristwanwithHissweetlife,wiltthouslipfromitlikeaknotlessthread?Alas!IseemenhavenottheestimationofsalvationthatChristhad.Hegavemuchforit:theycastitatthecocksforapenny,forafeather.Theyoungheirknowsnothowhardtheconquest†wastohispoorfather;whowassoonup,andlateup,and ventured through the seas, andwas shipwrecked thrice, and takenwithTurksandPirates.Sowearebutyoungdaftheirs,andknownothowdearChristboughtourinheritance.Hewantedthenight'ssleepforit;itcostHimmanyawearyandheavyheart:yeaHeswimmedthesaltseaoftheLord'swrathforit.

7."AndI tookthethirtypieces,andcast themtothepotter."—Tobuyafield with, for beggars and strangers; for the Jews would not have theuncircumcisedburiedwiththem.SeeyenothowSatanservedJudas.HesoughtinhishearthowtobetrayChrist.Satansaidtohim,Thouservesta

hungrymaster.WiltthouputHiminapurse,andgetsomethingfromthehighpriestforHimthatwilldotheegood?Judasdoesso.Andnow,whenJudasgotit,itburnshisconscienceandhethrowsitfromhim,anditiscasttothepotterstobuyafield.WhatgetsJudas'heirsandexecutorsofhis thirty pieces? First, he makes a dog's testament; then he leavesnothingtohisheirs.ManyapursegottenwithsellingChristiscastentothepotters:strangersandbeggarsgetit.Thenlooktocourt,honour,andbenefices, and estates gottenwith the sellingofChrist, if they thrive tothethirdheir.Manyearldoms,andlordshipsthatcomethiswaywillbecastentothepotter'sfield.SatanfilledJudas'headandheartwithhopewhenhetemptedhim;nowwhenhecastsawaythemoney,hegiveshimthecheatforhisbishopric:hewouldlaughhimtoscorn.For,whenJudaswasconsciencesick,hewouldnotcomeandholdhishead.IthinkSatanis likea lown,orsporter,whohasput inhisfingeramongashes,wherethere is fire, and burneth himself, and, tempting, he says to hisneighbour,Itisnothot;andmakeshimputinhishand,tillheisburnt,andcries;andthenhelaughs,andsays,Goodspeed.Thedevilhasburnthishandwithsin,andhesaystoJudas,andothers,Itisnothot,putinyourhandand feel.Andwhen theyare scalded,andcry,andcastawaythe thirtypiecesof silver,hebut laughsat then.Nay, IhavenowmindhowJacobtookEsauattherighttime,whenhewasdyingforhunger:hewouldnotgivehimasoupofhispottagetillhesoldhimhisbirth-right.Satan,findingmendyingforhungeraftertheworld,court,andriches,hemakes them trow* they shall get nothing, unless they sell their birth-right.AndwhenSatanoncegetstheminarightmood,andtolustaftertheworld;hence,hegetsthemtoselltheirbirth-rightforsin.But,believeme,yebutburnyourlipswiththedevil'spottage;whenyequitChristandyourbirth-rightforsin.Yebutscrape,anddrawtogetherforthepotter'sfield.Ay,butstaytillitcometoSaul'sandJudas'case,inthehinderendof the day. When a house takes fire, it is not long in going to all thecornersthereof.Soifyesellyourbirth-righttoSatan,sin,andtheworld;whendeathcomes,thefireofhellwillkindleinyourconscience,tillallbeinaflame;andyewillnotgetwatertoquenchit.Othen,takeheed,andbewareofSatan'sflatteries,sin'svainpleasures,andtheworld'sdeceitfulallurements: for they are all but empty nothings, a matter of meremoonshine.ItisstoriedofmengoingovertoItalyandsellingtheirgoodstowizards,andgetting,as theysupposed,chest-fullsofgold:andwhen

theycamehomeandopenedtheircheststheyhadnothingbutanumberof round slate stones, andwere all beguiled.So, inbelieving theworld,Satan,andsin,youcanmeetwithnothingbutdeception.Kenyenotthatthe devil, the world, and sin, can all cog* the dice, and promise gold,while all is but mere nothings, empty shadows, and worse than slatestones?

Now,Iprayandbeseechyou,bythemerciesofGod,bythebloodoftheeternalcovenant,bythepriceofyoursouls'redemption,bythesalvationofyour immortalsouls,andbyyourcompearingnakedandbarebeforethejudgeofthequickandthedead;castthisworldandsinoverbehindyour backs.Hate and abhor every sin,whether in yourselves or others,andgoupthroughthisworldleaninguponChrist,keepingyoureyefixeduponHim,asyouronlysafety.TheLordblessHiswordtoyou.Amen.

SERMONVIII*—John20:13,14,15,16,17,18

And they sayuntoher,Woman,whyweepest thou?She saithuntothem,BecausetheyhavetakenawaymyLord,andIknownotwheretheyhavelaidHim,&c.—John20:13,14,15,16,17,18.

HEREisfirstaconferencebetwixtMaryMagdaleneandtheangelswhohadwatchedChrist'sgrave,andbeenwitnessofHisresurrection(verse13).Thensheturnethfromthem,andlightsuponChrist,andknowsHimnot.

Second.AconferencebetwixtMaryandChrist,whilesheknewnotthatitwasHe(verse14,15).Apersonmaybelieve inChrist,andyetnothavetheassurancethereof.TheymayhavetruefaithinHim,andyetnotthesensibleassuranceofHislove.

Third.AconferencebetwixtChristandher,afterknowingHim,allfullofcomfort. The Lord alloweth† comfort to His people after a time ofmourning. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in themorning"(Psalm30:5).

MaryMagdalenecomesfirsttothegrave,andmeetswithChrist:forHehaddispossessedherofsevendevils,andshelovedmuch,becausemanysins were forgiven her. We are ready to count sin and Satan a sweetpossessionas longaswehave them;butwhenChrist taketh these fromus,weloathethem,andrejoiceinHimandHismercy.

"Why weepest thou?"—There is no envying of the angels at her desireafter Christ. They are glad that sinners are sick of love for their wellbeloved.Maryhad cause to rejoice, andnot toweep: forChrist's risingshouldbeasanapkintowipealltearsfromsinners'faces.*

Doctrine. We have foolish and vain affections, poisoned with sin: weweep when we should laugh, and laugh when we should weep. Thedisciples shouldhave rejoiced, becauseHe said, "I go to theFather." Itwasablessedwayforthem.Hewasgoingtopreparealodging-houseforthem;but theywereafraid,andhadsorrowofheart forHisway-going.SomethinkHefeedsnotHispeopleinHisabsence:nay,butletmesayit,God indeed not only feedsHis own peoplewith sense of presence, butalsowithabsence.Whenthemoonisunderacloud,andtheLordisaway,thedesiregroweth,andthehungerandthirstafterHimincreaseth,whichis a good evidence. We often mistake our Lord, and are really goingforward,whenweapprehendwearegoingbackward.

"Whyweepest thou?"—The angels could teach this, That Christ's risingfrom the dead ismatter of joy. Christ seeing John falling down beforeHimforfear(Rev.1:17,18),laidHisrighthanduponhim,saying,"Fearnot;Iamthefirstandthelast;IamHethat liveth,andwasdead;and,behold,Iamaliveforevermore,Amen."(Psalm118:24),"ThisisthedaywhichtheLordhathmade;wewillrejoiceandbegladinit."(Acts13:32,33),"Andwedeclareuntoyougladtidings,howthatthepromisewhichwasmade unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us, theirchildren in thatHehathraisedupJesusagain."Therefore,Christ,afterHis resurrection, saiduntoHisdisciples, "Peacebeuntoyou. It is I,be

notafraid."Alliswell;seeing"Hewasdeliveredforouroffences,andwasraised again for our justification" (Rom. 4:25). Just as if Christ shouldsay, You and I havewon the action; be glad and come out, all is paid."BecauseIlive,yeshalllivealso."Wo*andcoldwouldourcomforthavebeenforever,ifdeathhadarrestedChristinthegrave.Itisanuncouth†coldbedtogointodeath'sdarkpitnevertocomeoutagain:theyarealllodged there for ever. It is amiserablehouse; the inner chamber is thekingofterrors:yea,blackhell,hellandthelakethatburnethwithfireandbrimstone.ButtheLord,inHisresurrection,hathtriumphedoverdeathandhell,anddeliveredallHiselectpeoplefromthisgrievouscursethattheywerelyingunder,inbeingheirsofhell.ThereforeourLord'scomingoutofprisonisarelievingallHischildren.Thinknow(ifwemaymakethesupposition)yeseeapoormanwithoneor twobairnsonhisback,wadingadeepwater;heisliketodrown,andthebairnscryingforfear,andhecries to them,Holdyour tongue,mybairns,andI shallwarrantyou;and thenwhenhecomesout,hewipesall their faces.SoChrist inthegravehadall thechildrenthatHisFathergaveHimlegallyhangingabout His neck, and in His arms. Our heaven, and all our writs andcharters,alloursalvation,wasinthegravewithHim.

"Maryanswered,TheyhavetakenawaymyLord,andIknownotwherethey have laid Him."—Have I not good cause to weep? May I not bepermitted toweepmy fill?Theyhave carriedawaymyChrist fromme.We see then two things inher. Theyhave taken awaymyChrist.He isdead,andtheyhaveborneHimtoanotherplace,andIwotnotwhereheis:butyethowbeitHebeaway,HeismyLord.TheNotethenisthis:

Dead Christ, as ye think; a hidden, and a frowning Christ may be thyChrist, and my Christ. (Isaiah 49:14) "But Zion said, The Lord hathforsakenme,andmyLordhathforgottenme."ThenaforsakingGodmaybeZion'sGod.Whenfaithandfaintingarewrestlingafalltogether,faithkeepsahank*ofChristinitsownhand.Faithcansay,Christisnotdead,albeittherebeahundredmilesbetwixtHimandme;yetHeismyChrist,"my Lord, and my God." The child of God may be driven from manyholds,andfromthefaithofhisrisingagainfromthedead,andfromthefaith ofmany sweet promises, and, fainting anddoubting,may slanderChrist, andsay,He isunkindandaway:but there isayeanhold to the

fore,†andfaithsays,"HeismyGod."Likeacaptainbesiegedwhentherearemanywallsbattereddowntohim,andtheenemyhastakeninmickleground about him, and taken all the outer works, yet there is aye onecastleuntakenandtotheforethatcannotbetaken.

Theysay,Theholdthatadyingmangetsofathing,hekeepsittilldeath.The dead-hold that a child ofGod gets of Christ it keeps for ever. It isgoodifwecansticktoChristanyway,eitherdeadChristorlivingChrist,whetherkendChristorunkendChrist,wemuststillkeepsomething,orweloseall.Letuskeepaholdofthehandthatstrikesus,andkissit,ifwecannotgetHisfaceandnecktokiss.

Wecount littleofChristwhenwehaveour fillofHim,andwhenHe isliving,butstayuntilhungercome,andthenyewouldgiveaworldforHisdeadbody.ThereissuchahungerinMaryMagdalenethatshewouldbeglad even to have deadChrist in her arms! She thinks it is better thannothing!MaryseeksnobetterthantohaveherarmsfullofdeadChrist.

Sometimesweletgoodmeatspill,andcountlittleofit!WethinklittleofHiscompanyatCommunions:thereisadaycoming,whereinyeshallbeblyth*ofasmallcrumbofChrist'sbread.Wereyehungry,asmaybeyewillwhenthisboardisdrawn:yeshallbeblythofatouchofthehemofHisgarmentandakissofHisfeet.Littlekenyewhatitistowant.(Lam.1:16), "For these things Iweep:mine eye,mine eye runnethdownwithwater,becausetheComforterthatshouldrelievemysoulisfarfromme."I trow thatwasnobairn's play. (Psalm77:3), "I rememberedGod, andwastroubled,"howinformertimesHeembracedme,andlovedme;butnowHehas leftme,andIknownotwhattodo."Icomplained,andmyspirit was overwhelmed." What is that? "I remembered God, and wastroubled."Shoulditnotratherhavebeen,IrememberedGod,andleapedfor joy? Nay, I remembered God, He that once remembered me, andlovedme,butnowHehasleftme,andIknownotwhattodo!AtsuchatimeablinkofGod,howbeititwereasshortasaflashoffireintheair,itwerehalfaheaven. ItweregoodwewereallatMary'spartof it, "TheyhavetakenawaymyLord,andIknownotwheretheyhavelaidHim."

Shesays,"IknownotwheretheyhavelaidHim."—AsoremattertoloseChrist:butasorermatternottoknowwheretofindHim.Itisatrialboth

towantChrist,andnottoknowwheretofindHim.Saysthespouse,"SawyeHimwhommysoulloveth?IfyefindHim,tellHimIamsickoflove."Sometimes it will be that the children of God will seek Him in manywynds,*andnot findHim inprayer, in theword,norat theholy table,norinreading,norinconference.Theywill,asitwere,followChristfromplacetoplace,andnotknowwheretofindHim;theyknownotwhereHeis.

"IknownotwheretheyhavelaidHim."—ShebelievedthatChristwasyetdead, and this was her ignorance and infidelity; for He had often toldthemthatHewouldriseagain,but theybelievedHimnot.ThenweseethatthereisignoranceevenwithagoodandheartyaffectiontoChrist,inGod's children. In Cant. 5:5, there we see a church both sleeping andwrestlingatonce.NicodemuslovedChrist'scompany,yettherewasgreatignorance inhim.TheLord'sdisciples followedHim,andyet theywerefoolsandslowofhearttobelievetheScriptures(Luke24:25).Oursoulislikeaharp,whereinthereisabrokenormistunedstring;ourmindandour affections are like abrokenor lame leg.Wehave some light in themind,butouraffectionsarecold like lead.Andwhen theaffectionsareblownuponby thewindof theSpirit, themindandmemorybothmayhavethetruantsickness;nay,ifGodyokethemnotall,anddrivethemupthefurrows,somepieceorotherwillliebacklikealazyox.Thereisayeacrookorhaltinus,sothatwegocrookedtoheaven,asJacobdid.Butasound, hearty affection, even an ounce of it, isworth a stoneweight ofdimlight.Alas!Thisagehathlight,butitisbarrelledup.Westartalluptobeprofessors!butfewhavethefurnitureforheaven.Godforbid,thatIshould discourage any, but I see men contenting themselves with toolittle;somelight,andweaklove,totheword,andthepreacher,andstilltheir old sins and old jog-trot* is kept; and as dead in practice andreformationof lifeastheyweretenyearsago,andsomeofthemworse.Now in the name and authority of the Son of God, try that it be goodsufficientwork;seethatitbestampedandsealedwithChrist'sarms.

"She turned herself about."—I see the angels cannot help a woundedconsciencethathaslostaholdofChrist(Cant.3:1,2,3).ThewatchmencouldnotleadthechurchtoChrist,untoHimwhomhersoulloved.Nay,inprayersometimesHecannotbegotten,(Psalm22:2),"OmyGod,Icry

inthedaytime,butthouhearestnot:andinthenightseason,andamnotsilent."Whatmeanttheprophet'sdrythroat,andyetcouldnotgetGod?Job says, chap. 13:24, God hidethHis face. In theWord there is oftensuchdeadnessthatthechildofGodcannotwintohisfeet:andtheymaywonderwhohaveseenandhad theexperienceofdefection.Willyenotsay,When God lays His finger on the soul, and breaks a string of theconscience,whatmeanswillbeusedtogetaknotonthisbrokenstring,and toget thebrokenboneknitagain? IgrantyouGod (inprayer)hasbeenfound,butIamspeakingofapresence,orofanaccesstoablinkofChrist;Ihaveexperiencetosaywithme,andIknewitoflate.Wotyethatpresenceandcomfortissweetmeat,andnotforChrist'sbairns'ordinaryfood?Thereisatimeortidewhenthewindblowethwhereitlisteth,evenaftertheuseofmeans.Christwillcome,andthereisbutdeadnessinthemeantime,when ye canneither feel, see, norhearChrist. Then yemaysay,Whatshallwedo,ifmeansprevailnot?

Answer.IknownochildofGod,whoisever insuchacase,astheycanneitherhear,see,norfeel.ThesleepingChurchhasawakingheart(Cant.5:1).GracetomissChristissomefeeling,hearing,andseeing.ThosewhoareinSaul'scase(1Sam.28:15),whosaid,"Iamsoredistressed,theLordisdeparted fromme,"are ina sad taking:but thechildrenofGodmayblamethemselves,whoareintheexerciseofconscienceseekingcomfortanddonot findit. IsayI forbidnotbutthattheypray,hear,read;yea,useallmeansforit;butIwouldhavethemdoingtwothings.

1. That ye would continue to cry, look heaven's height, and be veryimpatienttillyougetyourrightsandanewstamp.Sleepnot,eatnot,restnot,untilHecomeagain.Complain,fret,makehaste,long,andhunger,forChrist.Lookupas ifyewereangryat theclouds thathideHimandhinder you to see Him. Shall one bid men fall asleep who have lostChrist?

2.Yetbeverypatientandsubmissive,bindingHimtonotimeormannerofcoming.(Psalm40:1),"IwaitedpatientlyontheLord,andHeinclinedHisear,andheardmycry."ThenDavidbothcried,andshouted,andyethadpatience.Isashoutingandcryingmanapatientman?Isayheis,2Peter.3:12.WaitonandhastentothedayoftheSonofGod.SeeifIlie.

"AndsawJesusandknewHimnot."—Asinthebodyseeingandhearingwentout,sointhesoulwemayseeChrist,andnotknowHim.Manyhavelight,assickmenhavemeatattheirbedside,butcannotuseit.Buthereisthematter;ateverynewmeetingwemisken*Christ.Whileyoursoulissick, andwhileHe kens not you, the acquaintance is aye tomake overagain.Hemustblowthecoal;Christ'shotheadmustwarmourcoldones,andHis livinghandmust hold our deadhands andquicken them, andthenwebegintostirourfingers,andtotakeholdofHim.ButifChristbebutthreedaysaway,wearetobeginatABCagain.HeleftPeterbutawhileofadayornight,andPeterforsookHim,andneverrepentedtilltheLord lookeda loving look tohimthatawakenedhim.He turneda littlefromHisdisciplesandtheyforsookHimandfled,andneverwantotheirfeet again till He reproved them for their infidelity and opened theirhearts.Heknowsaweaksheepfallen intoapitorhole thatcannotwinoutitself.Christayelooseththefankled†lamb,bleatingandbleedinginthe thorny bush. A bow cannot bend itself, aman's armmust do it; itcannot shoot itself, ahandmustput the arrowon the string, anddrawandlooseit.Soyemustlearnthegate‡toheaven.Itisaborrowinglifewehave here! We are aye falling, and Christ is aye setting us to our feetagain! I see Christ must be cumbered in leading us the right gate toheaven.IthinkIhavemindofanoldcrazybarque,eachdashitgetsonarockitfallsoutinahole,andnewtimbermustbeputin;andthenextdayitgetsanotherdash,andawholeboardfallsout,andanewboardmustbeputinagain.Thisislikeourconscience,thiscrazysoulofours,havingrotten timber in it.Adashofdesertion for threedaysmakesa crack inMaryMagdalene's soul, that she sees Christ, and seesHim not! Daviddashedagainstarockoflust,andfallsoutinawiderentofadulteryandmurder.Peter'soldbarquegetsaknockoffear,andhefallsoutindenialofhisLord.TheLord'sfore-hammerlighteduponthedisciples,andtheyfalloutwithaloveofhonourandeasehere;andtheyfalloutinagreatrent,andthinkHeshallmakethemgreatmenintheworld,andrestoreagainthekingdomtoIsrael.ItellyouChristmustayebeputtinginnewtimber tillallbemadenewwork, forChristwill takeoldAdam's rottentimberoutofus,andmickleworkitistomakethisoldcrazyconsciencenew,thatisliketofalltoflinders.*

Jesus saith to her, Woman, why weepest thou?"—What needs Christ

question thus? Why should Christ ask at a broken-hearted woman,seeking none but Christ, Why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? Yeknowafatherwillbemindedtogiveanappletohisbairn,andhewillsay,holdingitout,Willyehavethat?YeknowHesaidtoapoorman,"Wiltthoubemadewhole?"TheremaybesomesoulslongingforHimthisday,andyetHesay,Mydearpeople,tellMewhomyewouldhave,andwhomseek ye? See here, there was a fault in her desire; she sought a deadChrist,orHisdeadbody,andHewouldhavehertoseekalivingChrist.Andtherefore,look,whenyeareseekingChrist,thattherebenotafaultin your desire; ye are perhaps serving yourselves when ye are seekingHim. Ye are all seeking comfort, and He perhaps brought you here tohearnothingbutconviction,andtohumbleyourproudhearts.Whenweare seekingGod, andour affectionsopened, thedevil can shute* inhisarmtotheshoulderblades,andcastinahandfulofhisdraff†andspoilthe mask.‡ Who would think that a woman weeping for Christ waswrong?andyetsheknowsnotwhomsheseeketh?Yea,atCommunions,letmeask, forChrist'ssake,whomyeareseeking?Yewillsay,Christ.Isay,WouldtoGoditwereso.Iwillhavenothing,saysone,butcomfort.Iwill have nothing, says another, but a soft heart. And a third comesbecause it is the fashion! Iwill askat these souls,Whomseekest thou?Painted hypocrite; plastered, rotten, dissembler, thou art seeking thedevilandcondemnationtothyself.

"She supposing Him to be the Gardener."—Her mind was confoundedwithsorrowand infidelity inherheart,and theLordheldhereyes thatshekendnotChrist tobeChrist; andyetChrist lookedmoreheavenly-likethanHewonttodo.

Doctrine.ThenachildofGodmaybespeakingtoHim,andnotkenHim.Alas!weoftenmeasureHimbyourownfoot!SoJobtakestheLordtobeachangedLord,anotherGodtohim,andonethatwasturnedtobehisenemy! And so did Jonah, Jeremiah, Elijah, Habakkuk, &c., in theirwrestlings.For infidelity is a thickmaskuponmen's eyes; andwhoarethey whom Satan will not blindfold? He would have put amask uponChrist'seyes,andputall theworld'sglorybetwixtHimandHisFather!but Christ saw through the mask. And Satan would have laid court,honour,andpleasuresofsinbeforeMoses'eyes,butGodrentthemask,

and he looked to the recompense of reward. The devil laid gold overBalaam'seyes.HasnotthattrumpetofRomemadeChristthegardener?There is no Christ in question or request now but that which rides inParliament!Theyhaveputsilks*onChristandHisKirk,andtheywillnotwearthem.Iprayyoucastoffthedevil'shoodsandhismasks,andseekfromChristthesalve,toseeChristtobeChrist.

"TellmewherethouhastlaidHim."—Whataliftwouldthiscorpsehavebeen?WouldnotdeadChrist,Hisgraveclothes,andanhundredpoundweight of myrrh and aloes, that was laid upon His body, have been aheavy lift to a woman? Six stone weight or more? Yet Mary says shewouldbearHimhence,nay,thoughshecouldnot,shewouldtake†aliftofHimtillherbackcracked,andherarmguardhadbeenoutoflith,‡butshewouldhavehadHim.

Doctrine.Lovehasstrongbroadshoulders: thehighmountainsandtheheavyburdenswillnottirelove.Lovewillneversweat,faint,norfallinaswoon, for God helpeth love. Love is as strong as death, or the grave(Cant.8:6).Getlove,andnoburdenChristwilllayonyouwillbeheavy.Were not the martyrs fraughted§ with love when heavy death andburningquickdidnotweight themwhen itwas laidon them?But lovemadethemrunupthemountainswithdeathandtorturesontheirback!Lay all hell upon a soul that has love to Christ, he will run with theburden.Seekandgetlove,anditwillmakeyoubearsufferings:forlovewillnotburstatthebroadside.CamenotMosesfromthecourt,withhisbackladenwithaffectiontothepeopleofGod,andtirednot?

"Jesussaithuntoher,Mary."—SeeChristcallethuponMarybyhername.ThusitisnodrygeneralacquaintancethatChristhaswithHisown.Asyeusetosay,Itishardtoknowsuchaman,butIhaveseenhim.Nay,butChrist knows allHis sheep by the head. (Luke 19:5), "Jesus looked up,andsaid,Comedown,Zaccheus,makehasteandcomedown,fortodayImust abide at thine house." (See John 1:48), "Before that Philip calledthee,whenthouwastunderthefig-tree,Isawthee."(John10:14),"IamthegoodShepherd,IknowMysheep."ThisbehovedtobeChrist,Heisnotsucharashmerchant,butHesawHiswares,andkendthemallbytheirnamesereHelaiddownapriceforthem.Nay,GodbroughtthemallbeforeHim,andsaid,Bytheirdwellingsandnamestakethem;andIwill

givetheendsoftheearthforThyinheritance.Heshallgetallbeyondtheriver(Zeph.3:10),thedispersedofJudah,&c.(Isaiah6:10).AlltheseareHis.TheFatherhathsaid,Son,Yeshallnotworkfornothing.WhatthinkYeofyourwares?howpleaseyourgoodsandmine?AndHisFathergaveHim a fair roll of all their names, by the head, man and woman, asparticularly asHehadnamed them, John, Thomas,Mary,&c.And thewhole flockwasmarked.Aswhen amanout of a great flock selleth somany sheep, and sets them by for the merchant; he lets him see hiswares,andheputshismarkuponthem.Sotheworld,evenallmankind,wasagreatflockbeforeGod,andtheFathergaveChristthepick*ofthemarket.AndHechosesomanyoutoftheflock,andbargainedwithHimforthem.AndtheFathertold†themallovertotheSon,afairnumberofbairns,saying,Takethem,Son;butyeshallpaydearforthem.AndtheywereallofGod'smarkandChrist'smarktogether;andChristkenswhatfieldstheygoin;andHehasthembooked,andcallsthem,andputstheMediator'snameonthem—thenewname,evenHismark.Sohereisthereasonwhy,oftwoorthreethousandinonekirktogetherwherethewordispreached,Christcallsoutonemanbyname,andtheotherbyname.ItrowitisbecausehereisChrist'sboughtwares,Heisupinthecount.TheFathermustkeepconditionwithChrist,forHegotarles‡(asyousay)inAbel'sdays,andHemustkeepremembranceofallHissheep.Butyewillsay,Alas!Christhas forgottenme.Well,bewareof that.Willyesay theFatherhasmiscountedasheep,andChristhaslostasheepinthetelling?ThenHeissleepyandcareless.Butitisnotso.ThisisasweetthingthatHecaresforyou;thouartupinmybooks,John,Mary,&c.Yeareupinthewhiteroll,andonthatconditionIgivetoyoumyself,myfleshandmyblood, this day. O then be blythe§ man, thou wilt not fall|| by in thetelling.ThereisnomiscountbetweentheFatherandtheSon,butfaithfulandsicker.¶IprayyoutellmewhenheardyouChristnameyoubyname?I tell youwhen you think eachpromise is spoken to youbyname, andwhenyousay,Yonisspokenfirm.Andaswhenarolliscalling,eachonecrieshere,"Here,"tohisownname.Thenwhenthegospelispreaching,Christisacallingtheroll,yoursoul,withjoybelivethwhenyecry,Here,here,LordJesus.Thereforetakegoodtentwhenyehearyourownnamescalled,andanswerthem.

"ShesaithuntoHim,Rabboni."—TherebyacknowledgingherselfChrist's

scholar,andChristtobehermaster.

Observe.HereisbutashortpreachingthatChristmakes.Hesaysbutoneword,Mary:but it ismore thanaword; andMarypresentlyknows.SosoonaseverChristspeaks,thekirksaith,"Itisthevoiceofmybeloved!"Awifewhohaswantedher husband seven years,whenHe returns shehearshistongueinthecloss,andshoutsandcries,Itsmydearhusband'stongue,andcomesouttomeethim."ItisI,benotafraid"(Matt.14:27).And they kend His tongue, and presently received Him into the ship.Christmay learnus all to preach; for one ofHis preachings isworth ahorse-loadof ourpreachings;Hehas the tongueof the learned indeed.WithHismouthHecanblowup irondoors.WellkensHeall theback-springes*anddouble locksof thesoul,andhowSatanhasneed-nailed†thedoor.Christhasthewayofit,andcandrawtheboltwithHisvoice.SothenwhenChrist comethand speaketh,HebringsHiswordwithHim.Whenthedevilcomeshehasadumbknock;herapsbutwillnotspeak.He cannot bring thewordwithhim, or it is a hollow earthly voice andharsh, aye crying, Clay, clay! court, honour, theworld, your lusts, yourfill! This is not like Christ's tongue. An image speaks not; the dumbceremonies have not a tongue; they speak not to the soul; they have adeadknock.Ishallbeanswerablewhentheycomeyoushallbreakyourheartandsay,YonisnotChrist'stongue.

"Rabboni."—Maryhadbeen seekingadeadChrist, and thoughtHehadnotbeenrisen;andshegetsalivingChrist.Doctrine.NomaneverwenttoseekChristinarightway,buthegotmorethanhesought!ThewomanofCanaansoughtacrumbundertheboardwiththedogs;butereChristandsheparted,ItrowHesetherattheboardheadaboveallIsrael.

Theforlorn*soncamehome,andhewouldbenothingbutaservant;hecravedbuttostandattheby-board.Hespeaksbutofdry-bread;hespakenotofwholeclothes;buthisFatherputonhimthebestrobe,andaringonhisfinger,andkilledthefattedcalf,andsethimatthehighboard,andatthefirstmess."Heisabletodoexceedingabundantlyaboveallthatweaskorthink,accordingtothepowerthatworkethinus"(Eph.3:20).

NowyehearusspeakofChrist;yecometoseekHim;ye think there ismuch inHim.Comeandsee,and taste,andyeshall feel that there isa

hundred thousand degreesmore! See then that youmake an errand toChrist,forasickbairn,foraweakbody,foratroubledfriend;andyeshallgetmorethanyeseek!Kenyenotthatpoorfolksaregladtogetanerrandto a hall-house?† If they can make an errand they ken they will findplentythere!Christisahall-house:gotoHim.

"Jesussayethuntoher,TouchMenot."—Matthewsays,thewomenheldHimby the feet; andnoquestionMarywashanging aboutHisneck tokiss Him, and would have thrust Him into her heart. But Christ says,"Touch Me not." Alas! (might she think) what means this? Ye maywonder what ails Him at the poor woman! Trow ye Christ was grownlordlier?Was Hemore lordly thanHe was, because He was risen andglorified in part?Or,will lordships changemannerswithHim?No. ItstrueHeforbidsher;itwasafaultinherseekingtotouchHim;shedoatedtoomuchonHisbodilypresence;andthoughtHehadcomeupagaintoliveontheearth,andtoeatanddrinkwithpublicansandsinnersasHewaswonttodo.ButHewillnotfeedherfoolishlove;Christwouldhavewiselove.Yeareayecravingsense,joy,comfort.Lookifthatbewiseloveofyours,andthatyeservenotalwaysyourpleasure,anddelightinChrist,butnotforChristHimself.Isay,seekyourselfinChristandyourjoy;butnot for yourself. I pray you mark this; we are beguiled often in ourseekingofChrist,forChristherewouldbeatanotherthing.

"Touch me not, I am not yet ascended," &c.—It is as much as to say,WhenIgotoheavenandsenddowntheHolyGhostuponthee,thoushaltthentouchMebyfaiththyfill:butnowholdthyhand,holdtheebythatthouhast.When,Isay,Christ,forcausesknowntoHimself,willgiveyounoaumus,*nillye,willye,thenyeshouldnotbeinamarvelthatyedonotseeChrist!Rentnotyourbills†untilI tellyouChristwillcrytoHisbeggars,Yewillnotbeservedatthistime.

Take an Answer. Now, I come to answer experience here. Will ye notpray,andcomefromGodasitwerewithemptywindandnothing?

Answer. Christ said, "TouchMe not:" ye were perhaps seeking to playyourself likeabairnwithChrist;andHewill letyouknowHeisChrist.He is not a Christ to play bairnswith. So afterwewould have joy andcomfort inChrist forourpleasure, is oftenasbairns thatwouldhavea

paintedhattoplaywith.Yethink,sosoonasyeknockandpray,nomoreshouldbe,butthatallheaven'sgatesshouldbeopenedorcastenup,andthattheKingwillcomeoutandmeetyouimmediately,andtakeyouintothehouseofwine.Nay,butstay:whathaste?stay,atleisure,andaskatyoursoulswhatyeareseekingwhenyeseeksenseand joy.Ifyebenotoutofyourselves,andseekitnotforthisend,thatyemaybehearted*topray,andheartedtogoupthemountaintoheaven,Isay,Bewareyefindnotacloseddoor:andhowbeitthiswerenot,beware."TouchMenot,"isgoodandsweetmeet foryou.Standandknock,andgoaway,andcomeagain andknock; and thatdrawsout faith in a long and strong thread.AndthatisasgoodforyouasifChristandyouhadmetatfirst.Forknowyethataccess,feeling,andliberty,aregraces?AndHewillgivethembutwhenHepleases:and it isbest thatChristmakedelicatesof suchgoodcheer.

ButwhatisthebestmarktheninseekingofChrist?

Answer.TakeChristanyway:ifHebehere,itisHe;ifthere,itisHe.BeascontentwithHimwithtearsanddown-castingasintearsandjoy.Nay,hereisasecondmark—IfyoucantakeHimoutofhellsmokinginyourarms.ButtoseekcomfortinChristisnottoseekChrist,sayye?Ianswer,IfyeseekChristforcomfort,andnotcomfortforChrist,andjoy.Ifyeaskhow these are differenced? I answer, Even as the spouse loves thebridegroom,notforhisfairclothes,andgoldringsandbracelets,butforhimself.SomustyeseekChrist forHimself,andnotChrist forcomfort.For, I say, Joy and comfort is but the bridegroom's jewels; but thebridegroomhimselfisbetter.Nay,aconvictingandrebukingChristisnolesstruethanalovingChrist!ThenIsay,ItisnotChrist,butHisloveyewouldbeat.

"TouchMenot,forIamnotyetascendedtoMyFather."—ChristbringsHiswordwithareason;whenIamascendedintoheaven,thenyeshallgettouchingMeyourfill,waitontillthattime.Sothisisnoabsolutenay-say,butadelay.

Doctrine.ThereisneveroneofChrist'srefusals,buttheyaremixedwithhope;theseedoffaithandhopeisinthem.SoHesaidtothewomanofCanaan,letthechildrenbefirstserved.Thereisnorefusal,butHeputs

her inhopes thatwhentheJewshadgottentheirdinner, thenthepoorwomanshouldgetthebrokenmeat.Paul,whenbuffeted,prayed.Christreturned the answer, "My grace is sufficient for thee." Thiswas a goodanswer. When the disciples would fain have had Christ abiding withthem,Hesaid,Nay,butthisnayhadwithit,"ButIwillcomeandreceiveyou toMyself." Then take not Christ's nay-say at the worst; it is bothsweet and comfortable, and His strokes there is aye that in them, "Yeshallget."ThenChrist'srefusalsarecomfortable,andHisstrokessweetandhealthful. Ifwe have honest hearts in seeking, oneway or anotherGodshallcomfortus.

Beingnowrisenfromthedead,Hesays,"Go,tellMybrethren."HewouldcomfortHisbrethrenwiththiscomfortabledoctrine,lettingthemseethisglory He was to be advanced to; it took not away that communion ofnaturethatwasbetweenHimandthem:thereforeHeisnotashamedtocallthembrethren.(Heb.2:11)WehaveoneGod,theyandIarehalferstogether.Andmorethanthat,weareFather'sbairns.GodistheirFatherandmyFather.Sowehaveonemother;forChristwasbornofthekirk."Go forth,OyedaughtersofJerusalem,andbeholdKingSolomonwiththecrownwherewithhismothercrownedhiminthedayofhisespousals"(Cant.3:11).

ThisisJesus,theKingofPeace,namedbyHismothertheKirk.ButHewas crownedwith a crownof thorns; and also, crownedby the faithfulwho made Him their King. Then Christ and we are more than halfbrethren,wearefullbrethren;forGodwillhavenostep-bairns.Wearenativeandofkin toHim;all thewater in theseawillnotwashChrist'sblood and ours asunder, for Christ and we behoved to be more thansecond or third a-kin. For the law's cause,we behoved to be as sib* asbrethren:and therefore, in (Cant.4:5)Hecalls theKirkHisSister, anddelights toavowHiskindred toher, forChristwillnotman-swear† thesilliest of His kindred. Now by the law, the poor brother that hadmortgagedhisland,hadpoweramongtheJewstomakeanassignationofhisrighttohisbrother,orthenearestofhiskindred:andsomightputhisbrother in the right of it. As an oppressed man, who is bereft of hisinheritance, andhasnotmoyennormeans todoubleouthismatterbylaw,hemakes an assignationofhis right tohisnearest friendor chief,

whohasmeansandmoyentowintheaction;andthatfriendhasitalsoinhispowertoputthepooroppressedmaninhisplaceagain.Sohere:noonebutGodwhoisabovelaw,havinggiventoChristabody,madeChristanassignationtoourbloodybond,whichthelawandthejusticeofGodhadagainstus.Andwhenwehadforfeitparadise,andcouldnotdoubleoutourcause,thekindkinsman,Christ-man,wasverykindlytopardonandcomeinourroomasassigneetoHispoorruinedbrethren.AndGodput into the assignation whereto Christ's name was borrowed, threethings.

First, Our flesh and infirmities as sinless. Secondly, All our sins, andwhatever followed them. So Christ got with us mickle black debt andmanycumbers.Andthecursedbondofthelawwasremoved,andChristwas written in the bond accursed, and hanged on a tree. And thirdly,Christwasassignedtoourheaven,andHenamedittoHim,byus.

Then Christ got the law, and we the gospel; and the assignation wasmutual.And thiswas sweet, forChristmadeus assignees toHis bond,andHewasassigneetoourflesh.Hemadetheworksoasweshouldbeassignees toHisSpiritandHisgrace, thatoutofHis fulnessweshouldreceivegraceforgrace.Andsobylaw,Christ'sgraceisours,andHeputsusinHisownplace,andmakesusassigneestoHisglory.(Luke21:25),"Iappointuntoyouakingdom,asMyFatherhathappointeduntoMe."

Thenbelieversbeblythe.YouareChrist'sexecutorsandassignees.*NowthatChrist's testament is confirmed, intrometwith†His goods, the lawwillwarrantyousotodo.

Butthere isathirdthing inChrist'sassignation,whichHewillnottakewellwithifyerefuseit.HemakesHisbrethrenassigneestoHiscross.Yewill start at this, but it is your glory! In the world ye shall havetribulation, or affliction.When ye have subscribed the assignation, thesaidbinds andobligesme to suffer forHim.Even for every cuffChristtookforyouandme(andHegotmanyabluestrokeforus),yemustbereadytotakeacuffforHim.Andknowyetherewasaclauseintheendofthe assignation full of comfort; Christ gives you a back-bond* that thecrosswillnotslayyou.Christsays,Brethren,Ibindandobligemyself Iwill not leave you fatherless, I have overcome theworld, Iwill see you

again.

See thenhow ye arematched.And say not; Indeed it sets us not to behandled thisway.But learnye tobe likeyourbrother,meekand lowly,andthenyemaykenyearebrethren.ProfessorsbelikeHim;yearecomeoffforChrist'scause.Liveholily,forfearChristman-swear†you;andinjudgmentsay,YearenoneofHiskindred,"DepartfromMe,Iknowyounot."So,look;asyourbrotherwasbutlikeastrangemanintheworld,somustyebe.Christwilldenystep-bairns,andillegitimatebastardbrethrenthatarenotbornagain.

"IascendtoMyFather."—HesendsHisdiscipleswordor‡everHeseesthem,Hemustuptoheavenforthem.Andtherefore,Heforbidsthemtodream of a Christ ever bodily present with them on the earth. AndthereforetheythatwouldhaveChristmustfollowHistroddenpath,andtraceHimallthegate§toheaven,andtheyshallfindHimthere.AskHimoutinheaven,attherighthandoftheFather.AndthereforebelieveHisdeath and resurrection, and so stand there, and gono further, nor slipfromChristlikeaknotlessthread,andloseHisfootsteps.ButwemustgoafterHimtoheaven,forwhereourtreasureis,therewillourheartbealso(Matt. 6:21). If ye be risenwith Christ, seek the things that are above,where Christ sitteth at the right hand of the Father. For except wesunder* with Christ, we must be where He is, and He is now up inheaven.He isnowup inglory,andwearealldown ina lowvalley; forsinners are aye playing at the mouth of the black pit, like daft bairnsplayingatthebrinkofadeepriver.AndChristiscrying,Comeup,comeup,afterMe,lendMeyourhand,Iwilldrawyouup.O!shouldHecry,UpwithMe; and we are aye falling down upon the clay of this earth. Hewouldhaveusflyingtoheaven:andwearestillcreepinguponthisearth.Whatwillbecomeoftheworms,andgatheringworldlings?

Amanthatmustridefortymileserenight,andyeseehimdrinkingataninnatfouro'clockafternoon,thirty-ninemilesfromhisjourney'send;yemaythinkhepurposesnottobetherethatnight.Isitnotafternoonwithourlife?manybeherepasttheirtwelvehours!Andwhoknowshowsoonitmayfallonnight?andmanyhavenotgoneonemiletoheaven!Believeme,manymen live as if they had the keys of heaven at their belt; andthinktostickinthisclayoftheearthalltheirdays,andleaptoheavenat

theirdeath,atoneleap!Believeme,yeneverdidleapsuchaleapinyourlifetime;ifyewouldbethere,itshightimeyewereonhorsebackalready,andinChrist'schariotdrivingandpostingtoheavenasfastasyecanormay.Haveyenotfurnishinginheavenbeforeyou?Christisthere,isnotyourflittingbeforeyou?Thenup,yemustafterHim.Home,home,fleeforyourlife,thistownyedwellin,andallaboutit,willbeburntwithfire(2Peter3:10).Fleethen,elseyewillbeburntifyestayhere.

See the goodword the apostle has (Phil. 3:20), "Our conversation is inheaven:"ourburgess-haunting*isinheaven.Andwhenyewouldseekaman,youmustseekhimwherehehauntsandusuallyresortsto.Asifyeseekthedrunkard,hehauntsamongst thebarrels! forhe isbuta livingbarrelhimself,tofillandempty,andtoglutuphisbellyagainwithanewbrowst!†Wouldyeknowthefleshlyman'sdwelling,wherehauntshe?Inthe whore's chamber; sits he not down at the mouth of hell? (as saysSolomon) is he not well neighboured? The devil and her are doorneighbours, upon themarch together.Would ye see where the earthlyman haunts, what need you ask? You shall get the worm in the earthamongclay.AskwherethechildofGodhaunts?wherehauntshe?Upinheaven; the Saviour andHe cannot be sundry.‡He is climbing onHishandsandfeettobeup.HeisascendinganddesiringtobewithChrist.

Oh!thedevilleadsmanydownstairs;andwhenallisdone,mengetnottheir prey on the earth. I think I see them fishing for baronies, andthousandssettingtheirlinesandmakingalltheirmightforadraughtoffish,andtomakeupafairestatetothem,ortheirs.AndthenImayseethetide,andthestormbreakingthelinesandtakingthemaway,andtheycomehomewithemptycreelsliketraiked§slipperyfishers,bothwo||andslippery,crying,shame,ruined;wehavegotnothing,buthavelosttwentypoundsworthofnets.Soaremenundoingtheirsoulsthroughthestormtoseek fishing,and they lose their conscience,anda tideof temptationtakestheirconscience fromthem,andtheygohometotheirgravewithnothing.Andsomeofthemareforcedtocry,Thesoulislost.

My beloved, in the bowels of Christ, who has given His flesh and Hisblood,andofferedittoyouthisday,intheSacramentofHisSupper,letusliftourthoughtsfromoffthisvainworld,andtransitorythingsbelow;and let us set our heart and affections on things heavenly and divine,

trusting in the Lord through the whole of our wilderness journey, andinquiringforHimallthewaytotheveryportsandgatesofheaven.

Wemustnotattendordinancesforthefashion,andaccordingtouseandwont(aswesay),butforHisglory,andourownsoul'ssalvation.Nothingis to be done here, but upon the footing of divine authority. Away,therefore, with all Romish trash, will-worship, and superstition, in theserviceofGod!All the trumperyof theRomishharlotought tohavenoplaceintheHouseofGod.Butnotinsisting.*

Live soberly, righteously, and godly in your day and generation. In themidstoftrialsanddifficulties,trustintheLord,andputyourconfidenceinHim;andthereisnofearofanoutgate,intheLord'sduetimeandway.Remember,Hesaith,IascendtoMyFather,andyourFather;toMyGod,andyourGod:FollowyeMe.Amen.

SERMONIX*—Song5:1,2

IamcomeintoMygarden,Mysister,Myspouse,IhavegatheredMymyrrhwithMyspice,IhaveeatenMyhoney-combwithMyhoney,IhavedrunkMywinewithMymilk:eat,Ofriends,drink,yea,drinkabundantly,Obeloved,&c.—Song5:1,2,&c.

BELOVED inourLord,hitherto in this song therehasbeenmuch love,andfewout-casts†betwixtChristandHischurch.Inthebeginningofthischapter(ofwhichIhavereadapartuntoyou),accordingtotheHebrew,Ifetch fromverse2, "I sleep,"&c., that there is anout-castbetwixtHimandHischurch.Inotherpartiesthereismoreloveinwooingthaninthemarriedstate:forourlovehasafairandsweethoneymonth,whileitisgreenandyoung;it is likethechild'snewcoat,fairestthefirstday.Ourloveat length,sofaras it isnatural,growsthreadbare,breaksout,and

has need of mending. However the plain contrary is in the true lovebetwixtChristandHisChurch.ThismilitantstateistheperiodwhereinChrist and His people differ: but they shall agree well together in theotherlife,inthetriumphantstateabove.

Thischapterhaththreeparts.1.ThelamentationoftheChurch,thatshehadoffendedherdearone,Christ, inholdingHimatthedoor,withHiswetfrozenheadinthecoldnight.ForChristincomingtousgotaterribleblastoutofthenorth;thestormofGod'sindignationwasinHisfairface,and took all the skin off it, andmadeHim amarred visage, as it is inIsaiah52:14.

2.There is a conferencebetwixt theChurchandher companionsaboutChristandHisworth.Intheformerpart,thereistheChurch'sconfessionofherwrong toChrist, and the causeofholdingHimat thedoor is setdown and exponed. "I sleep, butmy heart waketh." But I sleep not ascarnalmendo,becausemyheart,therenewedpart,wakes:andthroughmy sleep I ken His tongue. And the spirit cries to the flesh, Wrong,wrong,itisillyourcommon,*toholdouttheSonofGod.Andsheplaysthe advocate forChrist againstherself: enlarges andpresses inbreadthand length the indignity of the wrong done to Him. First. From thetestimonyofherownconscience,inknowingHistongueanddiscerningHis knock. Second. From reasons that He used to move her will toconsent:as

1. Christ's just claim to her; "My sister, My love, My dove, Myundefiled."—Styles that we deserve not; for when Christ has gotten uswith much intreaty, and hard war, ill and well as it might be, He hasgottenbutadirtyarmfulofus.The2.Reasonis,fromHissufferings:"Myheadis fullofdew."3.Shecomestoherownbackwardness,andcarnalshifts.Inspeakingtoherselfinallusiontothecustomofgoingbarefootedinthosehotcountries,andtothewashingof their feeteretheywenttobed;saysshe,Icannotrisenow,andquitmyease.Andwithconfidence,shepropoundsquestionstoHisconscience.HowcanIinthiscoldnightputonmyclothes?howcan Idefilemy feet?Beyou judge,husband, ifthisbereasonable,thatyeshouldnotcomeinday-lightbeforethesungodown.ShallIquitmypleasure,howcanIdoit?Isthispossible?ShallInowdefilemyfeetagain?Isthisreasonable?Her4.Reasonis,fromhis

mannerofworkinginherheart;MywellbelovedputinHishandbythekeyhole, and made my heart lively, and warmed it by some bestirringmotions:andO!unhappyI,whowouldnotriseandopentoHim.Her5.Reasonis,fromhersorrowinthatherbowelswereturnedforherLord,whowasthusunworthilyreceived(verse3).

3.Thenissubjoined(inverses4and5),thefruitsofherlaziness,whichwasthelosingofherwellbeloved;inwhicharethesesixparticulars.

1. "I rose to open."—This is a new purpose, condemning her formerneglect.2.Whatbefelherinthatwork;theLordleftuponherheartthesmellofHis love, sweetasmyrrh,whichmadeherhands todropwhenshehadpurposedtoopen.3.Itissetdown,heropeningoutoftime,"HehadwithdrawnHimself." 4.HermissingofHimwhenHewas gone. 5.TwofruitsofhermissingofHim,theonewhichisthefifthinorder,hergodlysorrow,inthatshefellaswoonforHim.Theotherwhichisthe6.Particular,herseeking,praying,andlongingforHim;butnotaccordingtoherpresentdesire,"shefoundHimnot."Thusyehavethedivision.

NowIcometothedoctrine.

"Isleep."—Itisnotlongsinceitwasanotherworld,"Letmybelovedcomeinto His garden, and eat His pleasant fruit;" but now it is a changedworld.Onceitwasasinchap.2:6,"Hislefthandisundermyhead,andHisrighthanddothembraceme:"butnowthereareharlotloversinthechurch,and it is ill sleeping ina chamberwhereChrist is locked to thedoor.* Perhaps the devil had made the bed, busked the chamber, anddrawn the curtains. Hence the holiest living, while the flesh dwells inhim,aneighbourtotheSpirit,hewillfallasleep.(Matt.25:5),"Whilethebridegroomtarried,they(eventhewisevirgins)allslumberedandslept."(Rom.13:11),"Itishightimetoawake:forthenightisspent."Theywereinanapwhentheapostlewouldhavethemtoawake.(1Thes.5:5,6)"Yearethechildrenoftheday,thereforeletuswatchandbesober."Thenwemustbeware lest that, in thebeliever'sday,and in theLord'sday-time,wetakeanoonsleep.

Question. But what are the causes that those whom God has onceawakenedfallasleep?

Answer.1.Afullmanseeksabed,adrunkenmanaskethforasoftrestingbed. Inprosperityandhealth,whenmensit rightagainst thehot sun—whenDavidisathome,andhiskingdomestablishedinhishand,hefallsasleep,and lustasketh theway tohishouse (2Sam. 11)When it is fullmoonwiththesoul,andithasbeenfilledwithGod'spresence,takeheedthenthatyoulaynotyourfacetothesun,andfallasleep.WhenPetergotafillofgloryatthetransfigurationofChrist,thenhefallsasleep;andinadream,hespokehewistnotwhat,whenhesaid,"Master,itisgoodforustobehere"(Mark11:5,6).Itwasawordhespokethroughhissleep.Ifye,Peter andJohn,will stay still in that glorious estate yehave soondonewithit.ButhowshalltheChristianworldbegatheredintoChristbyyourministry? Nay, awake ye must, come down from the mount, and bescourged, imprisoned, and suffer death for bearing witness of Christbeforetheworld.Thedevildoeshere,assomephysicianswhogivephysicwhenitisfullmoon.Satankenswellwhenitisfullmoonwiththesoul,andthenhewaitsonwithasoftpillowandamadebed.Therefore,afteryourfillofChrist,andafteryouhavegottenmanylovetokensfromHim;keepyoursoulwaking.

2.Mencastawayholy fear,and then theymustsleep.They forget theirsoul'sbeingilllockedup,andforgetthatloose-handeddevils(ifwemayso say) are going up and down the house: and that they have a greathousetokeepthatiswellfilled.Theirconscienceandtheiraffectionsaretreasuresoftenlooselylaidup:andthereisbutathinwallbetwixtusandSatan. And we forget that sin has made us heavy headed and lazysluggards, inclining to sleep. "Blessed is he that feareth always" (Prov.28:14).Wemay catchmuch harm in sleeping, and therefore holy fearshouldkeepuswaking.Hethatknowshimselftobeontheheadofatop-mast,andwithgiddyheadlookingdown,hewillforgetsleeping.

3.We turn idle and leave off our spiritual exercise: and so fall over inSatan's perfumed bed (1 Thes. 5:8). To keep men waking, the apostlesendsthemtotheuseoffaith,love,andhope.Beforemenfallasleep,theyturnlazyandcoldingoodworks.Suchaswatchacastle,whentheyfearsleep,walkupanddown,speakandsing; for if theysitdown, theywillbutsoonwelcomesleep.Letamanforamonthdonothingbutsitinoneplacenightandday,thesinewsofhislegswillreadilyfreezeanddryup.

Usethebodyandhavethebody.Whenwegiveupwithprayer,reading,hearing,conferring,meditating,andwalkinginloveandgoodworks;nomarvelthoughthesinewsoftheconsciencedryup.Letawatchoraclockstandayear,layasidethepaces,*thenallthewheelsrustandgatherdirtandmoths,andsoclogitthatitcannotgo.Leaveofftodogood,andturnlazy; and the wheels of the conscience, and the affections of love, joy,desire,sorrow,hope,fear,letthemgatherrust;andiftheyfreeze,thesoulmust then fall asleep, and turn as dead for a journey to heaven as asleepingmanistowalk.Thesetwolastcausesofsleepsayitisnowonderthoughallweinthislandbefallenasleep.OurlittlefearoflosingourwellBeloved,andourdeadnessingoodworksandspiritualexercises,cannotbutbringustothissleep.

"But my heart waketh."—My renewed part waked, and knew Christ'stongue.Thisisnotspokenasavolley†orvogue;asmanyfolkinashew,scant of friendlyneighbours to praise them, they save their neighboursthe labour, and praise themselves: but the church speaks this to thepraiseofthegraceofGod.Hence,weseetheworstcasethechildofGodcan be in he can discern, even through his sleep, the voice of God inChrist; and in his dream can take up Christ as Christ. For even underthese out-casts,‡ andwhen the peace betwixt them is cried down for atime (1 John 3:9), the seed ofGod abideth in them (1 John 2:27). TheanointingthattheyhavereceivedofGodabideth inthem.NeithermustwethinkthatChristgivethHisfriendsaspurvisitandastandingword,andawayagain,seeingHestilldwells inHisown;howbeitHedothnotayeworkinthem.

Undergreatestunkindnessthereisneveradefectioninthesoul,fortheLord's seedof righteousness remaineth in them.Howbeit it castethnotayeheat,yetitcastethayelight,wherebythemanseethsin,andprotestsand takes instruments* in Christ's name, of the wrong done to Christ.Andifthenewmancry,Wrong,wrong,thinkonthat:theconvertedsinnotwithoutaneye-witnessthatspeaksagainsttheill(Rom.7:17,18).

ButbythewaythenanotherQuestion.HowdotherenewedinChristsinatalliftheseedofGodabideinthem?

Answer.BecauseChristcanliedowninthesoul,andnotworkatall,and

suffer theunrenewedpart, Imean theoldman, tomakea road† in thesoul:Christ in thenewmanonlymakinga littlestruggling,as thebirthhurtinthemother'swombmakesastirring.Thisshouldbeknown;itisnot grace in the habit that hinders sin in us, but God working andblowinguponthatgrace.ForourwatchingandwalkinginGod'sway,isnot likeordinaryfirethatburnsof itself;but is likethesmith'sfirethatmustbeblownupwiththebellows.Andtherefore,inthetimethatGod'sbellowsblowsnotonourfire,itisdarkanddead.ThenChrist'sfirewithlittle heat lies beneath the devil's ashes. God says to Jeremiah (chap.1:18),"BeholdIhavemadetheethisdayafencedcity,andanironpillar,andbrazenwalls, against thewhole land."Mightnot thathave sufficedJeremiah,excepthewereilltoplease?Nay,butthefencedcitymightbetaken!ThereforetheLordpromisedthatthatshoulddotheturn.(Verse19), "They shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail."Why so?Because Jeremiahwas an iron pillar,&c.Nay, another reason is given;andthatis,"Iamwiththee,todeliverthee,saiththeLord."Sothen,itisGodHimselfworking uponHis own grace, and blowing uponHis ownfire,thatistheproperandonlycauseofourstanding.

But to the point. Thewakingheart through the sleep knows theLord'stongue;andthisshouldcomfortandbearupthechildofGodunderfallsanddifferentsins,frombeingacastaway;whenSatancomesininadeepsleep,andstealsawaythesoulandisnevertrapped.Butthedevilcannotsteal a sleepon the childofGod,but the renewedpartwill awakehim,andtakehimwithitred-hand.*Oratleast, it is likethetendereyethatwaterswithablastofwindoramote.Orthus;whenSatancastswateronthefaithofthesaints,Christ'sfiremakesanoiseandcracking;orwhensinliesupontheconsciencelikeuncouth†meat,rawandundigested,onaweakstomach,thechildofGodgetsnoresttillhevomititupagain.Nowthisisamatterofcomfort,anditsaiththeconscienceistender,sensible,lively, and thin-skinned, and will easily bleed. And as it betokens atender,andawakingheart,soitsaysthatthatconsciencehasabottom.But for the reprobates, the devil has driven the bottom out of theirconscience,sothatsinrunsthroughitasavesselwithoutabottom,thatholdsnothing;forsin,afteritiscommitted,isdone,oroutofmindwiththem.ThePhariseeskilledChrist,andweresoonwashen,thoughitwaswith foulwater; and they fall to, and eat the passover, and there is no

moreofit.Itispastwiththem,andthatquickly,andthereisnomoreofitbyreasonofarunningoutconscience.Cain'smurderdidnotsticklonginhisthroatwhenhewentoutofGod'spresenceandbuiltacity.

This confession of the kirk, that in sleeping, "the heart waked," willreprovemany who overcharge their conscience and themselves (as theapostle speaks, 2Cor. 2:7), until theybe swallowedupwith grief.Theyonlyspeakof theevil that is trueof themselves,butnogoodatall.Thechurchdothnotso(Cant.1:5), "Iammybeloved's,"&c. Iamblack,yetshedeniesnot,butChrist'spartiscomelyasthetentsofKedar.Weoughttoconfessoursleepiness;butweshouldnotdenythegracethatisinGod.As thewretch sinnethawayallhehasandsayethhehasnothing.Thussomeimagineittobeboththerootandtopoftruehumility,tosaytheyhavenograceatall;thereisnothinginmethatGodcanownasHisownwork. This they think true humility, to put the price of a dog onthemselves.AstheythinktheyareridingGod'serrandswhentheyhaveputthesaddleonthewronghorse!But, indoingthis,mentakeSatan'splaceoverhishead,forheisanaccuserofthebrethren,andtheyplaytheadvocate forhim.Andthis is inconfessing tobendthebowbeyondthecompassofit.Andwhenmensaythis,thattheyhavenothingoftheminGod, they forget that Satan is at their elbow, to say, Then I takeinstruments*onyourword,yemustthenbemine.

Thereisalsoathirdsort,whoabuseawakingheartintheirsleep.Theywhothinktheymaytakealittle libertyandelbowroomtosin,because,saythey,HowbeitIsleep,yettherenewedpartiswaking.IknowChrist'stongue:itisnotanygifttosufferforChrist.IwillcrouchandletthecrossofChristslipbyme;yetIwishallwell.Ilovethegoodcause!Yettheycanfeedtheirlusts,andmakethemfatandwanton.Ihope,saythesemen,Ihave true grace, I am woe at any slips I make! Now, well said Pilate!ScourgeChristandthencondemnHim;andthenwashyourhandsandproclaimyourselfajust,cleanman.Ifanymanbewrong,thenthesewiththefirstareplayingaboutthemouthofhell.

"Open to me."—There is then a locked door upon Christ; His face ishidden.SosoonasHegoesoutthereisonethatpaysrenttoanuncouthLord,whowinsthehouseofourhearts,andtakesitup.Henceitis,thatChristmustbeglodgingforGod'ssake,ereHegetpossessionofHisown

again.Thenbyoursecurity,takingtheplay,andgivinganight'slodgingortwo,toanoldlust,dearJesusmuststandandcallforHimself,asifHeweretheMantobemeaned,crying,"Open,Mysister,"&c.Yetthiswouldseemahardcommand,ifHewouldsaytous,Open.

Answer.WhenGodcommandsanythingtous,Headvisethnotwithourlazy flesh.NeithersaysHe,What thinkyeof thecommand?Hesays toMoses, Go to Pharaoh, and say, Let My people go. But He asked notcounselatMosesinhiscoldblood,norstoodathisnaturalfeartogotoEgyptwhere he had slain aman.He sends Jeremiah to kings, princes,prophets and people, and makes no great reckoning of the prophet'sfleshlyshift."Ah,God!Icannotspeak;"sayshe,"Iamachild"(Jer.1:6).Yea,ifourLordadvisedwithwickedmen(tosaynomoreofthesaints)inaskingtheirmindanentHiscommandments,theywouldshapealawlikea wide coat, to take in both God and their lusts. But God'scommandmentsmuststand,ofHisownmould.Hencecomesthis

Question.Howareevangelical commandsdirected tous? (Ezek. 18:31),"Makeyouanewheart, andanewspirit." (Col. 3:10), "Puton thenewman."(Rom.12:2),"Betransformedbytherenewingofyourmind,"&c.Thisseemstolaytheweightonourfreewill,whichitcannotbear.Whatshallyethendowiththesethings?

Answer.Becauselazynatureflingsattheload,itshouldnotberefusedatthe first hearing.We are to take us to our feet, no less than the powerwereinourownhand.Christhelpsfairventures.Betterdieworkinganddoingaswecan,thancryinthefire,Lord,liftmeout.Itisourfault;thewant of the commandbreaks our resolution to obey in twopieces, andtherewelie.

GodsendsnotHiscommandmentstousbecausewehavestrengthtodothem.ButGod seeks thatHis charge bemetwithhumility.Wherefore,thegospelisamassofhumblecommandments;andwesighbecausewecannotwinupthebrae.Itisacceptable;providingwecreeponhandsandfeet as we can, it is sweet obedience. Because faith has always in thesecondcovenantthefirststroke,andthefore-start,beforedoing,asbeingtheconditionof thecovenant, thereforeourLordcommands,andseeksinthecommand,thatwebelieve.HewillputHisSpiritinus,andcause

ustodowhatHecravesofus.Afatherchargeshischildtobearaburdenfarabovehisstrength,andthreatenshimifheobeynot.Heobeys ifhestoop,andmint;*andpant;andwithalweeps,yethecannotgetitdone,andbelievesthatoutoflovehisfatherwillhelphim.Soinopeningofourhearts toJesus; ifwebutweep,and lookupwithwateryeyestoChrist,andthencryandmint,toopenitaswecan,usingtheweakfingersthatwehave.Forthoughourmoneywantsmanygrainweights,yetChristfillsthe scale of the balance, and weighs down where we want. So Christ'scommandstousarecommandingpromisesandpromissorycommands.Hechargesustodo(Ezek.18:31),andHepromisestoworkinuswhatHecommandsustodo(Ezek.36:26,27).

The use of this point is to teach us to meet God's commands withhumility;asgoingoutofourselveswithfaithinthecommander.Forwantofthis,ourlazynatureliesdownundertheload,andwestickinthemire.

Thisspeaksagainsttheenemiesofgrace,whoslanderus,asifwedeniedChrist to be a law-giver, who speaks good words to, and speaks goodwordsofus;andsaidthatthegospeldoesnotcommandatall,butonlyshews and teaches what God byHis Spirit works in the elect. Nay, weteach that itbothcommandsandcravesobedience (as they teach); andHeirresistiblyworksbyHisSpiritwhatHecraveth;andHisgracepaysourdebts.HepaysourdebtswithHisownmoney;which theydeny, toGod'sdishonour,andthereproachingofHisgrace,thatfreewillmaygetthethrone.Butbetterwewant,thangracewant.

"Mysister,Mylove."—ChristspeakethlikeHimself,HecallsHischurchfour times over His own, "My sister, My dove, My friend, and Myundefiled."EvenasifHewereproudofHisheritage.Mineisasweetandafriendlyword;everyone loveswell theirown.SodothChristspeakofHis own, being well content with His conquest, as having no strongerreasontoworkuponus,towininuponoursouls,thantoallegeproperlyHisclaimtous.AndHispropertyandinterestisagreatone.Anditisbutreason every one get his own; and farmore reason that Christ getHisown. We see Christ had begun, or renewed, conversation on low andlovelyterms;suchasamanhaswhenhefindsatreasure(Matt.13:44).ThenChrist fillethtocomers,at thefirstmeeting,acheerfulheart.And(Matt.11:28)easeandresttotheirsoulsispromised.(Rev.3:20),"Ifany

manhearMyvoice, andopen thedoor, Iwill come in tohim, and supwithhim,andhewithMe."Thereafeastofjoy(Prov.9:5),Christsaithtoaparceloffools:"Come,eatofMybread,anddrinkofMywine."Thereisahome-comingsoulsettoafullcoveredtable.

I deny not but there be down-casting terrors, and ploughing of theconsciencebefore;butthatisbeforeChristcome.Sorrowushersthegateto Jesus. The reasons are these. 1. The conscience is as a dainty smallspun thread at conversion, either begun or renewed. There is a doubleknotuponit,lawterrors,andthethreateningsareasharpknifetocutthethread;butnottoloosetheknot:andlooseditmustbe.Forwell*isthesoul that Christ wooeth with its own consent. Therefore love's sweetgraces and felt promises have a rank smell of the soul's delight andcomfortofChrist'spresence:andtheyarethesmallsoftsingersofChrist,whereby,withthestrong,soft,andsubtileartoflove,Christlooseththeknot.Thesoul is,until then,a lockeddoor.Thelawisthewrongkey, itwouldbreakthelockereitopenedtheheart.WhenChristcomes,thelawandouraffectionsarelikeillravelledyarn;forcewouldravelthemworse.

But inChrist's coming first towin† inuponourhearts,we are like oldvesselsmadenew;itisbesttotryoldvesselswithwaterereyeputwineinthem.Loveislikewaterinthesoul;itisnotsosorelookinginthesoulaswine.Itisbestatourfirststartingoftheracetoseethegold.*Christputsnotnewwine intooldvessels.WhileHisdisciplesareyoungandweak,He sooths them with the company of the Bridegroom; but afterwards,whentheyareolder,andhavestrength,HewilltaketheBridegroomfromthem,andthentheyshallweepinthosedays(Matt.9:15).TodrawhomeEphraim'shearttoGod,Heplatstheropedouble,thatitbreaknot.SeeourLord'sword tohim (Jer. 31:20), "IsEphraimMydear son? Isheapleasantchild?"&c.Andanewgarment,feasting,andkissing,isfortheforlornchild.

Thefirstlove-tokenisacopyandsamplertoalltherest:thereforeitmustbegivenwithaheartyimpressionfromChrist'sownmouthinHisword.Thebairns'copyshouldbewrittenwithfairandlargeletters,thatitmaymakethemlearnwiththebetterwill.OurLordknowswewillhavetodowithexperience;andtherefore,ordinarilyatour firstmeetingwegetasmuchfeelingasweshallnevercastoffallour life-timeagain. Iwillnot

affirmthistobeuniversal;forChriststealsinuponsomesoulsfromthewomb,sothattheycansay,HereHeis;buthowHecameinIcannottell.

Use.Somemaysay Ihavehadmuchsweetdelight inChrist langsyne;†butOh!Imaysay,Godbewithgoodoldby-pastyears.

Answer1.Newlovehasayethesweetestbreath.While it isnew, it is inthis point, like the bairn's new coat, it delights because it is new. So islove becausenew, and afterward it delights because it is love only.Butthis isnotspokentobolsterupanywhoare fallen fromtheir first love,likeEphesus.Welikeallwelltobesoothedinouraffections;butbenotcasten down, because old feasts are turned to hunger; for hunger is asgoodforyouasfeedingandfeasting.Amanonthetopofamountainwillseethecitythoughhebemanymilesfromit:andwhenheiswithinhalfamile of the city, may not see it at all, because he is on valley ground.Longsyne,whenyewereChrist'screepingbairns,Hesetyouonthetopofamountain,andmadeyoutoseeheaven:nowyearewithinhalfamileofthecity,andinHiswisdomHemakesyouwalkonvalleyground,thoughyeareneareritnowthanbefore.Forofold,Hewasonlylettingyouseetheground,thatyemightrunfast.

SinceChristinconversionworkeththusbylove;itisavainthingfortheenemiesofgracetosay,God'sdeterminategracedothstranglefreewill,becauseitworkethirresistibly.Nay,seeinggraceworksbylove,itisclearthatgracedothnotstrangle,butclapandkissfreewillinitsmostkindlyandnaturalinclination.

LetneveramanpleasehimselfinobediencetoChrist,untilhefindsHisloveloadhim.Iwilltellyou,foreveryounceweightofspirituallovethereisasmanyofspiritualobedience.GetonceyoursoulfraughtedwiththeloveofChrist,asabirdinthenet,andalliswell.Letfearandterror,orotherwindsblowingoursailsstandby,fortheyshallnevertaketheshiphome.Itisbutaviolentmotion,andnotperpetual.Thewillgoingaboutasthewheelsofawatchwearieth,becauseoftheviolentmotion.Thesunweariethnottoshine,northefiretocauseheat,norafountaintospring,becausethemotionhere isnatural.Law, fear, lust,gain,credit,andthelike, bloweth us forward to obedience, causeth but a violent motionagainstthehair;thewheelswillwearandtire.Butwhenouractionscome

fromtheloveofGod,asfromaco-naturalfountain,O!themotionisliketheactionofnaturethatisnotforced.FortheloveofGodisnotshortofbreath,anditwillnotweary.

"Myundefiledone."—Passingtheothertitles,thisshewsthatthekirkhasafeast inChrist'sheart,andpartakingofHisnature.Myfellowfriends,touchingthecommunionbetweenHimandher,"Mydove,"itrespecteththechastityofthekirkandmatrimoniallovetoheronlyhusband,Christ.Ibuttouchthis,"Myundefiledone"isexponed(chap.7),"Thouartfair,My love, there is no spot in thee."Whence is this, that a sinful kirk iscalledundefiled?

Answer. Our Lord reckons us from our best part; the new man is anundefiled thing. There is a chain of goldmelted, though there is somedregsinit;yetwecallitachainofmassygold.ChristcallsHismixtwine,wine. When Christ once loves His, He never reckons the dross: it isholdenoutofChrist'scountbook.WeareundefiledinChrist,"inwhomwehave redemption, the forgiveness of our sins" (Eph. 1:7). The saintsmustbeundefiledwhentheirsinsareputupinChrist'saccount.(Isaiah53:6), "TheLord laidonHimthe iniquityofusall." (2Cor.5:21), "Godmade Him sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made therighteousness of God in Him." O then (say the Papists), we are asrighteousasChrist, ifHisrighteousnessbeours;whichisblasphemous.Andbecauseitisofatruth,thatChrist'srighteousnessisimputedtous:says the Antinomian, we are Christ's, and as righteous as He, and socannotsin,andwearenotunderthelaw.Nowtothefirst;letthePapists,who mock at Christ's imputed righteousness, know, if we look to thequantityofChrist'srighteousness,itfollowsnotthatweareasrighteous.For He is inherently righteous, and His personal sufferings hasrighteousnessforalltheelect,andformanyworlds.ButifwelooktothemannerofhavingHisrighteousness;then,asHeisrighteous,soarewe.Evenasachildofonedayoldisnolessamanthanamanofthirtyyears:butthechildisnotamanofsuchquantityandstatureasamanofthirtyyears.Christhasrighteousness forHimself,andusall;butwehaveourrighteousness inHim,andeveryoneforhimself,becausesin isbutonedebt, firstuponus,andthenonHim.OurbondoverChrist'shead,andover our own, is but one process; "He was made a curse for us." In

challengingoneditty;*mysinwaslaidonChrist:sadandblackditty;onesumonusboth,onedeath,andwhichisbestofall,onedischarge.Godbethanked, Christ got free out of prison, and took all dyvours withHim.Hence let usmake our own use of it, ere the libertine get his answer.Satan intends summons against weak consciences. Thou art a filthysinner, says he, and that is the dittyGod has at thee, and the plea theLamb has against thee. But thou mayest get an answer to Satan. It isuntrue that there is a plea betwixtme and the law; the plea is betwixtChrist and the law; it isChrist'splea andnotmine.Therefore send thedevil to Christ for that plea; Christ is old enough, and can answer forHimself.

The devil can trouble us for Christ's plea; yea, he canwade deep here."Thouartnotanelectperson,norwrittenintheLamb'sbookoflife."

Answer.Thesedoubtsofourelection,aredreamsraisedinourheadsbythe devil; for not any but jugglers andwizards have read your fortune,andtoldyousuchadream.Iask,HathChristgivenyouyourlastanswer,andsaid, Icarenot foryou?Nay,Hehasnot,norwillnotsay this.Butknowthis,neitherthedevilnorthyconsciencespeakalwayslaw,ifthoucanbutunfeignedlycreepunderChrist'slap.ThereisnowateryetcastenonChrist'skindness.IfHislovereekandsmoke,thereisfire.

The devil can here turn his hand, and borrow the conscience of theAntinomian,andthefleshlylibertine,whosays,"IamChrist'sundefiledone,Hehasmadepaymentbeforehandforallmysins,past,present,andtocome."

Answer.Ay,He is so righteous to thee, asHe ismade sanctification tothee also (1 Cor. 1:30). If thou thinkest Christ died for thee, and stillsinnestuponluck'shead;*becauseChristhasbloodenoughtowashthee:as a waster of Christ's blood, thou turnest His grace into wantonness.Christredeemednoneuponsuchconditions;yourfaithshouldneverlayclaimtoChrist.Nonearesaved,excepttheylivetoHimwhohasdiedforthem.AsjustclaimshasanymantoChristastheyhave,iftheyleadnotaholylife.Amaninstrongprisonwithironfettersonhislegs,cries,Iamafreeman.Maynot thedevil laughunder thumb,and say,My freemen?freetobearmybands.

"ForMyhead is full of dew."—This is a strongplea,My spouse. I haveenduredacoldstormynightforthee:Iamalldreepingwithrain.Mydearwife,pitythyChrist'sfrozenhead,andgiveMeanight'slodging.

ItisastrongargumentinChrist,towingroundonoursouls,tohearHimtellwhatHehas suffered forus.Let in thy slainHusband in thyheart,andgiveHimanight's lodging(see1Peter1:18),becauseChristboughtyoudear,notwithsilverandgold.(1Peter2:24),"ChristbareoursinsinHisownbodyonthetree."WhatthensoughtHeinthat?"Eventhatwebeingdeadtosinshouldliveuntorighteousness."ThiswayChrist'sdeathshouldwork the death of sin in us. In obedience,*which describes thename,whatisit,butthatwhichcomesfromaheartsoftenedandbrokenwithlovetoHimwhohadasorehead.HewhocriethbyHisministers,isHewhoseheadandbreastsarepainedwithknockingtogetopendoors.Andevennow,howbeitglorified,whenourheadispainedwithcrying,HemeansHis head. He bought the house, and should not be holden out.Whenabirdbuilds itsnest inthehallofaking'spalacethenest is inawrong place. The devil has a nest of lust, pride, covetousness, revenge,idolatry,atheism,andfalsehood inthesoul,which isahouseredeemedwithChrist'swethead,andpreciousblood.Thouhastarighttocastdownthe nest, it is in a wrong place. Christ was shut out in the coldwinternight,andgotthestormysideofthebrae,astormonheadandface,liketotaketheskinoffit,tobuythehouse;thenletHimin.Solongasmenlabournot,thedevilandtheykeepamerrycastleagainstChrist.

"Myhead,Mylocks,"&c.—ItsetsChristwelltotellHissufferings;"TheypiercedMyhandsandMyfeet"(Psalm22:16).Hewouldsay,ItislittletoyoutoholdMeatthedoor,butMyholymanhoodpaiddearforit.(AndHehadnotmuchreasonforHimtotakecold.)*But it isas ifourLordwould say,WhatChrist gave toGod for the ransomof sinnerswasHisownhead,Hisownbody,Hisownsoul.SotherearetwothingsrequiredinaRedeemer.1.Theactofpayingasum,andtellingitovertheboardtothecreditor.2.ThesummustbeHisown,forifHepaysaransomwithanotherman'sgold,themanthataught†thegoldistheransomerratherthanhe: thepayer in thatcaseseems tobebuta factor toanother.ButChristwasnofactor;HepaidtheredemptionwithHisownpropergold.Sothemanhoodbeingmadeone,inapersonalunionwiththeGod-head,

yetitwasHisownfleshandblood,andHisownsoulthatHeofferedtoGod.Forhowbeititwasborrowedfromus,yet,insubstancepersonal,itwasHisown:andbothHiswillandGod'swasoneagentintheofferingofit,whichwasagroundofinfinitemercy,andtheholywillofthemanhoodearnestly desired it. Here He took on Him the seed of Abraham. And(whichisamystery)themanhoodnotbeingaperson,butanature, thedrawingofittoapersonalitywiththeGod-head,madeitHimselfandHisown.

Whencewelearn,lovebothcreepingneartousinChrist,andsonearthatHe became us. This is the love of Christ, that noman could go a stepbeyondHim,incomingdownuntous.AndthereforeseehowhomelyisJesus,incominguntous,thatourfaithheremightbeashomelyandkindasHislovewastous.Wemayleanfully,andlayallourweightuponthisransom.Seeing it is the ransomofGod,and ismadeGod'spaymentaswell asman's. For let a subject find a silvermine; suppose it were theking'sgift,andthemetalweremadeproperlyhisown;yetthemetalwillneverpass,orbecurrentmoney,withouttheking'sstampputuponitbyauthority.So themanhoodslainwasmetalofourmine; theunionwiththeGod-headmadeitcurrentmoney.AndhavingastampfromtheGod-head, itmustbeof infiniteworth.Soour faithmay trust itself, and setdown both its feet heartsomely and securely here, for it is good, sure,steadfast,andsickerground.

"Ihaveputoffmycoat."—Thisisthespouse'sanswertoChrist.Likeonegonetobed,andhavingwashentheirfeet(aswasthecustominthesehotcountries) because of sweat after travel. "Troublemenot, formydoorsarenowshut,andmychildrenareinbedwithme,Icannotrisenowandgive you." This shews that while we are asleep, and bedded with ourpleasures,Christ has noplace. For here, for all Christ's sweetwords toher,callingher,"Mysister,Mylove,Mydove,"tellingHisdearheadwaswet,cold,andfrozen;yetallthatcannotmoveher,toopenandletHimin.Whilethetemptationwasup,andonhorseback,andtakesusonthatscore,andfindsusonagroundofsinning,withhotblood,wecanhardlystandonourfeetandresist,andholdourtemptation.Theprophetsroseearlyinthemorning,andsatlateup,andspaketoIsraeltoreturnfromtheevil of theirways; yet Israelhearkenednot (Jer. 26:5).For idolatry

had taken them on the right score, and that jumped* with their ease.Davidwasnothimself, in commanding tonumber thepeople: forJoab(otherwiseabadman)hadbetterlightthanDavid,amanafterGod'sownheart; for Joabwas against the numbering of the people. But the devilstoodup, and tookDavid at the right side,whenhispridewas swollenoverthebank(1Chron.21:1).Job'sfriendsfindhiminafitofdistemper,through the vehemencyof his pain, causinghim to slant a little off theline.ThedevilwinnowingPeter,cameuponhisrightside,puthimuponthedenyingofhisLordwhenhewasinhiscoldbloodinthefearofhislife.Nowtherebefourreasonsofthis.

Thefirstiscommon;thewithdrawingofGod'sgrace:forifthedamgrowdry and ebb, themiln stands. (Psalm 30:7), "Thou didst hide thy face(nowthehorseissaddled),andIwastroubled."Sothen,unbeliefmakesaroad.*Whenfearwillholdthebridle,upgoestherider'sheels,andhefallsonhisownweight.Andso it cannotbutbe, forobedience isnotawebofourspinning,ormaking.The temptation in thiscase isofmanystoneweightheavierthanourshouldercanbear.

Thenalso, lust, laziness, and security, are thegreatwater: the saints intheir own strength are the short-legged horse, and down they go! Godgives the devil liberty to braik and bost†many in our kirk. Be humblethen, and fear. He knew us full well. Pray, "Lord, lead us not intotemptation."

Therebe twoherbs that growquickly in our souls in summerweather;securityandpride.Humilityisastrongflower,thatgrowsbestinwinterweather,andunderstormsandafflictions.Whensecurityandpride,andother like weeds, are rank and up, the temptation has us in the night.Thenifyewouldbekeptfromtheblackhouroftemptations,swellnotonpride, turn not lazy in the use of good means. If ye do, look for atemptation,asGod'slance,tomakeaholetoletoutthewind.

Whenlightisturnedblunt,andwantsanedge;thenthetemptationofawarmbedwillprevail, toholdChristat thewrongsideof thedoor.ForhereIappealtoyourexperience,todiscerntwonicks*youwillbein.Ontheonehandthetemptationgoeshomewithoutitserrand;ontheother,yearetakenatapreachingoracommunion,withtheglanceofarenewed

face,withablinkofChristatthedeathofafriend,orunderasharprod.

It were a good use of this doctrine, to observe the right frame of yoursouls,tosharpenabluntedlight.Tobewareofprideandsecurity.Oftenlearntoknowthecaseofyourhearts.Seekoutthewaytothebottomofit,andplumbitoften,andseehowdeep it is.Whentheheart isonthedevil'srack,thentakeyourselvesoffquickly.Guidewell,andchooseyoursteps. Fear and quake, and cry unto yourRock. ToHim be everlastingpraise.Amen.

SERMONX*—Rev.21:4,5,6,7

Christ'sNapkin

Thistitlewas,nodoubt,givenbythefriendwhotookdownthenotes;forRutherford was not in the way of putting titles to his sermons. Theexpression, "Christ's Napkin," occurs in this sermon, and also in thesermon on John 20:13, which might as suitably be so called. TheEdinburgheditionof 1734, says, "By that flowerof theChurch, famous,famousMr.SamuelRutherford."

AndGodshallwipeawayalltearsfromtheireyes,&c.—Rev.21:4,5,6,7.

THIStextcontainsthreethings.First,Thestateoftheglorified,verse4.Secondly,ApartofChrist'soffice,verse5.Thirdly,AdescriptionofHisnature.Fourthly,Thepromisesas to1.Drinktosatisfy thethirst;2.Aninheritance to theovercomers,orovercomingsoldiers;3.A threateningof eternal wrath to offenders against the first and second tables of thelaw.

"AndGodshallwipeawayall tears."—When friendsmeet, theygive thestranger his welcome-home. Here is the pilgrim's welcome that ourfriend, Christ, gives us. It was spoken from heaven, and therefore it istruedoctrine.Thenweseethatthesufferingsandtearsofthesaintsshallbewipedawayandremoved,butnotfully,until*theworldtocome;forthen is Christ's welcome-home to poor sinners. They come all to Himwithwetfaces,andbleared†withtearsforsinandthemanifoldtroublesofthislife;andChristmeetstheminthedoor,withafairsoftnapkininHis hand, and puts up His hand to their faces, and says, "Hold yourtongue,Mydearbairns; ye shallneverweepagain."And indeed, inmyjudgment,itisaspeechborrowedfromamotherthathasabairnwithabroken face, all bloody and all bleared with tears, and it comes to her(andwoe's her heart‡ to see him so), and she sits down andwipes thetearsfromhiseyes,andlaysherhandsoftlyonthewound,andhisheadinherbreast,anddights§away theblood,and laysher twoarmsabouthim,andthereisnoendoffairwords.SowhenChristandweshallmeetinheaven,Hewillhushus,andwipeawayalltears,andlayourheadinHis bosom. See how He alludes to this place (Isaiah 54:11), "O thouafflicted, tossedwith tempest, andnot comforted, behold, Iwill lay thyfoundations with sapphires," &c. It is there, to speak so, our Lord isrueing||thateverHehadhandledthesaintsasHedid.(Isaiah65:18,19),"Begladandrejoiceforever inthatwhichIcreate; for,behold,IcreateJerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice inJerusalem, and joy inMypeople: and the voice ofweeping shall be nomoreheard inher,nor the voiceof crying." If ever therewasablythe¶meetingbetwixttwo,itmustbebetwixttheBridegroomandthebrideinthe marriage-day. And what a meeting there is of joy betwixt such aBridegroomandbridecannotbeconceived.ForChrist,thatday,willhaveon allHis best clothes. And such a bride as the Lamb'swife!whenweshallbeclothed,andnotawrongpinonus;afairbrideinsilkandpurpleofChrist'sownbusking.*Andwhatawelcomeshewillget!Togetadrinkatourfirstmeetingandincomingtoheaven,"ofthewellofthewateroflife."Oh,strongcomfortingwater!AndChristourLordshallpresentHisbride toHisFather;andourFather-in-law, theFatherofourHusband,shall takeusbythehandandleadusben†thehousetothedininghall,andsetusdownatatabletofeastourfillupon"thetreeoflife"—tofeastupontheTrinityforevermore!Now,mockandscornthewaytoheaven

asyeplease;yeneverheardoftruehappinesstillnow.Hereisa"banquetofjoy"forevermore.

"Heshallwipeawayall tears."—ChristourLord in thisworldwipes thetearsfromHisbairns'faces;yetafterthattheyweepnewtears.Heneverwipesawayalltearstillnow.Hereshallbeourlast"good-night"todeath—Good-night to crying, andmourning, and sorrow!We shall be on theother side of the water, and over beyond the black river of death, andshallscorndeath;forChristshalltakedeathandhellandcastthemintheprisonoffire(Rev.20:14).Themotherthatlostherbairnsshallgetthem—all the Lord's widows shall get their husbands—the old world, whichwas the mourning world, shall be away. And therefore, never till nowshall"alltears"bewipedaway.

Thekirkishalfawidowhere;herLordisinanuncouthcountry;farfromherhome:andilkloon*roundaboutplucksatthissilly†widow,whilesheisinthevalleyofBaca,whereinisnowater.Thewatchmenstrikeherandtakeherveilfromher;butChristwritesalovelettertoher,andaftershehasreaditsherejoicethandwipethherface.Butwhenthe lettergrowsold, and she has lost the letter, new troubles come on; she sheds newtears,andcomesundernewpersecutions;andherLord,forhersins,goesinbehindthewallandhidesHimself,andletshermournherfill.Butinthatday"Hewillwipeawayalltearsfromhereyes."Seethenhowitgoeshereinthislife—firstafairday,thenagainafoulday,tillatlastthatfairdaydawnswhenall shadows flee away; and there shall neverbe a fouldayafter that;butaye the long, lasting, summerday forevermore.Yousee aman travelling to his home—here is awater, then dry land; thenanother water, then dry land; then a water, and at last only dry landbetweenhim andhis home: thenhe goes home to hiswife and bairns,andhasnomorewaters.Soallourtearsareneverdriedtillwecometoheaven;forthesaintshavealiferenttackofthecrossofChrist,whilewearehere,andayeillweather—(Matt.16:16)—everthecross.SeeinJohn16:20,22,ourLordcomparesourtroublestothepainsthatcomeuponawomanintravailing;nowashower,andthensomeease;ashoweragain,andthenease—ayetillthelastshowerthatshebedelivered,andthennomore showers: "She remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that amanisborn intotheworld."Wemustbe inpainereourbirthbeborn;

butweshallbedeliveredofourbirth.

Use1st.Letusprepare; fortearswill followustoheaven;untotheveryentryofthedoorourfaceshallbewet,forwegooutofthislifesadandgroaningforthismiserablelife;andtothrustthroughthelastport,andtowade through the hindermost water—it is a sore set.* But be blythe,†Christians,andgriptothepromises.God'sbairnsthatcannowmournfortheirownsins,andthesinsoftheland,rejoiceinheaven;thereareneverseengreetingbairns‡there;Godhasanapkintodight§theirfaces.It isthe laughing, rejoicingpeople thatGoddestroys.Butye that laughnow(Luke 6:25), (and are so far from tears—that yemock themourners ofZion), youmay sigh and close theBible, and say, "Alas! I never shed atear forChrist; your text isnot forme." ItmaybeChrist shall thatdaymakeyouweepandshed tears forevermore.This sour, laughingworldwill pass away—there is a day of tears coming on you; "greeting|| andgnashing of teeth." And when a man gnasheth his teeth, one againstanother,hehasnomindof laughing.Iwouldnothaveyourmirthforaworld.Bedoing;weshallseewhowilllaughfastestyonday.

Use 2nd. There is an ill coming on this land. Sin is not come to fullharvest.OftenhaveItoldyouofafanofGod'swordtocomeamongyou,for the contempt of it. I have told you often of wrath—wrath from theLord to comeuponScotland, and yet I bide bymyMaster'sword; it isquickly coming—desolation for Scotland, because of the quarrel of abrokencovenant.Now,mydearpeople,myjoyandcrown,seektheLordandHisface;letHimbeyourfear."Fleetoyourstronghold,yeprisonersofhope."Doves,fleetoChrist'swindows,andsaveyoursouls.

Verse5."AndHethatsatuponthethronesaid,Behold,Imakeallthingsnew.AndHesaiduntome,Write;forthesewordsaretrueandfaithful."

John heareth more of Christ—a sweet speech. Here are three thingsmentioned—1st, a speaker; 2nd, a speech; 3rd, a direction to keep thespeech.

1.Aspeaker."Hethatsatuponthethrone."—Whospakethespeechisnottold,whetheranangeloranearthlyking,fortheysitonthronesalso.Butit isHe ofwhom it is said (Rev. 4:2), "Andbehold a thronewas set in

heaven, and one sat on the throne." John tells not His name, but hethinks somuch ofHim, that he takes it for granted that there is noneworthy to be aKing butHe, and to sit on a throne butHe. The saintsmeasure all the affections of others by their own affections. As, if onespeired*atJohn,"WhoisHethatsitsuponthethrone?"hewouldhaveanswered,"Whatneedsyouspeir?isthereanyinheavenorearth,inmyestimation,worthytobeaKingbutHe?andtositona thronebutHe?and to take a crown uponHis head butHe?" The saints set aye Christalone—theysetHimaboveall.Speakofkingstothem;butChristisoutofplay.So(Cant.3:3), thekirk,meetingwith"thewatchmen,"saith,"Sawye Him whom my soul loveth?" What kenned† the watchman of Himwhomhersoulloved?forshemighthavelovedaloon,oraharlot,oranidol-god,ortheworld.Butshemeasureththewatchmanbyherself.Therewas none in hermind but Christ; and therefore she needed not to tellthem, as she thought. So Mary Magdalene (John 20:15) says to thegardener (as she thought), "Sir, if ye have borne Him hence, tell mewhereyehavelaidHim."ShetellsnotwhatHim,takingasgranted,thatwhatsomuchpossessedherownsoulwoulddoubtlessequallyoccupythethoughts of every other; and nonewas somuch in hermind as Christ.Now, I pray you, let the samemindbe in you thatwas in John and inMary.LetChristbe toyour soul thepearlof the ring.Amongallkings,Christ should bemade high, and esteemedby us asHe—the onlyHe—thatisworthyto"sitonathrone."So,inCant.5:10,Heistothekirk"thechiefestamongtenthousand."Gatheralltheangelsinheavenandearthtogether;Christ istoogoodtobetheirCaptain.And, indeed,what isallthat sits ona throne? Itmustbe infinitelymore inHim.Andwhatevergloryisintheworld,isfarmoreinHim.Takealltherosesintheearth,andputthemallinone,thatwouldbeadaintythingandsight.ButwhatareallthesetoChrist?—nomorethananettletothefairestrose.Fieuponthetastelessloveofmen,thatneverlovethJesusChrist,andyetfallethinlovewith lusts.They love gold, riches, andhonour, andputChrist to abackside. Ay, Christ gets not His own among us.We recommendHimnot;neitherwillwematchwithHim.

2.Aspeech."Iwillmakeallthingsnew."—Thisisasmuchas,allthingsareold.Sinhathmadeallthingsold.Theyarelikeawomangroaninginchildbirthwithpainandvanity,becauseofoursin (Rom.8:22).All the

creaturesaresickenedbecauseofsin.Becauseofoursin,vanitycameonthe sun,moon, and other creatures. They sigh under this, and pray, intheir kind, a malison* and a woe to man, for sin has made us allmiserable.Theheavens, thatare the fairestpartof thegreatwebof theworld, "wax old as a garment;" the prophet saith they are like an oldclout.*Thewatersaith,"Letmedrownsinners—theyhavesinnedagainstmyLord;"thefiresaith,"Letmeburnthem—letmeburnSodom,fortheyhavesinnedagainstmyLord."Allthingshavelosttheglorythattheygotattheirfirstcreation.Jesusseethallthingsgonewrong,andquiteoutoforder,andmanfallenfromhisLord.AndHedidevenwiththeworldasthepilot,who,whenanunattentivemanat therudderwassteering theshiponasand-bank,steptinquicklyandturnedherincontinent,orelseallwould have gone to confusion. So our Lord stept inwhen the greatshipofthisworldwasrunningonasand-bed;andwhenthesunandthemoon looked sad-like, and said they would not serve us, He renewedthembyHisdeath,madethemalllaughontheelectagain,andgavethemallasuitofnewclothes.

Drunkards,ChristgaveHisblessingonthewinethatyespueonthewalls.YethatdishonouryourMakerwithyourvainapparel,yeknownotwhatit cost Christ our Lord to buy a right to those things that ye abuse invanity.All that set theworld in theirhearts,where theLord shouldbe,forgetthatChristboughttheworldtobetheirservant,andnottobeastheir darling andwife that lies in their bosom.Ye thatmake the earth,and thebroadacres of it, your soul's portion, forget thatChrist boughttheearth,andmadeitnew,tobeafootstool,andnotachairforoursoulstositdownin.AndifChristhasthisarttomakeallthingsnew,cometoHimallyethatareold.Oh,yethathaveoldhearts!come.ChristmaygetHiscraftamongye,ifyewouldcometoHim."Hemakesallthingsnew."Thedevilhasborrowedyourheartforcovetousness,andcrookeditwiththethornycaresofthisworld,andholed*it,andknockedthebottomoutof it. Oh! if yewould put it in Christ's hand,Hewould put it intoHisfurnace, andmelt it again, and byHis art bring it out a new heart forHimselftodwell in.Alas!ChristgetsnotHistradeorcallingamongus.Butwhy arenot our oldheartsmended?Becausewehandle themas afoolish mother doth her dawted bairn;† she will not let him go to theschool to learn, andwhy?—because she dow‡ not want him out of her

sight. She will therefore never let him do well, but feeds him for thegallows.WedownotgiveawayoursoulstoChrist,whowouldfainhave,andcouldeasilymendthem.Butlust,orpride,orcovetousness,likethefoolishmother,keepsthemoutofChrist'scompany;sothatwewillnotlet that dear craftsman, who made the earth under our feet and themountainsnew,makeour oldheartsnew.Our souls are all hanging intatters,wornandoldwithsin,andyetwedownotput theminChrist'shand,thatHemightmakethemwholeandcleansethem.Fieuponthee,thatthygarden,cursedinAdam'sdaytobringforthnettlesandthorns,isblessedagaintobringforthfruitinChrist,andthysoulgetsnotsomuchofHimasthyyard;itismadenew,butthysoulremainsold.Oh!bringitto Jesus; He will create in you a clean heart, and renew a right spiritwithinyou.Indeed,ChristmaygetHiscraftamongye,ifyouwouldgotoHim;foritisHistradeto"makeallthingsnew."

3.Adirectiontokeepthespeech."AndHesaiduntome,Write;forthesewordsaretrueandfaithful."—HebidsJohnwritethesethingsaboutthestate of the glorified, and calls them faithful and true. He would notintrust His word to man's memory and conscience—He would have itwritten.BlasphemousPapists,laughnotatthis,norcallthePope'sbreasttheBible;hereisawarrantforwrittenScripture.Indeed,ittellsusthatman'sfalsehoodworehisconscience.Hadhisconsciencebeenafaithfulregister,thereshouldhavebeennoneedofawrittenBible.ButnowtheLordhaslippened*moretodeadpaperthantoalivingman'ssoul.Ourconscience, nowunder sin, had not been a goodBible, becauseman isready to runaway fromhis conscience, andbecausewhat iswrittenonour conscience (as, that there is aGod—a judgment—aheaven—ahell),Satanand sin come in as two falsewitnesses andblot it out, andwritethatinthefool'sheartthatsays,"ThereisnoGod."Andtherearemanyholesinoursouls;thewordofGodcomesinandrunsoutagainatback-spouts,exceptJesusmakeoursoulswaterfast,sothat"thewordofGodmaydwellinusplentifully"(Col.3:16).Arenotourheartscomparedtoafield, wherein the preacher sows the seed, and the black spirits of hellcomeandgatherupChrist'swheat?Oh!buttherearemanyrunning-outsouls;andmuchneedwehaveofawrittenBible.Thereforemakemuchofthewrittenword,andprayGod tocopyHisBible intoyourconscience,andwrite a new book ofHis doctrine in your hearts, and put it in the

conscienceasHedirects(Jer.31)

Verse6. "AndHesaiduntome, It isdone. IamAlphaandOmega, thebeginningandtheend.Iwillgiveuntohimthatisathirstofthefountainofthewateroflifefreely."

Here, also, are three things—1st, a prophecy; 2nd, a description; 3rd, apromiseofwater.

1.Aprophecy.ChristsaystoJohn,"Itisdone."—ThatisexponedinRev.16and17.Theworldisended.SospeaksChristoftheworld.Thegloryofitpassethawayinthetwinklingofaneye,andChristcriethtothosethathavetheworldinboththeirarms,"Itisdone,"itisapastthing,thereisnomoreofit.ItisbutawordtoourLord.Hesaid,"Letallthingsbe,"andtheywere;Hewillsay,"Letallthingsdepart,"andtheywillbeatanend.Wearebeginningwiththeworldasifitwouldbeevermoreours;andourLordsays,inamoment,"Letitbepluckedfromthem,"anditisdone.Itisnotfornothingthatthetakingdownofthisinnofheavenandearthistouched in so few words—"It is done." For it is an easy thing for theAlmighty to take inHisownhandthestaves thatholdup this fair tent,and,whenHepulleth it,Hegarreth* it comedownwitha tilt.So (Rev.7:1),fourangelsarebroughtin,"holdingthefourwindsoftheearth,"asiftheyhadtheworldintheirhands,andasiftheyhaditreadytofoldupasasheet.Andoh!whatafightingandbusinessdomenmaketogetaclout†ofthissheet!—hestaringouthiseyes—andhesettingouthisneck,forapieceofthisholly‡cloutandsheet,andforagloib§oftheearth.But(seeRev. 6:14), "The heavens shall depart away like a scroll" of parchmentthat isrolledtogether,andthe fairstories thereofare like figs;withtheshakeof theAlmighty'sarmshall they fall together to theground.And,whatismore,withatouchoftheAlmighty'shand,oraputtofHislittlefinger,orablastofHismouth, saying, "It isdone," thecupples*of thewallsofthehouseshallcomedown.Now,Icannotbutspeakoffoolsthathave their heads full ofwindmills, and cry it is beginning, "To-morrowshallbeasthisday,andmuchmoreabundant"(Isaiah56:12),andthereis no end of buying and selling. I came not here to bid anybody beunthrifty;butbenotlikebairnsbuildingsandybourocks†ataburn-side,when presently a speat of water comes and spills all their sport, or ashower chases them in from theirplay.Menare everbigging castles in

theair.Inverydeed,wearelikebairnsholdingthewateratariversidewiththeirhands.Theythink(daft‡things)theyholdthewater,whileinthemeantimeitrunsthroughtheirfingers.AndwhatsaysGodofhonour,riches,pleasure, lands, fairhouses,andsumsofmoney?Even that inaword,"allisdone."Askofthemthathadtheworldandbroadacresonceatwillwhatistothefore?Andwhatistothefore§ofsomanythousands?Whathastheworldofthembuttheirname?Andwhatiftheirnamebelosttoo?forwhatistheirname?TenorelevenlettersoftheABC;andfor their bodies—howbeit, when they were living, kingdoms would notcontent them—the clay intowhich their bodies aredissolvedwouldnotnow fill a glove. I think that a true and a strange spokenword (Isaiah40:22), "God sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitantsthereof are as grasshoppers."We even creep like grasshoppers up anddowntheglobeofthisearth,andcrytomenofthevanitiesofallthings,while death comes, like a common thief, without any din or feet, andplucks them away, and there is nomore of them; then they say, "It isdone."AllmenmustconfessitistruethatIsay;butIthinktobedeaderethey believe it, and act accordingly, or be brought to hate the world. Ithink the world is the devil's great herry-water-net,* that has takenthousands and slain them.Ye say ye are sure of it. Then I say ye are adieted†horseforheaven.

2.Thesecondthingthatis intheverseisadescriptionofChrist—"IamAlphaandOmega,thebeginningandtheend."—OurLordherebeingtomakeanofferofthewateroflife,HefirstshowethwhatHeis—eventhefirstandthelastletterofthealphabet—theAncientofDays—theEternalSonoftheEternalGod.Thisteachesusthatwemaycrack‡moreofouroldholding,andoldcharter, thanall theworldcando.Forwhy?WhenbeganChristtobearagoodwilltoasinner?EvenwhenHebegantobeGod;andHewasGodfromalleternity.Supposethesuninthefirmamentwereeternal,thelightofitbehovedtobeeternal;forthelightofthesunisasoldasthesun.NowloveisabeamoflifeandheatthatcomesfromChrist,theSunofRighteousness;thereforeeverlivingChrist—everlivinglove. For love comes not on Christ the day, which was not in Himyesterday.Man'sloveandaking'slovearehuntedforverymuch;andyettheydie,and their lovedieswith them,andoften their lovediesbeforethemselves.ButwhoseeksChrist's love, that "changesnot?"Yea, thisa

matterofadmirationandwonder,thatChristshouldhavethoughtonuswormsof the clay ere everwewere, and that our salvation is as old asevermore—asoldasChrist,andChristisasoldasGod!

Indeed,ifGodshouldbeginatanypointoftimetolovesinners,Hislovewould have had a beginning; and if His love had a beginning, ChristHimselfwouldhavehadabeginning,becauselovewithHimisonewithHisessenceandnature.Butitmaybesaid,cantheloveofGodbeolderthanthedeathofChrist?Answer.Christ'sdeathdothnotproperlymakeGod a hater or a lover of man; for then both His will should bechangeableandHislovehaveabeginning.Howthen?Christ'sdeathdothonly let thatGod kythe* the fruits ofHis eternal love out uponus, butaftersuchawayasHethoughtconvenientforHisjustice;andthereforewearesaidinScripture"tobereconcileduntoGod,"andnotGodtobereconcileduntous.Hisloveiseverlasting;becausebyorderofnatureitwasbefore theseed,beforewehaddoneeithergoodorevil;so thatsincouldnotchangeGod'smind.Butonlybytheorderofjustice,sinstoodinthewaytohinderusof lifeeverlasting,whichisafruitofHislove.Yea,more,GodwiththatsameloveinChrist,loveththeelectbeforeandafterconversion;andtherefore, infeelinganyofGod's lovetous,wehavetorejoice in Christ. It is old acquaintance between Him and us. Andtherefore,asitisfollyinman(asSolomonsaith)tocastoffhisoldfriend,andhisfather'sfriend,soletusthinkitmadnesstocastoffsuchanoldfriendasChrist.Andundertemptationsanddesertions,letourfaithholdfastbythis—AlphaandOmegachangethnot;thechangeisinus.

3. The third thing in thewords is a promise of thewater of life to thethirsty—"Iwillgiveuntohimthatisathirstofthefountainofthewateroflifefreely."(Isaiah55:1,andJohn4:14).Christatthemarket-crosscriesthewellfree.Herelearn,

1st.Thethirstyandhungrysoulsaremeetestforthewateroflife.What!(yewillsay)andarenotallthirsty?Yes;allwantthelifeofGod,andthesap of grace, and are burnt andwithered at the root; but all knownottheirownwant.Hereisindeedaspecialcomfortfortheweakoneswhosay,"Oh!IknowChristdothgoodtobelievers,torepenters,andtosuchasloveHim;butIdownot,cannot,wintofaithandrepentance,hopeandpatience;Ihavetooshortanarmtorax*sohigh."Then,sayI,haveyea

desire—ahunger—for faith, and repentance, and love?Now, upon yourconscience,speakthetruth.Itrowyecannotdenyit.ThenyourLordbidsyou come—thewell is open to you; for hunger and thirst being next tomotion,andthetwopropertiesthatbeginfirstwithlife,soeveryonethatisnew-born is lively,andhathastomachformeatanddrink."Ohbut,"sayye,"Iammanytimes,inmysoul,atdeath'sdoor.Ihaveneitherfaithnor feeling. I am even at this—'God lovesme not,' and the well is notordainedformeatthesetimes."Wouldyefainbeatthewell?Inmymindyecannotwinaway.InthechildrenofGod,whenatthelowestebb—evenwhen faith, comfort, joy, love, anddisposition topray is away—is therenotalongingforapresence?IspeaktotheconscienceofGod'schild;lienot.David(Psalm6),whenhethoughtGodspaketohiminwrath,wasat,"Howlong,Lord?"—acuttingword.Ithinkhelookedlikeahungrybeastlooking over the dyke; he would fain have a mouthful. He was goingabouttoseekaslapp*tobreakoverthedykeofhisdoubtings.AndsoitiswithGod'sbairns,undertheirthirst†forthewaterofthewelloflife.SeeCanticles3,whenthekirkcangetnospeiringofChrist,andhasnosmellofHim,andcannotfindtheprintofHisfoot,yetsheisatthis,"SawyeHimwhommysoulloveth?"And(chap.5:8),"Ichargeyou,Odaughtersof Jerusalem, if ye findmyBeloved, that ye tellHim, that I am sick oflove."ThenletmenowtellyouweakoneswhoareChrist'scompanions,andwhoitisshalldrinkwithHim,andgettheirheartsandheadsfullofthe water of life—even the tender Christians that are aye seeking. ThebairninChrist'shousethatismostcumbersome,andmakesmostdinforhismeat,isthebestbairnthatChristhas.Thebairnthatisgreeting‡ilkhourofthedayforapieceandadrink—wesayofsuchasillything,"Hewouldfainlove."Aye,thecumbersomer§thatChrist'sbairnsbe,theyarewelcomer.Na,Heloveththebairnsbestthathavenoshame,andareayecrying,"Alas!blackhunger,dearLordJesus; Iamburntwith thirst;ohforanopencoldfountain!"Oh, it isasweetthingayetobewhinging,||andcrying,andseekingaboutChrist'spantrydoors,andtoholdayeaneyeuponChristwhenHegoes intothehouseofwine, intoHisFather'sfair lucky wine-cellar, where there are many wines; and bout¶ in atChrist'sback!But,inaword,haveyeagoodstomach?—muchhungerandthirst?Well,yeshallgetmuchsatisfactionofgraceinChrist.Istherenotatimewhenyecannotgetapresence,andyehavenopithtoputupthedoorandboutin,butyeputithalfupandblink*in?Loveyetopray,or

desire ye but a desire of prayer? Hold on then; ye are right. The truedesire isabsolute,andnotconditional.Not likethesluggardthatwouldhaveacrop,uponconditionhemighthaveafeatherbedtolieonforfearofcold.Evensosomewouldhaveheaven,uponconditionthattheymightkeeptheirlusts,andtaketheirlustswiththem.

Now,whoare they thataredebarred fromChrist'swell?Answer.Thosewho have gotten an ill drink from the devil, full of lusts, pride, andcovetousness—full of love of the world. Such are they that have nostomachforChrist.Alas!andwoesme!Christstandethatthewell'sside,andcrieth,"ThebackofMyhand†toyou."TheLordJesusgivessuchavomit-drink,thattheymaygrowwholesomeandhungryagainforChrist;fortillthentheyarenevermeetforHim.

2nd.But,secondly,hungerisayeseekingthroughthehouse;forthebellycanhardlyplaythehypocrite.Thenaturalmanisindarkness—heisinasleep—it it isnightwithhim.Heis likeacumbersomebairngreetinginthenightforadrink,andcrying,"Whowillshewmeanygood?"(Psalm4:6).AndSatan is readyathiselbowwithhisdishfulof thedirty,mirywatersoflusttotheworld;andhedrinkstillhesweatsandtines‡breath;and tines all sight and desire of Christ, "the Fountain of theWater ofLife."Itistruethisfountainissaidtoproceed"outofthethroneofGodandoftheLamb"(Rev.22:1).Butitisallone;forthestreamsofthewateroflifeproceedfromthefountain,Christ.How,then,isthewaterChrist?Answer. It is Christ-man, dying, and sending outHis heart's blood forquenching the thirst of such poor sinners as find the fire of hell at thestomachoftheirsouls,burningthemupwiththefireofthewrathofGodforsin.Thisisthewell:thisiswhyHeiscalled"afountainofthewateroflife."Aman,burntwiththirst,nothingcanquenchhim;no,notaworldof gold is so good as a drink of pure, cold, clean, fountain water. In aword,asoulwakenedundersinfindethnothingintheworldsatisfactorytothesoul'sappetitebutinChrist.Tellme,artthouathirstysinnerafterChrist?ThenthysoulisdeadsickwhileyegetHim.Isamanfaint,andfatigued,andway-worn?Layhimdownonasoftbed,dry thesweatoffhim, givehima cold refreshingdrink. In likemanner, ye cannot speaksuch a word to a soul bursting under sin, as to lay it upon a crucifiedChrist. Oh, that is a soft bed!His sinful soul being stretched upon the

openwounds andwarm-flowingbloodofChrist.Oh, that is a soft bed!Oh,butapartofChrist'sblood isa refreshing, coolingdrink tohim!Aslave of hell to know that he ismade a free heir of heaven—oh, that issweet! Hence it is that those who are wakened with the furies of hell,howbeittheyknownotyetwhatChrististothem,yetthisworldcannotcalm their conscience—because formen that are soul-sick and sin-sickthereisnophysicbutone—onlya"drinkofthewelloflife."Andbecausetheykennotthegatetothiswelloflife,they,indespair,loup*outofthislifeintothefireofhell,throughthemadnessofanawakenedconscience.AthirstysoulfindstwothingsinChrist,nevertobefoundinalltheworldor in anything else. 1st. Christ takes off the hardness of sin. None haspower todo thisbutHe.All thepardonsof sin are inChrist's keeping,andofChrist'smaking. It isHis office to forgive sin. 2nd.They find inHim an influence and abundance of happiness, so aswhat they soughtbeforeinthecreature,theyfindnowhereelsebutinHim.Thenspeaktothem of gold—it is nothing to Christ. Speak of lands and lordships—aSaviour,andsuchaSaviour,is,andhasanothernametoasinnerthatisawakened.

3rd. The text calls Him "the water of life."We see here there is somewaterthatisrottenandill-tasted.Willathirstymandrinkofit?Heshallnotbethebetter.Butthewholesomestwateristherunningspring;soallthat sinners can get beside Christ is standingwater. Let themdrink ingold, and kingdoms, and lands; these will never be satisfying to a sicksoulasHewillbe.Andtheywhohavedrunkinthese,atdeathwouldbecontenttospuethemoutagain;theyliesoheavyupontheirstomach.ButChrististhecooling,wholesomespring—"thewellofwaterspringinguptoeternallife."Now,tomakeouruseofthis.SeeingChristissuchalivingwellofwater,howcomesitthatunderthegospeltherearesomanydryandwitheredsouls?Ianswer;forGod'spart,indeed,Godhasnotputaniron lockuponthewellof life;butChrist,byHiswordandsacraments,opensthewellinthemidstofus,andforseventyyearsandmoreinthiskingdomthewellhasbeenopen—ChristandHismessengershavebeencrying to dry souls. But now, for aught we see, He will close the wellagain.Hehasbeensettingoutthemeansoflife,andopeningthebooth-doorstogiveusfreely,eventosuchaswouldtakeit;butHegetsnosale.ThereforeHemustputupHiswaresandgoaway,formenarenotthirsty

forHiswaters.Butonethirstsforcourtandhonour,anotherforlustandmoney,andathirdforsinfulpleasures.TherebefewstomachsgapingforChrist. They have not a vessel to cast down into the well and take upwater. This is a fruitless generation. Oh, we loathe Christ, and Christloathesus.Weneedspeaknomoreofthecalloftheword.Alltheland—court,king,noblemen,andkirkmen—havespuedthewaters,bydespisinggraceandcontemningthegospel;andinverydeed,whenwecastinclayandmud in Christ's well, andmix His worship with the poison of thewhore'swellofRome,whatdoweelsebutprovoketheLordtoclosethewell?

"Iwillgiveitfreely."—SoareallChrist'smerciesgivenofgrace.Hismercyisfornothing,andoffreegrace.IgrantthewellisdeartoChrist.God'sjusticediggeditoutofHisside,andheart,andhands,andfeet.Theman,Christ, gotnot thiswater fornothing; yetHegives it tous fornothing,because He minds not to make a gain of us. We live upon Christ'swinning. For know ye that Christ, who redeemedmany, did so, by theruleofjustice,since"HegaveHimself,"andhasboughtall"withHisownblood;"sothatinthissenseChristwasboughttouswithblood,elsewecouldnotgetHim,forHewasboththepriceandthewares.Sothat,asfaraswecansee,itwasdecreedbytheLord,byorderofjustice,thatChristcouldnothavelivedandgiventousthewatersoflife.ItwasdearwatertoHim; for in the gardenGoddesertedHim, andblood cameout; on thecrossGodbruisedHim,andbloodcameout;andthatisthewellwehavehere.WethinkwewouldhavesomethingtogivetoChristforthewateroflife—someof our own righteousness—some of our ownworthiness; butthis is plastered humility, watered* copper. And in doing so we refusegrace,andmakegracetobenomoregrace;forifitbegivenforanyworthinus,thenitisnomoregrace.Letmenheresee,then,thatthekingdomof grace is a good, cheap world, where the best things are gotten fornothing.Andtherefore,Ithinkinthisdearworld,whereallthingsgoformoney,whosecourtcostsexpenses,landsaredear,goldisnotgottenfornought,andlawisdearerthaneveritwas.Yea,paperandinkaredearerthan jewels and gold rings were long syne. Nothing now is bought fornought.YetChrist forall thatwillnotchangeHisword.All thingswithHimaregivengratis,andyearewelcomewhenall isdone.Herewegetno garments for nought, no physic for nought; but Christ gives "white

raiment,""eyesalve,"andallfornought.Sinnerssay,"Lord,whattakeYefor the water of life?" He answers, "Even nothing, and yet welcome."Christ plays not themerchant with His wares: Hemakes no gain, butcries,Thewellisfree.No,saysthePope—notadropofit,tillyetelldownmoney. That bloody Beast would sell the water of Rome for gold. Asmeikle money—as meikle grace and forgiveness. Want ye money? (Heswears)Yeshallnotcomehere.NothinginRomewithoutmoney.Fie,fie;thestinkofthedevil'sworld.Nay,butChristisfornothing.Nay,justicegivethmoney,andofficersgivemoney;itisadearworld.ButChristandHiswordcarenomoreformoneythanbefore.†

Verse7."Hethatovercomethshallinheritallthings;andIwillbehisGodandheshallbeMyson."

1. Alway in this book John urgeth "fighting" and "overcoming" forheaven.WewondermuchthatGodwillnothavepoormengotoheavenbut by fighting, seeing He might have sent us to heaven by a secondheaven.But this isbuta thoughtofmen, thatwouldmakeanewback-gateoftheirowntoheaven.GodadvisedwellwhenHemadeHiscausey*toit,andordainedallHissaints,yea,HisownSon,togothatway.ButitiseasierforustocomplainonGod'sdecreethantoobey,andtodisputethanbelieve.Menhavetoothinskins.Forhealth,theywillcutavein,orlet a leg or an arm be cut off for fear of a fester; and yet for "lifeeverlasting"theyareso,thattheydownotventureamoment'spain.

2. There are excellent promisesmade to the over-comers—to him thattakethheavenwithstrokeofswordandblood.Forheaven isabesiegedcityorcastle.Therearemanyfoestofightagainst.Armiesofsinwithalltheirarmour,andthedeceivingandmaliciousworld.TheworldhasEve'sapple inonehand,andfireandsword in theother;andthedevil is thecaptainof thearmy.Now,here isaprizeset,andanoffermadetohimthatovercometh—tohimthatwillmountupbyfaithandhope,andleapup into Christ's chariot, and betide him life, betide him death, will gothrough. But they are cowards that take a back-side, and let the devilcoup† them inagutter.But yet to leadmenon,here is apromise, "Heshallinheritallthings."YeseethattheChristians'Captainisamanofafairrent;"forallthingsareyours,whetherPaul,orApollos,orCephas,ortheworld,or life,ordeath,or thingspresent,or things tocome,allare

yours"(1Cor.3:21,22).AndtoletusseeHebides*bythethingHehassaid,Hesaysagain,"Allthingsareyours."Yeseeinthisworldonehasakingdom,asAsa,butwantshealth,andissickofhisfeet;hehasnotallthings.Another,asSamson,hadstrengthofbodyaboveanyliving,yethehadmany troubles andwanted his eyes; he hadnot all things.Oh, thebusiness Adam's sons are at for inheritances! Here a mailen†—there alairdship—thereanewlordship.Thattheycalltheirallthings.Ithinkthisisagreedystyle,andproud-likelordshiporlairdship.Yet,greedyAdam'ssons have more greediness here than wit. They run all upon theirlordships, that they call the lordship ofmany things. "Martha,Martha,thou art troubled" (Luke 10:41). Worldlings, ye are aye careful andtroubledabout this, tobecalled"Mylord"ofmanythings.Butweshallseeifthetextbetrue.

"IamAlphaandOmega."—Yewillnotice thatPaulputs in "death" intotherent-roll.Ithinkdeathanillmailen;betterwantitoutofthecharter.Nay,butdeath isalsoapartof the lordship thisway(because it is "Mylord of all things"), and a coach to glory—Christ Himself being thecoachman and driving the horse. Death is the servant. As the windserveth to bring the seaman home, so death serveth him that hath thenewlordship.DeathisChrist'sferry-boattocarrytheChristianhome,forinChristhesetshisfootondeath'sneck.It isabridgeovertheriverofhellthathewalkethontoheaven;anditishis.TheChristianisadvancedinChrist'scourt,andgetsthenewstyletobe"Mylordofallthings,"theprince, thedukeofall things.Yet I shallgetyoua lordship far inferior,butmuch sought for—the lordship of vanity or nothing. "Wilt thou setthineeyesuponthatwhichisnot?"Hethatisrichhasnought;"forrichescertainly make themselves wings—they fly away as an eagle towardsheaven"(Prov.23:5).

2.Again,iftheChristian"inheritsallthings,"thewholeworldishis,andsohewantethnothing.(Psalm89:25),"Iwillsethishandalsointhesea,andhisrighthandintherivers."HereseehowbroadChrist'stwoarmsare.Hisonehanduponallthesea,andHisotherhandupontherivers.And that promise is made to Christ as principal cautioner of thecovenant; for it is said (verse 26), "He shall cry untoMe, Thou artMyFather,My God, and the rock ofMy salvation." Verse 27, "Also, I will

makeHimMy first-born, higher than the kings of the earth," which isexponedofChrist(Heb.1:6).Again,inRev.10:2,Hehas"HisrightfootontheseaandHisleftfootontheearth."Putthesetwotogether,andseehowwideHisarmsandlegs,orfeet,are.TheygooverthewholeworldasHisinheritance,whichHewontoHimself,andHisheirsafterHim,withHisblood.Now,ChristgotlandnottoHimself.What!neededHeland?andtogiveHisbloodforclay?ButHewonittous,andtookinfeftmentinthe earth, in the name of His friends; so that in Him they inherit "allthings."

3.Buthereonemaysay,"Howisit,then,thatthesaintsarehungryandpoor?Answer. It is true, they arenotnowpossessors of all things.Butminors'wants*—ye see their interest is in and over all things, yet theirtutorletsthemgowithatoom†purse.Heknowstheheirisayoungone,andcannotkeepgold,and thereforehegiveshim foodand raiment forhis present necessity, but keeps the lordship till he be able to guide it.EvensoChristismadeofGod,ourTutorandPurse-Master.Itisallonewhetherourwealthbe inourchest-nookor if itbe inChrist'spurse, tokeeptillweneedit,providingwewantnot.

Anotherquestionanddoubtis,"Seeingtheyareundersomanytroublesin this life, andhavenoease, the saintshavenot 'all things?' I answer,Yes;Imustdefendit,andsay,iftheyhavetheinheritance,theyhaveallthings,becausethesweetandthecomfortsoftroubleistheirs.

Athirdquestionorobjectionis,Thesaintshavenotheavenandglory,atleast,inthislife,andthereforetheyhavenotallthings.Ianswer,1.Thepromiseisnotfulfilledinthislife.Yet,whenamanhasshornastockortwoof corn,we sayhe "has gotharvest andnew corn." So thebelievergetsjoy,hope,faith,assuranceofheaven,andthefirst-fruitsoftheSpirit.Theseareaforetasteofthefullharvestandnewcorn.2.HavingGodandChrist, thesaintshaveall things.Foryesee thegreatshipdraggeth thecock-boat after her, so the greatChrist bringeth all things afterHimatHis back. So I say, havingChrist, believers, yehave all things—yehave"theFatherandtheSpirit,theword,life,anddeath."Amen.

SERMONXI-CANTICLES2:14,17

ChristandtheDove*

CANTICLES2:14,17.

INthe14thverse,thereis(1)astylegiventotheKirk;(2)asuitmade;(3)adoubtanswered.Inthe15thverse,anewdoubtisanswered,andasuitmade.

Hecallsher "Hisdove."Heruesnothing thatHesaid;HebidesbyHisword;Hecallsher"Hislove,Hisfairone,Hisundefiled."Heavowsit,Hebidesby it; youare evenMydove: yetHe isnot flatteringher. If yebeChrist's,Hewillgiveyouall your stylesofhonour;Hewill speakmuchgoodofyou,bothbehindyourbackandbeforeyourface.

SheistermedChrist'sdove:—First.Becausethedoveisafearfulbird,andsoon scared. (Hosea 11:11.), "They shall tremble like a dove out ofAssyria." Any thing, the smallest noise or din that can be, frights andchases these timorous birds in their dove-house, into Christ. It is anhappyrainthatchasesChrist'sdovesintoHimself.Forallthedevil'swit,he is soonbeguiled; thestormthatarisesagainst theshipwhereChristandHisdisciplesaremakesthemtoawakenandpray.

Secondly. The dove is a mournful bird; so are the doves of Christmourning,andintears.(Ezek.7:16.)"Theythatescapeofthemshallbeonthemountains, likedovesinthevalleys,allofthemmourning:everyoneofthemfortheiriniquities."IfyebeGod'sdovesyewillhavemanyasorrowfulday in theworld.Therearebloodywarsbetwixt theKirkandtheworld.Keep thedove from thenest, and shemournswithout; keeptheKirkfromChrist,andshewillbreakherheart.

Thirdly.Sheisnotarevengefulbird;shehasnootherarmouragainsttheravens and vultures, but her wings to flee away. God's children's bestarmourwhentheyarewrongedis,byfaithinprayertomountuptoGod.Theymustbe likeChrist.Hewentoutof theworldwithmanyawrong,

andtheyarenotyetrevenged.Hisbloodiskeepingtothelastcourt-day.Christsits*withmanyawronginheaven;Hehasnotgottenamendsofthose that spat in His face. Many a time the Kirk and her Husband,Christ,willbeherewronged,albeititbeseenbetwixtthem.(Cant.5),Sheshuts†Himtothedoor,andletsHimlodgeallnightintherainyfields.

AndthenFourthly,theKirkislikeadovemourningwithoutamarrow;‡forthatfowlcannotwantamarrow.IfyebeGod'sdoves,woewillyebewhen yourmarrow, Christ, flies away: she falls aswoon, and her heartfliesoutofherwhenChristfliesaway.

Fifthly.Thedoveisaninnocent,harmlessbird;shecannotoffend.Soisthe Kirk; the meek spouse of Christ will not marrow with a malicioushouse.

Sixthly.Thedoveisasilly,weak,tenderfowl,andiftheybecomparedtotherestofthebirds,theyarebutcountedthetenthofflyingfowls.SurelyGod'sKirkinherselfisbutaweakbirdandtenderwoman,comparedinRev. 12 to a woman with child lately delivered, and little betwixt herdeathandherlife,ifshebenotcarefullyattended.AChristianisatenderthing;ajewelinthehandofChrist.IfHeletusfallwearesoonbrokeninpieces.WeshouldpraythatChristmayhandleussoftly,andnotletusbetempted above our strength. The Kirk is called (Micah 4:6) a cripplewomanthatgoesonlyuponheroneside.SosurelywehadneedtocomeoutofthewildernessleaningonourBeloved(Cant.8:5).

Seventhly. And for their number they are but an handful (Isaiah 6:13).Thetitheorremnant,God'spart,isbutthetenth,andthedevilhasallthestock;oftenGodhasone,andthedevilnine;greatneedhavewetolabourtobeofGod'stenth.

"Mydovethatdwellsintheholesoftherock."—Weneednottogofarofftoseek theexpositionof thesewords, forChrist is therockuponwhichthe Kirk is builded. (Matt. 16:18), "Upon this rock I will build MyChurch," saysChrist. And (Psalm 18:2), "TheLord ismy rock, andMyfortress."AndGodisalso"thesecretplaceofthestairs,"wheretheKirkhidesherfromthestorm.SoDavidcallsGodhisSecretPlace,hisHidingPlace(Psalm32:7).ThouartaSecretPlacetomefromdistress;Thouwilt

preserveme(Psalm91.)Andbecauseinallthissongwemusteverholdupthelineandstringoftheallegoryofmarriage,andconsidertheKirkasthespouseofChrist,theRockisChrist;inwhomtheKirkdwellsbyfaith,andChristdwells inherheart (Eph.3:17). "Abide inMe, and I in you"(John15:4).AbideinMe,asbranchesimped*intothevine.Nowtheimpisingraftedinacuttedstock;Christwashagged,†hewed,andcutonthecross, the stockwhereinwe are ingrafted. So that theholes of the rockmaywellbeexponed(asBernardsays)tobethewoundsofChrist.Sothatthemeaningis,Omydove,thatbyfaithhasthyabodeinthewoundsandtheholesmadeinthehandsandsidesofcrucifiedJesus:or,Omydove,thatbelieves,andthatbyfaithhasthyabodeinthewounds,andabidesinChristasanimpingraftedinatree,inChrist,whodied.Andso,man,fleeintoChristallwounded,andholed‡forthysin,fleeintoChrist,thyRock;and so into God (Psalms 18:2). Hence we see what a Saviour the Kirkbelievesin;aSaviourthat'sGodandman;asmantobeasufferer,andasGod to be a supporter. Therewas great necessity of these two natures.GodwouldnotseekpaymentofourdebtoffHisSonasGod;forbythelawHecouldnotanswer,forHewasthecreditor,andsocouldnotbethedebtor.Andtherefore,forthebetterunderstandingofthis,Iwouldhaveyou with me to consider how our nature, and God's nature, work toother's hands in thework of our redemption. A sinner cannot dwell inChristasGodonly.ThereisnoholenorchamberforasinnertodwellinGod; and therefore Christ behoved to beman, that wemight find fairchambers in the wounds of Jesus, wherein the doves of Jesus mightdwell.And ifHehadbeenonlyman,HecouldnothavebeenanHouseuponaRock,andsocouldnothavebornetheweightofallthedoves.Buttherebesomequestionsintheworkofourredemptionthatonlymancananswer.Manhassinned,andmanmustdie,saysGod'sjustice.Beitso,saysChrist;Mansinned,andI,theMan,Christ,shalldie.2.Mantookonthedebt,thereforeanothercannotpayforhim.Beitso,saysChrist;I,theMan, shall pay the ransom. 3.Man behoved tomake amends, becausemandidthefault.Letitbeso,saidChrist;I,theMan,Christ,shallmakeamendsagain.

Secondly.IfChristhadnotbeenourRock,therehadbeennodwellinginHim,Hewouldnothavekeepedwindandweatheroffus.Therefore,theDivinenaturewasapillaronwhichthehumannaturedidhang,andthis

isthecausewhyChrist-manleanstotheDivinenature,asHiswarrantinall that He does. For if ye will consider in this work, there are threebargains,orcovenants,sotospeak.

a.Godandmanbargained together; ye shall believe, that's yourpart. Ishallgiveyou liveeternal, that'sMypart, saysGod.Nowmandarenotpromise this of himself without Christ's bond to relieve him, that is toenablehimthroughHisgracetobelieve.

b.GodbargainswithHisSon(Isaiah53:10),Son,ifThoushalllaydownThylife,ThoushallseeThyseed,andprolongThydays,andhavemanyfairchildren.(Psalm2),Yeshallhavetheheathentoserveyou.(Heb.1),Iwill be Your Father, andYe shall beMy Son. Christ is content, butHecannotdothisalone;Hemustborrowfleshandbloodfromman,andinitsuffer.

c.TheMan,Christ,bargainswith theDivinenature.Thehumannaturesays,Iloveman,andIwilldieforhim:theDivinenaturesays,nowIshallholdTheeupunderThysufferings,andThoushallovercomedeath.TheMan, Christ, without the backbond* (to speak so) durst not for tenthousandworldshaveventuredtoyoke* inthe fieldswiththe justiceofGod, and death, and hell, and sin, and the devil—except He had theDivinenature inapersonaluniontobearHimupunderHissufferings.ThereforeChrist,whenHelooksuponHissufferings,looksalsouponHiswarrant.(Isaiah50:6),"IgaveMybacktothesmiters,andMycheekstothemthatpluckedoffthehair."ThesebethewordsoftheMan,Christ.

Now, itmighthavebeensaid,Amanwill sufferall thathisalone;†buthereHelookstoHiswarrant(verse7)andsays,IhaveMywarrantwithMe,"theLordGodwillhelpMe,Ishallnotbeconfounded."IhaveGod'swarrant,who is united toMe in a personal union to bearMeup.Evensick-like‡ Christ goes down to the grave. (Psalm 16:10), "Thouwilt notleaveMy soul in hell (or the grave), neitherwilt Thou suffer ThyHolyOnetoseecorruption."AsifChristwouldsay;Iamsure,OLord,Thouwill be as good as Thy word, and make good Thy bargain, and willwarrantMeagainstdeath.See thenhow it goes; theMan,Christ, takesmanbythehandtobringhimoutfromunderGod'swrath.So,beloved,be glad in such a Saviour; come all into theRock, forGod,Christ, and

man,all these threeare linked togetheras inachain,andChrist in themiddlelinkofthechain.Now,letallthekingsoftheearththatboastoffairhousesandstatelypalaces,comeandseeiftheycancomparewiththedove that dwells in the holes of theRock.Nebuchadnezzar said, Is notthisgreatBabylon that Ihavebuilt?Surelymenare tobe rebuked thatarecarefulforhousesandsettlingintheworld,andhasnoassuranceofthis lodging.Worldlingsarebutravensthatbig* inthewildmountains.TheKirkisonlyathomebigginginfaith.Thesebeindeeddearchambers,beingbuiltbyChristHimself.GodhasmadeholesandwindowsinChristthatHisdovesmayfleeinto,andmaketheirnestinHisheart.Odearandpreciousdwelling!thelodgingcostusnothing,yetwearedesiredtodwellinit.

NowwhatisChrist'spetition?"CauseMetohearthyvoice."ItsordinaryformantobegfromGod,forwebebutHisbeggars;butitisamiracletosee God beg atman. Yet here is the Potter begging from the clay; theSaviour seeking from sinners!What isHis suit? Itmust be some greatthing; it is evena sightofHisbride.He is even saying toher,Mydearspouse,bekindtoMe,letMeseethyface,benotblaite†andwavering;beplainwithMe,yourHusband,tellMeallyourmindinprayer.Idelighttohearyourlispingandhisping,andspeakingtoMeinprayer.YemayseeallthewooingcomesonChrist'ssideofit;shecannotholdupherface,orlet one love-blinkonChrist, but asHe commandsher, andwakensherup. She is a sour bride of herself: if she laugh, it isHe thatmakes herrejoicebytheHolySpiritthatisgiventoher(Romans5:5).Shekeepsherchamberandisashamedtogoforth;Hebidsherbekindandshewherface. We cannot love Him till He first love us (1 John 4:19). We runbecauseHedrawsus(Cant.1:4).(John6:44),WeapprehendChrist,butwe are first gripped ofHim (Phil. 3:12). Beloved, there is great skill inwooingChrist,everybridehasnotthegate‡ofit,butHemustteachus.

Inallothermatchesyewillfindtwothingsthatarenothere.a.Inothermatches the bridemakes some wooing of her own sort; but heremencannotmovebutasChrist'sSpiritwoosinus,andteachesus.b.Inothercontractsthebrideandherfriendsareboundfortheirpart,thebridehassome tocher*ofherown,or shemaybeanheretrix,† shemayhaveallandhenothing.Butherethebridegroominthiscontractisobligedforall,

HegivesHisnameforHimselfandHiswife.(Ezek.36:27),"IwillputMySpiritinyou,andcauseyoutowalkinMyjudgments."HeretheKirkhasnotocherofherown,andyetshehasnotthegoodmannerstolookuptoherLord,butasHecommandsandholdsupherhead:all the tocher isChrist's,andtheinheritanceisChrist's;theKirkhasnothing.Hehasthehouses (John 14:2).He has the land (Rom. 8:17).He has the fine gold(Rev.3:18),andbuysthespousetheclothesofthereligionthatcameinwithherSaviour,Christ,andthatisthebestreligionintheworld;foritgives most to God and least to man. I will tell you who are meet forChrist, even those that are out of themselves, and lays all uponChrist.The best scholars that Christ gets are publicans and sinners, harlots,blind,lame,cripples,andsuchlike,andsuchasfeelthemselvessinners.Look, howmuch you trust in yourselves, and rest upon theworld, andlove your lusts, as far ye are from Christ. And when ye are all out ofyourselvesandchanged intoGod's image fromglory toglory, asby theSpiritoftheLord(2Cor.3:18),thenyearemeetforChrist,beggingpoorsinnersareourLord'sscholars.Thelintel-stoneofourLord'sschool-doorisalowstone,yemuststooplowandlout.‡Yewillbeonyourkneeswithitorye§canwinin;yemustbeveryhumble,elsethatstonewilltakeyourheadanddingyouback,andyewillnotwinin.ThenbefoolsthatChristmaybeyourwisdom(1Cor.1:30).ThereisasmuchmeritinChristaswillbuy a thousand heavens.Now if ourwooer; Christ,were not kind, andsought our kindness (even words of us), and brought love-tokens, thefriendshipbetwixtChristanduswouldsoonwearoutofdate,andgrowcold. Christ aye blows at the coal ere it wear out: Christ would win afriend, yeaa foe, tobekind toHim.He is aye threaping*andclaimingkindnessofus,as ifHewere thebeggarand thepoorman,andwe theking.O,Heclaimskindnesstous:thensurelyweneednotthinkshameofour Friend.Would ye ken forwhomChrist died, and prayed? even fordyvours, suchas swore themselvesbare,† and cameout ofprisonuponcaution, or a cessio bonorum.‡ Poor men that have been upon thedyvours-stone,andarefarfrompaymentbythedyvourbill,whenthereisnotafingerinallyourhandfasteneduponyourself,thenyearemeetforChrist.Forwhoarebettermet andyoked thanapoor, sick,dyingmanandaskilfulphysician;whoisbetteryokedthanacrying,beggingsinner,and a richChrist?But oh it is oftimes not so! forChristwould give usmorenor§wewillreceive.HescattersHisgold;weproudbeggarswillnot

bowourback,andloutdownandgather.Hewouldfainsell,wewillnotbuy;sotherewillbenoblocking.

LetMesee thy countenance.—Anallusion to Israel, thatwas topresentthemselvesbeforetheLordthriceayear in thetabernacle; themeaningis,WalkbeforeMe. It is not enough that thoubelieve, and sodwell byfaithintheholesoftheRock;butthoumustalsoshewthyfaithbygoodworksandprayers,andworshippingofGod.Christ lovesnotprofessorsthatneverwan*tolovetopray,andsuchashatenottheworld.Butyouwillseetheyarebelieversbytheirholyliving(Matt.13:23).ThewordofGodisseedsownthatbringsforththirty,sixty,andanhundredfold.Ilk†boll brings out thirty; ilk sermon, ilk Communion should bring out anhundredgoodworks.Beloved,God'slandissetatanhighprice;HeisaMasterthatwillhaveallHisownfromHistenants;andastheSongsays(chap.4:2),EveryoneofGod'ssheepbringsouttwins.Thereisagroundthatdrinksinrainfromheaven,andyetbringsforthbriersandthorns,itisnearacurse.Bringforthfruit,orelseyewillmakeGodsay,MycurseandGod'smalisonbeupon thyheart, thouhearestmuch, andbringestforthnofruit.Thereforebeware;atreethatoncegetsadadd‡withGod'saxe,itwillneverdowellagain.Yeshallbecomelikethegirdle(Jer.13:17)which theprophetdidhideat the riverEuphrates; itwasprofitable fornothing,itwasmarred,itshallnevergoaboutGod'swasteagain.Beware,then,thatyebenotblastedprofessorsandfruitlessChristians;butbeyealways inHis sight. For there be some that comenever inGod's sight,they areGod's dyvours: they are aughting§ somuch that they darenotcome to God, and compt|| and pay—outlaws and borderers that comenot, or keep not Christ's kingdom, but run like wild asses anddromedariesupanddownthemountains,andsnuffupthewindattheirpleasure. I compare their life to those that ridepost.ManyahorsehasSatan in his stable; and when these outlaws have wearied in theirgreediness after sin, and have gotten they know not what, theymountuponafreshhorse,someuponpride!andiftheyrideonceoutofGod'ssight, they run till they be in hell in the end: for the devil is upon thehorseandtherider.Godseeksdear,andforHismoneyyemustgiveHimmorethanten inthehundred: for five talents,Hemusthavetenagain;Hemusthavedoublestock.Lookwhatgraceyereceivebyweight;rendertoHimHisowninweightandmore:ifHisgoldwantanounce,Hewill

castittoyouagain:foroneboll'ssowingyemustgiveHimthirtyagain.GodwouldhaveHis servantsayekeepingHischamber; if theygo theirown length fromHim,Hemisses them.YemustnotbeGod's chamberpages, and steal out of His presence, and give the devil a baggage-yoking.*Nay,Hemustayeseeyour face,andhearyourvoice.Therebemany thatwouldserveGod,andbe inChrist's school;but theyare likesoulsthattaketheplay,andruntoplay,sometimeswiththeworld,andthedevil,andlovetosportthemselveswiththeworldandthedevil.ButGod'sscholarsmaynottaketheplay.

"LetMeseethyface."—TheKirkmighthavesaid,DearLord,myface!OhdostThoudesiretoseemyface,itisveryblack,Iamsun-burnt,sinhathmade me deformed; and for my voice it is both harsh and mistuned.WhatthensaysChrist?Ithinknotso,Mydearspouse;Ithinkitisafairface.Ithinkyehaveasweetvoice.ItisgreatcomfortforGod'schildrenwhentheyrisemanytimesofftheirkneesfromprayerwithawoeheart,†thinking,becausetheyhavenoheart,norfeeling,norsense,thatGodisoffendedwiththeirprayers,andthinkslittleoftheirworks;whenastheirprayers,andtears,andworksareacceptedbeforeGod.Yethinknothingofonetear,yetGodputsitinHisbottle;andnothingofonesigh,butGodgathersitinHistreasure.IfGodthoughtofusastheworlddoes,andaswethinkofourselves,oftentimeswoefulwouldourcasebe;butGodhasnot a pleasanter sight in theworld than the face of a child ofGod.NomusicdelightsHimmorenorthesighsandtears,complaintsandprayersofHischildren.SeeyenottheSpiritofGodbringinginChrist,longingforasightofHiswife,longingforawordofher(Prov.8:31).Christrejoiceth,andsports,andplaysinthehabitablepartsoftheearth,andHisdelightiswith thesonsofmen.Yewillseemoreof thisuponthe lastwordsofthisSong.

"Takeusthefoxes."—ItsaspeechofChristtotheKirk,totake,convince,censure, rebuke, cut off, and excommunicate all inordinate livers andoffenders in theLord'svineyard (Ezek. 13:4).OIsrael, thyprophetsarelike foxes in the deserts (Jer. 12:10).Many pastors have corruptedMyvineyard.OwhatcantherebeupontheearthtomakeaKirkhappy,butitishere.TohearaKirksickofloveforChrist,andhearChristsickofloveforHisKirk:Christ'slefthandisunderherhead,andHisrighthanddoth

embraceher: she isHis fairone,His love,Hisdove,Hisundefiled.Shedwells in thewoundsofherLordby faith.Yet forall this,HisKirk isavineyardthathasmanyfoxesinittodestroythevines;sothatwesee,solongasGodhathavineyardtherewillbefoxesinittodestroythevines;that is, crafty men, false teachers, deceitful workers, transformingthemselvesintotheapostlesofChrist(2Cor.1:13).PaulplantedaChurchinEphesus(Acts20:28),yetafterhisdeparture,grievouswolvesenteredin,notsparingtheflock.SurelyinthislifemarchesarenotreddbetwixtGod and thedevil; thedevil files the score* and comes over themarchuponGod'sbounds(Matt.13)GodsowsHiswheat,andthedevil stealsuptherigg,andwithhot fur†hesowshis tares(1Kings22)InAchab'scourtthereisneveranhonestman.Tillhebetried,thefalseknaveandtruth are door neighbours. (1 Kings 22), In Achab's court there is anhonestmanthattellsthekingthetruth;buttherearefourhundredfalseknavesthatsayagainsthim,and,poorman,hemusttoprison,andtheygetleavetokeepthecourt.Forthethiefiseverthehonestmantillhebetried;thefalseknaveandthetrutharedoorneighbours,andalmosttwinsbornatonetime;howbeittruthbeeldestandfirst-born.Isaiahcomplains(chapter56:2)ofdumbdogsthatcouldneverhaveenough.InJeremiah10,He complains ofmany pastors that corrupted the vineyard. Ezekielcomplains of foxes. Zachariah (11) of idol shepherds. Hymenœus andPhiletus spoke against Paul. The Sadducees in Christ's days denied theresurrection.Andnotonlyaretherefalseteachersinourdays,butinthebestkirkswere,andaremanyfoxes;forall isnotfishthatcomesinthenet.AndifyebeGod'ssheep,yemustnotthinktowantfoxestonibble,andtoworkundertheearthtodestroyyou.Yemaynotlook‡thatChristisMasterofthefieldswithoutblood.Yewillnotbelonginprosperityintheworld.TherebeanumberoffoolishpeoplewondersthatGodbringssuchagoodHusband that shouldnotholdout the foxes fromHisownvineyard.TheywouldhaveaChristofgold,andaKirkofvelvet,oroffairwhite paper. They think Christ's bride should be clad in purple andscarlet,asthewhoreofRomeis,ordoeswear.

I will show you how Christ and His Kirk meet. When the bridegroomwooedHisKirk,manyablack strokegotHebothofGodandman.HewastheVine,GodandmanstrakeatHimwithaxes!Heboughtherdear;itcostHimbloodereHegother.Andthinkyeshehasfairweatherwhen

shewoosHim?Nay,manyacuff*getsshefromtheworld;thisfoxandthatfoxpullstheskinoffher.Sheishardlyhandledinthiswooing,therebe strokes on both sides: for fain would the devil have the contractcancelled,andthemarriagegoingback.AndletmespeaktoyouthatareGod's youngvine;makeyou for it,† the foxesof theworldwillpeel thebarkoffyou.Iftherebegraceinyou,theywilldowhattheycantoeatitupinthebud.HoldyourhandsaboutthegraceofGod,benotrobbed;ifyegivethemtheirwill,theywouldpulltheskinoffyourface.

Ye see Christ hath gotten out letters of caption,‡ against all His foxes.Here is a commission obtained in Christ's court, that all that hurtsChrist's vineyard should be apprehended and laid fast! but alas! thecommissioners, the pastors, the judges, over-see§ them. But here acomfortforyou,whoaretheLord'svines,thataretroubledwithfoxes.Iassureyou, that theKirkhas lawagainstallherenemies.Benotcastendown,becausetheworldhatesyou;twenty-sixhundredyearssyne,ChristhathgivenoutadecreetagainstallHisenemies,andyours,totakethem.Hereyehaveassurance;yourenemiesarerebels,andallofthemundercaption. (Psalms 110:6), "He shall fill the places with dead bodies. Heshall wound the head over them, even in many countries." Ye thatcomplainofyourpredominantsins,andthinkyearehardenedwiththem(for thesealsobe foxes thatdoharmtheLord'svineyard), fightagainstthem, forChristhasgivenoutadecreetagainst thosethat theyshallbetaken.

"Mybeloved ismine."—Thesebe thewordsof thecontractofmarriage;forthereisacovenantbetwixtChristandHisKirk(Ezekiel36:26),"IwillbetheirGod,andtheyshallbeMypeople."Butherethereisadoubttobeanswered by these words: it would seem Christ and His Kirk are twodifferentparties in thecontract,Christupon theoneside,and theKirkupon the other. Is not Christ upon the Kirk's side, and obliges forHiswife? I answer; Christ, having two natures, has two contraryconsiderations.Heisoneparty,andweanother;andsoHepromisestouslifeeternal,andwepromisebyHisgracetobelieve.

Christ is consideredasMediator,Godandman,andsoHe isuponourside; for the promise is made to Him and His; and He, as principalcontractor,bindsforus,andweareHisassignees.SoJesusskipsbetwixt

boththesides,becauseHeisafriendtoboth.ButitiscertaintheseverywordsprovesHimtobeonoursideofthecovenant,becauseourBelovedisours,andweareHis;HeisourMediator,andCautionerboundforus.TheverywordsofthecovenantarespokentoChrist(Psalm89:27),"IwillmakeHimMyfirst-born,higherthanthekingsoftheearth:"andHesaid(verse 26), "He shall cry toMe, Thou artMy Father,MyGod, and theRockofMysalvation;MymercywillIkeepforHimforevermore,andMycovenant shall stand fast withHim." The enemies of gracewould haveChristaGodfoldingHisfingers,andalooker-on,andbeholdingfairplay.Liars!Heismorethanhalfplay-Master!ThedevilwillnotgetHisnameoutofthecontract;and,beloved,seeyenotbutitisasweetthingtohaveanythingtodowithChrist.Hischaffisbetterthanothermen'scorn;ifyehave any fastening* with Christ, the cause is won. Now hold you byChrist.ItisashameforHimthatyefalloutofthecovenant,becauseHeis aCautioner.As ye know, it is a shame for a nobleman that his poorfriendbecastinprisonforthedebtthatheisobligedtopay.Christisnowobliged thatHe fulfil thecovenant, andmakegoodbothyourpart, andhispart.Boastnotofyourselves,orofyourownstrength;benotproudofyourselves,butyeshallhavefulllibertytoboastyourselfofChrist.Crack†enough of Christ; be proud of Christ'smerits, ye cannot err there. Thedebtoffaithandobediencethatweareaughting‡toGodnow(tospeakso), is not our debt but Christ's, andHe is Cautioner for us. It were ashame that a poor friend should be imprisoned for his chief's debt,especiallysinceHeisarichmanandabletopay.

NowletusconsiderthemutualinterestChristandtheKirkhaseveryoneofanother;"Heismine,andIamHis;"HeismyHusband,andIamHiswife;He ismyhead, and I amHisbody:He ismyKing, and I amHispeople;He ismy richCautioner, and I amHisdyvour.Letus seewhatclaimChristhasintheKirk,andwhatclaimtheKirkhasinChrist.Now,tohold§uponthecomparisonofthissongbetwixtahusbandandawife.Thehusbandandthewifehavenosundry*goods;ifhebeaking,sheisaqueen;ifhehaveafairinheritance,itishersalso,aslongasshelives;iftheyliveevertogether,itiseverhers.Thenwhenshesays,Heismine,IamHis,Christismine,andIamHis,andallHis,HisfleshandHisblood;Hisdeathandmerits;Hisglory;Hiskingdom;Hiscourtandcredit,andall ismine;andallmineisHis,mysoulandbody,mysins,mytrouble,

mycross,theyareallHis.Christandsheare(tospeakso)cardedthroughother.(John15),"AbideinMe,andIinyou."Cursedbehethatsaysnotamentothat.(John17:21),"Thattheyalsomaybeone,asThou,Father,areinMe,andIinThee,thattheyalsomaybeoneinus;Iinthem,andthey in Me." But we will labour to reduce them, the particulars to acertainnumber.TherebethesethingscommontousbetwixtChristandus.

1. There is a sibness† of nature betwixt Christ and us. There be pawnsgivenandreceivedbetwixtbothsides.Hehasapawnofours,ourflesh,andHetookthatpawnwithHimtoheaven,andHeisnevermindedtogiveitagain.ButwehaveasgoodapawnofHim,HisSpirit.Wewereofthatfleshandblood(Heb.2:14).LetuskeepChrist'spawn,aslongasHekeepsours;letHimnotbetothefore‡withus.NowHekeepsourpawnforever;Hewillnever laydownour flesh;wearenevermindedto losethepawn,letHimkeepitforever;longmayHekeepit.LetuskeepHisSpirit; for it isnotHiswill to loose thatpawn; letHimkeep it for ever(Heb.4:2).Christwouldalsobeabairnandpartakeroffleshandblood.WouldtoGodyewouldallstrivetogetHispawn,andtokeepitwell;seekHisSpirit, andkeep itwell.Worldlymen, yehave little claim toJesus;Godhelpyou,thereisnoborrowingnorlendingbetwixtyouandChrist.

2.Thereiscommunity.WegotallHisgood,andHegetsallourill,that'sa good coss* forus.He tookour curses,we tookHisblessings;Heourshame,weHisglory;Heoursins,weHisrighteousness:HeistheKirk's,andtheKirkisChrist's.ThatdayGodlaiduponChrist,wewereshiftedout fromunderGod'swrath;andGodstruck theKirk'sHead, to let themembersgofree.WhenChristwasinblocking†tobuyHisKirk,Heknewthefaultsinthewares;HekendwellenoughthatcurseofGod,andwrathof God, and hell, and sin, and many ills followed the Kirk. Yet Christwouldnotrueintime;Hesaidfreely,Iwilltakeher,andalltheillsthatfollowher,howbeitshebeblind,lame,yea,acursedbride;yetIwillmakeherMywife.Would toGodwe could takeChrist andall the faults thatfollowHim. There bemen thatwill not cosswith Christ; butwill keeptheirwill,theirlust.Godwasabouttostrikeus,andhadlifted(tospeakso)HiswandtobringastrokeofHiswrathuponus;andChristcamein,andheldHishand,andlaiddownHimself,andbadeHisFatherlayupon

Him.Ye never saw such a suiter asChrist;He prays us to coss for thebetter.HecriestoyouforGod'ssakegiveMeyourdross,andyeshallgetMygold;giveMeyoursins,andIgiveyouMyrighteousness.Isitnotanhardmatter?Menwillnotgive their ill toChrist, and transferandgiveover their sins toChrist.He says to you,GiveMe your lust that Imaycrucifyit,andIwillgiveyouloveforit:giveMeyouranger,andIwillgiveyouMyzealforit.ThenmakeacossandtakeHimatHisword,ilkdaybemakingnewblocks*withChrist.Denyyour folly, andgive it toHim tocrucify;andseekyeHiswisdom,youmustdothisever,tillallnaturebeawayanddone,andnothinginyoubutgrace.

3.ThereisacommunityofgiftsandgracesbetwixtChristandus.NotagracewegetfromGod,butitcomesthroughChrist'shandstous;sothatChristkeepsthepawnsbetwixtGodandus.GodgivesgracetoHisKirk,butwhereisit?ItisinJesus.GraceislaidinpledgeinthehandsofJesus,and it wasmade a running over fountain. For aswe see in a race, thewage,†orthegarland,isnotinthehandoftherunners,butsomefriendskeepsthestakes‡forboth:soChristkeepsthewagefortheFatherandus.Christ indeed is theFountain (John1:14), "WebeheldHisglory, as thegloryoftheonlybegottenSon."Somefriendkeepsthestakes§forboth.TheretheWellisrunningover,butforwhatend?(verse16),"ThatoutofHisfulnesswemightallreceive,evengraceforgrace."SoGodgaveuslifeeternal.Butwhohasthislifeinpledge?EvenJesusChrist.(1John5:11),"AndthisisthewitnessthatGodhathgivenus,eveneternallife;andthislife is inHisSon."Lord,senduspartof thisconsignedgrace.Again,yesendnotupasightoGod,butfirst itmustbe laiddowninthehandofHimthatkeepsthepawns(Rev.8:2).

(BythewayIshallgivetheuse,witheveryarticleofthedoctrine.)Trythylight,trythygrace,trythyhonour,andcredit,riches,andalltheblessingsthat ye have; the silver and the gold, whether these blessings beimpawned*inChrist'shandor†yegetthem.IfyegetthemnotinChrist,theyareunchristenedblessings, and theywant the fashion.‡Woebe totheseblessings that camenever throughChrist's holyhands.Again, tryyourprayers,sighs,anddesires,andyourservice,ifyeofferthemtoGodin Christ. Many unchristened prayers go to heaven that are neverwelcomedofGod.Yemust takeyourcommunionoutofGod'shand;at

thenearest,outofChrist'shands.ThereshouldbenothingdonebetwixtGodandus,butChristshouldbeatit.

4.ThereisacommunityofsufferingsbetwixtChristandus.Poorwouldwe be, if His sufferings were not ours; woe would be our case if Hissufferings were not ours. But this way it goes; He is that apple treeexcellentaboveallthetreesoftheforest,andwedorestunderthetree.Now when the shower of rain falls, it lights first on the tree, and thestrokeofitisbroken,anditdoesnotgreatharmtothosethatareunderthetree.EachnewshotattheKirk,lightsfirstontheheadofChrist,andHebreaksthepointofthearrow.Ifyebeillspokenof,sowasHe;ifyebehated of the world, so was He; if your blood be shed, and your facedeformed, sowasHis fair facedeformedandmarred (Isaiah52:14).BecontenttodrinkwithChrist.WoebetothemthatarenotinChrist,andyetareintrouble:thearrowwiththesharppointcomesuponthem,andgoes to their heart, and slays them. Try if your troubles be christenedtroubles,thatlightfirstuponChrist,theHead,andthenuponyouasthemembers.TryifbyfaithyehaveanunionwithHim.Nowherebythewayis a great comfort in trouble: those that are dear to you die, and yemourn:ChristmournedandgroanedinspiritfordeadLazarus:yeweep,soHeweeped.Areyepoorandayeattheborrowing?sowasChristattheborrowingtradeallHisdays;shouldyenotthenwithgood-willdrinkoffthe cup that He drank off before you.When ye murmur, and will notdrinkwillingly,yerefusetopledgeChrist:butyemustpledgeHim,anddrinkwithGod'sblessing,andwithjoy;Hewillnotpoisonyou.TheyarenoneofChrist'sfriendsthatwillnotpledgeHim(Matt.20:21).

5.ThereisacommunityofglorybetwixtChristandus.Theheaventhatthe Mediator, Christ, enjoys, is our heaven; our heaven is to the ManChristinaconquest:heavenwasboughtwithbloodtoHimandus.Andtomake you rejoice, none of God's children gets a heaven properly oftheirown;why?WegotashareandpartofChrist'sinheritance,Heistheprincipalheir(Rom.8:5).Wearetheconjunctheirs.SweetisthatwordwhichHespeakstoHischildren.(Luke22:29),"AndIappointuntoyouakingdom, as My Father hath appointed untoMe, that ye may eat anddrinkatMytableinMykingdom,sittingonthrones, judgingthetwelvetribesofIsrael."Themeaningis,MyFatherhathmadeadisposition*to

MeofthekingdomofGod.ItisMine;and,Mydearchildren,Iwillthinkheaven uncouth† if ye be not withMe. Here Imake a disposition andresignation of that kingdom to you; ye shall sit at My table in Mykingdom.Upyourheart!howbeityebenotlordsinearthyeshallbelordsinheaven;Iandyeshallpartkingdomsandthronestogether.

Rejoiceinthis,yethatareinChrist,andseeyourcondition,yeandChristare halfers* together of heaven and glory. O† if God's children be in asweetcase.As longasChrist is inheavenandkeeps the inheritance,aslongshallwekeepourright;andwhocancauseHimflit?‡ThedevilhathmadetheenemiesofthegraceofGodtomisken§allourcommunionwithChrist.TheyhaveputChristandtheelecttogetherasamaninaninnfora night, and to go away to-morrow. They have yoked Christ and ustogetherasifHewereoneandweanother;asifHewereHisown,andwewereourown;asifChristhadnolawandrighttous,andwehadnolawandrighttoChrist,butmetataventure,andsunderedataventure;asifwe had one heaven, andHe had another; as if He hadHis portion byHimselfalone,andthatHekeepsforever;andthatwehadoursharebyour alone,|| to sell when we pleased, so as if we dispone heaven, wedisponenotChrist'sheaven.Nay;inthefighting,HefightsallthebattlesHisalone;Webutlookon:butwhenitcomestothedividingofthespoil,we get a rich share of the spoil. Yea, He gave the whole sum for theinheritance,andwenothing;yetwearesetatHiselbowinathronewithHim.Nowseeingourrightsaregood,slipnotfromthem:donotassomeunworthy heir, who having a good right, slips from it for a fecklesscompositionafterdrink,andquitsall,howbeitheshouldbeg.Indeedthewicked do this. The devil drinks them blankful,¶ and fills them withworldly pleasures, and garrs** them subscribe a resignation, and givesthem an unworthy composition, some present pleasure. Compone notwith the devil to go the law with him; let Christ be your advocate,subscribenotasubmissionwiththedevil,comeneverintrysting*termswith him.Hold you aback from theworld, and the lusts of it; it is thedevil'sarlesthathegivestosillydrunkenheirs.Whentheycryhillsandmountainsfallonus,theywouldfaingivebackthearles,andrue;butitisoutoftime.

"And I amHis."—This property of the covenant ismutual. As she says

andacknowledges thatHe ishers,andsoChrist isboundtoherbyHispromise: so she acknowledges that she is bound toHim, and isHis byright.Multitudesof theworldwouldplay fastand loosewithHim:theywouldhaveChristfast,andthemselves loose.Theydeviseacovenantoftheirown,andsay,Christdiedforall,andGodismercifultoall,andGodwill relieveallChristiansouls fromhell;and they thinkGodandChristfast enough to them, but in themeantime they are loose, and live likedogsandswineintheirfilthiness.ThesemenwouldhaveChristasachildin making of the covenant, and exceeding silly. Should Christ giveHimself foryou,andwillyeneithergive lifenorgoods forHim?Christcame to save you (Matt. 20:28), andwill ye beHismaster?Are yenotobliged to serveHim?This is tomakeaGospelof yourown: toomanyobeytheGospelaslongasitflattersthem.AslongasittellsthemChrist'spart,andthatHeshedHisblood,andcametosavesinnersfreely:thatisthebestchapterinalltheBible!ButwhentheGospelbeginstotellthemwhatistheirpart,andthattheymustdenythemselves,crucifytheirlusts,andtakeupChrist'sheavycross,theystartback.Thesearetender-footedChristiansthatwalkinthelawandintheGospel,solongastheygosoftlyon itasabedof roses,andhurtnot their feet:butwhena thornof thecommand touches them, they standaback.YemaynothaveGod's law,andtakeasmuchofitasservesyou.AsChristgaveHimselftobeyours,andhassubscribedthecontract;sogiveyourselvestoHim,andsubscribeyourpartofthecontracttobeHis,asHeisyours.TakethereforethelawandthissweetSaviourbothtogether,bindyourselvestoHimtobeHis,asHeisboundtobeyours.

"Hefeedethamongthe lilies."—ToprovethatChristdothesteemherasHiskirkandflock,Hiswife,Hisbeloved;shesays,Hefeedsheramongstthelilies.Thatis,thepureanduncorruptedwordofGod.Or,theliliesarethe fruits of the Spirit, opposed to stinking roots, and bitter roots thatgrowintheKirk,whenjudgmentislikehemlock,orwormwood.Or,theliliesarethesaintsofGod,thatareliliesamongstthorns.Howeveritbe,itiscertaintheLordfeedsHisKirkwithasmuchspiritualfoodasholdsin their life in theway toheaven, till theirdayofmarriagecome(Rom.8:23).Wereceiveherethefirstfruits.Whenamanhasshornastouk*ofhiscorn-field, thatputshiminassuranceof thewholecrop.Godwouldhave Israel to taste of the vine grapes of Canaan, to assure them they

shouldgetthelanditself(2Cor.1:22),GodhathsealedusandgivenustheearnestofHisSpiritinourhearts.

Here be two words. 1. God does with His children in this life as amerchantdoeswithhiswareshehasbought;becausehecannottransportthempresently,heputsa"seal"ormarkuponthem,andthenitmaybesoldtonootherbody.Hischildrenstrikehands,HewritesHisname,andHisarms,theimageofGodintheirsoul;andthenwhenthedevilcomesthrough themarket to buy (for he offers ayemoney in hand, pleasure,lusts, honours), ye have an answer to give him. Tell him, your soul issealedalready;youhaveblocked*withanhonestMerchant,Christ;andHehasputHismarkuponyouthatyemaynotsell;anditwereapitytobeguileHim.And,therefore,bidthatdeceivingloon†goseekhismarketinanotherplace;yearenothismerchant.ThedevilwillpromisethemasfairasGod:hewillnotprig‡withthem:hewillnotcaretopromisemuchmorethanheaven."YeshallbelikeGod!"buthepaysnotsowellasGoddoth.Agreenotwithhim:blocknotwithhim.

2.Thereisanothersweetwordused;thatGodgivestoHischildren,"theearnest" ofHis Spirit in this life;He gives them arles, faith, hope, joy.These be like six or seven shillings to warrant that ye shall get theprincipal.Beloved,Godhasblocked§withyou,andgivenyouarles.Hewouldthereforethatthebargainhold.WillyethentakeGod'sarles,andblockwith thedevil?ByGod'sarlesyehaveassuranceof this,GodwillcomeandlooseHisarles;ruenotoftheblock,neveranymanhadcausetoruetheblockwithJesusChrist.Thereisanotherwordused(John16)Christ is going to heaven to leave His disciples; He promised to comeagaintothemtoseethem:howsorryweretheytowantHim,andblythe||were they of thatword thatHe said,Hewill come again. Therefore, insign and token thatHewould come again,He promised them a pawn;thatwasHisHolySpirit. Ye knowChrist andwe are contracted in thislife;wewill bemarried again at the dayHe comes to judge theworld.Now all the wooing time, there goes love tokens betwixt them, andmissiveletters.TellmewhenyegotaletterlastfromChrist?Therewillbemessengers going betwixt you. This same word is a messenger; theSacramentsarelovetokensthatourWooerhaslefttoassureusthatHeiscontractedwithus.Iprayyoutakenogiftsfromthedevil;awaywithill

conquests;*awaywithlusts,andtheloveoftheworld.Ihopeyearenotmindedtomarrywithsin;ifyedo,yeareashamedthenforallyourdays.YearecomeoffGod'shouse,andareHisimage.Fy,itisashametoheartellofit,tomarrywithabaseslave,thedevil.Iallow†youheretobewiseandprudentinyourmarriage;marrynotforgear,‡keepyourselftobeagoodmatch.Therebeasortofindifferentmen,thatyecallharmlessmen.They have neither good nor ill, they love not falsehood; they love notPopery,andyettheywillnotburnforthetruth;theyarelikeblankpaperasitisthought,neitherGodnorthedevilhasblockedwiththem.ButhasGodgivenyounoarles,nornopawn?Satanwillgetyou.Butdothisfirst,holdyourselfwithChrist,andthenyehaveananswertogiveotherlovers,theworldandthedevil.Yemaylaughandsay,yearetoolongincoming;Ihavepromisedmyselfawaytoanotherhusband,andthereforeIcannothaveyoualso;forIwillnothavetwohusbands(1Cor.6:19).TheApostletakesareasontoprovethatthebodyshouldnotbegiventoanharlot;itis the templeof theHolyGhost.Set thehouseofyoursoul toGod,andthenforshameyecannotwinoffHimtocauseHimflit."Yeareboughtwith a price."Married folk have notmanywooers: the devil is busy toseekthemthatarevirgins,andlovenotChristtobetheirHusband.

"Tillthedaydawn;"thatis,themarriageday;andinHebrewcalled,TheDay for excellency.To say the truth, it is a day!And calledTheDayofChrist,TheDayof redemption (Eph.4:29, 2Tim. 1:12). It is called thedayforthesecauses.ItisthedaywhenChristisperfectinHismembers.Now Christ's body is mangled, arms, and legs, and hands, in sundryplaces;somenotborn,someborn,butinthedevil'sservice;somerottenin the earth, and casten in the sea. Christ is bleeding inHismembers;thereismanyawoundinthemysticalbodyofChristthisday.Allwillbegathered; in that day He gets His bride, He enters in peaceablepossessionofher.

ThatdayChristshallgiveinHisaccompts,andallHisFather'sgenerally.HeshallrenderanaccomptofallthatHetookbythehand,andshallputupHis sword, andneverdraw it again.Andas theChiefShepherd,HeshallmakeanaccomptofallHislambs,andtellHisFather,thesebeallMysillysheep;theyhavewinawaywiththeirlife.Iwentthroughwoods,andwaters, andbriers, and thorns, togather them in, andMy feetwas

pricked, andMy hands andMy side pierced, ere I could get a grip ofthem; but now here they are. Good cause shall the Lord have to clapChrist'sheadthatday.Andjudgeyeifyewillhaveablythheart,tohearChristandHisFather tocompt*together,whenyeshallbeallstandingunder the broad scarlet robe of Christ's righteousness, and as manyglorifiedangelslookingon.

And every soldier that day shall shew his wounds to his Lord, saying,Lord,IhavelostthisandthisforThee!AndGodshallclapourhead,andtake us benn* to His chamber of presence, all glorious tapestry there!(Psalm45:14).TheLordmakeyoureadyforthatday.

"Andtheshadowsfleeaway,"ormist.Thislifeisallbutanight,becauseoftheignoranceanddarknessofourmind.Weseebuttheportraitofthekingdom in theglassof theWordandsacraments.Thenwhen thatdaydawns, we shall see Him face to face. So long as the night is, we donothingbutbytheuseofcandle;whenthesunrises,thecandleisblownout,lestweshouldburnday-light.TheGospelisGod'scandletoletusseethewaytoheaven;butwhenitisday-light,andChristlightedtousfromheaven, then shall come light and heat from Him, clear light andknowledgethatshallendureforever.Oursoulhereislikeanhouseinthenight, when doors and windows are closed. In that day the doors andwindowsshallbecast†up,thatthesunmayshineforeveruponus.Weshall not need to seek communions; the Lamb of God shall be presentwithyouforevermore.(Rev.21),"Isawnotemplethere,fortheLordGodAlmightyistheirlight."WegetbutheretheparingsofGod'sbread,andafourhours'‡drink,aslightafternoon'smeal,tospeakso.Theretheboardshallbecovered,andthegreatloafsetuponit,andallshalleat,andallbewelcome, and the table shall never be drawn. Ye shall have your fill ofChrist.Yeshalldrink,anddrinkat thewell'shead, thecupofsalvationforevermore.

Itisnighthere,becauseweknownotwhatweare.Marchesarenotredd*betwixtGodandSatanhere.Wearebutsillybodieshere,earthenvesselsoftenintrouble(1Cor.1),andyetKing'ssons(1John3:2),"Behold,nowwearethesonsofGod,anditdothnotyetappearwhatweshallbe:butweknowthatwhenHedothappear,weshallbelikeHim,forweshallseeHimasHeis."Afriendfromafoecannotbeknowninthenight:carenot

whattheworldthinkofyou,itisnight,theycannotwellseeyou.

Itisnight,becauseofgreattroublewhichbesetsus(Luke3:1,2).Letusbecontentwithanhardbed;themornwillbeagoodday.Andthinkyewhatacomfortitwillbetoyou,whenGodputsupHisownholyhandstoyourface,andtoyourwateryeyes,andshalldrythemwiththenapkinofHisconsolation.Throughthisshortnight,liestillinpeace,andsleepbyfaithinGod.Becontenttoliedowninyourgraveforanightortwo;foryourHusband,Christ,shallbeatyourbed-sidesooninthemorning.

"Turn, My beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon themountains of Bether."—As (Psalm 71:21), Thou did turn about andcomfortme.Turnaboutandcometome,asswiftlyasaroeorayounghart upon the mountains of Bether. The mountains of division orseparation, wereMount Gilead, severed or parted from the rest of thelandofJudeabytheriverofJordan;inthewhichmountains,therewaspleasant haunting.† Here, she desires His presence, either in the lastjudgment,orinHisincarnation,orbythecomfortofHisHolySpirit;andprays thatas roesandhartsarenothinderedanywhitbyanycraigsordown-fallsoftherockstodescendandmeetonewithanother:soChristwould be kind toHis love, and countmountains as valleys, and let nocraigie-way*hindertheLordJesustocome.ShecannevergetherfillofChrist; she is sobrowden†onChrist, that sheeverwouldbeataunionwithHim,whereiskissing(verse7);intheplacewhereHedwells(chap.23)underHisshadow,inHiscellar.WecannotbefarenoughoningoingtoChrist:wecanneverbenearhandenoughHim.‡CryyetoHim,Come!forHecrystoyou,Come;andthenyewillmeet.Ill§gatewillnothinderour Bridegroom to come,He cares not for a shower of rain, or a darknight. He loups|| over hills to be at His Kirk. Give ye Him ameeting.Amen.

SermonXII.—Christ'sLoveandLoveliness

ITisChrist'swillthatHisbairnsgettheirfillandthattheygrow.Christneverhadanhungryhouse,norHisFatherbeforeHim.There isbreadanddrinkinHisFather'shouse:eatanddrink:muchgoodmayitdoyou,for ye get it with Christ's good-will, and with His heartsome blessing.Now in the strength of itwork a goodwork toChrist, yourMaster.HegivesHisservantsmeatanddrinkwithagoodhouseinanewcity.

Who is this thathathHisgarmentsdipped inblood, yea, in redblood?KnowyeHim,beloved?ButHekensyoufullwell.ComenearHim,andstand not afar off. Christ says not, "Look by†Me," but, "Look onMe,Whomyouhavepiercedwithyoursins."YemustnotturnyourshouldertoHim,butsetyourfacetowardHim.LoveyournewHusbandwell,andlet all the old go and play themselves. Rent‡ your contract, that wasbetwixtyouandyourhearts'lusts;andnowChristsays,youshallhaveabetter life thaneveryouhad inyouroldhusband's time.Providemuchplenishing§againstthetimeyeandHetakeuphouseinheaventogether.Christ is dressing all the chambers and the hall for you up in yourFather'shouse.Makeawayasfastasyecan.Takehomeyourwritswithyou:Christhathsubscribedthem.TakehometheKing'spardonwithyou,writtenwithyourLord'sownheart-blood,andtheKing'sgreatsealatit:and stamp upon the seal Christ's arms, even the slain Son of God,hangingupontheCross,subscribingalargedispensationtoyou.

NowrememberbeforewitnessesyeareHis.HaveyenotreasontothinkthatChristisheartsomeinHisownhouse?HehasmadeHiswifeagreatfeastto-day.Lienotdowntosleepafteryourmeat.Christhasfedyoutorun a race, even a race to heaven. Awake therefore! In theWord andSacraments Christ now takes you into the chariot with Himself, anddraws your hearts after Him. Be Satan's and the world's footmen nolonger,foritisawearisomelife.ButridewithChristinHischariot,foritisallpavedwithlove.ThebottomofitistheloveofslainChrist:yemustsit thereupon love. Love is a soft cushion: but thedevil and theworldmakeyousweatatthesoreworkofsin,andrunuponyourownfeettoo.But it is better to be Christ's horsemen and ride, than to be Satan'strogged* footmen, and to travel upon clay. Christ says,He haswashen

you to-day; sinnomore.Keepyourselves clean,gonot toSatan's sootyhouses;buttakeyoutoyourHusband,TheFairestamongtenthousand,thatyourlovelyHusbandmaymakeyourrobescleaninthebloodoftheLamb.Ye are going into a cleanheavenandanundefiled city; takenotfilthy clayey hands, and clatty† feetwith you.What say ye of your newHusband?Please‡yeyournewHusbandwell?MaynotHisservantssayinHisnamethatyeareheartilywelcometoHim?Andmaytheynotsayin your name that He is heartily welcome to you? A plain answer? Yecannotwellwantanhalf-marrow;*nosoullivethwellasinglelife.Now,seeingyemustmarry,marryChrist.YewillnevergetabetterHusband.TakeHim,andHisFather'sblessing.Beholy,andgetagoodname,andChristwill notwant you. It ismany a day since yewere invited to thisbanquet,whyshouldyoubidefromit?Yearecomenotuncalled.Christboth sitteth and eatethwith you, and standeth and serveth you. Christbothsaidthegrace,andblessedthemeat,andsaysitto-day,andprays,"My Father's blessing be on the banquet." Your Father cries, "Divorce,divorceallother lovers;goandagreewithChrist, yourCautioner,†andpurchaseadischargeifyecan."Itisbetterholdingthandrawing;bettertosay,"HereHeis,"than,"HereHewas;"and,"Slippery-fingered‡IheldHim,andwouldnotletHimgo."Rive§allHisclothes,andHewillnotbeangryatyou.Indeath,Heheldastraitgripofyou.Hell,devils,thewrathofGod,thecurseofthelaw,couldnotalllooseHisgripsofyou.Christgotaclaught||ofyouinthewater,andHebroughtallwithHim.LookupbyfaithtoChrist.Yecouldneverhavebeensetupbyangels.MaynotChristsay,Thelawtooksuchacleek¶ofMe,anddrewMehereamongstthieves,foryourcause?Andwasnot that strong love, thathumbleChrist carednotwhattheydidtoHim,sobeingHemightgetyou?

InthatnightwhereinourLordwasbetrayed,HeordainedtheSupperforyouuponHisdeath-bed.HemadeHisTestament,andleftitinlegacytoyou. In death He had more mind of you, His wife, than He had ofHimself.Inthegarden,onthecross,inthegrave,Hissillylostsheepwasaye inHismind. Love has a bravememory, and cannot forget.He hasgraven you upon the palms of His hands; and when He looks to Hishandsandsays,"MysheepIcannotforget.Yea,inmydeath,MySister,MySpouse,wasayeinmymind.Shetookmynight'ssleepfromMe,thatnightIwassweatinginthegardenforher."

WhenChristwas dead, and sleeping on the cross, andHis side brokenwithaspear,untilbloodandwatercameout,theLordwasformingawifeforthesecondAdam,yourHusband.IndeathHewasdoingandworkingwhatnoweddedmancoulddo,evenblessingandembracingHisbeloved.Come near, and kiss dead Jesus. O but slain Christ has a sweet smell,evenwhenHeisdead!WhatthinkyeofthesmellofHislove?Whatthinkyeofitself?Whatofthesefeet,thatwentupanddowntheworldtoseekHisFather'slostsheep,piercedwithnails?Hethathealedthediseasesofthelameandtheblind,HeisnowblindHimself.TheeyesthatwereoftliftuptoheavenuntoGodinprayer,weariedwithtears?Hisheadpiercedwiththorns?Thefacethat is fairerthanthesun,thedearestbeloved, isnowallmaimedwithblood,andthehairpulledoutofHischeeks!Couldlovebepaintedthen?Christwaspained,andChristpantedonthecross;sopainedmercyandjusticeset*GodinHislovelinesstowardsman.Whocomeswithoutstretchedarms tomeetandembraceHim?WhenChristwas black and blae† upon the cross, and palewith death,Hewas thenfairest and pleasantest; God, the Father, was reconciled, and lookedsweetlyuponslainChrist.Andthenmercyandpeacewereproclaimedtoallbelievingsinners.Thelawandjusticegloomed*still,untilChrist'slifewasput forth; andnow they smileuponbelievers, and say, "Come intoheaven,pulledopenbyChrist'sholyarmfromthecross,whenitwasshutbythestrongironbarthatheldto†thedoorofheaven,untilHehurtHisarm,and took itby."AndnowChrist says, "Benotafraid, comeaway."Butyewillsay,"Weareweak,wedow‡notputup§Christ'sdoor.""Wellthen," says Christ, "I am strong enough for you; and now seeing it isalreadyopen,getupquickly,andenter into it,and thereabide."YeareChrist's brethren and sisters. When ye were under hell andcondemnation,Hepleadedthelawforyou.Itwasnoboughtplea||toHishand that Christ snappered¶ on when He fought with your enemies.Christis"fleshofyourflesh,andboneofyourbone."HetiredHimselfinpaying the law, and in getting the inheritance for you; and, God bethanked,Hewontheplea,but itwasgreatchargestoHim.Taketoyounowfreepurchasedredemption,yourBrother'snewforgivenessofsins,peace, joy, and a kingdom. Andmore, take Him to be your Lord, andmuchgoodmayyouhaveofyournewMaster,JesusChrist.

Of all wonders that ever were read in a printed book this is the first:

Christmadeanexchange;Christwouldcoss**liveswithyou,andmakeaniffer.‡Heneverbeguiledyou,forHetookshame,andgaveyouglory.Hetook thecurse,andgaveyou theblessing,He tookdeath,andgaveyoulife.ThefairestCandlethateverwaslightedisblownout.TheHeadoftheChurchisdead,andtheLordofLifeislaiddowninthegrave!Nowonderthat the sun, thatdid shew*partofhis labours,be shutdown;becausethegreatSunofRighteousnesswasshutdowninthegrave,andastonelaid aboveHim.Good right have ye toChrist, accept ofHis niffer, andchangewithHim,andtakeHisbestblessingandpurchasedredemption.

Whatasight isourLordJesusgoingoutof thegatesofJerusalem,andHiscrossuponHisback!Hewentliketofallunderit,Hewassoweakinbodyandwearyinsoul,whenHewenttothetopofMountCalvary.Andall the timeHe sawblackdeathbeforeHim, and a curse.Hewas eventhenbearingGod's curseuponHisback,and thatwasheavier than thecross.LookonHim,andfollowHim,HewillnotbidyoulendHimalift.†GiveHimobedience,andgiveHimlove,foritisbettertoHimthanifyouhadbeencrucifiedforHim.LookuponHim,andlookforHim."WhitherIgoyeknow,andthewayyeknow."Christ thisday letsyouseeall thefootstepsinyourwaytoheaven.InHisdeathandbloodHemadeanewwaytoheaven.HewentinanhardwayHimself,throughGod'scurse,andpainful sufferings.Hebids younot followHim thatway, but believe inHim, and love one another. And stick fast by Christ. The old gate‡ yedought§ never have gone; but Christ'smarket-gate is a sweet and easyway.IfyewillbearChrist'syoke,andsoloveHim,yeandHewillcomeineachothers'handstogethertoheaven.AndyewillbethewelcomerthatHeiswithyou—"Alittlewhile,"saysChrist,"andIwillcomeagain."TakeyouhereChrist'sfleshintokenthatHewillcomeagaintoyou,andmarryyoutoHimselfforever.YournewHusbandhathsaid,withinalittlewhileHewillcomeagainandseeyou;andseethatyekeepyourselvesforHim;abideinHim.Christsaystoyou,"Mydearestones,wearynot,fighton,Ishallbeatyouyourfray-hour.*BetruetoMe,asIwasayetruetoyou."

Indeed, when our salvation was in Christ's hand, it was between thetyning†andwinning.ButourLordJesusplayedusnotaslip,Hewasayetobe lippened‡ in.What thinkyeofChrist? IsnotHe fair, and lovely?Has not His wife good cause to say, "He is altogether lovely?" (Cant.

5:16).Hisbreastisallmadeoflove.IfyehadbutHimonceinyourarms,yewould thrustHim into your heart; yea, and beyond it, if it could begottendone.Christtookaheartygripofyouuponthecross;HeletyounotslipoutofHisfingersagain.

"Manywaterscannotquench love."—Christwas theLamb, roastedwithfire foryou.Hesufferedhot fire foryou.Hegota toastandaheat thatmadeHimsweatblood,butyetHis soulwasnotburntawaywith love.Oh! Christ would fain have you; are ye not burning with love to be atHim?Dowye§findinyourheartstowantHim?Oh!thricesweetdeath—todieofloveforHimthatdiedofloveforyou!Christinthegarden,onthe cross, in the grave, under the pursuing of His Father's wrath andanger,speired||ayeforHisbeloved,HisKirk.Hesoughtyouinalltheseplaces, and He sought aye till He found you. He would not want Hiserrandfortheseeking.Hewenttriumphingandrejoicing,andHiswifeinHishand.Christrueth*nothingthatHehasdoneforyou.Hethinksitallwellwared.†

ChristlovesyoubetterthanHislife,forHegaveawayHislifetogetyourlove.He spared neither cost nor expense. Christ,whowaswithout sin,gaveHimselfaransomforyou,sinners.HisFatherlaidacrossonHim.HeboughtyouwithHisFather'scurse!WasnotthatadearwifetoHim?ThenletChristbedeartoyou.PilatescourgedChrist,andbroughtHimforthtothepeople,toseeiftheywouldrue‡onHimwhentheysawHisbloodyshoulders.Theymighthavesaid,"PoorMan,thouart illenoughhandled else, for aught that thou hast done!" But these hell's houndswouldhaveHisheart'sblood,andHislife,ornothing.AndyourHusbandsaid,"Amen,"toit, fortheloveHedidbeartoyou,andforallthatGodhaddonetoHim—"Beitso,Amen,Father."

WhatasightwasinnocentandharmlessJesuswhenHestoodbeforetheGovernor,andhadnotonewordtosay!Theylaidthieves'bandsonourSaviour'shands,thathadneverstolen,thathadnevershedblood.BandsboundHishands,butlove,mercy,andgraceboundHistenderheartwithstrongerbandsandcords,tolooseusoutofthebandsofsin.HecriedintheSpirit,"Father,bindMe,andloosethem;slayMe,andsavethem.AlltheirillbeuponMe."Sobeit,dearJesus!

Christ cried with a loud voice in death, "Father, into Thy hands IcommendMySpirit."ThenourLorddied;becauseitwasHiswill.Deathcould not bindHim, but love toHiswife boundHim. Love is strongerthandeath;nay,lovewasasstrongasChrist.Thelawwasweaknow,forChristsatisfiedit;andnowithasnopoweroveryou.YeareinChrist;andHe is a betterMaster than the law.Changenotwith anyMaster again.FollowHimall thewaytoheaven.Christ'snewlovegotawissil* inHisblessedmanhood.

HowdoyesinceyemarriedChristlast?TellyourmindofChrist.Letfaithspeak,letlovespeakofslainChristJesus;ofHiskissingyou.YearenowatChrist'spiercedside;getheavenandmercywhenChristhasthecrossonHisback.

Was not Christ's love-tocher† good enough. O! what is sewed‡ andcoveredupinChrist'slove!Come,andpressHislove,andgetheavenandgloryoutofit.LiveonHislove,andyouarewhollyfed.LieonHislove,andthatisasweetbed.RideonHislove,anditshallcarryyouthroughhellanddeath,andeveryevilway.ThatwhichChristhasdearbought,Hewillnotwant.YearesoldovertoaLordthatwillnotwantyou,butwillhaveyou.Makenomerchandisewithanyother.Heruesnot:whyshouldyerue?

MountCalvary,sinceGodlaidthefirststoneofit,didneverbearsuchaweightaswhen theLordofGlorywashangingupona tree there—O! itwas made a fair tree when such an Apple grew on it! It was a greenorchard! It was our summer, but death's winter! Darkness was in allJudeawhenourLordsuffered.Andwhy?BecausetheCandlethatlightedthe sunand themoonwasblownout.TheGod-headwas eclipsed; andtheworld'seyewasputout.HetookawaythesunwithHim,asitwere,toanotherworld,whenHethatwastheworld'ssunwasputout.WhenHewentoutoftheearth,thesunwouldnotstaybehindHim.Sun,whatailsthee?"IhavenotwilltoshinewhenmyLordisgoingtoanotherworld."AsifthesunhadsaidtoJesus,"Lord,ifThoubegoingtoanotherworld,takemewithYou."Thedeadcomeoutof thegravetowelcomeChrist'sdeath. Life itself was coming to the grave, and therefore the gravesopened, thedead lived; thebairns sprang and started in theirmother'sbelly.Why?BecausetheLordofLifewascomingtothegrave.Thedead

wondered,toseeLifecomingdownamongthem.Hewentbefore-hand,tosponge*deathandcorruptionforyou.

Jesuscriedwithaloudvoice,withsuchashoutasneverbeforewenttoheaven. The Son, crying to the Father, shouting with tears and strongcries, "Father, Father, God's mercy!" O what a cry would all believershavemadeinhell,ifChristhadnotcried.Yehadbeenalwayscrying.ButOwhat a fray†was there!Godweeping,God sobbingunder thewater!Neverwastheresuchafrayinheaven,andearth,eitherbefore,orshallbe after.Angelsmighthavequaked, if theybe capable of suchpassion.Theymighthavesaid,"Alas!WhatailsourdearLordandMastertocrysohideously?"Christworried‡onapieceoftree!Hewhotakesuptheislesoftheseaasalittlething;yea,HewhocantakeupheavenandearthwithatouchofHislittlefinger!Hewhocanweighthemountainsinabalance!Owhataset§was it toChrist'sbackandHis fillets!*Nowonder; therewasmore than a tree uponHis back. The curse of the law ofGodwasabove the tree; and that was heavier than ten thousand mountains ofiron.Ah!AwonderHisbackbrakenotintwa,andallHisboneswerenotcrushedwithit!

Christcries,"Ithirst."

"Ithirst."—Nowonder;therewasafireinHissoul.Suchafurnace,thatwouldhavedriedupthesea,andallthewatersofit.CastacoalofGod'swrathinthemidstofthesea,anditwouldsoonsuckitallupiftherewereasmuchwaterasmightliebetwixtthebottomofthesea,andtheheavenof heavens: between the east point of heaven, and the west point ofheaven. The pure unmixed wrath of God would drink it all dry in amoment.All thewells in theearthset toChrist'smouthcouldnothavequenchedHis thirst.AdrinkofHisFather'swellwasthatwhichcooledHis burnt and dried soul. Christ cried, "My soul is heavy unto death.Sorrow is like to kill Me! Fear and horror is like to break My heart!""What,dearLordJesus,artThouruing thevoyage?WouldstThoucastThybargain?""No,no,butitisabargainofsorrowtoMe.It'sasadcup."O! I see an ugly sight! I see the Lord coveredwithwrath! I see a fire,greaterthanifyouputallthefiresinhellinone!AndtheLordhasmadeMe, poor Me, greeting,† weak Me, His contrary party.‡ The Lord isrunning upon Me like a giant. My martyrs and My servants sing and

rejoiceatthegibbetandfire;butIweep,Iliesadanddreary,minealone§—Why?BecauseMyLordisaway.

Owells!Olochs!Orunningstreams!WherewereyouallwhenmyLordcouldnotgetadrink?OhfieonallJerusalem!Fortherewaswineenoughin Jerusalem, and yet their King, Jesus, is burnt like a keel-stick.* Owells, what ails you at your Lord Jesus? The wells and lochs answer,"Alas!WedarenotknowHim; theLordhath laida fence†uponus;wearearrested;‡wedarenotserveourMaster." Is thereanycooling inallJudea?Oristhereanyroom?Yea,therearetablesfullofvomit;butourLordwasforcedtotakeagood-nightofthecreature,withanay-say.§Oh!tohearthewellssay,"WewillgiveHerodandPilateadrink,butwewillgiveChristnone."Yea,givemeleavetosaythereisnoneonearthbrewenforChrist;nothingbutadrinkofgallandvinegar!Thewellssay,"Wewillgiveoxenandhorsesdrink;butneveradropfortheLordofglory."ForallHisservicedoneatJerusalem;forallHisgoodpreaching;forallHisglorious miracles—not so much as a drop of cold water! Fie on you,famousJerusalem!Isyourstipendthis?IsthisyourrewardtoyourgreatHigh Priest?No, not somuch as the beggar's courtesy, a drink of coldwater,toyourdearRedeemer,Jesus!Butbythis,Christhasboughtdrinkforallbelievers.

Jesus"gaveuptheghost."

OLife!wouldstthoubearthatblessedBodynolongercompany?OLifeofLife! wouldst thou be death's taken prisoner? Oh! to see that blessedHead fall to theoneside!Oh! toseeLifewanting life!ToseeLife lyingdead!Tosee thatblessedmouthsilent!Tosee that faircorpserolled inlinen, and laid in a tomb!Oh! to see sweet Jesus, that blessedBody inJoseph'sarms!Comehither,comehither,believers,andseeasightthatyeneversawthelikeof!Oh,whatwouldthedisciplessay,butthat,"Wearebeguiledmen!WethoughtthatHeshouldhaverestoredthekingdomto Israel; and now He is gone away; and now He is dead, that raisedLazarus from the grave."Oh, angelswould think "OurMaster is dead."Meikle*scantoflifeintheworld(mightonesay),beforeHeshouldhavedied for want! The whole guard about Christmight say, "Ohwhat evilhathHedone?"Osun!whywouldestnotthoulendHimlight?Heneverangeredthee,butgavetheelight!Ofloods,Orivers,Orunningstreams!

whathasthusangeredyouatyourCreator,thatyewouldnotsendyourLordadrink?Obread!whyart thougall toHim?Odrink!whytoHimvinegar?Oworldlypompandglory,whatailsyouatHim—thatHeissoashamed?OLife,wheregoestthou?WhyleavestthoutheLordofLife!Ojoys! why would ye not cheer Him? O disciples, why left ye Him, andforsookHim?OFather,whatailsTheeatThydearandonlySon?Owhatevil way went these feet, that they are pierced? What evil have thesehandsdonethattheyarepierced?Owhatevil,andwhatvanitydidtheseeyesbehold, thatdeathhasclosed them?Owhat sinhath that fair facedone, that it is spitted on?Owhat did these hands steal, that they arebound?OwhatevilhasthatblessedHeaddone, that it iscrownedwiththorns?

SERMONXIII*—Revelation19:7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14

TheLamb'sMarriage

"Letusbegladandrejoice,andgivehonourtoHim:forthemarriageof theLamb is come,andHiswifehathmadeherself ready,"&c.—Revelation19:7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14.

THIS text has three parts. 1. TheKirk's triumph under theAntichrist'spersecution,inthe7th,8th,and9thverses.2.John'sfallinworshippingtheAngel.3.Anewrevelation,whereinChristandHismembersareseentriumphing, which contains a glorious description of Christ. I take notthis absolutely to be the victory and triumphof the kirk triumphant inheaven,butitisthejoyofthekirkonearth,groaningandlongingforthemarriageday.

Inthe7thverseiscontainedanexhortationtobegladandrejoice,"withthanksgivingandtworeasonsof it,"Themarriageof theLambiscome,andHiswifehathmadeherselfready."Hereisaquestionintheentry:Is

therenotatimetorejoice,andatimetomourn?Itisnotratheratimeforthe church tomourn and be sad (chap. 12) TheKirk, the poorwomanwith child, hard at the down-lying (travailing), and has not an hour'sreckoning, ischasedby thedragon to thewilderness.But inchap.14,ajudgment is denounced; chap. 16, the arrows of God's wrath are goingthrough all the earth, a great din and hurlie-burlie in the Kirk. But inchap. 19:7, the Kirk is brought in singing and rejoicing. Hence let theworldturnupsidedown,andcomeasitwill,thesaintswillgetalifeofit.TheyareGod'sbirdsthatsinginthewinter,forthetimeiscome.Isaiah54:1."Sing,Obarren,thouthatdidstnotbear;breakforthintosinging,"&c. And yet they are captives and banished people in the meantime.Zechariah 9:9, "Rejoice greatly, O Jerusalem, shout, behold thy kingcometh,"andyettheyhadnotakingatall,butwere"inthepitwherewasnowater;"theywereinbondage.SoinIsaiah40:1,whenthepeoplewereunderthewater,"Comfortye,comfortyemypeople,saystheLord.SpeakcomfortablytoJerusalem."Whenthedayisfair,andthespiritflows,andthewind is in thewest,wecanall thensingandrejoice,andbelieve. IfGod would each hour of the day come, and take His children on Hisknees, and lay their head in His bosom, saying, "Weep not, hold yourtongue," we could all then sing and rejoice, and believe. But we mustmake a window in our prison, and look out and see daylight, and theBridegroomcoming,andrejoicebeforehand.Wearelikefoolsandspilt*bairns,takingoffenceatourLord,and,likeJacob,†willnotbecomforted.Our Lord cannot get us drawn to the house of wine to take a cup ofconsolation.Butwemust learn to singwhenGodbidsus. If thewinternightwere never so dark, believersmust aye rejoice. Therefore rejoice,mydearlybeloved,forwewillgetdayabout‡yetwhenthemarriagedayis come. Luke 6:23, "Rejoice for that day," and leap for joy every day,(verse 25), even when they hate you and separate you from theircompany."Whenthesethingsshallcometopass,thenlookup,andliftupyourheads,forthedayofyourredemptiondrawethnear"(Luke21:28).Theywerecastingdowntheirheads;butfaithmustrejoiceinthehopeofanout-get.*

"Let us give honour to Him."—Joy should not want praise. Alas! werejoice in ourselves and not in God. It is a bastard joy that is enjoyedwithoutpraise,Psalm33:1,2, "Rejoice in theLord,ye righteous;praise

theLordwithharp."In1Thess.5:16,theapostlecouplesthesetogether,"Rejoiceevermore,praywithoutceasing, inall thingsgive thanks." It isdouble music in heaven that wants† praising of Him who sits on thethrone.Our Lord gets often deaf nuts from us in our spiritual joy.Wetakejoyasabreakfasttocheerupourfoolishsense,andsitdownuponourjoy,andwhineaswedo.SowewrongourLordwhenourjoybringethnot forth thanksgiving. It isnot enough to rejoice that yehope to get akissofChristinordinances,exceptyecometothis,togiveHimasacrificeofpraise.Weoftendrawour joyhome toourselves, andmakeChrist ababetoplayourselveswith,andfeedourfoolishsense.Werewethankful,anddidreferalloursensetopraising,wewouldnotgetsomanyhungrymeals.

Butwhat is thematter?Wherefore arewe bidden rejoice and be glad?TheKirk speaksherwordswith awarrant, "Knowyenobetternor so?Havewenot good cause to rejoice? Isnot theLamb'smarriage come?"Thennothingmorefeedsthesoulofthegodlywithdelightthanthis,thatthemarriagedayiscome,andisathand.It issomethingworthindeed,that the poorwidow, theKirk, hasmarried so rich a husband; "for theearthistheLord's,andthefulnessthereof"(Psalm24).Yeneednotfearscant,*northatChristwillscale†house.

"Themarriageiscome."—Itisnotsimplytheglorifiedinheaven,butthetimewhenGodwillmakegoodallHispromisestoHisKirkinChrist.Sayye,was not thismarriage of the Lamb before? Yea,was not ChristHisKirk's husband, and her well-beloved from the beginning? Answer. InGod'spurpose,HewasfrometernitytheKing,Lord,andHusbandofHisKirk;butforthegoingoutofthemarriage,wearetoknowthattheKirkwas suited‡ and wooed long before themarriage. Christ takes not Hiswifeatthefirstblink,asSamsonfellinlovewithhiswife.ButHemarriedwith advisement so to speak. He and His Kirk are thrice lawfullyproclaimedinthepreachedgospel;therearemeetingsandcommuningsabout the heads of the contract, wherein Christ tells of His ownexcellencies,andtheworthofHisFather'sglory,andwhatmansionsareabove.Aslongasthefirsthusbandlives(thelawourfirsthusband)Christdoes not marry (Rom. 7:1). If ye and the world be hand-fastened§together,thatmarriagemustbedivorced,orelseHewillnotlookonthat

sideof thehouse that ye are in.Before it came to this, "Even so I takeher," Christmade three journies to His wife: 1.WhenHe came in thefleshHe wooed sinners and offeredHimself to the world. 2. AfterHisAscension to heaven He comes another journey, by His Spirit, in Hisministerswhopreachthegospel.SoPaulbetrothedtoanewhusband.*3.Hewillcomeagainatthelastday,andcompletethemarriage.Isuspectahastymarriagetobeasuddenvengeance;menandwomenflytoChrist,and flock to ordinances, to eat and drink with Him, or† ever He woothem.ManycometotakeChrist,andhaveanotherhusbandathome,theworld and your lusts. That is foul play: youmust be single, or else yecannotmarryHim.Iwillaskatallofyouthatarecomeherethisday,ifyour husband, the world, be dead? Try if your lusts be dead, and sinmortified;otherwiselookfornomatchwithChrist.Iftheworldandyouareasgreat‡aseveryouwere,IshallnotbelievethatChristandyouarein theway ofmarriage.They that aremarried toChrist havebeen castdown,winteredandsummered,burntandscalded,andcantellyouwhatGod'sanger is, andwhata strangeput§ the loveofChristhas tomake.Loatheatsinandallotherthings.

"His wife hathmade herself ready."—Howmakes the Kirk, the Lamb'swife,herselfready?InCol.1:12,itissaid,"GivingofthankstotheFather,whohathmadeusmeettobepartakersoftheinheritanceofthesaintsinlight."DothnotGodherereadilyanswerbothastrue?Goddrawsandwerun;forGodandwemeetnotagainstourwill,asSimoncarriedChrist'scross;norasBalaam'sassspakethatknewnotwhathespake;norastheliliesgrowandlabournot,andyetarebetterclothedthanSolomonwas.OurLordhasourheartinHishand,asman'swayiswithwaxbeforethefire,* towring andwork it as he pleaseth, and to set the stamp on theman'sheart.Heputsonthestampasthewaxreceivethit;astonewouldnotreceiveit.Themanblowsthetrumpet,butallthesoundcomesfromtheman'sbreath.Theshipsails; thepilotfillsnotthesails,but it isthewindthatfillsthesails.OurLordbeginsandworksuponthewillandtheheart,andchangesit,andletsusseetheexcellencyofournewhusbandandlord.Andwhenwe"makeourselvesready,"wefollowontothesmellofHis garments. IfGoddrawandye stand still, ifGodblowuponyou,andstriveandworkandcastyoudown,andyeareashardasarockorastoneunderHishand,youhavenot "madeyourselvesready;"soyeare

not at all married to Christ. O, my dearly beloved, make somepreparation,lessormore,forHim.Yemustbechangedandmanswear†your old Adam, and forget your father's house, cast off your ilk-day‡garmentandgetaweddinggarment.AndthinknotthatChristandyouroldraggedgarments,yourlusts,willagreetogether.

Manyontheotherhand,hearingthattheremustbeapreparationforthemarriage, and that theymust not come toChrist in their sin and guilt,andnotknowing thatHe isangry,especiallyafteragreatoutcast,§willstandfaroff fromChristandnotseekafterHim,becausenotprepared."TheLamb'sWifedothmakeherselfready."—ButIhavenotmademyselfready;(sayye)nay,IknownotbutifIgoinmyguilt,IshallbeputawayinHisanger.Andthereyestick,likeaship,onthesand-bedoffearsanddoubtings,lestGodbeangry;andnotafootcanyewinnearertoChrist.

What,then,shallunpreparedsoulsdounderthesedoubtings,especiallyunderchallengesforunrepentedofsinsthatangerChrist?Ishalllabourtoanswerwhat troublessuchandhinders theirhumblesettingto,*andcomingaway. 1.Theyare troubledaboutChrist'snature.2.About theirwarrant to comeunprepared.And3.They are troubledwithSatan andtheLawofGod."AsforChrist"(saythey)"it isaneedlesserrand;Iwillnotamendmyself,suchanunpreparedsoulasIam."Answer.Goforwardtill†lockeddoorsholdyouagain.Youcanhavenolessthanyouhave;itisbutthatmuchlosttravel.Sayye,"Itisaneedlesserrand;Iwillnotmindmyself." Answer. The sluggard tells aye his answer before he goes hiserrand.Theknavish servant's excuse is aye,whenhe is sent an errand,"There is a lion in theway."What if ye find an open door, and Christcomingouttomeetyoumid-way?Christplayedasmercifulasporttotheforlornson."Ay,butIseefireandswordwhenIcometothedoor,howshallIgo in?"Answer.What if itbea falseglasswhereinyesee?Whensinnerswouldbe atChrist,Heneverholdsout fire and sword to chasethemaway: that isbutSatan's fireandswordthat fearsyou. I love that(warrant)yetthebetterthatthedevilopposesit;butIsay,thoughChristgloom‡ on you, as on the woman of Canaan, yet go forward; they aresweet coals that burn a soul flightering* to be at Christ. That fire willneverbeyourdeath.WhenwantofpreparationholdsamanfromChrist,itisofthedevil.MentakeChristtobeproud,whenitisthemselves;they

areproudandwillnotgotoChristtilltheycangiveHimameeting,andbuymercy.Nay,youaretogowithoutmoney;thatisabettermarket.O!thinkyeshametobeinChrist'scommon?†

2nd.Oh,saysthesoul,"Iwantawarrant;itispresumptiontogotoChristwithsuchabackfulofguiltasIhave."Answer.Isayitisbothprideandpresumptiontobideaway.Ihopeyouwillnottrustinyourselvesoryourownstrength;youaredoingso,orelseyouwouldnotcomplainofyourbeingunprepared as yedo.Leanbut toChrist, and then complainnot,butpresumeyourfillonHim,providingyouthinkyourselfunworthyofHim.ItisnotpresumptiontotakeagripofChrist'snakedsword,thoughitshouldcutyourhand."Oh,"saysthesoul,"youhavenottoldmeofawarrant to rush in unprepared to an angry Christ." Would ye have awarrant?thereitis;thebeggarswarrantisasgoodasIwouldwish.Hiswarrant and testimonial to a beggar is a lame leg, a cripple hand, ahungrybelly,abareback,thatisgoodreasonandcauseforhim.SoIsay,haveyeahungeringandlongingdesireafterHim?Orknowyethatyeareunprepared, that is, a cripple both of legs and arms? That is a notablewarranttogotoChrist."Oh,but,"saysthesoul,"Ihavenotapromise,IhavenottheCovenanttotakewithme,andforwantoffaithIhavelostthepromise."Answer.TheCovenantistwicewritten,Godhasacopy,theprincipalisinHishandandmind,andyehaveacopyinyourheart.Ifyehave lostyourdouble,*whatthen?SaysChrist,Mycopyis tothefore.†TheCovenant stability is to the fore, it stands; not in this that ye shallevermore‡ believe; there is no such covenant as that, yourselves havemadethatcovenantandnotChrist.Letmeseesuchacovenantas this,that all that doubt and say, they areunprepared forChrist shouldbideaway, andnever come toChrist, till theybeprepared to come, and areready as the Lamb's wife is for her marriage. Yet, says the soul, "thewarrantisnotsure.Itishellandutterdarknesstocometothemarriagesupper of the Lamb without a wedding garment (Matt. 22:12), and sounpreparedasIam."Answer.Thatmancarednothowhecame;hetookno care of awedding garment; he hadnot somuch as a hungering forChrist,whichisthebeggar'swarrant,asyouhaveheard.Butletusreasonthus; if thatyegrantyeareunprepared,andthatyewantmuchthatyeshouldhave,yethinkitisdeathtogotoChrist?Isay,itisdeathtobideaway,andthegreatestdeathofthetwo.Amanchasedbyhisenemieson

deathandlifehasbuttwowaystofleeto;eithertothefireortothewater.Ifhebewisehewilltakehimselftothewater,andnottothefire,wherehemayswim;thewatermaycasthimout.Thewater is the littledeath,fireisthemeikledeath.Toabidestillinsin,andnevertocometoChristisfire;chooseitnot.TocometoChristwithahungeringheartisthelittledeath.Thereishopeofmercyindyinginthepresuminghanduponthepoint ofChrist's sword.Whenye come toChrist, it is life if ye long forHim.

3rd.Whenthedevilandthelawchallengeyou,thenshowChrist'sblood;thatis,God'sgreatseal,againstthewhich,tospeakso,istreason.Iftheysayyebelievenot,answeryethem;despairnot.

Verse 8.—"To her it was granted that she should be arrayed in finelinen."—Wherefromcomesthispreparation?ItisGod'sfreegiftinChrist;all is on Christ's charges and expenses. The fine linen is Christ'srighteousness imputed to saints, a web of Christ's ownmaking. It costHimdearorever it cameonourbacks;velvets, silks,king'sparliamentrobes,clothesofgold,arenothingincomparisontothisweb,wovenoutofChrist'sownbowelsandheart-blood.WeareunworthyofHim;allthatwecandoorsayhereiswithaborrowedtongue.Whenwesay,"EvensoItakeHim,"itwaswithaborrowedhand;forfaithisnotours,itisthegiftof God, to put on the fine linen. All this says that we are unworthy ofChrist;ifyewereworthy,slainChristwouldnotbeyourhusband.ChristisaSaviourandRedeemerfromheadtofoot,allmadeupoffreegrace,givingHisblood,merits,andrighteousnesstoHisKirkforstarknought.MenshapeasortofaChristoftheirownmaking;notChristbutanidol;aChristthatwillnotken*aman,excepthegetameetingofholinessandrighteousness inhim, that isaChristofyourownmaking;but the trueChrist thatGodgaveunto theworldwill eithermarrywith abeggar ornone.ItisHishonourtomatchwith"captivesandprisoners"(Isa.61:1);"the sick that need the physician" (Matt. 9:12); "sinners that are lost"(Luke 19:10); "the poor, the maimed, the halt and blind" (14:21); "thebeggarsanddyvers*oftheworld;""thewearyladen"(Matt.11:28);"thethirsty,andthosethathavenomoney"(Isa.55:1);"thewretched,blind,poor, andmiserable, and naked" (Rev. 3:17); "the silly, halting, cripplekirk"(Micah4:7).

"Thefinelinenwhiteandclean,therighteousnessofsaints."—Thesearethe properties of the linen which is Christ's righteousness, His perfectobedience,andsufferings.It isnotgrossandroundspun;thereisnotaspot in it. I. Christ gave asmuch toGod asHe desired. The law cries,"With all the heart, soul, and strength."Christ answers, Psalm40:8, "Idelight todoThywill,OGod!Thy lawiswithinMyheart."ChristgivesGodlucky†heapedmeasure;notapennythatsinnerstookfromGod,butChristrestoredapoundforitagain.Nay,Isay,ifmanhadneversinned,Godwould never have given such amarket.‡ Our righteousness wouldayehavebeenbutMAN'Srighteousness,whichisgrossandrund-spun§incomparisonofthis.II.AsforChrist'ssufferingstherewasnotacrack||inthem.Christstoodstill;Heneverwinkedorminted¶totakeawayHishead;Hedidneverjouk,**orlout,‡tomissacuff.‡Hewouldnotware§§astrokeoffHimself.Isaiah50:6,"IgaveMybacktothesmiters,andMycheekstothemthatpluckedoffthehair."OurdearRedeemerwaslikenoothers. Few lose a cause with their will. But Christ was content that adecreet went against Him, and that the law should seize on Him. Hepurposed topay, andnotmiscount;He took the strokes tillGodsaid itwasenough,"itisfinished."SoHisrighteousnesswilldoourturn,beingclean,white, and fine.Then,whenyehaveputon this clean fine linen,keepitcleanandwhite;spark*nodirtonChrist'srighteousness."BeyeasholyasHeisholy."Weareallreadytofile†ournewclothesafterwehaveput themon.Ezekielmusthaveawatchword,Ezekiel2:8, "Sonofman,benotrebellious liketherebellioushouse."Isaiah8:11,"TheLordinstructedme,thatIshouldnotwalkinthewayofthispeople."Whenwehave put on this fine linen, temptations (the devil's dogs) are houndedoutagainstus,torive‡ourclothes.Thisworldisasmokyroom,afilthyhouse.What aremalice, pride, love to theworld, security, and avarice,butthedevil'ssmokywalls,thatweshouldkeepourselvesfrom.

Verse9, "Hesaith tome,write,Blessedare they thatarecalled."—ThatwhichiswrittenbyGodissure,aconcludedthing.Thesaint'shappinessisnot,Hesaidit,andshiegled.‡Godhasbooked§yourheavenandyourhappiness,ifyoubecalledtotheLamb'smarriage-supper.Asthewickedman's hell is booked and written of God, and sealed up among histreasures, so vengeance is laid up for him (Deut. 32:34). Be glad andrejoice, O believers, your salvation is past through the great seal; this

testament is confirmed with Christ's blood. Say ye, "The testament iswritten, but my name is not there?" Answer. Neither Abraham's norDavid's names are in it, yet it is sure enough. A father leaves hisinheritance tobedividedequallyamonghissons; ilk*onehasnomoreado† but to prove that he is a son; then he falls to his part of theinheritance. We err oftentimes in our applying either promises orthreatenings.YoumakeaquestionofGod'spart,"ifChristdiedforyou,andlovedyou."Makeayesureyourownpart,andtakenofearofGod'spart.IfyeaskforwhomChristdied,Ianswer;"forallthatleantoHim,bewhotheywill."Takeay‡toyou,tillChristsay,Idiednotforyou.Acordiscastdowninahollowpittodrawupyouandahundredmorenor§you.Ifye dispute, "Is the cord cast down forme?" Iwill tell youhow ye shallanswer that doubt, grip and hold fast by it for your life, and out ofquestionthenitwascastdownforyou.Ifyetaketheoffer,questionnotHisgoodwill;stepin;Christ'sgoodwillwillnotasktowhompertainye?AndifHeask,sayye,"IamThine."IfHedenyit,beyehumbleandbide||it.Cain'sandJudas'namesarenotwritten in the sixthcommand. "Butthey have no due right to His promises." Yea,¶ they have to Histhreatenings against murderers. If ye ask if Christ died for you? Heanswers you with another question, Would ye die for Him? Or are yedying for love to Him? that answers your question. Sinners are like anumberofmenswimming in the seabetwixt life anddeath.Christ andHismerits are like a strongboat and amanholdingout bothhis armsdrawing them in one by one, saying, "Give me your hand;" and so hepressesthemin.

Verse9,"Blessedaretheythatarecalled."—ThenallthathearHiswordare blessed.We are sent out to call you, and to cry, "OurMaster, theKing's son, is to bemarried, come to the feast, and bring all your bestclothes with you." But there aremany called, who are not called. ThatcallingintheProverbs1:24,isnotheremeant,"Icalledandyerefused;"northatinMatt.20:19,"Manyarecalledbutfewarechosen."Thereisadifferencebetween the inwardcallingand theoutwardcalling.First. Intheperson;nonearecalledbuttheBridegroom'sfriends,whoarecomeofChrist'sownhouse,andarenativeofkintoHim;strangersandbastardstothehousegetbutaword.Different fromthis is thatcallingthat is tothe saints; a calling by their names, aswhenGod calledAbrahamwho

said,"HereamI."ThefriendsoftheBridegroomhearavoiceupontheirhearts,asifGodhadcalledthembytheirnames;therestarecalled,buttheyobeynottheKing.Theyhearavoicesoundingintheairasafaroffspeak to a man of inheritance in Spain; he hears and hears not. ThereprobatehearofGod'scallingasifyewerespeakingtohimofplayingatthe football, or some trifle.But speak to amanof his own inheritance,and how he shall be lord of all things; O, that goes near his heart.Secondly.Theinwardcallinggoesfootforfootwiththedecreeofelection."Whom He did predestinate, them He also called" (Rom. 8:30). Theinwardcallingismorethanaword;itisawordwithanarrowshotattheheart,orstruckonthesoul,butitmustyieldtoChristandbeledcaptiveatHiswill."OthersheepIhave,themalsoImustbringin"(John10:16).Imusthavethem,costwhatitwill.Iftheybeunwilling,theyshallbemadewilling.Indeed,thewickedrunawaywithoneofChrist'sarrowsstickingin them, as awild beastwith a dart; (but if it is shotwithChrist's fullstrength,itgoestothebone);itbutdrawsblood,andmakesaholeintheskin. The arrow falls out and the wound closes again. But it is theMediator'sarrowJohnspeaksofinJohn10:28.O,saystheman,*thereisagripcalledtheMediator'sgrip."I,whenIamlifteduptotheCross,willdrawallmenafterMe"(John12:32).NomancanresistHimifheoncegetablowofHim,andawoundinhissoulwithoneofChrist'sarrows.SoPaulwasnotcalledtoHissuppertillhewasblind,andhadfastedthreedays. So this in Zech. 12:10, "They shall look onHimwhom they havepierced,andshallmournasonethatmournethforhisonlyson."Thesethatarecalledtothemarriagesupperare"blessed"forever.Tobecalledtothemarriageistobepromisedawayandspokenforinmarriage;andwhenthecontractissubscribedandthewomangivesheroath,hand,andpromise,toherhusband—whensheishand-fastened†beforeGodtohim—shecannotwithhonestyenterintomarriagewithanotherman.Bythelaw,thelast‡testamentisofforce.So,whenwehavegivenournamestoour husband Christ, it is not honesty to fall in love again with otherlovers;tomarrytwoisvilefalsehood.AreyecontentthatChristgetyourfirstlove,andtogowithHimbefore§another?Allthatarecalledtothemarriageshouldbechaste,andthinkofthatlookoftheirhusbandChrist,whogotthefirstpromiseofthem.Hehasatonguethatissweeterthanalltongues.Anhonestmerchant,whomadethefirstblack*andstrokewithyou,will not beguile you for a pennymore. And,when all is done, the

devilandtheworldcannotover-bid†ourLordJesusChrist.Cantheybidmorethanheart?orChrist?orGod?Yetmany,aftertheyhavegivenawaytheirhandtoChristincovenant,theworldravishesthemereeverChristcancometoclaimthemagain.

"The Lamb'sWife hath made herself ready."—It is not said that, "TheLambmadeHimselfready."Thereisnostop‡ofthemarriageonChrist'ssideof it. It is long sinceHediedand roseagain, andentered intoHisglory.But thewife iswild,§sweer,andslowto thedraught.Thereasonwhy the lastmarriage-day is deferred is becauseGodwill havenoneofHis own to be lost, or perish (2 Peter 3:9). Long for themarriage-day.Cry, "Come,LordJesus."Yewouldbeatheaven;butyour lustsarenotyet subdued. Get the body of sin, and the world, crucified, and thewedding-garmentready;foronChrist'ssidethereisnostop,thelodgingsaretaken.YebidHimcomequickly;Hemaybidyougofast;forHeruns,and ye creep at leisure. Ye come out of the world, as Lot came out ofSodom,sweerly.||Puteverydaysomeofyourjourneyover,thatyouandHemaymeet. But ye stand still and sleep; ye are like a drunkard thatsays,"Weareoverlonghere,intheale-house,"yetsitsstillanddrinkson.Itwerenottelling¶usthatthemarriagecamewhenweseekit;thereisagreatpartofthewedding-garmentyetstillunready.

"TheMarriage-Supperof theLamb."—Gospelpromisesandmerciesarecalledamarriage-supper.Godcallsnotbrassgold.HecallsblessednessinChrist,asupperandamarriage-supper,whereinareallpleasuresthatcan delight hearing and tasting, music, and good cheer. It is a supperafterwhichmeekmengetrest,andthenight'ssleep;forthesaintshavemany a hungry dinner in this world. Pleasures are the husks that theswinefeedon,thedevil'sdraff.*Hebrews11:25,"Thepleasuresofsinforaseason."Theyhavemuchtoilandlabourthelongsummerday,buthereistheirblessedness,theyknowofaheartymealofmeatatnight,andrestin the bosomof theirwell-belovedChrist. After this supper there is nosuchtoilandtroubleasisafterdinner.Menhavenorest,butarewearyand laden tillChristand theymeet; theyareayeunderSatan'syoke tillChristloosethem.Habakkuk2:13,"Beholdit isnotoftheLordofhoststhat people should labour in the fire, and weary themselves with veryvanity,"andJeremiah2:20,"OfoldIhavebrokenthyyoke,andburstthy

bands asunder." God's people were in Satan's yoke, and underabominableslavery inEgypt, till suppercame,when theygotsomerestand sleep. Satan hasmen yoked in a plough, and profit, pleasure, andhonour, are his iron pricking goads. Balaamhears of gold andhonour,Judasofmoney,andtheygosweatingupthefurrows.SoGod'schildrenareyokedtillGodlooseandeasethem,andcallthemtoHissupper;andthen they rest from their long summer day's toil. Yemarvel to see thewicked get so good cheer, and to wallow in pleasures; ye startle atprovidenceherewhenyeseethegodlyintrouble.Butthereprobatesarenot called to the marriage-supper of the Lamb. Wonder not that Godgivesagreedydogabone;andsoindeedistheworldtothem.Letthemgetthebellyfullofit;theyshallforallthat"liedowninsorrow"(Isaiah50:11)withouttastingthemarriage-supper.

"AndHesaidtomethosearethetruesayingsofGod."—Angelsgotatasteof Christ at the beginning, and have learned something that they hadnever known ifmanhadnot fallen.And though theybebut beholders,andeatnotofthesupperaswedo,yetwhenChrist'smeatisonthetable,itcastsagoodsmell,andtheydelighttolearnsomethingofChristwhichtheyknewnot before. If they say,muchmore causehavewe to say so,thatGod'swordis"faithfulandtrue."Allthemessesofthesupperareforus,"Hisfleshismeatindeed"tous,and"Hisbloodisdrinkindeed"tous.Sayye,Willnotallmenaswellasangelssayso?DoanydenyGod'swordand sayings to be true? Itwill be thought,men for shamewill not giveGodthelieinHisface.Indeed,ingeneral,wesayGod'swordsaretrue,but,when it comes topractice,we standnot to giveHim the lie inHisface.Likearcherswhosettheireyeuponthemark,andwhenallisdone,the bow it breaks, and the arrow falls at their foot. Whilst consciencekeepsingenerals,andisahundredmilesfromtheword,wesaythewordis good, butwhen theword is near to commandus, and to control ourlusts,anddenyourwills;thenwedoasJeroboam'sconscience,thatslipttheshackles,whenGod'swordwaslike(ashedidthink)todeprivehimofhiskingdom.Ourconsciencegoesalongwiththewordingeneral,butwhenitmeetswithourwildhumours,orlightsonHerod'sbelt,*thenwecryandcomplainashedid.Whenourlustsrise,andtheWordbindsourconscience,thenconsciencegivesGodfairwords,likeaflatteringfriend,or knavish servant that is aye to seek when there is most to do. The

adulterer says God's word is true, yet in time of temptation, when theseventh command comes in handy† grips, and hard wrestling, then hetellsanothertale.Themindisasajudgethatayedoesrighttillhegetillcounsel,andthenneveragoodturn.Themindafaroff judgesarightofGod'sword,butincomestheaffectionsasanillcounselloranddoesleadconscience by the nose. When it comes to practice, the affection isconscience's ill neighbour, like Rehoboam's counsellors, that led himwrongtohishurt.

Verse10,"AndIfelldownatHisfeettoworship."—WereadofveryfewofJohn's faults. Here he fell twice in idolatry, inconsiderately taking theangel to be more than an angel, he directing his worship to God, nodoubt,ashesupposed;buthisheartbeingtoomuchaddictedtoadmireandreverenceacreature,heslipswhenhedoatssomuchoninstruments.Observe,humilitycanstealonourheartintheheatoflove;andSatancanbeguileuswithit.IdolatrycomesinuponJohnwithasweetdisguise;hewelcomed itasGod'sworship.OurheartsandSatandowork toother'shands. While we are not advising with God, our hearts go far on inpleasuringofsin,andcoveringofidolatry.ButletmenwashidolatrywithalltheholywaterofRome,ithasayeablackskin.Manygofartheroninidolatry thanJohndid.SaulwouldnothimselfkillDavid,anddoesnotmind the matter and event of it; nay, but he gives him over into thePhilistines'hands.Sins (especiallygrosssins)haveabloody,black face,so thatmenmust put on amask before they kiss them.Men think tobeguile their consciences by challenging of some circumstances. TheColossians worshipped angels (2:18), but they did it under pretence ofhumility.IsraeldidswearthattheywouldnotgivetheirdaughterstotheBenjamites;buthowmadetheyupthematter?TheybadetheBenjamitesatadancetaketheirdaughtersbyforce,andsotheyplaytheirconscienceaslip.Sincangooutatonedoor,whenconsciencebosts*it;andcomesslipping inagainwithanewgarment, itbeing that same sin.Pilate,heputmurder from himself bywashing his hands, and said, I am free ofChrist's blood; he plastered his murder fairly with this, "The peoplecausedhimtodoit."Soswearingisgoodenoughtomany,iftheyswearthe truth;menwould fainhaveGod's lawbeguiled. If vanityof apparellosethenameofpride,andcommendthisthatitiscalledthefashion,itisthoughtgoodenough.Butifyourclothesbeproud,yourheartcannotbe

humble.If thedeceivercanconn†hisconscience,andwinby‡theeightcommand,andsay,Thebargainwasmadeindaylight,youreyewasyourmerchant, he thinks he has loupen§ dry-shod. But consider Jer. 2:22,"Thoughthouwashthyselfwithnitre,andtaketheemuchsoap;yetthyiniquityismarkedbeforeMe."WhyisitthatwelearnnottodealhonestlywithGod's law?Alas,wemake theAlmighty a child, provokingHim toanger,andthenweputHimoffwithfairwords.Johnheredoatedontheinstruments, in his devotion, labouring to be thankful to God for thesweetnewshehadheard.Itwasanordinaryfaultinmany,togivemoretosomeinstruments,thanwastheirdue.AmongtheHebrews(chap.3),some will set upMoses as a High Priest. In Corinth, no preacher likePaul;saysanother,IthinkApollosbetter;athirdsays,Inmyjudgment,Cephas, Peter, is best of all. What are ministers but earthen pitcherscarrying the heavenly treasures? If they be faithful, they should do asJohntheBaptist,whenthepeoplethoughttohavedonehomagetohim,andtookhimtobeChrist;he took themwitness thathe told them,"hewas not theChrist, norworthy to looseHis shoe-latchet." Call nomanRabbi.Godiswitnessthatministersdesiretoputyoufairofftheirhands,andtosendyoutoChrist.TheyarebuttheBridegroom'sfriendscarryingyour love letters from your husband. But carry it who will, leave offcomparingministerswithmysteries,* lestyouprovokeGod toblowoutthepoorman'scandle;andyeknowthatablownoutcandlewillhaveanillsmell.Theybutcarrythetrumpet;theSpiritblows.Yeshouldnotdoteonanyman.Wouldyouhaveanidoltowasteyourloveon?ThereisoneChristJesus;doteyourfillonHim.Love,andbetterlove†Him,tillyebeweariedoflovingHim.BewarethatyemovenottheLordtotakethegiftfromtheministers.Thedevilcancastwildfireinpeople'szeal,andcausethemmakeagodofaman inwhomthere isnotmuchstuff, ifheweresifted. Is comfort bound to anyman's tongue above another? Balaam'sassoncemadeapreaching,thatmighthavebeenalessontotheillman.Isay,sirs, takeGod'smeat,cookitwhowill.Alas!thatministersbytheirwicked livesshouldspoilGod'smeat, soas thechildrenskunner.*WhowouldbelievewhenJohnwasinanangel'scompany,andravishedinthespirit, and had seen Christ so gloriously revealed to him, and suchcomfortable victories over Antichrist, having his heart so well set topraise God, that he would have snappered† on a course of idolatry.Hence,ifwewereinanangel'scompany,aswasJudas,‡thedevilandsin

arelyinginwaittoinsnareus.Thisworldisasagreatwood,andateverytree-roottherelies,andineverybushthereliesaserpent.Wehadneedtotell§allourstepstoheaven,andseewhetherwegorightorwrong.WhenwearerejoicinginGod,thedevilcandeceiveus.Peterthoughthimselfahumbleman,whenhe said toChrist, "Thou shaltneverwashmy feet,"but he was devilishly humble. In praying, reading, hearing,communicating,&c., temptationsareatourelbow.Satan, inJob'sdays,camebeforetheLordtoaccusetheman;thinkyenotthedevilisasboldaseverhewas?AndthinkyethathedarenotcometotheCommuniontable?WhenJudaswasatthetablewithChrist,Satangoesinwithasop.ThedevilhasbeenatChrist'shighmesses,andwillbewaitingontogointoeverybelievingsoul.Theworldislikeapieceofbroadseafullofnetsandlines.Satanhathlaidhislinesthroughtheworld,anditisallfullofgirns||andtrapswheresoeverwego.Inan instantJohnisherehookedwithidolatry.Davidwiththeglanceofaneyewashookedwithadultery.Wehadneedtopray,"Leadusnotintotemptation,"andthatwegonotthroughSatan's campwithout our armour, and ourChristwithus. ForSatan'sarrowsandbulletsareflyingthickaboutourears,whateverwebedoing.Weliveherebesideillneighbours,wedwellonadrymarch*withSatanandhistemptations.Oletusbewareofonethatisatourelbowintheholiestworkwecangoabout.

"See thoudo itnot, Iamthy fellow-servant."—AngelswillhavenoneofGod'sglory.AllthathavegiftsorlightshouldlabourtoseethatourLordgetsHisglory.Whenthatbeast†sufferedmentofalldownontheirkneesto give him thatworship and title thatwas due only toChrist,wemayknow by that what spirit was in him. The man that is nearest to GodwouldhaveallglorygivenonlytoGod.Godandwemustnotbehalvers‡inHisglory.PapistssaytheygiveglorytoGod,butimagesmusthaveabowbytheway!IsnotourparttokeepgoodneighbourhoodwithGod?tokeepHismarches?§ Gracemay well satisfy us; glory is a highmass,||none may say to Christ in that half mind. Cornelius gave his knee toPeter,butherefusedit.WherethereisbetwixtGodandusacreaturethatrepresentsGod, ifwebowaknee to it, thatsmellsof idolatry,althoughourworshipbedirectedtoGod.Wehaveajealoushusband.Ifyebowthekneetoacreature,andsayitistoChrist,itisasawifeshouldprostrateherselftoastrangelover,andthensay,"Godknowsmyheartistowards

myhusband."Idolatrymaybeidolatryalthoughmenintendnotidolatryinworshippingthecreature.TheywhosayJohnintendedtoworshiptheangel,havenotwellconsideredtheplace.Johndirectedbothhisinwardworship and his knee worship to God, and took the angel to be God,otherwisetheangel'sreproof,"Iamthyfellow-servant,"werenotworthastraw.Andyetheisrebukedforidolatryindirectingknee-worshiptoanangel.Cornelius intendednot togive toPeterwhatwasdue toGod,hekend,*as itwas toldhim, thatPeterwasaman;yethe thought, forhisMaster'ssake,andthegospel'ssake,hewouldbowhiskneetohim.Forwhichhewasrebuked.

"ThetestimonyofJesusisthespiritofprophecy."—Thisisthetestimonyof Christ, which comes from the Spirit of Christ, who reveals things tocome.Asministersarewitnesses forChrist, so theymust seeandhear,otherwisetheycannotdeponeupontheirconsciencestothepeople.Theymusthave the spirit that Johnhad, John 15:26, "TheSpirit of truth." 1Cor.12:3,"NonecancallJesustheLord,butbytheSpirit."Thiswilltellmen if theyberightlycalledministers;and if theywant theSpirit, theysoundnotwiththetrumpets,butwithrams'-horns.Ishalladdnomore.Amen.

SERMONXIV*—Cant.2:8–12.

The voice of my Beloved! Behold He cometh leaping upon themountains,skippinguponthehills,&c.—Cant.2:8–12.

INthesewords(asweobservedinthelastsermononthistext)therearesetdownfiveparticularsastohowtheChurchcallsChrist,"MyBeloved,"andhowshetakesHimup.I.ShediscernsHisvoice.II.SheespiesHim

"coming."III.InHisownperson,"BeholdHecometh."IV.ThemannerofHis coming, "skipping and leaping." V. The impediments in His way,"mountainsandhills."

These are already expounded, only there remaineth a few† things, thatwhich should have beenmarked before,which I add in this place. TheChurchsaysnot,‡Itis"thevoiceofmyBeloved,"butforhasteshesaysnomorebut,"MyBeloved'svoice!"WhenChristiseitherheardorseenbyafaithfulsoul,Hewakenethup,inthetwinklingofaneye,thepassionsofthatsoul.Joywillnotlethergetouttherestofherwords.Whatraisesthechild ofGod's heart?What but news fromheaven of Christ?When thediscipleshear tellofChrist's resurrection, they run to thegrave for joy.Theheartrunsbeforethemouth.YemaytrybythiswaywhetheryebeChrist's or not; if the heart leap for joy at the name of Jesus, if theaffectionsleapoutandembraceChristabouttheneck,sothattheheartstriveandoutrunthetongue.Theconscienceisslow,theheartisquickandswift.Theaffectionslikedrytimber,anysparkoffirecasteninuponthemmakes themsoon toburn; the conscience is like greenwood thatburns not soon, yet keeps the fire durable. The affections are like theneedle,therestofthesoullikethethread;andastheneedlemakeswayand draws the thread, so holy affections pull forward and draw all toJesus. The affections are the ground* and lower part of the soul, andwhentheyarefilledtheysetallthesoulonwork;whenthereisanyloveintheaffections,itsetsalltherestofthefacultiesofthesoulonworktoduty,andwhenthereisanycorruptionintheaffections,itstagnatesthesoul,will,mind,andconscience.Affectionsare the feetof thesoul,andthewheelswhereupontheconscienceruns.Whenamanisoffhisfeethecannotrunorwalk;sowhentheaffectionsare lame, thesoulmovesoncrutches.

There does yet remain something to be spoken concerning these"mountains."God comes inmercy to two sorts of people.He comes tosome before ever they be aware of His coming; He steals upon thembeforeevertheyhearorseeHim.SoChriststealedinuponthethiefonthe cross,whenhewaswallowing in his sins.He cameunawares uponPaulgoingtoDamascustopersecutethechurch.ButafterRegeneration,thechildofGodknowsHistongue,andhearsthenoiseofHisfeetbefore

Hecome;yea,theybelikehungrycattlesogivenon*Christ,thattheyareever looking over the mountains to see if He comes, and are alwayssettinguptheirearstoheariftheycanknowHisvoice,anddiscernHisleapsandskippings.

"BeholdHeisstandingbehindourwall."—BeforeChristspeak,Hecomesleapinguponthemountains.NowhereHecomesneareretheyseeHim,sothatthereisbutonewallbetwixtthem,andlestthewallshouldhinderfroma sightofHim, she seesHim lookingout at thewindows.We seethatitisanoteormarkofthetrueChurchandchildofGod,togrowinfellowship and communion with Jesus Christ. 2 Thess. 1:3, "We areboundtothankGodalwaysforyou,brethren,asitismeet,becausethatyour faith groweth exceedingly." The word signifieth that it growethabovetheblade.Letusbecarriedthroughwithfaithandlove,withoursailsup,intoperfection.Heb.6:1.PaulisbroughtinbytheSpiritofGodchasing the kingdom of heaven, and doing nothing else but chasing it:"This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, andreaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward themark,fortheprizeofthehighcallingofGodinChristJesus."Wemustpressfastforward,andrunasinaraceaftertheprizeofthehighcallingofGodinthewaytoheaven,eveninmanydifficulties.Likeaboatsailingagainsttide,wind,andweather;ifwedonotgoforward,wewillnotmisstosailbackwards.Thiscondemnsmanyinourage,dwarfChristians,thateatmuch,andarenotliketothrive!TheyhavemanygloriousmeetingsatCommunionswithChrist,andyettheygrownot;theyremainstilllikethesevenleankinethatPharaohsaw,thatdevouredthesevenfatkine,andyetremainedstilllean.Andtheymaybecomparedtoastrangefirethatcastsablaze,andinendturnstosmoke;andtolocuststhatloupupwithastart,andfalldowntotheearthagain.O!itistheillofourchurchthatitisgoingbackward.Christwasoncebehindthewall;nowHeisbeyondthe curtain, and now removing. But how is thismade good?How do IproveittobethesignofaremovingChrist?WhenGodtellstheprophetJeremiah, (Jer. 16:2), that hewas to remove,He says, "Thou shalt nottaketheeawife,neithershaltthouhavesonsordaughtersinthisplace."Alas!JesusChristmarriesfewnow!everyoneseekstheirownthings,andfewarebornoveragainbythe immortalseedof theword.WhenChristwillnotmarryaChurch,andbegetsonsanddaughters,itisatokenthat

Heisgoingaway.ChristmustbegoingawaywhenHeistransportingHisgoods.Thepowerandlifeofpreachingisaway,Hisservantsbanishedtootherlands;ourBishopscomplainthattherearesomanyinthelandthathaveBibles.WoetothemwhenIdepartfromthem.

"Behindourwall,"thatis,BeholdHedwellsinourhouseofclay,asitistermed, Job. 4:19. John 1:14, "The Word was made flesh, and dweltamongus."Andit iscalledourwall,becausewehavean interest in themanJesusChrist,sinceHehasournatureuponHim.ChristJesusishereresembledtoagreatcity,theblessedhumannatureofChristisawall;thegateorporchtoenterinthroughtothatcity,arethewoundsofourLordJesus.ThereisafairfountaininthemidstofthecitycalledDavid'swell,which is meaned of the heart-blood of Christ Jesus crucified; theindwellersaretheelect.ThehumanityofChristisourwallofdefence;allthestonesofitarehewnstones,outofAdam;forJesusChristisAdam'sson.Now,theuseofwallsistodefendthecity.Zech.2:5.Godisawalloffire about Jerusalem; all that arewithin ourwalls are sure fromGod'swrath; thiswallholdsoff all sortsof cannon.Thebodyand soulof ourLordJesusChristwasthebucklerthatreceivedallthestrokesthatGod'sjusticedidletoutagainstus.WhentheLorddidcastthatgreatandheavydartofHiswrathagainstelectsinners,Christhadabody,andHecamerunningand received thatdart, both inHis soul andbody. Isaiah53:5,"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for ouriniquities, the chastisement of our peace was uponHim, and withHisstripeswearehealed."

TheLorddidcastuponmanagreatmountainofHiswrath;butbetwixtGod's castingand the lightingof it, Jesus,aSaviour timeously ready introuble, came in and bare the burden.God had shot the arrows ofHisindignationatus;butbetwixttheloofing*ofthearrow,andthelightingofit,ourLordcameinandheldthearrowsoffus.Christ'sbodywasourshieldofdefence.Now,allyethatwouldbesafefromjudgmentandthewrathtocome,lieunderthiswall;keepthetownasyeloveyourlife;holdyouwithinthecity.Ifyeshoulddieinthecause,itisbutapintorquartofyour blood that ye lose for Christ, and it is not lost, it will surely berestored.Satanand theworld strives tomake a gap in thiswall and totakethetown;butstaywithintheportsandbesaved.TheJewscastdown

thiswall,butourLordbuiltitupinthreedays.Itisagreatbenefittous,thatwhen(whereas)mountainsofsinwerebetwixtGodandus,nowwearemadesonear, that inChrist there isbutawallbetwixtGodandus.How foolish is the church of Rome, that takes such a long journey bysaintsandangelstogotoGodby,whenthewayiseasyandnear,iftheywouldcometoJesusChrist.

"Helookethforthatthewindows,showingHimselfthroughthelattice."—This looking out at the windows, and through the lattice, signifies theLord Jesus showing Himself to His elect through the windows of Hishumannature.Jesusisaflowersetinthewindowsofthehumannature,andarosewithmanyleaves,thatcastethasweetsmellthroughmankind.ForasJesusChristisman,theLordstrikescertainwindowsoutofHim.Now the use ofwindows is, that such as arewithin the housemay seesuchasarewithoutthehouse,andthattheymayseethemagain.Christhadinfirmitiesaswehaveeveryway,exceptsin,forinthatHesufferedHimself,andwastempted,Heisabletosuccourthemthataretempted."Hewasamanofsorrows,andacquaintedwithgrief"(Isaiah53:3).NowatthewindowofHisownsorrow,Helookethouttoyoursorrow,andmysorrow,andoutatthiswindowHeseesallthemournersofZion,andthebroken-hearted.ThisisasweetthingthatthecrossofChristissofairaglass,inwhichHeseesourheavycross.Dostthousighandgroan?JesusHimself sighed, and saw these sighs in the glass of His own. Art thoupoor?pitifulJesusseesthypoverty,Heknowswhat it is tobepoor,HewaspoorHimself.Art thouhungryand thirsty?sowasourLordJesus.AndJesusChristknowswhat it is todie, forHediedHimself.HerearetheemblemsorChristandHischurch.Jesushasgonealongthenarrowbridge,andHereachesbackHishandtoleadusalongthebridge.Christandwecametoadeeprunningwatertogether,ChristventuredHislifetodry the ford, and having broken the streams of it, He runs back andconvoysus throughwithHimself. "Forwehavenot anhighpriestwhocannotbetouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities,butwasinallpointstemptedasweare,yetwithoutsin"(Hebrews4:15).Andmore;whenHebruisedourLordJesus,HedidstrikeoutfairwindowsinHisbody,deepwindows with abundance of blood gushing out at them; and throughthesewindows,we see Jesus inHis love and inHismercy.We seeHistenderheartforuswhenweareundercrossesandinfirmities;wehavea

copybeforeoureyes.AllyecrossedonesofJesus,lookuptothiswindow,and behold the like in Christ. When a potter is to make a number ofvessels all of onemeasure, he casts one first in themould, which is apatterntoalltherest.SoChrist,beingfirstcastinthemould,musthaveallHiselectchildrentobesoalso,allmusthaveHisstamp,Hiscolour,Hislivery,Hiscoatofarms."

"Mybelovedspakeandsaiduntome."—NowdoestheChurchrelatethewordsofherbelovedcallinguponher;andseehowmanywaystheLordshowshimselftoHischurch.1.Hespeakstoherear.2.Herunsandleapsbefore her eye. 3. He stands behind the wall. 4. He looks out at thewindowtoher.5.HeendsasHebegan,andspeakstoherear.Thisletsusseetherearesomehappytimes,whereinChristurgethHimselfuponHischildren,andfillsbothears,eyes,tongues,hands,hearts,andfillsallwithChrist.ThesoulofthechildofGodhascertainfeastdays;itisevenwiththechildofGod,asitiswithJordan,allthebanksarefull;sometimesthesoulwill be full of Christ, so that it is full from bank to brae. See howChrist fills theapostle,1John1:1, "Thatwhichwas fromthebeginning,whichwehaveheard,whichwehaveseenwithoureyes,whichwehavelooked upon, and our hands have handled of theWord of life, verse 3,that which we have heard and seen declare we unto you." Behold theapostle isgoingroundaboutChrist,and fillinghimselfwithChrist, likehungrymenatafeast.TheyhearHim,theyseeHim,theylookuponHim,andeyeHim,andwhich ismore, theyhandleHimwiththeirhands.O!theseareglorioustimeswhenthechildofGodgetsagreatfeastofChrist;and if He fill us here while we are from home, and are such narrow-heartedvesselsthatGodmustenlargeus,Psalm119:32.HowfullshallwebeofGodwhenweshallseeHimasHeis!Psalm63:5."Mysoulshallbefilled as with marrow and fatness. Eat, O friends, drink, yea, drinkabundantly, O beloved," Cant. 5:1. When any of these glorious timescomes,wemaynotthinkbutChristwillawayagain.Whatshouldwethendo?EvenasJosephdid,hecausedhisbrethrentoleaveapledgetoassurehim that theywould return again: so yemust cause Jesus to leaveHisseal,andHisring,andsomefootstepsofHisgrace,andtakeinstrumentsinthehandoftheSpirit,thatHewillreturn.

YeseeintheChurchasweetandcommendablevirtueinthesewords,she

setsdown theveryprogressof all thewaysanddealingsof theKingofkingstohersoul.InallHiswayssheseeswhatChristisdoing;whenHeisafaroff, sheknowsHim,sheseesHimrunningand leaping,sheseesHimbehindthewall,lookingoutatthewindows,andthroughthelattice.ShehearsHimnearerhandspeaking,shewritesupHisverywords.WeseethechildofGodmarkstheebbingsandtheflowings,thecomingsandgoings of the Spirit of God, and sees Christ in all His footsteps.WhenChristcomesatthedeadhourofthenight,shehearsHisknocksthroughhersleep,andknowsHisvoice.HecanputinHishand,andopenthebarofherconsciencetocomein,sheknowswhatHeisdoing,shefeelsthesmellthatdropsfromHisfinger-ends.Whatbred*experienceofChrist?evenadailywalkingwithHim,yeknowthecourtioursthatareabouttheking'spersondayandnight,theycanwriteachronicleoftheking'slife,andcantellhowmanymilesheridesintheday.SosaysDavid,"Myeyesare ever towards the Lord." Then yemust see what God is doing: it isGod'squarrelwithJerusalem,thatsheknewnotthethingsthatbelongedtoherpeace.Godwasofferingpeace toher,butsheknewnotwhatHewasdoing.Thisisthewayofthewicked,Godisontheirrighthand,andon their left hand, behind them, and before them, and they never seeHim; they regardnot theworkof theLord.There is firemadeready inheaven, and Sodom eats and drinks till God comes with fire andbrimstoneanddrawsthetable.Theoldworld ismakingmarriages,andseesnotwhatNoahsees,tillGod,withthedelugeofwater,comestotheending of their contracts. Men will not give their conscience leave tobelieveallofGodthatitshouldbelieve;theywillnotlettheirconsciencesgo through the earth to seewhatGod isdoing,but imprison, and set amarch to it.All thatwehave todo in this life is to takeheedwhatGoddoes, andwhatweourselvesdo. Isaiah26:11, "Lord,whenThyhand isliftedtheywillnotsee."Itisthesinofourage,ourBelovediscomeonthemountains, yetHis leapinguponus is like a serpentupona stone, andlikethewayofaneagleintheair,itleavesnoprintoftheLord'sfootstepsbehind it in men's hearts; and (which is a more pitiful thing) God isdeparting and no man looks to it. The prophet Jeremiah has a wordwhichistheveryextracts*ofScotland'scase,Jer.12:4.HeseesthecauseofGod'swrath uponman and beastwas upon the account of a speechamongthepeople;"Heshallnotseeourlastend."Astrangeword!theysay we shall die, and run through hell and the grave, and leap into

eternity,andtheLordshallneverseeus!Sowehavesaid,Godshallnotseeourlastend;becauseweseenotGod,wethinkGodseesnotus;butpersuade yourselves Scotland's doom is given up in heaven. And,therefore,forthegloryofGod,andyourownsalvation,seewhatGodisdoing. Iwill tell youwhatHe is doing;He is bidding the king take hisdough† upon His shoulder, in the twilight of the evening, because hemustsurelygointocaptivity.

"Riseup,mylove,myfairone,andcomeaway."—Hereistwothingstobeexponed. 1.Christ exhortingher to arise and comeaway. 2.OurLord'stitleandstylethatHegivesher,"Mylove,myfairone."Theexhortationwemaymarvelat.WhatneedsourLordbidherariseandcomeaway,forshecannotbutwait;forheiscomingtoher.‡ButifJesuscomeneversonear a sitting and sleeping soul (as the church is here)Christ and thatsoulshallnevermeet.BeforeevertheLordJesusandwemeet,wemustoncebewakened,andsetuponourfeet;'tistrueourLordJesuscomestousalllying;butbeforeHeandwehavestruckhandstogether,wemustbeonourfeet.Yehaveanotableexampleofthis,Cant.5.ChristcomesafarjourneytoHisspouse,ourdearLordJesus,HisheadandHislockswerewetwithdewandrain,Hecomestothedoor,Hespeakstoher,andshetoHim,thereisbutathindoorbetwixtthem,menwouldthinktheywillmeetnow;andyetforasnearasChristwastohertheymeetnot;HegoesHisway,andthatwasupontheaccountshewouldnotsoilherfeet,andopen toHim.Thereason is,heavenandsalvationcome tonoman inadream.TherebetwogracesgiventothechildrenofGodwhentheLordandtheymeet,God'sknockingandcalling,orgraceknockingandcallingwithout; and God's wakening grace stirring up the soul within. WhenChristcomesnearyouinthewordandsacramentsbewareofsecurity.Iknow none in God's word that sleeped when they had the presence ofChrist with them, but the three disciples. And they wakened withsorrowfulhearts,theylosttheirMaster,andnevergotHimagaintillHewas shamefully put to death. Oh! security, security! may be called theChristian's falling sickness, wherever this sickness comes upon him, itwillcasthimintothefireandintothewater.Solomonhadabedwatchedaboutwith"threescorevaliantmen,thatwereexpertinwar"(Cant.3:7).The spiritualmeaning is,Christ is ourSolomon, and thekingofpeace,thatdwellsinourhearts,andthesoulsofHischildren,byfaith;(Helies

betwixttheirtwobreasts),sothebedofChristmustbeguardedbymorethanthreescorewatchfulthoughts,forfearChristshouldbestolenoutofthesoul,whenthesoulsleeps:andforfearthatthenewcreature,ortheimageofGodinmanshouldbedestroyed.Sleepingisanenemytohealth,whenused toomuch, especially in the spring time, for it breeds fevers,andmanydangerousdiseases;muchwakingpreservesthehealth.Whenthe Gospel is in a land, then is spring time; and ye lose the life ofgodliness,andfallindangerousdiseasesofsoul,ifyefallasleepthen.Itistrue,GoddealethmercifullywithHisownelect,howbeittheybesecure,andforsakethemnot,butitisnottheirdeserving.DavidcriedtoAbner,becausehewatchednotcarefullyhismaster,Saul.1Sam.26:16,"AstheLordliveth,yeareworthytodie,becauseyehavenotkeptyourmaster,theLord'sanointed."SoitmaybesaidtomanyChristians,"AstheLordliveth,yeareworthyofdeath,becauseyewatchednotoverChristwhendwellinginyourhearts."

Now,ifyoushallaskforaguardtowatchthesoul,takethesefollowing.Thefirstsoldierthatshouldbesetintheveryentryofyoursoulis,"thefear ofGod." Seehow excellently these two are conjoined, as the causeand the effect, fearingofGod, and runningaway fromevil.The secondsoldiertosetatthedoorofyoursoulis,"sobrietyandtemperance."Noahand Lot forgot these, and therefore they fell into a nap or sleep. Thissobrietyisamodestandwisecarriage,intheenjoyingofthepleasuresofthislife.1Peter5:8,"Besoberandvigilant,"&c.ThethirdsoldieristhatvirtuewhichSolomoncallsdiscretion;letitbebeforethedoortotrywhatguests come into the soul,what thoughts enter in.As the apostle Johnsays, "Try the spiritswhether they be of God or not."One devil is likeanotherdevil,andwhenwearethinkingweareholdingoutone,anotherrushesin.Thefourthsoldierissuspicionandfearofourownways,whichshould hold us waking. "Blessed is the man that feareth always"(Proverbs28:14).PaulsaystoTimothy,"Inallthingswatch;"eveninthethingsofthislife,inthesettingacuptoourhead,intheputtingabiteinourmouth,orasoupattable,weshouldwatch.Ifthatseemstobebutafeckless business, yet the devil entered into Judaswith a soup; it is tomakeuscarefulbetweenthehandandthemouth,tolooktoourselves.Tospeaktwopitifulwordstoafriendseemsasmallmatter;yetwhenPetersaidtoourLord,"Master,pityThyself,"hewasthedevil'sagentinthat.

Believeneverwellofyourself,noroftheoldmanwithinyou.Letnomanpasshisword,orbecautionforhisownheart,"fortheheartisdeceitfulaboveall things,anddesperatelywicked,whocanknow it?" (Jer. 17:9).The fifth soldier that stands at the door of the heart is meditation ondeath; let the meditation of death stand in the threshold of the door.Wherefore doth Jerusalem (Lam. 1:9) come down wonderfully? butbecausesherememberednotherlastend.IfmenwouldrememberChristand that death and judgment come in the night as a thief, they wouldhavetheirhandeveratthedoorbar,andstandbehindthedoor,watchingtilltheLordshouldknock,"BlessedisthemanwhomhisLordshallfindsodoing."Thesixthsoldierthatkeepsthesouleveronfoot,isacontinualpractice of good, aud walking with God. Moving, walking, and seriousbusinesskeepmenfromsleeping.Onlybeeven-downhonestwithGod,walkingwithHiminsincerityandtruth,lookingintoHismercy,justice,kindness, and power. Remember the great work of your salvation, thekeepingofanimmortalsoul,thegainingorlosingofChrist.Theseventhsoldier, and lastman of the guard, that I shallmention at this time isFaith, which tells us of the particular passages of heaven, hell, andjudgment, of the wiles and devices of the roaring lion. And these beSolomon'svaliantmenthatwatchaboutHisbed(Song3:7).ImeanthegracesofGodthatkeepChristinthesoul.

Inthiscompellationtherearetwothingstobecleared.1.ThatHecallethherHISloveandHISfairone.(WeheardbeforehowtheChurchcalledChristHERBeloved.)2.ThatHecallsher inthisexhortation,"loveandfairone."Therefore,wemustonceforallexpoundinwhatmeaningtheChurchisChrist's,andhowHedoes,inlawandequity,appropriatehertoHimself,asHisown.And1.WearetoobservethatChristhasarighttotheChurchbybirth; forHemadeus,andby the lawofcreationweareHis, as the vessels are the potter's. Andman did continue Christ's thisway,eventillHesoldhimselftoSatanandsin;andnowbynaturewearethe sons of God's wrath, strangers from the life of God (Ephes. 4:18).Adamdidus this ill turn;hesoldusuntoSatan for the forbidden fruit.Andyet,howbeittheinheritancewassold,Christ,beingthenearestheir,wasmostkindlytous*aswesay.ThenearestkinsmanamongtheJewswasa typeofChrist.Among theJews,he that redeemed land,orwasaGoel, Brother, or Redeemer, behoved to have these two in his person;

first,hebehovedtohaverichesandsubstancetopaythesumthatsohemightenterintotheinheritance;secondly,hebehovedtobeabrotheroranearkinsman,andnotastranger.Now,thesetwowereinChrist.1.Hewas a brother, nearest the house;Hewas no stranger, but Emmanuel,"Godwithus,"andtookonHimnotthenatureofangelsbuttheseedofAbraham;andsothelawmadeHimnearestheir,andHehadtherightofreversion.*Andthen2.Heisakinsmanofgreatrichesandsubstance;forHewasGodHimself, the Lord of lords, and Prince of the kings of theearth(Rev.1:5).

Here, then,wehave toconsider1.WithwhomourLorddidbargain.2.WhatpriceHegaveforHisChurch.3.HowHetakespossession.

TherewerethreesortsofpersonsChristhadtodowithinredeemingus.1.TheLord,whosewrathandjusticehaveajustclaimtosinners;Hewasthe principal towhom the price of redemption should be paid, andHewasthepersonoffended.JesussatisfiedHim,paidandsatisfiedHimforman,sothatHesaidofHim,"Thisismywell-belovedSon,inwhomIamwell pleased." Now there was many claims, and arrestments upon theinheritance, before Jesus got it; there were parties at variance to bereconciled.Therewasfirstmercyandtruth,saying,Alas!shallsillymandie?truthandjusticeonthecontrarypleading,Whyshouldnotmandie?hasnottheGodoftruthsaid,thatsinnersshalldie?Yes,saysJesus,manshalldie;manshalldie,forHiswordmustbetrue;Iamman,IammadeoftheFather,thatImightdieforsinners,andtruthandjusticeshallbepleased,forIwilldieformenandsavethem;andmercyshallbepleasedalso,Iwillpitymanandgivemybloodforhim.BeholdhowJesusmademercy and justice to shake hands and kiss each other. Blessed be ourPeacemaker! 2. The law and the sinner were at red-war† against eachother.Itwasthepoorsinner'scomplaint,"Icannotspeakanidleword,orthinkanidlethought,butitpresentlycondemnsme."Andthelawcriedoutagainstthesinner,"Mandoesneithereatnordrink,sleepnorwake,sleepnorthink,buthetreadsmeunderfoot;mycurse(saysthelaw)andthecurseofGodbeuponhim."ButJesusanswered,"ThecurseofthelawbeuponMe,alltheelect'sidlewordsandthoughtsbeuponMe;alltheirlightwordsandsinfuldeedsbeuponMe."Anduponthissatisfactionthelawispleasedwithman.Whereasbeforeitwasakillingandcondemning

letter,workingwrath,Christ turned it intoa sweetandpleasantway toheaven.Seewhat thechildofGodsays,O!howI loveThy law! it ismymeditation all the day or continually.Whereas the sinner under God'swrathsays,"HowhateIThylaw,"beholdJesushathmadethebelievingsinnerandthelawshakehandstogether.3.Thereweresomepartiesthatusurpedtheinheritance,buthadnojustrightortitlethereto,viz.,Satan,thatarchfoe,andgrandenemyofman'ssalvation.ButJesuswouldusenolawwithSatan;hespoiledprincipalitiesandpowers;formanbeingGod'screature,hadnorighttosellhimselftoGod'senemy.

ThismuchforthefirstanentbeingGod'screature.Astothesecond,viz.,theprice,HegaveforHisownChurch,Hisownpreciousblood,1Peter1:10,"InwhomwehaveredemptionthroughHisblood,theforgivenessofsins, according to the richesofHis grace (Eph. 1:7); forwearenotourown,weareboughtwithaprice."

A third point is anent our Lord's actual possession; wherein there bethesethreeactsoftheFatherandtheSon."AllthattheFathergivethMeshallcomeuntoMe,andhimthatcomethuntoMeIwillinnowisecastout"(John6:37)."IhavemanifestedThynameuntothemenwhichthougavestMeoutof theworld, thine theywere,and thougavest themMe"(John17:6).UponthecrossChristpaidforsomany,andfornomore."IlaydownMylifeforthesheep"(John10:15).WhentheFatherhasgiventhem, and the Sonhas paid the price, then Jesus has right indeed, butwantspossession.Hehas themstill to seek in thehighway tohell, andmust leap in with the sword of truth, and His sword girded upon Histhigh,andtakeHissword,Hisbow,andHisarrowsinHishand.AfterHehasfoughtahardbattlewithGod'swrath,andwonthefield,andescapedwithHislife,HemustfightagainsttherebelswhomHehasgoodrighttoby virtue ofHis blood, andmust pull down every stronghold and highimaginationinthesoul;andmustcomeinandputthedevilofhelltothedoors,andtakemanforHisownuseandservice.HeseekshimlongereHegetshimtoanswerwhenHecalls.ButwhenHemeetswiththem,Hemakesacovenantwiththem,andtheybecomeHis."NowwhenIpassedbythee,andlookeduponthee,behold,thytimewasatimeoflove;andIspreadmyskirtoverthee,andcoveredthynakedness;yea,Iswareuntothee,andthoubecomestmine,andIenteredintoacovenantwiththee,

saiththeLordGod"(Ezek.16:8).

TherebefivethingsthatgiveJesusarighttous.1.TheFather'sgivingusinelection.Thisisnotsomuchanactualgiving,asapurposetogive,forHebutmarksusforthegiving,andheretheFathersays,Son,winthemandhavethem.2.TheSontakesonournature,andinthatbecomesanheirtooldAdam,toredeemhismortgage.3.TheSongivesapriceforusonthecross.4.TheFathermakesasecondresignationofman,andsays,Son,Thoudidst sweat forman,behold I givehim toThee, "AskofMe,andIwillgiveTheetheheathenforThineinheritance,andtheuttermostparts of the earth for Thy possession" (Psal. 2:8). "He shall havedominionalso fromsea to sea, and from the riverunto theendsof theearth" (Psalm 72:8).O!well* is our soulwhen the Father and the Soncome (ifwemay so speak) to biding† and loving. 5.TheSon seeks ourconsent,andbringsusin,andsaysuntous,asitwere,whatthinkye?willyeputinyournameswithMine?Andthisshouldteachusourwholelifeto suspect our ways, even in God's ways or service, when we pleaseourselves.WeshouldserveGodasifwewerenotourown.AChristianisin a soldier's state, having received bounty-money, and the captainhavingenrolledhisname,heisnomorehisownman,heishiscaptain's.There be many who wait upon God, like these they call dependents,waiting upon a nobleman; they are content to ridewith the nobleman,andattimestoservehim,andattendonhim.Yetitisforhiscountenanceorsomegaininthemeantime,theywillnotbetiedtoadailyonwaiting;theywouldforallthatbetheirownmen,andliveatlibertyintheirownhouses.Sotherebeanumberintheworld,thatareGod'sdependersandonwaitersastheyarecalled,whoatastart,willrideandrunforGod,andprofess they are Christ's; yet they will serve their lusts and pleasethemselves,orfollowtheirownpleasures;theywillnotwaitonasGod'schamber-boys.But if yebeChrist's, yemustbeHis chamber-boys, andnothaveahouseorcallingofyourowntoserveyourlustswith.Yemuststand always before Him as a page waiting on, and not like a landedgentleman, that keeps a day of law‡ with a certain nobleman, andperhapsforayearafterwillnotsaddleahorseforhim.WedealwithGodaswithchildren,whogiveandthentakeagain,andwebelikesomethatselltheland,andyetkeeppossession.WesellourselvestoChrist,andyetkeep our hearts in our own possession. Now, beloved, ye all deem

yourselvestobetheredeemedofChrist,andIwoulditwereso;butifyeberedeemed,yeareredeemedbothinbodyandsoul,andyearenotyourown,neithermustyebeyourown.Your tongue isnotyourown,Christhasboughtitwiththerestofyourbody;yemustnotthereforespeakwhatseemethgooduntoyou.Yourhandsandyour feetarenotyourown,yemustnotworkandwalkatyourownpleasure.Youreyesandheartarenotyourown,yemustnotlookto,orthinkwhatyepleaseordesire,andlettheaffectionsrunoutafterChrist,withthebridleintheirteeth!foryemustbeeitherChrist'soryourown.WrongnotourLordJesus,tospoilHimofHisright.Andagain;giveChristpossession,forinHiswordandsacramentsHebringsallHisrightswithHim.Thedecreeis"WhosoeverbelievesisMine."Amen,dearJesus."AsmanyasIpaidthepriceofMybloodforareMine."IncomesChristbyHisSpirittothebeliever'sheartsaying,"IpaidthepricewithMybloodforJohn,Mary,andallothersoftheelect, therefore theyareMine."Now, if ye canbelieve, seehowyouandChristmeet.He takespossession*of you earth and stone thisday.Then,will yenot believe?O! then, yeputChrist out ofHispossession:bewareChristdonotgotolawwithyou.Foritissowithallmankind;wemust compound with Christ, and give Him what He will, that isobedience of faith: otherwise ifmenwill not believe they renounce theGospel;theyforce*Christ'sinfeftment.Theysay,LetChristsaywhatHewill,anddowhatHewill,Iwillbidetheworst,Iwillnotagree.Whatthenremains, but thatGodmay say, Since ye appeal to the law, ye shall go.Andalas!poorsinner,thereyewillgetsharpjustice,fortheretheJudge'sfirstandlastwordwillbe,God'scurseuponthee!

HastheChurchlaindown,nowwhenJesushasbutturnedHisback?HassheforgotthatHetookherintothewine-cellar,andthatHisarmswereaboutherneckandwaist,whenshethoughthisfruitsweettohertaste?Yea,surely!(HowbeitPaulhathbeenupinthethirdheaven,hewillgrowproud after it.) Yet how doth Christwaken her?Notwith a rod as shedeserved,butingreatmeekness.HowbeitshehadforgottenJesusChrist,and turned her back upon Him, yet our Lord says not, I shall neverwelcometheeasIdidbefore,Ishallhavenomoreadowithyou.No,no,butinmeeknesshesays,"Riseup,Mylove,Myfairone,andcomeaway."WhenonceChristhasgottenHispoorelectwithinthereachofmercy,Heholdsmercy and truth before their eyes (Cant. 5:2) The Church shuts†

Christtothedoor,andyetHenevergivesherahardword;but,"OpentoMe, My sister, My love, My dove," for your loving husband standswithout,withHisheadallwetwithdew,andHislockswiththedropsofthenight."HespokeneverawordtoZaccheus,Peter,andthethiefonthecrossthatdiedwithHim."Returnyebackslidingchildren,"thatisGod'sword todraw Israel to repentance, "for I ammarriedunto you." Iprayyoureturn,wemaynotsunderandpartso,dearIsrael."HeshallfeedHisflocklikeashepherd,HeshallgatherthelambswithHisarm(Hehasnota shepherd's staff to cast at them), and carry them inHis bosom, andshall gently lead those that arewith young" (Isaiah 40:11). If yewouldknowthereasonofthis,then,

1.Whereverthespiritofadoptionis,itisasweet,gentle,andmeekspirit,andmercy isGod's key that agreeswith ourhearts.Christ asMediatordoes always come with peace, He brings good news. If the Gospeldenounceswrath, itbutputsasealtothelaw'swrath,"Hethatbelievesnot is condemned already." Wrath abides on him, which was on himbefore.

2.TowhomisChristnowspeaking?HeisspeakingtotheelectthatareinChrist.NowifChristwouldsummonachildofGodbeforeHimtoansweraslawwill,hewouldrefusetoobeythesummons,andwhy?Becausehewouldsay,"Iamnotunder the law,butundergrace,"Iamdeadto thelaw as a covenant of works, though under it as a rule of life, I have aSaviour, I have nothing to do with the law, I am in Christ, I am notobliged to answer that Court; ye will get nothing of me, I am notlawbiding.*Butyewillsaythen,DoesnotChristthreatenintheGospel,thatHethatbelievesnotiscondemnedalready?willHenotthunderoutjudgmentsagainstHisownchildren?and convince their consciencesofsinbyHisHolySpirit?John16:8 says, "Heshall convince theworldofsin." Writes He not who has the seven stars in His right hand, sharprebukesagainstthechurchesofAsia,thatHewillremovethecandlestickfromamongthem?Ianswer,GodthreatensintheGospelindeed,butHedothitthisway;henevercutsawayhopeofmercysolongastheGospelis preached. The Gospel condemns sin, and infidelity, and denounceswrath:butthisisalwaysanewsongintheendofit,"Believeandrepentforallthatyehavedone,andyeshallbesaved."Butatthefirstbreachthe

laws says, "The wrath of God and hell be upon sinners." And howbeitsinnerswouldrepent,yetthelawwillhearofnorepentance;theGospelsaysrepent,orelseyeshallperish.

3.Christ,theMediator,speaksofjudgment,eventotheelect,butnotasmediator. He knows the tongue and legs of the severe and self-condemninglaw,andthenHespeakstotheoldman,tosinthatdwellsinthemembers.ButthenewmanisthechildofGod.AlthoughGodHimselfshouldcomeagainsthiminlaw,hewouldsay,Ihavenothingtodowiththe law, I amdead to the law, the lawwasmy firsthusband, and I ammarried to a second husband, even to Christ Jesus. And here the LordJesusinthreateningtheelectwithHis judgment,andwiththelaw,andwrath, is even likeaman that summonshis friendsbeforea judge,butnevercalls*thesummons.Why?Theyagreeathome,andhepassesfromhisclaim.JesuswillsummonHisfriendbeforetheJudgeoftheworldtoanswer, and threatens them; but in the meantime He sends His HolySpirittothesoul,asadaysman,thatmakesusagreewithChrist,andgriptoHisdeath;soourdearLordJesusChristpassesfromHisclaim,andweagree.ForabelievingsinnerinChristwillneverbeheardbeforeajudge;they agree at length betwixt themselves. You shall get this doctrinewarrantedandprovenfromJeremiah31:20."IsEphraimmydearson?ishe a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestlyremember him still." I summoned Ephraim, my dear son, before mytribunal,andIhavedenouncedfearfuljudgmentsagainsthim,butthinkyeGodwillcallthesummons,andbringonthejudgments?Nay,readthefollowingwords,"ForsinceIspakeagainsthim,Idoearnestlyrememberhim still; thereforemy bowels are troubled for him: I will surely havemercyuponhim, saith theLord."What is that elsebut this?Howbeit Ihave summoned Ephraim, yet I shall never call* the summons; I shallcanceltheprocessesandpassfrommyclaim.O,wellsaid,sweetLord!

Now let us apply the doctrine. The Gospel speaks nothing in effect toGod's children,but "Myheart andmy joy;" it saysonly, "Arise,my fairone, and come away." Yet doleful shall the day be that comes on themwhocontemntheGospel,andtheoffersofChristandHisrighteousnessheldforththerein.OhowgoodacasearetheyinthatarefoundinChrist;OwoefulwillbethecaseofsuchasrejectHim.SuchasareinChrist,they

neednotthankthelawforanymercytheyget.Yetthelawcanhindernoman from God's mercy; and there are good news followingnotwithstandingofallthehardnewsthatthelawspeaksof.ButsuchassinagainsttheGospel,thereshallneveranotherGospelbepreacheduntothem;forthenextGospelthattherebels,whohateGod,shallhearshallbe,"DepartfromMe,yecursed,intoeverlastingfire."TheGospel-timeisa dangerous time for a hard-hearted sinner. We in Scotland are nowbetween heaven and hell—either now or never! This Gospel is God'smarinercrying,"Tide!tide!whowillsailtoCanaan?"Godsays,HearHimnow, or else God shall be silent, and ye shall cry next to hills andmountainstofallonyou.ButhereisthecaseofourKingdom;mercyisfullyholdenouttous,andlaidopentous,andwehavetroddenitunderfoot.Therearebuttwomeetingsintheworld;thefirstisthemeetingofabroken-hearted sinner and amerciful God—thismeetingwe have now.The other meeting is fast coming, and it is a meeting betwixt a guiltysinner and awrathful Judge.But ifGod andHisKingdommeetnot inwrath,forthecontemptoftheGospelandothergreatandgrievoussins,HehasforgottentobejustwhoisholyandjustinallHisways.

"Come away."—This part of the exhortation is as much as if our LordwouldhavetheChurchleavesomeplacesheis inandcometoHimself.ManneverneedthinktocometoChristandbringhisoldsinswithhim.GodfindsfaultwithHispeopleforthisinJeremiah7:9,10,"Willyesteal,murder,andcommitadultery,andswearfalsely,andburnincenseuntoBaal,andwalkafterothergodswhomyeknownot;andcomeandstandbeforeMe in this house, which is called byMy name?"Many come toChrist as the youngman that kept the commandments fromhis youth.ManycomeandwouldfillGod'shandwithsacrificesandnewmoons,asIsaiah1:11–17.ButGodputsanothertaskintheirhand;"Washye,makeyouclean,putawaytheevilofyourdoingsfrombeforemineeyes,ceasetodoevil,learntodowell."BeforeeverJohntheBaptistspakeofChrist,hebeginsat this,Repentandmendyour lives. IfChristwouldwelcomeall thatwouldcometoHim,pleasing themselveswithaback-burdenofsins and lusts, he would have a thick court.Well, beloved, ye come toJesus(asyethink)whenyecometotheLord'sSupper;haveyebroughtyourlustswithyou?Isthereasinthatyehavepurposedtokeep?ThenIgive you yourdoomout of Jeremiah 15:1.God says of suchmen, "Cast

themoutofMysight,andletthemgoforth;"adolefulword;theyandIshallneverseeeachother'sfacesagain!GodforbidsHisprophettoprayforthem,nortoliftupacryforthem,forHesays,Hewillnorhearthem.Would anyman say that Judas was welcome to Christ, who came andkissedHim, and in themeantime had a band ofmen at his back, thatweresetuponkilling,andnotuponkissing?Shallmenbewelcome,then,whocometoChrist'shouse,withaburdenofsinupontheirback?whowouldcrucifyagaintheLordofglory?Christ,inthewordandsacrament,is like a king coming into a prison, and calling out so many by theirnames, and then departing and causing the prison doors to be closedagain.WhenHehascalledtheroll,andsomanyinCorinth,andEphesus,yea,andinScotland,haveansweredasare inHiscountbook,Heseeksnomore.

"For lo! thewinter ispast."—In thesewordsJesus tells thespouse, thatthewinterispast;ChristinvitesHisbrideandChurchtoriseoutofherdeadsleep,andtocometoHim;andtheargumentistakenfromthetimeandseasonwhichisfit forjourneying.It isnowthespringandsummerquarter,andwinter'sroughweatherispastandgone;therefore,mylove,"comeaway."ThelikereasondoesourLord'sSpirituse.Rom.13:12,"Thenightisfarspent,thedayisathand:letusthereforecastofftheworksofdarkness,andletusputonthearmouroflight."

DoctrineI.Thefirstdoctrineis;themilitantchurch,whilehere,shehasalways a summer and a winter, according as she enjoys the Sun ofRighteousness, who hath "healing in His wings" (Malachi 4:2) "Thedayspringfromonhighhathvisitedus"(Luke1:7,8),and"GentilesshallcometoThylight,andkingstothebrightnessofThyrising"(Isaiah60:1,2, 3). "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). Now, when the sundeparts,whenJesusgoesaway,thenitisdeadwinterwiththeChurch.SothenyeseethatthedoctrineiswarrantablefromScripture.ItisclearthatunderJoshuatheChurchhadhersummerandfairweather;theprinceoftheirsalvationdidfightforthemandtheirenemiesweresubduedunderthem (Josh. 5:14). Again, the Lord left them many times under theJudges,andsoldthemtotheirenemies,andthiswastheirwinter,whenGoddepartedfromthem,andtheyworshippedothergods.Andaretheynotsometimesmourning,attheriversofBabel?andsometimesdwelling

peaceably under their own fig-tree! This is true, that the Church inrespect of outward peace and war is changeable; for she must wadethroughonewater,andthenshegoessomemilesondryland,andthenawater again. 2. In respect of the outwardministry of the word, Christ,whenHehastakensuchastheFatherhasmarked,thenHeblowsoutthecandle.3. In respectofHis feltpresence,He is ever comingandgoing,andHemustuptocourttoHisFather,andsenddownlove-letterstousagain.ChristJesus,inthepowerandministryoftheword,isanabidingheritagetonopeople.OurLordisridingthroughtheworld,onthewhitehorse of the Gospel, riding indeed triumphantly, and as His peoplewelcomeHim, so doesHe remain. Christ Jesus in theGospel, is like aking'sservant, thatcomes intoaprison,where there isneithercoalnorcandle,andbringsalightedcandleinHishand,witharollof100or200among10,000,andtheKing'swarranttobringsomanyout;Hecallstheroll andbrings themout, andblowsout the candle, and then shuts theprison doors again, and lets the rest lie there till the day of execution.Jesus comes to blind Scotland, and finds them all in Satan's prison,without any light; He has two papers in His hand; one wherein theevangeliswritten;initHepreachesthecasting*upoftheprisondoorstothecaptives; in theother thenamesof theelect.Now the roll is called,answer,forthewinterwillcome,andthentheprisondoorswillbeclosed.Christisamongstusnowonhorseback,thesummerisnowwellnearanend.Yeknowwhatbethetokensofwinter?Beforethewinter,theleavesfalloffthetrees:mennowfallfromtheirprofession;manyareashamedtoownChrist,andtoprofessHim,theywillnotbecalledPuritans.Treesdryup,andcasttheirfruit;andbecomebarren;yeneversawtheGospelbarreneringoodworks,andalmsdeedsthannow.TheveryrepairingofGod's house, in our own parish church, you need go no further,—thetimberof thehouseofGodrots,andwecannotmoveawholeparishtospendtwentyor thirtypoundsScots†,uponthehouseofGodtokeep itdry.

DoctrineII.—ApeopleinalandareinalamentablecasewhenChristandHisGospel isnotamongthem.LetmenthatwantChristgowheretheywill,thewindiseverupontheirface;itisalwaysdeadwinterwiththem.Ezekiel(16:4,5)says,"Inthedaythouwastborn,thynavelwasnotcut,neitherwastthouwashedinwatertosupplethee;thouwastnotsaltedat

all,norswaddledatall.Noneeyepitiedthee,todoanyoftheseuntothee,tohavecompassionuponthee;butthouwascastoutintheopenfield,tothelothingofthyperson,inthedaythatthouwastborn."Hosea7:11–13,"Ephraim is a silly dove without heart; they call to Egypt, they go toAssyria.Whentheyshallgo,Iwillspreadmynetuponthem;Iwillbringthem down as the fowls of the heaven; I will chastise them.Woe untothem! for theyhave fled fromme,destructionunto them!because theyhavetransgressedagainstme."Insuchacaseitbeingwinter,thereisnofit season for travelling toChrist, theriversandwatersareallaloftandswelled;andthegreatriverofthedispleasureofawrathfulGodisbetwixtthe soul andChrist, andneithermannor horsemandare venture uponthatriver.ThenletmenwhoarenotinChristjudgeoftheirowncaseastheyplease, theycannotgo to table,oryet tobed,but thevengeanceofGodishardupontheirback,fortheythatwantChrist,"walkinthevanityof their mind" (Eph. 4:17, 18). "Having the understanding darkened,beingalienatedfromthelifeofGod,beingpastfeeling."Therearefrozenhearts, and howbeit all the devils in hell dance upon a frozen heart, itfeelsnot.Amanwhoissensiblethatheisunderthecurseofthelaw,seesthewrathofGodbetwixthimandGodasagreatriver,andforhislife,hedareneitherswim,sail,norwadeonfoot;Christmustcomethroughthewater,inthegreatshipofHisbloodymerits,andsocarryhimovertodryland. The soul and conscience of some is so frozen, that neither God'smercy, Christ's blood, nor the fire of hell's terror,willmelt it; it is likeJerusalem. Zeph. 1:12, "That are settled on their lees; that say in theirheart,theLordwillnotdogood,neitherwillHedoevil."Jeremiah48:11,Whatareyourprivilegesby theGospel?a.HowbeitweareboundedbytheriverofGod'swrath.YetwecometothewatersideandcrytoJesus,"Lord,takemeover!Comeandhoistsailsandfetchusover."Forthelaw,andGod'swrath,and theSpiritaccompanying it,willmakeuspray, "Owretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of thisdeath?"(Rom7:24).b.ThereisanotherhelpoftheGospel.Weknownotthewaytoheaven,andhowweshallswimovertheriver,buttheGospelisGod'smemorandum,tellingusthewayfromthistowntothattown.IttellsthatChristmadeHimselfabridgeoverthewaterandriverofGod'swrath.OitisthesweetesttimewehaveintheworldwhenChristandtheGospelisamongus!ThenthesunshinesuponourJerusalem,theairissweet,hot,andcalm.The loveofJesusbeingshedabroad in theheart,

thestormsofGod'swrathareoverandgone,andthelawdarenotspeakaword then; but in every street the Lord Jesus is heard crying, "God'smercy,peace, andblessingbeuponall them thatbelieveon theSonofGod."

"Theflowersappearupontheearth."—ThenthereisafairgardenintheChurch:thehedgeofitisthetwoarmsofGodAlmightygoingaboutHischurch,andtheflowersandplantsinitarethemenofJudahandIsrael.Hisownpeoplefruitfulingoodworks,theplantingoftheLordinwhomHewillbeglorified.Thereisthegarden.Andthereisaclearfountain,ourLord'sblood,runningabundantlytoallthirstysinners;andinthemidstofalltheflowersofthegardenistheRoseofroses,withanhundred,yeaathousandleaves,evenJesus,"theRoseofSharon."ThewindthatblowsuponthisgardenisthesweetnorthandsouthwindoftheSpirit,blowinguponthebedsofspicesandcausingthemtocastoutasweetsmell.Andthevoiceofthebirdssingssweetandgloriousmusic,ChristspeakingtoHisChurchinHisholyword,andHisChurchspeakingtoHimagaininsupplications,prayers,andthanksgivings.Whatpleasurewouldanysoulhaveinthewaytoheavenwhichisnottobefoundinthisgarden?Menseekrest,Christpromisethsoul-rest.Matthew11:28–30,"ComeuntoMe,allyethatlabourandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest.TakeMyyokeuponyou,and learnofMe, for Iammeekand lowly,andyeshallfindrestuntoyoursouls.ForMyyoke iseasy,andMyburden is light."Anddomendeclinesorrow,sadness,andgrief,andaffectpleasureandjoy? Then here is encouragement; for "Wisdom's ways are ways ofpleasantness, and all her paths are peace." The voice of rejoicing andsalvation is in the Tabernacles of the righteous. David says of themembersofthechurch,Psalm36:8,"Theyshallbeabundantlysatisfiedwith the fatness of Thy house; andThou shaltmake themdrink of theriverofThypleasures."

ButIknowthewaytoheavenisjudgedaharshway,alow-lifed,sad,andmelancholyway,fulloftearsandmourning.Ianswer: it isknowntoalldivines,thatineveryregeneratedmanthereis,asitwere,twomen,thenewmanand theoldman, theSpiritand the flesh;and these twomenhavecontraryways,contraryhearts,contraryhands,contraryjudgments.WhenthechildrenofGodthinkthewaytoheavenunpleasant,andfullof

sorrow, then the old man bears rule in the soul, and that is but theopinionoftheoldman.Thewaytoheavenisnottheworse,thoughitbeso to corrupt nature, which judges heaven and Christ Himself nothingworth.Butasktheopinionofthenewman,whathethinksofthewaytoheaven.O!hewillsay!Godisdearertohimthanthousandsofgoldandsilver!sweeterthanhoneyandthehoney-comb!"WhomhaveIinheavenbut Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides Thee"(Psalm73:25).Ifyethenaskwhatisthereasonoftheirmourning,tears,wrestling,agonies,andterrorsofaguiltyconscience?Ianswer;wemaynot think that the child of God, inHisway to heaven,will never get ashower;nay, sometimesnearmid-summer, therewill fall out ablastofhail;butthenatureandseasonoftheyearwillsoonmeltanddryitup,and itwill clear in thewest,and thebirdswill renewtheirsongsagain,andtheroseswillspreadtheirleavesagainwhenthesunshines.Soevenwhilstitissummer,theSunofRighteousnesswillhideHisfacefromthepoorbeliever,Christwillseemtogoaway,andtheconsciencewillquakeand tremble. It was so with Hezekiah, when he mourned to God as adove;andchatteredlikeacrane.Itwasnotthefearofdeath,butbecause,whenhewassoneardeath,God,inHisfeeling,wassofarfromhim.Itissaidoftheturtlethatafterithaslostitsmarrow,itneversitsonagreenbranch;thesoulthatknowswhatitistowantChristundertheseterrorswillneverlookablythelookuntilitclearinthewestagain,andtheSunofRighteousness begin to break the clouds ofHiswrath. See yenot Job'scasewhenhewas deserted ofGod? "Oh that Imight havemy request;and that God would grantme the thing I long for! even that it wouldpleaseGodtodestroyme!thatHewouldlet looseHishandandcutmeoff!"(Job6:8,9).Isay,nomanknowswhatitistowantGod,butsuchasonce hadHim. Suchwill crywhenHe deserts them,Owhenwilt thoureturnagain!a thousandyears inhell, foronekissofareconciledGod!Men will say this is winter indeed, and the child of God is goingbackward, under such conflicts. I answer, that nothing grows andflourishes inwinter, but even then there aremany sweet flowers in thesoulspringing.Itistrue,senseandfeelingwither,foritisnotitstimeofyear togrow;butnowunder thesedesertionshumilitygrows, feelingofguiltgrows,theloveandlongingtobekissedwiththekissesofHismouthgrows,acaretoseekGod'sfacegrows,andsmellssweetlyliketheroseinJune.

Thesoul isneverundersuchagoodcaseasnow; for thesoulsofGod'schildrenareeverbutinthreecases.1.TowardsChrist,itismid-summersometimeswith the soul,when it enjoysGod's sweet and felt presence.Sometimeswemaybesodrunkenwithsense,thatwebecomeproudandhaughty.We think this a good case; yet, there is great danger that weprovoke our Lord Christ to go away from us. Therefore, we have nowneedofaholyfear,andofardentprayertoGodtocontinueourcase.2.Thesoulwillbeinsuchawinter,thattheLordwillwithdrawHimselfformanydaysandyears,andyetthesoulissodeadinsleepysecuritythatitnever misses Him. This is David's case; when news came to him thatUriah theHittitewas slain, he called it a chanceofwar, and sent Joabwordtorenewthebattleagain.ButtheLordhadthenleftDavid,andheknewitnot.3.Thethirdcase isbestofall,whenGod isminting*togoaway,andthechildofGodholdsHimfast.AndbepersuadedthatGodiswellworthy†yoursouls,when it isatholdinganddrawingbetwixtGodandyoursoul.WhenGodissayingasHedidtoJacob,"LetMegoforthedaybreaketh,"andJacobsaid,"IwillnotletTheego,exceptThoublessme" (Genesis 32:26). When God is sounding in the ear of Job'sconscience,"DepartfrommeforIwilldestroythee;"Jobanswers,"Lord,I will not leave Thee, I will not depart from Thee: I will trust in thee,howbeitthoushouldstslayme."AndwhenChristsaithtothewomanofCanaan, I came to theworld for the lost sheepof thehouseof Israel, Icame not for you, yet she still raps, and knocks, and cries for "mercy,mercy,"andcriesonHim,"Lord,saystThouso,thatThoucamestnotforme?"Shewouldtakenosuchanswer.Nowitisthesweetestseasonintheyear,when faithbindsandholdsChrist so fastened thatHecannotwinaway.No cordwill holdourSamsonbut faith, love, zeal, newdesire ofChrist,humility,&c.Whenallthesegracesflourish,thenthesoulhasjoyandcomfortinChrist.

Doctrine III.—The time of the Gospel is but short; it is but a summerquarter,orthirteenweeksasourtextbears;yea,butoneday,Luke19:42,"Ifthouhadstknown,eventhou,atleastinthisthyday."Yea,butapieceofaday,alittlebeforesuppertime,whentheKing'stableiscoveredforHisguests,(Luke14:17).ThelongestdatethatthewordofGodgivestoitisayearonly,"theacceptableyearoftheLord."Iwillpersuadeyouthatthesummerrunsaway,andyoumayfearthatScotland'ssummerisnear

anend;andhappyaretheythatembracethetime,andspendthesummerquarterinjourneyingtoJesusChrist.Thedamnedinhellwouldbuytimeattheexpenseof lyingtenthousandyearsinhell forfreedomfromthatplaceofmiseryandwoe,toenjoytheeveningofoneofoursummerdays.GermanyandBohemiamournnowthattheirsummerisgone,asitistobefeared,withthem.AndwehavecausetosaywiththeChurch,Jer.6:4,"Woeuntous!forthedaygoethaway,fortheshadowsoftheeveningarestretchedout."

Doctrine IV.—When the Gospel is in a land, and the word of Christamongapeople,inlifeandpowerofaheavenlyministry,theveryseasonshouldmoveus tocome toChrist. "Thenight is far spent, theday isathand:letusthereforecastofftheworksofdarkness,andletusputonthearmouroflight"(Rom13:12).Asiftheapostlewouldsay,Itisashametolie asleepwhen the day is come and the night away; therefore cast offyournight clothes, anddrawon your coat, put your armover the bed-stockandreachtoyourclothes;takeagripofChristandputHimonasthearmouroflight."Butletus,whoareoftheday,besober,puttingonthebreast-plateoffaithandlove,andforanhelmitthehopeofsalvation"(1Thess.5:8).Theapostletherereasonsforthenoblepartsof"faithandlove," and to cover the head with everlasting glory. In the day of theGospel,theLordJesusholdsoutinHisrighthandalanthorn,andafaircandleinit,andiscrying,"Run,runfast!Haste,hasteintoChristbeforethe candle be blown out." Would you know what the Gospel is? It isChrist's"cock-crowing,"crying,"Up,Osleepingworld,yehavefartogo;itisalongjourneytoheaven,anditisharduponday;Iprayyourideandmakeforthegate."*TheGospelisChrist'shour,thesummer-sun;andallmen know that the summer-sun isGod's sandglass set above our headbidding thehusbandmanplough, sow, reap, for thewinter is athand—preparehousesandfireforthewinterisathand.SotheGospelisChrist'ssandglasstellingusthehourrunsaway;labourforthemeatthatenduresto everlasting life; provide for winter. The last trumpet will waken thedeadestanddeafestofsinnersthatareintheworld,andthosethatareinthedeepestsleep;buttheyshallgetthemostdolefulwakeningwhosleepwhen there is a candle burning, and a sun shining on their heads andbedsides—and these are they who sleep in the day of the Gospel.Menknow that the Gospel is Christ's trumpet, andHis voice, calling on all

menwhom it reaches;andyeknow thepoorman in theGospelwassogladwhentheysaid,"Arise,Christcalleththee," thathegotupinhasteandthrewhiscloakfromhim,thathemightbethelighterandnimblertorunandcomewithspeedtoJesusChrist.Obeloved,upnow!Christcallsyou; cast off the world (it is an heavy cloak), and run to Jesus. Andthough men be obliged in the suntide* to come to Christ, yet in thesummer-tideof theGospelmenareunderamorestrictobligation.Andthiswillmore appear if you considerwhatway theGospel offers JesusChristuntoyou.ChrististhefoodthatfeedsandnourishesHispeople'ssouls;now,HecannotbeeatenexceptHebedressed,andprepared,andbroken to the soul.So longasChrist isnotpreached in theGospelandoffered in the Sacraments,He is awhole Christ and does not feedHispeople.ButwhenwepreachChristbeforeyou,weletyouseeHimtorn,rent, andwounded for sin.We layHimuponyourplateor trencher, inthewordandsacraments.Soyouseeitissummer:betwixtGodandyoubeit,ifyecomenottoJesusChristagain.†

Ifwespeakofthosewholiveinthewinterofignorance,idolatry,&c.,andneverheardofChristcrucified;foranythingIknowChristhasnotmadeacovenantofpeacewiththem.Thecontractisbutdrawnupinaminute‡andunsubscribed.ButitisnotsowithsuchasliveunderthedropoftheGospel;forJesusChristhasformedthecontract,andhaswrittenit,andyeknowthatacontractservesfornothingexceptitbesubscribedbybothparties.OurdearJesus, toHisgreatcharges,subscribedthecontractattheexpenseofHispreciousblood.Now,inthesummeroftheGospel,Heoffersittoyouthisday;andthereisHiswordforit,Isaiah61:1,2.Willyeconsentandobey?Thecontractsaysinthegeneral,"Hethatbelieveshaslifeeverlasting;"andinthewordandsacramentstheLordcomestotheconscienceofeverymaninparticularandsays,"Wiltthoubelieve?Willye quit yourselves and be Christ's wholly?" So there remains nothing,beloved, but that ye say, "Amen" to your Lord. I pray now, in thissummer,givetoChristagoodanswer.Sothen,yesee,whenthewordofthe Gospel is preached ye are obliged in a special manner to come toChrist.

Thisdoctrinedoth, inaspecialmanner,strikeagainstsecuresluggards,and such as contemn theGospel. Aman that sins against the law, has

indeedGod'sjusticeasacontraryadvocatetopleadagainsthim;yetevenin this case he has an advocate with God, even God'smercy, and thatpleads for him, and requests Jesus Christ to take upon Him to be hismediator.ButifamanclosehisearsatChrist'svoice,intheGospel,andsleep in summer when Christ calls upon him, and sin against theMediator, and trample under foot the blood of the new covenant; bothmercy and justice doth plead against him. And, therefore, he that sinsagainst the law, justice isbutangryathim;buthe thatsinsagainst theGospel,justicepursueshiminwrath,andtheverymercyofGodisangry,and cries, "No mercy for that man, that sins under the sunshine, andsummer tide of the Gospel." And this is righteousness with God. TheGospel cries mercy once, twice, thrice; these be the sweet andcomfortable"Oyeses,"*proclaimeduponthecrossofChrist,viz.:"Mercy,mercy,mercy,tosinners!"Withaloudvoice,theGospelcriesthisatthethirdhour,andthesixth,andattheeleventhhour,attheverystrikingoftwelve, at the very going down of the sun, at supper time. But dothChorazin and Bethsaida, England and Scotland, contemn this sweetvoice? In God's righteousness and judgments, they shall never seeanother summer. When Lammas-wind† blows and summer is gone, adolefulwinterofwrath,andalldevouringfireoftheangerandjudgmentofGod,shallcome.Amanthathasbutoneeyeshouldkeepthatwell.Wehaveall sinnedagainstGod's justice;nothingremainsasoureye toseeGodbutthroughtheprospectofHismercy.Ifwelosemercy,wearegone.In the first covenant,God takesman'swordwithoutacautioner; in thesecond covenant Jesus became a cautioner: if we sin against ourcautioner,andcastoutwithouradvocate,offeringHimselftous,wehavenonetospeakforus.AmanthatcannotagreewithChrist,hewillagreewithnone;forwithoutHimthereisnoaccesstoGod,for"Heistheway,thetruth,andthelife."

"The flowers appear on the earth."—It is time now that we enter uponsome directions upon the particular‡ evidences, signs, and marks ofsummer. The first sign is the appearance of flowers upon the earth; bywhichIunderstand,theholylivesofthesaints,whicharebeautifulintheeyes of Jesus, as the flowers in summer are beautiful in the fields andgardens."Israelshallblossomandbudasarose,andfill thefaceof theworld"(Isaiah27:6)."Andtheyofthecityshallflourishlikegrassofthe

earth"(Psalm72:16)."Heshallgrowasthelily,andcastforthhisrootsasLebanon"(Hosea14:5).TheChurchisGod'sgarden,andplotofground,andHeHimselfsetsflowersinit,bytheministryoftheword.HerethereisamarkofthetrueChurchofGod,thatthewordisaccompaniedbytheeffectualworkingofGod'sSpirit,thatsweet-smelledflowersgrowinthisplotofground,inthegardenoftheword.WillyeknowwhatmakestheLord's flowers fruitful inHis vineyard? There be these four things thatmakesallChristiansfruitfulinit.1.TheFather'shusbandry;Heisagoodhusbandman,ifanymanbesetbyHimhemustgrow.2.Christisapieceoffertileground:Hebringsforthahundredbollsforone.Ifonceaflowerbe planted in Christ, he draws life from Christ: "For if we have beenplanted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in thelikenessofHis resurrection" (Rom6:5).All thatgrows fruitfully toGodmustbeplantedinthedeathofChrist;forwhenChristdied,Hewassownandplantedintheearth,andthethirddayHecameabovetheearthandbudded.Soourbodyof sin is sown in thebodyofChrist,and the thirdday the imageofGodbudsupagain.So it is our engrafting intoChristmakesusfruitful,"Iamthevine,yearethebranches;hethatabidethinMe,andIinhim,thesamebringethforthmuchfruit;forwithoutMeyecan do nothing" (John 15:5). But, beloved, there be two things in anengrafting.1.Theimps*tobeengraftedmustbecutofftheirownstock,and imped in another; so we must be cut off old Adam, and must beengraftedinChristJesus.2.Then,again, thestock inwhichthegraft isset must be cutted and branched; for we were not planted into livingChrist, but into crucified Christ! O! but our stock, Christ, was fearfullycuttedandbranched!Hewas clovenandhagged inbodyand soul, andwe, theLord's flowers, are imped in cutted andbleedingJesus todrawlifeoutofHisdeath.

3.Abundanceofrainmakesflowerstogrow.Wearewatered,andwashedwiththepurgingblood,andcleansingwater,thatcameoutofthesideofJesus.

4. Flowersmust have sweet, wholesome air thatwillmake them grow.The sweet worthiness* of God's Spirit rebuking the conscience for sin,and thesweetsouthwindof thesameSpiritcomforting thesoul,blowsupon God's flowers. What then makes so many stinking weeds in our

land, so thatGodmay say, asHesaidof thepeople inMicah7:4, "Thebest of them is as a brier; the most upright is sharper than a thornhedge?" Pride has blossomed, "violence is risen up into a rod ofwickedness" (Ezek. 7:11). "Judgment springeth up as a hemlock in thefurrowsof the field" (Hosea 10:4).Evenhere is the cause;menarenotplanted in Christ, but grow wild upon themountains of the earth likenettlesandthorns.Andgainisaflowerthatsmellssweettomanysortsofpeople; the inordinate pleasures of sin, oppression, covetousness,bloodshed, lust, &c., so that Christmust run out ofHis garden for thefilthysmelloftheweedsthatgrowinit.

"The timeof the singingof birds is come, and the voiceof the turtle isheard inour land."—The turtle is amourning fowl, and is especially soaftershehaslosthermate.ThisvoiceisheardintheChurchutteredbyrepenting sinnerswith tears. Alas! we have all lost ourmarrow by oursins;wehavelostGod.AndthisisChrist'smusicintheChurch,singingand mourning,* mercy and judgment. Christ is our sweet Nightingale,that,inthetimeoftheGospel,singssweetly.Wisdomsingswithoutinthestreets;fortheevangelisChrist'slove-songcompiledbyHimself,andthematter of it is how a Prince came fromheaven to suit† awife, andHelovedhersodearly,thatHelaydownonthehardtreeofacursedcross,and died for His love, and thereafter lived again, and married her, abeloveddame.Now,whenChristissinging,rejoiceatthegladtidingsofmercyandsalvation;bewonwithChrist'ssweetmusic.Thesilly fowl isdeceived and taken by the deceiving fowler's voice,which draws her tothenet,whereshe is takenandslain.O! thatwecannotbemovedwiththepleasantvoiceofJesus, tobe takenascaptives, renderingourselvesover toHim. Jesus Christ also in the Gospel doesmourn over us, andspeaksofjudgmentwithtears,asHedidoverJerusalem(Luke19:42),"Ifthouhadstknown,inthisthyday,butnowtheyarehidfromthineeyes."Belovedfriends,thatheartheGospel,musthaveasofthearttoit,andnotrejoice when Christ laments, and to pipe when Christ pipeth: becausewhereneithermercynorjudgmentwillmoveapeople,theheartislikeastonethatwillnotreceivethestamp.

"The fig-treeputteth forthhergreen figs, and thevineswith the tendergrapesgiveagoodsmell."—ThelastmarkofthesummeroftheGospelis,

thatthefig-treeaboundsuntofruits,whichsmellwelluntoGodthroughJesus Christ. This is conveniently casten in to us as the mark of thespouseofChrist;sheisfruitfulingoodworks.Faithcannotwantholinessoflife."IfanymanwillloveMe,hewillkeepMycommandments"(John14:15)."Bringforthfruitsmeetforrepentance"(Matthew3:8)."Onlyletyour conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ" (Phil. 1:27).WhenGod'schildrenareonceplantedinChrist,theybeginthentobud.WhenMatthew was converted, he followed Christ; he made a feast toChrist,thereishisbounty;heinvitedthepublicansandsinnerstoChrist,there is his charity. So Job feared God, and eschewed evil. Corneliusprayed, and, with his prayers, his alms-deeds ascended up to heaven.Dorcaswasadisciplefullofgoodworks.Manyaredisciplesinprofession,buttheyareemptyvessels,andGodhaslaiduponthemthecurseofthefig-tree. They are reprobate to good works. God, in His righteousjudgment, has said to them, "Never man ripe* fruit of thee while theworld standeth. Thou shalt never have grace to do a good turn in theChurchofGod."ManyinourdayprofessChrist,andgiveuptheirnamesto Christ, and put their hand to our Lord's charter, and yet are notChrist's.Theyhavemadeshipwreckofthefaith,andagoodconscience.Like men that after they have sold their lands in such a place, andsubscribedthebargain,thentheyhavenomorebutanakedtitle;sowhenwe are going out of theworld,wemay take nothingwith us; death, asmaster porter, waits at the entry of the grave, and takes all from us."Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, for they rest from theirlabours,andtheirworksfollowthem."

"Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away."—Our Lord doubles theexhortation,ariseandcomeaway,anditteachesusthat—

1.OurLordallowsnottoHischildrenonehour'ssleep.WhenHecallsusforthtowatch,Hebidsuswatchcontinually.Heletsusseehowreadywearetofallasleep.WhentheLordturnsHisbackuponus,ourheartsarelikethepaces*ofaclock,thatmustbedrawnupeverysixhours;wearedownuponthisearth;excepttheLorddrawthepacesofourhearts.

2. Our Lord would have present obedience. As soon as Christ said toZaccheus,"Comedown,"hecamedownhastily,andwhenourLordbadeMatthewfollowHim,hestayednottotellhismoney,normarkit inhis

count-books,butcamepresently(Luke5:28).

3.ThedoublingofthisexhortationnotestheearnestnessofJesus,tohavethe spouse's company. Christ has fair weather and walks in pleasantfields,yetHethinksHehasnopleasureexceptHehaveHischurchinHiscompany. O! so† serious as God is in the conversion of a sinner! Hecomes out in the street, "and crieth upon the high places of the city"(Prov. 9:3); like aman that sees a town on fire, urging his hands, andshouting to this sleepyworld, seeing thewrath that is comingon them,andhehasbothprayersandtears,(Luke19:42)."WeprayyouinChrist'ssteadbeyereconciledtoGod"(2Cor.5:20).Mydearsons,Iprayforyoutomy Lord Jesus; He is saying, ForMy blood, andMy wounds' sake,come.ItisnomarvelChristhathacount‡aboveHisheadasMediator,forasMediatortheFatherhasgiventhechurchtoHiskeeping,anditisonepartoftheMediator'scallingtorenderareckoningforHiskingdom,andHissubjectstoHisFather;thatHemaysay,Father,thereistherollofallthe names, all are there, I have lost none; and we shall all stand withJesusatHisback.Now,whenJesushasthisreckoningtomake,andGodhasHisbondas cautionerof the covenant, it isnowonder thatHe cryoftenernor*once,twice,orthriceuponHischurch.ForitgoesthiswaybetwixttheFatherandtheSon;theFatherdisposesandresignssomanytotheSon.SaystheFather,Son,Ideliversuchamanandsuchawoman,keepthemandanswerforthem;andJesusgivesHisbondforthereceiptofthem.SaysChrist,"I,Jesus,Mediatorofthenewcovenant,grantthatIhavereceivedofMyFather,somanychildren,andbindandobligeMyselfto restore them all at the return of the last judgment." John 17:6–12,"Thinetheywere,andthougavestthemMe;thosethatThougavestMeIhavekept,andnoneofthemislost."John6:37,39,"AllthattheFathergivethMeshall come toMe;andhimthatcomethuntoMeIwill innowisecastout;butshallraise itupat the lastday."NowfromthiscountlyingonChrist'sheadproceedsHisearnestness incallingHischurchtocome,crying,Ocomein!holdingoutHisarms,whichisapainfulthing."IhavespreadoutMyhandsallthedaytoarebelliouspeople"(Isa.65:2).Inwishing,Deut. 5:29, "O that therewere such an heart in them, thattheywouldfearMe,andkeepallMycommandments."John8:37,"Ifanymanthirst,lethimcomeuntoMeanddrink."ThisisasingularcomforttoaweakchildofGod,thathasatruedesiretocometoChristJesus,and

rise and forsake the world; Christ has also an earnest desire that weshould come, and if we would seek Him, with earnest desires, themarriagemustholdsyewoulddoChristapleasure thisday ifyewouldrise, He prays you; My brethren (says He) for My blood's sake, bereconciledtoMe!

O!butourLordwouldliketobeinwhenHestands,whenHeknocksatthedoorsaying,"Myfairone!"Thisisanordinaryepithet,givenbyChristthroughallthissongtoHischurch,thatsheiscalledfair,pleasant,andcomely.Once for all in this placewe shall expound it; she in herself isblack like themoon,spotted like the leopard,butshe is fair,becauseofHisinherentfairness,withthewashingofwaterbytheword(Eph.5:26,27).Butwemustdigsomewhatfurtherintoseekthecauseofthisbeauty.Ezek.16:8,9,10,11,12,13,14,"NowwhenIpassedbythee,andlookeduponthee,behold, thy timewas the timeof love,andIspreadmyskirtoverthee,andcoveredthynakedness,yea,Iswareuntothee,andenteredintoacovenantwiththee,saiththeLordGod,andthoubecamestMine;thenwashedItheewithwater,yea,Ithoroughlywashedawaythybloodfrom thee, and I anointed thee with oil; I clothed thee also withembroideredwork, and shod theewithbadgers' skin, and I girded theeaboutwithfinelinen,andIcoveredtheewithsilk;Ideckedtheealsowithornaments, and I put bracelets upon thine hands, and a chain on thyneck:andIputajewelonthyforehead,andearringsinthineears,andabeautiful crown upon thy head. Thus wast thou decked with gold andsilver, and thy raimentwasof fine linen, and silk, andbroideredwork;thou didst eat fine flour, honey, and oil, and thou wast exceedingbeautiful,andthoudidstprosper intoakingdom;andthyrenownwentforth among the heathen for thy beauty, for it was perfect throughmycomeliness,whichIhadputuponthee,saiththeLordGod."TheLord'swashingisthecauseofherfairness;orratheritisChrist'sfairness,thatmakesus fair.Christ is twoways fair,andclean:onewayasGodequalwiththeFather,andHolySpirit,andsoHeisallbeauty;anotherwayasHeisMediator,andsoHeborrowedourspots,andtookuponHimoursins,yea,HewentintothewinepressoftheFather'swrath,andtheredidfreeHimselfandusoftheblotofoursins.Hebeingourheadcomeoutclean and beautiful, through His perfect comeliness (Ezek. 16:14). Heputsonusthisbeauty;then,itisourLord'srighteousnesswherewithwe

arebeautiful,andrighteousinthesightofGod.

ButbecausethisbeautyisscornedbytheChurchofRome,IwilllabourtoshowyouhowChrist'srighteousnessisours.IobservetwotimeswhenwearejustifiedbeforeGod,andsetfreefromthecondemningpowerofthelawasacovenantofworks.

1.WhenChristdiedandroseagainforourjustification.

2. When we believe in Christ dying and rising again, and resting andrelyinguponHimaloneforsalvation.

When Christ was summoned, judged, and condemned, we also weresummoned, judged, and condemned in Him. And as Christ ended theworkand cameout a freeman fromhell, the grave, Satan, and sin,wecameoutalsowithHim,forweareonewithHim;forChristandweareone.Now,thatdaythatChristdiggedthewellthatmadeusallclean,HepurchasedtousHisbeauty,Hiscomeliness,andHisinnocency.Thatdayuponthecross,inthegarden,andinthegrave,ChristdidspinthatlongwhiterobeofHisrighteousness,andinnocency,tobeagarmenttousall.HehasfairvelvetsbesideHimtocoveralltheelect.Beforewewereborn,Christ made new garments for us; that was the day when ourrighteousness was bought. Christ had all the elect's sins bound onHisback,andGodlookingtouscouldseenosin,andlookingtoChristrisingfrom the dead, and having left our sins in the grave behindHim, GodcouldseesinneitherinHimnorinus.HecouldnotchallengeChrist,forHehaddiedandrisenagain;Hecouldnotchallengetheelect,forChristhadsufferedforthem,andrisenforthem.AsAdamwasourmurdererbyeating the forbidden fruit,beforehewasour father,andmadeusguiltybeforewewereborn;soJesussaveduserewewhonowlivewereborn;andhadrighteousnessready,asonehasagarmentshapenandmadefora child that is not yet born. But there is another court, which is thejudgment and court-hall of conscience,wherein consciencedoes accuseusasguiltysinners,andsetsupatribunalinthesoul,andreadsthebookof the law, andmakes thepoor sinner seehe is underGod's curse andGod'swrath.HerethechildofGodisfearedtolookGodintheface,forfearGodseesin inhim,andseehis filthyraggedness;and thereforeheruns to the cross of Christ, and there puts on a garment of Christ's

righteousness.Theapostlesays,Romans3:25,that"Godsetforth"Christ(as in an openmarket place) "to be a propitiation through faith inHisblood,todeclareHisrighteousnessfortheremissionofsinsthatarepast,throughtheforbearanceofGod."Christ iseventheLord'swardrobe(tospeakso)toallpoorsinnersthatcometoChristforagarmentorclotheswasheninourLord'sblood.Washye,then,inthatblood,andGodcannotsee throughthatgarmentwhichmakesasinnersocomelyand fair thatJesushasreasontocallherHis"love"andHis"fairone."

Use 1.Beloved,whoknowshow longandhow large thewebofChrist'srighteousnessis?WewillbeallsummonedonedaybeforetheJudgethatHe may see us, and if we come not before Him in good apparel, it isDeath.Nowourowngarmentsare raggedand torn, letusborrow fromChrist,andaboveallthingslabourforHisrighteousness.

Use2.IfwespeakofGod'sdealingswiththeconsciencesofmen,manyChristianswonderwhyGodshoulddealwiththemsoatthelastcourtofthe general judgment, to make them see their sins, and cause theirconsciencestoconvictandsummon,wheninthemeantime,thatdaythatChristdied, theirdebtwaspaid, theirbillwasanswered,andtheJudgeappeased,andallpaidandscoredout.Answer.Asitisknownthatsomemen are never sure of their inheritance until their rights be called inquestion before the judge, and then they get an absolution, and theirrightsmadesure:soitisgoodourconsciencesshouldsummonusbeforeGod, forbythismeanswegetadecreeofabsolutionorabsolviture,*sothatatthelastcourtofthegeneraljudgment,wemaysaytoGod,Lord,remember such a day that I was by my conscience summoned beforeThee, but before Iwent homeThy Spirit assuredmy conscience of theforgivenessofmysins,andChristbyHisSpiritdidwriteanabsolutioninmyheart."Indeed(Christsays)IcannotdenyMyownhand-write;"andwhentheSpiritiscalled,Hecannotbutsay,"Iwillnotdenythetruth,itwas so indeed."Andwhen theJudge's count-book* is looked, all is fairscoredout,andpaid,thatdaythatChristdied.YettheChristianhasneeddailytobegoingtothebloodofChristtogethissinswashedaway.

"Arise and come."—This coming is faith. This rising is a setting of theheart up to heaven,whereChrist is atGod's right hand.And these arefitlyconjoinedtogether.Wesee faithwillnotsufferamantosleep,but

drawsthesoulupwards.Abrahamwasamanlikeus;yetthatmadehimnevertoseekasettleddwellingintheearth,he lookedtoacitywithaneye of faith, for a city that has a foundation. So Moses' faith iscommended, Heb. 11:24, 25, 26. He was no earthly-minded man, hemadesmallestimationtobethesonofPharaoh'sdaughter,andtoplaythecourtier.Thewordsignifies thathe lookedawayfromthat; faithsethis face to a contrary point of the compass, where he looked to therecompense of the reward.The likewe see in the thief atChrist's righthand;hehadnomindtothislife,astheotherhad,whoesteemedithishappinesstocomedownfromthecross.Sothen,Imakegreatquestionifaworldly-mindedmanhasfaith,fortheloveoftheworldisalyinguponthedustoftheearth,butfaithisarisingandcomingtoChrist.SeeHeb.10:34,35,"Foryehadcompassionofmeinmybonds,andtookjoyfullythespoilingofyourgoods,knowinginyourselvesthatyehaveinheavenabetter and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore yourconfidence,whichhathgreatrecompenceofreward."

ToGodbepraise,bothnowandforevermore!

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FourteenCommunionSermonsbyA.W.Pink,Copyright©2018

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